Editorial We know that we are in testing economic times, however our commitment to quality remains as strong as ever.
2009, Open to quality I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the new-look Golf Panorama, now renamed Panorama Bendinat. This is the first issue in this new format and we felt it the right time to come up with both a new look and name for the publication as it now embraces so much more than golf, both here in Mallorca and beyond our shores. We hope you enjoy the variety of subjects covered in this issue which include international fashion designer Tolo Crespi, a preview of the soon to be opened Melia hotel in Shanghai, and a look at the fascinating history of cuisine on the island, now highly prized. We know that we are in testing economic times, however our commitment to quality remains as strong as ever. We will continue to improve our facilities and service across the Bendinat Group, starting with Real Golf de Bendinat where a recent programme of revamping nine of the greens has made a marked improvement to our course. In the restaurant members and guests have already been delighted with the creations of our new chef Jose Luis Sanz who is interviewed in this issue and reveals some secrets from his kitchen. Our commitment to quality has also borne fruit in the UK where our sister club, The London Golf Club has been chosen for the second year running to host the European Open on 29th-31st May. A number of the world´s top golfing names are expected to take part, and we hope to welcome as many of you as possible to the event, which is also previewed in this issue. Our projects continue to draw the most demanding of clients and in this issue there are details of our latest project in Portocolom, now close to completion.
Jorge Pando Director of Operations The Bendinat Group
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CONTENTS Cover: Boris Becker owns a home in Mallorca and is a frequent visitor to the island. Number 15 · 2009
Distributed to members of Real Golf de Bendinat, Bendinat Estate residents, 5 star hotels, Bendinat Commercial Centre, The Anchorage Club, the London Golf Club, etc. Sold through newsagents in Mallorca. Edited by: Real Golf de Bendinat C/ Campoamor, s/n 07181 Calviá. Mallorca Tel. +34 971 405 200. Fax +34 971 700 786 e. mail: info@bendinat.com www.bendinat.com Production, direction and advertising: Nimbus Comunicación Paseo Mallorca, 32-A. 1º 07012 Palma de Mallorca. Tel. +34 971 228 133 Fax +34 971 713 035 e-mail: poppy@nimbus.es www.nimbus.es
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Photography: Francisco Garví, Andrew Spence, Juanjo Vega, Pilar & Joan Miró Foundation, Fundación Iberostar and the Bendinat Group archive.
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All rights reserved PM 1382-2007
The editor does not necessarily identify with the opinions of the contributors. The validity of the information included in this magazine is correct at time of going to press but may be subject to change. PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
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This international fashion designer from Mallorca has a unique approach to the world of fashion. How did he reach the catwalks of the world?
GRAN MELIÁ SHANGAI
Photomechanic and printers: Gráficas Andalusi
We would like to thank our advertisers without whose help the publication of this edition would not have been possible.
A historic town in the north-east of the island with its own special beauty.
TOLO CRESPÍ
Design: singularcomunicacion.es Editorial staff and contributors: José Manuel Mateos, José L. Pilco, Jacinto Rodríguez, Eva Caballero, Andrea Luque, Emilio Matesanz, Antonia Mazas, Francisco Muñoz, Marc Bates, Andrew Spence, A. Chesson and Elena Seijas.
ARTÀ
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The Meliá Group have surpassed themselves with the striking architecture of this hotel in one of the world´s most exciting cities.
PILAR & JOAN MIRÓ FOUNDATION How one of the island´s top art galleries came into being.
THE EUROPEAN OPEN The London Golf Club clinches the European Open for the second year running.
MALLORCA, AT THE FOREFRONT OF FASHION Mallorca and its capital, Palma, are international centres of fashion and style. Big name boutiques draw shoppers with exclusive designs and attractive shop windows offering quality, exclusivity and fantasy to satisfy the most demanding of tastes. A shopping trip brings you right to the heart of glamour and international trends, as Mallorca draws a cosmopolitan public who are always looking for something special and a bit out of the ordinary.
Prada cornertous.com Women Paseo del Borne, 10 · Palma Tel.: 971 425 514
Bags in various colours.
Men Paseo del Borne, 28 · Palma Tel.: 971 425 514
Prada Sandal in three-colour python.
Roger Vivier “Esclava” sandal in caramel coloured python.
Fendy Platform in suede and material.
Tods “Gomino” type rubber in blue suede.
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Dolce & Gabbana Sports shoes in marine blue patent leather.
Faรงonable Tie.
Etro Shirt.
Etro Blazer in suede.
Dries Van Hoten Top in silk and glass beads.
Prada Jacket in marine blue suede.
Prada Skirt with python print design.
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ARTÀ,
WHERE BEAUTY AND CULTURE MEET Article | Jacinto Rodríguez | Photos | Francisco Garví
THE MUNICIPALITY OF ARTA IS ABOUT 70 KM FROM PALMA COLONIA DE SAN PERE, BETLEM AND S´ESTANYOL.
IN THE NORTH EAST OF
MALLORCA. ITS 140
SQUARE KILOMETRES INCLUDE THE TOWNS OF
LA
Although the coastline has its own tourism, the area has managed to preserve its traditions in a municipality that is very beautiful, set in the foothills of the Serra de Llevant (the eastern mountain range) with its highest point reaching 561m at Freda de Son Morey. Up until the 15th Century, when it was given its current name, the area was known as Almudaina, which also included the districts of Capdepera and Son Servera, which became separate municipalities in the 19th century. For this reason the famous caves of Arta are actually found in the neighbouring municipality of Capdepera. Archaeological digs in the area have discovered several important prehistoric sites. The most important remains are found in the ancient villages of Ses Païsses and Sa Canova, settlements of “talaiots” - dry stone houses with characteristic shapes built in the stone age.
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Arta’s gothic church of the Transfiguration.
Arta´s first phase of development occurred in the 16th and 17th centuries with a mainly agrarian industry, specialising in vineyards, almonds, citrus fruits, oil and textiles. These activities still survive to this day, supported by the commercialisation of products from palm trees. Arta´s development was limited by a seigneurial or feudal system of land division which was worsened in 1820 by an outbreak of plague that claimed 1.200 victims. Towards the end of the 19th century, a more equitable distribution of lands took place. This saw the creation of such areas as Colonia de Sant Pere, on the coast which today is a residential and tourist area with a small sailing port. It is an ideal starting point to explore the 25 km of largely unspoilt coastline belonging to this municipality, that includes the beach of Sa Canova which has over 2km of dunes and has been declared a natural area of special interest. It is situated next to the small lake of Obispo, an area of wetlands into which feeds the torrent of Na Borges.
Arta’s delightful pace of life with squares, boulevards and history.
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Definitely worth a visit is the Bellpuig monastery, founded during the era of the crusades, the Hermitage of Betlem, the talaiot structures mentioned above and the town of Arta with its city walls and historic centre. The town´s other sites include the monastery of San Salvador, the gothic church of the Transfiguration, the Franciscan convent of San Antonio de Padua and the imposing seigneurial houses of the former landowners such as Na Batlessa, which was donated to the town hall in 1996.
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FROM MALLORCA TO MILAN: INTERNATIONAL FASHION DESIGNER
TOLO CRESPÍ Article | Eva Caballero | Photos | Francisco Garví
TOLO CRESPI WAS HEADING FOR A CAREER AS A CARTOONIST AND ACTOR, WHEN THE WORLD OF FASHION CROSSED HIS PATH. JUST ONE YEAR AFTER FINISHING HIS STUDIES IN THE BALEARIC SCHOOL OF DESIGN, IN 1989 HE BEGAN HIS COLLABORATION WITH VICTORIO AND LUCCHINO, FOR WHOM HE ALSO ILLUSTRATED VARIOUS CATALOGUES FOR THEIR COLLECTIONS.
“Right now I am at a stage between resting, reflecting and the studio” In 1997 he set up his own company, Tolo Crespi, a shortened form of his full name, Bartomeu Carbonell Crespi, and today it is one of the most important international fashion houses in Mallorca. This is due to his taking part in the most important international events such as the International Fashion Fair (Tokyo), Prêt-à-Porter (Paris), Gaudi (Barcelona), Moda Arte and Book International (Milan), Work Shop Fair (New York), and Pasarela Cibeles (Madrid). “Right now I am at a stage between resting, reflecting and the studio”, he said in a recent interview. “My last work was the presentation of the Margalida collection in Campanet, here in Mallorca, inspired by the fashions of the 18th century, using ecological fabrics such as linen, cotton, and canvas. I also used natural colourings from insects and plants, and wove the cloth on a loom dating back to the 19th century”. He affirms that his work is mainly dedicated to off the peg fashion with touches of haute couture. “I am particularly drawn to the baroque fashions of the 18th century but synthesising and adapting it to meet current demands”. He also tries to meet the fashion requirements of women of every age and size. A person may be overweight but be just as elegant as someone with a thin figure. What I need to exploit above all is femininity”. He concludes that “For men, I have never really invented anything apart from a few shirt designs and some made to measure creations. But it is a field that I may well enter into one day”. Tolo Crespi defines himself as “a real islander. I like living here (he lives in a finca in Biniali, where he also has his studio). You can relax and enjoy the peace and quiet which is a requirement for creativity”. Of his international experience he has of course fond memories: “It is a great time to learn and to keep one´s contacts up to date. I do believe that Spanish fashion needs to change certain aspects of its promotion outside Spain. What I believe may upset colleagues and official bodies in the business but rather than promote Spanish fashion shows here in Spain, we need to reach out and promote our collections to the great fashion centres of Paris, Milan, New golf & lifestyle magazine | 13
Studio photographs by Alex Amengual
Fashion show photography by Miquel Moragues
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York and Tokyo. Portugal is doing this with notable success. Perhaps we are trying to be too much “Don Quijote” when in reality we should humble ourselves a little bit and be more “Sancho Panza”. With regard to the current state of design in Spain, he asserts that “we are in the forefront of fashion, we have great creative minds but we need more support from the institutions to consolidate and make our position even stronger”.
Sleeping beauties: Mallorquin cheeses may spend up to a year maturing in a specially controlled environment with a humidity of up to 90%. 16 | panorama bendinat
MALLORQUIN CHEESE: ON THE ROAD TO INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION Article | Andrea Luque | Photos | Francisco Garví
ACCORDING
TO DOCUMENTED HISTORY, THE RULERS OF THE FORMER KINGDOM OF
MALLORCA NORMALLY SERVED LOCALLY MADE CHEESE FROM THE MONTPELLIER AND MARSEILLES IN THE 18TH CENTURY. ARCHDUKE LUIS SALVADOR OF AUSTRIA, A PATRON AND RESIDENT OF THE ISLAND IN THE 19TH CENTURY DREW ATTENTION TO LOCAL CHEESES IN HIS WRITINGS OF 1897, “THE BALEARICS IN WORDS AND PICTURES”.
ISLANDS´ FARMS, A PRODUCT SO SOUGHT AFTER THAT IT WAS EXPORTED TO
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Quality control is carried out at every stage of production.
Today this subtly flavoured product, slightly acid and mildy salted with a high protein content is now awaiting its EC classification, the IGP – Protected Geographic Indication “Formatge de Mallorca”. This has already been granted by both the local and national government. Mallorquin cheese is usually sold in squarish shapes of about 3 kilos, normally made with cow´s milk although there are also varieties made with sheep or goat´s milk. Quesos Piris (Piris Cheese) was founded in 1944 and has its main office in Campos which, with the municipality of Lluchmayor has most of the cattle farming in Mallorca. Golf Panorama asked them to explain the techniques of cheese making in Mallorca
“Every day at 1am, and until 7am, milk is collected and immediately pasteurised and then put into the curdling and fermentation vat where curd and fermented lactic product is added. Once it has thickened it is moulded and pressed, and then put into salting houses where the large cheeses remain for 36 to 48 hours and the smaller ones for 24 hours. “Once this time has passed, the cheeses are then put in the maturing rooms where they remain for 2 to 3 months in the case of semicured, 4 to 5 months for cured and up to a whole year for the reserve or mature cheeses. This is an extremely delicate phase in the production cycle due to the physical, chemical and microbiological processes that are occurring. An average temperature of 12 degrees and a humidity of up to 90 per cent is
maintained so that the mould can grow which is cleaned every so often in order to improve the outer crust. “Quality control is constant, and monitors work carried out in the laboritory in the manufacturing plant as well as work carried out by official bodies.” Today Mallorquin cheese has become a common part of the local diet both at home, in restaurants and hotels on the island and is able to hold its own not only with cheeses from the mainland or Europe but also against fierce competition from the well established Mahon cheese which is made using a fairly similar process. Proof of its growing acceptance is the frequency of export to Valencia and Barcelona and to a lesser extent, Germany.
10 litres of milk per cheese In 1944 the Menorquin José Piris founded the cheese factory that bears his name and still remains under family ownership which is now in its third generation. Originally set up in Santanyí, the plant was moved to Campos due to the greater number of cattle farms there. Today Piris produces some 300,000 kilos of cheese a year which implies the usage of some 3,000,000 litres of milk, 10 litres per kilo of cheese.
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THE GRAN MELIÁ SHANGHAI: LUXURY WITH AN AVANT GARDE FLAIR Article | Jacinto Rodríguez | Photos | Sol Meliá
THE HOTEL GRAN MELIÁ SHANGHAI IS A MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT DUE TO OPEN ITS DOORS IN 2009. THE SPECTACULAR STREAMLINED ARCHITECTURE WITH VIEWS OVER THE HUANGPU RIVER, WILL HOUSE A UNIQUE INTERIOR TO REFLECT THIS EXCITING CITY. SITUATED IN SHANGHAI´S MOST PRESTIGIOUS COMMERCIAL AREA, LU JIA ZUI, IT IS ALSO LOCATED IN THE PUDONG DISTRICT WHICH IS THE NEW HEART OF THIS HISTORIC CITY.
The Melia Shanghai will have some 700 rooms which includes 596 deluxe rooms, 44 rooms with Royal Service, 46 suites and the impressive Imperial Suite. Each room offers touches of luxury in addition to the facilities you would normally expect: large spacious showers; high speed internet access, 24 hour room service, satellite TV, minibar, tea and coffee service in the room and safes. The hotel promises three quality restaurants one of which will be dedicated to the best of Mediterranean cuisine. After dining you can try out the Cuba Music Bar, the Cigar Bar and the Lobby Bar all of which will all become an important part of the nightlife of the city. As you would expect in a hotel of this quality, banqueting and conference facilities for business executives are on hand. There are 27 meeting rooms, a business centre and for special events, a large dance hall with no separating columns. For pure pleasure seekers, there is the 2,500m2 Yhi Spa with pool, health club, fitness centre and private rooms for personal beauty treatments. The multilingual staff of the hotel are trained to offer a personal and friendly service and will look after every need of the hotel´s guests. This can include anything from reserving special treatments in the health club to a personal trip with a chauffer to discover the delights of the incredible city of Shanghai.
The Melia Group have surpassed themselves with the striking architecture of this hotel in one of the world´s most exciting cities.
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PORTOCOLOM, AS MALLORCA USED TO BE Article | A. Chesson | Photos | Panorama Bendinat
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The Bendinat Group´s latest project, 120m walk from the sea
One December morning I found myself walking along the harbour front in Portocolom. It was peaceful, there were people shopping, taking a coffee in the morning sun, and the boats gently bobbed in the calm waters of the harbour. I could not believe I was in Mallorca. I am so used to the southwest where I live and work that it was like stepping into a different world. Over the years Palma and the strip to the west have become a sophisticated exclusive area with an advanced lifestyle. But as you travel east, the years roll back and you feel you are in undiscovered territory. The harbour front is still as it was some 40 or 50 years ago apart from renovations to the colourful exteriors. Imagine Portixol but beside a large natural harbour with a village atmosphere and you have Portocolom. Along the front are several excellent restaurants, some so good that people travel from Palma to eat here. The king of Spain has been known to pop into the “Sa Sinia”, and the “Colon” serve exquisite fish and salads with a service you might only find in the most cosmopolitan locations. The Bendinat Group has been able to secure a gently sloping piece of land just 120m from the sea front. The first phase is nearing completion and the buildings are now in various stages of painting and final finishes. The architects Bretones (Port Grimaud, France) and EAU, Palma have sought to reflect the style of the houses in Portocolom and have used similar colours and details. The houses and apartments are grouped around a large pool, which is more like a lake as it is some 750m2 in area and surrounded by landscaped gardens. Irrigation of the gardens is kept to a minimum through use of local, hardy plant species and a minimum of grass. There is also a natural recycling plant within the grounds of the project. Waste water from showers and washing machines is passed through an area of reeds and gravel to filter the water, which is then reused for the gardens.
Portocolom: the harbour has remained untouched for more than a generation.
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The townhouses and apartments are built around a 750m2 pool and landscaped gardens.
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Interiors are light and airy and air conditioning and double glazing are included.
Architects Catalina Bonnin (EAU, Palma) and Georges Bretones (Port Grimaud, France) discuss the colours and finish of the Bendinat Project in Portocolom - March 2009.
Great skill is required in the traditional art of Mallorquin dry stone walls, used in the project at Portocolom.
Kitchens use German made appliances and silent closing-system drawers.
Inside, state of the art touches have been included to ensure a project with the maximum level of finish and fittings. There are roof terraces for all top floor apartments and townhouses and inside the design is practical and bright. And for the creature comforts of life, kitchens have German appliances, extendable taps and dishwashers, while bathrooms have marble surfaces, baths or large showers and the feeling of being in a five star suite.
Bathrooms have large showers and underfloor heating.
Onsite office: 971 55 67 35 www.bendinat.com
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JOSE MARIA MONCLUS, ENGINEER Interview | Emilio Matesanz | Photos | Francisco GarvĂ
JOSE MARIA MONCLUS, AN ENGINEER BY TRAINING, BEGAN WORKING IN THE FIELD OF ENERGY SAVING OVER 20 YEARS AGO WHEN HE FOUNDED THE COMPANY ADITESA IN MADRID. TODAY HE IS THE MD OF MONCLUS ASSOCIATES, WITH OFFICES IN ZARAGOZA AND MALLORCA. HE ALSO OWNS A HOUSE IN BENDINAT AND IS A MEMBER OF REAL GOLF DE BENDINAT WHERE GOLF PANORAMA RECENTLY INTERVIEWED HIM. How does your company operate?
What type of clients use your services?
We basically specialise in how to save electrical energy. Our way of working is firstly to carry out an in-depth study of the energy consumption of our clients, and look at their system of payment to the utility company, in order to find the best solution for both parties.
They vary from official bodies such as AENA (the Spanish airport authority) to large private enterprises such as Sol Melia, Riu, Barcelo and Iberostar. We also advise golf clubs and at the moment we work for more than 40 companies in the tourism industry.
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“Our clients can save up to 30% on their electricity bills� How much do you save your clients? This varies greatly and depends on the amount they consume and how they contract their services, but in general we can reduce their kilowatt consumption by 20% to 30%. Is electricity expensive in Spain? In Spain there is very little nuclear energy in contrast to France which has over 50 nuclear power stations. In order to generate electricity we depend largely on oil and coal which makes electricity production very expensive in comparison to France. This factor has caused a deficit in Spain of some 9 billion euros but as this is a sensitive political issue, our government does not wish to authorise passing this on to the consumer which would mean an increase of 30% to people´s electricity bills. This would be an extremely unpopular move by the government. And what of alternative energy resources This has a future, especially resources such as hydroelectric energy and wind farm energy. Holland has made great strides forward in energy generated from the tides. How many companies are there in Spain similar to yours? There is only one other that I am aware of. There have been similar initiatives but for unknown reasons these have not succeeded.
Nobel Peace Prize winner
MUHAMMAD YUNUS, The Banker of the Poor, visits Palma and brings an important message. Article | Andrew Spence | Photos | Fundación Iberostar
THANKS TO THE INVITATION OF THE IBEROSTAR FOUNDATION, MUHAMMAD YUNUS CAME TO PALMA AND GAVE A SPELLBINDING PRESENTATION TO THE HIGHEST BALEARIC AUTHORITIES AND AN INVITED AUDIENCE OF 600 PEOPLE IN JANUARY 2009. In today´s troubled financial world, Professor Yunus´s story and message is particularly poignant. He believes his system of banking – giving microcredits to the poor who have no collateral – has been untouched by today´s crisis. Microcredits are very small loans given at a low rate of interest and enable the poorest members of society to get out of poverty and rebuild their lives. Today 7.5 million people, 98% of them women, have microcredits in Bangladesh. 99% of them repay what they owe. They have no collateral. Every three years there are terrible floods in Bangladesh, hundreds of thousands of people die. The survivors lose their homes. But they still pay back their loans. They don´t use excuses, even the most plausible, to default. The average size of such loans is less than 200 dollars.
How did it start? It seems an impossible set of circumstances. In 1971 Muhammad Yunus returned to his native Chittagong in Bangladesh after studying economics in the US to teach at the University there. After giving lessons in economic theory he would walk down the street and see people dying there, from nothing more than hunger. The very fact of having not enough to eat to survive was to him a mystery and it got to him. How could he do something? He was not a politician or food manufacturer, just an economist. 28 | panorama bendinat
So he went to work and studied the villages and life there which he believed was the key to the problem. After a few days he realised that many of the villagers were in the hands of loan sharks asking 5% a week or up to 30% a month. In one village he found 40 villagers who owed money to these people, caught in their trap. The total debt for the whole village? 27 dollars. He offered to pay the debt and immediately solved the problem. With one simple act he had changed the economy and prosperity of a whole village. He went to a bank and only after convincing them by offering to be the guarantor, managed to secure small loans for several villages. It proved to be a success. Many micro credits were given at a rate of 1% and all the clients were found to be good repayers. The system was a success to the point where after operating in ten villages he decided to start his own bank - the The Grameen Bank (or “village bank”) and microcredits took off. Dr Yunis found that the poor were very good payers of their loans. He also aimed to attract women as he found that women were at the heart of the family and their priorities would be homebuilding and the children´s education. This group were traditionally marginalised, and had a fear of money due to upbringing and convention. It seemed to Yunus completely illogical that half a society should be marginalised and it was women that proved the key to the success of the
system. Once his initial target of 50% had been reached, he pushed it to 70 and now 98% of microcredits in Bangladesh are given to women. Today he likes to put the two banking systems side by side and compare. When a loan is taken out with a bank in the mainstream capitalist system, there are lawyers, papers and all sorts of preocedures. The Grameen bank require none. In our system we have to go to the towns and cities to deal with our banks – the Grameen bank goes out to the villages and visits THEM. Yunus´s model is to be admired at these times. In fact on a recent trip to New York he was asked if he wished, perhaps joking or perhaps not, before leaving the Big Apple to buy one of their banks! He states categorically that microfinance has been unscathed by the current meltdown. As a result of his efforts he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 and put his share of the money into a scheme for nutritional foods for children, and also set up an eye hospital. Looking to the future perhaps this is best summed up in his own words: “Lasting peace can not be achieved unless large population groups find ways in which to break out of poverty. Micro-credit is one such means”. www.muhammadyunus.org www.grameen.com
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THE BISHOP´S PALACE IN MALLORCA, HOME OF AN IMPORTANT MUSEUM AND ORNAMENTAL GARDEN. Article | J. M. Mateos | Photos | Francisco Garví and Panorama Bendinat
JUST BEHIND PALMA´S CATHEDRAL IN CALLE MIRADOR IS THE BISHOP´S PALACE, AN IMPOSING GOTHIC BUILDING. APART FROM BEING THE OFFICIAL RESIDENCE MALLORCA, IT ALSO HOUSES THE MUSEUM OF THE DIOCESE AND THE GARDEN OF THE BISHOP, “JARDI DEL BISBE”. BOTH OF THESE ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AND ARE AMONG THE MORE IMPORTANT ATTRACTIONS IN PALMA´S OLD QUARTER.
OF THE BISHOP OF
The museum was founded in 1916 and recently underwent renovations which took 6 years to complete. It is a permanent exhibition of objects and works of art that originate from convents, churches and private donations. It is divided into sections which include: sculpture, archaeology, modern ceramics, art, coins and book collections. Outstanding among the collection is the St George altarpiece by Pere Nicard, 15th century, a collection of pieces by Gaudi which he created to adorn the cathedral, paintings by the renaissance painter Joan de Joannes and the gothic oratory of Sant Pau, dating back to the 16th century. There is also a temporary exhibition hall used for items not on permanent display or undergoing restoration.
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The Garden of the Bishop has been open to the public since 2000, thanks to an agreement signed with the Palma town hall which also gave the town hall responsibility for its upkeep. It retains the classic layout of the houses of Palma´s nobility, with a specific distribution into areas of vegetable growing, fruit trees, ornamental trees and flowers complemented with a series of water features and areas of shade. Among its botanic inventory is a special citrus tree (citrus madurensis), with extensive foliage and orange coloured fruits; the common cypress (cypressus sempervirens), kumqat (fortunilla margarita, a name given in homage to the Scotsman Robert Fortune who brought the plant back from China in the 19th century) and the aromatic bay tree (laurus nobilis), filled with historical symbolism and association. Both the museum and the gardens are open from Monday to Saturday, 10.00 to 14.00.
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HI TECH IN MALLORCA The island offers the best in hi tech and is always up to date in what it has to offer. Large department stores or small specialist outlets offer the most sophisticated and design-led gadgetry available on the market. For visitors or residents looking for computing, audio visual or telecommunications, the island has always kept up to date with the latest trends and provides a wide range of quality products and, as important, good after sales.
BeoSound 5 GRUP FRAU Volta de la Merc猫, 9 路 07002 Palma 路 Tel.: 971 716 465
The ultimate in sound equipment from B&O. BeoSound 5 allows you to easily access all digital music files stored in its BeoMaster 5.
Beo5 Portable control centre which enables control of all audio and visual equipment at the touch of a finger.
EarSet 2 Bluetooth headphones for the frequent traveller or for those who like to listen and speak with total freedom and without interruption.
BeoCom 6000
BeoCom 2 The curved shape of the BeoCom 2 has been specially designed to adapt itself to the form of your hand and face. It has exceptional sound quality.
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An intelligent rotary switch accesses all its functions. It can create an internal phone network with up to 8 telephones linked to just one base control.
EarSet 3 Hi resolution headsets that produce a distortion-free sound and an amazing bass reproducci贸n.
BeoLab 4
BeoCenter 2
A small, discrete loudspeaker that proves that exceptional sound is possible with an exclusive design.
A quality audio-visual control centre compatible with any TV, CD or DVD player.
BeoSound 3
BeoSound 3200
Enjoy the best sound wherever you may be. Rechargeable battery of 10 hours, FM radio or memory stick.
Pass your hand in front of this device and the glass doors open, allowing you to have acess to the controls. Intelligent software allows you to synchronise it with your PC and CD player, radio, MP3 or other formats.
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1
MALLORCA, WHERE THE STARS MEET Although Mallorca receives famous visitors and personalities throughout the year, the season really begins in springtime when the colours and scents of the island start to come alive. The island’s image as a glamorous destination attracts international stars from the world of sport, finance and society as well as politicians and royalty, all drawn by the fact that Mallorca offers all that is best about the Mediterranena way of life. 1. Princess Leticia visits children in Son Dureta hospital and see clowns in action from the charity “La Sonrisa Medica” . 2. The Mallorquin Rosario Nadal, married to Prince Kiril of Bulgaria, always likes to come back to the island where she was born. 3. High society meets in Puerto Portals. 2
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4- The French antiquarian Jean Marie Rossi and family normally visit Mallorca every summer.
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The island´s natural beauty brings with it a host of activities that visitors enjoy while they are here. There are numerous pretty marinas, golf courses and one of the cleanest seas in the Mediterranean which make it an ideal place to pursue any watersport imaginable. There is also an extensive cultural calendar with events on every day in the summer – the classical music festival in Pollensa, jazz concerts in Palma and top rock groups visit the island throughout the year. Palma is also a shopper´s delight with the top boutiques and makes represented here as well as two branches of Spain´s famous department store, El Corte Ingles. Mallorca is also said to have more artists per square metre than anywhere else in southern Europe. For centuries great artists – as well as visitors – have been attracted by the island´s beauty and light, making this still one of the most attractive of all destinations in the Mediterranean.
5. The Duke and Duchess of Wurttemberg spend long periods in their Mallorquin residence. 6. Boris Becker is a keen golfer and tries to indulge his passion whenever he is here. 7. The actress Cayetana Guillen Cuervo enjoying the sun on her last visit here.
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THE PILAR AND JOAN MIRÓ FOUNDATION: AN INTERNATIONAL MUSEUM IN PALMA Article | J. M. Mateos | Photos | Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation
MIRO WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST MODERN ARTISTS WITH A STYLE AS DISCTINCTIVE AS PICASSO, MAGRITTE OR MONDRIAN. HIS ABSTRACT COLOURS AND DESIGNS LEFT A MARK ON THE 20TH CENTURY AND HIS PAINTINGS AND ENGRAVINGS TODAY FETCH TOP PRICES AT AUCTIONS WORLDWIDE.
The Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation in Palma provides a perfect setting to enjoy his work and to visit the workshop from which many of his creations emerged. The island is privileged to be blessed with such an impressive collection of his work, housed in a bright and airy modern building close to the palace of Marivent, Palma. 40 | panorama bendinat
The Foundation today has become a centre of an international standard that helps to deepen the understanding and technique of this great artist
The Foundation came into being after an agreement made between the painter and his wife Pilar Juncosa, who was Mallorquin, and the Town Hall of Palma in 1981. Miro ceded to them the four workshops in which he had been working since 1956, the year in which he decided to stay permanently on the island. One of these workshops was designed by his great friend Josep Lluis Sert, where during the height of his creative expression he produced works of large dimensions, including a mural which today is exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The workshop has special significance as it still has his original paints and brushes used to create works that made him perhaps the greatest exponent of surrealism, even though he came to reject the movement. It also houses various objets d´art that he collected over the years. golf & lifestyle magazine | 41
In 1986, three years after Miro´s death, his widow ceded some land next to the studios for the construction of the foundation´s administrative centre, a building to house offices, a library, conference room and other facilities. Several works of art were auctioned by Sothebys to raise funds for the project which was inaugurated in 1992, built to a design by architect Rafael Moneo. The Foundation today has become a centre of an international standard that helps to deepen the understanding and technique of this great artist, born in Barcelona but always linked to the island as his mother came from Mallorca. The Foundation is also a focal point for various activities where new works of art are displayed and modern art in general is promoted. Also worth a mention are the educational activities that the Foundation carries out, perhaps the most important of which is the programme in cooperation with ONCE, the organization for the blind in Spain. This allows the blind to come closer to the world of Miro through a special workshop with books of art designed by this group as well as other programmes that transmits this whole artistic world to schools and the public in general. 42 | panorama bendinat
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THE OLIVAR MARKET IN PALMA, THE CHEF´S CHOICE Article | Antonia Mazas | Photos | Francisco Garví
RIGHT IN THE CENTRE OF PALMA´S BUSINESS DISTRICT IS THE CITY´S MOST IMPORTANT FRESH FOOD MARKET, THE MERCAT OLIVAR. THE ENTRANCE IS FROM PLAZA OLIVAR, CLOSE TO THE AVENIDAS OF PALMA AND IT IS BOTH A PLACE TO PURCHASE THE BEST FOODSTUFFS AS WELL AS A TOURIST ATTRACTION IN ITS OWN RIGHT, BUSTLING WITH COLOURS, SOUNDS AND FLAVOURS OF THE MEDITERRANEAN.
Its origins date back more than a century but it was only after 1918 when Palma underwent a major rebuilding programme that it became properly established with a large 70 by 40 metre structure, some 2800 square metres in total. Five years ago the market underwent a major rebuilding programme, which changed its distribution to what it is today, with the main market on the ground floor and upstairs, connected by escalators, a Mercadona supermarket, library, children´s nursery and municipal offices. A wander round the Olivar market is an experience. It is a symphony of colours and attractions thanks to the care that the market traders bring to their displays that immediately draw the attention of visitors. It is like a permanent food exhibition with 22 separate meat and charcuterie counters, 32 fruit and vegetable sellers and an incredible 48 fishmongers. Apart from this there is an array of delicatessens, bakers, florists and other small traders.
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A wander round the Olivar market is an experience.
Any visit would not be complete without stopping for a coffee in one of its many bars or trying one of the excellent restaurants next to the market. Tapas of every kind, excellent sea-food or meat dishes and even pre-prepared meals can be purchased here. As a result it has become an important meeting place. Parking is easy and the market is situated in a central area offering fresh food in season, six days a week. From 7 in the morning the excitement and colour of the market drives the gastronomy of the city and arguably sets a standard for markets on a European level. golf & lifestyle magazine | 47
EATING OUT IN MALLORCA MORE DIVERSE AND GAINING INTERNATIONAL PRESTIGE Article | Francisco Muñoz | Photos | Panorama Bendinat
Gastronomy is not only in fashion in Mallorca, it is ascending in both quality and diversity. It is also gaining international recognition, thanks to the efforts of professionals who have been working since the 80s to take local cuisine to a new level. Previously catering had been dominated by the tourist boom and there have been significant steps since that time to raise standards in the hotel and catering sector on the island. This renaissance began with local Mallorquin cooking with its two main traditions: peasant cooking from the interior, dominated by vegetables and pork - the famous sobrasada perhaps its greatest expression; and seafood dishes, filled with the variety of fish from the Mediterranean. As Mallorca turned into a more upmarket destination with a more international clientele, an increasing number of restaurants, hotels and bars opened up, specialising in international and local cuisine. From the 90s this trend grew at a significant pace. Throughout the island in all its many ports, villages and towns, there does not seem to be a corner untouched by a rich variety of cooking styles: German, French, Italian, Scandinavian, Mexican, Japanese and Chinese – and with eastern European countries joining the EC, several restaurants from this part of the world have been added to the island´s range.
Many of the island´s chefs have brought to restaurants a delicate and flavour-filled touch to their menus, which in most cases provide good value considering the quality that is served. The leading hotels have played an important role in this trend, starting with the revival of haute cuisine as well as the creation of corporate groups such as the Association of Restaurateurs in 1982 which not only looked after its members but also ensured that high standards were maintained, further helping to establish Mallorca as a destination able to meet the demands of a more discerning public. Another important step was the approval in 1995 of the statutes of the Hotel and Catering school of the Balearic Islands, which since then has produced some of the great chefs who are renowned for their exquisite cuisine. Whether from training courses, working alongside the grand master chefs or from their own experience they have reached an extremely high level and indeed give courses of their own. Perhaps the greatest accolade is that there is today a sprinkling of restaurants sporting Michelin stars, and several others that are innovative on a local and international level. Whatever you seek as a diner and in whatever style it is likely that you will find it here. And with so many local ingredients that offer quality and flavour above the norm, put these in the hands of the chefs that are working here and you have a perfect – and delicious - combination.
Fish is central to the cuisine of Mallorca
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HOTEL HOSPES MARICEL, BETWEEN MINIMALISM AND ART DECO Article | Marc Bates | Photos | Panorama Bendinat
THE HOTEL MARICEL WAS BUILT IN 1948 AND IS SITUATED IN CAS CATALA NOU, JUST 1 KM FROM THE ROYAL PALACE OF MARIVENT. TODAY THE HOTEL IS HOSPES LUXURY CHAIN, BUT IT STILL RETAINS ITS ORIGINAL CHARACTER. IT RESEMBLES A 17TH CENTURY PALACE WITH AN IMPOSING ART DECO STYLE FAÇADE WHICH CONTRASTS WITH THE MODERN AND MINIMALIST INTERIOR WHICH HOSPES GAVE TO IT WHEN IT REFORMED THE HOTEL.
OWNED BY THE
Set right by the sea with its own private mooring and water ski service, the Hotel Hospes Maricel was completely reformed in 2002 and then expanded in 2008 converting it into one of the most individual and renowned hotels of its class on the island. With 53 rooms it is a hotel that is inviting and intimate, with the advantages of a large outdoor terrace and pool area and panoramic views of the bay of Palma, a perfect place to watch the sea from sunrise to sunset. Each one of the rooms has been specially designed to take full advantage of the sea views from every angle and even the bathrooms have views of the sea. The terrace and pool, the quality of the woods and other materials in the hotel give it its own special identity.
Facilities, apart from the infinity pool and bar, include a well stocked library, cocktail bar where jazz concerts are held on Thursday evenings, “Senzone”, a restaurant offering Mediterranean gastronomy of a very high level, as well as its famed breakfasts, which were voted the best in the world at the II Gastronomy Summit “Madrid Fusion” . Just opened is the Bodyna health spa area situated in a modern stone faced building to the rear. There are 5 massage rooms fitted with special beds which gives the sensation of floating while taking a massage; fitness room, outdoor and indoor pool, relaxation room with special massage chairs; sauna and hammam steam bath, Jacuzzi, hairdresser; a garden deisgned to relax and help you unwind and a spacious solarium-
The hotel is charismatic and unique. From the moment you walk into the dramatic reception area with its high ceilings, you realise that this is a very special place. It has been raised to a five star level by the owners of the hotel, thanks in part to the unique style of decoration which is a fusion of west and eastern details. 52 | panorama bendinat
terrace with views of the sea. To complement this is a special tea, juice, mineral water and fresh fruit service on hand. History, tradition, location and style make the Hospes Maricel one of the most sought after hotels on the island.
GOLF PROTAGONISTS
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GOLF PROTAGONISTS
The Open Doors Re-Open CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY WHEN IT WAS ANNOUNCED LAST DECEMBER THAT THE LONDON GOLF CLUB HAD SECURED THE EUROPEAN OPEN FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
The tournament returns to The Heritage Course slightly earlier this year from 28th to 31st May 2009. Already a number of big names have signed up to play including Lee Westwood, Henrik Stenson and World Number 2 Sergio Garcia. The latter finished runner up last year to Ross Fisher, who led the field home on -20, having broken the course record on the first day with an awe-inspiring 63. The total prize fund for this year’s European Open will be £2.4 million. The event makes up one of the legs of the European Tour’s seasonlong “Race to Dubai” tournament, which is now in full swing, with the world’s greatest players vying for the biggest prize pot in golfing history – a cool $10million. That should make for an even more impressive field at this year’s European Open and the Club is hoping to see some big guns come over from across the pond to try to shoot their way to victory! The welcome announcement comes at a time when many UK golf clubs are taking a knock as a result of the credit crunch. The London Golf Club views the news as a great boost and added security for its Members that all is being done to continue to build on the Club’s successes.
Open for Members Members Hospitality at this year’s European Open is the only place to watch all the action unfold. The Club’s VIP pavilion will be overlooking the 10th and 18th fairways where 5* breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea will be served accompanied by a complimentary bar. Those who are Members of the Club’s sister course, Real Golf de Bendinat, are among a select group of people who are eligible to purchase this hospitality package. Equally Real Golf de Bendinat Members will be issued with admission tickets if they declare their interest in advance of attending the event. For more information, visit www.londongolf.co.uk/europeanopen.shtml golf & lifestyle magazine | 55
GOLF PROTAGONISTS
Hats off! The London Golf Club has more than one tournament in the 2009 calendar. The William Hunt Trilby Tour is also being staged at the Club this summer. Played over The International Course, the Club is hosting the Professional Qualifying Round in June and the Amateur Finals in July. With more than 15 hours of Sky Coverage of golfers teeing it up in trilbies and bellbottoms, it should make for another great spectator sport. London Golf Club and Real Golf de Bendinat Members can play in the amateur event. Login onto The London Golf Club Website and sign up!
Backley’s Big Birthday! He may not look it but London Golf Club President Steve Backley has recently hit the big 4-0! The Olympic javelin medallist has played an active role at the Club in the last year hosting the President’s Cup and playing in The European Open Pro Am. He celebrated his birthday in style at the Club.
A Different School of Thought... The London Golf Club professionals have been imparting their knowledge and expertise at a local Kent school. Pupils at Stansted School have been benefiting from monthly golf lessons during their games classes. The tuition made front page news in one local paper. Meanwhile the Club also featured in another Kent newspaper for donating gifts to a Christmas Toy Appeal for local children in hospitals. One lucky boy walked away with some golf gear. 56 | panorama bendinat
GOLF PROTAGONISTS
Anyone for Snow Golf?
Golf wasn’t really on the cards far much of the early part of 2009, with cold spells closing many UK courses. A stunning scene, The London Golf Club was under snow for several weeks in January and February which led to closures and frost delays. Sadly no one took to the fairways for a spot of snow golf, but the cold snaps have helped aerate the ground in preparation for the European Open.
A Social Game... Socialising is becoming the name of the game at The London Golf Club with a funfilled events calendar for the year ahead. A Murder Mystery evening in February was far from fatal for all those who attended. Other social events planned for the coming months are wine tastings, themed nights and Octoberfest.
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GOLF PROTAGONISTS
A new era for the Royal Bendinat Golf Club Restaurant CHEF JOSÉ LUIS SANZ CALDENTEY HAS TAKEN OVER AS CHEF OF THE ROYAL BENDINAT GOLF CLUB RESTAURANT. AGED 34, HE WAS BORN IN PALMA AND BALEARIC ISLANDS UNIVERSITY. HE HAS WORKED AT PRESTIGIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS SUCH AS THE RESIDENCIA IN DEYA, THE HOTELS SON VIDA, MELIA MALLORCA AND THE MELIA CASTILLA IN MADRID. HE OPENED HIS OWN PREMISES IN MADRID “THE MALLORQUIN CELLAR” AND THEN JOINED MENU, THE CATERING COMPANY THAT MANAGES THE RESTAURANT AT THE ROYAL BENDINAT GOLF CLUB.
STUDIED COOKERY AT THE
What is your main speciality? I specialise in Mallorquin cuisine and seafood dishes.
Is this the sort of cuisine you wish to bring to the golf club restaurant? Yes, I would like to introduce paella to the menu as well as Spanish noodle dishes and special fish stews and soups. We intend to expand rice dishes in general.
What will you keep from the previous menu? I will keep the special stews that are served at the weekends which are very popular with our clientele. We will also improve our menu for groups. The golf club restaurant is ideal for business lunches and dinners, weddings, communions and so on. With this in mind we have created 5 special menus at a reasonable price and can always accommodate special requests
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GOLF PROTAGONISTS
Simple green salad
Whitebait in Mustard
Ingredients: Lettuces in season, endives, cherry tomatoes, alfalfa shoots
Ingredients: Whitebait, mustard
Preparation: Wash all the ingredients and mix together. Add a vinagrette of your choice. Add anchovies and parmesan shavings to taste
Preparation: Wash the whitebait, remove the bones, spread with a little mustard, preferably Dijon, dust with flour and deep fry in hot olive oil
Mallorcan style cuttlefish (sepia)
Sea Food Noodles
Ingredients: Cuttlefish, raisins, pine nuts, spring onions, garlic, tomato, chilli pepper, glass of white wine, salt, pepper and a pinch of paprika
Ingredients: Green and red peppers, one ripe tomato, onion, cuttlefish, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper to taste, baby squid, prawns, mussels, fish stock, noodles
Preparation: Grate the tomato and fry together with the garlic, spring onions, paprika. Add the cleaned cuttlefish, and once the liquid has evaporated, add the raisins, pine nuts, chilli pepper, wine and water. Season and leave the stock to reduce.
Preparation: Chop the onion finely, fry slowly until golden, taking care not to burn it. In a paella dish or large frying pan, fry together the peppers and tomato, add the onion, cuttlefish and baby squid, leaving them until they begin to cook. Add the noodles, garlic and parsley, cover with fish stock, season and finally add the seafood.
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GOLF PROTAGONISTS
Carnaval in Bendinat In February the traditiional festival of Carnaval was held at Real Golf de Bendinat with members, guests and friends enjoying themselves dressed up in costume. One group of members decided to mark the day with extravagant costumes which included clowns, doctors and pirates. Even the buggies were smiling during the day and “dressed� for the occasion!
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GOLF PROTAGONISTS
Our sad farewell to Ken Hunt All of us at Real Golf de Bendinat wish to send our heartfelt feelings to the family of our great friend Ken Hunt, who recently passed away. For all of us Ken was so much more than a member of the club: a dear friend with whom we have shared many days of golf as well as wonderful dinners at Bendinat. Always willing to help others, Ken will have a special place in the memory of all of us who knew him.