Opulent Living Magazine no 3 by Florian Gast

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Opulent Living Welcome

From the first page to the last, filled with passion, ideas and stunning places

Florian Gast (Editorial and Creative Director) and Barbara Lenhard (Publisher)

warm welcome to the third edition of our unique coffeetable magazine Opulent Living. We are excited about South Africa and its positive developments, which is why – in all our interactions with our partners and our readers – passion is our key ingredient. Up until now we have featured more than 90 luxurious properties, all of which are listed on the last page of this edition. They each deserve the title ‘opulent living’. You can find them all in our digital flip-through magazines on our website www.opulentliving.co.za.

We’d like to encourage people from all over the world to experience Africa – and especially South Africa – for its uniqueness, just as we did when we first came from Germany, without compromising on authenticity and luxury. We have therefore carefully selected two preferred travel partners (page 98 and 145) to create bespoke holiday experiences and unforgettable memories for you. We invite you to plan your holidays together with them. They will share their insider knowledge and creativity, while tailormaking a trip based on your personal tastes and individual preferences. It’s worth taking special care in planning the perfect break – time off is precious and you want to ensure you get your dream holiday. We think it is like creating a wonderful meal: a good recipe is only as good as the ingredients, and a well-trained chef cooks better than an amateur. All our hotels, lodges and estates are chosen because of recommendations, awards, reviews or personal experiences had by us or our well-travelled writers. For the first time we have gone one step further and decided to do a special supplement on the romantic Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, which is a mere four hour-flight from Johannesburg. During our visit, we selected five top hotels and one lifestyle estate to showcase in this issue. And once again, there’s plenty more to read in our ‘aquamarine’ edition: have a look at the inspiring article on page 34 about an icon of our times and a true visionary who is always driven by excellence.

We also want to treat you to a thoughtprovoking food story, so we brought together three highly respected South African chefs around one table to share their honest opinions on South African cuisine (page 84). We believe food is one of the greatest pleasures in life and people who love good food are good company! And, did you know that one luxury car brand has its biggest showroom in the world here in South Africa? We didn’t! Read all about luxury brands and luxury shopping here in SA (page 56). Some weeks ago we heard a memorable quotation: ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’. With this in mind, we would like to invite you to spend quality time with us by exploring our publication, which was put together with a lot of passion, joy and respect for you. A huge Thank You to our team of writers – please turn over and you’ll meet them on our contributors page. We’d like to thank our readers who give us fabulous feedback and send us enthusiastic comments about the magazine and on the blog (www.opulentliving.co.za/blog). Do feel free to email us for a copy of issue one or two if you missed it! And now we’re delighted to present you with yet another exciting issue. We are thrilled that you share our passion. Carpe diem and enjoy!

Warmest regards Barbara & Florian

Opulent Living

Opulent Living Contributors

Style, experience and a winning way with words We’d like to introduce you to some of our experienced team of writers, all of whom are well-known and well-respected in their fields. Michelle Snaddon (left) has worked on Opulent Living since the first issue. She began her career in books and worked in South Africa and London before joining South African lifestyle magazine House and Leisure, and later Taste. She left to follow her lifelong passion: travel. She co-founded and is editor of an online travel magazine and works as a freelance editor and writer for local and international titles, combining her love of travel with lifestyle, food, interiors and fashion. Matt Morley (below) started his career at boutique consultancy Luxury Branding in London. In 2005 he launched Anglo-Russian luxury lifestyle magazine VeryVery, which he

continues to edit. He moved to South Africa to join Luxury Branding‘s Cape Town office in 2008 and was part of the team that created the Southern Africa Luxury Association (SALA). Matt now divides his time between Cape Town and London and is a regular contributor on watches, hotels and spas for GQ and Business Day‘s Wanted magazine. Read his fascinating feature on the luxury brands market in South Africa (page 56).

Opulent Living

Fiona McDonald (above) started out as a news journalist for The Mercury before becoming editor of Wine Magazine. She now travels the world as a wine writer and international wine judge. She is passionate about food (and wine pairing, of course) and is a regular contributor to the John Platter South African Wine Guide, Eat In and Eat Out magazines. Fiona gives an insight into one of the most interesting icons and visionaries, Johann Rupert (page 34). Vicki Sleet (far left) cut her teeth as features editor at House and Leisure before turning to the freelance world. She writes for local and international magazines on anything from food and travel to décor, architecture, art and trends and is the editor of her own design and lifestyle blog. Her job has led her to numerous far-flung places and a great many restaurants – which is why we asked her to give us an insight into the local culinary scene by talking to three of South Africa‘s top chefs (page 84). Our other contributors to this issues are: Nikki Benatar, Lori Booth, Jane Broughton, Kit Heathcock, Justine Hewitt, Bridget Hilton-Barber, Helen Hinkley, Robyn Hodson, Richard Holmes, Glynis Horning, Riekie Human, Emma Jordan, Glenda Nevill, Denise Slabbert and Jocelyn Warrington.

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Map of South Africa · Spot your opulent retreat

The Saint James on Venice · Homely opulence

Singa Lodge · East meets Africa

Makweti Safari Lodge · A taste of the wild

131 on Herbert Baker · Urban hideaway

Oliver‘s Restaurant & Lodge · Gourmet getaway

The Monarch · Regal refinement

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa · Historical oasis

Birkenhead Villa · Whale song at sunset

Nguni River Lodge · Elephant safari the Addo way

Opulent Living

Contents

Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa · Raising the style stakes sky high

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve · Lofty lair

PORTRAIT: a passion for wine and vintage cars

Hlosi Game Lodge · Idyllic Africa for the family

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa · A brand new chapter in global style

Chitwa Chitwa · Romantic African elegance

DOSSIER: luxury brands head south

Opulent finds · Indulgent must-have buys

Opulent Living

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Thornybush Game Lodge · Magical bushveld weddings

Fairmont Zimbali Resort · A seaside garden of Eden

La Residence · Sumptuous glamour in the winelands

INTERVIEW: Face-to-Face With Top Chefs

Beverly Hills Hotel · An indulgent slice of oceanside life

Cape Grace · Star-quality hub of heritage

Tintswalo at Waterfall · Making memories among lush polo fields

100

Steenberg Hotel · Blissful escape

104

Opulent Living

Mauritius Special Map of Mauritius · Find your luxurious island destination

109

Shanti Maurice · Warm-hearted retreat

110

Villas d‘Albion · An island home with five-star service

116

Royal Palm · Tranquil haven committed to excellence

122

Les Villas de Beau Rivage · Mauritian beauty

128

Villas Valriche · Nature‘s bounty

134

One&Only Le Saint Géran · One of a kind

138

128

Opulent events · Stylesetters and newsmakers

142

Index · A list of all the hotels and lodges featured so far

148

Opulent Living

10 04 07 16

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Greater Kruger National Park

19 12 01

20 08 17

09 02 18

Establishments (in alphabetical order) 01 131 on Herbert Baker 02 Beverly Hills Hotel 03 Birkenhead Villa 04 Cape Grace 05 Chitwa Chitwa 06 Coopmanhuijs 07 Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa 08 Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa 09 Fairmont Zimbali Resort 10 Hlosi Game Lodge 11 La Residence 12 Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve 13 Makweti Safari Lodge 14 Oliver’s Restaurant & Lodge 15 Singa Lodge 16 Steenberg Hotel 17 The Monarch 18 The Saint James on Venice 19 Thornybush Game Lodge 20 Tintswalo at Waterfall

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28°13‘36.09“E 31°05‘14.45“E 19°16‘48.27“E 18°25‘14.32“E 31°33‘35.81“E 18°51‘43.11“E 18°30‘24.95“E 28°04‘31.54“E 31°11‘22.54“E 26°06‘18.20“E 19°07‘21.72“E 31°22‘04.80“E 27°54‘01.00“E 31°00‘56.53“E 25°40‘13.67“E 18°25‘29.46“E 28°02‘38.94“E 31°01‘09.62“E 31°10‘04.30“E 28°04‘54.11“E

16 90 20 94 52 19 22 44 72 40 80 30 14 17 13 104 18 12 68 100

Homely opulence The Saint James on Venice The worn patina of the warm red brick steps at the entrance to this elegant old Durban home

n THE SAINT JAMES ON VENICE

opposite Saint James Church hints at its past. It was built in 1891 by Durban’s Storm family, who

Morningside, Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

brought Corobrik to South Africa. ‘Some bricks could do with replacing, but we’re waiting until we

Telephone: +27 (0)31 312 9488

can have them especially moulded,’ explains General Manager Sunet Pringle, who has worked at hotels such as Cape Town’s Mount Nelson. Attention to detail, respect and quality are at the heart of the Saint James renovation she’s overseen in the past year for the current owners – a trio of

Facsimile: +27 (0)86 605 2974 Email: gm@stjamesonvenice.co.za Website: www.stjamesonvenice.co.za

Durban businessmen with a historic bent. Original décor details have been lovingly restored, from the brick paving and pillars to stained-glass windows, chandeliers, ball-and-claw baths and a striking Art Deco statue on the stairs. They’re brought subtly up to date with opulent contemporary touches, from plush dove-grey furnishings to embossed silver wallpapers and sleek entertainment and coffee stations in the 14 rooms. ‘We wanted to create a home-away-from-home,’ Sunet says. They have. Guests are greeted with hot chocolate or iced tea, and children are treated to milkshakes. Children are welcome, as are pets, and can play in a secluded garden near the organic beds being cultivated for head chef Marie-Louise Keijer. Trained by Christina Martin, she produces irresistible biscotti for guests’ tea trays, truffles for their pillows and fresh, light, imaginative meals and high teas that attract local residents too. In summer they spill out from the gracious dining room to a terrace pergola being planted with fragrant jasmine. Birds sing, a water feature tinkles, and on Sundays, the church bells peal. It’s an oasis of calm, yet the buzz of Florida Road’s clubs and restaurants, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Suncoast Casino and the beach are just a short drive away.

Glynis Horning

Photographs: SainT JAMES ON VENICE

Attention to detail is evident everywhere, from the 14 individually decorated suites, to the creative fare served in the elegant dining room.

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The architecture and décor of exotic Singa Lodge is a masterful blend of Eastern and African styles.

East meets Africa Singa Lodge The relaxed seaside city of Port Elizabeth isn’t the first place you’d expect to find a cosmopolitan boutique hotel. However, the Friendly City is perfectly placed as the gateway to the Eastern Cape‘s malaria-free game reserves, as well as to the scenic Garden Route – and it now offers the discerning traveller luxurious accommodation at stylish Singa Lodge, named after the mystical dragon-lion of Indonesian mythology. As you step through Singa‘s imposing Indonesian entrance doors, you leave the sand and wind of the beachfront and enter a world of peace, harmony and beauty. Frangipani-scented paths lead to 12 spacious suites, each one individually decorated in an opulent and eclectic style. Taking inspiration from both Eastern and African art and architecture, Mike Sherren of Lion Roars and designer Colleen Meyburgh of Burnt Earth Designs have come up with a winning combination of rich colour and delightful detail that enfolds you in deep comfort. Fine silks, gorgeous handmade ceramic tiles, beautiful antiques and carved screens create an unmatchable aesthetic experience

Photographs: singa LODGE

that enriches the spirit. And if you can be persuaded to leave your sumptuous and relaxing suite, there are more delights to

n SINGA Lodge

discover: the sunken mosaic-tiled pool and intimate pool cocktail bar, the open-air Sitenge lounge

Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth,

lulled by the sound of the sea, the private dining room serving gourmet dinners, the secluded reading room stocked with fine single malts. Above all, there‘s the friendliness of the helpful staff, who go out of their way to provide everything you could possibly wish for. It’s this warm hospitality and personal service paired with rich, award-winning décor that make a visit to Singa Lodge such an outstanding experience.

Kit Heathcock

Eastern Cape Telephone: +27 (0)41 503 8500 or (0)41 502 9400 Facsimile: +27 (0)41 502 9429 Email: reservations@lionroars.com Website: www.singalodge.com

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n Makweti Safari Lodge Welgevonden Private Reserve, Limpopo Telephone: +27 (0)11 837 6776 Facsimile: +27 (0)11 837 4771 Email: makweti@global.co.za Website: www.makweti.com

A taste of the wild Makweti Safari Lodge Just three hours out of the concrete jungle of Johannesburg lies a haven of wildlife, peace and tranquillity: Makweti Safari Lodge. If you long for a slice of untamed Africa, this is the place for you. Makweti Safari Lodge is found in the 37 000-hectare Welgevonden Private Reserve in the Waterberg area of Limpopo, one of South Africa’s most beautiful provinces. The area is entirely malaria free and overflows with breathtaking scenery and an abundance of game. Stay at Makweti and you’ll be guaranteed a luxurious, intimate camp with only five sophisticated thatch-and-stone suites hosting a maximum of 10 guests. The suites are secluded and romantic, each with its own personality derived from antique treasures, carefully chosen furniture and Victorian bathtubs. Take a shower while gazing out at the bushveld and you might just chance upon a giraffe or eland wandering past. The camp is unfenced, so close encounters of a wild kind are more than likely, and cameras should always be within reach. At the end of the day, this is why the place of the giant Makweti tree will cast its spell on you: it offers the chance to live side-by-side with wildlife. Welgevonden is home to more than 50 different mammals, including the Big Five, and has one of the largest populations of white rhino found on aardvark – all best seen at night. Cheetah, lion and leopard are never far away, and the grassy plains are full of antelope, zebra and more than 300 different bird species. Experience these majestic creatures on an open-vehicle game drive or, for the more adventurous, a walking safari. Then drift home to a dinner, served under the stars, of gourmet cuisine – recognised for excellence by the Luxurious suites look out over

international gastronomic society Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

the bushveld, so expect close

In short, Makweti Safari Lodge has the best of both worlds: it’s where untamed wilderness meets

encounters with the Big Five.

the refined comforts of a five-star hotel.

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Helen Hinkley

Photographs: MAKWETI SAFARI LODGE

a private reserve anywhere in Africa. If you’re lucky you’ll spot the rare brown hyena, aardwolf and

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Urban hideaway 131 on Herbert Baker Boasting expansive 180-degree views over Pretoria, including its beautiful Union Buildings, 131 on

n 131 on Herbert Baker

Herbert Baker is an urban retreat aimed at discerning diplomatic, corporate and leisure travellers to

Groenkloof, Pretoria, Gauteng

the Jacaranda City. This intimate boutique hotel has eight individually appointed designer rooms,

Telephone: +27 (0)12 751 2070/1/2/3/4

each with a private balcony, the finest linens and every comfort imaginable. Décor is modern European with a subtle thread of Italian influence, and owners Sheri and Michael Valente were closely involved in putting together the style and feel of the hotel. The Presidential suite is the pièce

or +27 (0)83 268 1866 Facsimile: +27 (0)12 346 5537 Email: info@131.co.za Website: www.131.co.za

de résistance and includes a private lounge with a bar and private dining area. With the added bonus of a 24-hour butler on call, this spacious suite services every need. Ristorante Grissini is a highlight of any stay here, serving delicious fare. An indulgent cooked breakfast is, without question, part of the deal, but lunches and dinners are also available. Resident chef, Xanthya Kriel, will also whip up spectacular high teas for guests returning from a busy day of sightseeing or meetings. For a spot of pampering, you can enjoy a spa-style skin or body treatment using the Babor cosmetics range in the privacy of your room. Business travellers will appreciate the safe parking and excellent security, while WiFi, business services and an executive conference room for up to 20 people make this an excellent venue for meetings. And afterwards, the swimming pool is there to enjoy at your leisure. The beauty of staying over at this refined and secure retreat is that you get to enjoy a warm, private space just a stone’s throw from all the amenities and attractions Denise Slabbert

Situated on Pretoria’s jacaranda-lined Herbert Baker Street, this boutique hotel offers far-reaching views over the city. Interiors are well-chosen with a keen eye for detail.

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Photographs: 131 ON HERBERT BAKER

of South Africa’s administrative capital. It really is the ultimate urban bolt hole.

Gourmet getaway Oliver’s Restaurant & Lodge n Oliver’s Restaurant & Lodge

Austrian gemütlichkeit meets African warmth and beauty. That’s the success of Oliver’s Restaurant

White River, Mpumalanga

& Lodge in Mpumalanga. It was a long and colourful road that led Austrian-born Oliver Ruf

Telephone: + 27 (0)13 750 0479

and his wife Tanja to open Oliver’s in 2001. And since then, this elegant hotel in White River Golf

Facsimile: + 27 (0)13 751 5555 Email: info@olivers.co.za Website: www.olivers.co.za

Estate has become much loved by locals and visitors alike for its bonhomie and cuisine. Surrounded by lush subtropical scenery and overlooking the first green of the estate‘s 18-hole championship golf course, Oliver’s is a sanctuary for those in search of rest and relaxation, fine dining and a dash of romance. The rooms are spacious and luxurious with a plush Continental feel – and at Oliver’s you can choose to do as little or as much as you want. Head for the Beauty & Wellness Clinic or play a round on the golf course; take a day trip to the nearby Kruger National Park or simply take a nap. Oliver’s Restaurant has been voted one of the Top 100 Restaurants in South Africa. Oliver is not only the hotelier, but the chef too – and his award-winning à la carte menu has delicious European and Mediterranean influences. For something different, try a fondue and raclette dinner in the charming private wine cellar. As Virginia Woolf said, 'one cannot think well, love Bridget Hilton-Barber

Photographs: OLIVER‘S RESTAURANT & LODGE

well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.‘

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Regal refinement The Monarch Housed in the former Saxonwold post office, The Monarch hotel in Johannesburg‘s leafy suburb of Rosebank is an altar to refined taste and sophisticated aesthetics. Part of the world-renowned Mantis Group, the 12-suite hotel opened 18 months ago after an extensive refurbishment and was greeted with much fanfare, quickly becoming the location of choice for some of the city‘s smarter parties, as well as the place to stay for dignitaries and celebrities. Most recently, the Vice President of Ghana made it his home for the duration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Thabo Mbeki has hosted a breakfast here, and Naomi Campbell is a regular. Built around a courtyard overflowing with roses, the marble-floor passages give the impression of a rambling French château. Décor is a mix of period furniture, quirky pieces and works by great South African artists. In the reception area, a Robert Hodgins portrait shares wall space with a

Rosebank, Johannesburg, Gauteng Telephone: +27 (0)41 407 1000

rare Walter Battiss mythical tapestry, both off-set by the deepest, plushest, gold velvet sofas. A wall of Hylton Nel plates decorates the dining room, while the smoking room is littered with fine Murano-glass ashtrays and oversized Missoni-covered wingback chairs.

Facsimile: +27 (0)41 407 1001

Bedrooms have all the luxuries one would expect of a top establishment: Frette linen, silk quilts,

Email: reservations@mantiscollection.com

deep-pile carpets, gold taps and roll-top baths. There are also extensive entertainment systems

Website: www.monarchhotels.co.za

and, in the Presidential Suite, a grand piano for impromptu midnight recitals.

Emma Jordan

Opulent Living

Photographs: the MONARCH

n THE Monarch

Coopmanhuijs, a 300-year-old historical monument, is set in an oak-lined street in the vibrant university town of Stellenbosch.

Historical oasis

n Coopmanhuijs boutique Hotel & Spa Stellenbosch, Western Cape

Coopmanhuijs Boutique Hotel & Spa

Telephone: +27 (0)21 883 8207 Facsimile: +27 (0)86 520 2327

This Georgian townhouse in the heart of Stellenbosch was once the family home of former Vice

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

President of MGM International, André Pieterse – founder and original owner of Fancourt Golf Estate, but best known as producer of film classic e’Lollipop. He and his wife Helena (the first interior designer at Fancourt) have now opened Coopmanhuijs as a five-star boutique hotel, but retained its eclectic historical character. After a sensitive conversion, the historical home has 14 bedrooms, three with cosy lounges, and all with heritage-styled bathrooms. Guests are greeted by the homely smell of baking as they drift into the cool interior, where they are treated to beautifully decorated red-velvet cupcakes, a favourite of pastry chef Marna Marais, or shortbread biscuits with the year 1713 piped in chocolate on them – a reminder that the house dates back almost 300 years. Despite the bustle of the university town around it, Coopmanhuijs remains a private sanctuary, with Marna and head chef Kevin Jooste there to ply visitors with delicious food, and the intimate spa offering welcome pampering when guests aren’t relaxing at the pool. Kevin’s speciality is heritage Photographs: jasper vlok junior

food, prepared on request and served in the elegant wallpaper-clad dining room next to the wine cellar, always stocked with the region’s best. Walk further down oak-lined Church Street with its characterful facades and you’ll find the trendy bakery, De Oude Bank Bakkerij, with galleries and shops nearby to browse and enjoy. Because that’s what a stay in Stellenbosch is all about, as lively manager Ilzebet Oosthuizen will tell you: soaking up its historical beauty on foot while squirrels chase each other up the oak trees, or even listening to the university’s world-renowned choir – if you’re not out tasting wine, of course.

Michelle Snaddon

Opulent Living

Whale song at sunset Birkenhead Villa Standing on the raised deck that leads out from Birkenhead Villa makes you feel as if you‘re on board a luxury superyacht. Sea views stretch out ahead of you and the sleek, streamlined exterior leads in to rooms of understated yet seductive elegance. Here smooth marble, cool steel and soft chinoiserie provide an ultrachic environment in which to savour the million-dollar views of Walker Bay and the grand backdrop of the Overberg mountains. This double-storey villa is designed as a series of fluid, interconnected spaces, with each as luxurious and inviting as the next. The wide sliding doors of the huge lounge, media centre, children’s playroom and open-plan kitchen all access an outdoor patio area, manicured garden and enticing charcoal-grey pool. Umbrellas and deckchairs dot the lawn, where hours can be whiled away playing with the kids or reclining in the sunshine on a comfortable lounger. Six palatial suites come with all the comforts of the elegant boutique hotel next door – Birkenhead House. Crisp white bedlinen, lavish en suite bathrooms and fresh flowers are the order of the day and each room is lent individual character by the unique combinations of brightly embroidered cushions, original South African art and sculpture, antique writing desks, leather furniture and dramatic chandeliers. Perhaps the most appealing aspect of the villa is having a world-class private chef on hand to showcase his sensational talents in the kitchen, and as meal times are entirely flexible, there’s never any need to rush. Hermanus, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)15 793 0150 Facsimile: +27 (0)15 793 2879

The Villa is set on the cliffs above the bustling Western Cape holiday town of Hermanus and, between June and October, you can watch Southern Right whales breach only metres from the shore. Ideal for larger families holidaying together, or for smaller groups who prefer exclusive-use

Email: reservations@theroyalportfolio.com

accommodation, the spacious property is one of the prestigious destinations in The Royal Portfolio

Website: www.birkenheadvilla.com

group, which includes Birkenhead House, La Residence and Royal Malewane.

Robyn Hodson

Photographs: BIRKENHEAD HOUSE & VILLA

n Birkenhead Villa

‘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

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African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa

Raising the style stakes sky high Set in the heart of Cape Town’s bustling new business district – Century City – African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa is a boon for business travellers who demand the utmost in sophistication, and seamless service. Boasting all the amenities one would expect from a luxurious establishment – and then some – the hotel offers bespoke accommodation with a delightfully modern and quirky twist.

pproaching the imposing façade of African Pride’s magnificent Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa in Century City is very much like seeing Paris’ modern business district, Le Defénse, for the first time – simply breathtaking. With its sleek architectural lines, bold presence and unmistakable, ultra-luxurious appeal, it is – just like the high-end urban glassand-steel constructions in France – the epitome of modern sophistication. As with Le Defénse, location is everything, and this iconic building sits at the heart of Cape Town’s sought-after work-and-play area.

Closer to home, it has palpable echoes of the strong leisure, lifestyle and business sensibilities of the trendy Melrose Arch business precinct in Johannesburg. Set on a premium stretch of palm-lined canal, this new hotel is much more than just a pretty face – the deluxe establishment pulls out all the stops to ensure that guests truly know they’ve arrived. From the spaciously modern grand foyer to the various eateries and world-class rooms and suites, innovative design is key: guests are treated to cascading curtains of fibre-optic lights

woven into carefully placed drapes, stateof-the-art interiors boast every comfort imaginable, there’s an impressive array of top-of-the-line Italian furniture, and covetable works of art adorn the walls – both in the private and public spaces. Once you step into your beautifully appointed room, it’s clear why many guests choose to simply stay put and bask in the luxury for as long as possible. Thanks to the mood-enhancing lighting – plumped up with a cheeky yet subtle dash of magenta – the clean lines of the custom-designed fittings and furniture are

Opulent Living

PREVIOUS PAGE: Airy and multilayered, the breathtaking foyer is a celebration of light, with subtle hues of purple introducing a theme that is continued in the beautifully appointed bedrooms. Freshly baked treats can be enjoyed daily in The Deli; modern furnishings in the foyer reflect the hotel’s emphasis both on innovative design and on comfort.

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both extremely modern, but wonderfully warm. Key elements include extralength king-sized beds with indulgent 350-thread-count cotton-percale linen, soundproofing and climate-control airconditioning. The sumptuous bathrooms have freestanding luxury baths and cylindrical frosted-glass showers with raindrop showerheads and LED mood lighting (known as ‘The Crystal Showers’). All of this impresses even before you get a chance to glimpse the unparalleled views from the generously sized windows. The Mother City lies at your feet and the high-rise building affords angles not unlike those from an airplane, giving postcardperfect vantages of Table Mountain, Robben Island and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the perfect locale for both business and leisure travellers, presenting executives and tourists alike with everything they need for a relaxing but productive stay. Destress in the well-equipped fitness centre, which offers stunning views towards Table Bay, or cool off in the adjacent rooftop infinity pool. Jutting out from the building in a bold design statement, the suspended heated pool takes swimming to a whole new level. It’s surrounded by chic patio beds from which you can soak up the amazing view. Next to it is an informal yet immaculately decorated pool bar and coffee lounge, which is the perfect place to enjoy picturesque orange-pink sunsets

offset by the impossibly blue hues of the pool – as well as all kinds of delightful offerings from the bar. The pool deck of this impressive hotel has also become the venue of choice for spa-goers, and it is not uncommon to see berobed and beslippered guests soaking up the sun alongside the pool post delicious treatments. The luxurious Life Day Spa, part of the award-winning Spas of Distinction collection, is designed to offer a complete relaxation package, and its interiors use sight, sound and smell to transport you into nature. Big-screen televisions display addictive visuals of warming fires, sound systems relay the soothing cascade of falling water, and the sweet smells of Life Day Spa’s in-house aromatherapy range, Sulis, permeate through the sanctuary. Facilities are top class and include a Rasul chamber, a flotation tank, seven private treatment rooms and two couples treatment rooms. Spa-goers also have full access to the sauna and steam room, both conveniently open until seven at night. Treatments include a comprehensive massage menu, facials, pedicures and manicures and are performed by therapists who take the notion of individual customer care very seriously. Whatever treatment you choose, you can be sure of expert advice, and that your therapist will streamline it to your specific needs – leaving you relaxed and revived.

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP Modern sophistication in the dining room; the elegant Art Deco-style Ruby Bar; breakfast buffets are a treat; the foyer offers plenty of private corners for informal meetings.

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BELOW The poolside bar and café; a luxurious couples treatment room in the Life Day Spa. OPPOSITE The eye-catching façade of the African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa with the pool over the portecochère making a strong statement; the pool deck offers stunning views over Table Bay.

Although it’s best not to be too relaxed if you want to take advantage of one of the perks of this hotel – it’s proximity to Canal Walk Shopping Centre. From the foyer, it’s a mere two-minute walk across the footbridge that spans the canal into this vast mall, where you can, as its tagline suggests, ‘shop the world’ at its large selection of designer stores. And where better to show off your new purchases than in one of the two designer lounges, themed in personal consultation with musician David Kramer and explorer Kingsley Holgate. Here you can sip a pre-dinner drink in a comfortable leather chair as you admire the memorabilia associated with these two popular South

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African legends – in the Kramer room, for example, you’ll find old record players and posters of his hit musicals, such as Kat and the Kings. Guests often choose to return here for a post-dinner cognac because the atmosphere is so convivial. If these intimate venues aren’t to your taste, though, there’s also the elegant, doublevolume Ruby Bar with its whimsical Art Deco touches where you can order from an extensive list of imported Champagnes and single-malt whiskies. The restaurant – which is abuzz with lively conversation at breakfast – transforms to a nighttime wonderland post sundown, with delicate lighting and only the best crockery and glassware. Dinners are best enjoyed slowly to make the most of magical ambience, the excellent service, superb wine list and outstanding food, which is reminiscent of that at some of the best French eateries. Fresh ingredients abound, and there are numerous seafood options – although kingklip lovers need look no further than the perfectly prepared kingklip Niçoise. For a more casual experience, you can order specialty coffees, cakes, pastries, gourmet paninis and light meals from The Deli. And if you prefer not to leave the array of modern conveniences in your suite – a flat-screen TV (rising from the base of your bed at the touch of a button), a host of satellite channels, a DVD player and a large array of DVDs – you can order an in-room meal, rounding it off with a delicious coffee from the designer coffee maker at your disposal. Business travellers will delight in the

African Pride Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa

the city centre, and offers guests a shuttle service to both. As with all top holiday experiences, it’s hard to say goodbye. Much like when you bid Paris farewell, you’re already plotting your return. n Riekie Human

This superior deluxe hotel is close to the N1 highway, offering easy access to the Cape Town city centre, the airport and the Cape Winelands.

African Pride Hotels’ superior luxury collection offers the highest international standards of service, accommodation and facilities. African Prides’ signature service philosophy ensures that guests experience a productive yet relaxing stay and leave feeling rejuvenated and renewed.

Photographs: CRYSTAL TOWERS HOTEL & SPA

attention to detail, including international plug points, fast wireless Internet access and a large safe that can accommodate a laptop. What’s more, the convention centre – the second-largest in the Mother City after the Cape Town International Convention Centre – offers nine private boardrooms, accommodating between 12 and 60 delegates and boasting state-ofthe-art audio-visual equipment and WiFi. A large conference room is also available and can accommodate up to 350 delegates. The hotel is in close proximity to Cape Town International Airport and

Century City, Cape Town, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 525 3888 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 525 3889 Email: reservations@ crystaltowershotel.com Website: www.africanpridehotels.com/ crystaltowers

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Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Lofty lair Perched high on a rocky outcrop, the privately owned game reserve, Leopard Hills, is aptly named. It’s been the natural breeding ground of leopards for years, and has one of the most striking settings in the world-renowned Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, with expansive views across a natural waterhole from the elevated lodge.

hen Louis Kruger originally bought land here to share his love of the bush with his family, he knew he had found something unique. The family came here as often as they could during the holidays – an experience that later converted his grandson Hannes from accountant to ranger. But about 13 years ago, Louis felt that he wanted to share this extraordinarily beautiful place. So with his partner in the business, Jack

Brotherton, this private bush camp blossomed into a small lodge with only eight sensitively built suites that blend in to the surrounding landscape with ease. So much so, in fact, that the leopards continue to make it their home – as have Duncan and Louise Rodgers, who were part of the founding team and continue to manage the lodge. Duncan laughs when asked about his latest blog entry announcing that one of the leopard cubs had returned home,

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The waterhole is a magnet for game, seen easily from each glass-fronted suite

arriving just in time to thrill guests at the end of their night drive. He says, ‘on occasion, we have to ask guests to relax a little longer and join us for a drink while we wait for a leopard to walk through the lodge. This is, after all, their home and we take safety seriously.’ Needless to say the blog update recorded that the leopard had moved to the roof of room three the next morning! And, there’s an entry even from ‘Oom Louis’ as he is known, now 82, who reminds everyone that they come home because this is their breeding place.

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It’s this mutual respect that allows the lodge and the leopards to coexist happily, with guests recently witnessing the daughter of Makwela (one of the first leopard cubs born after the lodge was opened) come back to give birth to the next generation of cubs in a cave near the kitchen that the leopards have used for years. It was one of this litter who took up position on the roof, but cubs have also been seen sunning themselves on loungers and sipping water from the plunge pools. In fact, ‘as I speak,’ Duncan says, ‘our tracker Raymond

Mahatlani is off to the boma under the bar area to keep an eye on the leopard that’s resting there this morning.’ Raymond grew up in this area and knows the leopards well. He was part of the team who built the lodge and was responsible for the landscaping, but his love of animals inspired him to qualify as soon as he could as a tracker. The lodge’s connection with the neighbouring community is strong and while it’s the close-up leopard sightings that keep visitors coming – which has a positive impact on the community

Thoughtful touches and welcoming interiors are characteristic of Leopard Hills, but the views over the plunge pool and deck are exceptional from the suites.

– it’s also the humour, dedication and memorable personalities of the friendly team that often inspire return guests from all over the world. Each of the eight luxurious suites overlooks a natural watering hole, which means that you needn’t even venture out on a game drive to be treated to daily sightings from the comfort of the heated plunge pool or even the hammock. Floor-to-ceiling glass-lined façades give spectacular views, while air conditioning keeps you comfortable in the heat of summer. With temperatures sometimes soaring up to 40 degrees, it’s blissful to leave early morning and head for the green finger of the Sand River to witness the delight of hippos and elephants loafing or splashing about in the water. Game sightings are rich when the weather’s hot, but it’s always a treat to return to the cool of

the beautifully decorated interiors late morning or in time for brunch. Gourmet dining, whether you choose to enjoy a romantic dinner on your private deck or around the fire in the Shangaan boma, is always a memorable experience under bright stars – but at Leopard Hills it’s all the more so, knowing that its namesake was resting under your table that morning. n Michelle Snaddon

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve

Leopard Hills Private Nature Reserve, Sabi Sand, Mpumalanga Telephone: +27 (0)13 735 5142 Facsimilie : + 27 (0)13 735 5134 Email: reservations@leopardhills.com Website: www.leopardhills.com

Photographs: Leopard Hills

Leopard Hills was recently included in the Top 10 in Africa in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards. The lodge has traversing rights over 10 000 hectares of the Sabi Sand, bordering the Kruger National Park.

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A passion for wine and Vintage Cars

Buffed to a mirror finish, one of 220 vehicles in the collection housed at the Franschhoek Motor Museum. From American Packards to British Jaguars, German Benzs and Italian Alfas and Ferraris, all are open to enthusiastic viewers.

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The word legacy is defined as something handed down by a predecessor and is derived from the Latin word legatia or legateship. Anthonij Rupert Wines of L‘Ormarins in Franschhoek is enjoying a Phoenix-like rebirth.

Photographs: istockphoto.com / cartier / l‘ormarins

by Fiona McDonald

No watch aficionado looking at the Calibre de Cartier Flying Tourbillon 9452 MC could fail to marvel at the superb craftsmanship, indeed artistry, that has gone into its making. The polished screw heads and jewels, pinion shanks and faces and bevelled geartrain wheels are jaw-dropping in their precision. And what about Jaeger-LeCoultre? Its Reverso Duo and Duometre timepieces are classics, refined over 80 years of existence. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – and depending on who is doing the beholding, it can be different things. To lovers of horseflesh it will be in the fluid strides of a racing steed, all thundering hooves, rich chestnut coat and flying mane. To petrolheads, it may be the sleek lines of a Ferrari, the crackle of a supertuned and supercharged engine emitted from twin exhaust pipes or the sheer engineering history behind a Studebaker or Bentley, while to a wine enthusiast it could be the subtle nuances of a Bordeaux-style blend from a particularly unusual terroir. All these things – watches, horses, cars and wine – need not be mutually exclusive but it is unusual to experience the confluence of all these elements in a single place. What is it that draws these disparate strands together? L‘Ormarins in Franschhoek. L‘Ormarins once belonged to Anthonij Rupert, youngest son of Dr Anton Rupert – a South African business tycoon who was simultaneously a visionary entrepreneur and conservationist universally recognised as an exceptional individual: honest, ethical, loyal to a fault, a proud Afrikaner and driven by

his personal principled beliefs, something shared equally by his offspring, Anthonij, Johann and Hanneli. L‘Ormarins has now been in the Rupert family for nearly 40 years. It was Anthonij Rupert‘s baby: he returned to the historic property after studying oenology and viticulture at Geisenheim, the world-renowned wine college in Germany. Anthonij believed that Italian grape varieties were well suited to the South African climate and introduced plantings of, among other things, Sangiovese. L‘Ormarins also bottled and marketed the first Pinot Gris in the country – a wine variety that is currently hugely in vogue internationally. Years later, he adopted his father‘s model of strategic partnership and mutual benefit when he finalised the long-gestated deal that joined the renowned French Rothschild family with that of the Ruperts in the Fredericksburg wine farm, Rupert & Rothschild. Displaying the Rupert family‘s belief in the quality and heritage of South African wine, his sister Hanneli Rupert-Koegelenberg recently renovated La Motte. Also located in Franschhoek, the winery now incorporates an art gallery containing the collected works of renowned South African artist Pierneef, many of whose works appear on La Motte‘s premium labels. The newly opened restaurant and farm shop are also rapidly gaining critical acclaim. Sadly Anthonij died in a car crash nearly a decade ago, which was when Johann Rupert, chairman of luxury goods company Richemont and CEO of Compagnie Financiére

Masterfully cloaking its practical functionality in meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, horologists are artists too – as evidenced by this Cartier Calibre Flying Tourbillon.

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Two-thirds of the three-storey state-of-the-art gravity-flow red wine cellar at L‘Ormarins is underground. Taking its inspiration from the oscillation of a watch's balance wheel, the grape delivery system comprises a massive 22-metre diameter wheel which deposits bins of grapes into alternating French-oak and stainless-steel vats.

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Richemont, stepped into the breach. He has enhanced his brother‘s legacy and, under his stewardship, L‘Ormarins has been revamped dramatically – and he has created the unique confluence of classic cars, wine and horses. The attention to detail that goes into making timepieces is legendary – and there is a witty nod to Johann Rupert‘s business in just one element of the purpose-built winery that is the home of Anthonij Rupert Wines. The circular cellar, completed in 2005, was sunk into the mountain slope and incorporates a 360-degree rotating grape delivery system reminiscent of a watch bezel, paying tribute to Rupert‘s involvement in Richemont, owner of internationally renowned brands such as Panerai, Vacherin Constantin, JaegerLeCoultre, Van Cleef & Arpels and Cartier, for example. Cellarmaster Neil Patterson remarks on the practicality and perceived simplicity of the cellar, which utilises modern interpretation of ‘old or traditional‘ techniques – gravity drainage, large wooden vats, spontaneous malolactic ferments – or not. ‘The use of technology has also made a difference. It‘s no longer necessary for a winemaker to walk through the rows of tanks, hour after hour, manually checking the temperatures during fermentation – and becoming sleep-deprived! It‘s all electronically and computer-controlled now. If a temperature on a particular tank rises or falls too much, I receive an automatic SMS on my mobile phone – and can rectify it, day or night from my laptop or computer.‘ The original L‘Ormarins wine cellar was

upgraded while simultaneously being downscaled – capacity was reduced from 2 000 tons annually to 650. The cellarmaster remains a firm believer in minimum intervention in the cellar: ‘Our intention is for the wine to be an ultimate expression of its unique site. For the Anthonij Rupert wines, it is almost left to the vineyard to express what it‘s giving us.’ As with most things, it takes foresight and drive to achieve anything even approaching excellence. Of late, Johann Rupert has

been providing the impetus to the process, demanding dedication of a team of talented individuals such as his viticulturist and cellarmaster – and challenging them to rise to the task. However, he has supported them every step of the way and equipped them with all they have required. In an interview

published in the Sunday Times when he was acknowledged as South Africa‘s Businessman of the Year (for the second time) in 1996, Rupert commented that he believed in putting the right person in the right position and not micromanaging. That principle applies equally to the leadership he appoints at Dunhill, Mont Blanc – or at L‘Ormarins. ‘His purpose is to build everything as a legacy to his brother, Anthonij,’ explained Patterson. ‘It‘s quite weird that we‘re here in 2010, having spent so long on the development of the farm – and yet it feels like we are only now starting out.’ The reason for Patterson‘s comment is that it has taken time to crystallise ideas and then action them. And the steps taken have been major. No fewer than 220 hectares of vines were ruthlessly uprooted from the valley floor. ‘They were sadly very virus-infected and planted in sandy soils,’ said viticulturist Rosa Kruger. All L‘Ormarins‘ vineyards are now located on the mountain slopes. It seems simple to rip out old vines and establish vineyard blocks on the slopes – until you consider that hectares of invasive alien vegetation had to be chopped down and the land rehabilitated before planting could take place. ‘It was one of the first things Mr Rupert insisted on: getting rid of the alien blue gum and black wattle trees, along with the Port Jackson,’ Kruger said. It also doesn‘t take account of the fact that some slopes are so steep they cannot be planted ‘normally’ – or neatly trellised. The viticulturist credits amazing teamwork every step of the way – from soil, irrigation and viticultural consultants to Johann Rupert himself. ‘He‘s involved in the decision-making every step of the way – and will often come back from overseas with books on viticulture and ask if we‘re aware of some or other new practice and whether it‘ll work at L‘Ormarins.’ Not one to apply labels to the practices followed at L‘Ormarins, Kruger steers clear of organic or biodynamic typecasting, merely conceding that they farm as closely as

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS

possible to nature. Appreciation for nature is something that is very close to Johann Rupert‘s heart, a passion that he shared with his father, Dr Anton Rupert, who was one of the founders of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF). Dr Rupert was also a pioneer of the transfrontier parks concept that has seen boundary fences in wildlife parks between South Africa and neighbouring countries dropped in order to allow animals‘ natural transmigration routes to be reestablished. ‘We don‘t spray insecticides or herbicides,’ the viticulturist explains, waving to the duck wrangler keeping an eye on his web-footed charges munching snails between the vine

Spoked wheels, running boards, winged hood ornaments – all speak of motoring elegance belonging to a bygone age.

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A MAN WITH VISION AND DRIVE

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rows. Similarly, naturally occurring insects are released in order to control any diseases or plant pests that occur. ‘If the vineyard workers spot mealy bug on a vine they‘ve been trained to yell out and stick their hand up there and then – and they‘re rewarded with R5 on the spot! Our vineyard foreman walks around with a pocketful of R5 coins … but it pays dividends since we‘re able to control things immediately before they spread and cause problems.’ Attention to detail informs everything at L‘Ormarins, including the Franschhoek Motor Museum, which houses a collection of 220 vehicles, the oldest among them an 1898 Beeston Motor Tricycle! Just 80 vehicles can be displayed in the four dehumidified halls covering 2 700 square metres. The collection comprises everything from Volkswagen Beetles to grand names that have peppered the annals of motoring history – Bugatti, De Soto, Packard, Austin-Healey, Jaguar, MG, Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Mercedes Benz and Porsche. But the amazing thing about this collection is that it is one which works – literally! The cars are frequently driven and in February 2010 many were given an outing in the Franschhoek Concours and time trial. Legendary South African rally champion Sarel van der Merwe was just one of those who tested their skills against the clock and the course. Rupert‘s fascination with cars – and sport – began at an early age. He was a fiercely competitive cricketer who had to give the sport up because of an injury as well as work commitments. Nowadays he strides the golf course with good friend Ernie Els whenever he can and keenly promotes the game in the form of the annual Alfred Dunhill links championship in Scotland. Something else he believes in with conviction is the unity that sport can bring about in communities and nations. That‘s the principle behind his founding of the Laureus Sport for Good foundation, which awards top performers across the sporting spectrum and uses them as ambassadors to give back to the global community, motivating others to get involved in social initiatives and upliftment. One thing he has never given up on but rather added to is his acquisition of special vehicles, a passion he shares with his son, Anton, who competed with him in the 2008 Mille Miglia in his 1957 Ferrari Tour de Force.

It was announced in April that South Africa would host the inaugural L‘Ormarins 1200, a five-day event to rival the famous Mille Miglia and Tour Auto and the brainchild of Johann Rupert. It was decided that just 50 cars built between 1940 and 1970 would be allowed to participate in the event. Competitors would take on some of the most spectacularly scenic and challenging roads in the world – those of the Western Cape. Chapman‘s Peak Drive is not just famous but is also notorious, having claimed a number of lives since it was opened in 1922. Other routes earmarked for the event included Clarence Drive, Du Toitskloof Pass and the Franschhoek Pass, with its tortuous hairpin bends and sharp drops into rocky ravines. The event was to have taken place in October but has been postponed until September 2011 The third element is the stud, under the control and supervision of Mrs Gaynor Rupert. The Drakenstein Stud Farm‘s lush green pastures are home to future champions sired by highly sought after stallion Trippi, a winner of multiple races. His South African progeny will be seen at January‘s yearling sales for the first time. The same month sees the 150th running of the L‘Ormarins Queen‘s Plate at Kenilworth racecourse in Cape Town, a highlight on the annual racing calendar and one that is increasingly ranked alongside both the J&B Met and the annual Durban July in terms of prestige and social cachet. At L‘Ormarins everything is green and lush, clad in a verdant springtime cloak. Linking the stud and pastures where newborn foals frolic, the winery, vineyards and the Motor Museum are the beautiful gardens that have taken years to establish. It‘s an idyllic picture that would have been impossible to attain had it not been for meticulous attention to detail – similar to that of the horologist.

In a tribute to his brother Anthonij, Johann Rupert takes a keen and discerning interest in every aspect of L‘Ormarins.

CY CMY

Hlosi Game Lodge

Idyllic Africa for the family A safari makes for the ideal family holiday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; after all, young or old, who isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t thrilled by real-life elephants, giraffes and zebra? Yet there are so few reserves that cater successfully for children while indulging adults with the pampering and relaxation they deserve. At Hlosi, both are equally well taken care of, adding a new dimension to the luxury safari experience.

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A family meal by the camp fire enlivened by tribal dancing, a romantic candlelit adults-only dinner under the stars or a lavish breakfast in the bush make each meal an adventure.

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hen you arrive at Hlosi Game Lodge, you are instantly enfolded in warm hospitality and a sense of tranquillity. Met with fresh cloths and cool drinks by smiling staff, you feel the pace slowing down as everything is taken care of. Children are willingly whisked away to cool down in the swimming pool, supervised by one of the resident child-minders, while parents settle in to a luxurious family suite looking out over the reserve. Each suite is spacious and romantic, with a soaring thatched roof, its own lounge and fireplace, a four-poster bed draped in diaphanous mosquito netting and cool linen sheets, a beautiful bathroom and even an outdoor spa-bath â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in fact, every comfort you could wish for. In the two family suites, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a second bedroom with its own en suite bathroom. Stretching out on your private viewing deck with a chilled glass of wine, you

can enjoy superb views over the shallow valley beyond, where zebra, antelope, rhino and wildebeest wandering between waterholes offer game viewing right on your doorstep. The camp is unfenced, so you might wake to a zebra at your window or discover an elephant drinking from the swimming pool. But rest assured: a ranger escorts guests back to their suites after dinner at night. This intimate five-star safari lodge in the expansive hilly grassland of the malaria-free Amakhala Conservancy outside Port Elizabeth offers a wonderful personalised experience. With only four double and two family suites, you are never one of a crowd. A stay feels more like being embraced into a welcoming family, albeit a privileged and pampered one. Owned and run by Lion Roars, an exclusive South African portfolio of boutique lodges and hotels, Hlosi demonstrates all the warm hospitality and

Photographs: HLOSI GAME LODGE

attention to detail that has become the company’s hallmark. This is nowhere more apparent than in the way they look after families with children. Once parents are chilling with a glass of Chardonnay and children have cooled off in the pool, a Kids Safari Activity Menu is produced and a programme worked out to suit. An informal evening braai under the stars as a family is an option, but the kids might be more thrilled by the idea of African fireside tales and dancing in the outside boma as they roast marshmallows and mielies. Meanwhile parents can enjoy a leisurely adults-only five-course dinner and talk far into the night over a fine single malt beside the gently popping fire, secure in the knowledge that the kids are safely tucked up in bed with a childminder at hand. When you emerge to birdsong in the African dawn light, a sense of adventure and anticipation banishes the earlymorning yawns. Head out along the escarpment on the morning game drive, as the sun casts long shadows over the waking grassland, and in no time at all you’ll make a first sighting: giraffe, zebra, rhino, antelope and elephant all graze the plain below. Hlosi (pronounced shlozi) means ‘cheetah’ in Xhosa and you may be lucky enough to see a mother playing with cubs or teaching adolescents to hunt. The cheerful and knowledgeable guides make sure that you get the most out of every drive and their expert tracking brings you up close and personal with all the Big Five. You may spend half an hour in the early morning watching giraffe solemnly browsing on thorn-tree tops as you dunk homemade rusks in a steaming cup of coffee, or halt off-road as a breeding herd of elephant saunters close by. Another drive at the far side of the reserve tracks the majestic lions for an awe-inspiring and spine-tingling encounter with nature in the raw. Children of all ages are welcome on the drives, except when a visit to lion territory is planned. Younger children are then left at the lodge to be safely entertained with their own programme of activities. A leisurely brunch back at the lodge on

Spacious suites capture the romance of a bygone age, combining it with thoughtful modern luxuries and plenty of space and privacy.

the deck overlooking the waterhole sets the mood for peaceful relaxation, with a book from the well-stocked library, a dip in the sparkling pool, or perhaps a soak in your outdoor Jacuzzi while watching the birdlife. If a nap doesn’t appeal, a lunchtime or sunset cruise down the Bushman’s River to spot fish eagles and the rare African finfoot in the riverine forest keeps the whole family entertained. Alternatively, energetic kids can learn tracking skills or visit cheetah cubs, while their parents doze in the tranquil comfort of their suite, lulled by the breathless silence of the wild at siesta time. So captivating is the atmosphere at Hlosi that three days aren’t enough to encompass all the pleasures lavished on both adults and children. Tearing yourself away from the generous spoiling at the end of your stay is likely to be the hardest part of an exceptional safari experience. n Kit Heathcock

Hlosi Game Lodge

Amakhala Game Reserve, Eastern Cape Telephone: +27 (0)41 502 9400 Facsimile: +27 (0)41 602 9429 Email: reservations@lionroars.com Website: www.hlosilodge.com Hlosi Game Lodge is one of an exclusive portfolio of five-star lodges and boutique hotels owned and managed by Lion Roars. Set in the malaria-free Amakhala Game Reserve, it is an easy 80km drive from Port Elizabeth and close to the Addo Elephant Park.

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Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

A brand new chapter in global style One of South Africaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-loved boutique establishments, the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa in Sandton has recently undergone a soft refurbishment and major expansion programme. As a result, the property has further enhanced its uniquely opulent offering, and now goes the extra mile in terms of eco-tourism, too. Lush green lawns, a spa and a world-class restaurant all add to this impeccable home-away-from-home.

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Fairlawns is – as the name implies – renowned for its superb gardens, as well as for fine restaurant fare and attention-to-detail when it comes to service excellence.

front-runner in the luxury category of hotels in Africa, the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa has won numerous awards for excellence over the years, the latest being World Luxury Hotel Awards 2010 in the luxury boutique hotel category for South Africa – and for good reason. This exquisite property, situated in the exclusive suburb of Morningside Manor (close to the hub of Sandton in northern

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Johannesburg) is privately owned by John and Anna Thacker, who continue to bring their own innate sense of style and appreciation for life’s finer things to this notable establishment. Once the Thacker’s private home, bought from The Little Brenthurst Trust (of Oppenheimer fame), the Palladian-style mansion originally stood on a 10-acre property that incorporated stables and generous, rolling lawns. The gardens,

with their mature trees and prolific bird life, have remained and are a highlight of any stay. The Thackers continue to live on the property and their personal touch is part and parcel of the Fairlawns experience – as is the personalised service and can-do attitude of the staff. The Thackers travel extensively, and have garnered inspiration for their own establishment from many top homes and hotels in Europe – though, of course,

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The Terrace Restaurant offers a superb seasonal menu prepared by executive chef Michael Colling, a member of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

they’ve interpreted their experiences to reflect their own individual style. They’ve recently added a Grand Château to the property, housing 20 brand new suites – adding to the original complement of 19 suites (including Courtyard Suites, Villa Suites and a Presidential Residence), which have all been refurbished. In a concerted effort to be as green as possible, eco-friendly designs and building materials were used for the construction. Paint products on the new buildings are solvent-free, windows are double-glazed and solar panels provide hot water and underfloor heating to all the new suites. General Manager, Michael Kewley, says that, despite the expansion, every effort has been made to retain Fairlawns’ intimate, tranquil ambience. ‘The 20 new suites are individually decorated, so each has a unique feel, and you’ll still find the warmth and beauty of the luxurious fabrics and collectables favoured by the owners,’ says Kewley. Indeed, Anna’s distinctive vision and style is reflected throughout the property, and her ability to create the ultimate in comfort and opulence is as evident as it was 13 years ago, when she first designed the iconic décor for her boutique hotel. The new suites celebrate great cities of the world, and each represents a special place visited by the Thackers on their global travels. So close your eyes, pick a destination, and you won’t be disappointed as you’re transported across the world. There’s the Madrid suite, which reflects the classical opulence of Spain’s capital; Anna’s favourite Paris suite (it’s her best-loved city) in the refined shades of blue-grey so typical of French walls and paintwork; and more French elegance in the Toulouse, Epernay and Mirambeau suites. The

Venezia suite conjures up the decadence of this Italian city, with baroque ceiling details, wall frescoes and rich fabrics, while the Vienna suite exudes all the romance of a Straus waltz. On the other end of the spectrum, the Sydney suite reflects the edgy modern style of this part of Australia. Crossing to the United States, the Manhattan suite is all about cutting-edge, chic urban style, and the Miami suite pays tribute to this Florida city’s Art Deco heritage. All the suites overlook some part of the garden and, as you’d expect in such a luxurious establishment, have

The new suites offer every comfort imaginable, and nothing has been spared when it comes to the aesthetic values this property is renowned for.

Opulent Living

sumptuous bathrooms, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, international adaptors and WiFi Internet connectivity. The large Presidential Residence comprises three en suite bedrooms, sitting and dining rooms, a study, kitchenette and guest cloakroom, as well as a separate entrance for those guests wanting privacy and anonymity. The beautiful Terrace Restaurant has been extended and refurbished, and now seats 46 patrons in plush, white leather chairs. It still offers lovely views over the tranquil garden, and a superb seasonal menu lovingly prepared by Executive Chef Michael Colling – recently accpeted into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs – with help from his Sous Chef Calvin Stein. On hot summer evenings, try the chicken or prawn Ceasar salad, or the Namibian oysters followed by Scottish salmon served with dill and pea risotto. Or how about a traditional Cape Malay bobotie, or a delicious rack of lamb complete with creamy rosemary- and Parmigiano-infused polenta, roasted plum-tomato chutney and port-wine jus? Follow that up with the legendary

Fairlawns cheesecake, or another one of the equally delicious desserts. And don’t forget to choose a wine to match – the selection on offer recently won the 2010 Diners Club Platinum Wine List of the Year Award. The bar area is another excellent place to relax and enjoy the ambience of the property – as well as the delicious new cocktail menu, with glamorous drinks inspired by likes of Coco Chanel and Audrey Hepburn. In winter a crackling fire adds to the atmosphere, while in summer champagne and oysters are served at cocktail hour (between 4 and 6.30pm). The Spa at Fairlawns is another notable feature, offering an extensive menu of massage, skin and body treatments, as well as healing therapies. Outside, the Balinese Spa Gardens, incorporating tropical bamboo groves, flowing water features, Asian deities and abundant bird life, offers the ultimate in peace and tranquillity. Built entirely from imported Balinese materials, you really do feel as if you’ve stepped out of Johannesburg and onto this exotic Indian Ocean island.

Photographs: FAIRLAWNS Boutique Hotel & Spa

Fairlawns’ central location, close to the thriving centres of Sandton, Sunninghall, Woodmead and Rivonia, makes it the perfect location for the busy executive who wants to be near the pulse of the action, yet in tranquil surroundings. It also offers light and airy conference facilities that are ideal for team building or brain-storming sessions, with the added benefit of the superb restaurant and beautiful outdoor space as part of the package. Businesses can choose between La Scala, which has French doors opening onto the gardens, the Executive Boardroom, in the main hotel building, and the 16-seater Cecil J Rhodes boardroom. For larger groups, there are the De Beers and Barney Barnato rooms, located across the gardens in the conference centre. In fact, Fairlawns is the perfect establishment for any special event, from birthdays to anniversaries, and can host up to 80 guests. It’s particularly popular for smaller wedding parties, and ceremonies can be held in the spectacular gardens, which also provide an ideal backdrop to beautiful wedding

photographs. Meanwhile, the hotel’s fine cuisine, attentive staff and plush interiors provide just the right mix for the perfect reception. The brideto-be and her wedding party can enjoy wonderful pre-wedding pampering in the spa, while the newly weds can book the romantic honeymoon suite. Plus, Fairlawns staff will offer all the help needed to create a memorable, stress-free function. Whether you’re staying for business or pleasure, Fairlawns offers a variety of accommodation options, such as retreat packages, honeymoon specials, weekend breaks, spa getaways and the like. There really is something for every patron – no wonder the hotel continues to be nominated for awards and accolades all around the world. For those travellers who want an elegant sanctuary in the heart of urban Johannesburg, there really is little that compares – and despite the palatial surroundings, the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. As one visitor commented, it’s ‘a homeaway-from-home, only better.’ n Denise Slabbert

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Morningside Manor, Sandton, Johannesburg, Gauteng Telephone: +27 (0)11 804 2540/1/2 Facsimile: +27 (0)11 802 7261 Email: reservations@fairlawns.co.za Website: www.fairlawns.co.za Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa offers elegant accommodation in tranquil gardens close to the heart of Sandton and Rivonia.

Opulent Living

Chitwa Chitwa

Romantic African elegance Transformed into a luxurious retreat after a devastating fire, Chitwa Chitwaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s designer interiors, in a soothing palette of natural and metallic hues, reflect the varied textures, shapes and colours of the surrounding bushveld.

Opulent Living

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s nothing quite like a lantern-lit dinner outdoors under the stars, but this river setting is sublime.

Opulent Living

riginally the private retreat of owners Charl and Maria Brink, Chitwa Chitwa in the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve combines the thrill of big-five game viewing with a thoroughly luxurious yet unpretentious lodge experience. The lodge was named after an old giraffe bull, resident in the area when the Brink family first arrived here some 40 years ago. Passionate about the bushveld in all its moods, the Brinks had the opportunity to reinvent their beloved lodge after a fire destroyed part of it two years ago. Grounded firmly in an African bushveld

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aesthetic, the spacious new-look interiors reflect the endless colours, textures and forms of the landscape. Gnarled tree trunks, some of them salvaged from the fire, have been refashioned into tables or cleverly integrated into the overall design. Sumptuous fabrics in a natural palette are complemented by bold artworks, including large canvasses by Maria Brink and original photography, while elegant antique furniture is juxtaposed against contemporary statement pieces. Natural stonework, thatch, wood and glass create the perfect foil for the designer dĂŠcor. Each of the eight guest suites leads on

to a shaded deck with a private pool overlooking what is arguably the biggest perennial lake in Sabi Sand. What a rare pleasure to take a dip in your own pool while watching hippo and elephants bathing close by in theirs. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surely the ultimate spot for armchair game viewing, as a seemingly endless parade of animals come to drink or bathe at different times of the day. Outside of camp, highly qualified guides and trackers lead twice-daily game activities, including drives and interpretative bush walks. The Sabi Sand is unique in its ability to deliver reliable Big Five viewing, not to

The interiors, a striking blend of old and new, were designed to offer supreme comfort and the rare luxury of space.

mention a proliferation of other animals. In particular, the area is renowned for its prolific leopard sightings. Chitwa Chitwa is one of the few luxury properties in Sabi Sand that welcomes children of all ages. It offers specialized Chitwa Children Eco-experiences, where older kids can gain basic bush skills and learn to track. Back in camp, there are loads of fun-filled activities, from face painting and baking to African folk tales around the fire. In response to the growing trend in luxury travel for optimum privacy and flexibility while on safari, especially among families, Chitwa House was conceived as a fully equipped home-awayfrom-home. This residence has two suites with private outdoor showers, and a series of generously proportioned private spaces for relaxation, dining and game viewing, all flowing out onto a shady deck with a rim-flow pool. Best of all, it comes with a

butler service, a 4x4 vehicle and your own ranger and tracker. In between game activities, there is time aplenty to relax with a good book, enjoy a massage or indulge in a good meal. The food is essentially pan-African in style and is served with fine wines from the lodgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s extensive cellar. And what better way to end the day than with dinner served in a lantern-lit boma beneath a star-spangled sky? n Jane Broughton

Chitwa Chitwa

Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, Mpumalanga Telephone + 27 (0)13 744 0876 Facsimile +27 (0)13 744 3748 Email: info@chitwachitwa.co.za Website: www.chitwachitwa.co.za

Photographs: chitwa chitwa

Chitwa Chitwa is situated on the banks of one of the largest perennial lakes in the 63â&#x20AC;&#x2030;000-hectare Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve, part of the Greater Kruger National Park. The lodge is easily accessible by air from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg (flying time one-and-a-half hours) and is a five-hour drive by car from Johannesburg. It starred in the family category of the Tatler Travel Guide 2010: 101 Best Hotels in the World.

Opulent Living

LUXURY BRANDS HEAD SOUTH

Opulent Living

The luxury market in South Africa is flourishing with high-end global brands selling to a growing number of local, African and international shoppers.

Photographs: v&A waterfront / istockphoto.com / porsche sa / louis vuitton

by Matt Morley

South Africa is now a firmly established hotspot on the luxury map, currently boasting more than 50 000 US$ millionaires and an estimated 120-150 Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) households (those with assets worth US$30 million or more in total). After an über-successful World Cup, and with Durban pitching for the 2020 Olympics, the country has grabbed the world’s attention. US President Barack Obama has Kenyan genes and chose Ghana for his first official visit to Sub-Saharan Africa, but he served Graham Beck Cap Classique (a South African sparkling wine made in the Champagne style) at his private inauguration party in 2008. The message went out loud and clear: ‘Yes you can, Africa!’ And when it comes to luxury in this continent, SA is where the action is. Historically, of course, the country has a long associaion with precious metals and diamonds. Now, in the 21st century, South African exotic leathers and wildlife tourism have risen to become established world leaders, too. Silvana Bottega, CEO of the newly formed Southern Africa Luxury Association (SALA), notes that a solid foundation for further industry growth is fast being set. ‘Local artisanal and high-end brands heavily focused on product quality are now establishing themselves as true purveyors of luxury on a global stage,’ she says. ‘The past decade has also seen a steady stream of international brands entering the market, filling in the gaps that local talent had previously left open, resulting in what is now a truly vibrant luxury landscape.’

Angelina Tan is Vice President of GMT Africa, licence holders for Gucci, Patek Philippe and Bally in South Africa. She believes ‘Africa is the next big playground, everyone is heading this way!’ Tan puts this down to the growing number of affluent, frequent-traveller South Africans who are exposed to international trends, and the fact that ‘this may be an emerging market but it has First World infrastructure and technology behind it’. She attributes Gucci’s success to its early arrival here – it was one of the first luxury brands to enter the South African market after the end of apartheid in 1994. Patek Philippe does well because of its devotion to horological excellence and master craftsmanship, ensuring the products appeal to even the most discerning of consumers, while Bally’s contemporary designs and comfortable fit have proven a hit with the rapidly expanding black middle-class, commonly referred to as ‘black diamonds’. Deciding exactly which products to stock in luxury stores is far from easy though, as Olivier Gay, Export Director for Cartier, explains: ‘Cartier watches have been available in South Africa for more than 20 years and we are continually striving to increase our presence here. The local clientele is very diverse however, not only from a domestic perspective, but also in terms of the tourists that shop here from China, Europe and the rest of Africa. Fortunately, we have a wide product offering that includes accessories and jewellery, which gives us strong appeal right across the board’. Having successfully opened a stand-alone

The V&A Waterfront is officially South Africa's most-visited tourist attraction. It has more than 450 retail outlets, including a luxury wing for high-end brands.

big names sell Opulent Living

boutique in Johannesburg’s Sandton City three years ago, Cartier is now looking to open more retail outlets in South Africa in the future, according to Gay.

Situated in the luxury wing of the V&A Waterfront, the Cape Town Louis Vuitton store showcases the French luxury brand's leather bags and shoes as well as its high-end accessories and sunglasses.

Opulent Living

Choosing precisely where to locate high-end stores is another difficult decision, and not one that can be taken lightly. For many brands looking to enter the country for the first time, the growing number of shiny new luxury malls is both a blessing and a curse! As in the majority of developing economies, there are few ‘high streets’ to speak of in South Africa, so most upmarket shoppers tend to gravitate towards dedicated mixeduse developments that combine retail, dining, entertainment and parking facilities in one secure, convenient space. Cape Town’s retail landscape is currently dominated by the V&A Waterfront – officially the continent’s most visited tourist destination last year, according to a report by SA Tourism. Annual visitor numbers are around 25 million, with a peak during the summer months as northern hemisphere travellers arrive in search of warmer weather. During the recent World Cup, the V&A’s average visitor numbers nearly doubled compared with the same time last year, with three million visitors in the mid-June to mid-July period alone. Many will have spent time ambling through the luxury wing, or the ‘platinum mile’, where Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Dunhill and Jimmy Choo all line up along a quiet corridor deliberately hidden from the crowds below. For homegrown premium brands, as opposed to international luxury, Cavendish Square in

Claremont and the brand new Cape Quarter 2 mall in De Waterkant are without doubt the best the mother city has to offer. The really big game, though, is undoubtedly in Johannesburg, where Southern Africa’s elite come to stock up on designer labels that are simply not available in their home country. Wealthy visitors from Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, Kenya and Botswana can here choose from any number of retail complexes, each with its own distinct mix of brands and entertainment options. Tanya Stoyanova is the National Manager of Riga Boutique and a buyer for Max Mara. She feels that it is the aspirational desire of Africans to own top brand names that is convincing more and more international brands to open stores here. ‘What sets South Africa apart,’ she says, ‘is its undisputed status as a fashion destination for the rest of the region. We find many delegates, politicians and other wealthy African tourists now prefer to do their fashion shopping here rather than in Europe.’ So while Cape Town has more of a seasonal shopping pattern – coinciding with the northern hemisphere’s winter months when visitor numbers to the city are higher – Johannesburg has a steady stream of African shoppers descending on the city all year round, credit cards at the ready!

Most of these African shoppers make a beeline for the elite business and shopping area of Sandton, where fortunes are regularly made and spent. Sandton City shopping centre is perhaps the largest and most unruly option of all, but savvy locals know to concentrate on the area near the Sandton Sun Hotel entrance

Publicis Jhb 6857 6857 Armani Code SP Opulent.indd 1

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where, amongst others, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Fendi and Mont Blanc congregate. Visitor numbers at Sandton City averaged 2.1 million per month last year and demand for store space has yet to let up. In a sign of the times, another 30 000 square metres of shopping space is now being added in an extension that will likely secure the mall’s status as Africa’s unofficial retail Mecca. Right on cue, Spanish brand Zara will be making its first appearance in Africa when the extension opens its doors in November 2011. Johannesburg’s Nelson Mandela Square is altogether more boutique in size and therefore easier to navigate for first-timers. What it lacks in diversity it makes up for in high-end brand names such as Loewe, Bally, Gucci and Penhaligon’s. The pleasantly landscaped Melrose Arch precinct, meanwhile, has more of a premium focus, with the likes of Lacoste, Tiger of Sweden, Etincelle and Guess set within a series of wide passageways and courtyards. Suliman Surtee of Hugo Boss currently has two stores in Johannesburg as well as one in both Cape Town and Durban. While he admits it is the Johannesburg stores that make the most profit at the moment, he is quick to defend the potential of South Africa’s secondary hubs too. ‘We don’t want to open stores everywhere as we have to protect the brand. It’s important for us to be surrounded by other similar brands, such as Burberry and Louis Vuitton for example, so our options are limited in that sense. Sandton City is a perfect location for us and it’s really driving our business today, but our Durban store is picking up nicely now and we’re opening in Pretoria next year too. This country is the biggest market for Hugo Boss in all of Africa and I believe there’s still plenty of growth potential left.’ Not all luxury brands can physically fit themselves into a shopping centre. Two years ago Porsche opened a R110 million showroom in Johannesburg, on a 11 948-square-metre site, their largest in the world. That was followed by a R75 million, 6 158-square-metre Porsche Centre in Durban. Now the company is busy building a R85 million, 9 200-squaremetre showroom and workshop in Century City just outside Cape Town. South Africans are known for spending disproportionately on two things: cars and property, so it’s no surprise to see Bentley,

The Johannesburg Porsche showroom, opened in 2008, is the largest in the world.

Aston Martin and Rolls-Royce showrooms here either. The property market may not be quite what it was five years ago but, according to Ian Slot, MD of Seeff properties’ Atlantic Seaboard office, he’s already sold six properties for over R30 million in the Clifton Beach and Bantry Bay areas this year, achieving some of the highest prices in the country. Revealingly, Slot believes South African property still represents good value for money despite the strong currency. ‘If one compares SA property prices to elsewhere they fare very favourably and all economic indicators suggest that the market is on its way up again.’ There is perhaps no better summary of why South Africa’s luxury sector has such a bright future ahead of it: in the post-recessionary world value is everything, even at the very top of the market. As long as the country can keep offering visitors and locals plenty of ‘bang for their buck’, the growth potential is endless.

every top brand is here Opulent Living

FRENCH FLAIR: For the well-heeled n It takes considerable talent and vision to raise a niche market brand such as bespoke men‘s shoes to new heights, but at the House of Pierre Corthay, where perfection comes as standard, its prestigious label is still on the up. With 30 years of providing discerning clients with exceptional craftmanship and service under his belt, Corthay recently welcomed Xavier de Royere – a renowned specialist in the international development of luxury brands – to take the house to the next level. And you don‘t have to fly to France to be fitted for his bespoke offerings, Corthay visits South Africa regularly to meet with clients.

PICTURE PERFECT: Timeless icon reinvented n Leica’s latest masterpiece, the

SCOTTISH PRIDE: Dram with a difference n Only 275 bottles of Highland

special-edition M9 Titanium, is

Park’s 50-year-old whisky (at

sheer eye candy – in more ways

$16 450 apiece) are available,

than one. With its extraordinary

making this complex malt with

design and performance, this

its burnished mahogany flavours,

€22 000 camera is also the last

presented in a handcrafted bottle,

word in functionality. www.leica-camera.com

a must-have for connoisseurs. www.highlandpark.co.uk

www.corthaybottier.com

SITTING PRETTY: Ciclotte’s smooth moves n The arrival of Ciclotte – a beautiful piece of design, cuttingedge exercise bike and stylish home accessory all rolled into one – heralds a new era in fitness. Rethinking traditional aesthetic

expression of contemporary living,

FIT FOR A KING: And the queen… n Fashion icon Paul Smith’s

with a strong focus on both form

foray into designer bone china

and function.

is a celebration of his trademark

standards and reinterpreting home fitness equpment, it’s an apt

www.ciclotte.com

multi stripes, achieved by a way of slide lithographing, which is fired and fused to the surface.

A sound choice: Harman Kardon n Astonishingly high sonic quality, custom chrome tubing and the

The finer details are then hand

powerful bass of Atlas™ woofers are just some of the reasons why

Smith style, there are delightful

music lovers will fawn over the GLA-55 two-piece speaker system.

details, such as liquid gold leaf

They’ll also be thrilled with its iPod and computer compatibility.

equivalent to 22-carat gold.

www.harmankardon.com

Opulent Living

painted and glazed. And in true

www.paulsmith.co.uk

Opulent Living LENNON’S LEGACY: Inspired by a legend n Montblanc’s Limited Edition John Lennon Pen pays homage to the music icon – with a clip in the form of a guitar neck that ends in a sound-hole featuring Lennon’s famous self-portrait, plus a peace sign on the nib. www.montblanc.com

Bold brilliance: The Goose Expression n From a combination of the best Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in vineyards high up in the Outeniqua Mountains comes The Goose Expression, a velvety world-class wine. And now, Opulent

Living Magazine readers have the exclusive opportunity to own one of only 11 numbered three-litre bottles, signed by Retief Goosen (R4 500). www.thegoosewines.com

DREAM MACHINE: McLaren’s MP4-12C n The realm of sports cars has a new masterpice on the throne – a brand of beauties that pack a powerful punch. It’s been a long-held dream of McLaren to produce high-performance sports cars that set new industry standards, and the result is nothing short of spectacular. It ushers in the future of thoroughbred speedsters backed by cuttingedge technology – such as a carbon-fibre composite chassis and a seven-speed seamless shift dual-clutch gearbox. www.mclarenautomotive.com

ROCK ON: A sparkling showstopper n This spectacular platinum ring

ROYAL SEAL: The House of Walker’s finest n Johnnie Walker’s Blue

from Van Deijl Jewelers is adorned

Label ups the ante with its

with a shiny 10.10-carat cushion-cut

King George V special edition.

diamond and another 82 brilliant-

This exquisite handmade blend

cut diamonds, totalling 0.718 carats,

captures delicate peaty and

embedded in the claws and shank of

fruity aromas and comes in an

the finely crafted piece (poa).

ultra-deluxe crystal decanter.

www.vandeijl.co.za

www.johnniewalker.com

Opulent Living

FUNCTIONAL ART: Cocktail hour n It’s not difficult to see why this striking drinks trolley is one of the bestsellers in the range of quirky tableware and home accessories by local creative genius Carrol Boyes – it‘s both practical and oh-so stylish. www.carrolboyes.co.za

BUBBLY ON TAP: Moët & Chandon’s Bar Boy n Accommodating three bottles of Moët (and cooling them to 10°c in 15 minutes) as well as four flutes, this limited-edition version of Verner Panton’s covetable bar on wheels (going for just under $5 000) was especially created for the iconic Champagne. www.liquida.com/ moet-chandon

The ultimate soak: BluBleu tub n This stylish indoor spa bath combines pure bathroom bliss with superior contemporary design thanks to high-performance features encased in fashionable curves. BluBleu’s whirlpool tub is 7 by 7.5 square feet of delicious relaxation, sporting every conceivable accessory, including anthracite-coloured cushions and headrests, and wood veneering which doubles as a bookshelf. Comfortably fitting four adults, it guarantees to invigorate your senses. www.blubleu.com

MOTORING MAGIC: BMW’s Lifestyle Collection n Available both online and at selected BMW dealerships, this perfect-for-Christmas range has everything from children‘s toys and bikes to USB sticks, handbags and suitcases – all ultra-exclusive and the perfect combination of style and functionality. www.bmw.co.za/lifestyle/ lifestyle.asp

BEST FOOT FORWARD: The ultimate VIP lounge n Branding solutions for big sporting events have entered a new era with the arrival of The Football Lounge – an plush entertainment space boasting

SHOWSTOPPER: Signature VAIO collection n The chic and colourful VAIO® P Series Lifestyle PC offers

flatscreen TVs and high-tech

everything you need – and them some. With VAIO’s Care™ software

panels that carry advertising, this

for troubleshooting and do-it-yourself tech support, it has one-

land-based or floating lounge is

touch convenience and – best of all – it fits into any purse or pocket.

a premium marketing vehicle.

www.sonystyle.com

Opulent Living

sound systems. And with exterior

www.thefootballlounge.com

Piaget Possession Turns Twenty… Say it With Chains.

It is almost like a treasure hunt, or a riddle with many answers… The first clue is a queen. The second clue is an international star. The third clue is a world-famous sports figure. And the key to it all is the secret they share. The answer is a ring: “Possession.” Two intertwined rings, one on top of the other, in white or yellow gold, with or without pavé diamond settings, can be glimpsed on their fingers: Rania of Jordan, Eva Longoria, Tony Parker and Céline Dion wear them for all to see on magazine covers. Possession is a connection, a story of love or friendship, whether official or secret. It is an indiscreet jewel, and therefore a little dangerous. Who has given a ring to whom? That is the question. Since its creation in 1990, it has conquered thousands around the world: their orders have taken two metric tons of gold and almost ten million diamonds to fill. For its twentieth birthday, it has a new, rather provocative look. The concept is still the same: two rings, one of which turns around the other. The surprise is the second ring: for 2010, it is a chain. Since opening its store in Geneva in 1959, Piaget has specialised in exuberant jewellery: precious watches, necklaces and bracelets. For a long time, rings were made only by special order, created upon request for a wedding or other special occasion. “We made a lot of wedding rings with diamond-pavé settings during those years,” remembers Yves G. Piaget, the founder’s grandson. As demand grew and became steadier, Piaget decided to create “its” ring, an original model embodying all the characteristics of the brand: precious materials, bold design, a gem like no other. The time was right for a ring that was as glamorous as “Vogue,” Madonna’s famous 1990 hit.

Piaget ADV Layout.indd 1

The first model was “all gold.” Its secret was the sliding of the top ring and the slight tinkling sound it produced. Possession has a voice, its own music. That is its trademark. A year later, the first diamonds were added. Three versions were made. The first was set with a solitaire, the second with seven diamonds, and the third was fully paved. Coloured gems – rubies, sapphires and emeralds – appeared in 1992. In 1996, the first Fine Jewellery model was made, consisting of five rings that were fully paved even on the sides. The centre ring, which moved, was set with a 1.5 carat solitaire. Possession explored new forms. From a refined band it became the hexagonal and “Swing” forms, with one version modelled after the rings of Saturn. The “Excentrique” has a moving ring that is placed to one side instead of being centred. But the motion and the treasured sound were always the same. In view of the ring’s success, Piaget decided to use the symbolism of its rings in other jewellery – necklaces, earring motifs and pendants. There is even a watch, introduced in 2005. For twenty years, Possession has been keeping up with the times. And now the times have changed. Again. Yesterday’s taboos have fallen by the wayside. Its newest incarnation is just as precious, but now it is more provocative, more “rock” than its older sisters. Its top ring is a chain. And, remaining true to the ring’s concept, the chain still turns around the underlying ring with the same golden tinkling. The piece has never been more sensual. In white or yellow gold, paved with diamonds or “nude,” it links itself to the loved one, freely gives itself to him or her. It is twenty years old, the age of unreason.

02.11.2010 10:16:52

HIGH-CLASS MOVE: Black Wagon shuttles n A supersleek 24-hour personal-transport service in the greater Cape Town area offering airport transfers, shuttles, staff transport and more, Black Wagon ensures you get to your destination safely, stylishly and on time. Its premier service offers chauffeur-driven black Mercedes Benz sedans – perfect for discerning customers. www.blackwagon.co.za

MISE EN PLACE: Gourmand’s delight n This work table from Chefs

SWEET SURRENDER: Cakes by Wade n Decadent indulgence and

Warehouse allows you to put

tailormade touches are hallmarks

everything in its place, with

of pastry chef Wade van der

features such as a ‘hot pot’ stand

Merwe’s famous confectionary

and removable cheese board. The

business, and whether it’s a

answer to every cook‘s prayers,

wedding or a birthday, no event

each piece is designed and made

should be without one of his

to order, priced from R45 000.

delicious masterpieces.

www.chefswarehouse.co.za

www.wadescakes.co.za

IN THE BOX: Designer laptop cases n Berlin-based designer Rainer Spehl is well-known for his cuttingedge pieces for the furniture and interior-design industries. Now he‘s branched into the computer field with ultrachic wooden laptop cases lined with leather and featuring magnetic closing devices. Specifically designed for the Apple MacBook Pro 13-, 15- and 17-inch models, they are a natural extension to his portfolio, which includes high-end works for clients such as Nike, Stone Island, Dior and Gucci. www.rainerspehl.com

SLEEK ASSET: Smooth as glass n Designed by Okha

ITALIAN ICON: The Gucci Aquariva n To mark the 90th anniversary

collaboration with David Reade,

of Italian brand Gucci in 2011,

the Glacier series was inspired

its innovative creative director

by natural crystallite formations.

Frida Giannini has collaborated

Each hand-blown piece boasts a

with master yacht-builder Riva

unique combination of organic

to design this sleek, made-to-

forms and diamond-cut facets.

order luxury speedboat, which

Available in a range of colours,

oozes high-tech aluminium and

exclusively at Okha.

laminated glass.

www.okha.co.za

www.rivaboats.com

Opulent Living

Thornybush Game Lodge

Magical bushveld weddings For an out-of-the-box and ultra-stylish wedding with an unmistakably African feel, check into Thornybush Game Lodge where the experience extends to bespoke bush celebrations.

sk any bride in the throes of planning her wedding and she’ll tell you that one of the most important things to her is that the celebration is ‘like nothing anyone has seen’. A wedding at Thornybush is certainly that, with its exclusive bushveld setting offering a special ocassion like no other. Just ask well-known Johannesburg socialite and events doyenne, Edith Venter, whose recent marriage at Thornybush Game Lodge was a romantic affair to remember.

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Situated on the 11 500 unspoilt hectares of Thornybush Game Reserve adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Thornybush Collection consists of eight lodges, of which Thornybush Game Lodge is the largest, having room for some 40 guests as well as extensive function and conferencing facilities. And although Edith chose this five-star lodge as the site for her romantic, chandelier-lit celebration, any of the lodges can cater for bespoke celebrations – it all comes down to the size and extent of the event

you’re planning. ‘Wedding parties can choose to book out any combination of lodges for an intimate celebration, or the whole family of lodges like we did for Edith’s wedding,’ explains Thornybush Collection Chief Executive, Nic Griffin, whose team put together a slick event hosting 200 high-profile guests for the glamorous occasion. Edith and her husband-to-be, Johnny Schwartz, stayed in the Presidential Suite at the premium Shumbalala Lodge, which houses just a select number of guests in

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six ultra-luxurious suites overlooking a game-rich water hole. Their guests were dotted around the reserve at the Collection’s other lodges, all a short drive by Land Rover from her wedding venue. The beauty of this arrangement, explains Nic, is that guests celebrate their friend or family member’s big day but, with game drives and a unique bush experience at each special property, they also have time to enjoy their bushveld surroundings. Just a few hours from Johannesburg by road, and even less if flying in to the reserve’s airstrip, Thornybush has a safari experience for every budget and bush expectation. From the no-holdsbarred five-star Thornybush Game Lodge to the homely style of Moroccan-themed Simbambili Lodge and the authentic ‘in-the-wilds’ experience at Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp, guests can tailormake their stay according to their needs. The team at Thornybush is well versed in providing unique safari weddings and group-function bookings, and as such, their competitive and inclusive

wedding photographs stephen wagner / lodge Photographs: thornybush game lodge

Glamorous newlyweds Edith Venter and Johnny Schwartz danced the night away under the stars. The luxurious lodge provides the perfect setting for an exclusive reception and has a wedding coordination team that will take care of every detail.

rates have helped put them at the top of the weddings-in-the-wild game. ‘We’ve combined an intimate, secluded safari experience with our ability to make it all happen for larger groups and, aside from the bridal couple having to send out their invitations, we can handle absolutely every last detail, depending on what they need,’ says Nic. Part of what excites the team at Thornybush is the opportunity to work with couples who relish the opportunity to spoil their wedding guests with unusual offerings. ‘For Edith’s wedding, most of the guests arrived on the Friday afternoon and, once they had settled in, were taken on a game drive, meeting up in a dry river bed,’ says Nic. What they didn’t realise is that a surprise venue had been set up for sundowners in the heart of the bush, complete with cocktails, lavish canapés and candle-lit lanterns providing a romantic setting par excellence. The surprise function allowed Edith and Johnny to welcome their guests, gave friends a chance to catch up and kicked off the special weekend by getting everyone in a great party spirit. For the wedding itself, Edith called in the services of her great friend, the talented events, interiors and flowers specialist, Gideon. One of Johannesburg’s finest, Gideon created a phenomenal romantic scene in the heart of the South African savannah, dressing the tables that seated the 200-strong guest contingent with an elaborate confection of sparkling crystal glasses, gleaming silverware, glittering candelabra and elegant décor details at every turn – a fitting display for the group of A-listers, Johannesburg jet set, and well-heeled friends and family there to celebrate the couple’s nuptials. Although Edith brought in Gideon’s expertise (and an impressive eight trucks of props for the wedding), there is a fulltime function and wedding coordination team at Thornybush that is on hand to arrange everything from the bride’s bouquet and wedding cake to the officiant and a photographer. These and a host of other wedding services are conveniently included in the group’s Wedding Package,

aimed at bridal couples who don’t want to waste their time in the bush worrying about every fine detail. With weekend-long celebrations at Thornybush, the beauty lies not only in the fact that the wedding couple is afforded quality time with their guests, but also in the opportunity guests get to have a real-deal bush experience. They get to go on game drives, enjoy fireside meals under the stars at the lodge where they are staying, and still fit in spa spoils and the kind of laidback relaxation that comes from the serenity of the surroundings. They can even opt to remain in the bush for a post-party mini break. The newly weds, too, can choose to stay on at the venue for a few days after the celebration, relishing the glorious downtime that comes after a big event has gone off without a hitch, and revelling in their togetherness.

For families travelling together with small children, both Thornybush Game Lodge and Serondella Lodge offer a comprehensive kids’ programme and children are allocated specific rangers who are well versed in sharing the wonders of the bush with younger guests. From educational bush walks to treasure hunts, poolside fun and personalised activities, the lodges are adept at making their young charges feel absolutely at home. Of course, if their parents are wedding guests, childminder and babysitting services are also available at any one of the eight lodges. For an unforgettable start to the rest of your life and an authentic bush celebration, a wedding at Thornybush Game Lodge couldn’t be more wonderful. And what better way to celebrate your anniversaries than with a return visit to one of the lodges in this fabulous collection? n Justine Hewitt

The stylish suites line the banks of the seasonal Monwana River and offer spectacular views of the active water hole and surrounding savannah.

Thornybush Game Lodge

Thornybush Game Reserve, Mpumalanga Telephone: +27 (0)11 253 6500 Facsimile: +27 (0)11 803 7350 Email: sales@thornybush.co.za Website: www.thornybushcollection.co.za The Thornybush Collection comprises seven lodges on Thornybush Game Reserve – Thornybush Game Lodge, N’Kaya Game Lodge, Shumbalala Lodge, Chapungu Luxury Tented Camp, Serondella Lodge, Nkelenga Tented Camp and Waterbuck Lodge – and Simbambili Game Lodge on Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve.

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Fairmont Zimbali Resort

A seaside garden of Eden Set on a slope leading down to the Indian Ocean, and surrounded by protected coastal forests alive with birds and antelope, the Fairmont Zimbali Resort enjoys a location second to none. Add championship golf courses, a luxury spa and world-class restaurants and bars to the mix and you’ve got a beach resort you won’t want – or need – to leave.

n Zulu, Zimbali means ‘valley of flowers’, and it’s a fitting description for the 700-hectare Zimbali Coastal Resort that sits on a pristine stretch of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast. Bordered by the azure Indian Ocean on one side, and rolling green hills on the other, it’s a sub-tropical paradise of lush forest and indigenous wildlife. This premier lifestyle and golfing development is just 45 kilometres north of Durban, yet its serene surrounds feel a world away. For those looking for an exclusive

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hideaway in this magnificent setting, Fairmont Zimbali Resort is an ultraluxurious hotel set just above the beach, offering a phenomenal range of facilities, plus access to all the many outdoor activities available in this beautiful coastal estate. Golf is a major attraction – a championship Gary Player-designed course with clubhouse and golf academy is due to open in 2011, and there’s an 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed course at Zimbali Country Club – but so too is walking or mountain-biking in the quiet

forests, where you may spot a shy blue duiker or be greeted by a vervet monkey. And then there are the cultural heritage sites of Zululand, from Shakaland to the bloody battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu wars, all within easy driving distance. Though with an extensive playground of swimming pools and recreational areas, a top spa and nine restaurants, bars and cafés, you may never want to leave the Fairmont grounds. King Shaka International Airport is a mere 15 kilometres from the resort and, as

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PREVIOUS PAGES The Ayoba café and Ma Khaza beach bar can be found around the pool at The Beach Club, which is on the lowest level of the resort and gives access to the shore; the Dalchini Lounge, off the main lobby, is a spacious area to meet for tea and survey the spectacular leisure facilities that lie below. The main pool deck sits among landscaped gardens below the large 154-room hotel.

you head down from the airport towards Durban, you’ll be greeted by red Balinese roofs, a trademark of the properties on the Zimbali Coastal Resort, peeping above a green ceiling of trees. From the main gate, a well-signposted labyrinth of redbrick roads leads to the hotel’s sweeping entrance, which cleverly understates the majestic setting of gardens, pools and golden beaches below. Though step inside the vast double-volume lobby, with its sand-coloured marble and floorto-ceiling windows, and you’ll be treated to a sweeping view over these delights to the ocean beyond. Elegantly clad receptionists and bellhops discreetly check you in and suggest a welcome drink in the Dalchini Lounge, which specialises in fine Indian teas and strong African-roasted coffees. The rich, earthy palette of the furnishings is the perfect foil for the limitless blues of the sea and sky, and it’s a warm, comfortable space to relax and take in the opulence of your surroundings before venturing out to explore all Fairmont Zimbali Resort has to offer. And there is so much to explore. Five floors down in the elevator, you’ll step out onto the main pool deck, where a series of infinity swimming pools and

ponds are set amid landscaped gardens. Here various leisure pods house comfy sun loungers, strategically placed so you have a choice of full-sun bathing alongside the pool, dappled sunlight beneath pagodas or full-shade beneath canvas awnings. Lazing on your poolside bed, the rushing sound of waves breaking below, the tinkling of fountains nearby, and the fresh breeze blowing off the sea, is pure bliss. Food is served just a few steps away at Bite, but if you’re feeling lazy you can simply hail a passing waiter and have it delivered directly to your chaise. A short stroll from here is the Beach Club, where you’ll find more pools and loungers, plus the Ayoba café and Ma Khaza beach bar. Ayoba is built around a wood-fired pizza oven and serves delicious pizzas as well as tapas and other light meals, and both venues have a casual, beachfront vibe that is perfect for relaxed sundowners. The Beach Club also houses Y-Univers, a kiddie’s playhouse where trained childminders supervise games, puppet shows, and age-appropriate television so you can relax knowing your children are safe and secure – and suitably entertained. Access to the beach itself is via a path through

CLOCKWISE, FROM TOP LEFT The Coral Tree serves bistro-style fare, including Durban curries; the buffet area offers an extensive array of breakfast and lunch options; 31 Degrees is a vibrant cocktail bar just off the main lobby; wine connoisseurs can enjoy a wide selection of local wines plus tapas-style bar food at Vinum.

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Osa is a sophisticated steakhouse; the 18-hole golf course at the Zimbali Country Club is surrounded by coastal forest that’s rich in bird and animal life. FOLLOWING PAGE Guest rooms are elegantly furnished and come with every modern convenience.

the tropical bush. Although this stretch of coast is not suitable for swimming, you can walk across the sand, splash your toes in the waves and keep a watch out for any dolphins. (If you do want a dip in the ocean, simply book a transfer to nearby Westbrook or Salmon Bay with reception.) Coral Tree is the resort’s main restaurant, serving bistro-style food with a local Indian influence – it’s here you can sample the famous hot and spicy Durban curries. There also an extensive breakfast and lunch buffet, including sushi at any time. Shades of ivory, shell and sand, and

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textures of silk, linen and rattan contrive a theme of understated elegance in the double-volume room that spills out onto a wide outdoor deck. There’s still more in the way of food offerings though. Delicacy caters to the coffee connoisseur – Lavazza is their blend of choice – and sells speciality cakes and local delicacies, available to take away. Then there’s the Osa steakhouse, which serves up pure South African grain-fed beef cuts, aged to perfection and complemented by an extensive collection of South African wines. Those who have business interests to take

care of will find a full-service business centre, complete with workstations, high-speed Internet, phone and fax lines, and photocopying services. There’s also an executive meeting room for up to 12 people and a large ballroom, with capacity for 220 guests, for those wanting to host a special function. With so many public areas to enjoy, you may not find much time to spend in your room, though you’ll find it generously proportioned and elegantly decorated in stone, wood and earth tones with abstract local art adding a touch of colour. There are 154 guest rooms and suites in total – including decadent Royal and Presidential suites – and all have oversized balconies and wonderful sea views. Walk-in wardrobes with a digital safe, work desks with highspeed Internet access, and sumptuous bathrooms stocked with indulgent Miller Harris bathroom products, are standard. Of course, no holiday is complete without some spa-style pampering. Willow Stream Spas, exclusive to the Fairmont Hotels and Resorts group, are renowned worldwide for their focus on innovative solutions to helping guests renew their energy – and the offering at Fairmont Zimbali Resort is no exception. The serene space, infused by the scent of the Willow Stream signature fragrance, with its top notes of lemongrass, ginger and sandalwood, houses steam rooms, an indoor steam shower and outdoor mineral pool, plus 10 treatment rooms

Swap the red tape for the red carpet

AIRCRAFT CHARTER Gabby van Staden, frequent charter client.

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S A L E S l M A I N T E N A N C E l PA RT S l AV I O N I C S l C H A RT E R l T R A I N I N G l VA L U E A D D E D P R O D U C T S l F I N A N C E l I N S U R A N C E “NAC’s VIP Charter service always makes me feel like a rock star! They think of everything I could possibly need and pay special attention to detail, when it comes to my safety, security, privacy and comfort. Wherever I’m headed, NAC’s fleet of long and medium range jets and twin turbine aircraft get me there on time, without the added aggravation of having to deal with check-in queues, waiting for baggage or having to wade through red tape at airport terminals.”

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So if you’re considering chartering a flight, speak to NAC, and they’ll make you feel like an A-lister on the red carpet!” – Gabby van Staden For more information contact: Charter +27 (0) 82 891 4639 (24 hours) • charter@nac.co.za Lanseria +27 11 267 5000 • Rand +27 11 345 2500 • Cape Town +27 21 425 3868 Pretoria +27 12 567 5161 • Durban +27 31 571 8316 • Gaborone +267 397 5257 Australia +6189 429 8881 • USA +001 316 685 8660 • ISO 9001:2008 Quality Assured • www.nac.co.za

Fairmont Zimbali Resort

Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal Telephone: +27 (0)32 538 5000 Facsimile: +27 (0)32 538 5001 E-mail: zimbali.sales@fairmont.com Website: www.fairmont.com/ zimbaliresort

Photographs: fairmont zimbali resort

offering wonderfully relaxing massages among the full menu of spa treats. There are also activities aplenty. Work out with a personal trainer in the gym, play a game of squash or tennis, head for the golf course or set out for a run along one of the forest trails. Altogether more leisurely is the option to explore the 700-hectare Zimbali Coastal Resort from a golf cart. The rich ecosystem of the resort, which is protected by a strict conservation policy, is home to myriad birds and butterflies, plus antelope and vervet monkeys – and you’re bound to spot some or other creature on your ride.

If you want to venture further afield, Fairmont can arrange deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and dolphin tours, as well as trips to uShaka Marine World, Shakaland and the battlefields at Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana. Although you might think a hotel of 154 rooms could become crowded, the design of the buildings and public areas are such that you never feel the presence of too many people. A sense of exclusivity prevails – in large part thanks to the magnificent natural setting and the Fairmont philosophy of engaging service. n Lori Booth

Fairmont Hotels and Resorts is a leader in the global hospitality industry, with a worldwide reputation for excellence and a distinctive collection of city centre hotels, historical properties and elegant country resorts that stretch from the Caribbean and Bermuda, through the United States and Canada, to Abu Dhabi, Beijing and Singapore.

La Residence

Sumptuous glamour in the winelands In the mood for utterly indulgent spoiling? La Residence in Franschhoek is everything youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect of a boutique hotel in this gourmet destination in the Cape winelands, but with a handsome dash of the exotic added to its individually decorated and exquisitely gracious suites. Its eclectic European flavour and discreet pampering sees guests and celebrities returning year after year.

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iz and Phil Biden knew in an instant that their five-year quest to find the perfect location for an exclusive hotel was over when they drove up to the 30-hectare estate nestled in the hills above Franschhoek. Commanding breathtaking mountain, vineyard and valley views, and with favourable terroir, it was to become the new home of their very special property, La Residence. Today, one sweeps into the doublevolume baronial interior to be greeted by a team of staff who simply welcome you as if you’ve returned home. Bags are taken care of in a trice as you sink back into enveloping sofas and enjoy a chilled welcome drink, or a warming cup

of tea and homebaked biscuits around the roaring fireplace on cooler days. Guests gaze upwards and slowly take in the heavy crystal chandeliers hanging from rough-hewn poplar beams in the lofty ceilings, while admiring the antique furnishings, objets d’art and the distinguished selection of art – Beezy Bailey’s eye-catching work is above the fireplace, and a Ken Howard opposite. Liz’s passion for interior design has been fuelled by equally enthusiastic collector, Ralph Krall, and together the pair worked to create a slice of heaven in each of the 11 suites for anyone who loves colour, detail and once-off masterpieces. Her staff chuckle when they walk past the

outrageously extravagant marble-andsterling-silver dresser she found in India – it’s in Elton John’s favourite Maharani Suite and was one of those ‘had-to-have’ purchases that guests love. Worth noting, too, are her palatial bathrooms – all so elegant and outrageously decadent. Colours theme the rooms, as do the original artworks and four-poster beds that are often painted bright shades. Liz has chosen vibrant cerise, mauves and chartreuse in the Disa Suite, deep reds with black in the Tibetan Suite, contrasting with French blues and yellow in the Hugeunot Suite and whites and gold in the Frangipani. She has achieved a touch of the exotic in some while skilfully

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prefer a social round of golf or a spot of trout fishing. For those with a yen for adventure, wine tasting by helicopter is a clever move, as is the thrill of hot-air ballooning, paragliding and quad biking. Latest news from La Residence is that six small, exclusive villas are being added in the vineyards below, and are due to open in April. Each of the villas offers absolute privacy, but they can also be booked as a group – together they accommodate 22 guests – making a family reunion or weekend with friends a pleasure. And with this new project, plus the harvesting of the estate's first crop of shiraz and cabernet grapes from their young vineyards, 2011 will be an exciting year. One thing’s for sure though: La Residence has found its way into the hearts and souls of many discerning travellers who are simply yielding to temptation and returning time and again for more. Well, why not? n Michelle Snaddon

La Residence

Franschhoek, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 876 4100 or +27 (0)15 793 0150 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 876 2030 Email: info@laresidence.co.za Website: www.laresidence.co.za, www.theroyalportfolio.com La Residence is part of The Royal Portfolio group of properties, which includes Royal Malewane, Birkenhead House and Birkenhead Villa.

Photographs: LA RESIDENCE

The romantic and baronial dining hall is lit with heavy crystal chandeliers; the striking portrait of a ballerina in the chic Armani Suite offsets a modern classic theme in black and white.

layering the global sophistication of Asia and Europe into others. Each piece has been chosen personally by Liz, adding a dash of her personal taste and flair to every corner. High, arched doors lead out to balconies, each with panoramic views over the pond, garden and olive grove. A love of art and a long-term relationship with the Everard Read gallery has meant that, over the years, the Bidens have acquired a fine collection of South African and international artists, often inspiring guests to see more of their work. Pieces by Sasha Hartslief, Denby Meyer and Claude Jammet feature prominently but the Armani Suite’s ballerina ‘Doop’ – painted by Stellenbosch artist, Shany van den Berg – is one of the most striking, and perfectly complements the modern classic décor theme in chic black and white. Guests who enjoy colour will find the Nomatemba Suite a delight – with works by Sasha Hartslief and Eastern Cape artist Ayanda Mabulu adding vibrant energy, touching humour and intense pathos. Of course, if you’ve done the sights of Franschhoek and aren’t wine tasting, walking or horse riding on the estate, a pampering Dermalogica treatment at the intimate spa is tempting. Or, indeed, a cooking session with executive chef Charles Hayward, who will organise a Chef’s Table for a group of friends or private cooking courses (ask about his sinfully decadent chocolate sessions) in the dining area. Charles’s style is wonderfully uncomplicated and eating is relaxed. He prepares a three-course lunch menu and a four-course dinner every day and sources his quality produce locally – if not from the garden, which is brimming with herbs and flowers. Exquisite fresh roses are cut daily for welcome posies or for grander vases, and with 249 rose bushes on the estate at last count, their lingering scent and presence is simply magnificent in summer. Swimming and lazing on day beds on the expansive shaded patios is usually the order of the day but equally tempting all year round is the secluded library or the home-movie room, unless you

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FACE-TO-FACE with top chefs

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What happens when you get three of South Africa’s best chefs in the kitchen, each passionate about their relationship with food in the current context? Why, you stir the pot of course! by Vicki Sleet

photographs: marc hoberman / food Photograph: la colombe

Did you know that there are only three restaurants in Africa included in the Top 100 of the San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants Awards for 2010 – and they are all based in the Western Cape? Sharing the stage with culinary luminaries such as Alain Ducasse, Heston Blumenthal of the Fat Duck and Thomas Keller of The French Laundry – Luke Dale-Roberts (ranked 12th), Margot Janse (ranked 31st) and David Higgs (ranked 74th) offer world-class cuisine priced in pocketfriendly rands – a boon for both gourmet travellers and foodie locals. The trio met up at the Chef’s Warehouse – the new venture from ex-Michelin-starred chef Liam Tomlin, where he imparts insider kitchen knowledge and sells the best equipment and hard-to-find ingredients for the job – to talk about local produce, staff training and their take on South Africa’s place on the international food map. Tell us what have each of you been up to n in the last little while? Luke Dale-Roberts (LDR), former executive chef at La Colombe, voted 12th in the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards, and now owner of The Test Kitchen. I’ve recently opened The Test Kitchen. It’s a concept restaurant designed by some of our best local talents and I’ll be taking the time to explore the relationship between food and art. I needed to change something in my life – trying to fit creativity in amongst everything else became virtually impossible. The space will be purely about creative development.

David Higgs (right) shares

Margot Janse (MJ), multi award-winning executive chef at The Tasting Room at Le Quartier Français, voted 31st in the San Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants Awards. I have been at LQF for 15 years! I don’t think I would have been able to acheive what I have anywhere else, or seen the things I have without the support I have from Susan Huxter [the owner of Le Quartier Français]. It’s incredible working with someone who wants change and isn’t afraid to try new things – she’s never put a wall up saying you can’t do that. My strong focus now is to close borders and to go African…

his passion for improving service levels in South African restaurants with Margot Janse and Luke Dale-Roberts.

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David Higgs (DH), executive chef at the award-winning Rust en Vrede restaurant, voted 74th in the San Pellegrino World’s 51-100 Best Restaurants Awards. I’ve spent the past three and a half years getting my hands dirty and I’m starting to really find myself, and am excited about the coming season. I’ve been fortunate to have fantastic support and we’re starting to reap the rewards with regular and plentiful bookings at the restaurant. Lets talk about the ‘closing borders’ that n Margot mentioned. DH I have mixed feelings about the concept. I’ve been cooking in this country for 20 years and, having come from a background of iceberg lettuce, tomato roses and curly parsley to where we are now, I’ve seen the incredible change in produce. But whenever I travel overseas I realise we have still a long way to go. MJ There are fantastic products to use from overseas but I still think that we’re not accessing or using a fraction of what we should or could be in South Africa. LDR The produce we get here really is improving all the time – for me, imported items are the icing on the cake. DH The problems we still face in South Africa are consistency in quality. Things are getting better though. A large part of our clientele is local and I like to surprise them with things such as the occasional special French cheese or Kobe beef, but it’s not a standard focus.

From left to right Liam Tomlin, owner of Chef’s Warehouse; Luke Dale-Roberts, owner of The Test Kitchen; Margot Janse of Le Quartier Français; David Higgs, Executive Chef at Rust en Vrede.

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What do you think about the standards of n local produce? LDR Cooking in South Africa, you latch onto new developments in produce quickly – it’s not that often we see new things. It’s challenging working in an environment where you don’t have things available all the time – you’re forced to adapt and stretch yourself. MJ We spend a lot of time finding out and researching the new items and possibilities out there, and I think it’s up to us as chefs to push our suppliers. Liam Tomlin (LT) We tend to use a market shopping mentality here at the Chef’s Warehouse – finding out what’s new at the market and sharing it with our classes. We’re

lucky because we’re using small volumes, so we can do that. LDR I discovered Ondersteun Handelaars at the Salt River Market the other day – the best vegetables in Cape Town. Fresh turmeric, horseradish – I couldn’t believe how wide the selection was. MJ Ten years ago things were a lot worse. I prefer to work with the small suppliers who are as passionate about quality and innovation as I am. I get the first artichokes of the season and the first porcinis from people who come to my kitchen door, and I don’t ever want that to change. We have a responsibility to push things. LDR I believe that in South Africa, chefs are driving the suppliers, whereas in other countries the suppliers are driving the chefs with their passion for their produce.

So you’re happy to share supplier names n with each other? MJ Absolutely! LT What’s the point in trying to hide things? When I worked in Australia a group of about 10 chefs used to get together once a month to share information about staffing and suppliers. There’s no point in trying to hide things, nobody’s going to be able to copy what you’re doing exactly. LDR I’m happy to share anything, but I do have problems with people setting out to copy dishes. And sadly it’s happened before. MJ My feeling is that if people want to copy they must do it. It is a reflection of your creativity and by the time they’ve copied your item, you’ve moved on to something else.

How are chefs changing the public’s n cooking and shopping attitudes? DH There’s no doubt that the public is understanding and appreciating food better. All of a sudden you’re seeing broad beans on the shelves at Woolworths. Also, television has done a lot of good for us and the Internet has done so much, too – nowadays you can type in asparagus and you’ll get 1000 suggestions of what to do with it.

Are our local menus lekker? n MJ Absolutely. Brazilian chef Alex Atala is my hero – what he does really resonates with me. When I first ate his food three years ago and tasted all those Amazonian foods, I thought, ‘we could be doing that here’. He travels a lot and discovers techniques wherever he goes and applies them to Brazilian foods. He is so proudly Brazilian and that sense of culinary patriotism is what’s growing in me – I’m not South African, but I’m proud to be part of the South African context and what has happened here in the past 20 years. DH I think South Africa is unique because so many of our chefs don’t come through the same ‘school’ as those in Europe where, for example the Roux brothers have influenced things to a huge extent and you can see it on the menus. We do our own thing here. LDR You’re right, they’re all doing the same thing and it feels like they’re too scared to do anything out of the box – at every good restaurant you go into in London they’re putting cauliflower purée with scallops MJ True – I ate the same version of foie gras in three different restaurants when I was in London recently.

LDR People ask me about SA food style – and I say the good thing about it is that you can’t pinpoint it, so everyone’s free to explore things in their own way. It really is very eclectic. LT In France and London they tend to cook the same food. I discovered when I got to Australia that they were completely ignoring what was happening over the water – when you go south of the equator, you tend to see more innovation. Awards. It’s a dirty word for many a n restaurateur and chef. Your thoughts? LDR To be honest with you, even though it’s good for business, the less awards, the less stars and all those things that we have to think about, the better our lives are. DH It’s definitely important for business. LDR I think star systems are better though – there’s no winner or loser, it’s not a competition, you’re competing with yourself and you work hard to maintain your star. DH You can’t say awards don’t have an effect on you as a person, especially if you’re responsible for the business – but they put a lot of pressure on chefs. LDR I think winner/loser scenarios are unhealthy. LT From experience, the restaurants I worked in won loads of awards, including best restaurant, and every year there was a

the food here is world class

controversial entry in the guidebooks – they do it to sell books. It’s bad for staff morale. LDR At certain times of the year, it starts to affect everyone in the kitchen and I don’t believe it’s good.

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MJ I don’t want to become obsessive, but it creeps in. DH I think all of us here would love to say that awards aren’t important but unfortunately it does make a difference to our businesses. MJ True, the Top 50 placement has been amazing for us.

our style is unique

Topics that get chefs hot under the collar: South African food critics, certain TV food celebrities and suppliers who lack consistency.

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How do you think South African n restaurants fare in the worldwide arena? LDR I think South African food is on a par with what’s happening around the world. DH South Africans are great at the hospitality business and people love our style because we are ourselves, and our staff members are encouraged to communicate with the client. Our guests think South African food is incredible but our people make the experience even better. MJ We’ve worked hard with our staff to tell the stories behind our food, to talk about the provenance – it’s amazing what it’s done for our staff morale, and the comments from people have been so positive. LT From my experience though, the average restaurant’s service is poor and that’s what lets people down DH At the time of the World Cup, the overriding comment I got from visitors was that the quality of food in average South African eateries was very good but the service wasn’t up to scratch. Do you think we need to introduce service n academies in an effort to improve service in the industry? MJ If you are employing people it is your responsibility to train them properly. It’s a constant process and we spend a lot of time educating and sharing knowledge with staff. LDR Training never ends. LT I agree, your people are your business, you need to invest in them. And that’s why you guys have such top-notch restaurants because you take the time and the energy to teach and empower your staff. DH I’m in a very fortunate position in that I only open five nights a week, so I am able to spend time with my staff every single day and discuss things with them. I don’t know how you guys keep the standards you do. LT When people dine at good restaurants their expectations are high.

What kitchen tools are you coveting or n what can’t you do without? LDR I really want a Pacojet, there’s so much you can do with it. DH I’m currently sitting without a vacuumpack machine and it’s impossible to run a kitchen without it for sous vide-ing food. LDR It’s probably the most important thing in my kitchen too. MJ I’ve discovered the coolest thing – it’s a Wonderbag and it works in the same way as a Hay Box. Basically, it’s energy-less cooking. I made oxtail and after 14 hours in the Wonderbag, it was still boiling hot. It’s the African sous vide. LT My Le Creuset grill plate – it’s seriously versatile and my set of Japanese Kai Shun knives – they’re stunning to work with. South African wines – what are your n feelings about them at the moment? DH I think I’ve seen the most change on the scene with the rise in popularity of Pinot Noir – it’s light in the glass and on the palate and it marries well with a lot of different food flavours. I think our blended whites are really coming to the fore and some of our Chenins are fantastic. MJ Eben Sadie is my wine hero in this country. I was fortunate to spend some time with him last year – the way he creates his wine resonates with my approach to food. LT In general the thing I like about the wine industry here is that it’s not as pretentious as other wine industries around the world. The wines are equally accessible. I never drank white wine before I came to South Africa and I’d say our whites are on a par with New Zealand’s offerings. DH Our wine writers have a big role to play. We need them to be more supportive of our industry – they’re so quick to slate our local offerings. It would be great to see more support for the local industry. With three sub 100 placements in the San Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurants, it’s clear that these chefs are doing something right. Their passion for quality and keen dedication to their craft is evident in their constant innovation. Hopefully they will pave the way for more recognition of South African chefs in the worldwide arena. www.theworlds50best.com

Beverly Hills Hotel

An indulgent slice of ocean-side Durban There are three things that Durban is famous for: beautiful sunny weather, the warm blue Indian Ocean and friendly, hospitable locals. Visit the Beverly Hills Hotel, on the Umhlanga coast north of the city, and experience all three â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and a whole lot more. The gracious hotel has long been a landmark in the area and is known for its superb service and excellent fine dining restaurant.

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tep into the elegant foyer of this Umhlanga Rocks hotel and you immediately know that this is an extraordinary place to stay. The sweeping staircase with its black-andwhite images of the city, taken in the early 1900s, marks it as a distinctly Durban establishment, then there’s the panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and the extremely friendly staff. This was international hotel magnate, Sol Kerzner’s first hotel, set up when he was just 29 and named for his daughter, Beverly. He chose its perfect location and was responsible for the five-star legacy that the hotel still carries today. Check into your room or suite and

this feeling of being in a special place intensifies. The rooms are surprisingly spacious and beautifully decorated with subtle South African touches. Each has an ocean-facing view with its own balcony, so whether you stay in the standard rooms, the cabanas or the suites, you feel like a VIP guest. In fact, that might just be what sets the Beverly Hills Hotel apart from all the other hotels on this stretch of coast: every guest is made to feel like royalty. Because there are only 89 rooms, it has a boutique feel, and all members of staff know the guests and couldn’t be more willing to do whatever necessary to make your stay memorable.

The setting helps, of course. Nothing says holiday like a sparkling blue pool looking out over the ocean, especially when there are comfortable loungers both on the beach and the pool deck – and waiters on call to bring guests complimentary ice cream and fruit skewers, or any cocktail or drink they might desire. This sense of indulgence and superb service carries through to the two restaurants. The Sugar Club, which has received an American Express Platinum Fine Dining Award, serves one of the most famous Sunday buffet lunches in town. It has an intimate ambience with a pianist on hand to set the mood for

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Spacious suites offer the perfect combination of functionality and luxury. In terms of dining, whether you’re after a snack from Elements café bar, a fine meal at The Sugar Club or sundowners on the beach, The Beverly Hills has something for everyone.

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weekend dinners and the Sunday feast. The terrace, with its stunning ocean views, serves lunch and a very special afternoon tea with miniature delicacies to please every palate. The Elements café bar is the perfect sundowner spot, a relaxed venue with unmissable cocktails and a daily 5pm to 7pm special on platters and sundowners. It’s the ideal place to see and be seen as the sun sinks into the sea. Of course, there is a serious side to the Beverly Hills Hotel too, with two conference rooms, private dining, a 24-hour business centre and free WiFi Internet access in all areas of the hotel if you absolutely have to work. That might be difficult to do in such an ideal holiday location, though. When you’ve had your fill of lounging by the pool, stroll along the beautiful Umhlanga shorefront and admire the new pier (an architectural wonder that

looks like whale bones or elephant tusks), visit the fitness centre, open 24 hours a day, or book a massage in the treatment room. Or you could relax in your room, a haven of luxury and decadence, with delicious toiletries, plasma-screen TVs, DStv and 24-hour room service. The spectacular suites are serviced by a personal butler and have special details, like a shower with a window that lets in the moonlight (in the Cabana 10 Suite) and massive balconies that make the ocean feel part of the luxurious interior. There are also numerous attractions in close proximity to the hotel. Golf is very popular, with two competition courses at Mount Edgecombe simply four kilometres away, or why not try scuba diving, deep-sea fishing or dolphin viewing. Durban’s popular Gateway Theatre of Shopping, which incorporates the entertaining Barnyard

Photographs: BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL

Theatre, as well as the more intimate La Lucia Mall are not far, while slightly further afield you’ll find the Sharks Board, Suncoast Casino and everyone’s favourite theme park – uShaka Marine World. Everything is within a 20-minute drive of the peace and serenity of the Beverly Hills. Even Durban’s brand-new airport, King Shaka International, is a mere 15 kilometres away. But it’s the sense of care that really makes this hotel one in a million. Sitting down for afternoon tea, with the bright blue pool beckoning from below the terrace and the ocean stretching out for miles, the waiters are attentive but not obsequious. They offer helpful advice on what to choose (four delicious sweet offerings, four tasty savoury) from the extensive menu, pour smooth coffees and offer the signature Beverly Hills shortbread, served on a tiny silver tiered cake tray. When the selection arrives,

each small masterpiece is explained, then you’re left to enjoy the feast – interrupted only for them to point out a school of dolphins frolicking in the ocean right in front of you. And this is just one tea – the same care and attention is carried through to dinner and breakfast, to turning down the room at night and making it up in the morning, and to simply giving directions to nearby sights. At the Beverly Hills Hotel, nothing is too much trouble. Perhaps this exceptional service stems from its history of luxury as the first five-star hotel in KwaZulu-Natal. Or perhaps it’s simply because this landmark hotel combines all that makes Durban so special – the warmth, the ocean, the hospitality – in one unbeatable package. Visit the Beverly Hills Hotel and you’ll have tasted a slice of the best that Durban has to offer. n Helen Hinkley

Beverly Hills Hotel

Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal Telephone: +27 (0)31 561 2211 Facsimile: +27 (0)31 561 3711 Email: beverlyhills@beverlyhillshotel.co.za Website: www.beverlyhillshotel.co.za The five-star Beverly Hills is part of the Southern Sun group, which operates more than 90 hotels throughout Africa, the Middle East and the Seychelles

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Cape Grace

Star-quality hub of heritage Guests looking for luxe in the heart of Cape Townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s V&A Waterfront regularly check into this famous five-star hotel. Situated on the West Quay with picture-perfect views of Table Mountain, Cape Grace is a beautifully dressed, proudly South African space. And with its famously warm service approach, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not to love?

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Cape Grace is a celebration of the rich heritage of the Cape and this is reflected in its striking interiors.

ape Grace staff are famously discreet, but it’s still a well-known fact that Clint Eastwood booked a series of rooms here when he was last in Cape Town, and he loved it. And he’s just one of many. You see, ever since this five-star property – the first boutique hotel to open in the city – opened its doors almost 14 years ago, it’s attracted a well-heeled, often jet-set clientele who know star quality when they see it – and who relish the opportunity to be situated in the heart of the hip-and-happening

V&A Waterfront. All comment on the enthusiastic approach to service, which has none of the stiff formality you often find in other quality establishments, and nobody leaves without remarking on the impeccable interiors, dressed to impress in a subtle yet absolutely striking blend of South African and historical motifs. You’ll find the hotel standing proud on its own quay in the V&A Waterfront, with a yacht marina and stunning mountain views on one side and, on the other, the harbour proper, with its bright vessels

going about their daily business. At the end of 2008, the hotel totally refashioned its interiors, from the ground floor to the top penthouse suites. In keeping with the hotel’s philosophy, the new design wholeheartedly embraces both the hotel’s surrounds and the city’s heritage, marrying it with an altogether glamorous flavour. The vast, double-volume lobby greets you with an enormous hand-painted mural of Table Bay, as seen by the first European colonists who arrived at the Cape. Painted in sepia tones, it’s a moody view of the

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Historical ephemera and subtle splashes of colour feature throughout the hotel.

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city, and the first of many tangible bits of history you encounter at every turn. The mural’s muted palette of golden browns, tinged with Dutch blues and flashes of sparkle, continues throughout the hotel space. The welcome staff, dressed in lean, lined suits, fit in to the picture perfectly, and their relaxed yet professional air sums up the atmosphere here. Off the lobby is Signal Restaurant – named for the noon gun that daily signals the stroke of midday in the city, and has done for hundreds of years. Here a magnificent yellowwood bar is both counter and cabinet, housing historical trinkets for all to admire. Understated opulence pervades: linen-upholstered chairs, monogrammed in the European style of the 1600s, when the Cape Colony was founded, are dotted throughout the space and overhead, magnificent chandeliers are crammed with gleaming antiquities, from crystal glassware to silver tableware – its a cheeky indication of the hotel’s contemporary approach to glamour. Chef Malika van Reenen is Cape Malay and she brings her love of spice and local flavours to a thoroughly modern menu (do try the spiced springbok loin – it’s sublime). Although the ground-floor public areas make the biggest impression, thanks to the magnificent chandeliers, murals and Dutch colonial antiques, the private spaces are equally striking. On the walls of the corridors leading to the bedrooms and suites are cabinets filled with historical artefacts, like Delft pottery remnants and delightful old maritime finds. They’re a charming touch – mounted on the wall, as someone who has an interest in historical ephemera might do in their own home – and something that is remarked on time and again in the hotel’s bulging guestbook. The rooms themselves are a warm, welcoming blend of modern comforts and original antiques. And it goes without saying that their outlook is superb. From a harbourside room, you’re likely to get a glimpse of the quayside workshop of Team Shosholoza, South Africa’s Olympic sailors – their sleek craft a far cry from the ships that the Dutch East India Company

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Signal is a confection of heritage influences, both in the décor and the food, while Bascule Bar is a moody space for whisky appreciation.

Cape Grace

Photographs: CAPE GRACE

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, Western Cape Telephone: +27 (0)21 410 7100 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 418 0495 Email: reservations@capegrace.com Website: www.capegrace.com

first sailed into this bay four centuries ago. One of the most important things on any guest’s to-do list here should be a charter trip on the Spirit of the Cape. The hotel’s power yacht takes guests for jaunts around the harbour or on a two-hour excursion to explore Table Bay and the Atlantic coastline – anchoring at Clifton for Champagne and canapés. It’s an utterly glamorous thing to do and it’s worth the effort – seeing the city from the ocean offers a different perspective, and it’s a lovely one. Factoring time in at Bascule, the hotel’s cosy whisky, wine and cocktail bar, is also essential. This moody space boasts striking mountain and marina views and never fails to impress with its vast selection of more than 400 whiskies.

Thankfully, the hotel holds regular whisky tastings, demystifying the complexities of its many ‘liquid gold’ offerings. Of course, spa time is always a must and the top-floor haven of wellness is a welcome retreat. Though the treatments are sublime, time spent on the outdoor deck here, post massage, with the incredible mountain view, is just as memorable. You leave this gracious hotel both refreshed and thoroughly impressed. The visual celebration of the influence of early European settlers on this picturesque city is both novel and fascinating – far from feeling like a history lesson, it’s an elegant educational experience, especially as it’s paired with such modern conveniences and excellent service. n Justine Hewitt

Cape Grace is part of the Meikles group of luxurious, award-winning hotels, which also include Meikles Harare and the Victoria Falls Hotel. Centrally located within Cape Town’s leading tourist attraction, it is a member of Leading Hotels of the World, which recognises five-star boutique properties that are the preferred choice for upscale travellers who look for charm, uniqueness and personalised service in their accommodation.

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Tintswalo at Waterfall

Making memories among lush polo fields This intimate boutique hotel may not be far from the urban buzz of Johannesburg, but it’s miles away in terms of its country setting. Tintswalo at Waterfall is surrounded by polo fields and was built to look like a barnstyle stable, though step inside and you’ll find its interiors are anything but rustic. And with an exceptional restaurant and all the exclusive trappings of a luxury establishment, it’s a memorable place to say ‘I do’.

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ead away from the city of Johannesburg towards the lush green belt of Kyalami. Known as ‘horse country’ by those in the know, on any given afternoon you’ll see riders cantering across the farmlands that make up this tranquil part of Gauteng. Here you’ll find Tintswalo at Waterfall – a chic boutique establishment built around the theme of an elegant stable, where polo, cucumber sandwiches and Champagne are simply par for the course. The architecture of the property is distinctive, with the innovative building designed to resemble a barn. Inside you’ll find double-volume spaces, heavy boltedtimber roof trusses, thick stone-clad walls, craggy brick surfaces and industrial-style steel and glass. These rugged elements are softened by plush furnishings and

sexy, high-tech lighting to create a space that is warm and intimate. The focus is on letting the outside in, and generously proportioned windows, which ensure you get expansive views over the surrounding polo fields, the estate dam and the Magaliesburg mountains in the distance, add to the opulent feel of the interiors. The hotel has 16 designer suites, all named after famous horse breeds. Each suite is themed around its name and decorated according to the provenance of the breed it represents. So you’ll find exotic Middle Eastern touches in the Arabian suite; straight lines and understated elegance in the Lipizzaner suite; homey American Prairie style in the Mustang suite; and plenty of home-grown South African sass in the Basuto suite. The Feedroom restaurant has a reputation

for exquisite contemporary cuisine, catering for everything from small intimate meals for two to lavish feasts fit for royalty. The Tintswalo group’s Executive Chef, Martin Greyling, adds his distinctive flair to menus that are changed regularly to suit the occasion or the season. Only the finest local ingredients are used, and guests can enjoy unpretentious, fresh and tasty three-course meals as they gaze out over the serene countryside. Meals are accompanied by some of South Africa’s best wines, with the hotel’s extensive

The hotel’s beautiful setting coupled with its luxury interiors, fine cuisine and experienced staff make it a perfect wedding venue.

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underground cellar well known for its fine selection. One of the highlights of staying at Tintswalo at Waterfall is the Vital Source Spa, which incorporates a hydro bath and sauna as well as state-of-the-art treatment rooms – including a men’s treatment room – with delightful views over the dam. There’s a full face- and body-treatment menu, which makes use of the professional Dermalogica and Mary Cohr skin-care systems. More energetic guests can work up a sweat in the fullyequipped gym or on the squash courts, or head out on a five-kilometre walking trail within the grounds of the estate. The hotel’s prime location – close to the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria, but with a distinctive country feel – and its luxurious on-site facilities, which include a boardroom for groups of up to 45 people, has made it a popular venue for both corporate and social events. It’s especially making a name for itself as the perfect wedding venue. In fact, in a successful marketing initiative, the Tintswalo group has recently teamed up with the high-end South African jewellery design company,

Jenna Clifford, in a match designed to expose more couples to the unique ‘special day’ possibilities available at Tintswalo at Waterfall. What sets the hotel apart as a wedding venue is not just its convenient countryside setting, but the elegance, exclusivity and sense of occasion that the Tintswalo group is so well known for providing. Tintswalo at Waterfall is aimed at couples who want the very best of the best for their big day. Staff are on hand to provide experienced guidance on all aspects of creating an unforgettable occasion, and Tintswalo is affiliated to some of the best wedding service suppliers in South Africa. Wedding photographs are taken around the beautiful dam, or in the lush green polo fields, with the reception catered to the highest standards in the hotel’s communal spaces. The newlyweds, their close family and friends can book out the entire hotel for the occasion and Tintswalo at Waterfall will ensure that each and every detail is taken care of. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable but stress-free event. n Denise Slabbert

Set among the rolling green hills of Kyalami, the distinctive barn-style building incorporates soaring doublevolume spaces.

Tintswalo at Waterfall

Kyalami, Gauteng Telephone: +27 (0)11 234 2456/27/39 Facsimile: +27 (0)11 234 2449 Email: reception@ waterfall.tintswalo.com Website: www.tintswalo.com Part of the Tintswalo Collection, a portfolio of luxury boutique hotels, Tintswalo at Waterfall is set in the green belt outside Johannesburg and offers a unique wedding venue for discerning romantics.

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Steenberg Hotel

Blissful escape What makes the perfect getaway? The experience offered by Steenberg Hotel may come as close as you’ll get. Set at the southern end of Cape Town’s beautiful Constantia Valley, it combines a stunning location with superb food, estate-grown wine and unmissable leisure activities – not to mention a slice of Cape history.

ake the narrow road through the vineyards to Steenberg Hotel and the first thing that strikes you is the magnificent view. From its elevated position you get a sweeping vista across the southern suburbs of Cape Town, towards Devil’s Peak and the back of Table Mountain on one side, and the cool blue waters of False Bay and the distant Hottentots Holland Mountains on the other. The second thing you notice is how deep in the country you feel

among the rows of vines that stretch up the mountainside, despite the suburban sprawl at your feet. A sense of serenity descends before you even get to the lush lawns surrounding the elegant Cape Dutch manor house. Set on the slopes of Steenberg (or ‘stone mountain’), at the southern end of the fertile Constantia Valley, the estate holds the distinction of being the oldest wine farm on the Cape Peninsula. The manor, with its distinctive gable dated 1682,

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Previous spread The twobedroomed Khoi Khoi suite. Steenberg’s pool bar is the most relaxing spot to retreat to at the end of a hot summer’s day, while cool interiors are a skilful blend of old and new.

and the other original buildings in the historical werf have National Monument status, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about the luxurious five-star hotel they house today. All have been lovingly restored and the 21 rooms and three suites now blend 17th-century charm with the ultimate in modern convenience and comfort. The spacious Heritage Suites – the Khoi Khoi, the Dutch East India and the Cape Colonial – are housed in the Jonkershuis (it translates as ‘young man’s house’ and is a typical feature of old Cape farms) and offer a contemporary tribute to a distinct period in the history of the Cape. All combine authentic period pieces with high-tech

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amenities and private patios overlooking the vineyards and golf course to provide a truly luxurious experience for the discerning traveller. All in all, Steenberg is the perfect place to unwind – its superb location partnered with world-class hospitality. Because that’s what really sets the hotel apart – its passion for making your stay as exceptional as possible. Whether it’s the sumptuously decorated rooms, a chilled cocktail while you’re relaxing on one of the loungers besides the sparkling pool, or the always-on-call butler service in the Heritage Suites, you’ll never have a moment where your needs aren’t met. Of course, no top hotel experience is

Photographs: STEENBERG hotel

complete without fine food and wine – and Steenberg offers some of the best in Cape Town. At Catharina’s, the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, executive chef Garth Almazan offers a contemporary menu that’s a fusion of South African tastes. Named for Catharina Ustings Ras, the controversial young German widow who arrived in the Cape in 1662 dressed as a man, and was on husband number five when she became the farm’s first owner, it’s recently been completely refurbished and is a great place to enjoy a romantic dinner. For a more informal dining experience, you can stroll up the moutainside to Bistro Sixteen82. Positioned high among the vines, with spectacular mountain views, this serves tapas and lighter daytime meals. Chef Brad Ball has also introduced a unique Raw Bar, where healthy and delicious raw cuisine, such as sashimi, oysters, gravadlax and ceviche, is freshly prepared to order. The bistro is housed in a brand new, doublevolume, industrial-style space that flows seamlessly into the estate’s revamped wine-tasting centre. Some 68 hectares of the farm is under vines and its cool, seafacing slopes produce excellent wines, in particular a light, crisp Sauvignon Blanc, the estate’s flagship cultivar.

Steenberg is also a championship golf and lifestyle estate, and the ideal spot for a total golfing experience. The 18hole Peter Matkovich-designed course is famous for its hybrid plan, strategically placed sand pits and waterways, and for the opportunity to ‘bump and run’ (a rare shot in South Africa). If the peace and tranquillity of the vineyards and the hours spent strolling the golf course aren’t relaxing enough for you, you can always pop into the Spa at Steenberg, operated by the Gingko Spa and Wellness Group and providing an earthy, relaxing atmosphere in which to unwind completely. Five beautifully decorated rooms offer unique experiences, from ScenTao Hot Stone Therapy Massage to the Gingko signature therapeutic massage, encompassing five different techniques, and, of course, all the skin care and body treatments anyone could wish for. At the end of a day at Steenberg Hotel, this is the feeling you’ll be left with: it is all anyone could wish for. Luxury, history, serenity and hospitality, coupled with superb golf and incredible wines… Blend all that with truly breathtaking views and you have what could only be described as the perfect getaway. n Helen Hinkley

Steenberg Hotel

Constantia, Cape Town Telephone: +27 (0)21 713 2222 Facsimile: +27 (0)21 713 2251 Email: info@steenberghotel.com Website: www.steenberghotel.com Steenberg Hotel forms part of a golfing and lifestyle estate in the heart of the Constantia Winelands.

Sleek four-poster beds and modern bathrooms blend seamlessly with historical, beamed ceilings in the contemporary Premier Suite.

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Make a break in Mauritus. No matter where you are coming from or going to.

www.airmauritius.com Phone +27 (0)11 601 3900 Air Mauritius AD.indd 1

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Opulent Living Mauritius Special

Establishments (in alphabetical order) 01 Les Villas de Beau Rivage 02 One&Only Le Saint Géran 03 Royal Palm 04 Shanti Maurice 05 Villas d’Albion 06 Villas Valriche

20°11‘59.87“S 20° 9‘38.33“S 20°00‘27.42“S 20°30‘20.21“S 20°13‘10.43“S 20°30‘18.12“S

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57°46‘55.42“E 57°45‘24.97“E 57°34‘51.29“E 57°28‘10.74“E 57°24‘00.37“E

128 138 122 110 116 134

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Shanti Maurice

Warm-hearted retreat Blissfully discreet hideaways do not come better than this. Devoted purely to pleasure and with the holistic wellbeing of guests at heart, Shanti Maurice proves that style is enhanced by sincerity.

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PREVIOUS PAGE The elegant Stars restaurant offers unrivalled views over a starlit Indian Ocean at night. Kids are well catered for in a dedicated play area.

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reaming of a seafood feast on the beach, feet in sand and the sensual warmth of the sea air caressing your skin? Also need to massage away hours of stress and restore some balance to your busy life? Shanti Maurice invites you to fly down to the largely untouched south coast of Mauritius, where staff promise you’ll find true warmth, and perhaps even your inner soul. ‘Me time’ is sacred here and, by honouring that, an island holiday can become a life-changing experience. It’s all about finding a place, and people, devoted to your personal pleasure. Situated on a pristine horseshoe cove protected by beautiful coral reefs and surrounded by lush sugarcane fields, the resort enjoys a truly sublime setting. Fragrant tropical gardens sprawl over 36 acres where 61 spacious villas and suites have been sensitively arranged along the beachfront, giving each one an uninterrupted view of the azure blue ocean beyond. Private pools beckon, ‘Sala’ pavilions invite romantic dining under the stars, and outdoor rain showers leave you feeling blissfully reconnected with nature. Originally a destination spa with a strong Ayurvedic philosophy but now a top Nira resort, the new Shanti Maurice offers a more layered experience based on the philosophy that while travellers might arrive as guests, they leave as friends and return as family. The difference? It’s all about a complete holiday experience that begins with superbly trained Mauritian staff who are empowered to give unwavering attention to your every need in the genuinely sincere manner that is typical of every islander’s warm charm. And while all the benefits of the spa and its Ayurvedic and yoga professionals are there to take care of body, mind and soul, falling in love with the island and discovering the ‘real’ Mauritius is as much a part of the personal journey. Nipping off on one of the hotel’s zippy Vespas to find out where Bois Cheri Tea is made, or to swim with dolphins at Tamarin Bay, is easy to arrange – but it’s just as much fun to set off with a gourmet lunch

hamper and chilled wine for a romantic picnic somewhere in the secluded gardens or on the beach. Mauritius is one of those wonderful destinations that caters equally well for honeymooners who simply want to cocoon and be pampered, as it does for families who have the energy to explore the island or take part in the wide variety of sport and recreational activities on offer. A bonus for parents is the Kid’s Club, offering an activities programme of arts and crafts as well as non-motorised water sports. Interestingly, families and honeymooners co-exist happily simply because of the high staff-to-guest ratio, as well as the fact that the large suites offer unrivalled space and privacy. The thatched Presidential Villa is 800 square metres of understated luxury – the largest exclusive-use villa on the property. Hidden in the lush gardens, with its own private swimming pool, Jacuzzi, and dining pavilion, it’s a haven of peace and serenity. It comprises two capacious and airy bedrooms with en suite bathrooms, separated by the living rooms and open courtyards for maximum privacy. Outside, a wraparound wooden deck with loungers perfectly positioned to take in the view provides the perfect spot for entertaining. Dedicated butler services are included, but there’s a full butler’s quarter with an adjacent kitchen for personal chauffeurs and au-pairs. Architect JeanMarc Eynaud chose natural materials such as local hardwoods, lava stone, granite, marble and slate as finishes, and bathed the interiors in light by using large windows throughout. Interior designer Chandu Chhada created a sense of fluidity indoors with clean lines but softened the effect with raw silk drapes. No less luxurious are three two-bedroom suite villas, five luxury suite villas and eight luxury villas, all with private pools, salas and outdoor showers. The remaining accommodation is in junior suites housed in attractive villa buildings with four suites per villa. This extensive and varied collection of accommodation is ideal for wedding parties – and who can think of a more idyllic

TOP The resort has 61 villas set on a coral-reef lagoon in the south of Mauritius. ABOVE Enjoy fresh fish and exotic cocktails right on the beach at the Fish and Rhum Shack. LEFT What more romantic spot to get married than a pavilion at the end of a pier?

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The Nira Spa combines Ayurvedic practices with modern spa therapies for a harmonising mind, body and spirit experience; yoga classes are held in a spacious open pavilion. OPPOSITE The private splendour of the Presidential Villa.

setting to share with close family and special friends? Vows can be exchanged in the pier-top wedding pavilion stretching out over the turquoise-blue waters of the ocean below, or under the ancient Badamier tree with the mountains in the back-ground. Or, for anyone looking for an unusual local spin on the wedding theme, the neighbouring village has an 18th-century chapel that comes complete with a Mauritian choir. Food on the island is tropical and only the freshest ingredients are used by

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head chef, Willibald Reinbacher. Many come straight from the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recently expanded herb and vegetable garden, but island farmers keep him well stocked, too. Fishermen bring in their catch of the day, which is best enjoyed freshly grilled or barbequed at the rustic Fish and Rhum Shack â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the newest restaurant down on the beach, where nomadic bohemian chic is the order of the day. The Shack is barefoot luxury at its best, a place where guests can mingle and experience new tastes in the exotic rum cocktails,

or simply sit back and relax with a local beer. A more refined gourmet experience can be had at Stars, the signature restaurant, where award-winning South African chef, Reuben Riffel consulted on the Cape-inspired menu, which is complemented by a stunning selection of South African wines. Drift off to the Red Ginger Lounge later for a nightcap around the softly lit infinity pool, before contemplating the end of another day in paradise. Of course, you could look at a more holistic way of spending your time here and try a menu suited to your dosha after a full consultation and assessment at the spa, which combines the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda, yoga and watsu. One of the most spacious spas in the Indian Ocean, a varied range of therapies is given in 25 treatment rooms, with relaxation time spent in tea pavilions. Ethical skincare company, Africology, was chosen for the spa because its products use African ingredients with outstanding restorative powers. Water also plays a key role in the spa therapy at Nira Spa: thalassotherapy harnesses the natural benefits of sea water and seaweed, while watsu warm-water bodywork in a heated outdoor pool with a Jacuzzi combines movement therapy and shiatsu to clear stress and tension, leaving the body harmonised. Yoga masters invite you to do their pure, traditional classes, and then follow their sessions with meditation or relaxation.

Shanti Maurice

Photographs: shanti maurice

Chemin Grenier, Mauritius Telephone: +230 603 7200 Facsimilie: +230 603 7250 Email: reservations@ shantimaurice.com Website: www.shantimaurice.com

There’s no formal check-in schedule at Shanti Maurice: you are simply welcomed at whatever time suits your travel arrangements, and there’s no need to check out by a certain time. As Manvinder Puri, CEO of Nira says, ‘all it takes is impeccable co-ordination by a skilled housekeeping team, but why not? Why should our guests have to wait at the airport for a late flight? We’d rather they were relaxing with us around our pools or enjoying a last massage before the flight home.’ A mature and generous

attitude indeed. It’s not surprising though, as his management style is born out of a lifetime spent in hotels and he knows exactly how meaningful these gestures are, and how deeply appreciated by even the most discerning travellers. Added to this experience is that of general manager, Paul van Frank, previously of award-winning property, Begawan Giri, in Bali. Both hospitality icons have a philosophy that sets Shanti Maurice apart and echoes the genuinely welcoming Mauritian ethos. n Michelle Snaddon

Shanti Maurice is located on the south coast and has an all-year-round subtropical climate. There are daily direct flights from Europe and South Africa and the resort is a 40-minute drive from the airport. Shanti Maurice is now a member of Leading Hotels of the World and Leading Spas.

Villas d’Albion

An island home with five-star service Where can you get all the benefits of a family resort, but enjoy the comfort and privacy of a home-away-from-home? The answer: Club Med Mauritius. Its luxurious Villas d’Albion are exclusive-use holiday properties – with access to the service and amenities for which the Club Med brand is world famous. And with the Indian Ocean on your doorstep, there couldn’t be a better place to unwind – while the butler takes care of every detail.

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he small fishing village of Albion, on the west coast of Mauritius, embodies the relaxed lifestyle and natural beauty for which the Indian Ocean islands are so celebrated. Backed by majestic mountains and flowing onto a white, sandy beach lapped by the warm turquoise-blue waters of a coral-reef lagoon, it’s the perfect place to enjoy some fun in the sun. For those discerning travellers looking for luxurious accommodation in this beautiful spot, Club Med’s Villas d’Albion, situated alongside its La Plantation d’Albion resort, offer the best in island style and comfort. Set in 13

hectares of lush vegetation, each of the spacious villas has its own garden and swimming pool, making them perfect for families or groups of friends who enjoy their privacy. The Villas are also available to buy, allowing investors to rent their properties to others who appreciate such gems, while maintaining a six-week holiday slot for themselves and their families to enjoy the ultimate time out. Neighbouring La Plantation d’Albion gives Villa owners and guests free access to all the amenities of a 5-Trident Club Med resort: serene swimming pools and a range of watersports (snorkelling, kayaking, sailing) in the

protected bay; a choice of restaurants (gourmet and buffet) and bars; concerts and shows for a taste of island culture; organised programmes of activities to keep the kids entertained; a gym and tennis courts; scuba-diving trips; spa treatments, either at the Cinq Mondes spa or in the privacy of your villa; and as much golf as you can play on the 18-hole Tamarina course. Above all, though, the Villas d’Albion experience is about personal service. A butler is provided for each villa, whose job it is to ensure that the every whim of its guests is catered to. From organising activities at La Plantation d’Albion to booking excursions for

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you to explore the island, the butler takes the stress out of holiday planning, leaving guests to simply relax and unwind in harmony, without a care in the world. It’s as easy as asking – for a spa session, or a childminder, or a private chef to cater for a special family celebration. And whether it’s breakfast on the veranda or tea around the pool, you don’t have to lift a finger, except to raise a glass of Champagne to your lips – offered at the bar each evening from 6pm. The Villas are spacious, and come with two, three or four bedrooms, offering accommodation for up 10 people. In the centre of each villa is an expansive living and dining area, which opens onto a modern kitchen and flows out to the garden. High ceilings with visible wooden beams leave the rooms cool and airy while deeply comfortable sofas and armchairs invite guests to

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PREVIOUS PAGE Interiors are light and airy; the Mauritian-style veranda next to the pool offers a spacious, covered outdoor lounge and dining area.

PHOTOGRAPHS: CLUB MED

Each villa has its own garden and pool; an Asian-inspired master bedroom; high ceilings ensure the indoor living and dining areas remain cool; guests can arrange to have spa treatments next to their pool.

chill inside with a book or in front of the television. The interior of each villa is airconditioned, and has WiFi and even a small study should a little business call guests away from their leisure time. But the technology isn’t all about work: a Bose sound system relays music to the veranda and comes complete with an iPod connection to allow guests to choose their grooves. Each villa has a private garden and swimming pool, bordered by a wonderful thatched Mauritian-style veranda that allow guests to enjoy the comfort of a shaded outdoor lounge that comes complete with a suspended bed. A perfect place for a convivial time with family and friends! Every bedroom has its own bathroom, and a fully equipped kitchen allows guests the flexibility to prepare meals in their own time and space. And, of

course, the butler is on hand to arrange all your grocery shopping – all you need to do is provide a shopping list. Paris-based designers Marc Hertrich and Nicolas Adnet took their creativity to new heights with the interior design. It’s a look that combines comfort with class. ‘We wanted to create a contemporary atmosphere while reflecting the history and magnificent melting pot of cultures specific to Mauritius, where India, Africa, and Asia come together in an upto-date ambience surrounded by Creole charm,’ say the pair. Villas d’Albion really is an innovative concept for guests (and investors), combining a stylish private property with all the convenience of a top holiday resort. For those who value exclusivity, personalised service and, above all, the freedom to tailor-make a holiday to suit their moods, it offers the best of all worlds.  Glenda Nevill

Villas d’Albion

Club Med La Plantation d’Albion 5-Trident Resort, Albion, Mauritius Telephone: +27 (0)11 840 2810 Facsimile: +27 (0)11 840 2616 Email: contact.SA@clubmed.com Website: www.clubmed.co.za

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Magical Mauritius Mauritius is a wonderful place for rest and relaxation. In addition to an array of water activities, Mauritius offers a host of inland adventures waiting to be discovered. So besides lying on some of the whitest beaches in the world and swimming in cobalt blue water, there are a wide range of activities to enjoy with the whole family during your stay in Mauritius.

Adventure For the more adventurous traveler one can venture off on quad bikes at either Domain de L’Etoile, Casela Yemen Park or at Valriche. Nature Parks are inland and can be explored in off - road vehicles or on foot. Nature lovers wishing to discover and learn about the endemic species of Mauritius (mainly flora) can do so by means of guided mountain biking tours. Mauritius is a haven for hikers and offers 30 miles of trails in the forested area in the south west. Cuisine Being a country of colourful diversity, Mauritius provides a unique fusion of European, African and Asian variants that enhances the island experience. Places of Interest Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens These attractive gardens are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Mauritius. One key attraction is the park’s giant Victoria regia water lilies, native to the Amazon.

Coloured Earths of Chamarel Among the oddest sites of the island are the sevencoloured dunes at Chamarel, believed to result from the weathering of volcanic rocks. The Casela Yemen Park The Casela Bird Park and Nature Reserve hosts some 140 varieties of birds from around the world. Île aux Cerfs This is a small island on the east coast and attracts large numbers of holiday-makers. Two-hour boat trips are offered to the Grande Rivière Sud-Est waterfall; and there’s also a tour around Île aux Cerfs as well as parasailing trips! Maison Eureka Built in 1830, Maison Eureka in the affluent central area of Moka is one of the best preserved and largest colonial houses on the island. Visit www.tourism-mauritius.mu

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Royal Palm

Tranquil haven committed to excellence

With its lush sub-tropical location, top-class cuisine and impeccable five-star service, the Royal Palm in Grand Baie, Mauritius, brings a new definition of refinement to the concept of superior waterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s-edge holidaying. Visitors to this highly personalised 84-suite hotel on the Indian Ocean islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protected north-west coast find themselves returning again and again for the gracious hospitality and international standards of luxury at play in this unforgettable shore-side establishment. Opulent Living

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PREVIOUS PAGE For an informal lunch, relax under a badamier tree at Le Bar Plage. The Royal suite features an infinity pool and private gazebo area; what better place to enjoy fresh catch of the day than poolside?

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n 1896, American writer Mark Twain wrote: ‘Mauritius was made first and then heaven… and heaven was copied after Mauritius.’ Certainly, Grand Baie’s other-worldly Royal Palm – part of Beachcomber Hotels – bears out Twain’s musings on the island that has become synonymous with sun, sea and sugar cane. Sympathetically rendered in an unobtrusive mix of local stone, carved wood and thatch, the hotel’s 84 individualized suites blend seamlessly with the verdant sub-tropical gardens in which they are set. Secluded, serene and so seafront you’re practically in the crystalline water, the hotel is located in a pretty horseshoe-shaped bay on the protected north-west coast of the island, a former fishing village that is now playground to well-heeled tourists and aquatic sports lovers alike. The expansive wooden deck of the hotel’s exclusive Royal Suite, which sleeps up to four adults but can be extended for larger parties, provides the ideal vantage point from which to be lulled by the lapping waters on adjoining Grand Sable beach. Encompassing an impressive 300 square metres of palatial opulence, the suite is set over two levels and comes complete with private hammam, infinity spa pool and gazebo area. Bordering the spacious living room is a separate dining area where in-suite banqueting presented by a personal chef is available to guests should they request it, while a discreet corridor on one wing of the suite leads to a small chamber where valets furtively enter and leave, attending to the every need of the inhabitants. Lofty ceilings, polished wooden floors and countless rare colonial antiques, most with an aesthetic nod to India and Asia, all add up to what is, undeniably, one of the most prestigious addresses on the island. Smaller in size, but certainly no less impressive, the hotel’s remaining suites all offer incomparable Indian Ocean views from their private terraces, many boasting exclusive staircases that lead down to the beach, not to mention hours of serious pampering in spacious marble-clad bathrooms complete with

walk-in dressing rooms. It goes without saying that state-of-the-art flat-screen televisions, Internet access and airconditioning all come as standard. Central to the roomy bedroom area of the tasteful Junior suites is a colossal linen-dressed bed flanked by a pair of sumptuous wingback armchairs, while the family-friendly Garden suites, located on the ground floor, comprise two wellappointed en suite bedrooms. Tropical, Palm and Senior suites, as well as a lavish Penthouse, offer a style and size to satisfy any number of requirements, while a trio of Presidential suites, situated on the uppermost floor of the hotel, feature two large bedrooms and two superbly furnished bathrooms. Without a doubt, a highlight of the Royal Palm experience is the cuisine of its internationally renowned chefs. The kitchen is overseen by Michel de Matteis, who has worked at several Michelinstarred restaurants across France. At La Goélette, the hotel’s principle and most formal restaurant, guests enjoy a mix of traditional Creole and international fare comprising the very freshest seasonal produce served up against a view across the bay. Breakfast is buffet style with an extensive menu of choices – from feather-light pancakes and waffles to eggs Benedict – beyond the buffet itself. Juices are all freshly squeezed, a choice of diminutive smoothies adding a novel touch. Baked daily, an array of baguettes, flaky all-butter croissants and melt-in-the-mouth pains au chocolat rival those of the French capital’s best boulangeries. Fine wines from the restaurant’s walk-in cellar, meanwhile, complement the restaurant’s lunch- and dinner-time gastronomic offering. In addition, set within La Goélette and in close proximity to the swimming pool, La Table du Capitaine is a private dining room for guests wanting more intimacy and privacy for that special occasion. With its chic contemporary interior and open-plan kitchen, the intimate Natureaty restaurant serves light and perfectly-balanced Mediterranean- or

The hotel is located in a protected bay on the pretty north-west coast of the island.

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Spacious and elegant, with a nod to Oriental styling, the suites range in size and appointment to suit all manner of requirements.

Asian-inspired fare – sushi included – right at the ocean’s edge. Styled with clean lines and organic textures and dressed in a subdued palette of soft taupe, ivory and warm plum, the restaurant is the ideal venue for indulging in a relaxing alfresco meal beneath a canopy of Southern-hemisphere stars. Finally, a less formal lunch can be taken in the dappled shade of a sprawling badamier tree at Le Bar Plage, whose beachfront locale provides a setting requisite to enjoying the day’s freshest catch. Of course, guests also have the option of taking any of their meals on the private balcony adjoining their suites – this, at no extra cost. One’s culinary yearnings satisfied, soothe spirit and soul at the Royal Palm’s Spa by Clarins. Built around a glittering rimflow pool, this world-class facility merges lava stone, granite, wood and slate to create a seductive all-natural pamper zone. Shingled roofs and expansive bay windows typify the eight Orientallythemed treatment cabins, each decorated in shades of tawny russet and burnt orange and featuring a private walled patio for clandestine spoiling. A thatched central pavilion houses the yoga area,

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while facilities include a pair of saunas, two hammams, a balneotherapy room and a beauty parlour. Occupying the same tropical setting as the spa, the Royal Palm Sports Centre offers the very latest in fitness equipment, with Pilates, steps, cardio and circuit training as well as squash courts and a kinesis area equipped with PowerPlates. Tennis players, meanwhile, can take advantage of the three floodlit grass courts set in the hotel’s lush grounds. Water-sport enthusiasts are well served, too, with a range of activities, from skiing to windsurfing, snorkelling to sailing in the iridescent waters of the hotel’s neighboring lagoon. Kayaks, pedal- and glass-bottomed boats are all there for guests to enjoy at no additional charge and professionally-run diving excursions depart daily from the hotel. The Royal Palm’s sleek speedboat is also available for private trips and guests can choose to arrive at or depart from the hotel in the luxury of a Rolls Royce Phantom or one of the fleet of BMWs. At night, the Royal Palm comes to life to the sound of a live jazz band while traditional Pushkaar fashion shows featuring local models displaying elegant

saris are also held regularly during the dinner-time shift. A stone’s throw away from the hotel, the quaint village of Grand Baie with its bars, restaurants and nightclubs, offers further afterdark diversion for intrepid night owls. The hotel welcomes children, who are suitably entertained at the Bob Marlin mini-club, where activities are tailored to specific age groups and include everything from handicrafts to puppet shows and treasure hunts, not to mention an open-air cinema in the grounds. Cakebaking classes at Natureaty restaurant, conducted by a professional chef, are a highlight for visiting youngsters who take inordinate pleasure in donning aprons and chef toques for the undertaking. Also enormously popular is the slate-tiled pool shallow enough for safe splashing supervised by the hotel’s well-trained

Professional therapists offer an array of soothing treatment options at the Spa by Clarins, a world-class all-natural pamper zone; a thatched Mauritian-style veranda houses the stylish lounge.

Royal Palm

Grand Baie, Mauritius Telephone: +27 (0)21 850 5300 Facsimile: +230 263 8455 Email: gen@beachcomber.co.za Website: www.beachcomber-hotels.com

This five-star boutique hotel is part of Beachcomber Hotels, which has eight luxury properties in Mauritius.

staff. Miniature deck chairs are even set beneath small parasols for relaxation in the shade. Attention to detail is matched only by the professionalism of the service at the Royal Palm, where staff outnumber guests three to one. That said, discretion is the order of the day and visitors are never left feeling overwhelmed or imposed upon, even when one’s sun lounger is positioned

exactly where requested on the beach and one’s towel is consistently replaced when one returns from a swim. In short, the hotel manages – with apparent effortlessness – to achieve that elusive balance between old-world hospitably and the international standards of fivestar luxury. The result? The perfect setting for a truly unforgettable island-holiday experience. n Jocelyn Warrington

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Les Villas de Beau Rivage

Mauritian beauty When you’re looking for the ultimate beach holiday, doesn’t it make sense to choose the most beautiful stretch of sand on Ile Maurice? But there’s more to Beau Rivage than the stunning sands… with private pools, breathtaking ocean views and a butler on hand to cater to your every whim, the resort’s remarkable villas are the perfect place to kick back, relax and make time stand still.

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PREVIOUS PAGE Each Villa has its own individual, heated swimming pool. Escape the sun and sand with a restorative treatment in the spa; suites are spacious and airy with terraces looking out over the sea and lush tropical gardens.

H Families will love the enormous child-friendly swimming pool.

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olidays are all about indulging in a little ‘me-time’, and there are few better places to seek peace and quiet than the exclusive villas at Beau Rivage. These sumptuous hideaways have been designed as the ultimate getaway for travellers in search of five-star seclusion. The Prestige Villas stretch to over 250 square metres, but the Beachfront and Ocean View villas are the ideal option if you want uninterrupted access to that beautiful beach. Regardless of which you choose, each of these elegant villas shares the same pedigree in exotic style. Mauritius is the proverbial melting pot of cultures, and this exotic mélange of French, Indian and Asian influences is beautifully reflected in the décor of these sleek escapes. Works by the island’s most talented artists grace the walls and delicate Chinese ceramics sit comfortably alongside

African-inspired lighting, while rich Indian fabrics add a luxuriant finish. It’s Afro-Indian exuberance tempered with a hint of Asian minimalism. Villas spill out into your private garden, where a heated swimming pool will tempt you off the sun loungers. A secluded gazebo is idyllic for a romantic dinner à deux or perhaps a restorative couples massage. The Beau Rivage spa melds African and Asian techniques, working hand in hand with legendary French spa brand Payot. Naturally, your butler is on hand around the clock to make your holiday as effortless as an ocean breeze. Those same breezes whisper in through the windows of the neighbouring hotel, which has been thoughtfully designed to offer a sense of intimacy. Landscaped around lush gardens and soothing water features, there’s a suite to suit any traveller.

THE ART OF ELEGANCE Modern watch-making was in its infancy, new technologies were adopted and an era in which a watchmaker produced an entire watch by himself was slowly ticking to an end. The year was 1830. It was the year in which the Baume family opened one of the first watch shops in the Swiss Jura and employed watchmaker-farmers to produce specialised parts of a watch. The Baume family then assembled and marketed the completed watches in Switzerland and Europe. In 1834 the two elder sons took over the family shop and soon the company became one of the biggest watch firms in Jura. In 1876, with the entry of a new generation, “Frères Baume” (Baume Brothers) had acquired a solid international reputation for its simple, chronograph or grand complication watches, including minute repeater, calendar or tourbillion models. In 1892 a keyless chronometer with tourbillion escapement by Baume won the absolute precision record that remained unequalled for the next ten years. In 1918 William Baume, an exceptionally talented watchmaker with innovative ideas, led the company into the 20th century by joining forces with Paul Mercier to create the Baume & Mercier brand in Geneva. The new company drew inspiration from the latest technical and aesthetic trends which they combined with superb watch-making craftsmanship.

William Baume and Paul Mercier

playing with the changing light of the sky that kisses the ocean. And when back in town, a Hampton watch on the wrist is a constant reminder of a moment of sheer escapism, a memory of a refined weekend by the ocean.

Hampton model reinvented watchmaking codes with its rectangular steel case, and became an instant best-seller. Inspired by a rectangular pink gold model introduced by Baume & Mercier in 1960, the Hampton collection has evolved through numerous variations. Whether curved or square, it has always succeeded in preserving its identity, consisting of a blend of watchmaking tradition and contemporary design.

LUXURY AND MOVEMENT OF THE TIMEPIECES The sophisticated Baume & Mercier watches exude elegance. The classic Baume & Mercier timepiece highlights your stylish features and set records for accuracy in timekeeping. Friday, 6 pm. The hectic pace of the week fades into the weekend. In New York, that spells time to leave Manhattan and to head out to the beach, to friends, to sports and to parties in a legendary place on the ocean shore: the Hamptons. Nestled on the other side of Long Island, the Hamptons are a perfect get-away location for a weekend of relaxation and leisure. After passing over the Brooklyn Bridge, just a few hours’ driving brings you within view of the traditional Hamptons wooden houses lined up on the beach. Time goes by in a unique way here, constantly

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The Hampton collection, the iconic watch line by Baume & Mercier, celebrated its 15th birthday in 2009. Created in 1994, the

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Photographs: LES VILLAS DE BEAU RIVAGE

Interleading rooms are ideal for families spending precious holiday moments together, while a four-poster bed makes the Honeymoon Suite a lover’s hideaway. Traditional masks, grass furnishings and rustic furniture imbue the African Senior Suite with the vibrancy of the continent, or you can feel like royalty in the palatial Maharajah Suite, where sea views wash in and a butler is always at your disposal. The globetrotting elegance of the villas finds equal expression in the resort’s finedining restaurants, where the freshest local produce energised by global trends is the hallmark. There are family-friendly and barefoot-beachfront eateries to enjoy, but you certainly shouldn’t wave goodbye without enjoying a meal in Indouchine or Le Langoustier. Dare to dress up a little and do justice to these two extraordinary dining experiences. With its gorgeous lagoon

views, Indouchine adds a whisper of the Orient to classical French cuisine, while Le Langoustier is groundbreaking in its simplicity, harnessing the ethereal allure of essential oils to create seafood masterpieces. For that special occasion, private dining in your villa or on the beach – the Indian Ocean lapping at your feet – is easily arranged by the warm, hospitable staff who are always on hand. A dream coming to life is the thread that runs through a holiday at Beau Rivage, like a golden filament glinting in an iridescent Indian sari. With fine food, sparkling seas and a lush island playground to explore, the days fly by all too quickly on Ile Maurice. But when you want time to slow down a little, to stop rushing towards the moment you have to leave, all you have to do is escape to your magical hideaway villa. n Richard Holmes

Les Villas de Beau Rivage

Belle Mare, Mauritius Telephone: +230 402 2000 Facsimile: +230 415 2020 Email: brivage@naiade.com Website: www.naiade.com

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Villas Valriche

Nature's bounty Mauritius has the darkly romantic past of a storybook featuring swashbuckling pirates, spice traders and treasure hunters. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bounty exists in plain sight. Elegant lifestyle estate, Villas Valriche, captures the essence of island living in its exquisite situation next to an unspoiled nature reserve nestled among lush mountains, a blue lagoon and pristine palm-fringed beaches. Privileged residents enjoy an incomparable outdoor existence with the added satisfaction of knowing their investment is a rare slice of paradise.

Clear blue skies and the inviting crystalline waters of both a private infinity pool and the Indian Ocean await residents and holidaymakers at Villas Valriche.

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alk onto a wide veranda at sunset, sun-warmed tiles caressing bare feet while a balmy breeze runs salty fingers through your hair. Picture settling into a comfortable recliner, ice jostling in a cold sundowner as a gold and apricot sky paints itself into night-time as far as the eye can see. This kind of serenity is part of an everyday existence in Mauritius, and nowhere more so than in the quiet and unspoiled southwest of the island where Villas Valriche is situated. Since Mauritius gained independence from Britain in 1968 it has stamped its mark on the international community as a shining example of stability in the developing

world. The islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy is strong and diverse, and is rapidly becoming known as the financial-services capital of the Indian Ocean. Over the past few years, foreigners have been tempted to her prosperous shores by invitations to own a piece of freehold treasure under privately-funded Integrated Resort Schemes. Award-winning lifestyle estate, Villas Valriche, is widely regarded to be the prime IRS on the island for investors and, as the villas are in limited supply, anyone can see why purchasing here offers an incredible investment opportunity for the future. With no foreign-exchange controls, low taxation, no capital gains or inheritance taxes and the attraction of permanent

Mauritian residency, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s small wonder people from all over the globe are packing for the sunshine. For something a little different, the beautiful estate of Valriche has been built in a preserved environment on a part of the island that has a less developed infrastructure than the rest. Projects in this unspoiled area seek to sustain the ecosystems they inhabit without curtailing any of the luxuries. Opulent resorts neighbour fishing villages and pristine golf courses side wild stretches of nature reserve. Each exists in harmony with the other, much like the lively fusion of cultures making up the Mauritian population. Perhaps the best part of owning a villa here

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Landscaped gardens give way to the rolling greens of the Golf du Château championship course; a brand-new Beach Club for residents includes extensive leisure and dining facilities, as well as clubs for both children and teenagers.

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is that wherever you look there’s a view. Each home has an uninterrupted panorama over the championship Peter Matkovichdesigned golf course and almost all command wide ocean vistas. Built high up a hillside, and in a natural amphitheatre, the fertile grounds also border the scenic Valriche Nature Reserve. Buyers can choose from an array of stylish house designs and all reflect a sophisticated plantation-style that call on the island’s colonial past. Plots all vary in size from 700 square metres to more than 3 000 square metre, and houses can be constructed as cosy romantic retreats or larger family homes. Each is a masterful combination of indoor and outdoor living. Clean lines and spacious interiors give way to neat patios and manicured garden landscapes. Throw back big wooden shutters and walk outside to a gazebo which can be easily transformed into an open-air dining room, barbeque or lounge area. Polished wooden floors merge with generous stone terraces,

which in turn slide into glassy stretches of infinity pool. And just overhead, trailing pink bougainvillea bobs to the gentle whirr of a plantation fan. Built to high specification and with the requisite top-quality finishes, the villas are expertly equipped; all have air-conditioned master bedrooms with en suite bathrooms and the added luxuries of state-of-the-art communications, free Internet access and satellite TV channels. It’s easy to pretend you’re on holiday year round as a daily cleaning service and a 24-hour concierge are on standby should you wish to make use of them. Add to this the choice of quality dining situated a short hop from home or, indeed, in your own kitchen should you care to call in a private chef. Alternatively residents can step out to Le Château de Bel Ombre, a beautiful 19th-century manor on the estate, offering Mauritian cuisine in a charming, colonial restaurant setting. Those who want to dine further afield have

Photographs: VILLAS VALRICHE

Each of the plantation-style villas is a harmonious combination of light and space – high ceilings, clean lines and wooden touches showcase tasteful décor and top-quality finishes; Villas Valriche was recently ranked among the world’s Top 20 golf resorts by Primelocation.com.

the option of two neighbouring five-star hotels: the Heritage Le Telfair and Heritage Awali Golf and Spa Resorts, both with an assortment of fine-dining and casual beach restaurants from which to choose. Both resorts also offer privilege cards to residents, who can make use of the many hotel facilities at a discounted rate. Early birds can head to the Le Telfair gym and take a yoga or Tai Chi class, or choose from a number of adventure activities in the nature reserves. Mountain biking, horse riding, jungle trekking, mountain climbing and eco-exploring should satisfy even the most active Indiana Jones. The island is also home to the world's third-largest coral reef system, making diving and snorkelling a rewarding pursuit. The coral-enclosed turquoise lagoons are naturally safe havens for all kinds of other water sports, too, from kite-boarding and sailing to waterskiing and windsurfing. A brand-new Beach Club offers a chic chillout zone with dining areas and swimming

pools, as well as excellent facilities for kids and teens. Parents will be able to drop off their offspring knowing they’re in capable hands. Babysitting is also available and professional staff are happy to come to the villa or meet you at either resort. Golfers can tee off at the championship Golf du Château as well as enjoy priority play at two other top courses nearby. And let’s not forget about those who simply wish to relax and enjoy an assortment of pampering treatments in the blissful cocoon-like atmosphere of one of the resort spas. Owning one of these sensational villas in Mauritius can also earn you a tidy income if you only intend to visit a few times a year. Part-time residents who wish to let out their investment and earn rental income can do so knowing that an experienced management team will step in to look after your interests while you are away, as well as be there to welcome you home. n Robyn Hodson

Villas Valriche

Bel Ombre, Mauritius Telephone: +230 623 5620 Mobile: +230 423 6800 Email: info@villasvalriche.com Website: www.villasvalriche.com Villas Valriche won Best Development and Best Golf Development last year.

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One&Only Le Saint Géran

One of a kind Named after a shipwreck that lies under the Indian Ocean off the nearby peninsula, this distinguished hotel is known for its extraordinary hospitality and round-the-clock service.

ituated on its very own peninsula on the east coast of Mauritius, One&Only Le Saint Géran is a subtropical paradise that has all the credentials of a high-end hotel – rambling waterfront suites, incomparable service, superb restaurants, in-room dining, a designer spa, state-of-the-art gym – and a lot more. Set on a 60-acre tropical garden, with the Indian Ocean on one side and a sheltered lagoon on the other, each of its 162 suites and one villa boasts magnificent views. In addition to the tasteful décor that

reflects the hotel’s tropical surrounds, with hand-selected furniture and fabrics in spicy island colours, all rooms come with every modern comfort, state-ofthe-art technology and a 24-hour butler service. But the most exceptional thing is the beds – king- or queen-sized, they’re covered with Egyptian-cotton linen and piled high with goose-down pillows… one more reason never to leave your room. The spacious bathrooms are beautifully appointed with large spa baths, cascading showers, mist-free mirrors and a selection

of divine bath salts and aromatherapy oils that invite you to linger longer. Dining at one of One&Only Le Saint Géran’s three restaurants deserves special mention. In fact, the hotel has a reputation among locals and visitors alike as the island’s gourmet epicentre – quite an extraordinary (and unusual) feat for a hotel. But given the Michelin-star-studded team of chefs who work around the clock to conjure up new dishes and tantalising taste sensations, it’s not surprising. World-renowned Alain Ducasse, known

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The hotel’s immaculate gardens extend to the palm-fringed white sandy beach, where long dips in the Indian Ocean are one of the highlights of a holiday in Mauritius.

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for his Spoon franchise and for racking up 19 Michelin stars during his career, has been at the helm of the hotel’s finedining restaurant, Spoon des Îles, since its inception 11 years ago – and continues to delight diners with his innovative multi-ethnic dishes. A modern Indian restaurant, Rasoi by Vineet, is the newest addition to the hotel’s gastronomic hub. Headed by multi-awardwinning Vineet Bhatia, whose Michelinstarred Chelsea restaurant was named ‘Indian Restaurant of the Year’ just a year after it opened in London, Rasoi is known to offer diners an out-of-this-world multisensory experience. Chef Bhatia’s unexpected combinations of flavours and his unconventional approach to cooking can be seen in his weird and wonderful dishes, which include chocolate samoosas, spiced tiramisu, ‘mezzeh‘ (Indian-style tapas) and ‘pizzaans’ (Indian-style pizzas). Often his team of chefs will thrill diners

with a live floor show that includes a tak-a-tak grill (Indian-style teppanyaki and open tandoor). There's fresh seafood, Creole-style, on offer at poolside La Terrasse, or how about a romantic One&Only Dinner – an enchanting moonlit affair on the beach or on the deck of the boathouse? Guests who opt for this dreamy experience can choose between the Asian, Beach Grill, Ultimate or Spoon des Îles menus. If you’re a water-sports enthusiast (or an adrenaline junkie), you’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to heaven on this beautiful stretch of coast. There’s water-skiing in the resort’s protected lagoon, sailing, snorkelling, kayaking, small-game fishing, wakeboarding and windsurfing. Kitesurfing has just been added to the list and, with International Kiteboarding-approved instructors led by David Legeant and the best-quality equipment, One&Only Le Saint Géran offers private courses for all levels,

An atmosphere of laid-back luxury permeates the hotel – from the sea-facing lobby with its lofty proportions, through the beautifully appointed bathrooms with his-and-hers basins, to poolside La Terrasse restaurant.

from total beginners to advanced riders. A vast white sand beach, a beautiful flatwater lagoon and challenging reef waves make this the finest kiting destination on the island. Water not your thing? Perhaps you’d prefer to play nine holes on the Gary Player-designed golf course and enjoy a light lunch at the chic club house afterwards. And if you’re looking for a more strenuous workout, the Gym and Fitness Centre should be your port of call. It’s decked out with state-of-the-art equipment and machines, as well as a team of qualified personal trainers who not only will offer you workout advice, but will give you helpful nutrition tips and

stress-management techniques as well. And then there’s the One&Only Spa by ESPA, a tranquil sanctuary that’s all about relaxation, restoration and rejuvenation. Tucked away in a discreet corner of the hotel’s sprawling gardens, the spa has eight treatment rooms, separate saunas for men and women, and a team of therapists dedicated to maintaining the spa’s templelike ambience. Guests may customcreate their own treatment or, based on an ‘unwind-restore-elevate’ evaluation, a therapist will guide you in choosing your optimal path to equilibrium. And, finally, even though the hotel has hosted the likes of Prince William, Sharon Stone and Nelson Mandela, you never feel like you’re in a celebrity hot spot. Quite the contrary – the most special thing about a stay at One&Only Le Saint Géran is the discretion and sense of splendid isolation that come with being adrift in the middle of the Indian Ocean. n Nikki Benatar

One&Only Le Saint Géran

Pointe de Flacq, Mauritius Telephone: +230 401 1888 Facsimile: +230 401 1777 Email: reservations@ oneandonlylesaintgeran.com Website: www.oneandonlylesaintgeran.com

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Hyatt Regency Johannesburg hosts 2010 Michael Fridjhon Wine Experience

Worth a toast Highlights in the line-up of events at the inspirational wine weekend held at this iconic hotel in Egoli included tastings of top Bordeaux wines and a delectable Louis Roederer Champagne brunch.

he annual Michael Fridjhon Wine Experience, now in its 14th year, is all about superior quality and refined tastes – and this year’s glamorous event was no exception. The same five First Growths of the Médoc that were presented at the inaugural event in 1997 – also held at this magnificent venue – were once again in the line-up for the keynote tasting, though this year the clarets were from the 1989 vintage, and the world’s most famous dessert wine,

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Château d’Yquem, was also included in the selection. Several more famous Bordeaux reds and whites were on the wine list for the gala dinner, and The Hyatt’s chefs – including Markus Linder from The Hyatt Oubaai – pulled out all the stops to create a mouthwatering menu. Set in cosmopolitan Rosebank, the Hyatt Regency is the epitome of exclusivity. This means it’s not only the premium choice for business travellers, but is also a coveted venue for high-end events.

Top ROW (FROM LEFT) Kofi Fordwor and Caroline Mashaphu, Davide Cardarelli (Nike) and Monica Cardarelli, Yann Gillet (Hyatt Regency Johannesburg) and Lucile Gillet; Louise and Paul Currie (Investec); Janice Fridjhon, Mark Currie (Investec) and Louise Currie. Middle row The Ndau Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Johannesburg flows onto an outside terrace surrounded by lush gardens; Michael Fridjhon, Lucile and Yann Gillet, Janice Fridjhon; Andrew Phillips and Madeleine Wessels (The Grand). Bottom ROW Yann Gillet, Lindiwe Zulu (International Relations Advisor), Zweli Zulu and United States Ambassador Donald Gips; Nick Keulemans and Ann Baker (Caxton); Florian Gast and Barbara Lenhard (Opulent Living Magazine), Davide and Monica Cardarelli.

BMW International Polo Series, Inanda

Opulent Living

Winning style After a successful test in Durban, polo lovers converged on Johannesburg for the second leg of this highly prestigious event on the international polo calendar. The result? A celebration of the game, and of course, stylishly clad guests.

he BMW International Polo Series is undoubtedly one of the highlights on Johannesburg‘s social calendar, and this year’s event once again exceeded all expectations. The annual test series between South Africa and a visiting touring team is now in its 21st year, and this year saw the Chilean team visiting local shores. Thanks to this exclusive sport’s strong association with high-end brands and corporates, it was yet again a prime opportunity for networking and branding. Not surprisingly, the much-anticipated clash drew record crowds, including many companies who took advantage of the dedicated tables in BMW’s 650-seater VIP marquee tent. Polo fans were treated to a world-class display of equestrian skills from both teams, and perfect spring conditions set the tone for the day. The fact

that the South African team was superior to the Chileans in both the Durban and the Inanda matches – marking their fifth consecutive victory against Chile – made the event even more memorable.

Top row (from left) Pat Mthembu (Niemcor Africa) and Noluthando Gqokoma (Engen); Johannita Cox, Ian Cox, musician Kurt Darren and fianceé Dunay Nortje. Second row Gianluca Renato (Pirelli) and Martina Venturi; Edith Venter (Edith Unlimited), Johnny Schwartz and Nina Morris (Morris Jones); Paula and Sasha Martinengo (5fm). Third row Anne Francis (Sun International), Peta Eggierth-Symes (Pallu Fashion), actress Carolyn Steyn and TV personality Jennifer Su; Amanda Barnett and Nkuli Bogopa (Absa). Bottom row Khosi Mtshali; Lindsay Pieterse (BMW) and Philo Pieterse (Philo Films); Awande and Xolisile Guqazn.

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Top row (from left) Artist Barbara Kasasa and Consul General of Monaco Francis Kasasa; Michele Meyer (Shimansky)and Merwe de Jager; Florian Gast and Barbara Lenhard (Opulent Living Magazine). Second row Some of the Opulent Living Magazine team. Third row Nicola and Patricia Caricola (Nicaf); Johann Laubser (Delaire Graff Estate); Patrick and Wenke van Oehlandt (Gail Gavril Real Estate); musician Rouchelle Liedeman; Tracey and Johan de Jager (Anthonij Rupert Wines). Bottom row Michelle du Plessis (Tintswalo Group), Emma Gage (Clarins); Pete Unsworth (The PR Team) and AnnieClaude Bergonzoli (Relais & Châteaux); Valeri Mouton (&Beyond) and Tanja von Arnim (Delaire Graff Estate); Maureen and Richard Schäfer (Cape Cobra).

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Opulent Living Magazine launches second issue

It’s a celebration Together with VIP guests from the hospitality and luxury industries, publishers Florian Gast and Barbara Lenhard of Opulent Living Magazine toasted the latest edition of their coffee-table publication.

he setting was stunning, the company inspiring and, ultimately, the celebration of all things elegant came up trumps when Opulent Living Magazine launched its second issue at the stylish Casa Labia in Muizenberg, Cape Town. Glamorously dressed guests were treated to the best in local food and wine at a lavish party that aptly echoed the luxury offerings of this high-end travel magazine. Up-and-coming jazz/soul diva, Rouchelle Liedeman, enchanted guests with her liquid voice and added an unmistakably warm and intimate atmosphere to the event. Over and above celebrating this young but forceful magazine’s promising future, guests were reminded of their social responsibility: Margi Biggs, founder of Street Smart, introduced this charity, which raises money via participating restaurants to give street children a better chance in life, and encouraged more establishments to join the scheme.

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Official launch of Shanti Maurice

Island jewel shines brighter More than 450 international guests gathered at Shanti Maurice on the beautiful south coast of Mauritius to mark the hotel's official opening as a Nira resort, as well as celebrate the changes that have seen it become one of the leading hotels of the world.

s the only international press invited to this high-profile event, the publishers of Opulent Living Magazine got one of the first peeks at the new shine given to this gem of a property. Situated in the south of Mauritius, this boutique-style resort has recently become part of the Nira Hotels & Resorts group and has undergone various changes and uplifts. The evening was a tribute to everyone who made the transition possible, as well as a

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celebration of Shanti Maurice’s inclusion in The Leading Hotels of the World portfolio. Exquisite delicacies, a candle-lit setting and world-class music made it an evening the island will talk about for a long time. The impressive line-up of VIP guests included Mauritian Minister of Tourism and Leisure, Hon Nandcoomar Bodha, who spoke about why the ‘diamond in the Indian Ocean’ is a holiday destination that is incomparable to any other in the world.

Top row (FROM LEFT) Marie Julienne and Yvonne Ratbray with Paul van Frank (Shanti Maurice); Julien Toussaint (Grays Company) with Karen Adone, Arnaud Leclezio and Valerie Chung (all Scott Company); Dhairya Choudhrie (C&C Alpha Group). Middle row Paul van Frank with Roland Maurel (Mauvillac Group); Hon Nandcoomar Bodha (Mauritian Minister of Tourism and Leisure) with Manvinder Puri (Nira Hotels & Resorts); Arminder Sawhney (Cremax Convertors) with Mrs Duval, Anita Choudhrie, Najma Currimjee, Mrs Sawhney and Sudhir Choudhrie (C&C Alpha Group). Bottom row Thierry Arekion (British Airways)with his wife; Ashok Khanna (IHHR Hospitality Group) with Marie Julienne; Florian Gast and Barbara Lenhard (Opulent Living Magazine); The Hon Mrs Shanti Bai Hanoomanjee (Mauritius Minister of Health and Quality of Life).

Cape Town launch of Elle Macpherson Intimates

Ultimate allure Elle Macpherson Intimates – the sought-after luxury lingerie label by Australian supermodel, actress and businesswoman – made its South African debut at the ExecuJet private hangar in Cape Town.

he très chic ExecuJet private hangar at Cape Town International Airport formed the perfect backdrop to the show-stopping apparel in the Elle Macpherson Intimates range. The fashion show launched the brand in South Africa and was attended by a host of local celebrities. Jennifer Su, Francois Pienaar, Percy Montgomery, Zwelethu Mthethwa, Liezl van der Westhuizen, Michelle McLean, Nicky Greenwall, Victoria Lockwood and Kitty Spencer all turned out to see the supermodel’s new line and sip Moët et Chandon at the first major fashion event of the summer party season.

Top row (FROM LEFT) Barbara Lenhard and Florian Gast (Opulent Living Magazine); Kitty Spencer and Victoria Lockwood; TV personality Jennifer Su and presenter Liezl van der Westhuizen. Middle row Charlton Reddy and Charmaine Hendricks (Edgars); Greg Meyer and Jan Malan (Jan Malan Umzingeli). Bottom row Nicola David, Bianca Oosthuizen and Teagan Paul; Susi Astengo (CoachMatching), Rian Maartens (IPIC Group), and Maria Christodoulou (Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University).

The venue provided pure drama and decadence, with moody lighting and music by DJ Dino Moran. There were delicious canapés by the Caviar Group (known for Beluga, Sevruga and Blonde restaurants) and a live performance by award-winning singer-songwriter Louise Carver. The spectacular show was testament to Macpherson’s intrinsic understanding of all thing stylish and her collection combined fashionable elegance with superb fit and quality fabric. Two of the hottest prints to look out for are Dot to Dot Delight (Elle’s colourful take on polka dots) and Summer Meadow (an animal-print line).

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Opulent Living Index

Find your perfect leisure or business destination

131 on Herbert Baker, Pretoria 3 15 on Orange Hotel, Cape Town 2 26 Sunset Avenue Llundudno, Cape Town 2 5 Seasons Guest House, Stellenbosch, Winelands 1 Abalone House Boutique Guesthouse, West Coast 2 Africa House at Royal Malewane, Greater Kruger 2 Andros Boutique Hotel, Claremont, Cape Town 2 AtholPlace, Sandton, Johannesburg 2 Auberge Hollandaise Guest House, Durban North 1 Beaumont Boutique Guest House, Cape Town 1 Benguela Cove Lagoon Wine Estate, Hermanus 1, 2 Beverly Hills Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban 3 Bezweni Lodge, Somerset West, Cape Town 1 Birkenhead House, Hermanus 1, 2 Birkenhead Villa, Hermanus 3 Blue Gum Country Estate, Stanford, Western Cape 1 Camp Jabulani, Greater Kruger 2 Cape Grace, Cape Town 3 Chitwa Chitwa, Greater Kruger 3 Clouds Estate, Stellenbosch, Winelands 1 Club Med Villas d‘Albion, Mauritius 3 Colona Castle, Lakeside, Cape Town 1 Coopmanhuijs, Stellenbosch, Winelands 3 Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa, Cape Town 3 De Kloof Luxury Estate, Swellendam 1 Delaire Graff Lodge & Spa, Winelands 2 Dock House Boutique Hotel & Spa, Cape Town 1 Eagles Crag Lodge, Shamwari Game Reserve 2 Earth Lodge, Greater Kruger 1 Ellerman House and Villa, Bantry Bay, Cape Town 2 Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg 3 Fairmont Zimbali Resort, KwaZulu-Natal 3 Falcons View Manor, Knysna, Garden Route 1 Fernwood Manor, Newlands, Cape Town 1 Gardener Ross Golf & Country Estate, Johannesburg 1 Gondwana Game Reserve, Garden Route 2 Grand Dédale Country House, Wellington, Winelands 2 Hawksmoor House, Stellenbosch, Winelands 1 Hlosi Game Lodge, Eastern Cape 3 Hotel Izulu, KwaZulu-Natal 1 Illyria House, Pretoria 1 Jamala Madikwe Royal Safari Lodge, North-West 2 Karkloof Spa, KwaZulu-Natal 1 Kichaka Game Lodge, Eastern Cape 1 La Montagne Private Home, Cape Town 1 La Residence, Franschhoek, Winelands 1, 3 Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa, Winelands 2

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Leadwood Lodge, Tala Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal 2 Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve, Greater Kruger 3 Les Villas de Beau Rivage, Mauritius 3 Lily Pond Country Lodge, Plettenberg Bay, Garden Route 1 Majeka House, Stellenbosch, Winelands 2 Makweti Safari Lodge, Limpopo 3 Mont Rochelle Hotel & Mountain Vineyards, Winelands 1 Mount Nelson Hotel, Cape Town 1 Ngala Tented Camp, Greater Kruger 2 Nguni River Lodge, Eastern Cape 1 O on Kloof, Cape Town 2 Oliver‘s Restaurant and Lodge, Mpumalanga 3 One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius 3 Paperbark Lodge, Limpopo 2 Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa, Knysna, Garden Route 2 Plettenberg Park Hotel & Spa, Garden Route 2 Quarters on Avondale, Durban 2 Rosenhof Country House, Oudtshoorn, Garden Route 2 Rovos Rail, South Africa 1 Royal Madikwe Luxury Safari Residence, North-West 1 Royal Malewane, Greater Kruger 1 Royal Palm, Mauritius 3 Schoone Oordt Country House, Swellendam 1 Sea Five Boutique Hotel, Camps Bay, Cape Town 2 Selati Camp, Greater Kruger 2 Shanti Maurice, Mauritius 3 Singa Lodge, Port Elizabeth 3 St Andrews Signature Hotel & Spa, Johannesburg 2 St Francis Golf Lodge, St Francis Bay, Garden Route 1 Steenberg Hotel, Constantia, Cape Town 3 Taj Cape Town, Cape Town 2 Teremok Marine, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban 2 Thanda Private Game Reserve, KwaZulu-Natal 1 The Monarch, Rosebank, Johannesburg 3 The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Rocks, Durban 1 The Robertson Small Hotel, Robertson, Winelands 1 The Saint James on Venice, Durban 3 Thornybush Game Lodge, Greater Kruger 3 Thula Thula Safari Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal 1 Tinga Private Game Lodge, Greater Kruger 1 Tintswalo at Waterfall, Kyalami, Johannesburg 3 Tintswalo Atlantic, Hout Bay, Cape Town 1 Tintswalo Safari Lodge, Mpumalanga 2 Views Boutique Hotel & Spa, Garden Route 1 Villa Zest Boutique Hotel, Green Point, Cape Town 1 Villas Valriche, Mauritius 3 Woodall Country House & Spa, Eastern Cape 1 To read about all these properties, please see the online edition of Opulent Living Magazine at www.opulentliving.co.za

IMPRINT Publisher: Barbara Lenhard barbara@opulentliving.co.za Editorial & Creative Director: Florian Gast florian@opulentliving.co.za Managing Editor: Michelle Snaddon Copy Editor: Anne Duncan Designer: Joanna Orr For advertising and sales please contact sales@opulentliving.co.za

Newspace Publishing CC 5a Avenue St Louis, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa www.newspace.co.za, info@newspace.co.za

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Issue no. 3: published in November 2010 Issue no. 4: to be published May 2011 Issue no. 5: to be published November 2011 Distribution: throughout South Africa and internationally via preferred partners · in first and business class on 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 Magazine 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.

Cover images (from left to right) courtesy of: Naiade, African Pride, Fairmont, Beachcomber, Chitwa Chitwa / Photograph of hippo: F. Gast

A complete A-Z listing of all the properties featured in Issues 1, 2 and 3 of Opulent Living Magazine.

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