Fabulous Brand New Country Property - Tourismbrochures.net

issue 

contents 

34 

costa culture 

Cover story 

4 Cadiz Carnival Cometh 

by Mike Wilkinson 

costa getaways 

8 Calahonda yesterday and today 

costa companies 

16 Local Business Spotlight 

costa lifestyle 

23 Earthrace 

24 Mens Stuff 

Cover story 

Body Language; is she 

interested... 

26 What Men Want 

27 What Women Want 

28 Hannah’s Beauty Tips 

Bye, Bye Chapped Lips! 

30 Helen Johnson 

Are you fit for skiing 

32 Health article 

2008 New Year New Start 

36 Health news 

Common cold or flu... 

costa homes 

Cover story 

46 Interiors 

Beautiful bedrooms 

50 Handy Home Tips 

Cover story 

54 From Poinsettias to Tapioca 

by Simon Hill 

58 Costa Business Advice 

‘‘At the very ‘lease’... check 

everything and then check 

and check again...’’’ 

costa stuff 

69 Age Concern Fashion Show at 

the Tamisa Golf Hotel 

70 Spiritual Thought 

72 Showbiz Whispers / 

Movie Review 

74 The art of Deception 

by Erny Harrison 

76 Costa Cuisine 

78 Strange But True & Challenge 

80 Animal Health 

82 Bytes and Pieces 

84 Are you ready for 2008 

guide to the costa 

86 Bars and Restaurants 

46 

4 

54 

23

Hello and 

welcome... 

For Information on distribution points, 

sales or any other enquiries call 

952 492 250*, 600 713 028 or 

email: info@costalifemagazine.com 

or visit our website 

www.costalifemagazine.com 

*new contact number 

to issue 34 of Costa Life Magazine and also hello to 2008! We hope you 

had a wonderful Christmas and New Year and we also hope that you are 

ready for the challenges of the coming year. The magazine has had a re 

vamp over the Christmas period and we have a number of new clients and 

also some new editorial material. We have said goodbye to Harvey Mann 

for a while as he has to have a shoulder operation in the Spring which will 

put him out of action for a while. Harvey has written for us for over 3 years 

now and we know that loyal readers of Costa Life will be sad to see him go 

but we are hoping to entice him back to his keyboard as soon as we can. 

He has also been a stalwart of support over the last 3 and 1/2 years 

continually offering his advice and encouragement to us for which we will 

always be grateful. So, thank you Harvey and good luck with the operation. 

If you would like to send Harvey a word of support I am sure he will 

appreciate it, you can contact him on professormann@aol.com 

2007 is a year that I personally will be glad to see the back of although I 

have to say that I learned some valuable lessons throughout the year 

which I know are going to stand us in good stead for 2008. Now we have only the two projects to consider 

i.e. Costa Life Magazine and www.guidetothecosta.com we are already seeing that sometimes you can have 

too many fingers in too many pies and you can end up losing sight of your main objectives. So, I have to say 

that I am grateful for last year but I am looking forward to taking those lessons learned, some painful, and 

applying them to 2008. Otherwise what's the point? 

I have started to write for the magazine again, which for me is one of the benefits of having more time and I 

hope you like the pieces I have written. In particular, the goal setting article which I have wanted to do before 

as part of a motivational series. There is now more editorial as we gain more clients keeping to our promise 

of establishing the right balance of ads and reading material. Look out for some new contributors over the 

next few issues. 

Our determination this year is to improve Costa Life and see it established as the most popular and unique 

magazine on the Costa del Sol . 

We sincerely believe that we have created a successful and "stand alone" product with Costa Life and we are 

looking forward to celebrating our 4th birthday in May, which in anyone's book is worth 10 years in business 

back in the UK. So we must be doing something right. As always we are grateful for your continued positive 

comments throughout last year and I can assure you that some of them couldn't have come at a better time, 

so thank you. But enough about the past, let's look to the future and hope for a better 2008 for everyone in 

business here on the Costa del Sol . 

Work hard, keep going and have a great 2008. 

We now distribute full time from Benalmadena to Estepona and also to the inland areas of Andalucia. For a 

full list of where you can pick up your copy every month log onto www.costalifemagazine.com. 

Editor 

Sharon Holdsworth 

Consulting Editor 

Harvey Mann 

Design and Production 

David Philliskirk 

Advertising Sales 

Ronan Holdsworth 

IT Advisor 

Dave Howard of Alphashare 

Web Master 

Mike Wilkinson 

Contributors 

Bars In Spain 

Linda Christie 

Erny Harrison 

Hannah Henley 

Simon Hill 

Helen Johnson 

Jan Morley 

Dr J.S. Nicolas 

Cruella Parsons 

Dr. Potdevin 

Annette Riggall 

Russell Vaughn 

Videonet 


Company Director 

Ronan Holdsworth 

Partner 

Barrie Shearman 

Images courtesy of 

Costa del Sol Tourist Board 

JumpFotoArt.com 

951 272 693 

PR Shots 

Deposito Legal MA-0054-2004 

Reproduction of this magazine in whole or 

part without the written permission of the 

publishers is strictly prohibited. The views 

expressed by contributors and advertisers 

are not necessarily those of the publishers. 

Although every care is taken to ensure the 

accuracy of the information and the 

advertisements contained within this 

magazine, the publishers can accept no 

liability. 

Produced by and part of the 

HOLDSWORTH SHEARMAN MEDIA GROUP 

952 492 250 

info@costalifemagazine.com

costaCULTURE 

Well, that’s the 

Christmas festivities over 

with then. Three weeks of 

drinking, dancing, partying and Spanish merriment 

have now come to an end. Three weeks of overindulgence 

and understated insobriety conclude our religious celebrations in 

memory of the birth of our Lord Baby Jesus for another year. Now it’s 

back to work and back to reality. Well for a couple of weeks anyway… 

after all, we are in Spain. 

Yes indeed, in a few weeks’ time we have the joy of yet another religious 

Spanish celebration to battle our way through. And if you thought that the 

Spanish were a little overindulgent over Christmas, just wait until you’ve 

seen the Spanish celebrating overindulgence. People transform 

themselves into beasts, social station is scorned upon, authority is 

ridiculed, peasants strut about like kings and disrespectability goes 

unchallenged. Are you ready for CARNIVAL!? 

Under numerous different guises, Carnival is celebrated throughout the 

globe: the world-renowned Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, the Mardi 

Gras in New Orleans, the Notting Hill Festival in… Notting Hill; and they all 

have their roots stemming from the same trunk. Actually, that’s a pretty 

poor analogy - unless of course it is the trunk of a tree that has been 

cross-bred with countless different cultures and breeds over many 

centuries, because it is precisely that that has made carnival what it is 

around the world today. And, coincidentally, they are the same influencing 

cultures and civilizations that have stamped their mark on Spain’s own 

history and culture - and that’s probably why the Spanish people have 

such a deep affinity with partying and 

dressing up and having fun. And who 

am I to complain... any excuse for a 

pi… for a party. So, let’s don our 

acutely colourful carnival costumes 

(obligatory) and make a feast of the 

festivities, for fasting is not far in the 

future. 

Written By: 


mike@costalifemagazine.com 

penitence, fasting and renunciation, which is physically demonstrated by 

recalling the 40 days that Jesus spent in the wilderness through a 

discipline of self-denial in order to demonstrate a personal sacrifice of 

one’s will to the purpose of God. (I used to go to catechism, don’t you 

know.) In other words… when Lent starts, you stop. But luckily, we know 

when Lent starts (the day after Pancake Day) so we have plenty of time 

to prepare for these 40 days of abstinence. And the carnival is the 

culmination of that preparation - making sure that there’s no food or 

drink left by Ash Wednesday (the day after Pancake Day) because it’ll be 

no good come Lent’s end (41 days after Pancake Day). 

It is said that the word ‘‘carnival’’ derives from the Latin carne (meat) and 

valle (farewell) or ‘‘a farewell to meat’’, a statement reflecting the 

doctrine that you’re only supposed to eat fish during the upcoming 40 

days of Lent. The consumption of dairy products during the same period 

was also prohibited which is where Pancake Day derives from. On Shrove 

Tuesday pancakes were made to use up all the milk, eggs and butter in 

the household, and everything else that was to be off the menu for the 

next five Sundays also got ate. People got fat on Shrove Tuesday. And 

There you go, did you get that clue? 

Maybe it came in a bit fast for you. 

Fasting, that’s what it’s all about. Or 

rather, consuming and indulging and 

debauching and ridiculing as much as 

you possibly can before you give up all 

for Lent. That’s because, in the 

Catholic calendar, Lent is a time of

coincidentally, that’s what Mardi Gras means, 

‘‘Fat Tuesday’’. Can you see it all coming 

together now? We have a world-wide Catholic 

celebration where outrageous extravagance, 

drunken debauchery and excessive 

indulgences are actively encouraged, as is 

blasphemy, mocking the establishment and 

lampooning the authorities without fear of 

retribution. This is not exactly the sort of stuff 

that Catholics are reputed to tolerate well, is it? 

So what’s going on… what’s the real story? 

The real story is that the true origins of carnival 

carry right on past the Catholic Church and into 

beliefs from eras gone by. The time between 

Christmas and Easter is springtime, which has 

always been a very important time of year, 

regardless of religious beliefs, because it is 

dictated by the lunar cycle which heralds the 

end of winter and signifies rebirth and fertility. 

Whether you were an ancient Greek, a Roman, 

a Druid, a heathen, a pagan, a Celt or whatever, 

any faith that ever followed the sun and the 

moon would celebrate the beginning of spring 

with a big party - and when the theme of your 

party is ‘‘new youth and fertility’’ it can understandably get a bit wild. 

Then the Catholic missionaries came to spread their word - sometimes 

quite forcibly so. It’s quite understandable that the Church would have 

had difficulty in suppressing these well-loved and wild spring 

celebrations, so the Church took them, tweaked them, adapted them and 

made them over to accommodate their own purpose, which was to ease 

the people into the acceptance of a new religion. And because the 

inhabitants were not removed from their homeland, their own local 

influences and customs got intermingled with the Church’s agenda and 

the timely arrival of Lent. So we end up with a dash of paganism 

accommodated by Catholicism where everyone can enjoy a hearty laugh 

in a moment of freedom. 

The origins of carnival celebrations in Spain don’t go quite so far into the 

past but can be traced back to the 16th century, to a time when there 

were many Spanish merchant galleons sailing the busy trading routes 

between Italy, Spain and The Americas. Carnival was already wellestablished 

in Italy and when the Spanish visited Venice and witnessed 

the grandiose spectacles of the Venetian masked balls, the lavish 

processions and the decadently decorated floats in all their pompous 

extravagance… well, they had to copy them, didn’t they, and then try and 

outdo them. So they took the basics and added to it their own musical 

traditions and styles, along with the vibrant new rhythms and musical 

influences from the recently discovered Americas. And so we now end up 

with African, Jamaican, Cajun and Creole rhythms, along with sambas 

and rustic Columbian tunes, all intermingling on the streets with local 

Andalucian songs and traditional flamenco music. I think I can feel a 

party coming on. 

And the best place to witness the partying in this neck of the woods 

at this time of the year is Cádiz (which is not pronounced ‘ka-DIZ’, 

by the way, but ‘KA-deeth’ as in similar to Cardiff - we try to educate 

where we can). The Cádiz Carnival is famous around the world for 

being one giant street party that’s up there with Rio, New Orleans 

and Notting Hill. This year it runs from January 31st until February 

10th, but the city spends the whole year preparing for those eleven days 

of open air parties, grand parades, fireworks, fancy dress balls, 

humorous competitions, fabulous feasts and non-stop entertainment 

from endless activities. 

One of the central themes to the carnival are the agrupaciones, groups 

of singers numbering anything from between three and forty who 

compete to be deemed the wittiest when it comes to mocking and 

parodying authority figures. The most popular of the choirs are the 

chirigotas, a group of ten friends or workmates singing in harmony (much 

like a barber-shop quartet - but with ten singers not four) accompanied 

by a caja drum and guitar, singing satirical verses about events of the 

past year, with an especially political theme. The competition is seriously 

fierce as the final heat is televised nationally from the Falla Theatre in 

Cádiz during the festival. Some of the groups competing this year include 

names like ‘‘The New Dental Clinic of the Lady Angustias and Sorrows of 

the Mouth’’, ‘‘The Bad Evils That You Shit’’, ‘‘After 25 years we got Bail’’ 

and ‘‘Those Who Lose Trial’’, so you can get an idea of the kind of 

subjects being sung about in a humorously vitriolic way. And as I 

mentioned earlier, the groups take the competition quite seriously, even 

to the extent of hiring professional songwriters, and so the quality of the 

material can be quite high and even if you can’t understand the satirical 

lyrics you can still enjoy the music. And out on the streets you will find the 

‘‘charangas ilegales’’, unofficial groups of friends whose repertoire of 

humorous songs compete for laughs with the registered groups. With so 

much going on everywhere around the city it’s difficult to decide where 

to be and when to be there. 

One thing is for sure, though... if you like to party, like to 

dress up, like to be outrageous, like to take 

the mickey out of people (heaven forbid), like 

to drink, to dance, to sing and to have fun… 

then you’re going to just love CARNIVAL! 

Let the celebrations commence.

Altos de Calahonda 

PENTHOUSE of 116,47m2 built + 72,80m 2 solarium. Totally furnished. 2 bedrooms, 

2 bathrooms. 

Price 235,000€ € 

Jardines de Calahonda 2 bedrooms apartment located in the greenest area of 

the urbanisation. 2 bathrooms, 85m 2 built + 20m 2 terrace. Excellent conditions, 

brand new furniture.Community with more than 10.000m 2 of gardens and 2 

swimming-pools.Gated community. Walking distance to beach and supermarkets. 

Price 220,000€€ 

Calahonda 

TOP FLOOR, corner 2 bedrooms apartment , 1 bathroom, 97,09m 2 built, terrace 

overlooking the sea and communal gardens and pools. Furnished. 

Price 165,000€ € 

Calahonda 

Luxury apartment 2 bedrooms, 2 bahtrooms, brand new furniture, glass curtains, 

117m 2 built, oppossite the pool. Seaviews. Top conditions. 

Price 210,000€ 

Calahonda 

Detached villa located within a community of 6 villas. 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms on 

suite. Basement with livingroom, 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom. Large terrace with 

beautiful seaviews. Furnished. 

Price 525,000€€ 

Calahonda Golf 

2 bedrooms apartment located first line golf. 180º green views, Furnished, gated 

community. 

Price 175,000€ € 

Altos de La Quinta- MARBELLA 

Brand new apartment 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms located 5 minutes to Puerto 

Banus. and walking distance to Golf Club House + 5 star Westin Hotel under 

developer prices. 

Price 290,000€ € 

Parque Paraiso 

Townhouse 3 floors, 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. 180m 2 built. Seaviews. Gated 

community. Walking distance to shops. 2 swimming-pool + Indoor pool. 

Price 275,000€€

CALAHONDA PROPERTY 

costalife 7

Avenida de Espana 

Avenida de Espana today 

Calahonda has always been a place close to my heart, ever 

since I was a young lad. My first ever holiday abroad was in 

1982 and it was to sunny Spain that I flew, also something 

that I did for the first time in 1982. (I was a poet and I didn’t 

know it.) It was the first time I drank San Miguel and the first time I 

smoked Fortuna cigarettes, in the days when I partook of the filthy habit. 

I came here with my cousin Rob Henderson whose Dad, Bill, owned one 

of the studios in Alguida, the tenth floor if my memory serves me well. 

Aye, those were the days - a mere slip of boy out to conquer the Spanish 

and when 100 quid in Spanish money would see you right for two glorious 

weeks on the Costa del Sol. There is not much I remember about the area 

apart from the place where we spent most of our misspent evenings, 

which believe it or not is still here, and that place is the Black Cat (now 

the New Black Cat). 

Every night we would put our lives at risk on the N340 and dodge the 

looney Spanish drivers tearing down the road (not much changes there 

then). There was no central reservation and, if I remember correctly, it 

was only two lanes. There were no bridges or underpasses; just a dash 

for life and a pat on the back from your mates for making it across the 

road in one piece!! Road commandos! We live another day, we thought. 

The Black Cat 

yesterday and today... 

Well, for a few more hours anyway, at which time we would be 

considerably worse for wear and have to make it back across the road 

dodging drivers who were also considerably worse for wear like 

ourselves! Round two, they say. 

My favourite meal at the time was a true Spanish delight indeed, liver and 

onions with fried eggs and dry bread!! I had it every night for two weeks 

along with San Miguel every night and many packets of the already 

mentioned Fortunas. Ah, memories, memories. 

That was the time when I made a commitment that one day I would be 

back to live. I nearly had the chance to stay when I was offered a fiver a 

night to work in a disco but I bottled it and went home with my mates. 

Those were the days when it would have been illegal to stay and work but 

I do always think what would have become of me if I had made that 

choice. 

In 2001, a whole 19 years later, we (we being with the wife that I would 

never have been blessed with had I stayed in 1982, heh, come on guys, 

got to take them when you can, that’s worth brownie points) made that 

plunge and after 10 months in Benidorm we bought a caravan and set off 

on our travels. The goal was fulfilled on a dark night in June 2002 when 

El Zoco

New Developments in Calahonda 

Cabopino Port 

we arrived on the Costa del Sol. We came down the coast road from 

Benidorm and 10 hours later we came trundling down the N340 and took 

the wrong exit on to the toll road at the Fuengirola slip road. We were low 

on fuel and the car was starting to sound a bit peculiar but like a shining 

light in the sky we came to the Calahonda exit off the toll road and we 

were saved. We came down the hill, out onto the N340 again, saw a sign 

for Los Jarales camp site, pulled in for the night and went to bed. 

Next morning I walked out to the front of the camp site and, lo and 

behold, across the road to my right I saw the Alguida apartment block 

where over 19 years before I was enjoying my first Spanish holiday. Now, 

I ask you, how cool is that? 

Well, that was 25 years ago, wow, how long ago is that?!! And here I am 

writing about it as an introduction to this month’s piece on the history of 

Calahonda. Isn’t life strange and wonderful at the same time? Now, to the 

serious stuff about how the area came about. 

Calahonda can surely claim to be one of the finest developments along 

the Costa del Sol. Since its foundation in 1963, Sitio de Calahonda has 

won several awards over the years, including an international award for 

the best Spanish urbanisation for the year 2000-2001, the Resident 

Tourism Award organised by Mijas Town Hall in 1986, and the Barclays 

Bank award for the best development on the Costa del Sol. 

Situated in the province of Málaga, and midway between Marbella and 

Fuengirola, Calahonda offers the possibility of living in an urbanisation of 

quality and prestige. Puerto Banús, Southern Europe’s premier boating 

and leisure centre, is only 15 minutes away and Málaga's large 

international airport can be reached within 20 minutes. Calahonda also 

has its own harbour, Puerto Cabopino, where you may practise any kind 

of nautical sports and activities, like sailing, wind surfing, parascending, 

kite surfing, boat trips, dolphin watching and skin diving. Puerto de 

Cabopino offers 170 berths for small and medium size vessels and has 

many excellent restaurants from most corners of the world. From Puerto 

Cabopino, the fine sandy beaches stretch to Calahonda, and to the west 

you can walk along the beach all the way to Marbella, passing the Artola 

dunes (a protected national park) with its restored Moorish lookout tower. 

Puerto Cabopino is surrounded by wide, fine sandy beaches and, in the 

main season, life guards watch the activities. On the beach are 

chiringuitos, bars and restaurants for your pleasure. 

The urbanisation extends gently from the coast up to the undulating hills 

300 metres above sea level, offering fantastic views of the surrounding 

countryside running down to the sea, and along the coastline to Gibraltar 

and Africa. The Atlas Mountains and African coastline are often clearly 

visible. 

With its superb position, Calahonda enjoys well-run administrative 

services, financial stability, over 60 hectares of green zones that have 

been restocked with pine trees, parks and interior and exterior 

communications, analogue, RDSI [ISDN] and ADSL telephone lines are 

also now available. 

There are now a selection of commercial centres to choose from 

including Centro Commercial Calahonda near Los Jarales campsite and 

El Zoco offering a wide choice of supermarkets, shops, banks… in fact 

everything you need to survive without having to travel anywhere else. 

Due to its exceptional quality of life, Calahonda is 

>> 

the ideal place to spend long periods of the year 

or even to become your place of residence. 

Calahonda is known as one of the leading and 

most popular resident communities on the Costa 

Los Jarales on the right with Alguida in the distance on the left 

Centro Comercial Calahonda

CENTRO COMERCIAL CALAHONDA & LOS JARALES 

g.t. mckenna 

THE IRISH FAMILY BUTCHER 

 

 

 

 

 

finest irish Beef & Bacon 

tasty irish cheeses & 

gammons 

cooked hams 

BBQ meats 

meat for all occasions 

Tel./Fax.: 952 930 351 

C.C. Los Jarales 3, 

Calahonda km 197 

ATouch Of Beauty 

Top to toe treatments for Men 

and Women 

Including manicures, pedicures, 

waxing, eyebrow tints, eyelash 

extentions, spray tanning and 

semi permanent make up 

Spa rooms with 

treatments to 

soothe body, mind and spirit 

Including hot stone therapy, 

anti cellulite massage, 

chocolate wraps, full luxury 

pearl treatments and 

aromatherapy massages. 

Go on, pamper yourself, you’re worth it 

Gift vouchers also available 

All of our treatments carried out by experienced, 

fully qualified therapists 

Open Mon - Fri 10am - 7pm 

Sat 10am - 3pm 

952 939 829 for appointments 

and more information 

C Plantas Baja, Terreno,101, Uno Urb, 

Sitio de Calahonda, The old Caixa Bank 

10 costalife

CENTRO COMERCIAL CALAHONDA & LOS JARALES 

costalife 11

Old Fort now El Campanario 

del Sol. Its population varies dependent on the time of the year from a 

minimum of 14,000 to 45,000 at the highest. 

In Calahonda, not only has the typical pueblo look survived, but it has 

flourished. The urbanisation is a classic example of how to preserve the 

traditional splendour of Arabic/Spanish design, while blending it with 

modern touches and comforts that the discerning home-buyers desires. 

The majority of houses on the urbanisation retain a Mediterranean style. 

The original Calahonda was founded by the Van Dulken family, and was 

formed by joining two real estates, each of 280 hectares. Today’s Calle 

Conde de Jordana was the former main access to the fort house which is 

now known as El Campanario (the first turn on the right towards Rattan 

Tom’s Furniture at the end of Centro Commercial Calahonda). Back then 

the fort house was painted in white and ochre to be able to watch the 

beaches and the coast without being seen. The reason for that was 

against the attacks of the Moors that took place. The fort house was 

shelter for residents and used to have a large fireplace where food could 

Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja 

be prepared. The El Campanario dates back to the same time when the 

watchtowers were built. 

Due to these attacks, the fort house had and still has very thick walls and 

small openings through which arrows were shot for defence. The walls 

also offered protection from the heat in the summer and the cold in the 

winter. 

Mr Juan Orbaneja is another important name in Calahonda’s history. He 

developed the area further and created Cabopino after purchasing some 

of the land off the Van Dulken family. Also created by Juan Orbaneja was 

the La Naranja social club which was the beginning of a new and more 

modern lifestyle; a lifestyle that can still be found here today. The 

expansion of the area went further in the late ’60s when planning 

permission was given for 45,000 people. Buildings were not allowed that 

were more than six floors - on the contrary to before when buildings could 

have up to 12 storeys. 

The planning and architecture of Calahonda as we know it today was 

started by Garcia de Castro and Gabriel Allende. Due to the property 

boom that took place in this time the architects decided to split the area 

into plots of 5000m 2 as well as even larger plots of 8000 m 2 . To retain 

and improve the already existing lifestyle, polo courts and a social club in 

El Campanario and a lake were constructed. 

Fernando and Juan Orbaneja were the ones who took care of 

Calahonda’s water supplies. Fernando Orbaneja was the one who found 

several wells in the area but also realised that this water supply would not 

be enough for the size of the urbanisation. Juan Orbaneja found the 

solution and he started pumping water out of the well into a deposit 

which was found in Calle Monteparaiso. Here the water was collected and 

later distributed. This worked very well until 1969 when Calahonda 

suffered a water shortage. Water had to be supplied by water wagons 

during the summer. Thanks to the construction of a reservoir in 1968 

(the Rio Verde reservoir) Calahonda did not need to suffer for too long. 

Soon water pipes were laid and the problem solved. 

Calle Van Dulcan 

In 1966, 120 hectares of pine trees were planted and already existing 

pine woods were thinned out. They received special care and treatment 

when the trees were struck with a pest called ‘barrenilla’. Electricity, 

phone connections and sewage were up and running, and these had a 

major effect on the popularity of the area. By 1980, Calahonda had 500 

houses and has expanded ever since. Some would say too much now 

with the myriad of developments that extend into the campo. 

Calahonda enjoys a privileged setting directly on the Mediterranean 

coast and is blessed with an amazing climate. Hot summers and mild 

winters combined with a wonderful breeze that keeps you cool during the 

summer months make the region a great place to be. 

Calahonda is part of the municipality of Mijas. Due to the enormous 

property development it has grown so much that it is already the size of

La Campanario as it is today 

a small town. It is the largest urbanisation in between Marbella and 

Fuengirola which is the reason for recent attempts to separate Calahonda 

from Mijas. Unfortunately the attempts failed, which means that 

residents will have to keep on paying taxes to Mijas. 

The urbanisation’s greatest features are the tranquil lifestyle, the 

spacious plots, the limited apartment buildings and the numerous green 

areas. All of this makes Calahonda a great place to live. It is likely that the 

growth that took place in recent years will continue but you can be certain 

that the rustic fashion that is provided here will be maintained. Also 

located in Calahonda are four excellent golf courses which make the 

urbanisation very attractive to golf lovers. There are 45 restaurants, bars 

and cafés as well as supermarkets and seven banks. 

Calle Conde de Jordana what was the original track 

It’s a far cry from 1982 and the days of 20 pesetas a beer, but that’s 

progress they say. Some people call Calahonda little Britain but there is 

a far more diverse crowd here now compared with 1985 when apparently 

over 90% of the population here were British. Now you will find Germans 

(they were putting their towels on the sun beds even back in ’82) Swedes, 

Danes, French… in fact a multitude of nationalities now reside in 

Calahonda just like most areas of the Costa del Sol. But we all seem to 

get along very well, which begs the question ‘why doesn’t it work in the 

UK’ - but that is definitely a question for another day. 

Thanks to www.property-spain.com for information on the history of 

Calahonda. 

Next months Costa Getaway is Fuengirola. 

Aerial view in 1969

CALAHONDA 

SIT & GO 

ALL SPORTS LOUNGE 

Is where you’ll find Noel, Mary and John 

Cafe 

‘The Fools’ broadcasting all the daily action. 

They think it’s all over? Not yet it isn’t! 

Open daily from 1pm till Midnight 

Internet access - Wi-Fi 

Front line - CC Calypso 

Aloha Bar Restaurant 

Algaida Apartments, 

shore side, Calahonda 

Excellent food served all day, 

restaurant and bar 

Pool tables, sky t.v. large screen t.v. terrace 

Large selection of beers, wines and spirits 

Call 671 064 762 for more information 

Open every day 10 - 2pm and 6pm til late 

(closed Friday’s only in winter) 

Excellent home cooked cuisine freshly prepared to order. 

Offering traditional all day breakfasts, lunches, 

snacks and tapas. 

Specializing in all Scandinavian cuisine including 

Scandinavian Prawn, Salmon and Meatball dishes. 

Come and enjoy a cup of top grade Columbian 

coffee and a slice of Ander's famous Carrot Cake in the 

Café or sit in our heated terrace in a warm relaxed 

and friendly atmosphere. 

Outside catering service available for all occasssions. 

Tel : 952 933 365 

For Orders Or Enquiries Email : cafe.salud@yahoo.es 

Open 9am - 6pm Monday - Friday 

Open 10am - 5pm Saturday 

Closed Sunday 

Local 8 Urb Calypso, Calahonda 

(Next to the Santander Bank) 

14 costalife

CALAHONDA 

For all your 

insurance needs, 

do it the right way. 

FORTRESS 

SECURITY SPAIN 

ESTABLISHED 1987 

S.L. 

Motor insurance for UK 

and Spanish plates, home and contents, health 

insurance, pet, travel and commercial insurance. 

Established on the coast for over 7 years 

thousands of satisfied customers 

Situated next to lidl supermarket in 

calahonda or arrange cover by 

calling 952 934 963 or go on line 

at www.rightwaysl.com. 

Right Way Insurance ... 

insuring you, your 

family and your 

belongings 

the right way 

All steelwork, grills, gates, fences, stairways. 

Balconies, scissor gates, garage doors, 

security blinds (manual/automatic) 

Persianas, toldos, security doors 

Garage doors up and over - sectional 

Gate automation systems for all requirements 

Garage door motors 

Aluminium windows and doors 

Air conditioning - singles - splits-ducting 

All major credit cards taken 

Phone 952 931 128 or 952 933 234 

Email fortress@telefonica.net 

www.fortresssecurityspain.com 

costalife 15

costaCOMPANIES 

Local 

Business 

Spotlight 

At Costa Life we dedicate more 

space to business editorial than 

any other publication on the coast. 

It is important to us to introduce to 

you information about our new 

clients and remind you on a regular 

basis about existing ones. We are a 

free magazine and we only exist 

because of our clients and we 

therefore feel it right to dedicate a 

section of the magazine to 

promoting to you, our readers, the 

people, both new and old, who 

make Costa Life possible. 

17 

18 

SEO Services Spain - 

Search Engine Optimization 

21 

22 

If you need to make use of the 

services or products promoted in 

this section or indeed throughout 

this issue please let our clients 

know that you have seen them in 

Costa Life Magazine. 

19 

Nail and 

Hair Parlour 

Thank You. 

20



What is SEO? 

SEO or Search Engine Optimization, is the practice of attaining good 

placement and positioning within the major search engines for a 

chosen keyword/s using a combination of on and off-site techniques. 

This is done to aid search engine crawlers in finding relevant information 

from your site and placing that data within their databases so that that 

information can be presented when matching a users search query. 

Why do I need SEO? 

Whether you have an online business or a more conventional bricks and 

mortar business, SEO is crucial in helping you to become more profitable 

in your business endeavours. As with any business, the more prospects 

or customers you get, the more opportunities you have to convert those 

customers into sales and revenue. 

Common sense says that the more leads or customers you have online 

or through your shop door, the more money you will make. With an 

internet business you will not have people accidentally pass by your 

virtual front door unless you work hard at promoting it online. 

costaCOMPANIES >> 

How does optimization work? 

One of the first things that must be done once you have 

selected your chosen keywords, is to optimize the site and 

it’s pages to aid crawlability by the search engine spiders. 

A vital part of optimizing a site is to make sure certain things exist such 

as good unique page titles that contain targeted keywords, relevant back 

links to your site from other websites, catchy meta descriptions, keywords 

placed within the pages copy/text, good use of sites urls and filenames, 

good internal linking to pages using the correct anchor text and also a 

good navigation system devoid of search engine speed bumps such as 

JavaScript and Flash. 

So now you know what SEO is all about, all you need now is to find a good 

Search Engine Optimization consultant to help you increase your web 

presence. 

Robert Griggs is an SEO consultant based on the Costa del Sol. For more 

information please visit www.seoservicesspain.com or call Rob on 

0034 617940022 

If you have an internet business and don’t work hard to get good rankings 

and search engine placement, you may as well not exist. ‘‘It’s like 

arranging a lavish party and then forgetting to send out the invitations’’. 

Nobody will turn up for the big event!! 

What is a search engine and how do they work? 

Firstly, how many websites/pages do you think there are on the internet? 

Who knows for sure (apart from the search engines) but you can bet that 

it runs into the billions. 

With this in mind, it would take you a life time to search every website on 

the internet for the information that your require. Luckily, this is where 

search engines come in handy. To enable us to search billions of web 

pages in a split second for the information that we require. 

So how does a search engine manage to gather all the information on the 

internet and place it into a searchable database of data? 

Search engines use software called spiders or crawlers that ‘‘crawl’’ the 

internet looking for hyperlinks in pages, text, images and other data to 

place into the search engines database. They will also check the pages 

to find out if they have been updated since they were last pulled from 

your site. If they have changed then a copy of the new page is indexed in 

the database. If not, they are left alone. 

How do search engines ‘‘rank’’ your pages for certain keywords? 

Once your site and it’s pages have been indexed by the different search 

engines, it is then the job of the search engine to present your pages 

when a relevant search is performed on the search engine. 

Google and other search engines use 

what’s called an algorithm (sometimes 

shortened to ‘‘algo’’ by techs) to ‘‘weight’’ 

pages and sites and to help decide where 

those sites and pages should be placed 

depending on the algorithm score for 

certain keywords. 

It is thought (as nobody knows for sure, except for the search engines) 

that Google’s algorithm is made up of around 100 different criteria to 

enable scoring. For example, the age of the domain is considered 

important, as the older the site the more trust is placed on it compared 

to a site that has just popped up overnight. The amount of back links to 

a page/site, internet url paths, keyword density on a page, global link 

popularity and meta titles are other factors that are important to the 

scoring of a page. 

So as you can see, there are many factors which determine where your 

site is placed for certain keywords. So it is important that your site is well 

designed and has good on-site and off-site SEO performed. 



Want your business website to appear at the top of 

Google, Yahoo and MSN? Do you have a website 

but nobody knows that it exists? 

I am an SEO consultant and can help you to attain 

good rankings and increase web traffic to your site 

and your sites visibility on the internet. 

Call for a free no obligation analysis of your current 

search engine placement and websites optimization. 

Different packages available to suit all 

budgets and requirements. 

Websites designed from just € 400 and include 

free hosting, domain name and email. 

For more information please visit 

www.seoservicesspain.com 

or call Rob on 0034 617 940 022 

costalife 17


If you are looking for an alternative 

party feature for that special occasion 

then why not consider fiesta sky 

lanterns? They really are a stunning 

addition to any event and will enhance 

any celebration and make it a night to 

remember 

Welcome to the world of Fiesta Sky 

Lanterns. This is a new event product 

that is totally spectacular and is taking 

Europe by storm. Anybody who is 

having a wedding, a birthday, a party 

or any celebration, now wants to mark their occasion with Fiesta Sky 

Lanterns. 

You can buy Fiesta Sky Lanterns to let off yourself, with a group of friends 

and family or we can come to your event and do a display with our Fiesta 

Sky Lantern team. Our lantern display prices for weddings and parties are 

amazingly affordable and in comparison to, for example, fireworks which 

not everybody likes they are fantastic value. We can offer a range of 

packages to suit any occasion you have. These magnificent flying 

lanterns are a perfect way to celebrate a wedding, personal, private or 

corporate event and they are a stunning alternative to a predictable fire 

work display. They can be seen for miles around and really leave a lasting 

impression on your guests. 

Lanterns are the perfect solution for your WOW factor event. It is a 

spiritual and captivating experience your guests will never forget. Fiesta 

Sky Lanterns are safe to let off amongst friends, family and clients where 

everyone can be involved and really feel part of the occasion. They are so 

affordable that a lot of our customers buy them for regular BBQ 

gatherings. 

Each box of Fiesta Sky Lanterns comes with 10 individually wrapped 

paper lanterns, ready assembled and with an instruction leaflet. Our 

specially designed lanterns are non-flammable unlike many fire hazard 

copies on the market. We give you 5 red and 5 white to create an even 

more captivating experience. This also allows you to set off the red 

lanterns during the day as well as night. 

Our Chinese lanterns are made from non 

flammable rice paper and are 90cm in 

height and 105cm diameter. The wick 

has been specially designed for ease of 

lighting and it is non drip and perfectly 

safe. 

Lantern Displays 

If you prefer to have your event catered 

for by our Fiesta Sky lantern display team, 

we can come along to your chosen venue 

and let off any number of lanterns 

required. 

The effect of having 50, 60, 70, 100 or even 300 sky lanterns going up 

into the night sky is something you will never forget. The Lanterns are let 

off in stages by a full team of professionals for the ultimate viewing for 

you and your guests. You can have music to accompany the special 

occasion. You just sit back and allow yourself to be mesmerized by the 

display. (PLEASE NOTE: expect a few tears!) 

Our Fiesta Sky Lantern 

display team will contact 

your chosen venue and 

carry out a site 

assessment for safety 

and authorization. 

Please feel free to contact us to 

discuss your special event and we 

will be more than happy to talk you 

through the whole procedure and 

explain any query you may have. 

Safety Guide 

Before Lighting the Fiesta Sky 

Lantern, Please take note of the 

following safety procedures. 

Ensure the wind is not more than 5 mph 

Ensure there are no trees, buildings or electric cables within the flight 

path of the Lantern 

Fiesta Sky Lanterns must be released a minimum of 5 miles away 

from Airports 

Do not release in the vicinity of Dry Crops 

Do not allow anyone under the influence of alcohol handle the Fiesta 

Sky Lantern 

Whilst Fiesta Sky Lanterns are for the enjoyment of all ages, 

responsible ADULTS should light them. 

Keep children under supervision at all times 

Always have a bucket of water or fire extinguisher handy 

Lighting the Fiesta Sky Lanterns 

You will need 2 people to release the Fiesta Sky Lantern 

Take the lantern out of the plastic wrapping 

Gently Unfold the Sky Lantern 

Holding the bottom rim of the lantern, drop it down sharply and this 

will allow air to fill the lantern. 

Turn the Fiesta Sky Lantern so it is facing upwards 

Whilst one person holds the top of the lantern gently, being careful not 

to rip the paper, the other lights the wick at the bottom. 

Hold the Lantern for approx 30 seconds whilst the wick burns. 

DO NOT throw the Lantern into the air. 

Once the Lantern fills with hot air it will start to pull, you can then allow 

it to gently rise into the sky. 

WATCH and ENJOY… 

18 costalife

Nail and Hair Parlour 

Are you satisfied with your nail technician? Y N 

Are the shapes of your nails aesthetically pleasing? Y N 

Are your nails becoming thin and damaged? Y N 

Are they natural looking extensions or overlays? Y N 

If the answer is no then read on.. 

My name is Mandy 

I started in the nail business, NOT 

because it’s what I’ve always wanted to 

do, because I found it very difficult finding 

a nail technician that provided care and 

attention, safe and sanitary conditions, 

with a result I was happy with. 

I bought a Gel kit and after studying and practicing I started to get 

complimentary comments on my nails and friends asked if I could do 

theirs. I soon realised that there was more to nail enhancements/ 

extensions than I originally thought. So I decided I would invest in the 

proper training with Creative and passed with flying colours. 


How do you know if your technician is using MMA? 

Strong or strange odour which doesn’t smell like other acrylic or gel. 

Enhancements are hard and difficult to file with coarse files. 

Will not soak off in solvents designed to remove product. 

Cloudy or milky colour when finished. 

MMA does not bond well to the nail. Electric or coarse files are used 

to rough the nail so it takes hold. 

 

 

Low price. 

Unlabelled containers - technicians will show what product is being 

used if concerned. 

Browse my website for useful information, prices, comments, before and 

after photos showing amazing results. 

www.nailparlourspain.com 

Ring or email for advice or book an appointment. 

I am based in Reserva Del Higueron, near Benalmadena Pueblo. Exit 

217 on the Fuengirola to Arroyo 

motorway. And at Urb Rivera, 

Calahonda close to the toll road. 

Mandy 669229750 

I found Nail Systems International Gels too so had more training to 

convert to that system, took another course and passed that one too. 

I still do my own nails and have a regular client base. I still get a buzz 

when I get a new client and I am as passionate now about the industry 

as I was 4 years ago. 

I also like to educate my clients about how to care for their nails, about 

the gels I use and how it does NOT damage the nails. 

I provide a brochure explaining what the client should expect before, 

during and after a nail service is performed. 

1. Nail enhancements/extensions will not damage the natural nail if 

you follow the nail technicians aftercare advice, nor will the gel 

damage the nail. 

2. The nail plate will only go thin if the nail technician files them at the 

start of the service, during the infill procedure with an abrasive file 

or the nail gets caught and forced from the nail. 

3. Nails do NOT breathe. 

4. The point of having nail extensions/tips is to extend your own nails if 

you have trouble growing them or they break easily etc. With each 

infill, every 2 weeks, the plastic tip will be filed away, in time, your 

natural nail will then remain and the technician will continue to apply 

the gel to the natural nail to add strength. No need for a new set, only 

a repair if any break. 

I offer the following services. 

1. Manicures, Pedicures and Spa treatments for hands and feet. Just 

relax and enjoy the experience. 

2. Gel overlays for fingers or toes, lasting from 2-3 weeks for fingers 

and 6-8 weeks for toes, as toe nails grow at a slower rate and they 

are dry to the touch at the end of the procedure and will not smudge 

or chip. Your nails will look great for much longer leaving you to 

spend more time on other things. 

3. Coloured Gels that maintain their colour, shine, and will last 2-3 

weeks before an *infill is needed (*fresh coat to fill in the nail 

growth gap). No more hassle waiting for polish to dry or risk 

smudging. No more re-touching up your favourite colour for that night 

out. 

4. Repairs for the natural nail and 

Gel enhancements/ 

extensions. 

5. Nail tips to extend the nail 

length and then a coat of Gel. 

The products I use are free of 

MMA (Methyl Methacrylate) 

Nail & Hair Parlour 

NSI and Creative Gel trained nail technician offers 

UV Gel tips, overlays, manicure and pedicures. 

Gel on your toes, french or colour 

will last 6-8 weeks. 

Let me transform your nails. 

Having your nails done should be 

a relaxing experience. 

I practice a safe and 

sanitary service. 

Try the coloured gels 

and your favourite 

colour will last 2-3 weeks 

and safe to touch 

immediately. 

Hair Extensions made with 100% Human hair. 

Call for more details 

Check out my website at www.nailparlourspain.com 

for examples of Nails and Hair extensions 

Also available for home visits. Ring Mandy 669 229 750 

costalife 19


fingertips. The stylish salon backs on to a picturesque garden 

courtyard with a fountain, where customers can pass the time with 

food or refreshments served from the café next door. The pretty 

setting belies the fact that the salon is situated in the heart of 

Fuengirola near the horses head roundabout, and easily accessible 

by foot, car or bus. Opening times are Tuesday and Wednesday 

10am - 6pm, Thursday and Friday10am - 7pm and Saturday 10am 

- 2pm. 

David Glenn Hairdressing 

nestles in the beautiful 

urbanization of Pueblo 

Lucia, in the centre of 

Fuengirola. In the first six 

months since opening, 

o w n e r C a l v i n h a s 

e s t a b l i s h e d a 

professional team with a 

wealth of experience. 

Calvin himself has over 

twenty years experience 

in high-end hairdressing. 

Before moving to Spain 

he ran a highly successful and well know salon in Manchester and 

has worked in two well known hairdressers here on the Costa del Sol 

where he has built up a loyal bank of customers. At David Glen you 

are sure to be impressed not only by the professional service you 

receive but also by the idyllic setting the salon sits it. 

You will find them at Calle Maestra Angeles Apiazu. Edificio Salos, 

Local 4, Pueblo Lucia, Fuengirola. 

Call 952 472 641 

Calvin says 

‘‘Both Julie and I are expert hair stylists with a wealth of experience 

in the industry. There are no junior staff members at the salon 

therefore every customer benefits from our senior expertise.’’ 

Stylist Julie is the salons other technician. Having learned her trade 

at Clynol she then became artistic director at Saks in the North East 

of England. The salon itself is both spotlessly clean at all times but 

also welcoming and they use only top name products like Tigi and 

Wella assuring you of the best possible results. 

David Glenn hairdressing has the best of both worlds, a modern, 

contemporary feel, coupled with a professional, friendly 

atmosphere. So whether you are looking for a fabulous re-style, to 

brighten yourself up with multi-tonal colours or just a fantastic cut, 

the team at David Glenn Hairdresser’s have the answers at their 

20 costalife


If like me you enjoy live music you should get yourself down to Bonanza 

Bar in Benalmadena for a great night out. 

The Bonanza Bar in Bonanza Square, Benalmadena is one of the longest 

established and best loved live music venues on the Costa del Sol. Every 

night you can be entertained by the top acts on the coast from 

comedians to 70’s Nights and a bit of everything in between. All 

managed in articulate fashion by host and compere Dave Hixson. 

Every night is party night at 

Bonanza Bar as they are open 7 

days per week. New owner Jamie 

who originates from Colchester 

has done an excellent job in 

turning the place around. He took 

over in 2006 and has completely 

refurbished the premises to an 

exceptionally high standard. 

There is seating on the floor area 

for about 140 people and there are approx 10 very comfortable alcoves 

all along the two back walls which give the room a great atmosphere for 

live shows. The toilets are spotless which is always important and the 

stage has been moved to a position that now allows an additional 10 

tables and the premises can now accommodate up to 200 people in all. 

With the long bar and waitress service you will never be struggling to get 

served your favourite tipple and the staff always have a smile on their 

faces so you are made to feel most welcome. 

a lively and professional performance. On other nights they have drag 

artist Terri Fox, top local 

vocalist Laura Ellen, UK top 

comedian Alan Wallace and on 

Saturday there is the seven 

piece ‘‘solid soul band’’. 

Also during the day the 

Bonanza Bar is open for senior 

citizens bingo, line 

dancing and a host of 

other activities so 

whatever your age and 

whatever your tastes 

the Bonanza Bar has 

something for 

everyone. For more 

information on up 

coming events call. 

952 566 007 or 

649 809 814 

Bonanza Bar is ideal for families 

because there is now a separate games 

room that has a pool table, air hockey 

and video games so parents can enjoy 

the night’s entertainment while the kids 

are taken care of. The whole family can 

have a great night out and nobody can 

whine!! Hey kids?? 

If you fancy something to eat but don’t want to miss the entertainment 

Bonanza Bar now do fabulous basket meals including scampi, chicken, 

sausage and chicken nuggets all served with chips, they also do veggie 

and chicken burgers and a choice of baguettes. All prepared fresh and to 

a deliciously high standard. You can also treat yourself to a selection of 

cocktails or even a jug of Sangria. Alternatively you can choose a drink 

form their wide selection of draught lagers and beers or spirits and wines 

they have on offer. 

Bonanza Bar is the perfect venue for a girls or lad’s night out or in fact 

for any special celebration and you can even reserve your tables in 

advance. Host and compere Dave Hixson gets things going at around 

9.30 pm and the first act is on 

around 10.15. We went on a 

Sunday night and caught the 

first act; Ricky Lavazza from 

Wales. He put on a great show 

and if you like Elvis, Tom Jones 

and Neil Diamond among others 

then you won’t be disappointed. 

Has a great voice and presents 

costalife 21


The UK’s leading fitted bedroom, closet and home office 

people - bring their stylish range to the Costa 

Since 1926 Hammonds - the 

closet, bedroom and home office 

people - have grown to become 

one of the UK’s leading creators of 

quality fitted furniture and over the 

years they've helped hundreds of 

thousands of people to make the 

most of their living space. 

Each Hammond’s bedroom, closet and home office is custom designed 

to fit any room but most importantly to fit individual storage needs. As 

rooms come in all shapes and sizes part of Hammonds service is that 

each bedroom is planned out individually to meet particular storage 

needs. Hammonds experienced designers are experts in maximising 

even the smallest space. They also manage the installation by qualified 

professionals, so no need to get the screwdriver out and start building flat 

pack furniture! 

It isn’t just the practicalities of storage that the designer looks at; 

Hammonds appreciate that a dream bedroom must have serious style so 

offer over 50 stunning styles from the classic, through to the very 

contemporary. 

There’s something for everyone as Hammonds’ furniture compliments 

any home. Modern styling and finishing touches can add a contemporary 

feel to a new apartment, bring European styling to a villa conversion or 

keep an elegant theme in a traditional home with real wood veneers. 

Whatever style your new home has, fitted furniture will maximise space, 

solves storage issues and create a stylish, harmonious room. 

With a Hammonds bedroom you get so much more...... 

For starters a bedroom shouldn’t just be a flat pack affair that is pushed 

up into a corner. Hammonds offer a complete package from design 

through to fitting and finishing. Each bedroom is carefully designed to suit 

each Clients particular requirements and tastes and of course adapted to 

fill the space available. Even the insides of the wardrobes will be tailor 

made, from the basic needs as to how many sets of drawers through to 

pre-dresser, illuminated hanging rails, pull-out shoe and tie racks, the list 

goes on. 

The beauty of a Hammonds bedroom is that the choice doesn’t end with 

the wardrobe, select from a beautifully co-ordinated range of matching 

bedroom furniture, including bedside tables (with pull out tea trays), 

dressing tables, framed mirrors, window seats, tall boys and even a 

concealed TV cabinet. Of course if you want the bed, that will match too 

and comes complete with headboard upholstered if you wish in a 

sumptuous range of fabrics. 

Why a fitted bedroom? 

As you can imagine, bedrooms come in all shapes and sizes often with 

their own little quirks. Things like chimney breasts, sloping ceilings and 

uneven walls may add character but can also cost valuable storage space 

if you rely on free-standing furniture. 

Personal service from the very first meeting to the completion of the 

installation 

A stunning range of over 50 styles 

Co-ordinated bedrooms 

And not just Bedrooms......with Hammonds we will create you 

a professional working environment 

Have you ever noticed how 

difficult it can be to keep your 

office at home tidy? Chances 

are, far from being purpose-built, 

your existing space has probably 

evolved over time. And it doesn’t 

help that piles of paper, tangled 

cables, cluttered desktops and a 

complete lack of storage all 

seem to present a constant 

distraction. 

The right environment can make all the difference 

Fitted furniture is a great way of maximising space and providing a 

coordinated, streamlined look with lots of flexibility. 

Feel the difference.... 

You wouldn’t buy a car from a catalogue and similarly we don’t expect you 

to choose your bedroom without being able to see (and touch) for 

yourself, that’s why we’ve set up 

a showroom right here on the 

Costa, with over 7 beautiful 

displays for you to see 

Call us today for a no obligation 

design visit and details of the 

showroom on 952 592868 or 

652351612 

The UK’s leading fitted furniture now available in Spain 

Fully Fitted Wardrobes & co-ordinated Furniture 

Sliding Doors 

Walk-in Dressing Rooms 

Home Office 

For a free no obligation in home design 

consultation, call 

952 592 868 or 652 351 612 

www.hammonds-uk.com 

Whatever your storage restrictions, there's a range of inspirational ideas 

and configurations to suit the space you have available. 

Why Hammonds? 

A family business with over 80 

years experience and a name 

that stands for quality and 

service 

All furniture is made in the UK to 

exacting standards 

DISPLAY SHOWROOM AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING 

22 costalife

earthrace 

www.earthrace.net 

I 

n March 2008, starting and 

finishing in Valencia, Spain, 

Earthrace will attempt to set a new 

speed record for a powerboat to 

circumnavigate the globe running 

100% biodiesel, and with a net zero 

carbon-footprint, in order to increase 

awareness of the environment and 

the sustainable use of resources. 

She is rapidly becoming the highestprofile 

powerboat in the world - not surprising as she is 78feet of 21st 

century design, a wave-piercing trimaran that would look at home on the 

set of a James Bond movie. She's also one of the greenest - a showcase 

of environmentally friendly technologies such as low-emissions engines, 

non-toxic anti-foul and efficient hull design. Earthrace is also one of the 

coolest looking boats ever imagined! 

Earthrace has already completed a tour of New Zealand the United 

States, and in early 2007, made her first attempt at the world record. 

Throughout her trip so far, over 50,000 people have been able to go on 

board and meet the crew. 

A unique attribute of the boat is that she has the ability to submarine 

through waves, and can in fact go up to 7m underwater as she does so. 

This enables the boat to maintain a higher average speed through big 

seas as compared to a conventional craft. 

New Zealand skipper and founder of the project, Pete Bethune, believes 

that Earthrace has a great opportunity to nourish and grow the European 

biodiesel industry, as well as to advance biodiesel as a genuinely viable 

alternative to petroleum diesel. 

Bethune said ‘‘The vision of a world using fuel produced from sustainable 

sources is an idea whose time has come. By demonstrating the power, 

reliability and environmental safety of biodiesel, Earthrace is committed 

to transforming this vision into reality’’. 

 

diesel. It also has fewer 

emissions in all other categories, 

with the exception of NOx. 

Since Earthrace was launched, 

the team continue to actively 

measure all their CO2 emitting 

activities, and work on ways to 

reduce them. With the help of 

Project Andromeda, at the end of 

each month they see what their 

net CO2 emission has been, 

then balance this with the 

purchase of carbon offsets from 

UN accredited organisations to 

become climate positive. 

The antifoul (underwater paint) is completely non-toxic, unlike the 

antifoul used on most large boats, which are iso-cyanate based and 

highly toxic. This means the crew need to clean the hull every month 

or so. 

Earthrace is the first boat in the world to use hemp composite. This is 

visible on the floor of the helm. Hemp is renewable, unlike carbon and 

Kevlar, and has some interesting properties making it ideal for 

medium impact areas. 

The team are currently trialling biodegradable lubricants and hydraulic 

fluids made from canola oil. These are again renewable, and 

completely non-toxic. 

The hull shape is extremely efficient, reducing fuel consumption 

compared with conventional craft. 

During construction, Earthrace used a number of recycled products 

(such as ice cream containers) that were collected from local Schools. 

In exchange, the team provided the schools with discarded MDF and 

pine to use in their woodworking departments. 

These pictures were taken by Caroline 

Gautron from the Face to Face Press 

Agency in Paris and Jim Burket and 

Buddha Brideson. 

Circumnavigating the globe represents the pinnacle of powerboat 

challenges, and at more than 24,000 nautical miles, is also the world’s 

longest race. The current record of 75 days was set by British boat ‘Cable 

& Wireless Adventurer’ in 1998. 

Pete Bethune believes the boat has a realistic chance of completing the 

circumnavigation in 65 days or less this time. He said ‘‘We have gained 

a huge amount of experience having already made one attempt and have 

been able to put that to good use to make sure we succeed this time. Our 

goal is to smash the record by 10 days or more, although we will still be 

popping champagne corks if we make it in 74 and a half days!’’ 

If Earthrace succeeds, it will mark the first time in history that an official 

UIM Powerboat world record has been broken using only renewable fuel. 

Earthrace Environmental Initiatives 

Earthrace is full of technologies and innovations that 

reduce our overall environmental impact. 

Earthrace runs 100% biodiesel, which reduces CO2 

emissions by around 78% compared with conventional

costaLIFESTYLE 

Body Language; is she 

interested… 

The Head Toss 

Women do this to throw their hair back over their shoulders, attract attention and to show off 

their neck. The head toss is not exclusively for women with long hair and can still grab 

someone's attention when used by women with short hair. 

Exposed wrists 

If a woman is interested she will expose the smooth, soft skin on the inside of her wrists. 

She will also show the palms of her hand whilst talking. 

The leg twine 

Apparently many men consider this the most appealing sitting position for women. With one leg pressed against 

the other it appears to be extremely toned and, combined with the woman placing one hand on her thigh, gives a 

clear call for attention and probable interest. 

Sideways glance 

How to spot the 'intimate gaze' 

Look out for the eyes following the 'triangular formation': - eye to eye, then down to the mouth and chin, down to the 

rest of the body and back up to the eyes again in a triangular formation. 

Male Pattern Baldness… 

Going bald is a fact of life for millions of men. Adults lose about 10,000 scalp 

hairs each and every day. Hair normally lives for around five years. With male 

pattern baldness these hairs do not always get replaced and gradually bald 

areas appear. This process can however take a long time and the age at which 

you start to lose hair does not necessarily provide any clues as to how long it 

will be until you define yourself as bald. 

Normal Hair Loss 

There are a number of reasons why men start to go bald, but if you are a man 

between the ages of about 20 to 45 and you start to lose scalp hair, then the 

chances are 95 per cent certain that you are experiencing male pattern 

baldness. As the term suggests, male pattern baldness follows a typical 

sequence or pattern. 

Hair loss can start in different areas but is usually at the temples and/or on the 

crown of the head. Initial thinning of hair progresses over a number of years 

and may lead to total baldness but more typically loss of hair over the top 

surface of the head. 

Most men are genetically 

predisposed to male pattern 

baldness. It is the effect of 

hormones on the hair follicle 

that produces male pattern 

baldness. 

But remember you are not alone 

with the likes of high profile 

stars such as Bruce Willis,Vin 

Diesel, Billy Zane, Patrick 

Stewart, Sean Connery, and 

Samuel L Jackson. 

Top tip… 

Never even try to 

answer the question, 

"Does this make me 

look fat?" If you say yes, 

you're in for it - but if you 

say no, she'll pick up on the split-second 

pause before you say it, and you'll still be 

in for it. The best you can do is laugh and 

say, "There's no way you're getting me to 

answer that." 

Work out tip… 

Never wear a weight belt unless you're performing a 

movement that puts a 

direct compressive load 

on your spine. 

Studies have shown 

that wearing a belt 

during workouts 

may weaken the 

abdominals, which 

can result in back 

problems. 

24 costalife

DUNNES STORES 

ALWAYS BETTER VALUE

H&M 

>> costaLIFESTYLE 

Woolen pullover 

with v-neck and 

jacquard 

pattern 

Benetton 

Cargo pants 


Cotton baseball cap 

with contrasting 

sewings 


>> Step out in Style... 

Granite marl 

ribbed hem 

vee neck 

jumper 

Topman 

Dark 

stonewash 

bootcut 

jeans with 

contrast 

colour 

stitching 

Topman 

Black 

socks with a 

naked lady design 

at the ankle 

Burtons 

Dark brown polo 

pigment dyed to give 

it a vintage effect 

Burtons 

Black luxury fine knit 

cardigan with pale 

grey tipping 

Burtons 

Black 

leather pointed 

lace up formal brogue 

with leather sole 

Topman 

26 costalife 

Store Locator A to Z 

Benetton www.benetton.com Fuengirola. Burtons www.burton.co.uk Gibraltar. Dunnes Stores www.dunnesstores.ei Fuengirola, Coin, Malaga, 

Velez Malaga. Dorothy Perkins www.dorothyperkins.co.uk Miramar, La Cañada. Evans www.evans.com La Cañada, Miramar. H&M www.hm.com 

La Cañada. Monsoon www.monsoon.com Gibraltar. Promod www.promod.com La Cañada. Topman www.topman.co.uk La Cañada. 

Topshop www.topshop.co.uk La Cañada.

Dunnes 

costaLIFESTYLE >> 

>> Dress it up… 

Grey bubble dress 

with corsage 

Dorothy Perkins 

Grey cable 

knit dress 

Dorothy 

Perkins 

Patterned knit dress 


Bonny dress 

Monsoon 

>> These boots are made for walkin… 

Gypsy dress 

Monsoon 

Patent 

knee high 

boot 

Evans 

Georgina 

Goodman 

ankle boot 

Evans 

Chunky 

zip knee 

high boot 

Topshop 

>> Wrap it up… 

Denim jacket with short 

sleeves and knitted collar 


Studded 

horse back 

riding boot 

Promod 

Charcoal tweed 

belted cape 


costalife 27


BYE BYE, CHAPPED LIPS! 

This is the time of year when many of us experience dry, cracked lips and can’t seem to find relief 

anywhere! Well, help is on the way! To begin with, make sure you are hydrating yourself from the inside. 

This means drinking LOTS of pure water every day. 

Next look for a lip balm that includes any of the following ingredients: Mango butter, coconut milk, 

avocado oil or honey, to name a few! Most lip balms are petroleum based and really don’t replenish lost 

moisture. Use as and when needed and try to avoid using long lasting lipsticks until the dryness subsides. 

SOS for skin this winter 

The stress of the festive season makes our 

skin susceptible to a severe case of the 

winter blues. 

Face it 

You can wrap up your bod in snug winter 

warmers, protect your hands with gloves and 

indulge your feet with snuggly socks, but your 

poor face bears the brunt of the winter 

weather. Short of spending the winter season in a balaclava, your face 

needs extra protection from exposure to the elements. 

Your skin changes from season to season, so if you are still using a light 

moisturiser it is time to switch to a richer cream as winter sets in. Just 

don’t over apply! 

At least once a week, treat your skin to a moisturising mask. Most can be 

applied and left on overnight. 

Use a Facial Oil under your night cream for that extra moisture boost. 

Feet First 

We’re approaching the season where our feet have really just 

taken a pounding - high, heels and extra dancefloor 

manoeuvres and Christmas shopping sprees can make 

feet super-sore and dry. 

Regularly scrub with a pumice stone to reveal the 

soft skin underneath, then moisturise with an 

intensive hydrating foot cream. 

In a rush in the morning? 

If you want to make your powder eye shadow and liner last all day, apply a cream 

eye shadow base. Put the lightweight base on your eyelid first and then apply 

your regular eye makeup. It will last for hours without having to take the time and 

reapply! 

If you’re looking for a quick, yet gorgeous makeup look on the run, use suggest 

a multi-purpose blush stick. It’s used as an eye shadow, blush and lipstick. It 

feels so smooth and natural and looks fantastic. Mix it with light eye shadow then 

apply to the eyelid in order for my eyes to really open up and brighten the eyes. 

For smoky eyes, line your bottom lid semi-heavily, blink hard, and run a finger 

across the line. It smudges more easily and looks more ‘I don’t care’ than the 

multi-stepped techniques. 

Beautiful body 

Now we are covering up and hiding our 

legs in trousers or opaques it is no 

excuse to let your moisturising routines 

flag over winter. Your body needs extra 

attention at this time of year if you want 

to avoid unsightly scaly skin. 

It’s the ideal time to run a body 

temperature bath and indulge with an exotic bath oil or milk. 

Exfoliate regularly, around twice a week in winter, to slough off dead skin 

cells and prevent the skin from looking dry and depleted. 

Hand-some 

Hands are often the first beauty casualty 

when temperatures plummet. 

It is best to apply a thick layer of 

moisturiser twice a day, especially after 

washing your hands. It’s also important to 

take care of nails and cuticles - our cuticles 

are essential to healthy nails and can 

become dry and cracked in winter. 

Give hands a softening winter boost with 

Jessica Nail Care Geluscious gloves to wear 

alone or with your favourite cream, lotion or 

essential oil. 

28 costalife


NEW YEAR!! 

NEW CAREER!! 

Why not train to be a professional Nail Technician 

Train with us and we will show you how to move forward in 

this exciting and rewarding industry 

LEARN 

Acrylic, Gel & Fibreglass Techniques 

together with 

Manicure, Pedicure, Freehand Nail Art, Airbrushing and all other aspects of this wonderful trade. 

Phone fax 952 560 051 Mob 607 586 894 

Training courses available for Acrylic, Gel, Fibreglass, manicure, Pedicure and Nail Art 

email info@solnailsupplies.com www.solnailsupplies.com 

Calle San Antonio, Centro Comercial San Juan, Arroyo de la Miel, Malaga, Spain 

costalife 29


ARE YOU FIT FOR SKIING 

As we are approaching the time of year that makes skiing very popular, 

for those who love a holiday on the snow slopes, now is the time to make 

STRENGTH TRAINING: Twice a week 

sure that you are actually fit enough to ski. 

CV TRAINING: 2/3 times per week 

Skiing is very demanding on the body, and the 3 key areas to focus on for 

your training are;- 

1. STRENGTH 

LEGS: Focusing on the quadriceps muscles at the front of the thigh is 

particularly important because maintaining the correct position means 

the quadriceps will be taking the pressure the whole time. 

TRICEPS: Balance when skiing is very important. Continually driving your 

ski poles back into the snow means that the triceps at the back of the 

upper arm are under great pressure. 

CORE MUSCLES: Your core muscles keep you upright and help with 

balance. Core strength helps maintain the control on the slopes. 

2. CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS (CV) 

Skiing requires total body control just to stay upright! A continual demand 

will be placed on your CV system as you use every muscle group in order 

to remain balanced. 

3. FLEXIBILITY 

Skiing involves a lot of twisting and turning, which means you, must be 

flexible enough. To have a good range of movements you also need to be 

flexible in the calves and Achilles tendons (backs of the lower legs). The 

ski boot will make you ‘‘hinge’’ at the heel, stretching the calf and the 

Achilles in each leg. If you are tight in these areas you are risking an 

injury. 

FLEXIBILITY TRAINING: after every strength and 

CU training session 

HOW TO INCORPORATE THIS INTO SOME 

TYPE OF TRAINING PROGRAM 

1. STRENGTH EXERCISES 

Skiing is both strength and endurance, so 

build up to completing 2 sets of 12 to 15 reps of the 

following leg and triceps exercises, separate by a 60 seconds 

recovery period. For the care exercise, build up until you can hold 

position for 60 seconds. 

LEGS 

Squats are great for skiing preparation. Start by squatting without using 

additional weights, and as your legs become stronger add more weight 

with dumbbells. 

TRICEPS 

Triceps dips using a chair or bench will strengthen these muscles. 

CORE 

Try ‘‘The Plank’’. Lie face down on the floor with your arms bent at 90 

degrees and tucked close to your sides, with elbows directly under your 

shoulders and your hands pointing ahead. Push up until you are just 

supporting your body on your forearms and toes, and holding rigid flat 

‘‘plank type’’ position. 

AVOIDING INJURY 

The main focus must be flexibility training most important, in the legs. 

The claves and Achilles tendons are important areas, as are Quadriceps 

(front of the thigh) and Ham strings (back of the thigh). 

While skiing, as parts of you’re off Piste time 

- try and have a few sports massages. This 

will flush out the waste products in your 

muscles from the days skiing and help 

keep muscle in great condition through 

out your skiing holiday. 

TRAINING - HOW MUCH? 

Start your training as early as possible 

before you go. Build up slowly, especially 

if you don’t normally take regular 

exercise, and make sure you cover the three 

areas of strength, flexibility and CV. Make sure 

you incorporate plenty of recovery days, as your 

body will need to get used to the new demands 

that you are placing on it. 

2. CARDIOVASCULAR EXERCISE 

Any exercise that gets you breathless, that you can maintain for at least 

20 minutes is great. Try walking, Jogging, Running, Swimming or Cycling. 

3. FLEXIBILITY EXCERCISES 

After each strength or CV exercise workout, look to stretch the major 

groups that you have used. I.e., if you have been running, do some leg 

stretches, focusing on the calves, Achilles tendons, quadriceps and ham 

strings. If you have been focusing on triceps exercise, then this is the area 

to focus on ECT… 

Have fun. You don’t have to be an athlete to have a great time. But, the 

more training you do, the more 

you will get out of your holiday. So 

start training as soon as you book 

your holidays, rather than 

cramming a few months training 

into a week!! 

Allow yourself to build up 

gradually! 

Helen Johnson - Personal Fitness Trainer & Nutritionist - 617 453 550 - fitness@luv2btraining.com 

30 costalife


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Community Mental Health Team 

Wound Care Clinic 

Health Assessments 

Weight Management 

Dyslexia Assessments 

Alternative Therapist 

Counseling service 

Hypertension management 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Care Coordination Centre 

Well Women's Clinic 

Men's Health Clinic 

Asthma Clinic 

Diabetes Management 

Vaccination Clinics 

Nutrition 

A Nurse led service providing an 

innovative and holistic approach to 

healthcare that brings the values and 

practices of a British Health Centre to the 

Costa del Sol, enabling you to access a 

service that is familiar 

Tel: 952 83 57 76 

www.clinicamedicare.com 

Located in Elviria, nr Marbella. 

Next to Barclays Bank (Just off the N340 Coast 

Road, direction Marbella) 

Hair & Beauty 

at the Aztec Country Club 

Riviera del Sol 

Opening Hours 

Tuesday - Friday 10 - 7pm 

Saturday 10 - 2pm 

Beauty 

Chiropodist 

Psychology 

Nail Extension 

Tel.: 952 939 609 

hairataztec@hotmail.co.uk 

Semi Permanent Make Up 

costalife 31


In December or early January, almost everyone has the desire to 

plan a wonderful New Year. We plan holidays catching up with 

friends and family, and we imagine that any goal can be achieved. 

We eagerly make New Year’s Resolutions and set our biggest goals 

ever. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the changes we want to or need to 

make and resolve to follow through on those changes. Resolutions, if 

carried out successfully, not only act as short-term goals to success but 

also help in improving life and overcoming those habits which we 

ourselves do not like 

Top ten New Year’s resolutions: 

Spend more time with family and friends 

Fit in Fitness 

Tame the bulge 

Stop smoking 

Enjoy life more 

Quit drinking 

Get out of debt 

Learn something new 

Help others 

Get organised. 

The History of New Year’s Resolutions: 

The tradition of New Year’s Resolutions goes all the way back to 153 BC 

when Janus, a mythical king of early Rome, was placed at the head of 

the calendar. 

With two faces, Janus could look back on past events and forward to the 

future. Janus became the ancient symbol for resolutions and many 

Romans looked for forgiveness from their enemies and also exchanged 

gifts before the beginning of each year. 

Tips for New Year Resolutions: 

Review your last year’s resolutions: 

Have you succeeded or, if not, why did you fail? Examine it and if 

necessary keep the same resolution this year too. 

Set Your Goals: 

Maintain a core focus. Be clear if you really want the change. Don’t flow 

along with the trend. 

Don’t let the cup spill over: 

Do not create too many resolutions at a time. They may distract you. Go 

with one at a time. 

Let it be for a year not a day: 

New Year is the time to plan for the entire year. Let the resolution not 

be something for which you need just couple of days. 

Acknowledge the price, and decide to pay it: 

Any worthwhile human achievement requires sacrifice, risk, effort and 

perseverance. Be accountable to someone in case you don't follow your 

resolution seriously. 

Reminders: 

Sometimes it’s easy to forget the resolution after the New Year passes 

away, and one is tempted to postpone the resolution to the next year. 

Plan to remind yourself of it throughout the year. Make a mention of it 

in the diary, online reminders or if required inform people close to you 

about your resolution. 

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities Threats: 

Enhance your strengths, act against your weaknesses, see what and 

how you can utilise the opportunities for the year and see if you have to 

prepare yourself against any threats. 

Pamper Yourself: 

Keep a gift for yourself wrapped beautifully and give it to yourself if you 

accomplish your resolution at the end of the year. 

Stop smoking 

Do not skip meals: 

Each puff of nicotine allowed you to skip meals without experiencing 

blood-sugar swing symptoms such as not being able to concentrate or 

hunger related anxieties. Don’t add needless symptoms to withdrawal 

but instead learn to spread your normal daily calorie intake out more 

evenly over the entire day. Don’t eat more food but less food more 

often. 

Believe in yourself - Build up a strong determination to quit 

smoking. Believe that you can quit. 

Ask yourself Why? - Write down your reasons for wanting to 

stop and keep the list with you for extra motivation. 

Search for alternatives - Have alternatives to smoking 

available, such as peppermints, carrot sticks, or cinnamon 

sticks. 

32 costalife

water and fibre to keep your digestion 

going. Also try to eat fruit every day for at 

least two weeks after you have stopped. 

Fit in Fitness 

Swimming, cycling, jogging, skiing, aerobic 

dancing, walking or any of dozens of other 

activities can help your heart. They all 

cause you to feel warm, perspire and 

breathe heavily without being out of breath 

and without feeling any burning sensation in 

your muscles. Whether it is a structured 

exercise program or just part of your daily 

routine, all exercise adds up to a healthier heart. 

Start Slow! Many beginners make the mistake of doing too 

much when they first start out. If you haven’t worked out in 

a while (or ever) start with a walking program of about 20 to 

30 minutes, 3 days a week. Each session, add a few minutes 

to your workout to progress each week. See your doctor 

before you start any exercise program. Get a full physical to 

make sure everything’s in working order. 

Write down your workouts every day, making notes about 

what you did, how you felt and how you improved 

since your last workout. 

Every day, ask yourself how you will 

make your life healthier. It can be as 

simple as drinking more water or 

parking further away from the front 

door. 

Smokers sometimes use their habit to give themselves little breaks 

during the day. Taking a break is good for you, so carry on taking that 

time off - but do something different. Walk round the block, have a cup 

of tea or drink of water. If possible drink a lot of fruit juice. When you stop 

smoking the body goes through a big change. The blood sugar levels tend 

to fall, the digestion is slowed down and your body starts to eject the tar 

and poisons that have accumulated. Fresh fruit juice contains fructose 

which restores your blood sugar levels, vitamin C 

which helps clear out impurities 

and high levels of 

Exercise doesn’t have to mean 

spending hours at the gym peddling 

away on a stationary bike. It doesn’t 

mean you have to spend money on 

exercise gadgets you will likely never 

use, either. Anything you do to get your 

body moving is going to be better than 

doing nothing. Walking is an easy 

exercise that you can do just about 

anywhere, in any climate, not to mention 

that it’s what your body was designed to do. 

Even though you might feel too tired to exercise, give it a 

try anyway. You might be surprised to find how energised 

you feel while you're at it and afterwards, when you're 

finished. Exercise is a great stress-reliever too. 

And remember... 

Not every New Year’s resolution was meant to be kept. 

Some are easier to keep than others. Sometimes it 

helps for a person to make a few fun resolutions you 

know are unrealistic and have no 

intentions of keeping. Since 

you’ll break those right 

away, you will then 

have more time 

and energy to 

focus on 

the real 

ones. This 

may or 

may not 

work for 

everyone, 

so give it a 

try.


Artificial Joints 

They Could Make All The Difference 

Forty years ago, when pioneer surgeons such as Mr. Charnley 

started to replace worn out hip joints with artificial ones made of 

metal with a poly-ethylene inlay, the world was amazed but also 

very sceptical about the possible long-term outcome. Four 

decades later orthopaedic surgeons do not just replace hip or knee joints, 

but also ankle, shoulder, elbow, finger and toe joints. And the ideas and 

techniques that Mr. Charnley initiated have been further developed so 

that nowadays the artificial joints have a fantastic outcome and a survival 

rate on average of 15 to 20 years. 

The problem occurred, however, when the person who needed the joint 

replacement was younger than your average patient and therefore is 

more likely to have to replace that joint replacement!! Especially for hips 

and knees, advancements in orthopaedics now mean there are other 

options available to almost everyone before actually facing a total joint 

replacement. The key is of course to see the doctor in the early stages of 

osteoarthritis. This is usually very difficult in an NHS-type situation, which 

is very slow in dealing with these sorts of problems because they are so 

common and the waiting lists are long enough as it is. But hopefully 

things will change so that younger people suffering from osteoarthritis 

can also enjoy an active and pain-free life. 

These advanced techniques have also given people a choice that never 

before existed. For example, the ankle joint replacement is becoming 

more common and avoids the need to fuse a worn out joint, which in the 

past was the only option available. A fused joint cannot move and 

therefore will not hurt anymore. But it also means that the mobility is 

decreased significantly and therefore the use of that joint in daily life. The 

ankle prosthesis replaces the worn out surfaces between the tibia (the 

shin bone) and the talus (the central bone inside the ankle). This enables 

that person to use the ankle normally, keeping a full range of movement 

and even making it possible to perform some sporting activities such as 

cycling, playing golf or even having an easy game of tennis. 

The development of the joint replacement is now so advanced that it is 

possible to replace the knuckle joints, the middle joints of the fingers as 

well as the base joint of the thumb. This is particularly important for 

people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, which is known to affect 

mainly the joints of the hand. This disease can severely damage these 

joints, leaving them almost useless and very painful, and often resulting 

in losing functional use of the hands. Once an artificial one has replaced 

the worn out joint, that person will be able to use the affected hand again. 

And advances in orthopaedics continue. The press is full of the new 

minimally invasive surgical techniques that use the same prosthesis but 

has changed the surgical approach used by the surgeon. The surgery 

decreases the amount of muscle and soft tissue damage during the 

surgery and by doing so means that people can get up and move almost 

immediately and hospital stay decreases to just a few days. Hip and knee 

replacements are at the forefront of these techniques but because it is a 

fairly new technique it is not yet widely 

available to the general public. 

As the general population in the western 

world is living longer our joints are paying the 

price. But as with any disease, and 

osteoarthritis is a disease, early treatment 

and care will be able to extend the use of 

your own joints before facing the need for a 

joint replacement. 

For any further questions regarding bursitis 

or any other bone, joint or soft tissue 

problem, please go to 

www.clinica-sandalf.com or ring 

952 57 77 66 

Mr Alf Neuhaus 

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Col. No: 9.220 

Sandra Vincenti 

UK Chartered Physiotherapist Col. No: 682 

Treatment of Arthritis & Rheumatism 

Joint Replacements - hip,knee,ankle,shoulder 

Hip Resurfacing 

Advanced Cartilage Repair 

Keyhole Surgery 

Hand and Foot Surgery 

Accidents & Fractures 

Bone density measuring available 

X-ray Facilities - Diagnostic Ultrasound 

Back and Neck Problems - sciatica,whiplash,etc. 

Rehabilitation - post op,post injury 

Emergency Accidents dealt with 

(ambulance service available 24hr per day) 

Travel insurance & International insurance claims welcome 

24HR EMERGENCY SERVICE - TEL:656 313 293 

Tel: 952 577 766 - E-mail: clinica.sandalf@terra.es 

www.clinica-sandalf.com 

C./ Pepa Guerra Valdenebros, 29631 Benalmadena behind Tivoli World Arroyo 

34 costalife


Common cold or Flu... 

Causes… 

Colds and flu are caused by viruses. The infections are contagious, 

passed on by tiny droplets and hand contact. 

Flu is caused by the influenza virus. There are three major types: A (often 

the cause of flu epidemics), B and C. The flu virus is constantly changing 

its structure, so new strains appear each year. We don’t have immunity to 

the new strains, which is why we can catch flu repeatedly. 

Treatment… 

Most colds don’t last long and need no specific treatment other than 

painkillers and simple measures such as decongestant rubs or 

vaporisers. Antibiotics are of no benefit. 

Zinc supplements may help to settle a 

cold faster. 

Flu Jab… 

Gives you good 

protection from flu 

and lasts for one year. 

The vaccine is 

normally available in the autumn and is made from the strain of flu that 

is expected in the coming winter. In order to remain protected, you need 

to ensure that you have a flu jab every year. 

Don’t let winter prevent 

healthy eating… 

For many people, those infamous winter pounds are back, invited 

by holiday food and not enough exercise. 

We are lucky to have the benefit of the winter sun, so take 

advantage of this and get out there and enjoy it… a brisk half hour 

walk along the pasao or in the Campo can burn up to 500 calories. 

This will help shed those extra calories you have consumed over 

the festive period. 

Health tip… 

Never take medications together with grapefruit 

juice without a doctor’s OK. Chemicals in grapefruit 

juice have an odd effect on medicines, possibly 

because they interfere with liver enzymes. This can 

cause either decreased or increased 

concentration of a drug in your bloodstream, 

making it less effective or increasing the risk of 

side effects. 

Ways to reduce Cancer risk… 

Don’t smoke (a no-brainer). 

Limit red meat, alcohol, fat, and salt. 

Eat fruit, veggies, and whole grains -- lots of them! 

Exercise regularly. 

Watch your weight. 

You still need to get your five servings a day of fruits and 

vegetables. Make an effort to include fruits and vegetables at every 

meal. Since your options are more limited during the winter 

months, now’s the time to get creative by trying new recipes as well 

as sampling produce you haven’t eaten before. 

Zinc… 

Is an essential mineral that is found in almost every cell. Zinc supports 

a healthy immune system, is needed for wound healing, helps maintain 

your sense of taste and smell, and is needed for DNA synthesis. Zinc 

also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, 

childhood, 

a n d 

adolescence. 

Zinc is found 

in a wide 

variety of 

foods. Oysters 

contain more 

zinc per 

serving than 

any other 

food, but red 

meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the diet. Other good 

food sources include beans, nuts, certain seafood, whole grains, 

fortified breakfast cereals, and dairy products. Zinc absorption is 

greater from a diet high in animal protein than a diet rich in plant 

proteins. Phytates, which are found in whole grain breads, cereals, 

legumes and other products, can decrease zinc absorption. 

36 costalife


costalife 37


Biostimulation 

brought to you by Dr. Potdevin, Cosmedica. 

It is increasingly common these days for people to take advantage of 

cosmetic medicine and surgery. 

There is a new approach in cosmetic medicine which is at the very 

leading edge of progress, something that we call biostimulation. 

This technique is a cosmetic procedure - it respects the curves and 

fullness of the anatomy within the limits of its possibilities - and above 

all, it is non-invasive. 

Just a few sessions of biostimulation can restore a fresh, youthful 

appearance. 

It is quite possible to make a face look younger without needing to make 

use of various serious surgical procedures under general anaesthetic - 

with all the drawbacks that that involves - coupled with major traumatic 

scarring, both psychological and aesthetic. 

What is involved in a session of biostimulation 

First of all, the doctor removes some fat-rich cells from the patient's 

buttocks. 

To do this, he applies a little local anaesthetic where the cells are to be 

drawn and uses a ‘mini incision’ to suck out enough mixed cells, 

corresponding to the subcutaneous tissues. 

This harvest will be directly injected under the skin of the face, without 

the addition of any chemical products whatsoever. 

This technique leaves no scars and at worst, a few small bruises at the 

injection sites. 

The pain is minimal and the benefit of this type of procedure is the low 

level of rejection, since it uses the patient's own body cells. This is also 

known as an ‘autologous graft’. 

This technique allows the doctor - who has a perfect understanding of 

the process of skin ageing and in addition approaches the work in an 

artistic way - to restore the curves and fullness to a face which is gaunt 

or careworn, or which has been marked by the passage of time. 

The doctor next draws two tubes of blood from the patient. These tubes 

are centrifuged to separate out the plasma, (which is rich in platelets 

and thus in growth factors), from the rest of the blood. This plasma will 

then be directly injected via micro-injections into the surface layers of 

the skin on the face. This is done in full compliance with all the rules on 

hygiene, asepsis and sterility and without any unnecessary manipulation 

or the addition of any foreign or synthetic products. 

This session of micro-injections is followed by the application of a cold 

mask (cryotherapy) to soothe the skin, which has been somewhat 

stressed during this session. 

The final stage in this completely full treatment is a session of 

‘electromagnetic vibrations’, which will regulate the exchanges between 

the newly injected cells and the host cells. This final treatment is entirely 

painless and actually even produces a relaxing effect on both the skin of 

the face and the general well-being of the patient! 

To round off this treatment, it is also possible to apply a little local 

anaesthetic and add some dissolvable suspension sutres. 

This technique is carried out in the operating theatre for sterility reasons. 

It causes little pain and delivers very good results in the days ahead and 

lasts a considerable length of time. These sutures are slipped in under 

the skin and by following the curves of the face, they give the effect of a 

facelift, but WITHOUT surgery. 

38 costalife

‘‘I can recommend Paula Monaghan whole-heartedly. 

She and her team have always been very responsive, 

reliable and best of all, the furniture she has selected for my 

apartment, is nice, fits the space properly, and helps 

make my apartment more rentable. 

I will continue to use Paula’s services as I add additional 

furnishings, to keep the ‘‘look’’ consistent, but more importantly 

because of the quality work she and her team have provided.’’ 

Kevin Platz 

Cologne, Germany

The Bedroom is a place of tranquillity, a hideaway 

from an outside world of stress and worries. It is 

somewhere to retreat when life gets a bit too 

much. 

A space to unwind and de-stress: where your body and 

mind heals itself whilst sleeping. A private room 

that’s all your own to gather your thoughts where 

you can relax and let your worries drift away. 

A bedroom is a little piece of heaven on 

earth. 

Give your bedroom a hint of heaven with 

these exciting and inspiring idea’s with 

the use of accessories. Enhance 

your bedroom scheme 

enlightening the tones and 

creating a harmonious 

balance.

When accessorising 

your bedroom, it 

must compliment 

your lifestyle, 

creating a tranquil 

space that reflects 

your personal life 

and moods. Choose glorious colours, 

fabulous fabrics and tantalizing textures 

to enhance the tones you have used in 

your chosen furniture and wall treatment 

creating a visual equilibrium. Decide on 

what compliments your scheme 

complimenting and achieving balance. You may want to create a mood 

board so that you can envision what your room will eventually look like 

and keep you on the path of the theme/style you want to achieve. 

Blend your accessories with the natural harmony of the room taking into 

account the natural light flow. 

>> Let there be Light 

Use the natural light to your 

advantage in the bedroom, 

which enlightens oneself 

to awaken to. If you don’t 

mind a bright room whilst 

sleeping, voiles are a fabulous 

material to use. They are light, airy 

available in all colours and lengths 

and fall beautifully to the floor creating a 

feminine aura. 

>> Let There Be Colour 

To create a beautiful bedroom, you need a combination of elements. 

Simply choose a colour, scheme, pattern and texture. Make a mood 

board this will give you a general idea of what your bedroom will look like 

and what you want to achieve. You can be as creative as you wish but be 

careful not to go over the top, there is a fine line between design and 

disaster – take note, less is always more. Carefully plan your colour 

schemes, shades you feel comfortable with and reflect your relaxed 

character; remember you will sleep in this room. 

have too much decoration 

or ornate finishes as this 

can look heavy and dated. 

>> Dreams Begin 

Bedrooms are not just a 

matter of wardrobes, 

choosing from ultra 

modern to traditional chic, 

flexible bedroom designs 

allow you to choose how it 

looks. Bedroom design is 

fun, creative, stylish and 

can push the boundaries 

whilst maintaining 

practicality and purpose. 

Bedrooms are designed 

for individuality reflecting 

your personality, style, creating your own space, comfort and sanctuary 

away from everyday life. 

>> The Scent of Spain 

Last but not least, add orange blossom scent or jasmine to float around 

the room in those summer evening breezes. These are the two most 

aromatic descriptions of Spain. Now 

you will be looking forward to going to 

bed in a beautiful designed bedroom 

with yourself to take the credits. 

>> Fine Flooring 

When it comes to flooring living in Spain gives you 

two choices, cool stone and marble floors keeping 

your home cool during those hot summer months 

or spruce it up to modern mode with a wooden 

floor which keeps cool during the summer and 

adds a little warm comfort during the chilly days of 

winter. Both types of flooring are easily 

maintainable and are not expensive especially 

marble as it’s so widely used and accessible in 

Spain. Whatever you choose keep within your 

scheme and keep it light in colour. 

>> Bedroom Bliss 

The next stage of designing your bedroom is of 

course the storage space or wardrobe fittings. 

This is a major part of bedroom design as this is 

the most dominant feature or can be the largest 

piece in the room, so choose it carefully. My 

advice to you is to choose a light or warm wood or 

material as this enhances and creates the optical 

illusion of space even in the smallest of 

bedrooms. Remember your mood board; will the 

style compliment your room scheme? If you’re a 

modern loving person choose a simple style with 

sleek lines and a contemporary finish. On the 

other hand if you’re a traditional person there are 

many beautiful styles with even aged/worn looks 

(slight Victorian appearance) but be careful not to

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Coffee stains on the Rug… 

Once you make that spill, the first thing to do is not to panic, accidents 

happen after all. Get a wet cloth and immediately start blotting the stain. 

It’s important for you blot right away so the stain doesn’t have time to set 

in. It’s also important to blot instead of rub. 

If blotting with plain water doesn’t work, there are several other steps you 

can take to remove the stain from your carpet. Try pouring baking soda or 

salt (a coarse salt works best, but table salt will do) on the stain until the 

entire area is covered. Leave it on the stain for at least a half-hour and 

then remove with a cloth or vacuum. 

If you don’t have one of these items 

handy, vinegar is also a worthy 

stain fighter. If the stain isn’t too 

bad, dilute one part of vinegar to two 

parts of water, pour on the stain and blot 

until the stain is lifted. If it’s a big, deep 

stain, pour the vinegar directly from the 

bottle, saturating the coffee spot. Dab until the 

stain disappears. Once the stain is removed, blot 

again with a clean, damp cloth to rinse and get 

some of the vinegar smell out of the rug. 

A mild dish detergent is also wonderful for stain removal. Be sure to use 

a product that doesn’t contain any alkalis or bleaches. Mix a couple of 

teaspoons of dishwashing liquid with a cup of water and blot using a 

sponge or a cloth. Once the stain is removed, rinse by blotting with a 

clean, damp sponge. 

Tips for cleaning the Microwave… 

If there is baked-on food spills that 

have hardened, resistant crumbs, 

long-dried splashes, or other 

stubborn residue, place a cup of 

water in the microwave and heat for 

two minutes. As it becomes hot, the 

resulting steam will loosen cookedon 

debris, making it easy to wipe 

away. Then remove the hot cup of 

water and empty it carefully in the 

sink, avoiding getting burned or 

scalded. Use the wet cloth to 

remove the loosened stains and 

wipe the surfaces. 

Do not use perfumes, oils, or other 

additives to cleaning products, as 

they might have a negative impact on the microwave’s interior 

Remove water marks from wood 

furniture… 

Toothpaste is supposed to work wonders on waterstain 

removal. Apply a small amount of toothpaste - 

the non-gel kind, to a damp, clean cloth and gently 

rub into the water stain. Wipe toothpaste off with a 

clean, dry cloth and polish as you normally would. 

You can also try a paste of baking soda and water. 

Gently rub paste into the stain and leave on for a halfhour 

or so. Remove the paste with a clean dry cloth and polish with your 

choice of furniture polish. 

Another home remedy to try is a paste of salt and cooking oil. Rub this 

paste into the stain and wait about fifteen or twenty minutes. After that 

amount of time, wipe off the paste with a clean, dry cloth and polish as 

usual. 

Remove rust and scum… 

If you’re looking for an inexpensive or more environmentally safe way to 

get rid of rust and scum, there are several household products you may 

already have handy at home that you can try. 

Lemon juice can be affective on rust because of the acid in it. To use, 

apply the juice of the lemon to a scrubbing pad sponge and rub vigorously 

into the affected area. Repeat if necessary and rinse thoroughly with 

water. 

White Vinegar is 

another common 

household alternative 

for rust that can be 

applied in the same 

manner as the lemon 

juice with similar 

results. 

To break up stubborn 

soap scum from your 

shower fixtures, apply 

a non-sticking cooking 

spray to a cloth and 

wipe the troublesome 

area clean. Another 

way to eliminate scum 

is by filling a zip lock 

bag with vinegar, 

wrapping it around the 

showerhead fixture 

with a rubber band 

and leaving it 

overnight. 

Baking soda formed 

into a paste with water can remove any stubborn scum and freshen your 

shower as well. Rub the mixture into the showerhead fixture with a 

sponge and rinse well with water. 

Dishwasher detergent in both powder and liquid form is also said to clean 

scum from stainless steel fixtures. You can apply the detergent with a 

cloth or sponge then scrub the fixture and rinse 

thoroughly with water. 

Fabric softener believe it or not is another option 

you can try that is also said to keep scum from 

forming in the future. Simply apply the fabric 

softener with a cloth and rub into the fixture until 

clean. You can also eliminate future scum buildup 

by wiping down your showerhead fixture after every 

use. 

50 costalife

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costalife 51

costaHOMES 

Written by 

Simon Hill 

A 

s we leave Christmas behind for another year, many of us 

find ourselves contemplating pots of Poinsettias, bought 

as gifts or for decoration. These often have yellowing 

leaves or have lost them altogether. Do we throw them in 

the bin or try to save them for another year? How should 

they be treated and will they survive? I remember my Grandmother, year 

after year, trying to save her plants. After following advice from books, 

this always seemed to be a struggle. 

The Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) has become one of the global 

symbols of Christmas and a vast commercial interest that occupies 

millions of square metres of glasshouse. The plants we buy at the florist 

or garden centre bear little similarity to the original plants found living 

along the Mexican pacific coastline, still to be seen today. As with many 

plants, horticulturalists have pioneered the breeding and growing of 

smaller, bushier and more ornamental varieties. There are various 

scientific techniques for dwarfing the plant and encouraging it to flower 

on much shorter stems than in the wild, resulting in an unnatural but 

showy plant. It is this form of Poinsettia that we buy at Christmas. 

Euphorbia characias 

Thanks to the enthusiasm of Spanish 

gardeners, specimens of Poinsettia 

that resemble the native species in 

Euphorbia myrsinites 

- Foliage 

the wild bring seasonal cheer to some Andalucian gardens. Because the 

favourable Mediterranean climate allows us to grow Poinsettias outside, 

those grown successfully can reach up to three metres in height with a 

similar spread. 

Plants we buy and receive at Christmas may be encouraged to survive 

by following simple steps. Firstly, do not keep your plant in a saucer of 

water, only water from above. Poinsettias prefer damp soil not 

waterlogged roots! Secondly, prune each stem back to two buds and 

keep in a cool, light place watering sparingly. In spring re-pot in fresh 

compost and move the plant outside to a warm spot. As it gets bigger 

you will need progressively bigger pots. When in active growth you may 

choose to plant it in the ground in a sheltered spot. 

Whether your plant will flower depends on the length of the days. Day 

length is a factor determining the flowering time of many plants. 

Euphorbia pulcherrima

Euphorbia marginata - 

Snow in Summer 

Poinsettias need short days to induce flowering, and your plants should 

reliably flower in the following December. Remember that electric lights, 

such as those on the terrace, can, by artificially extending day length, 

prevent successful blooming. 

If you are successful in keeping a Poinsettia alive and thriving, then all 

you need is an annual hard prune and a summer thinning and 

shortening of branches to prevent it getting leggy. Some say that a light, 

acid soil is best, but I see no evidence of this when I see examples 

growing in alkaline clay near to where I live. 

Few Euphorbias are grown primarily for their flowers, which are on the 

whole insignificant. What we see in Poinsettias and other species are 

brightly coloured floral bracts that surround the flower. Among other 

species valued for this show of ‘flowers’ is the Crown of Thorns 

(Euphorbia milii). Originally found in Madagascar, this perennial, 

succulent Euphorbia has long been cherished among gardeners and 

collectors. As the English name suggests, the stems of the plant are said 

to resemble the thorns of Christ’s crown at the crucifixion. A similar 

name is given in Spanish and no doubt in many other languages around 

the world. Stems will grow to more than a metre, though often less. Many 

favour this thorny succulent because it thrives in pots or the ground in a 

sunny position. Another advantage is that its clustered red flowers are 

borne almost perpetually. Many other colours are now available as a 

result of hybridisation and plant breeding. 

Euphorbias are found all around the world and there are many fine 

species originating nearer to home. Of the group commonly called 

spurges, E. characias is found growing wild around our region and other 

parts of the western Mediterranean. Widely grown by gardeners in 

northern Europe, this spurge is valued for its ornamental glaucous, leafy 

stems that terminate in clusters of lime - green bracts each surrounding 

a brown flower. 

E. characias sub.sp. wulfennii has lime green flowers. This plant is a 

fine addition to a garden border or dry garden, in full sun. Eventually of 

a shrubby habit, each plant should be cut back to the ground after 

flowering to maintain a bushy appearance. Locally, wild examples can be 

Euphorbia milii 

Euphorbia myrsinites - Flowers 

found on limestone outcrops in the Ronda area and elsewhere. Care 

should be taken when handling spurges, as an irritant, allergenic, milky 

sap is exuded when stems are damaged. 

E. rigida is another good Mediterranean species with similar, glaucous 

blue leaves, on sixty-centimetre stems. The floral bracts may turn orange 

with age. Place in a dry sheltered spot. E. myrsinites, again from the 

Mediterranean is popular with gardeners who love lime green. This 

Euphorbia grows into a neat forty-centimetre mound with terminal limegreen 

bracts. After flowering, cut back stems to ten centimetres from the 

ground. 

Snow on the Mountain (E. marginata), is an annual Euphorbia, often 

freely seeding itself on roadside verges and a fine sight when seen enmasse. 

Many of the plants seen in the garden centres and thought of as cacti in 

fact belong to other plant families. For example, we often see in gardens 

Euphorbia ingens, the Candelabra ‘Cactus’ from South Africa, and E. 

horrida, known as the African Milk Barrel. Both these plants appear to 

be cacti, largely due to their spiny and succulent appearance but their 

milky sap gives them away. The plant world can be very deceiving. 

I can’t leave the fascinating world of the Euphorbias without mentioning 

some of medicinal and economic importance. Very common in 

Andalucia, on roadsides and waste land, is the castor oil plant Ricinus. 

This large vigorous shrub or small tree with its palmate leaves and spiny 

fruits, bears large, bean-like seeds that are the source of an 

economically important oil (with purgative properties!) and of a powerful 

poison. Even more important on a world scale, is cassava, Manihot, 

(also called manioc or yuca) another shrubby euphorbia that produces 

large, starchy tubers and is an important food crop in the tropics. You 

can buy the tubers in many supermarkets and they make a fine addition 

to meat stews. Less popular might be the memory of cassava 

manifesting itself in tapioca pudding! 

Simon Hill can be contacted via E-mail: 

FINCAROSABLANCA@telefonica.net 

Euphorbia rigida

costaHOMES 

56 costalife

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costalife 57

costaPROPERTY 

Costa Business Advice … 

Brought to you by David Fairweather from Bars in Spain SL 

At the very ‘lease’.... check everything 

and then check and check again.... 

Most of us are familiar with buying a 

residential freehold property, 

however when it comes to 

commercial premises, the would 

be business owner will find him or 

herself having to negotiate the complex world of 

the lease! A good gestoria or lawyer is a 

necessity, however as the buyer you should also 

be aware of the pro’s and con’s of your lease 

before you sign on that dotted line. In other 

words, when it comes to leases … the more said 

the better! 

I am looking to buy a bar/restaurant and have 

been shown both leasehold and freehold 

properties…. Which would I be better off 

buying? 

Neither option is necessarily better, it simply 

comes down to what will suit both you and your 

pocket! There are two main differences 

between purchasing a lease and a freehold 

property… ownership and cost. Like most things 

in life you get what you pay for, so if you can 

afford the freehold… great, as you get to own 

the property with all the added benefits, if not 

go for the cheaper lease option with monthly 

rent! 

On average a bar that might cost you only 

€50,000 as a leasehold (plus rent) will cost you 

€150 -200,000 as a freehold (without rent) As 

business mortgages can be difficult to obtain, it 

is easy to see why leaseholds are a much more 

viable option for new and first time business 

owners. 

With a lease you pay one price for the lease and 

then monthly rent to the freeholder. Leases, 

known in Spain as Traspasos, usually run for 5 

- 10 years (although some can run for 20 years! 

) with the possibility of renewing once the term 

has ended. During the lease term the rent can 

only be increased by inflation from the Spanish 

government, however when it comes to renewal 

the freeholder can and usually will increase the 

rent! 

During the term of the lease, the leaseholder 

would be expected to run the business 

according to the terms in the lease. Therefore if 

the lease states the premises must be run as a 

fast food takeaway, you can’t turn the property 

into a restaurant. Similarly if you want to serve 

food in a bar you must check that your lease 

allows for catering on the premises. There are 

so many different types of lease and licensing 

arrangements that it can be a minefield without 

expert advice. You are allowed to alter the 

general fittings and furnishings but not to make 

structural or major changes to the premises. 

Finally the leaseholder would of course be 

responsible for all utility bills and charges. 

If you have the budget to stretch to a freehold 

property then the benefits are much greater. As 

the freeholder you can sell the lease yourself, 

receiving a premium up front and a monthly 

rent, or simply run your business with no 

monthly rent to pay. Don’t forget that new 

businesses tend to eat up spare cash, 

especially during the first few years, so even if 

you have the funds for a freehold you might find 

it more cost effective to buy a less expensive 

lease leaving you with more in your pocket for 

your business or for ‘a rainy day’. On the other 

hand however with a freehold you always have 

control over the property and your money is 

invested, so even if your business does not 

work out quite the way you planned, you still 

have a fixed asset to sell in the property itself. 

For those without the finances to purchase 

either a freehold or leasehold, another option 

would be to rent. It is unusual for bar owners to 

rent their businesses as opposed to selling the 

lease, however many of the Spanish shop ( 

local ) owners will rent out their properties, 

meaning you could start a business with only a 

deposit and one months rent in advance. 

However most of these rental options are for 

new or empty locals so you may have to invest 

in the fixtures and fittings, decoration and all 

the legal and licensing issues relevant to your 

business. Renting might get you off the ground 

with minimal outlay but your long term 

prospects could be limited as you would have 

little control over your premises, just as if you 

were living in a rented apartment. So, after all 

that work your rental agreement could be 

terminated, leaving you without a business and 

out of pocket! 

Friends of ours recently tried to sell their 

leasehold bar but were told the terms stated 

they were not allowed to sell. Can something 

like this really happen and if so how can you 

protect yourself? 

There are many lease ‘horror stories’ but the 

good news is most are exaggerated and with 

the help of a good agent or gestoria, resolvable. 

The key to avoiding problems when it comes to 

selling is to check everything before buying! 

We strongly advise anyone buying a leasehold 

to ensure that a reputable lawyer or gestoria 

examine the terms of the lease and that these 

terms are then translated. Don’t assume all 

leases are the same and do not sign anything 

until you are absolutely clear about the terms 

and how they will affect you in the long term. 

For example, you must find out what will 

happen when the lease is due for renewal. You 

should be entitled to renew your lease for a 

lengthy period without problems, however some 

contracts may state that freeholders can take 

back the lease without having to renew or can 

only renew on an annual basis. The contract 

may also state that the lease can not be sold on 

to a third party. We have also known cases of 

rogue agents selling a property as a lease when 

in fact it is only a rental agreement, and in one 

instance this was with the advice of a corrupt 

gestoria working with the agent! 

Clauses such as these should be picked up and 

explained to you by your gestoria and ironed out 

BEFORE signing so all parties are happy. If you 

were given poor advice when buying, there are 

still ways a good gestoria can help you solve 

your problem. If your friends for example have 

found a keen buyer, it is likely that the 

freeholder will provide a new lease for them, 

but this may result in a rent increase and your 

friends may have to negotiate the terms with 

the freeholder via their agent or gestoria. 

Make sure you understand all the wording in 

your lease and don’t be afraid to ask obvious 

questions even if you feel silly going over and 

over the same points. For example don’t 

assume that just because you are buying a 

property termed as a ‘café bar’ the property can 

actually be used as a café bar! It could be that 

you run your café bar for years, only to find 

when you come to sell that all along the 

property was licensed for ‘drinks only’! So, not 

only would you have been breaking the terms of 

your lease, but your ‘café bar’ is now much 

more difficult to sell. Once again a reputable 

gestoria should spot these problems before 

signing, and if you are still in doubt ask for a 

complete official translation of your lease. 

All this sounds rather scary but remember 

lease horror stories tend to be the exception 

rather than the rule and in most cases leases 

are fair and equitable. Simply follow the correct 

channels, don’t cut corners and always check 

the small print! For example, most buyers forget 

to ask about the freeholder’s commission, 

which will be charged when selling the lease 

on. This could be anything from 0 to 20%, so it 

is important that you are aware of this prior to 

signing and the exact percentage is written into 

your lease. Some people buy a bar with a view 

to selling it on quickly, not realizing that this 

‘kick back’ exists and the bar or business that 

they bought wasn’t such a good investment 

after all! 

So in terms of leases, don’t be put off by 

complex and frightening looking documents. 

Ensure that you obtain professional advice and 

cover every angle and you’ll have nothing to 

worry about! 

Bars in Spain SL is a Franchised Real Estate 

Network throughout Spain offering business 

advice & information for anyone considering 

starting or purchasing a bar, business or 

franchise in Spain. To find out more call 952 

499 400 or visit www.barsinspain.com 

58 costalife

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REDUCED TO 

50,000€ € 

Ref: 251 - Calahonda - Penthouse Duplex - 295,000€ 

3 bed, 2 bath, 200m² build, 80m² terrace. 

Breathtaking views, 2 communal pools, A/C, fireplace, marble floors, various terraces, sunny all day long… 

This is a very good price, a must see. 

Penthouse Duplex 295,000€ € 

Ref: 313 Las Lagunas - Apartment - 148,600€ 

1 bed, 44m² build 

Close to everything, close to McDonald’s, fitted kitchen, brand 

new ready to go in. 

SUPER 

OFERTA 

Ref 328 Riviera del Sol Apt. - 168,500€ 

2 bed, 90m² constr., 20m² terrace + large private garden/patio 

Communal pool and garden, views, needs a little personal 

touch. 

Ref: 291 - Mijas Costa - Atico - 290,000€ 

3 bed, 2 bath, 147m² build, 45m² terrace, 

Communal pool and gardens, tennis, close to beach, ideal for 

holiday renting. Nice views. 

Ref: 311 Fuengirola Apartment - 178,000€ 

2 bed, 90m² build, 10m² terrace 

Close to all shops and transport, garage, lift, 3 years old. 

T&C * This offer only applies to direct clients, without intermediates.

costaPROPERTY 

Finca Tropical 

Coin 

Euros 700,000 

Contact: fincatropical@hotmail.co.uk 

Finca Tropical is a lovely, traditional 

style finca with 4 bedrooms and 

private pool together with its own 

secluded two bedroom guest villa, 

Villa Maria, (also with its own pool). 

Both houses enjoy a wonderfully 

peaceful semi rural location set 

amidst their own avocado grove on 

the outskirts of the typical 

Andalucian ‘white’ town of Coin occupying a total 

plot of 7055sq.metres. Malaga airport is just 30 

minutes drive and the coastal resorts of Marbella 

and Puerto Banus just 25 minutes away. 

The main house has 3 double bedrooms plus 

a 4th double size bedroom with ensuite 

shower in a separate annex adjacent to the 

house. 1 bathroom plus a shower room, 

large sitting room with log fire and dining 

area leading to sun room. Well equipped 

family size kitchen. Internet access, satellite 

TV. Private, well maintained gardens with a wealth of fruit trees plus 

magnificent views across open countryside from both houses. Large 

6.5m x 4m heated swimming pool with 

Finca Tropical above Villa Maria 

non-slip pool surround and pool side 

shower. Double garage, ample parking 

space, large outside storage building. 

Gated driveway, outside kitchen and bbq 

area plus ball games area. Total floor 

area approximately 150 sq.m. 

Authentic, Old Farmhouse 

(Álora) 

Built: 135 m² 

Land: 20.000 m² 

3 bedrooms · 1 bathroom 

Restored with great care 

Pool · Own well · Nice views 

Ample kitchen + living room 

Storage room with 30 sqm 

Priced to sell · 275.000€ € 

Delightful Country Villa 

(Casarabonela) 

Built: 360 m² 

Land: 130.000 m² 

6 beds · 4 baths · Built 2004 

to high standard · Pool 10x5 

Central heating · Best views 

Reservoir with 500.000 l 

Special Prop. w."wow" factor 

1.090.000 € € 

Cosy Country Cottage 

(Álora) 

Built: 80 m² 

Land: 307 m² 

Semi-detached, located 1 km 

from main road & surrounded by 

fruit trees · 2 beds · ff/kitchen · 

Landline telephone · Aircon. · 

Views · Car port · Vegetable 

garden at rear. 

148.000 € € 

Charming, rustic Townhouse 

(Casarabonela) Built: 130 m² 

Land: 150 m² 

3 beds · 2 baths · Renovated 

2004 · Semi-detached · Patio 

w. stone house · Nice, uninterrupted 

views even from 

ground floor+patio · Excellent 

value for money…. 

108.000 €€ 

Villa Maria nestles against the hillside just 

100 metres from the main house separated 

by a thick band of avocado trees. Beautiful 

5m x 8m private pool and sun terrace. Lovely 

shaded dining area on pool terrace plus roof 

terrace with magnificent views. Two double 

size bedrooms, good size kitchen, 

living/dining area. Ample parking 

space and own gated drive. Total floor 

area 56 sq.m. 

Finca Tropical represents an ideal 

investment opportunity either through 

holiday rentals or for someone looking 

for a ‘‘place in the sun’’ where guests 

can be accommodated in their own 

separate guest villa. 

The avocado grove yields good crops which 

can generate an annual income of several 

thousand euros. 

For further details please contact; 

Dr Simon Petrides at fincatropical@hotmail.co.uk 

60 costalife

PROPERTY OF THE MONTH 

MACP 442 595,000 € € 

Malaga / Pizarra 

A superb country property on a private plot with the best 

view you could wish for. This traditional designed 

Spanish property is very spacious with bundles of 

character and many special features. 

A delightful garden to be enjoyed with a lovely private 

casita for guests or letting, the pool area is gorgeous 

with a Jacuzzi looking over the beautiful county side. 

Built Area: 225m 2 

Storeys: 2 

Bedrooms: 4, 2 en-suite 

Bathrooms: 2 en-suite and 1 family bathroom 

Living Room: yes 2, with fire 

Kitchen: Yes, fully fitted to high standard 

Outhouses: Detached casita 14m 2 

Garage: Detached covered 

carport 

Pool: yes plus a Jacuzzi 

Land Area: 18,500m 2 

Telephone line: Yes, plus 

Internet 

Track: Good 

A charismatic property with 

much potential. 

REDUCED 675,000 € 

REDUCED 335,000 € 

MACP-438 SOLE AGENT 699,000 € € 

Alhaurin De La Torre NEW onto the market. 

BUILD: 240M2, PLOT 3,800M2, BEDS 3, COULD BE MORE, BATHS, 

3 EN SUITE & SHOWERS, PLUS CLOAKROOM. 

An incredible 5 year old luxury villa, built to very high standards in a sought 

after village of La Alqueria . Situated in the centre of its lovely plot, with 

good privacy and pleasant views of the pretty countryside and mountains. 

Every room in the house is totally flawless, with an impressive hall and bar 

area, a kitchen that is a cooks delight, spacious lounge, cosy dining room 

and airy study. All the bedrooms are full-size, the third bedroom also has a 

big lounge area, that could be possible another two extra bedrooms. The 

under build garage is absolutely enormous (150m2); again this could quite 

easily be more accommodation, gym or games room. 

MACP-390 SOLE AGENCY 749,000€ € 

Alhaurin El Grande 

Build 242, Plot 1,925 Beds 5/6, Baths 4 

Rarely is a property of this quality and location on the market. Very 

good sized country house in superb location backing straight on the 

Sierra de Mijas forest area. Perfect for dog walks etc onto mountains. 

This property has very good sized rooms and 4 bedrooms in main 

part. Across the courtyard is a completely self contained bedroom 

with en suite facilities; attached to this is bedroom 6 currently used as 

study but easily adaptable to form a sitting room and creating a self 

contained guest apartment. Beautiful gardens, wonderful pool/bar 

area in a quiet and lovely location with superb views. 


Alhaurin el Grande 

Build 120, possible to build up another level, Plot 

2,500m2, Beds 3, Baths, 2 

A wonderful country house very close to the town with 

fantastic access. This property is in a very peaceful location 

with absolutely lovely views. There is the added bonus of 

doubling the size of this property by building up another 

level making the property 240m2. The garden is very long 

and pretty with a nice terrace area. 

A great property in a fantastic sought after location.

REDUCED 725,000 € 

REDUCED 368,000 € 

REDUCED 435,000 € 

MACP-385 725,000€€ 

Superbly finished country property that has recently been 

totally reformed. All rooms completely redecorated, tiled etc 

to a very high standard. This a 4 bedroom property with 

very unique features. Each bedroom if you so wished could 

be separate from the main part of house or all used as very 

spacious family home. This is no square box - it is a 

property with masses of character with lots of unexpected 

nooks and crannies. Pool, terraces, bank valuation higher 

than selling price. 

MACP 412 375,000 €€ 

Coin 

Build 143 sq m Plot 600 sq m 3 bedroom 3 bath 

Detached single storey Villa . Large Lounge with cathedral 

ceiling and chimney. Court yard patio to rear. Large covered 

porch to the front. Good size Kitchen. Off road parking. Preinstalled 

electrics for air-conditioning. Double-glazed 

windows and doors with persianas. Fully walled & fenced 

plot. Stunning views towards Coin & the mountains. 

MACP-416 495,000€ € 


Build: 195m2, Plot: 3000m2, Beds: 5, Baths: 3 

A fine country property. If you enjoy the beautiful peace and 

quite of the Spanish countryside then STOP LOOKING this 

has just that. A large property on one level with a huge 

entertaining kitchen which leads out onto the terrace that 

over looks the swimming pool. What make this property 

special is its privacy, lovely views and gorgeous out side 

space. There are good size outbuildings which can be 

converted into guest accommodation. 

A superb property. 

REDUCED 199,000 € 

REDUCED 45,000 € 

REDUCED 399,000 € 

MATH-404 209,000 € € 


Build 180 sq m Beds 5 Baths 2 

Spacious 5 bed roomed townhouse situated in a fantastic 

location within walking distance to the town centre. Great 

investment opportunity for anybody wanting to improve on 

this existing property which is in good condition but with 

some slight improvements has the potential to be a stunning 

townhouse. 

MAAP-402 65,000 € € 


Build 50 sq m 1 bed studio apartment 

New Luxury studio or office for sale located in the best part 

of Alhaurin town next to all amenities. The studios have all 

been finished to a very high standard, with marble floors, 

solid oak doors, beautiful tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms. 

Some have small charming court yards with water features. 

MACP-400 425,000€€ 


Build 135m2, Plot 2,750m2, Bed 3/4 or study, Baths 3 

A lovely modern country property, only 5 minutes from Lauro 

golf and 5 minutes drives to Alhaurin el Grande town. This 

house is very spacious, with a great out side private pool that 

looks over the garden with mature trees and pleasant views. 

The villa is fully fenced, electric gates and in a peaceful 

location. Great value for money. 

REDUCED 285,000 € 

REDUCED 960,000 € 

REDUCED 635,000 € 

MACP-333 299,000€ € 

Coin 

Finca, Good Position, Fitted Kitchen, Carport, Garden: 

Private, Facing south views of Mountains, Air conditioning 

Hot/Cold, Built to High Standards, Charming Property, Close 

to all Amenities, Condition - Good, Fireplace, Fitted Kitchen, 

Fitted Wardrobes, Good Rental Potential, Independent 

Studio, Living room with fireplace, Quality Residence, Sought 

After Area. 

MACP-331 1,195,000€ € 


A superb property in a tranquil location, yet only a short 

distance from Alhaurin and only 15 minutes from Malaga 

airport. The property is set in 12000 sq metre gardens and 

fruit orchards, large enough to ensure privacy but not so 

much that all your time will be spent in upkeep! This is the 

ideal country residence, a beautiful main house but with a 

guest cottage as well. 

MACP-424 640,000 €€ 

Guaro 

Build 180 sq m Plot 12,000 sq m Beds 3 plus I guest accommodation 

Fantastic country villa with feature split level open plan living room and 

separate dining room. 3 bedrooms (one currently used as a study) 

with a superb self contained one bedroom guest cottage in separate 

building. There is full central heating plus air con. This villa is located in 

one of best parts of Guaro, in the country yet near enough to the town 

to enjoy its typically Spanish atmosphere. Guaro's "Luna Mora" 

celebrations in September are world renowned and form a major 

attraction in the area. The villa has an excellent south facing pool 

covered BBQ area and benefits from fabulous views across the 

surrounding area from its dominant hilltop position.

REDUCED 590,000 € 

REDUCED 475,000 € 

REDUCED 450,000 € 

MARP-371 595,000€€ 

Alhaurin El Grande - Rural 

Beautiful 4/5 bed plus 2 bathrooms, lounge, dining room 

220 Sq m build on 6000 sq m plot. Ideal situation in highly 

sought after part of Alhaurin El Grande. Good access, 20 

min walk to town. Ideal property placement high up enough 

to enjoy summer breezes whilst not so high that it will suffer 

from cold in winter. Well laid gardens and superb kidney 

shaped pool. Finally absolutely superb views. Priced 

realistically to sell, a must to add to your viewing list. 

MACP-388 530,000€ € 

Coin 

Beautiful country Finca on the outskirts of Coin. 200 sq m 3 

bedroom, 2 bathroom, lounge, 2 conservatories, indoor 

patio, open reception area (can easily be converted to 4th 

bedroom). All doors and windows double glazed and with 

mosquito screens. Extensive outbuildings of 90 sq m approx, 

including large garage, storerooms and workshops. A 

feature of this property is its well tended tranquil gardens 

with views across the valley to Coin. 

MACP-261 

Build: 146M2, Plot: 600m 2 , Beds: 3, Bths: 2/Half 

A great opportunity to purchase this beautiful villa in a great 

location. It has a very light and airy feel to the property with 

an open ST floor hallway over looking the main entrance 

and an open wood burning fire place. Situated on the very 

popular urbanization, it is ideally located for Malaga airport 

and Marbella only 30mins away. 

A great buy. 

REDUCED 1,399,999 € 

REDUCED 449,000 € 

REDUCED 495,000 € 

MACP-360 995,000 € € 

Voltocado 

Build: 438m 2 Plot: 4,500m 2 Beds: 6 Bths: 6 

A Rustic style dwelling, but with all up to date facilities; built 

in the year 2000 (completed 2001) using the finest materials 

and quality craftsmanship. 

There are two (heated) swimming pools (joined by a water 

cascade), one of which is truly an infinity pool; they can be 

used separately or together. Extensive terraces and decking 

together with a complete outside summer kitchen and 

barbeque area, guest accommodation and a gym. 

MACP-282 995,000€€ 

Alhaurin de la Torre 

Build: 170m 2 / 14 X 3 Guest Accom, Plot: 1,269m 2 , Beds: 

4/5, Bath 2/Half 

An absolutely exquisite villa on a popular urbanization. This 

beautiful villa is fully fenced with a nice drive and electric gates. 

The property comes with heating, air-conditioning double glazing 

and is gorgeously decorated throughout .The property is spilt into 

two levels with both having 2 bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms, 

and could be converted into a large family home This property also 

benefits from a large double garage and workshop and a 

wonderful pool and B-B-Q area with an easily maintainable garden. 



Build: 180m 2 , Plus Guest Accom, Beds: 4, Baths: 3 

This lovely villa is situated in a sought after area. Attractive 

mature garden with lovely trees, fantastic pool area and 

outbuildings which can easily be converted into extra 

accommodation. The town is of Alhaurin is within walking 

distance and there is also a local bus which will also drive 

straight into the town centre. This is an enchanting villa really 

must be seen, new on the market and a great buy. 

REDUCED 651,000 € 

REDUCED 210,000 € 

REDUCED 499,000 € 

MACP - 160 990,000 € € 


Build: 179M2, Plot: 1,700m 2 , Beds: 6, Baths: 3 

A beautiful country villa in a superb location, excellent condition, a 

fully self contained guest apartment that currently produces a 

proven income. Within 500 m walk of the beautiful forested Sierra 

de Mijas. All extremely well looked after and well decorated. 

Guest/Rental apartment:-145 sq m built area. Completely self 

contained. Currently used as holiday rental with proven income. 

Large lounge/dining room, 3 large bedrooms, bathroom, fully fitted 

kitchen, steps to terrace overlooking pool and 10 x 5 pool, 2 car 

size car port, extensive other parking, fully alarmed, electric gates. 

MAAP-393 551,000€€ 


Build: 110m 2 , Beds: 2/ Sleeps 5, Baths: 2 

A Luxury fully air-con/heating, two bedroom front-line golf 

apartment situated within the prestigious Alhaurin Golf 

Complex. There is a great club house to enjoy, which offers 

all day dining and a comfortable lounge & bar. 

The apartment also has an entry phone, remote control for 

gates and garage, alarms and a lift. 

Alhaurin Golf complex is situated in the hills of the Mijas 

Mountains and surrounded by pine forests and countryside. 

MACP-214 950,000€ € 


Build: 166m 2 , Plot: 4,750m 2 Beds: 4, Baths: 2/Half 

A stunning villa, with permission to build another villa on the 

same plot of similar size. This lovely one level villa is totally 

beautiful though out. Every room is a dream to walk into; the 

vendors have finished this house with such elegance and 

style. The pool area is to the side of the property and offers 

spectacular views over the country side and mountains. 

There is also a pleasant seating area situated away from the 

house which is very private and tranquil. Air-condition and 

heating throughout. 

REDUCED 2,550,000 € 

REDUCED 649,000 € 

REDUCED 130,500 € 

MACP-209 525,000 € € 

Build: 700m 2 , Plot: 62,000m 2 , Beds: 5, Baths: 5 En-Suite. 

Two hundred years ago a farmhouse converted into a 

beautiful and secluded villa, on the boarders of Alhaurin and 

Mijas. 

All 5 bedrooms are en-suite with whirlpool baths or 

hydro/massage showers. Three of the bedrooms have walk 

in wardrobes and wrap around balconies. 

There are many reception rooms a tower room with 

panoramic views; many cloak rooms, luxury kitchen with a 

joining laundry room, and huge grand dining room with a 

charming open fireplace. Many other amazing features. 

MACP-381 249,500€€ 

Coin 

Build: 300m 2 , Plot: 12,000m 2 , Beds: 2 Baths: 3 

Magnificent country villa with many Andalucian features 

including Romano brick arches and wooden beams in most 

rooms. In construction, but near completion, it is a short drive 

from Coin, with 360-degree mountain views. The house 

300sq.m built offers 4 bedrooms 3 bathrooms and a 

cloakroom. It has pre installed, pipe work for central heating 

with radiators and air-conditioning in the bedrooms. 

MAPB-250 360,000€€ 

Coin 

Plot in Coin. 10,000m2 with Permission to build a 2 bedroom 

almacen house of 65 m2 with an 8x4 pool. Fully approved 

plans and project, and ready for immediate construction. The 

land is very gently rolling fertile farmland, suitable for horses, 

with access for a normal car (no river beds or mountains to 

negotiate!)It is situated in a very peaceful and unspoilt area, 

approx 15 mins from the town. The plot is fully legal, and the 

escitura plans and permissions are available to prospective 

purchasers. Electricity has been applied for, and the land has 

been successfully Surveyed for water.

NEW 

NEW 

NEW 

MACP-439 SOLE AGENT 875,000 € € 


BUILD: 225, PLOT 18,200M2, BEDS 3 COULD BE MORE, 

BATHS: 2/HALF PLUS OUTSIDE TOILET AND SHOWER 

A magnificent villa on a lovely private plot with the best view you 

could wish for. The villa is very spacious with bundles of 

character and many special features. A charming court yard that 

can be enjoyed or easily covered over making more living 

space, an out side exclusive Jacuzzi, a great pool area and rap 

around covered terraces. The garden is totally landscaped and 

surrounds the property perfectly. If you take pleasure in privacy, 

spectacular views and tranquilly then this property is for you. 

MACP-435 SOLE AGENT 349,000€ € 


131 sq m build plus 62 sq m outbuildings 2/3 bedroom 

A fully fenced plot with a great a garden full of flowers. The 

main house at present has two bedrooms but was once a 

three bed and can easily be turned back. There is the 

option of converting the outbuilding into more 

accommodation or left as it is now a big work room. 

MACP-410 Sought after area 560,000 € € 


BUILD: 216M2, PLOT: 10,000M2, BEDS: 3, BATHS, 2. 

If its amazing views and privacy that sells a property to you then this 

one is just right for you. With no other property over looking, you can 

enjoy this delightful villa and all it has to offer with pleasure. The villa 

itself is lovely throughout and finished to a high standard with marble 

floors, neutral decor throughout and pre-installed for hot and cold air 

conditioning. There is the possibility to extend this property by another 

30m2 of living space and a huge area to the rear for a garage and 

another area of 2000m2 of flat land for a casita/workshop or for 

horses. You will find it very difficult to beat the views from this property. 

REDUCED 895,000 € 

NEW 

NEW 

MACP-432 995,000 € € 


327 sq m build 3 bedroom. 

New onto the market. 

The villa is an elevated position, which is perfect for the fantastic 

panoramic views of the countryside and mountains. The garden is 

truly magnificent, totally landscaped, with winding paths, hidden areas 

with a water feature, bridge and great palm tree's everywhere. The 

pool area is very individual, which a grand bar and outside kitchen 

area, fantastic for entertaining. The villa is very spacious with two 

bedrooms taking up all the second level and the remaining one on 

the ground level, which opens out onto one of the many the terraces. 

MACP-431 245,000€€ 

Coin 

80 sq m Build 2 bedrooms 

RENOVATED FINCA OUTSKIRTS COÍN 

10 minutes from Coin town centre 

If you enjoy the peace and quite of the countryside then this 

lovely little property is for you. Fantastic country views. 

MACP-427 599,000€€ 

La Alqeuria/Alhaurin 

400 sq m 6 bedroom 

New on the market only renovated to very high standard a 

year ago. This property is on the outskirts of La Alqueria a 

village between the 2 Alhaurin's. This is a large family home 

with all the extras - full oil fired central heating, log burning 

stove, air con. Newly decorated and fitted out this is a 

superb home that needs to be viewed to fully appreciate. It is 

situated in a very quiet lane but still within 10 minutes of 2 

major towns. 

NEW 

NEW 

NEW 

MACR-422 990,000€€ 

Ronda 

Build: 440m2, Plot: 18,700m2 Beds: 5 en-suit. 

A fantastic opportunity to purchase this small friendly and 

informal hotel runs as a family business. Situated in an area of 

great beauty with panoramic views over the Ronda Mountains 

and its spectacular sunsets. The hotel, built in a traditional 

Andalucian style, has five double rooms which all have a terrace 

or balcony overlooking the mountains. Surrounded by three 

Natural Parks, Arriadh Hotel makes an ideal base for a wide 

variety of activities for clients, including: horse-riding, nature 

walking, rock climbing mountain - biking and bird watching. 

MACP-423 540,700€ € 

Coin 

Build: 180m2, Plot: 610m2 Beds: 6, Baths 2/half 

A perfect spacious property, with great views and close to all 

animates. This property is nicely divided into two sections 3 

bedrooms, kitchen lounge on one level and repeated again 

on the lower level, perfect for guests or a huge family home. 

The garden is easily maintained, with a lovely swimming 

pool, seven seated Jacuzzi, sauna and bar area. This 

property has many added features and needs no further 

improvements, an ideal home to move straight into. A 

wonderful property. 

MACP-424 635,000€€ 

Guaro 

Build: 180m 2 , Plot: 12,000m 2 , Beds: 4, Baths: 3 

Fantastic country villa with feature split level open plan living room and 

separate dining room. 3 bedrooms (one currently used as a study) 

with a superb self contained one bedroom guest cottage in separate 

building. There is full central heating plus air con. This villa is located in 

one of best parts of Guaro, in the country yet near enough to the town 

to enjoy its typically Spanish atmosphere. Guaro's "Luna Mora" 

celebrations in September are world renowned and form a major 

attraction in the area. The villa has an excellent south facing pool 

covered BBQ area and benefits from fabulous views across the 

surrounding area from its dominant hilltop position. 

NEW 

NEW 

NEW 

MACP-425 999,000 € € 


Build: 256m 2 + Garage + 90m 2 /Guest, Plot: 8,500m 2 , Beds: 

7, Baths: 6 

A superb country property near to La Alqueria, with guest 

accommodation within main house plus a completely separate and 

self contained 2 bedroom house with its own pool within the 

grounds. The main house is in excellent condition and benefits from 

al mod cons - full central heating and air conditioning. Beautiful 

fitted kitchen large lounge and dining area plus all those bedrooms 

and accompanying bathrooms. This will be ideal for a family home 

with enclosed but separate accommodation for visitors and the 

benefit of another house to use for guests or to let out. 

MATH-426 99,000€ € 

Tolox 

Build: Beds: 2, Baths: 1 

A beautiful town house in a lovely location, perfect as a 

family home or for holiday lets. 

Spiral staircase to roof terrace 

Valley views 

Sale includes all furnishings. 

Great investment property, possibility to go up another level. 

MACP-433 1,260,000 € € 


BUILD: 475M2, PLOT: 1,500M2, BEDS: 5, BATHS 3/HALF 

Rarely does a house come on the market that has that genuine 

"wow" factor. This beautiful designer built and designer fitted 

out property has it all. From that magnificent central spiral 

marble staircase with its unique balustrade, its fabulous awe 

inspiring kitchen that takes up virtually all of one of the three 

floors of this property. This is a truly rare home that needs to be 

seen to be believed. Set in wonderful grounds the whole house 

has had no expense spared in its fixtures and fittings.

costaPROPERTY 

Obtaining a Mortgage 

In Spain 

ho offers mortgages? 

Mortgages are available from most 

W High street Spanish banks and saving 

banks[Caja] and International lenders in 

Gibraltar. 

Most Developers will have a loan scheme in 

place on ‘off-plan’ purchases, but you need to 

be aware that these are only available on 

completion and will not cover any stage 

payments i.e. normally 30% deposit. 

Resale properties are also sometimes offered 

for sale with a mortgage in place that can be 

easily transferred. 

What is the cost of arranging a 

mortgage? 

The cost of a Spanish mortgage varies greatly 

from lender to lender and also from broker to 

broker. Generally you should allow between 2- 

3% of the purchase price of the property. 

Why is it so expensive? 

The up-front costs on a Spanish loan are much 

higher than in the UK for a number of reasons. 

Firstly the Bank itself will charge an 

arrangement fee ranging from .75% - 2% of the 

loan depending on the loan to value and the 

complexity. The higher fees are generally 

charged for ‘non-status’ lending or bridging 

finance and for a normal mortgage you should 

not pay more than 1.25% 

There is also mortgage tax of 1% of the value 

of the loan and 1% of the interest due to be 

accrued over the term of the loan e.g. on a loan 

of €100,000 over 25 years at 3.5% the total 

interest payable is approx. €50,990 making 

the tax payable €1000 + €509.90 

As a Spanish mortgage is attached to the 

property and not the owner it has its own title 

deed. You will have to pay for the deed to be 

produced and also land registry and notary 

fees. The cost of this varies from area to area 

and on the value of the property. 

Valuation fees vary depending on the value of 

the property and the valuation company but 

start at about €200 for a small apartment. 

Lastly you have the services of a mortgage 

broker and again this can vary tremendously. 

Some charge nothing and just rely on the 

commission the banks pay them whilst others 

charge up to 1.5% of the loan. It is 

recommended that a broker is used if income 

is hard to prove as they will know which lenders 

are the most flexible and can save valuable 

time. 

The break-even point for a Spanish loan as 

opposed to a UK loan or remortgage is 

approximately 5 years, so if you are 

considering paying the loan off in full before 

that time you need to think long and hard 

about which way to proceed as it may be 

cheaper to raise the funds at home. 

How much can I borrow? 

As general guide a non resident will be able to 

borrow 70%-80% of the valuation of a property, 

whilst residents can borrow up to 100% of the 

valuation. The key to obtaining the maximum 

mortgage offer is in achieving the maximum 

valuation, which is the job of the Tasador 

[valuer]. Most Banks will accept valuations 

from 1 or 2 Tasadors whilst a few employ their 

own. 

Your income is the other determining factor 

and the monthly repayments have to be 

covered by up to 40% of your NET salary, but 

most banks will only accept 35% 

Land purchase is limited to 60% of valuation by 

most lenders, as is lending on ‘Finca Rustica’ 

property. 

If you already own land and want to build then 

construction loans are an option. The bank will 

lend up to 70% of the projected completed 

value which in most cases will be more than 

enough to cover 100% of the build cost. 

Which Currency should 

I borrow in? 

Mortgages are available in most major 

currencies. You should be aware that if you 

borrow in a currency that does not have a fixed 

value against the euro, currency fluctuations 

could make your borrowing more expensive or 

less expensive depending on whether your 

chosen currency weakens or strengthens 

against the euro. 

What Interest rate will I pay? 

Interest rates again will depend on the 

currency you choose to borrow. Interest rates 

for mortgages in euros are based on the 

European Inter Bank Overnight Rate, or 

EURIBOR for short, which has largely takeover 

from the older MIBOR. The lenders rate will be 

a margin over EURIBOR generally EURIBOR 

+0.75% to 1.5% but individual circumstances 

can dictate higher or lower rates. Fixed rate 

mortgages are available at slightly higher 

interest rates. Some lenders offer a lower Start 

up interest rates for the first year or part 

interest only mortgages, ideally suited for 

funding new construction. 

How often will interest rates be 

reviewed? 

Usually once a year, fixed rate mortgages are 

available at higher interest rates. 

What is the maximum repayment 

period? 

Mostly commonly, 15 or 20 years, but up to 

35 years can be arranged. 

What information will the bank 

require: 

Banks vary in the amount of information that 

they require, but in general the more you can 

provide the easier the loan is to procure. Ideally 

the following would be good 

If you are employed: 

Last 3 wage /salary slips. 

Latest P60. 

Last 6 months bank statements. 

Reference letter from your employer confirming 

date of employment, proof of income and 

position and prospects within the company 

Bank reference (The lender may have to apply 

for this themselves depending on who you 

bank with) 

Some lenders require an experion credit check 

to be carried out 

Copy of passport/residencia. 

If you are self employed: 

Last 2 years tax returns. 

Copies of accounts for the last 2/3 years 

Chartered accountants copy report, confirming 

your annual personal drawings from the 

company 

Copy of your passport/residencia 

6 months personal bank statements 

Bank reference letter 

You will also need: 

In relation to a specific property, the nota 

simple from the property registry, offer letter or 

sales purchase contract. 

If you are applying for a construction loan then 

you must provide the Escritura for the land. The 

plans stamped by the College of Architects and 

a 10 year building guarantee. 

An NIE number from the local police station, 

which you or your lawyer can arrange. 

You will also need to open a Spanish bank 

account and it is advisable to use the same 

bank as your mortgage is with. 

66 costalife

costaPROPERTY >> 

Mansion House 

Conveyancing & Legal Services 

Mansion House specialises in property conveyancing & 

legal services on the coast & inland areas. 

If you are looking to buy a property in Spain you need 

a qualified independent conveyancer, to ensure that 

the property you are buying meets all the necessary legalities. 

Our Conveyancing services include in depth background 

searches on properties to ensure their legality, assisting with 

mortgage applications, arranging surveys and topographical 

reports for 

plot measurements and boundaries, as well as post-purchase 

utility bills change over. 

SPECIAL OFFER 

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION & 20% REDUCTION IN 

CONVEYANCING FEES* 

Legal Administration Services: 

- NIE numbers/Residencia 60€ 

- Vehicle registration 130€ 

- Vehicle name transfers 70€ 

- Driving License exchange 60€ 

- E121 Social Security Registration 80€ 

- Self Employment Registration 150€ 

- Wills 100€ 

Professional Interpeting & Translation Services also available 

Offices in FUENGIROLA & CARTAMA 

Contact our friendly bilingual staff for information 

or an appointment on: 

Tel. 952 47 28 72 Mobile: 653 172 264 

Email: mansionhousespain@hotmail.com 

*Normal fees 1% of property price. All prices exclude state charges & taxes. 

EUINSURANCE DIRECT 

All insurance and financial needs in plain English 

We cover 

Cars, motorbikes, homes 

and contents, boats and 

life/critical illness 

We also offer 

Mortgage protection, 

Mortgages, private health 

plans, travel protection, 

savings plans and much more 

Also agents for AXA products 

We can insure you for less!! 

Call now for quote 952 830 843 or 676 098 464 

Fax: 951 310 524 

Framire Residencial, Local Comercial 6, 

Cerrado de Elviria, 29604, Marbella, Malaga 

Office Hours: 

Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 6.00pm 

Friday only 9.00am - 2.00pm 

costalife 67

costaPROPERTY 

Gapp Properties 

Rentals and Sales 

Different name, Same people 

Local 9, Edificio Jupiter, 

Arroyo de la Miel, 29631 

Extensive selection of rentals and re sales 

We manage over 60 holiday apartments 

in Jupiter, Minerva 

and Benal beach 

We also have a selection of long term 

properties, and if we haven’t got what you 

want we will find if for you. 

7 years experience 

Enviable reputation for providing a quality 

service, over 100 long term clients 

can’t be wrong. 

Call 952 574 051 or 952 577 751 

www.gapp-properties.com 

info@gapp-properties.com 

rentals@gapp-properties.com 

open Mon - Thur 10am - 6pm Fri 10am - 5pm 

Specialist Property Management and Rentals company. 

We cover from Benalmadena to Sotogrande. 

Professional property management including: 

Weekly Inspections Maintenance Issues 

Cleaning & Laundry Service Fiscal Affairs 

We take the hassle out of owning a property in Spain 

A one stop shop for all your property needs. 

Specialists in long term rentals 

High success rate at renting properties out long term. 

Check out our long term web site on www.spmrentals.net 

We also cater for owners who wish to do 

holiday rentals in their properties. 

Check out our holiday web site on 

www.spmrentals.eu.com 

SPM Rentals S.C. 

Call now 952 961 047 mob 610 791 097 

info@spmrentals.net 

STUDIO in MINERVA, 4th floor, east facing, good views, fully 

equipped & furnished, communal pool, gardens, 24hrs reception. 

Guaranteed rental income scheme available. 

ONLY 99.000 € € (apprx £68,000) ref: csp557 

REDUCED FOR QUICK SALE !!!! 1 BED APT in GEMINI, 2nd floor, very 

good condition, totally renovated, new floors, new kitchen and bathroom, 

west facing terrace with afternoon sun. Very low community fees. Centrally 

located close to all amenities. ONLY 131.000 € € (apprx £90,000) ref: csp533 

BENAL BEACH, STUDIO, 7th floor, fantastic views to pools and La 

Paloma park, nicely furnished, incredible rental potential. 5 communal 

pools with slides, gardens, bar, restaurant, 1 minute walk to the beach. 

BARGAIN AT 126.000 € € (apprx £87,000) ref: csp556 

LOCAL / OFFICE with large window display. Centrally located in Arroyo 

de la Miel. Good passing trade, low monthly rent. Furnished and ready 

for use. LEASEHOLD 15.000 € € (apprx £10,700) ref: B515 

RESTAURANT in the heart of Benalmadena Costa, amongst many apt 

blocks. Recently refurbished. Very large kitchen. Seating for 90 +. Well 

established. Option to buy freehold as well. LEASEHOLD 59.500 €€ 

(apprx £41,000) ref: B518 

CAFÉ´BAR, Benalmadena Costa, ideal starter bar for 1 person, serving 

drinks + Light snacks, skating approx 30 people inside + 16 outside. 

LEASEHOLD 48.000 €€ (apprx £33,000) ref: B510 

1 BED APT IN JUPITER, 5th floor, 51m2, open plan kitchen, lounge, 

bathroom, west facing terrace with afternoon sun and fabulous sea 

views, furnished and fully equipped. Communal pool, gardens and 

parking. GOOD VALUE 157.000 € € (apprx £ 108,000) ref: csp558 

2 BED, 1 BATH, EDF BONANZA, centrally located in Benalmadena, 

close to all amenities, kitchen and bathroom have been renovated, 

west facing with views over communal pool and gardens, 2nd floor, 

BARGAIN AT 165.000 € € (apprx £112,000) ref: csp486 

3 BEDS/1 BATH APT, Benalmar Social, 2 min walk to Arroyo centre, 

1st floor, 90m2, kitchen, separate utility room, longe, terrace, storage 

room, furnished and fully equipped. Communal pool, gardens and 

parking. GOOD VALUE 217.000 € € (apprx £ 149,000) ref: csp542 

68 costalife

costaSTUFF >> 

Fashion Show 

Age Care Association recently held a fashion show at the Tamisa golf Hotel. The Tamisa in Mijas 

Costa. This was run in association with Hair at Aztec and Karen’s fashions. 

A total of 150 people including models, hair and make up artists, dressers, M.C. and general 

helpers attended a superb sit down lunch and show. Special mention must be made of Helen and 

her staff from Hair at Aztec who gave us their professional help and time to support the charity. 

Also Judith from La Cala Lions who was caller for the models, one of 

whom you might recognize from the editors page! Also congratulations to 

Beverley for yet again a great job on selling the raffle tickets and to 

cabaret singer Sylvia Kendal who 

entertained us so well. It was a terrific 

effort by all those concerned. 

We are delighted to report that the 

event raised a total of 4058 euros 

which included a very generous 

donation of 2000 euros from the Mijas 

Lions La Cala Lions Club and was a 

hugely enjoyable day 

helped by the 

organizational skills 

of John Peach and 

his professional staff 

at the Hotel Tamisa 

Golf. 

Age Care Association 

is a fully registered 

non profit making 

c h a r i t a b l e 

organization 

(recognized by the 

Junta de Andalucia) 

and is run entirely by 

volunteers. The 

majority of our work 

is dealing with older 

English speaking 

people living in the 

Province of Malaga. 

We offer welfare 

information and 

advice, practical 

support and emergency help and back up when 

needed (emergency tel no. 691 761 088). The 

association also has a hospital and home 

visiting team. The telephone helpline is 

available to give advice, help and information 

on support services, homecare services, 

residential and nursing homes and any other 

problems concerning living on the Costa del 

Sol. All our clients can be assured that your 

problems will be discussed in absolute 

confidence. Many of our volunteers have had 

careers in the caring professions and therefore 

they are accustomed to being individuals who listen and give considered 

advice in a sympathetic and kind manner. 

Our volunteers can be contacted at the Manila Bar in Los Boliches (near 

the Yaramar hotel) where we hold a drop in centre every Wednesday 1-.3- 

to 12.30. Like any other voluntary organization we always need dedicated 

volunteers who are interested in and willing to spend time in helping 

others people. If any reader would like to volunteer please contact us on 

952 447 637. We have recently published 5000 copies of a 

comprehensive information guide and booklet as an advice and help tool. 

It is abundantly clear that people are living longer with possible health, 

social, emotional and community problems and needs. Age Care 

Association is doing as much as we can and with your help we can do 

much more. 

The amount raised would not have been possible without our sponsors 

and donors of raffle prizes and we would like to publicly thank them, 

namely: 

Dunnes Stores in Las Rampas, Hair at Aztec, Selene at Aztec, Karen's 

Fashions, Irving's restaurant, Calahonda, Boutique Yusra Leather Factory 

in Las Rampas, Café Fresco in Las Rampas, Cecilia, Miraflores Bowls 

Club, La Cala Golf Resort, Someplace Else, La Cala Hills, The Thai Lanna 

restaurant, Los Boliches and last but not least Hotel Tamisa Golf. We 

thank them all for their generosity and co-operation. 

Don Cameron, events and social organizer A.C.A. 

Lesley Cameron, Welfare Coordinator A.C.A. 

Images by Laila Tabbit and Jim Baker 

costalife 69

On our arrival in Spain we spent nine months in an apartment on the 

coast with a beautiful view of the Mediterranean but it was only a few 

days before we realised that we were in fact living right in the middle 

of a community that constantly created noise and then shouted above 

it. Quite a shock to 'extranjeros' who had left behind life in an English 

village with only the occasional mooing of a cow or bleating of sheep 

disturbing the peace. We found ourselves completely immersed in dogs 

barking, babies crying, heels click-clacking across the floor above us, 

loud snoring through the night from the balcony below us (where one 

of the young men slept as the 'piso' was full), cars driving by right under 

our small balcony and the girls downstairs coming back each night at 

4.00am which set the dogs barking again. Needless to say, it became 

very stressful. 

No doubt you could add your own experiences such as the ‘basura’ 

truck emptying the skips every morning between 1.30am and 2.00am, 

the motor scooters in the dead of night or the ‘coche-discos’ 

compelling you to listen to their particular brand of music as they drive 

by regardless of the time of night. So how do we cope with all this you 

may be asking? 

lamenco music with castanets and rhythmic handclapping….wonderful! 

Brass bands with processions at fiesta 

time, vibrant and different…..exciting! Waves lapping on the 

seashore, the squawking of seagulls, children's chattering voices in 

the villages and the old men's gruff voices as they discuss the news of 

the day. The different sounds of Andalucia! 

But when does a sound become noise?!! In the Oxford Dictionary 

‘noise’ is defined as ‘‘loud clamour, shouting, confused sound of voices 

and movements, any sound especially loud or harsh or undesired….’’ 

Have you ever been in a situation when a normally pleasant sound 

becomes NOISE? For instance, what about sitting in a Spanish 

restaurant hoping to enjoy a good meal and you find yourself shouting 

above all the other voices in order to make yourself heard to the others 

at your table. As you stop to take a breath you realise that everyone is 

making the same effort to be heard while the sound bounces from floor 

to wall to ceiling in a never-ending cacophony of noise. It’s quite a 

shock to the system until you become adjusted to the volume and 

realise that this is normal here in Spain. 

Have you experienced the joys of staying in a holiday apartment right 

next to a construction site when the jackhammer or angle-grinder 

starts up regularly each morning as you open your eyes and the usual 

noise on a building site continues throughout the day? No escape, the 

building sounds follow you wherever you go! You begin to realise that 

this is all part of life on the Costa. 

Well, it is possible to find peace and tranquillity right in the middle of 

confusion and clamour. Susannah Wesley, the mother of Charles and 

John Wesley, when surrounded by her hectic household of thirteen 

children, would simply sit down on a stool in her kitchen, pull her apron 

up over her head and take a few minutes to talk to God and receive His 

peace. What an example! When we take time to enter into God’s 

presence His peace will pervade our lives giving us strength and 

patience to cope with every stressful situation. 

The Apostle Paul wrote ‘‘Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again 

- rejoice! ………Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has 

done. If you do this, you will experience God’s peace, which is far more 

wonderful than the human mind can understand. His peace will guard 

your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus…….’’ 

God can give us His peace which enables us to love those around us 

instead of becoming stressed by their activities. Jesus said ‘‘I am 

leaving you with a gift - peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give 

isn’t like the peace the world gives.’’ 

(Philippians 4:4-7, John 14:27 New Living Translation) 

Annette Riggall 

The Evangelical Christian Fellowship 

‘‘an oasis where the Word of God is preached 

and the love of God is shared.’’ 

Sundays 4.30pm 

Iglesia San Miguel, Calahonda 

Tel/Fax (0034) 952 46 73 94 

E-mail: tecfellowship@gmail.com 

www.ecfmijas.com 

Pastors Peter and Annette Riggall

costaSTUFF >> 

costalife 71

costaSTUFF 

Buffy in a porn role… 

We are about to see a different side to Buffy, Sarah Michelle Gellar the 

vampire slaying star is about to take on a new role as a porn star, it seems Sarah 

took the role for a bit of shock value. She is quoted a saying ‘‘how exciting to do something so the antithesis of what would be 

expected of me’’. Also she is now known as SMP instead of SMG after five years of marriage to Freddie Prinze Jr she has 

decided to take on his surname… Wow that’s really sweet Sarah Michelle Prinze 

Show biz it's like a circus sideshow… 

Julia Roberts reckons that if she was starting out now in show biz she probably wouldn’t pursue it. It seems she is not that impressed, 

‘‘It’s too fast, before you could build a career over many years and many movies, now it’s like you do one good movie they throw a ton of money 

at you and a ton of attention at you’’. She was also quoted as saying ‘‘I don’t know why anybody would like to go into show business these days 

with all the different magazines and shows it just wouldn’t be worth it.’’ She finished by saying ‘‘I think it’s just grotesques, it’s like a circus sideshow.’’ 

Say it how it is pretty woman 

Kiss me Quick… 

Kirk Douglas presented John Travolta with the SBIFF Excellence Award, when congratulating him there were no handshakes or air kisses, 

it seems those acting types’ express themselves in a different way, with a smacker full on the lips, but don’t worry Johns wife Kelly Preston 

was present. 

From rehab to arrest… 

Wow what a busy girl Lindsay Lohan has been, first rehab and now jail. 

She was given a 24hour sentence for two drinking under the influence; of this she served a mere 84 minutes of hard prison time. 

Lindsay was released early due to overcrowding. A prison spokesman quoted ‘‘Lindsay was finger printed, photographed and put 

in a holding cell but was let go due to our early release policy.’’ 

>> Rush Hour 3 

Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker & Hiroyuki 

Sanada 

While in Paris, Chief Inspector Lee's (Jackie Chan) 

latest assignment is to escort and to protect 

Chinese Ambassador Han as he delivers a major 

address before the World Criminal Court Summit 

in Los Angeles. While delivering his 

announcement, he is shot and nearly killed. 

Meanwhile, former LAPD Detective James Carter 

(Chris Tucker), who has recently been demoted to 

traffic duty, just happens to be listening to the 

radio when the tragedy occurs. He rushes to the scene to help, but instead 

interferes with Lee's pursuit of the culprit. To get his status back, Carter teams 

up with Lee one more time to help track down the assassins. With the trail 

leading to Paris, both will find themselves in unfamiliar territory. 

>> I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry 

Adam Sandler, Steve Buscemi & Dan Aykroyd 

Chuck Levine and Larry Valentine are the pride of their fire station: two guy's guys always 

side-by-side and willing to do anything for each other. Grateful Chuck owes Larry for 

saving his life in a fire, and Larry calls in that favor big 

time when civic red tape prevents him from naming his 

own two kids as his life insurance beneficiaries. But 

when an overzealous, spot-checking bureaucrat 

becomes suspicious, the new couple's arrangement 

becomes a citywide issue and goes from confidential to 

front-page news. Forced to improvise as love-struck 

newlyweds, Chuck and Larry must now fumble through 

a hilarious charade of domestic bliss under one roof. 

After surviving their mandatory honeymoon and dodging 

the threat of exposure, the well-intentioned con men 

discover that sticking together in your time of need is 

what truly makes a family. 

>> Shoot ‘Em Up 

Monica Bellucci, Clive Owen & Paul 

Giamatti 

No name, no past... Nothing to loose! 

Shoot ‘Em Up is a gritty, fast paced action 

thriller starring Clive Owen as Mr. Smith; a 

mysterious loner who teams up with an 

unlikely ally (Monica Belluci) in order to protect 

a newborn baby from a determined hitman 

(Paul Giamatti) who hunts them throughout the 

bowels of the city. 

>> 1408 

John Cusack, Samuel L. Jackson & Mary McCormack 

Renowned horror novelist Mike Enslin (Cusack) only believes what he can see 

with his own two eyes. After a string of bestsellers discrediting paranormal events 

in the most infamous haunted houses and 

graveyards around the world, he scoffs at the 

concept of an afterlife. Enslin's phantom-free run of 

long and lonely nights is about to change forever 

when he checks into suite 1408 of the notorious 

Dolphin Hotel for his latest project, "Ten Nights in 

Haunted Hotel Rooms." Defying the warnings of the 

hotel manager (Jackson), the author is the first 

person in years to stay in the reputedly haunted 

room. Another bestseller may be iminent, but like all 

brought to you by 

Stephen King heroes, Enslin must go 

from skeptic to true believer - and 

ultimately survive the night. 

64 costalife 

La Cala 

See our advert on page 83

costaSTUFF >> 

costalife 71

Written by 

Erny Harrison 

The most common form of deception in human beings may well 

be found in the army. In an effort not to be seen by the enemy 

the militant will blacken his face, put twigs over his helmet and 

don green, black and brown coloured outfits. 

Animals do better than that. Camouflage in all shapes and forms is the 

way the prey tries to escape from becoming one and to fool predators into 

thinking that what they see is reality. 

In the animal world colour change, where an animal is capable of 

changing the colour of its body in accordance with his environment, is the 

best known. It is interesting to notice that where the main predator is 

colour blind the hunted animal has no means to change colour. Zebras 

are a good example of this as the lion, their main predator, is indeed 

colour blind. 

In some species the right colour has already been provided. Dolphins and 

other sea fish have a blue colouring to blend in with the water they live 

in. 

Land animals, such as hedgehogs, squirrels and foxes have the right 

greyish-brown colour to blend into the soil and trees of the forest. The fur 

of the squirrel is chunky and uneven to resemble more of the tree bark. 

In mammals their camouflage is found in the colouring of the fur. In 

reptiles, amphibians and fish it will be in the scales. and birds produce 

their camouflage in their feathers. 

As with human hair and nails, furs, scales and feathers are dead tissue 

and the animals can do nothing to bring about a change in their 

composition.

centuries 

women were often 

depicted as greedy 

temptresses, out for 

power. That image, 

combined with a 

certain part of the 

female anatomy linked 

the plant to the pagan 

goddess of love and money: Venus. Hence the name. 

The reason why the Venus Fly Trap (Dionaea Muscipula) is 

carnivorous lies in its original environment. To survive, a plant 

needs a combination of minerals and nutrients. The boggy area of the 

mud plain in Carolina didn’t provide it with all its needs such as nitrogen, 

calcium, phosphorus, magnesium etc, but insects and spiders offer these 

in abundance. Over the centuries the plant developed a set of leaves 

which serves as both mouth and stomach. 

To attract a prey these leaves secrete a sweet nectar that draws a victim 

looking for food. The leaves have a set of six short, stiff hairs, called cilia, 

on the surface of the leaves. The insect or spider only needs to touch two 

hairs, set closely together or one single hair twice for the trap to close 

partially, trapping the insect inside. 

Unlike humans, who can change the colour of their hair by dying it and 

the colour of their nails by painting them, a mammal or bird has to grow 

a completely new coat or set of feathers to change their colour in 

accordance with the season. The artic fox goes from brown to pure white 

in the winter. 

Several moth species have developed a completely alien design on their 

wings. The back of the Hawk moth caterpillar looks like a snake’s head, 

threatening enough to ward off most predators who do not fancy a bit of 

poison. 

Colour mimicry exists in many ecosystems, where smaller poisonous 

animals protect themselves by bright colouring. 

In my view the most fascinating form of camouflage is found in the Venus 

Fly Trap. As an exception to the billions of mostly harmless, sweet 

smelling plants, there are well over 500 different kinds of carnivorous 

plants, devouring anything from one or two cell aquatic organisms to 

different kinds of insects and spiders. The definition of a carnivorous 

plant is that it must attract, capture, kill and digest animal life. 

Why the Venus Fly Trap has become so popular over the years is easy to 

see. It looks like a sweet, colourful and intriguing plant and intriguing it 

certainly is. The plant originates from a 700 miles area between North 

and South Carolina in the USA where it lives in muddy bogs. 

The Venus Fly Trap was first studied in the 17th and 18th century. The 

origin of the name has a somewhat bizarre background. In those 

Although the plant has no brain or nerve cells it can distinguish between 

a living prey and a piece of debris which may have fallen by accident into 

the trap. The insect or spider will thrash about in an effort to escape but 

the debris will be motionless. 

If indeed it is a piece of debris inside the trap it will stay in the half closed 

position for around 12 hours. Then the leaves will open and wind or rain 

will dispose of the piece. If however the prey is alive and kicking the trap 

will shut within a split second. 

The Venus Fly Trap is however a most economical plant. If the catch is 

found too small to provide enough food for all the effort to digest it the 

cilia will allow it to escape. 

Any insect that is too big to close properly will cause the death of the 

Venus Fly Trap. Bacteria and mould on the insect will find their way inside 

and blacken the trap which will rot and fall off. 

If however the insect is the right size and fits properly into the trap its 

second function as a stomach will start to work. Just like our stomach the 

trap secretes acidic juices that will help to dissolve the soft tissues and 

all the membranes of the prey. 

The insect will be bathed in these juices 

for a period of up to twelve days, 

depending on its size and the age of 

the trap. The older the trap the 

slower the process. 

Once the nutrients have 

been absorbed from the 

acidic bath the Venus 

Fly Trap will re-absorb 

the digestive fluid. 

This is a sign to reopen 

the trap and the 

process will start all 

over again.

costaSTUFF 

Costa 

Cuisine 

by Jan Morley of FreezerMor 

Make this THE one New Years’ resolution that you will not break! 

Think ‘‘eating breakfast is like switching your batteries on!’’ 

As we are constantly reminded, those who eat breakfast tend to weigh less, 

despite the fact that those tested, generally consumed more daily calories 

than those who skip breakfast. 

Those children who take breakfast show a positive improvement of 

concentration in class. Fuel for the mind………. 

Those of us who say they have no time to eat breakfast just need to be more 

organized. Try deciding the night before what you, (or your children) would like, 

then lay as much out as possible, saving time in the morning. 

Our word for the first meal of the day, ‘‘breakfast,’’ has almost religious 

overtones, as if the hours in which we sleep are a purposeful abstention from 

sustenance, a break from the fasting whilst asleep. 

Almost uniformly in other countries, the word for breakfast is not so 

portentous. In some languages, it barely rates meal status. The German 

frühstück is, literally, an ‘‘early bite.’’ In France and Italy, petit dejeuner and 

prima colazione are both just a bridge to the midday meal -- a ‘‘little’’ or a 

‘‘first’’ lunch. The Dutch ontbijt can mean either breakfast or a snack. And 

often, the idea is pared down to its bare minimum -- coffee -- as in the 

Portuguese cafe da manhã, or ‘‘morning coffee.’’ In the end, whether it is a 

large or a small meal, one thing is expected from breakfast: it should get you 

going. This is usually done by combining a rousing stimulant with 

strengthening substance, in varying proportions that are largely cultural .In 

Asian countries most people eat the same sorts of foods for breakfast that 

they would eat for any other meal. 

For 2 

people 

Smoothies are a great way to get kids to eat more fruit. 

Any combination of fruit can be used, the method is the same, or you can 

substitute some cream for yoghurt. Serve sprinkled with nuts, or seeds. 

BANANA, STRAWBERRY AND HONEY SMOOTHIE 

1 Banana 

1 small punnet strawberries 

2 tablespoons honey 

½ pint single cream 

1 pint glass ice 

Whizz fruit in a liquidizer for 30 seconds 

Add ice, honey and cream, blitz again on pulse. 

Serve in a tall glass 

When you have little time for good breakfast, just make up these breakfast 

seed bars, and you can eat them on the go. 

BREAKFAST SEED BARS 

Ingredients 

½ cup chopped apricots 

2 cups sesame seeds 

2 cups sunflower seeds 

2 cups coconut, flaked 

2 cups cashew nuts 

1 cup honey 

Method 

1. Blend together all of the ingredients. Pour into a square tray. 

2. Cover with foil and chill for a few hours until set firm. 

3. Cut into bars and wrap each in cling film or foil and refrigerate. 

Other recipes worth trying for breakfast; 

Eggs Benedict 

Can there be anybody who doesn't drool at the thought of Eggs Benedict? 

Soft, squidgy, lightly toasted muffins, really crisp bacon and 

perfectly poached eggs which, when the yolks burst, drift 

into a cloud of buttery hollandaise sauce. 

68 costalife

costaSTUFF >> 

costalife 77

costaSTUFF 

Misers last wish… 

There was a man who had worked all of his life and had saved all of 

his money. He was a real miser when it came to his money. He loved 

money more than just about anything, and just before he died, he said 

to his wife, ‘‘Now listen, when I die, I want you to take all my money and 

place it in the coffin with me. I want to take my money to the afterlife.’’ 

So he got his wife to promise him with all her heart that when he died, 

she would put all the money in the coffin with him. Well, one day he 

died. He was stretched out in the coffin; the wife was sitting there in 

black next to her closest friend. When they finished the ceremony, just 

before the undertakers got ready to close the coffin, the wife said 

‘‘Wait just a minute!’’ she had a shoe box with her, she came over with 

the box and placed it in the coffin. Then the undertakers locked the 

coffin down and rolled it away. Her friend said, ‘‘I hope you weren't 

crazy enough to put all that money in there.’’ She said, ‘‘Yes, I 

promised. I’m a good Christian, I can’t lie. I promised him that I was 

going to put that money in that coffin with him.’’ ‘‘You mean to tell me 

you put all of his money in the coffin with him?’’ ‘‘I sure did,’’ said the 

wife. ‘‘I got it all together, put it into my account and I wrote him a 

cheque.’’ 

Celebrity Quotes… 

‘‘I have to remind my dad, ‘Journalists - no 

matter how many cigars they smoke with you 

- are not your friends, so don’t talk to them.’’ - 

Cameron Diaz 

‘‘I’ve always wanted to be a spy, and frankly 

I‘m a little surprised that British intelligence 

has never 

approached me.’’ -- 

Elizabeth Hurley 

A lot of people 

are afraid to say 

what they 

want. That’s 

why they 

don’t get 

what they 

want.-- 

Madonna 

How to maintain a 

level of insanity… 

Put your waste paper bin on your 

desk and label it ‘‘IN’’. 

Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 

weeks. Once everyone has gotten over 

their caffeine addictions, switch to 

espresso. 

Specify that your drive-through 

order is ‘‘to go’’. 

Sing along at the opera. 

Tell your children over 

dinner, ‘‘Due to the economy, 

we are going to have to let 

one of you go.’’ 

Growing old… 

The senility prayer: Grant me the senility to forget the people 

I never liked, the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and 

the eyesight to tell the difference. 

It’s scary when you start making the same noises as your 

coffeemaker 

These days about half the stuff in my shopping trolley says, 

‘‘For fast relief.’’ 

My memory’s not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my 

memory’s not as sharp as it used to be. 

Girlie Wisdom… 

One of life’s 

mysteries is how a 

2-pound box of 

chocolates can 

make a woman 

gain 5lbs. 

My mind not only 

wanders, it 

sometimes leaves 

completely. 

I gave up jogging for my health when my thighs kept rubbing 

together and setting fire to my knickers. 

Skinny people irritate me! Especially when they say things 

like... ‘‘You know, sometimes I forget to eat!’’ .........Now, I’ve 

forgotten my address, my mother’s maiden name and my keys. 

But I have never forgotten to eat. You have to be a special kind 

of stupid to forget to eat! 

The trouble with some women is that they get all excited about 

nothing and then they marry him. 

78 costalife

Sudoku answers for Issue 33 

2 

3 

4 

9 

3 

9 

8 

9 

1 

5 

7 

1 

8 

6 

3 

9 

1 

2 

costaSTUFF >> 

4 

8 

3 6 2 

2 9 

5 

9 4 

9 

4 

1 2 8 

The rules of Sudoku: 

place a digit from 1-9 in each empty cell, so every row, every 

column and every 3x3 box contains the digits 1-9. 

Across 

1. Floorshow (7) 

4. Spooky (5) 

7. Detection device (5) 

9. Vertical (7) 

10. Inactivity (7) 

11. Measuring implement (5) 

12. Dictator (6) 

14. Ecclesiastic (6) 

18. Copious (5) 

20. Drawn (7) 

22. Pouch worn with a kilt (7) 

23. Diadem (5) 

24. Admittance (5) 

25. Spiny anteater (7) 

Down 

1. Transported (7) 

2. Emblem (5) 

3. Tropical bird (6) 

4. Mistake (5) 

5. Dependable follower (7) 

6. Go in (5) 

8. Magnitude relation (5) 

13. Reinforcement (7) 

15. Reasoned judgment (5) 

16. Musical passage (7) 

17. Opportunity (6) 

18. Part of a church (5) 

19. Ahead of time (5) 

21. Obviate (5) 

Crossword answers for Issue 33 

costalife 79

costaSTUFF 

FRACTURES 

I 

n this issue, we're going to talk about one of the most current diseases 

in our hospital: Fractures! 

Who is usually affected? 

Dogs and cats of any breed, size or age 

(Small thin boned dogs are particularly susceptible to breaking their legs 

when jumping, even from low heights. 

What is happening? 

External traumas (such as being hit by a car or jumping from a height) 

causes bones to break. 

Clinical signs you might notice in your pet 

-Severe limping or complete lack of weight bearing on a leg 

-Swelling at the site of injury 

-Pain upon touching the site of injury 

-Improper positioning of a leg 

Diagnosis 

-X-Rays are used to evaluated a possible fracture 

Surgical Treatment 

-Medical treatment must precede 

surgery when the patient has 

collateral problems 

-Depending of the specifics of each 

case, surgical options to stabilize 

bone include: 

-pins, plate and screws, plate and 

intramedulllary pin, external 

fixator…. 

Here, we present x-ray from fractures 

made in Myramar animal Hospital by 

Dr. J.S.Nicolás. If you want to see 

more, go to: 

www.myramaranimalhospital.com 

Myramar animal hospital 

Fuengirola Málaga 

Myramar animal Hospital. 

Av/Santa Amalia esq voluntariors 

29640 Fuengirola. . 

952588543 667433678 

myramarhospital@hotmail.com 

80 costalife

costaSTUFF >> 

costalife 81

costaSTUFF 

This is one of the best times time of year to buy a new computer. 

After Christmas (after we have all spent our money!!) the computer industry have MANY 

offers as they try and clear last year’s stock from the shelves, so it’s a great time to get 

a bargain basement deal. 

A new computer is like a clean slate. There are several basic programs that should 

come with a new computer to get you up and running straight away. Some programs 

automatically come with a new computer. Others have to be bought or downloaded 

separately. 

Things you should check when buying a new computer: 

Operating system Modern computers mostly come with Windows Vista. There are different versions but 

basic or premium is sufficient for home use. If your Spanish isn't so hot check that Vista 

is in your language otherwise you may get a shock at the price for buying Windows vista 

as an extra. 

brought to you by Russell Vaughan Mintmicro S.L 951160411 

Looking for a new computer 

Security 

Internet 

Software 

Entertainment 

Connections 

There are many extra programs to keep your computer secure, windows comes with a 

perfectly good Firewall and Spyware detector but you may need to add strong virus 

protection for a more complete security solution. 

If you are using the internet your new windows computer will do the basics as it comes with a web browser, ftp and Email 

programmes. 

Programs like Microsoft Office, Photoshop have to be purchased separately and can come with great discounts if purchased 

with a new computer. If you are looking for English (or any other European)versions give us a call we may be able to help. 

There are many programs that make computing fun. Listening to radio, watching DVD’s or using a local 

encyclopaedia on your new computer is great. But add a webcam, Skype or VOIP phone and your 

computer turns into a multimedia telephone with video. 

Make sure you have ample USB ports to connect your printer, keyboard, mouse, VOIP phone or TV adaptor. 

To watch DVD’s or TV on your computer opt for at least a 17in screen and invest in some good speakers. 

REMEMBER computers purchased here in Spain have a two year warranty so buying in the UK can be expensive if you have a problem. 

Wireless Internet in your home 

So over the holidays you acquired a new computer now comes the 

problem of sharing your internet with the new computers in your 

house. 

With recent innovations in the internet world you 

can get wired for wireless from as little as €60 

euro. Most wireless routers are plug and play, with the 

only thing that needs attention is the security of the 

wireless connection in your house. A wireless router 

can reach ranges of 300mtr outside and up to 150 

mtr in your house or office (walls and windows 

decrease the range). 

82 costalife 

Are your neighbours 

getting Free Internet 

Your WiFi router will broadcast an ID so that your computers can log on, 

this ID is visible to anyone in range of your signal and without basic 

security they can also share your internet connection without your 

knowledge, has your internet got slow lately others may be using your 

internet connection for free BEEF UP your WiFi security. 

Even your old computers can have wireless devices installed so you can 

share your internet without wires. If you need some advice call me. 

I am interested in starting a computer club to meet once a month in Alhaurin el Grande. We will get together and share hints 

and tips. Each month we will have a speaker that will share some great tips for new and experienced users alike. If you are 

interested in getting involved email me at russell@mintmicro.com 

Russell Vaughan - Mintmicro computers http://www.mintmicro.com 951 160 411

costaSTUFF >> 

YOU! 

can advertise 

Here 

for as little as 

€ 120 

costalife 83

when that discipline would have seen me further down the road than 

where I am now as regards achieving the things I want to achieve. 

So, as an introduction to my new series of motivational pieces, I have 

decided to lay down the gauntlet, not only to Ronan Holdsworth but to 

anyone out there who is thinking the way I am. Or you may be someone 

who has never understood the principles of goal-setting but are 

wondering how it is you can’t keep focused on where you want to be or 

even how to get there. 

Life is one great big opportunity but sometimes we just settle for second 

best, and before you know it, it is gone. I have always promised myself 

that I will never have what Anthony Robbins calls the ‘‘rocking chair 

effect’’ when I am old and grey (steady, don’t be cruel!!). The rocking chair 

effect is basically being sat in your rocking chair in your twilight years 

thinking, ‘‘I wish I had have…, I wish I’d tried that…’’ basically, no regrets. 

‘‘Better to have tried and failed than never to have tried at all’’ is what I 

always say. In my life I have made a lot of mistakes and, if I were to be 

completely honest, I know I have not achieved or fulfilled my potential by 

a long shot. However I also know that anyone can turn their life in a 

completely different direction in a matter of months and make up for lost 

time in no time. I also understand that everything I have done in my life 

can be utilised for my future; nothing is lost and nothing is worthless if 

you can develop the right attitude and approach. 

By setting a plan and using your mistakes as the building blocks to 

success, YOU and I can achieve anything. The only real obstacle before 

you and I is….. you and I. 

Goal-setting is a powerful process for thinking about your ideal future, 

and for motivating yourself to turn this vision of the future into reality. 

Are you planning to fail by failing to plan? 

Part 1 

Looking back on 2007, anyone in business here on the Costa 

del Sol or in fact anywhere at the moment has to admit it 

wasn’t the best year. Having clearly defined goals can help to 

keep you going when others give up. Did you achieve the 

things you wanted to achieve? Did you reach the goals you wanted to 

reach? Did you even set any goals last year? 

My experience has been mostly in the sales environment and goal-setting 

is something that is paramount in any organisation and is accepted as 

the bedrock of any future success. However, I, like many of you out there, 

know that you have to set goals and targets but somehow we get 

sidetracked and it isn’t long before we lose track of what we are trying to 

achieve. 

Having well-established and thought-out goals and targets can keep you 

going when others have quit for no other reason than you keep focused 

on the end result. You remind yourself of that big all important question 

- why? 

People who plan their future and set goals achieve more than those who 

don’t - it’s a fact. I always remember one of the first things I heard when 

I was introduced to the new world of motivational speakers back in the 

80s was this question, ‘‘Are you a wandering generality or a meaningful 

specific?’’ Zig Zigler was the guy who asked that question as part of his 

goal-setting teachings. 

You see, if you haven’t got a target to aim for, how are you going to hit it? 

I have been extremely guilty of abandoning the discipline of goal-setting 

in my life for a few years and I have to say that there have been times 

The process of setting goals helps you choose where you want to go in 

life. By knowing precisely what you want to achieve, you know where you 

have to concentrate your efforts. You’ll also quickly spot the distractions 

that would otherwise lure you from your course. (This was a big failing of 

mine: too many fingers in too many pies.) 

More than this, properly-set goals can be incredibly motivating, and, as 

you get into the habit of setting and achieving goals, you’ll find that your 

self-confidence builds fast. 

Goal-setting techniques are used by top-level athletes, successful 

business-people and achievers in all fields. They give you long-term vision 

and short-term motivation. They focus your acquisition of knowledge and 

help you to organise your time and your resources so that you can make 

the very most of your life. 

By setting sharp, clearly-defined goals, you can measure and take pride 

in the achievement of those goals. You can see forward progress in what 

might previously have seemed a long pointless grind. By setting goals you 

will also raise your self-confidence, as you recognise your ability and 

competence in achieving the goals that you have set. 

The biggest problem though, for people to set their goals is this: it takes 

time and effort. It’s not a five minute job. But, and it’s a big but - and 

remember I am not preaching here, I am talking to myself also - by 

spending the time defining your goals and mine we can recover lost time 

and get to where we want to go much quicker, so it has to be worth it. In 

any area of life, whether in business, sport or whatever, you have to start 

with a plan. The first thing your bank manager will ask for when you go to 

him to borrow money is ‘‘Have you got a business plan?’’ 

How much more important is it for our own lives? Like the title says, ‘‘Are 

you planning to fail by failing to plan?’’ 

So this month, to the best of my ability and based on tireless research! I 

am introducing to you a step-by-step guide to goal-setting that I hope will 

set you on the road to achieving the things you want to achieve in YOUR 

life. Now, of course, people have written book after book on goal-setting 

but all I have is a few pages so I have picked out what I think to be the 

main principles that you need to apply to at least get you going, and then 

next month we will look at how both you and I can start to put our plan 

into action. The rest is up to you, and of course, me! 

84 costalife

In February’s issue we are going to take the time to understand how to 

split our goals up into sections of life, ie financial, material etc, and also 

terms, ie short, medium and long term, but for now and the next couple 

of weeks, let’s just have some fun. 

Now, remember I said it takes time and effort, it can’t be rushed, take 

your time. So your exercise and mine between now and next month’s 

issue is to go wild with our dreams, I mean it, let’s go crazy; if there were 

no limitations and we had all the time, all the money and all the skills we 

needed at our disposal what would we like to do, be, give and have? Say 

after me, NO LIMITS. Go wild and work on the premise that NOTHING is 

impossible and there are no restrictions. Remember this adage: think 

small, achieve small. Think big, achieve big. The only limitations are the 

ones we set ourselves. 

Okay, get yourself an A4 pad (I have) and leave it out somewhere at home 

in full view with a pen and then just start writing. At first you will come up 

with a long list of stuff and then think that is it. It won’t be, after your 

initial investment of time and you put down the pad you will constantly 

remember goals from years ago as your subconscious mind gets to work 

on the project you have set it. 

Make sure you describe in detail each goal because then it becomes 

easier to visualise it. For example, you might want to buy a new car by the 

end of the year. Don’t just write down ‘‘new car;’’ describe the car you 

want, what make, what model, the price, the colour etc. Or if you want a 

new house then where do you want it to be, what would you like to spend, 

what kind of property, an apartment, a villa, etc. Do you get the picture? 

Go into detail and most of all write it down. Something happens with the 

written word, so don’t even bother if you are not going to write down your 

goals. This is essential. You are in effect establishing a contract between 

you and the future you want to achieve. 

If you went to a builder and said ‘‘Build me a house,’’ he would laugh you 

out of his office without a written project, a plan, a blue print. Why is it any 

different with your goals? The answer is, it isn’t any different. 

But, as we have already established, most people don’t have any goals, 

or should I say they don’t invest the time required to set them, properly. 

Amazingly, it is agreed that you can actually reset your life clock by setting 

goals that take you into old age. I believe this to be true. I always 

remember when I was at school that it was estimated that nearly 40% of 

OAP’s died within five years of retirement. Why? Because the human 

being is like a machine and if there is no use for it, it will simply shut down 

with no purpose and no goals. So, are we agreed? We need to have 

clearly defined goals in life. How can you get there if you don’t know 

where you are going? 

costaSTUFF >> 

6. By all means, make sure your goal is high enough. 

Shoot for the moon. If you miss you’ll still be in the stars. Remember 

think small, achieve small, think big, achieve big. 

7. This is the most important, write down your goals. It can’t be 

emphasised enough. 

Writing down your goals creates the roadmap to your success. You are 

making a commitment with your future. It is in effect a contract 

between you and the future you want to create. WRITE IT DOWN. 

Okay, that’s it for now. See, I told you it requires effort, but one thing for 

sure, I have had enough of second best, and if you are thinking the same 

in this New Year then let’s make a change, starting now. Good luck and 

remember, think big, no limitations. 

See you next month with a long list. 

Famous quotations about goals: 

‘‘Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle 

of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and 

upon which we must vigorously act. There is no 

other route to success.’’ 

‘‘Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are 

like a ship that has set sail with no destination.’’ 

‘‘The trouble with not having a goal is that you can 

spend your life running up and down the field and 

never score.’’ 

‘‘Progress has little to do with speed, but much to 

do with direction.’’ 

‘‘You must have long term goals to keep you from 

being frustrated by short term failures.’’ 

‘‘The world makes way for the man who knows 

where he is going.’’ 

To help you set your goals correctly here are seven points you should 

follow: 

1. Make sure the goal you are working for is something you really want, 

not just something that sounds good. 

When setting goals it is very important to remember that your goals 

must be consistent with your values, plus is it really what you want? ie 

will the goal create enough desire to make you get off your backside 

and put in the effort to bring it to pass? 

2. A goal cannot contradict any of your other goals. 

For example, you can’t buy a €750,000 house if your income goal is 

only €50,000 per year. 

3. Develop goals in the different areas of life. 

We will deal with this one next month. For now, just write, write, write. 

4. Write your goal in the positive instead of the negative. 

Work for what you want, not for what you want to leave behind. What 

would get you excited? ‘‘To pay off my debts’’ or ‘‘To be in profit.’’ 

Accentuate the positive in the description of your goal. 

5. Write your goal out in complete detail. 

Instead of writing ‘‘A new home,’’ write ‘‘A 200 square metre villa with 

sea views, four bedrooms, swimming pool, etc’’. The more detailed the 

description of the goal, the stronger the desire will be to achieve it.

Family 

Bar 

Family atmosphere 

Open 7 days per week from 10 am 

Food served daily 

Sky sports - pool table - large terrace 

Karaoke every Sat and Sunday live music Friday’s 

Sunday roast served all day Sunday 

Avenida Chorillo, Benalmadena Pueblo 

952 568 121 

fredericks 

Est 6 yrs 

irish Bar 

Open 7 days from 10am till 2am 

Food served every day 10am till 7pm 

Extensive menu - all fresh home cooked food 

Try our special irish sirloin steaks and homemade chips 

Pool table - darts - sky sports 

Karaoke Fri, Sat and Sun from 9pm till 11.45pm 

Calle Chorillo, Benalmadena Pueblo 952 568 674 

Plaza de Espana, Arroyo de la Miel 

Anne-Marie & Terry welcome you 

Full Menu, Fresh Food prepared daily 

Excellent Sunday Roast 

Wonderful relaxed atmosphere and warm 

welcome guaranteed 

Open 10.30 - midnight 

Closed thurs all day and sat evening call 679 135 183 

‘‘Walk in a stranger leave as a friend’’ 

christines 

irish theme bar & restaurant 

opening times 

mon - fri - 11am to 1am 

sat - 4pm to 1am 

sunday 2pm to 12 midnight 

monday - karaoke 

ten pin bowling wednesday 

friday - live music 

kids parties etc 

sunday lunches from 1pm 

still the best on the costa 

tel: 952 666 928 mob: 637 470 488 

email: scoobyyates@yahoo.com

El Faro 

Captains 

Bar 

Fuengirola 

Beach 

Km202 

Marbella 

Blancos 

Restaurant 

La Cala 

Marbella 

G u n a n d C o u n t r y C l u b 

Set in 140 acres of stunning countryside in the foothills of the 

Sierra de las Nieves, Marbella Gun and Country Club boasts the 

finest facilities in Europe 

ACTIVITIES 

The Activities available include Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, 

Quad Biking, Air Pistols, Horse Riding and you don’t have to 

have a go at all the activities in one day, you can carry on where 

you left off the next day. 

CLUB RESTAURANT 

The Restaurant offers an innovative menu, featuring fresh fish, the 

finest quality meats, a good selection of vegetarian options and, if 

a full meal isn’t to your fancy, there is also a wide choice of light 

meals and snacks to be enjoyed in the bar area or out on the 

poolside terrace. 

The first of seven new superbly appointed Scandinavian log cabins 

is now ready for viewing. This first phase will be located close to 

the pool, patio, restaurant and boasts some of the finest views the 

club has to offer. Anyone interested in a viewing please contact the 

club to make an appointment. Available from September. Ideal 

for short breaks, long weekends etc. 

We are also the perfect venue for your private function, weddings, 

birthdays, celebrations and corporate events. We can arrange live 

music, buffets, set menus and barbecues. 

Opening Hours 

From 10am (open 7 days per week) 

Please call for further details 

Marbella Gun and Country Club, Monda, Málaga, Spain 

Tel:952 112161 Mob: 627 963 747 Fax: 952 112162 

Email : marbellagun@yahoo.co.uk 

www.marbellagunandcountryclub.com

Fabulous Brand New Country Property 

ADT458 - Alhaurín de la Torre €379,500 

You really get a lot for your money with this villa and guest accommodation 

- 6 beds in the main home & 2 in the guesthouse. The pool is 

fenced & the views are wonderful from here & the top terrace. Access 

is great as it is close to all amenities plus less than 10 minutes drive 

to the airport. Could make a good business. Viewing is a must. 

Like this? Then checkout ADT141 on our website 

ALA532 - Alora €283,500 

This is a fabulous brand new country property that will be finished by the February 2008. The quick deciding 

buyer can choose the tiles for the floor, bathroom and kitchen. The build is to a hi-specification including quality 

materials, double glazing, damp proof course etc. The home will come complete with a swimming pool, own 

well and water deposits plus mains electricity. There will be two large terraces on either side of the home, one of 

which will be covered. The views are spectacular towards Alora and access is mainly via a new tarmac road to 

be completed end December 2007. Like this? Then checkout ALA319 on our website 

AEG516 - Alhaurín el Grande €995,000 

A more attractive villa & grounds would be hard to find - 327m2 

build - enormous ensuite bedrooms, large lounge, fitted kitchen, 

conservatory, perfect pool & poolside bar/BBQ. 10,000m2 of landscaped 

mature grounds with pond, bridges, walkways plus garage 

& carport. All services supplied - spectacular views & easy 

access. Like this? The checkout ALA441 on our website 

Phenomenal Country Property 

MAQ412 - Near Málaga €510,000 

Both houses are over 150m2 built (7 beds, 3 baths, 2 kitchens, 

lounges) and share fabulous grounds (6,552m2) with a converted 

outbuilding, stables, paddock, swimming pool, 80m2 garage, fruit 

trees, great views & easy access. Each home is private - perfect for 

an extended family, a business or many guests. 

Like this? The checkout ALA323 on our website 

CAS398 - Tea on the Terrace? €595,000 

Location, location, location - this one, in Casarabonela, is exceptional. 

Beautiful 245m2 home with 250m2 of terraces, guesthouse, ´sauna´ 

(infrared), double garage & summer house for afternoon tea! 25,000m2 of 

remarkable, fully fenced flat land that is full of trees - all combined with 

breathtaking views from incredible terraces. 

Like this? The checkout AEG476 on our website 

ECH464 - El Chorro €595,000 

Now available at a bargain price - a beautiful cortijo plus casita and 2 bed apartment. The design and materials used 

are fabulous and the layout is ideal for a rural retreat/hotel, large family home or a combination of the two! The infinity 

pool & terraced surround are in a perfect position to take full advantage of the grounds and the views. On the 

practical side the homes are supplied with mains electricity, Internet access and town water - an advantage when 

you are catering for many guests. The property is less than 200m from a tarmac road and located less than 2km 

from train station and within 15min from the incredible Lakes of El Chorro. Great views, great homes, great access, 

great facilities - we can not say more - come and judge for yourself! 

Like this? Then checkout ALA338 on our website

Fabulous Brand New Country Property - Tourismbrochures.net

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