A royal connection
The Cadogan, on Sloan Street, is a gorgeous hotel with a rich history that boasts a royal connection – and quite a spicy one at that. It was here that the (in)famous Lilly Langtry entertained and her favourite guest was non other than the mischievous royal Bertie himself.

As the cab works its way through traffic amid the embassies and designer shops of Chelsea you’ll spot the discreetly exclusive Cadogan standing out somewhat from a row of charming Edwardian townhouses. No grand driveways here; this understated abode is to London hotels what the Bristol is to motorcars. Once inside, you feel like you’ve stepped into a grand old home or in fact a gentleman’s club. It’s all period woodwork and finely worked mosaic tiles, so as you shut the trellis door of the lovely antique lift and make your way to your suite a sense of history and tradition comes flooding in. (more…)

With an ultramodern project designed by American architect Daniel Libeskind, the man charged with designing the new World Trade Centre site in New York, Marbella has attracted a project of true architectural significance.

One of the leading architects of our time, Daniel Libeskind has also added to an already impressive list of great American designers. A sought-after guest lecturer at universities around the world, his work is inspired by the possibilities of a new era in which technology, media and novel materials are pushing the definitions of conventional living spaces towards new boundaries.

Noted for his impressive public and commercial projects, Libeskind also brings the expressive freedom of these genres into the design of private homes, as in the case of the Libeskind Villas in Marbella. Offering the kind of quality, comfort and luxurious living environment expected from a modern villa these homes reject rectangular spaces, conventional materials and construction techniques in favour of the angularity of a new age. (more…)

The Costa del Sol has come a long way from the sleepy collection of fishing villages and mountain settlements that it once was. Back then, age-old practices still applied and those who wanted to settle down here, build a home and conduct business had to adjust to an altogether new set of rules and realities. Today, many of the old limitations have disappeared along with the craftsmen who built homes in the traditional Andalusian way. Not only have the construction process and the appearance of homes changed greatly, but as the scale of operations increased, property developers have had an increasingly dramatic effect on the physical landscape that we live in. At this stage of the region’s development, and with its long-term interests in mind, it might be good to look into the prospects for sustainable development.
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by Michel Cruz

Rimontgo’s José Ribes Bas to speak at FutureTense

Boca Raton, Florida – (Feb. 15, 2008)

José Ribes Bas, co-director of Inmobiliaria Rimontgó, has been asked to speak at FutureTense, the international forum for the development and application of technology in the real estate sector. Held during its annual conference at Boca Raton, Florida, on April 9-11, FutureNet is the initiative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, and forms part of its drive to embrace new technologies in the sector.

“We can’t fall behind in our knowledge and application of the latest technology,” said Mr. Ribes. “If that were to happen, we could be guilty of missing important opportunities in the marketing of properties. Basically, we owe it to our clients to stay abreast of the latest technologies and developments, as that is the only way we can ensure them the best possible service.”

A passionate promoter of modern marketing avenues in an ever-developing market, Mr. Ribes is one of in a selective list of distinguished speakers on topics that will range from search engine strategy and data analytics to future online media developments and how companies can retain a local presence while becoming increasingly global in their marketing.

A driving member of many international organisations such as the Spanish Official Real Estate Brokers’ Association, the European Real Estate Network and Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, he will be speaking about the strategies available to maximise web exposure and use the web as an ever more effective marketing tool.

by Michel Cruz

Marbella’s message: style over substance?

We all know Marbella’s image has been somewhat tarnished since its heyday and its subsequent revival in the late 90′s. Corruption, money laundering, never-ending mass construction that turns large parts of the area into Bolivian-style open cast mines, the constant presence of a jungle of construction cranes, fleets of construction vehicles that pound the surface out of the roads, planning debacles and a rise in both prices and crime have had their effect. (more…)