Avion

C O M P L I M E N T A R Y

EXPERIENCE THE

ULTIMATE

SPOIL AT THE

OYSTER BOX

M A G A Z I N E

•

I S S U E

F I V E

LUXURY & PERFORMANCE THE MERCEDESMAYBACH S-CLASS ARGENTINA’S NATIONAL PASTIME PASSION & POLO AT PUESTO VIEJO

SINGITA BOULDERS REDEFINED • DISCOVER AFRICA’S MOST REMOTE CAMPS

C ON T E N TS

26

REGULAR 4

Letter from the Editor

6

Contributors

9

To Read

36

Route Map

60

Lifestyle News

68

Breakthrough Innovations

EXPLORE 10

The Federal Air Experience

14

Jaci’s Tree Lodge

DISCOVER

18

Africa’s Most Remote Camps

46

The Man Guide

22

Singita Boulders Lodge

50

Montegrappa Mandela Collection

26

The Oyster Box

52

Chef Christo Pretorius

30

Etihad’s Sky Cabin

56

Longines Classic Conquest

32

Polo at Puesto Viejo

58

Distiller Ian MacMillan

38

Travel News

64

The Lobanov Star Yacht

66

Maserati Quattroporte Zegna

70

Mercedes-Maybach S-Class

TRADE

18

40

The Class Action Storm

42

Building Consumer Wealth

44

Business News

70

60

50

R E GU L A R

COCKPIT

explore...

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS ISSUE:

LETTER

We go on a bush flying adventure with Federal Ailrines, explore Singita's bold bushveld chic game changer, and discover some tips on using your soft skills to command the boardroom.

FROM THE EDITOR

M

ost people love the start of a new year. They look forward to its newness, a fresh beginning with the year stretching ahead with its infinite possibilities. Anyone who writes travel features for a living has the opposite anticipation of any year. Much like people live for the weekends, we live for the end of the year because we finally have the chance to skive off work and travel ourselves.

We yearn for December and instead of agonizing over what our next New Year’s resolution would be, we spend the year fantasizing about where we will travel to next. We pin photos and Like new pages all year long, changing our minds a hundred times as we are bombarded with the best of what the travel industry has to offer. When we sit down to plan each issue we literally are like children in a candy store manically turning from one new favourite place to another.

As I have mentioned before, the Avion team focuses emphatically on African locations and towards the end of the year it became nearly impossible to whittle down the list of possible places to feature – and those we hungered to visit ourselves. What we were left with was a list of our favourite things – in the form of hotels, lodges and best of all, faraway places. We sought out some of Africa’s most remote camps as this was a topic that spoke to the tired and weary among us. We figured that making the journey to the middle of nowhere would be worth it after a year of hard work and the nonstop pace we have all become so familiar with.

I was struck by the raw appeal of leaving civilisation behind and ending up in a place so far removed from real life. In truth, we all have a lot to escape from, both physically and mentally. From the moment you leave home, being physically on holiday becomes the easy part.

Shaking it all off, flipping the switch from crazed to casual and forcing those lingering issues from your mind should be a no brainer but truthfully it can be one of the hardest things in the world.

So instead of making a New Year’s resolution, I chose this year to make an End Year’s resolution. I resolve to switch off and to unwind as fully as I can. After all, what is the use of fantasizing about my holiday all year if I can’t allow myself to fully enjoy it; body and soul? Next year will take care of itself – see you then.

Page 10 The per fect start to your hol iday experience!

Page 22 Organic & Bo ld

Page 46 Being a Bo ardroom Bo ss

Nicola Profir We want to hear tales of your travels, adventures and successes in Southern Africa. Email us at editor@freeradicalmedia.co.za.

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R E GU L A R

C R E W

C ON TR I BU TOR S GEOFFREY M. MILLER

COURTENAY CAREY

Geoffrey M. Miller is the President of TransUnion Africa.

Africa is TransUnion’s largest international region outside of the United States. Prior to moving to South Africa, he had the dual role of President of TransUnion India as well as chief marketing officer and senior vice president of sales at Credit Information Bureau India Limited, TransUnion’s bureau partner in India. His former role was that of Vice President of International Solutions and Operations for TransUnion in which he was responsible for fostering the growth and development of TransUnion's operations in India. In addition he was responsible for product development and consulting within the Asia-Pacific region, including Hong Kong and Thailand. Geoffrey joined TransUnion in 1998. A graduate of Miami University of Ohio, he has a Bachelors Degree in Finance.

Courtenay Carey, CEO of the School of Etiquette, attended the Protocol School of Washington to emerge as an International Protocol and Etiquette Consultant, followed by her completing a course at the New York School of Etiquette in Social Make-over and Personal Success. Courtenay has a Bachelor of Social Science in Politics, Philosophy and Economics degree, a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (PDE), and has completed an Online Marketing Course at UCT; she also coached as a Neuro-linguistics Practitioner. For more information, visit www.etischool.co.za.

In this issue Geoffrey investigates consumer wealth as a means to a better economy on page 42.

BOWMAN GILFILLAN ATTORNEYS

Courtenay explains the importance of soft skills in the corporate environment on page 46.

JANIE VAN DER SPUY Janie van der Spuy heads up Five Star PR, a boutique public relations consultancy based in Cape Town specialising in delivering strategic communications services to select 5-star clients in the luxury travel and hospitality industries. At 21, armed with a business degree, she joined SAA and travelled the world as cabin crew and later as communications manager, before starting her PR consultancy.

She loves beaches and the bush, food and wine, the arts, travel and maps, and is constantly planning trips, adventures and new destinations to add to her list of 52 countries visited. Follow her on twitter @FiveStarPRZA. Janie uncovers gourmet delights at the 12 Apostles on page 52.

Bowman Gilfillan Africa Group is one of Africa’s premier corporate law firms, employing over 400 specialised lawyers. The Group provides domestic and cross-border legal services to the highest international standards across Africa, through its offices in South Africa, Botswana, Kenya, Madagascar, Tanzania and Uganda. Their approach to corporate law is fresh and innovative.

With a century of experience to draw on, they help their clients manage the risks inherent in bringing high stake deals home – safely, smoothly and with uncompromising professional diligence.

In this issue Bowman Gilfillan examines class action law suits on page 40.

PUBLISHER: Free Radical Media Fanie Hendriksz Managing Director info@freeradicalmedia.co.za EDITOR Nicola Profir editor@freeradicalmedia.co.za DESIGN & LAYOUT Aneska Meintjes: +27 82 851 1441 aneska@freeradicalmedia.co.za SALES EXECUTIVES Michael Cronjé: +27 81 302 2035 michael@freeradicalmedia.co.za

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Ilse Mather: +27 83 675 0331 mediaoptions@tiscali.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Nicola Profir, Janie van der Spuy, Courtenay Carey, Geoff Miller, Bowman Gilfillan Attorneys, QuickPic, Five Star PR, Federal Airlines, African Secrets Management, De Kock Communications IMAGES © iStockphoto.com, 123RF Editor's Image by Deon van Wyk

STALK US ON THE FOLLOWING SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS

Avion De Luxe Magazine is published on a bimonthly basis by Free Radical Media. Avion De Luxe Magazine is subject to copyright in its entirety. The contents may not be reproduced in any form, either in whole or in part, without the written consent of the publisher. Unless specified, all rights are reserved in material accepted for publication. All letters and other unsolicited submissions (manuscripts, art, photographs and other materials) will be considered for publication unless clearly labeled ’not for publication’. All letters may be subject to editing. Avion De Luxe Magazine is not responsible for any unsolicited submissions.

Free Radical Media reserves the right to reject any advertising at our discretion without explanation. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Free Radical Media or their clients. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in this publication may be reproduced, in

whole or in part, without specific written permission from Free Radical Media.

No liability is accepted by Free Radical Media, the publishers, nor the authors for any information contained herein. Neither Avion De Luxe Magazine nor its publishers are responsible for damage or harm, of whatever description, resulting from persons undertaking any activity or health advice featured in Avion De Luxe Magazine.

Submissions of articles and photographs for publication are welcomed, but the publishers, while exercising all reasonable care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.

R E GU L A R

THE BEER BOOK

By Tim Hampson The Beer Book is a comprehensive guide to the best beers in the world, exploring more beers than any other book. Explore its astonishing variety and rapidly expanding new tastes – thirst-quenching lagers, "meal-in-a-glass" stouts, peppery white beers, tangy fruit-based brews, and classic ales and bitters – with this updated guide to every good beer in the world. Visit over 800 breweries, such as Guinness or Kronenburg and read detailed tasting notes from a team of specialists for over 1,700 beers. Whet your appetite with five beer trails with trail maps that take you round key beer regions to experience the best breweries and brewpubs. Through this book you can discover all the best beers of the world, which brands of beers to try and how best to enjoy them, with brews that are anything but 'a pint of the usual'.

I AM NOT HERE TO GIVE A SPEECH

By Gabriel Marcia Márquez For the first time, the speeches of prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Márquez are translated into English and published together in a collected edition. These writings span Márquez's entire life: from his earliest days, speaking as a teenager graduating high school, to his acceptance speech for the Nobel Prize.

Taken as a whole, this collection offers a unique and fascinating insight into Márquez's long career, highlighting his concerns and beliefs both as a writer and as a man. Márquez was beloved throughout his life and celebrated posthumously as a true literary genius.

This collection of previously unseen material, written in his distinctively rich and expressive style, will appeal to any Márquez fan.

D E L A Y

HOW TO BE NORMAL

By Guy Browning Normal people are extremely unusual. Think of all the people you know and ask yourself how many are normal. None of them! In fact you're probably the most normal of the lot and, let's face it, even you're not that normal. All normal people believe they are a little bit different, a little bit unique and a little bit special. On the other hand no one wants to be abnormal, so it's a fine line to tread. Happily, this brilliantly funny book shows everyone exactly how to be uniquely normally normal. Is it normal to hold the banister with both hands or to drive a shopping trolley on the right?

Find out the answers to these and a million other perfectly normal questions in another beautifully funny, surprisingly wise and consistently heartwarming book from the bestselling Guy Browning.

THE WOMAN WHO STOLE MY LIFE

By Marian Keyes Stella Sweeny is back in Dublin. After living the dream in New York for a year – touring her self-help book, appearing on talk shows all over the USA and living it up in her 10-room duplex on the Upper West Side – she's back to normality with a bang. And she has got writer's block.

Stella wants a clean break as she did not exactly leave New York on a high. Why is she back in Ireland so soon? Who is it who keeps calling? Stella wants to get back to being the woman she used to be.

But can she? And should she?

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IN FLIGHT

The

ADVENTURE Starts Here The Federal Air Experience

Federal Air’s shuttle network covers a network of premium lodges in game reserves across South Africa including: • Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve • Kruger National Park • Timbavati Private Game Reserve • Madikwe Private Game Reserve • Phinda Private Game Reserve • Manyaleti Game Reserve • Thornybush Game Reserve Federal Air’s scheduled services include flights to: • Ulundi – Phinda – Pietermaritzburg – Durban Shuttle services • Tanzanian destinations include: Arusha, Tanzania to Serengeti, Ngorogoro Crater, Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam and are accessible through Tanganyika Flying Company.

Federal Air’s Charter Services provide flights to unlimited destinations. They are a proven specialist in the contract, group, corporate charter and luxury tourism market.

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IN FLIGHT

NO STALE, CLINICAL, GREY AIRPORT WAITING AREAS. NO CROWDED AISLES, BEING BUMPED BY OTHER PASSENGER’S CARRY-ON LUGGAGE AND AIRLINE STAFF GIVING YOU THE GENERIC GREETING. WELCOME INSTEAD TO A JOURNEY TAILOR MADE FOR PLEASURE, COMFORT AND CLEAR SKIES AHEAD.

F

rom start to finish, flying with Federal Air is a singular experience that has been customised to create the perfect start to the holiday experience with every stage of the journey merging seamlessly with the next. It begins with their complimentary meet and greet service. After checking in – and allowing friendly porters to take care of all that heavy luggage – first time passengers with Federal Air have no idea that their safari adventure beings the moment they step through the lounge doors.

Styled and landscaped to mimic a luxury lodge, the Federal Air guest lounge creates the perfect start-of-vacation ambience. Complimentary drinks and snacks, even more friendly smiles and full red carpet treatment keep you company until you walk onto your shuttle aircraft, ready to be flown out to the crème de la crème of South Africa’s private lodges.

“We really do feel as though we are part of the client’s adventure,” says Nik Lloyd-Roberts, spokesperson for Federal Air. “Being a break away from a scheduled carrier who operates out of a conventional terminal building makes us just as much a part of the adventure as the destination itself. For most of our clients this is their dream safari. Flying in the slightly smaller aircraft and touching down in Madikwe or Sabi Sands, landing on bush runways that are often not more than a tarred strip where there could often be game on the runway – it’s part of the experience.”

Founded in 1989, Federal Air was first based in Virginia, Durban and started operating under their current branding – Federal Airlines Pty Ltd – in 1993. Since then they have become the airline of choice for top safari destinations and the world’s largest and most reputable tour operators. In Southern Africa they are now a market leader in aviation shuttle and charter flights. According to Nik, ISSUE FIVE | AVION DE LUXE

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having been around for about 24 years, they have an established history and long standing relationships with the various lodges that they fly to. “If you think about it, opposed to a normal airline we are more a travel organisation who just happens to fly airplanes around. That’s what we feel separates Federal Air from any other operator in this space.”

Seeing game from the air is definitely possible particularly when hopping from one lodge to another and you are flying lower to the ground – a possibility not open to you if you choose a commercial option. This means you have the chance to spot game before the adventure at the lodge even begins and is something that is quite unique to the Federal Air business.

Similarities between Federal Air and travel organisations come into play when looking at things like their brand strategy, everyday operations and all the other separate working parts of the business.

“To stay on top of it all and to stay on top of routes that are not scheduled routes but shuttle routes is like playing tetris at max speed and getting all the blocks at once. So each day for us is completely

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IN FLIGHT

different. And each day presents a new set of challenges,” says Nik. There are also many operational differences between Federal Air and a conventional commercial airline. Many of the places they fly into don’t have navigational aids or runway lights – the runways themselves are often narrow tarred or gravel strips in the middle of the bush. Federal Air relies on their experienced crew to navigate these as safely as possible to move thousands of people on a daily basis throughout the country. “That in itself has become a vital service,” Nik explains. “The lodges themselves lie in remote locations and they rely on us to get their guests there – particularly now over the summer months which fall within our rainy season and storms are frequent but we still deliver.”

Nik elaborates on how that vital service extends beyond merely delivering passengers to their final destination.

“When international visitors arrive in the country they usually have preconceived notions about Africa and we are more than likely the first people that they will meet and interact with and oftentimes also the

last, so we act as brand ambassadors for the lodges we fly to. This all places high importance on our added value customer services such as our complimentary meet and greet and bringing them to Federal Air from the OR Tambo terminals.”

This is just another example of the kind of service that you won’t get with a conventional airline. It’s a very bespoke, hands on approach that Federal Air takes with their clients – which is what makes them more a luxury hospitality service that happens to do shuttle flights. “Think of us as your 5 star lodge in the sky,” Nik says.

That is the core of the Federal Air brand.

To make a booking for one of Federal Air’s shuttle services email shuttle@fedair.com or for charter services email charters@Fedair.com.

Alternatively contact their reservations office on +27 11 395 9000.

For more information, visit www.fedair.com.

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TANGANYIKA FLYING COMPANY Federal Air has extended its reach even further by officially partnering with Tanganyika Flying Company based in Tanzania.

Tanganyika Flying Company (TFC) is Tanzania’s most dynamic safari airline with a network of connecting scheduled services to all the best destinations within northern Tanzania and across the border into Kenya. TFC was taken over by their existing management in August 2007. Their vibrant team includes over 30 people throughout Tanzania, nine of whom are pilots. TFC’s pilots are an eclectic mix of nationalities encompassing Tanzanians, South Africans, Zimbabweans, Frenchmen and Englishmen. Each captain has over 1,000 hours of flying experience; the average being around 2,800 hours.

Their main area of expertise is the safe movement of tourists and they offer 250 possible flight combinations every day connecting you to the most sought after hot spots within the country.

TFC offers scheduled airline services linking The Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Lake Manyara to Arusha, Kilimanjaro, the beaches of Zanzibar and the bustle of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, as well as Nairobi Wilson and Jomo Kenyatta airports in Kenya.

They currently move around 25,000 passengers a year.

In saying that, TFC is the preferred airline partner to reputable safari companies including andBeyond, Asilia, Singita Grumeti Reserves, Nomad Tanzania and Grumeti Expeditions.

Visit flytfconline.com for more information.

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ARRIVAL

EIGHT ONE-OF-A-KIND SUITES LIE NESTLED IN THE TREETOPS OF MADIKWE GAME RESERVE TO GIVE YOU A VIEW OF THE BUSHVELD FROM A NEW PERSPECTIVE.

BIRD’S

Eye View 14

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ARRIVAL

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J

aci’s Tree Lodge set in the malaria free Madikwe Game Reserve promises an authentic, friendly and welcoming African safari experience with exceptional and varied game viewing – featuring the Big Five as well as Wild Dog, Spotted & Brown Hyena, both Black and White Rhino, Giraffe, Red Hartebeest and many more animal species as well as over 340 species of birds. This is a true wildlife paradise – and one that you can make the most of from your exceptional view.

The treehouse rooms are connected by wooden walkways to the main lodge and all have views through the canopy of the riverine forest, offering glimpses of the Marico River below. Each tree house has an outdoor shower and big open bath allowing you to truly soak in your surroundings. When you are not taking in the wonders of this paradise from the comfort of your room, the twice daily game drives that are one of Madikwe’s major draw cards will allow you exceptional game sightings.

Jaci’s Tree Lodge caters for both families looking to reconnect in a peaceful setting, and honeymoon couples looking for a romantic African safari experience.

For families the lodge offers two exclusive family suites, which can accommodate from six to eight guests – both feature private plunge pools as well as a personal field guide and private game-drive vehicle.

Whether you’re planning a short weekend trip out of the city or a longer stay to recharge your batteries, the luxury accommodation and friendly service at Jaci’s Lodges will ensure that you can kick back and relax in both comfort and style.

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To make a booking call +27 83 700 2071 or email jacisreservations@madikwe.com.

For more information, visit www.madikwe.com.

The 75 000ha Madikwe Game Reserve lies in the extreme north-west corner of South Africa’s North West province a mere four hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport.

But why drive when you can fly? Federal Air offer flights that will have you touching down in Madikwe in less than an hour.

Visit www.fedair.com for more information.

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Kwihala Ruaha

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Remarkably

REMOTE Getting as far from the madding crowd as possible

TO TRULY GET AWAY FROM IT ALL, TO EXPERIENCE A SILENCE SO PROFOUND THAT YOU CAN HEAR IT AND TO REALLY CONVENE WITH NATURE YOU NEED TO RETREAT INTO AFRICA’S MOST REMOTE PLACES. SOME OF THE BEST SAFARI COMPANIES IN THE BUSINESS HAVE CREATED TENTED CAMPS THAT ARE QUITE LITERALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE – IT DOESN’T GET FURTHER AWAY FROM IT ALL THAN THIS.

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KWIHALA RUAHA

Kwihala is one of only seven safari camps in Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest National Park.

Although the park boasts an area of 20 226 square kilometres making it slightly larger than South Africa’s Kruger National Park, it only receives about 1% of the visitors that the

Kwihala Ruaha

Kwihala Ruaha

Kruger does. This makes it the perfect location for a remote safari camp.

Kwihala is the place to visit for safari connoisseurs looking for a no frills, no fuss experience off the normal tourist track that will have you seeing more herds of animals than herds of cars.

Kwihala is run by Asilia Africa. Their focus is to combine the finest safari operations and a comprehensive circuit of excellent lodges and camps with a focus on pioneering and developing crucial but fragile African nature and wildlife areas into viable and lasting conservation economies.

Their founders have developed Asilia into a company that represents a group, not a chain, of lodges, camps and safari services. This approach allows each property to retain its authenticity and owner-run spirit while still enjoying the advantages of a larger group within the safari industry allowing for fast, reliable and professional services.

They also place emphasis on the sustainable conservation of a number of crucial but endangered wildlife, wilderness and cultural areas in East Africa. They have made a significant impact on the northern Serengeti, southern Tarangire and Rubondo Island as well as areas such as Naboisho in Kenya which previously

had neither park nor conservancy status.

What makes Kwihala a true Mecca for the safari connoisseur is the fact that game viewing and nature experiences are prioritised above all else. Punctuating the day with set meals and combining game drives with sundowners is not part of the schedule at Kwihala. In fact there is no set schedule at all. Should you have the honour of coming upon a pride of lions devouring a fresh kill or a mother elephant interacting with her little one – all time stops. Everyone forgets about what is coming next or what might have been planned for the day and they simply watch for as long as game in question will let them.

Alongside this the camp still offers everything you need – with small touches that seasoned safari travellers would really appreciate.

Simple, clean and comfortable tents with showers that boast excellent pressure and more than enough water to really scrub yourself clean. The food served is prepared to excellence and staff wear ever present smiles.

This camp goes back to basics in the most remarkable way.

02 HOANIB SKELETON COAST CAMP

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is located in a broad valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most secluded areas of the Kaokoveld.

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camp itself consists of only seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit, each comprising stylish ensuite bedrooms with shaded outdoor decks. Flanked to the east and west by rugged hills, the camp looks out over stunning, starkly beautiful scenery and offers guests all the luxuries and amenities needed for an unforgettable stay.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp’s location – close to the Skeleton Coast and within the true Namib Desert – is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, boasting the Kaokoveld’s best viewing of desert-adapted wildlife and access to vast, remote and isolated wilderness. Almost miraculously it seems, in this stark environment, enormous elephant thrive along with giraffe, lion and brown hyaena. Gemsbok (oryx), springbok, steenbok, scrub hare and inquisitive ground squirrel are also seen. Entirely different to the rugged mountains and valleys inland, the Skeleton Coast hosts Cape fur seals in their thousands along with blackbacked jackals and brown hyaena.

Birds are equally diverse, with regular endemics like Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and lark-

SOLITUDE

like bunting. Towards the coast, the bird community changes and tractrac chat can be heard, as well as jaegers and skuas found around the seal colonies.

A diverse range of activities is available at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, showcasing the fascinating landscapes of the northern Palmwag Concession and the Skeleton Coast, including the wildlife within these areas. These activities include game drives, nature walks, Skeleton Coast scenic flights, day trips to desert oases and interaction with wildlife researchers.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast is set in one of the most fragile ecosystems in the world, and therefore has been built with minimal impact on the environment. The camp is 100% solar powered. It makes use of innovative eco-friendly systems to break down waste water which can then be used by plant life. The design of the guest tents and main area maximises natural lighting, air movement and insulation. A joint-venture partnership ensures that the local community of Puros benefits from ecotourism and is thus able to contribute to the sustainable development of the area.

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

03 LUWI CAMP

Luwi Camp

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Luwi Camp, nestled in the shade of huge mahogany trees, is close to a permanent hippo and croc filled lagoon. It is situated deep in the heart of the South Luangwa National Park, on the dynamic seasonal Luwi River after which it is named. The area is extremely remote with no other camps or people for many miles around.

Due to the remote location it’s the perfect camp for walking safaris. The wildlife in the area is prolific and memories of the experience of tracking big game on foot last a lifetime. Walks can be complemented by game drives and explorations upriver to discover the source of the Luwi or to find the elusive Roan antelope or reed buck, eland and hartebeest which are almost never seen in other parts of the park.

The rooms, which are re-built each season using natural materials, blend into the bush and are simple yet extremely comfortable with en-suite bathrooms and “all day” hot showers. With the emphasis on the use of natural materials in its construction, this camp is one of the most traditional of all of the Luangwa safari camps but still offers high levels of comfort and service.

There is a large hippo filled lagoon close by with a ‘hide’ for guests to watch the animals unnoticed

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high above the water. Walking safaris from camp usually finish here with sundowners, watching the sunset over a landscape unchanged for thousands of years. This permanent water source attracts wildlife from far and wide making the camp area constantly busy with animals.

The Luwi area is famous for its lions and the thrill of tracking them on foot is an experience not to be missed. Typically a day at Luwi starts early around the camp fire discussing the noises and animals heard through the night. Your morning walking safari is likely to take three to four hours returning you to camp in time for a hearty brunch.

Luwi was one of the South Luangwa National Park's first remote safari camps.

It was sited in the 1980s and today epitomises the legacy of Norman Carr Safaris. The camp barely has an impact on the environment being built with natural materials and dismantled at the end of each season. Lawrence Banda is the guide and Camp Manager and listening to his stories around the camp fire is a highlight of any Luangwa safari.

Luwi Camp

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KIGELIA RUAHA

At the heart of an intricate network of sand river channels, oxbow lakes and open plains, Kigelia Ruaha opens a window onto the private lives of Africa’s big mammals.

Set in a secluded grove of Kigelia or ‘Sausage Trees’ in Southern Tanzania on the banks of the Ifuguru Sand River, the camp is situated in the best wildlife area in Ruaha National Park.

With open-fronted rooms looking out over the Rufiji River, Kigelia Camp offers variety, spontaneity and a gradual immersion in a seductively wild part of southern Tanzania. The large safari tents present a traditional bush accommodation style, complete with wide verandas, ensuite bathrooms, flush loos and outdoor, under-the-stars heated bucket showers. In keeping with their light footprint ethos, the camp keeps water use to a minimum and provides solar lighting in all tents.

An early morning visit from an inquisitive squirrel while sipping tea in your openfronted room is just one of the little surprises that await you at camp. So too is being able to creep up on elephant as they wallow in hidden lakes, drift silently down the river at dusk or sleep out under the stars at night.

Kigelia is run by Nomad, a safari company who has always been synonymous with pioneering safaris.

Operating in impossibly remote corners of

Africa, Nomad is driven by explorer’s folly and a dogged determination to preserve the wild places that have the power to capture heart and soul. This philosophy is infused into each of their camps through a unique combination of experience in the field, superb guides and breathtaking locations that will steal your heart. Kigelia is set in one such location.

Other than the primatologists and guests to this small camp, very few other people venture into this magical forest.

The mountain pools, great trees, gin clear lake and beautiful beach are an idyllic playground forming the backdrop to a dream bush experience.

Unlike camps based in other locations, Kigelia exceeds expectations because it has no “low” season – which means that you can visit anytime you like. From June to September, enjoy warm days and cool nights when walking safaris offer an upclose and personal experience with the bush – expect to see great elephant and buffalo herds. October to November offers heavy concentrates of game around the inland lakes when the weather is dry and hot. And for those preferring a more ‘British’ approach, a humid December to March, with the possibility of rain, boasts prolific bird life and many animals calving.

Game drives are conducted in custombuilt, open 4WD vehicles or on foot and can include a picturesque picnic or a typical ‘African-esque’ sundowner. Situated in the remote park, the camp offers particularly good game thanks to its lack of human inhabitants. The park’s stunning and varied scenery includes a wide variety of interesting plant life, including forests of giant baobab trees.

Kigelia Ruaha

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REVAMP

Organic& SEVENTEEN YEARS AFTER OPENING, SINGITA BOULDERS LODGE IN THE SABI SAND HAS BEEN THOUGHTFULLY RECONFIGURED AND REDECORATED TO REVEAL ITS ESSENTIAL CHARACTER AND DEFINE ITS UNIQUE SENSE OF PLACE ON THE BOULDERSTREWN BANKS OF THE SAND RIVER. THE ORIGINAL INSPIRATION FOR THE LODGE CAME FROM THE GEOMETRY OF THESE ANCIENT, WEATHERED BOULDERS AND THE NATURAL CURVE OF THE RIVER BED. THIS TIME AROUND, ARCHITECT SALLY TSILIYIANNIS OF GAPP ARCHITECTS & URBAN DESIGNERS AND DESIGNERS CÉCILE & BOYD HAVE TAKEN FURTHER CUES FROM NATURE, INCORPORATING THE COLOURS, TEXTURES AND ELEMENTS OF THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE. 22

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“T

he focus is on bringing together reflections of light, texture, colour, shadows, relationships between inside and outside and the spirit of the place to create form and space," explains Tsiliyiannis.

Boyd Ferguson of Cécile & Boyd agrees that it was crucial to retain the essence of the place in the redesign.

Guest areas have been opened up, lowered and brought closer to the river, allowing full engagement with the magnificent setting beneath the ebony and weeping boer bean trees. Characterised by handcrafted design with the integrity of authentic African provenance, the lodge merges seamlessly with the shifting light, shapes and moods of the environment, providing a soothing sanctuary for world-weary travellers craving a connection with nature.

Throughout the lodge, pared-down interiors

in a palette of charcoal, chalk, bone, rust, copper and ochre bring out the original colours of Singita Boulders, and reflect the four elements of earth, fire, air and water. Dramatic sculptural shapes, abstract art and carefully curated collections of crystals, seed pods, bones and other found objects articulate a deeper connection with the wild. There is a sense that everything has been derived from the earth. Rustic and worn, woven and carved, furnishings include iconic pieces fashioned from fossilised tree stumps, slabs of solid stone, artisanal wrought iron and leather, each element designed to reveal its intrinsic beauty. Awe-inspiring original contemporary paintings, sculptures and soft, sensual textures – a sheep-skin rug to step onto when you get out of bed, the feel of natural flax bed linen on your skin – add subtle layers of luxury.

“The overall design aesthetic at Boulders

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focuses on its unique sense of place. Reference to the elements of fire, water, air and rock lead the design direction. The interior spaces at the lodge are infused with nature inspired materials and furniture pieces,� says Ferguson. “Washed texture and new natural materials combined with natural pigments and intense colour punctuate the design. Abstract art in dark tones and carved organic sculptural pieces have been added to the interior spaces to strengthen the connection between the interior design and the dramatic environment. References to primitive cave paintings add an additional layer.�

Open to the elements or separated from the outdoors by glass walls, the lodge provides a continuous connection with the prolific wildlife and birdlife for which the Sabi Sand is so well known.

Cleverly designed communal spaces, such as the new sociable Copper Bar serving freshly pressed fruit juices, espressos and cocktails, provide new opportunities for guests to connect with their surroundings and with each other.

One of the most spectacular vantage points above the Sand River is the chosen site of a new, outdoor dining pavilion with a series of matted, nest-like ceilings suspended at different heights to resemble the branches of a tree. Tsiliyiannis maintains that the greatest architecture in Africa is the trees, which she constantly uses as a source of inspiration. Raw timber decks of varying sizes are suspended above

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THE LUXURIOUS CREATURE COMFORTS AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL, FOR WHICH SINGITA BOULDERS HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN, HAVE BEEN CREATIVELY WOVEN INTO EVERY ASPECT OF THE SAFARI EXPERIENCE

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the ground, creating intimate spaces for private dining and relaxation close to the pool. Light comes from clusters of nest-shaped woven lampshades, a central fireplace creates an inviting, focal point and cascading water adds a reflective, cooling quality.

Sandblasted driftwood tables are strung out along the river bank to make the most of the views. Copper vases hold simple, found collections of twigs, wild blooms and grasses. Hand beaten cutlery, uneven pottery plates and rustic linen napkins complete the rustic, casual elegance.

The 12 privately spaced suites, two of which are designed exclusively for families, blend soulful, sensual Africa with high design to instil a sense of tranquillity and ease guests into the rhythm of safari life. It’s as if the very soul of Singita Boulders Lodge has been fine-tuned and stripped back down to the basics, freeing up guests to experience and explore nature like never before.

Ferguson says that close to hand experience was the touchstone for the project. “The natural materials used throughout the lodge interior reflect the essence of the African landscape.

Safari life immerses visitors with wildlife and the great outdoors, the open plan spaces connect guests with the views and allow a seamless connection with the landscape and the wildlife beyond."

The luxurious creature comforts and attention to detail, for which Singita Boulders has always been known, have been creatively woven into every aspect of the safari experience so that at every turn there is something new to delight the eye and quieten the soul.

Ferguson explains that in a world where everything at a certain level has become inherently generic, and therefore bland, the eye easily becomes bored – especially when over-exposed to beautiful, aesthetically pleasing surroundings. “Eventually, what happens is that one stops seeing at all. My role in redesigning and repositioning key aspects of the Boulders experience was to enable guests to engage with the lodge from the moment they arrive and throughout their stay. There is a sense of authenticity, earthiness and primal beauty, so that they start seeing things again with a fresh perspective – perhaps even rediscovering aspects of themselves from which they may have been cut off.”

This subtle shift in thinking has become a defining moment in Singita’s journey, providing a catalyst for change within the company as a whole.

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CHECK-IN

The

ULTIMATE

SPOIL

WHY WAIT FOR A SPECIAL OCCASION TO TREAT YOURSELF TO THE ULTIMATE SPOIL? AT THE OYSTER BOX, INDULGENCE AND LUXURY ARE YOURS FOR THE TAKING…ANY TIME YOU CHOOSE! BREATHTAKING VIEWS, FIVE-STAR FACILITIES, WORLD-CLASS CUISINE AND ACCOMMODATION OF DISTINCTION, THIS PACKAGE TICKS ALL THE BOXES. FROM THE TIME YOU ARRIVE, TO THE TIME YOU LEAVE YOU WILL BE IMMERSED IN THE LAP OF LUXURY, AT ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING HOTELS.

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S

tanding majestically on Umhlanga’s prestigious beachfront, with sweeping views of the Indian Ocean and direct beach access, The Oyster Box has been providing guests with special memories for over 60 years. She remains a much-loved favourite with all who visit her… royalty included!

Renowned for generous hospitality, passionate service and excellent cuisine, guests have a choice of venues for wining, dining and relaxing.

The Ocean Terrace, with gorgeous views across the Indian Ocean, serves a Bistro menu which includes freshly prepared pizzas from a wood-fire oven, the incredible and popular curry buffet and the finest selection of freshly caught seafood.

Inspired by the hotel’s original colonial architecture, with chandeliers from the Savoy Hotel in London, the Palm Court serves a traditional High Tea daily with live piano accompaniment. The menu includes freshly prepared home-baked scones with cream and strawberries, cakes, finger sandwiches, pastries and savouries.

For a more intimate dining experience the magnificent Chef’s Table in the sunken wine cellar, is ideal for hosting select private dinners for up to 10 guests. The Sommelier will guide you through the extensive award-winning wine list of fine local and international vintages.

The legendary Grill Room, offers a menu inspired by the combination of enduringly popular and signature dishes, as well as new creations and flavours garnered from around the world. The famous Dine & Dance in the Grill Room every Saturday evening is a winning combination of exceptional cuisine and dancing to the sounds of a live band.

The stylish Oyster Bar is an essential pre-dinner or sundowner stop where you can enjoy chilled Champagne and freshly harvested oysters from

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the hotel’s own oyster beds, while listening to live music. The Lighthouse Bar is the hottest meeting spot in Durban offering breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean as well as an informal social menu.

Reflecting and celebrating the intricate tapestry of KwaZulu-Natal’s rich heritage and offering all of the amenities expected of a wellness facility of this calibre, The Spa at The Oyster Box ensures the highest level of personal care by dedicated, trained staff equipped to deliver the highest levels of spa therapy and pampering.

With six modern treatment rooms, a hydrotherapy bath, grooming lounge, plunge pool, state-of-the-art private fitness centre, infinity pool with garden views and a post-treatment tranquillity lounge, guests are indulged in every way to make them feel celebrated and sensational. In addition,

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The Spa at The Oyster Box also houses South Africa’s only Hammam, an experience as special as it is healing.

The hotel’s outstanding range of venues makes it a premiere wedding and honeymoon destination, as well as being a sought-after venue for conferences, workshops, the corporate sector and business travellers. An in-house 24-seater cinema shows classic and current releases. A business centre with complimentary Wi-Fi and high-speed Internet access, valet and secure parking is available to guests.

Time spent at The Oyster Box will leave you with magical memories to last a lifetime.

To make a booking, call +27 31 514 5000 or email info@oysterbox.co.za. For more information visit www.oysterboxhotel.com.

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THE ULTIMATE SPOIL PACKAGE

This three-night package includes: • Stay in a Sea-Facing Cabana • Return airport transfers in one of the hotel's luxury vehicles • Welcome canapés and a glass of Moët & Chandon on arrival • A R750 Spa voucher per person to enjoy during your stay • A Seafood Platter for two in The Grill Room • Romantic Rose Petal Turndown • Breakfast in Bed served by your private Butler The Ultimate Spoil Package is priced from R 4 999 per person sharing for three nights. Terms and conditions apply.

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DEPARTURE

PRIVATE RESIDENCE in the Sky

ETIHAD AIRWAYS, THE NATIONAL AIRLINE OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, HAS UNVEILED THE NEW PRODUCT AND SERVICE OFFERING ON ITS AIRBUS A380 AND BOEING B787 DREAMLINER AIRCARFT. THIS OFFERING INCLUDES THE RESIDENCE BY ETIHAD, THE WORLD’S MOST LUXURIOUS LIVING SPACE IN THE AIR, AVAILABLE ONLY ON THE AIRLINE’S A380 AIRCRAFT.

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W

ith the launch of these new fleets, the Abu Dhabi-based airline will also redefine and rename its cabin classes. The upper deck of the A380 has been reserved for Etihad’s premium cabins. The aircraft will also feature the revolutionary First Apartments, which are fully private suites with a separate reclining lounge seat and full-length bed, as well as a chilled minibar, personal vanity unit and wardrobe.

Etihad Airways is introducing the latest Panasonic eX3 entertainment system across both fleets, providing more than 750 hours of on-demand entertainment, improved gaming and high definition screens across all cabins. The A380 aircraft will have full mobile and Wi-Fi service while the B787 will be equipped with Wi-Fi.

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James Hogan, Etihad Airways’ President and Chief Executive Officer, said: “These new living spaces will raise inflight product and service standards to their highest level yet in commercial aviation and alter air travellers’ expectations of inflight comfort and luxury forever. Etihad Airways’ A380 and B787 will deliver the most advanced airline cabins in the industry, while meeting all weight, range and cost targets at our desired seat count. This will allow us to offer products unparalleled in quality and style, yet at competitive prices across all three cabins.”

In 2008, recognising that no single design agency could deliver its vision for the new cabins, Etihad Airways established the Etihad Design Consortium (EDC) which brought together three leading design companies, Acumen, Factorydesign and Honour Branding, to develop innovative cabin and seat designs for the new fleets.

The EDC collaborated with Promise Communispace, a leading co-creation agency, to launch comprehensive consumer research and workshops in Abu Dhabi, Sydney, London and New York, with the goal of understanding what makes a ‘perfect flight’ and asking consumers to help design the perfect airline. Eighty per cent of the new product offering is a direct result of the feedback and information garnered from these workshops.

DEPARTURE

Etihad Airways’ design vision was to bring the individuality and exclusivity of a luxury boutique hotel experience to the sky in a way that embraced Arabian Modernism, an aesthetic that combines the traditions of the region with contemporary design.

The Residence will be the breathtaking and completely new forward upperdeck cabin on the A380. Accommodating single or double occupancy, it features a living room, separate double bedroom and en suite shower room.

The Residence, which is certified by the European Aviation Safety Agency for single or double occupancy, offers levels of luxury and total privacy normally found only on private jets. Each Etihad Airways A380 will offer a boutique version of The Residence with different colour palettes, table marquetry and custom carpets.

Guests in The Residence will have the services of a personal Butler throughout their flight. These fully trained service professionals will receive specialist training at the Savoy Butler Academy in London. Guests will also have a dedicated VIP Travel Concierge team who will ensure every detail of their travel experience, including ground transport, cuisine and amenities, are tailored to their requirements.

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PONY GOAL

Passion and 32

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PONY GOAL

TWO THINGS ARGENTINA IS FAMOUS FOR AND AT PUESTO VIEJO ESTANCIA YOU CAN EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BOTH.

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A

rgentina is the Polo Mecca of the world and it is easy to see why there is no place in the world that can rival it. Puesto Viejo Estancia Boutique Hotel, Polo Club and Clubhouse is the perfect place to experience the Argentine countryside from horseback.

In Argentina Polo is much like politics and religion – not up for discussion if you want to remain friends with everyone at the table. The sport riles passion and arguments as much about the country’s exceptional horses as it does their favourite players.

To truly immerse yourself into this world you need to do two things; surround yourself with the best of Argentinean hospitality and get into the saddle to give the sport of kings a try.

Located just 70km from the steak grilling, tango dancing capital, Buenos Aires, Puesto Viejo is an estancia spanning 220 rolling green hectares.

Consisting of a Boutique Hotel, Polo Club and Clubhouse used for events, it is the perfect place to experience the Argentine countryside at its very best.

The land on which Puesto Viejo now lies used to belong to a big, traditional cattle farm called La Primavera, famed for its innovative farming technology and for being one of the first pieces of land sold by the Argentine government. In fact, Puesto Viejo means the “original post” and was the name given to the old building where the most trusted gaucho – cowboy from the South American grasslands – lived while looking after the furthermost borders of the original estancia.

Having developed a love of polo together, Anglo-

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Argentine couple Jeremy and Liliana ForresterBaker, bought the land in 2003 and developed it into the exceptional estancia it is today. A stay at Puesto Viejo offers the perfect combination of an authentic estancia experience in modern day comfort. The main part of the hotel was fully refurbished and extended over the winter of 2011 to form a boutique hotel comprising 10 en-suite bedrooms.

Each of the 10 rooms is named after the owner’s favourite horses and is individually designed using antiques sourced from local markets to give a traditional feel. All rooms are complete with amenities, air conditioning, central heating, Wi-Fi and safety deposit boxes.

The hotel’s interior gives way to inviting spaces.

The living room, complete with open fire, Wi-Fi and library, is the ideal place for guests to relax after a day exploring the countryside. Meals are served in the adjoining dining room or outside under the trees, giving guests the opportunity to meet each other and share stories.

All the meals served at Puesto Viejo incorporate fruit, vegetables, herbs and meats bought locally.

From yummy breakfasts to organically reared lamb, their experienced chef, Elias, can meet your every dietary need. Guests are served lunch and evening meals outside under the trees or in the dining room.

Puesto Viejo regularly arranges asado lunches for guests which include a variety of meats alongside other Argentine delicacies. Afternoon tea is served in the drawing room every day in front of the fire and bay window during the winter, or outside under the

EACH OF THE 10 ROOMS IS NAMED AFTER THE OWNER’S FAVOURITE HORSES AND IS INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED USING ANTIQUES SOURCED FROM LOCAL MARKETS TO GIVE A TRADITIONAL FEEL.

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trees during summertime.

No trip to Argentina would be complete without tasting a range of the local wines that have made it one of the most renowned wine making regions in the world. Puesto Viejo offers a selected wine list including blends from the Luigi Bosca and Familia Marguery vineyards in Mendoza. Familia Marguery focuses on developing high quality wines using the latest technology and grapes from old vineyards in the Tupungato area. A bottle of the special edition Malbec they have developed for Puesto Viejo is not to be missed.

Puesto Viejo offers a wide variety of activities.

Polo days are led by professional player, Gaston Carrozzo, and are the perfect opportunity for those looking to learn and play Argentina’s favourite sport.

The polo club is fully affiliated by the Argentine Association of Polo and offers everything a player needs. Many members livery, ride and play their horses throughout the season at the club. Its excellent facilities include four irrigated polo pitches, a stick and ball field, individual and group corrals, 400 metre exercise track and arena, stables with 95 boxes and 50 hectares of turnout land. Regular visits from a specialist pitch consultant ensure the club has the best polo fields in the area.

Professional players of 2-6 goals based at Puesto Viejo play alongside amateur club members in regular practice matches during the week and in the 12 tournaments which are held throughout the year. They are in the process of adding more polo pitches and will have a total of 6 by May 2015.

Their Polo Holiday packages are the perfect option for those visiting Argentina to fully immerse themselves in the sport of polo. Accommodation on a full board basis is included and guests have the opportunity to attend a polo clinic. Their abilities and riding experience will be assessed and a personalised programme of lessons, tactics, matches and chukkas will be created to follow throughout the holiday. Riding alongside the club’s professional players provides a fantastic opportunity to develop polo skills and play polo like an Argentine. Lunch, dinner and afternoon tea are all included throughout the stay as is access to all of Puesto Viejo’s complimentary activities. Soft drinks, laundry and transport to and from Ezeiza airport are also included.

For those just looking to soak up the stunning Argentinean countryside, Puesto Viejo has a huge variety of flora and fauna throughout the grounds that can be enjoyed from all over the estancia. The range of trees includes conifers, eucalyptus and willows and from these, bird watchers may spot, churrinches, chimangos or various types of owl such as lechuza and caburé.

In Argentina the world’s most well bred horses and finest polo players fighting it out under the South American sun are the order of the day. This has long remained the domain of an exclusive group for whom riding is more than just a pastime but a source of national pride and status – now Puesto Viejo is giving outsiders a taste of this world.

PONY GOAL

RIDING ALONGSIDE THE CLUB’S PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS PROVIDES A FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY TO DEVELOP POLO SKILLS AND PLAY POLO LIKE AN ARGENTINE.

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R E GU L A R

All Aboard Federal Airlines: Non Scheduled route...

Scheduled route............

Tanganyika Flying Co.: Scheduled routes............

Destinations: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Arusha Lake Manyara Ndutu Grumeti Singita Grumeti Reserve Lamai Kogatende Lobo

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

15.

16.

Seronera Kilimanjaro Zanzibar Dar es Salaam Nairobi Wilson Katavi Mahale Vamizi Island

ExecuJet: Locations: ...................................

• • •

Lanseria International Airport Cape Town International Airport Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria

Airports This map is not to scale and highlights only some of the routes of the above companies.

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TRAFFIC CONTROL

R E GU L A R

TRAFFIC CONTROL Nairobi 13

6 7 5 4

Lagos

KENYA

8 9 3 2

1

10

Arusha

Mahale 14

Katavi

E U BIQ M A OZ M

Lusaka

Harare Livingstone

Victoria Falls

ZIMBABWE

Chobe National Park

Maun

Beira

Bulawayo

NAMIBIA Windhoek

Francistown

Singita Pamushana Vilanculos

BOTSWANA

Musina Phalaborwa Private Game reserves

Namib Naukluft Luderitz Park

Gaborone

Mariental

Sosussvlei

Vamizi Island

MALAWI

ZAMBIA

Swakopmund Walvis Bay

Dar es Salaam

16

Kafue National Park

Etosha National Park

Madikwe Game Reserve

Sabi Sands Reserves

Bazaruto

Inhambane

Kruger Mpumalanga Airport

Pretoria

Maputo Johannesburg

SWAZILAND

Keetmanshoop Upington Kimberley

Bloemfontein

Ulundi Ladysmith

Hluhluwe Phinda Private Game Reserve

St Lucia

LESOTHO

SOUTH AFRICA Saldanha

11

12

TANZANIA

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

ANGOLA

ZANZIBAR

Ngorongoro Conservation Area

15

Pietermaritzburg

Durban

Umtata Beaufort West

Queenstown East London Port Elizabeth

Cape Town Mossel Bay Plettenberg Bay

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DEPARTURE

Wild Collection

Cooking

Wild Safaris

Shamwari Game Reserve in the Eastern Cape and sister property Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Cape Town, in conjunction with Gold Restaurant and Stir Crazy Cooking School, have opened two unique cooking school experiences, aptly named, Cooking Wild. Open all year, Cooking Wild is a new culinary opportunity to learn to cook or perfect your skills whilst enjoying the best of the African bush on a Big 5 safari with a choice between two unique locations. During this culinary experience, guests will enjoy educational game drives, bush lunches and hone their culinary skills at a luxury lodge with the final evening culminating in a bush dinner. It is the ultimate experience, for either five days (four nights) or seven days (six nights), and is open to guests from 12 years of age upwards.

Visit vwww.shamwari.com for more information.

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The Thornybush Collection of Lodges offering consists of 11 lodges, 10 of which are located in the Thornybush Private Nature Reserve and one in the Northern part of the Sabi Sand. A well-known destination for local and international visitors Thornybush has earned its reputation as one of the country’s finest bush experiences. Situated within 14 000 hectares of pristine wilderness, adjacent to the Kruger National Park, the Thornybush Nature Reserve is a true escape from the madness of city life. This haven, which is just over 5 hours drive from Johannesburg has scooped numerous world firsts, both for conservation and hospitality. Thornybush has evolved over the years into a visitor’s paradise.

Their collection of lodges offers something for everyone. Bush lovers can saturate themselves, not only in the big five, but also in the remarkable fauna and flora, while less than enthusiastic bush goers can recoup their sanity relaxing in the luxurious surrounds, enjoying delicious cuisine and pampering themselves at one of the spas. Whatever your preference you never leave Thornybush the same as when you arrived. Testimony to this are the numerous visitor comments left by departing guests – the message is clear; once you’ve experienced Thornybush it changes you profoundly.

Each lodge has been carefully selected to provide a variety of different experiences and designed to meet the varying pockets of discerning travellers. For more information, visit www.thornybushcollection.co.za.

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DEPARTURE

Safari for the Senses Situated on a horseshoe bend of a dry Karoo ravine, the newly renovated Dwyka Tented Lodge at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve near Cape Town has reopened for summer and offers guests a fresh new look and feel. Take a leisurely stroll along the awe-inspiring rock formations, which were once the home of ancient Khoisan hunters or awaken your senses and rejuvenate body, mind and soul by spending an afternoon at the Relaxation Retreat. Dwyka Tented Lodge invites guests to experience its new menu and an enhanced wine cellar showcasing the best wines and culinary favourites from the area. For more information, visit www.sanbona.com.

Paradise in Portugal The Conrad Algarve is one of the most modern 5 star hotels in the Algarve. With an impressive setting in the exclusive, yet naturally beautiful Quinta do Lago, the hotel is just a short drive away from the Algarve’s golden, unspoilt beaches. This contemporary luxury hotel is uniquely styled, from the guest rooms to the private balconies, from the majestic spa to the five individual restaurants and bars, offering a sophisticated range of fine Portuguese and international cuisine. Contemporary design meets technological convenience while allowing the luxury accommodation to flow naturally into the beautiful surroundings in perfect harmony.

Spacious guestrooms and a variety of leisure activities await at the Conrad Algarve, which prides itself on providing highly personalised service.

Surf & Turf Eleven new overland adventures in some of the world's most exotic locales are among more than 60 extended mid-voyage excursions ultraluxury Silversea Cruises will be offering in 2015. Unlike a partial-day shore tour, these single- or multiple-day inland adventures will offer a more intimate, in-depth and personal encounter with the local people, history, wildlife and natural attractions that lie just beyond the ports of call. Two of their planned excursions are located on African soil. The two day overnight bush walking safari in Tsavo National Park will see guests disembarking in Mombasa and being taken to delight in the sights and sounds surrounding the Galana River. Silversea is also offering a six day Gorillas in the Forest excursion set in the impenetrable Bwindi forest in Southwest Uganda. Visit www.silversea.com for more information.

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TR ADE

L E G A L

CLASS

ACTION Storm Brewing on the Horizon

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L E G A L

IN THE WAKE OF THE UNSUCCESSFUL BID TO FORM A CLASS ACTION FOR AFFECTED CONSUMERS IN THE R699-CAR-SCHEME, AND WITH MURMURS OF A CLASS ACTION BEING LAUNCHED OVER AFRICAN BANK'S ALLEGED RECKLESS LENDING PRACTICES, IT SEEMS THIS MECHANISM IS INCREASINGLY BEING CONSIDERED TO OBTAIN RECOURSE FOR AGGRIEVED CONSUMERS.

By Lerato Zikalala

T

he class action, a procedure where a person can institute action on behalf of a similarly affected group of people, aggregates the small claims of many into one significant claim. In countries where this legal procedure is more developed, companies have bemoaned the potentially oppressive nature of class actions, which use the threat of mass-scale litigation to induce settlements.

In South African law, use of class actions is not only a new development, it also significantly changes the bargaining positions of parties in liability litigation that companies cannot rely only on their ability to out-lawyer an opponent. In the past, companies were relatively immune from litigation in which many people had claims, particularly relatively small claims, because the risk of incurring legal costs often outweighed the potential benefit for individual litigants.

However, following the Supreme Court of Appeal's judgment in a matter involving the Children's Resource Trust, which established the procedure needed for instituting a class action in South African law, the likelihood of any company in the throes of a massive consumer debacle actually being visited with mass litigation moved from a legal improbability to a factual possibility.

In the past few years we have heard

about class actions in the miners' silicosis case against mining companies, the bread price-fixing case against bread manufacturers, the Transnet pensioners' case, and class actions instituted by rights groups against the Department of Education in the Eastern Cape, to name a few.

There are many benefits to this development. Class actions can spur social and economic reform, particularly in rights cases. Most importantly, they enable people who do not ordinarily have the means to take legal action to do so.

And because companies are likely to be defending class actions rather than instituting them, the litigation risk matrix is significantly changed. When dealing with class actions, it is not simply a case of "we'll fight it out in court". In countries where class action is well developed, it is generally understood that the matter will probably not proceed to court to decide the actual merit of the case. Instead, the eventual success of the claim will be dictated by the size of the affected group and the size of the claim, sometimes irrespective of whether the claim is defendable.

So companies should not lackadaisically approach the formation of a class action, or dismiss as a mere technicality the certification process just because they

believe they have a good case on the merits of the matter. These initial procedural steps set the parameters for the "fight" on the road to a settlement.

Another issue that companies should bear in mind is that class action in South Africa is new, with the rules being made up as we go along. While the thought of a test case is thrilling for lawyers and academic writers, it is the type of litigation that companies should be wary of engaging in.

In other jurisdictions, safeguards have been developed to guard against the potential abuse of this procedure by enterprising lawyers eager to win a big settlement. In fairness, our courts are mindful of the potential for abuse, having announced that safeguards will be developed following a period of trial and error. But which company wants to be on the receiving end of that exercise?

Our law makes specific room for use of the class action procedure in giving recourse to people and affected parties in various circumstances, so the development of the procedure is inevitable.

Class actions remain high-stakes litigation, involving big numbers, an often high profile and a likely effect on the bottom line. That said, the fact that the recent attempt to establish a class action in the R699-car-scheme failed, is evidence that these procedures are not easy to initiate.

In addition, the launching of a mass claim offers companies a unique opportunity to deal with their litigation risk exposure in one go, which may eventually improve their future prospects.

A company should approach this type of litigation by first understanding the ambit of the potential class action, whether proceeding using this mechanism is indeed the only option, and whether there are alternative dispute mechanisms that it can pursue.

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LONG HAUL

Building

CONSUMER WEALTH A good credit score could help

THE OVER INDEBTED SOUTH AFRICAN HAS BEEN THE STAR OF RECENT NEWS REPORTS FOR ALL THE WRONG REASONS. MORE THAN EIGHT MILLION INDIVIDUALS ARE THREE OR MORE MONTHS BEHIND WITH THEIR DEBT REPAYMENTS. WHILE MANY INDIVIDUALS ARE FULLY AWARE OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF NOT PAYING THEIR BILLS, THEY MAY NOT UNDERSTAND THE LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES WHEN IT PERTAINS TO THEIR CREDIT RECORDS. Article Courtesy of Trans Union

“M

ost people see credit as a means to an end as it enables them to purchase something when their budgets are stretched, or alternatively, to fund a big ticket item that exceeds their cash flow,” says Geoff Miller, CEO of TransUnion. “What many people often overlook is the role of credit in building wealth.

Credit used wisely, can help one grow assets – they can use it to buy a home, fund an education or take advantage of an opportunity. Unfortunately, individuals who damage their credit ratings by late or missed payments may cut off this opportunity.”

A credit bureau plays a substantial role in the facilitation of credit, as it provides potential lenders with a view of the consumer as a credit risk. The more negative information that appears on an individual’s report, the less likely they are to qualify for credit – even if they can afford it. Very few people realise that the way they pay their bills, affects their credit score. They may rationalise that a few days

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past the due date, or a month or two of missed payments is not going to make a big difference, but the reality is tardiness in paying bills can possibly stop one from receiving credit.

“It’s also important for individuals to understand that if an institution where money is borrowed from goes into liquidation (ceases to operate) borrowers are still obliged to settle their account or loan with them. If, for example, a borrower has a loan with a bank and it is bought out by another bank, or it is closed down, the administrators or liquidators will be entrusted with the collection process. If a borrower defaults on their payments, their credit record will be negatively affected. In other words, just because an organisation fails it does not mean that a borrower will be relieved of their obligations.”

If a borrower is unsure of their credit score, they can get a free copy of their credit report by logging onto www.transunion.co.za. This helps borrowers see how they look to potential creditors while also

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LONG HAUL

THEY MAY RATIONALISE THAT A FEW DAYS PAST THE DUE DATE, OR A MONTH OR TWO OF MISSED PAYMENTS IS NOT GOING TO MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE, BUT THE REALITY IS TARDINESS IN PAYING BILLS CAN POSSIBLY STOP ONE FROM RECEIVING CREDIT. seeing if there is any fraudulent activity or identity theft taking place. As identity theft is a growing problem in South Africa, borrowers should check their credit report at least once a year. “The bottom line is borrowers who keep their credit record in good shape can be rewarded with access to credit at potentially low interest rates,� said Miller.

As a global leader in credit information and information management services, TransUnion creates economic and competitive advantages for businesses and consumers. For businesses, TransUnion helps improve efficiency, manage risks, reduce costs and increase revenue by delivering comprehensive solutions that leverage data, advanced analytics and decision-making technology. For consumers, TransUnion provides the tools, resources and education to help manage their credit health and achieve their financial goals. Through these and other efforts, TransUnion is working to build stronger economies worldwide. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Chicago, TransUnion reaches businesses and consumers in 33 countries around the world on five continents.

For more information, visit www.transunion.co.za.

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S E C R E T S

BUSI N E S S N E WS

TRANSPORT AS A VEHICLE for Growth in SA Economy

After decades of underinvestment in maintenance and development, South Africa is in the process of revitalising its transport networks. While a fair amount of investment is being made by various stakeholders to upgrade the country’s rail networks, the transportation of goods and services is still largely reliant on road transport – and this bodes a massive opportunity for FMCG logistical and transport companies, suggests Nicholas de

Canha, CEO of Imperial Fleet Management.

“However, additional imposed costs, like increases in fuel prices and E-toll, can weigh heavily on any company running their own fleet. I expect that we will see a lot more of these logistics and transport companies look to optimise their fleet operations.”

In recognition of the future growth opportunities for South Africa’s Transport sectors and with an aim to increase its commitment and investment in the South

Local Company

WHILE A FAIR AMOUNT OF INVESTMENT IS BEING MADE BY VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS TO UPGRADE THE COUNTRY’S RAIL NETWORKS, THE TRANSPORTATION OF GOODS AND SERVICES IS STILL LARGELY RELIANT ON ROAD TRANSPORT African economy, last month Hyundai Automotive South Africa opened a semi knock-down commercial vehicle assembly plant on the East Rand of Gauteng. Stanley Anderson, Marketing Manager of Hyundai Automotive SA, said: “The SKD assembly was driven by a long-term strategy to grow Hyundai’s share in the South African commercial vehicle market, to be more competitive and to increase Hyundai’s investment in the country’s economy and also ensure that we are able to meet the logistics and transport growth trajectory.”

TOP

STORY

Drives Volkswagen Research Facility Local fan and ventilation manufacturer, MechCaL has taken on the challenge of building what could be the largest Vane Axial Flow fan currently in production for Volkswagen in Germany. The fan in question is a Vane Axial Flow fan spanning eight metres in diameter, destined for Germany, to be installed in Volkswagen’s acoustic research wind tunnel. In its final application the fan will be installed in the wind tunnel for testing of full scale motor vehicles. The fan blades will be manufactured using Carbon Composite – a lightweight material which is among the composite range of materials that

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feature predominantly in MechCaL’s highly innovative patented fan designs.

“MechCaL has invested in a new clean room for the prepreg manufacturing which is climate controlled and pressurised to ensure that no contaminants find their way into the layup of the carbon structure,” says Ratner. Added to this, because of the size of the parts such as the main blade spar, a new high temperature oven was also purchased to enable the full span of the blade spar to be heated evenly. Ratner adds that additional Jig tables were also specially designed and installed to ensure that the structure

would be consistent in terms of the bonded structure tolerances. A total of 20 blades will be manufactured at MechCaL’s manufacturing facility in Pretoria – 18 to be installed in the VW Acoustic Wind Tunnel with two blades being kept spare.

Visit www.mechcal.co.za for more information.

DI S C OV E R

M A N G U ID E

The Art of Being a

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M A N G U ID E

CORPORATE PLAYERS IN THE RAINBOW NATION REQUIRE SOFT SKILLS TO COMPETE IN THE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS ARENA. YOUR HARVARD BUSINESS SCHOOL MBA MIGHT NOT BE ENOUGH TO GIVE YOU A COMPETITIVE EDGE IN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT. THE SOUTH AFRICAN SCHOOL OF ETIQUETTE’S CEO, COURTENAY CAREY, TELLS US WHY A SOFT TOUCH WILL TAKE YOU FURTHER THAN A HARD EDGE.

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ccording to Carey we need to collectively work together to make our country stronger and more competitive in business as well as more approachable for foreign investors. Does this mean we are uncouth and unmannered? “Not necessarily,” she says, “however given the many cultures gathered in our country, it is essential for us all to understand the importance of good etiquette in our daily lives as well as in business; this, in turn, results in good self-esteem, which leads to more self-confidence – and success.”

“I founded The School of Etiquette because I wanted to teach individuals the social and people skills to interact comfortably and confidently in any social and business environment,” says Carey who defines soft skills as the ability to get on with people and be liked by them, while also having the ability to assess a situation and act appropriately.

Studies have proven students with extremely high IQ’s have less success later on in life than

students who scored average grades in their IQ tests. This reflects on emotional intelligence (EQ) which has often proved to be a stronger factor in professional success than high IQ. According to Carey, one way to foster and encourage the development of EQ is create an environment in which it can thrive. A valuable tool for corporate companies wishing to achieve long-term success is to ensure that behaviour and communications complement the team brand as well as the company brand.

A high self-esteem is necessary to take on a job or to execute entrepreneurial skills. “Without selfesteem and self-belief, you will not be risk inclined which is a prerequisite in business today. South Africa has an entrepreneurial intent of 14%, this is indirectly a reflection of our country’s selfesteem,” says Carey. “If we are confident in the knowledge we know how to behave and set a good example, it is amazing how doors leading to success will open.”

ACCORDING TO CAREY THERE ARE SIX BASIC CONCEPTS RELATING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOFT SKILLS THAT HAVE FOUND THEIR WAY INTO THE MODERN WORKING ENVIRONMENT.

01 02 03 04

Selling a Personal Brand: We sell ourselves everyday in every meeting, with every person we meet. People need to buy into our own personal brand before they can buy into our product. We need to ensure we portray the correct image because within five seconds you have announced your attitude towards people and yourself, your sexual preferences and what you most likely do for a living without having said a word!

Everyone is a Brand Ambassador: Your staff represent your company. Who they are, is essentially who your company is. They are the face and portray the image. A bad first impression takes eight subsequent meetings to change and most people don’t get a second chance.

Individualism is Praised: Previously companies accentuated homogenous staff forces because they thought it lead to greater efficiency. However, today individualism is encouraged which allows for better workplace satisfaction, relationships and productivity.

Creating Comfort Zones: If you’re comfortable with yourself, you make others feel comfortable as they feel safe, believing they are your equal.

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05 06

Social Skills are Now a Rung on the Ladder: Many a staff member is overlooked for management positions, whilst many managers are overlooked for executive positions because of their social ineptitude.

Your Spouse is a Corporate Tool: As part of their jobs, business executives together with their spouses attend business and dining events which require social skills. They need to know how to accept invitations, how to enter a room, whom to greet first, how to mingle and what topics of discussion are appropriate.

So where do you start developing your soft skills? Carey says do your homework.

“Back to school? Yes, we never stop learning and the more familiar you are with the topic at hand in the boardroom, the better you will be equipped to make an impression and hold your own without seeming aggressive.”

You can only be assertive if you know what you are talking about. Give others a chance to speak. Listen and make an informed decision before answering, thereby showing a well-balanced personality. Carey warns against rejecting other ideas by members. She advises giving balanced answers, for instance, by saying “I agree with this or that point you raised but I believe the following might be more beneficial to our company or cause.” Follow this up by explaining concisely, armed with the right degree of knowledge. Close with a positive remark, she suggests, such as “we all agree that we want to make a decision that will work best for the company, now let’s work as a team to make this happen.”

Carey warns against becoming aggressive when faced with people who have different opinions. “It is not always another ‘me’ that we need to complement the workplace but rather the person that will balance our skills. If you are a creative,

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your business partner should be an administrator. One can create ideas but you need someone who follows up on these ideas and puts them into action.”

In terms of non-verbal soft skills, Carey says that you should ask questions and make eye contact with everyone you address in the meeting. She says that you should always be prepared to listen before making suggestions and finding solutions. Ensure your body-language indicates assertiveness as well as being approachable and open to new ideas.

“Above all, one should remember not to throw the baby out with the bath water, if something doesn’t go to plan. Reassess the situation to figure out where it went wrong and what should be done to avoid this the next time.” A great strategy she says, is to turn a negative comment or action into a positive by encoring everyone in the boardroom to work as a team and to therefore come across as someone who is knowledgeable, approachable and most of all, a leader willing to work in a team.

For more advice on developing your soft skills, contact the South African School of Etiquette on +27 83 562 8226 or email info@etischool.co.za.

Visit www.etischool.co.za for more information.

CAREY WARNS AGAINST BECOMING AGGRESSIVE WHEN FACED WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIFFERENT OPINIONS. “IT IS NOT ALWAYS ANOTHER ‘ME’ THAT WE NEED TO COMPLEMENT THE WORKPLACE BUT RATHER THE PERSON THAT WILL BALANCE OUR SKILLS.

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WRITING

Inspired by a

LEGEND MANY KNOW THAT THE PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE SWORD. THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE WHEN IT COMES TO GREAT WORDS WRITTEN AND SPOKEN BY GREAT LEADERS AND NO ONE EPITOMISES THE ADAGE MORE THAN LATE PRESIDENT, NELSON MANDELA. RENOWNED FOR THEIR QUALITY WRITING INSTRUMENTS AND FINE LIFESTYLE ACCESSORIES, MONTEGRAPPA, HAS HONOURED HIS LEGACY WITH THE CREATION OF A SPECIAL NELSON MANDELA COLLECTION.

M

ontegrappa have sealed a long standing agreement with the Mandela family and the Long Walk to Freedom that will allow them the right to produce collections of pens, watches and cufflinks bearing the Nelson Mandela name. Nelson Mandela celebrated his 95th birthday in July last year – an important milestone in his life, and the ideal opportunity to create a collection that will honour the world-renowned South African antiapartheid activist, humanitarian and statesman.

Since 1912, for more than a century, Montegrappa has been manufacturing high-quality writing instruments in the same historic building in Bassano del Grappa, North East Italy.

Giuseppe Aquila, Montegrappa’s CEO said: "Nelson Mandela is a global icon, one of the most respected and revered human beings of the past century. Montegrappa feels privileged to be selected by the Mandela family as a partner to recognise the achievements of Nelson Mandela through the development of a limited edition range of pens, watches and cufflinks.”

Nelson Mandela's granddaughter, Zaziwe Manaway, expressed her pride in announcing the partnership with Montegrappa. "The Long Walk To Freedom Brand is proud to announce the partnership with Montegrappa. Montegrappa is famous for creating the most beautiful pens in the world. We are delighted to work together with a company that has such a rich, 100 year-old history, in continuing our grandfather's legacy by creating the Nelson Mandela Limited Series of writing instruments."

The Nelson Mandela limited edition collection consists of customized NeroUno pens, watches and cufflinks and is distinguished from the production NeroUno edition with a motif of triangles in a tribal pattern in rose gold plated trim on the pen cap’s band, surrounding the cufflinks and appearing on the watch’s case. The top of the pen cap is engraved with the map of South Africa, while the side of the cap features a metal plaque engraved with Mandela's signature. Mandela’s signature also appears on the

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watch dial and the cufflinks. To forge an indelible link to Nelson Mandela’s homeland, the clip boasts a diamond mined in South Africa.

The collection will be offered as a limited edition composed of 500 sets including a pen, watch and cufflinks.

500 represents the number of clinics that were upgraded or constructed during Nelson Mandela’s Presidency of South Africa. The end users will choose which type of pen they would like to have included in their set – either a fountain pen, roller ball or ballpoint pen nib.

During their research into Nelson Mandela’s life, Montegrappa were inspired by a heart-warming discovery.

In a letter to his daughter Zindzi, written on the 10th of February 1980 while he was imprisoned on Robben Island, Nelson Mandela eloquently echoed the ethos behind Montegrappa’s writing instruments saying: “A good pen can also remind us of the happiest moments in our lives, bring noble ideas into our dens, our blood and our souls. It can turn tragedy into hope and victory.”

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WRITING

NELSON MANDELA ELOQUENTLY ECHOED THE ETHOS BEHIND MONTEGRAPPA’S WRITING INSTRUMENTS SAYING: “A GOOD PEN CAN ALSO REMIND US OF THE HAPPIEST MOMENTS IN OUR LIVES, BRING NOBLE IDEAS INTO OUR DENS, OUR BLOOD AND OUR SOULS. IT CAN TURN TRAGEDY INTO HOPE AND VICTORY.”

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C U I S I N E

TASTE

A

of the Earth and Sea

FLANKED BY THE MAJESTIC TABLE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, A WORLD HERITAGE SITE, AND THE TWELVE APOSTLES MOUNTAIN RANGE, THE AWARD-WINNING TWELVE APOSTLES HOTEL AND SPA IS SITUATED ON CAPE TOWN’S MOST SCENIC ROUTE. HERE, POISED HIGH ABOVE THE CRASHING WAVES OF THE ATLANTIC OCEAN, AZURE RESTAURANT IS KNOWN FOR ITS SPECTACULAR VIEWS AND SUNSETS, AND INNOVATIVE, CONTEMPORARY CUISINE, COURTESY OF EXECUTIVE CHEF CHRISTO PRETORIUS.

By Janie van der Spuy

P

Executive Chef The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa Christo Pretorius

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roudly South African, Chef Christo Pretorius sources ingredients locally. His respect for delicious fresh produce and the increasing demand for interesting vegetarian cuisine motivated his newly introduced vegetarian tasting menu. Nurtured

by Mother Nature, deliciously healthy and colourful vegetables feature in the 4-course Taste of the Earth menu, with dishes that raise the bar for vegetarian cuisine in the city. Think Cauliflower Terrine – verjuice, pickled cauliflower, sultanas, brown butter aioli and gruyere crumble; Mushroom Agnolotti of marinated shitake, shallot puree, truffle cream espuma, parmesan and hazelnuts, and Potato Gnocchi with roast corn velouté, corn fricassee, asparagus and caramelized pearl onion as just some of the exciting fine dining vegetarian options.

‘I believe I have an obligation to our diners to know exactly where our ingredients come from and how they are handled,’ Christo says. His kitchen receives fresh fruit and vegetables daily, as well as fresh salmon trout, farmed dusky cob and Saldanha Bay oysters from local suppliers.

Named one of eight WWFSASSI (South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative) Trailblazers at this year’s SASSI Seafood Circle Awards, Christo says this provided inspiration for his new Taste of the Sea menu. The 4-course seafood tasting menu features fresh ‘Catch of the day’, as well as seasonal signature dishes that include his popular Prawn Dhal with creamed cauliflower, cumin yoghurt, pineapple chutney,

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Salmon Trout

Mushroom Agnolotti

hydrated sultanas and verjuice.

A graduate of the 1000 Hills Chefs School in Durban, Christo’s credentials include positions at Relais & Châteaux properties Kurland Hotel and Tsala Treetop Lodge on the Garden Route, followed by a stint as Sous Chef at the Cape Royale Hotel in Cape Town, before his appointment at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa. He has competed in several high profile cooking competitions; winning the Unilever Food Solutions’ Junior Chef of the Year award, and placing second in the prestigious Sunday Times Young Chef of the Year competition in 2012.

The Twelve Apostles is renowned as Cape Town’s leading boutique hotel; repeatedly voted as one of the best on the continent in acknowledgement of its unique African style and classic European comfort. Part of the family-run Red Carnation Hotel Collection and a member of Leading Hotels of the World, it offers splendid luxury, passionate service, generous hospitality and exquisite cuisine – Azure restaurant recently secured its place on the prestigious American Express Platinum Fine Dining Awards list for the second year running. Gourmets delight in the superb culinary experiences on offer, which include the legendary High Tea by the Sea complete with fragrant teas and coffees, scrumptious scones, pastries and cakes; and gourmet picnics in the lush Fynbos garden; while there is no better spot in Cape Town to mingle

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with ‘locals’ for classic cocktails and sundowners, than the famous Leopard Bar. Head Sommelier Gregory Mutambe is readily available to help guests make excellent pairing choices from an extensive Diners Club Diamond Award Wine List.

The Red Carnation Hotel Collection places great emphasis on its food and wine offering, with fine wine lists that not only complement the cuisine, but allow diners to try an interesting and varied selection of wines from smaller boutique and less commercial wineries, many of which are offered by the glass. Typically they feature a perfectly balanced selection of iconic South African mainstays and new trailblazers, as well as international offerings, special vintages and rare-auction wines. The jewel in the crown of The Twelve Apostles wine list is top quality Bouchard Finlayson vintages created by winemaker Peter Finlayson, who is fondly known as South Africa’s ‘Pinot Pioneer’.

The hotel is a popular choice for small, glamorous weddings and special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, offering a range of unique experiences such as dinner and movie deals in Azure and the private, 16-seater cinema; and a lunch option with wine tasting that includes an exhilarating helicopter transfer from the V&A Waterfront to the hotel, flying along the Atlantic Seaboard with views of Robben Island, Clifton, Lion’s Head and Camps Bay. Chef Christo has the last

word: ‘I believe in engaging all the senses and for me as a chef it’s a real privilege to create lasting memories for our diners who come here to experience the magical setting of our hotel, and of Azure Restaurant.’ To make your booking at The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, call +27 21 437 9000 or email reservations1@12apostles.co.za.

For more information visit www.12Apostleshotel.com.

The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Head Sommelier Gregory Mutambe

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T I M E

Classic TIMEKEEPING

for a Classic Sport

Longines presents the Conquest Classic – a timeless collection for the world of horse-racing.

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s a partner of the most prestigious flat races in the world, Longines was keen to launch a collection of timepieces to be worn amidst the excitement of the parade rings at Chantilly, Hong Kong, Royal Ascot or Dubai racecourses. As a tribute to the chronographs produced from 1881 onwards for race-goers and jockeys in

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New York, the famous Swiss watchmaker has now launched the Conquest Classic line. True to the brand’s values of elegance, tradition and performance, this new collection of models, all fitted with selfwinding calibres, is at the same time totally contemporary and perfectly timeless.

The “Conquest” brand was patented through the WIPO on 25 May 1954.

Since then this name has been used for many successful models manufactured

by Longines over the years. Today, Conquest Classic joins the brand’s other collections of classical beauty that have helped to make Longines’ reputation and success throughout the world. This new line is dedicated to those race-goers who share the excitement of the season’s

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T I M E

LONGINES HAS BEEN BASED AT SAINT-IMIER IN SWITZERLAND SINCE 1832. ITS WATCHMAKING EXPERTISE REFLECTS A STRONG DEVOTION TO TRADITION, ELEGANCE AND PERFORMANCE. LONGINES HAS GENERATIONS OF EXPERIENCE AS OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AND AS PARTNER OF THE INTERNATIONAL SPORTS FEDERATION. KNOWN FOR THE ELEGANCE OF ITS TIMEPIECES, LONGINES IS A MEMBER OF THE SWATCH GROUP LTD, THE WORLD’S LEADING MANUFACTURER OF HOROLOGICAL PRODUCTS. WITH THE WINGED HOURGLASS AS ITS EMBLEM, THE BRAND HAS OUTLETS IN OVER 130 COUNTRIES.

most prestigious race meetings.

Conquest Classic is available in three sizes. The ladies’ models have a diameter of 29.50 mm and show the hours, minutes and seconds as well as the date. They are available in steel, rose gold or in a combination of steel and rose gold. The black or silvered dial has applied 12, 6 and 9 numerals, giving this model a truly sporty look. The various versions are also available with a diameter of 40.00 mm. The mother-of-pearl dial set with 12 diamonds lends the ladies’ models an extra air of refinement, and in some models the bezel is also set with 30 diamonds. These models are fitted on black alligator straps or steel or steel and rose gold bracelets, each to match the dial. All straps and bracelets have a folding safety clasp.

With a diameter of 41 mm, the chronographs are fitted with an L688 column-wheel movement specially developed and produced by ETA exclusively for Longines. The case is either in steel, steel and rose gold or rose gold alone.

The silvered or black dial shows the hours and minutes, with a small seconds at 9 o’clock, date and chronograph functions: a centre sweep seconds, a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock and a 12-hour counter at 6 o’clock. These chronographs are fitted on a black alligator strap or a steel or steel and rose gold bracelet, all having a folding safety clasp.

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SINGLE MALT

The

MASTER DISTILLER IAN MACMILLAN IS THE MASTER DISTILLER AND BLENDER OF INTERNATIONALLY AWARD-WINNING SCOTCH WHISKIES INCLUDING SCOTTISH LEADER, BLACK BOTTLE AND THE BUNNAHABHAIN RANGE OF SINGLE MALTS.

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an began his apprenticeship in 1973 at the Highland single malt distillery Glengoyne where he gained experience in cask handling, filling, warehousing, mashing and distilling. From 1973 to 1983 he specialised in grain distilling at both Port Dundas Distillery in Glasgow and Caledonian Distillery in Edinburgh.

This was followed by a slight change of direction with a transfer to London and a spell working at two of England’s most famous London Dry Gin distilleries from 1983 to 1989. A Scotsman in England seems somewhat out of place and in 1989 the Highlands of Scotland called Ian home and back to his first love of whisky

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production. Here he supervised malt distilling at Glenturret Distillery and several other distilleries located in the Highlands and on the Islands of Scotland.

Ian joined Burn Stewart Distillers in 1991, when the company had just acquired Deanston Distillery in Perthshire.

His first task was to overhaul and restore what was a mothballed distillery. Following extensive modifications, Deanston was soon producing some of the finest malts in its history. It took many hours of hard work to turn the distillery into the efficient production unit that it is today, with the colourful gleaming copper pipes and stills, and impressive maturation halls.

In 1993, Burn Stewart purchased the Tobermory Distillery, the only distillery on the Isle of Mull and, again, Ian turned the neglected distillery into a showpiece boasting a thriving visitor’s centre and producing excellent quality malts. The history of the distillery dates back to the late 18th century and celebrated its 200th anniversary in 1998.

With the acquisition in 2003 of the Bunnahabhain Distillery on the sheltered north-eastern coast of the Isle of Islay, an island renowned the world over for its intensely powerful and charismatic Scotch whiskies, Ian restructured this fine distillery to ensure the continued

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quality and consistency of the malts produced here. The distillery, built in 1881, lies close to the Margadale River and Bunnahabhain means “mouth of the river” in Scots Gaelic.

Ian has been instrumental in developing several extensions to the Bunnahabhain range of single malts with an 18 year old and a 25 year old introduced in 2006. The same year a classic 1971 Bunnahabhain vintage expression was released to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the distillery. In 2011 the distillery launched the limited edition 30 year old single malt of which only 357 bottles, each hand-numbered, were made available world-wide, carrying the 1980 vintage year on the label. And in 2012 he crafted the Bunnahabhain 40 year old, a rare single malt with only 750 bottles made available world-wide. Ian’s latest innovation is a Bunnahabhain single malt that has been aged in red wine casks.

Exclusive to duty-free markets, this small single-malt batch has been named Eirigh na Greine (pronounced Ae-ree ne gray-nyuh and meaning Morning Sky in Gaelic) and features whiskies of various ages. Ian also recently reinvented Black Bottle and Scottish Leader.

This year, Black Bottle is celebrating its origins with a new retro look and blend. The new design has been inspired by a black bottle found in the company archives and that dates back to 1906,

SINGLE MALT

while the blend has been adjusted to reflect the recipe created in Aberdeen

by Gordon Graham and his brothers, Charles and David, 135 years ago.

South Africa is the first market globally to launch the new Scottish Leader. It has been revitalised with a new look, an enhanced recipe and the introduction of an additional, very premium Signature blend.

Ian has encouraged and mentored many talented individuals throughout his career and today all the distillery managers employed at the three Burn Stewart distilleries have been trained

by Ian.

SCOTTISH LEADER STANDS TALLER, PROUDER Scottish Leader has been revitalised with a new look, an enhanced recipe and the introduction of an additional, premium Signature blend.

After 12 months of extensive global consumer research, what is now positioned as the Scottish Leader Original, has been reformulated with improved body and balance. The blend of top malt and grain whiskies is based on Ian MacMillan’s recipe, and now has a warm, honey sweet and delicately smoky taste with a silky smooth finish.

The new, sophisticated Scottish Leader Signature has a more pronounced island malt influence than the Original, with a rich, smoky profile. According to MacMillan, it has still retained its signature character. “The core elements of Scottish Leader Original have not been lost in any way. As a team with over 340 years of collective experience, we've worked incredibly hard to give it more richness and balance but ensure it is still immediately recognisable as the Scottish Leader people around the world have come to appreciate. With Scottish Leader Signature we’ve amplified the malt influence to give Scotch lovers a new, complex and layered offering. Both will appeal to experienced blended drinkers and newcomers, whether they enjoy drinking Scotch neat or with a mixer.”

SA marketing manager, Taygan Govinden says that the new, refreshed packaging is modern, tall and proud. “The bottle now has clean-edged glass chamfers skilfully designed to show-case the rich gold colours of the whisky. The Scottish Leader ethos is expressed in the new soaring eagle brand icon, an inherently Scottish symbol, which conveys success, vision and power – the characteristics of a great leader and the essence of the Scottish Leader brand. The packaging is also influenced by its proud Scottish heritage. With a Celtic typeface and the landscape of Ben Ledi, the highest mountain in the Trossachs, the label reflects its provenance and Highland home,” says Govinden.

She adds that inspiration was drawn from life’s special moments. “These whiskies were crafted to encourage people to share and celebrate occasions, recognising individual and group successes across all aspects of life.”

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R E GU L A R S

CARRY-ON

Locals fall for a

Scottish Classic

The gentle taste of Bunnahabhain's connoisseur range of Islay single malts has developed something of a cult following amongst local aficionados, partially because of its relative rarity but also for its singular flavour. Its taste profile is quite unlike the peaty, smoky single malts traditionally associated with Islay. That's because Bunnahabhain (pronounced Bū-na-ha-venn) is the only producer of single malts on the island to use a natural spring water source and unpeated barley in the production of its whiskies. It's untainted by Islay's peaty moors and so, is lighter on the palate. Bunnahabhain is also un-chill filtered which marks a return to a very traditional technique. The reason is that it expresses the whisky in its purest form with a full depth of colour, aroma and flavour – as natural as when it comes out of the casks. The price of Bunnahabhain ranges from R580 to R900 to R2 600 for its 12-, 18- and 25-year-old whiskies respectively.

An MCC

Black Bottle

Goes Back To like no other Its Roots The latest addition to the Anthonij Rupert Wyne portfolio, the L'Ormarins Rosé Brut 2012, represents the ultimate in premium Cap Classique Rosé. Displaying a delicate salmon colour, this elegant and statuesque Rosé Brut is made from a blend of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Chardonnay grapes.

It is a hand-crafted wine best described as delivering a constant stream of fine bubbles with aromas of framboise and strawberries on the nose. This carries through to excellent vibrancy and a crisp crunch of acidity, balancing the ripe fruitiness, thus resulting in a rounded, creamy, broad and textured flavour in the mouth. Its long finish boasts a light, fruity note. It is available directly from the Tasting Room from December at R185 per bottle, and also from select specialist wine stores.

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Black Bottle was originally presented in a black bottle, when it was launched by the Graham brothers in 1879 in Aberdeen. When World War I interrupted their supply, the brothers were forced to switch to a regular green bottle. Now, a century later, Black Bottle is celebrating its origins with a retro look and blend. The new design has been inspired by a black bottle found in the company archives that dates back to 1906, while the blend has been adjusted to reflect the recipe created in Aberdeen by Gordon Graham and his brothers, Charles and David, 135 years ago.

The result is a lusciously rich whisky with a slightly smoky taste. Every single component, from the selected malts and grains, to the type of casks have imparted a layered complexity to the blend. The new Black Bottle is now available at outlets nationwide and retails for between R240 and R260 per 750ml bottle.

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CARRY-ON

Hit the Gym in Style Designed for women by women, Lorna Jane knows that stylish functionality is key for the woman on the go. Your gym bag is as indispensable to your daily routine as your handbag or briefcase, and it should be as trendy as you are. Lorna Jane has released three fashion forward options that are ideal for active women.

The Lorna Jane Titanium gym bag is perfect for storing your everyday workout or travel necessities. With a modern look and feel, it is made from durable eyelet PU vegan leather with contrasting lining and straps. There are multiple internal pockets for stashing your cash, keys and water bottle, and an external zip pocket with improved insulated lining at the base of the bag.

Fashionably functional, the Lorna Jane Midas gym bag is this season’s must-have accessory. Made from metallic vegan leather with a fabric lining, woven strap and a zip closure, this chic gym bag doubles as an on-trend shopper-style handbag. Store your phone or iPod in the external flap’s zip pocket, and use the internal pocket compartments for cash or keys.

The Downtown Backpack in black is the backpack every active woman needs. It’s ideal for workouts, weekends and travel, with a zip closure and adjustable straps for increased comfort and support. There’s a handy hanger loop, as well as internal and external pockets to stash your cash, keys, phone and MP3 player. Trendy yet functional, the Downtown backpack is made from nylon shell fabric with a quilted stitch design.

Best

Foot Forward Step out in style with the very best in fashion-forward footwear, handbags and accessories from Dune London now available across South Africa at selected Edgars stores nationwide as well as their flagship stores in Sandton City, Canal Walk and Centurion Mall.

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You’ve Got Mail from Veuve Cliquot Giving the vintage American mailbox a “So Clicquot” twist, this lightweight metal box – in Veuve Clicquot yellow, of course – comes complete with a rounded barrel top, an open-and-shut flap door, and a moveable little red flag, to announce that its contents have arrived! The mailbox also includes a window frame for easy personalization, so it’s also a perfect present, and the Veuve Clicquot name and anchor are rendered in raised black lettering. It is perfectly built to accommodate one 750ml bottle of Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label.

Available from leading liquor merchants nationwide from R529.

Uomo Absolute

Dom Pérignon Metamorphosis

Uomo Absolute captures the modernity of the original Uomo fragrance, but features a new level of depth, richness and warmth with heightened and intensified notes of bergamot, cedarwood and vetiver.

Available for a limited time only from selected travel retail locations.

Bulova

Extends the Sparkle Bulova has added even more dazzle to its renowned Diamond Collection, producing an array of distinctive time pieces with seductive silhouettes adorned with hand-set diamonds. From minimalist luxury to picturesque embellishments, the exquisite Diamond Collection offers a sophisticated colour palette with unexpected pops of colour on select dials and straps. Stunning timepieces come brilliantly outfitted with eight to 215 carefully placed diamonds. New styles range from understated watches with select diamond embellishments to timepieces with diamond encrusted, oversized dials that make bold, fashion statements.

Bulova’s cutting-edge collection offers distinctive characteristics such as premium sapphire crystals, striking mother-of-pearl centred dials and stylized numerals in stainless steel, rose-gold tone and two-tone finishes. New introductions feature a variety of case shapes in both small and oversized versions. Multi-link, fluid bracelets provide refined finesse while styles featuring fine leather straps are hallmarks of classic craftsmanship.

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To mark the upcoming 2014 end-of-year season, Dom Pérignon has evoked anew the power of creation at the heart of its universe – but this time, with a fashionable flourish. On the eve of New York Fashion Week, Dom Pérignon champagne announced its promising new collaboration with world-renowned designer Iris van Herpen: Dom Pérignon Metamorphosis by Iris van Herpen. This exclusive new collaboration combines Iris van Herpen’s forward-thinking aesthetic with the Dom Pérignon champagne’s playful expression, limitless innovation and taste for reinvention. The Dom Pérignon Vintage 2004 Metamorphosis gift box and label of the bottle are inflected with green in all its vibrant exuberance.

For the Dom Pérignon brand, the green-dark colour is an important code and chromatic expression. This penetrating darkness is a reflection of the soul of the wine, and its intensity, depth and complexity. Available from leading liquor merchants nationwide from R1, 649.

Bulova Women's Precisionist Tanglewood Diamond Black Leather Watch This ladies’ watch not only wows with its simple elegance, but is also the most accurate watch in the world, with a continuously sweeping second hand. The stainless steel case features 36 individually hand-set diamonds, and a dial in mother-of-pearl and silver-grey, with a black satin strap. The watch is water resistant to 30m and carries a three-year warranty.

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THE OCEAN

Sailing

STAR

ITS DESIGN RESEMBLES A STAR RISING FROM THE HORIZON OF THE OCEAN. ITS PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN BENCHMARKED FOR A DISCERNING CUSTOMER. ITS INTERIOR HAS BEEN LABELLED AS THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE HOTEL. THE LOBANOV STAR REDEFINES WHAT A SUPERYACHT CAN BE.

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obanov Design and BMT Nigel Gee are pleased to present project STAR – a 132 metre long and 60 metre high superyacht that has been designed to resemble the top half of a star.

Based in Turin, Italy, Lobanov Design is a design agency at the forefront of setting new trends in yacht design. With a growing portfolio of unique designs already afloat, the studio currently has projects up to 110m in build.

BMT Nigel Gee, a subsidiary of the BMT Group and based in the UK with whom Lobanov partnered on the project is one of the world’s leading independent design consultancies offering a vast portfolio of services for advanced and specialised ships and boats, from initial concept

to detailed design. With an established background in yachts, commercial and naval craft, and an unrivalled scope of technical capability, the company utilises state of the art technology to provide innovative design and consultancy for an international client base. The company currently has fifteen large yacht engineering projects ranging from providing support to smaller production boat builders through to the provision of naval architecture, detail design and engineering to some of the world’s leading shipyards for yachts in excess of 100m.

Igor Lobanov, Yacht Designer, tells how the project came about: “The initial idea of the Star belongs to Alex Malybaev from FIRMA branding agency. Alex

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and I exchanged some thoughts about yachting and come to the conclusion that to those outside the marine industry, all yachts look the same. It seems that modern architecture, product design and car design have no influence on yachts.

Malybaev penned an idea ‘on a napkin’ and asked me if a yacht could be like that.

I looked at the sketch and set to work. The idea was so great that I wanted to prove it could become a yacht.”

Collaborating with BMT Nigel Gee for naval architecture and to assess technical feasibility, STAR has been developed as a private yacht, or more radically, as the world’s most exclusive private hotel, redeploying to the world’s iconic marine cities and events worldwide. STAR

THE OCEAN

rethinks both artistic form and content.

STAR’s technical development features a symmetrically fore and aft double ended hull form, with all electric architecture and fully azimuthing propulsion. This means that conventional rudders are not necessary but at the same time, the yachts overall manoeuvrability is enhanced.

Coupled with a dynamic positioning system STAR would rotate within her own length to track the arc of the sun free from the constraints of traditional anchors.

The vessel has been designed with a maximum speed of 18+kts and with a range at 14kts of 5000+NM. Over 3500 square metres of luxury interior space is provided within the 9000 Gross Tons, whilst a central cluster of four lifts provide

access across eight decks. Notably lifts one and three extend from a sub-marine viewing area within the lifting keel up to a viewing platform on the eighth deck offering unprecedented views down onto the unique form of the vessel itself, as well as providing a range of visibility of over 20 kilometres.

James Roy, Yacht Design Director of BMT Nigel Gee concluded, “Historically yacht design has been described as both an art and a science. STAR is a tangible view of a 21st century interpretation of art and science. We are fortunate to live in an era where technology makes the delivery of bolder designs more possible – for clients who are adventurous innovators, anything is truly possible”.

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Heart IN MASERATI'S CENTENNIAL YEAR, AND AFTER THE SUCCESS OF THE QUATTROPORTE ZEGNA LIMITED EDITION, OF WHICH 100 UNITS WERE PRODUCED, MASERATI AND ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA HAVE CHOSEN THE GHIBLI ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA EDITION FOR THE NEXT PHASE OF THEIR PARTNERSHIP, PRESENTING A UNIQUE CONCEPT CAR.

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he Maserati Ghibli S Q4 by Ermenegildo Zegna Concept, presented at the Paris Motor Show as a world preview, stands out from the rest of the current Ghibli range thanks to its special colour finishes, materials and trims; it is a tribute to the harmony of opposites, a synthesis between sophisticated design and technological dynamism.

Intended to be a first milestone towards the manufacturer's renewed, future product line-up, this special trim developed for the concept car enhances its character and aesthetic value, making it even more exclusive thanks to the materials designed in collaboration with Ermenegildo Zegna and adapted to the car's interior to create the ultimate contemporary look.

The exterior is characterised by a new, exclusive Azzurro Astro colour; the production technology is based on a triple layer of pigment, adding to the depth, shine and iridescence of the finish, enhanced by changing shades of blue at the brightest points, and toned down to ash grey in the darker areas.

The aluminium pigments used for this special colour magnify the design lines and bring out the muscular profile of the bodywork; the car's sculpted outline is forcefully enhanced by the colour used, while the transparent top coat adds depth and a glossy shine.

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DRIVING

Other exterior features are the 20” Urano wheels with their distinctive colour, Liquid Metal, which was specially developed for this concept car. The colour emphasises the sports style, high technology and luxury positioning of the vehicle design.

The emphasis on style is most evident in the interior of the vehicle. The collaboration on the Quattroporte Zegna Limited Edition helped Ermenegildo Zegna create a pure silk fabric, which is most aesthetically appealing.

“Dynamic” and “contemporary feel” are the words that best describe the dual-colour, dualmaterial composition of the leather and silk passenger compartment. The natural-coloured leather from Poltrona Frau is matched with Ermenegildo Zegna's micro-chevron silk weave, in a pattern which effectively adds character to the interior. Silk is further embellished by the hand-stitched, macro-chevron pattern and finished off by the seat piping. On the door panel too, the matching salt and pepper silk jersey is enhanced by rib embroidery.

On the door panels, the central span is covered with Zegna silk Jersey and embellished by a diagonal roll pattern, with ornamental

stitching and embroidery. The same fabric is used to cover the car's roof lining, top pillars and sunshades, carrying “Ermenegildo Zegna Exclusively for Maserati” brand labels on the inside. The sophisticated, luxury finish of the interior is also expressed by the headrests which feature an embroidered Trident emblem and contrasting stitching.

This car has other exclusive features including the black mat covers with leather insert and the embroidered Ghibli name, finished off by a natural colour leather edge and fixed to the car floor with buttons machined from billet aluminium. The door sill plates are also specially designed, precious elements. Machined from billet aluminium and satin-finished, they have a glossy carbon fibre insert and carry the Maserati logo.

An exclusive Ermenegildo Zegna Edition plate is applied to the external central pillar and tunnel between the front seats. The car is powered by the high-performance 410 HP V6 Twin-Turbo engine, with “Q4” four wheel drive, ensuring 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in just 4.8 seconds also thanks to a maximum torque of 550 Nm, and able to reach a top speed of 284 km/h.

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C A R G O

Intergalactic

Investigation On 12 November 2014 ESA’s Rosetta mission soft-landed its Philae probe on a comet, the first time in history that such an extraordinary feat has been achieved. After a tense wait during the seven-hour descent to the surface of the comet the signal confirming the successful touchdown arrived on Earth at 16:03 GMT. Rosetta was launched on 2 March 2004 and travelled 6.4 billion kilometres through the Solar System before arriving at the comet on 6 August 2014. The landing site, named Agilkia located on the head of the comet, was chosen six weeks after arrival based on images and data collected at distances of 30–100 km from the comet. Those first images soon revealed the comet as a world littered with boulders, towering cliffs and daunting precipices and pits, with jets of gas and dust streaming from the surface. Following a period spent at 10 km to allow further closeup study of the chosen landing site, Rosetta moved onto a more distant trajectory to prepare for Philae’s deployment.

Over the next 2 days, the lander conducted its primary science mission – an

Deepflight Dragon

extended secondary phase could last until March 2015, after which conditions inside the lander are expected to be too hot for it to continue operating. Science highlights from the lander will include a full panoramic view of the landing site, including a section in 3D, high-resolution images of the surface immediately underneath the lander, on-the-spot analysis of the composition of the comet’s surface materials, and a drill that will take samples from a depth of 23 cm and feed them to an on-board laboratory for analysis. “Rosetta is trying to answer the very big questions about the history of our Solar System. What were the conditions like at its infancy and how did it evolve? What role did comets play in this evolution? How do comets work?” said Matt Taylor, ESA Rosetta project scientist.

The comet will reach its closest distance to the Sun on 13 August 2015 at about 185 million km, roughly between the orbits of Earth and Mars.

Rosetta will follow it throughout the remainder of 2015, as it heads away from the Sun and activity begins to subside.

Introducing the First Hover-Capable Submarine!

The all-electric, zero emissions DeepFlight Dragon was designed for easy underwater exploration from yacht or shore down to 120 meters. At 1800 kg and under 1.2 m in height, the Dragon is less than half the weight of competing submarines and readily fits into existing yacht garages or deck areas. The Dragon uniquely offers the DeepFlight Dive Manager, a proprietary technology that monitors and manages critical functions, therefore eliminating the need for a professional pilot in a third seat. The Dragon is positively buoyant, meaning that it will always naturally float back to the surface. The Dragon is the first DeepFlight craft to offer hovering capability, allowing complete freedom to go wherever you want to go in the underwater wilderness. Quad brushless DC thrusters and an underwater lithium battery pack give you quiet, efficient operation for up to 6 hours between charges.

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CLASS of Its Own In a

A VEHICLE WITHOUT EQUAL IN THE MARKET, THE MERCEDES-MAYBACH S-CLASS IS SET TO BECOME AN INTIMIDATING PLAYER. STYLISH, EFFORTLESS SUPERIORITY IS COMBINED WITH TREND-SETTING EXCLUSIVITY AND THE HERITAGE OF TWO OF THE WORLD’S MOST REVERED BRANDS IN LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE.

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he Mercedes-Maybach S-Class melds the perfection of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class with the exclusivity of Maybach. Some of the features that distinguish these vehicles from production models include extra spaciousness with lavishly designed, prestigious interiors offering extensive scope for individualisation. As a result, the cars fulfil the requirements of even the most discerning customers worldwide.

Mercedes-Maybach is not an equipment line – it is a sub-brand that in future will provide Mercedes-Benz vehicles in an even more exclusive form.

Alongside Mercedes-AMG, MercedesMaybach is the second sub-brand in the Mercedes-Benz brand world.

The market launch of the MercedesMaybach S-Class is scheduled for February 2015. The top-of-the-range model is the Mercedes-Maybach S 600.

Its V12 biturbo engine has an output of 390kW (530hp). With a displacement of 5980cc, the maximum torque of 830Nm is available from 1900rpm. The V8 biturbo engine in the Mercedes-Maybach S 500 generates an output of 335kW (455hp) from a displacement of 4663cc. Its peak

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torque is 700Nm. NEDC combined fuel consumption for the saloon is just 8.9 litres/100 km (premium petrol). CO2 emissions are 207 g/km. The Mercedes-Maybach S 500 4MATIC will also be available from June 2015.

In its exterior design, the MercedesMaybach S-Class combines stylish, effortless superiority with trend-setting exclusivity. The vehicle makes modern luxury come alive in an exceptional way.

Along with the extended wheelbase, emphatic lines suggest power and dynamism. Due to the sidewall's special design, characteristic design elements for the S-Class are retained such as the sweeping, dome-shaped roofline.

Inside the car, the level of wind noise is impressively low and for passengers in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the world's quietest production saloon car.

The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is specifically designed to be chauffeurdriven. For the driver and any front passenger, there has been no compromise compared with a "normal" S-Class. The benefits of extending the wheelbase by 200 mm are felt entirely in the back of the vehicle where

the specification has been refined even more. The rear seats are situated beyond the door cut out, which creates a feeling of exceptional privacy and exclusivity.

Due to the roofline, it was also possible to further raise the head clearance.

With its clear architecture, refined materials and stylish controls, the vehicle embodies a sensuous elegance. For an exclusive look, the front centre armrests with nappa leather or exclusive nappa leather upholstery feature embossed Maybach crests. Another special feature in the dashboard is the analogue clock with an IWC design. The numbers are individually milled and applied, and both the numbers and indicators are made of fine metal.

In addition to all the amenities of the conventional S-Class, a number of exclusive interior touches underscore the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class's ambition to lead. These include the exclusive Maybach perfume, Agarwood for fragrancing as part of the Air-Balance package and two silverplated, handcrafted champagne flutes (both optional extras). Voice amplification is a novel function emphasising the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class's positioning as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, which makes it much easier for occupants in the front to communicate with the rear passengers. The Burmester high-end 3D surround sound system offers a unique optical and acoustic experience.

The First-Class rear suite (centre console in the rear) is equipped

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with innovative thermo cup holders, which use Peltier technology to cool or warm drinks over a longer period of time. Like an aircraft seat, the centre console is available with two tables with leather inserts on the top to provide a comfortable writing surface.

Like the S-Class, the MercedesMaybach S-Class is available with numerous new assistance systems that make driving even more comfortable and safer. Intelligent Drive systems include Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian detection, Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Brake Assist Bas Plus with Cross-Traffic Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist Plus and Night View Assist Plus.

In the shape of the seat belt buckle extender, beltbag (both part of the PreSafe rear package) and seat cushion airbag, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class possesses innovative safety features that are not even available as options from other brands. Executive seats in the rear as standard come with the innovative seat cushion airbag. The airbag is located under the seat cushion upholstery, but on top of the plastic seat shell, which is moved by the seat mechanisms. This means that the airbag is always in the right

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position relative to the occupant.

In the seat belt buckle extender, an electric motor automatically raises and lowers the buckle. This makes for easier seat belt attachment and reduces any belt slack in the area of the pelvis and thorax.

Passengers are also secured more firmly in both the sideways and lengthways direction. Fastening seat belts in the rear is also made much simpler: the seat belt buckle emerges from the upholstery when the rear doors are opened and has an illuminated insertion slot. Another feature of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class’ seat belt is the beltbag – an inflatable seatbelt strap that reduces the load on the ribcage in a front impact and is thus able to reduce the risk of injury to passengers

in the rear.

As standard the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is fitted with a panoramic sliding sunroof but for the first time, as an optional extra for the Mercedes-Maybach S 600, the sliding sunroof is available with optional Magic Sky Control technology.

The glass can be switched to light or dark at the touch of a button.

The target group consists of successful businesspeople that will mainly use the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class in a professional context with a chauffeur.

Strictly speaking, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class has no direct competitors because it is positioned above the existing S-Class segment but below the segment for ultra-luxury vehicles.