Prestige 83 by Prestige Magazine South Africa

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prestige magazine |

@PrestigeMag_SA

Issue 83 – 4/2015

Africa’s Premier luxury Lifestyle Magazine

The S-Class CoupĂŠ. Welcome to the view from the top. A sight of beauty and triumph. The S-Class CoupĂŠ, with industry-first curve tilting technology, leans itself into bends for ultimate driving comfort. Unveil a vision of performance, poise, and unparalleled luxury that can only be described as breathtaking. Welcome to the view from the top. Visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/s-coupe Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African market.

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contents

100. 12. 68.

62.

22.

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16.

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78.

Upfront Ed’s Letter – Page 6

Inside Lifestyle – The latest luxury products – Page 8 Straight Sets – We talk to tennis legend Roger Federer as he becomes the ambassador for Moët & Chandon – Page 22 Financial Success – Many people have a fantasy about building wealth which differs from the value system of building wealth. Chris Buchanan spoke to Dr John Demartini about financial success and what it means to different people – Page 30 Lock Up and Go – Frederic Makelberge of Neo Estates offers an alternative to a hotel room – a place to call your own – Page 34 Pinch Me – Ted Baker’s Spring/Summer collection for 2015 is fanciful, bold, textured and full of colour that suggests all Summer can give you – Page 38 Gala Performance – Superga is proud to present the capsule collection realised for the spring-summer 2015 in collaboration with the Spanish fashion blogger Gala González – Page 44

38.

Getting Away from it all

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Heart and Soul – Carly Bailey Natasen experiences the people of Azura Benguerra who have one intention and that is to make you feel special – Page 48 Goodnight Saigon – The Reverie, Saigon is all about seeping into the history of a city reborn from the ravages of war with some interestingly unique touches – Page 52 Song of the Suburbs – Chris Buchanan based himself in Stellenbosch and found a luxury guesthouse in the quiet suburb of Paradyskloof where local birdlife is your morning alarm and the food blows you away – Page 58 A Constant Gardener – Take an old wine making tradition, throw in passion, vision, restoration, sustainability and one hell of a garden and you’ll find Babylonstoren. Chis Buchanan spent some time replenishing mind and spirit – Page 62

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contents

82. Food and Wine

106.

Prime Rib – The award that recognises our love of a good steak is now in its third year and the diners and judges have chosen. Chris Buchanan attended the Wolftrap Steakhouse Championships 2015 – Page 68 Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow – It takes time to create exceptional wine and Neil Ellis has taken time to learn and develop the Webb Ellis which is literally time in a bottle – Page 70 Diamond Bubbles – Graham Beck has pioneered MCC in South Africa from the beginning and 25 vintages on it still sets the test – Page 74 The song of the single cask – How bias rules the malt universe, and why it doesn’t matter. Patrick Leclezio runs the rule over blended malts, single malts, vintages and single casks – Page 78 A Whole Lot of Rose – Bisquit Cognac celebrated Wold Cognac Day with a tasting of its limited edition X.O. Rose Gold and Eugene Yiga came away smiling – Page 82

44.

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Getting Around

52.

King of the Seas – Gulf Craft has unveiled the Majesty 155, the UAE shipbuilder’s largest-ever, flybridge motor superyacht – Page 86 Flat out and Fearless – The fascination for collections, power and style never goes out of fashion. Richard Webb goes in search of automotive glamour at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the world’s largest automotive garden party – Page 92 Valleys of Neptune – As the Maserati brand re-positions itself in the South African market, Vivien Natasen experiences the new Ghibli – Page 100 Merc’s AMG GT is up there with the best – The Mercedes-AMG GT is the second car that has been developed entirely in-house by AMG, the company’s high-performance division now known within the Daimler empire as Mercedes-AMG – Page 106 Spyder House Rules – Porsche’s new Boxter Spyder harks back to the RSK Spyder of 1960 with modern technology in the mechanicals– Page 110

Final Say From the Publisher – Page 112 PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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UPFRONT

Publisher Vivien Natasen +27 11 484 2833

ED'S

Editor Chris Buchanan chris@prestigemag.co.za

tough competition

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hink of Mauritius and I’ll bet the farm that you think of palm fronds, turquoise sea, sun, exotic cocktails and a rocking time on a tropical island. The truth is Mauritius is not only a perpetual wedding and holiday venue, solely reliant on the tourism dollar, growth in other sectors like ICT, financial services and trade at 6.4%, 3.2% and 5.4% respectively are spearheading GDP growth of 3.5% in 2014, compared with South Africa’s 1.4%. Moneyweb’s Ingé Lamprecht recently penned an article on four things SA can learn from Mauritius and each of them makes you realise how mired in red tape our economy is. The first thing: Continuity in policy and plans – the amount of times South Africa has changed policy in knee-jerk reaction is perfectly expressed in the travel documents for minors debacle, never mind digital terrestrial television and a myriad more. Investors like consistent policy. The second thing: A simple tax system – Mauritius taxes resident individuals and companies at 15%. Some say it lets the wealthy off the hook in a socialist ideal but it also gives the poor and the middle class the same break. VAT is also 15%, high but there’s free education on the menu and very good healthcare. Also no tax on dividends, capital gains or inheritance and no exchange control. Take note SA. The third thing: A clear strategic pathway – All sectors are governed by strategy and it’s set out in a number of goals with no deviations, just working toward the end result. South Africa has no defined economic strategy and it shows.

The fourth thing: Open for business – it’s easy to do business, there’s access to government departments and they assist you to get started as quickly as possible, add to that favourable policy, clear strategy and half the red tape, as well as stability in the workforce. Clearly South Africa is not too open for business. There’s a fifth thing: Its people – Mauritians don’t beg, they don’t steal, they work hard and they don’t shoot each other when there’s an altercation in the traffic. I know this is a huge generalisation but Mauritians have an ethic and they all work to better themselves and the country in which they live. You will get higher levels of productivity with a realistic wage bill and few strike days if you intend setting up a factory because you’ll be doing it in Sub-Saharan Africa’s most competitive economy, ranked 17 places higher than South Africa in the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report and getting better all the time. South Africa used to define the term “Gateway to Africa” but Abuja and Port Louis are waiting in the wings to open gateways of their own. Competitiveness is likely to be the clincher so if South Africa wants to continue being the chief market for luxury goods and services into Africa, it had better head to the gym and start building fitness and stamina, getting lean and start the Banting diet. Luxury goods need a combination of the above factors to survive but most important, they need a market of individuals with means to buy them and that carries huge weight in South Africa’s favour.

CHRIS

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Layout and Art Direction Daniel Jonathan info@danieljonathan.co.za Advertising Sales Carly Natasen carly@prestigemag.co.za Susie White 082 882 9391 Operations and Circulation Farhana Suder farhana.suder@neoafrica.com Digital Chris Buchanan chris@prestigemag.co.za Contributors Stuart Johnston, Patrick Leclezio, Gillian McLaren, Eugene Yiga, Richard Webb Printing Typo 011 402 3468 Subscriptions: To subscribe please go to www. prestigemag.co.za click on the Subscribe tab and submit the form. An invoice with banking details will be sent to you. Your first issue of Prestige will be despatched as soon as payment is made. Costs: 6 Issues = R350 per annum excl VAT, other countries are subject to a postage surcharge and will be calculated accordingly. PUBLISHED BY Neo Publishing (Pty) Ltd Tel +27 11 484 2833. Fax +27 11 484 2899 All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or any of its clients. Information has been included in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. 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 therefrom. No part of this publication may be used, or reproduced in any form, without the written permission of the publisher. All copyright for material apearing in this magazine belongs to Neo Publishing and/or the individual contributors. © 2014

lifestyle

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for my

lady Rolex introduces the new generation of its

oyster perpetual Lady-datejust model, featuring

a redesigned case enlarged to 28 mm and calibre

2236, a mechanical movement fitted with a Rolex-patented syloxi hairspring in silicon for superlative chronometric performance.

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he new Lady-Datejust is a perfect complement to the new Day-Date introduced this year, and follows a similar aesthetic evolution: refined lugs and middle case, a broad and clear dial, as well as a President or Jubilee bracelet closely integrated into the Oyster case. The new Lady-Datejust is offered in 950 platinum or in 18 ct yellow or Everose gold with new dials, veritable signatures of its renewal. The timepiece stands out for its elaborate new dials, a singular combination of high-technology and traditional know-how. The unique colour effect on some dials is created in a dual process by printing a very fine motif on a traditional sunray finish. New, gem-set hour markers enhance the elegance and femininity of this exquisite model.

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The 18 ct gold of Rolex watches shines with a special radiance. This is due to the high-purity alloys created by the brand in its own foundry and the meticulous care with which they are cast before being formed, machined and polished in its workshops. Everose, an exclusive pink gold alloy patented by Rolex, owes its unique colour to its special composition that preserves the pink colour over time. The new Lady-Datejust is equipped with calibre 2236, a new-generation self-winding mechanical movement entirely developed and manufactured by Rolex. Equipped with the Syloxi hairspring in silicon patented by Rolex, it offers a superlative level of chronometric performance, unparalleled on a ladies’ watch. Certified as a Swiss chronometer by COSC (Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute), it is tested a second time by Rolex after being cased to ensure that in everyday use it satisfies Rolex’s criteria for precision, which are twice as exacting as those for an officially certified chronometer. The Lady-Datejust’s Oyster case, guaranteed waterproof to a depth of 100 metres (330 feet), is a paragon of robustness, proportion and elegance. The characteristically shaped middle case is crafted from a solid block of 950 platinum or 18 ct gold. The fluted case back is hermetically screwed down with a special tool that allows only Rolex watchmakers to access the movement. The winding crown, fitted with the Twinlock double waterproofness system, screws down securely against the case. The crystal, with a Cyclops lens at 3 o’clock for easy reading of the date, is made of virtually scratchproof sapphire. The new Lady-Datejust is offered on a prestigious President bracelet identical to that of the Day-Date, or on an elegant Jubilee bracelet with a redesigned profile. Both of these solid gold or platinum bracelets benefit from the new concealed attachment beneath the bezel which ensures seamless visual continuity between the bracelet and case. A new-generation concealed Crownclasp, opened with a hinged Rolex crown, adds the final aesthetic and functional touch to these bracelets. For Further information visit: www.Rolex.com PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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HOUSTON… …we have a problem PRESTIGE

lifestyle

An iconic timepiece redesigned

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with help from Snoopy

n April 17, 1970, the world watched as the Apollo 13 Command Module landed in the Pacific Ocean after an unexpected crisis occurred 200,000 miles away from Earth. Apollo 13 was the seventh manned mission in the Apollo program and the third that was intended to land on the Moon – a goal that was dashed when one of the two oxygen tanks on the Service Module exploded on route. The mission was aborted and the astronauts completed a number of mid-course corrections in order to achieve the trajectory that would allow them to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere. The OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award pays homage to the unforgettable mission 45 years ago and celebrates the teamwork, quick thinking, ingenuity and courage that brought Commander Jim Lovell, Command Module Pilot Jack Swigert and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise home safely.

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A closer look at the timepiece shows that Snoopy, the beloved dog from the Peanuts cartoon and a NASA mascot, decorates the dial and the caseback – a small tribute to the Silver Snoopy Award that OMEGA was presented with in 1970 in recognition of its contributions to the entire Apollo program.

Classic black and white The dial of the Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award, inspired by the black and white comic strips printed in newspapers, is at once recognisable as the inverse of its legendary predecessor. The white dial contrasts the black varnished Moonwatch-style hands and the polished black ceramic bezel, which features a SuperLumiNova tachymeter scale. SuperLumiNova is also found on the central hour, minute and chronograph seconds hands. The luminescent material was used to make the indexes and their glow is enhanced by the black varnish that fills the indexes’ top cavities.

Final touches The 42 mm stainless steel timepiece is presented on a black coated nylon fabric strap with white stitching and a fold over clasp. The Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award will be produced in an edition limited to 1,970 pieces. At its heart is the OMEGA calibre 1861. The timepiece is kept in a special presentation box that includes a certificate of authenticity, a 925 silver Snoopy pin and a newspaper with unique stories about the mission and behind-the-scenes information about Snoopy’s relation to NASA. The OMEGA Speedmaster Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award is offered with a full two-year warranty and is water resistant to 5 bar (50 metres / 167 feet).

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THE CERAMIC SPEEDMASTER COLLECTION Inspired by the incredible discoveries NASA astronauts made while exploring space, OMEGA launched a statementmaking timepiece in 2013 that caught the attention of watch fans and collectors around the world: the Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon. Combining the brand’s commitment to quality and innovation with its space legacy, OMEGA’s collection of ceramic watches includes now nine stunning models. These stylish timepieces are emblematic of OMEGA’s passion, pioneering spirit and keen sense of what the watch world wants.

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Words to live by Distinguishing this limited edition timepiece are the two inscriptions that decorate the dial. Fourteen small squares between zero and 14 seconds on the dial come together to form a long comic strip, with the words “What could you do in 14 seconds?” written underneath. The question is a nod to the 14-second mid-course correction that the Apollo 13 astronauts timed with their on-board back-up timing device: the OMEGA Speedmaster. At the centre of the dial is the quote: “Failure is not an option.” These inspiring words were spoken by actor Ed Harris who played Apollo 13 Flight Director Gene Kranz in the 1995 film about the historic mission, Apollo 13. A small image of a sleeping Snoopy painted on the dial with Super-LumiNova is positioned in the small seconds sub-

dial at 9 o’clock and it appears as if he is dreaming of the token phrase that is often used in association with the mission.

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lifestyle

Omega Speedmaster â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 1st generation (1957)

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the 10 most representative

OMEGA Speedmaster models

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Omega Speedmaster – 3rd generation (1963)

Omega Speedmaster Professional – 4th generation // The original "Moonwatch" (1964)

Omega Speedmaster Professional "Moonwatch" (1968)

Omega Speedmaster Professional Mark II (1969)

A gold Speedmaster to celebrate the successful Apollo 11 mission (1970)

Omega Speedmaster Professional "Snoopy Award Limited Edition" (2003)

Omega Speedmaster “Apollo 13 Silver Snoopy Award” (2015)

OMEGA Speedmaster Dark Side Of The Moon "Black Black" (2015)

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Omega Speedmaster 2nd generation (1959)

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lifestyle

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villa New Modular Floating Villas Make Luxury

Offshore Living a Reality.

MT Asia Pacific (BMT) has unveiled a coastal living concept that offers more than style and luxury: it promises hotel developers a flexible, readily deployable offering that provides an enthralling experience; able to be presented to discerning holidaymakers around the world. Entitled SeaScape, this concept of floating villas features clean lines and open air spaces, housed on a stylised triangular pontoon base. Each villa â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or module â&#x20AC;&#x201C; can exist standalone or as part of a larger integrated complex - modules simply connect together edge-to-edge, producing a number of possible arrangements. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

“In the hotel & tourism space we know we need to offer not only a unique experience, but also competitive costs and feasible deployment and operation,” says Richard Colwill, Managing Director of BMT Asia Pacific. SeaScape is the new modular sister of Sea-Suite, a series of egg-shaped floating villas and beach cabins developed in 2013 by BMT. After noting interest in Sea-Suite from homeowners and developers across oceans, BMT evolved the SeaScape design, in part, to provide the solution to logistical challenges of long-distance shipping and installation at remote sites. Colwill says the new series of floating villas demonstrates that it is possible to offer exceptional luxury through a simple, yet elegant modular design. And luxury it is. A key feature of SeaScape is a superb underwater bedroom. The 4m-diameter cylindrical

room formed from high-grade acrylic can be installed within SeaScape, adding a unique resort experience in a market where the truly different is becoming harder and harder to realise. SeaScape is also functional. Prefabricated parts can readily fit into standard shipping containers and allow for simpler and more cost-effective construction. Leveraging BMT’s experience in naval architecture and offshore engineering, materials have been carefully chosen to ensure high quality fabrication and finish. “We are very pleased to be introducing SeaScape to the luxury resort market. This addition to BMT’s Floating Villas portfolio offers even more options and flexibility to our customers to develop an unforgettable holiday experience for their guests.”

http://www.bmtasiapacific.com/

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lifestyle

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in the

kitchen at parties A kitchen is a kitchen and only differs in use of materials and appliances, right? Wrong. A kitchen is reflection of you and your lifestyle, as well as being a place in your home of sharing, of socialising and of intense creativity. Chris Buchanan was introduced to the Bauformat & Burger kitchen ranges through Cordev Kitchens in Fourways.

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elf Baumann is the third generation in his family to head up Bauformat kitchens based in Lรถhne in Germany and since his tenure, the company has grown its representation in Europe and expanded into Asia, the USA, the Arab Emirates and South Africa. Baumann is distinctly Teutonic in his mannerism as he explains the myriad materials and finishes available to customers who might be considering a new kitchen for their home and he says that these options merely put the skin onto the core of the kitchen.

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The philosophy of Bauformat & Burger, and de facto of Cordev is to ascertain the lifestyle of the customer before considering how to renovate or plan the kitchen space. So, section one on the checklist asks how many people live in your household, of which how many are children, how many (if any) have disabilities and what you first memory of your kitchen might be. It also asks how often you cook, what you cook, whether you cook alone and how you define the kitchen in terms of a working space in your home.

Based on these and further questions on preferred style, finishes, appliances, etc, a design might come back to you of your massive kitchen space being transformed into a single wall unit with a range of easy-to-use appliances and a two plate hob with no oven, if your lifestyle is one of a single person who microwaves most of their dishes and eats on the hoof, relying on good coffee and a blender. Baumann says thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no point in having a huge kitchen if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not going to be used, you might as well have a bigger living room.

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The distinction of the Bauformat kitchen range is one of design being a response to a lifestyle and then providing the best kitchen solution, in terms of matching your lifestyle. If the solution is the aforementioned single wall unit or a combination of storage units, ovens, hobs, built-in appliances, a centre island, all finished in black and metallic doors and countertops, the finished kitchen is manufactured in Germany and shipped to SA, installed and maintained by Cordev with a lead-time that will have you asking, “how on earth do they achieve that?”. There are nine exhibition kitchens

showing off the Bauformat (custom) and Burger (developer) ranges in the Cordev showroom in Fourways in Johannesburg with a kitchen and dining space that is currently being used as a working space for top chefs to host exclusive Chef’s Tables on the premises by invitation only. The recent Good Food and Wine Show saw Tom Parker-Bowles preparing a Vietnamese street dish of Ban Cha – seared pork belly with rice noodles and fragrant herbs and spices. The showroom is open six days a week and more information can be found at www.cordev.co.za

Cordev’s top kitchen design trends for 2015/16 • Furniture-style design features • Airy (and user-friendly), open shelving • Wallpaper that wows • Modern traditional style • Ceilings that make you look up • Luxe metallic • Touch-me textures • Beautiful black • Minimal wall cabinets • Repetitive patterns • Tribal-inspired tones • Shaker style

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profile

straight

sets He has never retired during a match and has

only once, had to throw in the towel during a tournament. His strike of the ball – one-

handed backhand, cross-court – is the shot of which courtside photographers dream. And as a senior player on the ATP circuit, Roger Federer continues to defy age and fatigue with a brick wall of mental stamina and the physical constitution of a player ten years his junior. We spoke to him on his welcoming into the Moët &

ow do you see yourself in relation to Moët & Chandon’s previous ambassadors? I’m extremely honored to be Moët & Chandon’s brand ambassador. To represent Moët & Chandon is to be part of a very glamorous tradition, and I am proud to be associated with the company. They have had iconic figures in the past so it is a real honor to be included in their family. How do you define success? For me, success is how you measure your life in relation to your goals and aspirations, whether on court or off. It is as important to me to feel successful as a family man, a friend, and an ambassador to my country as it is to feel successful as a professional athlete. This is why I appreciate what Moët & Chandon has done in terms of success. They have created a culture and a reputation that is amazing and are recognized as having creating an exciting legacy.

Photos: Giampaolo Sgura

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Chandon fold as their ambassador.

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profile

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Both my parents taught me at a young age that sharing my success and giving back to those less fortunate was not only an obligation, but an enjoyable ideology.

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What does it mean to you to represent a House with such heritage and innovation? I’m proud to be part of a champagne House that is not only innovative today, but that has been creative and dynamic for 270 years! In my career and in my sport, it is very important to continually pursue quality and excellence, and to always look ahead and try to continuously improve and innovate to stay ahead of the competition. This is something I see reflected very clearly in Moët & Chandon. What in your opinion is the secret of your success and longevity? Hard work, a stable support group, and a tremendous amount of love for the sport of tennis has played a significant role in my success, and even today contributes to the fact that I’ve been at the top of the game for so long. You are always on a plane, how do you manage that? My wife and I spend a lot of time trying to get organized and make sure we fly at convenient times so as to best adapt to the changing time zones, but I must admit, one of the challenging parts of being a professional tennis player is the constant travel... But we manage and have learned to enjoy it. Your favorite year to remember? Perhaps 2012 is one of my favorite years on tour because it had been over two years since I had won a Grand Slam, and a lot of people had questioned whether I could still do it. It was really nice to win my 7th Wimbledon in that July, which also helped me to get back to World #1 and surpass Pete Sampras’ all-time record of weeks at number 1.

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Which was your most important victory and why? My first Grand Slam win at Wimbledon in 2003 was my most important victory because it was proof that all my hard work that I had put and all the expectations that were placed on my shoulders came to fruition. The name Moët & Chandon is synonymous with spectacular celebration around the world. For you, what is it about Moët & Chandon that makes it so well loved? I think Moët & Chandon is the world’s mostloved champagne because it’s the symbol of celebration. I really enjoy celebrating a big win, a birthday, an anniversary, or the New Year with a bottle of champagne. I don’t often get to see my family and friends as I’m on tour 8 months out of the year, but when I do see them, it’s nice to be able to celebrate with a glass of champagne. What is your favorite way to celebrate? I love celebration in all forms. On the court, I like to share my celebration with fans. For example, it meant so much to me to have the support of my fans during Wimbledon. But off the court, my favorite way to celebrate is with my family and those close to me – it’s about sharing a special moment with those you love. Your most spectacular point? I’ve been a part of a lot of spectacular points, but I think the shot between my legs at the 2010 US Open against Novak Djokovic, which set up match point, was my best. Your favorite tournament? My favorite one is Wimbledon. Throughout its nearly 270-year history, Moët & Chandon has been considered a legendary pioneer.

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Off the court, my favorite way to celebrate is with my family and those close to me – it’s about sharing a special moment with those you love.

What is the thing you don’t like to remember? When I was young, I had a coach named Peter Carter who passed away in a car accident while away on holiday in South Africa. He had a huge impact on my life, and it’s always hard thinking about him as I miss him so much. In what circumstances and on what occasions do you drink Moët & Chandon? I always enjoy Moët & Chandon champagne when I’m together with my friends, my team, and my family celebrating at the end of a tournament. For me, it doesn’t matter if I win or lose, it’s always nice to celebrate with everyone when we’re all together. Additionally, I love having a nice glass of champagne when I’m toasting a birthday, an anniversary, the New Year, or a milestone. For me, toasting with great champagne and people I care about is an amazing combination. Tell us about your foundation? I started the Roger Federer Foundation in 2003 with a focus on helping young children in the continent of Africa since my mother is South African. Both my parents taught me at a young age that sharing my success and giving back to those less fortunate was not only an obligation, but an enjoyable ideology.

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Explore more of the world with the new British Airways Credit Card Our new card offers more Avios for reward flights and hotel stays, faster. And, because you get bonus Avios on your first transaction, you’ll soon be welcomed in more places too.

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Get rewarded with up to 9,000 bonus Avios on initial transactions* 1 Avios for every R7,50 spent and 1 Avios for every R5 spent with British Airways, BP and Pick n Pay Priority check-in, tranquil and stylish complimentary Airport Lounge and Cabin Upgrade vouchers** Increased spend gives you your own Airport Lounge access card, Companion and Upgrade vouchers (when you travel domestically).*** Receive access to World MasterCard® Rewards travel benefits.

For more information visit bacard.co.za, call 0861 422 000 or SMS ‘World’ to 48333.

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Standard SMS rates and terms and conditions apply.

The British Airways Credit Card is issued by Absa Bank Limited (Reg No. 1986/004794/06 – Authorised Financial Services Provider, Registered Credit Provider with NCRCP No. 7). British Airways Credit Card terms and conditions apply. Reward flights and hotel stays subject to availability. Taxes, terms and carrier fees apply. *Receive 9,000 Avios made up of 5,000 bonus Avios on your first transaction and 4,000 Avios when you spend R24,000 in the first three months. **Spend R50,000 on purchases each year to receive complimentary Airport Lounge and Cabin Upgrade vouchers (valid for 6 months). ***Spend R200,000 on purchases each year to receive your personal Airport Lounge access card (valid for 12 months), plus a Companion voucher and a Cabin Upgrade voucher for two on domestic flights. The MasterCard Brand Mark is a registered trademark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

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business

easy steps

Many people have a fantasy about building wealth which differs from the actual value system of building wealth. Chris Buchanan spoke to Dr John Demartini about financial success and what it means to different people.

r Demartini’s financial success philosophy is based around a set of values that need to be established if any vision of building wealth over the long term is to be realised. He says the hierarchy of one’s values dictates a financial destiny, so if someone has a value on spending money on consumables and depreciables more than on saving or investing in true assets, they’re not going to get wealthy – their immediate gratification overrides their long term vision of saving and building wealth. This means starting from the basics in some cases and introducing steps and strategies to raise the value of wealth building on their list of values if they want to obtain it. He calls this the “six steps to wealth” which are six things in common that he’s found in extremely wealthy individuals.

Step One Name a Billionaire who has built a company that serves a greater number of people – When he initially asks to name a billionaire most responses are Warren Buffett or Donald Trump but very few can name one who has built a business described above. So the first step is to write down the benefits to them of committing to building a business that serves an ever greater number of people, because unless you’re dedicated to serving people and generating a source of income, the probability of being wealthy is something of a fantasy. It’s about a work ethic and a service ethic and a desire to serve the needs of people. An example is Bill Gates and Microsoft fulfilling the need for people to compute through Windows or Richard Branson fulfilling a need for an alternative to British Airways. Step Two Identify 200 benefits of effective management strategy, whether its self-management or effective delegation. The three principles of working on the business and creating a bottom line of certainty are: Parkinson’s Law – Filling your day with high priority actions that produce instead of low priority actions that don’t. Pareto’s Law – Doing the 20 percent that gives the 80 percent results. Ricardo’s Law – Getting the people who can give you the competitive edge, who are specialist in the areas you need to delegate. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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Step Three 200 benefits of saving an ever-progressive portion of profits. This is all about creating a cushion he says because a company without a cushion is vulnerable. “Some of the best companies on the planet have anywhere from six months or sometimes even a year worth of liquid capital”. Liquidity means you can take advantage of great opportunity when it emerges and you can stabilise the company and have the most strategic implementation of what you’re doing. When a company is running on empty he says, they are volatile and they break strategy. Step Four 200 benefits of investing that money, over and above the cushion, into stable, high quality managed companies that dovetail and assist in the overall development of your company. This means investing in greater amounts of leverage to build wealth. His example is the Carnegie empire which, when needing a resource, would invest in companies that could provide that resource and build an asset at the same time.

Step Five 200 benefits of accumulating wealth. But there’s a purpose to that accumulation and that is to stabilise business, draw more opportunity, draw influence, build brand and satisfy personal accomplishment. Step Six 200 benefits of creating a financial cause that leaves a legacy. “If you don’t have a cause you won’t push yourself to greater levels of wealth building. Wealth means wellbeing, it comes from the old English ‘weal’, wellbeing and so a person who builds wealth has a higher probability of health and empowerment in all areas of life.” Bill gates in his founding of Microsoft, says Dr Demartini, has fulfilled each of these steps from effective management strategy to leaving a legacy, but what about the average person who operates a business on a smaller scale? It doesn’t matter, he says, even if you’re working in a company and you would like to expand your wealth, the

only reason you would be finite and wouldn’t be able to achieve that goal, is because you don’t care enough about the company or the people that is serves. “It doesn’t matter where you’re starting from, these same principles apply. Anybody at any stage can start these six steps”. Dr Demartini also believes in the building of a foundation before you can put the structure of wealth on top and the fundamentals to that are saving. “I highly recommend that people have enough liquidity to handle worst-case volatilities and unknowns before they start building the structure that goes above the ground which is the basics of investments. I always say save before you invest before your speculate”.

Dr. John Demartini is a human behaviour specialist, educator, author and the founder of the Demartini Institute.

www.drdemartini.com

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Property

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Frederic Makelberge of Neo Estates offers an alternative to a hotel room â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a place to call your own.

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he days of living out of a suitcase in a hotel room in strange cities when we travel for business are a thing of the past, particularly when you are frequently in the same city. Renting or buying an apartment is by far a more convenient solution to a hotel room, particularly one that can offer a hotel service within a residential make up. There is an ever increasing flow of commuting traffic between Johannesburg and Cape Town, as well as between cities in South Africa and cities like Dubai.

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In Cape Town the developers of the five star Pepper Club have released an additional ten of their executive apartments. Starting at R3.7m and topping off at R16.8m for the flagship penthouse 1802. This penthouse is the ultimate in luxury and has three bedrooms en suite, a beautiful living space, top of the line interior design with a baby grand piano thrown in for good measure and a private pool on the 200m2 terrace, boasting magnificent views over the city. As part of the Pepper Club, hotel the guests can enjoy all the infrastructure of a serviced lifestyle but have the independence and convenience of a home. There are good returns on these units as there is a guaranteed rental available for the hotel. One of the more popular options in Johannesburg is the Michelangelo Towers. There are a number units available, most of them around R4.5m. The Michelangelo, an African Icon, towering 143 meters above the Sandton skyline, offers panoramic views of the Magaliesberg, the Johannesburg CBD and the Sandton Cityscape, including all the hotels in Sandton. These spacious one-bedroom apartments offer elegant and fresh accommodation with the best PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

environment for the city slicker. Residents are spoilt for shopping and dining choices with direct access to the Michelangelo Towers Mall. The rooms are large and comfortable. It offers 24hr room service on call, a gym, indoor heated pool, valet service, babysitting service, a lounge for the early arrivals and late departures, with numerous conference venues. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an ideal base for both leisure guests and business travellers. If you spend a lot of time in the Emirates there are number of options in Dubai. Starting at USD270.000 these apartments are in the up and coming area for expats and business people, about six kilometres from the Palm and in close proximity to the planned new airport. There is a choice between two and three bedroom units, some of which have a garden aspect. Again these form part of a rental pool for potential investors.

www.neoestates.co.za

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PINCH ME fashion

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All is not as it seams… Ted Baker SS15 (and please excuse the puns)!

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scape into Ted’s inspiring SS15 menswear and womenswear collections, a fanciful selection that bursts into life with flashes of bold print, strong textured fabrics and colours so vivid they may just be a pigment of your imagination. Ted’s womenswear collection abounds with a palette of paint pot tones splashed on clothing and accessories. Punchy pinks, pretty pastels and blink-and-you’ll-miss-it nudes illuminate floral motifs and modern graphic prints. Ted captures the imagination with the colour-filled elegance of the Cascading Floral and Mirrored Tropics prints, while Distinguished Rose and Linear Nouveau build castles in the air with a nostalgic feel and romantic flights of fancy.

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The season’s smart-yet-stylish look is a fantasy of relaxed layers, casual knitwear and refined, formal pieces, while a head-turning colour palette keeps you chasing rainbows.

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Fantasy meets reality with Ted’s take on sports luxe, complete with metal hardwear, sequins and neoprene. Inky shades of navy and black are highlighted with pops of chartreuse, cobalt and orange that ensure a double take wherever you may wander…

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Proving thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more to Ted than meets the eye, his SS15 menswear collection is what daydreams are made of; a paradise of striking colour blocks and bold hues that capture the imagination. The seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s smart-yet-stylish look is a fantasy of relaxed layers, casual knitwear and refined, formal pieces, while a head-turning colour palette keeps you chasing rainbows.

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Punchy pinks, pretty pastels and blinkand-youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll-miss-it nudes illuminate floral motifs and modern graphic prints.

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Ted showcases his true colours with his signature prints in camouflage and leopard, digitally printed onto accessories and footwear, while bold and brilliant zebra and tropical motifs lead you to far-flung destinations. Always a man of mystery, Ted’s head-to-toe tones of creamy mints, striking peach and pastel pinks create colourful illusions, while oversized geos, contrast spots and micro florals play on perspective. Seeing is believing, after all. So get lost with Ted this season and let your imagination run away with you…you’ll soon realise that all is not as it seams….

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fashion

GALA performance Superga is proud to present the capsule

2015 in collaboration with the Spanish fashion blogger Gala Gonzรกlez.

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collection realized for the spring-summer

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rom creator of amlul.com blog to international style icon, Gala Gonzรกlez is now one of the most photographed bloggers by the street-style press photographers. Her outfits have become a focus for women all over the world. Here are the four models born from natural materials such as hand embroidery raffia, a traditional Spanish tradition, with a wide selection of warm colours, reminiscent of the Galician landscapes, birthplace of the young blogger. The Superga X Gala Gonzalez capsule collection will be exclusively available at Superga Concept Stores nationwide. For further retail information please contact (011) 608 0023 or visit their website on www.superga.co.za

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heart and

SOUL Carly Bailey Natasen takes a break at Azura Benguerra.

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ou know it is going to be a special trip when our transfer to the resort from the airport in Vilancoulos is by helicopter flying over the majestic blue waters and small uninhabited islands off the coast of Mozambique. I was not sure whether to take photos, to look at it forever or rather to soak up every moment. But as the American author Hellen Keller once said “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt by the heart”.

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Big white smiles and sparkling eyes, East Africa is known for its hospitality, but not sure if it is unique to this specific island, or the Azura team that train their staff with extra care, or maybe it’s just the heart and souls of the indigenous people. An island that is untouched by Western society and grateful for everything, especially as every little item from maize to supplies has to be ferried to the island from the mainland. The locals are experts at improvisation using nature’s tools. It’s quite helpful to learn that there is a plant called magic quarry (euclea divinorum) that can give you the reddest of lips and another plant referred to as Devils Thorn (dicerocaryum eriocarpum) which comes in quite handy as hair shampoo – useful to know if one ever gets stranded on an island. You immediately realise that you don’t need much to have a great time. Azura provides one with an opportunity to relax and break away from everything you left behind in the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a rustic kind of beauty. With the climate being perfect for most of the year, it provides an idyllic setting to just soak up the sun and enjoy warm water for a splash or swim or even all the water activities such as snorkelling, scuba, fishing or sailing. I personally am the beach type and love lazing around enjoying a cocktail or two, so this getaway was right up my alley. It is also enlightening to experience first-hand the interest that Azura group takes in the wellbeing of the inhabitants of the island, even on a personal level. This is evident from the way local children run up to the staff and embrace them with big smiles. Children also get the opportunity to be part of a dance group that performs for guests at sunset, hoping to raise funds to finish building a second classroom for their school. Azura contributed substantially to these smiles by setting up schools, funded by donations of the guests. The three lodges are also the main source for work. Staff at Azura have even taken children under their wing and the basis of this apart from the obvious skills development benefits for the locals, is around feeling a sense of buy-in for personal growth in line with the “teaching people to fish” concept. Private villas, each with a private pool and leisure area attached, with a magnificent “infinity” view over the ocean and horizon which one can lie on a day bed and stare at all day long, provide an

ideal location without any compromise on privacy. Dinners are served on the beach with the soft waves spilling over your feet. Afternoon rides on the dhows (a local fisherman’s dugout canoe), sipping sundowners is a norm with dolphins racing and frolicking around the boats. The marine life is just beyond beautiful with snorkelling being easily accessible throughout the many reefs. It is so beautiful that I was tempted to take up scuba diving since there is so much to

see underwater. Dropping anchor at all the small islands and running on the dunes (even though shortcuts to the top are necessary) the dunes are massive however once you reach the top it’s like a scene out of “never ending story” with fantasy movie-like green landscapes. Service is the order of the day with staff finding it hard to say no to guests’ needs and wants - I ordered gin and tonic to accompany my lunch at this little island and then just asked if they by any chance had a beer to quench my

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thirst in the blistering sun. Our skipper jumped on a speed boat, ready to head back to the resort to fetch some for me – which would have been a 50 minute return trip. You never get a “no” or “can’t” on this island. I had to convince him that I am really happy with my G&T and that the trip wasn’t necessary. Another such an incident was when I felt peckish after a day of snorkelling and sun and I just asked for a salty snack, something like crisps. After 30 minutes, I had assumed the waiter forgot my request. Not realising that they did not have any crisps, but that the chef had cut up some potatoes and deep fried them for me and added salt and vinegar. The best homemade crispy crisps I have ever had! It is a pleasure to see that people take so much pride and initiative in their work. It just comes straight from their hearts. Somehow the people of a place always make it more special and memorable when they are passionate about what they do. I was sorry to see the end of my mini holiday. With the improvements and increase in frequency of flights to Mozambique, Azura is a great location not far by air from the bustle of Johannesburg - Well worth the trip!

How to Get There

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Transfers to Azura Benguerra courtesy of Archipelago Charters http://www.archipelago.co.za/

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Airlink – The Regional Feeder Airline, offers a wide network of regional and domestic flights within Southern Africa and operates as a franchisee to SAA. Route Specific Information: Direct scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Vilanculos as well as from Nelspruit to Vilanculos, offering a same day bush and beach experience. Connectivity: Through our alliance with SAA travellers can connect conveniently with SAA, their Partner airlines and other carriers throughout Southern Africa and the world. Frequent Flyer Programme: Airlink is a member of South African Airways (SAA) Loyalty programme -Voyager. Website: www.flyairlink.com Flight Bookings: Online, booking agent or SAA Central Reservations +27 11 978 1111.

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GOODNIGHT

Saigon

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Think creative. Think wacky. The elements in this brand new hotel in Saigon make me smile and wonder if, like Alice, I have gone down the rabbit hole. Gillian McLaren experiences the Reverie, Saigon.

lorious purples, pinks and a touch of orange collide to give a sumptuous effect, yet with touches of humour. Furniture, in this Italian Baroque, has been carefully selected and each piece is gorgeous, made of quality wood and covered in superior fabric. The seventh floor sky lobby, with its cathedral like height, boasts a design of couch that Michael Jackson was scheduled to use on his last world tour. Guests immediately photograph themselves and one another, on this grandiose seat.

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Each space begs to be explored and I enjoy looking at the details of a large winged mirror, then several exquisite tables with zany lamps and floral creations. Gazing up reveals a wall of coloured tiles, behind the reception desks and down, a view of the dining areas on the floor below. Stepping into the lift makes me giggle, as the back wall is made of slices of amber, with light shining through it and the other sides have dark yellow mirrors. The atmosphere is mysterious and I feel I may be in a dream. Taken to my room, by a personable staff member, I open my door to one of the best views that I have ever had in a hotel. Floor to ceiling windows of two sides of the room give me a 270 degree panorama of the mighty Saigon river, a working waterway, where various barges, fishing boats and container vessels ply their trade. I am transfixed and resolve to spend as much time in here as I possibly can. On the ceiling, above my extra-large king-sized bed, is an oval mirror that reflects the sparkling chandelier! No pink champagne on ice, but I find the gift of a cold New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc quite to my taste. Switches above the elegant side tables control all lights, the day curtains and night curtains. To my delight, there is even a switch to lower the TV screen, so the sublime view is not interrupted. Another chandelier stands on the ground, near to a chaise longue, atop a thick -pile carpet. The bathroom is part of this magical, mystery tour and a capacious bath also has a view of the curves of the Saigon River, tall skyscrapers and patches of crowded low housing, so close together I cannot see any roads. Lotions and potions are Eau dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;orange verte, by Hermes. An abundance of fluffy white towels, brand new and of the highest quality, are neatly placed around this area with its marble floors and countertop with twin basins.

Tunnels were dug deep underground, leading right to where the USA had their base, in the steamy, hot jungle.

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concoction of cocktails and presentation of food into an event. The welcome drink is prepared in front of you, as it the deconstructed tiramisu at the end. This is fine dining at its best and gourmets are in for a treat. The Chinese restaurant also serves suburb cuisine and is lavishly decorated with golds and greens. Breakfast is a picturesque buffet, where items are carefully arranged and constantly fresh. The famed Vietnamese Pho is delectable and prettily served. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

cupboard are free. Nibble on a Toblerone as you watch the vibrant life on the river. Emotionally searing sunsets are reflected in its water. In keeping with the Italian theme and the constant surprise elements of The Reverie Saigon, one of the restaurants is R&J, where Chef de Cuisine Fabrizio Valdetara lovingly prepares Southern Italian food with fresh twists. He is the sort of man whose eyes light up as he talks about food and who has turned

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The spanking new toilet deserves a mention, as it is a marvelous toy with jets of water at the temperature you prefer, the speed you like and the angle you desire. I hasten to add that the seat is warmed. For a shower after exploring the bustling streets of Saigon - with hundreds upon hundreds of motorbikes and Vespas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you may select the rain shower or the more conventional direct one. Generously, the array of items in the bar fridge and the well-stocked

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I open my door to one of the best views that I have ever had in a hotel.

If you can tear yourself away from The Reverie fantasy, take a tour to the reality of Ho Chi Min tunnels, where the Viet Cong lived and fought during what is called The American War. This is a sobering experience and it is certainly impressive to see how the soldiers lived with hardship and deprivation for their cause. Tunnels were dug deep underground, leading right to where the USA had their base, in the steamy, hot jungle. You can walk through a small section of the tunnels to get the idea of how brave and canny they were. A mustâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;do tour is the Saigon After Dark experience where I am transported on the back of a Vespa to selected places to try the local fare. Whizzing on a motorbike, together with swarms of other bikes is a thrill and so much fun. I use my cell to video this exhilarating time. Trying frogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; legs, deep fried crickets, all sorts of shellfish and South East Asian vegetables, as well as drinking local beer and sipping coconut milk from young coconuts, makes for lots of good laughs. The evening ends with music and singing by talented local artists, while I savour coconut ice cream and the renowned Vietnamese coffee. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

When you go

Gillian flew courtesy of Cathay Pacific Business and Premium Economy Class. www.cathaypacific.com 011-064 1100 PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

With its position on the river and in the central district of Saigon, the adventure that is the dĂŠcor, the charmingly kind staff, outstanding cuisine and fabulously opulent Spa, The Reverie Saigon is a special experience that will bring out the child and the connoisseur in you.

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The Opera House is nearby and The Reverie Saigonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chief concierge, Mr. Hai Tran, can help you to get VIP seats. Within walking distance, are the post office building by Gustaf Eifel, as well as Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral, elegant remnants of the French occupation.

The Reverie Saigon is currently ranked no 1 for Luxury Hotels in Saigon, on Trip advisor. Times Square Building, 22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City; +84-8-3823-6688; www.thereveriesaigon.com Individualised, private tours by Diethelm Travel are planned by locals that know the country and culture, avoiding any sense of mass tourism and take you to places you would not easily and comfortably find on your own. Informed, kind guides, who speak good English and wellkept motorbikes or air-conditioned cars add to the ease of exploring this vibrant city and surrounds. www.diethelmtravel.com info@ diethelmtravel.com

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song

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of the suburbs

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Chris Buchanan based himself in Stellenbosch and found a luxury guesthouse in the quiet suburb of Paradyskloof where local birdlife is your morning alarm and the food blows you away.

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here’s something special about having a private pool attached to your suite in a luxury hotel even when it’s late May and only Lewis Pugh would be crazy enough to take a dip. You know there’s a tinge of envy in those who are in the smaller suites because although there’s no using the pool, there’s one fantastic room leading off of it. Majeka House uses contemporary furniture and design juxtaposed with rich classical elements of earth colours on white to set the tone, and spaces in the superior suite are generous – a large seating area looking onto the pool in front of the sleeping and desk area. The bathroom runs the entire length of the room and has a sliding partition adjacent to the bath, a huge shower and enough space to dance a tango. Two of these suites share the pool at the bottom of the property with a private garden shaded by trees as your own piece of tranquillity.

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Owners Lloyd and Karine used to live on this property and decided to convert it into Majeka House relying on the area’s proximity to wine farms and the peace of the suburbs of Stellenbosch. But is that enough in an area where luxury accommodation abounds among the vines? Perhaps not, so enter Makaron and chef Tanja Kruger. There isn’t an accolade this restaurant hasn’t been shortlisted for or featured in the top 10 of and the ethos of natural, single sourced ingredients and culinary excellence creates simplicity with complexity and the feeling that you’re eating from mother Earth. Wine pairing menus are available in three, four and five courses, chosen from a selection off the a la carte menu with wines suggested by sommelier Esme Groenewald. Highlights for me were the white fish mousse paired with a Craven Clairette Blanche, the duck breast and confit leg paired with a Sterhuis Pinot Noir and the beef flatrib complemented by a Hartenberg Merlot. And this is not the only kitchen where Tanja Kruger plies her trade. Majeka House’s affiliate establishment is the Hotel Schönegg in the Swiss Alpine town of Wengen and the menu is Tanja’s creation and it scores 14 on the Gault et Millau restaurant guide – 20 being the highest score. A nightcap in the MLounge in front of the fire, surrounded by books, model ships, and more of the eclectic mix of highly contemporary and classic furnishings, then off into the quiet of the suburban night to watch the moonlight play on the water of the pool.

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Dawn came late as it does in early Winter so the alarm clock of birdlife made me late for work which today, was sampling breakfast at Makaron, chatting to the proprietors and meeting more people who make the Cape wine country the special place it is. Breakfast is vast and again of premium ingredients with a choice of fruit and yoghurts, cereals, pastries, meat cuts, cheeses and breads, and Champagne if you’re up for it, all laid out on a table impossible to avoid as you get to get seated. A couple of poached eggs with homemade bread and some bacon saw me into the morning and away from this suburban oasis. The option of the spa is also available with a Himalayan salt bed treatment, the first to operate on our shores in 2011, and guaranteed to soothe, revitalise and energise. I saw it but preferred the vista of the pool from my verandah as a soothing mechanism. Such pleasant people with a natural ability for hospitality and excellence are who have made Majeka House a perfect luxury weekend getaway out of Cape Town or a base from which to explore the winelands. It’s quirky enough to be individual with context and it’s wonderfully cozy in the cold season…..and I’ll visit again in Summer if it’s only to use the private pool.

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Take an old wine making tradition, throw in passion, vision, restoration, sustainability and one hell of a garden and you’ll find Babylonstoren. Chis Buchanan spent some time replenishing mind and spirit.

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now ye in ages past that tower By human hands built strong and high? Arch over arch, with magic power, Rose proudly each successive hour, To reach the happy sky. There is a hill, shaped like that tower, not built with human hands, but which looks down upon a particular farm in the Drakenstein Valley, dwarfed by the Simonsberg and Groot Drakenstein mountains, defiant in its stance and never intimidated by the dragons above, because it’s Babel Hill and it stands guardian over this ancient werf steeped in winelands history, emerging as a torch bearer for excellence and a return to the history of the Cape. Babylonstoren is of the oldest and best preserved properties of the Cape, established only fifty years after the refreshment station and gardens were set up by Jan Van Riebeeck, granted to Pieter van der Byl by Simon van der Stel. It’s been through many owners and families – de Villiers, Marais, Ponty, Terwinkel and a string of Louws until Karen Roos and Koos Bekker took ownership with an incredible vision to maintain the fabric and traditions of an old wine farm and to borrow on the traditions of the Cape gardens as a means of replenishment and sustenance to be enjoyed by all who visit here. A visit to Babylonstoren turns out to be a bit more than a wine tour, dinner, sleep, breakfast and leave. Here you are immersed into the processes of a working farm within a renovated fabric that has maintained the integrity of the old buildings and added contemporary elements that keep you exposed to your surroundings while within the built environment. Glass is a major component, from the glass extensions to the cottages that keep you in touch with the vines or the garden depending on your aspect, to the conservatorylike structure off the old cattle kraal

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that houses Babel restaurant (under renovation when I visited), the old conservatory where you take afternoon tea and which served as the temporary breakfast room, and the current extensions to the wine cellar which will put the new tasting facility in a glass environment among the vines. Winemaker Charl Coetzee came to the farm in the November of 2010 at the same time the wine cellar was finished and developed the portfolio of wines with the owners, from a low base of no recent wine history on a farm that was selling its grapes off to other makers. They now grow 13 varietals and make seven wines – two red blends, Babel and Nebukadnesar, a Shiraz, Rosé, a Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Vigonier. A Blanc de Blanc bubbly has also just been bottled but we’ll have to wait until 2019 before that’s ready for market. The motto here is, “to make the best wine with what we have”. But when you cross an honours in viticulture and an MBA you get a winemaker who looks for a unique business opportunity and who understands markets and those best for selling his product. Charl’s MBA concentrated on e-commerce and the wine trade is a great place to set up a platform to sell your goods, rather than rely on the myriad other online wine emporiums to do the job for you. The result is an e-commerce platform PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

When you have 350 edible plant species (granted some won’t be suited to soup) across eight acres, your vegetable soup options are endless.

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on which you can order wine and other non-perishables like tea and olive oil with a 24-hour delivery time if you live in CT or Gauteng (you choose the time slot) and fulfilment by their own Babylonstoren personnel instead of an arbitrary courier. If you live in Germany, you’ll get 12 bottles or more delivered in the same time frame. Charl told me it takes half the amount of clicks to make the online purchase and you never leave the Babylonstoren platform. I tried it and it was a lot easier than other wine platforms and it was a delight to be greeted by someone with the farm’s logo on his shirt and who called me by my name and who represented the wonderful hospitality synonymous with the farm. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s ‘half the garden soup’ is a recipe that suits any decent sized vegetable garden and when you have 350 edible plant species (granted some won’t be suited to soup) across eight acres, your vegetable soup options are endless. This one didn’t disappoint and included risotto rice which was a new addition to the garden and which gave the soup a creamy, full-bodied Italian minestrone character. The pizzas out of the Bakery – the temporary evening meal venue while Babel restaurant is being refurbished – had beautifully thin, crisp bases with anchovy and capers or bacon as toppings. All was washed

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down with tastings of the Nebukadnesar, the Shiraz, the Chenin Blanc and the delightful Mourvèdre Rosé. I realised very quickly during my stay that the garden has become the backbone to this property in the sense that it’s a beacon of what can be achieved if you use plants, insects and birds to interact with each other in a carefully structured layout for the purposes of providing sustainable produce to the farm and to hark back to the reason why the Cape was established as a replenishment station in the first place. The old days of many of the properties in this area saw an element of wine production but also grain production that was sent to Cape Town for passing ships. The Chinese were big traders then as they are now and original Delft China has been found on the farm and many of the old fruit trees on the farm are from the Chinese. I recommend you book the guided tour of the garden to get acquainted with the plants and their roles as food or medicinal remedies, as well as to meet Gundula, a freespirited artist and natural gardener who introduces you to the vast collection of plants as though she were introducing you to her friends.

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Gundula is a free-spirited artist and natural gardener who introduces you to the vast collection of plants as though she were introducing you to her friends.

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The original design of the garden was the work of French architect Patrice Taravella who took inspiration from the Cape gardens, the medieval monastery garden at Prieure d’Orsan in France and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Its north-south axis runs in line from the Babel Hill to the vineyards and the east-west axis from the farmstead to the conservatory, forming a grid with rows of fruit trees, herb and vegetable patches, and hedges. His philosophy is that both plants and the structure make the garden in a combination that places the emphasis on relationships between species and how best they thrive in certain environments. Gundula speaks the language of plants and all that create them, feed off them and contribute to their welfare, to the extent that an insect hotel has been designed to accommodate those creatures that ensure the continuation of plant species and that keep the plants clean and in an organic state. This is a garden of which Mr van Riebeeck would be proud purely because of its scale and diversity and example of what can be achieved in a comparatively short time. Accommodation in old 18th century style landhuisies (cottages) runs in a parallel axis to the garden under old oak and olive trees. Only the facades are reminiscent of the old werf with modern and contemporary furnishings and finishes creating luxurious spaces within the old fabric of the farm. After the meal, wine and an introduction to the Green Room – a library of sorts with a warm fire on a winter evening – by my host Anelle van Tonder who looks after the wine marketing at the farm, I made my way through the garden to this row of cottages to reflect on an extraordinary piece of diversity in the winelands maintained by people who understand exactly what you need to replenish your soul. And so Babylonstoren stands as a bastion for all that the Cape owes its existence to and for what it has become – a garden, a haven, and a place of people and all that makes them who they are and all that makes them compassionate and love the place – under the happy sky. Then cometh ours; and better theirs Of stranger tongues together brought, Than that in which we all have shares, A Babel in a world of cares, Of feeling and of thought. Extracts from the poem Babel by Caroline Elizabeth Sarah Norton

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food and Wine

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The award that recognises our love of a good steak is now in its third year and the diners and judges have chosen. Chris Buchanan attended the Wolftrap Steakhouse Championships 2015.

he venue was The Local Grill in the tree-lined suburb of Parktown North, Johannesburg and finalists, judges and the media gathered to drink some Wolftrap wine and wait for Pete Goffe-Wood to announce the winner. Tradition has it that the awards function is held in the establishment that took last year’s honours and Michael Oliver obliged with food and hospitality for all. The Wolftrap Steakhouse Championships 2015 saw around 140 steakhouses competing to win the crown and become South Africa’s steakhouse champion for 2015. The public battled it out by voting, on steakhunter.co.za, and their favourite 20 steakhouses went to the judges who visited and reviewed the restaurants with a checklist of criteria against which all would be judged equally. The regional winners were announced with some interesting establishments in the mix: • Eastern Cape The Cricketer, East London • Gauteng The Local Grill, Parktown North – 2015 Runner-Up • KwaZulu Natal Little Havana, Umhlanga Rocks – 2015 Champion • Mpumalanga Pioneers Butcher and Grill, Hazyview • Western Cape Theo’s Grill, Mouille Point And then Pete Goffe-Wood started getting a bit nervous – flight schedules from Cape Town had been rendered chaotic with a plane needing repair and the award certificates and trophies had just touched down in JHB so it was more of the Wolftrap white bland of Vigonier, Chenin Blanc and Grenache Blanc, and red blend of Mourvèdre and Vigonier and conversation until all arrived and the waiting was over. And the Championship goes to… Little Havana in Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu Natal, operated by Martin Lombaard and Louise Potgieter of which the judges commented, “Ultimately it was Little Havana’s expertise in all matters meat, consistent service and accurate grilling that gave them the win.” And so another year of the Wolftrap Steakhouse Championship that continues to recognise the neighbourhood eatery that serves the staple of South Africans and excels in cuisine that might seem simple but takes skill and consistency to get it right. See you next year in Umhlanga Rocks!

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Ultimately it was Little Havana’s expertise in all matters meat, consistent service and accurate grilling that gave them the win.

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wine

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yesterday,

today, tomorrow Malcolm Gladwell, in his book Outliers, talks

of the 10 000 hours needed to become a master of your craft. Neil Ellis believes the same for his craft, that time is the essence of good wine making. He spoke to Chris Buchanan.

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t is purely coincidental that the unveiling of the Webb Ellis 2010 has happened as the Springboks prepare to get their hands on the William Webb Ellis trophy at the rugby world cup, because the Webb Ellis of the wine has nothing to do with the fellow who picked up a football and ran off with it on a winter’s afternoon in the town of Rugby. It is a combination of winemaker Neil Ellis’s wife Stephanie’s maiden name of Webb and the family name of Ellis. But this wine symbolises more than the marriage of two names, it symbolises the journey taken by Neil and his family over forty years to the

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present and the journey ahead as the next generation of the Webb/Ellis union continues the legacy. Neil Ellis has sought the best sites for the varietals with which he works and has engaged with the growers to develop long-term supply agreements in a symbiotic approach to the lots and viticulture input to vine management. He says the 1980s took wine back into the vineyard with emphasis on

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For Neil it takes ten years to understand a vineyard block and ten vintages to assess it.

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Philosophy statement This wine is symbolic of the sharing of knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation.

the source and the best quality wines are a combination of the best sites, plant physiology and science. For Neil it takes ten years to understand a vineyard block and ten vintages to assess it. That’s a long time and that’s the philosophy here – to take time to reach the peak of what all the inputs can achieve and then more time to keep on perfecting it. 2010 Was the year that Neil felt the blocks of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah were at their peak and expressed the elements he looked for in the fruit. It was also the year that these two varietals complemented each other. Neil says the wine has met the Ellis criteria and the future might see stylistic changes in percentages and perhaps other varietals, but for now, it’s perfect.

Varietals 65% Cabernet Sauvignon – Jonkershoek Valley 35% Syrah – Groenekloof Soils Both sites comprise of decomposed granite and pockets of Malmesbury shale. Vintage conditions The build-up of the 2010 vintage was quick and challenging with a cold, wet winter and a very cool September with untimely strong south east winds. Summer proved to be a warm and dry vintage, yielding wines of intense colour and fruit concentration. Harvest statistics Grapes were harvested between 5 March and 6 April. Yields of between 5 to 6.5 tons per ha on 33 hl/ha and 42 hl/ha were achieved. Grapes were picked at 24.6 to 25.5 °B with total acidity between 6.6 g/l and 7.4 g/l. The pH averaged 3.45 at harvest. Vinification Fermentation initiated in stainless steel fermenters and underwent a series of pump overs until dry. Further maceration followed before drawing off, light pressing and racking to barrel. Maturation This wine spent 20 months in French oak barrels: 80% 1st fill, the balance in 2nd and 3rd fill barrels. Bottling date: January 2012 Analysis Alcohol: 14.0% Residual Sugar: 2.0 g/l Total acidity: 5.6 g/l pH: 3.6 Tasting note Deep dense earthy red. The aromatics proclaim red and dark fruits. Notes of red liquorice and black olives noticeable. The palate is seamless, sophisticated and stylish. Combining the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon with the richness of Syrah, Webb Ellis exemplifies the judicious balance of fruit and oak. Tight, focussed and poised. A multi-dimensional continuum. Peak drinking: This classically structured, beautifully balanced wine has all the finesse and integrity to develop and evolve with careful cellaring. 2015 - 2025

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wine

Graham Beck

celebrates 25 years

of making bubbles.

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ieter Ferreira is known as Mr Bubbles in South Africa, and not without good reason. Just from talking to the man, one can see that he eats, sleeps and breathes sparkling wine. Pieter is the cellarmaster of Graham Beck wines. “Attaining the milestone of 25 vintages in the challenging, yet deeply rewarding wine industry is indeed a prestigious and joyous occasion,” says Pieter. There may be a dispute around who created the first Method Cap Classique (MCC) in the country however, it cannot be disputed that Graham Beck estate was one of the first, with its maiden vintage in 1991 on the Madeba Estate in Robertson. Today this cellar is considered one of the country’s finest Méthode Cap Classique (MCC) producers and eminently worthy of sharing the international stage with the best wines globally. Honing a craft over 25 years ensured that Graham Beck Cap Classique wines, as well as the cellar’s’ distinctive portfolio of world class wines all have an international flavour with the golden tread through the wines being equality, finesse and timeless appeal. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

bubbles

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“Through the years we have strived for consistency and continuous innovation,” says Pieter. “Each exquisitely crafted wine is unique in both its style and individual characteristics, demonstrating our unwavering commitment in the creation of sparkling wines which define class, sophistication, timelessness and superb quality. This quest for excellence was inspired by our late founder, Graham Beck.” Graham Beck is proud to be the bubbly of choice amongst several high

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profile international icons, the likes of Barak Obama, Tata Madiba, the British and Swedish Royal Families and even rock star ‘royalty’ such as U2’s Bono. With the 25th year celebrations, Graham Beck Wines is elated to share this remarkable odyssey with you – the cellar’s pursuit of the perfect bubble – with a rare tasting of several gems from the past 25 years. We were treated to a tasting and pairing event at the exquisite Four Seasons Westcliff hotel in Johannesburg showcasing the estate’s most exclusive vintages from the Cap Classique Portfolio. The Graham Beck Cap Classique Portfolio consists of three ranges: the Non-Vintage Collection (Brut NV, Brut Rosé NV and Bliss Demi-Sec NV), the Vintage Collection (Blanc de Blancs, Brut Rosé and Brut Zero) and the Prestige Collection (Cuvée Clive). This meticulously structured three-tiered approach emulates that of the famous French Champagne Houses thereby dispelling any fallacy that the quality is any less. These seven MCC’s also embody the rewarding versatility and extensive appeal of the portfolio – with a wine to complement every mood, occasion, dish and desire. The subtle nuances and complex flavour and aroma spectrum cater for a wide range of tastes – yet in every sip the Graham Beck golden thread of consistency, elegance and finesse continues to seduce and delight wine lovers across the globe. During the tasting, we were given the opportunity to savour the various Blanc de Blancs including their 1993 on the cork and 1993 on the lees. My favourites were the Blanc de Blanc 1993 on the lees as the well as the 2002 and the 2010.

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THE SONG OF THE

single How bias rules the malt universe, and why it doesn’t

matter. Patrick Leclezio runs the rule over blended malts, single malts, vintages and single casks.

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ith whisky there is the spirit and then there is the story. And make no mistake the story is important. In his bestselling book on cognitive biases: “The Art of Thinking Clearly”, Rolf Dobelli explains that people have an innate need to seek the meaning in or the understanding of a thing through the vehicle of a story – something he calls the ‘story bias’. A narrative – a suggested meaning - that may be irrelevant or inconsequential to the underlying matter, such as the concept of single malt is to the actual, real quality of the whisky for instance, can nonetheless be found to be irresistible and compelling. Whisky lovers, as much as we’d want to deny it, are not immune to this logical lapse – but whether it’s a problem in this sphere, ignoring the ostensible exploitation of pricing by producers, is less evident. I’ve always found that even if certain factors don’t affect the liquid they may well indirectly influence a person’s perception of the liquid. This is whisky after all, not the Matrix - we’re not being deceived so much as inspired.

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cask

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Have you thought about the differences between blended malts and single malts? I mean really thought about it. The malt whisky universe is categorised into four types: blended malts and single malts, as a start, and then the latter further into “regular” single malts, vintages, and single casks. Typically, all other things being equal, pricing tends to correspond to the order that I’ve listed, because that’s the order in which they’re valued by whisky buyers. Yet, as much as we see these types as distinct, there’s no actual physical difference between any of them. They’re all made from the same ingredients (malted barley), using much the same production and maturation processes (specifically the copper potstills and oak casks that are so important to the flavour). The difference is only in the story – and what a lyrical story it is. The concept of single malt is rooted in its unique source and single point of origin. This is the theme that drives its story – although, as an aside, it’s worth nothing that some have strayed slightly from the script: many distilleries don’t mature on site. It goes something like this (in my own words, no insincerity meant, the tangible reality notwithstanding, I believe it and I intend PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

it). These whiskies embody a singular terroir and style: their unique stills, their local water, their people, focused on a coordinated, defined, unified purpose, for the most part multiple generations in the making, their heritage, and indeed their very air, the breath in their casks, set single malts apart from other whiskies. They are pure, distinctive, rare and limited - and bound to their birthplace - and each individual single malt is a

critical point, one of many, on the map that makes whisky the great, complex, varied, and much-loved spirit that it is today. These are the melodic sounds that have catapulted single malts deep into the popular imagination. It’s not much considered by the casual whisky drinker but in fact most single malts are blended (or, more correctly, “vatted”) – different casks of different wood from

different years can be and are typically used, to give the blender enough range to maintain flavour consistency from one bottle to the next. The succeeding verses, while more specialised, are in much the same vein. Vintage single malts are slightly more specific; only whisky distilled and put into casks in the prescribed calendar year can be used in these vattings. Here flavour consistency is less important – or often disregarded. The appeal of the vintage plotline is that whilst each bottling might reflect a broad distillery style they will vary from one another; each will offer something new, something different, and something limited in an absolute sense i.e. once the vintage has expired then that’s it, it’s over and done, for ever. The outstanding Balblair distillery offers outstanding exponents of vintage whisky – with subtle, interesting

variations of their primary philosophy of bourbon cask maturation, to the odd wild deviation, such as the excellent sherry matured 1990. The final type, the single cask, is the apex, the chorus: one source, one year, one cask...(although these can be double matured or finished). The ties to its heritage, always important if not definitive with whisky, are particularly strong here - single casks explain its history. They are the origins of the story, whisky at its purest and most unadulterated. All of this though is pure romance. There is nothing that a single malt can do, that a blended malt cannot do better. In fact, as one moves up the value trajectory, from blended malts to regular single malts and then to vintages and single casks, as a whisky maker one becomes increasingly limited. In terms

These whiskies embody a singular terroir and style: their unique stills, their local water, their people, focused on a coordinated, defined, unified purpose.

of the hard science this inflating status is counter intuitive. Blended malts can summon all of the intrinsic advantages of the others, and then can add to these - by calling on its blender’s palette, at least in theory - an unlimited potential for variety and complexity. I challenge you however, to name ten blended malts, off the top of your head. You’ll struggle. Five? The fact is that there’s just no story. No quaint distillery, no home in a craggy corner of Scotland, and no shield-wielding old-timers, working the same malt as their grandfathers, and their greatgrandfathers before them. They just don’t have the same ability to inspire. This might afford us a new appreciation for the potential of blended malts but it shouldn’t dampen our enthusiasm for single malts, vintages or single casks in the slightest. The story counts for something. Enjoyment does not need to be rational. The single cask serenade may influence my appreciation of the sumptuous Private Barrel Company GlenDronach 20YO that’s currently cradled in my hand, but it’s a positive influence, so why fight it. We’re human, and these are two hand-in-hand human vices – whisky and whimsy – that we should be able to enjoy without restraint. May the dram be with you.

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spirits

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a whole lot of

rose by: Eugene yiga

When one walks into The Munro Boutique Hotel, it’s hard not to feel a sense of exclusivity. With its three-storey Victorian conservatory and panoramic views of Johannesburg for the guests lucky enough to stay in one of the five sumptuous suites, the Houghton mansion was the perfect setting for an exclusive lunch in celebration of World Cognac Day.

’m happy to celebrate this special day with you in South Africa,” said Denis Lahouratate, who has been Maître de Chai (Cellar Master) since the Distell Group bought Bisquit Cognac in 2009. “And I was thinking that for such a special event, it’s more interesting to discover and taste an exceptional product. So I chose a limited edition that we have in the company: a selection from only the best barrels of our X.O.” PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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Lahouratate was referring to the limited edition X.O Rose Gold. There are only 1819 decanters available worldwide (each bottle retails for approximately R7 000), which coincides with the year 20-year-old Alexandre Bisquit created the brand. And the first two bottles in South Africa were at the lunch, making us the first in the country to taste it. “The potstills are always made in copper and sometimes, depending on the temperature of the potstill, you can have this exact rose gold colour,” Lahouratate said as he held up the striking bottle. “But the potstill is

interesting because it’s not the same colour at every place. The temperature changes the colour.” Each of the Rose Gold decanters was painted and decorated by hand to make it a unique piece. Every bottle was also individually numbered by hand to mark its place in the limited edition range. Finally, each decanter was filled by hand and each bottle was cork-sealed and carefully placed in its own box – again, by hand – to guarantee its origin. Lahouratate believes that paying so much attention to detail and craftsmanship is what sets Bisquit apart from its competitors. Furthermore, as part of their desire to always improve the production of the barrels they use, Bisquit works with many different coopers and selects two or three new ones for a trial every year. It’s about working with a lot of people and taking their time in doing so. “This X.O Rose Gold is the result of the selection of the best barrel for this kind of old cognac,” Lahouratate said, explaining that the legal minimum for the youngest component of an X.O is seven years. “One by one, I selected the barrels that were used for the production of X.O Rose Gold. It was a high level of selection – out of several thousand, only six barrels were selected – and I’m

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Bisquit Range Bisquit Cognac is an authentic French cognac and is the only major Cognac House to be awarded for its full range at the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) six years in a row. In 2014, the brand received the Master Award for its flagship Bisquit V.S.O.P Cognac and a Silver Award for its Bisquit V.S. Cognac at The Cognac Masters awards in London. Bisquit Cognac provides a superb and complete range to suit those who seek quality and distinction. From time to time, Bisquit Cognac release limited edition variants that are made from a rare blend of cognacs that have been aged for different time periods.

The range consists of three variants: The V.S (Very Special) Classique is defined by its softness and freshness, revealing a bouquet of fruity aromas (pear and plum) with deeper notes of vanilla, cinnamon, and oak. It is made primarily with eaux-de-vie from the Fins Bois area. At the lunch, it was paired with the starter: lobster vol-au-vent with orange cognac sauce (option 1) and deconstructed avocado prawn timbale (option 2). The recommended retail price starts from R299. The V.S.O.P (Very Superior Old Pale) is smooth and mellow in character with a long finish. On the nose and in the palate, the V.S.O.P reveals a bouquet of full, ripe fruit (dried apricots) flavours. Drawn from the prestigious eaux-de-vie of Petite at Grande Champagne that enhances the longer distillation, the V.S.O.P is full of amber warmth and spice (cinnamon and clove). At the lunch, it was paired with the main course: Karoo lamb fillet with thyme jus, artichoke, organic vegetables and hazelnut puree (option 1) and porcini ravioli with sage and burnt-butter sauce (option 2). The recommended retail price starts from R499.

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The maturity of X.O (Extra Old) is apparent when one looks at the deep, coppery amber colour and magnificent bouquet. It has distinctive, rich aromas with a full body and lingering smoothness. The X.O bouquet reveals strong hints of woody and smoky notes including tobacco and cocoa, with notes of sugar fruit and prune. The nose flavours are enriched with aromatic notes of plum, mocha, cedar wood and liquorice. At the lunch, it was paired with the dessert: white chocolate mousse cannelloni and strawberry minestrone (option 1) and naartjie and dark chocolate malva pudding with dates (option 2). The recommended retail price starts from R1 499. Learn more at www.bisquit.co.za.

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pleased that I can give you this round and soft product, which is the main characteristic of the cognac.” The Rose Gold has a deep golden colour, which is characteristic of the X.O cognac. But the main difference is with the rich and generous bouquet of aromas on the nose: fruit, nuts, spice, and wood. (It reveals its maturity through generous fragrances of mahogany, sandalwood, tobacco, and cocoa.) “You have a nice intensity on the nose,” Lahouratate said after taking a whiff of what some described as a ‘soft’ spirit. “And at the same time you have the impression that there is no alcohol. It’s not burning the nose because the balance between the wood, the spirit, and the way we use the barrel gave the cognac this high level of elegance.” At last, it was time for a taste: first a drop and then a pause for the flavours to appear. Many detected notes of candied orange, apricot, prune, and spices on the palate. Words like “silky”, “sumptuous”, and “smooth” were used to describe the rich blend with its beautiful balance of flavours and lingering finish. “After the nice balance on the nose, you have the same on the palate: soft and round with velvety tannins coming from the barrel,” Lahouratate said. “The taste – between vanilla and chocolate – is interesting and delicate. It gives a long finish to the cognac.” Although cognac is typically enjoyed after a meal, Lahouratate believes that the best moment to appreciate the product is before you start eating, which is why he chose to serve it as an aperitif. But although the three-course lunch included three other products in the Bisquit range, the X.O Rose Gold was a highlight. “For drinking neat, I prefer X.O Rose Gold because it’s richer and the balance is so smooth,” Lahouratate said when asked which product in the Bisquit range he liked most. “But it’s difficult. It’s like asking if you prefer your father or your mother. I cannot choose! Then again, perhaps the beauty of such an exclusive experience is that one doesn’t have to choose at all.

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yachting

KING OF THE SEAS

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Gulf Craft has unveiled the Majesty 155, the UAE shipbuilder’s largestever, fly-bridge motor superyacht.

he unveiling at the Majesty Yachts shipyard in Umm Al Quwain, UAE proved to be a welcome addition to the ever-expanding Gulf Craft portfolio, and served as further testament to the company’s decades-old, trust-based consultative approach to growing its business. Gulf Craft’s largest and latest addition to its Majesty Yachts brand also clearly demonstrates the company’s continuous dedication to

the luxury yacht market. “Gulf Craft’s track record has been consistently recognized on a global level.The conception and creation of the Majesty 155 has further pushed our capabilities as a company, creating even higher expectations from our customers around the world,” said Mohammed Hussein Al Shaali, Chairman of Gulf Craft. “With visionary leaders and a globally competitive mindset, the UAE makes it possible for us to further expand within an increasingly competitive industry, as well as establish the country as a global player in the leisure marine sector,” added Al Shaali.

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“We are very grateful toward all those who have contributed to our success, and who have supported us throughout our journey. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to our valued customers without whom, Gulf Craft would not have reached this high international ranking,” concluded Al Shaali. Erwin Bamps, CEO of Gulf Craft, believes the unveiling of the Majesty 155 is significant for a number of reasons. “This important milestone demonstrates our commitment to exceeding the ever-evolving needs and wants of global yachting enthusiasts,” said Bamps. “We understand that our customers have a genuine appreciation for opulence, and would like to experience the same lavish lifestyle and entertainment on water that they do on land. The Majesty 155 was crafted to provide a truly deluxe experience that has never before been available from Gulf Craft, as we continue our drive to gain market share” The Majesty 155 is Gulf Craft’s first displacement superyacht. At 155 feet (47 meters),the Majesty 155 offers owners the experience of luxury and comfort at its finest, from an ornately designed fountain on the sundeck, surrounded by a spacious seating area where passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of the water, to a beautiful waterfall that cascades from the rear sundeck into the Jacuzzi situated on the PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

upper deck. The elaborate and sophisticated detailing of the Majesty 155 provides owners with an unsurpassed luxury experience in both style and functionality. The owner’s firstclass stateroom is furnished using only premium fabrics and leathers, with countertops constructed from Cappuccino Onyx and Crema Marfil marble, further emphasizing the room’s supreme elegance. The dedicated cigar lounge within the owner’s stateroom features a ceiling crafted from genuine cigar leaves, adding a delicate yet artistic touch to the room’s alluring design. The owner’s stateroom balcony is another distinct feature of this superyacht, allowing owners to enjoy the panoramic seascapes from the privacy of their own room. Guests will enjoy the eloquent design of the lower deck guest staterooms

The dedicated cigar lounge within the owner’s stateroom features a ceiling crafted from genuine cigar leaves.

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which are finished using the finest Red and Green Onyx and Botticino Royal Marble. Those looking to spend time under the sun’s golden rays will find comfort in the superyacht’s dedicated beach club situated at the rear entrance, fully equipped with a pantry, a retractable television, and a spacious lounging area. The lower deck also features a spacious garage behind the beach club which can house a tender and two jet skis, all easily moved in and out by crane. An elevator that carries guests between the lower, main and upper decks offers added convenience, and a second balcony in the main saloon, along with a custom-made television – built to withstand all types of weather conditions – outside the upper deck seating area,

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and an ability to cover a range of over 4,200nm with an approximate maximum speed of 16 knots. Massimo Gregori Grgic, of Yankee Delta Studio in Italy, is responsible for the naval architecture of the Majesty 155. The Majesty 155â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hull design allows for low fuel consumption, long-range capability, and incredible comfort. The 9.60 m beam gives large space inside and allows for an even greater stability. The hull design was tank-tested in Italy, and the actual ship proves to perform above all expectations. She is easy to handle, stable, and quiet, leaving minimum wakes behind.

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further bolster the capacity to entertain. Guests will also find the upper deckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indoor lounge to be quite remarkable, with its huge windows affording all inside unparalleled panoramic views. The Majesty 155 also carries underwater lights that surround the entire base of the superyacht, illuminating its commanding presence as it sets sail into the open seas, while maintaining a majestic night time stature within its berth. The Majesty 155 also boasts exceptional performance. The power of twin 2,011 hp MTU 12V 4,000 M63 engines provide excellent fuel efficiency

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'flat out and

fearl PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

The fascination for collections, power and style never goes out of fashion. Richard Webb goes in search of automotive glamour at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the world’s largest automotive garden party

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ess'

ever mind the cars. For some, a bottle of a champagne and a chat, or a spot of sunbathing in front of Goodwood House are far better ways to spend a hot summer's day. However for some of us, the appearances by old-time heroes – like drag racing’s godfather, Don Garlits and Nascar’s Richard Petty – stir the emotions like little else. That, and beautiful classic cars, with the Kaiser Chiefs (the band not the soccer team) on stage and a host of other real atmospheric automotive treats unavailable in any one place elsewhere. It was in 1993 when Lord March, owner of Goodwood Estate, founded the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Steeped in British motor racing history, the event now attracts crowds of more than 100,000 visitors on each of its three days. This year's Goodwood Festival of Speed featured more than 100 professional drivers and riders from today and yesteryear in one of the most keenly awaited landmarks on the global motoring calendar. This year's festival theme was ‘Flatout and Fearless: Racing on the Edge’.

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Imagine for a moment that you are a young boy, and you’ve been given free range to run around in Hamley’s of London – the world’s ‘finest’ toy store. Unfettered, you’d dart from radiocontrolled cars to action-figures, from bicycles to Meccano sets, aided by all the fizzy drinks you can muster. So many distractions, so little time. That’s what it was like for me on this, my first visit to the Festival of Speed. From cameo appearances by stars of the modern era like Ford’s Ken Block and his insane 630kW all-wheel drive 1965 Ford Mustang monster called the 'Hoonicorn', to LMP1 Le Mans Endurance prototype racers from Toyota, Nissan, Porsche and Audi and pretty much everything in between, it was motoring nirvana. Then there was the multiple motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi, having jetted in straight from a barnstorming race victory at the MotoGP at Assen, in the Netherlands; he rode his MotoGP Yamaha right into Goodwood House to celebrate Yamaha’s 60th anniversary. He then swapped two wheels for four, to pilot the Le Manswinning Mazda 787B, and later, the Lancia Delta S4 Group B rally car. It truly was epic stuff. Any doubts that the fizz would continue at this pace popped at the sight of seven of the original nine iconic 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR’s lined up in the bustling paddock. The ‘Silver Arrows’ dominated the circuits of the world, and 60 years after Stirling Moss’s heroic Mille Miglia victory in the works SLR these racing sports cars were reunited with the racing drivers of that era to create a unique reminiscence of the 1955 motor racing season. Watching the priceless Mercedes 300 SLR’s racing up the hill was a ‘pinch me’ moment. Automotive art forms continued in the Concours d'elegance, as it marked the 80th birthday of Figoni et Falaschi motorcars, along with the 60th anniversary of Citroen's DS marque. Everything from fire-breathing Edwardian pioneers of motorsport to delicately proportioned Bugatti Type 35’s, The Cartier Style et Luxe concours d’elegance PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

damage to the XJR Bloodhound SSC rapid response vehicle. “The car looked after us brilliantly but will need a pretty comprehensive polish before we go out to South Africa next year,” he said. Jaguar is a technical partner of the Bloodhound Project and naturally flew the flag at Goodwood with new debut models this year. If my drive of the new XE is an indicator, the brand-new XF saloon previewed on the stand is going to be a crackerjack of a car, whilst F-Type PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

celebrated fine automotive design and outrageous automotive statements. The overall winner at this year's concours was the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 CSS Goutte d’Eau, known as the ‘Talbot Teardrop’. The world’s fastest man, Wing Commander Andy Green – who hopes to reach 1602kph at Hakskeen Pan in South Africa with the Bloodhound SSC – managed to overcook a oneoff Jaguar when he went too quickly into a corner, skidded across the grass at 160kph, thereby causing R6m of

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Watching the priceless Mercedes 300 SLR’s racing up the hill was a ‘pinch me’ moment.

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Project 7 is a limited production-run model. John Edwards, Managing Director of Special Operations at Jaguar Land Rover told me that these were specially developed to demonstrate SVO’s ability to design and engineer bespoke vehicles to the highest standards. “Equally importantly we’re proud to be playing a part in another great British land speed record attempt,” he said. Not to be outgunned, Aston Martin rolled out their outrageous Vulcan, a R36m track-only version of the One-77 with a 7.0-litre V12 engine producing over 600kW, together with their Vantage GT12 supercar. Andy Palmer – Aston Martin’s CEO – drove the fiery GT12 up the hill. “This is the ultimate version of the current Vantage breed, the 441kW GT12 is road-legal but track prepared, with all 100 units sold out already,” he said. The ultimate global track stars were provided by the F1 circus, adding their own ‘wow’ factor. Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren and Williams Formula One racing teams showcased their championship cars, along with current F1 racers Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa, with Nico Rosberg celebrating his 30th birthday by demonstrating the noise difference between the good old days – when cars sounded glorious – to the neutered F1’s of today. Jenson Button added to the cacophony of sound by giving Ayrton Senna’s 1991 championship-winning 3.5-litre McLaren Honda V12 a workout, bringing shivers to the nerve endings of every enthusiast. The traditional Supercar Run, led by

The overall winner at this year's concours was the 1937 Talbot-Lago T150 CSS Goutte d’Eau, known as the ‘Talbot Teardrop’.

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the new Mazda MX5, ensured exotic road cars had their day in the sun too. Among them was the R40m hybrid McLaren P1 GTR with a 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 and electric motor powertrain, which delivers 730kW and weighs 50kg less than the ‘standard’ P1. Looking for something a bit more of a ‘no-holdsbarred’ multimillion-rand plaything? A continuation of a theme started with Enzo, the LaFerrari FXX K has, at its core, a 6262cc V12 and an electric motor. But if you have not had the invitation from Ferrari to buy one yet, you should consider the Porsche 918 Spyder. Calm and quiet when you want, loud and angry when you don't. After three days of absolute car indulgence, you’d think I’d be all washed out on the car front. Not a bit of it! Goodwood Festival of Speed is a riot of sound, colour, speed, fuel and passion – all wrapped up in glorious British countyside. The aim of this festival is to represent not just the outward appearance of things, but their inner significance. It is the effort, the appreciation of heritage within the heart of collectors and the public that leaves every visitor with a lasting impression.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed sculpture

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For 18 years we've seen dramatic sculptures from designer Gerry Judah grace the front lawn of Goodwood house, and this year he collaborated with show sponsors Mazda to create a centrepiece inspired by the Japanese firm's 'Soul in Motion' tagline. The 2015 Goodwood sculpture was based around the theme of "Flat Out and Fearless: Racing on the Edge". The towering design featured 720 metal beams twirling a awe inspiring 40 metres upwards – not entirely dissimilar to the double-helix structure of DNA. At the top were Mazda's legendary rotary-engined 787B Le Mans racer, and the LM55 Gran Turismo Vision concept. The whole feature was said to weigh 120 tonnes.

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Valleys of

neptune Vivien Natasen experiences the new Maserati Ghibli.

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aserati has a sports car heritage that dates back to 1914 when the founding Maserati brothers built grand prix race cars for Diatto. Their own marque started in 1926 when they built a car that won the Targa Florio. With this kind of DNA, the Maserati brand is worthy of the respect that many onlookers endow on all their vehicles.

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In South Africa, the Maserati brand was for many years treated as the orphan cousin of its more renowned stable-mate, Ferrari. During 2015 though, the Maserati dealership changed hands to its new Australian owners and from what we can see, a lot more focus has been devoted to providing the brand the presence it needs. With its Johannesburg dealership open for business, and Cape Town and Durban to follow shortly covering Golden Triangle customers, the new team intends to develop a client-centric approach to service delivery. Fortunately, the re-launch of the brand in the country coincides with a modernisation of the marque in the introduction of several new models in coming years, the first of which is the Ghibli. The Ghibliâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intended position is as a capable competitor in the executive saloon competing with vehicles such as the Mercedes Benz E-class, BMW

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Optional features include the 10-speaker premium Harman Kardon sound system or the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins high end audio system.

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5 series and so forth. Given South Africans penchant for expensive cars, it may represent a more unique option, if one was looking for something different. As the current “entry-level” vehicle in the brand, it is also positioned to allow for aspirational clients to enter the brand sooner, with the intention of graduating to the higher end as they go. This may be a clever strategy as most of the mainstream manufacturers are also entering supercar territory – using looks, price and capability as considerations. In the flesh, the Ghibli does have the presence that Maserati is renowned for. The name, by the way, originates from a hot, dry desert wind from North Africa into the Mediterranean Sea. Its eye catching looks are enhanced by modernised versions of its famous grille. The petrol derivatives, The Ghibli and Ghibli S, feature a new-generation twin turbo-charged 3.0-litre V6 engine and an 8-speed ZF automatic transmission. With its power output of 410hp the Ghibli S races to a claimed 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds and reaches

a top speed of 285 km/h. The Ghibli delivers 330hp, a top speed of 263 km/h and acceleration of 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds. The Ghibli Diesel with its 3.0 litre V6 engine has been exclusively developed for Maserati by VM Motori under the watchful eye of Powertrain Director Paolo Martinelli, a legendary ex-Ferrari F1 engine designer. This new engine produces a best-in-itsclass power output of 275hp. The car possesses a 50:50 weight distribution with a very capable suspension and slip differential that adds that extra bit of excitement. The lines of the vehicle appear sports-car like, drawing from its heritage belying its actual dimensions as a proper executive solution. With its long wheelbase, a total length of 4.97m and wide tracks, the Ghibli demonstrates a perfect blend of sportiness and elegance. Compared to the Quattroporte, the Ghibli is 291 mm shorter, 20 mm lower and 50 kg lighter. The interior has been significantly modernised without

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Its eye catching looks are enhanced by modernised versions of its famous grille. compromising on the quality materials and craftsmanship that we have become accustomed to from the brand. It also sets itself apart with a unique, cockpit-inspired dashboard design that perfectly matches its sporty and youthful character without compromising on the highest level of refinement and sophistication. The

optional Ermenegildo Zegna interior combines Poltrona Frau leather with 100% natural fibre Zegna Mulberry Silk inserts on the seats, door panels, roof lining, sunshades and ceiling light fixture. Available in three colour variants this exclusive outfit will be the most exquisite of all Maserati customisations. The cabin also includes an 8.4"

Maserati touch. Optional features include the 10-speaker premium Harman Kardon sound system or the 15-speaker Bowers & Wilkins high end audio system, Blind Spot Alert, Siri integration, WLAN based WiFi and a wide range of customisation options that cater for the most demanding individuals. The instrument cluster features large dials and a 7â&#x20AC;? TFT display. Major functionalities are incorporated into the key buttons alongside the gear lever, while other on-board settings can be set via the Maserati Touch Control (MTC) at the centre of the dashboard. In summary, the Maserati Ghibli represents a fresh face in a hotly contested segment and a very good option for a customer looking for something different. It is very comfortable being a capable sports car and every day commute. I am certain it is a winner given the amount of sales that Maserati has already achieved of the Ghibli prior to its formal launch in the country.

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Merc's AMG GT is up there with the best The Mercedes-AMG GT is the second car that has been developed entirely in-house by AMG, the company’s high-performance division now known within the Daimler empire as Mercedes-AMG. by: stuart johnston

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he GT follows on the dramatic SLS gull wing of some half a decade ago, which had a much larger engine and a more lavish specification, which placed it more in the supercar league. The GT is very much a sports car, and it is no secret that it is aimed at luring customers away from the archetypal sports car in this league, produced by one of the most famous names in the history of the sports car, Porsche and its benchmark 911. But while the GT is in a lower price bracket than the now-discontinued SLS, it is by no means spartan. Its interior trimmings are very attractive, less serious, if you like, than those you’d find in an equivalent Porsche, and this has been the AMG way of things in the past decade or so, with a certain flamboyance characterising its influence on once-conservatively styled Mercedes products. But restraint has been the keyword to the outside appearance. The exterior is a beautiful exercise in near-perfect proportion, no frivolous styling lines confusing the clean lines of a car that is so good to behold because of its simplicity. The only design cues that speak “pure Mercedes” are the dual power bulges on the bonnet line and the attitude of the nose, with the three-pointed star nestling in a grille wrought of black mesh.

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Mechanically, the GT is all purpose. The new power-plant of the GT is the 4,0-litre bi-turbo V8 as fitted in the new C63 sedan, the difference being that in the GT installation it is configured with dry sump lubrication, which means the oil is housed in a separate tank, enabling the engineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s undersides to be shallower, and thus the engine itself to be located lower in the chassis. Mercedes-AMG like to speak of the car having a frontmounted mid-engine location because the engine is located so far back in the chassis, way behind the front axle line. This is achieved due to the sevenspeed dual clutch gearbox being located at the rear of the car, in tandem with the differential, with the engine being connected to this lot via a torque tube. The result of this design is a rear wheel-driven car that has an un-laden weight distribution of 47 per cent up front, 53 per cent to the rear, which AMG is very proud of as their techheads reckon it gives the GT the platform for near perfect handling. One thing I can assure you; on the road, there is not the merest hint of nervousness about the GT even at very high speeds. There are two models on offer, the GT and the GTS, the former having a rated

top speed of 304 km/h, while the GT is rated at 310 km/h. Having driven the GT at the recent South African launch and recently visited the AMG GT plant in

Germany, I can assure you that the car accelerates to its top speed on typical autobahn-like roads with the least fuss I have ever experienced, in a car doing post 300 km/h speeds. The GT â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s power is rated at 340 kW while the S version has a slightly higher rating at 375 kW. Thus the 0-100 km time is despatched in 4,0 seconds in the standard GT and 3,8 seconds in the S model. But rather than being configured as a mere accelerative tool, the GT is very much designed as a sports car for fun in the twisty bits. The body is largely constructed of aluminium, and overall weight has been kept down to an impressive 1 540 kg. On the cars I drove at launch, all had been fitted with the impressive new Mercedes adjustable suspension system. This is standard on the S model and optional on the GT (at a cost of some R23 000). If owners of the non-S model decide to add just one option from a seemingly endless list of options they can apply to their GT, this is the box they should tick!! We drove the GT S model around the Zwartkops Raceway and there are various levels of traction

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control, you can dial in or out by going into the Dynamic Select vehicle set-up. We did our laps at the media launch with a degree of traction control and brake assist for cornering still in place. The GT S was remarkable for the way it could be turned crisply into a corner, but still with a degree of fluidity. The speed sensitive sports steering has a lot to do with this unflustered agility, as it reacts not only to road speed but senses lateral acceleration – or cornering load – and thus reacts more quickly when it sense you are exploring the traction limits. This is a very quick motor car, the power out of corners being fed perfectly to both rear wheels via a mechanical locking rear differential so that the inside wheel doesn’t spin away power out of corners. On the S this is even more precisely controlled, with electronic locking action. There are various race track orientated options that you

can add to your car, such as visual kits involving spoiler add-ons, and a ceramic brake kit (very expensive at over R120 000, but offering superb stopping power and recommended if you plan to do serious track day running with the car). Oh, and there is very real luggage space. Mercedes-AMG

lists the total luggage capacity beneath the rear hatch lid at 350 litres, enough for two golf bags or a full week’s worth of fresh clothes for you and your “significant other”. Prices, including CO2 tax and VAT, but without any options are R1 652 157 for the GT, while the GT S weighs in at R1 991 157.

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The only design cues that speak “pure Mercedes” are the dual power bulges on the bonnet line and the attitude of the nose.

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Porscheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rendering of a modern-day Targa Florio winner could well have been a cosmetic nod to the RSK Spyder that took victory in the classic Sicilian road race in 1960: Simply fashion a double-bubble streamliner cowling for the soft top, add it to GTS mechanicals, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have a sales winner for those that want to stand out from the crowd.

nstead, the Porsche development team for the Boxter Spyder, which made its public debut in Tuscany in July, set about producing a re-enactment of a special racing car worthy of the name in every respect. In creating the special roof cowling with its sensuous streamliner lines, and the mechanism that operates the top, every consideration was made to keep weight to an absolute minimum. Thus the roof and cowling mechanism is a fully manual operation, apart from the final locking mechanism which sees the roof latched into the windscreen frame work, which is done electrically. Erecting the roof also requires the

driver to stand outside the car, especially as the trailing edge fabric buttresses have to be hand-clipped into the engine cover via a special technique. The roof fabric itself is of a super-lightweight but strong material, sourced after investigations with a number of suppliers. And the mechanism to open the boot is of lightweight steel construction, requiring a delicacy of operation by the owner. Weight reduction was the key consideration with this car, and Porsche feels that owners will regard the rooferecting or stowage operation as a ceremonial activity, prior to taking the Boxter Spyder out for a very special drive. To make that drive even more memorable, Porsche have not only kept

the weight of the Spyder down to a very impressive 1 315 kg, but the car is also fitted with a 3,8-litre version of the famous boxer-six-cylinder water-cooled engine. The extra capacity of the engine sees power rise to 276 kW, and torque to 420 Nm. Being a naturally aspirated engine, loads of torque is available from way down in the rev range, and indeed Porsche quotes its maximum torque figure being produced from 4 800 rpm all the way to 6 000 rpm. An engine red-line of 7 800 rpm means that the engine can make exultant high-rev music as you roar through a mountain pass with the top down, whipping up and down the excellent six-speed gearbox. Aah, the gearbox! Porsche specified

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We never got to approach anything like even 200 km/h on our test route in the hills above Florence, as the roads were, at times, wide enough for just one car! At one stage I had to jump on the clamps hard, activating the ABS, then reverse to a point where a large Kombisized van could come past. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The road, the car, the driver, they must be one,â&#x20AC;? said Boxter Spyder Chassis Development specialist Joachim Meyer, as we relaxed after an exhilarating drive and talked about the secret Porsche recipe that makes them the most drivable cars on the planet. And there you have it. Mission accomplished. Price for the Porsche Boxter Spyder in South Africa, is R1 010 000. PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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meshing into place as the torque is taken up on a light throttle opening. Sound deadening, by the way, was also kept to a minimum in this car, and that roof fabric comes without any inner lining. But this car to be enjoyed with the roof down as much as possible. Wind deflectors behind the driver and passenger take care of vortex buffeting at higher speeds, and in any event you sit low in this car, unlike in open sports cars of yore where the occupants were very exposed to the elements. With 276 kW powering 1 315 kg, the Porsche Boxter Spyder enjoys an excellent power to weight ratio, and in pure sprinting terms the car is no slouch. The 0-100 km/h time is listed at 4,5 seconds, and top speed is rated at 290 km/h.

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that for the Boxter Spyder it will only be available with a six-speed manual transmission, driving the rear wheels. I for one have no problems with this decision. A car as involving as this one deserves the extra interaction that a manual gearbox imposes on the driver, and for me, making a quick upshift on the fluid gearbox or down-shifting when braking hard for an impending bend, then feeding out the clutch to load up just the right amount of reverse torque on the rear wheels with a progressive clutch movement. Porsche being Porsche, you can feel the solidity of that transmission the moment you load it up on pull away through the meaty-but-progressive clutch action. You can actually hear the gears

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time for

statesmanship…

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always try to write my closing comments when I get a quiet moment, mostly to ensure that I remain objective and present. This is becoming increasingly more difficult. In these last few weeks the world around us has gone a bit crazy, to say the least. Leaders are speaking out in droves on the poor state of affairs in many countries on matters such as declining governance, human rights violations, crime and economic disparity. On South African shores, media is dominated by the failure by leaders to come to grips with the plight of its people. We appear to have a disinterested or self-serving leadership who cover up the failing of a select few and then pass blame to the ones who are not in the clique. Instead of focussing on the issues at hand on addressing problems and implementing solutions, the focus now is on finding scapegoats or blaming the travesties of the past. Are we not beyond that point already? Do we not realise that the responsibility for turning around the state of affairs is now with the collective? For me personally, its resorted to the point where I just step in and assist where I can as this is sometimes the only way to get things done. It’s also a fallacy to presume that corruption is limited to the public sector. In fact, in many interactions on private sector entity’s it appears that collusion is rife to the extant and many senior executives in corporates are starting to have sleepless nights with breaches in integrity and governance by their employees. The endemic perceptions by people is that the

country has turned into a free-for-all where justice no longer exists and one can buy or weasel out of anything. On a different note, with my consultant’s hat on, I watched with interest the way the Cecil the Lion “murder” was handled in the media and on social feeds. On the one hand, the public reaction was shock followed by widespread media exposure on the luring of the animal out of the park followed by the wounding by a bow hunter then having to track the injured animal to put it out of its misery – I do not in any way support or condone this type of hunting. On the other hand, a group emerged around the human rights violations, poverty and malnutrition of people in Zimbabwe who get no mention or interest. What is the state of our society that one incident gets preference over the other? What makes one item more newsworthy? The simple answer to this is rooted in value systems. Many people seem to be of the view that humans have a choice to change things but animals don’t. So the perception in the first world is that poor people in a country have a choice to change the leadership and therefore are accountable for the leaders that they appoint. This principle may be grounded in the principles of many countries’ constitutions yet many African leaders are adept at manipulating the populous to an outcome that they prefer, which in many instances does not serve the greater good. I believe that there always comes a point where enough is enough and revolution then needs to happen to correct the problem and restore balance. I fear we are close to that point! Vivien Natasen

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Earrings by Dominic Jones

Mila Kunis wears Zambian emeralds from Gemfields, the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading producer of ethically-sourced coloured gemstones. Beauty, set in stone. www.gemfields.co.uk +27 (0)21 794 2488

NICOLE KIDMAN’S CHOICE