Prestige Magazine Issue 33

PRESTIGE F E AT U R E

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SOPHIA

LOBB LONDON

BALI

AMERICA’S CUP

BEAUTY & BEAST ISSUE NO. 33

R49.95

NAC’S HAWKER 4000

THE SKY IS NO LIMIT w w w. p r e s t i g e m a g . c o . z a

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WorKit, the new office furniture system by Arik Levy, is a simple, rational and extremely flexible solution for communicative office areas. With a cube-shaped connecting element named PIN and a few additional parts, WorKit can be spontaneously reconfigured and adapted to new demands that may be motivated by expansion, reduction or remodelling. Screens can be mounted along the middle of the table, depending on varying requirements for communication or concentration, and side screens provide a high degree of personal privacy for individual work.

A m s t e r d a m

70/72 Bree Street Cape Town Tel: +27 21 487 9060

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C a p e

T o w n

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www.twiice.com info@twiice.com

J o h a n n e s b u r g

1 Jellicoe Avenue Rosebank, JHB Tel: +27 11 343 8900

contents

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motoring & aviation 14 Hawker 4000 No Compromise

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McLaren MP4-12C

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On Polished Wings

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Jet Set

What a Mighty Machine

Silver Queen Air Rally

Time to Join?

marine 30 The America’s Cup Victory Before Honour

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Riviera 5800 SY

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Bruneel’s New Multihull

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Malta

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The NEEL 50

Rolex Middle Sea Race

stay & stray 36 Sweet Surrender

Bali Luxury Villa Collection

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A Taste of Bali

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La Balise Marina

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Tinga Private Game Lodge

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The Ultimate in Sports Yachts

Sungai Style

Beacon of Luxury Living

Odyssey into the Bushveld

Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel

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luxury living 26 Scats Esterhuyse Story of a Journey Untold

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Yellow By Design

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Pepper Club

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Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate

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A Collector's Dream

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Contemporary Art by Veuve Clicquot

One-of-a-Kind Combination

Gauteng’s Best New Address

Lasting Investments

Kream & Pangaea A Feast for the Senses

special features 20 Sophia Loren Siren of the Silver Screen

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The Last Royal Bootmaker

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For the Love of Fashion

John Lobb Ltd of London

Seppi Hochfellner

business 70 trans-fu-zion

Strategic Competency Development

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Qatar Airways Rising Above the Rest

regulars 10 From the Helm 12 Live the Life 110 Gizmos & Gadgets 114 Premier Portfolio

Elegance is an attitude “It’s time to give a little bit of your time to others.”

Andre Agassi

The Longines Master Collection Retrograde

www.longines.com The Swatch Group South Africa - (011) 669 0630

Longines supports the Andre Agassi Foundation

from the helm What’s your name?

Who’s your daddy?

Is he rich like me?

Has he taken, any time, To show you what you need to live?

– The Zombies: Time of the Season

PRESTIGE

BEST BEST

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PUBLISHER – Neo Publishing (Pty) Ltd Tel: +27 82 452 8110 Fax: +86 678 6370 CHAIRMAN – Vivien Natasen vivien@neoafrica.com

OF THE

MANAGING EDITOR – Charl du Plessis charl@prestigemag.co.za

luxury

GROUP EDITOR – Tanya Goodman tanya@prestigemag.co.za

THE

Asking the right questions is far better than knowing all the A N N UA L answers. That much anyone with a bit of life experience knows.

So, with that in mind, go and look for this Zombies song on iTunes or in your nearest music store. Written in an era of free Next Month love and the search for different lives in a world turned upside down by Vietnam, it is one of those songs that stick in your head, yet pleasantly so. And then, gradually, the idea that some stoner-kid from almost 40 years ago was asking the right questions strikes home. Who teaches us how to live in this fast-changing world?

At a recent luxury marketing summit, attended by representatives of many of the country’s top-end luxury brands, and addressed by some pretty smart consulting types who are forever trying to get into the minds of those who have the means to live the lives that mere mortals aspire to, ideas were aplenty. An old favourite – Maslow’s “hierarchies of needs” – was dragged from the dusty cupboard to which modern researchers have banished it. Take-me-as-serious-as-I-do-myself gurus harped on the inevitability of the digital era and the splits between old versus new money, or between established, empowerment and aspirational wealth. Two things came to mind that reminded us why Prestige has become such a well-liked read.

Firstly, we have long ago stopped trying to profile the ideal luxury magazine reader. Deliberately so, in the firm belief that anyone who sits at the top of the food chain, or close by, would balk at the idea of being profiled as typical in any manner. Yours is a quest for individuality, non-conformity and the freedom to be your very own person. And with many a varied interest compared to the next well-off individual who also enjoys this magazine. We know, that in the choice and execution of editorial content, Prestige has succeeded in becoming a multifaceted haven for much of our readers’ diverging and expansive set of tastes and interests.

Secondly, we are certain that at any of the life stages in which individuals operate, they seek meaning in that which they do. No sense for us to get on a moral high horse to suggest that meaning only pertains to that phase when you finally get around to dabbling in Renaissance painters or gentlemanly pursuits. So, whether bling or understatement, philanthropy or adrenalin is your thing, we accept it is meaningful to you at this stage of your life, yet with the understanding that today’s luxury may become tomorrow’s background noise. For a shack dweller, a newlyinstalled tap is a luxury which will, in a few years, become an accepted day-to-day commodity. We see our editorial challenge as being able to keep on surprising our readers with goods, services and experiences by which they may add or redefine meaning in their lives.

For what it’s worth, in our opinion, the rarest of luxuries, an aspect which was finally touched on by one of the speakers at this summit, are: time, space and loved ones. As he put it: “I am a father of young children, and to be with them is the thing I most value in life.” It is with his words in mind that The Zombies’ song reared its head. Have we made the time to do the things that matter, and do we have the privilege of good role models showing us how to engage this wonderful world? Rather than experiencing this last part of the year as the usual rush, panic and gift-seeking madness, take a leaf from The Zombies’ song book and make it “the time of the season for loving.”

Vivien, Tanya and Charl

NEWS: OVER AFRICAN SKIES Prestige continues to break new ground with an extremely innovative strategic alliance just concluded with Stratus magazine. Our holding company, Neo Publishing, acquired the rights to Stratus, including all of its distribution channels. Stratus was immediately put on ice as a standalone title, while its very capable management and staff as well as their stable of valued clients transferred to Prestige, and from this month onwards, Prestige replaces Stratus onboard 750 charter planes that operate daily across eight SADC countries. This strategy, among others, creates an active presence for Prestige among top-end business travellers in and out of Angola, the most exciting and happening market in Africa at the moment, as well as in 160 of Namibia’s best lodges.

The Stratus team is a welcome addition to Prestige, as there is a shared culture of passion, integrity and excellence in delivery.

As content often follows reach in publishing, our readers gain not only by having access to Prestige in more far-flung places, but also by getting a progressively more interesting glimpse into what lies just a bit further afield of our beautiful Southern African region. Enjoy, and spread your wings with us.

EDITOR – Toni Ackermann toni@prestigemag.co.za AVIATION EDITOR – Kevin Barker kevin@prestigemag.co.za ADVERTISING Rui Barbosa (Sales Manager) Tel: +27 84 290 2070 rui@prestigemag.co.za Michiel Faber Tel: +27 82 922 3856 michiel@prestigemag.co.za Lodene Grobler Tel: +27 79 876 4130 lodene@prestigemag.co.za Adie Pranger Tel: +27 83 601 2291 / +27 11 465 1572 adie@prestigemag.co.za Sonja Coetzer Tel: +27 76 498 1113 sonja@prestigemag.co.za Namibia Mynard Slabbert (Commercial Manager) Tel: +264 81 227 2380 mynard@prestigemag.co.za Wilna van Eeden Tel: +264 81 359 9692 wilna@prestigemag.co.za Anne Bertinot Tel: +264 81 277 3848 anne@prestigemag.co.za DESIGN & LAY-OUT – VDS Design Studio Liesel van der Schyf Tel: +27 82 336 7537 liesel@vdsdesign.co.za SUBSCRIPTIONS R499 for 12 issues; R949 for 24 issues SMS the words SUBSCRIBE PRESTIGE, followed by your name and email address, to +27 82 452 8110.

Alternatively, email your name, cell number and delivery address to mail@prestigemag.co.za.

Print Type & Repro, Johannesburg Print Run: 30,000 copies DISTRIBUTION Prestige is available on newsstand and through subscription. Free public space distribution includes over 50 charter fleets operating in the Southern African region. Top five-star hotels and all major business class airport lounges nationally receive free monthly copies. Also look for Prestige in up-scale coffee shops, spas, and private banking waiting areas.

Cover Images Credits Main: Hawker Beechcraft / NAC Thumbnails: Gallo Images / Getty Images; Toni Ackermann; Jules Marshall / TCS and Floris Leeuwenberg / Vista / TCS; Gilles Martin-Raget; Seppi Hochfellner All rights are reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. PRESTIGE is published by Neo Publishing. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or any of its 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.

While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information and reports in this magazine, the publisher does not accept any responsibility, whatsoever, for any errors, or omissions, or for any effects resulting there from. No part of this publication may be used, or reproduced in any form, without the written permission of the publisher.

Copyright © 2009. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to Neo Publishing and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.

livethelife Radically New Radisson Blu PE

Already identified as Port Elizabeth’s newest iconic landmark, and in fact the city’s first five-star, international hotel, located just 10 minutes from both airport and city centre, and 45 metres from Blue Flag beaches, Radisson Blu is ideally situated for business or pleasure. Stunning contemporary architecture, chic, luxurious urban interiors, with all the amenities one would expect of an establishment of this class, not to mention dramatic views over the expansive Indian Ocean, make it the choice of stay when visiting pretty PE. Destress in the hotel’s Camelot spa, where a rasul and floatation tank complement the usual pamper treatments. Break a sweat in the futuristic SPACE gym, open 24 hours a day, sip cocktails on the pool deck outside Tabú, the Radisson Blu’s chilled cocktail bar, or dine in the award-winning, Italianinspired Filini Restaurant, which has perhaps the best wine list on this stretch of coastline. What’s more, Radisson Blu has committed an entire floor, spanning 760 square metres, to its fullyequipped business and events centre, with excellent banqueting and conference facilities too. For more information, visit www.radissonblu.com.

Von Geusau If Chocolate Be the Food of Love Von Geusau Chocolates’ first truffles were made in 2000 in humble premises in the enchanting little town of Greyton, near Cape Town, and the chocolates seemed to epitomise the beauty and charm of this misty mountain village. Richard von Geusau, a former city accountant, broke away from the corporate life and followed his passion – superlative chocolate. His flair for good presentation and innovation, together with his training in Belgium and France, had well equipped him to set up his enterprise. Von Geusau uses only the finest covertures, nuts, liquors, and spices, and there has been a worldwide demand for Von Geusau’s delectable chocolates. The gastronomic range is perfect to pair with wines, cognacs and whiskies. Find these scrumptious offerings at the von Geusau Chocolate shop, attached to Greyton’s iconic Oak & Vigne, where great pleasure is brought to all who partake of this “gift of the gods.” Visit www.vgchocolate.co.za, call +27 28 254 9100 or email vgv@mweb.co.za for more information.

New Golf Resort and Spa Hyatt Regency Oubaai

Scheduled to open in December 2009, this beautiful new property, located in Herolds Bay, George, will be the second Hyatt in South Africa. Part of the 263-hectare Oubaai Golf Resort, this upscale residential and golf development, which features South Africa’s first Ernie Els Signature Golf Course and whose resort has 100 rooms and suites, is located in an area renowned for its pristine beaches, indigenous forests and nature reserves, sandwiched in the most prime position between the ocean and majestic Outeniqua Mountains. Guests can take advantage of the hotel’s location by surfing and fishing in the crystal clear waters of Herolds Bay Beach and exploring the Oubaai Heritage trail, which offers more than eight kilometres of hiking trails within the resort.

The hotel will also feature an outdoor swimming pool, separate kiddies’ wading pool and access to the already open Lifestyle Centre, which includes a tennis court, two outdoor swimming pools, including a heated lap pool, a squash court, and an exercise facility and studio for group classes. Other activities include bird watching, dolphin and whale watching from the on-site deck, and tours to nearby wineries. Visit www.oubaai.regency.hyatt.com for more information.

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F E AT U R E

HAWKER 4000 No Compromise

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The word “heritage” is often used idly in the aviation game, but few companies can truly lay claim to such deep roots and a rich history of influential products as Hawker Beechcraft. Its newest offering, the Hawker 4000, has hit the market as the world’s most advanced business jet to date. Setting the bar technologically, while embracing the rugged reliability for which Hawker products are known, the 4000 embodies Hawker’s motto of giving you more of everything you want, superbly.

Words: KEVIN BARKER Images: © HAWKER BEECHCRAFT

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n an era where budgets are tightly scrutinised and cost cutting is the order of the day, to hit the floor running as an instant game-changer you need to arrive with something special. The buzzwords that need to be satisfied are efficiency, capability, comfort and value. Usually, the matrimony of those four words forces some serious compromise in one or more of those critical aspects – but that was before the arrival of Hawker 4000.

In simple terms, the 4000 is the world’s most advanced carbon composite fuselage, mated to a cutting-edge, transonic wing, powered by a pair of today’s most efficient engines, and equipped with flight deck instrumentation on par with the most modern airliners. The 4000 though, is not the sort of aircraft that stops at satisfaction.

Rather, it strives to redefine it.

As one of only two fully composite business jets on the market, both being from the Hawker Beechcraft stable, the 4000

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boasts a smooth, streamlined skin that reduces drag and increases strength vastly when compared to aircraft manufactured from aluminium, not to mention being 20 percent lighter. These savings translate directly into efficiency thanks to greater speeds and increased range.

At the heart of its impressive aerodynamic performance is the speciallydesigned supercritical wing which, because of its efficient shape and lower weight, does not compromise handling at either end of the speed range, making for ultrastable high speed cruising of Mach 0.84 and crisp, responsive handling qualities at low speeds. It is also capable of landing at speeds of around 110 knots, meaning it can use runways much shorter than other jets its size.

Powered by a pair of Pratt and Whitney Canada PW308A turbofan engines, each producing 6,900 lbs of static thrust, the Hawker 4000 is also one of the quietest aircraft in its class – largely due to a forced

exhaust mixer that improves fuel burn and reduces the aircraft’s noise signature.

This allows the Hawker 4000 to operate into any airport worldwide, regardless of noise restrictions that might be in force. The engines can fly 6,000 hours between overhauls, thus not only delivering in performance, but also on the bottom line.

While many of today’s jets resemble one another at first glance, it is on the inside that things become different, and much more personal. Starting as a blank canvas, the owner is able to infuse his or her personal touches and tastes into the 28 cubic metres of interior space able to take up to 14 passengers in certain configurations. The interior finishes are

means of transport, but also a refuge in which to enjoy a DVD on the large flatpanel or in-seat monitors, or to drift away to your favourite tunes controlled by your in-seat audio and video panel while watching the flight’s progress on the Rockwell Collins Airshow cabin management and information system.

Equipped with a satellite phone and soon Internet connectivity too, the cabin of the Hawker 4000 functions as both an aerial home and office while on the move.

The most typical seating configuration selected is a double club-four arrangement with optional three-place divan, able to seat up to 10 passengers, although eight passengers is considered a typical load. At night the seat pairs can be reclined to

limited only by the owner’s imagination, with infinite options when personalising the aircraft to their exact specifications.

Designers work with each owner to select colours, materials, fabrics, and finishes from a vast array of carpets, fabrics, seat belt colours, leathers, headliners, laminates, and woods. These designs are then turned over to Hawker’s craftsmen, not third party agents, who, using computerised design and fabrication equipment, create upholstery, cabinetry and amenities that are ultimately refined for comfort and convenience. The result is a custom-built interior reflective of the owner’s personality.

On the Hawker 4000, size matters. The more space you have available in which to work or rest on a long flight, the fresher you are on arrival. With head room that allows even a tall man to stand up straight and two metres of width, the ultra quiet cabin with its large windows for raising ambient light levels is not only a luxurious

create full-berth sleepers. To further aid in creating comfort, the cabin features a large, fully-equipped forward galley with a microwave oven, coffee machine, two ice drawers and storage for china, crystal and flatware. The rear of the cabin features a spacious, fully-enclosed lavatory with a flushing, externally-serviced toilet and a sink with hot and cold running water. There is also a lit vanity mirror and cosmetic storage space. For extra convenience, a pressurised in-flight accessible baggage compartment is situated aft of the lavatory.

But where the Hawker 4000 really makes its mark is being able to carry 1,600 lbs of payload when fully fuelled up, a feat unmatched in this class of aircraft and meaning that while others need to stop and refuel along the way, the Hawker 4000 will be eating up real estate at 893km/h en route to its destination as much as 5,940 kilometres away.

There are very few aircraft in existence today that are able to get airborne out of

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runways as short as one kilometre, climb directly to 41,000 feet in about 19 minutes, and 45,000 feet a few minutes later. At that level you are above the weather and most other airborne traffic, and its flexibility of being either a fast, efficient long range cruiser, or a short-range city hopper if need be, is where the Hawker 4000 delivers unmatched value. Requiring only one fuel stop from anywhere in Africa to Europe, and capable of being airborne again in less than an hour, the Hawker 4000 can truly offer big jet features at a mid-sized price.  For more information contact National Airways Corporation (Lanseria Airport) • Tel: +27 11 267 5000 • Visit: www.nac.co.za

Hawker 4000 Specifications: Max cruising speed:

482 kt

893 km/h

Certified ceiling:

45,000 ft

13,716 m

Max range:

3,208 nm

5,941k m

Basic operating weight:

23,500 lb

10,659 kg

Wingspan:

61 ft 9 in

18.82 m

Length:

69 ft 6 in

21.18 m

Tail height:

19 ft 9 in

6.02 m

Max payload:

2,500 lb

1,134 kg

Max payload with full fuel:

1,600 lb

726 kg

Useful load:

16,200 lb

7,348 kg

Engines:

2 x Pratt and Whitney Canada PW308A producing 6,900 lb of thrust each

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Sophia

Loren Siren of the Silver Screen

STUN

On 20 September, Sophia Loren celebrated her 75th birthday, with no intention of retiring anytime soon. Her latest film, "Nine," Director Rob Marshall's highly-anticipated take on the Broadway musical, sees Italia's eternal sex symbol return to the big screen for the first time since losing her husband, producer Carlo Ponti, in 2007. Here, Sophia talks about her 102nd film, her timeless beauty, career and life.

Words: BRUNO LESTER FEATURENET.CO.ZA Images: © GALLO IMAGES / GETTY IMAGES

S

ophia's rags-to-riches life story has been well documented by the press over the past 60 years. The actress, who won an Oscar for the 1960s Two Women, survived a distressing childhood in a Naples slum to become one of Hollywood's most popular and enduring stars. Her controversial marriage to Ponti, difficult pregnancies, the theft of her jewels, and her 17-day imprisonment in Italy for tax evasion, have kept tabloids in business for decades.

Up close, Sophia is elegant, polite and friendly, and still a knockout. Around the sultry hazel eyes are refined lines, yes, but the cheeks are as distinctive as ever and the mouth remains as sensual. Aside from her many films, Sophia has penned three bestsellers, including a 1979 autobiography and the cookbook Sophia Loren's Recipes & Memories. Even more impressive, at 75, her status as a sex symbol has never ceased. Nine, scheduled for release in November, sees Sophia play Daniel Day-Lewis' mother. Among her costars are Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Marion Cotillard and Judi Dench – all fellow Oscar winners.

What is your secret to looking so wonderful at 75?

Sophia: There is no recipe of how to keep looking young. In my profession it helps that I'm very photogenic. I try to keep in shape as much as I can and more importantly, I'm still open to new experiences and I'm enthusiastic about my

life and the new things I can learn. Love is necessary for happiness. There are all sorts of love in a person’s life, not just one love, and you have to have love so as not to dry up and die. When you reach the age of 40, if you're unhappy inside, it shows on your face.

Are you afraid of growing old?

Sophia: Why should I be? Everyone gets older, if they are lucky. Getting older is wonderful. You mature.

What advice would you give other women?

Sophia: Find out what makes you happy and tranquil. If you know that, you will be content. A woman becomes mature when she finds the right balance within herself and with the life she wants.

Why did you pick the musical "Nine" as your return to Hollywood pictures?

Sophia: To be in a musical in America is the dream of every Italian actress. I always loved musicals as a kid, and I have music in the genes – my mother was a piano teacher and my son is an orchestra director. I have sung on many occasions (in Sophia’s 1970's TV specials and recordings, as well as the films Man of la Mancha and It Started in Naples). Musicals make you feel alive, and I enjoyed working on Nine very much. It's a magical, wonderful film, and it was very special to me that this film was based on Fellini's classic 8 1/2.

Spanish actress Penelope Cruz stars in the film with you. American media labels her “The New Sophia Loren.” How do you feel about this?

Sophia: When a European actress becomes famous in America, the press there always compare her to other European stars, but each star is individual in their own right – that is why they become stars.

Do you consider yourself a legend?

Sophia: Oh, no, and I hope you won't call me a legend because it's not flattering.

A legend is not real; it's a myth, something you can't touch. I'm somebody with my feet on the ground. I like solid things. I'm a peasant, not a legend.

You grew up on the streets in Napoli as Sofia Scicolone, tell us more.

Sophia: I was a scrawny, illegitimate child. The impression you have of yourself as a child will always remain. I was nicknamed Stechetto – The Stick – and no matter how many times I am called a sex symbol, I know differently. Also, when I was first screen tested, I was told my nose was too long, my mouth too big and my chin too short. I learnt how to get made up so I would look better. Now I rather like the way I look, but a conventional beauty I am not.

During the fifties and sixties, you made as many as 10 films in one year alone. You appeared opposite Marcello Mastroianni in more than a dozen films. Why don't we see more of you on the screen these days?

Sophia: It's hard to find a story that is appropriate to my age and to my temperament. I like stories where I can enjoy myself or have a nice cry. I like films that tell emotional stories and could have been made 30 years ago, or now,

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Sophia: I was shy and my mother gave me the strength and energy I needed. If it hadn't been for her, I would not have made it.

While working on "Quo Vadis," you were discovered by producer Carlo Ponti. He changed your name, sculpted your screen image and eventually married you. Has this part of your life been accurately portrayed by the press?

Sophia: Well, sometimes I read about myself and my life sounds very easy, like I've done everything with a magic wand.

It's true that I have got much more out of life than I expected, but there were a lot of sacrifices and risks.

Carlo Ponti was married and since Italy didn't recognise divorce, you lived in sin for six years. Then, in 1957, you were proposed to by Cary Grant. Is it true that you told Ponti that you would accept Grant's proposal if he didn't offer you marriage?

Sophia: I would never have my child born a bastard, and I wanted to be a mother. I had been taunted cruelly for not having a father, so I knew the pain of having unmarried parents and could never do that to my baby. Growing up, it was the dream of my life to have a father, and that is why I sought him everywhere – I made my best films with actors and directors like him and I married an older man like him (Ponti was 22 years Sophia’s senior).

Ponti arranged a Mexican divorce and a marriage by proxy, but the Catholic Church didn't recognise the divorce and branded you "public sinners" and threatened you with arrest for bigamy.

Some 10 years later, as citizens of France, you were finally, legally man and wife.

How did your relationship survive all this?

or 30 years from now.

Which of your own films are your favourites?

Sophia: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (1964) and A Special Day (1977).

And your favourite leading men?

Sophia: Marcello was the boy next door, and Cary Grant was the dream of my life.

What made you want to become an actress?

Sophia: My mother used to tell me bedtime stories about the film studios in Rome and the stars who worked there. She dreamt of being an actress, and I would never have been a star if it wasn't for her.

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When she had money, she took me to the cinema. We would go to the first performance on Sunday morning and stay through the last show at night. There was magic there, and as a result, I cannot remember a time I did not want to act.

Your mother entered you in a local beauty contest.

Sophia: I won it in a dress made from my grandmother's living room drapes and shoes painted with house paint. With the prize money my mother took me to Rome to audition for Quo Vadis, which became my film debut. I was 15 years old.

How did you like being in front of the camera?

When I was first screen tested I was told my nose was too long, my mouth too big and my chin too short. I learnt how to get made up so I would look better. Now I rather like the way I look, but a conventional beauty I am not.

Sophia: If you find the right person to be with, you have to stick to it. Sometimes I had moments of depression and unhappiness, but that all passes. What stays is the affection you have. The key to a

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personal relationship is to stay friends. You need to trust each other and have understanding and tolerance.

Is this kind of positive thinking what keeps you afloat when things are bleak?

Sophia: I always believed that if you put your energies into something, it happens. Every time I wanted something badly, I had to wait. But eventually it came true. You just have to concentrate. I wanted to marry my husband and, after problems with Italian law, I did. I wanted to have my children and despite being told that this was not possible (Sophia had suffered two miscarriages), I did. When I became pregnant a third time, I spent the entire pregnancy in bed. I fought and I won.

You have two sons, Edoardo and Carlo Jr. What kind of mother are you?

Sophia: A smashing mother (Sophia laughs). I'm very proud of them. They are both dreamers, like me. I'm happiest when I'm near them because then my life has sense.

You semi-retired in the 1970s to concentrate on your family, tell us more.

Sophia: I worked hard to have a family and to give my children what I didn't have; an atmosphere of tranquillity. I stopped making films that weren't worth doing because I wanted to be with them. If you want a nice family, you need to nourish and spend time with your children.

Your children were raised in splendour (their childhood home in Rome comprised some 54 rooms). How did you make sure they didn't become spoilt brats?

Sophia: I always reminded them of my origins. I told them of the war when I slept in the rail road tunnel and everywhere there were babies crying, couples making love, people being bitten by huge rats, sickness, laughter, drunkenness, and death.

I used to have terrible nightmares. To this day I am afraid of the dark and I always sleep with a little night light on.

Also, my sons have seen my life on video (her story was filmed as a mini-series, starring Sophia as her mother and herself) and they have read my biography (Sophia: Living and Loving). So they appreciated their lives and did not take anything for granted.

You are always so stylish. Do you have a great interest in fashion?

Sophia: I have absolutely no interest in fashion, but whenever I have the opportunity to go to events, I choose what I think is the right dress for the occasion.

Otherwise I don't think much about clothes.

My rule is: if you follow the fashions, you can easily become a caricature of yourself.

You have to know yourself and pick from fashion what suits you best. I like simple, classical things, like Armani – you feel well in his clothes.

What is sex appeal to you?

Sophia: I always say that sex appeal is 50 percent what you've got and 50 percent what people think you've got.

Sophia Loren, on being asked if she considers herself a legend: Oh, no, and I hope you won't call me a legend because it's not flattering. A legend is not real; it's a myth, something you can't touch. I'm somebody with my feet on the ground. I like solid things. I'm a peasant, not a legend.

Name the saddest experience of your life?

Sophia: When my mother passed away.

She was always there for me and she made me feel strong. She created an actress and enjoyed my success. She was the real Sophia Loren, not me.

You are seen as earthy, sympathetic and, above all, warm and feminine. How do you see yourself?

Sophia: As honest and determined, and I'm very severe with myself. When I judge myself, I'm sometimes too severe.

This past summer you had a street in Venice named after you. How did it feel?

Sophia: It was very emotional for me.

The street is as beautiful as a cinema set. I hope that when people cross it they will send me a kiss.

Will you ever retire?

Sophia: No. As long as I love what I do and feel that I can still give the public something, acting is the most wonderful job. 

Esterhuyse, Scats (1954-); "Karoo Fragrance;" Oil on Canvas; 106.5cm x 151.4cm; Signed: "Scats Esterhuyse" (Lower/Right); Dated: 2009

Scats

ESTERHUYSE Story of a Journey Untold 26

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s pa c es With an eternal love for the South African landscape, Scats Esterhuyse embarks on his latest voyage across this diverse and compelling terrain, visiting various locales that have an explicit resonance in his life and in the artworks seen in his latest exhibition “A Journey Untold: Personal Evocations of the South African Landscape.”

Words: © AMY THORNE Images: GRAHAM’S FINE ART GALLERY

H

istorically, there has been a constant and assiduous approach to landscape painting, which is one of the most predominant subject matters in South African art. Landscape painting has been, and still is, the primary theme of many artists in South Africa. Landscapes have been rendered in various approaches which have traversed classical, modernist and contemporary artistic movements, both locally and internationally; including Realism, Impressionism, German Expressionism, and Post-Modernism. South African landscape art has encompassed the largest section of the South African art community and in its contemporary state has been explored in a wide spectrum of interpretations.

Scats Esterhuyse’s artwork incorporates

Esterhuyse, Scats (1954-); "Mdedelele;" Oil on Canvas; 25.2cm x 35.5cm; Signed: "Scats Esterhuyse" (Lower/Left); Dated: 2009

a broad view of the South African landscape, from the verdant winelands of the Western Cape to the dry severity of the Karoo and Kalahari deserts. Travelling to these, he searches for the individualism and the various structures of identity that exist throughout the historic towns and regions that form the diverse and rich character of the South African nation.

Esterhuyse’s typical painting technique is reminiscent of the landscapes produced by the American Luminists of the late 19th Century, associated with the Hudson River School. As a non-official artistic movement, Luminism focused on panoramic compositions of landscapes. These were set under characteristically vast and open skies and the specific scenes focused on the more remote areas of America with particular attention paid to the qualities of light and shadow within a scene. The

Impressionist movement, which originated in France and soon swept over the European art world, ran concurrently with Luminism.

Impressionist paintings visually captured the effect of shifting light in an expressive manner and technically used thick, impasto brushstrokes, which gave physicality to the canvas surfaces. Luminism was inspired by Impressionism but importantly differs in its painting technique by creating a smooth canvas surface which exhibits limited physical brushstrokes. The attention to light and shadow, subject matter and the actual painting techniques used by the Luminists are qualities that are comparable to the approach commonly used by Esterhuyse in his works.

Another influence of the Luminists were the British Sublime painters of the late 18th Century, most recognisably William Turner. The Sublime aesthetically

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Esterhuyse, Scats (1954-); "Ponder;" Oil on Canvas; 45.5cm x 35.7cm; Signed: "Scats Esterhuyse" (Lower/Left); Dated: 2009

deals with compositions and imagery of imposing and awe-inspiring nature. In relation to the Sublime, the Picturesque was a term introduced at the same time to describe paintings which induced emotions in the viewer when looking at an artwork.

The Picturesque was typically of a barren or rural countryside and refers specifically to the portrayal of nature in art. Esterhuyse represents the South African landscape with a discretion and sensitivity that allows his subject matter to develop a definitively Sublime and Picturesque aesthetic.

Selected Esterhuyse works reveal an untainted beauty in the contemporary South African rural environment and evoke an emotional response relating to the landscape and traditional settlements which he depicts.

Esterhuyse’s use of brushwork has evolved in his most recent body of work, however, and largely consists of the lighter, impressionistic qualities achieved with short, thick brushstrokes in the paint application, capturing the essence of the subject. This deliberate shift into a more impressionistic painting method draws

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upon the use of the thicker layering of paint, which steps away slightly from Esterhuyse’s usual treatment. He also plays with the emphasis of natural light and adeptly portrays how colours reflect from each object in his compositions. Some of the most successful works in this new exhibition pay close attention to the effects desoir: the appearance of light during the fading twilight hours of the early evening.

The progression in the development of Esterhuyse’s painting technique has created a body of work that has a fresh and vibrant overview. His inherent understanding of the nature of South Africa’s geological and ecological formations has resulted in a new collection of works that illustrates this personal insight and demonstrates his proficiency as one of South Africa’s most distinguished contemporary landscape artists. His perpetual fascination with the local landscape is apparent in all his works, which view the empyreal nature of the country’s land formations and the subtle effect of human presence in bucolic areas.

A Journey Untold relates to the South African landscape on a humanistic and

personal level, allowing the viewer to place themselves within the scene before them and to relate to it on both a physical and spiritual level.

This latest exhibition represents the physical and introspective journey that he has taken in his career, with his family and within himself. The relationships in his life and the extended connections to the world around him motivated him to do this.

Esterhuyse also paid especial interest to the verdant and picturesque region of the South African Cape winelands, centring on the historical wine estate Boschendal: one of the oldest wine estates in Franschoek, with a heritage that dates back several centuries.

Born in Johannesburg in 1954, Scats Esterhuyse is a self-taught artist. He has shown in solo exhibitions at the Karen McKerron Art Gallery from 1998 – 2000, participated in a group exhibition arranged by the Croatian Embassy in 2004 and held three exhibitions at Graham’s Fine Art Gallery to date, as follows: Dorpies, Places and Spaces (2006), Eleventh Season (2007), and Beyond the Forgotten: the Intersection of Persistent Memory (2008). His current exhibition, A Journey Untold: Personal Evocations of the South African Landscape, will be open at Graham’s Fine Art Gallery from 5 November 2009. For inquiries contact the Gallery on +27 11 465 9192 or visit www.grahamsgallery.co.za.  “Straight mine eye hath caught new pleasures Whilst the landscape round it measures, Russet lawns and fallows grey, Where the nibbling flocks do stray, Mountains on whose barren breast The labouring clouds do often rest; Meadows trim with daisies pied, Shallow brooks, and rivers wide.”

– John Milton (c.1631 L'Allegro)

The America,s Cup:

Victory

BEFORE

Words: GUY NOWELL Images: Š Carlo Borlenghi/Alinghi;

Gilles Martin-Raget

Honour

The America’s Cup is not just a sailing match; it is a game of chess in which the boats are but two pieces on the board. In order to win, you have to finish – but before that, even, you have to get to the race course.

T

he America’s Cup is widely touted – rightly or wrongly – as the “pinnacle” event of yacht racing or sailing. That’s a debatable point, since the general term “sailing” encompasses a great number of different disciplines – there are offshore round-theworld races such as the Volvo Ocean Race and the Vendee Globe Challenge, Olympic class racing in rather smaller one- twoand three-crew boats, high-speed skiff racing, and so on. Sometimes races are held as fleets, sometimes between teams, and sometimes – just sometimes – as one-onone match races…like the America’s Cup. What is certain is that the America’s Cup has, since its inception, been a highly visible arena for some of the hardest-

fought battles in yacht racing. It is often referred to as the “oldest trophy in sport” (another debatable point, since a waterman’s trophy, the Doggett’s Coat and Badge, has been contested annually on the Thames in England since 1715). The America’s Cup all began in 1851 when a syndicate of yachtsmen from the New York Yacht Club (NYYC) sailed a radical-looking schooner, America, across the Atlantic to England, and trounced 14 of Britain’s very best racing yachts for a trophy presented by the Royal Yacht Squadron, the Hundred Guinea Cup. The syndicate subsequently presented the trophy, a silver ewer standing some two feet high, ornately decorated and with the name “America” engraved on it, to the New York Yacht Club under a “Deed of Gift.”

in 1870, both protecting and pursuing the America’s Cup has always been an expensive business. The list of competitors is filled with the names of tycoons such as Sir Thomas Lipton, moneyed aristocrats like the Earl of Dunraven, and captains of industry including Harold S Vanderbilt and Thomas Sopwith. The contest has been fought between single challengers and multiple defenders, in magnificent J Class yachts, in 12-metre Class racing boats and – just once – in a catamaran.

Which neatly introduces us to the present day, but there’s still a little – a very little history to go. The NYYC managed to hang on to the America’s Cup until 1983 – a “winning streak” of 132 years that most certainly qualifies as a record. Then, on the waters off Newport, Rhode Island, and to a background of ever-echoing accusations of cheating and misconduct, the underdog Australia II came back from a 0-3 deficit to beat the American Liberty 4-3 in a match played out before international media that caught the imagination of the world and converted the whole America’s Cup “thing” into a sporting, publicity, media and PR circus of almost unimaginable proportions.

The Cup was won back by the US in 1987, whisked away by the Royal New

From the occasion of the first Challenge in 1870, both protecting and pursuing the America’s Cup has always been an expensive business Where yacht racing had previously been something organised on an ad hoc basis within clubs, the provisions of the Deed of Gift all of a sudden made yachting an international sport – for the Deed specified that the (now-named) America’s Cup be presented as a prize for “friendly competition between foreign countries” and demanded that any challenger replicate the feat of America herself – that is, sail across the ocean and engage in a contest with a number of American yachts.

The rest, as they say, is history. For over a century the America’s Cup has fired the imagination of sailors and non-sailors alike, stimulated naval architects to design ever-faster boats, caused fortunes to be

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spent and lost, reputations to be made and broken, and aroused such bitterness and controversy that some yachtsmen might wish that the “auld mug” had never been presented to the NYYC and the America’s Cup never come into being as a sporting event. Over the years, honour has been sacrificed to victory, and Defenders of the Cup have tightened the rules to try to make the Challengers’ task impossible.

Accordingly, Challengers tried to find ways around the rules (and complained loudly when unsuccessful) and on every occasion when there was a disagreement, both sides would turn to the Deed of Gift seeking to support their position.

From the occasion of the first Challenge

Zealand Yacht Squadron in 1995, and then lost to a Swiss challenger, pharmaceuticals billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli’s Team Alinghi, in 2003. Bertarelli and Alinghi successfully defended the Cup in 2007 in a regatta in Valencia – the first time that the America’s Cup had been raced in Europe since that first event in 1851.

Mere moments after winning the last race of the 2007 match it was announced that a “Challenger of Record" for the next match had been accepted by the defender – the Club Nautico Espanol de Vela (CNEV) – a “club" that was subsequently proved in court to be a sham. CNEV was a yacht club on paper only; an organisation that had no

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F E AT U R E former history, no premises, no members and no regattas. But it seemed that in order to be accepted by Alinghi as Challenger of Record (ie the “first” challenger and the one that would speak on behalf of any further, additional, challengers), this spurious “club” had agreed to a draconian rewriting of the protocol for the next match that allowed Alinghi total control of everything from the designation of the boats to be used for the next match right down to the choice of umpires, the choice of the venue, the right of the Defender to race in the Challenger selection series, and the very rules under which the match was to be raced – and which Alinghi could change at will.

The Golden Gate Yacht Club (GGYC) promptly asked for a Court ruling on the legality of the CNEV as Challenger of Record, and was rewarded with a judgment in which the Spanish “club” was described as nothing more than a “legal adjustment” – and the Challenger title passed to Golden Gate. Larry Ellison is the money and the boat behind GGYC and the BMW/Oracle Racing team, who offered to treat with Alinghi, on behalf of any further and future challengers, for the next America’s Cup to be just like the previous one – a multi-challenger event to produce one Challenger to race against the Defender, and the rules to be established by mutual consent. Considering the sporting, media, sponsorship and PR

For over a century the America’s Cup has fired the imagination of sailors and nonsailors alike, stimulated naval architects to design ever-faster boats, caused fortunes to be spent and lost, and reputations to be made and broken. success of the 32nd America’s Cup, this was a good way to go.

But Ernesto Bertarelli and the Alinghi camp thought otherwise.

If they couldn’t run the next contest under their own draconian re-write of the rules, they didn’t want to play, and demanded a Deed of Gift match against BMW/Oracle instead. A mano-a-mano, boat-to-boat, best-of-three-races, sudden death match.

Other potential Challenger syndicates had long since demurred – without a clear and acceptable vision for another America’s Cup match in the near future, teams withered and died from stagnation and the reluctance of financial backers to pour investment into a project without even a proposed “completion date.” And now it had become a one-on-one affair and they weren’t required anyway!

Because the Alinghi team has substantial experience sailing catamarans on Lake Geneva, they declared that the Deed of Gift match should take place in 90-foot-long multihulls. Sure, there have been legal arguments flung back and forth – at least eight re-visits to the New York courts – concerning definitions of measurement, the date and venue of the proposed match, and the associated rights of the Defender to hold it where and when they like. The most recent decision to come out of the New York Supreme Court in October is a ruling that the 33rd America's Cup must take place in a venue in the Southern Hemisphere as per the strict reading of the competition's governing document, the Deed of Gift, or in Valencia, Spain, as the only exception to that rule. And that is where the matter rests for the moment.

It is a story of intransigence, arrogance and small-minded pigheadedness that almost defies description – except that it has all been seen before in the history of the America’s Cup. It is just another chapter in the story of skullduggery and underhandedness that makes the America’s Cup utterly unique and perversely fascinating, where, when “honour and victory seem to be mutually exclusive goals, some contenders choose the latter.” 

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s o m et h i n g

Sweet Surrender Bali Luxury Villa Collection Hidden in the heart of authentic Bali, in the hustle of a traditional village, beside the gentle gushing of a river rimmed with greenery and where the warm air is laced with the sweet scent of tuberoses, frangipani and gardenia, the luxury villas of Sungai and Sungai Gold are tropical oases just begging to be stumbled upon.

Words: TONI ACKERMANN Images: © BALI LUXURY VILLA COLLECTION; TONI ACKERMANN

W

e, my recently betrothed husband and I, arrive in Bali in the late afternoon, the warm sun causing shimmering waves of heat to wiggle skywards. Making our way through throngs of holidaymakers armed with sunhats and surfboards, a cheerful face soon finds our flustered ones.

Made (pronounced Ma-day), the manager of Villa Sungai, shakes our hands in a vigorous welcome.

Rush hour traffic in Bali is a sight to behold. Helmeted locals on scooters toot their way through traffic, weaving skilfully between the queues of cars. I’m on the edge of my seat, biting my lip and yet, no one else seems the least bit worried – cars glide over easily, gladly making way for their much smaller road-using companions.

We ask Made about this. “There is no reason to get angry in Bali, we have no road rage here,” he says. And there’s seemingly no

limit to what can be transported on a scooter. From a long-eared Basset hound to a family of three with several shopping bags, and a man with two surfboards easily twice as long as his little Vespa. Balinese pagodas and temples, interspersed by bright signboards advertising airtime and scooter sales, go by in a blur of brick and thatch, carvings of volcanic stone standing sentinel outside their gates. The smells of a hundred street stalls assail our senses: coffee, grilled prawns, coconut oil, barbecued satay, fresh fruit, garlic. We breathe it in greedily.

Passing through lush rice paddies along narrow, bumpy roads, people call out friendly salutations as we enter the village of Cepaka, Tabanan, where Villas Sungai and Sungai Gold perch on a hillside above the Penet River, the latter directly below the village temple. We are some 20 minutes’ drive from busy Seminyak, in the southwest of the island. All of the villa’s staff have assembled to meet us, and there is a

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good deal of grinning, greeting and low bowing as each introduces him or herself.

We marvel at how effortlessly the Balinese smile, and how we feel immediately at ease in their hands.

Villa Sungai and the smaller Sungai Gold form part of the three-member Bali Luxury Villa Collection, of which nearby Devatas is the third property. Sungai Gold, a five-star sanctuary for couples, honeymooners, small families, and singles, will be our home for the next eight nights.

It can be booked on its own, or in conjunction with Sungai, the flagship three-bedroom neighbour. While the pitter-patter of little feet does not follow us on vacation, it certainly does others. At these luxe villas, children are more than

neutral – all white-washed walls and pale terrazzo floors. There is a mix of rattan cane and oversized, washed wood furniture with khaki-coloured pillows and cushioned benches, a luxurious daybed that entices with the promise of restful afternoon catnaps and a large, marble-topped dining table. Not forgetting the crystal-clear infinity pool, which calls to us as the humidity climbs. Huge palms, bamboo and other tropical plants emerge from the riverbank below, creating an overwhelming canopy of green.

In the bedroom, the king-size fourposter bed is draped in fine linen while the bathroom is open to the skies and tropical air. There is something oddly magical about showering beneath a canopy of stars and

innate, and nothing is too much trouble, or too much to ask. These are people who won’t forget your name or your favourite drink, making you feel like a king or queen in your own private palace. You only have to entertain a thought before one of your friends appear at your side to attend to it – endearingly, all those working at the villa refer to themselves and others as friends, not staff or colleagues.

In the morning we watch as chubby white clouds flit across the sky. A noisy dragonfly hovers at the edge of the pool, a pretty butterfly settles just out of reach and a large gecko darts past in search of a snack. “Excuse me,” soft-spoken Trisna, one of our friends, interrupts our daydreaming.

“Your therapists are ready.” A pair of mild-

just tolerated, they are welcomed and adored. Here, little ones are not only attended to by their own child minders 24/7 if mom and dad want, they have tailor-made kiddies drinks, food and spa menu to choose from too.

Sungai Gold comprises four open-plan pavilions with traditional, vaulted thatch roofs creating a great feeling of space. The decor is understated, the tones muted,

gently swaying palm fronds. There are double basins, an enormous mirror spanning the entire length of the wall, and a bath large enough to swim circles in. Among other treasures discovered at the villas are perfumed Bvlgari bathroom goodies, a Bose sound system, iPods preloaded with an assortment of tunes, a large flat-screen TV, and a small library of DVDs. In Bali, the hospitality is seemingly

mannered young women beam at us from over two large, copper bowls set out beside the massage beds in our villa’s spa bale.

Gently, they anoint our feet with perfumed water before stretching us out and rubbing our bodies with aromatherapy oil. I choose a traditional Balinese coffee scrub, which professes to offer a stimulating, aromatic and refreshing cleansing that will smooth and refine my skin. My husband opts for

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the Boreh Bali, a speciality herb scrub made from fresh clove, pepper, cardamom, ginger and galangal. Aside from these, an entire spa menu is on offer, from manicures and facials to shiatsu and even yoga, all carried out in the privacy of your villa. I close my eyes and delight in the delicious aromas of our two scrubs, which I decide are reminiscent of freshly-brewed coffee and warm apple pie.

Each morning we awaken to the sound of the village coming alive – roosters crowing, ducks quacking, piglets squealing, and children laughing as they play and carry out their daily chores. We start the day with a hearty breakfast: fruit salad made from papaya, pineapple, banana, star fruit, snake fruit and dragon fruit – the latter three typically south-east Asian fruits. Our choice of, among other items, eggs, omelettes, banana crepes with palm sugar sauce, and black sticky rice served with coconut cream – a Balinese favourite.

“Brekkie,” as it was called by our friends, is finished off with the offer of “Bali kopi,” which presented in the form of locallyproduced, strong and flavoursome Balinese Arabica coffee.

Every night we feast until we are loathe to move for fear of splitting at the seams. At the Villas, guests select their own dinner menu from a list of traditional Balinese fare, Vietnamese and Thai dishes, though a smattering of Western meals for those with less adventurous palates are also on order.

The chef shops at the market early each morning, so every night’s meal is as fresh as possible. Over the nights we sample an assortment of dishes, among them Lime and Chilli Prawns with Green Mango Salad, Whole Baby Snapper Steamed with Balinese Spices, Scallop Salad with Chilli Paste and Coconut, Tempura Fish with Thai Herb Salad and Naam Jim, Crab and Pomelo Salad with Thai Herbs and Fried Shallots, and Seared Tasmanian Salmon with Bok Choy and Chilli and Lime. Perhaps the most outstanding, however, was the Fragrant Prawn Stir Fry, which we shamelessly devoured on two different nights. And we shouldn’t even mention dessert, because by that stage, indulging in pudding is pure gluttony.

We divide our days between lounging poolside sipping Sungai’s signature cocktail – a muddling of palm sugar, lemongrass, lime juice, soda water, and vodka – and feverishly exploring the island. On various excursions we encounter an assortment of brightly-coloured fish, anemones and coral forests while snorkelling out near the island of Nusa Penida; try our hand at haggling at the craft market; and take a walk through the sacred Monkey Forest – in which the primate residents, long-tailed macaques,

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are on constant red-alert for anyone carrying peanuts in their pockets. We watch in appreciation as locals craft jewellery from silver and semi-precious stones; craftsman whittle masks, statuettes and other artefacts from blocks of teak, mahogany and sandal wood; artists meticulously create exceptional works from their perch on the cool, tiled gallery floor; and women lean close to their pieces of cloth to paint on batik designs. One afternoon we drink Piña Coladas with our toes in the sand watching the sun sink on the horizon; another we cycle through the village, stopping to watch children fly their kites over the rice fields. Though we must

Each morning we awaken to the sound of the village coming alive – roosters crowing, ducks quacking, piglets squealing, and children laughing as they play and carry out their daily chores. pass almost a hundred villagers going about their business or making their way on foot, bicycle or scooter, each and every one of them make eye contact, smile, wave, or call out a hello. The sense of community here is astounding.

During the day, Made becomes our driver, ready to take us anywhere on a whim. We keep him on his toes by asking him a plethora of questions about local customs, cuisine and historic facts, and quizzing him on his history and geography.

On our last night we enter the dining pavilion to find the pillars decorated with brightly-coloured dressings and glowing candles dotted around the pool. Two girls from the village enter to the sound of clanging Balinese music. Draped from head to toe in magnificent, traditional costume, they perform a dance for us, called Panyembrama Dance, which our eyes lap up in wonderment. My heart sinks at the thought of leaving in the morning, after our last cup of Bali kopi.

Aimed at the luxury end of the travel market, Sungai Gold, with its impeccable service, exquisite cuisine and inimitable location, is the epitome of outrageous pampering. Like the much sought-after precious metal, Sungai Gold is only too worthy of its name.  Contact Bali Luxury Villa Collection: • Tel: +61410324535 • Email: info@bali-villasungai.com • Visit: www.bali-villasungai.com or www.baliluxuryvillacollection.com

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F E AT U R E

V

A Taste of

Bali Sungai Style

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illa Sungai and Sungai Gold’s chef, Wayan Sukayadnya, has lived in Cepaka all his life. As a child, he watched his parents prepare the daily meals, fostering an enthusiasm for cooking which his parents encouraged. Years later, while working as a restaurant cashier, Wayan often found himself in the kitchen, watching the Balinese chef prepare food, taking careful note of what he did, picking up secrets, and learning how to prepare “Western food.”

One temperate morning, my husband and I leave the comfort of Sungai Gold and join Made, the manager of Villa Sungai, and Wayan on a trip to the nearby, earlymorning fresh produce market, where a flurry of activity greets us. Piles of woven banana leaf baskets are being snatched up, one by one, and nimbly filled with the various petals and leaves which, together with a small morsel of freshly-prepared food, will later be used as offerings and blessings outside homes, temples and workplaces. Local fruits and veggies – some of them vaguely resembling ginger roots, potatoes, cucumbers and guavas, but most of them new to our eyes – stand in teetering piles in front of chattering locals, who laugh and smile as they catch up with friends across the crowded marketplace.

We pass several stalls selling spices, heaped high in pottery bowls and which make my nose tickle and my lips tingle. Further along, a man is selling, from fat to thin, big to small, dried fish. Made tells us that because most Balinese do not earn well enough to enjoy the luxury of a refrigerator at home, dried fish and meat is something of a staple for them. A gathering of children around a table draws us over – sweets, of course. Among the sticky treats we find the sweet-centred kelepon (rice flour ravioli stuffed with palm sugar and rolled in coconut), tape ketan (fermented sticky rice with a sweet, aromatic flavour), and an assortment of sweet breads and local pastries. Another favourite, and which can be bought from many a street vendor, is the scrumptious pisang goreng (fried banana fritters), which we enjoyed at Sungai Gold drizzled with warm palm sugar syrup and served with a generous scoop of vanilla ice-cream.

Weaving further into the market we spy the much feared durian fruit, reputed to

F E AT U R E

Words & Images: © TONI ACKERMANN

“taste like heaven but smell like hell.”

Indeed the aroma of this fruit evokes reactions from deep appreciation to intense disgust. Some regard it as fragrant; others find it overpowering and offensive. The former report a soft, banana-like texture and flavours of custard, caramel and almonds. Those who would prefer to forget their tasting experience describe it as reminiscent of “dirty socks, onions, turpentine, and effluent.” Needless to say, we scurry on past, deigning ourselves not quite that gastronomically curious.

Balinese cuisine comprises a wide range of traditional foods made from local ingredients and spices. Pork, duck and chicken are common ingredients, though it is somewhat difficult to find beef on a menu as the cow is a holy animal in Hinduism, the religion followed by most Balinese. Babi Guling, a whole suckling pig stuffed with spice paste and vegetables and grilled and slow-roasted until crisp on the outside and deliciously tender on the inside, is a firm local favourite. It is also the main feature on the Villas’ Degustation Menu, something of a multiple-course food extravaganza, and a great way to taste an array of local and speciality dishes.

Back at the Villas, Wayan has agreed to a cooking demonstration for us and we settle in to watch him prepare his Rice Paper Rolls with Dipping Sauce. Wayan deftly slices and chops the vegetables, sunlight glinting off the knife as he works.

He dips the rice paper into hot water to soften it, giving it a quick shake before expertly laying it onto a waiting plate.

Scooping up a colourful portion of the ready-prepared veggies, he plops this onto the rice paper and sets about deftly tucking in the edges and rolling it up. It all seems very simple. As he works Wayan talks a little: “At the Villas, the team works so well together. We know each other well and we support each other.” About the Villas’ extravagant menu and delicious food Wayan says: “We have a good selection, from Balinese and Indonesian to Thai and international food. This helps me expand my understanding of world cuisine and gives me great experience.” Slicing his creation into two halves Wayan artfully sets it onto a plate atop a piece of banana leaf. He serves it together with a small bowl of dipping sauce and, voila! – The dish is done. I cannot believe how easy he made it look. 

Rice Paper Rolls

with Dipping Sauce Ingredients:

Method

For the filling: • 3 carrots, peeled and julienned • half a cucumber, julienned • handful of bean sprouts, washed • handful of fresh coriander • handful of fresh mint • small amount of ginger, finely sliced • rice paper, ready to use

To make the dipping sauce: Dissolve the palm sugar in the lime juice. Add the fish sauce, chillies, garlic and water. Allow to stand for an hour at least to develop the flavours.

For the dipping sauce: • 6 tbsp grated palm sugar • 9 tbsp fresh lime juice • 6 tsp fish sauce • 4 chillies, finely sliced • 6 small cloves of garlic, finely sliced • 4 tsp water

To make the rolls: Mix all ingredients in a bowl, add a couple tablespoons of the dipping sauce to flavour. Place a sheet of rice paper into a bowl of hot water for 3 minutes to soften. Place a tablespoonful of filling ingredients into the centre and roll up. Repeat as necessary until ingredients are finished. Slice on the diagonal and serve with dipping sauce.

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RIVIERA Y S 0 0 58

The Ultimate in Sports Yachts

The new 5800 Sport Yacht is the pinnacle of luxury boating and far beyond anything previously built by Riviera. With its incredible design and phenomenal sea-keeping ability, this boat is at the forefront of top-class luxury sports yachts.

Words: JESSICA WEBB; RIVIERA Images: Š RIVIERA

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uxury sport yacht specialists Boating World introduce the beautifully-appointed Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht, which takes luxury boating to a new level.

The yacht design showcases its versatile indoor-outdoor character providing superb lifestyle choices, from entertaining friends in the spacious and contemporary living area, fishing with the family from the swim platform or simply enjoying a relaxing sundowner on the deck.

The options are endless and most certainly make the 5800 Sport Yacht a perfect entertainment and family vessel.

The 5800 offers a three or four cabin option including full-beam master stateroom and the option of a stunning galley in the saloon or below decks. The spacious cockpit has been designed with entertaining in mind, accommodating a wide lounge and large dining table that comfortably seats up to eight people. Wet bars, including solid surface tops with sink and mixer tap, are built into the port and starboard forward quarters of the cockpit. The starboard wet bar also features a stainless steel icemaker. Outdoor entertainment is provided by top quality speakers that can be controlled by a remote on the foredeck, where a sun pad with rails and drink holders is fitted.

The interior layout has been carefully planned for convenience and comfort, and is modern and stylish. The main saloon features a large U-shape galley and a spacious and well-equipped dinette. The forward section of the galley conveniently doubles as a breakfast server with two stools, while in the below deck galley option, the saloon area is replaced by a leather lounge.

The accommodation includes the beautiful master stateroom with a luxurious king-size bed, deep walk-in wardrobe and elegant en suite bathroom. The VIP guest stateroom features a queen island double bed and en suite, while the starboard twin cabin can quickly and easily be converted to a double simply by sliding the inner bed across. The fourth cabin features upper and lower bunks and can be replaced by the galley in the below deck galley layout option. A third bathroom serves the twin cabins.

This sporty yacht also has superb capabilities on the water. The boat employs revolutionary Volvo Penta IPS propulsion, an integrated system of marine diesel engines and steerable drive units mounted under the hull with twin counter-rotating, forward-facing propellers. This system offers easy handling and manoeuvring even

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in tight situations, with a joystick for easy docking. It is not only fast and nimble but a pleasure to drive. She also has a garage that can accommodate a 3.2-metre tender.

If your needs don’t require as much space as the Riviera 58 offers, you desire more flexibility or perhaps have a more limited budget, Boating World has a smaller option in the form of the sexy, sporty Riviera 38.

The Riviera 38 Open Flybridge is a two cabin, one bathroom model that can comfortably accommodate four to six people. Its Volvo D6 twin diesel engine ensures a fast and comfortable ride while its open flybridge and air-conditioned saloon gives an amazing sense of light and space.

The 38’s quality interior includes a well-appointed lounge, dinette and ample

galley. The impressive two-cabin layout includes an excellent master stateroom with en suite bathroom with a second door for guest access, and a two-bunk cabin equipped with beautiful cedar-lined hanging locker with auto lighting. Its functional, stylish design makes it one of a kind.

Both of these magnificent boats allow you to simply “get up and go” whenever you please, offering exclusivity and complete privacy for any trip. They’re lavish lifestyle accessories that give you unbounded freedom and great choice.

Boating World can provide more information on the Riviera 5800 Sport Yacht and the Riviera 38 Open Flybridge, as well as many other fantastic luxury yacht offerings. With offices in Durban and a spectacular newly-opened showroom in Cape Town, stop by for a taste of the lifestyle and to view Boating World’s array of award-winning luxury motor yachts. For more information, contact 0861 324 754, email info@boatingworld.co.za, or visit www.boatingworld.co.za. 

About Boating World Boating World is a specialist in large luxury motor yachts between 30 and 100 foot. They are also the exclusive Southern African agents for awardwinning international motor yacht brands Fairline and Riviera. Headed by Derrick Levy, Boating World became the first boat dealer in South Africa to sell luxury motor yachts over 40 foot, more than 20 years ago. As the leader in this category, Boating World caters for the needs of discerning clients by offering exclusive agencies such as Fairline, dubbed the “Bentley” of the waterways, and Riviera, "the ultimate in luxury cruising and sports-fishing," along with many more. Boating World offers superior back-up and after sales service, as well as a range of complementary services such as luxury boat share (co-ownership programmes), maintenance plans, moorings, fish-finders and GPS equipment, air-berths, marine insurance and much more.

F E AT U R E

The Last

Royal Bootmaker John Lobb Ltd of London

For the well-off individual with aspirations of stylishness there is one address that makes the finest shoes in the world: John Lobb Ltd, on St James Street, the last of the hundreds of boot and shoemakers that once graced London’s West End. Handmade down to the last thread, for 150 years in a workshop that has remained unchanged in decades, this family firm has been crafting footwear for kings, queens, maharajahs, and celebrities.

Words & Images: © JULES MARSHALL/TCS and FLORIS LEEUWENBERG / VISTA / TCS

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hoes have always been about more than simply protecting our feet. Shoes – like all clothes – are signs of status, of confidence and of belonging.

In days past, walking was for barefoot peasants. The rich, or “wellheeled,” took carriages. Indeed, the protection of humanity’s tender feet may be older than civilisation, yet the “gentle craft” of shoemaking is all but dead. Shoes still matter, for very deep reasons, in our determination of each other’s status, clan and personal attractiveness. But what is the well-dressed, stylish individual to do now that 24-inch winkle pickers no longer cut the mustard? Visit Lobb of St James’ Street in London, of course.

Born in 1829 to a Cornish farmer, the primary employment opportunities open to young John Lobb would have been farming, tin mining and the largest industry, smuggling. Except that he fell from a hay wagon and fractured his leg, which left him with a permanent hobble. With not much call for crippled farmers, miners or smugglers, he apprenticed as a shoemaker, at which he proved to be something of a prodigy, quickly becoming the best in the county.

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Young Lobb was determined to take it even further. In this pre-railway age, few Cornishmen set foot outside their parish, even fewer outside what was a wild and lawless corner of the extreme south-west of Britain. But in 1847 (his descendants estimate), John Lobb spent two months limping the 322 kilometres to London, determined to become the best bootmaker in the world.

He headed straight for St James Street, a gentle hill running from St James Palace to Piccadilly. At Number 36 was Thomas’ the bootmakers, regarded as the finest in the city. Summoned by this unknown Cornish ragamuffin, Thomas had a row with Lobb, which resulted in him slinging Lobb into the street – where Lobb shook his fist and vowed to “build a firm which would knock Thomas sideways.”

It was a threat that must have sounded pretty empty, given that Lobb had no workmen, no customers and no premises.

But London was abuzz with rumours of an El Dorado on the other side of the world; gold had been discovered in Australia, and Lobb decided to join the prospectors and their camp followers across the sea.

Working out of a tent, Lobb took

prospectors with clogs or rags on their feet and shod them with decent boots. When Lobb invented the Prospector’s Boot, with a hollow heel for concealing nuggets, orders and sales doubled. After just a year, he was able to cash in, return to Sydney and buy his own shop.

He became one of Sydney’s leading tradesmen, married the harbourmaster’s daughter and raised three children. But he had no intention of settling down. In 1862, London staged its second Great Exhibition, and from all over the world applications to exhibit flowed in, with each of the colonies awarded space. Lobb entered and won a gold medal, beating 328 manufacturers from 37 countries.

He also somehow acquired the foot measurements of the Prince of Wales, and made him a pair of boots, which he sent with a request to become the royal bootmaker. The audacity worked; the boots impressed the future Edward VII enough for Lobb to be awarded his first Royal Warrant, in 1863.

Lobb sold his Sydney shop, left his family behind and sailed for London in 1866 together with a young apprentice. He set up shop in Regent Street with a massive

F E AT U R E

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F E AT U R E The same person makes shoes for the Queen as for Joe Bloggs down the road; there’s no difference in quality. In most respects it is the same business today as when I started, certainly the making of the shoes. Obviously we have some computers nowadays and the accounting side has changed, but if my great-grandfather walked in he would feel very much at home.

The feet are measured in exactly the same way, the lasts are made just the same. The thread is still hand-twisted...”

To enter the Lobb shop is to be treated to a nostalgic glimpse of older, more leisurely and elegant times. It is a multisensory experience that begins with the pervasive, reassuring smell of leather and the sound of rasp on wood from the frontof-shop workshop. The walls are adorned with pictures of the firm’s many royal patrons, an oil portrait of the original John Lobb gazing sternly down, and a host of certificates of medals won at international exhibitions. One entire wall is devoted to a glass-fronted museum of the shoemaker’s art. While you wait, you may flip idly through the book of traced feet of notable customers and recognise among the princes and maharajahs the likes of Orson Welles, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter O’Toole, Lord Olivier, Groucho Marx, Princess Diana, Katherine Hepburn, and Haile Selassie.

At Lobb’s, “handmade” really does mean just that; the makers even fashion their own thread, handtwisted from individual hemp strands according to how thick it needs to be, then coated with a mix of resin, beeswax, pitch and tallow to weatherproof it. coat of arms above the window to distinguish him from the dozen competitors in that street alone and more than 3,000 rivals in London. His family duly joined him and Lobb continued to exhibit, winning medals in Paris, Vienna, and Chicago.

In 1880, he established his second shop, in St James, at Number 29. To the chagrin of the Thomas who had once slung him out, the cripple from Cornwall was now the undisputed Best Bootmaker in the World. John Lobb died two years later, and his youngest son, William Hunter, took over.

Today, John Hunter runs what is still very much a family business. He has the

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thorough grounding in clicking and closing, and both his two sons are in the business with him; Jonathan prefers making lasts, while William John prefers working with leather.

Showing the old school reserve for which the company is so loved, Lobb’s do not discuss living customers nor do they divulge how many pairs of shoes they make each year. “We make enough to keep things going, and we really just deal with one pair at a time and provide a personal touch to each customer,” says John Hunter. “It does not matter if our shoes are being made for a princess or whoever. Every pair we make is produced with the same individual care.

If you’re here to join this illustrious company, you will be greeted by an aproned staff member and shown to a leatherbacked chair, where your feet will be measured by a fitter. He is just the first of six or seven craftsmen who will collaborate to create your bespoke shoes – for this is what they are, made and measured just for you. The fitter uses simple paper strips and a pencil to note every distinctive feature of both feet, and traces the outline of each in the last-maker’s pattern book.

For the next step in what will likely be a six-month process, the last-maker takes a block of maple, beech or hornbeam, and transforms the fitter’s measurements into a

Hobatere Lodge, bordering Western Etosha, is situated in the former Damaraland and the gateway to Kaokoland. It is a concession area, privately run by Steve and Louise Braine for the past eighteen years. Hobatere offers a taste of the wilderness, with free roaming animals on an area of 32 000ha, such as elephants, lions, cheetah, leopard, spotted & brown hyena, oryx, eland, giraffe, kudu, springbok, Hartman's zebra, aardvark, aardwolf, cape fox, bat eared fox, and many more.

The lodge consists of 14 thatched rooms and bungalows nestled between large Mopane trees.

Activities:

• Game drives as well as night drives in open vehicles • Bird watching • Guided walks • Swimming pool with a game viewing deck overlooking a waterhole where elephants are often seen • The lodge is situated within easy day trip reach to Opuwa • The khowarib schlucht • There is also a rustic two-bedded tree house overlooking a waterhole

TEL: +264 67 687 066 • FAX: +264 67 687 067 hobatere@mweb.com.na

Hobatere Lodge Namibia TO REACH US: FROM KAMANJAB TAKE THE RUACANA ROAD (C35) TRAVEL 65 KM ON TARMAC, TURN LEFT AT HOBATERE SIGN, TRAVEL 15 KM TO LODGE. AIRSTRIP – HARD GRAVEL – CO-ORDINATES: 19°19'S 14°22' E

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An African dream...

smoothly-contoured model of the foot itself, a transition from abstract outlines and basic measurements into a 3-D model, at first whittling before using a rasp and sandpaper to release the shape from its wooden surroundings. This last is a record as personal as a fingerprint, and downstairs, rack upon rack house more than 20,000 pairs of feet, each labelled with the customer’s name – a filing system and library rolled into one. At any time in the future, a customer can have another pair made identical in every measurement.

A pattern cutter will cut patterns to best fit the customer’s last, in whatever style they have chosen. The clicker uses his vast experience of the properties of hides and skins to pattern, choose and cut the eight pieces of leather used in the upper part of each shoe with a knife so sharp he could shave with it. Every piece of skin or hide has its own characteristics of pliability, grain, and colour. The Lobb shop has piles of chrome-tanned, butter-soft leather hides from which to choose, with arcane names such as Russia Calf (brown) or Waxed Calf (black), Brown Grain Calf, Doeskin, Ooze or Reverse-, Box- or Scotch Calf, Grain Hide, Patent, Crup and Beva. Or Lobb’s can make you a shoe from lizard, antelope, crocodile, reindeer, impala, shark, stingray, whale, or seal. One customer famously came in with a rolled up elephant ear under his arm.

The sewing, stiffening, lining and final shaping of the clicker’s pieces around the last are the responsibility of the closer, who cuts, “skives” (scrapes to make thinner) and stitches the upper part of the shoe to ensure its strength and longevity. The maker takes the carefully-assembled upper and adds the essential long-wearing sole made from the best oak bark tanned leather, and the layered heel (made by the

rough stuff cutter). Lobb has 20 makers, though only two work from the shop’s premises. One of Lobb’s trade secrets has been to foster over the years a satisfactory relationship between employer and employee to form a two-way loyalty. One Lobb outworker, for example, came for a job in 1892 and held it for 60 years without ever visiting the premises again, despite only living a short bus ride away.

The union of sole and upper is an exacting job that can take two days or more. Tensions have to be even throughout the shoe until the upper fits perfectly around the top of the last, before the sole is stitched to the welt with a precise number of stitches-per-inch relative to the weight of the leather. Once assembled, the shoe needs time to “obey the last” or sit for a week on the last to relax, otherwise it will shrink.

The socker fits any padding the customer may require, and then the thin piece of leather to cover the innersole, which has the shop’s name and the royal warrants printed in gold on it. The only other “branding” is a discrete LOBB handpunched into the sole below the heel. The tree maker will fit wooden shoe trees exactly to each individual pair of shoes for maintaining the shape and prolonging their life. Finally, the shoes go to the polisher, who uses brushes, cloths, fingers, polish, and water to create a deep glowing finish.

Only then will you be asked to come collect your pair of shoes or boots. You will pay a high price, but set against their long life and ultimate elegance, the investment can almost be made to look modest. To shop at Lobb’s is to step back in history, and to see not just a surviving but a flourishing representative of methods and attitudes that time, industrialisation and globalisation have swept away. 

What a

mighty

machine McLaren MP4-12C

McLaren’s automotive division has already built the world’s most critically-acclaimed supercar, the McLaren F1, and the world’s best-selling luxury supercar, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Through Formula One-inspired engineering, revolutionary chassis architecture and an absolute focus on efficiency, the MP4-12C is about to re-write the rules of sports car design.

Words: TONI ACKERMANN Images: © MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE

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rom exceptional engineering to bespoke design, the McLaren MP4-12C represents “pure McLaren.” And, as is to be expected from McLaren, where everything has a purpose and a reason, the nomenclature is no exception.

“MP4” has been the chassis designation for all McLaren F1 cars since 1981. It stands for McLaren Project 4, resulting from the merger of Ron Dennis’ Project 4 organisation with McLaren. The “12” refers to McLaren’s internal Vehicle Performance Index through which it rates key performance criteria, based on the combination of power, weight, emissions and aerodynamic efficiency. The “C” refers to carbon, pertaining to the application of carbon-fibre technology to the future range of McLaren sports cars. The name represents everything that the McLaren MP4-12C stands for: a racing bloodline, an intense focus on complete performance, and a revolutionary MonoCell.

Light weight and performance are defining philosophies at McLaren, but outright power alone is of little significance if a car’s weight saps output or if that power is unmanageable, compromises the driving experience or results in unacceptable emissions. Fundamentally, it is critical to keep weight as low as possible, though market demands for greater safety features make this all the more difficult. McLaren’s carbon-fibre composite chassis gives it an advantage. This carbon MonoCell or “tub” is the automotive version of a McLaren innovation that started with Formula One back in 1981. McLaren bought carbon composite technology from the aerospace industry to make the MP4/1 F1 car, the first of its kind to benefit from the strength, weight and safety of carbon fibre. The MonoCell weighs less than 80 kilograms and forms the structural basis for the whole car. Its torsional rigidity is considerably stiffer than a comparable alloy structure, and lack of flex means the unique front suspension system, which is mounted

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Above: The MP4-12C's revolutionary MonoCell

directly onto the MonoCell, requires less compromise for flex of the suspension itself. It is thus easier to develop the balance between fine ride and precise handling that McLaren has targeted.

Packaging was fundamental to the MP4-12C design challenge. Externally, the car had to be compact. Internally, it had to offer an unparalleled driver and passenger environment where comfort and driving enjoyment were not compromised. The designers’ challenge was then to take McLaren’s styling purpose driven by engineering aspirations and add personality.

“The thing I like about McLaren is that they design the mechanicals first then shape the body over it,” said American talk show host Jay Leno (whose eclectic car and

What drives people at McLaren is passion – if you cut them, they bleed McLaren. motorcycle collection in California numbers almost 200 pieces), when viewing a prototype of the 12C. “This looks like pure design,” he concluded, before calling it “very impressive…terrific.”

The design of this sports car follows similar principles to McLaren’s Formula One cars, and the legendary McLaren F1, where all lines, surfaces and details are designed, as much as styled, with a purpose in mind. Frank Stephenson, McLaren Automotive Design Director, explained this philosophy: “Many sports cars and supercars present an ‘in-your-face, lookat-me’ image that can become wearing and boorish. The ultimate backhanded compliment becomes: ‘It was of its time.’

Great design, however, is timeless and looks relevant years later. With the 12C we have produced a car that looks great today and will still look great in years to come.”

The 12C’s body has been styled to

support sector-leading levels of downforce, which contributes to sector-leading levels of lateral grip and stability. Air flow has been manically managed to support all performance figures and lightweight targets. For example, placing the radiators adjacent to the engine keeps the car narrow and reduces weight. However, this results in a huge challenge of ensuring ample air flow to the radiators. The result? The large side air scoops and integrated turning vanes that are dramatic, but purely functional. No larger or smaller than required.

All the parts of the MP4-12C are custom-built and exclusive to the car.

Everything from the engine to the tailormade switches and buttons is pure McLaren; nothing has come from another manufacturer’s parts bin. The 12C is powered by a McLaren “M838T” 3.8-litre, V8 twin-turbo engine producing around 600bhp, driving through a McLaren sevenspeed Seamless Shift dual clutch gearbox.

It targets new standards of power and performance in its sector, but also classleading fuel economy and CO2 emissions; supported by McLaren’s experience of active aerodynamics to aid cooling, grip, handling, and road holding.

“The 12C is all about performance,” says Antony Sheriff, McLaren Automotive Managing Director. “And at McLaren, we have a very broad definition of performance.

We don’t just look at the traditional onedimensional parameters... Sure, 12C is very fast, but it is also the most efficient, most driveable high-performance sports car in the world.” Says Ron Dennis, McLaren Automotive Chairman: “We are very proud of the McLaren MP4-12C and all the teamwork, intelligent thought and sheer effort that went into developing this car.

What drives people at McLaren is passion – if you cut them, they bleed McLaren.”

The McLaren MP4-12C will be produced by McLaren in the UK. It goes on sale through a dedicated, worldwide retailer network in early 2011. Visit www.mclaren.com. 

Set Sail with

La Balise

Marina Drop anchor at La Balise Marina, a low-density, fully-serviced Marina Integrated Resort Scheme development, and set about discovering the island of Mauritius. Developed by ENL Property and promoted by Investec Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, La Balise Marina offers investors premium lifestyle living and the opportunity to own freehold title property on this island, which entitles them and their family to permanent residency in Mauritius.

Words: PEDRO VAN GAALEN Images: Š LA BALISE MARINA; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

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Beacon of Luxury Living

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O

ver the past decade, the Mauritian government has invested time, resources and money into changing and innovating the way in which it attracts and conducts business, both locally and internationally, enabling the country to be known for many attributes other than just the beautiful beaches and friendly people. Mauritius provides a gateway to the Middle East, India, Asia and Africa for many businesses and entrepreneurs looking to enter the emerging markets of these regions. With close links to Europe and the African economic hub of South Africa a mere fourhour flight away, many business owners are choosing to make Mauritius one of the countries in which they operate their business.

La Balise Marina is located in Black River on the island’s west coast, the sunniest and driest part of this tropical paradise on a site well sheltered from wind.

This sought-after region benefits from the best climate on the island with balmy temperatures all year round. Here, in a spot renowned for marlin fishing, great scuba diving, kite surfing and whale and dolphin watching, are the 118 residential units of this marina development. Over US$ 11 million of equity has already been invested

into La Balise, and the land on which it stands is owned by the developers.

The Mauritian property market has defied the global trend of deflated property values due to Mauritius’ continued economic growth and innovative Government policies that support this property market trend. “This can largely be attributed to the Mauritian government’s progressive approach to encouraging foreign investment,” says Rob Hudson, Managing Director at Hayes, Matkovich and Associates, the development’s local promoter. One of these is the Integrated Resorts Scheme (IRS), which was introduced in 2002 and which encourages high net worth foreigners to purchase luxury freehold title residential units and has helped to grow the property industry. Prior to this, foreigners were not permitted to acquire and own full-title residential property in Mauritius.

The units at La Balise Marina range from canal duplexes of 135 square metres to villas of over 350 square metres, each finished to exquisite standards, each with its own mooring, and most their own swimming pool. The moorings within the two basin areas will be built to international standards and have electrical and potable water points with a full complement of staff to ensure an operational marina of

international standards. In addition to this will be the boutique Island Grace Hotel, with spa facilities and a retail centre for shopping requirements. It will offer numerous resort amenities, including a gym, lap pool, kids club, and tennis court as well as a concierge service offering estate services.

For entertainment and dining, the Black River area has many venues including hotels, restaurants and a shopping boulevard. A marina excursion centre and water sport academy at the Commercial Centre offers easy approach to the world renowned Le Morne Lagoon. Residents have access to various water sports ranging from deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, kite surfing, dolphin and whale watching to land-lubber activities such as hiking and mountain biking in the nearby Black River Gorges National Reserve.

Gilbert Espitalier Noel is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ENL Property, and is positive about Mauritius’ property industry. “The IRS that was introduced by the Mauritian government has added an interesting dimension to doing business in Mauritius,” he says. “Not only has it increased foreign exchange earnings, but it has meant that high net worth individuals from foreign countries are able to invest

Silverton Yachts B u i l t

f o r

t h e

W o r l d

Sport Bridge

38 & 43

Kevin Jenzen + 27 82 338 0659 Duncan Campbell + 27 82 443 0611 Tel: +27 11 608 2755 kevin@bluewatermarine.co.za www.bluewatermarine.co.za

their money into the property developments facilitated by the IRS.” Says Hudson: “Due to the current strength in the Rand investors are looking to get into Dollarbased assets, and Mauritian property offers the ideal investment. We currently have 49 properties reserved. There are a number of international buyers who have secured a property in the development, but currently the majority of investors are South African, with 52 percent of sales in process coming from this country.”

According to Hudson, an additional factor that is attracting a great deal of interest in the development is the rental pool, which will be managed by the Island Grace hotel, the boutique Grace-branded hotel being developed on the site. “The rental pool will offer purchasers the opportunity to benefit from a regular return on their investment as it will be drawn from a communal managed rental pool.

Therefore, when the home is not been used by the owner for holiday purposes, it becomes a working asset, which further justifies the investment,” explains Hudson.

From a South African perspective, application of the “SADC Property Allowance” for the purchase of a holiday home in Mauritius enables the purchaser to externalise the full purchase consideration, including taxes, independent of one’s R2million offshore allowance. And that’s not forgetting the state of the Mauritian economy, which is strong, diversified and offers fiscal benefits such as a flat 15 percent corporate and personal tax rates, the absence of inheritance and capital gains taxes, no foreign exchange controls, trade barriers or quotas, and no restrictions on capital repatriation. It has a strong financial and off-shore sector, a stable political environment, modern and reliable IT and telecommunications infrastructure,

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and a comprehensive legal framework. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figure for February 2008 also saw real growth figures of 5.7 percent and from 2009, the Mauritian Board of Investment is expecting the GDP growth figure to be positive 2.7 percent.

Little wonder why property purchases on this island are becoming so popular.

Dredging of the marina and infrastructure development started in October this year, with top structure construction commencing in early 2010. All permits and approvals have been secured and the development is currently free of debt. Pricing for the duplexes ranges from US$700,000 to US$1.6 million, while the stand-alone villas range from US$2.1 million to US $2.8million.  Contact: • Tel: 0861 113 985 • Visit: www.labalisemarina.com

About the ENL Group and ENL Property • The ENL Group, of which ENL Property is a part of, is one of the largest conglomerates in Mauritius and has vast experience in the property development and management industry through its subsidiary company Espral Ltd. • ENL Property strives to be the preferred Mauritian property developer by developing and building world-class homes, offices and lifestyle spaces while exceeding investor and client expectations.

• The company has interests that include controlling stakes in Mon Desert Alma Ltd, Savannah Sugar Estates Ltd, and significant shareholdings in MTMD and Compagnie Sucriere de Bel Ombre together with 50 percent of Rogers Consolidated Shareholding Ltd which in turn holds 54 percent of Rogers Ltd. • ENL Property is also a major shareholder of the Food & Allied Group, has a significant stake in New Mauritius Hotels Ltd and also owns and manages a number of commercial operations including Axess Ltd, Grewals Ltd, FedEx and Plastinax.

• The Group is the promoter of the Valriche IRS development in Bel Ombre.

H

ow would you define the word "lost?" Would it be “not knowing where you currently are” or “not knowing where you need to go?” How about both, simultaneously at 120 knots and 6,500 feet? There is no handbrake to yank up while you read a map, no sidewalk to pull onto while you call a friend. Stand by is a term no pilot needs to hear from his navigator.

This scene replays itself in various permutations in September each year during the annual Silver Queen Rally, held at the South African Air Force Museum’s base at Swartkops Air Force Base. Founded to commemorate the first flight joining London and Cape Town, the Rally is a glimpse back into the days of open cockpits,

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gritted and bug-splattered teeth, and of days and nights spent navigating vast turbulent fields of air to reach exotic, faroff destinations, using only a fluid compass, stopwatch and pencil.

Before the days of cities connected by air, aviation pioneers were completing treacherous aerial expeditions to link countries and continents. A link that was identified very early on for its potentially lucrative nature was between England and South Africa, which soon saw rivals chomping at the bit to be the first.

In the 1920s, a large number of surplus, ex-military aircraft were coming onto the market. The South African government decided to acquire a World War I Vickers Vimy, named Silver Queen, for the country’s two most decorated airmen to make an attempt at becoming the first

aviators to fly an aircraft between the two countries.

While Sir Pierre van Ryneveld and Lieutenant Quentin Brand were preparing to lift off on their fateful flight, The Times of London had chartered another Vimy with the intention of beating the South Africans, and managed to get a week’s head start.

Thus, departing a week later than The Times team from Brooklands Airfield, the Silver Queen flew steadily south, bound for Cairo. During this time, the British team suffered an unfortunate accident on takeoff in then Tanganyika, now Tanzania, allowing the South Africans to make up valuable time.

Although the South Africans opted to depart for Khartoum at night to avoid Cairo’s murderous daytime temperatures,

S T OIC

ON POLISHED

WINGS

Silver Queen Air Rally These men were real pilots...they smelled of leather and burnt oil. They were men that occupied frugal cockpits of inherently unstable aircraft for so long that they had to be carried out of the planes to claim their records. More than just men, they were pioneers in every sense of the word.

Words: KEVIN BARKER Images: Š CHRISTO CROUS

their engines overheated en route, forcing them down in inhospitable terrain, which damaged the Silver Queen beyond repair.

Ironically, the engines were the only salvageable parts and these that saw General Smuts himself negotiate for them to be fitted to a new fuselage, thereby allowing the team to continue.

Known as Silver Queen II, the new aircraft safely carried its intrepid crew further south towards Bulawayo, where the plane landed on the racecourse in March 1920. Navigation beacons were unheard of in those times, and flyers plotted their tracks on sparsely-marked maps with a pencil, compass and watch to keep track of their progress. At night they navigated by the stars, landing along lines of burning oil drums at designated fuel stops.

Tragedy struck the team one again the

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following day when they crashed on takeoff, coming to grief in the bushes near the racecourse. The remains of Silver Queen II adorned the rafters of the Bulawayo Drill Hall for many years.

The South African Air Force, at its infancy at the time, sent another replacement aircraft, this time an Airco DH9 called Voortrekker to Bulawayo so that the dedicated crew could complete their mission. Some 58 days after leaving the chilly English shores, on 20 March 1920, van Ryneveld and Brand touched down in Cape Town, having completed a journey that takes about 11 hours in today’s modern jetliners.

To commemorate this epic flight and the intrepid aviators who risked it all, the South African Air Force Museum, in conjunction with the Air Force Association,

realise that, unless you follow your track precisely on the map, while still trying to decipher the tricky clues, you are going to become temporarily unsure of your position; which is aviator speak for being just plain lost!

Although the modern rally is raced by “softer,” cleaner shaven, more modern men, the aircraft must conform to some strict conventions. First off, the type needs to have served in the armed forces of any country. Secondly, the type needs to be out of production. In other words: warbirds and vintage aircraft only. This brings out a healthy gaggle of Tiger Moths, Harvards and other aircraft which served all over the world, including Bosboks and Allouettes (which served in the Bush War), and others from as far afield as China.

The Air Force Base literally goes back in

host a more modern race that leaves no stone unturned in trying to recreate the feeling of total helplessness that can so easily overcome a navigator. With each waypoint that needs to be identified, hidden in a convoluted, cryptic clue, the first problem becomes figuring out where you need to go. Not long after you find the starting point (which isn’t located at the airfield of departure), you

time for the day as the sky is filled with the nostalgic notes of radial engines and the slap of retro rotor blades. Most of the clues involve deciphering the name of a historic point of interest, with eight points taking contestants on a wild goose chase, in some cases of around 100 nautical miles, before returning to the home of the South African Air Force Museum at Swartkops. 

LIFE PASSION ADVENTURE

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LIFE PASSION ADVENTURE

F E AT U R E

Strategic Competency Build for the Future

After 12 successful years in the telecommunications, ICT and multimedia industries, having headed up training and competency development divisions for Multi National Organisations in Africa, trans-fu-zion CEO Richard Smith realised that there was a real hunger in a capacity-poor region for a coordinated and integrated series of innovative competency training solutions.

Words: RICHARD SMITH Images: Š ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

I

n a global climate of hyper competition and unpredictable economic change, consumers are inundated with choices and are constantly evaluating their potential investments with regards to prevailing needs. Buying is often perceived as a complicated and uncertain experience for consumers, rather than as a positive action.

Meanwhile, global trends, competitors and services create the need to increase and develop resource competencies. Combining this need versus the limited and often ineffective solutions available on the market, there is a definite void where trans-fu-zion provides the

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ultimate solution to the competency development needs of corporations, independent of geography or industry.

The trans-fu-zion Competency Development Framework arose from a lack of truly relevant programmes or specialised expertise that provide genuine and measurable impact for long-term success in developing resources. Companies spend considerable time, budget and resources on many different, though often ineffective, programmes and activities which yield no real-world value or measurable long-term benefits. The evidence of this becomes reality when market forces and competition compel a

constant need for new strategies and investments.

Dynamic shifts and change implementation often result in the need to develop, acquire or restructure existing resources. Investments made into resources versus expected return on investment often display both financial and intellectual loss, due to the lack of relevant development and skills diversification.

The trans-fu-zion framework was developed as a revolutionary approach that produces effective and coherent ways of instituting Competency Development and Skills Diversification as well as increasing resource value, market share and share of

S U CC E S S recommendation. Due to the modular structure offered in this framework, transfu-zion's individual modules and measurable impact, in conjunction with its exceptional delivery methods, provide Management with the next step in revolutionising a workforce.

By making the shift from selling products or services towards developed competencies and skills which are continuously measured for impact and successful application, corporate resources learn how to: 1. Connect with both internal and external customers in order to establish and build personal and lasting mutually beneficial relationships; 2. Create brand preference and increase share of recommendation; 3. Develop wide-ranging skills, enabling effective resource utilisation; and 4 Increase market share and guarantee continuous growth.

The emphasis in the design of the trans-fu-zion Framework is to ensure learning is converted into application. This is achieved by combining theory and practice through participation; exploring, developing and revolutionising training impacts based on requirements and audience; and focusing on developing exact competencies.

An organic development around the Framework allows specific and individual modules to be designed, ensuring relevance of content and delivery according to each brand’s needs. trans-fu-zion is a South African company situated in Johannesburg. With a vision of being diverse yet remaining relevant and dynamic, trans-fu-zion utilises a converged network of service providers for certain solutions in order to guarantee consistent quality and efficiency for customers. However, trans-fu-zion remains the sole incubator and manages all projects internally. trans-fu-zion provides specialised and advanced Competency Development services across the African continent encompassing a broad spectrum of standards and tailor-made solutions to customers. trans-fu-zion, from concept to implementation, epitomises customer excellence by optimising resources and continuously developing innovative strategies to exceed customer expectations.

Fast becoming a specialised market leader in Africa to provide services and solutions in Advanced Human Resources Development, it might be time for your company to utilise the specialised services and solutions of trans-fu-zion and start building for the future. 

Modules Pro-Active Management is designed to enrich and empower both the company and staff alike to understand business management. The benefits of the pro-active management module transcends that of the people who represent companies at pointof-sale and guarantees that staff become involved and responsible business stakeholders as opposed to mere employees.

Sales Philosophy provides a new and fresh way of interacting with consumers at point-of-sale. This module provides diverse and effective ways of converting share of recommendation into sales. Staff will learn how to connect with consumers and explore their needs. Creating experiences and building lasting relationships is core to this module and will enable your staff to pro-actively contribute to your market share.

Visual Merchandising

is the key to creating awareness at point-of-sale. This module revolutionises the impact that point-of-sales material will have on consumers.

Value Selling

is globally recognised as the leading course in selling. This module specifically provides unique and new ways of building relationships with customers and understanding the value of your product and service in relation to customer needs.

Making the focal shift to selling value and long-term, mutually beneficial relationships between supplier, representative and customer is the key purpose of this module.

Essentials of Selling is the core foundation of all sales resources and individuals.

This module creates the core competencies needed in order to understand and apply the key ingredients for successful selling. Understanding and exploring the key factors that create demand from suppliers or service providers and combining unique core selling skills enable sales staff to become effective and pro-active in the sales approach.

Consumer Excellence is a dynamic NEW module developed to radically transform the success and impact of “Customer Service,” which in turn impacts on retention.

Project Management is an essential set of skills that ensures coherent ways of managing a project of any size and scope. The impact of successful and efficient project management is defined and measured by the ability to plan, control and execute with precision.

Consumer Segmentation analyses the diversity of consumers. Understanding consumer behaviour, preferences and lifestyles will ensure proper product recommendations and targeting the right consumer with the appropriate solution, which in turn aids successful selling with greater consumer retention.

Soft Skills is the most extensive and involved module due to the diverse and broad number of individual modules offered. Ranging from Negotiation Skills to Personal Effectiveness, the course provides an array of skills development that binds all and any competencies in the work place. Soft Skills is suitable for any environment or industry and can be applied in depth to staff members across all functions and seniority.

To find out more about the trans-fu-zion Competency Development Framework and the individual modules or programmes, contact Richard Smith: • Tel: +2782 948 0090 • Email: richard@transfuzion.net

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They Were All

YELLOW A Contemporary Art Exhibition by Veuve Clicquot

Veuve Clicquot has a distinguished heritage of daring design and incredible originality. From the early days of Madame Clicquot’s novel riddling table to the most recent, internationally-acclaimed design tributes, 2009 has seen the launch of the Clicquot design platform on local shores, with the inaugural "Yellow by Design" contemporary art exhibition on show at the Goodman Gallery.

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Tsai Design Studio – www.tsaidesignstudio.com

Words: TONI ACKERMANN Images: © VEUVE CLICQUOT

C

licquot’s affiliation with contemporary design has led to collaborations with several world-renowned international artists, among them Karim Rashid, Andrée Putman, Tom Dixon, 5.5 Designers and Front Design, with Veuve Clicquot showcasing work at the prolific Milan Design week. Based on these successes it was decided that the incomparable creativity and talent exhibited by local artists merited launching the Clicquot Daring Design platform in South Africa.

And thus, following a meticulous selection process, just four of South Africa’s leading designers and artists made the Clicquot cut. Christina Bryer, Gregor Jenkin, Heath Nash, and Tsai Design Studio were commissioned to create their yellow labelinspired pieces, which were to incorporate a “touch of African flair” and to have a functional use, too. Each coming from somewhere different, the designers and

Winner of a “Red Dot” Award and the “Most Beautiful Object in South Africa 2008,” and part of a multi-discipline design studio, Y Tsai creates edgy, eccentric designs that are instilled with a strong sense of cultural and social relevance. The idea for the “Signature Chair” was to create a seat that is unconventional and fun, but still sophisticated enough to augment the experience of drinking this top-notch bubbly.

“The unconventional round seat of the chair was taken from the memory of riding an ostrich on a holiday trip – sitting on top of a fluffy ball with two legs, running with its wings flapping at top speed around the pan, leaving a trail of feathers and dust flying,” says Tsai. Based on this comical and bewildering experience, Tsai’s creation features a playful Clicquot yellow “body” which, together with the tapered chrome legs, stands as a sophisticated piece of art. Collaborating with renowned textile designer Ronel Jordaan, Tsai experimented with various designs and prototypes to create a soft ball that is comfortable but still functional as a bar stool, and with a sturdy enough subframe to hold the weight of those who use it. The final design was dyed with the signature Veuve Clicquot yellow, which adds an animated element to the chair. Tsai calls it “unconventional, fluffy, fun, sophisticated, and elegant.”

Christina Bryer – www.christinabryer.com For almost three decades, Christina has worked as a studio designer, producing delicate porcelain pieces onto which she builds various geometric patterns with a pentagon-shaped structure. Her Cliquot creation, “Pop & Toast,” was inspired by Veuve Clicquot’s brilliant yellow and the Maison’s geometrically concave hexagon comet seen in the champagne region of France in 1911. Christina says, “As a ceramicist whose work is intimately concerned with the exploration of sacred geometry, the possibilities of the Veuve Clicquot comet – the inverted hexagon and the yellow colour – were immediately appealing and led me to explore a repeat pattern in the iconic yellow. From there it was a short step to melding these ideas into a practical moulding that fitted tightly into a standard circular bar tray and holds (equally firmly) 19 two-thirds filled Veuve Clicquot flutes.”

Asked to describe her piece in just a handful of words, Christina picks these: celebratory, practical, branded, historically-linked, and quintessentially modern.

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Gregor Jenkin – www.gregorjenkin.com A recent winner of the 2008 “VISI Designer of the Year” Award, and a highly-respected industrial designer, Gregor designs furniture and lighting with an urban edge. His creation, “Inertia,” is entirely modern in its aesthetic but designed in homage to Madame Clicquot’s riddling table. The table’s refined legs, though the precarious angle at which they stand leads one to believe the piece might topple over at any second (Gregor insists it stands quite firm, actually), were designed to resemble bottle necks and add to the table’s celebratory appeal.

How would we describe this out-of-the-ordinary item of functional furniture? Unusual, useful, extraordinary, sturdy, and beautifully-crafted.

Heath Nash – www.heathnash.com Heath Nash is well known for his playful, experimental ecoconscious design, dealing with simple materials to produce oneof-a-kind products. His soughtafter ranges, including “other people’s rubbish,” champion the process of hand-made recycling and the innovative re-use of plastic bottles and galvanised wire. Heath’s creation is an African take on socially-relevant design techniques. Describing the creative progression that led him here, Heath says: “It was a simple process of trial and error.

Experimentation.”

Heath considered the famous, luminous colour his muse in fashioning a light that would “beautify the everyday” by transforming an urban space into an avant-garde “Clicquot-yellow atmosphere.”

But why? “To inspire urbanites to experience Clicquot’s inherent joie de vivre,” he says. It is a piece he calls “experimental, handmade, cheeky, funny, and cool.”

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artists created their pieces: “Pop & Toast”

by Christina Bryer; “Inertia” by Gregor Jenkin; “Yellow Light” by Heath Nash, and “Signature Chair” by Tsai Design Studio.

A highly-respected panel will judge the artworks, among them Kim Stern and Storm van Rensburg (Goodman Gallery); Pascal Asin (Regional Director Veuve Clicquot, Moët Hennessy Africa & Middle-East); Ravi Naidoo (Design Indaba) and Naomi Larkin (Editor, House & Leisure). The winner will find him or herself on the receiving end of a ticket to the 2010 Milan Design week.

The four local artists’ designs, along with celebrated international work that includes Karim Rashid’s acclaimed "Love Seat," (main image on the first page) will be showcased at the Yellow by Design exhibition, which will be on display at the Goodman Gallery, Johannesburg and open to the public from January 2010 onwards.

Email info@yellowbydesign.co.za for more information. 

F E AT U R E

PEPPERclub

One-Of-A-Kind Combination The developers of Pepper Club, the R400million, five-star luxury hotel residence and spa set to open its doors in Cape Town during February 2010, recently announced the introduction of a groundbreaking concept in the South African hotel industry: combining a five-star hotel in the heart of Cape Town with a multi-million Rand beach club on the Camps Bay beachfront.

Words: ANKE BÄUMLER Images: © PEPPER CLUB

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S POIL

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he beach club, aptly called Pepper Club on the Beach, is situated on the Camps Bay promenade and will feature a fine dining restaurant, stylish cocktail bar and classy night spot, all overlooking one of the most beautiful beaches. Guests of Pepper Club, which will sport a fleet of luxury courtesy vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce Phantom, will be shuttled to and from the beach club at regular intervals. While Pepper Club on the Beach will be open to all, discerning guests of the Pepper Club hotel will enjoy preferential seating at the restaurant, VIP entrance at the night spot, guaranteed parking opposite the beach, and exclusive use of the beach club’s restroom facilities, which will include private lockers, changing room and showers.

According to David Solomon, Chairman of Solomon Brothers Property Holdings and developer of Pepper Club, guests of the beach club will be perfectly positioned to enjoy the sea view while sipping cocktails, indulging in extravagant lunches or sunset dinners. “We will also provide specially-

catered picnics on Camps Bay beach with all the gastronomic goodies you desire,” says Solomon. Pepper Club on the Beach, with its state-of-the-art bar lounge furnished in the finest leathers, timber and natural materials, will also feature the Pepper Club “wine route,” a platform for top quality wine farms to showcase and expose their products to local and international visitors.

The concept of combining a five-star hotel with upmarket beach club facilities and a restaurant has already proven incredibly successful for a number of international hotels, including the Nikki Hotel on Miami’s famous South Beach. “We are pleased to finally bring this idea to South Africa,” says Solomon. “Cape Town is already a wonderful tourism destination, but given that we have one of the most beautiful beaches in the world in such a breathtaking setting, it is a logical step to offer tourists the same five-star treatment both in and out of the hotel.” Solomon adds that the hotel, with its beach club, will elevate the standard of luxury accommodation to a level not previously seen in the area, offering a

hotel experience on par with some of the best hotels in the world.

“Pepper Club on the Beach is an extension of the five-star treatment that guests can expect at Pepper Club. A finedining restaurant, an intimate private cinema, a swimming pool with panoramic views, a fully-equipped gymnasium and a luxurious spa, 24-hour concierge service and security are just a few of the facilities on offer at Pepper Club, providing the ultimate experience for any traveller,” says Solomon.

Pepper Club hotel will include one of the largest and most luxurious penthouse suites in Cape Town. Positioned on the 19th and 20th floors of the hotel, the penthouse will offer one of the most spectacular 360-degree views of the city, mountain and ocean. The suite is approximately 750 square metres and features four en suite bedrooms, a sundeck, private pool and outdoor bar and entertainment area.

Additional penthouse services include a personalised concierge, butler and housekeeping service. For more information visit www.pepperclub.co.za. 

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Tinga

Private Game Lodge

Odyssey into the Bushveld

The scene is set. Two unassuming American visitors to South Africa are headed for their first experience in the African bushveld. The luxurious 5,000-hectare Tinga Private Game Lodge is their destination.

Words: MINDEE NODVIN Words: CLAIRE PIENAAR; CHARL DU PLESSIS Images: © TINGA PRIVATE GAME LODGE Images: © SALT & PEPPER

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he twin camps of Narina and Legends are nestled in the heart of the world-famous Kruger National Park on the banks of the vibrant Sabie River. Tinga’s location offers an ideal entrée into the wild world of up-close-andpersonal safari drives as well as the much tamer universe of private plunge pools and personal wildlife viewing decks. Even the trek to our spacious, thatched-roof suite was a romantic voyage; we traversed the property on elevated pathways set on stilts between leafy Leadwood trees, placing us directly at eye level with the treetops and the occasional furry face.

Our suite exuded understated elegance.

The grandeur of the oversized bed, replete with a gently draping mosquito canopy net and breezy ceiling fan gave the distinct impression that royalty was soon expected.

I was inspired to luxuriate in our private outdoor shower, which afforded me a front-row seat for the afternoon matinee performance of elephants frolicking in the river. And, I took great satisfaction in knowing the wildlife screening was a completely private one, except for the male kudu, who I swear had one eye on me the entire time.

After some regal food tasting at afternoon tea, we were whisked away to embark on our first-ever African safari adventure. Our troupe was headed up by Richard, Tinga’s version of a clean-cut Crocodile Dundee, and Amon, our fearless tracker who has been analysing bent blades of grass to help spot wild animals for more than 40 years. Luckily for us, Tinga’s use of their private concession as well as Kruger’s public land, gave us record-time access to four of the Big Five. And, as the safari gods would have it, we were further blessed with a rare and beautiful sighting – a white, male duiker. This antelope has a one in 250,000 chance of being born white, a condition that is indicative of amelanism. Because its coat, shining like a beacon in the dark, makes it extremely vulnerable as prey, it is almost

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impossible to find alive and well in the African bush. As our guide began to laud our good fortune in spotting this beautiful creature – klunk! – my over-zealous travel partner dropped his newly-purchased, firsttime-out-of-the-box, Nikon binoculars and, much to the dismay of our entire party, our white bushy-tailed friend leaped off into the deepening dusk. Perhaps a simulated safari drive tutorial, complete with fake animals lunging at you while you are coached to remain silent, would be a smart add-on for safari novices such as we were. Despite a few such mishaps, our first safari was a stupendous event.

With a traditional boma barbeque – a meal that I daresay most Americans have never witnessed – next on the agenda, we could already smell the tantalising aromas as we returned to the lodge. We were happily surprised by the tastes of the beautifully prepared meats and vegetables.

Tinga is steeped in history. In 1994, with the waters of the Sabie River flowing in front of them, Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, and several other prominent dignitaries sat in this very spot, setting the stage for the changing tides of South African history.

The food was delectable, with options for any discerning palate, and dining under the myriad stars made the evening complete.

On the second day of our sojourn, we were set to tour Tinga’s other lodge property. While Narina Lodge has its own set of marvels, a visit to Legends Lodge puts you right in the middle of the action on the Sabie River. An elegant, thatched entrance leads you to the lounge on the open terrace, where you are greeted by a majestic

Jackalberry tree that feels as if it is enveloping you, along with the entire lodge, in its strong, gentle arms. With the lodge built directly on the riverbank, the setting is, to say the least, arresting. But even more dramatic than the entrance to Tinga Legends, is the aura that surrounds it, for it is steeped in history. In 1994, with the waters of the Sabie River flowing in front of them, Nelson Mandela, FW de Klerk, and several other prominent dignitaries sat in this very spot, setting the stage for the changing tides of South African history.

There is no doubt that the significant discussions held here in the mid 1990s left an imprint on Tinga’s culture. Tinga is committed to creating business and employment opportunities for the communities living in the vicinity of Kruger Park, and employs more than 70 people. As part of its mission, Tinga established a charitable trust whose beneficiaries are underprivileged people and deserving causes found in the local area. One of the first recipients of the trust is the local Skukuza Nursery School, which provides children, the majority of whom are the children of The Kruger National Park staff, with valuable opportunities.

Tinga is a private concession in a national park and must participate in a biannual environmental audit that covers water, energy and waste management. As testament to their commitment to environmental stewardship, Tinga scored a 97.5 on the last audit and makes a great effort to involve its guests and employees in maintaining high standards of conservation.

And high standards Tinga maintains on every level. Whether we were kicking back in style or riding high in open safari vehicles, Tinga made the experience an unforgettable one.  For reservations or more info contact: • Tel: 0861 TINGA 1 or +27 13 735 8400 • Fax: + 27 13 735 5722 • Email: reservations@tinga.co.za • Visit the website: www.tinga.co.za or www.africanpridehotels.com

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Fashion F o r

t h e

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o f

Artists would be lost without their muses. And photographers, certainly artists in their own right, must draw their insights from somewhere or someone to be excited by, drawn to, a subject or theme. And who better to get the creative juices flowing than the infamous Material Girl, Madonna?

Words: INGRID KENMUIR Images: Š SEPPI HOCHFELLNER

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hotographer Seppi Hochfellner is a born and bred South African. He was given a camera at the age of 12 and took to photography instantaneously.

Hochfellner has photographed for Dazed & Confused, FHM, Cosmo, Sports Illustrated, Elle and Marie Claire, not to mention countless ad agencies.

He studied a Degree in Photography through the Pretoria Technikon before exploring foreign shores, spending two years travelling through Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. Returning to South Africa but opting for the Mother City this time round, Hochfellner spent a further two years assisting international photographers on their shoots. A year in Hamburg, Germany followed, where the photographer refined his trade. His return to South Africa found him in Johannesburg for the next five years, though he has since taken up permanent resident in Muizenberg, along the Cape coast.

On plying his trade, the photographer says: “I absolutely love shooting people and thrive on the interaction I get from that.

For me, trying to capture that special moment in a person is everything.”

Conceptualising and planning fashion shoots is no simple task. There is much to consider: art directors, models, clients, photographers, stylists, and crew. All of these have to work together to produce a product that will speak to the intended clientele. Talking about his own muses, Hochfellner says his inspiration comes in many forms. “South Africa, as a county, has a lot to work with and one can pull ideas quite easily from the vast landscape or the diverse population. Just listening to people tends to invoke something in me,” he says, citing music as another key player in the creative process.

In terms of the shoot featured here, well that was easy. Hochfellner took his cue from what he calls the “ever-colourful Madonna and all her exploits,” modelling the style and theme of this shoot on one by famed photographer Steven Klein, which appeared in an issue of W magazine.

So why choose fashion as his preferred subject? “Fashion is a great medium as you are at liberty to play and, to a certain degree, to express an idea as you like,” Hochfellner concludes.

Photographs were shot on location at Anabella Desfontaines’ Westcliff home. The shoot features models Kyle Stanton, Fabian Langerman and Danijela Lazarevic and was styled by Karin Orzol with hair by Isijon and make-up by Simone Zanstra. 

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Your Space Becomes A Masterpiece

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New Multihull T h e

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Eric Bruneel is an accountant and celebrated sailor, and has been part of the management team of the French manufacturer, Fountaine Pajot, since 1983. The experience gained from all these facets of his life come together in the exciting design of his NEEL 50 trimaran.

Words: CHARL DU PLESSIS Images: Š Neel

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f ever there was an example of brains versus brawn, we take you back to the 2004 Transat Singlehanded race, which Bruneel won with his own design, the Trilogic. For two years beforehand, Bruneel gathered weather data and calculated that shorter, sturdier rigging would be ideal for this bruising race. The old adage that races are won or lost before the starting line held true, as 50 knot winds on and four weather fronts battered the rest of the field, who decided to leave Plymouth and head further north than ever before to cross the Atlantic. Many a tallerrigged yacht had to retire, while Bruneel kept southerly, straight, and battened down while studying wind and weather as often as he could to plot the perfect race into Boston. Seamanship, design and ingenuity, and winning participation since the 1980s in gruelling ocean races; these are the same instincts Bruneel now brings to the design of his latest project, the multi-hulled NEEL 50.

To sail the NEEL 50 is a bit like taking the

supplies. The large space available in this storeroom of 1.8 metres high makes access easier for equipment maintenance and allows for optional generator, desalinator or air-conditioning installation.

The spacious interior is finished in contemporary materials, with striking colours enhancing the loft-like atmosphere.

From the entrance, an island kitchen of varnished anthracite coexists with a piano for evening entertainment. In the basement, a ladder leads to the storeroom where food and equipment is kept. On both sides, the two particularly spacious (90 square metres), oblong main cabins each have a bathroom.

The double beds add incomparable comfort when out at sea for longer cruises.

Walls are decorated with velvet fabric in harmonies of beige-chocolate or anthracite and orange, creating a warm atmosphere. Floors are covered with a hard-wearing, high-tech polyester weaving in a charcoal grey colour. In the large saloon, the floor is marked with thin stripes and a colour contrast of orange, red and different shades of grey. In the forward

innovations developed by racing multihulls, such as square top mainsail, Vectran shrouds and forestay, reef hooks, genoa stocker, and carbon rudder, to name but a few. Weight distribution is centred, limiting pitching. The sail area is wide with 170 square meters per ton. The trimaran is also fast under power. Indeed, the main hull’s prismatic coefficient offers a very low drag and the lateral floats only touch the water surface ever so lightly.

Safety wise, the NEEL 50 is virtually unsinkable, as its PVC foam sandwich construction and the anti-collision partitions make the boat even lighter than water. The three fins protect the hulls, the rudder and the propeller while the main hull fin enables the NEEL 50 to land on a ramp or a beach where the two lateral fins make it stable. The boat can therefore sail in shallow waters to explore, or to find protection in the event of inclement weather. With winches and stoppers for manoeuvring the sails fitted inside, the crew is protected in cases of strong wind and during night navigation.

comfort of your house onto water, just at high speed. The living space covers a phenomenal 650 square metres, with two metres of headspace, and this all on one level between the two outer wings. Large windows offer panoramic views, and to facilitate manoeuvring as much as possible, the sails are hoisted and trimmed from inside. Only the genoa is manoeuvred from the external helm station. This design completely breaks from traditional trimaran construction, and leaves the owner feeling as if he is living in a vast loft atop the central, servicing hull. The main hull volume is devoted to equipment, engine, electronic and electric wiring, plumbing, diesel and water tanks as well as the stocking of

section, the port dining room revolves around an uncluttered table. On starboard side, the chart table and a watch bench face the sea, while the dazzling red seats emphasise the floor and wall colour – also grey. In the front, a few steps lead to a third double cabin in which a lateral porthole overhangs the sea.

Despite all of its creature comforts, the NEEL 50 is a high performing vessel, paying tribute to Bruneel’s racing pedigree. It is resolutely designed for fast cruising, regularly sailing at more than 10 knots average, thus covering 300 miles per 24 hours. And 15 to 20 knots are often reached as soon as the wind strengthens.

The NEEL 50 is set up with the latest

On the front of the NEEL 50, huge red letters emblaze the hull: “It Just Makes Sense.” Nothing could better summarise Bruneel’s 25-odd-year journey through the factory floor of one of the world’s leading catamaran and trimaran manufacturers, along with his knowledge of multi-hull seamanship. He threw out the redundant, and brought in the new to put the NEEL 50 miles ahead of the rest. Price is €800,000.  Contact Chris Bonnet: • Tel: +27 31 307 7944 • Fax: +27 31 306 2066 • Email: bonnet@yachtsman.co.za • Visit: www.neel-trimarans.com

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Serengeti Gauteng’s New Best Address Words & Images: Serengeti

Gauteng’s New Best Address

Serengeti Golf & Wildlife Estate is proof that security, space and style need not be mutually exclusive. This latest designer suburb, with a rich variety of facilities and 780 hectares of open space, has all the makings of becoming the best address in Gauteng.

Words: Serengeti GOLF & WILDLIFE ESTATE Image: © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

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erengeti is completely selfcontained and secure, with everything that a family could wish for inside its perimeter.

Given its excellent location midway between Pretoria and OR Tambo International Airport plus easy access to Johannesburg, it is unlikely that land of this size may ever become available again for a residential property development so close to the heart of Gauteng.

With a design vision that embraces a sense of wide open spaces, there is room to breathe, to explore, and to simply be content as a family in the great outdoors.

Many of the contemporary so-called “luxury” property developments are characterised by the developer squeezing as many homes as possible onto a small piece of land, and charging astronomical prices for views of your neighbour’s bathroom. In Serengeti the opposite is true – and it has been designed this way from inception.

The backbone that makes Serengeti Estate a secure one lies in the fibre-optic network laid throughout the development, connecting every security camera and gate to the on-site control centre. But security was not the only consideration. For homebased information technology and communications, the developer installed and commissioned a full Fibre to the Home

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(FTTH) solution, providing a single access network to offer each family a complete Triple Play Solution – Voice, Video and Data – meaning that digital services are fully optimised, whether for work or play.

But the idea certainly was not to have Serengeti residents stay glued to their PC and video screens inside. There is just too much to do outdoors, with a game of golf, horse riding, cycling routes, long walks in the conservation area, or meeting friends at the Clubhouse for a game of tennis all available. The pride and joy of many residents must certainly be their exquisite golf course, and superlatives will fail you when you experience the Serengeti Golf Club for the first time. It is the first 27-hole Jack Nicklaus signature course in Gauteng, and the fifth Nicklaus-designed course in South Africa after Pecanwood (1998), Pearl Valley (2003), Simola (2005) and St Francis Links (2006). The cool season grass used on Serengeti’s course secures an emerald green golfing experience throughout the year.

While dad is out playing golf, the kids might enjoy the equestrian centre, offering stabling and additional facilities with direct access to the bridle paths in the 280-hectare Conservation Area. The Estate is surrounded by natural wetlands, which are fed by two rivers. Over seven kilometres of these beautiful, lush wetlands and streams will

be rehabilitated and provide a tranquil oasis, filled with birdlife and free roaming game. Indigenous game such as wildebeest, duiker and impala will be introduced into this Conservation Area.

When Monday morning arrives, there is no need to rush off into the crazy traffic.

Children can walk to The Serengeti Academy, a private school within the Estate’s borders, where learners from Grade 000 to Grade 12 will receive outstanding education from dedicated staff. After waving goodbye to the kids at school, mom can drive on, still in the Estate, to the central retail area called The Village Square for daily deli items, great restaurants and speciality stores. Some days, she may even meet dad for lunch, if he managed to persuade his partners or clients to move their conference to the Serengeti Clubhouse. This 6,000 square metre facility includes two restaurants and a conferencing venue with a capacity for up to 250 delegates.

Serengeti rests easy on the eye and the soul, and its serenity is enhanced by controlled architectural design and an active Property Owners Association. The value of your primary investment will only grow as this world-class estate with Jack Nicklaus course continues to grow in stature. Secure. Spacious. Serene. Come and experience Serengeti today. 

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So you feel it might be time to become an aircraft owner. Many will cite mystical “rules of thumb” upon which to base the decision. Unfortunately, just like pieces of string, thumbs vary in length, and rules made with reference to this appendage have been responsible for more than one set of burning digits when followed blindly. Hours flown are one thing, but more important is the type of flying you are going to be doing – and it is here where rules of thumb often fall by the wayside.

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ore often than not, when the topic of aircraft ownership comes up, tales of woe soon follow, filled with once-bitten, twice-shy victims that vow they will never touch an aircraft again. Most of these tales of misery share a common denominator, and that is being sold something that does not fit the required company profile. When deciding to get involved with an aircraft, it is important to note that there are several different options available to the prospective buyer.

First and foremost, outright private ownership is by far the most satisfying, but

potentially also littered with the most dangerous pitfalls. Besides the acquisition costs, the owner will also be responsible for sourcing and training flight crews and

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Words & Images: © KEVIN BARKER

maintaining their competency with regular, continuous training. Hangaring the aircraft, insurance, and managing a plethora of logbooks, not to forget maintenance schedules and costs, also form part of an administrative and red tape nightmare that can easily overwhelm the unwary. The pros are of course that your aircraft and crew will be ready at the drop of a hat, something which would suit a company that flies regularly, at short notice or to ad hoc destinations. This type of setup though, would mean that the aircraft is not generally available to other companies for charter as it is normally on stand-by for the owners, negating the possibility of earning an alternate revenue stream by leasing it out for charters. But an aircraft parked in the hangar costs money when it is not flying. If the owner would like it to be used for charters, he would have to ensure that the aircraft is added to the charter company’s Air Operator Certificate before flights for revenue can be conducted.

Important to remember here is that there are certain aircraft that are more popular for charter use, and these types will potentially be able to earn the owner good profits, thanks to their good acquisition cost, low running cost and popularity among charter passengers. Certain other types, although perhaps suitable for private use, make lousy charter aircraft, and it is worth consulting with aviation professionals when purchasing an aircraft with the intention of chartering it out. Another cost that must not be overlooked is that of long trips away from home, where the crew also needs to be housed and fed, or otherwise sent home on a return ticket to base, as they will need to come back again when the owner and aircraft need to be fetched. Hangarage away from home does not come cheaply either, and other than yachts, very few multimillion Dollar vehicles are left outside to face the elements. A truth that also needs to be considered is that if the aircraft were to become unserviceable somewhere along the way, no replacement would be available in this one-aircraft company.

However, an option that has seen steep increase in demand over the past decade is fractional ownership of aircraft, which allows new levels of flexibility without the added costs and risks of outright ownership.

Owners purchase a certain percentage of an aircraft, pro-rated to market value, which translates into a number of guaranteed hours or days per year and the aircraft being available with as little as four hours notice.

This has opened up aviation to those who have not required the levels of cost and commitment inherent to the outright purchase of an aircraft – knowing full well that the aircraft would spend much of its time collecting dust and running up hangarage and maintenance bills.

In the fractional model, owners pay a monthly maintenance fee to cover the cost of upkeep, upgrades, hangaring, pilot salaries, and training. When using the aircraft, owners are also billed for the actual hours in flight, with 12 minutes added on for taxiing. The final cost component is fuel, often a surcharge above the hourly fee to account for price volatility.

In addition to the "owned" aircraft, customers gain access to other planes in the fleet. When desired, they may switch to larger or smaller planes on a set interchange formula, when the mission requirements call for an aircraft that can land on dirt strips or short runways. So, for example, you simply request the most appropriate vehicle for the type of flying that is to be done. Fleet flexibility is thus one of the key benefits of this model, as owners are never stranded when an aircraft is offline for maintenance, and owners can enjoy the luxury of upgrading or downgrading to other fleet aircraft for special trip requirements.

Fractional terms are typically five years, after which owners sell their share back to the company for the then-current fair market value, less a seven percent “remarketing fee.”  Contact Kevin Barker by emailing him at kevin@laminar.co.za.

SCARCE

A COLLECTOR'S

dream

A watch that went to the moon sold for four times its estimated price; a rare stamp in exchange for some $330,000; a baseball bat that earned its owner more than half a million Dollars when traded; a collection of military muskets, revolvers, rifles and cannons valued at over $1 million; and Batman memorabilia worth too much to tally and alleged to have led to a collector meeting his death at the hands of his own wife. Indeed, the world of collectibles is as intriguing as it is lucrative.

Words: ADRIAN ROOSE; INGRID KENMUIR Images: Š PAUL FRASER COLLECTIBLES

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aul Fraser is one of the world’s great collectors. He’s been involved in the industry for over 30 years, recently stepping down as Chairman (and owner) of the Stanley Gibbons Group, the London stock market listed Collectibles Company. Fraser brokered the deal that took John Lennon’s childhood stamp album to the Smithsonian and was responsible for the sale of the famous Kirkudbright Penny Black Cover to The Royal Philatelic Collection of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. “Collectibles investments represent a chance for you to explore the hobby or interest you’ve secretly harboured and to acquire a profitable asset that is both solid and tangible,” says Fraser. “Rare collectibles have long outperformed the mainstream financial markets and, given a heightened interest from India and China, I expect them to do so for the foreseeable future.

When so-called wealth managers have been found to be lacking it is important to know that your wealth is secure and not about to disappear. It is at times like these, when the financial news is all doom and gloom, that you need something to raise your spirits, and something you can rely on to only increase in value.”

Art, autographs, rare books, coins, stamps, medals, memorabilia, space history, watches, jewellery, wine, whisky, and cigars all fall under the collectibles banner. Actor Johnny Depp collects rare first edition books, Angelina Jolie collects Banksy artwork and Arnold Schwarzenegger collects vintage watches. US chat show king Jay Leno has a collection of rare cars, Apple founder Steve Jobs collects Beatles memorabilia, Tom Hanks vintage typewriters, while Tony Blair has a valuable coin collection. Bill Gross, head of a trillion Dollar fund and one of America’s richest men, is heavily involved in the rare stamp market. On selling part of his immense collection at auction, Gross reputedly

For sale: £75,000 - The Tyrian Plum - one of the rarest stamps of Great Britain, 12 are known to exist, one of which is held in the Royal Collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

It is at times like these, when the financial news is all doom and gloom, that you need something to raise your spirits, and something you can rely on to only increase in value. exclaimed: “It is four times profit. It’s better than the stock market!”

So what are the attractions of collectibles investments? “They are known as the three Ps,” says Paul, “Passion, pleasure and profit. If you buy the right quality items, at the right time, you have every chance of making a profit when you come to sell.” There are really no limits when it comes to collecting, though it is advisable to stick to quality items backed by a large collector base. Also, expertise is a prerequisite in judging quality and rarity

Michael Collins’ personal flight suit worn on Apollo 11 mission.

– the two most important factors in determining value. “Quality is key,” reiterates Fraser. “Stick to the old adage ‘quality remains long after price is forgotten’ and you won’t go far wrong.”

Both the Financial Times and CNN have described vintage watches in particular as something of a “safe haven” for investors. A 1950 Rolex Datocompax, for example, increased in value from $14,000 to $136,000 in less than 10 years while Steve McQueen’s vintage Rolex sold for a world record $234,000 at auction in Hong Kong – 20 times the estimated selling price. Paul explains: “The fact that a celebrity has owned and touched an item adds enormously to its value.” And thus we see how Marlon Brando’s Vacheron Constantin wristwatch, given to him by girlfriend Zsa Zsa Gabor on the opening night of On the Waterfront in 1954, recently sold for $18,000 at auction – six times the original estimate. And similarly how Marilyn Monroe’s bathrobe, the item she was wearing when she died, recently sold for $120,000 – 20 times what the owner paid for it just 10 years ago.

Incidentally, Paul Fraser Collectibles currently has on its books the most intimate piece of memorabilia from the wardrobe of Marilyn Monroe: a black lace bra with a $15,000 price tag. They also hold a signed photograph of Astronaut Neil Armstrong which has shown a gain of 1,058 percent in the last decade. “Apollo 11 is also a great place to begin,” says Fraser, who has invested heavily in Apollo 11 memorabilia and lists Michael Collins’ personal flight suit, used during the Apollo 11 mission, on his inventory. “Here you have three modern

For sale: £9,500 - a black lace bra from the Estate of Marilyn Monroe.

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Above – A very rare page of handwritten lyrics by Madonna.

Left – For sale: £4,950 - a superb portrait photo of Sir Winston Churchill, signed underneath.

day pioneers who still fascinate the world.

Prices went through the roof approaching the recent 40th anniversary. My tip? Get involved before the 50th anniversary.”

And the market for collectibles is growing all the time. The vintage wristwatch market appeared from nowhere 15 years ago. In 1980, just 10,000 people considered themselves art collectors. The figure now stands at one million. Likewise, the rare stamp market boasts 48 million

collectors around the world, 18 million of them in China alone. Says Fraser, “Just 10 years from now the over fifties population, the major collectors, will own 80 percent of the world’s wealth. That’s when the fun really begins.”  Contact Paul Fraser Collectibles: • Tel: +44 (0) 117 933 9503 • Email: info@paulfrasercollectibles.com • Visit: www.paulfrasercollectibles.com

News Highlights from the World of Collectibles • Civil War Gatling gun sells for $173,000 – $1.1 million memorabilia and militaria auction features vintage muskets, revolvers, rifles and cannons.

• Qing dynasty stamp with overprint sells for over $330,000 – record price for this rare Chinese stamp.

• Macallan's new $15,000 whisky – the 57 Lalique “Finest Cut” joins the Six Pillars series and 50-year-old Macallan as one of its most collectible whiskies.

• Babe Ruth’s most important bat sells for $537,000 – from the baseball legend's 1918 season, one expert calls it Ruth's “most historically significant bat.”

• A $352,000 Cobra leads Las Vegas car sale, a $352,000 Mustang, Bruce Willis’ Chevy and the Batmobile also star at auction.

• Muhammad Ali's earliest known letters auctioned – a letter signed “Cassius Clay” brings $17,000.

• Signed copy of Casino Royale estimated at $40,000 – James Bond's debut is the star lot at a sale featuring six signed Ian Fleming books.

• Astronaut's “Moon Rolex” sells for $131,000 – this watch, taken to the lunar surface by crew of Apollo 17, vastly exceeds its $30,000 estimate.

Cell:96 +264 (0)81 122 0584 PRESTIGe transfer@mweb.com.na

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If your senses have been under siege at sea for an extended period of time, what better place to unwind than the Sacra Infermeria? Dating from 1574, the venue for the prize-giving of the 30th Rolex Middle Sea Race was built by the Knights of St John as a hospital to care for its sick and injured brethren. In late October, the Royal Malta Yacht Club hosted its deserved guests in this medieval vault and divided up the spoils from a truly tremendous race.

Words: KEY PARTNERS; TANYA GOODMAN Images: Š Kurt Arrigo/Rolex

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op prize of the event, the Rolex Middle Sea Race Trophy and Rolex Yacht-master Chronometer, for finishing first overall under IRC Handicap went to Andres Soriano, skipper and owner of the 69-foot Mills-designed Alegre. For a successful businessman and seasoned offshore sailor, Soriano was openly thrilled to have won this year's race.

He had beaten the whole fleet and significantly, within his class, triumphed over some of the best sailors in the world of

Pilatus PC12 Engine: Power: Cruise speed: Service ceiling Take off distance Rate of climb landing distance

sailing on some of the world's best grand prix racing yachts. Soriano acknowledged the organisers’ work in putting the race together and described not just the winning, but also the taking part in this edition as "the experience of our lives."

Winners were varied and from throughout the fleet. Sean Borg, aged 16 and a half, sailing on Strait Dealer was awarded the Youth Cup. Strait Dealer, as the first Maltese-skippered yacht across the finish, was awarded the Malta Maritime Authority Trophy. And, Lee Satariano and his boat Artie won the Starboard Trophy, for the first Maltese competitor in on handicap.

One of the biggest cheers of the proceedings went to Cambo III and the cousins, Steven and Michael Clough, who won the John Illingworth Trophy for being first on corrected time in the Double Handed Class, despite being the last boat home more than 24 hours after the penultimate finisher. The Nations Cup went to the United Kingdom after Alegre, Rán and ICAP Leopard combined for the best three-boat score under IRC. Winner of the Boccale del Mediterraneo Trophy for top boat overall under ORC was Luna Rossa.

The Rolex Middle Sea Race has proven over the years to suffer no fools. This year was no exception. When the 69 yachts started from Malta's most famous natural harbour – Grand Harbour – on their 606-nautical mile adventure, it was the biggest fleet to depart Malta since the Turks left at the end of the Great Siege in 1565. But conditions were tough. Of the total number of yachts representing 20 nations that started the race, at least 23 were forced to retire as strong gusting winds lashed the north-eastern corner of Sicily for a 36-hour period.

Many eyes were on Mike Slade’s ICAP Leopard as they set off to beat the course

record of 47 hours 55 minutes and 3 seconds established by George David's Rambler in 2007. Try as they might, Slade's all-star crew were unable to crack the nut that is Rambler's benchmark. Arriving on the second day around noon at the Royal Malta Yacht Club line in Marsamxett Harbour, the 100-foot Farr-designed supermaxi was just over half an hour outside the mark set by George David and Ken Read two years ago. They had made a tremendous effort, never straying far from the pace required despite less than perfect conditions. They took line honours, nonetheless. Slade explained how the race had unfolded, "This race is very special. It always is. It is a tough race and a great race, but any race that goes round in a circle is going to have lots of pitfalls. You are seeing land all the time and you suffer all the things that happen because of the land.”

Malta is a dramatically landscaped archipelago, with sheer cliffs and quiet coves, located centrally in the Mediterranean Sea and known for its World Heritage Sites related to ancient cultures. It stands as a crossroads between Africa and Europe and has, for centuries, enjoyed a significance out of proportion to its size. Each year, the Royal Malta Yacht Club organises a race that punches well above the club's apparent weight. And this year was certainly no exception. Former British Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, perhaps encapsulated Malta and its spirit best when describing it as "that tiny rock of history and romance." Such a sentiment could equally apply to the Rolex Middle Sea Race, which has plenty of both.  For information, contact: Royal Malta Yacht Club • Tel: +356 2133 3109 • Email: info@rmyc.org • Visit: www.rolexmiddlesearace.com

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2 experienced pilots on all chartered fights.

8 seats, toilet and bar

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air services

tas@tgi.na

For more information or reservations,

CapE

Hollow

Town

Boutique Hotel

Words: KEVIN BARKER Images: Š CAPE TOWN HOLLOW

Nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, overlooking the Company Gardens, Cape Town Hollow Boutique Hotel is set in the vibrant elegance of Cape Town’s historical city centre. Offering stylish, serene accommodation in 56 en suite, air-conditioned rooms with fine amenities and charming open-air balconies, this boutique hotel is the perfect springboard from which to dive right into the warm heart of the Mother City.

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ince the 17th Century, the coastal plain in the shadow of Table Mountain has formed the beating heart of South Africa as a nation. Indeed, as the maternal city with an entire national history as offspring, Cape Town and this vibrant centre around The Company Gardens have, since the arrival of the Van Riebeeks in 1652, held an inimitable allure that has captivated man since then, to this very day.

Playing to this ingrained human longing to be as close to that centre as possible, Cape Town Hollow offers a superb opportunity for visitors to wrap themselves in the rich blanket of South African history that is accessible from the hotel’s door. For those who prefer to absorb their relaxation from within the hotel, resplendent views of majestic Table Mountain and Lion’s Head dominate the suite windows, with the Gardens and Cape Town’s quaint historic

quarter filling the foreground.

Each of the rooms offer refined, relaxing comfort, with all of the musthaves such as individually-controlled air conditioners and heaters, remote colour satellite TV, direct dialling phones, international adaptors and data ports for Internet connectivity. The hotel caters for both the business guest and the cultural explorer looking to be cosseted by the history to be found in adjoining streets.

The ideal locality of Cape Town Hollow entices guests to explore the myriad sights in the city and surrounds. From the vibrant nightlife and trendy downtown restaurants and bars, to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, everything is within easy walking distance. Slightly further afield, breathtaking vistas are on offer around the peninsula while the hinterland is home to the wine routes for which the Cape region is famous.

Across the road from the hotel is the

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Destination Management with a touch of class.

Contact us, your travel partner for Southern Africa.

www.namibia-safaris.com

Tel: +264 61 272 185 · Fax: +264 61 250 191 E-mail: m.ihms@namibia-safaris.com Website: www.namibia-safaris.com

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P.O. Box 40458, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek

entrance to the Cape Town Planetarium, particularly good for rainy days. But, when the sun is out in Cape Town, it is time for the beach, and the world-class sands of Camps Bay and Clifton are only a few minutes away.

For guests who are bewildered by the amount of sights and activities on offer, an accomplished, in-house concierge is poised to assist with advice, directions and excursion arrangements. Be it a romantic, candle-lit dinner for two on a beach somewhere, or charging through the skies in supersonic jets – the concierge can arrange it all.

Cape Town Hollow boasts a superblyequipped wellness centre with an energizing sauna and three spa treatment rooms, where guests can be pampered with massages and beauty treatments. Just outside the hotel, gracious 18th Century buildings, art galleries and museums rub shoulders with bohemian open-air markets and festive, city square musicians. Or one could just absorb the fresh Cape air while lazing around the rooftop pool.

The congenial Cape Town Hollow Restaurant in the Hotel lobby offers a fine fusion dining experience, with a lively

continental vibe that would not go amiss at any European street café. Partnered with hand-picked Cape wines, the menu and ambience of the terrace can easily flavour the palate with a stylish Euro-elegant tang.

The central location of Cape Town Hollow makes it the perfect venue for hosting a conference in a cordial, professional atmosphere, with two exclusive meeting rooms catering to groups of up to 60 delegates. All facilities are equipped with dual lighting controls, air conditioning, double-glazed soundproof windows, and wireless USB. Apart from floor and wall power supplies, Net Gear Wireless USB adaptors are supplied for those whose laptops do not have wireless connectivity support.

Whether your goal is to absorb every ounce of comfort on offer from your accommodation, or whether you prefer to venture outside to find that cultural spark, Cape Town Hollow occupies the epicentre of the Mother City, and is the ideal base from which to do so.  For more information contact: • Tel: +27 21 423 1260 • Email: reservations@capetownhollow.co.za • Visit: www.capetownhollow.co.za

Neo Africa was developed to establish a platform for like-minded people with a flair for developing and implementing innovative business solutions both in the Consulting and Information Technology sectors.

Our lifestyle division was started to complement our core business through creating a seamless platform for service delivery with accountability and performance monitored through our own systems.

Our Lifestyle division was born out of an evident need in the market for an exclusive and personalized concierge service, in today’s luxury travel and hospitality service industry, to manage high profile VIP clients in a seamless turnkey solution, surpassing industry standards.

We currently have the unrivalled ability to meet unique requirements by operating as a luxury facilitation mechanism with the following premium service capabilities: › Event management, planning and delivery › Business rebranding and activation › Aviation division for charters and pilot training › Luxury car hire and chauffeur service › Access to major events as a VIP Our Events Division is an elite, dynamic, events management and coordination entity with an additional full-house marketing,

communications and public relations services ability able to handle any event and related activation.

Our Aviation division provides our clients with access to high quality aircraft solutions for charters anywhere in the world again smoothly integrated with our concierge and events capability. We are a fully accredited flight academy to take aspiring pilots all the way to commercial licenses.

We further offer the rental of exclusive luxury vehicles or other unique media geared towards the top end consumer.

Many discerning clients are seeking alternative options to vehicle ownership and many are looking for more cost effective means to experience their passion for driving. We also have a private chauffeur service that operates as a pointto-point service in luxury and exotic vehicles. These vehicles can be branded to your specification.

We pride ourselves on being able to provide our clients with opportunities for experiences that surpass any expectations.

Experience beyond… beyond experience…

F E AT U R E

Soaring to New Heights

Q a t a r Airways Caters to the B e s t Words & Images: Š Qatar Airways

Flying across the world for business or leisure is not always everyone's cup of tea. As the Middle East’s only five-star carrier, Qatar Airways has managed to make this a journey that pampers and performs, whether you are waiting for a connection or relaxing onboard overnight.

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atar Airways, the rapidly expanding Middle Eastern powerhouse that is setting a new standard in luxury travel, recently received the top accolades as “Airline of the Year 2009” and “Best Middle Eastern Airline” at the prestigious TTG Awards. These coveted awards – among very stiff competition, indeed – are the result of the unrelenting dedication of a multi-award winning crew and a management team who accepts no compromise in standards or service delivery.

Qatar’s ultra-modern fleet consists of 69 aircraft, and in lieu of its phenomenal dedication to customer satisfaction, another 220 aircraft to the value of U$40

billion are on order – a clear testament to its well-earned market reputation as a very serious international contender and service provider. Truth be told – no one orders 220 brand new aircraft without an unambiguous and resounding vote of YES! from the global marketplace. Their recent awards are further testimony to the unanimous excitement from the international travelling gentry.

With the world's first dedicated passenger terminal for First and Business Class passengers, built at a cost of almost R800 million at Doha International Airport, Qatar Airways’ Premium Terminal has become an industry leader. The Premium Terminal offers dedicated First and Business Class check-in desks to the respective lounges, and concierge meetand-greet services for passengers prior to check in.

To complete the experience and add an indulgent touch, a spa, Jacuzzi and sauna is available for passengers to relax and unwind before their flight. Massage treatment rooms, shower and wash rooms, conference and meeting venues, a 24-hour medical centre, and a duty-free shopping area stocking leading international brands, are but a few services on offer in the terminal building for the discerning traveller.

Europe is one of Qatar’s most important regions representing around 20 percent of its global coverage. With an almost 40 percent increase in frequency across four European capital cities from the start of the winter flying season in October, Qatar

Airways is opening up greater opportunities to travel for business or leisure. The carrier currently operates daily flights between Johannesburg and four weekly flights from Cape Town to its Doha hub. From Doha, South Africans can easily connect to over 84 key business and leisure destinations in Europe, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, Far East, and North America. These additional frequencies demonstrate the airline’s commitment to offering passengers greater choice, while never compromising on service and a world-class experience.

South African travellers are commonly required to transit on their way to many points in Europe. Currently, there are no direct flights to Zurich, Geneva, Stockholm, Athens, Rome, Milan, Moscow, Vienna or Manchester. While the transit may be considered an irritant, Doha is fast becoming the most popular travel hub in the world, with Qatar Airways flying to all the above mentioned cities and more. An additional benefit to South Africans using Doha as a transit hub is that they do not need transit visas, adding increased affordability and convenience to the already lengthy list of reasons to fly with Qatar Airways.

“The awards recently won feel sweeter this year than in previous years as Qatar Airways continues to set higher standards for itself,” concluded Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer, Akbar Al Baker. “That we have exceeded the airline’s own high expectations is most satisfying and we continue to push ourselves as a company to provide even greater levels of service.” 

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Senses

A Feast for the

If reclining on a velvet sofa while sipping fine champagne is your preference, and you choose

crocodile fillet over beef, caviar over calamari, and quail over chicken, then a dining experience at Kream restaurant, followed by cigars on the terrace at Pangaea seems in order.

C

onveniently situated in the thriving Brooklyn area of Pretoria, in the newly-built Brooklyn Bridge Office Park, Kream Restaurant is the brainchild of Tufan Yerebakan, together with Peter Blokker, Reinhardt Paulsen, Victor Nel and Marcel van Diemien.

At Kream, the menu is extravagant – to say the least – and for the mature palate. A wide range of continental dishes grace the menu, among them Crocodile Kwena, a serving of deep-fried crumbed crocodile fillet, topped with a sweet Thai chilli and rose wine sauce; Quail, partially de-boned, oven roasted and served with cranberry and port wine sauce; and Prawn and Chorizo, pan-fried in butter and cayenne pepper, flambéed in triple sec and served on a bed of mashed potatoes; Frogs’ Legs, crumbed, deep fried and accompanied by garlic aioli. For those with less adventurous tastes, calamari, salmon, oysters, snails, prawns, crayfish, scallops and a variety of cheese dishes also grace the starters menu, not to mention a great assortment of salads.

Main meals range from the simple to the sublime, with guests able to choose from a selection of meat cuts prepared to their liking and accompanied by a side dish of their choosing, or prepared in a dish, such as the Sirloin Aubergine, topped with

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Words & Images © KREAM RESTAURANT

aubergine marinated in fresh garlic and parmesan cheese or Kudu Medallions, prepared medium rare, topped with a light Blue Cheese sauce, sprinkled with crushed pecan nuts and served with a preserved fig on the side. For seafood enthusiasts there is tuna, Norwegian salmon, kingklip, sole and fresh line fish to choose from, while those seeking a little comfort from their food can sit back and savour the tastes of chicken and prawn curry or barbeque-laced ribs and lamb chops.

The wine list offers a great selection of South Africa’s best vintages, as well as several imported varieties. Brandies, whiskeys and cognacs are available for every taste and preference.

In addition to its main dining area, which is finished in tones of cream, white and pale khaki, with hues of silver and pewter and finishes in striking black and rich wood, Kream has a private dining room able to seat between 16 and 20 guests for more intimate gatherings or business dinner meetings.

Across from Kream is Pangaea Salon Privé, a contemporary lounge that makes for an unparalleled setting in which to relax and unwind, entertain associates or enjoy the company of friends. The informal ambience is specifically designed to complement today’s modern lifestyle and if you are the sort who likes to enjoy an

aperitif before dinner, or perhaps a digestif and a cigar after your meal, Pangaea is just the spot.

Constructed for the discerning palate, Pangaea offers a full a la carte selection of dishes, accompanied by wine which diners can select off the establishment’s extensive wine list. This will take the connoisseur on a pleasant journey through the more popular vineyards with an unexpected stop-over in the lesser known but still great wine-growing regions. Like Kream, Pangaea takes great pride in its selection of rare whiskeys and its cognac collection, which affords patrons the chance to sample the world’s finest single malts, blends and cognacs.

Pangaea, named after the super continent when the world was one, is the ideal to which the Pangaea team are dedicated, combining the best elements from around the globe and fusing them together before presenting them in an elegant and sophisticated lounge setting. The owners of Kream restaurant, together with the owner of Taboo in Johannesburg, created Pangaea on their combined reputations, thus assuring patrons of the excellent service, outstanding food, and acute attention to detail to which they are already accustomed.

Contact Harry at Pangaea, call +27 12 346 0960 or Kream Restaurant, call +27 12 346 46 42/44. 

G I Z MO S & G A D G E T S

Smartphone

Revolution

Words: RICHARD SMITH Images: © HTC; NOKIA; APPLE

In the past, business people were easily identifiable by the briefcases, day planners and oversized cell phones they carried. The scene has since changed, as has the way we conduct business. Nowadays, thousands have newfound freedom using Smartphones, many a person’s right hand to track important information, projects and contact lists, while still keeping in touch with friends and family. iPhone 3GS

HTC Hero

The new iPhone 3GS, the fastest, most powerful iPhone yet, is packed with incredible new features including improved speed and performance, longer battery life, a highquality 3 megapixel autofocus camera, easyto-use video recording, hands-free voice control, and a built-in digital compass for instant navigation. The latter is integrated with Maps, so it automatically orients in the direction you are facing. iPhone 3GS includes the new iPhone OS 3.0, the world’s most advanced mobile operating system with over 100 new features such as Cut, Copy and Paste; MMS; Spotlight Search; and a landscape keyboard. Users can edit and upload pictures instantly, record and edit video clips, and send all by email or MMS, or post them to MobileMe™ or YouTube. iPhone 3GS customers also get access to more than 50,000 applications from Apple’s revolutionary App Store.

The HTC Hero is a blend of form and function and puts this device in a league of its own. It is the world’s first Android-based phone with an unsurpassed level of customised user interface. Hero is the first phone to embody the brand new HTC Sense™ – an intuitive, seamless experience built upon three fundamental principles: true customisation (“make it mine”), people-centric communication (“stay close”), and unexpected simplification (“discover the unexpected”). With HTC, your inbox is not just a list of emails, but a catalogue of conversations, a collection of notes flagged as important, and a library of all your emails and attachments. With seven customisable home screens, the HTC Hero offers instant access to important content. Users can also choose from a selection of “quick-glance” widgets that push content like twitter feeds, weather, email, and calendar to the surface. Listen to your favourite tunes, catch up with your friends or capture memories using HTC Footprints™.

When travelling, your phone becomes your personal guide and gives you instant access to local time, weather and maps. Built on a culture of innovation and change, HTC phones are all about shaping the mobile experience around the individual and offering real solutions.

Nokia E72 Swift, slim and resourceful are three words that accurately describe the new Nokia E72. This latest full QWERTY Smartphone builds on the formula from the hugely successful Nokia E71. This latest arrival in Nokia's ESeries includes the desktop-like email experience from the Nokia E75, just with a new optical navigation key for more intuitive scrolling and fast-panning. Nokia also upgraded the camera to 5 megapixels and added a standard 3.5mm audio jack.

Users can set up instant messaging (IM) accounts direct from the home screen and connect to their favourite sites. A lifetime licence for Nokia's mobile email and IM service, Nokia Messaging, also offers a range of email solutions with onboard clients for Mail for Exchange and IBM Lotus Notes Traveller. Accessing popular accounts such as Gmail, Yahoo! Mail and so on is simple through improved on-device email setup; with the same easy-to-use UI integrating all of the owner's corporate email accounts as well. Among additional improvements and features are A-GPS and compass (with integrated Maps, including lifetime walk), active noise cancellation, a torch, and faster Internet up- and downlink speeds.

The office capabilities have been updated with a new version of Quickoffice, which delivers Microsoft Office 2007 compatibility as well as free version upgrades when new features become available.

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Time to UPGRADE

HTC have a brand new range of Windows Mobile™ Phones to match your every need.

The HTC Snap has a special “Inner Circle” button which, at a single touch prioritizes all your communication.

The HTC Diamond 2 helps you keep the spotlight on the people in your life by viewing all your previous dialogue with a specific person on one convenient screen.

Turn any location into a conference room with the new HTC Touch Pro 2, which makes multi-party calling easy.

Proud cell phone supplier to the Springboks

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SUBSCRIBE AND WIN Subscribe to Prestige and stand the chance each month to win a

Canon Powershot SX1 IS camera, valued at R7,999.

SMS the words 'Subscribe Prestige' to 082 452 8110 or email your name, cell number and delivery address to mail@prestigemag.co.za.

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LASTING GRACE

Prestige magazine has grown from its roots as a luxury yachting magazine, to become the leading South African luxury lifestyle magazine for high net worth individuals, and those who aspire to that lifestyle. Prestige incorporates the latest on the sport of kings and the king of sports (yachting), luxury travel, exotic motoring, private aviation, style and design, food and décor, arts and architecture, collectibles, jewellery, fashion, property and holistic wellbeing. Working with a finely nuanced definition of luxury, namely “meaningful and successful lives beyond money, old or new,” it is a magazine for families with finesse and financial freedom who engage with the world across many interesting dimensions. With each edition, Prestige pursues a mix of luxury elements that include rarity, nostalgia, elegance, understatement, freedom, curiosity, generosity, intelligence, wit, aesthetics, adventure and more. Simply holding and enjoying Prestige should already feel like a luxury in itself.

SMS 'Subscribe Prestige' to 082 452 8110 (R499 for 12 issues; R949 f o r 2 4 i s s u e s )

October Winner: Mr Frans van Rooyen of White River

premier portfolio

Maison D Shekleton Hartbeespoort

A French Provenรงal home of approximately 1,000 square metres of five levels set in manicured Provence gardens, which are fully irrigated and situated on the banks of the Crocodile River on two consolidated stands totalling 2,408 square metres. This breathtaking home was built in 2002/2003 by Paragon and designed by Hoffman Architects. The exceptional quality design and finishes offer every imaginable convenience. Water features abound and the home is surrounded by numerous small tranquil gardens and a boathouse with its own private jetty. Asking price on application.

Contact: Della Esakov: Office:

+27 82 9000 224 +27 11 268 0373

Visit: www.sothebysrealty.com

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Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

premier portfolio

De Zalze Winelands Golf Estate Stellenbosch

Overlooking the fairway of this sought-after golf estate, situated on an award-winning wine farm, this magnificent home is surrounded by gorgeous vistas.

There are five superior bedroom suites, while the expansive entertainment rooms tumble out onto a spacious north-facing outdoor entertainment area poolside. The Estate is a stone’s throw from excellent schools, inviting shops and world renowned wine farms.

Asking price R12.9 million.

Contact: Peter: Beryl: Office:

+27 82 553 3396 +27 72 255 8388 +27 21 809 2760

Visit: www.sothebysrealty.com

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

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premier portfolio

Third Beach Clifton

Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this bungalow right at the water’s edge. A true classic with fulllength decks and a magical rock pool hanging over the beach, sunny entertainment area, four spacious bedrooms, all en suite, and the bonus of secure undercover parking.

It is sensational – fit for a connoisseur. Asking price R27.5 million.

Contact: Ursula Ehrentraut: +27 83 252 0523 Rob Stefanutto: +27 83 556 6861 Visit: www.sothebysrealty.com

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Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

Let us be your gateway to owning a property in the thriving holiday capital of Namibia.

From our rich cultural heritage and booming economy in the mining and tourist industries to the endless panoramic views of sun, moving sand dunes and breaking waves a truly unique home or investment opportunity. Our services include the sale and letting of properties both commercial and residential as well as agricultural farms and lodges.

Take advantage of our 15 years of experience in this vibrant metropolis, our knowledge Abel 081 247 2661

and dedication to find your perfect investment is the key to unlocking this Namibian treasure.

Dominique 081 233 1514

Architectural gem with endless dune views N$6,5mil

Penthouse in the CBD N$5,4 mil

Brand new, up-market area N$3,5 mil

50% share of game farm in the north-west N$6,5 mil

New guesthouse with 9 bedrooms plus managers house N$7,5 mil

New development in CBD with sea-views Price on request

16 Sam Nujoma Avenue, Swakopmund, Tel 00264 64 – 462520 Fax: 00264 64- 462070 www.swakopproperty.com Email: mytern@iway.na

premier portfolio

Westcliff

Johannesburg The best of both worlds, and 180-degree views to boot! A fusion of heritage and contemporary design by Enrico Daffonchio, this property has a unique roof garden which blends with the green panorama beyond. The sprawling extension of bedrooms, bathrooms and playroom lead out to offer views over the Ridge. Interior design creates luxury and tactility. Oak floorboards, marble and cream create a stylish, simple foundation on which to add personality. There are four reception rooms, a study, Italian dine-in kitchen, and four en suite bedrooms leading to casual lounge. There is also an interior guest suite, wine storeroom, staff accommodation, and a borehole. The rest you need to see for yourself. Asking price R35 million.

Contact: Beverley Gurwicz: Office:

+27 82 412 0010 +27 11 886 8070

Visit: www.sothebysrealty.com

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Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

premier portfolio

19 Nettleton Road Clifton

This beautiful, grand property spans several levels and has gorgeous views. The entrance level has a sizeable entrance hall, kitchen, scullery and breakfast room, as well as a dining room and lounge, both with a fireplace. There is also a tea room and guest cloakroom.

Lower level one has two en suite bedrooms, a walk-in safe/wine cellar, and a family room. Lower level two has a wine cellar, laundry, three 10,000-litre water storage tanks, a storeroom, a playroom/ media room, and a toilet/shower. The first level has a library/music room/study, two en suite bedrooms and a guest cloakroom. The second level has a master suite covering the entire floor and which features a walk-in dressing room in the bedroom, a large, beautifullyfinished bathroom, a shower room, lounge with fireplace, and study.

Outdoor entertainment includes a pool and patio area, leveled gardens with water feature and koi pond, and a steam room and sauna. In addition is a self-contained studio, staff accommodation for three with two kitchens and three bathrooms, four lock-up garages plus parking for five additional vehicles, and parking for four cars on lower level one. Erven 206, 207 & 208, Erf Size 2,616 square metres. Asking price R90 million.

Contact: Denise Dogon: +27 82 449 6608 Vicky Atlas: +27 83 447 1381 Adrien Epstein: +27 83 455 5661 Visit:

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www.dogongroup.com www.capetown365.com www.dgrentals.com

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