INDULGENT VI by Indulgent

INDULGENT following the trends set by

DAME WESTWOOD

experience the purr of a

I ONCE TOOK A SAFARI IN AFRICA living a bespoke lifestyle

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BRITISH THOROUGHBRED

atelier

H interiors

Full turnkey interior design service

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Gardens, Cape Town

+27 (0) 71 412 3341 atelier.h.interiors@gmail.com

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Interior Architecture Fashion Travel 3

@indulgentmag /indulgentmag /indulgentmag

EDITOR/DIGITAL PUBLISHER

Kobus Wilmans

publisher@indulgent.co.za +27 71 412 3341 MARKETING & FEATURES

jaco@indulgent.co.za TEAM LOCATION

Cape Town, South Africa

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Profile image shot on location at O on Kloof, Cape Town Photographer - Luke, Without a Blink Productions

News from the ublisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s desk

ndulgent VI is a smorgasbord of boutique hotels and high fashion, and the high life of old manor houses . We experience destinations fit for Lords and Ladies, as we travel from London to Bath.

Back in Africa we hunt some boutique wildlife as we visit some of the most stylish bush retreats on the continent. The &Beyond group offer some of the finest lodges in the world, where they pamper every sense imaginable as they seduce the adventurer within you. Dame Vivienne Westwood has been at the forefront of British Haute Couture and outrageous street fashion. She is mostly known for her cutting edge tartan styles. This doyenne of high fashion never ceases to astound her admirers, as she inspires young designers to be original and think out of the sewing box. Food has always been a passion of mine and my love for this indulgence has brought me to experience many restaurants and the offerings of their outstanding chefs. I am proud to feature David Higgs, an innovative chef who is always a few steps ahead of his competitors as he heads the kitchen of the Saxon Hotel in Johannesburg. Jaguar has been one of the finest car manufacturers in the history of the automobile. For decades they have been meeting the refined demands of gentlefolk. The latest model in the repertoire of this iconic brand is none other than the XE. We take a peek at this iconic toy, as Jaguar proves yet again that their designers have a finger on the pulse of the motoring connoisseur. Enjoy Issue VI with the new feature of hyperlinks for easy navigation to pages from the index page, as well as the web sites of our featured resorts. I look forward to welcoming you to our second holiday edition at the end of 2016.

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Kobus

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a poetic architectural homage to pure

rutalism

the Eden of

Jaco van Schalkwyk 32

the call of

exquisite African bush lodges

a true Brittish thoroughbred

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Dame Vivienne Westwood

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NESTING LIKE AN EXOTIC BIRD IN AN ARID CLIFF SIDE

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A home that bends the rules and blurs the boundary between brutal and lyrical. Casa Brutale is a home designed for an owner that is bold, and as unique as this spot above the Aegean.

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What started off as watercolour sketches, became something lyrically Brutale

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wo Greek architects Laertis Antonios Ando Vassiliou and Pantelis Kampouropoulos, who formed OPA Works, envisioned a building concept that is a “poetic homage to pure Brutalism”, and have created a striking house design called ‘Casa Brutale’. This powerful concrete style known as brutalism has been embedded as a luxury home into a cliff, creating a severe yet inviting structure that is at once beautiful and offers terrifying views. A geometrical translation of the landscape, Casa Brutale is an unclad statement of simplicity, and a harmony of contemporary architecture. It is a chameleonic living space, created to serve its owner and respect the environment. It is the inverted reference to Casa Malaparte, encased and protected by the tender earth that has hosted the human civilization for millennia. It is a complete study of aesthetics, structure, function and engineering, and is thoroughly detailed; it merely awaits its realisation.

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This is OPA’s challenging vision of innovative architecture, where innovation refers to long forgotten terms such as ambience and materiality. Its subtle form allows for the magnificent view and the game of light and shadow to take centre stage. Simple materials such as wood, glass and concrete, facilitates a convergence of the surrounding earth and water.

The landscape is integral to the underlying concept, since elements penetrate and prevail over the construction. The roof of Casa Brutale - a glazed-bottom swimming pool - is a continuation of the poetic Aegean Sea and in perfect communication with the vast blue of the Greek sky. Three thick concrete slabs define Casa Brutale. The crystalline pool, made by reinforced glass, is set between the walls to smooth the hard materials and let the abundant natural light through, illuminating the residence. The enormous glass faรงade frames and extracts the beauty of the Aegean, and small details of black-coated steel and aged red/brown wood complete the composition.

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The underground building benefits from a perfect homeostatic mechanism with thermal insulation from the surrounding ground, and the cooling properties of the swimming pool. The optical impact of the building on the landscape is minimal, with only one faรงade

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on the cliff side and no volume extruding above the ground level. Light penetrates the transparent and semi-transparent surfaces of Casa Brutale, bringing it to life. The dynamic light patterns caress the bare concrete with refractions and shadows. After descending 50 steps to the Aegean, under the shadows of epic concrete beams, you reach the entrance (also accessible by elevator). The tall, rotating door of aged wood opens to a breathtaking sea view, through the glass faรงade. The remaining space is bare, pure and simple; minimalism at its best. A concrete cast dining table is combined with concrete benches, clad with warm wood. A sculptural fireplace of smooth curves adorns the wall next to the bench; and behind the dining table, the guest room is located under an old-fashioned Zoellner slab with a glass corner.

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An inner staircase consists of thin, steel steps that allow the optical continuity from the kitchen to the glass faรงade. The staircase leads you to the mezzanine floor, where the

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master bedroom is exposed to the same overpowering vision of the Aegean. The impressive custom bed in the space is cast of concrete. This magnificent home is waiting for the right owner to facilitate its realization, but it will only suit somebody with a personality as bold and poetic as Casa Brutale.

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Info & images courtesy of OPA post-process and drawings by OPA renders by LOOM Design http://opaworks.com/

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AD NOTOM installation at Villa Two, Ellerman House, Cape Town

Mirror Edge Networks offers high quality service delivery in the audio visual industry from a dynamic team of professionals. Mirror Edge Networks Excellence Reflected

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AD NOTAM ARTCOUSTIC SAMSUNG LINN BANG & OLUFSEN CRESTRON

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Qualified installers of:

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a photo essay of

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HOUSE BOZ

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Expansive volumes, unobtrusive views, genius use of light, and perfectly curated interior spaces; House Boz is another masterpiece in the portfolio of Nico Van Der Meulen Architects. This polished home ticks all the designer boxes and provides its owners with the perfect setting to enjoy a bespoke lifestyle.

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JACO VAN SCHALKWYK

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In search of an inner Eden 33

aco van Schalkwyk holds a BA degree in Historical studies from UNISA and his knowledge and appreciation of art history provides ongoing content for his creative dialogue with past and contemporary art forms. In her recent text, In Search of an Inner Eden, Indra Wussow - literary scholar, curator and artistic director of the Sylt Foundation, Germany – writes, “Jaco van Scalkwyk’s landscapes are real landscapes that become symbolical and allegorical manifestations of our dreams and illusions. They play with our ideas of nature: forest as resonance-space of our soul, forest as place of danger and threat, forest as place of piousness and salvation.” Van Schalkwyk was a finalist in the 2011 Absa L’Atelier Award and in 2013 won a Merit Award in this prestigious national competition. Residency awards include The Art Students League of New York (2008) and Kunst: Raum, Sylt Quelle, Germany (2014). The artist’s work is represented in the collections of the South African Reserve Bank, Absa Bank, Ellerman House and RMB Corporate Collection. In addition to his two solo exhibitions at Barnard Gallery selected group exhibitions include The Seven Deadly Virtues, KKNK, Oudsthoorn (2013); Paint Matters, Barnard Gallery, Cape Town (2014); Performing Wo/man, University of Johannesburg Art Gallery, Johannesburg (2014); 20 Years of Democracy: Contemporary Art from South Africa, Turchin Centre, Appalachian State University, North Carolina, USA (2014); Surface: Emerging Painters, Barnard Gallery, Cape Town (2015); 100 Years: Die Burger, Artscape, Cape Town (2015); Then & Now: Conversations in Time, Barnard Gallery, Cape Town (2015); Art in a Time of Democracy, Pretoria Art Museum / University of Johannesburg (2015) and the 6th Beijing Biennale, Beijing, China (2015)

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info & images courtesy of the Barnard Gallery and artist

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THE DOYENNE of

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BRITISH HIGH FASHION

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Outrageous, Avante Garde, Shocking, Flirtacious, Timeless, Controversially Obscure; however you wish to describe the fashion of Dame Vivienne Westwood, they are all spot on. One thing is for sure though, this icon of fashion is a trendsetter with no equal.

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When in 1970 she began her career - her style endearingly referred to as confrontational fashion - she had no idea that her creations would not only one day adorn the figures of famous models, but also be featured in establishment fashion magazines. Tartans are typical of her work. With a waggish references to royalty, she sets crowns with paste jewels, and adorn her models with mini-crinolines and bodices, from which the wearer’s bosoms “spill like milk jelly”.

The period she would be remembered for influencing most significantly was the punk movement, during which she also collaborated with Malcolm McLaren. With the launch of her catwalk collection in 1981, she continued her emphasis on eccentricity and subversion. Not only is Westwood revered for her woman’s ranges, but also magnificent men’s clothing; and her Spring/ Summer 2016 collection, she once again set the catwalks of Milan ablaze. images courtesy of Vivienne Westwood Red Label, and showstudio.com

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ame Vivienne Westwood is the only British designer who not only explores extremes in fashion, but also stylishly makes sense of it all.

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LONDON CALLING

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Little House, Mayfair

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London is officially the most popular destination for tourists in the world. It is an exciting city, with visitors between July and September totalling well in excess of 4â&#x20AC;&#x2030;million. It is a virtual cauldron of cultures and talent; leaving its visitors spoilt for choice in fashion, ultra stylish restaurants, theatre, and countless tourist sights to enjoy. Besides the many attractions, London is also known for the array of luxury hotels it offers; establishments that truly offer their guests the royal treatment.

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REVEL IN THE EXCEPTIONAL

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Once an underground station in Knightsbridge, this landmark building has been restored and it has taken on the faรงade of a boutique townhouse hotel with loads of 1920s panache.

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ining at The Wellesley is about enjoying each moment and there are options to suit every mood and occasion. Head chef Michele del Monaco has devised authentic Italian menus with an emphasis on seasonality and fresh flavours. Fine Italian food is served in the chic Oval Restaurant, as well as the Jazz Lounge and Cigar Terrace. If you prefer the privacy of your own room, and the flexibility of 24 hour service, their is a substantial inroom menu available. The exclusive Crystal Bar brings the decadence and glamour of the 1920s vividly to life. Here guests can enjoy a crisp glass of Champagne or take advantage of the large selection of Cognacs and whiskies that take pride of place in a specially designed feature wall.

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The sixth and seventh floors of the hotel are where you will find the beautiful The Wellesley Penthouse which can be enjoyed as a one, two, three and four bedroom option. With stunning views over Hyde Park, this is one of the most luxurious suites in London. The spacious lounge is perfect for board meetings or private dinners for up to 8 guests, it includes state-of-the-art technology and a private Humidor

and Decanter Bar. The Churchill Suite, part of The Wellesley Penthouse, has its own staircase leading onto a private terrace. Take in the remarkable views over Hyde Park from the lounge and bedroom, or, the city view from the terrace of the Churchill Suite captures the traditional London rooftop scene. Amenities at The Wellesley include a 24-hour Butler Service, courtesy Rolls-Royce drop off service, Hermès amenities, Interactive Samsung Tablet and daily International Newspapers. This is definitely a hotel to flag on your itinerary for your next visit to London, it is an elegant establishment that will make your visit to the capital even more enjoyable. info & images courtesy The Wellesley http://www.thewellesley.co.uk

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The Wellesley Afternoon Tea has long been regarded as a bastion of English society and there is nowhere more elegant to partake than the Jazz Lounge. Pastry chef Cristiano Paolini has crafted an enticing menu that combines the classic with the contemporary and is well suited to teas that have been hand selected from the world’s prime estates. Live at The Wellesley presents a classic evening of live music and fine dining, two of life’s perfectly matched pleasures.

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HAM YARD

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Large luxury hotels may feel familiar and comforting, but there is nothing as rewarding as discovering a truly boutique design hotel.

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“A hotel’s design is a living thing in a way, and you always have to look at options that are going to work better. With interiors, it’s transitory and subject to passion.”

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KIT KEMP

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it Kemp, the Queen of the Unexpected, has created something whimsical and eclectic. She has devoted her career fashioning hotels into stand-alone pieces of individual expression. Like her, the hotels she creates are anything but static.

Apart from the 90-rooms, the hotel also features a 190-seat theatre, a spa, a four-lane vintage bowling alley - imported from Texas, and a pedestrianized shopping area with 13 outlets - curated by Kemp herself.

Bold colours, contrasting fabrics and patterns, and one-off pieces bought at art fairs and galleries around the globe make up the mélange that has evolved into the Kit Kemp look. Whether there is a category or phrase to sum up that look, is something Kemp herself is deeply doubtful of. Suffice it to say, her aesthetic is constantly changing; influenced in equal parts by local characters, neighbourhood histories and the indomitable, frivolous and multifaceted spirit of its originator.

The airy restaurant and bar with outdoor dining is set to become a preferred destination of London’s Café Society. Other facilities include a sumptuous drawing room, library and an orangery. To top it off, there is a leafy rooftop garden with sweeping views across the London skyline. One could hardly blame the 600 bees for taking up residency in the two beehives on the rooftop and adding a twist of suburbia to this urban space.

images & information courtesy of Ham Yard hotel http://www.designhotels.com

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The latest gem in London’s vast assortment of luxury hotels, the Ham Yard in the West End, is branded with her eclectically British look. Individually designed rooms, ranging from Superior Rooms of 31sqm (333sqft), to a Terrace Suite of 145sqm (1560sqft), are designed to meet the most demanding of guest expectations. Guests can experience another level of refined luxury at this boutique hotel that has raised the proverbial bar as far as luxury establishments go.

From Haymarket to Charlotte Street to Soho, Kemp’s hotels are fashionable buzzwords ingrained into the vernacular of the London media set and dearly loved destinations among visitors to the British capital. Ham Yard is not just a hotel, but also a destination.

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TO THE MANOR BORN

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Samuel Johnson once wrote, â&#x20AC;&#x153;When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.â&#x20AC;? Yet, there is another part of Britain that can be as intoxicating, where the British aristocracy once had their country homes .

According to ancient legend, Prince Bladud, father of Shakespeare’s King Lear, established Bath in 863 B.C. Afflicted by leprosy, the prince was banished from his kingdom and forced to live in exile. Looking to soothe his inflamed skin, he bathed in the area’s surrounding muddy springs, miraculously curing himself of all afflictions. Returning to court joyful and entirely healed, the prince founded Bath around the springs as a token of his gratitude. In 43 AD, the Romans constructed a grand collection of buildings surrounding the springs which were worshipped by the residing Celts. Forming a temple dedicated to the Goddess Minerva, they erected a social complex, including a gymnasium, wine bar, massage area and gaming palace. At the heart of these social houses sat the Roman thermal waters. It is believed that the waters come from rain falling approximately 10,000 years ago which seeped to a depth of approximately two kilometres under the earth’s surface. There it is continually heated by hot rocks before rising up through the three famous hot springs in the centre of Bath, including the Hetling Spring. The exact source of Bath’s thermal water still

remains a mystery to this day. Many believed the water came from the Mendip Hills, 30 miles from Bath, however, more recent evidence suggests the rainwater entered through limestone located in the Avon Valley. The natural thermal waters contain around 42 minerals, including sulphate, calcium and chloride known to aid muscular relief as well as softening and nourishing the skin. The beautiful city of Bath hosts some of the finest museums and attractions in Europe, including the Roman Baths, Thermae Bath Spa and Bath Abbey. There is also a thriving arts and entertainment scene throughout the year, including theatres, festivals, music and events. There are a number of vibrant shopping districts in the city offering everything from high end brands to small independent boutiques. For a festive shopping experience, the Bath Christmas Market is not to be missed; and should you need a little break in between visiting the shops and many attractions, Bath also hosts a fine range of cafés, restaurants, bars and traditional pubs. There are many boutique hotels in Bath, but there are few as splendid as The Gainsborough. Set in the heart of Bath, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is perfectly placed to explore the city and its surrounds. Beyond its walls, a wealth of history, stunning architecture and beautiful countryside await.

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ath is a rare place. A perfectly preserved Georgian city rooted in its Roman heritage. It is splendid and boasts many luxury boutique hotels to cater for discerning tourists who visit every year,

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CAPTURING THE GEORGIAN CHARM

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Originally built in the 1800s, The Gainsborough Bath Spa occupies two Grade II Listed buildings with distinguished Georgian and Victorian façades in the heart of the World Heritage Site. Named after the artist, Sir Thomas Gainsborough, the hotel is centred around Spa Village Bath, and uniquely in the UK, has the exclusive privilege of having access to the natural thermal, mineral-rich waters.

s a Leading Hotel of the World, The Gainsborough Bath Spa is YTL’s first Hotel in the United Kingdom. Paying homage to its colourful history, the hotel is designed by New York based Champalimaud Design to be welcoming, elegant, vibrant and social, a modern interpretation of a classic design which will provide a meaningful and enduring contribution to the life of the city.

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The hotel has partnered with world-renowned chef, Johann Lafer, as he lends his name to the hotel’s restaurant. One of Germany’s most celebrated Michelin starred chefs and TV personalities; Johann Lafer’s ‘Dining Without Borders’ gourmet philosophy is based on using fresh and locally sourced produce to create truly innovative dishes. Johann Lafer at The Gainsborough is situated in a beautiful space on the ground floor of the hotel. This restaurant with its coffered ceilings, original artwork and black marble fireplace, presents exquisite cuisine to inspire even the most demanding of food connoisseurs.

Separated by an impressive wine wall, a semiprivate area can be arranged for a group of friends or colleagues. The restaurant has a separate street entrance on Hot Bath Street with access along a striking stone walkway. The Canvas Room offers the perfect place to relax and socialise in style. Its character and charm are quintessentially British and irrefutably modern. The understated elegance creates a perfect space for guests to feel at home. Guests can choose from the extensive drinks menu, including Champagnes, fine wines and cocktails whilst enjoying the welcoming ambience. The Gainsborough Bar is chic, modern and fun; a brilliant social hub and the perfect venue for a refreshing drink, pre-dinner cocktail or after dinner liqueur. The expert bartenders serve delicious innovative cocktails tailored to your personal taste, along with traditional classics, or simply choose from a stellar collection of Champagnes, artisan gins, Martinis, fine wines and local ales.

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Guest rooms and suites at The Gainsborough Bath Spa are custom furnished, subtly referencing period details combined with contemporary forms while including all the functional elements that discerning travellers have come to expect. Each room and suite features an iPod docking station, a flat screen HD television, complimentary WiFi and radiant heated bathroom floors. Rooms offer five star amenities from luxurious bedding and generous wardrobes, to cordless phones and full black out window coverings. There are also a selection of rooms designed for guests with impaired mobility. Tapping into the original thermal springs, Spa Village Bath offers a contemporary perspective on the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thermal water heritage. Coupled with the historic use of aromatherapy, this spa, set beneath a glass atrium within this unique hotel, gently supports the brandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s philosophy of honouring the healing traditions of the region. In recognition of its spa heritage, the award-winning spa group with its Malaysian origins also presents select signature therapies in its collection. info & images courtesy of The Gainsborough Bath Hotel & Spa

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http://www.thegainsboroughbathspa.co.uk

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LUCKNAM PARK

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A house oozing history from every antique rafter. It is a grand house and boasts sophistication on another level.

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Do nothing, try something, indulge in everything

etreat to Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, which offers unspoilt country house living at its very best. A magnificent mile long avenue of four hundred lime and beech trees planted in 1827 approaches the manor house. The gardens of this country hotel, spread over 5 acres are set within an impressive estate of 500 acres of listed parkland. Of all the gardens, the Walled Garden is the oldest, dating back to the 1830’s. Within its walls lie a traditional English garden with tall, sculpted Yew hedges and low box hedging framing the herbaceous borders. Dominating the garden is the Dovecote, a listed building dating from the late 18th century. This magnificent country house hotel is located just six miles from the historic city of Bath. Dating back to 1720, this Palladium mansion was maintained as a family home until 1987, when it opened its doors as one of the UK’s top country house hotels. Lucknam Park has been lovingly restored to the elegance and style of a past era. At Lucknam Park, luxury effortlessly combines to create a quintessential home away from home, and offers 42 individually styled rooms and suites. Guests can enjoy fine dining at the Michelin starred Park restaurant; the pinnacle of culinary excellence, with an impressive list of wines, champagnes and aperitif’s. For a more informal dining experience, The Brasserie - which adjoins The Spa - offers a refreshingly healthy menu and is the perfect place to enjoy a meal following a day of pampering. It is stylish and contemporary and offers refreshing

alfresco dining during the warmer months. Discover the thrill of horse riding across the estate as you explore the 500 acres of stunning English countryside in which the Equestrian Centre is housed. Guests in search of a more sedate holiday can unwind with a range of spa and well-being treatments to send you home refreshed and invigorated. Surrounded by the beauty of this country house estate, the Cookery School offers a unique opportunity to perfect your skills and master new techniques. As in both restaurants, emphasis is placed on using homegrown seasonal produce. Lucknam Park is truly one of England’s finest hotels, providing 5-star luxury at every turn. A proud member of Relais & Chateaux, this awardwinning Michelin Star hotel has been awarded AA 5 Red Stars and a Visit England Gold Award. Lucknam Park is conveniently located within easy access of some of the UK’s heritage treasures and tourist delights including Bath, Castle Combe, Stonehenge, Stourhead and Longleat. Finding a space that allows quiet contemplation and time to restore the balance of body and mind is important in our fast paced corporate lives, at Lucknam Park guests can go from burnt out to brilliance. info & images courtesy of Lucknam Palk http://www.lucknampark.co.uk

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Masterpieces that will race your engine and get your heart beating a little faster.

MAGNIFICENT TIMEPIECES

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For more than 150 years, TAG Heuer has faced down every challenge, and then pushed past it. By defying the time-honoured conventions of Swiss watch making, it has led it to ever-higher levels of precision and performance. It makes its own rules, chooses its own path, never quits moving forward, never compromises, and never cracks under pressure.

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ince Edouard Heuer found the company, TAG Heuer has been one of the leaders in time innovation. Besides inventing the oscillating pinion and the Time of Trip patent, it was also the first stopwatch that was accurate to 1/100th of a second, and the first Swiss watchmaker in space. The chronograph specifically designed for professional drivers - TAG Heuer Carrera - was launched and the brand became fashionable in film. In the classic race film, Le Mans, Steve McQueen wears a Monaco. This would also lead to the company teaming up with McLaren. The Monaco V4 was the world’s first belt-driven watch, and they won the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix “Aiguille d’Or” with the “Mikrogirder”. Today the company is headed by great-grandson Jack William Edouard Heuer who holds an Electrical Engineering degree and a Masters in production and management from the Swiss Institute of Technology in Zurich. During his student years Jack was very active in sport - mainly in skiing - and was a member of the Swiss University ski team for several years. His fascination with sport would allow him - during his business life - to follow in the steps of his father and grandfather, who, in the very early days of the firm already developed time pieces for sports applications. In 2015, models with real racing spirit and a performance touch reveal a new dynamic in terms of both the fast lead times and a completely transformed environment. TAG Heuer is the only watch brand to be able to communicate in the four different worlds: Art, Fashion & Lifestyle, Sport and Heritage & Swiss Expertise. TAG Heuer ambassadors include the F1 McLaren Team, tennis superstar Maria Sharapova, living football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, it-girl Cara Delevingne, electronic music icons David Guetta & Martin Garrix, NBA Chinese Superstar Jeremy Lin, Chinese singer GEM... the list continues; they all reflect common core values of mental strength, disruptive attitude and ambition.

info & images courtesy of TAG Heuer

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The TAG slogan #DontCrackUnderPressure is far more than a claim - it is a mindset.

THE CALL OF THE EXQUISITE BUSH RETREAT

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by Kobus Wilmans

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Beyond is one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading luxury experiential travel companies, designing personalised luxury safaris in 15 African countries, as well as arranging bespoke tours in India, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Chile and Argentina. The company also owns and operates 33 extraordinary lodges and camps in Africa and India that positively impact more than 9 million acres of wildlife land. Established in 1991, &Beyond takes exceptional care of its guests in order to make a difference; its commitment to sustainable responsible travel, conservation and community empowerment has been globally recognised with multiple awards over the years.

The African bush is as wild and untamed as they come, but none are more serene and breathtaking as the great plains of the continent. The thrill of a thundering herd or wildebeest below your hot air balloon is invigorating and a rare highlight that can only be experience on this dark continent. Witnessing a rhino cow and her calf casually run past your poised camera lens, or watching a herd of elephant bathe in the first light 0f day is exciting; but experiencing the great migration in the Masai Mara, or witnessing a kill by a pride of lion mere metres away from your open vehicle is breathtaking, and something that makes for great conversations.

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An authentic safari is only possible in Africa, and there are many lodges and camps where guests can experience these; yet, there are few that offer safaris that are anchored in the rugged experience, while offering guests luxury beyond expectations. Surrounding plains team with wildebeest, zebra, kongoni, topi, elephant, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, lion, cheetah, leopard, black rhino, crocodiles, Thomsons gazelle, hyena and jackal.

Other activities available to guests at the luxury lodges include guided walks, night game drives, bush dinners and breakfasts, and sundowner cocktails. Maasai village visits are educational and Maasai dancing refreshingly entertaining.

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With a brand that is globally recognised and respected, &Beyond is a leader in conservation, sustainability and the delivery of extraordinary guest experiences. At &Beyond, warm local hospitality and sublime natural luxury combine with an interpretive natural experiences led by highly-skilled guides and rangers. It is ideal to visit Africa all year round, but it is probably best to visit during winter - May to September, as summer day temperatures can soar to well above 34˚C / 94˚F. In winter, evening temperatures rarely drop below 11˚C / 52˚F. Rest assured; in whatever season you decide to take an African Safari, your time spent with &Beyond will leave a lasting impression.

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info & images courtesy of &Beyond

KICHWA TEMBO TENTED CAMP

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At Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp, the days are designed to thrill you with intimate wildlife encounters; and the nights to spoil you with the drama and romance of Africa.

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nown as Kenyaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best loved safari camp, Kichwa Tembo is renowned for its gracious teams of Kenyan staff whose warm welcome, charming service and effortless energy delight guests from all over the world. Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp offers a quintessential game viewing experience, with sweeping vistas of the Masai Mara or the Sabaringo River.

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As guests arrive at Kichwa Tembo, they are instantly welcomed by the commanding view. Laid out along the Sabaringo River on the edge of the Oloololo escarpment, the camp looks out onto the plains of the Masai Mara and is set on a private concession leased from Masai landlords in the north of the Mara, the camp offers total seclusion and abundant wildlife. Located where the riverine forest meets the sweeping plains in the path of the awe-inspiring Great Migration, the camp provides an authentic dose of African wildlife, delivered with legendary Kenyan hospitality.

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Guests are pampered beyond their expectations with every need keenly anticipated. Here guests feast under the stars on cuisine fit for any top restaurant. Drinks Stops during game drives are occasions to be savoured. Served in the rugged bush in the shade of African thorn trees, guests delight in an array of culinary refreshment and award winning wines. Unwind during your Kenya safari adventure in the superb surrounds of a superior tent. These larger and more spacious tents feature beautiful Maasaiinspired interiors that showcase a contemporary use of local materials. Oversized beds are perfectly positioned to make the most of the views, while stained cypress wood furniture combine with tribal decorative elements. Indulge in beautiful roomy en-suite bathrooms and private verandas with comfortable day beds. Take tea on your private veranda as you enjoy sweeping views, and marvel in the stillness that may only be interrupted by the call of a martial eagle as

As dawn breaks over the Masai Mara, a gentle tap on your door will wake you to the delights of a new day. Your guide will discuss what you hope to see that day over fragrant tea or coffee and morning biscuits or rusks. Set out in an open 4x4 safari vehicle in the company of your guide. If the Great Migration is passing through the area, your guide will attempt to catch up with it and spend some time in the midst of the massed

herds. Later on you will break your game drive for a drink and a snack to refresh you. At Kichwa Tembo it is not only about game drives and guided bush walks. Guests can escape to the massage room to indulge in a relaxing treatment, or relax beside the pool. The rim-flow swimming pool, literally on the edge of the Mara, boasts one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most extraordinary views. If you only visit Africa once in your life, a safari at Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp will enhance your experience with a sense of privacy and enjoyment. http://www.andbeyond.com/kichwa-tembo-tented-camp/

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it glides effortlessly across the afternoon sky. The immaculate grounds attract leisurely groups of warthog that feed right outside the tent doors.

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BATELEUR CAMP

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At Bateleur Camp, the days are designed to thrill with intimate wildlife encounters and the nights to spoil you with the romance of Africa.

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et among forests on the very edge of the Masai Mara, the intimate Bateleur Camp reflects the ambiance of Kenyan explorers of old. Experience classic safari, where wildlife adventures by day blend with elegant panache under canvas at night. With commanding views over some of the premier game viewing regions in the world, this intimate camp reflects the ambiance of the Kenyan explorers of the 20â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and 30â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. Experience classic safaris; where wildlife adventures by day blend with elegant panache under canvas at night. Or fly in for a drinks stop on a vast savanna.

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Guest areas bring in the vast open spaces, adding a touch of vintage safari elegance. Intriguing antiques, hand-crafted artefacts and keepsakes of bygone times mingle with cushy sofas and polished leather chairs. Shiny brass compasses, leather trunks and framed maps bring a poignant reminder of old world travellers on a similar journey, while bookshelves of bound tomes entertain and inform. The warm glow of torches and candles welcomes you home from your evening drive. At dinner, fine china, crystal and silver sparkle in the

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torchlight as the aromas of delicious meals waft on the breeze. Nestled deep in a belt of dense riverine forest, each tent is secluded by lush green vegetation, carving out a private, leafy enclave for every guest. Each elegant tent, with its own private butler, replicates the style and glamour of vintage Africa. Slip into a world of hardwood floors, polished silver and sparkling crystal juxtaposed against the romance of the open Mara plains, with their abundant herds of wildlife. When the dawn chorus of birds and monkeys begins outside, a gentle knock on the door brings a morning tray of steaming coffee. Step out of your elegant tented suite onto the private veranda and watch the bush around you come to life, and while away an hour or two in the deep leather chairs on your veranda, looking out onto the endless African plains. On a hot day, swap the shade of the forest for a dip in the sparkling lap pool. http://www.andbeyond.com/bateleur-camp-masai-mara/

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NGORONGORO CRATER LODGE

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This lodge is as regal as they come, you wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be blamed for expecting to come across an African Queen or two during your stay at this exquisite place built on the edge the vast crater.

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There is something fundamentally life changing about enjoying breakfast from a table with a breathtaking view of a vast crater, or dinner under an African sky filled with a multitude of stars.

erched on the edge of the Crater itself, this award-winning lodge is fit for a king and queen. Steeped in romance, each stilted, handcrafted banana thatch suite is adorned with graceful antiques and unforgettable opulence. &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge has been called the game lodge at the top of the world, and, between the natural riches of the crater spread out at its feet and the amazing architecture, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to believe that you have entered a realm of pure fantasy. With everchanging views as mists swirl and clouds scurry over the huge wildlife cauldron below, the location is truly breathtaking. Divided into three camps, 30 stilted suites with banana leaf ceilings and grass roofs provide an intimate and exclusive Crater experience. Each camp has its own sitting and dining areas, with private butlers who provide warm, personal service. Brocade sofas and Persian rugs invite you to re-live the dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experiences around a roaring fire. The domed dining room, where sparkling silver and crystal vie for attention with the huge windows and awe-inspiring views sets the scene for regal culinary feasts. Here mouthwatering tastes and delicate textures do their best to distract guests from the splendour of the lodgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dining room; and magnificent designs delight the eye, while fragrances and flavours tempt the palate.

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Guest suites are as opulent as public areas, and everything is chosen to bewitch the imagination

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and enhance the spectacular views of the surroundings. An eclectic blend of elegant teak panelling, Victorian furnishings and whimsical African touches create a sumptuous atmosphere that is as elegant and unique as the Crater itself. Leather chairs recline in front of a lit fireplace and raw silk curtains screen a private veranda. Even the gigantic bathtub is set under a hand-beaded chandelier. Adding to the ambience of the en-suite bathrooms are centrepieces of fresh roses, while floor-to-ceiling windows ensure breath-taking views of the incredible game-rich crater. Guests can be forgiven for losing track of which era, or even continent, they are experiencing at Ngorongoro Crater Lodge. Nowhere else on earth can you wake up among all the trappings of an elegant baroque chateau - brocade sofas, gilt mirrors, beaded chandeliers and panelled walls - and be instantly transported into one of the most famous African landscapes with just one glance out the window of the lodge. In this place of dramatic contrasts, where Versailles meets Maasai, anything is possible and the natural luxury of the breathtaking setting ensures the dramatic interior of your suite blends perfectly with its stilted thatch architecture. Indulge in a decadent afternoon tea or a sun downer cocktail as you watch the play of light on the vast crater, from the comfort of your private suite. www.andbeyond.com/ngorongoro-crater-lodge/

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MOMBO CAMP

OKAVANGO DELTA, BOTSWANA

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“At Wilderness Safaris, we create journeys, not holidays. A journey is an immersive experience, changing how you view the wild places of Africa and the world.”

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ombo Camp is located in the Mombo Concession, on the northern tip of Chief’s Island within the Moremi Game Reserve. The area boasts enormous concentrations of game and predators which begin virtually on Mombo’s decks, with the surrounding floodplains teeming with game year-round. The area offers, arguably the best big game viewing in all of Africa, with bountiful hunting ground for large prides of lion and star-struck leopard. Mombo Camp is a sumptuous and luxurious, in the midst of the Delta. A place where guests can take in the enormous concentrations of game, from lechwe to giraffe, elephant to buffalo. Here you are able to watch from the camp decks as the Moporota Lion Pride chases its prey right through camp. The camp’s main living, bar and dining areas are

under thatch, while the boma adds traditional flavour to delicious dinners under the stars while entertained by the Mombo Choir. Relaxation is key at Mombo Camp, and on offer are two plunge pools in which to soak or lounge around, while in the gym with sweeping views, guests can work off the excellent food. Built under large, shady trees, Mombo’s nine spacious en-suite tents are raised two metres from the ground providing excellent views, long verandas, salas and indoor and outdoor showers. As a conservation organisation and a responsible ecotourism operator, Wilderness Safaris believe fully in its vision of the 4Cs – Commerce, Conservation, Community and Culture – as contributing

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meaningfully to the wildlife and the people of Africa. Conservation is divided into Environmental Management Systems and Biodiversity Conservation, and the Wilderness Safaris Wildlife Trust is an independent entity supporting a variety of wildlife management, research and education projects throughout southern Africa. A portion of each guestâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fare is allocated to the Trust, and 100% of these funds go to Trust-approved projects. The projects deal with the needs of existing wildlife populations, seek solutions to save endangered species and provide education and training for local people and their communities. Community is all about the people at the heart of the business: Internal Community, which is the staff across all the regions, and External Community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; comprising the rural communities that either own

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the land on which they operate or, that live adjacent to these areas. Culture is a multifaceted element that governs respect for the culture of all the employees as well as the remote rural communities surrounding the conservation areas in which they operate. Wilderness Safaris operate their own bush airline - Wilderness Air - as well as a tours and transfers business, and offer complete, tailor-made services throughout southern Africa. The dedicated team with more than 30 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience of designing perfect safaris works with your travel agent to design a journey that is memorable. info & images courtesy of Wilderness Safaris http://www.wilderness-safaris.com/camps/mombo-camp

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DAVID HIGGS

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The abridged Biography

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Acclaimed chef David Higgs, has elevated some of the top restaurants in South Africa to stardom and is currently at the helm of the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa. It is evident that this master of “the arts” is passionately in love with his craft with every course plated here. s Executive Chef of the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa David is able to pour all his passion and enthusiasm into the creative expression of his love for culinary art. Looking back on his career takes us on an incredible journey that began 24 years ago, years filled with high hopes, daunting challenges, wonderful opportunities and achievements beyond his wildest dreams. David still remains as passionate and committed to his love of creative cuisine as he was at the beginning of his career. If anything, his passion has grown and developed with the knowledge and experience he has gained over the years. He speaks softly and has a gentle manner, but he holds strong convictions and believes in hard work, developing great relationships and delivering exceptional service with sincere warmth and respect. As David says, “The Chef’s role has become so much bigger than just food, because

discerning guests want to enjoy a holistic dining experience as opposed to simply having a meal.” Living proof of this philosophy is the inspirational food journey that Higgs and his talented team have introduced at the Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa. From Qunu Grill to the Terrace, the legendary Saxon High Tea and five hundred, presenting the ultimate fusion of food, wine and art, David and his team take guests on an experiential journey of discovery. David’s inspired creativity is evident in the imaginative menus for five hundred that reflect his emotions, passions and innovative ideas, showcasing simplicity with an element of surprise. For the Qunu Grill ‘all-day’ menu, David has created a selection of grills with robust flavours and an honest approach to cuisine that warms the soul.

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Awards

Over the years David Higgs has won numerous awards that are further testimony to his passion for exceptional food and outstanding service. Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa 2014

Top 100 SA Wine List Award winner - five hundred - Best International selection Award 2014 and Fine Dining (long wine list) winner of Inspirational Category (90+%) Amerian Express Fine Dining Award – five hundred 2013 five hundred - RASA Rosetta Award for Service Excellence. Best New Restaurant five hundred - 2nd place Eat Out DStv Food Network Restaurants Awards Eat Out San Pellegrino Chef of the Year - David Higgs, five hundred Wine Spectator Award - Qunu Grill and five hundred Rust en Vrede 2011 Eat Out – Best Restaurant in South Africa Eat Out – Best Chef in South Africa – David Higgs Eat Out – Best Service Award San Pellegrino – Top 100 Restaurants in the World (61st) Rossouw’s Restaurant Awards 2011 (3 Stars) Rossouw’s Platinum Restaurant Awards – Best Overall Restaurant 2011 Great Wine Capitals of the World – Best National Restaurant Wine Spectator Best Award of Excellence

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info and images courtesy of Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa

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A FEROCIOUS ENGLISH ICON

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The XE is instantly recognisable as a Jaguar; it feels like a Jaguar and it drives like a Jaguar. It is a Jaguar to its core.

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he most advanced, efficient and refined sports saloon car that Jaguar has ever produced, XE is a Jaguar to its core. The first of a new generation of cars to be launched on Jaguar’s state-of-the-art, all new Aluminium Intensive Architecture. The lightweight aluminium construction creates an incredibly strong body, and delivers power with responsive handling and refinement with beautiful design. XE brings together the latest innovation, technology and design. It is packed with systems that empower the driver and enhance the driving experience. XE rewrites the rules and is a wake up call for every other car in its class. From its iron-grip when cornering to its immaculate poise on all roads, XE’s precision-engineered chassis and advanced driving dynamic systems deliver outstanding sports performance in constantly changing conditions. It possesses the lightest body in its class and has sports-car equivalent body stiffness of 22kNm/deg XE’s next generation Electric Powered Assisted Steering (EPAS) offers outstanding feedback and control, as well as power assistance the moment you need it. The system adds to driver confidence by communicating the approach of the limits of grip during hard cornering. Only active on demand, it saves power for when it is really needed. As well as saving fuel – EPAS allows highly-tuned computer control to adapt the levels of steering support; whether giving you fine control at speed, or providing comprehensive assistance during slow manoeuvring Adaptive Dynamics instinctively modifies XE’s response to conditions and your driving style, by analyzing acceleration and braking, cornering, throttle and brake pedal activity. JaguarDrive Control allows you to select Standard, Eco, Dynamic or Winter modes, each subtly changing the steering and throttle mapping. Eco mode encourages fuel efficient driving, offering gear change information and fuel economy feedback. Dynamic mode sharpens the throttle response and increases steering weighting. On automatic transmissions, Dynamic mode performs gear shifts more quickly and at higher engine speeds. By selecting Winter mode, the system automatically dampens acceleration and applies more gradual traction for slippery conditions

info & images courtesy of Jaguar SA

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Whether you’re driving XE enthusiastically, or simply want the assurance of a car that will remain stable in challenging conditions, Jaguar’s Stability Systems keeps the XE safely balanced through unexpected driving situations.

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the

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XE changes everything

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INDULGENT VII

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T H E I TA L I A N C O N N E C T I O N

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the realm of pasta, Chianti and

The Family

Armani

the art of

Murano

Massimo Bottura Indulgent

and his extraordinary world

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