Opulent Living Magazine no 2 by Florian Gast

Opulent Living Welcome

When you live for a strong purpose, hard work isn’t an option. It’s a necessity.

passionate about food, you can’t get better and more diverse fare. The influence of over 300 years of a multicultural history is obvious. There is nothing you can’t do in South Africa, whether you wish to charter a private plane or explore the country roads and the Garden Route by car, and there’s no better time to visit as the country has seen major upgrades for the World Cup, including its sleek international airports and roads.

Barbara Lenhard & Florian Gast, Publishers

e are honoured and proud to present to you the second edition of Opulent Living, the bi-annual coffee-table magazine showcasing South Africa. To us, this issue feels like a breath of fresh air. It is meant to inspire you to explore and indulge in this amazing country, just as it has moved us to do since we arrived here from Germany a year ago. We know you have heard all about South Africa as a soccer destination but there’s so much more to this diverse and exceptionally beautiful country, with its luxurious lodges, designer hotels, world-class spas and gourmet cuisine. And believe us, for those of you who are

We believe Planet Earth is a very special place that needs our attention and care. There was a time when the animal population of eagles, big cats, whales and many more beautiful creatures were in rapid decline. We have enormous respect for passionate professionals who contribute to the conservation and restoration of this gorgeous land, reintroducing game once again into newly pristine habitats on what were previously farmed areas. This enormous effort by devoted individuals can only be successful if money is made available to be invested wisely to preserve wildlife. To relocate wild animals – especially the Big Five – to an area where they were last seen before the turn of the previous century is a huge project and requires an immense investment. From buying up land in the right areas, removing hundreds of kilometres of fencing, building roads and buying animals to constructing luxurious camps with all amenities is a challenge. We salute those who are making a difference.

What a great success this would be for all of us, especially our children and grandchildren, to be able to experience what might be lost forever. Protecting our natural environment is more than a moral responsibility and we should all keep this in mind. From the Cape of Good Hope to the Kruger National Park, South Africa is home to elegant and luxurious hotels and lodges, all set in spectacular scenery and in some of the greatest game reserves in the world. If we heighten this awareness tourism has a promising presence and future in this country. We also invite you to read about SA‘s diamonds and why they are so desirable, how brandy has achieved international attention, and to find out to whom the Tourism Business Leadership award was awarded. There is so much to tell! Our personally selected Travel Partners would be delighted to assist with planning an unforgettable experience in South Africa, whether organising a wedding, a business trip and meetings, or the most relaxing and memorable holiday (page 64). Let traditions, well-kept secrets and the warm welcome of the South African people melt your hearts – have a great time. Whether you are visiting or living here, enjoy it and feel privileged and blessed to experience this awesome country – South Africa. Unexpected joys are the best and stay in your heart forever. ‘Opulent’ regards Barbara & Florian

Opulent Living

Map of South Africa · Spot your opulent retreat

Majeka House · Stylish Stellenbosch escape

Rosenhof Country House · A taste of rural refinement

Grande Dédale Country House · Enchanting country retreat

Andros Boutique Hotel · An elegant slice of history

Sea Five Boutique Hotel · Contemporary ocean odyssey

O on Kloof · Sensual urban sanctuary

Plettenberg Park Hotel & Spa · Heavenly seclusion

Teremok Marine · Rock star

AtholPlace · Serenity in the city

Abalone House Boutique Guesthouse · Rare West Coast find

Quarters on Avondale · Subtropical splendour and style

Selati Camp · Return to splendour

Opulent Living

Contents

Ellerman House and Villa · Experience true luxury

Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge · A tribute to African elegance

Birkenhead House · Boutique beachside bliss

Ngala Tented Camp · Where safari chic meets heart and soul …

Dossier · Africa’s golden pride

Africa House at Royal Malewane · Soul of Africa

Taj Cape Town · A celebration of old and new worlds

Leadwood Lodge · Splendid safari romance

15 on Orange · Cape Town’s latest fashion icon

Opulent Living

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Face to Face · Conservation legacy

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate · This private estate is a world unto its own

Paperbark Lodge · A taste of baroque romance

Tintswalo Safari Lodge · Boutique bush experience

St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa · Centre stage in the city

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26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno · Barefoot luxury

104

Eagles Crag Lodge · Africa dreaming

110

Opulent Living

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa · Relax and re-energise at this exclusive Winelands retreat

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Gondwana Game Reserve · In Gondwana’s garden

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Dossier · The infinite allure of the most precious gem of all

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Camp Jabulani · Wild at heart

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Delaire Graff Lodge & Spa · Global style and fine art in the Winelands

134

Special Feature · Cape Winelands weddings have the wow factor

138

Opulent finds · Indulgent must-have buys

144

Opulent events · Stylesetters and newsmakers

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Establishments (in alphabetical order) 15 on Orange 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno Abalone House Boutique Guesthouse Africa House at Royal Malewane Andros Boutique Hotel AtholPlace Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate Birkenhead House Camp Jabulani Delaire Graff Lodge & Spa Eagles Crag Lodge Ellerman House and Villa Gondwana Game Reserve Grand Dédale Country House Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge Leadwood Lodge Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa Majeka House Ngala Tented Camp O on Kloof Paperbark Lodge Plettenberg Park Hotel & Spa Quarters on Avondale Rosenhof Country House Sea Five Boutique Hotel Selati Camp St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa Taj Cape Town Teremok Marine Tintswalo Safari Lodge

33°55‘42.38“ S 34°00‘46.57“ S 32°48‘39.80“ S 24°31‘08.00“ S 33°57‘57.18“ S 26°06‘41.71“ S 34°20‘46.04“ S 34°24‘36.11“ S 24°24‘58.57“ S 33°55‘14.81“ S 33°24‘58.04“ S 33°55‘44.51‘‘ S 34°04‘51.78“ S 33°37‘34.09“ S 24°48‘14.81“ S 29°48‘31.22“ S 33°56‘08.71“ S 33°58‘04.56“ S 24°14‘03.41“ S 33°55‘29.26“ S 24°13‘54.00“ S 34°06‘00.02“ S 29°50‘07.52“ S 33°34‘18.29“ S 33°57‘03.57“ S 24°53‘51.42‘‘ S 26°09‘52.01“ S 33°55‘28.50‘‘ S 29°44‘06.30“ S 24°35‘17.80“ S

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Stylish Stellenbosch escape Majeka House Majeka House is an elegant rural retreat set in a lavender- and rose-scented country garden.

n MAJEKA HOUSE

Situated close to cosmopolitan Stellenbosch, inside, the look and feel are contemporary with an

Paradyskloof, Stellenbosch, Western Cape

utterly indulgent edge.

Telephone: +27 (0)21 880 1549

A highlight of this smart small hotel is its in-house restaurant, run by talented chef Anri Diener, who has done stints in some heavyweight local kitchens. Anriâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s menu changes with the seasons and is ingredient-driven and innovative, while remaining grounded firmly in the French classics. Open

Facsimile: +27 (0)21 880 1550 Email: reservations@majekahouse.co.za Website: www.majekahouse.co.za

daily for all meals, the restaurant has an adjoining bar and alfresco tables in the garden. A Sanctuary Spa offers all-out pampering or respite for those who may have overindulged in this hedonistic corner of the world. The intimate spa (which has an extensive menu of exclusive treatments) leads onto a huge, enclosed swimming pool with a sleek retractable roof for warm weather. With only 18 rooms, guests check in for the personal service imbued with Gallic charm by owners Karine (from France) and her husband Lloyd and their delightful staff. Thoughtful touches abound and all the rooms have spacious designer bathrooms with a huge glass-tiled shower with wood underfoot and a line-up of heavenly Moya products on the double vanity. Although the entire hotel is child friendly, a fully self-contained family villa with a private pool and three additional spacious suites, all with verandas overlooking a second outdoor pool, are ideal for

A sophisticated and intimate hotel experience awaits at Majeka, with top-notch spa treatments, gourmet cuisine and a warm and contemporary interior.

Opulent Living

Photographs: MAJEKA HOUSE

anyone travelling with children or in a party.

Elegant interiors and a beautifully manicured country garden create a welcoming setting at Rosenhof Country House.

A taste of rural refinement Rosenhof Country House After a long day of travelling, there are few things as wonderful as being welcomed into a hotel

n ROSENHOF Country House Oudtshoorn, Southern Cape Telephone: +27 (0)44 272 2232 Facsimile: +27 (0)44 272 3021 Email: rosenhof@xsinet.co.za Website: www.rosenhof.co.za

and instantly feeling at home. When you step into the beautifully decorated, cosy interior of Rosenhof Country House, this is exactly what happens. A short distance from the popular Cango Caves, Rosenhof Country House is designed to offer you the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. Start the day with a delicious home-cooked breakfast in the sunny breakfast room, the scent of fresh flowers filling the air. Spend some time wandering around the beautifully manicured rose garden, relaxing in the shade of the wide verandas, or lying on a sun lounger next to the pool, with views out over the lush lawns. Or take advantage of the on-site Wellness Centre, which offers a range of facials, massage treatments, manicures and pedicures as well as a fully equipped gym, Jacuzzi and sauna. As the day slowly winds down, indulge in delicious cordon bleu country cuisine in the restaurant or a drink in the cosy pub or one of the comfortable lounges (warmed Photographs: ROSENHOF COUNTRY HOUSE

by a fireplace in winter). Then sit back, sip an apĂŠritif and relax. With only 12 rooms and two executive suites (both with private swimming pools, set away from the main house), Rosenhof Country House guarantees visitors personal attention and a tailormade stay, with small personal touches highlighting the warm country welcome. The renovated homestead (circa 1852) is filled with tastefully chosen antique furniture, offset by the original yellowwood beams and ceilings. The authentic old house, the softly scented rose garden and the warm hospitality of everyone working in the country home ensure that this is a holiday in the true sense of the word.

Opulent Living

Enchanting country retreat Grand Dédale Country House, Doolhof Wine Estate There’s only one way in and out of the hidden valley that is home to utterly secluded Grand Dédale, situated at the foot of the dramatic Bainskloof Pass in the Wellington wine region. This stylishly renovated Cape Dutch manor house embraces grand interiors and delicate Asian and European touches, bringing a subtle richness to the design and furnishings. Every detail – from the great chandeliers, plush linens and gilded floor-to-ceiling mirrors down to the finest bone-china teacups, crystal decanters and ultrasoft mohair blankets – instantly casts you under its charming spell. Three cool upstairs loft rooms open onto a communal lounge scented by sun-baked herbs and thatch. The downstairs suites have fresh country interiors and show-stopping bathrooms, all opening onto terraces with mountain or valley views and a glass-enclosed atrium perfect for intimate candlelit dinners in winter. On the doorstep is a long lap pool to laze in on summer days and a spa room for further pampering. In line with global gourmet trends, the resident chef prides herself on using seasonal local produce from the Wellington region, with an emphasis on game and fish. At sunset, enjoy a sensational table d’hôte dinner on the wide veranda while savouring the bouquet of one of Doolhof’s award-winning wines. Grand Dédale is a blissfully romantic wedding venue, and a fairy-tale honeymoon cottage stands in secluded isolation a short distance from the manor house.

Doolhof Wine Estate, Wellington, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 873 4089 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 873 4188 Email: info@granddedale.com Website: www.granddedale.com

Opulent Living

Photographs: GRAND DÉDALE

n GRAND DÉDALE Country House

Trinity. All about you forever

www.trinity.cartier.com Shop U13, Upper Level, Sandton City - 011 666 2800

An elegant slice of history Andros Boutique Hotel n ANDROS Boutique Hotel

Step back in time to a boutique hotel that offers all the old-world charm of a traditional Cape

Claremont, Cape Town, Western Cape

Dutch homestead, with all the comfort of a high-end hotel. Built in 1908 and designed by

Telephone: +27 (0)21 797 9777

illustrious Edwardian architect Sir Herbert Baker, the Andros Boutique Hotel is as elegant as it is

Facsimile: +27 (0)21 797 0300

historical. Impeccably restored yet retaining all the character of a 20th-century manor house, the

Email: info@andros.co.za Website: www.andros.co.za

hotel offers guests a chance to experience luxury the old-fashioned way. Located in Claremont, one of Cape Town’s charming Southern Suburbs neighbourhoods, Andros Boutique Hotel is around the corner from the Kirstenbosch Gardens and the Constantia Winelands and is an easy 15-minute drive from the city centre and the V&A Waterfront. With only four bedrooms in the Manor House, each with its own veranda and garden or mountain view, eight rooms in the manicured park-like gardens and a suite with its own pool, Andros is the ideal place to unwind after a busy day spent exploring Cape Town‘s many attractions. Guests who are looking for pure relaxation can spend their days reading in the peaceful sun room or drawing room, or enjoy a personalised treatment at Bliss, the on-site beauty salon. As the day draws to an end, pre-dinner drinks are served in the champagne room, adjacent to the restaurant. After the sun has set, dinner awaits. This is an altogether elegant affair in Dine, the romantic restaurant lit by flickering candles with soft music to accompany the seasonal country cuisine by chef Nicolene Barrow and the superb South African wine list. Andros is an escape from the frenzied pace of modern life, a taste of true hospitality and a dose of Cape Dutch luxury all in one elegant package

Photographs: ANDROS BOUTIQUE HOTEL

– the ideal Cape Town experience.

Opulent Living

Natural textures are key to the comfort levels at this intimate Camps Bay hotel.

Contemporary ocean odyssey Sea Five Boutique Hotel The Last Word, the prestigious collection of exclusive Cape Town boutique hotels, has a new jewel in its crown: Sea Five, tucked just a road away from the buzz of Camps Bay – close enough to make the most of this lively seaside suburb but purposefully tranquil to ensure essential relaxation time, too. Once an imposing home, this elegant private boutique hotel has a carefully conceived selection of mountain-, garden- and sea-view suites as well as a sprawling private loft-style penthouse, all individually decorated in the finest Italian linens in subtle colour schemes to suit the laid-back, barefoot-if-you-please mood. It’s clear from the outset that this is a small hotel designed with visitors’ utmost relaxation in mind. The interior design is deliberately low-key. Downstairs in the communal lounge, sofas are large and squashy, loungers by the pool plentiful and the custombuilt bar, with its Atlantic Ocean views, is suitably well stocked. You’ll notice the quirky touches too – a ‘bling’ mosaic mirror here or charming bird motif there – details that ensure you know it’s

Photographs: SEA FIVE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

okay to relax and let that lazy holiday feeling wash over you. With its prime position a minute from Camps Bay’s ‘Copacabana’ strip, it’s a treat to wander down to the beach after a leisurely breakfast on the garden patio. Settle down on a sun lounger with your holiday read or take a stroll along the vibrant Camps Bay strip. Reflecting the intimate atmosphere here, the hotel’s personalised concierge service takes care of the details – from car rentals to spa bookings or the best tables at the restaurant of the moment

n SEA FIVE Boutique Hotel Camps Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 438 0743 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 438 0743

– so you can make the most of your stay. Sea Five has isolated the key ingredients of serenity and

Email: info@seafive.co.za

style and interpreted them beautifully in their villa-style seaside escape.

Website: www.seafive.co.za

Opulent Living

Sensual urban sanctuary O on Kloof With its endless views over the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, O on Kloof is a boutique hotel in the

n O ON KLOOF

truest sense of the word. Lush garden surrounds and expansive decks making the most of sea

Bantry Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape

and mountain views invite guests to relax and reboot at this chic city bolt hole. The eight rooms

Telephone: +27 (0)21 439 2081

are individually decorated with opulent fabrics, leather and dark wood, and boast vast king-sized beds, fine linen and plush towels. These well-appointed spaces combine sleek modernity with a sense of warmth and comfort – a rare combination. Those in the know book the rooms that have

Facsimile: +27 (0)21 439 8832 Email: info@oonkloof.co.za Website: www.oonkloof.co.za

a private balcony with Jacuzzi – just the thing for soaking up the great sea views – and white sofas with chill-out appeal. Fresh flowers and fruit are charming personal touches. The communal areas tick all the boxes for spot-on rest and relaxation. WiFi, iPod docking stations and a DVD and CD selection ensure guests are entertained. The library is the ideal place for losing yourself in for a day should the weather turn out to be less than perfect, while the lounge is an oasis of calm, with gorgeous coffee-table books and original art to admire, such as the delightful piece by talented local Roelie van Heerden. The emphasis on sleek design and urban chic is reinforced at the sexy mirror-mosaic bar (perfect for enjoying a cocktail) and in the outdoor dining area, where guests can enjoy dinners – showcasing the best of local produce, of course – prepared by visiting chefs. Should all this lazing about be too slothful, the fully equipped indoor gym and heated pool provide the perfect antidote. Even better, the on-site O’Spa offers a full range of treatments, from

Photographs: O ON KLOOF

the sublime body-butter massage to local Theravine facials – ideal for revitalising travel-weary skin.

The combination of sleek design, modern home comforts, luxurious touches and a warm welcome make O on Kloof an impressive urban bolt hole.

Heavenly seclusion Plettenberg Park Hotel & Spa Dramatically perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Plettenberg Park Hotel & Spa is a sophisticated retreat in the lush Garden Route. The breathtaking views are an obvious draw card here, but so is the sense of serenity that can be felt from the minute you arrive, thanks to interiors boasting natural wood finishes, subtle tones and touches of blue that echo the sea views. The quirky art collection by artist Tamsin Relly evokes a sense of subtle playfulness with her trademark portraiture. Each of the 10 rooms has bespoke touches, such as fresh flowers, private balconies, magazines to lazily page through and fragrant bath salts for a luxurious treat. In addition to the Photographs: PLETTENBERG PARK HOTEL & SPA

25-metre infinity pool, there is a Camelot Spa on site, adding to the leisure appeal. Plettenberg Park Hotel & Spa is also perfectly situated for nature lovers: enjoy a gentle stroll along the paths set within 200 hectares of fynbos and wetlands, or relax on the coveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beach. It is also home to small game and over 65 species of birdlife. For more strenuous activity, a horse ride through the coastal fynbos is a must. So much natural splendour stimulates the appetite, and the dining offering is tailor-made. In consultation with the chef, meals can be enjoyed any time and anywhere â&#x20AC;&#x201C; even on the sea deck by lantern light.

n PLETTENBERG PARK Hotel & Spa Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)44 533 9067 Facsimile: +27 (0)44 533 9092 Email: info@plettenbergpark.co.za Website: www.plettenbergpark.co.za

Opulent Living

n TEREMOK MARINE Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal Telephone: +27 (0)31 561 5848 Facsimile: +27 (0)31 561 5860 Email: marine@teremok.co.za Website: www.teremok.co.za

Rock star Teremok Marine Situated on Umhlanga Rock’s exclusive seafront Marine Drive, Teremok lives up to its Russian name (‘little hideaway’) perfectly. This intimate, multi-award-winning eight-suite boutique lodge is a favourite with visiting business movers and shakers, thanks to its top-notch facilities and proximity to Umhlanga and Durban, but is equally popular with those wishing to get away from it all, to soak up the views of the Indian Ocean and Teremok’s decadent indulgence. Originally built as a seaside escape in the ’60s by colourful Russian personality Kotchka Vladykin, Teremok has since been converted into one of the most exclusive addresses in Umhlanga. Visitors will appreciate the nods to the past evident throughout this contemporary, elegant space – from the original timeworn wooden floors and typically colonial-style generous sash windows to photographs that depict the many happy holidays spent here by the Vladykin family. African artefacts and collectables are thoughtfully displayed with the effect that Teremok feels like a much loved home, where every item tells an interesting story. Each generous suite is individually decorated and designed (from the romantic Juliet to the contemporary African-style Durban View), with elements such as scent, music and even sweet treats individually allocated to suit the mood and style of each. In the summer months, guests down in velvet caftans provided for their comfort. Luxuries like rain showers, iPod docking stations and a well-stocked DVD library are further evidence of Teremok’s commitment to your comfort at every turn. A team of full-time therapists is on hand at the spa to attend to your every ache and pain, while downtime on loungers by the pool, admiring the sprawling garden surrounds and allowing yourself to enjoy that afternoon snooze, is most certainly encouraged. At Teremok the philosophy is clear: ‘Relax, make yourself at home and we’ll take care of the rest.’

Opulent Living

Photographs: TEREMOK MARINE

spend lazy mornings on their balconies in cotton kimonos or, if it’s cooler, happily snuggling

Serenity in the city AtholPlace The lastest addition to Moloko Hotels & Resorts’ luxury portfolio, AtholPlace is a boutique-hotel secret almost too good to share, an elegant sanctuary that is purpose-built for sheer indulgence. Although it’s set in the heart of the Johannesburg suburb of Atholl in Sandton, the large garden and tranquil atmosphere of this luxury hotel ensure it is a haven of calm, favoured by business people and those simply seeking serenity and leisure in the city. n ATHOLPLACE

The attention to detail throughout the hotel creates a cohesive sense of design that ensures

Atholl, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng

guests feel at home from the moment they arrive until their departure, while they are welcomed

Telephone: +27 (0)11 783 3410

and hosted by enthusiastic staff. AtholPlace is distinctly South African in a refreshingly subtle

Facsimile: +27 (0)11 783 3350

way. Indigenous succulents in every room, handmade pottery, wooden sculptures and earthy

Email: info@atholplace.co.za Website: www.atholplace.co.za

tones evoke a truly South African mood that feels truly authentic. Each of the 10 suites is uniquely decorated with a common theme of comfort throughout the hotel. Room specifications include extra-length king-sized beds, pure white percale Frette bed linen imported from Italy, duck-down duvets and American-sized pillows, all of which make sleeping a pure luxury. The bathrooms are large and perfectly designed for comfort, and the 42-inch LCD flat-screen is just the thing for lazy in-room movie moments. For those travelling on business, complimentary wireless internet access affords you the comfort of working in a

Photographs: ATHOLPLACE

peaceful and serene environment overlooking the beautifully landscaped garden and listening to the soft and calming sound of the fountain. AtholPlace boasts a large swimming pool with comfortable loungers, a book-filled library and a very well-stocked bar. Complimentary canapés and drinks are served in the lounge before dinner, and the in-house chef is always on hand to tantalise your palate with delectable dishes of your choice. A stay at AtholPlace offers a decadent experience that will change the way you look at luxury boutique hotels forever.

Rare West Coast find Abalone House Boutique Guesthouse Situated in the seaside village of Paternoster, the five-star Abalone House is an all-round global experience. The team’s enthusiastic greeting offers a taste of the West Coast’s famed hospitality from the moment you arrive, while the flamboyant, colourful interiors set the tone for an unforgettable, multilayered sensory experience. Jewel-coloured fabrics and exotic treasures are juxtaposed with dramatic Tretchikoff art prints and beautifully restored Cape antiques to create a rich and vibrant visual tapestry. This five-star boutique guesthouse, with its 10 suites (eight of which have sea views), is as much an art and interiors destination as an escape to Paternoster, the jewel in the West Coast’s crown. While a stay here is all about making the most of lazy days beachcombing on the endless stretch of white sand or relaxing on the sea-facing veranda, this part of the world is also famous for its superb seafood. At night, Saffron Restaurant glitters with light from polished chandeliers and glowing candles, the globally influenced surrounds the perfect foil for in-house chef Nickie Lawson’s decadent Afro-global menu, peppered with local produce and matched with select local wines. Wintry weekends are just as enjoyable as mid-summer ones thanks to the supremely comfortable suites and the inviting Africa Bar, the perfect place to swap tall tales while sipping on fine whisky and smoking a hand-rolled cigar. Guest comfort is top priority here, from picnic baskets that are filled with gourmet treats for you

Paternoster, West Coast, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)86 722 7973 (central

to enjoy on the beach to ready-packed beach bags (complete with towels and sunscreen), oversized beds dressed with monogrammed linen and in-room mod-cons galore such as flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations, as well as CD and DVD libraries for your downtime pleasure. No stone is left

reservations); +27 (0)22 752 2044

unturned in Abalone House’s quest for your pleasure. And a collection of Tretchikoff collectables and

Email: info@abalonehouse.co.za

prints for purchase ensures you’ll never forget this haven of character and charm in the quaintest

Website: www.abalonehouse.co.za

seaside village on the Cape West Coast.

Photographs: ABALONE HOUSE BOUTIQUE GUESTHOUSE

n ABALONE HOUSE Boutique GuestHouse

n QUARTERS ON AVONDALE Morningside, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Telephone: +27 (0)31 303 5246 Facsimile: +27 (0)31 303 5269 Email: info@quarters.co.za Website: www.quarters.co.za/quarterson-avondale/home.html

Subtropical splendour and style Quarters on Avondale Situated in the heart of Durban’s most beloved suburb, Morningside, Quarters on Avondale couldn’t be better located. Sibling to the well-loved Quarters in Durban’s Florida Road dining district and Quarters in the seaside town of Hermanus in the Cape, Quarters on Avondale marries privacy with comfort perfectly. It typifies modern quiet luxury that’s difficult to find these days: unfussy, supremely comfortable, intimate and personal, due, in part, to its beautiful setting. The original Edwardian-era home that houses the reception and 10 en-suite bedrooms has been restored to its former glory, and the newly built annex, housing seven en-suite bedrooms, perfectly mirrors the original Edwardian architecture. The all-female management team has taken advantage of the lush subtropical weather in Durban and planted a garden full of different herbs and spices, and a multitude of scented plants, bushes and trees, which combine to create a wonderfully unique aromatherapy experience for anyone taking a stroll through the gardens. It’s an experience that only gets better when guests step into the bedrooms, furnished with period furniture imported from France and decorated with specially selected decor and personal touches. Guests who are reluctant to leave this peaceful restored Edwardian residence, for decadent breakfasts, light and healthy lunches, and

The carefully chosen interior decor of Quarters on Avondale perfectly mirrors the Edwardian elegance of the hotel’s exterior.

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superbly prepared dinners. Afternoon tea and cake on the covered terrace is the ideal way to wind down after a peaceful day, in this haven of a hotel that just happens to be in the heart of Durban.

Photographs: QUARTERS ON AVONDALE

haven can visit Jam Restaurant, in a separate

Return to splendour Selati Camp Selati Camp in the heart of the Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve combines old-world elegance with state-of-the-art convenience. Situated next to the now-disused railway line, after which it is named, Selati Camp pays homage to a bygone era of colonial grandeur while simultaneously acknowledging the new millennium. The railway theme is the lodge’s point of reference: the eight sumptuous suites – each named after a long-gone train station – are adorned with authentic artefacts and restored relics from the original 1870 rail house. But mod-cons such as concealed air-conditioning and purecotton bed linen add sheer comfort, and the Ivory Presidential Suite boasts a private plunge pool. The Sabi Sabi Private Game Reserve neighbours the Kruger National Park and is a recognised biodiversity hub – so birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will be in heaven (it is home to over n Selati Camp Sabi Sands Reserve, Mpumalanga Telephone: + 27 (0)13 735 5771

200 mammal and 300 bird species!). It also happens to be positioned on an animal-migration path on the bend of the Msuthlu River – the perfect vantage point for Big Five spotting. Mealtimes at Selati Camp are a treat. Lunches may be enjoyed on the river-facing deck. Dinner begins with the blast of a kudu horn summoning guests to gather around a roaring log fire in the

Email: res@sabisabi.com

open-air, reed-enclosed boma. Whatever your safari preference, Selati Camp’s abundant offerings

Website: www.sabisabi.com

are sure to satisfy your desires.

Photographs: SELATI CAMP

Facsimile: + 27 (0)13 735 5236

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Ellerman House and Villa

Experience true luxury

With the recent launch of Ellerman Contemporary, a dedicated art gallery on the elegant grounds of the much-loved Ellerman House and its luxurious Villa, this distinctive hotel is now ranked as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most respected art hotels â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a prestigious accolade indeed. Housing a private collection of contemporary works, primarily by South African artists, it offers guests a unique experience and a rare insight into the vibrant talent of both upcoming and established artists. Opulent Living

Previous spread The contemporary interior of the living area of Ellerman Villa, with uninterrupted views of the sea and seamless outdoor flow. This page Angus Taylor’s drystone sculpture ‘Hier’ at the entrance to the new, private art gallery, Ellerman Contemporary that gives Ellerman House art hotel status. It’s a light and airy space that invites contemplation.

Opening spread Ellerman House, a gracious Edwardian mansion and once the summer residence of shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman. ABOVE AND RIGHT Suite One, Lady Ellerman’s favourite bedroom, has balconies perfect for lazy breakfasts or private dinners

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s Nick Dreyer, newly appointed general manager of Ellerman House, walks through the hotel’s elegant gardens overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, he chats animatedly about the project he’s been involved in from its inception. Together, owner Paul Harris and he decided that it was time that all guests had an opportunity to enjoy their growing private collection of contemporary works that complements the classical collection for which Ellerman House is so well known. For some time, the contemporary collection had almost exclusively found its way on to the walls of the adjoining Ellerman Villa, but with so much exciting new work to show and one last spot on the property to excavate, they set about planning the unexpected location of Ellerman Contemporary. Those who know the hotel will wonder where on earth the new gallery is situated but, not easily intimidated by the challenge, the determined pair set about working out how they could unearth an ideal space for the art works – literally. The solution was simple: excavate underneath the beautiful terrace that has graced the world’s glossies for so many years to create an entirely different, contemporary space for guests to reflect on the content of the collection. After pausing to talk about Angus Taylor’s work at the top of the stairs and taking a last look at the mountain view behind the hotel, he descends below into an open, level entrance area dominated by the drystone sculpture ‘Hier’ that was also done by Angus, who spent months quietly sculpting in-situ. Following the gaze of the stone head and looking out to sea, Nick explains that part of the responsibility of the curatorship is, naturally, to preserve, maintain and document the collection, as much as it is to share it with guests who, they hope, will be equally enthralled and inspired by the bespoke experience they have created in one singular space – as opposed to the different rooms of the hotel. Because, even though guests might choose to stay in different suites each time, chances of them noticing the fine collection of Thomas William Bowler

watercolours on their way to breakfast are slim if they don’t stay on that floor. What they do love, though, is the varied art and the Ellerman family photographs in the living areas. They often pause at Pierneef’s ‘Mont-aux-Sources’ that sits perfectly behind the grand piano as they make their way through the living room to the terrace outside, or enjoy the superb collection of John Meyer’s work over a romantic dinner in the room named after the artist. Nick turns to open the heavy forged door to reveal the light and airy gallery on two levels. Far from being a chilly underground space, this new area has light oak parquet floors and off-white wood-panelled walls that add texture and warmth. Bookshelves filled with art books line the entrance walls and behind them is a glass-lined pod-like space with inviting chairs for reading, and a dedicated spot for browsing the internet to gain more background on each artist. Turning to take a few steps to the lower level, you find your eyes drawn first to William Kentridge (a fluid ‘animation’ of his work that is painted on a Gregor Jenkin tabletop and reflected in a mirrored cylinder in the centre) and then to the extraordinarily colourful collection of contemporary work beyond. Gerald Tabata, John Moore, Beezy Bailey and Norman Catherine mix with Guy Peppin’s shredded and collaged works, Kevin Brand’s work in metal, wood and enamel, and Mbongeni Buthelezi’s ‘Mother and Baby’ in recycled plastic on plastic. Equally eye-catching are Mary Sibande’s digital prints (particularly the vibrant blue of ‘I’m a Lady’) and one of Zwelethu Mtwethwa’s large-scale photographic portraits. It’s a lively, unaffected and wonderfully comfortable space that guests can enjoy whichever way they like and whenever they like – after dinner or during the day, with a private visit organised afterwards to two or three of the most respected galleries in the city and introductions to experts willing to guide and offer advice to guests on selecting their own choice of art to hang in their own homes as a memento of their visit to Africa.

The lower level of the modern Ellerman Villa is dedicated to its spa and spa suites, and the upper two floors are for exclusive-use only, with the bedrooms commanding awe-inspiring views from the upper floor.

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ABOVE Ellerman House, a gracious Edwardian mansion and once the summer residence of shipping magnate Sir John Ellerman. BELOW A soothing spa suite at Ellerman Villa.

And this is what a stay at Ellerman House is about – creating unique memories to last a lifetime, whether they are of the salty sea breeze blowing into Lady Ellerman’s favourite bedroom in shades of restful greens or the visits to the pantry for a late-night snack after theatre or a night out in town. Opposite the pantry is a full view of the kitchen, where it’s easy to chat informally to the chefs about creating a personalised dish or ask them for a recipe. Executive Chef Veronica Hibbert’s local cuisine is an exciting fusion of local flavours and ingredients – so much so that guests always mention special dinners here. And sometimes,

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years later, a guest will return the favour – like the gentleman who discovered the original Ellerman cutlery service at auction but donated it back to the hotel a few years later. Today it sits in a beautiful carved wooden cabinet in the John Meyer room. And complemented by the extensive wine collection in the cellar – guests choose from over 7 000 bottles of fine wine – dinner here adds to the complete Ellerman experience. Of course, no luxurious sojourn at Ellerman House would be complete without pampered sessions at the Ellerman Spa on the ground floor of the adjoining Ellerman Villa, a masterpiece of modern architectural design. Nick explains that they never set out to build the Villa as a hotel, but rather as a home for Paul Harris. As a result, it ‘feels the same’, says Nick, despite the change from classic to contemporary architecture on the same property. The spacious spa is a tranquil haven with ultramodern facilities, including a colour-therapy steam room for mood enhancement, a large sauna and three treatment rooms. Healing techniques and philosophies are drawn from around the world by their internationally qualified therapists. Designed for the exclusive

use of resident guests, the spa provides absolute privacy, as does the fully equipped gym in the secluded gardens. Of course, if you book the Villa it’s possible to enjoy the spa’s adjacent suites: the Spa Pool Room and the Spa Deck Room, both with magnificent views over the pool to the ocean. And if in a daze after a massage, Villa guests are swiftly directed to the lift that whisks them upstairs into their calm oasis. Besides the architectural style, Ellerman Villa is an entirely different experience. Tatler calls it ‘full-on Frank Lloyd Wright razzmatazz’ and ‘the most rock ’n’ roll place to stay in Cape Town’. Well, even the electric curtains in the pastel-coloured suites close at the touch of a button and there are more DVDs to choose from than it is ever possible to watch and a private contemporary art gallery area on the landing. Even the shower has the best floor-to-ceiling view of the coastline, and a Moroccan-inspired mirrored bathroom is by far the most exotic on the property. Service is superb, with a dedicated butler and private chef to host everything from a discreet business dinner with clients to a relaxed seafood feast on the deck at any time that suits.

Strolling through the gardens and up the steps of the original Edwardian mansion, you get the feeling that Ellerman House is more French Riviera than 2010 Cape Town, but behind it all there’s modern-day attitude combined with old-school commitment to service and quality. Sitting in the evening light in the elegant living room that’s dedicated to many of Pierneef’s well-known landscapes, Nick talks of experience being the new luxury – something that Ellerman House and its new gallery offers in spades. ‘Wonderful linen can be bought, but the secret ingredient, the magic that makes it happen, is a wonderful team. Guests are unapologetic in their demand for quality and we don’t ever contemplate anything less.’ The other magical thing here is the number 11 – there are only nine

luxuriously appointed rooms and two sumptuous suites in Ellerman House, all set in the classically landscaped three-and-ahalf acre property. The thick visitors’ book is worth perusing once you’ve paused to take in the dizzying row of portraits on the slightly creaky staircase. It makes for interesting reading, and if a member of staff passes by while you’re standing there, they’ll sweetly adjust the lighting and even offer a cup of tea – and it’s exactly this spontaneous and caring graciousness that makes a stay here an entirely memorable one. Choosing from a pot filled with pens of different colours (this is an art hotel, after all), guests have added their thoughts in their individual scripts. ‘A ray of excellence in a sea of averages in the world,’ say Dereck and Beverly Joubert. ‘One of the

best. Exceptional in every way,’ say Peter and Linda Ward of London. And another bold script simply says, ‘Now I have lived. Thank you.’ Staff and management know, as Nick put it, ‘how to be who we are’. It’s clear that the essence of Ellerman’s charm lies in the fact that it’s a luxury home away from home – something that travellers of today appreciate above all else.

Ellerman House and Villa

Bantry Bay, Cape Town, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 430 3200 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 430 3215 Email: ellerman@relais.com Website: www.ellerman.co.za

Photographs: ELLERMAN HOUSE & VILLA

Ellerman House was selected by The Independent UK as one of the Big Six art hotels alongside the Ritz-Carlton (Singapore), Gramercy Park (New York), St James’s Club and Hotel (London), The Cullen (Melbourne) and La Colombe d’Or (Provence).

Ellerman Villa’s luxurious suites in soothing pastel shades; all three floors of the villa and the two pools have spectacular views of the sea.

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Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

A tribute to African elegance Owner-managed and -run, Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge offers an intimate bush experience, where personal service and attention to detail are the cornerstones of every waking moment. The lodge successfully combines colonial style and African eccentricity in a delightful marriage of opposites. Set in the pristine 75 000 hectare malaria-free Madikwe Game Reserve, Jamala is the ideal place for that ultimate safari experience.

amala is the Swahili word for ‘natural elegance’ and this exquisite lodge has delicately embraced the elements of nature in a refreshing yet lavish way. The design of the lodge is all about letting nature play the leading role, with huge vistas of African bushveld, a canopy of ancient leadwood trees and wooden decks opening up onto the pale earthy hues of the Madikwe wilderness. It was the great philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson who once said, ‘Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.’ At Jamala you can feel the gears shift to a more

gracious pace – where living in the moment is a given and leaving your cares outside the majestic front entrance is simply par for the course. Whether you are catching a few rays of sun around your private plunge pool, heading out on a game drive at sundown or enjoying the tempting cuisine on offer, the entire experience at Jamala is woven around embracing nature and the expansiveness of the African bush – all the while enjoying the finer things in life, of course. The opulent glamour of the lodge blends distinctively into the environment, and

wood and thatch are complemented by the flow of white mosquito netting, extralength king-sized beds are dressed in the softest linens, and comfortable white couches embrace you and beg you ‘to stay just a little longer’. Because the guest list is limited to only 10 people per stay, getting that gin-and-tonic in doublequick time (and having it served to you with a truly sincere smile) is simply part of the package. The main living areas are inviting and make magnificent use of natural light, each room flowing seamlessly to the next and

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Jamala provides a combination of finest luxury, breathtaking vistas, personal service and exquisite cuisine … and that’s just for starters.

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high ceilings reminding you of a bygone colonial era. Glamour is added with tactile throws, over-the-top chandeliers and touches of silver. Five freestanding villas offer guests not only the finest luxury and amenities but also a sense of intimacy and privacy – two commodities that are becoming increasingly difficult to attain in our busy urban world. Spend the afternoon around your private rim-flow pool as the African bush serenades each moment, or take some serious time-out in the sala before ordering room service served up with views of an ancient land. There are private outdoor showers, complete with all-encompassing fluffy white towels providing the ultimate indulgence. Because of its location within an open savannah that runs past the front of the lodge, you can easily spend the afternoon lazing around the pool while watching game make its way down to the nearby

watering hole. ‘Jamala really boasts an incredible location,’ says co-owner, Shaun Roe. ‘You can sip champagne in your private pool and simply watch the horizon for game – you don’t even need to go on a game drive.’ Of course, game drives in an open vehicle are a highlight of the safari experience and qualified guides are ready to take you on an early-morning or early-evening game drive. Mornings revolve around grabbing a steaming mug of strong coffee before heading out into the Great Unknown, while evening drives include savouring sundowners in the depths of the bush as the sun fades and is replaced by an inky African sky. Madikwe is known for its incredible wildlife, thanks to Operation Phoenix – one of Africa’s most successful wildlife relocation initiatives. The game reserve is home to the Big Five and a wide variety of animals and plant life, with the added

Photographs: jamala madikwe

Elegant opulence, a sense of the dramatic and a light overlay of decadence give Jamala a refined atmosphere.

bonus of being a malaria-free zone. You may even be lucky enough to spot the family pack of wild dog known to cover large distances in the reserve, looking for tasty morsels as they move along in brown-and-black-flecked unison. The birdlife in Madikwe is prolific, and the sights and sounds of rare birds are a real treat for binocular-wielding visitors. Bush walks with your qualified guide offer an intimate safari experience, and if they leave you feeling well-exercised, you can always ask for a masseur to be sent to your room – for a massage that will reduce your limbs to butter in no time at all. A highlight of Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge is the food. Talented chef Nico Verster has travelled the world developing his global contemporary style of cooking. Although he’s not in favour of the word ‘fusion’, he successfully combines international influences with the best of local cuisine and the result is a

culinary adventure of sorts. His attention to detail and flair for the extraordinary have made meals at Jamala something of a legend. There is also an extensive wine list boasting some of South Africa’s finest wines. Adding value is part of the Jamala experience and guests can enjoy an allinclusive package that consists of two game drives, all meals, teas and coffees and a personal selection of wines and all local spirits and beverages. For owners Shaun Roe and Rodney Steyn, providing a personal touch for all guests who stay at Jamala Madikwe is key. As Roe says, ‘There are just a handful of lodges in Africa that are owner-managed and -run and this makes all the difference. We are passionate about and committed to building personal relationships with our guests. We host every single meal and it’s our duty to ensure that clients are as comfortable as possible – and that’s why they come back time and time again.’

Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge

Madikwe Game Reserve, North West Province Telephone: +27 (0)82 929 3190, +27 (0)86 649 8200 Facsimile: +27 (0)86 649 8200 Email: info@jamalamadikwe.com Website: www.jamalamadikwe.com

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Birkenhead House

Boutique beachside bliss With unparalleled ocean views, outstanding land-based whale viewing and understated yet utterly luxurious opulence, Birkenhead House is synonymous with seaside splendour.

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The exclusive Birkenhead House beach villa is blessed with jawdropping and expansive views of Walker Bay in Hermanus.

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he magnificent Birkenhead House holds a lofty cliff-top position a short distance from the bustling holiday town of Hermanus. This stylish beach hotel boasts endless views of the Indian Ocean, offering front-row seats to the seasonal visits of the whales frolicking in the warm waters of the bay below. Perhaps the most desirable aspect of Birkenhead House is that it combines that personal holiday-home feel with all the luxurious perks of a private hotel. The house feels wonderfully secluded and guests can choose to escape from the outside world with a good book,

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play a lazy game of Scrabble in the sunsplashed lounge or enjoy a full-body massage-with-a-view on the front deck with the waves as your soundtrack. Start your day with a lazy lie-in or scamper down to the beach for a dip in the ocean before tucking into a hearty breakfast made all the more enjoyable by the soft rays of the morning sun. The villa is left open to the elements with silken breezes and salty ocean fragrances permeating every corner. Breathe in the cool sea air while sunning yourself beside one of the glittering turquoise pools encircled with comfortable deckchairs

and wide umbrellas. For guests wanting to stretch their legs, there’s a cliff-top path winding along the coastline just a stone’s throw away – pop down to The Marine hotel for a drink or take a dip in the cool rock pool if it’s a typically sunny Overberg day. Birkenhead House’s caring and attentive staff members are on hand to attend to your every need. The award-winning culinary team takes great pride in the food and produce of the region and sources local game and fresh seafood. The team is known for its enthusiasm, which is evident in the ever-changing and

We are now taking orders for the Aston Martin Rapide and welcome the opportunity to answer any questions you may have.

‘Enjoy an experience beyond the ordinary, a shared passion that finds expression in innovative design to offer an unforgettable enriching adventure that touches the soul.’ GROENVLEI OPEN TUESDAY TO SUNDAY FROM 11:00 AM–7:00 PM FOR SUNDOWNERS MONDAY BY APPOINTMENT · FOR PRIVATE PARTIES PLEASE CONTACT US P.O. BOX 12605 · ANNANDALE ROAD · STELLENBOSCH · SOUTH AFRICA · 7600 PHONE: +27 21 881 3677 · FAX: +27 21 881 3667 INFO@PETERFALKEWINES.CO.ZA · WWW.PETERFALKEWINES.CO.ZA

The interiors at Birkenhead House are a happy marriage of opulence and elegance, with extra attention given to space and comfort.

imaginative African-tinged menu with Asian and European influences. Meals can be taken at any time of the day within the privacy of your hotel suite or on the wide front deck with views to the horizon, or choose the intimate villa dining room and mingle with other guests. In keeping with the laid-back attitude here, there’s an honesty bar in which to mix your own evening sundowners. Carry your ginand-tonic down to the swimming pool to watch the sun set or enjoy a peaceful nightcap wrapped in a warm blanket, watching the stars make their way across the southern night sky. There are few enough rooms that you hardly notice the presence of other

guests. Each suite is individual but all share an exquisite opulence, with their sophisticated antiques, dusky silks and generous beds made up with the plushest of percale linens. Bath time is blissful – open French doors to the balmy night, turn down the lights, fill the enormous tub with bubbles and sink into its foamy depths … then crawl into bed and drift off to sleep to the distant sound of the waves crashing onto silvery sands.

Birkenhead House

Hermanus, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)15 793 0150 Facsimile: +27 (0)15 793 2879 Email: reservations@theroyalportfolio.com Website: www.birkenheadhouse.com

Photographs: BIRKENHEAD HOUSE

Birkenhead House is situated approximately 120km (75 miles) from Cape Town and transfers from Cape Town International Airport can be arranged. Birkenhead House is a part of The Royal Portfolio, which includes The Royal Malewane Lodge situated within the Greater Kruger National Park and Franschhoek’s La Residence.

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Ngala Tented Camp

Where safari chic meets heart and soul… Ngala Tented Safari camp epitomises the essence of classic bush chic with its own distinctive style and flair. From the shade of established indigenous trees, six elegant tents look out over a pristine landscape teeming with wildlife. However, this camp is so much more than a luxurious hideout for visitors; it’s a lifeline for a community and a superb example of consciousness and conservation at work in the bush.

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gala Tented Camp is situated just three kilometres from the Kruger’s Orpen Gate and forms part of the exclusive international &Beyond family of lodges. &Beyond safari and exclusive lodge offerings are recognised for their luxury, and Ngala Tented Safari Camp is no exception. The tented camp offers the ultimate in exclusivity and privacy for the discerning traveller intent on escaping to the bush in style. Built around the concept of ‘touching the earth lightly’, this camp consists of just six en-suite tents on raised platforms with every convenience and amenity on tap. Each tented suite is cleverly designed to incorporate existing

trees, thereby minimising environmental impact and in turn creating a cool, lush canopy of shade – an oasis of calm in the African bush. Ngala was the very first private game reserve to be incorporated into the twomillion hectare Kruger National Park. Due to a groundbreaking conservation partnership agreement between Ngala and the National Parks Trust, traversing fees and a percentage of the &Beyond Ngala profits benefit a range of conservation projects throughout the country. Guests leave Ngala with the knowledge of the far-reaching positive impact of their stay. The immense wilderness area surrounding the Ngala Tented Camp offers a wide

diversity of game, including elephant, leopard, spotted hyena, giraffe, white rhino and buffalo. The word ‘ngala’ means ‘lion’ in Shangaan and there is certainly no shortage of these impressive rock stars of the bushveld – visitors can expect frequent sightings and a soundtrack of impressive roars on starlit nights. You may also be lucky enough to sneak a peak at a family of rare and endangered wild dog, which, thanks to concentrated conservation efforts, are now increasing in numbers. As well as the superb game spotting and a team of top trackers and guides to help you explore a 15 000 hectare wilderness area, the camp is equally renowned

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The message of hope and taking action and responsibility for one’s life is carried out into the surrounding communities as well.’ Having a happy staff contingent and making a difference to surrounding communities filters through into the guest experience, creating a win-win situation for all concerned. It’s no surprise then that Ngala Tented Camp continues to win global accolades for its unique offering, including being touted on the Condé Nast Traveler Gold List of 2009 as one of ‘The World’s Best Places to Stay’. The combination of spectacular service, delectable cuisine and extraordinary wildlife sightings is the stuff that indelible memories are made of. As Kilpin explains, ‘Real surprises in the bush are not uncommon here. And, as well as remarkable big-game viewing, at Ngala the sighting of strange, elusive nocturnal animals is unrivalled. Our private walking safaris with bush sleepouts and breakfast hammock siestas are a superb experience – there really is a surprise around every corner.’

Ngala Tented Camp

Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Telephone: +27 (0)11 809 4300 Facsimile: +27 (0)11 809 4513 Email: safaris@andbeyond.com Website: www.andBeyond.com Experience the heart and soul of the African bushveld at this luxury tented camp where every convenience is included and unforgettable memories are yours for the taking.

Photographs: WWW.ANDbeyond.COM

Ngala offers a classic safari tented camp experience in an unmatchable location on the banks of the Timbavati River.

and loved for its great hospitality and excellent gourmet food. Guests love the fact that Ngala Tented Camp is so intimate in its setting on the lush banks of the Timbavati River. General manager Alastair Kilpin explains: ‘Our spacious, stylish tents with outdoor showers and in-room massage allow for real relaxation, while the contour pool and main deck serviced by your butler provide views over the riverbed.’ He says that highlights of any stay (apart from the food and spectacular service) include game drives and walks with qualified trackers and rangers. Of course, the fact that Ngala is in Big Five country means that there is no shortage of wildlife, and the region is also particularly well known for leopard sightings and a wide array of birdlife. It’s good to know that the Ngala experience is not just about offering guests the ultimate bush experience but is also about making a real difference in the lives of its staff members and the impoverished communities living in and around Ngala. As in other &Beyond properties, the philosophy at Ngala is of ‘doing well by doing good’ – the core of the company’s approach. Numerous initiatives have had a major impact on the lives of community members, including the building of a media centre and community centre at two schools in nearby Welverdiend, the installation of gutters at water tanks at the local primary school, as well as donations of books, videos and stationery to local libraries. &Beyond Ngala has also implemented small business development projects such as a pig-farming enterprise and an African theatre group, and regularly supports local artisans with work commissions. There are also numerous HIV/Aids and wellness programmes that continue to grow from strength to strength. ‘Many of Ngala’s staff members have been here for a long time, upholding the culture of the lodge and the overall guest experience,’ Kilpin says. ‘The Positive Health programme, which includes the Goal is Life soccer drive and Sing for Life choir, is well supported by the entire staff.

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Dossier Africa’s golden pride South Africa’s national liquid treasure is for savvy investors with a discerning palate. By Caroline Snyman

Caroline Snyman is the vice-chairman of the South African Brandy Foundation and a Cape Wine Master with a PhD in Wine Biotechnology.

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hile the allure and appreciation of hard-to-find antiques, specialist art and fine wines continues to grow, there is an increasing awareness that South Africa is harbouring a treasury of liquid gold. Much as Cognac is recognised in Europe as a suitably elegant tipple for saluting one another’s victories, celebrating milestones and allowing yourself to enjoy the finer moments in life, so discerning South Africans are lining their cellars with our fine brandies, which compare with the best in the world, and in some cases are the best in the world. The iconic golden elixirs produced in the modern era of the brandy industry are a far cry from the first ever brandy distilled at the tip of southern Africa. It was in the year 1672 on board a Dutch ship De Pijl lying at anchor in Table Bay that an assistant cook distilled 1 000 litres of Cape wine into 130 litres of brandy. He did a roaring trade with his rough tipple at taverns where thirsty patrons bartered used clothes for his brandy. Times have certainly changed and brandy, known the world over as the drink of heroes and kings, has come to be one of South Africa’s most prized liquid offerings, a true national product, and distilled according to arguably the most stringent regulations in the world. Now, foreign markets are also beginning to learn of South African world-class brandy, as international awards continue to confirm its consistently outstanding quality.

What further sets our brandies apart is that the best South African brandy is perhaps the closest of all to Cognac, adhering in most instances to the same stringent set of rules and regulations followed by the wine growers and distillers of the Charentes. While Cognac is a worthy role model, South African brandy masters are not out to emulate Cognac or any other brandy region, focusing instead on our own style. The discernibly South African character of our brandies is the result of our unique terroir and our own brandy masters’ individual approach.

onnoiseurs and those for whom pedigree is everything will tell you that a South African brandy has won the ‘Worldwide Best Brandy’ accolade at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) in London eight times in the last 11 years. No mean feat, as the IWSC is hailed as the gold standard among global competitions, its trophies and medals respected as the most prestigious in the world. Judging is performed blind by panels of international experts and includes technical evaluation of more than 7 000 spirits and wines from over 80 countries. Over the past three years alone, the crown has come to the Cape without fail: for the KWV 15 Year Old, Van Ryn’s Collectors Reserve 20 Year Old and Joseph Barry 10 Year Old Pot-still.

Big Bertha and Long Tom are the biggest copper potÂ stills in South Africa.

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Oak barrels are â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;toastedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; when half made. A heavy toast imparts more obvious flavours and darker amber colours to the brandy than a lighter one. The terroir of the Cape Winelands translates into brandy of distinctive and refined character.

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The tipping point for the brandy industry happened when the SA Brandy Act of 1990 introduced two new categories of brandy (pot-still and vintage) to the existing standard ‘blended brandy’. These three styles recognised brandy’s extraordinary versatility and inherent quality, gave meaning to the term ‘liqueur’ brandy and made the world sit up and take notice. A recognised, regulated style category, blended brandy was pioneered by local distillers in the mid 1900s to meet demand for brandy as a thirst quencher in the form of a long, cold drink with a mixer. The recent revival of cocktail culture has made blended brandies the drink du jour with the 20-something generation. The ultimate local brandy is the characterful Cape ‘pot-still’ brandy, a complex, fruity offering enhanced by the aromatics and flavours from the stipulated three years’ maturation in French oak barrels.

intage brandy, our closest Cognac relative, remains a specialist product of which around five are currently made here. These brandies are predominantly pot-still based, consist of a blend of separately matured eight-yearold brandies and wine spirit, and have a distinctive mellow, full-bodied, smooth character. There’s no denying that a brandy is only as good as the fruit and base wine used for the distillation, keeping in mind that it takes five litres of wine to get produce one litre of brandy. What makes the Western Cape so

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ideal for growing the calibre grapes needed for fine brandy is the long hot, dry summer days and mild, wet winters, combined with our fertile, alluvial soil on well-drained clay and shale bedrock. Couple these factors with our warm summers during ripening and the result is aromatic, ripe, full-flavoured pot-still brandy offerings that are generally more fruit-driven and intense in character, with a velvety, smooth texture.

or those looking to line their cellars or to surround themselves with the accoutrements worthy of their business and social status, the good news is South African brandies are an excellent value-for-money liquid investment with all the stature of their French Cognac counterparts. For instance, a Cognac XO is generally a minimum of 10 years old and will sell at anything from R700, often more. In comparison Van Ryn’s 10 Year Old sells for R240 and the Van Ryn’s Collection Reserve 12 Year Old (Worldwide Best Brandy in 2004 and 2005) is a steal at R450. The limited-release Joseph Barry 10 Year Old Pot-still (current Worldwide Best Brandy champion) can be had at R330 from the cellar in Barrydale, and retails at R420. Generally the VSOP Cognacs sell for around R450. Brandy prices also compare most favourable with whisky, where many of the single malts of the same age are sold at much higher prices; compared with international prices for these complex brandy offerings, there’s no doubt we should be focusing our investments on our homegrown brandies.

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French oak barrels are used for brandy maturation.

South African brandy also enthrals leading local chefs. For Margot Janse, the multi-award-winning executive chef at Franschhoek’s Le Quartier Français, recently voted one of the Top 50 Restaurants in the World, a new area of possibility has emerged with the release of connoisseur brandies. She successfully matches smoked meats – salmon, bacon, smoked duck breast and pancetta – with well-aged brandy, while her famed pineapple sorbet picks up on the fruit and nut elements of brandy perfectly. Fellow überchef Reuben Riffel enriches marinated duck liver with Gorgonzola risotto and black mushrooms with brandy, and does a superb quail with a vanilla and vintage brandy-enriched sauce.

Photographs: www.sabrandy.co.za/CRAIG FRASER

leine Zalze’s chef Nic van Wyk is another local food hero experimenting with pot-still brandies to add its diverse and complex mix of flavours to his creations. His tongue-in-cheek take on brandy traditions includes tobacco-infused chocolate truffles that mimic postprandial cigar and brandy moments, while chef Pete Goffe-Wood is known to add a generous dose of well-aged pot-still brandy to his famous Black Forest brownies. Brandy and cheese are really good bedfellows, particularly blue cheese. An elegant, fruity young pot-still brandy paired with Gorgonzola and a sliver of fig preserve is a mouthwatering combination indeed. While chocolate has proven to be a challenge for wine, it finds a soulmate in brandy: a mature, robust brandy with dark chocolate is a match made in heaven.

Creamy milk chocolate is a great flavour partner for pot-still brandy with vanilla overtones, while brandy with a strong citrus character served with orange-zested chocolate cake and freshly brewed espresso is a triple treat. For those wishing to experience food and brandy pairings firsthand, KWV offers innovative brandy and chocolate tastings at the KWV Emporium in Paarl, while the exclusive Tokara restaurant, situated at the crest of the Helshoogte Pass in Stellenbosch, offers a selection of handcrafted chocolates paired with their own bespoke estate brandy. In addition to chocolate pairings, Van Ryn’s Distillery’s special tastings explore brandy matched with honeycomb, nougat, brownies and even sorbet. Whether offered as a partner to a gourmet dinner, served as a soupçon with a sliver of speciality cheese or proffered simply in a snifter as a heady social lubricant, there’s no denying the elevated role that brandy has come to enjoy in South Africa. Viewed as the discerning aficionado’s drink, the complexity and quality of our local offerings are making the international arena stand up and take notice. Now is the time to invest in our liquid offerings on a short- and long-term basis – enjoy now, but be sure you put aside plenty for later.

Images featured are from Firewater: South African Brandy (Quivertree, R330), winner of Best Book in the World award in the wine and spirit category at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards; and, right, courtesy Adam Letch.

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Africa House at Royal Malewane

Soul of Africa Effortlessly stylish and utterly luxurious, Africa House is the most recent addition to Royal Malewane, an exclusive safari lodge situated on a private reserve within the Greater Kruger National Park area. Conceived as a private family retreat for the owners, it offers complete privacy. This exquisitely decorated, exclusive-use residence is now available to families or intimate groups who want to indulge in the safari holiday of a lifetime.

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Dossier

Owner Liz Biden sourced a heady mix of furnishings, inspired by the earthy tones of the African bush and the tropical brights of the East African coast.

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hen the owners of Royal Malewane, Liz and Phil Biden, transformed their private safari retreat into a romantic, colonial lodge straight out of Karen Blixen’s Africa, it was such a success that there was never any room for the family to stay. Royal Malewane fast became the kind of exclusive retreat favoured by high-profile international celebrities who appreciate the extreme privacy, breathtaking surroundings and excellent game viewing on offer. The service is gracious, personal and from the heart. Guests have access to a sophisticated spa with a half-Olympic-sized lap pool. Hydrotherapy treatments using untainted, mineral-rich water sourced from an underground stream are a high point. The couple’s knack for turning private homes into the most desirable small hotels

imaginable is nothing new. First there was Birkenhead House on Walker Bay in Hermanus. Once the family’s holiday home, it has become a super-smart beach house for a handful of guests, with staff that seems to know what guests want before they do. La Residence, a lavish country house with wraparound mountain and vineyard views in the Franschhoek valley, has the most glamorous – some may say over-the-top – interiors of the three properties. Liz jokingly says that her children started complaining that she had turned all their homes into hotels. It was time to build Africa House, a family retreat with six spacious, private suites located not far from the main lodge and spa. Before long, demand for an exclusive-use residence at Royal Malewane led to the opening of Africa House to paying guests. The house

Photographs: THE AFRICA HOUSE – ROYAL MALEWANE

There is a touch of the exotic in the generous layering of pattern and texture and the bold colours that are trademarks of Liz Biden’s glamorous and eclectic interiors.

comes with a game-drive vehicle, ranger, tracker, chef and housekeeping staff. From the moment you enter the enormous, carved wooden doors at the entrance to Africa House, the visual adventure begins. The interiors – each room dominated by vibrant colour and a treasure trove of eyecatching furniture – were inspired by the owners’ enduring passion for Africa and its diverse landscapes. It’s an exotic blend of the warm earthiness of the bush and the tropical lushness of the East African coast. There is something too of North Africa in the simplicity of its architecture and the way in which the exterior blends quietly into the surrounding bush. The house was built around a collection of holiday finds from Lamu, a tiny island steeped in slave-trade history off the Kenyan coast. Carved wooden windows and doors add an ancient provenance to

the lavishly layered and detailed interiors. Ornate four-poster beds from Mombasa are ensconced in billowing mosquito netting and dressed in Ralph Lauren linen, and ornamental vases and Chinese lamps, botanical prints and antique candlesticks sourced from France are just a few of the elements pulled together so successfully. Liz Biden has a razor-sharp eye for scale, proportion and detailing. Perhaps the biggest achievement of all is that the rooms, while beautiful to behold, are immensely comfortable. From the individually decorated en-suite bedrooms, each with alfresco shower, to the series of indoor and outdoor living and dining areas, these are spaces designed to be lived in. Outdoors, covered verandas, casitas with African day beds and an infinity pool invite cool respite from the enveloping heat.

Africa House at Royal Malewane

Hoedspruit, Greater Kruger National Park, Limpopo Telephone: +27 (0)15 793 0150 Facsimile: +27 (0)15 793 2879 Email: reservations@theroyalportfolio.com Website: www.royalmalewane.com

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Taj Cape Town

A celebration of old and new worlds India’s hospitality icon, Taj Hotels and Palaces, has come to town, recently unveiling its first hotel in Africa. Two historical landmarks were joined together and restored to perfection, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the vibrant heart of the city, Taj style. We take a look behind the scenes and find out why Capetonians and guests are so excited about the unveiling of the five-star location.

t’s a breathtakingly still dusk on a balmy autumn evening and the terrace of the Taj’s Presidential Suite – a private eyrie in the sky above Cape Town’s elegant stone cathedral and historic parliament buildings – is quite possibly one of the most stunning rooftop hideaways in the world. It’s the place to be as Table Mountain’s early evening outline is offset by a sky that changes from a warm amber to a deep indigo in a matter of minutes. As the city’s lights begin to twinkle below and the

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magical transformation of the night sky silhouettes the stone pines on Signal Hill where flickering torchlight can be seen as climbers mount the peak to witness the moon rise, it’s easy to understand why this vantage point, dominated by the ancient slopes of Table Mountain, was once the heart of the historic city and is one that has captivated generations of travellers ever since. It was here that sailors stopped off on their long journeys to Asia in the 1600s to refuel and enjoy the fresh produce

harvested from the neighbouring Company Gardens. And it was here that Archbishop Desmond Tutu welcomed Mandela and that South Africa’s new constitution was written. In fact, as the characterful flower sellers around the corner in Adderley Street will tell you, not much has changed in this historic precinct. But no-one expected any less of the Taj Resorts & Palaces as the news spread of their arrival (Taj Cape Town is proud to be the brand’s first hotel in Africa) and Capetonians eagerly

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PREVIOUS PAGE, TOP The living area of the nine-roomed, 447m2 Taj Presidential Suite, which has a dedicated chef and butler plus its own Jaguar limo at the guests’ disposal, is one of the most spacious urban penthouses. PREVIOUS PAGE, BOTTOM the Bombay Brasserie comes into its own at night when the blue crystal chandeliers give the finedining Indian restaurant an intimate glow. Below The Ayurvedic spa follows the holistic Indian healing philosophy.

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awaited the unveiling of their muchloved landmarks – the old Reserve Bank and Board of Executors buildings – that were veiled in scaffolding for months. They knew that they would eventually have their own version of a romantic Taj property, and trusted the brand to restore the heritage buildings with immaculate attention to detail. Today, the Taj occupies both historic buildings with absolute ease, with its Heritage Suites fashioned from the original structure and neoclassical detailing of the old Reserve Bank, giving each one a slightly different character and size, and with a touch of India coming through in the decor. Especially commissioned floral carpeting pulls together a palette of muted turquoise and olive greens, offsetting the deeper tones of polished woodwork and leather throughout. These spacious suites are above the original banking hall – complete with its gracious pillared interior, barrelvaulted skylight and original minstrel galleries where musicians and singers used to serenade esteemed banking clients. Now transformed into the elegant hotel lobby and reception area with a bar and lounge on either side, where guests can meet friends or business associates while having a drink or sampling the custom-blended teas that are a highlight of traditional high tea, it’s become the gracious hub of the new city hotel. But what’s most exciting for guests and for Capetonians (in a city that is fast becoming one of the food capitals of the world) is that the Taj offers three new choices. Oysters, seafood tapas and champagne flow freely at the Twankey Bar, quaintly named after the statue above the old wooden door on the street corner facing the entrance to the oaklined avenue leading to the Gardens. Mint, the all-day dining restaurant with an impressive 900 wines in its glass-lined cellar on the focal wall, is a light and airy space leading off the elegant lobby and opening out on to St George’s Mall that offers a taste of café culture. But it’s the hallowed Temple Chamber dating back to 1896, in the

newly refurbished Board of Executors building, that’s had the town talking. Today, it’s the romantic new location for the Bombay Brasserie restaurant, sister to the legendary London icon and a favourite with international celebrities. The high-ceilinged Chamber – once frequented by the Barristers of the Supreme Court – is now lit with three striking blue crystal chandeliers that reflect the softest light in Venetian mirrors lining the historic wood-panelled walls, creating an intimate interior. Rich wallpaper and soft peacock-embroidered chairs in a shimmering silver fabric add to the opulence. It’s the city’s new hot spot with tables booked weeks in advance. Behind the scenes, Executive Sous Chef Harpreet Kaur watches as her diners take in the beautiful setting and begin to listen to the choices on her authentic finedining menu. There’s the roasted yellow corn soup with tumeric popcorn and the melt-in-the-mouth salmon flavoured with Bishop’s weed for starters or ‘first impressions’ as she calls them. Or there’s the choice of lamb shanks, chicken tikka or fish or chicken curry (all heavenly), and the surprisingly interesting black lentils and kidney beans, and an absolute must: the spinach and feta combo. Desserts are surprisingly good, with the Masala tea crème brûleé rating as one of the best in town. Kaur is passionate about Indian regional cuisine and has spent 10 years mastering the flavours of traditional recipes while cooking for Taj’s top restaurants and even for the former Indian Prime Minister. She comes to Cape Town directly from the Masala Kraft Restaurant in the flagship Taj Mahal Palace & Tower in Mumbai and is wowing guests, who are already planning their next visit as soon as they can get a table… although it might be wise to book the seats alongside the show kitchen, where they can eat their way though the most sublime tasting menu. It certainly takes the agony out of choosing just a few of Kaur’s subtly spiced dishes! Business travellers should expect nothing less than state-of-the-art technology throughout from the exclusive Taj Club

elegant arrangements offset polished wood and marble throughout; The Taj has a choice of three restaurants; lofty ceilings and pillars in the original banking hall, now the lobby, where high tea is served.

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The elegant Heritage Suites. State-of-the-art conference facilities. FOLLOWING PAGE Tower Rooms with view of the mountain; enjoy live jazz and at the Twankey Oyster Bar.

Lounge on the second floor to the full conference and banqueting facilities on the upper floors. The Club Lounge is a business traveller’s dream, with its dedicated butler to handle all business or leisure arrangements so that a short stay in the city is planned wisely. Delicious canapés, pastries and drinks are available all day in the lounge area, which, with secure lift access, is a convenient and private meeting place for business travellers. Each suite also has a multimedia hub with internet-enabled flat screens making the suite office area a fully functional business hub if needed.

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Conference facilities in the BOE building have extraordinary views – some still have their original brass-swivel windows. The Tower Rooms, also on this side of the building, have equally expansive vistas over the cathedral towards the mountain. More contemporary in style than the classic Heritage Suites, here it’s possible to laze in the bath and take in the view across the suite and out through double glass sliding doors, making any business stay feel more like a leisure choice. And after you’ve finished a day’s work or leisurely hours spent exploring the Cape Peninsula, therapists at the Taj’s

Jiva Grande Spa are ready to offer ayurvedic speciality massages, authentic Indian therapies or signature treatments, all of which treat the body and mind holistically. But Jiva’s best-kept secret is that its ayurvedic physician or Vaidyas, Dr Hemauth, gives in-depth consultations to guests and can assist with a full treatment throughout their stay. Yoga classes and meditation also make a change from lengths in the lap pool or a work-out at the gym. Bina Patel, co-founder of Jiva Spas and vice-president of Spa Operations and Development, says that ‘in its simplest form, Jiva Spas encapsulate the Ayurveda, or science of longevity. Its principles have been practised in India for about 6 000 years and are also practised in various forms on several continents, probably dating back to when the continents were joined.’ She points out that it’s the only spa brand in the world where ‘everything that touches the body is completely natural, from organic cotton, sun-bleached fabrics and oven-baked pottery, bamboo fibre, soy cotton and so on, making up 200 customised products.’ Even the dye in the pattern on the curtains is organic and entirely natural. But the insider scoop is undoubtedly the Taj’s discreet Presidential Suite. It’s not just the sheer size of the glass-lined sanctuary on the rooftop – no less than 440m2 on two levels – but the absolute privacy and security that appeals to those who enjoy all the benefits of excusive-use

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Taj Cape Town

Photographs: TAJ CAPE TOWN

Wale St, Cape Town, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 819 2000 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 819 2001 Email: res.capetown@tajhotels.com Website: www.tajhotels.com/capetown Blog: www.tajcapetown.co.za/blog

within the hotel environment, including professional staff, excellent business facilities and gourmet cuisine. There are a few features of the Presidential Suite that somehow manage to exceed penthouse expectations: it’s not the spacious living area with surround-sound music or even the gym, the sauna or the private spa room adjoining the luxurious master bedroom and dressing room, but the drop-dead glamorous bathroom with uninterrupted views of the mountain that’s the showstopper. The four-metre-long bath encased in imported chocolate-brown marble with rain showers up above is

the modern-day equivalent of the granite bath Cecil John Rhodes commissioned at the turn of the previous century for his stately residence on the other side of the mountain. The Taj bathroom is simply the designer option, but equally grand in proportions and unashamedly indulgent. As is the expansive terrace upstairs, with its crackling open fireplace at one end bringing a little of the African bush atmosphere to the elegant urban setting, and a handcrafted wooden table of oversized proportions at the other – the perfect spot for sundowners or dinner under the stars.

Taj Cape Town is home to the Bombay Brasserie and the JIVA Grande Spa, which offers traditional ayurvedic massages and treatments. Set in the historic heart of the city, Taj Cape Town is opposite St George’s Cathedral, Parliament and the historic Company Gardens, and the V&A Waterfront is just 10 minutes away.

Glorious African sunsets can be enjoyed over drinks on an evening game drive or from the luxurious comfort of the veranda at Leadwood Lodge.

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Leadwood Lodge

Splendid safari romance Dreaming about a decadently romantic safari? At Leadwood Lodge in Tala Game Reserve you can enjoy all the adventure of the African wild in the utmost comfort, experience the sights, sounds and smells of the bush and take time to appreciate the finer details of life.

s you leave the KwaZulu-Natal farmlands and turn onto the dirt roads of Tala Game Reserve, you get the impression you’re entering another world, one that feels a good deal further away than just 45 minutes from Durban. Acacia thorn trees scattered over grass hillsides welcome you to the Africa of your dreams, a place where you can expect to see a giraffe peering calmly over the treetops as it browses on leaves, where hippos wallow at the

watering hole and antelope scatter from the roadside and reconvene in the shade further off, glancing nervously to see if your car might be a predator. The winding gravel road leading deep into this 3 000-hectare wildlife sanctuary hardly prepares you for the luxurious grandeur of Leadwood Lodge itself. Towering thatched roofs, in true African style, crown a well-conceived eco-organic design throughout, from the knobbly, branched tree-trunk poles

supporting beams inside and out to the impressive rock fireplace. Originally constructed by owner of Tala Game Reserve, Stuart Hilcove, as his dream family residence, everything here is a one-off, built by artisans from local shale to the owner’s specification of ‘nothing straight, nothing painted’ and decorated by award-winning interior designer Boyd Ferguson (responsible for Singita) in an eclectic mix of antique and organic African chic.

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OPPOSITE PAGE Laze on the deep veranda by the infinity pool admiring the rosy glow of sunset over the hills as you sip one of the fine wines from the well-stocked cellar.

Splendid and spacious bathrooms extend the grand decor of the lodge, or you can enjoy a private rustic outdoor shower in secluded style and be at one with nature.

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The two suites and six cottages of fivestar Leadwood Lodge are designed on a grand scale, with soaring thatch ceilings sweeping high overhead and enormous four-poster beds fit for royalty, inviting you to languorous relaxation the moment you step through the doors. Swathed in diaphanous curtains of fine mosquito netting, with luxurious pillows and linen, the bed itself is a room within a room, its reading lights cocooning you in a glow of warm light as dusk falls in tranquil silence, broken only by the song of cicadasâ&#x20AC;Ś the romance of the setting is seductive. So private are the suites and cottages, tucked away in the bush, that you can happily leave your windows open and lie in bed bathed in moonlight or counting shooting stars, to be disturbed by nothing more than a passing warthog. Going on safari may not be an obvious choice for a romantic getaway or a

weekend retreat of luxurious tranquillity, but here you have complete privacy and personalised service. If you wish to hide away in your room, have a breakfast basket delivered to your suite and view the game from the privacy of your own window, a personal viewing screen overlooking the waterhole where animals come to drink, then you can. Rising at dawn to embark on the private Leadwood Lodge sunrise game drive or an escorted bush walk might stir you with a sense of adventure, but if you prefer a leisurely lie-in followed by a session of pampering at Leadwood Spa or a dip in the heated infinity pool, then you can set your own relaxing pace. Wile the day away in these gorgeous surroundings with lunch served alfresco overlooking the watering hole, and then go on the late-afternoon game drive with a civilised stop for sundowners in the golden evening light.

Photographs: LEADWOOD LODGE

Tala is Zulu for ‘land of plenty’ and it is aptly named. Driving out into the grassland and bush of Tala’s undulating landscape is a heady game-viewing experience. It may boast only two of the legendary African Big Five but, as well as rhino and buffalo, there is a host of zebra, giraffe, hippo, buck, including the rare sable antelope, and at least 380 bird species, so that you rarely have a moment without a sighting of something fascinating to exclaim over and photograph. Getting so close to these majestic wild creatures renews a sense of wonder in life and refreshes the soul in a way that no city break can hope to do. And a weekend here is as convenient and easy to arrange as a city break, close to the city yet a world apart, and in a malaria-free zone so that you can take off on safari on the romantic whim of the moment.

When you return to the welcoming lights of Leadwood Lodge from the bush as night draws in, staff might surprise you with an intimate candle-lit dinner à deux in the atmospheric wine cellar or in the library, mouth-watering cuisine cooked from the freshest seasonal ingredients by the dedicated chef at the lodge. Personal preferences are always taken into consideration when menus are planned, and a sumptuous, beautifully presented feast of sublime flavours ensues. Altogether a stay at Leadwood Lodge is like visiting the beautiful house of a hospitable friend, who is never happier than when sharing his cherished home with appreciative guests, entertaining lavishly at the historic leadwood table, dispensing good wine and flowing conversation and indulging couples with time and space for privacy and romance.

Leadwood Lodge

Tala Game Reserve, near Durban, KwaZulu-Natal Telephone: +27 (0)31 781 8000 Facsimile: +27 (0)31 781 8022 Email: info@tala.co.za Website: www.tala.co.za

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15 on Orange Hotel

Cape Town’s latest fashion icon This glossy glamour girl combines serious luxury with playful high-design and a perfect position in one of the world’s most happening cities. As one of Cape Town’s newest five-star hotel properties, it’s a design destination worthy of its jet-set clientele.

he long black trenchcoat-clad doormen (complete with wireless earpieces) and the ‘red carpet’ are the first clues that you have indeed arrived. The sparkling ruby-red quartzite floor in the street-level concierge lobby of African Pride’s 15 on Orange Hotel is the perfect foil for the parade of Jimmy Choos and the well-oiled wheels of Louis Vuitton luggage that sail through the doors of this designtastic Cape Town space on an hourly basis. The sevenfloor, 129-bedroom hotel that opened in late 2009 is already the lair of business movers and shakers, parliamentary players and a glamorous glossy posse from all over the globe. Similarly, legal

eagles from the nearby courts can be seen signing important documents over cappuccinos, while glamorous gals pop in after work for drinks and gossip, Sex in the City style. Situated in the heart of the city’s legal, cultural and embassy hub, 15 on Orange Hotel is a thoroughly modern structure, rising up from what was once the site of the Dutch Reformed Synod. On entering this impressive new building, designed by well-known architects DHK, guests are whisked up in an all-black mosaic-tiled elevator to the arrivals lobby a floor above. And it is here that it becomes crystalclear that this is no ordinary hotel. An atrium of triple-volume proportions lets

in light, views of the sky and snapshots of Table Mountain. Hip lounge beats set a cosmopolitan tone and everywhere you look you see glossy surfaces and brilliant flashes of colour, beckoning the first-time visitor to explore and to discover what the space is all about. A Haldane Martin Shongololo bench makes an enticing and undulating statement; a group of black chairs from Dutch design house Moooi begs to be sunk into; and a purple baize billiards table in the Judges Lounge says, ‘We’re serious about style but we hope you’re here for a good time.’ Guests make themselves at home in a variety of spaces designed for comfort and to set a mood. Most are on the atrium

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level, while some move up a floor – but thanks to dramatic floor-to-ceiling glass panels, the connection with the hotel’s central space is never removed. Twentyfour-hour service is key to 15 on Orange Hotel’s commitment to its guests. The suitably moody Judges Lounge is a lowkey all-day-and-night bar lounge that plays host to a private sound room and a 1 000-strong CD collection for afterdinner socialising. And judging by the huddles of well-dressed duos whipping out their Mont Blanc pens to sign off allimportant deals, it’s also a good spot for an informal daytime meeting. This is a destination that clearly takes its inspiration from some of the great boutique hotels in the worlds. There are references to cult hotel designer Ian Schrager’s trademark plays on scale – giant Alice in Wonderland seats here, oversized chandeliers there and always a playful edge to set it apart. Across the marbled atrium is the vodka-and-sushi concept Murano Bar, where guests slurp oysters and sip on imported vodkas and French Champagnes while enjoying the dazzle that the extraordinary circular marble bar and the 10 000-piece Venetian glass chandelier overhead brings. A more private space where guests are encouraged to unwind after a long day of meetings, shopping or sightseeeing, the bar offers some of the world’s best vodkas and Champagne, and a menu that includes caviar, cured salmon and mountains of just-shucked oysters – here it’s undeniably decadence for decadence’s sake.

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Adjacent to this high-design concept bar is a variety of dining options – from à la carte menu choices at Savour Restaurant, with its menu of over 70 global dishes and dramatic show kitchen; The Atrium for light meals; and cosmopolitan Euro-caféstyle Cinnamon Coffee Shop, with rows of pretty pastries and pastel-coloured macaroons neatly lined up behind glass counters. The hotel’s ‘any menu in any venue’ policy gives it a sincere ‘yourwish-is-our-command’ edge. 15 on Orange Hotel has two wings of rooms on either side of its central atrium and a total of 129 bedrooms, including 12 penthouse suites. While all the penthouses have been sold to private investors, four

are included in the hotel inventory for sale on a daily basis. To one side is a bank of generously sized deluxe suites complete with customised wallpaper, iPod docking station, DVD selection and details such as African Pride’s standard 350-thread count linen. Black granite, Italian marble and the likes of Marmoran crushed-glass feature walls set the tone for sheer indulgence in the bathrooms. On the other side of the atrium are the hotel’s much-vaunted Pod Suites. Here, Sci-Fi chic is the order of the day, with red Perspex surfaces and floorto-ceiling glass wall giving guests a bird’seye view of what’s afoot in the atrium below. Each floor also has a two-roomed, interleading family-friendly suite.

Photographs: 15 on ORANGE HOTEL

Cape Town’s latest fashion icon, 15 on Orange Hotel boasts smart, contemporary interiors, a host of sophisticated business, entertainment and dining spaces, a sensual spa and a large selection of designcentric suites.

If the armies of well-heeled business people that frequent it are anything to go by, and thanks to its supremely central location, 15 on Orange Hotel is already a major player in the business travel sector. A visit to the state-of-the-art conference and business facilities confirms this, with ample space for large and more intimate meetings easily available and all the modcons necessary for seamless conferencing too. WiFi internet access is standard throughout the hotel – as evidenced by the number of guests poring over their latops in the hotel’s central atrium. Whether you have booked a stay at the hotel for reasons of work or play, no visit is complete without a treatment at the Suntra Spa. Dressed to calm the senses in a combination of gold, bronze and white,

the spa is situated on the hotel’s top floor and is a serene and private oasis. The spa plays host to a number of treatment rooms, including their Love Room, which includes a Jacuzzi and is designed for dual treatments. Upping the ante for city spas is the mosaic-clad chamber in which traditional hamam treatments are offered, while the spa’s trademark Bellabaci massage, which uses vacuum suctions to massage the body, is the perfect antidote to jetlag. Adjacent to the spa is a rimflow pool; with its rooftop position and view of Table Mountain, this may well be one of the best places to visit after a long day bashing out contracts or visiting the city’s smart boutiques and design stores. With its world-class facilities and talkof-the-town interiors, 15 on Orange Hotel

is destined to go down in five-star hotel annals: luxury has combined with playful design details and an ideal situation to make an indelible impression on even the most well-travelled of its guests.

15 on Orange Hotel

City Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 469 8000 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 469 8001 Email: info@15onorange.com Website: www.africanpridehotels.com/ 15onorange A member of the African Pride hotel group, 15 on Orange Hotel is 25km from Cape Town International Airport in the heart of the city’s financial, legal and cultural district and adjacent to the leafy Company Gardens. This five-star design hotel boasts 129 bedrooms situated over seven floors.

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4th Floor, Hill House · 43 Somerset Road · Green Point · Cape Town, 8000 · South Africa Tel: +27 (0)21 415 3440 · Fax: +27 (0)21 415 3444 · Email: sales@capecobra.co.za www.capecobra.co.za

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Adrian Gardiner’s passion for the bush began when he bought his first farm (now Shamwari) in the Eastern Cape in 1989.

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Face to face Conservation legacy Tourism Business Leadership award-winner Adrian Gardiner on entrepreneurship, conservation and tourism. Compiled by Michelle Snaddon

Photographs: MANTIS GROUP

hen Adrian Gardiner bought his first Eastern Cape farm in 1989 to enjoy as a weekend retreat with his family, he had no idea that within a period of 20 years he would be running no fewer than seven luxury lodges on what is now known as Shamwari Game Reserve. He would also become the chairman of Mantis – a hospitality group representing five-star boutique accommodation and game lodges stretching from Antarctica through southern Africa, into Europe and now South America. They specialise in what Adrian calls ‘bucketlist experiences’. Nor would he have imagined that he would have received the World’s Leading Conservation Company award for 13 consecutive years and, more recently, the Tourism Business Leadership award. n Known as a businessman who has always taken risks, you are said to have joked that the purchase of your first farm (Shamwari) was a ‘mistake’. What changed this perception? o What happened was that I fell in love with the bush and, after reading up on the history of the area, I wanted to restore the land that had been mismanaged and overgrazed over 150 years. I discovered it was here that the last Cape buffalo was hunted to make way for commercial farming and that the subspecies of the Cape lion was hunted to extinction in

1857. The last black rhino in the area was seen in 1853 and by 1931, when Addo was established as an elephant sanctuary, only 11 elephants remained. Of course, when I invested in the late ’80s, our conservation strategies were still in their infancy with the Eastern Cape lagging woefully behind as a wildlife destination. Added to this, South Africa was in political turmoil at the time. My friends told me I was ‘simply crazy’. They reckoned I should sell up and cut my losses. But what happened was that this passion took hold and we made it through sheer grit and determination. I took on a small but dedicated wildlife team that is still with me today, and eventually neighbouring farmers offered me more land. I slowly accumulated a total of seven farms – increasing my original land to a 25 000 hectare project (55 000 acres). Over the years fences were removed, buildings taken down and, slowly but surely, the vegetation recovered and animals were gradually reintroduced. n Tell us about your background? o I wasn’t great with education. I hated every minute of it! It took seven years for me to complete a three-year degree – four years full time and three years spent studying at night. I realised that I had let a stupid academic qualification beat me and that is why I went back at night to finish my BCom. My first job was as

an assistant in the accounts department at Spar head office in Cape Town. I then moved on to the Golden Arrow Bus Company, but left after four months to work in Port Elizabeth with Spar again. Not long after, I bought every Penguin Pools franchise I could and eventually started a transport and building company but it collapsed because of bad debt. Being bankrupt was my University of Life. I discovered how important my friends were and how they helped me to move on. I nearly went out again in 1994, but was the first to get a loan in the private sector for tourism from the IDC – they consult with me now! n Today Shamwari has an established ecosystem and sustainable wildlife management scheme. How did it all begin? o I decided to confide in Dr Ian Player, SA’s leading conservationist, who was best known at the time for Operation Rhino, a project that successfully saved the white rhino from extinction. He also masterminded the creation of the St Lucia Wilderness Area and founded the Wilderness Leadership School. It took time, but I was persistent and eventually persuaded him to spend a few days with me on the farm. I told him my vision of restoring my dream wilderness and bringing the animals back to roam free, but I realised that my biggest

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problem was that in order to remain sustainable, we had to have a large area of nonhunting ecotourist reserves. We also needed contiguous farms to drop their fences, but in this area there were very few contiguous farms. It was a disaster, actually. Ian listened and agreed to support my efforts to open Shamwari to the public in 1992. It was a tough start but he changed my life forever and we’re firm friends to this day. I honestly believed that Shamwari could be the first malaria-free Big Five game reserve in SA as it has more species than in the Kruger National Park, along with the added advantage of being near the Garden Route. And we must have done something right because at least 14 other safari destinations have opened around us. n Your wildlife team has worked closely with you over the years, but it hasn’t all been plain sailing. What are your earliest memories of relocating the animals? o Well, I might try to be a purist and philanthropist, and I got great moral pleasure out of the transformation at Shamwari, as I was (and still am) driven by what existed before we got there, but we’ve made errors – we once let our predator populations get too big. We’ve had some interesting times together as a wildlife management team: ask Johan Joubert, our Wildlife Director, to tell you about our first release of elephants…

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n Johan confides…. o ‘I was practising as a vet in Uitenhage when I met Adrian in 1996 and was keen to get involved in wildlife but actually specialised in birds of prey and particularly the conservation of raptors. At my interview though, I told Adrian I knew everything there is to know about animals and he took me on. What I didn’t know was that we were about to receive elephants from the Kruger. We were supposed to build a strong electrified boma to enclose them for 24 hours before release but as funds were limited we used the existing rhino bomas instead of building the expensive elephant enclosure. Unfortunately it was not strong enough. After the 20-hour journey the herd was sick and tired of any form of confinement. On offloading, they more or less demolished the bomas and took off into the dense bush. I immediately realised that we had a highly agitated herd of elephant on Shamwari and they weren’t used to the Eastern Cape bush. I phoned all the neighbours but one (they were not at home) and warned them of a possible elephant escape. The next morning we got a phone call from the neighbour who didn’t get the warning. He was seriously excited about our elephant herd breaking fences and other structures on his farm. I chartered a helicopter and we tried to herd them back.’

What followed was his worst nightmare as the matriarch couldn’t find her baby calf. ‘That night she took her older calf off into the bush again in search of the baby. She crossed two highways and ended up in dense vegetation in the dunes at the coast, killing some prize stud cattle in the process. Adrian (in London at the time) got phone calls from neighbours and the press, but his response was, “Don’t worry, I’ve just appointed a vet and he will bring them back.” Tragically the matriarch didn’t survive but the babies did. I had no idea how deeply I would fall in love with these highly social animals,’ said Johan. n So what’s the secret of your success? o Don’t congratulate me, congratulate my team! If you chat to John O’Brien, my Group Ecologist, he’ll tell you his first impressions of the place. He nearly turned back at the gate as it electrocuted him on the day he arrived for his interview after a 13-hour journey by road in 1993. John recalls, ‘My wife and I took one look at the pink manor house surrounded by the cultivated fields and said to each other, “Do we turn around now and drive 13 hours back home or do we do the polite thing and have a cup of coffee?”’ They stopped for coffee and were won over. The rest is history. Together we set up a wildlife department but our plans were only finally realised in 2000 with the release of lions, cheetahs, hyaenas and leopards.

n John adds: o ‘We all agree on the three most important things needed to maintain a balance: ecological sustainability, financial stability and community involvement. From an ecological point of view, the environment must balance with the herbivores, the predators with prey and so on, but when you throw in the tourism financials it becomes tricky. The balance has to be such that we are financially stable without being OTT otherwise tourism would impact negatively on the environment. It might sound relatively simple but few understand what goes on behind the scenes. Today, a dedicated staff of 400 is managed by our Wildlife Centre at Shamwari. They make an experienced team that’s had a positive impact on the surrounding community with extensive skills training programmes and social involvement projects – and even our core labour team (who came from the first farm Adrian bought in ’89) is still with us after all these years.’ n Where does the Mantis Group fit in? o Today, Shamwari is the Mantis Group’s flagship property as it supports the company philosophy of responsible and ecologically sensitive development, supporting the local environment through community development projects and conservation of resources. It is hoped that in this way South Africa’s tourism will develop and be sustained in a manner that allows the industry and the country’s resources to be mutually supportive. The company philosophy has always been to take care of the small things knowing that if they get this right, then the ‘big things’ will be taken care of automatically. The name was suggested by Ian Player, who was profoundly influenced by the Bushmen and their spiritual connection with the earth. The praying mantis is symbolic of this relationship. n Mantis has 43 exceptional properties worldwide. How do you manage other reserves in the portfolio? o The wildlife management team does consulting work internationally,

with frequent trips to wildlife regions as far afield as Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Senegal, the Middle East, Morocco and even Scotland. They consult, write the management programmes, plan the structures and assist with development once the management team is in place. I don’t market the place until my team has assessed it and given me the thumbs up. n How does Mantis support the wildlife programmes you offer? o We are very lucky that Mantis has strategic alliance partners who are great ambassadors for Shamwari and all that they’ve set up to support an active wildlife programme: Shamwari has the only two Born Free Animal Rescue centres in South Africa, providing long-term care for rescued abandoned wild cats. An environmental education centre also teaches children from local communities as well as visitors who come on safari. Gap-year volunteers and rangers in training help with antipoaching campaigns and patrols, track animals and do game counts. There is also the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and beyond that 3 500 hectares for the breeding of Cape mountain zebra and TB-free water buffalo that are kept at a safe distance from the lions, who would no doubt cash in on this rather expensive food supply. They are now a sustainable investment and sold off at an annual game auction held locally to promote the wildlife industry in the region. n With social responsibility high on the agenda, describe your contribution to education? o After my own experience, I realised the importance of education and wanted to give back, and so we founded the Stenden University in Port Alfred with its Wildlife Campus at Shamwari (it’s the only place in SA where you can qualify with a BCom degree in Hotel Management and Hospitality). It also includes The Wilderness Foundation, an NGO with its headquarters in Port Elizabeth. I am the current chairman of the foundation, a movement started by Dr Ian Player.

Shamwari is home to the Big Five as well as other game, including the stately kudu and elusive leopards.

n What was the absolute highlight of your career? o Bringing the lions back! Johan will tell you what happened: ‘In 1999 we were translocating a family of wild lions to Shamwari in a fixed-winged plane. The lions were anaesthetised on the floor. A contingent of VIPs and spectators was involved too, but when we loaded the second group of lions (in Madikwe), the plane tilted and the wing was damaged. As it was a risk to fly, we had to leave all the guests on the desolate runway, fly back to Johannesburg (with the sedated lions) to get a new aircraft, while keeping all the lions anaesthetised with a limited quantity of drugs. I was waiting impatiently at Shamwari with expectant journalists. After several anxious hours we finally offloaded. Warm congratulations rolled in, but to his credit Adrian once again said, “Do not congratulate me. I could not have done it without my team.”’

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Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

This private estate par excellence is a world unto its own

Only an hour from Cape Town lies an ocean-facing estate that combines the very best of the Capeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s distinctive beauty. Rugged nature, superb wine and an unbeatable location come together in Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate: a unique waterfront idyll.

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Would-be residents of Benguela Cove can choose from a variety of carefully conceived plans for their dream waterside home at this private ecofriendly estate.

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t’s not difficult to see what makes Benguela Cove so enticing. With only 124 homes built on the massive 206 hectare property, it’s a wonderfully spacious place to call home ... and, in fact, one of the lowestdensity housing estates in South Africa. Leading urban architects DHK worked carefully to combine at every turn Benguela’s spaciousness and extraordinary natural beauty with the breathtaking views. The result is a charming development that blends perfectly into its natural surrounds. An 80 hectare expanse within Benguela Cove is dedicated to a private nature reserve, where grey rhebok, duiker, grysbok and other indigenous small game live, free to roam through the ecologically significant renosterveld nature reserve. The lagoon that borders the estate is home to fish eagles, pelicans, cormorants and flamingos, and the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, which boasts one of the finest examples of the Cape floral kingdom, lies just across the lagoon. Sixty-six of the remaining hectares within Benguela Cove are working vineyards already producing some superb wines, with almost eight hectares given over to olive and lavender plantings, through which residents can stroll if they’re looking for a multisensory delight or a peaceful way to end the day. The olive groves and lavender fields aren’t just for show, though. Carefully chosen not only for their status as luxury crops that contribute to health and wellness, but also for their harmonious blending with the vines, the lagoon and the nature reserve, the Benguela Cove plantations form part of the working farm. Each year, residents receive a portion of the estate’s annual yield of the lavender and olive products – olive oil, pickled olives and lavender essential oils and a variety of other lavender products. On top of these tangible yields, however, is a far more powerful gift: the sight of sweeping fields of purple lavender next to acres of gnarled olive trees provide a soothing view for anyone in search of peace.

And really, how could life at Benguela Cove be anything but peaceful? Nestled between rolling hills on the banks of the Botrivier Lagoon and with breathtaking views over the waters to the Palmiet mountains that form the spine of the Kogelberg Biosphere, this is one of the most beautiful regions in the greater Cape Town area. Residents can choose which element of the estate they want to highlight in their homes, by selecting a plot that suits their aesthetic – from the Lagoon Sites to the Ridge Sites, Pasture Sites, Nature Reserve Sites or, of course, the Southern and Northern Vineyard Sites. Each has its own unique view and atmosphere, and all are unforgettable places to start the day. Residents are invited to make the most of the famous golden sunsets by choosing a home that allows the outdoors in and creating a visual marriage between nature and decor. Here, they can experience the joy of a laid-back lifestyle in surroundings that can’t be beaten. Just as important as the natural beauty, though, is the administration of the estate: ecofriendly Benguela Cove is thoughtfully managed, with all the daily details masterfully taken care of. Residents are offered the chance to live a privileged rural lifestyle, safe in the knowledge that the estate will be administered to ensure longterm environmental and investment sustainability. Then, of course, there’s the ideal location: only an hour’s drive from the city and 45 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, Benguela Cove nevertheless feels utterly secluded and serene. Tucked into a large cove on the pristine Botrivier Lagoon, the estate offers a perfect blend of privacy and peace of mind – residents feel as if they’re on their own private vineyard, but without having to worry about the day-to-day administration of running a farm. Which isn’t to say they don’t enjoy the spoils – each Benguela resident also receives an annual allocation of wine and has exclusive recreational access to the farming areas on the property. At

With views overlooking the pristine Botrivier estuary and of beautiful Overberg sunsets, life at Benguela Cove happens at a delightfully slower pace.

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the heart of the Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate lies the working wine farm, with a 200-ton capacity winery, the vision of which is to produce some of the best terroir-driven wines in the world. Although the vineyards are still young, the Sauvignon Blanc has produced a consistent four-star rating in Platter’s South African Wines guide for three consecutive years. The estate’s wine range is small but select: Benguela Cove also produces a Chardonnay/Semillon blend, a Shiraz and a Cabernet Sauvignon, and still in the barrel awaiting bottling are a Pinot Noir and a red Bordeaux blend. Of course, exploring the vineyards isn’t all that’s on offer when it comes to recreation. A five-kilometre walkway along the lagoon is the ideal place for an early morning hike or a sunset stroll, taking in some of the abundant birdlife. For outdoor enthusiasts, a private jetty offers Benguela residents exclusive access to the lagoon for water sports, waterskiing and sailing. Right across the water is the world-class Arabella Western Golf Course for those who want to practise their swing. And for those who prefer the quieter sports, there are few spots as beautiful to wile away a day fishing. Plans are in place to create a Residents Club on the lagoon, next to the jetty and boathouses, with a clubhouse, bar and children’s play area. It will also have a tennis court, heated swimming pool, barbecues and showers, and will act as an extension of residents’

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Benguela Cove is both a residential and working farm estate with vineyards and beautiful fields of lavender.

homes, a place to spend time with family and friends and getting to know the neighbours in an informal, relaxed setting. The Benguela Cove vision is to create a community of like-minded individuals living in harmony with one another and with nature. It’s a rare balance to strike: modern comfort and luxury meeting natural beauty, but at Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate it feels effortless. The panoramic lagoon, ocean and mountain views create a postcard at every turn; the vineyards, olives and lavender fields ensure each moment is delicately scented and deliciously flavoured; and the perfectly designed homes seem to blend into the surrounding beauty. But, as is necessary for all healthy farm‘s Benguela Cove is a dynamic estate, constantly growing, improving and expanding. Plans are in place to open a low-impact deluxe boutique hotel, which will be developed on 2,78 hectares of land alongside the jetty on the lagoon. The hotel’s architecture will resonate with the rest of the estate and blend seamlessly into the stunning natural setting – just as the homes do. The interior emphasis is

also a seamless blending of contemporary Cape design with international levels of luxury. With 40 suites, a wellness centre and a five-star restaurant on site, the Benguela Cove Boutique Hotel will no doubt be one of Cape Town’s most desirable places to relax and unwind. But it will also be a haven for the residents of Benguela Cove, whether it’s for a beauty or wellness treatment, a meal at the superb restaurant or simply a cocktail or two while lying next to the pool. The hotel isn’t all that’s on the cards for this cutting-edge development, however: future expansion plans include even more natural space for residents to enjoy horse riding, mountain biking and quad biking. And a sailing academy is on the cards: here, residents and visitors could earn their qualifications on the protected lagoon. One thing is certain, though: while Benguela Cove may grow with its vineyards, the essence of this extraordinary estate will remain the same. A working wine estate, a luxury farm, a haven for natural flora and fauna and, most importantly, a place to call home.

Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate

Greater Hermanus, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)72 455 8845 (Anthony Gerard) Email: anthony@benguelacove.co.za Website: www.benguelacove.co.za Plots are priced from R2 million to R5 million and completed luxury homes designed by leading South African architects, priced from R6 million.

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Paperbark Lodge

A taste of baroque romance Surrounded by the soothing sounds of the forest in the unfenced 100 000 hectare Welgevonden Private Game Reserve, each of Paperbarkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five thatched and individually styled suites with their own private rock pools are quiet havens of relaxation, inviting guests to succumb to the ancient rhythms of the bushveld. The call of birds and the gentle sound of water in the pools allow quiet reflection and a complete break from the stresses of urban life.

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here’s no need to drive to Paperbark Lodge, nor is there a need to remember to take malaria tablets before you leave… simply lift off from Johannesburg in a helicopter for a sensational onehour trip into the bush for a romantic and blissfully pampered few days. The flight route takes guests via an ancient meteorite crater before touching down gently in the reserve. And from the minute you step off the helicopter, the pace slows down. Nothing is scheduled and time is yours to spin out as you wish in your bush oasis. The entrance to Paperbark Lodge is one of those you won’t forget in a hurry. After a warm and joyous welcome from all the staff, guests are led to a suspended rope bridge that crosses a deep chasm and brings you out at the lodge on the other side. Without giving you the time to even think about heights – and quite possibly already distracted by an excited account of animals seen close to the camp (on this occasion the GM had just used his mobile phone to film a cheetah sauntering through minutes before the heli landing) – guests find themselves accepting a drink on the opulent viewing deck in the main lodge. Akin to a sumptuous living room perched high over the bushveld, it makes a lasting impression and offers a hint of

The French baroque sofa in the welcome area sets the tone. Arrive by helicopter from Johannesburg – a mere hour away by air.

what’s to come – although many guests find themselves returning to this eyrie during their stay. Designed by architect Krynauw Nel, it’s a recent addition to Paperbark and thrills visitors when they discover it. Unlike some other predictably Africaninspired lodges, Paperbark takes its cue from the French baroque style blended with an Arabic influence. It is plush and welcoming, and the lodge and its suites are all richly furnished with Persians and lovingly collected antiques. Flamboyant and romantic, this is not the setting for minimalists or safari purists, but it’s possible to lose yourself in the excesses of fantasy within moments of arriving. Generous curtaining and the softest throws add to the luxe factor, along with gold detailing, antique fixtures and lighting. There’s a choice of Frenchthemed suites done by Natalie and Larry Designs – Moulin Rouge, Crème da Masque, Le Jardin, Toile de Joie and the Napoleon master suite – each one fused with colour, textures and accessories. Luxurious carpets underfoot, rich curtain fabrics and drapes, masses of cushions and every comfort imaginable is in the suite, all with delicate antique light fittings to add warmth. In fact, it’s possible to soak away the days in what must be some of the most unusual bathrooms in any lodge

in Africa. Each spacious bathroom has grand stone or wooden bath as a focal feature as well as the option of indoor and outdoor showers. Or simply laze on a lounger outdoors with a good book, taking the occasional dip in the plunge pool. Order lunch from your personal butler and enjoy all the benefits of in-room dining, giving you absolute privacy and the freedom to pace your day as you choose. For those who would like a real work-out, there’s a heated lap pool, steam room and fully equipped Technogym but most guests choose to head out early for game drives. With the Big Five in the reserve as well as numerous watering holes, Paperbark offers game drives and walks at times that suit their guests. But before setting off, guests pass the life-size sculpture of Mosébé, the white rhino cast in bronze at the entrance, providing a stark reminder of its status as an endangered

Thatch and natural woods were used for each of the five spacious suites, where romantic four posters and subdued lighting enhance the ambience. Rock pools and tree trunks add charm to the exterior. Extravagant bathrooms are the norm at Paperbark Lodge.

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species. Designed by Gauteng sculptor Donald Greig, and 20 percent larger than a rhino is in real life, it was cast in two forges over a period of four months – firstly in Somerset West in the Cape, and the later in Nottingham Road in the Midlands, KwaZulu-Natal. An enormous commission, and one that took 20 people three-and-a-half months to cast in bronze, Mosébé was finally installed at Paperbark Lodge. Mosébé means ‘spear’ or ‘arrow’ and aims to alert local and international visitors to the plight of these huge yet vulnerable animals. Of course, there’s absolutely no need to get up at the crack of dawn for a game drive if there’s the opportunity to lie in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast. And, for those who really aren’t into daily game drives, a helicopter can be chartered for a golf safari. Known for its security, discretion and privacy, and still a privately owned

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The wooden staircase was handcarved from a single piece of wood on site. Crystal chandeliers are from France; the warm and inviting reception area.

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Photographs: PAPERBARK LODGE

The lap pool near the gym and spa; an aerial view showing the main lodge and its well-spaced suites where privacy is guaranteed; arriving at the Welcome Centre.

lodge, Paperbark is a frequent choice for celebrities. With a maximum of 10 guests at a time, it’s most often booked for exclusive use. It’s a great opportunity to entertain, too, with evenings offering diverse choices. Sophisticated dinners begin with drinks around the fire in the living area, an elegant room with a handcarved wooden staircase as the focal feature. It was fashioned on site from a single piece of wood and replaced the original imported staircase that was lost in the veld fire that ravaged the lodge a while ago. Dinner is held in the formal dining room, which is dressed in generous baronial-style drapes, crystal chandeliers and an array of coloured chair covers that are changed with every meal to suit the mood of the occasion. But those with a yen for the real African experience can choose to have dinner around the fire in the outdoor boma under

the stars. Or, for the most unusual evening with excellent wines and good friends, the subterranean wine cellar is perhaps the biggest surprise of all. Lit with dozens of candles and often set up for an Arabianinspired evening of laid-back conversation while you taste a good vintage, it has to be one of Africa’s most unusual safari experiences. Anyone for pool? Play late into the evening on what is said to be the world’s only leadwood pool table, or enjoy a cigar in the bespoke lounge area. And finally, an intimate cinema with state-of-the-art equipment, rock-the-soul surround sound, an enormous flatscreen, Playstation, X-Box and Blu-Ray player beckons those who wish to wind down with their choice of the world’s best movies or lose themselves completely and listen to music. Whatever your fancy, Paperbark Lodge is bound to satisfy your inner fantasy of a Versailles-inspired safari.

Paperbark Lodge

Welgevonden Estate, Vaalwater, Limpopo Telephone: +27 (0)11 888 8888 Email: candice@abalengani.co.za Website: www.paperbarklodge.co.za

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Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Boutique bush experience Tintswalo Safari Lodge can be found in the heart of an ancient sycamore grove overlooking a busy watering hole frequented by a herd of African elephants. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a great place to unwind, as each moment takes care of itself in a timeless landscape where every luxury is yours for the taking.

ositioned in one of the prime bushveld spots in the country, Tintswalo Safari Lodge has some pretty impressive neighbours with Timbavati Private Reserve to the north, the Sabi Sand Reserve to the south and a fenceless boundary with the world-famous Kruger National Park to the east. One of the highlights of staying at Tintswalo Safari Lodge is that the reserve is known for very low vehicle density, which means it feels as if you have the place to yourself. While Tintswalo offers all the amenities of a luxury lodge, it is also unique in embracing its surroundings and cultural heritage. The lodgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traditional grass

roofs give it its aesthetic, while wooden decks provide 180-degree views of the animated wilderness landscape. Located along the Nwaswitsontso River, each of the six spacious suites is authentically decorated in the style of the 19th-century African explorers, and each suite has its own private deck and plunge pool. You set the pace at this exclusive lodge, and the daily schedule is designed around your needs. Enjoy either early-morning or early-evening game viewing (or both) with a trained guide and make time for an alfresco lunch or decadent high tea at the lodge. Guided walks into the bush are on offer, and guests will also gain insight

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Enjoy the ultimate luxury and the best of the African wilderness experience.

into local Shangaan traditions while getting up close and personal with the wildlife of the area. Tintswalo Safari Lodge caters for only 16 guests at any one time (including the Baines Presidential Suite). According to Michelle du Plessis, managing director for Tintswalo’s properties, personal service is key. ‘All our lodges retain a feeling of seclusion and are extremely private as they are family owned and run,’ she says.

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As part of this family-inspired philosophy there is a dedicated corporate socialresponsibility programme in place to ensure the wellbeing of all staff members. The Manyeleti Game Reserve is a Big Five reserve, but there are also other species to be found en masse in this part of the world, including zebra, giraffe, white rhino, warthog and a variety of antelope. Uncommon sightings include the sable antelope and rare black rhino.

‘Our guides focus on a holistic game experience and not just the Big Five rush,’ says Du Plessis. ‘Because of Tintswalo’s unique location sightings are dramatic, in some instances four different prides of lion interact, resulting in unbelievable pride dynamics. Wild dog also regularly frequent the reserve and guests view awesome leopard sightings daily. The Manyeleti is also renowned for raptors and an abundance of birdlife,’ she says.

Photographs: TINTSWALO SAFARI LODGE

For some serious pampering, enjoy various treatments on offer at the Vital Source Spa: there are massages, body wraps and hydrotherapies as well as the usual manicures, pedicures and facials. The spa makes use of Africology products – designed to soothe and pamper in the most natural way. If you have a few hours to spare, spend your time in the library where you’ll find an exclusive selection of rare books to be enjoyed at leisure. You can also head out to the surrounding areas and see the local attractions. Meals are a big event at Tintswalo Safari Lodge, and guests can enjoy a variety of dining options courtesy of Ryan MacFarlane, Tintswalo’s Executive Chef/Assistant Manager, who says, ‘At Tintswalo, it’s almost as if each guest has his or her own personal chef to cater to their exact needs. Our cuisine is about taste and flavour – it’s all about our passion and love for food translated to give the guests the ultimate satisfaction.’ He points out that there are so many ways to enjoy the cuisine at Tintswalo,

whether it’s a bush breakfast, bush picnic, alfresco lunch, English high tea, boma dinner or private dinner in your suite. Central to Tintswalo is creating a unique and personal experience for each guest, so meal times are also designed around you and your dictates. Menus are contemporary, and MacFarlane insists on using only the freshest ingredients from the region. A kids’ menu will keep the little ones in your life happy. An added bonus is that the lodge also offers a dedicated educational children’s programme and there are child-minders on hand to take care of toddlers. Tintswalo Safari Lodge is focused on providing a personalised experience; the staff and management understand that not every person wants to follow a set itinerary, so the pace of the day is moderated by guests and their needs. Says Du Plessis, ‘Tintswalo is the intangible feeling of love and gratitude and peace that you bestow upon someone who has given you a meaningful and worthy gift. We want to create memories for our guests that last a lifetime.’

Tintswalo Safari Lodge

Manyeleti Game Reserve, Hoedspruit, Mpumalanga Telephone: +27 (0)15 793 9013/4 or +27 (0)11 300 8888 Facsimile: +27 (0)11 300 8890 Email: res1@tintswalo.com Website: www.tintswalo.com Situated in the gorgeous Manyeleti Game Reserve, Tintswalo offers the best of family service in a luxurious and intimate environment.

Tintswalo Safari Lodge combines an Afro-colonial theme with a designer touch.

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St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa

Centre stage in the city This five-star Johannesburg hotel combines the advantages of a central urban location with a host of decadent spoils and top-notch facilities for both business and leisure guests.

he City of Gold is one of the busiest on the African continent. It’s also one of the most glamorous, with luxury vehicles cruising the highways, well-heeled locals and visitors alike swiping their plastic in high-end boutiques and stores, and business deals going down in every office block in the city. For those who jet in and out of the city to broker these business relationships, a centrally situated hotel is a must - and the St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa is just that and so much more. Conveniently situated just a few minutes from OR Tambo airport, this secluded hotel property in the picturesque

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Gillooly’s foothills is no ordinary business hotel; as you enter its gates, you immediately understand why it’s just as popular with style-seeking leisure travellers. The elegant and contemporary lines of the hotel’s exterior and lush garden surrounds give way to a decadent Afro-chic interior complete with richly coloured fabrics, sculptural African artefacts and collectables, and a warmth that every well-run small hotel should have. Team this with a beautiful view of the twinkling Johannesburg skyline and concerned enquiries as to whether you’ll need a personal business workstation set up in your room, an early checkout or airport pick-up, or whether

you’ll be joining fellow guests in the sumptuous Trents restaurant for a fine dining experience, and there’s no doubt you will never again be checking into a standard hotel chain for that overnight business trip or city stopover. From here, the city and its attractions - from its shopping centres to sports stadia and business hubs - are within easy reach, and it’s this accessibility that is proving to be a major draw card for many returning guests. The low-impact St Andrews hotel is just three storeys high and prides itself on its green credentials, with energysaving fireplaces, motion-sensor room lighting, ecofriendly air conditioning

and a chemical-free pool. Couple this with every mod-con you would appreciate when away from home – from underfloor heating to a plasmascreen TV, generous thread-count linen and inviting bathrooms - and it’s clear St Andrews understands the expectations and demands of the modern traveller. In contrast to other establishments with a strong business-guest focus, the rooms at the hotel are decidedly lavish, with striking wallpaper details, plush fabric choices, dramatic details like their floating fireplaces, spacious bathrooms and private outdoor verandas. Guests can choose from a variety of suite offerings, from the ultracomfortable

business suites to the more elaborate superior suites for the duration of their stay, each an exercise in supreme comfort and style. The convenient onsite boardroom (with capacity for up to 30 people), conferencing facilities and other essential support services mean business guests can arrange to hold meetings and brainstorm in situ rather than travelling elsewhere in the city, saving themselves valuable hours to enjoy their leisure or downtime. In keeping with the St Andrews approach to excellence, Trents Fine Dining Restaurant is a superb place to wine and dine clients ... or to whisper sweet nothings to your partner over

Stylish Afro-chic and contemporary touches, lavish interiors and generously sized suites ensure this businessfriendly five-star hotel is a popular destination for many visitors to Johannesburg.

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St Andrews is a sensory escape, with personalised decor details, a stateof-the-art spa and a convenient position close to the city and OR Tambo airport.

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candlelight after a long day spent sightseeing. Take a seat on the outdoor terrace and enjoy the tranquil lake view or sink into a luxurious upholstered chair in the restaurant’s intimate dining room, complete with detailed wallpaper and a menu that’s brimming with the chef’s delight in South African ingredients and cuisine. Organic and seasonal offerings form the basis of the menu at Trents, and as a stylish function venue or a setting for entertaining clients, the restaurant is ideal. With the rolling, manicured lawns outside and views overlooking the hotel pool and the Gillooly’s lake, it’s no surprise either that the hotel with its top-notch dining and function facilities is popular with wedding couples and event planners – the sunset and evening views from this vantage point over Johannesburg is indeed unforgettable. Ever aware of a need to offer valuefor-money service, The St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa offers competitive package rates for both business and leisure guests, from romantic twonight getaways that include alfresco picnics and spa treatments for couples looking to add some sparkle to their lives to bespoke business packages for small or large groups that combine both professional and leisure expectations and even in-and-out overnight packages for last-minute business bookings. Of course, not everyone who visits the St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa is in Johannesburg purely for business, and the hotel has made a unique niche for itself by adding an impressive leisure arm to their hotel model. The state-of-the-art Healing Earth Spa is a unique organic, holistic spa concept offering a host of specifically developed products for beauty and body treatments. The Healing Earth range of products uses 100% natural plant, essential oil and botanical ingredients and is used as inroom beauty products and in the spa. Start your signature spa treatment with a welcoming African ritual footbath, in which a blend of indigenous salts and

St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa

St Andrews, Bedfordview, Johannesburg, Gauteng Telephone: +27 (0)11 453 4242 Facsimile: +27 (0)86 592 1945 Email: info@st-andrews.co.za Website: www.st-andrewshotel.co.za

Photographs: ST ANDREWS

St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa is ideal for high-end business travel, luxury leisure travel, weddings, events and conferences. The five-star Trents restaurant specialises in organic seasonal cuisine, and the idyliic St Andrews Spa is uncompromising in its quest for perfection.

oils set the tone for an authentic ethnic spa experience, guaranteed to relieve any stresses and strains. After a trying day concluding business deals and negotiating your way through policies and paperwork, what better way to unwind than with a choice of spa treatments, specifically designed to ease your stress levels? And executives should take advantage of the new preventative healthcare programme soon to be launched. Open for both hotel and day guests, the spa is a highlight for all guests. The Healing Earth menu of

treatments is an exclusive offering limited to a handful of leading spas, lodges and hotels around the world and it is an excellent marriage with this small hotel’s hands-on approach and Afro-chic style. Whether you’re staying at the St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa for business or pleasure, there’s no doubt that thanks to its convenient location, the enthusiasm of the staff members who ensure your stay runs smoothly, and its world-class leisure facilities, you’ll leave for home well rested and rejuvenated.

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26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno

Barefoot luxury For those wanting to experience life at the ocean’s edge in Cape Town, there is really only one way to do it: book an exclusive-use villa in sought-after Llandudno, along the city’s famous Atlantic Seaboard. 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno is chic, glamorous and utterly sophisticated.

erched on the coastal slopes of Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno offers breathtaking views of the ocean from every window. This exclusive soleuse villa is the ideal spot from which to explore the laid-back beach atmosphere of Llandudno, or you can venture slightly further afield to the charming villages of Hout Bay and Noordhoek, and make the best of the nonstop nightlife hub of Camps Bay. That’s if you can tear yourself away from the villa, which may be easier said

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than done. Each of the six double suites is designed with one thing in mind: the most blissful environment from which to drink in the ocean views. As such, the suites frame the stunning horizon from every point, including the bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors retract into the walls, creating a private sun deck that opens directly into the suite and bringing that uninterrupted view in along with the fresh sea breeze and the exhilarating crash of waves on the shore below. At night, sink into the king-sized extralength beds, dressed in 600 thread-count

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Carefully chosen works of art complement the spacious interiors, where the grandeur of the surrounding outdoors is brought right in – peace and tranquillity personified.

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pure cotton percale, and let the waves lull you to sleep. Wooden walls and floors in the bathroom add warmth and extend the luxury beach-house ambience - barefoot luxury at its best. Underfloor heating and oversized baths and showers with heated towel racks ensure that even in winter guests feel as if they’re on a summer holiday. A signature range of bath and body products adds a touch of indulgence. The heated pool guarantees cocktails on the water’s edge are a staple all year round. Sun loungers, a steam room and a guest bathroom all ensure there’s no reason to budge from the comfort of the pool-with-a-view. Natural stone, bleached wood and neutral finishes complement the indigenous fynbos garden on the mountain slopes outside. For those whose idea of a great holiday involves whipping up a gourmet feast for

family and friends, there’s a sophisticated open-plan kitchen fitted with every modern convenience (including a steam oven, gas stove, Tepanyaki hot plate and all the latest chef’s toys) to make holiday meals an absolute pleasure. Alternatively, the on-site chef can prepare custom-made dinners, in line with the lavish continental breakfasts served each morning in the dining room or on the cantilevered deck. The bar is fully stocked with top quality South African wine, beer and soft drinks, and if there’s ever anything guests desire, the villa keeper is on hand to make that wish a reality. It’s not just the extraordinary sense of space, the never-ending views and the subtle but superb service that make 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno such a rare place to stay, though. It’s something else,

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something intangible that you can feel as soon as you step through the front door and take in the 180 degree view and the seamless blend of indoor and outdoor. Perhaps it’s the way the architecture seems to invite you to relax and kick back, to drink in the peace of the mountains right outside your door or the endless horizon laid out in front of you. Perhaps it’s the profusion of comfortable leisure areas, beautifully decorated yet inviting and homely. Or perhaps it’s the fine attention to detail, that sense that each piece of art, each vase, each tactile cushion has been carefully chosen. You’ll find the villa perfectly located to enjoy the best that Cape Town has to offer. It is just a few minutes from the fishing village of Hout Bay, which is filled with restaurants, shops and a working harbour, and a short drive from the world-class

wine estates of Constantia Valley, where you can take part in a wine-tasting tour or have a long, lazy lunch at one of the colonial wine farms. For those looking for adventure, the access points for hiking up Table Mountain and the cable car for some unforgettable views of the city and beyond are a few minutes from the villa, and ever popular Camps Bay offers nonstop entertainment no matter the time of day. Alternatively, spend the day at Llandudno Beach, a favourite among laid-back locals in the know and those who appreciate the perfect spot for a sunset picnic. No matter what you choose to do with your days, you can rest assured that when you return home to 26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno, you are returning to one of the finest spots to lay your head in Cape Town.

26 Sunset Avenue Llandudno Luxury Villa

Cape Town, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)82 826 9986 Facsimile: +27 (0)86 617 4993 Email: llandudno@26sunsetavenue.com Website: www.26sunsetavenue.com

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Eagles Crag Lodge

Africa dreaming Located in the award-winning Mantis property, Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape, Eagles Crag Lodge is a sought-after, five-star safari retreat favoured by high-profile celebrities. Understated elegance, the thrill of Big Five sightings and the dramatic beauty of the Eastern Cape’s diverse landscapes all add up to a memorable sojourn in South Africa.

t’s not difficult to understand why Eagles Crag has become the luxury lodge of choice for Hollywood stars and royalty. Its secluded location in the heart of the most game-dense part of Shamwari coupled with its intimate size ensures a completely private, discreet experience with unparalleled personal attention. The lodge’s experienced staff members have a generosity of spirit that makes you feel completely at home. Eagles Crag is secretly hidden in a gorge, filled with temperate forest vegetation

and looking out onto a cliff face of rock formations (a location frequented by Verreaux black eagles as they nest in the cliff face) and a river bed. Timeworn elephant trails crisscross the river bed, and it’s not unusual to see herds of elephant passing through the gorge in front of the lodge. Each of the nine superior suites has been built to maximise guest privacy in the most tranquil of settings. The subtly decorated en-suite rooms boast a private deck with plunge pool as well as indoor and outdoor showers, with

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Hidden in a remote gorge beneath dramatic cliffs, Eagles Crag Lodge has nine suites named after the eagles most commonly found at Shamwari; thoughtful lodge design ensures a sense of easy indoor-outdoor flow

wall-to-wall glass doors providing seamless indoor-outdoor flow and stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. Although there are six other luxurious lodges in the reserve, it feels as if you have the whole of Shamwari to yourself. The suites are linked by an elevated wooden walkway to the main lodge. Set far apart, each one is enveloped in thick bush that ensures complete privacy. The wooden deck has a private rim-flow pool sunken into it and there’s a telescope for fascinating close-ups of the eagles. The decor is sophisticated and modern in muted, soothing tones – a sleek four-poster bed is a focal point. In the bathroom, it’s a tough choice between luxuriating in a

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deep bath or taking a refreshing outdoor shower using the sublimely fragranced organic rooibos bath and body products. Airy and light, the main lodge also has a contemporary feel with generously proportioned lounging and dining areas, all leading out onto spacious wooden decks overlooking the dramatic surrounding cliffs. Outdoor decks are ideal for alfresco meals, drinks and quiet moments in which to savour the bush and surrounding landscapes. A cigar bar complete with fireplace and big screen TV is the ideal space for downtime, while the library can accommodate up to 18 people around the central table for business meetings in the bush. Guests arriving in camp, whether it’s

BELOW Decorated in a sleek, contemporary style, each suite leads to a private rim-flow pool sunken into a spacious wooden deck.

potjies, alongside succulent Karoo lamb chops, ostrich steaks, gemsbok fillets, salads, roasted vegetables and traditional pap with chakalaka (braised tomatoes and onions). Club sandwiches, salads, gourmet burgers, and fish and chips are typical of the simple and light lunch menu. Founded by conservation visionary and Mantis CEO Adrian Gardiner in 1992, Shamwari is a 25 000-hectare malariafree private reserve, the largest of its kind in the Eastern Cape, and is the only reserve to boast two Born Free Rescue Centres as well as a Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. What had become barren huntedand poached-out farmland has now been successfully rehabilitated back to pristine bushveld teeming with wildlife, and Shamwari has received numerous international awards for its conservation initiatives and successes over the years. Shamwari boasts five of South Africa’s seven vegetation biomes and the highest concentration of wildlife in the province, as well as the coveted Big Five. But it’s the highly experienced leadership of Eagles Crag rangers that truly sets a game drive or bush walk at this luxury lodge apart from the rest.

Eagles Crag Lodge

Shamwari Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Telephone: +27 (0)41 407 1000 Facsimile: + 27 (0)41 407 1001 Email: reservations@mantiscollection.com Website: www.shamwari.com Shamwari guests are advised to fly to Port Elizabeth and proceed to Shamwari by road – the distance to the reserve is 65km. Exclusive chaffeur-driven transfers can be booked directly with Mantis.

Photographs: eagle - Winfried Wisniewski/FLPA / mantis

for the first time or after one of the twice daily game drives, are given a delightful, warm welcome with staff proffering refreshing, homemade lemonade on hot days and decadent hot chocolate laced with Amarula in cool weather. The same caring, personal service extends to the intimate Wellness Retreat, which offers two therapy rooms, a hydro bath, steam room and sauna. Scheduling some time here for anything from rejuvenating body treatments to indulgent beauty therapies in between the daily round of outdoor activities and decadent meals has become an almost essential element of a luxury safari Shamwari holiday. The Eagles Crag Retreat is renowned for its facial and body treatments such as massages – the Indian head massage and deep-tissue massage, using indigenous plant and flower essential oils, are especially memorable. The emphasis on local provenance and South African traditions is carried through to the cuisine, especially dinner, which is either a bush banquet under the stars in the boma or a more formal affair indoors in the elegant dining room. In the boma, slow-cooked oxtail and springbok stews are served in cast-iron cooking pots, or

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Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

Relax and re-energise at this exclusive Winelands retreat Tranquillity, pampering and glorious scenery are just part of the attraction of Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, nestled at the foot of the stunning Franschhoek valley in the Cape Winelands, amid award-winning vineyards and dramatic mountains. A restorative escape to such luxurious splendour is the perfect antidote to a busy urban lifestyle, leaving you feeling revived, refreshed and rejuvenated.

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ush vineyards, mature oak trees, majestic mountains â&#x20AC;Ś as you drive into the Franschhoek valley, you are transported into another world of total escape and sensory indulgence. The French Huguenots who fled persecution in France and settled here in 1692 must have felt much the same as they first set their eyes on this peaceful valley: a perfect retreat, protected by its cradle of dramatic mountains from the outside world. For those in search of relaxation and rejuvenation, a luxury retreat in the Franschhoek valley makes the perfect getaway. When it is tucked away in the valley with nothing but vineyards

and mountains as a backdrop, the sense of escape and blissful unwinding is immediate. The welcoming gates of Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa promise guests decadent pampering in exquisite surroundings, far from traffic noise and the stresses of modern life The 61-room five-star hotel is built in contemporary Cape Dutch style with thatched grandeur, and a light and airy ambience pervades the interior, which is decorated in tranquil shades of white and natural earth colours. There is not a jarring note as the friendly and efficient staff members show you to your room. Here a suite with a balcony affords even more spectacular views over the

expansive grounds to the mountains beyond, and the serene palette of neutrals continues to exert its soothing influence. It is tempting just to drink in the beauty from the window in quiet and privacy, but an afternoon of pampering at the on-site Camelot spa beckons. And with Franschhoek renowned as the culinary capital of the Cape, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that gourmet meals are on the menu of sensory indulgence, alongside innovative spa treatments that imbue you with a sense of absolute wellbeing. Wandering through the landscaped grounds, following a winding path past an ancient oak tree, in the bright light of a sun-drenched Cape afternoon, you

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Serene airy spaces looking over glorious mountain views at Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa ensure that relaxation flows in with every breath you take.

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arrive at the spa. A place apart, with its rich opulent decor and private massage garden, it offers an overwhelming choice of individual treatments and signature sensory journeys. Booking in for a twohour Indoceane treatment is the ultimate in indulgence. Designed to recreate a voyage of discovery from the citrus scents of the Mediterranean through to the spicy aromas of the Orient, this spa experience pampers your body with a series of relaxing treatments over two hours, from an exfoliating body scrub to milk bath, ayurvedic massage with elements of Thai and Japanese expertise and the glorious scents of sandalwood and lotus flower. By this time your body is floating in bliss, but still to come is the Chinese body wrap, with more gorgeous scents, until you emerge, totally relaxed and rejuvenated. The mountains around the hotel are tinged with pink as the setting sun

leaves the valley, soft light bathing the trees and vineyards. Now, in a dreamlike state, it is time to choose between the fine-dining restaurant, Relais Gourmand, or the Verger, an alfresco restaurant set in glasshouses scattered among the citrus and fruit trees of the orchard. The Relais Gourmand offers an awardwinning wine list and an outstanding à la carte menu that holds its own with the best of Franschhoek’s renowned gourmet dining establishments. Executive Chef Darren Roberts presents an innovative fusion of local South African ingredients, European classics and the exotic flavours of Pacific Rim cuisine. So tempura of prawn tails with a mango and avocado salsa might be followed by loin of springbok with eggplant caponata, poached pear, cape Malay calabazza and a Pinotage and juniper jus. Imaginative combinations, but well conceived and absolutely delicious.

Photographs: LE FRANSCHHOEK HOTEL & SPA

After a mouth-watering dessert, it is time to stroll the gardens under a canopy of stars so bright that they seem close enough to touch. Waking to a view of mountains and with nothing but birdsong to disturb the peace, it is hard to work up any enthusiasm for sightseeing, an energetic hike or even for a wine-tasting tour among the many renowned estates enclosed in this glorious valley. Clinging to the vestiges of deep sleep after the relaxing spa treatments of the previous afternoon, it is far more tempting to plan a self-indulgent day of lazing at the hotel. After all there is still a whole menu of tantalising treatments at the spa to be explored, with the promise of healthy light meals or snacks in the tranquil courtyard. A leisurely breakfast on the terrace is followed by more relaxation on the sun loungers by the sparkling pool, and perhaps a leisurely

game of tennis on the hotel courts to work up an appetite for the next meal. Le Verger proves to be the perfect setting for a laid-back lunch. Its air-conditioned glass dining area let light and sunshine stream in without overheating, and you are surrounded by the green trees of the orchard and gorgeous vines. A menu featuring Karoo lamb, ostrich and line fish is just as thoughtfully planned as that of the Relais, and for a light meal, the smoked Franschhoek trout pizza with avocado, spring onion and sour cream sets the tone for the day: light, fresh, local and at the same time ever so slightly decadent. Altogether, time spent at Le Franschhoek is the ultimate in sensory indulgence. You’ll feel totally rejuvenated at the end of it, having slept better than ever before under the soothing influence of pampering spa treatments and the natural peace and quiet of this glorious retreat.

Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa

Franschhoek, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 876 8900 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 876 4384 Email: reservations@lefranschhoek.co.za Website: www.lefranschhoek.co.za Pamper yourself at the Camelot Spa and Wellness Centre and indulge in fine dining and award-winning wines at Relais Gourmand and Le Verger.

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CY CMY

Gondwana Game Reserve

In Gondwana’s garden… The Garden Route is a place of eternal sunshine. Even when it rains, the sun will find a way to penetrate the cloud. Gondwana Game Reserve sits centre stage in this Eden … its breathtaking beauty gently nudging the senses awake, at the same time providing a luxurious bush sanctuary in which to relax and unwind.

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At Lehele Lodge, the rimflow swimming pool set into the deck has sweeping views over the undulating landscape beyond.

hen you drive or fly up the southeast coast of South Africa, it is immediately clear that this distinct and dramatic landscape of dense forest, sweeping grasslands, sandy beaches and wild Cape fynbos is unlike any other on the planet. While some visitors will arrive with a mind only for the animals, most will leave with a sense of wonder that they have also explored the world’s smallest and richest floral kingdom, two-thirds of which cannot be found anywhere else on earth.

Nestled into 27 000 acres is the Gondwana Game Reserve, named from the Sanskrit for ‘forests of the Gonds’ or Gondwanaland, the southern supercontinent that existed 200 million years ago and from which the diverse landmass of Africa was born. Today, this malaria-free area boasts the second-most moderate climate in the world, and is unique in being the only existing fynbos reserve to hold freely roaming Big Five game as well as endangered species including the black rhinoceros, Cape mountain zebra and black harrier.

Gondwana Game Reserve is also conveniently situated a 30-minute drive from the coastal town of Mossel Bay, 45 minutes from George Airport and just four hours from the cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, making it the ideal bush escape for those who prefer laid-back travelling on well-maintained roads to gruelling, long-haul overland experiences. Upon arrival at Gondwana’s Fynbos Camp, guests enjoy African hospitality from the get go, with staff lined up offering trays of cool towels and homemade lemonade.

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Lavish gourmet meals are served out on the deck or in the dining-room-with-aview and the distant glimpse of a strolling elephant or a giraffe munching on its evening meal adds a magical dimension to supper on safari. Rich outdoor landscapes are mirrored in the organic architectural style of the lodge. Base elements of wood, earth, fire, water and air all mingle to create space, inspire comfort and soothe the senses. Afro-chic interiors are simply and tastefully rendered and soft furnishings in muted cinnamon, grass and earth tones reflect the hues of the fynbos that stretches to the horizon. Sink into a huge wicker chair in the lounge, perfectly positioned to get the best of the views over the undulating landscape around you or simply close your eyes and let the smell of smoky thatch pervade your senses, bringing the bush to life inside. Each day, a game ranger will open your eyes to the wonders of the animal and floral kingdoms on your doorstep in an open game-viewing vehicle. Safaris on horseback offer a chance to get closer to the action or try walking with a guide for a more in-depth experience. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather stay close to home, the lodge has plenty of deck space with views over the watering holes, a large infinity pool for lolling in the sunshine or spying on the busy birdlife in the surrounding shrubs. Or take yourself off to the Bush Spa, where therapists are on hand to smooth away stresses with aromatic oils and rhythmic treatments. A short drive from Fynbos Lodge are the luxury Bush Villas with uninterrupted views to the ancient Outeniqua Mountains and beyond. Each villa sleeps six and can be privately staffed with a personal chef, game ranger and butler on request. Rooms are large and airy, with crisp linens on large beds surrounded by filmy white mosquito nets. Bathrooms are cool and spacious, sporting deep tubs, walkin showers and double vanities. And the little extras you love are all there too: soft towels, fluffy bath gowns, sherry in glass decanters, a little edible something on your pillow at bed time and the ever-present, herby aroma of fynbos drifting in through the open doors.

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OPPOSITE The luxurious Fynbos Camp is serene, spacious and in harmony with the landscape. THIS PAGE, LEFT Lehele Lodge serves Gondwana’s private owners – it is warm, inviting and a true home from home.

Gondwana Game Reserve

Photographs: GONDWANA GAME RESERVE

Garden Route, Southern Cape Telephone: +27 (0)44 697 7002, +27 (0)74 582 4861 Facsimile: +27 (0)44 697 7069 Email: reservations@gondwanagr.co.za Website: www.gondwanagamereserve.com New to Gondwana Game Reserve, and a delightfully luxurious twist on the traditional Khoi-San African hut, are 14 Kwena Huts designed to provide guests with absolute privacy while simultaneously showcasing panoramic 180-degree views over two watering holes. Spacious and open plan inside, the huts have enormous king-sized beds that sit beneath bright skylights, providing romantic night portals to starry skies. Families or groups of friends who want a base from which to explore the Garden Route while at the same time enjoying an authentic safari experience may want to consider a stay at the exclusive, selfcatering Private Bush Villas, also built for those who want a little more independence.

And even better than a short holiday, wouldn’t owning your own property in a private reserve be the ultimate dream? Here, Gondwana trumps all other reserves in the Western Cape by being the first of its kind to offer private property ownership in a Big Five game area. Plots of two-anda-half acres, within housing camps safely fenced off from dangerous game, are available for purchase. Build your dream Cape Country bush home, specifically designed to blend seamlessly into the natural landscape while affording you an enviable indoor/outdoor safari lifestyle with only the wild herds and possibly a distant neighbour (with whom you can share a gin-and-tonic at the private owners’ Lehele Lodge) for company.

Situated 60km west of George and only 30km from Mossel Bay on the Indian Ocean, Gondwana Game Reserve´s setting in the idyllic Garden Route is easily accessible by car. It is a four-hour drive from Cape Town and 45 minutes from George Airport. Private plane charters can be arranged to George or Mossel Bay airports, and helicopter transfers directly to the game reserve can be arranged.

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Dossier The infinite allure of the most precious gem of all Why diamonds remain the ultimate luxe buy. By Zodwa Kumalo-Valentine

ince the first diamond was discovered along the banks of the Orange River, South Africa has remained one of the world’s most important producers of this sought-after commodity and a choice destination for the world’s elite and discerning jewellery- and diamondlovers. And with an astonishing 65% of the world’s diamonds being produced here, it’s no surprise that celebs who visit these shores make sure not to leave empty handed, citing quality, a unique design aesthetic and good value as the main reasons for their purchases. In Johannesburg, a jeweller (who prefers to remain anonymous) boast names such as Celine Dion and local A-listers Precious Motsepe and Wendy Luhabe among her high-profile clients, while Cape Town legend Uwe Koetter says their international clients include the likes of supermodel Kate Moss, Joan and Jackie Collins and even Nicholas Cage, who rumour has it recently commissioned a gold-handled walking cane studded with tanzanites, emeralds and other precious gems. Johan Louw of Uwe Koetter says their constant bestseller remains diamond jewellery and he is steadfast in his opinion that South African jewellers and designers are among the best in the world: ‘We are well respected in the industry because we have demonstrated our knowledge in terms of cutting-edge technology, design and trends. We treat our customers with the respect they deserve. That’s why they keep coming back.’

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Many high-end jewellery designers such as international brand Cartier and local legend Lorraine Efune, who offers bespoke services to visiting sultans and princes, prefer to keep the identity of their clientele private for security reasons, but there’s no doubt that discreet calls are regularly made from five-star hotel concierges to arrange for private store visits that involve multi-carat brilliant buys from well-heeled clients flying under the radar.

hen the first diamond was discovered here by a lowly shepherd in 1866, South Africa’s role in the global economy was instantaneously rewritten and the ensuing diamond rush transformed the young country’s economy, placing it firmly on the global map. In the manner of an epic tale, investment soon started pouring in and by 1889 De Beers Consolidated Mines, founded by Cecil John Rhodes and partners, manoeuvred its way into owning a majority share not only on the local but also on the international diamond trade front. It remains one of the largest diamond suppliers in the world today. By the 1980s diamond trade in South Africa accounted for over 15 percent of the GDP; today it is a more sober two percent, still a significant number. Experts remain resolute, however, that diamonds are still one of the most worthwhile investments to make. Daphne Neethling, brand marketing director at African Romance, explains:

‘Unlike any other high-value luxury items, diamonds hold their value over time and their beauty forever.’ And among the cognoscenti, South African jewellery design is regarded as one of the best and most innovative in the world. According to Uwe Koetter’s Johan Louw, the unexpected combination of unusual precious and nonprecious materials makes for a unique, distinctive style. Experts agree that, thanks to the diversity of cultures and a lingering European influence, the South Africa jewellery aesthetic is unique.

or centuries diamonds have been inextricably linked with myth and urban legend. Some have been alleged to have brought misery to the women who wore them and the men who sought to possess their priceless brilliance. One of the most notorious is the 69-carat TaylorBurton ring worn by Elizabeth Taylor, she of multiple-marriage status. The diamond, which was originally called the Cartier diamond, is said to be jinxed. And who has not been enthralled by tales of worldrenowned diamond heists, the most famous being the theft of over $100 million worth of diamonds, gold and other spoils from the Antwerp Diamond Centre in 2003? To this day, the sparkling loot has never been found. The infamous 112-carat Hope Diamond is believed to have brought misfortune to its owners, among them the ill-fated Marie Antoinette and Louis VXI.

PREVIOUS PAGE The 493-carat Letseng Legacy was found at the Letseng Diamond Mine in Lesotho. OPPOSITE AT 243,96 carats, the emerald-cut Magnificence diamond is the largest of its kind in the world.

Today the intrigue continues on a more politicised level, with the infiltration into the market of blood diamonds. Sonamed for their ties to funding coups and underhand political dealings in areas of conflict and war, blood diamonds accounted for four percent of the world’s diamond production in the late 1990s, according to the United Nations. Today blood diamonds reportedly account for less than one percent, and responsible dealers uphold strict international codes of conflict-free diamond resale thanks to an international certification system that can trace diamonds back to the source.

he popular notion that diamonds are synonymous with everlasting love and marriage can be traced back to a 1938 De Beers’ advertising campaign that became the most successful in advertising history, thanks to the coining of the phrase, ‘A diamond is forever.’ The slogan and campaign worked on two levels – firstly, diamonds last forever in the physical sense and, secondly, they represent an everlasting love. The concept became so entrenched in the minds of lovers the world over that 20 years later the agency credited the campaign with having successfully influenced the American public (and later the world) to consider a diamond engagement ring a necessity. Thanks to the campaign and its prophetic words, engagement proposals

have been synonymous with diamonds for close to a century now. The campaign, it is said, made women less likely to part with their diamonds or even to buy previously owned diamonds from other women because of the sentiment and value attached to them.

nd so the question is, what should you be buying in terms of trend and investment? Jewellery aficionados should look out for brown or chocolate diamonds hitting the market, say some trendspotters. A leading diamond company’s spokesperson explains: ‘Diamonds offer versatility and make a statement about style, fashion, status, success and sophistication. [Nowadays] a must-have is the right-hand diamond ring [bought for women by women],’ she says. ‘These symbolise 21st-century values that women are not weak, they have money and they can run the world.’ Lorraine Efune, founder and managing director of the eponymous local brand, says, ‘There’s a big demand right now for timeless threestone rings symbolising the past, present and future.’ Another local jeweller says that the white princess-cut diamond will always remain the most popular cut, and also notes that the tennis bracelet will always be a much-requested classic. Kathleen McLoughlin, marketing manager at Cartier where two new-look tennis bracelets are about to be launched, sums

it all up, ‘The classic tennis bracelet is still very much alive, but there has been an evolution in design, volume, shape.’ And with stars such as Jessica Biel, Gwen Stefani and Scarlett Johansson sporting them on the red carpet, tennis bracelets will stay on the fashion radar for many years to come.

ust as in the world of fashion, celebrities continue to exert enormous influence on the jewellery world and it goes without saying that status, wealth and diamonds are inextricably linked. Superstar songstress and multiple Grammy Award-winning Beyoncé is often seen sporting an 18-carat engagement ring from well-known US jewellery designer Lorraine Schwartz – a ring that’s valued at an incredible $5 million. Diva Mariah Carey’s 17-carat diamond is worth a cool $2,5 million, while Jennifer Lopez’s love of coloured diamonds is favourite tabloid fodder. Her first engagement ring (from Hollywood actor Ben Affleck) was a huge pink diamond, while her most recent proposal of marriage came with a lavender-coloured stone, its appearance sparking an unprecedented demand for similarly coloured diamonds. Locally, self-titled ‘queen of bling’ Khanyi Mbau is often loaned diamond jewellery to wear to special events and functions, guaranteeing her temporary bling benefactors valuable front-page coverage.

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The 70,39 carat pear-shaped flawless pink Empress Rose diamond.

n Kimberley’s diamond heyday, it is said to have contained more millionaires per square metre than anywhere else in the world. This Northern Cape city that is the birthplace of South Africa’s diamond industry was also the birthplace of mining magnate Harry Oppenheimer, the patriarch of one of South Africa’s most illustrious diamond families. Nowadays, the spirit of monopolisation has been tempered by the requirement that South African mining companies be at least 26 percent black-owned by 2014. This has allowed names such as Tokyo Sexwale of Mvelephanda Diamond, Ayanda Bam, who is co-founder of the first black-owned and -managed mine Kuyasa, and Mohseen Valli Moosa, CEO of the wholly black-owned African Romance, to bring fresh blood and competition to this much-monopolised industry. For these emerging market forces there are a multitude of challenges, including securing stable rough supply, building brand awareness and making the brand accessible to its target markets. Some of these black-owned and -controlled international African luxury diamond-jewellery brands and design

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houses, such as African Romance, have already made a distinct impression on the industry with their lauded commitment to conflict-free diamonds and a varied customer base that ranges from beauty queens to global music stars, Olympic medallists, foreign dignitaries and state officials.

hile fashion, hairstyles, cars and travel destinations all lose their allure from one year to the next, the good news for diamond mines, dealers, jewellery manufacturers and investors – if South African trends and economic indicators of the past 140 years are anything to go by – is that it is doubtful that diamonds will ever go out of favour. Diamonds continue to be a symbol of wealth and eternal love, an expression of everlasting commitment and passion. And, despite their ever-increasing rand value, diamonds’ true power is their ability to take a relationship to the next level, mend a broken heart, celebrate a milestone or transform an ordinary gal into a striking glamazon; it is this that make them absolutely priceless.

Zodwa Kumalo-Valentine is the senior editor at Marie Claire magazine. She has been in the publishing industry for eight years, having cut her milk teeth working on newspapers.

photographs courtesy of Graff Diamonds

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16/4/10 14:10:44

Camp Jabulani

Wild at heart Splendidly isolated in the heart of a private Big Five reserve in Hoedspruit, Camp Jabulani is the ultimate get-away-from-it-all retreat. And while it is unashamedly five-star, the reserve has an elephant welfare programme that makes it unique and unlike any other safari sojourn youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll ever experience.

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efore travelling to Camp Jabulani, you long for it to be everything your inner bush baby fantasises about: burning log fires, blood-red sunsets, starry nights, evening strolls among twittering birds and the sound of trumpeting elephants, panoramic views on the African bushveld, piping-hot coffee on early-morning game drives, delicious home-cooked meals, chocolates on the pillow of your luxurious suite... which is exactly what it is! But there’s something else at the heart of this luxury lodge that sets it apart and makes it incomparably special. Hidden away in a Big Five game reserve, a private sanctuary in the heart of

Limpopo Province, Camp Jabulani is a haven of seclusion and relaxation. Each of the six impeccably appointed suites, complete with a sprawling wooden deck overlooking the surrounding bushveld, comes with all the trappings you’d expect of a luxury lodge. Think pure-cotton sheets, a stand-alone stone bath tub, your own private plunge pool and a fireplace that’s the perfect antidote to winter evenings in the Lowveld. Inspired by the 13 000 hectares of surrounding African hinterland, each of the six suites epitomises Safari Chic, judiciously blending colonial and contemporary styles. The pared-down palette – in an assortment of vanillas, creams, whites and ivories –

reflects the simplicity of the bushveld and has a soothing effect on city-weary souls. And, while the oversized sofas, rambling decks and ceiling fans create a kind of colonial-style grandeur, the atmosphere is snug rather than stuffy; more homely than haute; grand yet unpretentious. Or treat yourself to the exclusive new Zindoga Villa, perfect for intimate groups of friends or families travelling with young children. Luxurious and elegant, Zindoga Villa has WiFi connectivity, a private heated plunge pool and a dedicated team that includes a ranger with private vehicle, a chef and a butler. The alfresco dining deck, set in the shade of a jackalberry tree, is the perfect place Opulent Living 131

Dossier

PREVIOUS SPREAD Don’t leave without going on an elephant-back safari, where you get an opportunity to touch and feed Jabulani, the elephant after whom Camp Jabulani is named.

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to savour the renowned culinary team’s delicious country-style food – exactly the sort of delicious home-made fare you’d expect in these surroundings. You may want to start your meal with the tiger-prawn salad with seared lime and mustard greens and then move on to kabeljou fillet crusted with pine nuts and coriander, served with basmati pilaf and an orange-saffron beurre blanc. The vanilla pod crème brûlée is the perfect denouement to a sublime meal. It’s worth stopping by the Therapy Lapa – an open-air spa set amid a jackalberry forest – to soak up the forest atmosphere and listen to nearby splashing hippos and grazing giraffes, but you should book your treatment in advance to avoid disappointment. The Soul of Africa Aromatic Massage is highly recommended. It’s an hourlong rhythmic treatment that uses spicy, sensual, Oriental-style aroma oils

designed to improve overall health and wellbeing and balance mind, body and spirit, while promoting inner peace and tranquillity. You won’t be sorry! But Camp Jabulani is not just about sybaritic indulgence and state-of-the-art facilities (all of which it has in spades!). What sets it apart is a cause that lies at the heart of its existence – the welfare of a herd of 13 resident elephants, whose arrival at Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre (HESC) eight years ago led to the establishment of Camp Jabulani. This is how it happened… The year is 1997. After becoming stuck in a silt dam, an infant elephant is abandoned by its herd and left for dead. Discovered by a team of rangers, the elephant is taken to HESC, where it’s nursed back to health by wildlife visionary Lente Roode and her team. The baby pachyderm, named Jabulani (Zulu for ‘let us rejoice’), is reintroduced to the

Photographs: CAMP JABULANI

At exclusive Zindoga Villa, luxury and harmony with the African bush are the order of the day.

bush by his rescuers but is reluctant to leave them. Fast forward to 2002: a herd of 12 rescued Zimbabwean elephants arrive at HESC, where they immediately adopt junior Jabulani. Faced with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for the herd, Lente proposes the creation of a camp to support these animals, so that travellers from all over the world can experience the extraordinary grace of these majestic mammals at close quarters. And its resounding success can be measured in the fact that, in the last four years, the Camp Jabulani herd has produced four babies and adopted yet another orphaned elephant. At the elephant stables, Paul Coetsee, ‘the elephant whisperer’, heads a 42-strong team of caregivers who are passionate and knowledgeable about the creatures. Chat to one of the four senior groomsmen – Tangayi Ketasi, Joshua Dube, Jackson Ngwenya and Stavros Chakoma; they are

fonts of information about each of the herd members. Also well worth a visit is HESC, a 30-minute drive from camp. Here you’ll be able to touch cheetahs and watch feeding sessions with rare African vultures. If you should tire of spa treatments, reading, bird- and elephant-watching and languid strolls around the reserve, a work-out in the recently refurbished outdoor gym, with its brand-new sauna, might be what you’re after. For the intrepid, a host of adventure activities is on offer, including hot-air ballooning and late-night elephant safaris. But the highlight of your visit will undoubtedly be a trip to the watering hole in an open safari vehicle, where you can watch the elephants swim. To witness these magnificent beasts splashing and spraying one another as they frolic is a rare treat – and one that will live with you forever.

Camp Jabulani

Hoedspruit, Limpopo Telephone: +27 (0)12 460 5605 Facsimile: +27 (0)12 460 7573 Email: reservations@campjabulani.com Website: www.campjabulani.com

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The two-bedroomed Presidential Lodge with spectacular mountain views; the organic-shaped tangerineÂ banquette in the restaurant, with an artwork byÂ Deborah Bell as the focus.

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Delaire Graff Lodge & Spa

Global style and fine art in the winelands A haven of understated luxury, Delaire’s new lodge and spa is Cape-inspired but with a generous mix of French flair, British creativity and Asian interpretation.

erched high up on the peak of the Helshoogte Pass between Stellenbosch and Franschhoek, the recently opened Delaire Lodge & Spa is set among the trees above sprawling vineyards with magnificent views of the Simonsberg mountains on one side and Table Mountain beyond. Owner Laurence Graff, the UK-based chairman of Graff Diamonds International,

chose two key personalities to mastermind the project: none other than the architect Pierre Bories, of France-based Palm Architects, and award-winning interior architect David Collins, who is based in London. Both have continued to work with the interior theme set by the Delaire Graff restaurant and winery, now recognised as one of the Cape’s finest food, art and wine destinations.

Bories’s architectural vision was focused on maximising the stunning views but also on sensitively blending the lodge in with the surrounding vineyards and trees – and true to his word, not one was felled in the entire process. Today, the luxury lodge nestles snugly on the hillside and is an intriguing blend of African and Cape Dutch influences, with the use of traditional thatch and gabling blended

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Collins also commissioned the finest local craftsmen for his furnishings, all of which are in renewable woods. Drypacked stone and Gesso plaster walls in natural colourings also link indoors with out. Double glass doors invite guests through the entrance and into a light and airy lobby – with dancing reflections from vast pools of water lighting up the reed ceilings – leading through to the rimflow pool and spa area on one side, and to the main lounge, restaurant, cinema and conference areas on the other. Below this, each of the private lodges nestle in landscaped gardens filled with scented camellias and coffee jasmine. Eight 80 square-metre luxury and deluxe lodges, each with their own heated pool, are beautifully designed to give maximum privacy. In addition, two larger, two-bedroom lodges – the 150 squaremetre Presidential Lodge and the 175 square-metre Owner’s Villa – each offer more spacious accommodation. Both have butler services and the option of private chef. Collins, who was also responsible for the interiors of the tasting room and the restaurant on the estate, chose to keep close to the style he had created there. As a result, South Africa’s diverse heritage is subtly reflected in everything from leather stitching on sofas to detailing in the headboards through to the furniture design. Exquisite linen and textured curtaining finish the look, all of which is complemented by original art from Laurence Graff’s private art collection and Collins’s trademark lighting to create a relaxed ambience. Beds are fitted with luxurious mattresses and pillow menus are the norm, while discreetly hidden televisions automatically fold out of the media consoles in the bedroom. Bathrooms are each fitted with a skylight to bring sunlight streaming in, and Jo Malone bathroom amenities, along with bathrobes especially ordered from Miami, add a sensual touch. And while it’s possible simply to cocoon in the absolute luxury of the private lodges, the full-service spa and a hair-

Photographs: mickey hoyle / Rhiehan Bakkes

with the best of Asian design elements to create seamless indoor-outdoor flow. The style is contemporary with spacious interior volumes and exposed timber trusses, and floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto wooden decks, making the best of the views. Bories and Collins both agreed that natural materials should be used throughout, from the end-grain timber flooring to the Spanish-reed ceilings, textured leathers and seagrass wall coverings.

care salon are likely to draw guests for regular treatments. Open to both hotel and estate guests, the spa comprises four treatment rooms with hydro-massage baths, with the option of private terraces for alfresco massages as well as a sauna and a steam room. Therapists will pamper guests with Aromatherapy Associates and Swiss Perfection, the exclusive skin-care line from La Prairie Spa in Switzerland. Next door to the spa is a techno-gym with state-of-the-art equipment and a Pilates reformer machine. A fully qualified instructor is available to see to guests’ personal needs and one-on-one training. Outdoors, on the spa’s terrace, a 22-metre heated infinity pool with a Jacuzzi is surrounded by a large deck, with views stretching out over the vines and olive orchards below and right across to Table Mountain. It’s a tranquil setting in which guests can unwind and relax between treatments. The Lodge’s holistic approach to health and wellbeing follows through to Xahar, the airy restaurant with a deliciously healthy Thai-influenced menu offering modern Thai cuisine that’s light and contemporary with inspired flavours and textures. It’s no secret that both GM Shane Brummer and Laurence Graff enjoy

Thai food, so Executive Chef Christiaan Campbell has created a diverse menu with the focus on robust flavours and interesting textures. Christiaan’s green house (every chef’s dream) grows fresh produce specifically for Xahar’s menu, but he also strongly believes in sourcing and serving the rest of the produce, including free-range meat and poultry products, from local organic suppliers wherever possible. Limed-oak floors in the restaurant, laid in a parquet-inspired pattern, contrast with dark rich hues and battered copper to create a vibrant dining experience, with a choice of indoor and outdoor tables on the deck. In the evening, guests can book into Xahar or the main restaurant on the estate and stroll back through the landscaped gardens for a private showing at the small 12-seater cinema. Collins chose portcoloured stitched leather panels against grey walls to create an intimate and enveloping space to retire to at the end of a day spent exploring the Winelands or simply revitalising at the spa. Intended as a place where guests can relax and restore their energy levels while enjoying seasonal food and discreet, unobtrusive service, the new lodge is set to become a sought-after retreat.

Delaire Graff Lodge & Spa

Helshoogte Pass, Stellenbosch, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 885 8160 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 885 1270 Email: info@delaire.co.za Website: www.delaire.co.za The Delaire Graff Lodge & Spa – situated at the top of the Helshoogte Pass linking the Cape Wineland’s two premier wine districts, Stellenbosch and Franschhoek – is one of the Cape’s most desirable wine, food and art destinations.

Clockwise from far left Water features are a focus throughout the gardens; each of the luxury lodges is imbued with a sense of home and has a private plunge pool; ambient lighting and natural finishes add warmth to the living rooms of the private lodges; the view from Xahar, the new Thai-influenced restaurant at the lodge.

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Special feature Wedding Concepts

Cape Winelands weddings have the wow factor It seems that a wedding in the Cape Winelands may well be the ultimate statement for those seeking style-laden nuptial celebrations. And now, more than ever, wedding locations and venues are upping their bespoke offerings to meet the demands of their savvy clientele.

f society columns are anything to go by, bespoke, big-expense weddings are bigger than ever. Locally, the Western Cape’s status as one of the world’s leading wedding destinations continues to grow and industry leaders Wedding Concepts are at the forefront of this industry statistic. For many people weddings are status and social events in one. And in the industry, Wedding Concepts is the name to know. Managing Director Christina Holt and her team have created hundreds of

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unique celebrations across the spectrum of pristine beach locations, chic urban establishments and idyllic countryside retreats. But, says Christina, the Cape Winelands still comes out tops. ‘Our clients love the region’s rich cultural heritage, its magnificent natural beauty and the glorious weather, as well as the great value-for-money honeymoon, gourmet dining, leisure and travel offerings that await them there,’ she explains. Limiting their commitments to fifty carefully selected weddings a year,

Wedding Concepts and its sister company Travel Concepts are responsible for over 4 000 guests winging their way to the Cape annually. ‘Our international clients are looking for an absolutely unique experience for themselves and their guests, and they like the fact that we deal with every single aspect, literally from concept to creation.’ Christina maintains that finding the right venue is key, since the venue will dictate the overall wedding design in terms of style, guest numbers and flow

THIS PAGE Say ‘I do’ in full colour, with Wedding Concepts’ expert team and their exclusive Winelands venue partners. OPPOSITE Exchange vows in style in front of the gracious Hawksmoor House.

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FROM LEFT With Wedding Concepts, top-notch food and entertainment are a given. BOTTOM Pre-reception alfresco cocktail lounge at Allée Bleue. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT The detail’s in the decor at Hawksmoor House’s Blue Barn. TOP RIGHT Final bridal preparations in the Grey Room at Hawksmoor House. BOTTOM Majestic marquee

of events, but it will also have an impact on budget parameters. ‘The relationshps we have with our partner venues are an essential factor. Over the years we have come to know every nuance of every venue available to us and we are able to confidently suggest a number of options with the advantages of each clearly set out. Matching each client’s wedding ideas with the right venue for them is such a pleasurable part of the job – we’re matchmakers,’ laughs Christina. Two vastly different wedding venues that have proven to be regular partners for the company are Allée Bleue Estate (www.alleebleue.com) and Hawksmoor House. The first is a largescale working farm and wine estate in the

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Franschhoek Valley that boasts a myriad differing wedding opportunities catering for numbers that range from three (including the officiant) to 300. ‘When we bring prospective couples here they are always amazed at how many options are available to them – we’ve created sophisticated indoor winter soirees, intimate celebrations in the palm garden, and erected huge marquees in front of the manor house,’ says Christina, who rates this sprawling destination as one of the most versatile in the area. She says that the newly launched Le Grand Hall, the flagship facility of the estate and the largest indoor venue in the Winelands, with its smart interior and state-of-the-art technology, is

undoubtedly setting a new standard for über weddings. And with capacity for 300, it is set to be the ballroom venue du jour for society bridal couples. Hawksmoor House (www.hawksmoor. co.za) in Stellenbosch, on the other hand, is an intimate (14-suite) luxury boutique guesthouse and wine estate that, according to Christina, is the perfect setting for a genteel gourmet luncheon or a bespoke gathering for select family and friends. ‘Our close working relationship with Hawksmoor House has helped us coordinate weddings that speak a shared language – understated, supremely elegant affairs where the luxuries lie in the details.’ Details like lavish guest gifts, intricate accommodation arrangements for couples and their guests and a host of unique concierge-like offerings in between. Christina explains that Hawksmoor House’s flexibility ensures its popularity: ‘We’ve conceived the most beautiful celebrations with the best decor and lighting in the Blue Barn, and we’ve also produced marquee weddings in their immaculate gardens,’ she says. With a location sorted, the next aspect couples tend to turn their attention to is the point-of-difference factors. ‘We have relationships with a host of world-class chefs, decor specialists, renowned photographers and top-notch entertainment professionals, and this is a huge advantage for our style-conscious, time-strapped customer base.’ One such photographer is Jean-Pierre Uys (www.jeanpierrephotography.co.za) who is

all photographs courtesy of Jean-Pierre Uys

celebration at Allée Bleue.

now sought-after by brides internationally, who fly him around the world to shoot their big day, says Christina. ‘We love working with talented partners like Jean-Pierre who consistently push the boundaries of innovation and excellence.’ With their many years of experience in this highly competitive industry, the Wedding Concepts team is also well versed in arranging out-of-the-ordinary requests. From celebrity singers to trapeze artists, stilt walkers and fire throwers to African children’s choirs, nothing phases them. The Wedding Concepts

team thrives on out-of-the-box requests such as negotiating helicopter landing rights, securing first-class seats to lastminute destinations, sourcing out-ofseason blooms and tracking down rare vintage wines. As bookings for weddings for 2011 are signed and sealed, and the Wedding Concepts team starts planning its next round of summer celebrations, so a new generation of brides is preparing for their big day. When questioned what the next big thing in weddings will be, Christina explains, ‘We’re seeing more and more lavish

weddings, where absolutely no expense is spared, where French Champagne is on tap, dynamic entertainment is a given and preand post-wedding travel arrangements involve five-star offerings.’ Perhaps this is because people are waiting longer to get married nowadays and have more disposable income or perhaps because, in today’s fast-paced world, love and celebrating it is more in fashion than ever before? One thing’s for sure though, if you celebrate your wedding in the Cape Winelands, you’re already more than halfway to an unforgettable day.

Wedding Concepts 1 Park Road, Gardens, Cape Town, 8001 Telephone: +27 (0)21 426 5783 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 426 5721 Email: info@weddingconcepts.co.za Website: www.weddingconcepts.co.za Wedding Concepts is Cape Town‘s premier wedding planning and management business, handcrafting weddings of distinction for discerning clients from across the globe. ‘We don’t coordinate weddings, we manage the process whereby vision and dream become a tacit relaity. With our proven expertise we provide the spark that ignites the imagination of our clients.’

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Thanks. to all our partners who made an unforgettable launch event possible

o p u l e nt finds TOUR DE FORCE: The Factor001 bike n When cutting-edge technology meets the most elegant modern invention, the result is a supersleek bicycle. And thanks to Factor001’s design sensibilities, comfort is key. Famous for their motor sport, marine, automotive and aerospace engineering, Beru F1systems seamlessly added a top-notch bicycle to their repertoire. After all, they’re masters of reliability in harsh environments. The result? Perfect measurements and superb performances – all packaged in a design that’s set to turn conventional cycling wisdom on its head. www.factor001.com

SHINING ON: Meissen masterpieces n Meissen, makers of the only

HAT TRICK: Art on the move n The trendy Panama hat

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TIMELESS GIFT: The season‘s celebrated box n Exclusivity comes standard with this TAG Heuer gift box, which includes the Grand Carrera Calibre 17 RS2 Chronograph (the first watch

mechanical with

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THE GOLD STANDARD: Shiny investments n Authentic, uncirculated and minted in 2010, Metcon’s brand-new

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Geneva-based

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Each Doppio Design piece is classic, unique and oh-so stylish. www.doppiodesign.co.za

WRIT LARGE: Spelling out style n Celebrating a hundred years since the opening of the legendary Brooklands motor-racing track, Bentley Motors introduced the Bentley at Brooklands pen – a limited-edition, hand-etched collection – in collaboration with Tibaldi. Presented in veneered wooden cases, lined in leatherette, each pen also comes with a matching leather pen case. www.tibaldi.it and www.bentleymotors.com

FAST TRACK: Lamborghini takes to sea n Lambo lovers needn’t stick to terra firma any more, since Italian designer Mauro Lecchi launched an aquatic icon perfectly emulating the Lamborghini look. Ideal for Bond villains and trust-fund heiresses, it’s also great for hitting the high seas, and the luxury cruiser boasts three different motor options, including a dual V12 Lamborghini one. And with its plush interiors and decadent decks, your land-based speedster is facing some serious competition. www.thecoolist.com/lamborghini-yacht-by-mauro-lecchi

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performance

and

indulgent, crafted

Abafazi’s mohair

reliability … it’s all par for the

throws, cushions and shawls are

course with the Steinway & Sons

soft to the touch and easy on the

Model D Music System.

eye, too. Made from the finest quality locally produced mohair,

www.steinwaylyngdorf.com; www.pianoforte.co.za

they are sheer luxury. After all, mohair – like cashmere – is one

THE HIGH LIFE: Shop in style n The ultimate

of the worlds’ rare luxury fibres. www.abafazi.com shopping

side to track down everything

BOTTLED BLISS: Nectar of the gods n This delectable Lalique

from the finest wine to high-

decanter, containing a 64-year-

end fashion finds and jeans that

old Macallan single malt whisky,

flatter and fit. Did we mention

will travel the world before

you’ll be chauffeured around?

being auctioned off.

experience: having a personal StyleBuyDesign stylist by your

www.stylebuydesign.com

www.themacallan.com

SHAPE SHIFTER: Showstopping sculptures n Local sculptor Dylan Lewis has taken the London art scene by storm, and he’s one of only a handful of artists to exhibit solo at Christie’s. Primarily known for his bronze works of big cats, his recent human figures embody our fascination

with

nature’s

wildness. It’s breathtaking. www.dylanlewis.co.za

SLOWLY DOES IT: Luxe airport lounges n These days jetsetters who qualify head straight for the sanctuary of the SLOW airport lounges (a Comair-FNB and Rand Merchant Bank initiative),

TOASTMASTER: Just add butter n When an appliance brand like Magimix makes a toaster, it goes the

where the best coffees, wines,

extra mile. Its new Vision Toaster uses revolutionary quartz heating

materials, business facilities and

elements to toast bread perfectly, and thanks to the adjustable slot,

on-site spa treatments make you

it can handle just about any slice size.

wish you didn‘t have to fly away. www.magimix.com

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Opulent Living

chef-prepared cuisine, reading

www.slow.co.za/relax.html

FUTURE PERFECT: Low emissions, high performance n Who said hybrids have to be slow and bulky? BMW’s latest concept car, the Vision EfficientDynamics, is a case in point. Think three-cylinder turbodiesel and two electric motors and the potential of zero to 100km/h in 4,8 seconds. It’s the perfect marriage between sheer driving pleasure and efficient sustainability. www.bmw.com

SPEAK UP: Wired for sound n Zikmu Parrot – wireless

TOP TIPPLE: The connoisseur’s choice n With accolades such as

speakers designed by Philippe

Veritas gold medals, the rare

Starck – has modern design down

vintages in Bottega’s Idiom 900

pat with their sculpted shapes

Series are true collectors’ items.

and powerful sound. Compatible

Celebrating the unique terroir

with both iPhones and the latest

of the Da Capo Vineyards, the

iPods, it’s available in Arctic White,

limited editions are intense, and

Pearl Grey and Sorbet Lime.

exceptional.

www.zikmu.parrot.com

www.bottegafamilywine.co.za

STYLE ICON: Sitting pretty n Luxury German outdoor furniture design brand Holili is now available on South African shores. Homeowners can create style-driven outdoor lounge and seating areas with this extensive range of lean-lined, durable furniture. Both weather- and sunproof, Holili loungers, sofas and chairs are designed with comfort-seeking lifestyles in mind – simply mix and match your favourite pieces, colour choices and weatherproof upholstery to create an island-style environment in your own home. www.holili.de

TREASURE TROVE: Smart art n Based in KwaZulu-Natal,

SWEET SURRENDER: Chocoholic’s delight n The Chocolate Studio, in

Ardmore

gets

association with Lindt, is now

global recognition for its vibrant

based in Cape Town’s trendy

artworks with a uniquely South

Cape

African flavour. Representing more

chocolate lovers an array of

than 50 local artists, Ardmore’s

deliciously unique workshops,

‘modern-day collectables’ have

including The Art of Truffle

been sold at Christies, Sotheby’s

Making and Lindt Petit Desserts.

and Bonham’s in London.

Simply irresistible!

Ceramic

Art

www.ardmoreceramics.co.za

Quarter

and

offers

www.chocolatestudio.co.za

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o p u l e nt events Val de Vie hosts South Africa vs Italy polo match n A host of local celebs and A-listers turned out to see the South African polo team beat the visiting Italian polo professionals at Boland polo destination Val de Vie. One of the games in the BMW Polo International Series, this was an exciting day of the sport of kings in stunning surrounds in the Cape Winelands. The VIP crowd enjoyed the game and the flowing Champagne in the exclusive Val de Vie Estate Chukka Club. The elite sport of polo has a growing player- and fan-base in South Africa, and the four-man South African team put their ponies through their paces to outplay their Italian rivals and the resulting victory was cause for celebration indeed.

Golfing for good n The picturesque Simola Golf & Country Estate situated on the Garden Route in Knysna played host to the 2010 Castle Lite Supersport Shootout. The charity challenge featured a host of South African golfing enthusiasts as well as business, government and sporting personalities raising their game for a good cause.

Lance Armstrong spins the wheel for charity n Forty

cyclists recently took part in a 100km ‘Ride with Lance’ event, followed by a dinner and charity auction at the exclusive Benguela Manor on Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, where Lance‘s bike raised an impressive and generous R205 000 towards the JAG sports foundation.

Big Five fundraiser at Grande Provence Estate n Six of SA‘s top chefs recently

joined forces in a bid to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society of South Africa. Grande Provence Executive Chef Darren Roberts was joined by top culinary talents, while a host of performers provided entertainment for the exclusive luncheon crowd. Bids for the charity auction came fast and furious, raising funds for the support of South Africans living with the disease.

Fendi fever n Judging by the scores of It bags and accessories that were being snapped up, the long-awaited opening of the Sandton Fendi store wasn‘t a moment too soon. South African fashionistas can now get their fix at their local flagship store, the first in the country, and can expect a showcase of the latest off-the-peg accessories and fashion offerings.

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Five-star commitment to kids at the Saxon n The annual fundraiser in aid

of Johannesburg Child Welfare was a phenomenal success. Hosted by high-profile events pro and glamazon Edith Venter, the event was held at the Saxon Boutique Hotel & Spa and saw a host of South African interiors, gardening and decor experts sharing their knowledge with the large contingent of guests. The charity auction raised R60 000, with all proceeds going towards Johannesburg‘s children in need.

Opulent Living Glam slam at Palmiet Valley Estate hair & makeup by Matthias Scheufler, Cape Town

n A perfect summer‘s day saw a stunning line-up of international beauties, each holding their breath for the announcement of the winner of ‘Germany‘s Next Top Model‘. An extravagant fashion show featured a bevy of long-legged beauties dressed in designs by Cape Town fashion talent Malick.

A grande dame is revived

n South Africa‘s Guggenheim,

n The magnificent Labia family

Circa is Johannesburg‘s new cultural hub and architectural landmark. The new building, in the heart of the city‘s buzzing design district, is the HQ of the Everard Read Gallery and hosts three levels of glass-encased gallery spaces of varying sizes and moods. International and local contemporary talents feature in every space, while the outdoor deck – which leads off a space housing and an eclectic mix of art curiosities and art treasures – has dramatic views of the city.

home in Muizenberg has been renamed Casa Labia and, in keeping with its new persona, has been revived to 21stcentury standards. The gracious period building overlooking the Indian Ocean houses an exquisite selection of antiques and paintings from the family‘s private collection as well as a new bistro-style café and glamorous function venue. It is fitting that this elegant villa was the venue for the party to celebrate the second issue of Opulent Living.

Style in the city

Le Grande Hall opens n The launch of the 250capacity Le Grande Hall on the picturesque Allée Bleue Estate was a resounding success. The biggest under-roof venue in the Cape Winelands celebrated its opening with an A-list crowd enjoying a lavish luncheon and Allée Bleue‘s award-winning wines. Hosted by the estate‘s owners Wilfred and Elke Dauphin, the event signifies a new standard of entertainment in this part of the world.

Relais & Châteaux bureau for Cape Town n Jetsetters-in-the-know keep the latest copy of the Relais & Châteaux hotel guide close by when researching their next luxe escape and will be pleased to know that the plush hotel group recently opened its first bureau at the Cellars-Hohenort hotel – the perfect predestination pit stop for planning the getaway of your dreams.

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Opulent Living Publishers: Barbara Lenhard & Florian Gast Newspace Publishing Group Managing Director: Florian Gast Sales agents: Josephine Buys, Tracey Pewtner, Donovan Steyl, San-Marié Vogel Editors-in-Chief: Michelle Snaddon & Vicki Sleet Copy Editor: Sally Rutherford Contributors: Nikki Benatar, Jane Broughton, Kit Heathcock, Robyn Hodson, Riekie Human, Suzie Jansen, Zodwa Kumalo-Valentine, Bridget McNulty, Denise Slabbert, Caroline Snyman Creative Director: Florian Gast Designer: Joanna Orr

Newspace Publishing CC 5a Avenue St Louis, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa

Memberships:

Issue No. 2: published in May 2010 Issue No. 3: to be published in December 2010 For advertising and sales please contact: sales@opulentliving.co.za Distribution: throughout South Africa via preferred partners · in first- and business-class of selected airlines · in exclusive lounges, showrooms and boutique stores · nationwide via direct mail · internationally via selected distributors Circulation: 30 000 Nominal charge: R120 Printed in South Africa by Tandym Print

Opulent Living is published by Newspace Publishing CC. Copyright Newspace Publishing CC. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from Newspace Publishing or the authors. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Newspace Publishing or the editors. All features on hotels, lodges, guest houses and estates are advertorials. All prices correct at time of going to press.

HAWKSMOOR HOUSE, ELLERMAN HOUSE AND VILLA, PAPERBARK LODGE, BENTLEY, 15 ON ORANGE