Round-up of business, charity, cultural and other general items of interest from the Costa del Sol, Gibraltar… and further afield
ARCOS PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS
Making Sure Your House is Comfortable
In spite of what many people think, it can be cold on the Costa del Sol. Of course, it is a lot less cold than it can be in northern Europe but that is no reason not to get a good heating system in your house. Who doesn’t like to save expenses on the running costs of climate installation? Who doesn’t want to have the best cooling and heating system on the market? Arcos.SP have developed a special system, Arcos Confort, which meets these expectations.
According to Arcos.SP, the most comfortable heating system is undoubtedly floor heating. “It is also the most economical way of creating a comfortable house. Only a few people know that you can use the same system for cooling your house.” Arcos.SP specialise in heating and cooling your house by means of heating or cooling the floor. But they do more than that: to achieve the most comfortable house they combine air-conditioning with the floor heating and cooling.
“With the Arcos Confort system you do have the best heating cooling system available. It is unique and specially developed for the Costa del Sol. No more adjusting separate thermostats for the floor and the air-conditioning but just one that makes sure the temperature, humidity and air quality is as you want it to be.”
The system comes with extras. “Because it is regulated by a computer, it is relatively easy and affordable to extend the computer to a domotica (home automation) system that is capable of regulating the pool, lights, sunscreens, security system, irrigation system in the garden and much more.” If the system is connected to the internet home owners can monitor and adjust it from anywhere in the world.
Tel. (+34) 956 724 442 / 655 162 613
info@arcos.nl
www.arcos.nl
GASTROGEMS
Exclusive Catering Services… at Reasonable Prices

This winter you can eat first-class food in the comfort of your own home, without always having to venture out to a restaurant. Gastrogems offer an exclusive home service using ingredients and flavours from all over the world.
If you are entertaining guests, Gastrogems can prepare impressive canapés, buffets, taste bites and sit-down meals, saving all the hassle. They also cater for all kinds of events from small gatherings to corporate events. Prices start from €34.95 per head including a three-course meal with service, tableware and decorations.
Tel. (+34) 626 579 500,
info@gastrogems.com
www.gastrogems.com
JENSEN STORE
Elegant Bed Fabrics with Seamless Solution
To create a cleaner impression, Jensen introduce Seamless, a fabric solution that covers the base on a continental bed. With four legs instead of eight, Seamless gives the bed a new, elegant and unique look. Jensen’s Costa del Sol store is located in Polígono Nueva Campana (Marbella).
Tel. (+34) 952 908 855
info@jensenstore.com
www.jensenstore.com
PMI EMPORIUM
Exotic New Furniture Range… and Christmas Decorations

Celebrating their 10th anniversary on the Costa del Sol, Paula Monaghan Interiors are preparing for the festive season with a collection of new Christmas decorations. The family-run business, which recently refurbished a large showroom on the Camino de Coin road in Fuengirola and last year opened The Emporium in La Cala de Mijas, also has a complete new range of furniture imported from India, Bali and Indonesia – including unique pieces and unusual items.
In addition to eye-catching decorations, beautiful lights and soft furnishings, the company offers interior design and bespoke furniture packages – for everything from one-bedroom apartments to luxurious villas and properties – that are individually created for clients based on style preference (modern, traditional or contemporary), special requirements and budget. PMI also styles and re-styles hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants (for example, La Cala Golf & Country Club).
The staff speak English, Spanish, Dutch and German, have an eye for details and provide an “unparalleled level of service”.
Tel. (+34) 952 494 188
info@pmiemporium.com
pmiemporium.com
(Photo: David Toms)
THE FURNITURE EXCHANGE
Enchanting Collection of New and Old
One afternoon, having finished another project in Chelsea (London), Yiorgos and Stephen were sitting in the cold having a coffee and both decided they needed a new challenge. Two months later The Furniture Exchanged opened. Since then, thanks to Yiorgos’s vast experience in interior design and project management and Stephen’s years of sales, their idea for the shop to sell used quality goods at cheap prices has flourished.
Each day is a surprise, they say, as new pieces arrive at the shop ready to be sold and find new homes. Furniture and objects from Napoleon lll to 2014 can be found in this fascinating emporium. Yiorgos and Stephen both agree that “the clientele are a joy and every day is an exciting adventure into the world of design and sales”.
Yiorgos has produced new and inspiring pieces of furniture unique to The Furniture Exchange and, in just a short period, he and Stephen have put together a top team of paint specialists, upholsterers and metal designers from the area.
Both note that moving to the south of Spain was the best move for them as the area, culture and lifestyle suit their expertise.
C/ Sierra Bermeja, Pueblo Nuevo de Guadiaro
Tel. (+34) 622 888 282 (Yiorgos) / 722 500 938 (Stephen)
UDESIGN
Trend-Setting Showcase of Top-Quality Style
When it comes to inspiring and innovative designs, UDesign is one of the companies at the forefront in Spain. Their stunning new first-floor showroom in San Pedro de Alcántara is a veritable feast for the eyes. It is filled with amazing furniture, astonishing decorations and magnificent lighting – from leading brands to individually styled pieces.
They design bespoke furniture in any colour, material or size, with everything created and produced in their own workshop across the road. A highly professional team of designers, architects, 3D graphic artists, specialist paint finishers, upholsterers and cabinet makers ensure that the expectations of all clients – commercial or residential – are fulfilled, delivering high quality in every aspect.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10am-7pm.
Showroom/Office: Polígono Industrial San Pedro, C/ Paises Bajos Nº 6, San Pedro de Alcántara
Tel. (+34) 952 794 117
www.udesign.es
BELMON SALON
Luxury Treatments… in a Convivial Setting

Dutch ladies Belinda and Monique recently opened their new hair and beauty salon in the centre of San Pedro de Alcántara. After 25 years of experience, and living on the Coast for more than 10 years, they decided it was time to join forces and are now the proud owners of Belmon Salon.
The salon, in Calle López de Mena, is a mixture of vintage furniture and new equipment, as “conviviality, luxury treatments and fun” is what they’re aiming for. Their patio is the perfect place for clients to enjoy a coffee or glass of wine while waiting during relaxing treatments.
Apart from professional hair care, with a specialty in hair extensions and keratin treatments, the salon also has a beautician for facials, manicures, massages, etc.
American Crew, L’Oreal, Tigi and Revlon are just a few of the brands they work with. Check out their website or Facebook page for more information and special offers on Thursday.
Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-7pm; Saturday 10am-2pm.
Tel. (+34) 952 781 904
www.belmonsalon.com
PATRICIA DARCH INTERIORS
All the Signature Brands in Interior Design Under One Roof
There can be no denying it: Patricia Darch has firmly put her stamp on the Costa del Sol’s interior design scene in a big way over the years, working with most of the world’s exclusive brands such as Fendi, B&B Italia, Reflex, Baccarat, Hermes, Elitis, Foscarini, Baxter, Alivar… the list is endless!
With so many brands on offer, it is a delight to visit the beautiful light showroom by the sea in Sotogrande Port, only 25 minutes’ drive from Marbella. This summer she has also opened a new “Essence of Natuzzi Gallery” next door to her showroom, showcasing the well-known Italian brand of furniture.
As she happily acknowledges, “The success of Patricia Darch Interiors is by no means all down to me but down to my incredibly talented staff. They are so knowledgeable and offer a superlative customer service.”
Patricia Darch Interiors and Essence of Natuzzi Gallery, Blue Sotogrande Marina: Tel. (+34) 956 615 350 (open Monday-Friday 10am-7pm, Saturdays 10am- 4pm and Sundays 11am-2pm on market days).
Gibraltar showroom Patricia Darch Interiors, Ocean Village: Tel. (+350) 216 77776 (open Monday-Friday 9am-7pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm).
AMBIENCE HOME DESIGN
Luxurious Festive Baobab Belgian Candles
Ambience Home Design now stock Baobab Belgian handmade candles – the perfect gift for any home over the festive period. These candles distil their delicate fragrances, setting the perfect mood in your home.
Ambience Home Design, La Cancela de la Quinta 3-3B, San Pedro de Alcántara
Tel. (+34) 952 788 691
www.ambiencehomedesign.com