Prestige January 2009 by Neo Africa Publishing

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gun dogs

summer spirit

sailing

design integrity

mauritius special edition racing greats ISSUE NO. 23

R39.95

sunseeker yachts

contents

mauritius 24 One&Only Le Saint GĂŠran Hospitality That Gets You Hooked

Shanti Ananda Maurice

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa

Constance Le Prince Maurice

Adventure Mauritius

Cocktails

From The Galley

Holistic Healing In The Secluded South

Luxury Villas At Wolmar Beach

A Peninsula Paradise

Abundance Of Outdoor Activities

Isle Of Amber With Saint Aubin Rum

Pan-Roasted Sea Bass

boating & yachting 18 Sunseeker Yachts

The 37-Metre Trideck Enters Local Waters

Wake 46

Derrick Levy

Walkaround At Sea

A Boating World Pioneer

sail & cruise 36 Heineken Cape To Bahia David vs Goliath

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Volvo Ocean Race

Round The World Races

Blogs From The Deep

Heady Times For Armchair Sailing

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lifestyle 14 Luxury Trends It's A Neo World

Gun Dog Hunting

I Shot The Sherrif

Twiice International

Belvedere

Racing Greats

Grande Provence

The Gentleman's Game

Eric Clapton's Shotgun Collection

Tin Korver On Design Integrity

The World's Most Luxurious Vodka

Speed Merchants Of Yesteryear

Where Heritage Meets Contemporary Chic

regulars 10 From The Helm 12 GizmosGadgetsGear 78 Live The Life 80 Making Waves

14 10

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from the helm The world is full of secrets. Did Marilyn Monroe really commit suicide, or was it a death orchestrated by J Edgar Hoover, the cross-dressing (his own little secret) boss of the CIA, in order to break the potential hold that the mafia could gain over the Presidency if John and Bobby Kennedy’s clandestine liaisons with the Hollywood starlet were made public? And what about the Odessa movement, an ultra-secret society that smuggled ex-Nazis out of Germany in the closing moments of World War II, having raided the state’s coffers for years in order to finance their activities? With the world’s focus switching quickly to a new enemy during the Cold War, Odessa and its bullion was never fully exposed nor eliminated, while Nazi officers lived large in South America with access to secret Swiss bank accounts. One is left wondering whether Swiss bankers hold a spring cleaning once every 10 In our next edition: years, or whether those kinds of dirty slush funds of aging, Marilyn Monroe incarcerated and disappearing clients simply end up in their own back pockets eventually. The biggest secret is what the New Year will bring, and each New Year presents its own uncertainty. The brave among us embrace this uncertainty as the font of new opportunity and new experiences. Researchers have tried for years to pin down the true characteristics of the entrepreneur, and can only agree on a few things – a completely different attitude towards risk and utter overconfidence in own ability. To people like this, the daily reality of the working world has no bearing on their plans, since they embrace uncertainty as the most energising of states. By this account, then, this New Year and the tectonic global shift in the way things used to be present amazing opportunities and experiences. At Prestige, we have a few surprises planned for our readers this coming year. The face of luxury is also shifting globally, towards experiences (best kept secrets about things to do that will make you the envy of your affluent peers) and insperiences (special moments and indulgences at home), away from the flashy and burdensome ownership of expensive toys. Clubs, concierges and private networks are the key to the new era of luxury – getting into something good by invitation or before it’s too late. Or getting early information on what will be hot. That is our job – the information bit. This month, we dug out a few gems in Mauritius – for visitors and for prospective investors and residents alike. We offer a glimpse into the gentleman’s sport of gun dog hunting and showcase Eric Clapton’s awesome bespoke shotgun collection. We celebrate the world’s finest ocean races and yesterday’s heroes of the race track. And for the die-hard collectors, glance at the new Sunseeker yacht that has just been launched in our waters, or the ultra-luxurious Wake 46 yacht only just released internationally. If you had to enjoy your read half as much as our passionate team did in preparing this edition for you, we would feel it’s a job well done.

Issue 23 PUBLISHER: Chapel Lane Media PO Box 13404, Hatfield, 0028 Tel: +27 82 452 8110 Fax: +27 866 78 6370 mail@prestigemag.co.za MANAGING EDITOR: Charl du Plessis (MBA Yale, PhD Darden) charl@prestigemag.co.za EDITOR: Tanya Goodman (PhD Yale) tanya@prestigemag.co.za EDITOR LUXURY EXPERIENCES: Toni Ackermann toni@prestigemag.co.za EDITOR LUXURY GOODS: Jacqueline Cochrane jacqui@prestigemag.co.za ADVERTISING: Boating & Yachting Rui Barbosa +27 84 290 2070 rui@prestigemag.co.za Gauteng Adie Pranger +27 83 601 2291 +27 11 465 1572 adie@prestigemag.co.za Lifestyle & Property Lodene Grobler +27 79 876 4130 lodene@prestigemag.co.za DESIGN & LAY-OUT: Henco Meintjes Virtual Da Vinci Creative Room SUBSCRIPTIONS: 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: Business Print, Pretoria DISTRIBUTION: Prestige is available at major news stand outlets and through subscription. Prestige is freely distributed in leading five-star hotels and airport lounges, as well as upscale coffee shops, wellness centres and spas, and waiting areas for private banking clients. Cover Images Credits: Main: Sunseeker International. Thumbnails: iStockphoto.com; LVMH International; David Kneale/Volvo Ocean Race; Twiice International; SXC.hu; Mauritius Tourism Promotional Authority

To uncertainty, and beyond! Charl & Tanya

SUBSCRIBE, SAVE & WIN Get Prestige delivered to your door each month and save up to 48% on the cover price. All new subscriptions before 31 January 2009 are eligible for a chance to win two airline tickets to Mauritius, courtesy of British Airways. 12 Issues for only R299 (save 38%) and 24 issues for R499 (save 48%). 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.

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All rights are reserved. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. PRESTIGE is published by Chapel Lane Media. 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 Chapel Lane Media and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.

To have knowledge one must first have the wisdom to listen At Princess we value our customers above all else. Our most important lessons are learnt through owner feedback, and we aim to deliver the ultimate motor yacht experience through listening to those that know it best. The goal is simple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; quality, innovation and customer care without equal.

V CLASS SPORTS YACHTS: V42 V45 V48 V53 V58 V65 V70 V85 Join our growing club of Princess owners David Abromowitz & Associates (PTY) LTD Marina Centre, West Quay Rd Waterfront 8001 telnr: 021-4190722 fax: 021-4190724 www.yachtbrokers.co.za and email info@yachtbrokers.co.za

PRINCESS

FLYBRIDGE MOTOR YACHTS: 42 45 50 54 58 62 67 21M 23M 85MY 95MY

GizmosGadgetsGear Hear Music in the Water A must-have for all water sport enthusiasts who can’t bear to leave their tunes on shore is this Waterproof Pro-Sport MP3 Case. This padded case floats if dropped in water, thanks to its ingenious air-injected pockets. The case attaches to your underwater self by way of a neoprene Velcro sports arm strap, though a safety-break neck lanyard also comes standard. Once sealed in this case, MP3 players are guaranteed submersible up to six metres, protected from water, sand, dust, and dirt. A set of waterproof headphones completes the kit, offering crystal clear sound underwater by using a neodymium bass response driver. Sizes are available for most iPod sized and smaller MP3 players, including the iPhone, iPod Nano and iPod Shuffle. Prices start at around R600, visit www.over-board.co.uk for more information, to shop for similar products, or to order online.

Power-Assisted Luggage for Easy Travelling Nowadays, so much is power-assisted for ease of use, that this surge towards hassle-free living spurred the travel industry to embrace technology and come up with perhaps one of the smartest suitcase designs yet: powerassisted luggage. Live Luggage engineers completely redesigned the handle system to make technology work for everyone. They call it the "anti-gravity" system because it works like a wheel barrow, placing most of the payload onto the wheels directly, only needing small motors and small rechargeable batteries to move smoothly along. Sensors at the base of the handle monitor the amount of force exerted on the anti-gravity handle when the case is pulled. The control system monitors these sensors and provides an output to the wheel motors that increases or decreases the torque provided by the wheels. In essence, when the system is active, you will feel like you are pulling a 3kg suitcase irrespective of the actual weight of the load. The technology is so sophisticated it will only power up the wheels when you’re struggling. The suitcases also have a regeneration storage capacitor that recharges the batteries when going downhill or along smooth surfaces, making this luggage about as efficient as possible. For more information contact +44 1491 636 393, visit www.liveluggage.com, or email claire.johnson@liveluggage.com.

See like an Eagle, Swim like a Fish When you have your head underwater and you’re breathing through a tube it’s nice to have faith in the equipment you’re using. The Scubapro Scout is an all new mask offering superior comfort, low-volume and high-visibility. Free-divers, photographers and diving professionals often prefer low volume masks as they are easy to equalise and clear. The Scout’s lenses, although they are smaller, sit closer to your face, striking a great balance between good all-round vision and low volume. A major innovation is the ultra-soft nose pocket with textured finger grips which provide exceptional comfort and make equalisation that much easier. The ergonomics are also enhanced by a super-soft silicone skirt, rubber grips on the frame and easy-adjust pinch-clip buckles. The perfect companion to the mask is the Escape snorkel. With a large bore for easy breathing, a purge valve for quick clearing and a flexible section for added comfort, the Escape will keep you happy for hours while you explore the reefs, the shallows, and the lagoons. The mask retails at around R695 and the snorkel at R365. For more information, contact Scuba Equipment Africa on +27 11 444 6563, email info@ scubapro.co.za or visit www.scubapro.co.za.

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MAURITIUS

Computer enhanced image

Mauritian residency and tax benefits with ownership.

Many sporting, cultural and leisure activities.

Spectacular location with breathtaking ocean views.

Excellent capital growth and managed rental income.

Stable economy and safe environment.

Bank completion guarantees.

Membership of Golf du Chateau, Sport & Racquets Club, Beach Club and luxury Spa.

Elegant villas in 22 designs from $950,000

0861 113 985 +27 11 518 0400 info@villasvalriche.com www.villasvalriche.com

splurge

Luxury Trends It’s a Neo World

There have only been two things for which the world has always been willing to pay a premium – status and sex. We do not advise on the latter, yet we can offer you a glimpse into where the trends in luxury will be shifting in the next few years.

Words: CHARL DU PLESSIS & TRENDWATCHING.COM Images: © istockphoto.com; Bugatti, Lvmh international

he most popular words for 2008, according to a Webster’s Dictionary project that tracks online content, were “bailout” and “change,” both signalling some fundamental shift in the way the world presents opportunities to the “masses and classes” alike. Compare this to 2007, when “subprime” and “Facebook” heralded a period of risk propensity, innovative growth and a new form of social exhibitionism that transcended conspicuous consumption. The good news is that despite billions in paper net worth having been wiped out globally with the decline in markets, the demand for luxury goods and services has seen very little downward trajectory. Dramatic changes in behaviour in this segment are, rather, part of quite a different groundswell as top-end status seekers in the “classes” continue to look for new ways of setting themselves apart from the growing “masses.” There are several undercurrents driving this change, effectively redefining the term “luxury.”

brand outlets and product lines that are used to denote status simply by showing off a particular handbag, car, suit or scarf. This trend is referred to as “massclusivity;” the perception by average consumers that they own something exclusive. A few brave top-end car manufacturers, such as Pagani or Bugatti, have limited their series to single digit numbers, yet most major luxury

brands, and in virtually every category of luxury good, have upped production and rolled out increasingly easier access for the masses. Out goes the idea of luxury as rarity. Or does it?

Stories vs Storage The major response to massclusivity was the realisation that simply hording

Massclusivity Even if you ignore the cheap Chinese knock-offs that blatantly defy international intellectual property standards, there has been an enormous proliferation of luxury

w w w. p r e s t i g e m a g . c o . z a

cool and expensive stuff just does not cut it in the right circles anymore. It is the experience and the story behind the acquisition of an item that will have people hanging on your every word on the cocktail circuit. The old style of dropping the line, “We are off to Some Private Island” next week just does not fly, because so might most of the people in the room. But listen to the dressy blonde next to me at the bar tell the story of her handbag: “I was in this dark corner of a market in Marakesh, and I swore I saw Sean Connery ducking under a Panama hat. I knew he might be filming in the area, so I tried to get a quick glimpse. Next minute this tall, scary character was behind me, and I thought he was either going to abduct me or propose. Instead, he hauled out this awesome handbag and begged me to make him a price. I bought it at about 50 percent of what he first offered, then lost it in transit and spent three days driving back to Lost Luggage at OR Tambo every day, until we discovered that Mrs X, a famous African politician’s wife, accidentally mistook it as one of hers and the bag went all the way back up to West Africa. She couriered it back to me with a personal note, which I now keep on the mantelpiece next to our photo when we met the just-released Mandela.” Now that is a bag to have in your status arsenal, not?

Transumerism The shift away from “ownership to accessship” has been named “transumerism.” First spotted among travellers, transumerism has now moved home with the jet-set. In essence, it is a process of shedding weight and becoming more mobile in consumption – obtaining freedom from place and belongings. Any serious collector will testify to the headaches of storage, maintenance, insurance and security, and the world’s high net worth individuals are ridding

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themselves of this pain. Top-end experiences are better achieved through fractionalisation of ownership under professional management, or through memberships in very elite club and concierge concepts. Much easier to call in, pick up the latest Maserati for the two days you need to use it, and to return it dusty and unfilled to the guy on the other side as your syndicated private jet waits for you on the tarmac. In and out. Quickly, without the obligations of ownership and the lingering doubts about the investment value of your luxury assets. The ultimate weight being shed by the ultra rich is the limitation of national identity. They are taking residency on international waters, on a luxury ship called the Utopia, a 105,000-tonne ocean liner that will have 190 residences and 222 spacious suites for cruise passengers. The residences range from 130 to 600 square metres, with various room configurations, décor and furnishings customisable to client preferences. The company behind Utopia is currently taking applications from prospective clients, and prices are available on request. The Utopia plans to circle the world forever, on an itinerary shaped by international events and celebrations, such as the Cannes Film Festival, the Olympics, Carnivale in Rio, Chinese New Year in Hong Kong and the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Residents will be able to live a year-round life of überpremium experiences where there are no boundaries. This is not a first of its kind.

Überpremium The advent of massclusivity has not killed off the ownership of top-end brands completely, but it has resulted in a few new quirks. Amid the growth in the number of high net worth individuals, affordability no longer sets the bar to entry. Rather, making sure that you are invited, or that you do not get into something too late, has become

the new norm. This access is the überpremium. Once again, the social networking effect of high-end private club concepts, making you the first to know or allowing you the cherished invite, is what now determines your status. Experience and ownership come together in new ways, for instance, when shops in the high lane close their doors for the masses on special days, and only allow one to three specially invited guests in for full attention and product previews. Other highly possible sightings in the near future in South Africa could, for example, be exclusive parking for Lexus owners at sporting stadiums and select shopping malls, or the opening of a store that sells nothing for less than R1 million. In fact, Future Exotics at Cape Town's V&A may already be it…

Create Finally, there is a significant number of high net worth individuals who are being turned off conspicuous consumption, and are redirecting their energy and the freedom they gained through their wealth into creative outlets. Having grown a fond appreciation for the craftsmanship and mastery of those people who work behind the scenes in producing luxury goods, they too want to express their own creativity and tackle the hard task of acquiring skills you cannot buy off the shelf. New experiences such as helping the master chef in his kitchen, learning how to engrave old silver, Victorian carpentry apprenticeships, or studying how to paint and draw like a La Belle Epoch master ranks progressively higher on the wish list of experiences. Non-economic skills and aesthetics become the new status symbols – sailing with the world’s best like a Larry Ellison, or conducting a major symphony as an amateur. Now that is something to tell your grandchildren and their prep school friends one day. 

Sunseeker

The 37-Metre Trideck Enters Local Waters

From a tiny spot on Eden Island, Sunseeker (Seychelles) now markets and distributes this premier brand of luxury motor yacht all over the Indian Ocean and Southern African region.

Words: TANYA GOODMAN Images: ÂŠ Sunseeker International

Yachts

ffering sales, service and access to a fractional ownership programme, Managing Director Christian Graefe is thrilled about the prospect of making a home for Sunseeker in the Seychelles, seeing it as a mutually beneficial initiative for the local tourism industry and opening up this pristine region to an exclusive clientele. The recent introduction of Sunseeker to the Seychelles Islands was marked by the grand premiere of the movie, Quantum of Solace, in the country’s capital, Victoria. The much anticipated event was the first of its kind in Seychelles’ history and was attended by several VIPs as well as

Seychelles’ very own Bond Girls. Sunseeker heads off this month to the London Boat Show where they will be unveiling three exciting new models: their spacious 30-Metre Yacht, the stylish Predator 64, and the revolutionary 74 Predator Sport Fly – along with showcasing the Superhawk 43 Special Edition that featured in the latest James Bond film. Of the seven limited editions of these Quantum of Solace yachts, one will reside in the fleet of Sunseeker Charter Seychelles. With over 115 islands spread across the vastness of the western Indian Ocean, the Seychelles archipelago forms one of the world’s most exclusive and unspoilt eco-tourism destinations, and teams up perfectly with Sunseeker. Visitors can

imbibe the idyllic sights and sounds in the lap of luxury. Some islands are known for their excellent aerial views and sensational photographic opportunities while others have breathtaking coastal topography capped by lush hills with dense tropical vegetation. Natural erosion has carved coastlines into secluded bays, honeymoon coves, massive boulders and stunning beaches that are reputed to be among the most romantic and “sexiest” in the world. The seas around the Seychelles Islands are very calm for nine months of the year and, coupled with warm weather, offer year-round cruising and safe anchorage. The Sunseeker name is synonymous with luxury, performance and captivating

beauty, with each and every craft finished to the highest standards of specification, both inside and out. Options for customisation abound on larger craft. Each Sunseeker yacht is meticulously designed and exquisitely finished to ensure the maximum pleasure. From the open air bathing platforms, outdoor dining areas and facilities for launching jet skis, through to the comfortable indoor lounges, state-of-the-art entertainment systems and luxury accommodation suites, Sunseeker yachts offer everything a client could want. The Superhawk, Portofino, Predator and Manhattan ranges of high performance and spacious boats vary in size from 37 to 105 foot and boast interior designs that use an exceptional selection of top quality materials from around the world, resulting in the ultimate balance of power and luxury. The launching of the 37-Metre Trideck in 2007 by Sunseeker (UK) International was another step forward to meet the needs of a highly demanding international niche market. And it has now arrived in local waters. With its new offices based at the Marina of luxury real estate development, Eden Island, Sunseeker Seychelles will have its official opening in early 2009 and will be offering clients the entire yacht range. Its innovative Fractional Ownership programme, available with various Sunseeker models, will also be launched,

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providing a comprehensive and cost effective way to live the Sunseeker dream at your own pace and convenience. The programme includes concierge services, the provision of captain and crew, maintenance, insurance and all other aspects and amenities associated with owning, operating and maintaining the yacht under terms and conditions. With over 100 diverse islands and numerous underwater spots to explore, the Sunseeker Charter programme will offer personalised itineraries of various durations and gourmet cuisine to suit every client’s preferences. Discreet and well trained crew will ensure that cruises on one of the world’s most beautiful boats synchronise perfectly with the beauty of one of the most enviable and untouched destinations on Earth. All flight and hotel reservations, land transport as well as catering services on board will be organised by professional staff that can provide you with all the personal attention and information you require to make your cruise a journey of re-discovery. The dynamic charter fleet will include the Superhawk 43 Quantum of Solace Special Edition as well as a 72 Predator and an 82 Predator, with plans to expand offerings during the course of the year. The final complement to the range of services from Sunseeker Seychelles will be the launch of Sunseeker Service Centre, operational in 2009 at the Gondwana

Marina situated at Providence. The only one of its kind in the Indian Ocean region, the state-of-the-art Service Centre will cater to Sunseeker yachts and will have the capacity to lift yachts of up to 110 tonnes with a mobile lift, provide indoor service and storage facilities, and offer all aspects of maintenance, cleaning and detailing services. Boats other than Sunseeker yachts will also be welcome to make use of this beneficial service. The introduction of Sunseeker yachts to the Indian Ocean and Southern African region now broadens the sailing horizons for all South Africans seeking a yachting destination in the sun. With the Seychelles Eden Island Marina’s infrastructure in place, gorgeous weather practically all year round, and a superior range of boats and ownership options to choose from, this area promises to indeed become our local yachting playground, more than sufficient to rival the more traditional spots in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.  For further information contact Sunseeker Seychelles at Eden Island Marina: • Tel: +248 52 34 34; after hours +248 54 82 00 • Fax: +248 34 61 66 • Email: info@sunseekerseychelles.sc • Website: www.sunseeker.com • Address: Eden Island Marina, PO Box 1370, Victoria, Mahé, Republic of Seychelles

A Slice of

Paradise

Le Saint Géran

Words: INGRID KENMUIR Images: © ONE&ONLY le saint gÉran

The distinguished One&Only Le Saint Géran stands proudly and peacefully in the silver white sands of its own private peninsula. It doesn’t take long to feel the friendly calm of its easy luxury, as what this resort offers is a special kind of hospitality that welcomes back generations of families year after year.

n the east coast of Mauritius, Le Saint Géran graces 60 acres on the picturesque Belle Mare peninsula. The resort is fringed by almost two kilometres of beach, bound by a sheltered cove on one side and a shimmering bay on the other. This neck of land is ringed by a protective hemline of coral reef from the deep Indian Ocean and is very close to the site of the 1744 shipwreck of Le Saint Géran. Originally opened in 1975 and remodelled in 1999, the resort’s discreet comfort is complemented by service that is attentive without being obtrusive. Walking into the grand entrance hall of Le Saint Géran my partner and I are welcomed with wide smiles, firm handshakes and cold towels. A glance around reveals a tiled floor inlaid with a patterned mosaic, wicker furniture and brightly coloured cushions, and a table decorated with several bowls in which

flowers of varied shades, textures and shapes are arranged to give a bright and scented hello. An extensive system of small rivers, streams and ponds wraps itself around and under the hotel, its corridors and walkways. The tropical garden brings the outside inside, and hundreds of koi fish swim sedately in the cool shadows. Le Saint Géran accommodates its guests in 148 junior suites (of either 65 or 70 square metres), 14 ocean suites (of 119 square metres), and one villa (of 622 square metres). Dutch and French colonial influences with hints of European style characterise the junior suites, while each ocean suite has a separate roomy lounge, private dining room and two secluded terraces leading off the master bedroom. The villa is a classical island home with four-poster beds, jacuzzis, a fully-fitted kitchen, spacious living area, personal chef and butler, and contingent of waiting staff.

We are led to our room – a junior suite with a view of the lagoon. Immaculately finished, it includes delights such as a Nespresso coffee machine for fresh filter coffee on a whim, a bottle of good red wine and two crystal glasses, an iPod docking station, a large plasma TV, and a private terrace with chaise lounges and a nearby hanging hammock. I twirl around, giddy. Our personal butler arrives with icy welcome drinks – tropical cocktails garnished with fresh fruit – and swiftly disappears with our dinner outfits for pressing. That afternoon we take a walk along the beach, the sand cool against our feet. It is sundown, but the clouds are so thick that only dim sunlight can seep through, casting a moody glow over the lagoon, turning the water silver grey and tingeing the sky a pale pink. We spend the better part of an hour wading through the shallows, ogling at the coral gardens and the teensy fish swimming through them. A

pair of white swans waddles off the beach and settles onto the grass, hissing at us as we steer a wider berth around them. At Le Saint Géran, dining is an experience of the best of the world and the pick of Mauritius. The resort has three restaurants, La Terrasse, Rasoi by Vineet, and Spoon des Îles. La Terrasse is set around the pool and overlooks the Indian Ocean, serving a wide selection of local and international specialties. Waterside Rasoi by Vineet features the acclaimed cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Vineet Bhatia. A menu of modern Indian flavours is prepared in the restaurant’s show kitchen and is an innovative mix of Naaninis, Romali Roti wraps, Indian Mezzeh and PizzaNaans. Spoon des Îles is a refined gourmet restaurant that overlooks the tropical gardens and water features. It is the creation of renowned chef Alain Ducasse and exudes a sophisticated and distinctly French air. As evening approaches we make our way to the Pool Bar for champagne and canapés. A band is playing and a handful of people are jiving and shimmying on the dance floor. We take a casual stroll across the gardens towards Rasoi by Vineet, where we have a dinner reservation. The food is warm and comforting, spicy and scrumptious. A swinging love seat beneath a giant coconut palm is too good to resist and we dash back to the suite to retrieve the bottle of cabernet,

which we drink slowly under the inky sky. Le Saint Géran has something of a sanctuary for the weary – the One&Only Spa. With eight treatment rooms, a hydro jet, sauna, lap pool, spa boutique, salon, health and fitness centre, and extensive range of body and facial treatments, guests are encouraged to take a holistic approach to their vacation. Together with the Bastien Gonzalez Chiropody, Pedicure & Manicure Centre, where the renowned Gonzalez handpicked and personally trained his team of specialists, there is little reason for the body not to feel revived along with the mind. We enjoy a leisurely breakfast in anticipation of a spa treatment booked for around noon. After donning terry cloth robes and matching slippers, we unwind in the relaxation room, which overlooks the lap pool and, a little way off, the ocean. A soft-spoken therapist brings us glasses of herb-infused tea, aimed to aid the body in quieting down before the treatment. We are led to the spa pavilion, positioned within the gardens and ponds, between the criss-crossing wooden walkways. A gentle breeze ruffles my hair as I sink into scented bliss, the fragranced aromatherapy oils numbing my consciousness as the strong hands of the therapist press the tension from my shoulders. On the beach, licensed hawkers sell patterned, colourful sarongs, polished cowry shells, hand-woven tablecloths,

delicate cashmere shawls, strings of pearls, shell and coral necklaces and beaded bangles. At the boathouse, guests can make use of a great many complimentary water sports and activities, such as hobie cats, kayaks, laser sailing, snorkelling and glass-bottom boat trips, windsurfing, and pedalo boats. At the recently renovated KidsOnly, the resort’s children's club, the chosen shipwreck theme follows the original Le Saint Géran story with sails, wood plank walls, barrels and a centre post to simulate ship elements. The large exterior playground has a swimming pool, sandpit, grass play area and funky dining area while inside, high-tech gear includes four Apple iMacs and Wi-Fi access, as well as a movie room equipped with spanking new video game systems and the latest games. For teens, a Youth Fitness Programme offers activities such as Tai Chi, golf, tennis, swimming clinics, cooking classes and a variety of water sports. Nobody is spoilt for choice here. We push a pedalo into the water and hop onboard, using pedal power to shunt ourselves across the lagoon. Several boats are moored just off shore, and small islands break the gentle waves every so often. Back on shore, we clean up and dress for dinner, which will be at La Terasse tonight. We order starters off the a la carte menu before tucking into plum-glazed roast duck, spiced rice, ovenroasted vegetables and an assortment of crisp and tasty salads. Dessert is a tough choice, as all the options beg to be tried. I settle for a rich chocolate mousse with raspberry coulis, and am not disappointed. We end our evening with a deliberate dawdle through the sprawling, moonlit gardens. As the jovial strumming and crooning of the evening’s entertainment echoes after us, trailed by contagious laughter, it is not difficult to understand why families return to Le Saint Géran year after year.  Contact One&Only Le Saint Géran • Tel: +230 401 1688 • Email: reservations@oneandonlylesaint geran.com • Website: www.oneandonlyresorts.com

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Flights operated by Comair Limited.

sniff

Gun Dog Hunting

The Gentleman’s Game It is a local rite of passage to head out for the winter biltong hunt. In South Africa, loud Americans fly in daily, excited about hunting big game in Africa. But the real gentleman hunter works his dogs and polishes his shotgun for months in advance for a completely different encounter with nature. Words: MICHEL GAMBOL Images: Istockphoto.com

hat a cold morning in the Eastern Free State! The dogs’ eager breathing is billowing large clouds of condensation. This is dry country, and our small party of three hunters with our dogs has the whole expanse of the yellow grassy upland in front of us, waiting for a demisun to show itself behind the distant Drakensberg peaks. Our shotguns have been tested and cleaned the day before, and this morning they smell faintly of the last London oils that caressed both steel and wood when we bunked down in our cabin last night – Blackberry long forgotten. Our eyes are frozen on our dogs, waiting for their age-old instincts to guide our day. They will smell the birds we have come to hunt, and they will lead us to them. I am between friends, two- and four-legged alike, with this strange mixture of extreme calm and anticipation. The world around us seems timeless, asleep as it has been through the ages, yet waiting for the silence to be broken by the flapping of wings and the crack of our shotguns.

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I have grown to love this sport. So many things of great precision and beauty have come together in this endeavour. There is the feeling of being out in nature with companions. Then, there is my wife’s endless search for the perfect bird recipe. She has disappeared into the kitchens of several fine restaurants across the world to try wrench the chefs’ secrets from unrelenting hands, and she has tried each and every scribbled napkin note on the birds I have bagged. She still emails the chef she met in Corsica, and would rather forget about her brave encounter with the local Chinese restaurateur around the corner in Jeppe Town. That was one duck wasted. And then there is my dog and my guns. Jess, my German Short-Hair Pointer has been part of the family for seven years. She sleeps with one of the kids, and follows the other around the whole day. But on weekends, she and I set out to work, even if it is in the local park, where the resident ducks have by now learned to ignore her. I have had long fire-side talks with Jess about the prospect of a good retriever joining our team, and I think she might have a secret crush on one of my hunting buddies' black Labrador Retrievers. However, we have come to the conclusion that as long as we are mostly going to hunt together in these drier upland ranges, we would hardly need a wet, smelly, over-eager partner in this enterprise. Maybe they are good for something in Scotland or Nova Scotia, but around here, we just find our own quarry. A bit like when I have to play golf and spend most of my time searching in the rough. I am not sure which is the tougher part of this sport: training Jess or settling on the perfect shotgun. (Well, the toughest part

has probably been explaining the cost of my mounting collection of the finest London shotguns to my wife). My first stop in London is always over in Mayfair with Purdey, who has been in the business since the early 1800s. I have ogled, stroked and envied every item in the store, and finally, as my 40th birthday present to myself, took the plunge and placed my bespoke order. Being a Purdey man first and foremost never stopped me from dropping by William Evans, and on every business deal I close, my special treat is yet another addition to my shotgun collection. The last over-and-under 20-bore sidelock that I ordered from them set me back a good £45,000, but this is the gun that I want to train my son on, and to have him by my side in the field, once he gets past the thrills of skateboarding with his friends and playing video-games. If ever! I have dropped in at a few gun auctions, yet never seem to have any luck. I suppose the day job and infrequent visits to London make it a bit difficult to stay on par with local collectors. My hunting partner’s pride and joy is his Holland & Holland Royal sideby-side (which I’ll begrudgingly admit was a tad more expensive than mine). I believe the Americans also make a good bunch of shotguns, but in my view, you cannot take them too seriously when they dress in orange for the hunt – same kind of eyesore as golfers in pastels. After my first London gunshop visit, where barrel length, weight and the likes to suit me were determined, that little piece of paper has stayed in my wallet and has travelled further than any one of my wife’s duck recipes. But, wait. Back to the hunt. The sun is out and Jess has that little snuffle. She will raise a paw to point out birds any minute now. Shhhhhhh. 

I Shot The Sheriff

Eric Clapton’s

Shotgun Collection As befits an über-legend, the first time Eric Clapton ventured into the shooting field, he was carrying his very own, brand new, bespoke Purdey - yet it was not made specifically for him. Another Purdey client had commissioned the gun. Words: ELIZABETH WALTON Images: HOLT’S AUCTIONEERS; gallo images/getty images

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was taking lessons at the West London Shooting School,” Clapton tells me, “and I said to my instructor one day, ‘What would be your ideal gun if you had no constraints at all?’ He said, ‘A Purdey over-and-under (O/U)’.” A nod from an expert is as good as a wink to Clapton, who thought to himself, “I’ll go to Purdey’s, and see what they’ve got.” Here Nigel Beaumont of Purdey’s takes up the story. “It was May 2003, and a client had cancelled out on a commission. This 12bore O/U was literally being finished when Eric Clapton saw it. It was fortuitous that he liked it, and that the dimensions were right for him.” The embellishment adorning that first Purdey O/U took the novice shooter’s breath away. “It was extraordinary,” Clapton recalls. “The action was steel carved – very flamboyant. I was quite overwhelmed. There I was, a new shooter going into the field with a gun that was quite ‘bling’. But I don’t mind going in at the deep end. I used it a lot, and was very attached to it until I realised I needed a pair more than a single gun, and started to collect pairs.” Anyone bitten by the collecting bug is a restless spirit. Clapton describes himself as “a kit junkie” and confesses to “a magpie

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tendency,” so it was almost inevitable that the Purdey O/U would herald a sizeable gun collection of exceptionally high quality. “It’s following the same pattern as when I collected guitars, cars and watches,” he says. “I start out with a fairly broad spectrum – got obsessed, then engulfed, and finally narrowed the collections down. I built a gunroom that can house a certain number of guns, and now I have to clear the decks for the new guns I have on order. Also, a custodian has a certain responsibility to keep things ticking over. I feel uncomfortable about owning things that don’t get used.” Clapton is a perfectionist, and these magnificent guns reflect these traits. “I found that when I started to shoot, I wanted to shoot beautiful guns,” he tells me. “I was also baffled by the fact that nobody really

used English guns out in the field. Although we have a tremendous history of gunmaking in this country, it seemed that most people used Spanish guns or Brownings. And I just thought, ‘I’d like to get some guns made by just about every British builder that I can’.” “I went to all the best London houses to have guns made. Having come to know a few shooters, I got recommendations on what sort of specifications to use – length of barrel, the gauges, etc., but while all these things are important, I try to couple my decisions with whatever artistic sense I have.” Design and craftsmanship both “intrigue and interest” this former art student who was raised by his grandfather, Jack Clapp, a master builder with a strong work ethic. “I grew up around people who worked with their hands,” Clapton says.

When I suggest that he is drawn to Boss guns because of the elegance of their line, Clapton agrees. “And they have tremendous charisma – if you can call a gun charismatic. They have a fabulous history, and there’s an element of the underground about Boss, too. Everyone knows about Purdey and Holland & Holland, but you can even say to another shooter, ‘What do you think of Boss’ and he won’t know what you’re talking about. There’s a certain mystique, a certain cachet about them. In future, I think Boss guns will make up three quarters of my collection.” Quiz Clapton on what contributes most of all to his relationship with his guns and the clues emerge. Engraver Marcus Hunt personalised Clapton’s pair of William Evans 20-bores in a manner that filled the owner with awe. “Beautiful work,” Clapton says. “Marcus is

a very keen fisherman, and we spent quite a bit of time fishing together.” Clapton, too, has been an avid fisherman since he was a boy in the Surrey Hills, and Hunt worked from the photographs he took as they fished. It becomes clear that for Clapton, being out in the field is the chief attraction of owning his fine, traditional, best English guns, “It’s the shooting of the gun,” he confirms. “I’m just an average shot; I’m never going to be a great shot because it’s not my first interest. Playing the guitar is my prime interest in life. Shooting and fishing are hobbies, and you can never really become a master at a hobby.” A right-thinking shooter, he cleaves to his duty to the quarry. “I do like high pheasants, but I’m a common or garden shot and I like common or garden shooting. I don’t understand, or

enjoy, shooting at pheasants that look like they are out of range. I’m just not good enough for it, and I don’t see the point. If shooting was my main occupation, I might feel differently. But because I only do it once or twice a week, I prefer to shoot at birds I know I can hit.” Clapton and his wife, Melia, impose a limit on their sport by vowing to eat what they kill. “A tall order,” he says, “nevertheless, we try. I find shooting a much more social pastime than fishing, and I value them both because I’m not really that gregarious, and shooting with groups of people up and down the country has taught me a lot about how to get on with my fellow human beings.” For further information on the guns, contact Nick Holt at Holt & Company on +44 1485 542822 or email nick@holtandcompany.co.uk 

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Something So Sublime...

Shanti Ananda Modelled on the principles that have made its award-winning sister spa, Ananda Himalayas, one of the world’s most sought-after retreats, 35-acre Shanti Ananda in Mauritius seeks to recreate the balance of mind, matter and intellect. It does this through its proximity to nature and the ancient processes and philosophies of Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta. A stay here goes well beyond mere physical rejuvenation, encompassing all the elements of holistic and stress-free living. In Sanskrit, “Shanti” means peace and “Ananda” means bliss – perfect words to describe this resort, a haven for those seeking a little “me time.” Words: TONI ACKERMANN Images: © SHANTI ANANDA MAURICE

hen my fiancée and I arrive in a flurry of too much hand luggage, the quiet calm of Shanti Ananda soon hushes us. My breathing eases and my thumping heart slows, I drop my bags and stare across the atrium and straight out to the

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azure sea. Two attendants wearing red saris with delicate gold beadwork glide across the tiles towards us. They perform a brief ceremony, anointing our foreheads with water and draping Rudraksha beads – known to combat the effects of stress – around our necks. We are led to our suite, where we don our comfy, all-cotton Kurta pyjamas, which are intended to take away

the pressure of formal dressing, and step out onto the balcony. Shanti Ananda is positioned in the shadows of jungle-clad mountains along the far-reaching shores of the secluded south coast, and thus we are greeted with a sweeping view of the untamed shoreline, fringed with dark volcanic rock outcrops and clumps of lush vegetation.

The afternoon of our arrival, I have a consultation with the Ayurvedic physician, Dr Mane. We sip aromatic Green Tea as he talks to me about Ayurveda*. I listen, rapt, as he details these new ideas and principles. Dr Mane takes my blood pressure and checks my pulse. He frowns and shakes his head. I sit up straighter. He rattles off a list of questions, and I answer yes, no, maybe, sometimes, yes, definitely. “Which personality sounds more like you?” he asks, starting with the first list of characteristics. My smile broadens as he gets further down the list. “This person is emotional,” he says, “impulsive, compassionate, driven.” He is describing me to a "T." “They worry a lot, and their minds are hyperactive – always thinking, always busy.” After more questions he seems satisfied and announces that I am a pitta-vata dosha. He tells me I need to manage my stress, take time to relax and meditate. And he advises me to breathe more – apparently I don’t breathe very deeply, and at times I hold my breath entirely. He suggests a grounding scrub followed by an aromatherapy massage to help me relax and ease muscle tension, insists that I attend the morning yoga class to learn breathing techniques, and recommends an Ayurvedic session. I am to start my treatment immediately. I soon find myself lying on a marble table, damp from a quick shower, natural light flooding the room and scented oils hanging on the air. Soft hands sweep across the soles of my feet and I immediately understand their suppleness as rough grains of sea salt are rubbed vigorously, albeit, gently along my feet, calves and thighs. My back is next, and before long I am flipped over and the procedure repeated from toe to top. When I leave about an hour later I feel invigorated, tingly and alive. The therapist leads me through the sedate spa complex to another treatment room, this one dark and warm. I am looking forward to this aromatherapy massage, which will see carefully blended essential oils and pressure point massage techniques work tension from my muscles and aid lymph drainage. The ritual involves lightly washing my feet, which the petite therapist does on bended knees before breathing an incantation to begin the session. The fragrance of the oils is floral, sweet and heavy, but not unpleasantly so. My muscles begin to relax as the pressure of the therapist’s hands increases. I drift off as she reaches the left thigh, and wake myself with an awkward snore as she reaches the right one. The massage seems to last forever, and I doze off several more times, numbed into altered state of awareness by the evenly measured strokes.

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against the sensation of two hands simultaneously kneading the width of my back, rolling up my arms, twisting across my back, springing over my buttocks (nimbly whipping off said scanty panties), tracking the length of my legs down to my feet, and cracking the knuckle of each toe in completion. I flip over onto my back and the therapists pull their hands across my shoulders, round my neck and trace a figure of eight over my chest. Superlatives fail me. They do this for the better part of an hour before sitting me upright and helping me into a scorching steam shower. My skin turns pink and I can feel a year’s worth of pent up toxins seep from my pores. I don’t recall ever feeling this good. I spend the rest of the afternoon and evening with a serene smile fixed to my face, the blissful sense of calm not budging.

“

At Shanti Ananda, complimentary activities do not include water sports or golf games – though these can be arranged – but rather early morning, noon and sundown yoga sessions, meditation sittings, Vedanta lectures, nature treks, and fitness classes. An elaborate dark marble and granite infinity pool is the centre point between the property’s two restaurants, Pebbles and Da Maurizio, and the lounge bar, Red Ginger, and between treatments guest flit from this to the crystal-blue sea. That evening at dinner, I follow the physician’s advice and order off the Ayurveda menu for pitta body types. My meal is a cappuccino of mushroom soup followed by buckwheat pasta with tomato, olives, parmesan and porcini mushrooms, and rounded off with a eucalyptus jelly dessert. I sleep peacefully and wake feeling well. We jog to the spa’s yoga pavilion for an hour of Shanti yoga. It is the first time either the other half or I have done yoga, and I giggle as he tries to turn himself into a pretzel and chant his “ohm.” He returns the favour by chuckling as I struggle to bend my knees, yoga-style, to rest my feet cross legged on top. As I leave the pavilion there’s a definite spring in my step, and my mind is clear and calm. After breakfast I return to the spa for my abhyanga treatment, a synchronised whole body massage performed by two therapists using Shanti’s dosha-specific oil blends – pitta-vata in my case. I am nervous, as this treatment requires I slip on some seriously scanty panties and lie otherwise naked on the wooden table. About five minutes into the session this shyness disappears and I relish the warm oils and deft movements. Yesterday’s aromatherapy massage holds nothing

In Sanskrit, “Shanti” means peace and “Ananda” means bliss

Three days at Shanti Ananda means we only skimmed the surface of what the resort has on offer, and the good that can come from a solid, stringent programme of Ayurvedic treatments coupled with a diet suited to your body type and daily lifestyle lectures. A minimum of five days is recommended, though most guests stay an average of 14, and the lucky ones, as many

as 21.  Contact Shanti Ananda Maurice • Tel: +230 603 7200 • Email: info.maurice@shantiananda.com • Website: www.shantiananda.com

*Ayurveda is the science of life, “ayus” meaning life and “veda” meaning knowledge in Sanskrit. It is an ancient Indian healing system that has been practised for over 5,000 years. Ayurveda is a holistic belief, meaning it treats the person as a whole, not as a collection of individual parts. The basic Ayurvedic philosophy is that everything in the universe, including us, is composed of five elements called Panchamahabhutas together with Tridosha (or bio-energies), which govern our health and determine our physical constitution (or Prakrati). The five elements include ether, air, fire, water and earth, while the three principle bio-energies are vata, pitta and kapha. Most individuals have a predominant dosha, which determines body type, of which there are seven variations.

GREY 123698

Some sailors still navigate by the stars. Heineken速, Proud Sponsor of the Heineken速 Cape to Bahia 2009.

Not For Sale To Persons Under The Age Of

David

vs Goliath

Open ocean yacht racing is a high-stress sport that requires absolute professionalism, vast experience and intimate knowledge of a wide range of subjects, from meteorology and navigation to sail and mechanical repair. Skills and knowledge still used today were built up by professional sailors over the centuries, as pioneers dared go where no one had gone before, take notes and keep record. Many ships succumbed to Davy Jones' Locker* and many a soul was lost in the brine as humanity pursued this knowledge.

Words: SEBASTIAN TOMBS Images: ÂŠ Brenton geach

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skill

owadays, this knowledge is carried along by the competitive yacht sailor aboard his or her ultramodern boat, often stored in the miniature depths of computer chips and refined through the use of satellites. Many of our modern great ocean crossing and circumnavigation races require wealthy teams with huge budgets to construct expensive yachts with which to break 24-hour distance records. They hire the best professional sailors in the world and call their races campaigns as they add a marketing edge to the picture to satisfy publicity hungry sponsors. But somehow, a certain downwind dash across the South Atlantic, from Cape Town to the shores of football-mad Brazil, has proven to be more than that. This race is the Heineken Cape to Bahia, in previous years known as the Cape to Rio. Somehow, this race has always allowed for more than just an exclusive club of heavyweights, as it swung open the doors of an intercontinental adventure to John and Jane

Average. And it has rewritten the meaning of the word professional, fitting the shoe not only to the expensive feet of the highly paid, but also to the keen, the enthusiastic and the dedicated – who love sailing enough to do it right. Gerry Hegie of Cape Town and his three crew aboard Over Proof can certainly be described as professional, notwithstanding the fact that they don't have much of a campaign budget to talk about. Over Proof is going to be the smallest boat in the race fleet of 48. But that does not means she's going to be slow. A stripped out Open 30 racer, Over Proof requires skilled crew to keep her on the straight and narrow. Weighing only two tonnes and sporting carbon fibre spars with a huge, 110 square metre asymmetrical spinnaker, it is appropriate to call her an extreme yacht. “Make no mistake, we are not alsorans, we're in it to win (on handicap),” Hegie said recently while completing the finishing touches for his boat's preparations. Hegie, James Largier, Finn Fitzsimons and Duncan Matthews have been putting their backs into smoothing down the boat's hull, making new rudders and ensuring everything is in tip-top condition for the race. “Our average age aboard is 21, but our experience is high. All we do in life is sail,” Hegie said. On the other side of the spectrum, the professional crew aboard the monster so-called super-maxi, Rambler, are also hard at work preparing for the race. For them, prize money and trophies come second to the recognition gained from boasting another win, especially if done in record time. Rambler crew boss David Petersen believes his team has their work cut out for them if they want to beat the longer and newer ICAP Leopard. “She's more powerful and at 100 feet she is 10 feet longer than Rambler (a known advantage under sail). And she is also newer, so I think

we're up against it,” the Kiwi professional said. “But our advantages are that we have been sailing together a lot longer with a truly international crew of professionals with many years' experience, from the Volvo Ocean Race, through the SydneyHobart to the America's Cup. “Our boat is also lighter than Leopard and we have renewed a lot of stuff aboard Rambler. It is possible that the conditions might suit us, especially in lighter winds. It is going to be a good race, I think. You know what to expect and weather knowledge will be vital. We have two navigators aboard who are also meteorologists.” Leopard and Rambler are going to fight it out to see who crosses the finish line first at Salvador, the port in the Bahia region of Brazil. But Rambler has a second aim. “We can also go for the handicap win and we are going to do our best,” Petersen said. But to do that, the two Goliaths will have the little David of Gerry Hegie to contend with. “The guys from ICAP Leopard and Rambler tell me they're only packing enough food for 12 days, which suggests they are aiming for a finish of between 10 and 12 days after the start in Cape Town,” said solo-sailing veteran and race organiser John Martin. “Look, it is a known fact that weather patterns have changed considerably over the last few years and the norm just isn't the norm any more. But this race should remain a downwind event. The South Atlantic High Pressure System might move further south, maybe. The classic route will probably still be the best, with boats dropping down to the 20 Degree South latitude near St Helena. The big boats will dash for line honours and there are several boats in the 45 to 50-foot size that will be very competitive on handicap. But watch Gerry Hegie and his guys. Watch them.” 

*Davy Jones’ Locker The phrase goes back at least two centuries, since the first clear reference comes from Tobias Smollett, who wrote in The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle in 1751 that: “This same Davy Jones, according to the mythology of sailors, is the fiend that presides over all the evil spirits of the deep, and is often seen in various shapes, perching among the rigging on the eve of hurricanes, shipwrecks, and other disasters to which sea-faring life is exposed, warning the devoted wretch of death and woe.” So his locker is the bottom of the sea, the ocean’s depths. (Source: Michael Quinion at www.worldwidewords.org.)

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sit

Twiice

the Integrity

In an industry that is fast becoming fraught with cheap imports of inferior quality, it is all too easy to produce a work of art or piece of furniture, label it as an original and sell it for a handsome sum. But there are those, like Tin Korver, owner of Twiice International, who vehemently critique this lack of creativity and the frequency of inexpert counsel and vie, instead, for greater design integrity. Words: TONI ACKERMANN Images: © TONI ACKERMANN; TWIICE INTERNATIONAL

ays a passionate Tin Korver, “It both alarms and amuses me, and of course at times angers me, when I think about design integrity or rather, the lack of it. I came to South Africa 13 years ago to open a business I could be proud of – and subsequently I am – but I do wonder why it is that the client is willing to compromise on quality by negotiating on an interior designer’s fee and tolerating inferior services and products, and thus losing out at the end of the deal.” On the subject of “copy cat designers,” Korver is of the opinion that those who find themselves not quite inventive enough to come up with their own entirely new design do have it in them to introduce slight changes to other people’s “originals” so as to avoid creating an exact replica. “But what I think is, if they can spend so much time trying to

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sit

come up with a nuance of a difference, surely they can then design a whole new chair; take that leap and be truly creative.” Korver continues to say that while some might argue imitation is the dearest form of flattery, what it actually means is less financial gain. “When the time, labour and love put into a design are suddenly demeaned, the flattery becomes something of ridicule,” he says. For Korver, interior design is a profession that requires expertise, knowledge and training. Good taste and bargain hunting do not at all suffice. Of course a good designer should have a good eye, but there are other aspects to consider too, such as health and safety and the ergonomics of what you are creating, knowing your materials, your designs and the long term benefits thereof. These are the reasons why someone would turn to an interior designer – to help him or her with what they just don’t know enough about. He is thus baffled by why a client

would want to “shop around” for better interior design fees, as he feels you ultimately compromise the end result. “If you want a designer with talent, knowledge and educated expertise, then paying a fee of between two and three percent is just not viable,” says Korver. “Clients need to acknowledge reputable designers’ capabilities and be willing to pay for the high quality of service they no doubt want to receive.” But it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel, “The market is intelligent,” says Korver, “and is becoming increasingly more savvy. I am pleased to see that there are companies out there who insist on disclosures and affidavits. In my opinion, there should be a Design Code of Conduct – as there is with architects – where clients can find reputable interior designers. A Code of Conduct benefits all involved – clients, designers and suppliers – and means an open, transparent and ethical environment,

and ultimately a win-win situation, for all in the industry.” Says Korver in conclusion, “When asked which designer inspired him most, Marcel Wanders is reputed to have replied, ‘God. He made the world, he is the big designer. And evolution; evolution is quite good too. Sure it makes a lot of mistakes, but it keeps going.’ Perhaps no design is 100 percent original, but it evolves from what inspired the designer, and what will keep going to ensure that he or she will be the next inspiration. After all, where are we going if we remain stagnant and continue producing and purchasing copies, hitting a dead end and eventually making design defunct?” Visit the showroom of Twiice International at 70/72 Bree Street, Cape Town (contact +27 21 487 9060) or 1 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank (contact +27 11 343 8900). You can also visit www.twiice.com to view the ranges and designers online or read Tin Korver’s blog. 

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E x t r a v a g a n c e

D e f i n e d

a t

Taj Exotica

Resort & Spa

Overlooking the crystal waters of Mauritiusâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Tamarin Bay, set inside verdant gardens fringed with crunchy white sand, and resting beneath the shade of umpteen coconut palms, is Taj Exotica Resort & Spa. This boutique hotel, which forms part of the Leading Small Hotels of the World, is as divine a holiday location as tropical getaways come.

aj Exotica comprises 65 luxury villas and spans 27 scenic acres along Wolmar Beach, on the western coast of Mauritius. It is a haven of solitude where guests enjoy spacious villas set well apart from each other, whose architectural inspiration was drawn from the charming local styles, with influences of French colonial, Indian, African and Arabic origins. This diversity meshes to create a delightful assortment of colours, contours and textures. The villas are free of clutter, open and minimalistic, and fitted with plush furnishings and superior finishes. Each has

sublime its own infinity-edge plunge pool adjoining an outside living area, seamlessly merging indoor and outdoor living. In the en suite bathroom, polished marble surfaces lead the eye to a deep bath that begs to be wallowed in, and which comes complete with sticks of incense, vanilla-scented candles and bath time condiments from Molton Brown. A generous shower with full glass panelling offers unspoilt views of the private garden, within it a cobbled pathway that leads to the natural stone, open-air shower, which will cause you to giggle as you stand out in the tropical breezes in bashful nakedness. After sundowners on the deck of Breakers Bar watching what could probably be classed as some of the world’s most spectacular sunsets, dinner can be taken in your choice of two restaurants – Coast2Coast or Cilantro. All-day dining restaurant Coast2Coast serves Mauritian, Mediterranean and International cuisines in a casual setting with great views of the beach and bay. The restaurant’s high ceilings, shingle roof and open terrace make for superb al fresco dining. This is one of very few restaurants on the island that serves an all a la carte breakfast menu. At Cilantro, rich tones and subtle lighting contrast with gleaming mosaic tiles to create a restaurant that is chic and sophisticated, and where sensory pleasures abound. The tastes are traditional, blends

revolutionary, and presentation striking. The chefs hail from an assortment of backgrounds, making for a great bank of diversity in their cuisine, which incorporates flavours from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia and India. At the Teppanyaki grill, you can sit and watch the chef prepare meals right before your eyes, as his work station is in the centre of a large dining table. For those who prefer to keep their evenings intimate, in-villa dining is easily arranged. For a meal even more memorable, various private dining options give you the chance to wine and dine your loved one under a thick blanket of stars, against a backdrop of crashing waves, or in the lush and leafy gardens. During daylight hours, should lazing on the sands of Wolmar Beach sipping piña coladas not be quite enough for you, a multitude of water and land activities can be arranged, from catamaran cruises, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing to beach volleyball, table tennis and golf. If it is your deepest, darkest wish to travel the island in a limousine, simply ring up the concierge – or your personal butler should you prefer – and it will all be arranged for you. Perhaps the most attractive aspect of these luxury lodgings is the Jiva Grande Spa. This extensive spa complex, with its many suites and relaxation pavilions set in quiet surrounds, offers Western and

signature Indian treatments including aromatherapy, time-honoured Ayurvedic applications designed to cleanse the aura and infuse a sense of peace and calm, deep muscular massages, relaxation aromatherapy and detoxification cleansing wraps, to name but a few. It also features a hydrotherapy cascade pool with cabana seating, a chill pool, a hamam, a sanarium and a laconium, plus a yoga and meditation pavilion. Not forgetting the junior holidaymakers, Taj Exotica also has a kiddies facility, the Peter Pan Club, which offers an assortment of daily activities dependant on the number of children staying at the hotel. Youngsters are kept busy with games of hide and seek, treasure hunts, sand castle competitions, and face painting; kept amused with glass bottom boat trips, Sega dancing classes and beach games; kept intrigued by arts and crafts, holiday card making sessions, and hair braiding circles, and kept happy with yummy meals created with little ones in mind. If roomy opulence is the order of the day and you need sumptuous surrounds in which to rest, recharge and reboot, take the time to stop and admire the sunset over Tamarin Bay and slumber in total serenity at Taj Exotica.  Contact Taj Exotica • Tel: +230 403 1500 • Email: exotica.mauritius@tajhotels.com • Website: www.tajhotels.com

Words: Toni Ackermann Images: © TAJ EXOTICA RESORT & SPA, mauritius

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FEATURE

Volvo

Ocean Race

Blogs from the Deep

The second leg of the Volvo Ocean Race departed from Cape Town in mid-November, bound for Cochin, India. As anticipated, Leg 2 posed many new challenges for the teams, as this particular route had never been sailed before. The following excerpts from some of the blogs sent in by crew onboard cover the spectrum of emotions – sheer exhilaration, frustration, fear, triumph, and a wacky sense of humour. Words: TANYA GOODMAN Images: © GUSTAV MORIN/ERICSSON 3; Guy salter/Ericsson 4; all for volvo ocean race

eflecting on the experience of the Volvo Ocean Race, Magnus Olsson, Watch Captain on Ericsson 3 writes: “We all love those conditions; it is the reason we do this. You don’t need to sleep; you can’t sleep. It’s so much fun; you don’t know where you are, there’s water everywhere, the boat is going so fast and you don’t know if you are going to die or survive. It’s fantastic.”

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Crossing the equator for a second time, awake for the festivities in this case, Matt Gregory, Navigator on Green Dragon explains: "It’s a cool thing to watch the ‘S’ change to an ‘N’ if you are a ‘navigator type’. For some reason it may only be sailors who make such a big deal about crossing the equator. On aeroplane flights, pilots hardly make mention of it at all. Out here, the equator crossing ritual is taken very seriously. Considering we were blast

reaching along at 15 knots of boat speed during the Leg 1 crossing, it was all Neptune could do to organise a slurry of food to dump on our heads. I got off easy. In becalmed conditions and where the first time crossers are outnumbered by 10 to one, Stu has instigated ‘ceremonies’ that have lasted the entire day – his favourite: duct taping first-timers hands to the grinding pedestal handles.” After learning of Ericsson 4’s Leg 2

“

victory, Team Russia’s Skipper, Andreas Hanakamp, acknowledges their poor decision making early in the leg, but he is philosophical too: “It hurts, but we have to realise that our strategy from five days ago didn’t work out. There are still endless miles ahead of us and not a lot of wind. Currently we are on the wind against seven knots of breeze from where we want to go. That’s ocean sailing as well; that’s what connects us with the seafarers of old. On the sea, the desert and the mountains, you are with nature; that’s why we are out here.” Ken Read, skipper of Puma’s il mostro, in with a chance for the podium, describes the final stages of Leg 2: “It’s like running a marathon. You have four or five miles to go to the finish and you can see two runners in front of you… one about 150 metres ahead and the other about 400 metres. The road to the finish is straight, with no corners or turns, and, right now, has a downhill gradient, so everyone is running smoothly and loose, with not many passing lanes. Right before you finish, there is a hill and there may be some opportunity for passing, but for now, you just have to try and run a little faster than both of them, without hitting the wall.”

Sailing is not something you only do; it gets into your mind and stays in your spirit.

A sense that the end was near is also tangible in Navigator, Simon Fisher’s blog from Telefónica Blue: “The last miles don’t come easy. Some huge super cells we had to sail through last night, one moment four knots and, within minutes, gusts up to 35 knots... and in addition, bucket loads of water came falling down from the sky, so that sometimes the rain was worse than the spray coming over the deck. I might be soaked to the skin from rain and sea spray, but I don’t mind at all – the sea temperature is pushing 30 degrees and the prospect of a good curry and a Cobra beer is only 24 hours away! The last few miles are sure to be the toughest, but given that they may be coming sooner than we thought means smiles all round.” Perhaps Gustav Morin, Media Crew Member on Ericsson 3, best sums up the few quiet moments onboard and the

passion for the ocean that is expressed by all who choose to sail at these extremes: “Since we arrived in the Doldrums, we have been living from good stories, questions of life and thoughts about everything. Even though we spend hours and hours, weeks and weeks without land in sight and living a quite intense life onboard close to each other, both physically and mentally, a lot of the guys still dream about yachting, another race they want to do, or a boat they want to buy when they get home. It once again proves that sailing is not something you only do; it gets into your mind and stays in your spirit.” After stops in Singapore and Qingdao, the fleet will soon embark upon a record long leg of 12,300 nautical miles diagonally across the Pacific Ocean, rounding Cape Horn and calling in at Rio de Janeiro in Brazil before returning to a more familiar course with the customary dash up the eastern Atlantic seaboard to Boston and the three European stops, before finishing in St Petersburg, Russia next June. Keep up with the excitement via the Volvo Ocean Race website at www.volvooceanrace.org with access to audio, TV footage, daily blogs as well as in-depth data analysis. 

slurp

Words: Lee Nelson Images: ÂŠ KEVIN MARK PASS courtesy of Belvedere Vodka and Aicon yachts. All models dressed in Lunar

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slurp

Belvedere The Pure Spirit Of Luxury

Trees frosted with snow. Through the branches, a mysterious royal palace appears. Enter the kingdom of Belvedere, the most luxurious vodka in the world. Inspired by the Polish rulersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; colonnaded Belvedere palace, whose image adorns the beautiful, frosted bottle, Belvedere Vodka is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first true luxury vodka.

w w w. p r e s t i g e m a g . c o . z a

he history of this exquisite brand begins in the rye fields of Poland. Several countries claim vodka as their own. However, the first written reference to the spirit was discovered in Polish court documents dated 1405 and, in many ways, the history of vodka mirrors the history of Poland itself. Originally termed gorzalka, meaning “to burn,” vodka was consumed for medicinal rather than social purposes and was the base constituent for a number of herbal remedies. The turn of the 16th Century saw large scale vodka production begin in Poland, following King Jan Olbracht’s decree allowing all citizens to make and sell spirits. As production grew and the quality of ingredients improved, the word “vodka,” meaning “little water,” became the common name for this remarkable spirit. These home-run, crude distilleries were consolidated in the 1920s and all those regarded as superior manufacturing facilities were awarded the title of “Polmos,” a guarantor of the quality of vodka produced. One such distillery, the century old Polmos Zyrardów, located in the Mazovian plains, produced a spirit that harnessed over 600 years of tradition and created a truly exceptional vodka – Belvedere, which literally means “beautiful to see.” Steeped in heritage, Belvedere hails from the small town of Zyrardów, west of Warsaw. Handcrafted in small batches to ensure superior quality, Belvedere uses only the finest raw materials and, unlike other vodkas which rely on blends of inferior ryes, or even molasses to create flavour, Belvedere only uses Dankowsie gold rye. This exceptional Polish grain is prized for its

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uniquely soft texture and sweet flavour, creating the warm spicy notes distinctive to the Belvedere taste. With an optimum blend of top notch ingredients, purity and patience, each bottle of Belvedere is crafted to perfection. Each batch is distilled four times, bringing out the subtle sweetness and smooth, clean finish of the rye, before being blended with clear spring water from Polmos’ artesian wells. Each bottle is then subjected to 33 comprehensive quality checks, to ensure that Belvedere remains the most soughtafter vodka available worldwide. The superior quality of Belvedere can be seen in its consistency, its essence, its singularity. An artful balance is struck between purification and the preservation of the key elements that lend Belvedere its distinctive taste: smooth but never bland, characterful but never coarse. Its creamy texture and soft clean finish, with notes of vanilla and Brazil nut provides the drinker with a light, velvety texture ideal for drinking neat, over ice or, for the more contemporary vodka connoisseur, as a luxury cocktail. Luxury cocktails, put simply, require luxury ingredients. Belvedere’s application, in this respect, begins not merely in the quality of the spirit alone, but in pairing exceptional ingredients to the strong characteristics of the spirit; presenting a fresh and dynamic experience that elevates the ordinary. The distinctive and subtle taste of this luxury vodka is best enjoyed ice cold with a splash of freshly squeezed lime or grapefruit juice, or infused with blueberries, cranberries or oranges. The sheer versatility of vodka also means that Belvedere can be served in a myriad of concoctions, paired with strong spices such as rosemary and saffron or providing a

backbone for lighter mixers such as apple or pear juice. Whether enjoyed chilled over ice or in a refreshing long drink, Belvedere captures glamour in its sparkling, liquid form and is undoubtedly the haute couture of the spirits world. Favoured by urbane socialites and vodka aficionados alike, this remarkable spirit has become the tipple of choice for a wealth of occasions, includingglamorous events and sultry evenings. Pure, energising, sensual, contemporary – uncork the bottle and free the spirit of Belvedere. 

Live the Beautiful Life Belvedere Vodka presents “Belvedere Beautiful Sundays” this summer. Live the beautiful life on luxury yacht, Spirit of the Cape, as you sip your classic cocktail and dine on sumptuous canapés, all while taking in the breathtaking surrounds. Simply visit Karma and selected restaurants in Camps Bay and purchase a beautiful bottle of Belvedere to stand a chance to win an extravagant experience on Aicon yacht, Spirit of the Cape. You and a partner will be treated to a five-star gourmet experience, courtesy of Aicon and Belvedere Vodka. For more information, please email belvedere@ikineo.com.

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Le Prince Maurice

A Princely Place Constance Le Prince Maurice is something of a legend. Situated on a private peninsula, facing north so as to be sheltered from strong winds, this deluxe resort is the only Relais & Chateaux property on the island. Its grand architecture and décor, extensive landscaped gardens and exigent golfing greens ensure all who lodge here are properly sated in every way. Words: Ingrid Kenmuir Images: © Constance LE PRINCE MAURICE

hen the brochures and websites say that guests staying at Constance resorts receive VIP treatment regardless of their stature, it is not an embellishment. It is the little touches that guests are likely to remember: a selection of fresh and dried fruits; a pillow menu on the bedside table; a range of bubble baths, bath salts, body lotions and scented soaps on the bath ledge; a little blow-up dodo with a note reminding guests that water is precious; and a choice of two robes – one thick and absorbent the other light and loose – hanging in the closet. Mauritian architect Jean-Marc Eynaud is the creator of the Constance Le Prince Maurice, as well as sister resorts Constance Belle Mare Plage Hotel and Constance Lémuria Resort – the latter situated in the Seychelles. Eynaud and his team of American and Australian experts should be commended for their brilliant use of natural materials and themes, and their respect for the flow of the resort’s environs. Once the

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foundations were laid and the walls were up, interior decorators Martin Branner and Emma Matias set about transforming the interiors to complement the exteriors. Rich tones of orange, red and gold harmonise with the subtle, neutral bases of cream, taupe, white and brown. Wooden floors give the suites a rustic feel, though the bathroom is an easy reminder that you are in a five-star resort. Linens are crisp and white, pillows yield beneath you and pressed cornices catch the eye ever so gently. The garden architecture is just as integral to the identity of the hotel group. Landscaper Colin Okashimo chose to work with, rather than against, the generosity and raw beauty of the island’s natural vegetation. Mangrove swamps stayed where they had always been, palm trees became shade for sofas on the beach, Frangipani trees became centrepieces for the gardens and the natural fish reserve was incorporated into the landscaping to become the setting of the stilted villas on the edge of the lagoon. With Mauritius positioned at the

crossroads of the world, the Indian Ocean is a great inspiration for flavours, as is the island’s rich history of spices and its dappled cultural heritage. Epicures will experience a great gamut of tastes across the resort’s three restaurants. Large and airy, overlooking the ocean and the pool, L’Archipel Restaurant has an extensive menu that combines the spices of Asia and Mauritius and comprises a variety of steamed dishes, curries, game and fish, while the desserts are positively to-die-for, and many include the most important of all ingredients: chocolate. Le Barachoise is a floating restaurant that bobs up and down with the ebb and flow of the waves, creating an inimitable and intimate setting for quiet dinners and stolen embraces. Set on separate wooden decks beside the mangrove swamp, on a lake gleaming with a smudged reflection of the setting sun, guests dine on seafood bouillabaisse, lamb curry, grilled prawns and fresh reef fish, while King fish splash around in the depths below. Back at the pool, the Beach Deck serves lunch during the day while the Laguna Bar transforms after dark into the hotel’s third catering temple, serving Japanese menus and cocktail drinks,

and boasting live island entertainment. At the Little Princes – the kiddies club – the traditional dance of Mauritius, the Sega, is taught to children during a workshop and a Sega show is later arranged for the enjoyment of their parents. In their kingdom, the kiddies have their own pool, restaurant and playground, and gambol gaily under the watchful eyes of competent and trained staff. Sports and discovery programmes are firm favourites and include visits to the bird park, Casela, and to the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens. Sister hotel Belle Mare Plage hosts the Legend Golf course, a par 72, 6,018-metre course designed by South African champion, Hugh Baiocchi. Spanning 70 hectares of a former deer reserve, with deer still roaming about, this course allows Le Prince guests to play at leisure, with no need to pay green fees. Each hole conceals its own challenge, leaving the golfer with no opportunity to relax until he reaches the 18th hole near the Clubhouse, provided, of course, that he or she manages the course’s 17th and signature hole, which covers 152 metres above the lagoon. The group’s second island course, the Links, designed by Peter Allis and Rodney Wright, was opened in November 2002 and also

offers an 18-hole course, though it differs greatly as it is a links concept, and is thus deployed along rolling, wide fairways. A par 71, of 5,942 metres in length, the 18th hole is the Links’ signature hole. Like the Legend course, the Links has a Golf Academy offering coaching on the course by professional and qualified instructors. For the fairer counterparts there is always Le Spa de Constance with Institut de Guerlain, where cutting edge innovation unites with emotion, sensuality and total sumptuousness to mean an unforgettable experience. The Health and Fitness Centre offers a wide range of health and sports facilities including a thermal swimming pool, air-conditioned squash court, sauna, steam bath and gymnasium. Set within 60 hectares of unspoilt land, Constance Le Prince Maurice is located 45 kilometres from the airport and 35 kilometres from the capital, Port Louis. It is equally well suited to newlyweds and couples celebrating a special anniversary as it is to families looking for an idyllic island holiday.  Contact Le Prince Maurice • Tel: +230 402 3636 • Email: info@princemaurice.com • Website: www.princemaurice.com

Racing Greats

of Yesteryear

The quest for speed has long captured the public’s imagination and racing remains the world’s most popular spectator sport. There was a time when the daring and skill of the driver counted more than the tech and money in the pits, and among these giants a few special racers have made their indelible mark. Words: CHARL DU PLESSIS Images: © gallo images/getty images

or the racing enthusiast, these exalted names include the likes of Jack Brabham and Graeme Hill, Jim Clark and the playboy James Hunt, and two of the most captivating drivers of the modern era who both met their death on the track – Gilles Villeneuve and Ayrton Senna. These are men who built on the finest traditions started by drivers such as Juan Manual Fangio and Alberto Ascari, always on the lookout for the inner pass on the bend, the extra throttle on the straight, and the

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camaraderie of racing friends who would be taking their lives in their own hands week after week. Miscalculated micro-seconds have left a trail of death in a sport that finally cleaned up its safety act after the Black Sunday when Senna was one of three drivers killed in a matter of a few hours across different races. Senna, the triple Formula 1 World Champion from Brazil, was killed while leading the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola, and remains the last Grand Prix driver to die at the wheel of a Formula 1 car.

In 1988, Senna joined Frenchman Alain Prost at McLaren-Honda. Between them, Senna and Prost won 15 out of the 16 Grand Prix races which took place that season, with Senna winning his first World Championship, a title he would go on to win again in 1990 and 1991. On Lap 7 of that fateful day at Imola, the onboard camera of Michael Schumacher's Benetton showed how Senna's car broke traction twice at the rear, went off the track at Tamburello corner and struck an unprotected concrete barrier. Telemetry showed he left the track at 310 km/h and

spin was able to slow the car down to 218 km/h in just less than two seconds before hitting the wall. Although the crash seemed benign, it was immediately evident that Senna had suffered some sort of injury. The race was stopped 1 minute 9 seconds after Senna's crash. Controversy surrounded Senna’s death, as it was later claimed that racing officials kept him artificially alive in order to have him declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, hence avoiding the imposition of a full inquiry at Imola. The post mortem stated that Senna’s skull was crushed by one of the wheels that came off and hit him head-on, and there was another scar where metal from the axel punctured his face. In fact, the examiner ruled that any one of three different incidents could have been fateful, cutting short a winning streak of one of the most debonair drivers to ever take to the track. James Hunt was altogether a different kettle of fish, and he would have liked to be described that way. The handsome offspring of a racing driver, this blonde, barefoot Casanova, who was never without some gorgeous girl by his side, lived to break the rules. What McEnroe did for the popularity of tennis, Hunt did for racing, before the time when clinical icebergs such as

Schumacher or Federer made their respective sports about as much fun as reading an instruction manual in highly technical language. More frequently featured on the tabloid pages than the sports section of newspapers, Hunt was a well-respected driver in the McLaren squad, who managed 10 wins, 23 podium finishes and the 1976 championship before his retirement from racing. Hunt was equally well-liked by other racers as by the racing public, and he remained a celebrity long after his racing career as the no-punchespulled race commentator on the BBC. In what must certainly be one of the greatest ironies, Hunt died at the age of 45, suffering an enormous heart attack just after proposing marriage. Yes, to a playboy of his stature, getting married must have seemed infinitely more stressful than racing at speeds of 300 km/h. Hunt’s legacy in the racing world includes his generous support for Gilles Villeneuve’s entry to the sport. By many accounts, the world has never seen a better driver than the Canadian, who started his career on an invitation from Hunt for a one-off drive with McLaren at the 1977 British Grand Prix. He was taken on by reigning World Champion Ferrari for the end of the season – in only his fifth season

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racing cars – and from 1978 to his death in 1982 drove for the Italian team. He won six Grand Prix races in a short career at the highest level. In 1979, he finished second by four points in the championship to teammate, South African racing icon, Jody Scheckter. Rumoured to still be fuming about his teammate Didier Pironi overtaking him at Imola a few weeks earlier despite the flags, Villeneuve connected at 225 km/h with Jochen Mass’ back wheel during qualifying rounds at Zolder, in Belgium, in 1982. If it was not for his long-running feud with Pironi, Villeneuve might not even have been on the track, as he was trying to take pole position from Pironi, with a mere 0.1 seconds between them on the first qualifying rounds. Villeneuve will be remembered for his fantastic car control, daring and at times aggressive driving, and his never-give-up attitude. He will likely be best remembered, though, for his gritty wheel-banging duel against the faster René Arnoux at the 1979 French Grand Prix at Dijon. Of the older generation of drivers, none captured the imagination more than Jim Clark, who won the World Championship in both 1963 and 1965. His 25 wins and 35 pole positions were unrivalled in his era. Early in his career, Jim Clark was involved in one of the worst accidents in the history of Formula 1 racing. In the 1961 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Wolfgang Graf Berghe von Trips in his Ferrari collided with Jim Clark's Lotus. Trips' car became airborne and crashed into a side barrier, fatally throwing von Trips out of the car and killing 15 spectators. Jim Clark's drive in the 1967 Italian

Grand Prix is regarded as one of the greatest ever in F1. After starting from pole, he was leading in his Lotus 49 when a tyre punctured. He lost an entire lap while having the wheel changed in the pits. After rejoining in sixteenth position, Clark then showed his genius by driving at his own limit, something which was not required when leading. He ripped back through the field, progressively lowered the lap record, eventually equalling his pole time of 1 minute 28.5 seconds, to regain the lost lap and the lead. He was narrowly ahead of Brabham and Surtees starting the last lap, but his car had not been filled with enough fuel for such a performance – it faltered, and finally coasted across the finish line in third place. On 7 April 1968, Jim Clark's life tragically ended in an accident at the Hockenheimring in Germany. On the fourth lap, his Lotus 48 veered off the track and crashed into the trees. He suffered a broken neck and skull fracture, and died before reaching the hospital. The cause of the crash was never definitively identified, but investigators concluded it was most likely due to a deflating rear tyre. The 1968 F1 Drivers' Championship was subsequently won by his Lotus teammate Graham Hill, who pulled the heartbroken team together and held off Jackie Stewart

for the crown, which he later dedicated to Clark. The motor racing world has recently been shocked by Honda’s decision to withdraw from the 2009 season, with the company citing the immorality of spending $200 million per year on this sponsorship while workers are being laid off. To enthusiasts, this signals the possible return to what the organisers have been pushing for over the past few years – standardising cars, spending less money, and letting the real talents and grit of the drivers become the deciding factors once more. Wherever the Jim Clarks, Ayrton Sennas and Gilles Villeneuves of the world are looking down from, they would likely agree. 

Mauritius Adventure

“You gather the idea that Mauritius was made first and then heaven, and that heaven was copied after Mauritius,” wrote Mark Twain at the end of the 19th Century. After a week spent in the new coastal resort, Anahita, I am inclined to agree.

Words: REBECCA NEWMAN Images: © MAURITIUS TOURISM PROMOTION AUTHORITY

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drive to the Domaine L’Etoile, a 6,000 hectare nature reserve in the centre of the island. The journey is exhilarating; past sugar plantations and ramshackle villages where litters of black piglets scatter to make way for kids playing football (soccer is huge, and locals are particular fans of Manchester United).

“

If you harbour a latent Indiana Jones action adventure fantasy, then pack your Fedora: there are all manner of adventures to be had.

“

auritius, a small island 1,600 kilometres off the east coast of Africa, has more than its fair share of natural blessings, and the postcard-perfect beaches of the island are complemented by a lush, hilly interior. If your idea of happiness is lying motionless with a cocktail, soaking up the sun, I cannot think of a better place to do it. But, if you harbour a latent Indiana Jones action adventure fantasy, and want to ride over mountains, explore jungles, wrestle big game fish and kite surf across the Indian Ocean, then pack your Fedora: there are all manner of adventures to be had. With Twain ringing in my ears, I am eager to discover Mauritius’ “rugged clusters of crags and peaks, green to their summits.” So on the first morning we

At the Domaine L’Etoile you can hike, quad bike, mountain bike, trek, rock-climb

– or, as we did, take horses. My boyfriend J and I are joined by a guide and led up a track into the rainforest. It is a hot and sticky ride, the damp air making my shirt cling, the humidity close in my lungs. You could, of course, make the same journey by helicopter, but the dirt and perspiration are well worth it. The national emblem of Mauritius is the dodo (the flightless bird which was hunted to extinction in the 17th Century) and the Mauritians have learnt from their mistakes of the past – the island today has a strong conservation ethos and is home to a variety of endangered species. As we ride, our guide points out an Echo Parakeet and a Mauritius Kestrel; he even spots an extremely rare Pink Pigeon. We spot indigenous trees including Bois de Boeuf, Liane a Corne and Fougere before at last reaching the summit of one of the peaks

for a majestic view of land and sea – and a gratefully received lunch. It would be a shame to come to an island with 320 kilometres of coastline and not spend some time on the beach, so the next day we opt for kite surfing lessons. Kite surfing is a tricky sport in which a rider uses a kite to propel him or herself across the water. It can be dangerous without adequate instruction. Fortunately, our French coaches Maude and Julien make the most basic, textbook parts of the lesson entertaining. While J works on using the kite to make longer, higher jumps, Maude teaches me the fundamentals of catching the wind. By the end of the second session, I am able to use the kite to drag me where I want through the water, and zoom with speed across the bay. Next time, I’ll try it with a board. The next morning, I work on my tennis with the charming Portuguese coach, Hugo, while J investigates the 18hole championship golf course. Designed by former world champion, Ernie Els, it is a blend of long open stretches and awkward bunkers, the grass tended by an entourage large enough to keep Mariah Carey happy. The 14th hole, Scottish Taste, is complicated by a dry-stone wall which slants across the fairway. The 18th is placed on the edge of the beach, in front of the bar so that non-golfers such as myself can wait, drink in hand, to watch and applaud the final strokes. Being on the east side of the island, the wind is strong at Anahita, making it perfect to enjoy the resort’s collection of windsurfers, catamarans, and lasers. Rather than take one of the faster boats out with a guide, we opt to take a sturdier learner boat and try to teach ourselves. It is a long way from an America’s Cup attempt, but sailing round the lagoon and along the mangroves of the neighbouring island feels safe enough for you to trust children to do it – though the instructor kept watch from the shore. Relaxing in the hot tub on our final night, we toast our trip and start making plans to return as soon as possible. As our private butler later quips, in the local Creole, Mauritius is the best place in the world, the “mari bon place dans le monde.” He isn’t far wrong. The next phase of the Anahita residences is currently under development. Visit www.anahitamauritius.com. 

What Else to Do in Mauritius Mauritius is an adventure-lover’s paradise, though more sedate activities can also be enjoyed. • Traditional Mauritian sights include the Pamplemousses Botanical Gardents, Bois Cheri tea plantation, Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel, Grand Bassin, the Bird Gardens of Casela, Troux au Cerfs and Ile aux Cerfs. • A full day spent in languid luxury onboard a charter catamaran spotting dolphins and catching a bit of sun. • A trip out onto the Indian Ocean to enjoy the thrill of deep sea fishing. In the last decade, over a dozen deep-sea fishing world records have been set in the area of the north-east coast, as marlin, wahoo, tuna and blue sharks lure big game fishermen from across the world. • A great variety of water sport are available on the island, these include sailing, canoeing, kayaking, scuba-diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, and jet-skiing. For tailor-made excursions and tours of the island, contact Solis Indian Ocean, a destination management company. Solis can organise anything and everything – from cruises to Benitiers Island to a nature safari to admire the island’s extraordinary fauna and flora. Contact +230 212 6918, email info@solis-io.com or visit www.solis-io.com. South African-based Mauritius Tourism Promotions Authority is also a great source of information for those travelling to the island. Visit www.tourism-mauritius.mu.

Wake 46

s m o ot h

Walkaround at Sea

When an architect, a shipyard manager and an advertising executive came together in Italy to build a yacht with only one thing in mind, namely to produce an elegant and innovative design that would offer extreme comfort at sea, the Wake project was born.

Words: CHARL DU PLESSIS Images: ÂŠ WAYACHTS

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he threesomeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concept and ideas were quick to attract both funding and some of the best technical expertise, and they set and kept to a deadline for rolling out their first model, the Wake 46. The Wake 46 was created to ensure live-around comfort while at sea, and from this logic the walk-around concept that makes the yacht so different was conceived. Note that when on deck, there is no clambering necessary to get to the front or

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sides of the yacht. You might as well be lazing on the deck of a beautiful villa overlooking the Mediterranean. Comfort is created with careful attention to how the yacht sits and performs in the water, as well as the design, layout and finishes of the yachtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exterior and interior spaces. The designers opted for a variable angle hull with a deep V-shape in order to create a very soft impact with the sea. Weight is carefully distributed so as to guarantee a constant balance under any sea conditions,

allowing for smooth navigation even when the boat is pushed to its limits. That design element is hidden, unlike the striking beauty of the exterior lines. The elliptical shape of the deck guarantees clear lines and architectural harmony, as well as reinforcing the sense of spaciousness. Small details, such as the patterning of deckboards, the LED-lighting around the main deck and steps, and the underwater optical fibre that illuminates the yacht at night make the Wake 46 a performance to watch.

The Wake 46 interior can be customised with up to three cabins, each with a choice of wood and fabric. The attention to detail is translated into technical aesthetic equipment such as an LCD TV and hidden galley storage. Only natural materials are used: leather for the sofa in the dinette, bleached dumast for the furniture veneering and bulkheads, and oil-treated wenge dunnage to keep the amber veining of the wood visible. The Wake 46 can host up to 12 passengers, sleeping 6 overnight. But the yacht is not all about looks. Equipped with Volvo Penta IPS600 engines (2 x 440hp) it can reach 36 knots, allowing comfortable distance cruising at a speed of 33 knots. The Volvo joystick allows for easy maneuvering into any tight cove or dock with the touch of the thumb. The minds behind the Wake 46 set out to create a range of yachts that would enable owners to live at sea in the fullest way possible, and they made good on their promise. For more information, visit www.wayachts.it or contact Prestige directly with dealer enquiries. ď ?

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sail

Heady Times for Armchair Sailing

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On 11 October, the Volvo Ocean Race (VOR) got underway from Alicante, Spain. A day later the inaugural Portimão Global Ocean Race set sail from Portugal and on 9 November the big one, the Vendée Globe started from Les Sable d’ Olonne, France. Three different around-the-world races, each with their own character, their own place in the global sailing scene, all of them bound to bring drama, excitement and pure inspiration to sailors around the world.

s co-founder of the Portimão Global Ocean Race and a veteran of three Whitbread Round the World campaigns (the Whitbread now being the VOR) I feel that I have some perspective. It’s only my perspective and I know there are other infinitely more qualified voices out there, but this is my point of view, for better or worse. Things could not be better for offshore ocean racing and, by extension, the broader sailing community. Eight full blown, cutting edge, VOR 70s are hurtling around the planet dragging corporate sponsors to exotic destinations. Mainstream celebrities want to be seen with the sailors, and vice-versa. Offshore sailing has arrived squarely on our radars as a dynamic, media driven, cash guzzling public relations bonanza and it’s about time. The teams, their sponsors and the race is a phenomenon and if you have not witnessed up close the power and excitement of a VOR at full cry, I suggest you try and make one of the inshore races. Actually it looks quite good in high definition on a big plasma screen, but you need the spray and sound to bring it to life. Say nothing of a bit of blood and guts when it all goes wrong. For VOR sailors life onboard is brutal; there is no other way to describe it. Day to day existence revolves around squeezing the most speed from the boat, 24/7. I read that onboard Team Russia they carry only a single spoon per person with three spares – it's an effort to save weight. Less than two weeks into Leg 1 they had already lost four spoons. I wondered how that dynamic played out onboard and if it was still considered a good idea. In my day we had wine with dinner, every night, and a cabin to sleep in. Granted the equipment was not up to the task and half-inch wire sheets used to snap with alarming regularity, but that was all part of the adventure. Then the pressure and cut-throat culture of competition began to increase and the first casualty was the suicide of the Russian skipper, Gryshenko, during the Whitbread in 1989 – I was his Watch Captain! I took up solo sailing shortly after that. I have only admiration and respect for the VOR, the sailors and the corporate circus that accompanies the race over a period of nine months. By contrast the Vendée Globe might as well be a different sport. France turns out in full force for these modern day argonauts. When their race started from Les Sable d’ Olonne there were traffic jams 32 kilometres out of the city as people poured into the tiny seaside town for the start. Race officials estimate

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that more than 800,000 people visited the race village in the weeks leading to the start of the race. When the first boats arrive back next February hundreds of thousands of “ordinary” men and women (and their dogs) will be there to welcome each and every sailor back home to France. Those who are not French will be made honorary citizens for their arrival as the Vendée is a uniquely French event. For those of us who love sailing and wonder why the rest of the world does not see things our way, go to France for the finish – your heart will be warmed. The Vendée and the VOR are both at the pinnacle of their success. The Vendée had 30 boats on the start line, half of which are serious contenders for winning. The fleet included two past winners as well as a number of other veterans who have sailed that gruelling race more than three times. Unfortunately for the Vendée this is the swan-song for many of the competitors. Added to this, the campaigns are becoming prohibitively expensive and the boats too complicated to sail and you start running out of sailors to compete in your event. You can’t have a great event without great competitors. It’s this reality that convinced me and my partner, Josh Hall, to step into the breech and create a new around-theworld race, one that is affordable for sailors while still meeting their aspirations and goals. The Portimão Global Ocean Race will become a serious player on the world sailing scene precisely because

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it fills a need that seems to be getting bigger. We are lucky to have this race sponsored at a time when the economy is in a free fall, and we are thrilled to have the Portuguese city of Portimão as the home for the event. Our main objective now is to get our 10 sailors back safely to Portimão next year and use their collective experience to build upon. So far, so good. The first leg provided some close racing and better yet, it provided some great television with shows broadcast in Portugal, Chilé and Germany. The sailors are enjoying the experience and loving the

ports that they have visited so far. From our perspective in Cape Town, with one leg down, we can look back and be proud. Wellington, New Zealand; Ilhabela, Brazil; and Charleston, US are still there to be discovered. So while the Portimão Global Ocean Race is not the Volvo or Vendée, it is slowly creating its own identity and own following. I hope that you will bookmark our race, keep it in perspective, and join us on this global adventure. For more information you can visit www.portimaorace.com or you can contact brian@portimaorace.com. 

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Grande Provence Estate Where Heritage Meets Contemporary Chic

Founded in 1694 by French Huguenot settlers, Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate lies in the lush and bountiful Franschhoek Valley, in the heartland of the Western Cape winelands, an easy one-hour drive from Cape Town. Award-winning gourmet cuisine and fine wines, exclusive accommodation and one of South Africa’s leading art galleries all contribute to Grande Provence’s reputation as an exciting travel destination.

he estate is home to the awardwinning Grande Provence wines, which represent a tradition of many years of passion, expertise and great winemaking. This legacy sits safely in the hands of highly respected winemaker Jaco Marais and his team, resulting in the many fine vintages that have gained a high level of attention and awards – both at home and abroad. Grande Provence wines complement all menus at The Restaurant, while The

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Tasting Room provides a sublime venue to discover your own favourite vintages. A wine and food pairing presentation is also available to savour, aptly named, “The Tastes of Grande Provence.” Here, small and exquisite tasting portions of dishes are expertly matched to superb Grande Provence wines. Dining is available for both lunch and dinner at The Restaurant – recently named as "Best Restaurant in Cape Town" at the inaugural Annual Good Hope FM Best of Cape Town Awards. The cuisine at

The Restaurant has a classic French influence with a contemporary twist – as exemplified in the style of Executive Chef, Jacques de Jager. Using the finest quality and freshest of local produce, the flavours are well defined and the presentation of the dishes exquisite. The atmosphere and ambience are sophisticated, with opportunities to dine indoors or outdoors being equally appealing. The Gallery and The Sculpture Garden provide a dynamic venue for regular exhibitions of works created by some of

South Africa’s finest emerging and established artists. Works in The Gallery include paintings, works on paper, original prints, ceramics, photography, and traditional beadwork. The Sculpture Garden was recently opened and is the first of its kind on a wine estate in the country. Hospitality at Grande Provence is generous and attention to detail is only matched by seamless service. The Owner’s Cottage was recently recognised by the prestigious Andrew Harper’s Hideaway Report (USA) and awarded a score of 96 out of a possible 100. The Owner’s Cottage provides luxurious accommodation for a maximum of 10 guests in five beautifully appointed en suite bedrooms. Nestled within the

vineyards, with a private swimming pool and elevated spa pool, this exclusive-use cottage proves an exceptional hospitality experience for guests. The Cottage boasts a beautifully designed living room, reception and poolside loggia, while a conservatory is perfect for dining and a well-equipped kitchen awaits your private chef. A butler service is also available. The charming Jonkershuis has been designed especially to provide an unrivalled private setting for celebratory occasions – weddings and receptions, special lunches or dinners, as well as small business meetings and conferences for up to 30 guests. Grande Provence is a sister property to Huka Lodge, New Zealand and Dolphin

Island, Fiji. All three properties comprise The Huka Retreats and sit like jewels in the geography of their beautiful surrounds – all unspoiled and spectacular. Chic and deliberately understated are the signatures of these iconic properties, as much as exclusivity and seclusion. The Huka Retreats are the vision of entrepreneur Alex van Heeren and offer guests a rare experience – one that has been driven by passion, resourcefulness and an absolute commitment to style.  Contact Grande Provence Estate • Tel: +27 21 876 8600 • Fax: +27 21 876 8601 • Email: enquiries@grandeprovence.co.nz • Website: www.grandeprovence.co.za

DERRICK LEVY

A Boating World Pioneer When Derrick Levy talks about boating, his enthusiasm is infectious, and it is with this passion that he is taking his company, Boating World, to great heights. Over the past few years, Levy has secured the position of exclusive distributor in South Africa of the prestigious British luxury yacht brand, Fairline, as well as the Australian Motor Yacht brand, Riviera.

rowing up on the Vaal River, Derrick Levy inherited his love for boats from his father, who taught him the ins and outs of boating. Involved from the age of 11 with the running of his father’s “Boatel,” where up to 60 boats were being launched a day, he was exposed to every possible aspect of the business. Today, Boating World is a third generation family owned business, and boating seems to run in the Levy genes. Levy’s son, Dean, runs Boating International in Johannesburg, which specialises in smaller boats. His daughter, Caryne, runs the hugely successful Club Marine Insurance, the biggest specialist boating insurance company in South Africa. Levy has a list of personal water sports achievements as long as his arm. Among others, he represented South Africa internationally in Ski Racing and won the Italian Grand Prix on Lake Como many years ago. He also represented the country in Barefoot Skiing and Boat racing, and is a qualified skipper for motor boats and yachts under 100 tonnes. Both his children also

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have Springbok colours in waterskiing. Back in his earlier days when he would pore over the boats launched at his father’s jetty, Levy was already a dreamer and a motivated individual. Because he has a boating background, Levy prides himself on having an understanding of the needs of his clients. For many years there was a demand for Levy to open a branch in the Western Cape, so when the opportunity arose to establish Boating World Cape Town, the timing could not have been better. In the eight months that Boating World has been in the Mother City, the company has shown phenomenal growth. But Levy believes he has only just scraped the surface of the potential for luxury boating in the Western Cape. Making a conscious decision to take on only the best of the best, he decided that rather than investing in the “Volkswagens” of the boating world, he would sell only the “Bentleys” of said market. With this luxury focus, Levy took on the British brand Fairline – made for luxury leisure cruising – together with Riviera – a luxury fishing boat brand from Australia.

Levy advises potential buyers to make sure they know why they are buying a vessel so as to make the right choice suited to their needs. “Cape Town buyers tend to invest in luxury cruising style motor yachts with which they enjoy the local harbours surrounding the beautiful Cape coast, while sport fishing yachts are popular for catching Yellowfin Tuna, found in warmer waters about 65 kilometres off the coast,” says Levy. “These are also popular in the Durban, Richards Bay and Mossel Bay areas, where buyers enjoy the thrill of catching Marlin, Barracuda and Dorado. Bottom fishing and cruising to Bazaruto has grown in favour. Our country’s fine weather is a big contributor to the success of boat sales in South Africa.” Boating World Cape Town forms the Marine division of the Future Exotics Lifestyle Emporium located at Breakwater Boulevard, V&A Waterfront. They are also coveniently situated at The Point in Durban. For more information, contact Boating World on +27 21 421 5010 or Derrick Levy directly on +27 82 881 2607. You can also visit www.boatingworld.co.za. 

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Isle of Amber

Cocktail Words: Nem from Le Saint Géran pool bar Image: iStockphoto.com

Ingredients • 25ml Saint Aubin white rum • 25ml Saint Aubin vanilla rum • 125ml fresh orange juice • 75ml passion fruit juice • dash passion fruit syrup • orange slices, mint leaves or a cherry to garnish Method Pour the white and vanilla rums into a shaker filled with ice cubes. Add the orange juice and passion fruit juice, together with the passion fruit syrup, and shake well until combined and chilled. Strain into a highball glass and top to the brim with ice cubes. Garnish with a slice of orange and a sprig of mint, or a cherry with the stalk if you prefer.

The Story of Saint Aubin Rum Not many people are familiar with the story of the Saint Géran, her cargo and the Isle of Amber. The Saint Géran was captained by a man named Aubin and shipwrecked near the Isle of Amber with a cargo of rum and vanilla. Determined that they would not lose their cargo, Captain Aubin ordered the crew to load it into large clay pots for safe stowage. Many years later, the pots were found by local fisherman who discovered, to their delight, that the rum was now infused with vanilla. The fishermen were so moved by its taste that they offered a toast to the Saint Géran and her lost sailors. This rum is distilled on the Saint Aubin estate, which dates back to 1819 and is located in the south of Mauritius. This is the first distillery to introduce local agricultural rum back to the island, manufacturing its spirits from specially selected sugar cane to ensure rum of incredible calibre.

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P r o u d Catamar ans

Proudly made, Proudly owned! Our Pride: 38ft

40ft

44ft 64ft

70ft.

S a i l i n g , Po w e r a n d S p o r t F i s h i n g C a t a m a r a n s m a n u f a c t u r e d t o o w n e r s s p e c i fi c a t i o n s .

Contact: Keith McVeigh Tel: +27 82 320 5917 Email: keith@proudcatamarans.co.za www.proudcatamarans.com w w w. p r o u d c ata m a r a n s . c o m

O u r c a t a m a r a n s a r e n o w av a i l a b l e i n t h e S e y c h e l l e s . C o n t a c t o u r I s l a n d A g e n t Jo h n d a C o s t a o n + 2 3 0 7 2 2 3 3 8 8

s av o u r

From the Galley

Pan-Roasted Sea Bass

with Mild Spices and Salad of Warm Spinach, Asparagus and Berries, with an Almond-Green Chilli Vinaigrette Words & Images: © CONSTANCE LE PRINCE MAURICE

Ingredients For the Fish • 4 sea bass fillets, 160g each • 2 tbsp olive oil • 4 star anise • 4 small sticks cinnamon • 4 cardamom pods • 800g fresh spinach • 400g asparagus • 60g mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, redcurrants) • small handful chervil • 4 sprigs fresh mint • salt and pepper For the Vinaigrette • 5 tbsp olive oil • juice of 1 lemon • 1 fresh green chilli • 1 red bell pepper • 40g blanched almonds • salt and pepper

Method Clean the asparagus, cook in boiling salted water for 2 to 3 minutes, then cool in iced water and drain. In a hot pan, sauté the sea bass fillets in the olive oil with the star anise, cinnamon sticks and cardamom pods. Set aside and keep warm. Reserve the spices. Start preparing the vinaigrette by removing the seeds from the green chilli, cut it into thin julienne strips and blanch in boiling salted water for 2 to 3 minutes. Cool in iced water, drain and repeat twice. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper,

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finely dice the flesh. Toast the almonds for 10 minutes in a 180ºC oven. Chop with a knife and mix together with the diced peppers, green chilli julienne, olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Tear off the central rib of each spinach leaf. Sauté it in a hot pan with the olive oil for 1 minute and, at the last moment, add the asparagus, berries, mint leaves and chervil. Correct the seasoning and place in the centre of each serving plate. Top with the fish and drizzle over the vinaigrette. Decorate with the reserved whole spices. Serves 4.

This recipe is just one of many extraordinary examples of Indian Ocean cooking that are elegantly captured in a book titled, 100% Mauritius: 53 Fabulous Recipes from the Prince Maurice (2007, Editions Solar). The collection is produced by, and available from, Constance Le Prince Maurice. For more information, visit www.princemaurice.com.

Sure, you can scuba and snorkel ... but, look a little further and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover you can quad bike amidst lush vegetation and rolling lava fields against the backdrop of a hidden waterfall. Or, tee off to a round of golf on a private island. Or, just relax and rejuvenate at a sensational spa. Then, treat your taste buds to a little tantalizing cuisine before embarking on a shopping spree. So, let

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livethelife Maiden Vintage of Magna Carta 2007

The release of Steenberg Vineyards’ iconic white blend, Magna Carta 2007, has been much anticipated by wine connoisseurs. The blend, which was awarded five stars in Platters’ Guide 2008, consists of 60 percent sauvignon blanc and 40 percent semillon, and entices wine lovers with its delicious aromas of orange blossom and tangerine. This multi-layered wine delights with a rich, elegant feel on the palate, coating the mouth and flowing through to a lingering finish that one can’t help but savour. The packaging was designed to be minimalist, leaving the wine to impress. The process of opening the six bottle pack, getting to individually packaged bottles and eventually to the desired bottle itself, simulates the multiple layers of the wine, and offers a ritual of discovery, with every layer presenting a visual surprise. A feast for the sense, Magna Carta pleases on so many different sensorial levels. This limited vintage (only 3,000 bottles) can be purchased from the Steenberg Vineyards Tasting Room for around R395 per bottle. Contact +27 21 713 2326 or email info@steenberg.co.za.

Roadster by Cartier

The epitome of incomparable style, the Roadster fragrance for men boasts a trail of notes including English mint, patchouli, cistus labdanum, vanilla, and Cashmere wood. Purposely snubs lavender, choosing instead to disclose seductive powers of mint, seconded by the peppery notes of bergamot. Even the bottle in which this fragrance is presented is remarkable. Sleek, patrician and striking, the bottle stretches out to horizontal infinity along its clean, aerodynamic lines, inspired by the magnificent bodywork, magnifyingglass effect, and compelling cabochon crown of the Roadster watch. Relative to the weight of the glass, the smooth, brushed-steel cap and the ring made of quality rubber rank this bottle among the elite – high-precision materials for a fragrance that is nothing short of exceptional. Roadster is rich in contrasts; intoxicating and instinctive; fresh, invigorating and audacious. Arranged by perfumer Mathilde Laurent, Roadster is a dramatic and lustrous fragrance that provides an olfactory reflection of Cartier, with its taste for independence, artistic adventure and astounding beauty. Available at most luxury brand stores.

David Coulthard Signature Model

A new model in Casio’s Edifice line-up of metallic watches can now be coveted: the EF-529DC, a David Coulthard signature model. Coulthard, who retired in November after the Brazilian Grand Prix, celebrated 13 Grand Prix wins. With a design theme of “speed and intelligence,” these watches incorporate leading-edge technologies and functionality to convey all the dynamism and speed associated with motor racing. The blue bezel is reminiscent of Coulthard’s well-known helmet, designed after the flag of his native land, Scotland. An ion plating finish was applied to the bezel and the decorative screws surrounding it, while the watch face is made of carbon fibre, a material frequently used in racing cars. A module, driven by five motors, precisely controls a total of seven hands, delivering a wide variety of functions including a perpetual calendar, world time zone display, chronograph instrumentation and alarms. In a fitting finishing touch, David Coulthard’s signature is engraved on the watch back. The EF-529DC is available from James Ralph. Contact +27 11 314 8888 or visit www.jamesralph.com.

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Care for your Caviar with Louis Vuitton

The watch box, the wine case, the whisky case, the games, the croquet set… Perpetuating its tradition of elevating life's pleasures to undreamt-of heights, Louis Vuitton now presents the caviar box. Painstakingly made by hand in the company's historic Asnières workshop, this ultimate creature comfort for connoisseurs on the move takes the form of a compact cube covered with iconic Monogram canvas. Like the travellers' trunks with which Louis Vuitton made its name more than 150 years ago, the caviar box is fitted with a natural leather handle and a shiny brass lock and corners. It opens to reveal a rich red, cross-grained leather lining, the perfect backdrop for a complete crystal caviar service, each piece delicately engraved with the Louis Vuitton signature. The caviar box in Monogram canvas is available on order from Louis Vuitton stores worldwide. For more information, contact +27 11 784 9854 or +27 21 405 9700.

Step into Style at Stuttafords

For ladies who love their kitten heels, killer stilettos and peep-toe sandals, Stuttafords Sandton City’s now larger range of international footwear brands will surely get high heels clicking. The fabulous footwear range now includes Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti, Moschino Cheap & Chic, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Costume Nationale, Emilio Pucci, Casadei, and Giuseppe Zanotti. According to Stuttafords’ footwear buyer, Peta Hayim, several hot trends will soon be seen on South African sidewalks. These include chunkier heels such as platforms and bananas, lots of detail in the form of ornate patterning and embroidery, and embellishments such as Swarovski crystals, studs, gems and rhinestones. Vibrant colours will also take centre stage, followed swiftly by patent materials and of course, the Gladiator sandal with its Greek, Toga, Roman and Egyptian counterparts. For more information, visit www.stuttafords.co.za.

Be Blown Away by the Ball Chair

An original creation by Irish designer Finn Stone, the Ball Chair looks somewhat like a large beach ball missing its top quarter. Despite what one may think, though, the Ball Chair is remarkably comfortable to sit in. Some owners of this unusual piece of furniture like to line them up in a colourful stripe next to the pool, or put them in the reception area of their chic offices. Restaurateurs and café owners have been known to dot them around the garden, or pop them at outdoor, wooden dining tables. More trendy types choose Ball Chairs in subtle grey tones and use them to decorate their living rooms, while others offer them to their children for use in playrooms, bedrooms and around picnic tables. Finn Stone’s philosophy is contemporary design that is creative, cutting edge, and eccentric. It is his intention that his furniture be fun, funky and fascinating. Clearly, he is on the right track. The Ball Chair is available from Imagenius in Cape Town (+27 21 423 7870), Helon Melon in Cape Town (+27 21 434 4282) and Trading Spaces in Joburg (+27 83 607 9022).

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makingwaves Eclectic Mama

If money doesn’t matter but style does, next time you are in Paris try seeking sensual refuge at Mama Shelter, an eclectic new hotel that has reasonably priced rooms which appeal to celebrities and urbanites alike. What makes this hotel different is not only its modern form and approach to accommodation but also its hi-tech amenities in every room and unusual common spaces. Conceived in collaboration with the famous designer, Philippe Starck, each room is equipped with a kitchenette, elegant bathroom, 24-inch iMac (for TV, radio, CD/DVD, Internet, and free Wi-Fi), and an office suited to getting work done or writing a love letter. The largest suite, situated on the top floor, has a terrace that provides its guest with a magnificent view of Paris’ 20th arrondissement. Rooms range in size from 15 square metres to 35 square metres and are priced from €79 to €299. Created by the Trigano family, co-founders of Club Med, and French philosopher, Cyril Aouizerate, the concept behind Mama Shelter is to provide a stimulating and nurturing space for travellers, not just a place to spend the night. Find Mama Shelter at 109 rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris or call +01 44 54 55 65. Visit www.mamashelter.com for further information on the hotel.

Azimut’s Mauritius Debut

Last month a very excited customer took delivery of the first Azimut launched in Mauritius. The yacht was shipped to the tropical island by Broderick Special Imports in South Africa. It took the team four days to commission, clean and put the boat through sea trials before handing it over to a very proud new owner. The Azimut yacht (with Azimut widely considered the top motor yacht brand in the world), was immediately recognised by a large number of local boating enthusiasts on the island who were full of praise for the stunning looks of the Azimut 43. “Hopefully this will be the first of many Azimuts we deliver to this beautiful island,” says John Broderick of Broderick Special Imports. John can be contacted on +27 83 629 2835.

Green Gym

Want to feel twice as good working out in the New Year? Then find a gym that has gone green and takes environmental sustainability seriously. The Green Microgym in Portland, Oregon in the US is setting the bar and anticipates being able to generate up to 40 percent of the energy needs of the workout facility by using a combination of solar power, energy saving devices and equipment, and you. They claim that human power can generate up to 350 watts of continuous energy on their cycling and cardio machines alone. And they hope to capture excess energy from their elliptical trainers as well. Monitoring devices will show the gym’s daily, monthly, yearly, and all time energy production, which in turn will enable them to improve their data collection and energy efficiency. The Green Microgym’s membership policy should be incentive enough to give it a go: no minimum time commitment and no early cancellation fees. What better way to contribute to a healthier environment and a healthier you. Visit www.thegreenmicrogym.com.

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