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Mixing party pleasure… with positive business

[caption id="attachment_1589" align="alignright" width="300"] Global Gift Gala in Marbella[/caption] As the party mood continues in grand style on the Costa del Sol – including the Global Gift Weekend on 19-20 July – the positive festive vibe has also been given a welcome dose of good cheer on the business front. Declaring that Spain’s economy had “turned the corner”, the International Monetary Fund released a report noting that the country’s recovery had started in the second half of 2013 and continued into this year’s first quarter. “The recovery is clearly under way and, critically, labour market trends are improving.” [caption id="attachment_1595" align="alignleft" width="126"] Eva Longoria at last year’s “after-party” at Nikki Beach Marbella (Photo: Julien Barray)[/caption] According to James Daniel, head of the IMF’s Spain mission, the downward trend in the housing cycle is also drawing to a close, although he cautions that there are still several factors that could delay recovery, such as the high unemployment rate. The IMF’s adjusted growth forecast for Spain has been increased from 0.6 per cent to 1.2 per cent for 2014, and in 2015 the growth rate is expected to rise to 1.5 per cent. Newly released figures from national organisations overseeing the property market also paint a more positive picture: the number of property transactions increased during the latest period under review (May), compared with the same month in 2013 and with April 2014. As always, any indications of an improvement in Spain’s economic barometers is likely to be good news for the property market – and that means we can enjoy the summer party celebrations with even more gusto for the rest of the month. [caption id="attachment_1603" align="alignright" width="133"] Terrence Howard[/caption] [caption id="attachment_1601" align="alignright" width="133"] Amaury Nolasco[/caption] This weekend Hollywood star Eva Longoria is in town to host the Global Gift Gala at the Gran Meliá Don Pepe hotel on Sunday 20 July, preceded by a celebrity golf tournament at La Quinta Golf & Country Club on 19 July. Global Gift Galas are now held in nine different countries, under the auspices of the Global Gift Foundation. Established in 2013 by Maria Bravo and Alina Peralta, the foundation is a non-profit organisation “focused on making a positive impact on the lives of children, women and families, by bringing together fiscally responsible organisations, resources, celebrities, people of influence and synchronistic brands to have a transformative global impact”. For the 2014 gala in Marbella, seven-star Michelin chef Martin Berasategui will be responsible for creating the dinner, while international celebrities supporting the philanthropic weekend with their presence will include actors Terrence Howard and Amaury Nolasco. The beneficiary organisations are the Eva Longoria Foundation, Fundación Bertin Osborne and Global Gift Foundation – the latter in turn benefitting five local NGOs. [caption id="attachment_1607" align="alignleft" width="133"] Chef Martin Berasategui[/caption] Also coming up is the 20th anniversary the Concordia charity gala on 1 August at Finca de La Concepción, an event which raises fund for the association’s invaluable support for AIDS sufferers and their families. Meanwhile, as the curtain is about to be raised on this year’s Starlite Festival (23 July-23 August), individual concerts are scheduled for other venues around Marbella, including Earth Wind and Fire (12 August), Kid Creole & The Coconuts (23 August) and next week Joaquín Cortés. The internationally renowned Spanish dancer returns to his gypsy and flamenco roots in a new production on 25 and 26 July at Puente Romano Beach Resort tennis club. “Gitano” brings together classical ballet and contemporary Spanish dance as well as a touch of flamenco, with a line-up of 17 musicians, two flamenco dancers and eight other dancers in a spectacular light, audio-visual and sound show. [caption id="attachment_1593" align="alignright" width="300"] Stunning Marbella beach setting[/caption] For those planning to enjoy Marbella’s star-studded summer of entertainment, but still without a home base for family and friends, this magnificent villa is located in one of Marbella’s most sought after areas: built to the highest standards, frontline beach and direct access to the sea, garden and infinity pool, and superb contemporary luxury. Click here to see more.