Last week Manifesto Design had the fortune of being invited, along with other members of the press in Marbella, to a private viewing of the much-awaited Christmas tree at the Kempinski Hotel Bahía.
This year, the tree is extra special, not only because it stands over five metres high and actually touches the ceiling in the hotel foyer, but also as it is decorated with €11.1 million worth of diamonds contained within the baubles and decorations designed by diamond artist Debbie Wingham. Each bauble tells a different story and Debbie called upon other artists and friends to help her adorn the tree with an eclectic collection of jewels.
According to Debbie, her main inspiration for the tree’s design began with a vision of peacock feathers and their colours fused with classic art deco elegance and style.
My personal favourites among the various baubles were those inspired by Louis Vuitton handbags, a delicate little angel dressed in up-cycled white mink, a million dollar bank note…and too many others to mention here…
As Debbie gave us the lowdown on the tree we were served Champagne, caviar and blinis, foie and oysters while general manager Axel Bethke gave us a brief presentation of the various events and dinners taking place at the Kempinski Hotel this holiday season. They include:
Christmas Eve
High Tea Buffet at the Black Rose Bar
Christmas Eve Dinner at Baltazár Bar & Grill
Christmas Eve Gala Dinner at Alminar Restaurant
Christmas Day
Special brunch at El Mirador Restaurant
Christmas Day lunch at Baltazár Bar & Grill
30th December
Seafood night at Spiler Beach Club
28th December
Diamonds & Champagne night at Black Rose Bar
New Year’s Eve
The Greatest Show at Alminar Restaurant and Grand Lobby
The Flying Elephant at Alminar Restaurant and Baltazár Bar & Grill
1st January
New Year’s Day breakfast at El Mirador Restaurant
Special lunch at Baltazár Bar & Grill
We then all made our way downstairs to the Baltazár Bar & Grill for an inspired menu with selected courses taken from the various festive menus to be served over the holidays. And without a doubt the star of the show was the Manzana de Feria (see image), a beautifully reconstructed apple with a filling of salted caramel – I don’t think there was anyone there on the day who could resist!
