Rock and roll legend Slash set to jet into Epsom

 

Rock and roll legend, Slash, of Guns and Roses fame will be jetting into the UK to be at the grand opening of GuitarGuitar in Epsom later this month. The guitar hero, famed for his aviator glasses, top hat and legendary licks, will be in store for a special autograph signing and to slash the sash to open the largest guitar emporium in the UK. A handful of lucky competition winners will be invited to meet the man himself at this exclusive event which will take place on Thursday, September 15 from 2.30 to 5pm. Five exclusive Dunlop pedals, signed by Slash, made available in partnership with the not for profit Surrey organisation, Love of Learning, will also be available to purchase at a cost of £200.

Read More

Jaguar C-X16 hybrid concept

Jaguar has released new details of a hybrid sports model it is working on as a potential successor to the legendary E-Type.

The new C-X16 two-seater uses a new 3.0-liter V6 engine along with a 70kW hybrid motor and is described as an ‘exploration’ of future performance hybrid options.

Using a combination of gasoline and batteries, the C-X16 offers a top speed of 300 km/h (186 mph) and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.4 seconds, with an electric-only top-speed of 50 mph (80 km/h)

The electric motor can also be activated using a steering wheel button for a power boost, inspired by the recently-introduced Formula One KERS system, charged through a brake regeneration system.

The C-X16 picks up on a couple of new Jaguar styling signals such as the front trapezoidal grille, although Jaguar says that it is intended to showcase the evolution of its design direction, with sharp creases on the hood and a sweeping roofline.

Inside, it is finished in ‘vermillion red’ and uses a climate control system which Jaguar says is inspired by the Typhoon fighter jet, with dash-mounted vents that appear from the dash to provide a blast of air as necessary, retracting afterwards.

The model will go on show for the first time at the Frankfurt Motor Show (september 15-25), where it will compete for attention with the upgraded Porsche 911 Carrera, the Maserati GranCabrio Fendi and the Ferrari 458 Spider

 

 

Read More

Harry Winston Diamond Corp. saw its luxury retail sales nearly double along with a modest increase in rough diamond sales

Harry Winston Diamond Corp. saw its luxury retail sales nearly double along with a modest increase in rough diamond sales, but it wasn’t enough to lift profits for the Toronto-based company.

The company said Wednesday that second quarter consolidated sales increased 44.7 percent percent to 222.4 million year-over year, resulting in a 6 percent increase in gross margin to $72.2 million and an operating profit of $23.1 million, compared to an operating profit of $29.9 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year. Consolidated EBITDA was $43.8 million compared to $49.4 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.

Despite the sales increase, net profits in second quarter fell 23 percent to $10 million.

Harry Winston consists of two businesses. The first supplies rough diamonds to the global market from its 40 percent ownership interest in the Diavik Diamond Mine. The company, however, is internationally known for its second business as a premier diamond jeweler and luxury timepiece retailer with salons in key locations throughout the world, including New York, Paris, London, Beijing, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Beverly Hills.

The luxury brand segment reported a 98 percent increase in sales to $132.8 million for the period, year-over-year. At constant exchange rates, the increase was 81 percent. Included in the second quarter was $55.6 million of high-value transactions, which generally carry lower-than-average gross margins. Operating profit was $6.8 million for the quarter compared to $2.3 million in the same quarter of the prior year. EBITDA for the luxury brand segment was $10.1 million compared to $5.5 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.

“Global retail demand, especially in the emerging economies such as China and India, has delivered both strong retail sales growth and strong rough diamond prices. Seeing through the effect of a small number of high-value, lower margin sales, our own jewelry and timepiece business shows solid growth in both sales and margin in the core bridal, timepiece and designed jewelry segments,” said Robert Gannicott, Harry Winston chairman and CEO.

Meanwhile, sales from its mining segment increased 3 percent to $89.6 million for the second quarter, year-over-year, resulting primarily from a 41 percent increase achieved in rough diamond prices, offset by a 27 percent decrease in volume of carats sold. The mining segment recorded operating profit of $16.3 million compared to $27.6 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year. EBITDA for the mining segment was $33.7 million compared to $44 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year.

“The market price increase in rough diamonds has more than compensated for two complete sales versus three in the comparable prior year quarter as well as the lower quality diamonds mined from the upper part of the current open pit,” Gannicott said

“Looking forward we continue to see strong global jewelry and timepiece demand from China while Japan and the Middle East improve and the U.S. remains subdued. On this basis we expect to continue to grow our own jewelry and timepiece business despite challenging economic conditions in the U.S. and Europe. Although we do not predict further near-term rough diamond market price increases we do see our own rough diamond sales price already improving.”

Read More

Luxury Home Foreclosures a Deal for Well-Heeled

 

Luxurious real estate doesn’t look — or cost — what it used to. “There are $4 million estates in Lutz and the Riverview area that are now less than $1 million,” said Keller Williams real estate agent Rande Friedman. “There’s a condo in Channelside that was $1.5 million, and now it’s $700,000.” Most homeowners have seen values drop, but these prices are so low because the homes are owned by a bank. And the bank wants to get rid of them. There are so many foreclosed luxury homes that Friedman created a website to list them. In three weeks, PoshForeclosures.com already has about 400 local listings. The Tampa Bay area and Florida are among the hardest-hit by foreclosures in the country. Friedman has a theory on why the foreclosure crisis finally caught up to the rich. “A lot of the people who got into the luxury market in 2005, 2006 were making their money from real estate,” he said. When the market crashed, so did their incomes. Plus, just like the rest of the population, many luxury buyers took out adjustable-rate mortgages. Many of them have come due recently. That, combined with job loss and sinking home prices, led to an uptick in foreclosures of luxury homes. That means hundreds of high-end homes sit abandoned. But that could be good news for those ready to buy. Homes and condos along the beaches and downtown condos are among the most-popular luxury foreclosures, Friedman said. Potential buyers of luxury foreclosures also don’t have to worry about trashed homes as much as buyers of lower-end houses. That’s because banks usually take better care of them, Friedman said. “People are still living in them, maintaining them, so they’re not the deserted, desolate foreclosure feeling,” Friedman said. “They really are truly nice properties.” That’s true, said Daren Blomquist, spokesman for RealtyTrac, which tracks foreclosure activity nationwide. “It’s in the bank’s best interest to fix up the home and get in the best shape possible before trying to sell it,” Blomquist said. “That way, they may get a better price.”

Read More

24-Hour Film Challenge in Marbella

 

MARBELLA Film Festival has announced the launch of its annual 24-hour film challenge, as part of the 2011 festival which will be held from October 15 to 17. The event which is organised by Marbella International Film Festival, in association with New World Trust and with the support of “The Marbella Film Office”, offers a great opportunity for filmmakers to add to their credits and demonstrate their talent to world audiences. This year the Festival is aiming to increase the participation by offering a subsidised package for accommodation and accreditations to the festival, attracting film makers from all over the world, to make movies, and show off their talent. The Filmmaker with cast and crew is challenged to make a three to four minute short film on a given subject matter, the task is to write a script, direct the actors, shoot the film, edit, sound and music, and deliver the film in 24 hours. All films will be screened and judged as part of Marbella International Film Festival, and the best film will receive the prestigious Marbella 24 hour film challenge 2011 Award. The runners up will receive a certificate of recognition and all participants will receive a certificate of participation.

Read More

The Ecclestone Sisters Have Been Cruising Around Monaco In Their Dad's $150 Million Yacht

Image: via James Spotting

Tamara and Petra, bodacious daughters of F1 billionaire Bernie Ecclestone, have been carving out a name for themselves in the annals of conspicuous consumption.

Lately the pair have been cavorting off the coast of Monaco on their dad’s new toy, the 177-ft., $150 million super yacht Sea Force One. The stylish vessel was built by A.M.Y. Yachts, a joint venture between CNL and T.Mariotti of Genoa with interior design by Luca Dini Design.

The yacht was designed to epitomize style, luxury, comfort, elegance and “absolute entertainment”. With accommodation of up to 10 guests in 5 cabins, along with separate quarters for 12 crew members, the spacious craft expands over four decks.

Key features include an automatically folding private owner’s balcony adjoining the spacious master suite; an impressive private cinema and a discotheque; leather floors and other lavish interior treatments; the aft swimming area with beach platform; and the impressive sundeck with Jacuzzi pool.

Generous interior spaces are connected to exterior sun, breeze and entertainment areas via wide floor-to-ceiling doors, balconies and skylights. The latest in sophisticated LED lighting and music systems are integrated throughout the superyacht as well for a truly moving experience.

Read More

Puerto Banus Saturday market Marbella shopping

 

The Puerto Banus street market in Marbella is on every Saturday from 9am to 2-3pm. It’s next to the Plaza de Toros (bullring), 10 minute walk from the port.

Read More

Marbella Town Hall debt continues to increase

 

Despite paying off a million € every month to Hacienda and Social Security, the debt at Marbella Town Hall is continuing to increase. The million € payment is only covering the interest generated on the debt amassed in the 15 years of the GIL administration in the town when the Mayor was the late Jesús Gil y Gil. The debt which remains is put at some 300 million €, and the administration led by the PP Mayor, Ángeles Muñoz, says the Town Hall is suffocated. Three moratoria and different agreements reached between the Town Hall and Central Government have not solved the matter. Hacienda and Personal coordinator, Carlos Rubio, has said that there are already judicial sentences in favour of the Town Hall worth some 400 million €, and he told La Opinión de Málaga that this should be taken into account. The Mayor travelled to Madrid on Monday to meet with the PP Economy Spokesman in Congress, Cristóbal Montoro to discuss the matter. They agreed to present Congress with the proposal to allow debt payments to be linked to the judicial processes which are open, investigating the differet corruption cases which have emptied the public purse in Marbella. The PP notes however that the PSOE does not want to get implicated in the problem.

Read More

Pop legend Lulu and Harry Judd from McFly are putting on their dancing shoes for this year's Strictly Come Dancing competition.

 

Lulu is swapping singing for salsa

Ex-Neighbours stars Jason Donovan and Holly Valance have also agreed to take part in the show, according to The Sun newspaper.

It has been confirmed by show producers thatDaybreak's sport presenter Dan Lobb,Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey and impressionist Rory Bremner, will also be taking part in the hit TV show.

Sven-Goran Eriksson's ex Nancy Dell'Olio and ex- EastEnders star Anita Dobson plus astrologer Russell Grant are also set to be swapping their day jobs for salsa dancing.

Speaking about the line-up, a source told The Sun newspaper, "Lulu is lots of fun and will bring in viewers who remember her from the Sixties - but also younger fans who know her from her duet with Take That on Relight My Fire. Harry will tick the heartthrob box."

The BBC will officially confirm the Strictly Come Dancing line-up on The One Show on Tuesday.

Read More

London Fashion Week is approaching and there are hospitality packages on offer

London Fashion Week is approaching and there are hospitality packages on offer for those keen to get a close-up look at the latest trends as the autumn and winter collections emerge.

The event runs from September 16th to 20th, with the majority of the venues being located in Somerset House.

Others include the Topshop Venue in the Royal Opera House, Fashion Scout in the Freemasons' Hall on Great Queen Street and the My Beautiful City, in the Old Sorting Office on the corner of Museum Street and New Oxford Street.

The event features collections from the likes of Paul Costelloe, Christopher Raeburn, Vivienne Westwood, Holly Fulton, Michael Van Der Ham, David Koma and Topman Design.

Speaking about the week, Caroline Reader, the event manager for London Fashion Weekend - which follows later in the month - said that she hopes to get away from her desk to see the collections by Christopher Kane and Richard Nicholl.

Read More

Fashion week photographs of Kate Moss or Agyness Deyn sashaying down the catwalk in the latest season’s designs appear in magazines and on front pages around the world.

Fashion week photographs of Kate Moss or Agyness Deyn sashaying down the catwalk in the latest season’s designs appear in magazines and on front pages around the world. Yet look more closely and it appears that few of these images are taken at London Fashion Week.

Many of the most talked-about models of the moment — some household names, some the next big thing — will appear at fashion weeks in New York, Paris and Milan, but not London. Some fly in for a day or two, others skip London completely. Industry figures say London has a lot going for it: creativity, innovation, cool. But compared with the other capitals, it doesn’t have the financial clout to attract the “hottest” models.

Is this damaging London’s fashion reputation?

“A lot of things have gone wrong with fashion weeks,” says Carole White, the founder of Premier models. “It’s causing a problem for the British fashion industry. London designers are not realistic about what they pay. Their rates have not moved on since 1983.” She says London offers models only a fraction of the fees they can command elsewhere.

White knows what she is talking about. The workaholic, outspoken star of Channel 4 TV’s fly-on-the-wall documentary The Model Agency is the woman Naomi Campbell called “mum” for years (until they had a big falling out). She has represented the likes of Claudia Schiffer and Christy Turlington as well as famously turning down Kate Moss for being “too short.”

The London “squeeze” has been debated since New York, due to start tomorrow, moved its position in the schedule. New York is traditionally seen as more powerful than London, which is how the change was pushed through two years ago. “Since New York got moved to the first slot, all the fashion weeks butt up against each other. It’s crazy.” White warns that some of the most in-demand models may struggle to make it to London, which opens on Sept. 16.

It makes more sense for them to jet straight from New York to Milan. “There is a lot of politics going on here. They seem to think it helps the buyers. But it doesn’t help the models.”

Aidan Jean-Marie, creative director of Premier and one of White’s bookers, says: “Big names like Kate Moss or Stella Tennant, they make their guest appearances elsewhere. We don’t have the money in London any more.”

Last season one of the most memorable photographs from the shows was Kate Moss swishing down the runway in a rare catwalk appearance. That was for Louis Vuitton in Paris. But this isn’t so much about household names (many of these models no longer do catwalk work anyway as advertising is so much more lucrative). It’s about the young women who suddenly become “the latest big thing” on the eve of these shows. The model bookers argue that these “hot girls” (as they call them) are what creates the noise around a collection.

“The buzz of London is the creativity,” White says. “And you want the best models to showcase that. They don’t have to be the most famous, but they have to be the coolest. If a girl is really tired and looks like she’s going to have a really good show season in Milan, the agents will say, ‘Let’s skip London.’ It tends to lessen us as a market.”

For the models, London is apparently not that appealing: “Most girls are not avaricious. They want to cover their costs and make a little profit. But in London they can leave with a debt and have to return the next season to clear it.”

Read More

London Fashion Week Spring 2012 Preview

 

The buzz around London is that this is going to be the season of the new-established designers. Labels such as Erdem, Christopher Kane, and Peter Pilotto have garnered widespread coverage with celebrities donning their wares on the red carpet and fashion editors flocking to feature them in magazines but they still lack the widespread recognition of other established designers. This will be their year to stand out and join the big leagues.  We shouldn't expect too many big-name models as it's been revealed that LFW designers pay much less than Paris or Milan and London is simply too short to make it worth their while. Scheduled September 16 - 20, The British Fashion Council petitioned to have London Fashion Week extended earlier in the year but an extension isn't in the cards this season. The Topshop Show Space has returned to the Old Eurostar Terminal from two seasons ago and will be equipped with the always popular cafe.  Pringle of Scotland's new Design Director Alisair Carr is looking to photographer Watanabe Katsumi to inspire his debut collection.  For 2012, Mulberry's Emma Hill was inspired by the British seaside. We should expect seventies silhouettes with floral fabrics and that signature Mulberry eccentricity.  Matthew Williamson will be showing his collection in the turbine hall at The Tate Modern. Designers with the British Fashion Council's NEWGEN sponsorship are Holly Fulton, Louise Gray, and Michael Van der Ham. It has also been revealed that Van der Ham will be showing a collaboration with Christian Louboutin.  Luxury hosiery brand Bebaroque is collaborating with PPQ for customized and jewel encrusted tights and bodysuits.  The Aldo Rise collaborations with designers J.W. Anderson and Preen will be revealed.  Tom Ford will be showing his collection to a very select group of buyers and press. It is by far the most hush-hush exclusive presentation of the week.   Rumor has it that there may be a few last minute show cancelations due to budgeting but we'll have to wait and see.

Read More

The Wine Museum (Museo del Vino), Ojen, Marbella

 

You’ll need a car to reach Ojen. It was made famous by a local liqueur and Julio Iglesias has a home here. It’s heaven for nature lovers, set in the mountains just above Marbella and is definitely worth a detour, not just for a taste of some fine Spanish wines, but for a feel for the quieter side of Marbella, where birdsong and the whizz of mopeds are the soundtrack in spring and summer. This is Malaga’s “spiritual” home, but it’s not just wines that are on display or for tasting. Resident guide Antonio will tell you it’s Ojen’s own special Eau-de-Vie (a concoction of aniseed and aromatic herbs that packs quite a punch) that originally put the Ojen on the worldwide map. In 1840 a man called Pedro Morales started distilling the special liqueur but he kept the recipe a secret. Soon, visitors were asking for a “copita de Ojen” in bars around Spain and it was exported all over the world. Picasso probbly enjoyed a swig or two – he immortalised a bottle of the anisette liqueur in his work “Bodegon Espanol”. But after being passed down from father to eldest son over four generations, one father died suddenly before he had the chance to pass the formula on, so the recipe remains a mystery. Also worth visiting: The local 16th-century church with its square minaret-style Mudejar tower; the Caves of Ojen; the Los Chorros fountain; and Juanar Palace, a very old hunting lodge (game is still shot here) that is now a hotel and restaurant, set in the hiker’s and rider’s paradise in the Sierra Blanca mountains.

 

Read More

Billionairess Petra Eccleston's fashion line Stark is to launch at next week's New York Fashion Week.

Billionnairess: Newlywed Petra Ecclestone arrives in LA yesterday

Billionairess Petra Eccleston's fashion line Stark is to launch at next week's New York Fashion Week.

And, although the It girl has caused quite a stir in the U.S. with her recent purchase of the $85million former Spelling mansion in LA, she insists that the accessories brand will 'speak for itself.'

'It’s not about me - it’s not a Petra Ecclestone handbag, it’s a Stark handbag. There’s a huge difference.'

The younger daughter of Bernie Ecclestone, the British Formula 1 racing mogul, Ms Ecclestone is no stranger to high fashion - the self-confessed lover of bags and shoes is particularly partial to an Hermes Birkin bag - the prices of which run up to $65,000 each.

The accessories range includes handbags and purses that while not fall into the practical category certainly look like the spoils of a billionairess. Think gold, opulent leathers and uber luxury.

Speaking with WWD, the 22-year-old Londoner and owner of a $175million real estate portfolio said that she hopes the collection, to be unveiled at Gramercy Park Hotel, will not be judged upon by her status alone.

'[My background] doesn’t change that I’m trying to be a successful designer.'

'Obviously people are going to have preconceived ideas that it’s not me working, that I don’t come to the office, like I do - I don’t think you can ever change that,' she told the fashion newspaper.

Although Ms Ecclestone says the bags are 'just really kind of fun, glitzy pieces,' her designs are clearly targeted to those with whom Ms Ecclestone may usually mix.

Stark reality: The new collection, launching at next week's New York Fashion Week ranges from $495 to $4,795

Materials include ultra-luxurious python skin, alligator skin and Nappa leather with gold studs or Swarovski crystals details.

A baguette clutch fashioned from alligator leather and encased in a boxy gold frame features a panther that is not unlike that on a Jaguar car bonnet.

 

Read More

The Venice Film Festival has started

The Venice Film Festival has started and this year will present new movies made by such directors as Cronenberg, Ferrara, McQueen, Solondz, Polanski, Lathimos, Satrapi and in addition: the latest films by Soderbergh, Madonna and the Spanish science fiction movie EVA by Kike Maíllo (born in Barcelona in 1975)

The most anticipated release of the festival is probably “CARNAGE” by Roman Polanski, who wrote the screenplay in the Swiss’ custody. The Film has been acclaimed as a potential winner of the festival.
CARNAGE features four outstanding actors: Kate Winslet, Jodie Foster, Christoph Waltza and John C. Reilly. It’s an adaptation of Yasmin Reza’s French stage play. A Brooklyn couple (Jodie Foster as a human rights advocate and John C. Reilly, a salesman) receive Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz (an investment broker and a high-powered attorney) to discuss a fight between their sons, in which one was injured. The confrontation turns into the open conflict 
Madonna presented her new film “W. E.” outside the festival competition. The script is based on one of the most popular romances of the first half of the 20th century. The story of Wallis Simpson, for whom Edward VIII abdicated in 1936 is the starting point for the contemporary tale of a young woman with the same name, which has devoted everything to the husband and the future offspring.
Many reviews of “W. E.” concluded that film directing is not the best feature of Madonna.

Read More

Spanish aristocrat, 85 year old Span’s Duchess of Alba is getting married with 24 years younger civil servant Alfonso Diez Carabantes

 Spanish aristocrat, 85 year old Span’s Duchess of Alba is getting married with 24 years younger civil servant Alfonso Diez Carabantes and to avoid her chlderen’s protests, gives them all her wealth.

Duchess of Alba has entered the Guinness Book of Recors for her gigantic welth worth of 3.5bn euros (£3bn) and the most nobility titles in the world (44 noble titles and 150 hereditary ones). She is a distant relative of Queen Elizabeth and Winston Churchill. Her full name is Maria del Rosario Cayetana Alfonsa Victoria Eugenia Francisca Fitz-James Stuart y de Silva.

According to her official message the wedding ceremony to be held in October will be a private event 
 The duchess’s six children have until now opposed her plans. Spanish media reports that she will get round her children by giving them their inheritance early. ”Alfonso doesn’t want anything. All he wants is me,” the duchess was quoted as saying earlier this year.

According to the Spanish televsion TVE, her eldest son Carlos will inherit the Liria Palace in Madrid and the Monterrey Palace in Salamanca. Her other palaces and thousands of hectares of land will be divided between her children and eight grandchildren, the report said. Much of the patrimony is managed by a foundation and cannot be sold.

Read More

F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone marries businessman James Stunt while her father Bernie Ecclestone is splashing out £1.3 million for the wedding at Odescalchi Castle near Rome

F1 heiress Petra Ecclestone marries businessman James Stunt while her father Bernie Ecclestone is splashing out £1.3 million for the wedding at Odescalchi Castle near Rome, where Tom Cruise married Katie Holmes and buying properties in Los Angeles and London worth over £120 million.

Eric Clapton will play the first song as the newlyweds take to the floor for their first dance as a married couple. Then the Black Eyed Peas will perform a set for guests at the reception at a cost of more than £1million.

Renting the Italian castle costs £310,000 which includes catering, guests accommodation and £40,000 will be splashed out on a spectacular fireworks display at midnight.The couple will enjoy their new life together between London and Los Angeles lavish properties, which Petra purchased recently 
The Los Angeles property is the largest house in the city and the second most expensive sold in the country so far this year built by Aaron Spelling, producer of the iconic series “Charlie’s Angels” and “Dynasty”. The imposing building of 5,000 square meters is situated near Beverly Hills, and has more than 100 rooms. “It’s a great investment and got a good deal,” said Petra in her interview for ABC News, referring to a lower initial price 85 million dollars (58,000,000 Euro) of the property valued originally at 104 million dollars.

The London house, purchased earlier this year in London’s fashionable Chelsea was even more expensive than the U.S property at 64 million British pounds (72,000,000 Euro). It is a Grade II listed building with underground car park, swimming pool and collection of art including including works by Banksy and Tracy Emin.

Read More

THE movie ‘Cloud Atlas’ starring Tom Hanks and Halle Berry, will be filmed in Mallorca this September

THE movie ‘Cloud Atlas’ starring Tom Hanks and Halle Berry, will be filmed in Mallorca this September, the Mallorcan Film Commission confirmed.

Other actors include Susan Sarandon, Hugo Weaving, Jim Broadbent, Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw.

Filming is set to begin around September 15 and end around September 30, but it will not be released until October 2012.

The hope is that the movie will popularize Mallorca as a destination in the same way that The Lord of the Rings did for New Zealand.

The directors, the Wachowski brothers (The Matrix) and Tom Tykwer, have already reserved 180 rooms at a Pollença Hotel.

‘Cloud Atlas’ is based on the award winning novel by David Mitchell and follows the story of six characters living in different time eras, from the 19th Century to a post-apocalyptic future.

All but one of the main characters are the reincarnation of the same soul.

There will be four film locations on the island including Port de Soller, Sa Calobra and Formentor for the 1850 era and Puig Major for the 2300 post-apocalyptic world where the only survivors live in a kind of Stone Age but with technological equipment, offering various special effects.

The rest of the €140million movie was filmed at the famous Babelsberg studios in Berlin.

Read More

Kadafi son had a Hollywood connection

Libyan leader Moammar Kadafi's third son, Saadi, had an independent movie production company called Natural Selection with an American partner. The company has closed its doors and the son is on the run.

Saadi Kadafi, Moammar Gaddafi's third son. (Dan Peled, Associated Press / September 2, 2011)

Read More

Vincci opens new 5-star boutique hotel in Benalmadena

The newly opened 5-star boutique hotel occupies a beachfront location, only 15min away from Malaga Airport.

Vincci Hotels has just opened the Vincci Seleccion Aleysa, a charming 5-star boutique hotel. The newly opened property occupies a beachfront location in a quiet setting, very close to the town's marina and other localities on the Costa del Sol, such as Malaga, Torremolinos and Marbella.

This elegant ad modern property has 35 rooms with sea views, including 13 spacious doubles, two junior suites, one suite, eight duplex and one grand duplex. All the rooms are equipped with flat-screen TV, telephone, safety deposit box, individual air conditioning/heating, free Wi-Fi, pillow menu, TOUS amenities, special welcome set, mini bar and piped music.

As regards services and facilities, the hotel has an à la carte restaurant, lobby bar, terrace, gardens, outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi, fully equipped spa centre and several meetings rooms and outdoor venues for corporate and private events.

  

Read More