Prestige - March 2009

PRESTIGE i n

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l u x u r y

charlize

Branson’s africa

fly-fishing

cape to bahia

the blue train ISSUE NO. 25

R39.95

special edition on southern shores

the bold neo africa

63261/ENG

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contents

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southern shores 12 Charlize Theron

From Humble Beginnings To Hollywood

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Branson’s Africa

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Eden Island

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North Island

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Fly-Fishing

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Cape Point Vineyards

74

Sunseeker

76

The Blue Train

81

Constance Group

84

From The Tavern

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From The Galley

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve

Seychelles Marina Development

An Oasis Of Calm

Cosmoledo Atoll

A Piece Of Paradise

Debuts In Seychelles

Keeping Tradition On Track

The Evolution Of Luxury

La Motte Sauvignon Blanc Sorbet

Beef Fillet And Braised Oxtail Cigar

contents

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marine 18 LĂźrssen SuperYacht The Palace Of Martha Ann

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Admiral Yachts

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Heineken Cape To Bahia

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Zeelander

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Pacific Racing Series

Exclusive 45 Open Concept

War Of Attrition

The Netherlands’ Newest Beauty

Emirates Team New Zealand Victorious

lifestyle 28 The Ronn Scorpion 32 Solutions And Stilettos Eco-Exotic Supercar

The Two Sides Of Success

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Twiice The Local Talent

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Timeless Timekeeping

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Moving Africa Forward

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DigitalLife

Putting SA Designers On The Map

Patek Philippe

Profiling Vivien Natasen

Bringing The Future Home

regulars 10 From The Helm 88 Premier Property Portfolio 96 Making Waves 10

PRE S TI G e

from the helm The southern shores of Africa have an intensity unrivalled elsewhere in the world. They are a place where you can witness all of life’s cycles in one day.

Sense it in the breathtaking wilderness, or amid the most threatening of thunderstorms on the African plains, or the crashing waves along our rugged coastline. Millions of people share the dream, if only once in their life, of visiting the magical Africa of which they have only seen two-dimensional snippets.

And once they have visited Africa, they never really leave, for there is a connection to all of what we have been, and still are, deep beneath our modern sophistication. Africa is visceral; sometimes brutal, sometimes warm, but always welcoming. What an amazing place to gain a new perspective on our human insignificance in the face of time, while Welcome onboard, Claudia. simultaneously being struck by our human capability Our new Lifestyle Editor. in the face of the future. It is indeed a place for those who live a bold life.

It was an interesting evolution of ideas that finally had us turn the spotlight onto our own backyard for our readers. In the past, we have done special editions and plenty of features on farflung and exotic destinations (Easter Island, Vietnam and Costa Rica, to name but a few), because South Africans love to travel and the exploration of new places. And those with money, we are told, also enjoy the bragging rights among friends to be the first to discover new destinations.

This month, Prestige, is set on selling the best of South Africa; to our local readers, and to an international audience, and we are proud to say that we are official media partners and exhibitors at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS). ADYS attracts royalty and the super wealthy from across the Middle East, and is an invitation-only show solely for superyachts and megayachts. It is likely the highest concentration of wealth on the international events calendar and we hope to offer our regular readers a real glimpse into what else is happening in the international luxury arena upon our return. When we signed up as media partner it made perfect sense to us to simultaneously promote our region to this international audience, while reminding our local readers that they are already in close proximity to some of the world’s top tourist destinations.

This edition showcases the very best of our region – The Blue Train; Richard Branson’s ultraexclusive game lodge, Ulusaba; our Cape vineyards; property developments locally and in our neighbouring Indian Ocean islands; and more.

For our regular yachting readers, we introduce another of our own world-class boat builders to the luxury market, alongside some rather spectacular international yachts. And, as the days are getting shorter and we near the end of one of the most exhilarating sailing seasons ever in the southern seas, we share with our sailing enthusiasts the latest updates. Yes, yachting remains the king of sports and the sport of kings. You do not know luxury until you have joined the yachting fraternity.

Finally, we congratulate Toni Ackermann, our well-trusted colleague over many editions, for taking the helm as the Editor of Prestige, and also welcome onboard a familiar face to most South Africans, former Miss South Africa Claudia Henkel, as our new Lifestyle Editor. Later this month we will see you at the DigitalLife Expo in Johannesburg, when we all learn what high-tech luxuries the future has in store for us. As our team grows with our passion for this publication, we hope to keep our readers entertained, informed and inspired.

Enjoy the read Charl and Tanya

Issue 25 PUBLISHER: Tanya Goodman (PhD Yale) tanya@prestigemag.co.za 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: Toni Ackermann toni@prestigemag.co.za Lifestyle EDITOR: Claudia Henkel claudiahenkel@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: iStockphoto.com Thumbnails: iStockphoto.com; SXC.hu; FlyCastaway; The Blue Train

PRESTIGE

Off to Mauritius!

i n

Congratulations to Mike and Anna Chadwick, winners of our subscription competition. They won two British Airways Business Class tickets to Mauritius and will be spending a week at a Club Med Resort.

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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.

FA C E

Charlize

Theron From Humble Beginnings to Hollywood

It is an often heard complain among actresses whose careers sprung from the modelling industry that no one takes them seriously. They are perceived to be little more than “eye candy,” lacking the talent and resilience to take on “meatier” female roles. Many rebel against this stereotyping, pushing themselves hard to widen their scope of characters. Eventually they succeed, but not without a fight, as Charlize Theron found on her path to fame.

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Words: Toni Ackermann Images: © SXC.hu

the character. When you look at somebody's with the crown. Gerda returned to South journey, what they've experienced, and Africa to tend to her business while Charlize what that has left on their body – that's stayed in Milan. After a year on the catwalks where the physical marks come from. When of Europe, Charlize packed her suitcase and it comes to my work, I draw from personal headed west – to New York to study at the experiences, but it really has nothing else Joffrey Ballet School. But after only eight to do with ‘Charlize’. I never question months her prima ballerina bubble was anything for me; I question everything for burst when she “blew out” her knee, and the character.” was forced into early retirement. A few When it comes to movie-making, months recuperating in Miami reminded there is definitely something about life’s Charlize that she was a born entertainer struggles that appeals to Charlize. “We all and she soon took off once more, this time know that life is hard,” she said, “If you for Los Angeles. get to travel a little bit through America, It was 1994, the year that would you’ll see a lot of people living in very forever change South African history, and different circumstances, and a lot of that Charlize found herself broke, struggling, and living in a rundown hotel, with I don't know how you really prepare little work in sight.

She was “found” by yourself for celebrity status. You can't buy a an agent, John book and read up on it.

Crosby, in a bank one day, throwing what influences the decisions they make. I think could only really be called a temper that’s where humanity comes from: tantrum, peppered by some of the Rainbow understanding circumstance... having some Nation’s most colourful adjectives and kind of empathy for understanding what expressions. Crosby took Charlize on, sent certain events or surroundings in her to acting classes and set up interviews your life might cause you to end up with casting directors. being.” Her charitable spirit extends It took Charlize a while to make a name beyond the bounds of her career, however, for herself. She was introduced to and Charlize is a known activist for moviegoers in films such as Waking up in several causes. In November 2008 she Reno, The Cider House Rules, and The Italian was named a United Nations Messenger Job though it wasn’t until The Devil’s of Peace for her work towards ending Advocate that people really started to take violence against women. She joins ranks notice. When Charlize starred in the 2003 that include actors George Clooney and movie, Monster, she forever altered the Michael Douglas, authors Paulo Coelho and way she would be seen by not only the Elie Wiesel, and naturalist Jane Goodall public, but also the film industry as a whole. among others, to promote UN activities Speaking about her newfound fame, and ideals through public appearances and Charlize said, “I don't know how you really media contacts. prepare yourself for celebrity status. You Talking about her South African can't buy a book and read up on it and go, heritage, Charlize said, “I've always been ‘Oh, so that's how I deal with it when they very proud to be a South African and I've go through my garbage, or when the always been very honest with people about paparazzi follow me, that's what I have to that. Whatever I can do in my power I do’. It's something you just cope with when promise you I will do. I don't think it's too it happens.” much pressure. I think it's our duty as In response to comments about her citizens. You don't have to win an Oscar to acting method and her talent as a character do something good for your country. We all actress, Charlize replied, “It's good, hard can do that.” work to research a character, but I'm In 2009, Charlize Theron will appear on completely fascinated by it; it's something South African cinema screens in the movies that I throw my entire body into. The The Burning Plain and The Road.  physical aspect comes only way later once I truly understand the emotional journey of

“

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harlize Theron has been climbing the Hollywood ladder of success for over a decade, but what shot her straight to fame was, without a doubt, her portrayal of the serial killer Aileen Wuornos, in the 2003 movie Monster. Charlize ditched her golden locks and athletic figure for the part, wholly inhabiting her character.

Her sacrifice would serve her well, as she would become one of only a few actresses to win an Academy Award before the age of 30, and would be the second South African-born person to win an Oscar, the first being cinematographer, Ted Moore. On 29 September 2005, Charlize received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Charlize comes from fairly humble beginnings. Born on 7 August 1975 in Benoni, Gauteng, and raised on a farm some 25 kilometres east of Johannesburg, she spent her early childhood surrounded by something of a menagerie. Dogs, cats, ducks, chickens, sheep, goats, and ostriches were her playmates. Charlize would forever feel compassionate towards God’s creatures, with later years seeing her work long and hard for animal charities.

The young Charlize was a keen performer, always encouraged by her mother, Gerda. She took up ballet lessons at the age of six, and six years later, was sent to a Johannesburg boarding school specialising in the arts. Here, she stepped up her training to incorporate flamenco, contemporary, and Greek dancing. While her young life continued with blissful abandon, back on the farm, Gerda was struggling with an abusive husband. In 1991, when Charlize was home visiting for the weekend, a tussle broke out between her parents, culminating in Gerda shooting her husband Charles out of selfdefence. Gerda would serve no jail time, though for years Charlize would lie about the incident, claiming her father died in a car accident.

Still fiercely supportive of her daughter, Gerda persuaded Charlize to enter a modelling contest when she was 16, which she won. Charlize was flown off to Positano, Italy, with her mother in tow, to represent South Africa at an international modelling contest, where she once again walked away

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FE W

Branson’s Africa

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve Taste the spoils of a safari in South Africa, in the peace and tranquillity of the unspoilt African bushveld, where Ulusaba Private Game Reserve awaits you as the ultimate destination for a Big Five expedition.

Words & Images: © ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

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wned by Sir Richard Branson, Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is set in the western sector of Sabi Sand Game Reserve and borders the Kruger National Park.

Because Ulusaba is privately owned, guests are able to enjoy over 13,500 hectares of unspoilt, game-rich African bush in near solitude. Experienced trackers and game rangers accompany visitors on game drives in open Land Rovers, tracking the Big Five and sharing their vast knowledge of the surrounding wildlife. The hills of Ulusaba are spectacular as they rise above the surrounding terrain, offering a view unsurpassed elsewhere in the Reserve.

Ulusaba redefines the rules of a safari lodge and has taken a step away from the traditional colonial style by offering swimming pools, gymnasiums and tennis courts, a wine cellar, Aroma Boma spas with panoramic views, the Treehouse located at Xikwenga Dam, and a bush observatory perfect for star gazing.

Retreat in style and comfort at Ulusaba’s two lodges: Rock Lodge is perched high on the summit of a koppie – a rocky hill – while just half a kilometre away sits Safari Lodge, along the banks of the dry Mabrak riverbed. Many guests choose to split their stay between the two lodges and have the

advantage of keeping the same ranger and tracker for the duration of their stay.

Rock Lodge is set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountain range, and can accommodate between 16 and 25 guests in its 10 rooms and suites. This will include the new, exclusive Cliff Lodge, opening in April 2009. Each room has been designed with the colours of a different African tribe or region. Children of any age are welcome at the Rock Lodge, though children must be 12 or above to stay at the Safari Lodge. Younger members of the

family can visit the Cub’s Club, which runs a great daily programme of activities to entertain and educate children about their surroundings.

Safari Lodge can accommodate 22 guests in its 11 rooms, each created and inspired by local and natural materials.

Guests love the sense of adventure as they cross the swing bridges between these exquisite, elevated rooms. The Treehouse Suite is situated a short distance along the elevated walkway from Safari Lodge. It is a great place to get up close and personal

with hippos and elephants coming to bathe and cool down in the nearby Xikwenga Dam, the largest dam in the western sector of the Reserve. When you stay here it is almost as if the game comes to you rather than the other way around. Beyond the entrance to the Treehouse Suite is a small bridge to the Treehouse Lounge, a beautiful open-air viewing deck. Complete with loungers, viewing stools and a large dining area for up 16 guests, it is the perfect place for sundowners.

One of Ulusaba’s proudest achievements is the continuing good work performed by its charitable arm, Pride ’n Purpose. This team’s efforts extend from upgrading the facilities of the local primary schools all the way to facilitating support and medical treatment for those affected by HIV/Aids.

The basic philosophy behind the work is founded on the principle of empowering people to help themselves, while at the same time promoting sustainable development. In addition to the charitable work that Ulusaba does in the local community, it is also committed to reducing its environmental impact and has been working with a sustainable energy engineer to look into renewable energy technologies.

As a result, the reception building at Ulusaba’s airstrip is entirely solar powered.

At Ulusaba, staff believe in making a difference. Caring for their guests, providing the very best service, going the extra mile when it comes to those all important extra touches, listening to guests and offering so much more than just a place for guests to rest their heads is what Ulusaba is all about.

With the unmatched sights, sounds and smells of Africa on your doorstep, set in the style and luxury you would expect from a five-star boutique hotel, Ulusaba is the perfect place for all ages, and for any occasion, to experience an unforgettable African safari.

Virgin Limited Edition Ulusaba Private Games Reserve is part of Virgin Limited Edition – a collection of award-winning properties owned or operated on behalf of Sir Richard Branson and chosen for their stunning locations and magnificent surroundings. Each offers a sense of fun, style, luxury and exceptional personal service.  For more information contact: South African Office: • +27 800 056 343 or +27 11 325 4405 UK Head Office: • +44 800 716 919 or +44 20 8600 0430 Alternatively, email or visit: • enquiries@virginlimitededition.com or • enquiries@ulusaba.virgin.com • www.ulusaba.virgin.com

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LIFE PASSION ADVENTURE

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LIFE PASSION ADVENTURE

My, Oh My The Palace of Martha Ann 20

PRE S TI G e

Already well known for having produced Larry Ellison and Paul Allen’s boats, German superyacht builder Lürssen delivered the rather stupendous Martha Ann last year. Martha Ann is the third in a Lürssen hat-trick – the sister ship of the 219-foot Apoise (released in 2006) and the 230-foot Saint Nicolas (released in 2007), both of which turned heads when they hit the water. At about $1 million a week, Martha Ann is one of the most expensive on the world charter market.

Words: TANYA GOODMAN Images: © LÜRSSEN

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ith elegant styling and sleek lines, Martha Ann builds on and exceeds all that came before her and is more aptly described as one of the new breeds of megayacht. Her extraordinary space and variety of entertainment areas spread across six decks. Together with lavish furnishings and fixtures that conform to a baroque sensibility, all is designed to perfectly suit the tastes and demands of her owner.

Designed by Espen Øino, with a beam of 12.80 metres, this 70-metre (230-foot) yacht boasts astonishing volumes for a vessel of her length. When you consider that the engine room alone comprises two floors to house the twin 1850hp Caterpillar 3512B DITA diesels at the heart of the yacht, you know this beauty has oodles of space and no expense has been spared. She has a cruising speed of 14 knots, with a maximum speed set at 15.5 knots and a maximum range of 6,000nm. Advanced sound and vibration reduction features ensure an extremely quiet running yacht.

Accomodation is provided for up to 12 guests in four sizeable double cabins, with a crew of 19 to cater to every whim. Should you want to bring along an au pair or personal assistant, there is an additional cabin on the same deck

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with three single beds that can accommodate staff or children travelling with a family.

The owner’s suite is set on the main deck where a large foyer with an impressive staircase and a beautiful glass elevator separates the owners’ area from the main salon. Naturally, the owners' accommodation is sumptuous.

Before entering the full beam owners’ suite there is an interleading separate owners’ study. The master bed is located amidships surrounded by two lounging areas, one on starboard and one on portside. The master suite offers a huge bathroom with separate his and hers vanities and dressing rooms. Extensive use of marble, wood and high ceilings provides a very luxurious feeling. An additional roomy dressing room is placed on the starboard side and can be reached through the owners’ corridor or directly from the bathroom through a hidden door. One of the most exceptional features in the owners’ suite is the forward facing, private observation lounge with a 180-degree view. Here, a spacious, raised seating area offers an ideal place from which to fully enjoy the scenery or a movie on the large flat screen TV. Going aft, the main foyer leads into the formal dining room. Two dazzling crystal chandeliers take care of the light orchestration of this magnificent room.

Two doors lead astern into the main

salon with bar, television, two seating areas and a baby grand piano. The main salon is flushed with natural light from the large windows. And, this is all but a mere introduction to the amenities and décor onboard.

To create warm and comfortable spaces, the design theme, inspired by the renowned François Zuretti, blends graceful, classical details with contemporary elements. Zuretti has used walnut veneers throughout the yacht together with light carpets and ceilings. The walnut panelling is mainly satin gloss but accented by high gloss varnished furniture and detailed marquetry.

Added to this are the collected objects and embellishments of gold and mirrors selected by the owner’s wife, making the living spaces onboard fit for a king.

Entertainment is a priority on Martha Ann, from the multiple al fresco dining options, to the array of stunning observation decks, to the tenders, exercise area, stateof-the-art multi-media system, and the many bars situated throughout. Indoors and out, there are expansive seating and dining areas, offering all the guests a place to relax or converse. Whether you are on the main deck, the bridge, or the upper deck, Martha Ann has also been designed to capitalise on those moments when you simply want to gaze out at the regal, sweeping views of the surroundings.

Forward on the bridge deck is a morethan-generous, fully-integrated bridge

equipped with cutting-edge technology.

Nine dramatic vertical windows arranged in a semi-circle form the shape of the wheelhouse and allow for optimal visibility.

Large elevated sofas on both sides offer a viewing position for guests.

The rear outside upper deck is enormous and has multiple uses. It provides space for dining and entertaining or, if needed, the touchdown and go of a helicopter. The lavish pool and adjoining bar enable guests to enjoy the feeling of summer at its best. Lots of sun beds and seating areas as well as a barbeque leave nothing to be

desired. The sun deck offers another bar for 12, even more sun beds, and seating areas for the guests.

For the more active onboard, a wellequipped gymnasium, swimming pool and array of tenders should keep the blood pumping. Watersport enthusiasts can take advantage of the custom 26-foot air-conditioned limo tender and the custom 24-foot landing craft tender rigged for fishing, along with two highperformance waverunners. To freshen up after a burst of adrenaline, a guest day head and freshwater showers for rinsing

off are located on the swim platform.

Martha Ann is, of course, one of those boats whose price is not mentioned in any public realm and if you have to ask, well...

Besides, it seems her owners are still quite smitten by her. However, should you want a taste of the lifestyle she offers, you could always take her for a spin at a charter rate of approximately $1,000,000 or €600,000 per week.  Contact Lürssen Yachts: • Tel +49 421 6604 166 • Email yachts@lurssen.com • Or visit www.lurssen.com

flair

Eden Island Drop Anchor at the Magical

Eden Island in the Seychelles has been making waves in the property market for almost

three years. A residential marina development in the heart of paradise, Eden Island comprises a broad selection of freehold title apartments, maisons and villas on a private isle occupying 56 hectares, where each home boasts its own mooring either in front of or close by the residence, or in the marina itself.

Words & Images: Š EDEN ISLAND

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den Island has received a tremendous response from all over the world, with sales coming from Britain, South Africa, France, Italy, Russia and the Middle East. To date, nearly 300 units have already been sold and the developers have decided to push the release of the next phase forward, making 9 new colonial-styled villas, 17 spacious maisons and 41 new luxury apartments available. Homeowners can be extremely enthusiastic about the investment opportunities a home on Eden Island represents, not just in terms of resale options, but also because of the rental possibilities. Moreover, Seychelles has rejoined the Southern Africa Development

Community (SADC), recently buying into a premier leisure property such as Eden Island is made a lot easier. Owners also qualify for residency in Seychelles.

Eden Island is a visionary project. The environmentally-conscious development reclaimed a dead coral reef and linked it to the capital island of MahÊ with a newly constructed bridge of only a few hundred metres over the ocean. It is literally a 10-minute drive from the airport, and about the same distance travelling north to Victoria, the charming capital of the Seychelles. Apart from being one of the most prestigious island marinas in the world, where villa owners can moor their yachts alongside the superyachts of the world’s rich and famous, the development

includes 16 hectares of private waterways forming a gateway to the more than one million square kilometres of calm, blue waters that swirl around the 115 (now 116, counting Eden) islands of the Seychelles archipelago.

Due to its strategic positioning and the lifestyle it represents, the Eden Island Marina has been the subject of much excitement among the yachting fraternity. It is the first marina linked to a residential property development in the Seychelles, and also offers a real alternative to sailing around the Caribbean islands or frequenting Monaco. Previously, many superyachts steered clear of docking in the Seychelles for a lack of finding safe harbour. Not so anymore. This

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international marina is capable of handling superyachts up to 100 metres in length.

As a joint venture between Eden Island and local Seychelles shipping agent and marine services company Hunt Deltel, the Eden Island Marina is already on the cruise itinerary of several of the world’s biggest, fastest and most luxurious superyachts.

Owners of these yachts can now discover the Seychelles and its many treasures from the convenience of the Eden Island Marina.

And judging by the number of yachts, leisure craft and racing catamarans that have frequented the marina, it looks like word is spreading fast. Nowadays it is not uncommon to see as many as 10 of the world’s top 100 biggest superyachts dropping anchor at Eden Island.

The Eden Island Marina has a variety of yachting and boating facilities, various charter companies and an upmarket bar, The Boardwalk, overlooking the water, where residents and visitors can mingle and enjoy a cocktail. Sheltered between Eden Island and the East coast of Mahé, the marina provides visiting yachts with a host of comprehensive services one would expect to find in any world class marina.

Eden Island itself boasts four private

beaches, swimming pools, a tennis court, gymnasium and Clubhouse with restaurant and bar. There will be a commercial precinct complete with supermarket, restaurants and boutique shops consistent with the best in the world.

Offering a lifestyle revered by holidaymakers, adventurers, fishing, diving and sailing enthusiasts, Eden Island is a haven for those who wish to make this holiday spot their permanent home.

As part of introducing the world to the stunning islands and hurricane-free oceans of the Seychelles, Eden Island will sponsor and host the first Seychelles Regatta to be launched from the Eden Island Marina on 18 May 2009, with some of the world’s most respected skippers participating in an event that will highlight and promote the magical islands of the Seychelles.

To find out more about Eden Island and the opportunities on offer, contact Richard Epstein on +27 82 882 8996, Christopher Nel or Faye Roby on +248 346 000. For further information on the Eden Island Marina, phone +248 380 300, email marina@edenisland.sc or visit www.edenisland.sc. ď ?

FLU S H

The Ronn Scorpion

Eco-Exotic

Supercar

Bugatti, Lamborghini and Ferrari: move over for the Ronn Motors Scorpion, a supercar able to go from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds, reach a top speed of 320km/h and get 17km/l. It has got shapely curves, too; altogether a rare combination in the world of high-performance sports cars.

Words: TONI ACKERMANN Images: © RONN MOTOR COMPANY

R

onn Motor Company (RMC), headquartered in Texas, USA, has proposed a new use for hydrogen gas: to blend it with gasoline. According to the company, doing so can drastically improve highway fuel economy.

Even better, it can do that for a 450hp sports car. Engineered by acclaimed design firm, MetalCrafters, with a flowing, sensually-lined, low-slung body; this supercar features the latest in green fuel technology. And with fuel technology at the forefront of today's automotive industry, it is little wonder the hydrogen hybrid Scorpion stole a lot of looks at last year’s Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, held in Las Vegas.

The engine the car uses, the Acura 3.5-litre V-6, generates 289hp in its stock form and 450hp in twin-turbo configuration.

The car achieves an impressive 17km/l highway fuel economy, due to the blend of hydrogen and gasoline in 40/60 percent proportion, respectively. Hydrogen is provided by the Hydrorunner hydrogen generator, which produces hydrogen directly from an onboard water tank that

holds 11.3 litres of water and only has to be refilled every 1,600 kilometres, avoiding the need for heavy and expensive hydrogen tanks in the car. The generation of hydrogen varies according to accelerator demands.

Without the Hydrorunner the Scorpion achieves about 11.5km/h – still excellent for a supercar.

With a flowing, sensually-lined, lowslung body; this supercar features the latest in green fuel technology.

“We have a system that produces hydrogen as we drive,” said Ronn Maxwell, CEO of RMC. “Our technology is a bridge until the other stuff gets improved. It’s something we can do today. It’s a step.

Maybe it’s a baby step, but it’s something.”

Together with Ronn Motors VP, Adrian Pylypec, Maxwell has been working on the Scorpion concept since September 2007.

Says Pylypec, “The Scorpion is a proof of concept vehicle that helps solve consumer energy problems today and which we expect will serve as a platform for our second generation vehicles.” He is referring to the four-passenger luxury car that RMC will continue developing this year, which will also feature a hydrogen-ondemand system.

The Scorpion supercar features a carbon-fibre body, chrome moly chassis, Recaro seats, Indy car independent suspension in all four wheels, Bose eightspeaker sound system, HID Xenon headlights, LED side markers and custom LED gauges. Even maxed out with comfort equipment, Scorpion manages to keep its weight as low as 950 kilograms – and this is not a small vehicle, given its 2.67-metre wheelbase. The standard, 450hp Scorpion comes with a price tag of $150,000 while the Scorpion HX Limited Edition, 600hp model will set you back $250,000.

Production of the Ronn Scorpion is limited to about 200 cars a year.  For more information contact RMC on +1 888 460 0960 or email info@ronnmotors.com.

LIFE PASSION ADVENTURE

OfямБcial agent for Riviera luxury motor yachts in South Africa.

DURBAN HARBOUR : Durban Yacht Mole Tel: 031 301 1115 / 083 324 4630 DURBAN POINT : The Quays Tel: 031 332 1987 / 079 872 2335 CAPE TOWN V&A WATERFRONT : Breakwater Boulevard Tel: 082 881 2607 / 072 860 6401 www.boatingworld.co.za | info@boatingworld.co.za

LIFE PASSION ADVENTURE

FLOURI S H

&

Solutions

Stilettos

The Two Sides of Success Whenever champagne corks fly, they spray some of the

hardest-driving captains of industry, celebrating the fruits of their labour. Realising that it is often are the same people searching for smart solutions in their own industry, those who will later be out on the red carpet, Neo Africa has built a diversified group to deliver on the work and play solutions demanded by the truly successful.

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FLOURI S H

Words: CHARL DU PLESSIS Images: © NEO AFRICA; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

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hat does a niche turnkey consulting business, an IT solutions consulting company, a charter airline and flight academy operation, a marketing communication and events management company, an elite VIP concierge service and an exotic vehicle chauffeur enterprise have in common? Does not conventional management wisdom advocate sticking to your core? Posing that very question to Vivien Natasen of Neo Africa, we gained a very different insight into why a diversified group such as Neo Africa can keep on outperforming the market.

“I am continually inundated with questions of who and what Neo is. The initial vision that guided my desire to create the company was to establish a platform from which like-minded, talented individuals could leverage in order to make meaningful inroads into transforming this country and improving the lives of people from all walks of life. The primary philosophy of Neo is to be the ‘impetus for change’ and

we seek to reflect this in all that we do. This approach of passionate, committed rainmakers has proven itself time and time again to set us apart from other organisations and is fundamentally linked to our values and our company ethos. This amazing mix of mystery, passion, intuition and expertise has led to our unsurpassed growth over the last five years and, despite the doom and gloom that most

there are vast synergies to be found between the stilettoed red carpet set gallivanting by night and the tie-clad solutions-searching executives by day.

other corporates encounter on the economic front, we are seeing tremendous opportunity globally.”

So, if I hear Vivien correctly, he also espouses a few conventional wisdoms from the world of management, but he suggests that these collectively trump the theory of sticking to your core: the belief in strong values, the commitment to nurturing talent, and the ability to inspire people because they know are involved in something meaningful in our society.

The more observant would also notice that there are vast synergies to be found between the stilettoed red carpet set gallivanting by night and the tie-clad solutions-searching executives by day. Essentially, the very same people who are out there on a daily basis building industry and driving economic growth and employment, are also the people who have the zest and the reason to celebrate their successes in the fast lane with some indulgence in the world’s best luxury. And when you can trust the Neo Africa

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Group’s Pcubed Division with building the IT backbone and risk management of your national network, why would you not trust Neo’s Pcubed Aviation wing to get you to your meetings on time, or to fly you and your spouse into a remote island destination for some well-deserved rest? And should you need to say sorry to your spouse for all the late nights in the office, what better way than bringing her to the airport for that island holiday with one of Pcubed Exotica’s rare collectible cars?

The Neo Africa Group started about five years ago as Neo Solutions, leveraging off its founder’s expertise in transport and facilities management, and particularly the ability to shape public private partnerships that have set global benchmarks with solutions to the challenges faced by a developing society in transition. Given the Neo Africa Group’s strength in IT solutions, the next specialised division, Pcubed, an IT

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systems implementation company soon followed. Like many of his influential clients, Vivien’s success allowed him to indulge in some of his own passions, notably fast cars and flying, and from this soon grew the realisation that many of Neo’s clients needed access to these kinds of assets frequently, without actually having to own them. Soon, Pcubed Aviation saw the first light as a turnkey charter operation with its own pilot training academy, and Pcubed Exotica was born as an exotic chauffeur service and as a niche super car rental company.

The Group has experienced tremendous growth and such growth is not sustainable without the right people. Neo’s ability to attract young yet talented and experienced individuals who are loyal and committed to what Neo is about is reflected in the passion and depth of the team supporting the CEO, starting with the tireless perfectionist, Samantha Newton, who was appointed as Group COO in June 2008. This ethos is seen throughout the Group and is reflected in the sheer excellence and integrity that

clients experience in their interactions with Neo every day.

The Group subsequently launched Neo Innovations, a marketing communication and events management company that has quickly made its mark on the major events calendar in South Africa. Recent successes at the A1GP and in preparation for the World Cup Soccer in 2010 has put this young company on the fast track, which is nothing new to any division within the Neo Group. Geared towards the absolute topend of the incoming foreign business and leisure travel market, and the who’s who of South Africa, Neo has positioned itself not only as the safe pair of hands with which to enter the South African market, but also as facilitator of note for some of the major cross-border public private partnerships that will help once again to deliver on Vivien’s basic vision: “Making meaningful inroads into transforming the country and improving the lives of people from all walks of life.”  Contact Neo Africa at +27 11 484 2833 or vivien@neoafrica.com.

FREE D O M

Admiral Admirable

Exclusive 45 Open Concept

Admiral Yachts, one of South Africa’s premier catamaran builders and one already well respected on the international market, is developing a new concept boat – an Open 45 – designed to transport superyacht owners, elite marina village dwellers and luxury hotel suite guests from ship to shore, home to clubhouse, or to a secluded day time anchorage in the style of living to which they have become accustomed. This Open 45 will have the elegance, speed and amenities that truly make a statement, whether you are arriving onshore for a seaside dinner, taking close friends for a spin, or relaxing on a remote island for the day.

Words: TANYA GOODMAN Images: © ADMIRAL YACHTS

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FREE D O M

A

dmiral Yachts has been building catamarans in the Mother City, Cape Town, since 1999 and, two years ago, moved to a state-ofthe-art factory in Atlantis.

Their innovative hull design and integration of foil-assisted technology (also developed in South Africa and now used around the globe) makes their boats stable, smooth, swift, and remarkably easy to manoeuvre.

The company ranks highly among South Africa’s catamaran builders, whose products are frequently praised and continue to amass a number of international honours. South African manufactured yachts, for example, have won various “Boat of the Year Awards” in America over the past 10 years. Admiral has earned their reputation through building durable hulls for some of the roughest seas in the world.

There is good reason why it’s called “Cape of Storms.” At the recent Miami Strictly Sail Boat Show, South African boats took

“

The 45 Open is targeted at those who live an opulent lifestyle, whether onboard a superyacht , in one of the new luxury marina developments taking place around the globe or as an esteemed guest in the Presidential Suite of a resort hotel.

“

up an entire country-based pavilion, the only one to do so and for the third consecutive year. Against tough competition from European and American producers, the South African industry has developed a strong position in the notoriously difficult US market, through sales to both individuals and charter companies.

Admiral’s existing 45-foot Express Cruiser, currently in production, with separate owner’s cabin, skippers berth and partially enclosed coach roof offers you the ability to spend a few days in a secluded

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a vehicle that appeals to those that value their access to exclusivity, innovation and the liberty to choose.

In essence, it is the 45 Open’s shift away from those sensible aspects of the 45 Express that make longer voyages or poor weather conditions tolerable, to a bit more flash and style for those who can afford it and have the freedom to do so – customised finishings, luxurious furnishings, and the look and feel of a high class craft in a sleek and sassy form. The 45 Open is best suited for when you want to unwind in a quiet cove for the day, need a stylish form of

“

This is, indeed, a new breed of craft; a vehicle that appeals to those who value their access to exclusivity, innovation and the liberty to choose.

“

cove or take an extended excursion up the coast. This craft sports the latest in cuttingedge naval architectural design and is based on asymmetrical hulls, which are supported by new generation foil-assisted lift technology. As a consequence of this design, owners benefit greatly from the extended ranges and increased speed that this boat exhibits. The 45 Express is a solidly built craft, designed to go anywhere, getting you and your companions to your destination quickly and safely yet maintaining high levels of comfort.

Her single-level saloon and cockpit provides an unsurpassed entertaining area for a craft of this size, while her below-deck appointments provide more than comfortable accommodation facilities.

Now, what makes the new concept 45 Open different? The 45 Open is targeted at those who live an opulent lifestyle, whether onboard a superyacht or in one of the new luxury marina developments taking place in the Persian Gulf and Indian Ocean Islands, as well as further afield. It is a boat that exhibits the best of the best in terms of technology and taste and will be a lifestyle accessory that perfectly complements your other accessories of wealth, such as a private jet or racy sports car, or the latest fashions from the catwalks of Paris and Milan. For those who live in these über premium realms, the 45 Open offers a seamless transition from private spaces to public places. This is, indeed, a new breed of craft;

transport from your superyacht anchored offshore to a restaurant in town, or simply need to travel from your marina villa to meet business associates for a night out.

Of course, no compromise has been made on the proven design embodied by the 45 Express – the Open 45 will incorporate the same hull and foil technology platform, resulting in the same efficiencies and reliability. The 45 Open sports new deck styling by the

acclaimed design office of Simonis Voogd of Holland. Should you desire the thrill of extreme velocity or rather opt for greater energy conservation, the Open 45 offers this as well through its choice of propulsion systems that range from mild to wild.

Given that the engineering below the water on the Open 45, as well as the 45 Express, will provide you with unsurpassed safety, comfort, and speed, it is the styling above the line on the Open 45 that changes dramatically and will catch your eye. Part of the appeal of owning this boat lies in its customisation options and the impact that such choices can make. As opposed to the massmarketed, “cookie cutter” approach to producing an up-market boat of this size, Admiral understands that its clientele has a more sophisticated definition of luxury – where individual tastes and personal preferences can, and should, be expressed in the accoutrements of luxury living. Thus, the Admiral 45 Open will be tailored for those who already know the finer things in life.

Each individual Admiral 45 Open is created in its own unique project, with personal management and intimate owner involvement. Such attention means that only a select few will get to own this ultimate tender.  Contact David or Alan at Admiral Yachts: • Tel: +27 21 577 3400 • Email: sails@admiralyachts.co.za • Visit www.admiralyachts.co.za

fa n c y

Twiice the Local Talent

Since entering the South African market more than a decade ago, Twiice International has made a significant contribution to the design industry, least of all by its vehement support of design integrity. Owner Tin Korver is enthused with ideas about how to promote local design and designers, and export these original goods to international buyers, putting South Africa on the global map of high-quality furniture manufacture.

Words: TONI ACKERMANN Images: © TWIICE INERNATIONAL

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orver has a strong dislike of “copycat design” and is thus fanatical about original high-end creations. He feels that South Africans still need to be educated about

PRE S TI G e

design, which he has made his focus: teaching people about the choices they have when buying and also knowing what they are buying. At the same time, there is a need to educate designers and encourage their inner creativity in

order to produce spectacular South African pieces intended for the local and international markets.

Says Korver, “It seems that local designs may have been influenced by the fact that our fragmented past hampered

fa n c y

our ability to create an inimitable visual language with a universal South African flavour. But isn’t it because of such a history, and one so diverse, so full of culture, that each South African should have his or her own sense of self? Until recently it seemed that a wooden hippopotamus, elephant or lion were the best sellers. While there is nothing wrong with these artefacts I think it is time to express the varied landscape of our country and use our archetypes, myths and traditions to create functional designs that appeal to clients for their kitchens, lounges or patios – designs that are unique, designs that are South African, but designs that would suit any place, from Cape Town to Paris to Dubai and further afield.”

South Africa’s past offers a complicated yet rich range of culture, tradition, language and original ideas; exactly what South Africans need to get started, Korver believes.

“Play with what you have, what you know, and conjure up exceptional functional designs,” he says with passion. “Realise that the reason Italy and France lead the way in certain creative industries is because of their long history of driving quality and investing in good design.”

Korver, together with international investors, is in the process of establishing a business that they will “skill out and kit out” in its entirety for top-quality furniture, setting the same standards as Europe, but using South African designers for new product lines. These designers will be trained in Europe and brought back to South Africa to develop a range of corporate furniture from cabinets to workstations to highly client-specific boardrooms. The goods will be designed and produced locally, but sold locally as well as internationally. “We will give the Europeans a run for their money and show them we, too, can make quality furniture,” says an emboldened Korver.

The company will start with its current team of 25 employees but will also be creating jobs, aiming to employ a further 75 people as they grow. The factory will be

located in Cape Town, with production scheduled to start in early July.

Korver says they have their eye on a pool of talented up-and-coming designers, and will run a competition before commissioning those they are certain they want. “Sort of like an Idols competition for furniture design,” laughs Korver. “We have serious talent in this country, but our designers are much underestimated, by themselves and others. This long-standing inferiority complex means that one does not believe he or she is talented and on par with international standards until told so.

Slowly, however, South Africans are beginning to find confidence in themselves.

All one needs is a little help, a little push.”

According to Korver, the international market has shown quite an interest in what the South African designers will be producing, and he has already received several requests. It seems it was bridging the gap between producers and buyers that proved tricky in the past. “There needs to be a bigger platform for bringing these players together,” says Korver. And he is determined to do so. “Putting South African design on the world map will benefit this country tremendously from an economic, social and technological point of view,” he concludes. With Korver’s latest plan to promote local talent, it seems this will soon be a tangible reality.

Twiice International has two showrooms, one situated at 70/72 Bree Street, Cape Town (contact +27 21 487 9060) and the other, newlyopened showroom, at 1 Jellicoe Avenue, Rosebank (contact +27 11 343 8900).

You can also visit www.twiice.com to view the ranges and designers online. 

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prestigemag.co.za

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FEATURE

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FEATURE

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GREY 123698

gulf

Some sailors still navigate by the stars.

Heineken速, Proud Sponsor of the Heineken速 Cape to Bahia 2009.

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Not For Sale To Persons Under The Age Of

FURTHER

HEINEKEN

Cape

to Bahia A War of Attrition

The 2009 edition of the Heineken Cape to Bahia race ended with no great surprises, as maxi yachts ICAP Leopard and Rambler took first and second place. But for the Cape-based yachts, it seemed like a war of attrition as three of the South African favourites were forced to retire.

And for those in the World ARC cruising fleet, taking a more leisurely tack often meant sitting becalmed for days. Nonetheless, there was joy to be found in all aspects of the event.

Words: Alex Petersen Images: © trevor wilkins; Brenton Geach

J

ust four days into the race South African Vineta, a Marten 49, lost its mast. It was shortly after 10:00pm mid-ocean time. “We had just come on watch,” navigator Wolf Seitz wrote in an email the following day, "Patrick Holloway, Erik Potgieter, Nick Pratt and I. Patrick was on the helm, and I was trimming the spinnaker sheet with Erik. The wind had dropped to about 20 knots, and finally settled in from the south-east. We had good boat speed, between 12 and 16 knots, and managed to surf the waves quite a lot.

Suddenly there was a bang followed by the crashing sound of a falling tree as the carbon-fibre mast snapped like a match just below the first spreaders." He continues, "We found later that the backstay had separated first, and was the cause of the failure. The next four hours were spent cutting off the entangled rigging, and securing the mast to prevent it stoving in the boat and causing further damage.

We were lucky nobody was injured in the whole incident."

Roughly eight hours later, Vineta's rival, Gumption, campaigning in the race as Ponty Leisure was also out of the running, and headed back to a Namibian port. Their problem was not as serious – a crack at the top of the mast – but worrying enough for

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owner/skipper Nicholas Mace to opt for the 500 miles back to Namibia, rather than the 2,500 miles on to Salvador. The yacht was still able to maintain a modest pace under a reefed down mainsail and small headsail, avoiding stress on the damaged section of the mast. Meanwhile, on Vineta with just a six-metre stump of the mast remaining, the crew rigged a storm sail and trysail, and headed slowly for Walvis Bay. The damage was made crueller since both yachts had been sailing so well.

Vineta had just enjoyed her best day's run on the Tuesday, and from Ponty Leisure Mace had emailed, "Champagne sailing!

About one mile behind Vineta, changing positions with them all night. Sometimes the wind angle favours them, sometimes us. A great dice."

With Vineta and Ponty Leisure out of the event, this left only the 46-foot Hi Fidelity and perhaps Overproof to contend for racing honours. But the modified rudders on the Open 30 Overproof proved to be their weak link, both rudders breaking under the strain of the hard racing, forcing a retirement. Hard sailing on Hi Fidelity had put them at the top of the interim handicap ratings at one stage. But then the weather envelope closed. When they finally crossed the finish line in Salvador, it was to a third place on handicap behind Rambler and ICAP Leopard.

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Said Hi Fidelity’s owner Eddie De Villiers, "It was a tough trip, we were becalmed on several occasions, which is not fun when you are racing. By the second day the big boats were far enough ahead to be in a different weather system. They managed to push through the light airs, and we lost that small window in the high pressure system. But we had a great team of guys aboard, and they worked very hard."

For the cruising fleet going via St Helena, it was also a low wind race, the lowest winds that some of the more seasoned sailors had ever experienced, but there were other bonuses. At the cost of a penalty, the cruising fleet could, and did, use their engines in the calms.

"We have motored for ages now, 14 hours to be exact," wrote Janet Butler from the yacht Summerlove. "I love it when we motor... I get lots of piping hot water!"

Besides, she explained, the real purpose of the yachts' generator was to ensure power for her hair-dryer.

One of the great pleasures for cruisers was the fishing, both for the pan and for diversion, although many returned the catch to the sea. For Des Elliot on the catamaran Island Fling, the sailing and the fishing were fantastic. From St Helena to Bahia, their crew had just two days with light winds. Approaching Bahia, said Elliot, the water was

crystal clear, hued with azure blue. "We could see the marlin following the lure 20 metres away."

Quite content with 14th place, the Brazilian yacht Angela II, skippered by Paulo Oliveira epitomised the cruising approach. “How was the crossing?” I asked. "Fantastic," boomed owner Renato Plass. "What do you want to know about: the wine, the food or the wind?" For Plass, the entire leg from St Helena had been pleasurable.

While also a late arrival into Bahia, Cape Town yacht Avanti had used their engine sparingly and worked their spinnaker day and night instead to place themselves top of the log in the handicap stakes. "We worked the boat hard," said owner skipper Grant Saunders. This is his third South Atlantic race, and he reckoned the stopover in St Helena was a definite plus, along with the addition of the World ARC fleet of international yachts.

Even more sparing with the engine was Roger Langevin and the crew onboard the trimaran Branec IV. "We did not use the engine at all, but we averaged about 6.5 knots, which wasn’t bad," said Langevin. "It was very crazy, because there was no wind.

But it was like an 'oliday: no stress and great fishing."

It may well be that the big super-maxis took the glory, but the cruisers certainly seemed to have the fun. 

Sure, you can scuba and snorkel ... but, look a little further and you’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

cre8tiveworx/mauritius port.

the Creole culture captivate you ...

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FINE S S E

The Beauty of

North Island

Words: TANYA GOODMAN Images: Š NORTH ISLAND

In the Seychelles there exists an oasis of calm, pristine paradise... North Island. In this world apart, there is a private villa for each guest to call their own, where sumptuousness and simplicity flow together, creating an experience that brings harmony to body and soul. This is a place that celebrates nature at its best, encouraging guests to indulge in a new sense of barefoot luxury.

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FINE S S E

B

ehind every great success story lie hidden tales of great challenges met and formidable obstacles successfully surmounted. The development of North Island has been no exception to this rule. The resort is a conservation-oriented, ethically-driven project inspired by several philosophies.

Paramount among these is honouring the environment and turning back the ecological clock. Of course, it is a total luxury destination, too.

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The Island was first farmed, from the early 1800s, by a local family. For more than 150 years they cultivated fruits and spices and producing guano, fish oil and copra (coconut oil). After the coconut industry collapsed in the 1970s, the farm fell into disuse, taken over by coconut palms and alien plant species. Prominent ecologists drew attention to the Island’s plight, and when the new resort entered the picture, a major goal was to restore the Island to its former glory. A cornerstone of this bold initiative has been the “Noah’s Ark” concept by which tortoises and certain species of birds are gradually being reintroduced to the Island along with such indigenous trees as Takamaka, Badamier, and the legendary Coco-de-Mer palm.

The concept of an eco-sensitive lodge on North Island had been preceded by years of painstaking research and co-ordination with government conservation bodies committed to ensuring the protection of the natural environment and biodiversity.

The conscientious pursuit of such policies is now reaping just reward and has contributed much to the extraordinary way in which the lodge’s 11 secluded villas blend seamlessly with their surrounds and also to the eco-sensitive aura that now pervades the Island.

North Island adopted the motto “heaven on Earth is handmade.” Part of this “hands on” design philosophy is that the architectural team, Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, lived on site with their two children while designing and creating this development. With careful consideration for each design detail of the resort, the overall effect is one of escaping from everyday life. In so doing, the look and feel of the place symbolises a fresh approach to the art of architecture and handmade interior construction and has a tangible impact on the visitor.

Each villa has been individually handcrafted by artisans from as far afield as Malawi, South Africa, and of course, Seychelles using wood, local stone, glass and thatch. The use of natural materials is an overriding theme throughout, and includes a large, upside-down Takamaka tree to create the dining room. Smaller trees were used as handrails, showers, screens and root pergolas. Felled alien trees such as the Casuarina have been used in many of the buildings, their serpentine roots now snaking their way through roofs, their bleached limbs adorning balustrades and stairways. In one inspiring marriage of

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past and present, two of the original copra shacks have been turned into a library and dive centre.

For the design of the villas, the major impetus has been to provide privacy and space for rejuvenation for guests who need respite from our fast-moving world. With this in mind, the villas are expansive, measuring 450 square metres, thereby allowing guests an exclusive feeling and enough room to spread out and fully enjoy a unique, private island-style experience.

Individual residences are completely selfcontained and raised a metre off the ground to catch the cooling island breezes. As a result, guests find that the villas are constructed to bring the senses to life, but at the same time are a simple space in which to free the mind and refresh the soul.

A similar philosophy carries through to the activities and entertainment available on North Island, which are intended to give guests the opportunity to enjoy the Island and its magic either under guidance from one of the hosts, or with complete freedom to move around at their own pace, either on foot, on mountain bikes or by Island buggie. These activities are designed to have a minimal impact on the environment while providing the thrill and enjoyment of exploration and exercise.

Besides its exceptional beauty, North Island has long been renowned for its fertility and also for the richness of the fishing grounds wherein it nestles. It is not surprising therefore, that North Island’s lodge draws upon these exceptional natural resources to create its memorable culinary experience. Cuisine at the resort is based on the very finest natural products lovingly prepared to create a sumptuous array of exotic dishes. There is a “no menu” concept of dining on North Island and the chef speaks to each guest, explains the North Island cuisine concept, finds out personal food preferences and then develops the menus daily around this information. Dishes are complemented by an impressive cellar housing some of the world’s greatest wines and champagnes.

Spending time on North Island is an invitation to immerse yourself in nature.

From the architectural design, to the cuisine, to the activities on hand; all of this promises a sensual and spectacularly rejuvenating sojourn in the Seychelles.  For more information: Tel: +248 293 100 Email: info@north-island.com Website: www.north-island.com

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FEATURE

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The Netherlands’ Newest Beauty

Zeelander Takes to the Sea

Zeelander is a visual treat; from all angles recognisable, from no two angles the same. She is a smooth-flowing vessel, highlighted with rich wood finishes, gold-sprinkled paint, stainless steel and sensuous leathers. Her conception is about lifestyle, performance and design. Unsurprisingly, it has been difficult to keep Zeelander a secret, and after four-and-a-half years and more than 250,000 hours of intensive product development, manufacture and testing, Zeelander has now moved into production.

Words: TONI ACKERMANN Images: Š ZEELANDER

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eelander is the result of an exhaustive creative process to produce the most refined small superyacht. From design and naval architecture to sound engineering and custom interiors, Zeelander is just this. She is beautifully proportioned, with styling by award-winning and highly-in-demand superyacht designer Cor D Rover. But Zeelander is no ordinary yacht – simplified in concept, she is probably the most driverorientated vehicle on the water; easy to manoeuvre and easy to understand, with familiar controls that allow those with a driver’s knowhow to grasp the joystick and dock the boat with ease. She is capable of covering long distances with her range of over 500nm, while her specially designed and proven hull allows her to handle seas no other boat in her class can consider. For 2009 models the Zeelander will boast an additional standard feature, the Gyro Stabilising System. This system, with no underwater appendages, is equally efficient at speed as it is at anchor.

The boat’s blistering performance and speed capability is achieved through the hull design of acknowledged Master Naval Architect Frank Mulder, coupled with advanced technology Volvo IPS engines.

The hull, which uses longitudinal stringers and carbon and Kevlar reinforcements, is constructed by hand in a special Zeelanderowned high-tech lamination factory. Each hull receives several individual layers of paint and lacquer, with hand-finishing

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using long-boards between each layer. The process involves a clever blend of the automotive and aeronautic products to resist abrasion and ultra-violet damage. The result is then polished; the shimmering finish of the paintwork the result of thousands of hours of personal attention by Zeelander craftsmen.

From the bow, with sculpted anchor arrangement and mirror-finish headlights, following her perfect sheerline, capped with hand-crafted mahogany and finally sweeping aft, Zeelander has not a single, hard line. Even her windows are curved.

This boat’s whole form envelops the passengers on the inside while providing no angle to the wind.

The interior of the Zeelander demonstrates a skilful use of space and lightweight cored construction, inspired by the designers’ resolution to work with only the finest natural materials, wood veneers and leather, silks, wools, and precious metals. Every teak plank is individually selected and hand-laid on the decks before being vacuum-bedded in the deliberate single-length Zeelander style, emphasising the almost perfect curves of her hull and superstructure. Interior veneers are selected for the grain and colour and opened out into large sheets to ensure

continuity throughout. Each piece of furniture is independently crafted before being fitted into the yacht. It is then removed and veneered, before going to environmental paint shops for the final layers of lacquer to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.

While this boat is both masculine and powerful, it is her elegance and refinement that attract collectors. There is no mistaking that Zeelander is a mini superyacht set to become the watchword for luxury and refinement in the yachting world.  For more information contact: • +31 184 608 689 (Netherlands) • +377 97 98 47 77 (Monaco) Or email and visit: • james.munn@zeelanderyachts.com • www.zeelander.com

FleetBroadband

- a step into the future

Send and receive e-mails and browse the web Get access to remote networks security

Send and receive large files

Access to voice and data simultaneously

Small size hardware

33 55.003’S 18 27.860’E

www.per tec.co.za

FLI C K

Fighting for

Big

Fish

Cosmoledo Atoll,

Seychelles

Lying slightly southwest of Mahé in the Seychelles, the large, deserted atoll of Cosmoledo is wild and untouched. Often referred to as the Galapagos of the Indian Ocean, Cosmoledo is the Land of Giants when it comes to fly-fishing – host to outstanding double-digit sized Bonefish, renowned as the Giant Trevally headquarters of planet Earth, and home to some of the biggest Milkfish you will ever see.

Words: KEITH ROSE-INNES Images: © HENRY GILBEY

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osmoledo forms part of the Aldabra group, one of the three groups of coralline islands known as the Outer Islands, and consists of a coral ring about 19 kilometres wide, with four major islands occupying the cardinal points of the compass. Left to itself for many decades, the atoll is now a flourishing, rejuvenated ecosystem and is witness to enormous sea turtles along the coastline, and the Coconut Crab, the largest terrestrial arthropod, known to crack coconuts with its pincers.

But more importantly, and the reason why we have made this journey, is that the waters surrounding Cosmoledo are the domain of the Giant Trevally (Caranx Ignobilis, hereafter referred to as “GTs”), Milkfish (Chanos Chanos), the finicky Indo Pacific Permit (Trachinotus Blochii) and a host of triggerfish species (Balistidae spp) that frequent the channels, flats and offshore areas feeding to the rhythms of the tides.

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The kings – the GTs of Cosmoledo – live in the lagoon as well as out at sea, so there is no shortage of these fish. Positioning yourself anywhere along the route they follow as the tides ebb and flow will allow you ample shots at these devastating creatures and will often score a trophy fish.

A visit to Cosmoledo, courtesy of the professional guides of FlyCastaway, a South African based fly-fishing outfit, begins with a two-hour charter flight from Mahé to Assumption, Cosmoledo’s closest Island with an operational airstrip.

As Cosmoledo is a further eight-hour sail from Assumption, we travel at night so as not to waste the precious daylight hours.

Leaving the southern entrance of the lagoon, a fiery sunrise mirrored by the glassy water welcomes us to Cosmoledo.

If seen at high tide, the lack of flats might make you think you were in the wrong place, but as the tide drops at a rate of knots you realise how much water you have to cover. This southern entrance,

sometimes referred to as a roaring river, quickly makes you realise the large size, and appreciate the strength, of the tidal shifts.

The Seychelles sand is unlike most other venues in the world. It is white and hard, making wading easy. This relieves you from the burden of being in a boat, thus allowing you to do your own thing.

Although there are back-breaking, actionfilled sessions of fishing, each day we are pumped with adrenaline as we get ready to set off. One particular afternoon, just as the tide turns, we are dropped off on a sand spit, situated about 1.5 kilometres south of Wizard Island. Due to the vastness of the lagoon the water has only just started to push.

Like troops onto a battlefield, Gerhard Laubscher and I jump into the water simultaneously. I hear a mutter from our friend and boat owner Anton Viljoen, “They’re here! Nine-o’clock, two GTs in the 30 pound range!” I’ve taken one step. With my rod firmly locked under my arm, I strip

off as much line as possible and tighten the drag. The thought, “make them chase something” firmly ingrained into my subconscious, I make a cast and lead the fish by a couple metres. As the fly lands there is instant interest. I see their pectorals extend as the GTs turn. I strip as fast as possible, the fish follow, jostling for the fly.

They create a submarine-like bow wave in the transparent water. Then, with its big black dilated eyes firmly locked on the fly, one fish takes lead. The pair comes straight towards me. No one backs down, then, at the right time, I miss a strip. Instantaneously his mouth opens to engulf the fly. With three short, sharp movements I drive the hook home. In a split second the line clears through my fingers and onto the reel. In a bid for freedom, the fish heads for deeper water, turning me to watch Gerhard casting at three other large fish. In a smooth transition, Gerhard does the same and we are both hooked up. As I follow the fish, I look up to realise that once again we are in for one hell of an afternoon.

The action is continuous, pulling the fly away from the smaller fish and casting it to larger. The saying “time flies when you are having fun” seems to be an understatement – an hour or so later, we are battling to stand. The tide has pushed in so high that it’s around our waists. With the count being six apiece, we get picked up by our hosts and moved closer to the island. In almost an exact replication of earlier, the mayhem continues.

My pre-trip intention of casting the fly to as many GTs as possible somehow falls away. Time stopped still as the excitement seemed never-ending. Then both Gerhard and I looked at each other and grinned, “That’s enough fun for the day.” We lost count that day, but during the four days spent at Cosmoledo we caught and released more than a hundred GTs between us.

Having a guide to help you with fly selection, tackle, knots and tactics as well as providing expert advice on strategies for fighting and release is handy and a great way to maximise your fishing time. But, once you’ve absorbed all this advice and have been pointed in the right direction on different tides, catching a fish after doing everything yourself is most gratifying and easily done. The experts at FlyCastaway can facilitate just such an experience.  Contact Gerhard Laubscher (MD) • Cell: +27 82 334 3448 • Email: gerhard@flycastaway.com • Website: www.flycastaway.com

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FERTILE

The Cape Point

Vineyards 34° 22'S 18° 30'E

Words & Images: © CAPE POINT VINEYARDS

On a narrow strip of peninsula, between two disparate oceans, sits a vineyard with a terroir perfect for producing premium wines recognised the world over for their greatness. Perched high on the mountainside, embraced by a neighbouring nature reserve and set against a backdrop of magnificent panoramas, is Cape Point Vineyards.

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wept past the Cape in a violent storm, the Portuguese navigator Bartolomeu Diaz discovered the Cape Point Peninsula in 1488, on his return voyage from the East around the southern tip of Africa. The

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narrow peninsula, flanked by the cold Atlantic Ocean in the west and the warm False Bay in the east, was originally cultivated by the Dutch, who landed at the Cape in 1652. A century later, the first vineyards were planted in Noordhoek. In 1996, on this same land, the new vines of

Cape Point Vineyards were re-established

by Sybrand van der Spuy, the present owner.

This winery has, in its short history, garnered more five-star John Platter ratings than any other wine producer in South Africa – seven in total between 2005 and

FERTILE

2009. Accolades include “Platter's Winery of the Year Award 2008,” “Most Successful Producer” at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show 2007, international award for “Best Sauvignon Blanc over £10” at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2007, and numerous 90+ Wine Spectator ratings. And now you can own a piece of this paradise.

Soaring mountain peaks, an endless

farm, with vineyards dividing the properties to afford maximum privacy. Among the advantages of these plots will be access to a hiking trail running from the Estate to the top of the mountain, with its 360-degree views over the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay and the mountain reserve area. The Chapman’s Peak Estate, which is on an ecologically-sensitive restoration of the

own wine collections, and to enjoy the facilities of the tasting rooms and the estate cellar,” says van der Spuy.

A planting programme has been established to include more vines and also to reintroduce fynbos and other indigenous vegetation to the area. Development of the wetland, as well as construction of dams and other water features on the site, is also

stretch of ocean and 30 hectares of international award-winning vineyards form the exclusive setting and outlook for 37 residential plots overlooking the Peninsula’s south-western coastline. Two key development sites set on two estates, about 800 metres apart and affiliated to the internationally-acclaimed and awardwinning Cape Point Vineyards, offer a rare opportunity for investors with between R3.5 and R10m to spend on a prime plot of land.

Cape Point Vineyards Estate nestles between the farm’s vines and offers only nine erven of between 2,000 and 3,400 square metres, selling for between R6m and R10m. Chapman’s Peak Estate, set on the slopes of Chapman’s Peak and offering spectacular views of Long Beach’s eightkilometre stretch, has 28 larger plots of between 4,000 and 7,000 square metres, priced from R3.5m to R10m. All the plots are available on separate title and set within a security environment.

The plots on the Cape Point Vineyards Estate will be very much a part of the wine

land formerly mined for kaolin on the mountain slopes, will have bigger plots surrounding a fynbos reserve, allowing owners to create their own privacy.

The Noordhoek valley has become one of the Cape Peninsula’s most sought-after residential quarters, with property prices continuing to rise. Van der Spuy feels that the two estates are likely to appeal to affluent local and foreign buyers currently on a quest to purchase exclusive land in Noordhoek, situated just 30 minutes’ drive south of Cape Town. According to van der Spuy, the combination of both sea and mountain views is what makes these estates so enticing, though being on a wine farm is what makes the plots so exclusive.

“This is prestige territory – and terroir, I might add – and every wine lover’s dream.”

Industry experts agree that Cape Point Vineyards is currently at the top of its game for a boutique estate. “It’s a great incentive for local and overseas wine lovers to be associated with the Estate, to have access to the underground vinoteque to store their

on the cards. “When complete, we expect that the properties will average a capital value of between R6m and R20m, and will rival other local premium residential areas such as neighbouring De Goede Hoop Estate, where the manor holds the South African house price record,” concludes van der Spuy.  For more information contact +27 21 789 0900, email info@cape-point.com, or visit www.cpv.co.za.

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Pacific

Racing SERIES Acclaimed as the most exciting series in match racing in the Southern Hemisphere and promising to rival the 2007 America’s Cup in intensity with the biggest names in world yachting going head to head, the Louis Vuitton Pacific Racing Series held in New Zealand in February gave fans and avid sailors just what they were hoping they would see.

Words: TANYA GOODMAN Image: Š PAUL TODD

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FURIOU S

A

merica’s Cup holders, the Swiss Team Alinghi and the American Team BMW Oracle Racing both arrived in Auckland in January for the regatta despite a court battle between the two teams relating to protocol for the next 33rd America’s Cup still being decided by the Supreme Court of New York.

By the end of the new Pacific Series, Emirates Team New Zealand had laid claim to the trophy, convincingly beating Alinghi with three consecutive wins on a grey, rainy, windy day on the Waitemata Harbour.

The home team’s come-from-behind 3-1 victory marked the end of a 15-day match racing regatta in modified America’s Cup boats that drew praise for its format and its originality from all of the international teams that took part.

Despite legal issues that have paralysed the America’s Cup for almost two years, the Pacific Series, organised by 2007 Louis Vuitton Cup winners Emirates Team New Zealand and supported by Louis Vuitton,

was lauded for finding a way to put sailors representing the pinnacle of the sport back on the water. “As sailors we all share the same desire to be back on the water again.

This event has an Olympic village feel with a great spirit of friendly competition among the nations,” said Shosholoza tactician Tommaso Chieffi, who was tactician for Oracle when they lost to Alinghi in the 2003 Louis Vuitton Cup final.

For South Africa’s Team Shosholoza, it was a welcome challenge to be part of the Pacific Series. Although they did not fare well in the final standings, they had a spectacular win on Day 5 when they caused one of the biggest upsets of the regatta by pulling off an unimaginable 3 minute 49 second win over America’s Cup defenders Alinghi.

The match was won in the pre-start with Shosholoza using supreme skills to control the dialup by taking the two boats head to wind into an almost 4 minute stall from which it was difficult for Alinghi to escape. The South African team then built momentum for a perfect time on distance dash to lead off the start by two boat lengths. “It was the classic start that you want to keep in your mind for a long while,” said Shosholoza skipper Paolo Cian. “The tide was pushing both boats towards the committee boat and our crew did a great job of executing the turn back to the line.”

Despite an incoming current, shifty winds and puffs in the lee of the volcanic Rangitoto Island, Shosholoza shot off to play the advantageous left side of the course and steadily stretched their lead on Alinghi around every mark to finish a whopping 1 kilometre, 178 metres ahead.

Meanwhile, despite perfect racing conditions in warm north-easterly winds of 14 to16 knots and flat water, Alinghi lost time on every leg, got holed in windless patches and had a problem dropping the gennaker on the bottom mark, which cost them valuable time. Shosholoza took the win.

Day 6 also saw great excitement when a collision occurred between America’s BMW Oracle Racing and Britain’s Team Origin. Russell Coutts for BMW Oracle Racing was relentless in his attacks on Team Origin’s Ben Ainslie in the pre-start.

With the seconds counting down after a long dialup, Ainslie made his bid to break clear. There was hard contact as the boats split away and the umpires docked Oracle one point and Team Origin half a point. The

start was Ainslie’s, and the young Briton staved off Coutts’ efforts to grab the lead on the first weather leg and kept it close for the next run until disaster struck approaching the leeward mark. The headsail wouldn’t feed into a damaged headfoil and the British boat sailed down past the mark, its bow draped with the ungathered spinnaker and crew working furiously to get the jib up. Team Origin was forced to retire, losing the half point. The Americans finished the race but their victory point was cancelled out by their penalty point.

Both teams indicated they would appeal the umpires’ decision.

The outcome of the judges’ decision, however, had no impact on the final battle as this was fought between Emirates Team New Zealand and Alinghi. Upon crossing the finish line in a home-court win, the Emirates Team New Zealand boat was swarmed by a flotilla of inflatable boats, the first boat pulling alongside carrying Yves Carcelle, the CEO and President of Louis Vuitton, who was armed with a Balthazar of Moët et Chandon champagne for the victorious crew.

The organisers were thrilled with the event, and at the gala dinner while a jubilant Emirates Team New Zealand crew hugged family and friends, Bruno Troublé, co-ordinator of this first Louis Vuitton Pacific Series vowed he would bring the event back to Auckland. Skippers and crew

As sailors, we all share the same desire to be back on the water again. This event has an Olympic village feel with a great spirit of friendly competition among the nations. – Shosholoza tactician Tommaso Chieffi were also exhilarated to be out on the water, competing again. Brad Butterworth, skipper of Alinghi complimented the organisers, suggesting that “maybe this will change things and we can get on with the multinational event in 2010 and see the sort of racing we saw today.” Concluded Dean Barker of Emirates Team New Zealand, “Sailors want to go sailing and it’s a great opportunity for us to go out and race. The number of teams that came down here to race is a testament to that.” 

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im e

Tim ele t

s s

n i g p e e k Patek Philippe, with gleaming corporate headquarters in Geneva, some 600 carefully chosen retailers, an instantly recognisable brand name, and a successful worldwide campaign, is a global powerhouse. At its heart, however, it is still a family business; a remarkable enterprise where a love of fine watches and beautiful design has been passed down through several generations.

Words & Images: Š VIVID LUXURY

by Patek Philippe Patek Philippe, with gleaming corporate headquarters in Geneva, some 600 carefully chosen retailers, an instantly recognisable brand name, and a successful worldwide campaign, is a global powerhouse. At its heart, however, it is still a family business; a remarkable enterprise where a love of fine watches and beautiful design has been passed down through several generations.

Words & Images: Š VIVID LUXURY

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FA M ILY

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ith the current president, Philippe Stern, preparing his son, Thierry, to take over, and four young children from the next generation waiting in the wings to steward the company’s destiny far into the future, keeping it in the family is clearly something considered to be of crucial importance at Patek Philippe.

Throughout the world, hundreds of family-run companies have been swallowed up by large corporations, forming multinational conglomerates ruled by a desire to increase profits month by month and year by year. But Patek Philippe has bucked this trend and managed to retain its most prized possession:

independence; the license to pursue excellence as they perceive it.

It is this independence that helps make Patek Philippe watches so coveted.

Each is a product of the family philosophy, forged during a golden era of craftsmanship and modernised in the computer age without any dilution of the original vision and commitment. What Patek Philippe makes is personal, so personal, in fact, that Philippe and Thierry Stern speak of the watches as members of the family, describing new models as children that must be carefully nurtured.

At Patek Philippe, family tradition holds that its future leaders cannot start at the top. Though they have business

degrees, both Philippe and Thierry Stern were required to learn the watch industry from the bottom up. Philippe Stern spent many years learning the trade at the company’s offices in New York, working long, exhausting hours attaching straps to watches, while Thierry worked in the mail room and did a lengthy stint in the design department before learning the

retail business by dealing directly with customers to understand what they did and did not want.

Since 1839, Patek Philippe has been continuously perpetuating the tradition of Geneva watch making. As an independent company, it enjoys total creative freedom to design, produce and complete what experts agree to be the finest timepieces in the world. With its vast experience and more than 70 patents to its credit, Patek Philippe is the only manufacturer that crafts all of its mechanical movements according to the strict specifications of the Geneva Seal.

From ultra-thin to extremely complicated watches, Patek Philippe covers all facets of mechanical timekeeping: the portfolio currently encompasses 17 basic calibres for

wristwatches with a total of 44 variations as well as six basic calibres for pocket watches that are regularly enriched with special features and complications.

Patek Philippe has never ceased to extend the boundaries of the art of watch making. The outstanding precision of the movements, the superb workmanship, the quality of the materials, and the elaborate decoration techniques are essential elements of this watch maker’s style.

The Patek Philippe collections are exclusively available at The Watch and Jewellery Gallery, located at Shop 33, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton. For more information contact +27 11 784 2587 or visit www.patek.com. 

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FOR C E

Moving

AFRICA

Forward

Words: CHARL DU PLESSIS Images: Š RYAN DEVLIN PIENAAR

As with the main character Neo in the movie The Matrix, it takes a special talent to not only see things for what they are, but also for what they could be. It is with an irrepressible optimism for all the opportunities Africa offers that Vivien Natasen, CEO of Neo Africa, has forged his bold vision for moving Africa forward.

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FOR C E

Profiling Vivien Natasen

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heels, wheels everywhere.

One could have excused Vivien Natasen if he became a tyre salesman, because at times, it seems like everything he touches (and turns into gold we should add) has wheels in the vicinity. He drives some of the snazziest cars on Johannesburg’s roads; he built a significant part of his success through durable public-private partnerships in the transport arena; and even his fleet of aeroplanes occasionally needs its wheels for take-off and landing. Recently, at the A1GP Ignition party hosted by his events company, Neo Innovations, Vivien was surrounded by the likes of French star Nicolas Prost, together with the drivers about to match up at Kyalami. Outside the

consulting and public-private partnerships.

In the early days of government and business coming together to address the needs of the new South African society, Vivien brought to bear much-needed expertise and strong business acumen, a commitment to integrity and strong values, a pleasant demeanour, a sense of urgency with a “can do” attitude, and the willingness to take on high-risk projects that over time have greatly benefitted the community and the public interest. Ever the out-of-the-box thinker, Vivien and his team have delivered results in areas where others have feared to tread or tackle the complexities of process or interests involved.

Keeping the wheels of commerce in Africa oiled has been central to Vivien’s professional growth and the expanding conglomerate of interests he controls.

venue stood the South African racing car to be driven by Adrian Zaugg, just back from a visit to Soweto that day, bearing testimony to Vivien and the other organisers’ commitment to using cutting-edge technology and exciting economic ventures for the inspiration and upliftment of the less advantaged in our society.

Having made his mark as a partner at the age of 28, Vivien left Deloitte & Touche in August 2003 to form Neo Solutions, a 100% black-owned company specialising in niche market consulting, primarily in the areas of fleet and facilities management

Transport and related consulting assignments and solutions have formed the backbone of the Neo Group’s business. One of the boldest government initiatives the past few years has been the replacement of a largely unregulated and often unroadworthy fleet of taxis on our roads. Neo became a significant shareholder in the Taxi Scrapping Administrator (TSA) consortium appointed by the National

Department of Transport to implement the taxi scrapping process nationally.

For this project, Neo was tasked with helping the TSA to implement its head office and nine regional offices with full

Ever the out-of-thebox thinker, Vivien and his team have delivered results in areas where others have feared to tread or tackle the complexities of process or interests involved. functionality for administration, processing and demolishing of approximately 130,000 taxis across the country. The structure for

the head office alone comprised 1,000 square metres and had to be completed in five weeks before the Minister’s inspection.

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Neo took responsibility for providing all the IT systems and back office functionality, for managing the logistics and operations, for providing mobile and remote office functions, and most interesting, for managing the security and confirming the validity of every vehicle scrapped – traceable to a transaction with recorded video images. Neo still monitors all scrapping procedures remotely and presents this information in a reliable way in real-time.

Another turnkey project that the Neo Group has tackled and delivered successfully was a new learners’ and drivers’ test system at Rossburgh in KwaZuluNatal (KZN) with improved workflow and transaction processing.

The project was nominated by the United Nations as one of the top three global innovations of 2005. Further, the newly re-skilled Rossburgh staff won the “Silver Batho Pele” award from the KZN province for improved service delivery. The visual identity of the transformed site contributed largely to this achievement. Since then, Neo has implemented 14 other sites with a total project value of R120m nationally. And so continues the list of infrastructure and

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transport related successes that Vivien and his Neo Group have achieved.

The wheel could not be a more appropriate metaphor for the vision with which Vivien guides the Neo Africa Group.

The wheel represents one of the major discoveries in human history, and Vivien’s companies are all about this kind of

innovation and forward-looking activity. And, more than anything, the wheel represents movement, which is precisely what drives the Neo Africa Group: the idea that Africa can shape up, catch up and come into its own. This attitude is so refreshing to encounter when it has become so popular and so much easier to wallow in the gloom and doom

that yesteryears’ political wake and creepy despots North of our borders seem to inspire. To spend time with Vivien is to start believing in the possibility of solving any of our continent’s complex issues.

Ed’s note: A soft-spoken man of high energy, and more often the understated driving force behind his group of accomplished associates, it was at our insistence that we publish Vivien’s profile. Neo Africa is the major sponsor this month of Prestige’s Southern Shores exhibition at the Abu Dhabi Yacht Show (ADYS), where we are showcasing some of South Africa’s best among the high-net worth individuals and royalty who will be in attendance. Once again, Vivien is at the forefront of moving Africa forward. 

Revolutionising Africa

FROLI C

Sunseeker

Seychelles

Words: TANYA GOODMAN Images: © SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL

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ffering sales, charters, service and access to a fractional ownership programme, Managing Director Christian Graefe is thrilled about the prospects of making a home for Sunseeker in the Seychelles, seeing it as a mutually beneficial initiative for the local tourism industry as well as opening up this pristine region to an exclusive clientele.

For those who are interested in making the Seychelles a more permanent part of their leisure lifestyle, Sunseeker and Eden Island property development, solely marketed by Pam Golding South Africa, have teamed up to offer their discerning clients a perfect solution: a selection of internationally acclaimed motor yachts and a private villa with mooring facilities in a luxury marina that provides all the services and amenities that one would expect in a world-class facility. Sunseeker Seychelles will offer the total portfolio of Sunseeker yachts, including the Superhawk, Portofino, Predator and Manhattan range of high performance and spacious boats, which vary in size from 43 foot to 37 metres 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.

If you are new to the world of Sunseeker or sailing, Sunseeker Charter Seychelles offers personalised itineraries of various durations and gourmet cuisine to suit every client’s preferences. It is an ideal way to experience one of the world’s most beautiful boats in one of the most untouched regions on Earth. Clients will be able to select from 72 Predator, 82 Predator or the new 43

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SuperHawk, one of the seven limited production **Quantum of Solace Editions** currently on its way. Alternatively, you could partake in the Sunseeker Fractional Ownership programme, available on five different models, ranging from the 47 Portofino up to the brand new 30-Metre Sunseeker which debuted launched in January at the London Boat Show. The Fractional Ownership programme is a comprehensive and cost effective way to live the Sunseeker dream at your own pace and convenience. Both options include complete five star services, such as concierge, crew management and recruiting, and transportation.

To fully cater to the needs of Sunseeker owners, in conjunction with local entities, Sunseeker Service Centre Seychelles will also be offering a state-of-the art service centre by the end of 2009, capable of lifting boats weighing up to 110 tonnes, with

storage facilities, as well as dedicated service and maintenance.

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. With its new offices based at the Eden Island Marina, over 115 islands to explore in the Seychelles archipelago, and calm seas for practically nine months of the year, Sunseeker Seychelles is set to make its mark on southern shores.  For more information, contact: Sunseeker Seychelles Ltd Eden Island Marina Victoria, Mahé, Seychelles Tel : + 248 52 34 34 Fax : + 248 34 61 66 Email: info@sunseeker-seychelles.com Website : www.sunseeker.com

FEATURE

Sunseeker yachts, world-renowned for their sleek lines, exceptional performance, and cameo appearances in the James Bond series of films has recently been introduced to the idyllic Indian Ocean paradise of Seychelles.

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FA M E D

Keeping Tradition

on Track

The Blue Train The Blue Train, South Africa’s premier tourism brand, ranks as one of the greatest excursions in the world. When you step onto this train you embark on a journey into the best traditions of yesteryear, a rare glimpse into the fascinating history of the country, and a treat like no other.

D

ating back to the time of South Africa’s gold and diamond rush, the blue carriages of The Blue Train quickly came to be recognised as a symbol of luxury and an experience fit for kings, presidents and ordinary countrymen.

Though it was only officially named “The Blue Train” in 1946, this luxury train had been operating for many years before, on a route train between Cape Town and Johannesburg.

The Blue Train is a five-star hotel in motion with every luxury imaginable at your disposal. From the moment you step onboard, the extravagance unfolds. Personal attention and comfort are key, and with a personal butler at you beck and call, you are waited on hand and foot.

World-renowned chefs serve culinary masterpieces accompanied by only the best South African wines. High tea is a delight that cannot be overlooked, and slowly sipping a cup of Rooibos in one of the two lounge cars makes for a great prelude to an afternoon nap. Dinner is a nostalgic affair, and with evening wear a prerequisite, the romance of this journey is really brought home.

The grace and dedication to detail carries through from the public spaces and dining areas to your own private suite. This personal oasis, which is transformed from an elegant, spacious lounge by day into a sanctuary of comfort at night, contains all the expected amenities and fine touches of classic linens, marble-tiled en suite bathrooms and gold ornamentation.

Honouring its high regard for the history of South Africa, both of The Blue

Train’s longer itineraries make a stopover in a town of historical significance. On the trip from Pretoria to Cape Town, passengers disembark in Kimberley, where diamonds were first found in South Africa, for an excursion to “The Big Hole” and the openair Kimberley Mine Museum. The Cape Town to Pretoria trip makes a compulsory stop in Matjiesfontein. Here, the Victorian buildings and original 19th Century London lampposts impart to the traveller the uncanny sense of entering a colonial time warp. Guests are treated to a glass of sherry at the bar of the Lord Milner hotel where locals tell tales of ghosts believed to still haunt the town.

Back onboard, sipping champagne and cocktails in the lounge car while watching the sun set over the Karoo landscape is the perfect toast to The Blue Train. Later that evening, join your companions in the Club Car for a card game, a Cuban cigar or a cognac before retreating to your suite. As you lay your head down on crisp white linen, listen to the soothing sound of the train on its tracks as you sink into blissful sleep. When you wake in the morning to a steaming cup of coffee and watch the sun rise over another breathtaking vista, you might begin to wonder if one could ever get bored with all this luxury.

Regardless of which direction you choose to travel, the journey ends too soon as The Blue Train comes to a halt at your final destination. It is an experience that is engraved in traveller’s memories and minds and a journey that covers not only the distance between two cities in South Africa, but binds the route between the heart and the soul of anyone who has ever wished to travel in the stylish glory of yesteryear.

For more information on The Blue Train, its packages and routes, visit www.bluetrain.co.za, or contact The Blue Train at +27 12 334 8459/60 or +27 21 449 2672. 

Words: KATE LEVINSON Images: © THE BLUE TRAIN

Itineraries The most popular routes on The Blue Train take you from Pretoria to Cape Town or vice versa, each a 27-hour, overnight journey covering 1,600 kilometres through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent. Other itineraries include roundtrip Pretoria to Zimbali Lodge near Durban, where guests are accommodated for two nights. Zimbali Lodge, a lush, coastal resort situated on a pristine stretch of KwaZulu-Natal’s Dolphin Coast is home to a spectacular 18-hole golf course. It boasts indigenous trees, natural streams and ponds, which create a dramatic and beautiful setting. Those who are not interested in golf are treated to pampering health spa treatments.

Another popular package is the Pilanesberg trip, for which The Blue Train partners with Bakubung Game Lodge, offering passengers a two night stay at a safari lodge with daily game drives to view the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo).

The Blue Train can also be chartered and customised for journeys anywhere in South Africa where the rail tracks are compatible with The Blue Train's technology. The Blue Train’s specialised Conference Car includes full business facilities, plush lounge seating and breathtaking panoramas of the passing countryside, and makes an ideal setting for meetings, seminars, think-tanks or get-togethers with a difference.

For more info about chartering The Blue Train contact Herbert Masheula: • Tel: +27 12 315 4074 • herbert.masheula@bluetrain.co.za • Or visit www.bluetrain.co.za

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Constance:

The Evolution of

LUXURY

How does one define luxury? Is it in silk and satin? Is it in caviar and champagne? Is it in an exclusive brand name embellished above the entrance of a hotel? Perhaps 10 years ago this would have been the case, but it seems that our concept of luxury has evolved dramatically over the years as access to these material goods has changed and it has become the experience itself that counts.

Words & Images: © CONSTANCE GROUP

W

here opulence and ostentation were previously interwoven with the expectation of luxury, we seem to have moved onto a new level of the intangible. A level where the value of luxury is in the experience and successful hotel brand names must be earned by delivering that experience.

The Constance Group, which is based out of Mauritius, has been in operation since 1975. Exclusivity, emotion, and elegance are the core concepts around which each of their first class luxury establishments revolve. The Group’s collection comprises Belle Mare Plage and Le Prince Maurice in Mauritius, Lémuria Resort in Seychelles, Tsarabanjina Lodge in Madagascar, and, soon to be launched, Halaveli Resort in the Maldives.

One of the key ingredients contributing to the success of the Constance Group is

the meticulously chosen location of each of its hotels. These locations must be beautiful, they must be remote, and they must be exceptional. Furthermore, the Group’s signature lies in the simple but distinctive architecture of each property.

The buildings are constructed of natural materials – wood, marble and stone – and at each hotel one finds open spaces, contemporary décor and a seamless union between indoor living and the outdoor, natural environment.

The gastronomy of the Constance Group is, in itself, a luxury. Embracing the best in culinary spirit, the fundamentals from tropical kitchens along the spice route are artistically blended by five-star chefs with flavours from Asia, Africa and Europe, resulting in a literal feast for the senses.

Within the Group’s properties, there is something on offer for every type of traveller, from the vast range of water sports activities to the first class and

specialised spa and fitness facilities. Golfer’s will find their paradise with Constance: Constance Belle Mare Plage, Constance Le Prince Maurice and Constance Lémuria Resort all boast first class 18-hole championship courses, marrying sublime ocean panoramas with technically superior courses specially designed by renowned golf pros. The resorts (with the exception of Tsarabanjina) are also ideal for families and welcome children of all ages, having kiddies clubs specially-geared to entertaining and caring for little ones.

Perhaps what best seeps its way through every element of the Constance experience, though, is the service. Each and every member of the hand-selected team of staff is solely focused on translating the discerning traveller’s dream into a tangible experience.

Ultimately, the essence of luxury.

For further information, visit www.constancehotels.com. 

Bringing

the Future

Home

South Africa’s digital landscape is changing fast. The accessibility of high speed broadband

through the investments being made in broadband infrastructure by local telecoms companies, presents massive growth opportunities for consumers, especially in the digital home environment.

Words: BRONWYN MULROONEY Image: © DIGITALLIFE EXPO

S

cenarios where the personal computer is at the heart of the modern household, linked to everything from your cell phone to your kitchen appliances, are now distinct possibilities expected to find their way into South African homes before the year

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is out. In pre-empting this upsurge in connected homes, DigitalLife Expo 09, taking place from 27 to 29 March at the Sandton Convention Centre, will feature a life-sized, walk-through Digital Home, complete with the endless networking possibilities this new technology will now facilitate.

“There’s no doubt broadband has been an obstacle to South Africans effectively using new technology,” says Colin Erasmus, Windows Business Head at Microsoft SA, one of the participants in the creation of the DigitalLife Expo Digital Home. “I think when the entire new broadband infrastructure is active it is

FUTURE

going to change things dramatically – not only in terms of making broadband more accessible, but also in the exciting new opportunities it will open for consumers.”

Having access to new technology is one thing, but knowing what to do with it is quite another. Successfully integrating digital technology into the home is no mean feat, and one that Erasmus stresses should only be undertaken by skilled professionals. Zoran Paunovic, Managing Director of Tesla Automation, a company specialising in home automation and responsible for preparing the DigitalLife Expo Digital Home, agrees. “The most important factor in digitalising your home is choosing the right company for the job. Start by researching the companies operating in this field and what they offer. Make sure they’re able to make your house ‘future ready’ – designing the appropriate conduits and wiring your home for future installations,” he says. If you don’t want to install motorised curtain systems now, for instance, you should nonetheless make sure that the company prepares your house for this technology when you’re ready to do so. “Also be sure to install technologies that operate from the same network and ‘talk' to each other – it makes integration easier,” Paunovic suggests.

DigitalLife Expo’s Digital Home is sponsored by Do Broadband, powered by Telkom. According to Telkom, it is these technologies that actually define the digital home, as digital products, hardware and software are nothing without supportive technology behind them. The telecoms company maintains that broadband is the lifeline for the survival of any digital home, which should be designed around customers’ specific needs and tailored to suit their budgets. The Digital Home will show exactly that – how to seamlessly integrate these technologies into your home to deliver the ultimate digital lifestyle experience. The demo home will showcase a teenage pad, children’s room, study/home office, home theatre room and entertainment room, each of

which will feature the most current technologies, perfectly networked using broadband. Lighting and curtain control, for example, will be facilitated through the Microsoft Windows Media Centre and a networked smartphone. All the rooms will be professionally designed and decorated by acclaimed decorator, Lynne Blumberg.

Catering for today’s techno savvy kids, the Digital Home children’s room will feature an Asus Eee PC notebook; gaming PC with Logitech accessories; HTC Windows mobile phone and Xbox 360 gaming console from Microsoft.

The home’s teenage pad will provide the ultimate chill-out space with its cordless Dect Phone; iPhone as VOIP extension; digital photo frames; mVix multimedia digital player; Guitar Hero Xbox game with full drum kit; Microsoft Zune portable media player and Samsung 32” LCD TV. The essential digital home office will be displayed, comprising a home server; wireless printer/fax/scanner; cordless Dect and HTC Windows Mobile phone; 1Tb NAS storage; security system and wireless cameras; Asus Lamborghini laptop; wireless 802.11n broadband modem; digital photo frames and external USB hard drive.

The state-of-the-art home theatre room will include an HD Microsoft Media Centre; mVix PVR multimedia recording and streaming device; cordless Dect and HTC Windows Mobile phone as VOIP extension; Samsung LCD TV; DSTV; BOSE home theatre system; digital camera; digital photo frame and universal remote for home automation control.

Other technology that will be showcased in the Digital Home includes a complete Dynalite home automation

system supplied and installed by Tesla Automation; VOIP home PBX system with a digital receptionist; wireless home cleaning robot with auto dirt detection sensors; wireless signal amplifiers from Poynting; security software with motion detection and GSM capabilities.

The DigitalLife Expo 09 Digital Home is the physical manifestation of the limitless possibilities high speed broadband access will soon offer South Africans. It provides a space for consumers to interact with this new technology, under the guidance of industry experts, and to see exactly how it could enhance their lifestyles in the future.

One lucky DigitalLife Expo visitor stands the chance to kick-start their journey into the world of digital home ownership by winning the entire contents of the home, worth R250,000. Visitors simply need to enter the Digital Home competition to stand a chance of winning this prize. 

DigitalLife Expo 09 The Digital Home is a major focus of DigitalLife Expo 09 – the country’s premier consumer technology exhibition that showcases the broadest range of digital technology products and services under one roof. The show is organised by ITWeb and has been designed specifically to allow consumers to experience the digital lifestyle and see new digital technology in action, while at the same time providing a platform for digital product vendors and service providers to connect with consumers.

For more info, visit www.digitallife.co.za.

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FLAV OUR

From the Tavern

Sauvignon

Blanc Sorbet

Words & Images: © La Motte Wines

Ingredients • • • •

750ml La Motte 2008 Sauvignon Blanc 750ml simple sugar syrup 20g canned pineapple pieces, drained and finely chopped 20g canned peaches, drained and finely chopped • 20g canned gooseberries, drained and finely chopped • dash of fresh lemon juice • zest of one lemon Method Prepare simple sugar syrup by boiling equal amounts of water and sugar together until the mixture reaches 108°C. To test, if no thermometer is available, pour a small amount onto a cold plate and, once cooled, pinch between thumb and index finger and pull upwards – a thread should be formed that should break after a two centimetre stretch. If this happens, your syrup is ready. If not, it needs to reach a higher temperature still. It is important that the syrup should remain clear, without caramel colour. Allow to cool completely before using.

Add the wine, pineapple, peaches, gooseberries, lemon juice and zest to the cooled syrup and place the mixture into the freezer for 15 minutes.

Remove the mixture from freezer and whisk vigorously to prevent the formation of ice crystals. Return to the freezer and repeat this step every fifteen minutes for about 2 hours or until the mixture starts to set and freeze completely. Transfer the set mixture to an airtight container.

When ready to serve, scoop into chilled glasses or bowls. Once served, return the remainder to the freezer to prevent crystals forming.

Serves 4.  The 2008 La Motte Sauvignon Blanc is part of the Classic Range created to express distinctive varietal character. Grapes from different vineyards are combined to produce this very popular unwooded aperitifstyle wine with tropical as well as green flavours. This wine is produced reductively to protect the varietal flavours. Each wine in the Classic Range reflects the noble art of wine-making in the craftsmanship of La Motte’s winemaker Edmund Terblanche. Contact La Motte on +27 876 3119, email cellar@la-motte.co.za.

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FEA S T

From the Galley

Beef Fillet and Braised Oxtail Cigar Served with Traditional African Morog, Roasted Butternut and Crushed Sweet Potato

Words & Images: © ULUSABA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Method Ingredients For the Beef Fillet • 4 x 220g each beef fillet • 30ml extra virgin olive oil • salt and pepper to taste For the Oxtail Cigar • 2kg oxtail • 30ml extra virgin olive oil • 1 small onion, sliced • 1 carrot, peeled and roughly chopped • 1 cinnamon stick • 2 star anise, whole • 1 naartjie or orange zest and juice • 1 lemon, zest only • 500ml red wine, preferably Merlot • 3l chicken stock • 4 squares spring roll pastry • 1 egg, beaten • 1l vegetable oil for deep frying For the Roasted Butternut • 1 small butternut • 50g butter, cubed • 30ml extra virgin olive oil • 2ml ground cinnamon • lemon thyme For the Crushed Sweet Potato • 1 medium sweet potato • 20g butter • small bunch parsley washed, picked and finely chopped For the Morog • 10ml extra virgin olive oil • 1 small onion, finely chopped • 1 clove garlic, crushed • ¼ small mild chilli, chopped • 2 ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped • 200g spinach leaves, roughly chopped

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Prepare the oxtail cigar: Heat the oil in a heavy-based pot. Season and brown the oxtail, add the onions, cinnamon and star anise, and cook over a gentle heat for 5 minutes. Add the naartjie or orange zest and juice and the lemon zest, red wine and 2l of the stock. Cover and simmer gently for 3 hours, adding more stock as the liquid reduces.

When the oxtail is tender, remove from the liquid. Strain and reduce to a thin syrup consistency and set aside. Carefully remove the meat from the bone, ensuring there is no fat. Add the meat to half of the reduced stock, season to taste. Keep the remaining reduced stock for jus.

Lay out the individual pastry squares. Spoon a narrow line of oxtail along one side and brush the remaining 3 sides with egg. Roll a neat, tight cigar, folding in the 2 ends.

Seal with more of the egg. Refrigerate until needed.

When ready to cook, heat the vegetable oil in a shallow pan, fry spring rolls until golden brown and drain on kitchen paper.

Roast the butternut: Pre-heat oven to 180ºC. Peel and dice butternut, place in a roasting tray, toss with olive oil, butter, cinnamon, and lemon thyme and season

to taste. Roast uncovered for 20 minutes until soft. Remove from the oven and remove the thyme. Mash gently.

Prepare the crushed sweet potato: Peel and dice sweet potato, place in a pot with salted water and simmer until tender.

Drain well. Add parsley and butter and season to taste. Mix gently until crushed but not smooth.

Make the morog: Heat a medium-sized pan, add the oil and onion and cook on gentle heat until transparent. Add the garlic, chilli and tomatoes. Cook on low heat until all the moisture has evaporated.

Add the spinach and cook for a further 5 minutes until all liquid has evaporated.

Season to taste.

Prepare the fillet: Heat the oil in a large, heavy-based pan. Season the beef fillet and seal on all sides. Transfer to ovenproof tray and cook in a 200°C oven.

Serve: Heat the butternut, sweet potato and morog separately. Make a quenelle of each vegetable using 2 tablespoons. Lay the oxtail cigar across the three vegetables.

Place the beef fillet alongside the vegetables and drizzle over a serving of the oxtail jus.

Serve immediately. Serves 4. 

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 .

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makingwaves South Africa Steps up to join Hollywood

South Africa’s New Nuclear Fuel

South African-based nuclear design company, Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR), has successfully manufactured a new nuclear fuel particle that is a “first for Africa.” These new uranium-dioxide coated particles will form the basis of a high temperature reactor fuel containing 9.6% enriched uranium. This nuclear particle is based on a high-quality German fuel design used in the German AVR research reactor, which was effectively operated for 21 years.

According to PBMR CEO, Jaco Kriek, the successful manufacturing of the coated particles was the culmination of several years of intense development work at PBMR’s laboratories. This fuel is one step in a long line of development aimed at creating a safer form of nuclear reactor.

“Globally we need to move away from carbon-based fuel towards cleaner alternatives,” says Dr. Rui Krause, a senior lecturer at the University of Johannesburg.

“This fuel has made a significant impact, as new plants will face environmental impact problems and civil opposition, and hence governments take risks using nuclear power.

This type of fuel development allows them to go for something with the same amount of energy but far safer.” Due to the reactor’s inherent safety designs, no human error or equipment failure could cause an accident that would harm the public. Says Kriek, “We have conducted extensive development work and we are satisfied that the coated particles that were produced for testing will provide proof and assurance that the PBMR will perform to its predicted best-inthe-world safety capabilities.”

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Construction recently started to turn 200 hectares of land 25 kilometres east of Cape Town into the Cape Town Film Studios, Africa's first state-of-the art studio worthy of Hollywood and Bollywood. This will be South Africa’s largest ever investment in its film industry, which employs more than 20,000 people. It is hoped that this will boost the sector's annual earnings from the current R1 billion to as much as R4 billion. The project, estimated at R430 million, will be funded by shareholders, together with a R30million investment by the Western Cape government. The Cape Town Film Studios have already recruited 61 local film-related companies to take up permanent residence at the studios; these include post-production, set building, and costume designers. For many filmmakers, this new studio, which will include a vast 7,000 square metres of sound stage, is the first step in unlocking the full potential of our industry. Several additional projects are in the pipeline, including a crew training academy at the studio and cheaper rates for South African producers when major films are not in the making. The project has been five years in the pipeline, and it is expected that the first stage will be complete

by February 2010.

South Africa Named a Top Destination to Visit in 2009

In the New York Times’ annual travel guide of Places to Go, South Africa was named one of the top destinations to visit in 2009. The Times' 2009 list features 44 of the world's most compelling holiday destinations as determined by the publication’s editors and readers. Both groups agree that South Africa is the definitive destination for “affordable luxury.” According to readers, South Africa ranks 20th on the list of Places to Go in 2009 while Times editors ranked it 34th. Describing South Africa as an idyllic country, the annual travel guide says that with its famed safaris, world class wineries and fabulous beaches, South Africa is “fast becoming one of the best bets for travellers looking for high-end experiences at relatively low-end prices.” While the global economic crisis has resulted in an overall global tourism decline of 20 percent, South Africa has remained relatively unscathed. According to South African Tourism's most recent statistics, overall tourism arrivals for the period January to October 2008 increased by 5.4 percent totalling 7.8 million arrivals.

Not bad considering the global crunch.

Other destinations featured in the 2009 edition of Places to Go are Rome, Berlin, Beirut, the Galapagos Islands, and Zambia.

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