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PRESTIGE MAGAZINE |
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97
FA S H I O N | DESIGN | J EW E L L E RY | T R AV E L | BU S I N E S S
of the best
| P RO PE RT Y MCLAREN’S SENNA UNVEILED • RESIDENCE IN THE AFRICAN TROPICS • RED CARPET FASHION TWO DAYS OF LUXURY IN DUBAI • CHAMPAGNE FOR THE SUMMER ISSUE 97 – 6/2017
AFRICA’S PREMIER LUXURY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
WE DIDN’T JUST BUILD AN SUV. WE BUILT A MASERATI.
LEVANTE. THE MASERATI OF SUVs. STARTING FROM R1 650 000 The practicality and versatility of an SUV, or the power and panache of a Maserati? Now you can enjoy both - Introducing the new Levante. The Powerful V6 Engine, Q4 intelligent all-wheel drive system, 8 speed ZF transmission and sophisticated air suspension confirm that the Levante is every inch a refined SUV. Meanwhile, its exclusive Italian styling, luxurious interior and unique exhaust note affirms its Maserati DNA. So that’s one less difficult decision to make. o Levante diesel: v6 60 2,987cm - max power: 275 hp at 4,000 - max torque: 600nm at 2000-2600 rpm - max speed: 230 km/h 0-100km/ acceleration: 6,9 secs - fuel consumption (combined cycle): 7,2 l/100km - co2 emissions (combined cycle): 189 g/km The data may not refer to the model represented
www.maserati.co.za
MASERATI JOHANNESBURG
MASERATI CAPE TOWN
BUILDING NO. 3, BRYANSTON BOULEVARD, 2985
67 JAN SMUTS STREET, CAPE TOWN, 8001 Phone: 0800 0600 78 | E-mail: info@maseraticpt.co.za
WILLIAM NICOL DR, BRYANSTON Phone: 0800 0600 77 | E-mail: info@maseratijhb.co.za
PRESTIGE
CONTENTS
Upfront Ed’s Letter – Page 8
Midnight in Paris – The beginning of the union was 1895 but it was in 1906 that Van Cleef & Arpels took residence on Place de Vendôme as purveyors of fine jewellery – Page 10 The Stars - Time and the universe are inseparable with a common relationship on our planet through navigation. Breguet has become a master of time, astronomy and navigation by creating iconic astronomical clocks, marine chronometers and timepieces – Page 18 Time to Beat - Swiss watchmaker OMEGA has joined the Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 as the event’s Official Timekeeper – Page 21 Shape of Things - Two new additions from Bang & Olufsen cater for enthusiasts with different needs and incorporate all the design ethos that brings beauty to high fidelity – Page 26 2018 - Your Best Year Yet! – Like a well-crafted Bordeaux, people are supposed to get better with age and add complexity to our souls as we pass each year – Page 30 In the Tropics – Two tropical destinations, popular with South Africans, have residential options that have reached different phases of their lives – Page 34 On the Red Carpet – December saw the seventh incarnation of the Red carpet Fashion Show curated by Jade Allen of Red Cvarpet Concepts – Page 40
86.
108. 26.
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Inside
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34.
Getting Away from it all
10.
5
68.
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Sheikh Yerbouti – Marriot Hotels’ Luxury Collection has consolidated into eight brands that define luxury on all levels of experience. Chris Buchanan was invited to Dubai for a soupcon of the offering – Page 48 Way Down South – The Falkland Islands are wild and beautiful – and far away from everything – Page 56 Dropping Fences – Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection has earned its reputation as one of the country’s finest bush experiences. But more importantly, the reserve is constantly undergoing various research projects centred on the various wildlife species residing in the area – Page 62 Under the Karkloof Sun Shelley Martin recently found herself nestled amongst rolling hills and roaming wildlife at Karkloof Safari Villas, a tranquil five -star retreat situated not too far from the small town of Pietermaritzburg – Page 68
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Food and Wine
100.
Tiny Bubbles – Champagne is not only for special occasions but should be enjoyed as a celebration in itself, of the intricate process that infuses the tiny bubbles into the wine that “make you feel happy, make you feel fine” – Page 72 Seventh Heaven – Aviation and food are unlikely bedfellows given the chicken or beef options in economy class, although the fare in upper class is often not half bad – Page 82 Do I have an Advance on R22million? - The Cape Wine Auction is now regarded as the most significant international wine charity auction ever conceived in South Africa – uniting the industry around a single goal of raising money for education – Page 88
72.
Getting Around Happy Day’s – Construction of the new 68m M/Y Day’s, the first of the CCNY ICE YACHTS range, is on schedule and proceeding as planned in collaboration with AES YACHT – Page 100 Swiss Rolls – If there were such a thing as automotive royalty, the Rolls-Royce Phantom would be it. After all, what other single nameplate can claim a heritage that dates back 92 years? – Page 108 Born Legend – The new McLaren P15 bears the name of legendary Formula 1 driver, Ayrton Senna, honouring its status as the ultimate McLaren track car, legalised for the road – Page 114 Open Li’l Mac – Vivien Natasen savours the new Mclaren 570s Spider – Page 118
Final Say
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From the Publisher – Page 128
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the vintage library the ultimate festive investment www.vilafonte.com/members 021 886 4083
PRESTIGE
UPFRONT
ED'S
Publisher Vivien Natasen +27 11 484 2833 Editor Chris Buchanan chris@prestigemag.co.za
LEGENDS OF THE FALL
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O
h, how the mighty have fallen and it took on “house of cards” proportions in 2017. Harvey Weinstein was a man who could make or break the career of any aspiring actor, and seemed to have exerted influence over many female thespians through vulgar sexual suggestion, impropriety and even rape. He was head of a maverick studio that broke away from the establishment to produce films that would never have seen the light of day in a world dominated by MGM and United Artists. He put Quentin Tarantino on the map and gave the green light to offbeat films like Good Will Hunting and Shakespeare in Love which went on to dominate the Academy Awards. Mr Hollywood used his position of influence for his own sexual gratification and his exposure has begged the question of “how did nobody call his behaviour when it seemed so obvious to so many?”. Well Mr Hollywood is no more. Kevin Spacey is another who took the industry by storm, erupting onto the scene in The Usual Suspects and American Beauty. He was the hero in House of Cards and made London his home with his benevolent work at the Old Vic Theatre earning him a KBE. For years he had been fiddling with young boys and nobody said a word until allegations stated rolling in faster than a summer afternoon thunderstorm. His house of cards has fallen in and he will never work in mainstream entertainment again. Robert Mugabe stood as the Africa liberation hope when Zimbabwe gained its independence in 1980. Slowly his narcissism and insecurities started taking hold and he singlehandedly ordered the slaughter of Zimbabwean people black and white, and strangled a vibrant economy by getting rid of the agricultural bread basket and alienating the only friends he had on the continent and the
rest of the planet. It took the military to persuade him to vacate the presidential palace and he now teeters on the brink of a life in exile or possible criminal action against him in his own country or in The Hague. Another “who would have thought?” moment hit us recently when Markus Jooste resigned as CEO of the company he built, Steinhoff, in a financial scandal Magda Wierzycka of Sygnia Group calls “the closest thing to a corporate structured Ponzi scheme as you can get”. He sat on countless boards and was considered a credible force in the realm of South Africa business. Interviewing him during my days with Moneyweb was always an entertaining affair and he spoke confidently in his unmistakable Afrikaans drawl and his quiet arrogance in his business strategy. He’ll be evaluating his position as the owner of over 250 racehorses and a fortune estimated in the billions, but for the meantime, he’s persona non grata in any boardroom and won’t be welcome at his holiday retreat in Hermanus. Mavericks these men all were. They challenged the system and innovated, building credibility through their creating of something special, be it a career, a country or a business. Nobody saw the fall coming, just as in 2008 when, months before the collapse of Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch and the Royal Bank of Scotland, credit ratings agencies gave them A++ status. The common trait in all of them is a narcissistic streak that entitles them to behold over others and abuse their significant influence and power to fuel a sad and disproportionate ego. ‘Tis the season of hope and happiness in which the actions of egotistical maniacs have no place. Let’s remember the good of 2017 live by the hope that it will prevail well into 2018. Happy holidays to you and your families.
CHRIS
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Deputy publisher/brand ambassador Carly Bailey Natasen carly@prestigemag.co.za Layout and Art Direction Daniel Jonathan info@danieljonathan.co.za Advertising Sales Carly Bailey Natasen carly@prestigemag.co.za Operations and Circulation Eugene Reuben eugene.reuben@neoafrica.com Digital Nate Nel Nate.Nel@neoafrica.com Contributors Keri Harvey, Patrick Leclezio, Shelley Martin, Gautam Sharma Printing Paarl Media Kwazulu Natal distribution Media Support Services 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 = R600 per annum excl VAT, other countries are subject to a postage surcharge and will be calculated accordingly. Single copies of Prestige can be purchased for a nominal fee of R89.00. 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
O&M CAPE TOWN 3282/E
BORN TO PERFORM. S e t t h e p a c e w i t h t h e s t r o n g e r, s l e e k e r a n d f a s t e r m e m b e r s of Audi Spor t. Outdrive your rivals with superior speed in the all-new members of A u d i S p o r t : t h e A u d i R 8 S p y d e r, R S 5 C o u p é , T T R S C o u p é , R S 3 S e d a n and RS 3 Sportback. Being introduced throughout 2017, these sports cars allow you to experience the spirit of the track unleashed on the r o a d w i t h a d v a n c e d t e c h n o l o g y a n d p o w e r f u l r a c i n g a b i l i t y. Ta k e y o u r p i c k a n d j o i n t h e # L e a g u e o f P e r f o r m a n c e V i s i t w w w. a u d i . c o m /e n /a u d i s p o r t
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midnight in
PARIS THE BEGINNING OF THE UNION WAS 1895 BUT
IT WAS IN 1906 THAT VAN CLEEF
&
ARPELS
TOOK RESIDENCE ON PLACE DE VENDÔME AS PURVEYORS OF FINE JEWELLERY.
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or more than 100 years it has stood with the Ritz Hotel and together they have become icons while Paris grew up around them. The politicians, kings, musicians, Hollywood celebrities and ill-fated lovers who exited the Ritz inevitably entered 22 Place and became loyal to the savoir-faire of high jewellery, horologie and parfum. 2017 has continued the tradition of innovation and creation of jewelled beauty in ornamental and timepiece creations.
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SECRET DES AMOUREUX CLIP White gold, pink gold, yellow gold, diamonds, colored sapphires, a pear-shaped orangy-pink sapphire of 2.74 carats (Sri Lanka), a pear-shaped violet sapphire of 1.36 carats (Sri Lanka), a heartshaped rubellite of 12.04 carats. PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
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CACHETTE LONG NECKLACE Pink gold, white gold, diamonds, pink sapphires, a pear-shaped pink sapphire of 4.14 carats (Madagascar), a cushion-cut ruby of 2.33 carats (Burma), coral beads, white cultured pearls. Detachable ring.
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COEURS ENLACÉS BRACELET Pink gold, diamonds, pink and yellow sapphires, rubies, spessartite garnets, 3 cushion-cut pink spinels for a total of 31.17 carats. Detachable clips.
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BELIEVE IN LUCK BETWEEN THE FINGER™ RING Yellow gold, pink gold, diamonds, rubies, colored sapphires, spessartite garnets, a cushion-cut ruby of 3.07 carats (Mozambique).
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PÉTALE DE PAPILLON CLIP Yellow gold, white gold, diamonds, yellow and mauve sapphires, emeralds, spessartite and tsavorite garnets, onyx, sugilite. Transformable clip.
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PAPILLON SECRET WATCH White gold, diamonds, emeralds, black spinels, onyx, white motherof-pearl, an emerald-cut emerald of 14.57 carats (Colombia), manual-winding mechanical movement.
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LADY ARPELS PAPILLON AUTOMATE WATCH Enchanting Nature comes to life as never before on the new Lady Arpels™ Papillon Automate watch. Equipped with a particularly sophisticated automaton module, it depicts the random fluttering of a butterfly, moving in accompaniment to the movements of the watch’s wearer. A mutual relationship comes into being, as the hours slip by against a pastoral backdrop. The entire scene is illuminated by a wide range of traditional crafts, gathered together at Van Cleef & Arpels’ watchmaking workshops in Meyrin, Switzerland.
CHARMS EXTRAORDINAIRE FÉE SAKURA WATCH First unveiled at the inauguration of the Ginza boutique, this watch is inspired by cherry trees in bloom. Against a deep pink backdrop, the dial employs several traditional skills to depict Enchanting Nature: mother-ofpearl – sculpted and painted by hand – traces delicate flowers, while the corollas in the foreground are adorned with cabochonné enamel, which gives the petals an opalescent relief effect. PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
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AUTOMATE FÉE ONDINE Van Cleef & Arpels is delighted to unveil its first Extraordinary Object: the Automate Fée Ondine. The fruit of long years’ work and an intense collaboration with automaton maker François Junod, the project also owes its existence to the savoir-faire of the numerous craftsmen who have taken part in its creation. Bringing together the jewelry and watchmaking traditions, this unique piece marks a new chapter for the Maison, in keeping with precious objects such as carriage and table clocks. The highly complex mechanism – which animates various elements and also tells the time – gives pride of place to an ephemeral poetry: movement and lightness, the beauty of nature, the grace of a fairy waking from sleep and the nuances of precious stones and enamel. This bejeweled tableau comes to life with infinite delicacy. The Maison’s imagination, creativity and attachment to ancestral crafts have come together in this Extraordinary Object to instill a dreamlike sense of wonder.
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by the
stars
TIME AND THE UNIVERSE ARE INSEPARABLE WITH A COMMON RELATIONSHIP ON OUR PLANET THROUGH NAVIGATION. BREGUET HAS BECOME A MASTER OF TIME, ASTRONOMY AND NAVIGATION BY CREATING ICONIC ASTRONOMICAL CLOCKS, MARINE CHRONOMETERS AND TIMEPIECES.
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BREGUET REINE DE NAPLES 8918 Case in 18k rose gold, cambered ovoid with delicately fluted caseband. Bezel and dial flange set with 117 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.99 ct). Crown set with a briolette diamond (approx. 0.26 ct). Sapphire-crystal caseback. Dimensions 36.5 x 28.45mm. Water-resistant to 3 bar (30m). Dial in Tahitian and natural white mother-of-pearl, engine-turned. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Arabic Breguet numerals offset at 6 o’clock. Pear-shape diamond at 6 o’clock (approx. 0.09 ct). Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel. Self-winding movement, Cal. 537/3. Numbered and signed Breguet. 83/4 lignes. 26 jewels. 45-hour power reserve. Escapement wheel and in-line Swiss lever in silicon. Balance spring in silicon. Balance frequency 3.5Hz. Adjusted in 6 positions. Alligator leather strap with gold folding clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.12 ct). Also available with a chain rose gold bracelet
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BREGUET REINE DE NAPLES MINI 8928 Case in 18k rose gold, cambered ovoid with delicately fluted caseband. Bezel, dial flange and lug set with 139 brilliantcut diamonds (approx. 1.255 ct). Crown set with a briolette diamond (approx. 0.26 ct). Sapphire-crystal caseback. Dimensions 33 x 24.95mm. Waterresistant to 3 bar (30m). Dial in natural white mother-ofpearl. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Arabic Breguet numerals offset at 6 o’clock. Breguet open-tipped hands in blued steel. Self-winding movement, Cal. 586/1. Numbered and signed Breguet. 63/4 lignes. 29 jewels. 38-hour power reserve. Inverted in-line lever escapement with silicon horns. Balance spring in silicon. Balance frequency 3Hz. Adjusted in 6 positions. Satin strap with gold folding clasp set with 26 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.12 ct). Also available in 18k white gold.
BREGUET MARINE ÉQUATION MARCHANTE 5887 Following in the wake of its unique heritage, the House of Breguet now launches a worldwide exclusive model named the Marine Équation Marchante 5887. This “Grande Complication” marks the start of a new era for the contemporary Marine collection. Case in 950 platinum with delicately fluted caseband. Sapphire-crystal caseback. 43.9mm diameter. Water-resistant to 10 bar (100m). Blue dial in gold, engine-turned. Individually numbered and signed Breguet. Hours chapter with Roman numerals and luminescent dots. Breguet facetted hands in 18k gold with luminescent material. Running solar hand with facetted golden sun. Days of the week in an aperture between 10 and 11 o’clock. Months and leap-year cycle in an aperture between 1 and 2 o’clock. Retrograde dates indication on an arc running from 9 to 3 o’clock. Power reserve in an aperture between 7 and 9 o’clock. Self-winding movement with running equation of time, perpetual calendar, tourbillon and 80-hour power reserve, Cal. 581DPE. Numbered and signed Breguet. Small seconds and equation of time cam on the tourbillon axis. 16¾ lignes. 57 jewels. Silicon escapement wheel and inverted lateral lever with silicon horns. Silicon balance spring. Balance frequency 4Hz. Adjusted in 6 positions. Alligator leather strap with gold folding clasp. Also available in 18k rose gold with dial in silvered gold and anthracite movement. PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
time to beat
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SWISS WATCHMAKER OMEGA HAS JOINED THE VOLVO OCEAN RACE 2017-18 AS THE EVENT’S OFFICIAL TIMEKEEPER. PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
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JEWELLERY & WATCHES
he Volvo Ocean Race is the world’s toughest and longest offshore race and tests sailing prowess and human endeavour to its absolute limits. It brings the bravest and most hardy sailors together and sends them out into the most vast and treacherous seas imaginable. For the crews on board each boat, timing will be everything. As they race against the clock, OMEGA will keep a precise eye on their progress.
The Swiss brand is the world leader in sports timekeeping. Not only has it taken the role of Official Timekeeper of the Olympic Games on 27 occasions since 1932, but it is also extremely passionate about sailing. Within its long history on the waves, OMEGA has most notably partnered with Emirates Team Zealand on its various quests for the America’s Cup since 1995. Speaking about the brand’s new role as Official Timekeeper of the Volvo Ocean Race, Raynald Aeschlimann, OMEGA President and CEO said, “This new partnership is very exciting for OMEGA and it’s a great privilege.
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The Volvo Ocean Race truly speaks to our pioneering brand spirit, our love of exploration and our pursuit of excellence.
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The Volvo Ocean Race 2017-18 started from Alicante, Spain on 22 October this year and will finish in The Hague next June. There will be 11 legs in total reaching 12 landmark host cities. Other stops on the 45,000 nautical mile journey across four oceans include destinations as far as Cape Town, Hong Kong and Auckland, New Zealand. More information about OMEGA’s sailing history and watches can be found at www.omegawatches.com/ sailing.
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We know sailing very well, but the Volvo Ocean Race truly speaks to our pioneering brand spirit, our love of exploration and our pursuit of excellence. It really is a unique opportunity and we can’t wait to support the sailors with our renowned timekeeping.” Joining Mr. Aeschlimann for the announcement was the CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, Mark Turner. He said, “We are very pleased to be partnering with OMEGA. We know very well of their excellent reputation for precision and quality, and it’s an honour to have them on board. I’m certain that their timekeeping and sailing experience will be a great benefit to all involved.”
Full details about the Volvo Ocean Race can be found at www.volvooceanrace.com PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
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JEWELLERY & WATCHES
on the
tiles DIALS PAVED WITH GOLD TILES, ALMOST 700
PRECIOUS METAL SQUARES, EACH MEASURING
0.84MM, CREATE A SPARKLING BALLET OF
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UNIQUE LIGHT EFFECTS.
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ncient Rome had a pronounced taste for mosaics, a decorative art typical of the period. Loyal to its historical roots in the Eternal City, Bulgari pays tribute to this tradition and renews it through a spectacular hand-crafted approach: the dials of the two new Lvcea watches are composed of tiles made of gold rather than stone. The stunning result exploring uncharted territory creates an infinite variety of subtly shimmering light effects achieved by the meticulous placing of the tiny tiles in a long and patient process. Blending mosaic art with the inspiration that gave rise to Lvcea, nothing could be more quintessentially Bulgari. The exploration of new crafts embedded in ancient practice is an integral part of Bulgari history. The refined gold mosaic technique draws inspiration from this resolutely new approach representing an authentic world premiere. The 18kt gold plate is first cut into around 700 tiny square tiles measuring precisely 0.84mm each. Each of them is them individually placed on the dial plate, starting from the centre and progressively radiating towards the outer sides. This order of adjustment is especially crucial given that the artisan does not create any joints between the tiles. It avoids any misplaced light effects that might appear in the tiny gaps between the specks of gold dust. Perfection thus remains the watchword guiding the entire process of placing the tiles. Dials composed of a mosaic of approximately 700 mirror-polished 18kt pink or white gold tiles; brilliantcut diamond hour-markers; 18kt pink or white gold case, 33mm in diameter, bezel and lugs set with 78 brilliantcut diamonds, (~ 1.79ct), crown in 18kt pink or white gold set with a pink cabochon-cut rubellite, water-resistant to 50m; galuchat strap in brown for the 18kt pink gold version, and black for the 18kt white gold variation; Mechanical self-winding movement powering indications of the hours, minutes and seconds.
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shape
of things TWO NEW ADDITIONS FROM BANG & OLUFSEN CATER FOR ENTHUSIASTS WITH DIFFERENT NEEDS AND INCORPORATE ALL THE DESIGN ETHOS THAT BRINGS BEAUTY TO HIGH FIDELITY.
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BEOSOUND SHAPE Designed by renowned Danish designer Øivind Alexander Slaatto, the idea for BeoSound Shape was actually inspired by honeycombs & snowflakes due to their hexagon pattern. It was immediately decided that this will be the primary form because it will give audiophiles the freedom to constantly expand and build onto it until a unique design and optimised sound experience is achieved. Unlike any other speaker system we let you define the size, shape, colour – even the sound performance according to your preferences. The modular tile concept behind BeoSound Shape is based on a single geometric shape, the hexagon. Each tile serves a function as either speaker, amplifier or acoustic damper and can be pieced together in endless combinations and sizes, to serve rooms both big and small. BeoSound Shape is a uniquely flexible speaker system that can grow and evolve with the changing ways you live. Rearrange the tiles to form a new pattern, change the colours when you redecorate or add more tiles to boost sound performance or acoustic damping properties. Forget about reclusive ‘sweet spot’ listening. BeoSound Shape provides an immersive and social sound experience for all. Rather than optimising sound for a single fixed position our unique upmixing algorithm cleverly distributes the signals across the speakers, making the correlated signal appear in the centre from every listening position. The result: Your wall becomes a stage as the lead singer materialises in the centre and instruments join in from the sides, seemingly staying in their place even when you move around. The sensation and spatiality of a live band performance is truly canny.
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BEOLAB 50 From the magical moment the Acoustic Lens majestically ascents, discreetly opening up to face the audience, you know the stage is set for an extraordinary performance. BeoLab 50 is our high-end active loudspeaker blending radical audio technology, elegant aesthetics and meticulous craftsmanship. Tailored and truly ear-catching performance for all the ways you enjoy sound in the home: Sweet spot music listening, unforgettable house parties and cinematic experiences par excellence. Acoustic Lens Technology with directional sound beam control On top of BeoLab 50 you find the motorised acoustic lens, which appears when the loudspeaker is switched on. The side ‘cheeks’ adjusts to wide or narrow, when you apply the unique Beam Width control, which decides whether you are having a sweet spot listening experience (narrow Beam Width) or are going for a wider sound dispersion aiming at multiple listening positions in front of the speaker (wide beam width). Use the Bang & Olufsen app for IOS and Android for controlling and setting up specific listening positions and adjusting the beam width. In addition you can operate your BeoLab 50 with either the BeoRemote One or BeoSound Essence Remote.
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2018 – your best year yet!
LIKE A WELL-CRAFTED BORDEAUX, PEOPLE ARE SUPPOSED TO GET BETTER WITH AGE AND ADD COMPLEXITY TO OUR SOULS AS WE PASS EACH YEAR. BY THAT TOKEN, 2017 SHOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER THAN
2016 AND 2018 SHOULD BE YOUR BEST YEAR YET. DR JOHN DEMARTINI SUGGESTS FIVE KEY QUESTIONS
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TO CHANGE THE COURSE OF THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
T
o achieve what matters most in the next 12 months – and beyond that – there are a few crucial questions you need to periodically ask yourself. Take your time answering these questions – they’re an invitation to explore, invent and evolve yourself in 2018…
QUESTION 1: What are my highest values and am I being true to them? What are the most important aspects of your life, the things that mean the most to you? Your family? Your work? Your health? Your spirituality? These represent your highest values – the top-priority items that are as unique to you as your own fingerprints. But do you always put them first? If you are not living congruently with what you value most, symptoms of discomfort are the inevitable result. QUESTION 2: Why don’t I do the things I would love to be doing? Life isn’t about figuring out what to do. You already know that your wisest actions align with the things you value most. The real challenge is in doing this. Ask yourself, “Are the activities that fill my day really satisfying my highest values? If not, what is stopping me from focusing on the things that I value most?” And, perhaps most importantly, “What benefit am I deriving from these undertakings that I pretend not to see?” You’ll be amazed at the possibilities that open up when you stop deceiving yourself.
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QUESTION 3: Do my goals correspond with my highest values? If your goals for 2017 or, indeed, for your whole life, don’t agree with the things you value most, you stand very little chance of achieving them. Say, for example, that your children are your highest priority but that your goal this year is to save money. Chances are that every extra cent you do manage to make will be spent on your kids. Why? Because building wealth is simply not one of your highest values. You will need to remodel your value structure to include saving money as a top priority, thereby bringing your actions into alignment with the things that are most important and so set about achieving this goal.
where extrinsic factors completely beyond your control will constantly threaten to destabilise your sense of equilibrium. Only by honouring your own highest values do you achieve balance, becoming a master of your destiny rather than a victim of history.
QUESTION 4: How are my “shoulds” getting in the way of my happiness? So often the desires of the ego conflict with the wisdom of the heart. Are you living your life according to what you truly believe in and value most or are you trying to fulfill the expectations of others? A life lived in pursuit of “perceived values” is a precarious one
QUESTION 5: Am I living an inspired life? The secret to living an inspired life is to find something you truly love, something that realises your highest values and allows you to subsist satisfactorily, and that makes a difference in the lives of others. The last proviso is an important one. The yearning to help others has
The secret to living an inspired life is to find something you truly love, something that realises your highest values and allows you to subsist satisfactorily evolutionary origins – contributing to the group was essential to primitive man’s survival – and, today, the way to measure your worth may simply be to give as much if not more than you take. Asking what or who you made more fulfilled each day is a simple litmus test we can all measure ourselves by. Find out more or take Dr Demartini’s free online Value Determination Test at www.drdemartini.com. Founder of the Demartini Institute, International best-selling author, educator and consultant
www.dr.demartini.com
Presented by Dr John Demartini: Human Behavioural Specialist, Educator, Author and Business Consultant
WORKSHOP
MASTER PLANNING FOR LIFE 3 Days Defining Your Extraordinary Life Only 3% of the world’s population take the time to plan and 97% of the world’s wealth is in the hands of those who take the time to set their goals and MASTER PLAN their lives the way they want it. Ask yourself honestly… DO YOU KNOW: • • • •
Venue: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg Time: 08h00 - 19h00 Daily For information on prices and group specials contact The Demartini institute: Info@DrDemartini.co.za or Call: 011 011 9093
An amazing life starts with defining your inspired goals and from there developing a plan on how to achieve it. Master Planning Your Life will be THE MOST IMPORTANT 3 DAYS OF YOUR LIFE. No one is going to wake up in the morning to empower and inspire your life. No one is going to decide what you would love to achieve. That’s ENTIRELY UP TO YOU!
www.DrDemartini.com
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Monday - Wednesday 14 - 16 March 2018
What is the bigger picture that you are working towards? What do you want to achieve short term, medium term and long term? What ultimate level of success do you want to attain? What do you want to have financially, in business, in relationships, in family, in health and in life?
timeles s d esign is your b est investment
TM
w w w. s tu d i o d rew. co . za
architects + interiors
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TWO TROPICAL DESTINATIONS, POPULAR WITH SOUTH AFRICANS, HAVE RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS THAT HAVE REACHED DIFFERENT PHASES OF THEIR LIVES. ZANZIBAR SEES THE FIRST RESIDENTIAL UNITS COME AVAILABLE AT THE BLUE AMBER LUXURY RESORT, AND EDEN ISLAND IN THE SEYCHELLES CONTINUES ITS SUCCESS AND WILL SEE COMPLETION IN 2019.
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hase one of the mixed-use Blue Amber resort in Zanzibar has been launched. The aim of Pennyroyal Ltd, the long-term investor, developer, and manager of the luxury tropical development, is to create a resort that blends contemporary living with worldclass hospitality facilities. These include an 18-hole Signature Ernie Els Design Golf Course - the first in East Africa.
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The first residential phase will consist of 47 luxury double storey villas, available for sale to both local and foreign buyers. “For the first time in history, nonTanzanian residents will be able to invest in property on the tropical island,” says Blue Amber managing director, Saleh Said. “The Blue Amber resort, initially launched early in 2017 as Zanzibar Amber Resort, will enable non-Tanzanian residents to buy residential property in Zanzibar on 99-year leases with the option to extend ownership by 49 years.” The villas are set within a secure, private estate and are designed to maximise the spectacular views of either ocean, lakes, or golf course. Locally sourced materials such as sand render and coral stone cladding will be used in the construction of the villas, honouring local tradition. Climate control measures include optimal orientation on the site as well as natural shading and ventilation methods. Villas in phase one are designed with entrances that have an immediate visual connection to the outdoor pool and golf course beyond. Zanzibar is one of the World’s Heritage Sites and has a rich and diverse cultural history. Its main
industries are spices, raffia, and tourism, the latter which has grown significantly in the past few years. “This prestigious new resort development will place Zanzibar on the map as a high-end lifestyle destination offering sound investment opportunities as a year-round permanent residential or rental location”, says Dr. Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property Group. “Numerous airlines around the globe are now flying daily into Zanzibar. Blue Amber is just an hour’s drive away, making it easily accessible”, he adds. Another plus for investors is that property owners – as well as their spouses and children under 25 – are eligible for Zanzibar residence permits, and residence status is valid for as long as buyers remain owners. Zanzibar also offers significant tax benefits for property owners. These include a 15% tax rate on local income earned, no tax on worldwide income, and no capital gains tax, stamp duty or inheritance tax on properties purchased. Prices for the villas in phase one of Blue Amber range from US$670 000 to US$1.7 million.
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GARDEN OF EDEN Chris Immelman, MD of Pam Golding Properties International & Projects Division says: “As Marina Developments go around the world Eden Island is certainly the gold standard! “Homes have enjoyed good capital appreciation over the past ten years, with increases ranging between 25% 30%. Many homeowners have not only
received capital appreciation on their properties, but also benefited from the exchange rate over the past decade. Properties on Eden Island have definitely held their value and in most cases increased in value as mentioned above. A two bedroom apartment in 2006 would have cost you $425 000 and today that same apartment will cost you $659 000.
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A FEW POINTS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT INCLUDING ANY EXTRA COSTS INVOLVED ON TOP OF THE PURCHASE PRICE: • Five minute drive from the airport • Included in the purchase is an electrically powered vehicle • All Miele kitchen appliances are included • Air-conditioning throughout is included • We have a rental pool on Eden Island
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“The majority of our homeowners are from South Africa and have been so over the past ten years. Sales for the period 2014 - 2016 have been as follows: UAE 16%, South Africa 33%, of which Western Cape 48%, Gauteng 30% and KZN/Eastern Cape 9% each. “They are paying prices starting from $455,000 for one bedroom apartments, Maisons starting from $1,365,00 and Villas starting from $3.1m.”
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• Levies - $4.15 per sq m internal per month • Notary fee • Residency • $70 per month maintenance cost for your mooring • Furniture packages are available which include everything from crockery & cutlery to bedding and linen EDEN ISLAND IS A MARINA CONSISTING OF A COMMERCIAL CENTRE (WITH SHOPS, BARS AND RESTAURANTS) AND 575 RESIDENTIAL UNITS: • One to three-bedroom Apartments • Three and four-bedroom Maisons (Semidetached duplex townhouses), and • Luxury four bedroom free-standing villas Each unit includes a mooring (from approx. 10m x 4.55m in size), as well as an electrically powered vehicle to get around the island. The residents have exclusive use of a club house which includes a gym, tennis court and swimming pool. There are four private beaches located on the island. Please refer to the website www.edenisland.sc for further detailed information.
Locally sourced materials such as sand render and coral stone cladding will be used in the construction of the villas, honouring local tradition
Contact details
Amber Resort Brian McCurrach, 021 710 1770, brian.mccurrach@ pamgolding.co.za Eden Island Brian Gradner Tel: +27 (21) 710 1800 M: (+27)82 361 4381, brian.gradner@ pamgolding.co.za
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on the
red carpet DECEMBER SAW THE SEVENTH INCARNATION OF THE RED CARPET
FASHION SHOW CURATED BY JADE ALLEN OF RED CARPET CONCEPTS. AS A PREVIEW TO THE EVENT WE WENT QUAYSIDE TO SAMPLE THE FASHION CREATIONS OF THE ANNUAL SPECTACLE. pictures: Darryl Gouws
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M Couture with leather Jekyll & Hide hand bag and clutch
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sheikh
yerbouti
MARRIOT HOTELS’ LUXURY COLLECTION HAS CONSOLIDATED INTO EIGHT BRANDS THAT DEFINE LUXURY ON ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE. CHRIS BUCHANAN WAS INVITED TO DUBAI
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FOR A SOUPCON OF THE OFFERING.
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ubai is an extraordinary city that has risen from the desert sand on the back of exponential growth in oil and trade revenues. In 25 years it has become the hub of the United Arab Emirates and the greater region, boasts the tallest building in the world, the largest airline and the most supercars per square kilometre that any other city in the world. It is a city unashamedly swamped by money, attracting ex-pat communities through huge incentive packages and playing host to international celebrities who flock to the beaches. PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
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canal complex and integral to Expo 2020 Dubai. This is a Grande Dame hotel where the doormen call you by name and you’re treated as a special guest in the home of a local Sheikh. The lobby’s grand staircase and chandelier set the stage for luxury and design elements of wider corridors and an open plan foyer play to the homely feel of curated artwork. The St Regis has a number of multi-room suites, including the Churchill Suite, home to kings and heads of state on their visits to the city. But it’s the Bentley suite where
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Dubai is also a showcase city for one of the world’s biggest hotel chains, Marriott, and through its acquisition of the Starwood group, has a wide range of ultra-luxury options from which to choose. There are eight brands under the Marriot International Luxury Brands umbrella and we had an experience of four of them on a recent visit to Dubai to get an understanding of what the future holds for the portfolio. Our digs for two days was the St Regis in Al Habtoor City, situated on the outskirts of the city on the new
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The JW Marriott Marquis Dubai is tipped as the tallest hotel in the world with a staggering 1600 rooms and one of the best Indian restaurants this side of Rajasthan. Rang Mahal’s Michelin Star chef Atul Kochhar hosted the chefs from the other restaurants on the property and served a monumental array of diverse Asian cuisine until we could eat no more and then sent us to the outside terrace for a deconstructed dessert that would rival a Jackson Pollock masterpiece.
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we met the team that heads up marketing and communications for the Luxury Brands, a suite that pays homage to the marque in branding, stitching detail and ambience. It’s as though you’re inside a Bentley on an apartment scale, replicating the wood, the leather and the opulence. The challenge for one of the marketing executives, was to get a Bentley onto the room service menu, made to order and waiting for you when you get home.
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Day two was the turn of Ritz-Carlton to show off its wares so into the country we went to a new property in Ras Al Khaimah, on the red sands of the Al Wadi desert. Luxury villas are embedded into the sand dunes and architecture extends to the ancient towers the Bedouins used as lookouts over the endless desert expanse. It’s a luxury oasis a stone’s throw from the madness of the city yet far away enough to experience night skies painted with the stars.
In the years before Jumeirah transformed from beachside resorts to a high-rise metropolis and marina, RitzCarlton established its Mediterranean styled resort hotel on prime beach property. It’s the pride of the portfolio and regarded as Dubai’s luxury on the beach. The difference according to Lisa Holladay, Vice President and global brand leader of the luxury portfolio, is innovation in detail like sleep, wellness and technology to set them apart
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The challenge for one of the marketing executives, was to get a Bentley onto the room service menu, made to order and waiting for you when you get home
from the rest of the pack that line the beaches attracting top dollar travellers. Lisa’s emphasis is that all luxury travellers don’t necessarily want the same thing, some like the opulence of a St Regis, whereas others might prefer the resort feel of the RitzCarlton or the modern contemporary chic of a W. What they’re focussing on within the Marriot Luxury Collection is brand loyalty across the
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portfolio, offering different experiences according to taste and a niche for every luxury traveller held together by three solid rewards programmes, offering significant cross-brand benefits. To look forward to in the portfolio is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection with a first sail scheduled in 2019. Lisa says it’s a luxury cruise offering on a 149 room yacht able to navigate smaller ports and create intimate cruises connecting with Luxury Collection properties in diverse destinations. There are also forays into the African and South African markets with Cape Town and Johannesburg as obvious destination choices. Watch this space.
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THE FALKLAND ISLANDS ARE WILD AND BEAUTIFUL – AND FAR AWAY FROM EVERYTHING. LIFE HERE IS AS BRITISH AS CAN BE, YET ALSO AS LAST FRONTIER AS YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE. IT’S THIS UNUSUAL COMBINATION, ALONG WITH KING PENGUINS AND A COLOURFUL HISTORY THAT ATTRACTS BOTH NATURE LOVERS AND HISTORIANS TO VISIT THIS REMOTE ARCHIPELAGO. by: keri harvey pictures: keri harvey
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he temperature has clawed its way to 14C, and it’s mid-summer in the Falklands. A biting wind is blowing and the sea is choppy, but locals are in T-shirts to enjoy the lean rays of sunshine today. This is a place of extreme weather, seen clearly in the landscape completely devoid of trees. Yet, these remote, harsh islands have been precious to both scientists and seamen for centuries.
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always be Islas Malvinas. As a result, the two countries still won’t share a chat over a cup of tea or maté. Arriving by cruise ship from Antarctica, Stanley in the Falklands was the first terra firma we’d stepped onto in over a week and it felt good. It also felt distinctly like we were in England, but on a slice of land that had drifted far, far away from home. Here virtually everyone drives Land Rovers to easily traverse the peat bogs out of town which punctuate massive glacial rock flows. By contrast, in Stanley – the capital – life is very British and urbane.
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Darwin was there in 1834 collecting information for The Origin of Species; prior to the construction of the Panama Canal, the islands offered safe anchorage and provisions for ships headed around tempestuous Cape Horn; most recently, the Falklands War of 1982 had Britain and Argentina fighting fiercely for the right to call these islands their own – even though the islands are a few hundred kilometers from South America and about 13 000 km from the UK. To Britain, who won the War, these are the Falkland Islands; to Argentines they will
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A little way up the hill in town are classic English pubs and today The Globe Tavern has patrons enjoying pub lunches outside in the sunshine.
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The main street – Ross Road – follows the coastline and is thoroughly English with a Waitrose supermarket along with terraced homes and manicured gardens further along. Just past Victory Green is the British Antarctic Survey and further along is the Historic Dockyard Museum and 1982 War Memorial, with a bust of Margaret Thatcher and a listing of men who were killed in the battle for the Falklands. A little way up the hill in town are classic English pubs and today The Globe Tavern has patrons enjoying pub lunches outside in the sunshine. The Christ Church Cathedral in the main street gives clues about the Falklands’ forefathers with an arch of blue whale rib bones at its entrance. Many of the islanders are descendants of shipwrecked sailors, Antarctic whalers and Scottish shepherds. There’s a pioneering energy and patriotic spirit amongst the islanders, which is quite important when there’s just a handful of you – and you’re completely outnumbered by wooly Perendale sheep and penguins. The total human population of the Falklands is just 3 398 (2016), of which 1990 live in the capital Stanley on East Falkland. The remaining people are sprinkled across the other 700 islands that constitute the Falklands archipelago.
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Quirky Boot Hill is also on the way and is a bizarre collection of old shoes and boots displayed on sticks along the roadside. Today we’re headed to Bluff Cove Lagoon to look for Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, but King penguins are really the first prize. They’re the biggest penguins after Emperor penguins and adults are roughly a metre tall and can live to 30 years of age. Parents take turns to babysit and feed the single grey fluffy chick, which spends its childhood permanently perched on its parents’ feet. Our red Land Rover with guide Mark upfront bumps over the peat bogs to the coast. Twenty minutes later we are amidst a cloud of white feathers. The Gentoos are molting and sitting on the grass far from the ocean; just sitting patiently waiting for new feathers so
they can be waterproof to swim again. Heading closer to the coast, we see a silhouette of what appears to be a miniature couple walking hand in hand to the beach. The couple are two King penguins going for a stroll – or a waddle – as if on a slow afternoon walk. King penguins are serially monogamous, so for this season they are definite couple. We’re transfixed at how human they seem and how relaxed they are as they walk ahead of us onto the beach, which is strewn with bizarre sea cabbage plants. In the distance there are Magellanic penguins along the waterline too, but it doesn’t seem important to see them up close – soaking in the beauty of the wildly beautiful, white
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sand coastline seems enough for now. It really feels as remote as it is. En route back to Stanley we pass massive granite rock flows from glacial times and stop to taste tiny red diddle-dee berries, used to make jam for scones with clotted cream. Quirky Boot Hill is also on the way and is a bizarre collection of old shoes and boots displayed on sticks along the roadside. It was started as a joke by a road worker who hung up his old boots to air; now it’s a gathering place for all the old shoes from the islands.
As we hop out of the Land Rover back in town, Mark hands me a copper coin. “It’s your lucky Falklands Penny,” he smiles, and it has two King penguins on the face. His gift has inspired a shopping spree for keepsakes from this unusual destination. But first a cup of English tea, with scones, diddle-dee jam and clotted cream is necessary. Getting to the Falklands is easiest by cruise ship – see www.cruises.co.za and www.falklandislands.com and www.falklandpenguins.com for more information.
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dropping fences
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THORNYBUSH LUXURY GAME LODGE COLLECTION HAS EARNED ITS REPUTATION AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S FINEST BUSH EXPERIENCES. BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE RESERVE IS CONSTANTLY UNDERGOING VARIOUS RESEARCH PROJECTS CENTRED ON THE VARIOUS WILDLIFE SPECIES RESIDING IN THE AREA. by: Carly Bailey Natasen
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ature conservation is a priority to the reserve as efforts are being made to keep the wilderness as unharmed and as sustainable as possible. Where governments, park management and environmentalists start to cooperate with regard to nature conservation, it contributes to the welfare of Southern Africa's wild animals and the continued existence of our thriving National and Private reserves.
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Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection is currently in the process of transforming its widespread landscape. This exciting alteration pertains to the reserve’s, and the properties based within the boundaries decision to drop the boundary fence between the reserve and the Timbavati Reserve, making the private area of land open to the Greater Kruger National Park. One would think by dropping a fence, the reserve would risk losing some of its wildlife, but Thornybush Collection is positive that by opening the corridor, they will effectively allow for freedom of movement for most animal species residing in the extensive greater park. For years, the first instinct of game reserves has been to keep their precious resources contained, where dangers in the form of human-animal conflict, poaching and modern development prowl. Yet, animals should follow the natural paths of migration and would look for the greenest pastures and water resources available. The significant moment in the reserve’s history will not only be favourable for the animals, but visitors will also have the pleasure to a richer game viewing experience. Now tourists can enjoy the full-blown diversity of a large reserve such as Kruger, combined with the luxury of the intimate safari experiences offered by Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection. (The adjacent reserve is unfenced on its Kruger boundary which means that the 14,500 hectare wilderness of Thornybush will essentially become a part of the Greater Kruger National Park.)
Experiencing the bush is a magical experience. Especially when you know you have a luxury accommodation to return too.
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Thornybush has evolved over the years into a visitor’s paradise - the sheer enjoyment of un-spoilt nature. Thornybush Luxury Game Lodge Collection consists of 13 commercial lodges and is home to South Africa’s second oldest commercial lodge. The Thorny Bush Game Lodge has been designed to blend into the natural habitat located along pathways surrounded by an abundance of trees and manicured gardens that leads to the luxurious rooms. The rooms have fabulous views with occasional game passing by, with animals just outside the windows roaming in their home. Escorts are required for moving between villa and lodge at night in case of leopards in the area. Monkeys on my balcony and elephants outside, provided the best way to take an outdoor morning shower.
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The collection offers something for everyone. Bush lovers can lose themselves, not only in the big five, but in the remarkable fauna and flora as well. Our ranger was very knowledgeable and cared passionately about the reserve, the animals, the other guests and the environment. He could speak about any given topic in depth and with confidence and enthusiasm. I particularly liked the fact the animals were loose: not GPS tracked. Unlike some game reserves, the viewings are not contrite - you see what you see by hard work or chance; no animals are lured to an area. The ranger took us off road to see the animals as close as you can imagine!
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Personally, I always look for something a little less adventurous and can’t wait to relax in the luxurious surrounds, enjoying delicious cuisine and being pampered at the spa – all in the bush setting. The highlight of my trip however: We were even given a guided tour of the stars at night on the way back one evening. Experiencing the bush is a magical experience. Especially when you know you have a luxury accommodation to return too. A warm shower, special bush braai and an Amarula night cap to the end of a perfect outdoor experience.
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under the SHELLEY MARTIN RECENTLY FOUND HERSELF NESTLED AMONGST ROLLING HILLS AND ROAMING WILDLIFE AT KARKLOOF SAFARI VILLAS, A TRANQUIL FIVE -STAR RETREAT SITUATED NOT TOO FAR FROM THE SMALL TOWN OF PIETERMARITZBURG. IT WAS TIME TO TAKE A BREAK, SWITCH OFF THE EMAILS AND RELINQUISH THE USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA, EVEN IF ONLY FOR A FEW DAYS, TO TRULY ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL SURROUNDINGS OF THE KWA-ZULU NATAL COUNTRYSIDE.
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arkloof Safari Villas is reminiscent of a bygone era when time was considered timeless and the routine and stress of modern life seemed like a distant future memory. On arrival, we were treated to a warm and royal welcoming by the friendly staff at reception before embarking on an adventurous safari drive up to the villas where we were occasionally greeted by either a Blesbok, warthog or zebra. After settling into our villa, one of 16 exclusive and private villas offering panoramic views of the picturesque landscape, we set off to explore the surroundings. There are a range of excellent activities to do at Karkloof Safari Villas, from private game drives and romantic bush picnics to bike rides and guided walks in the reserve. After a continental breakfast out on the wrap-around patio at the main lodge, we found ourselves feeling energetic and revived at the thought of being at the helm of Mother Nature, experiencing all that she had to offer. Karkloof Safari Villas boasts three of the African big five - white rhino, buffalo and leopard as well as wildlife such as; giraffe, hippopotamus, warthog, buck and a wonderful array of flora and fauna, both big and small.
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After a mini hike to the Karkloof Waterfall and a long and winding safari drive back to the villas, it was time to kick back and relax at the pool with a delicious juice before heading off to the spa for a range of soulsatisfying treatments. The awardwinning Karkloof Safari Spa, situated a stone’s throw away from the villas, is unequalled in its serenity and setting. The spa’s eco-design incorporates natural materials, with thatch and living roofs which invite game to graze gracefully in full view. Feeling rather lazy due to the sun and solitude, we slowly put away the costumes and dressed into the spa’s luxurious robes. Laden in the best cotton, we were now eager to explore the serene hydrotherapy areas for a spot of pre-treatment relaxation before embarking on our pampering spa day, a day packed with full body massages, facials and even a little reflexology to soothe the feet after the strenuous walk to the waterfall. The spa offers a vast selection of indulging treatment packages and therapeutic activities, operated by a handpicked group of highly trained Thai therapists. All products used in the treatments are natural and organic, and have been carefully designed by the team. The Lanna Hot Oil Head Massage is one for the books, and was the perfect
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The evening ended off with a nightcap in the lounge overlooking the grand piano and a very comfortable night’s rest
woken up by the sounds of wild animals going about their daily activities the next morning. It was here that we forgot the minuteby-minute itineraries and wake-up calls, partook in wildlife adventures when it best suited us, and delighted in the comfort of the spacious and serene spa when we felt like escaping the sun and safaris. We could not help but stop and take a moment to enjoy encapsulating views. This extraordinary, once-in-alifetime destination, made up of vast spaces and intimate exclusivity, is a truly bespoke and luxurious safari-spa getaway, ideal for those in search of effortless luxury, solitude and jaw-dropping scenery. At Karkloof Safari Villas and Spa, we were able to escape all the restrictions that come with a busy life and schedule, even if only for one night.
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ending to an indulging day of exceptional treatments. We were well looked after every step of the way, even stopping to enjoy a fresh smoothie in between treatments. As the sun started to set over the 3000-hectare reserve, we left feeling rather droopy-eyed and relaxed, and headed back to the main lodge for sundowners and dinner. The chefs put on a marvellous display in the grand dining room that evening, serving only the freshest locally sourced organic cuisine. We were treated to seared salmon for mains and an unforgettable homemade honeycomb ice cream dish for dessert. The honey used is harvested from hives on the reserve and is as delicious as it sounds. The evening ended off with a nightcap in the lounge overlooking the grand piano and a very comfortable night’s rest, only to be
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bubbles CHAMPAGNE IS NOT ONLY FOR SPECIAL OCCASIONS BUT SHOULD BE ENJOYED AS A CELEBRATION IN ITSELF, OF THE INTRICATE PROCESS THAT INFUSES THE TINY BUBBLES INTO THE WINE THAT “MAKE YOU FEEL HAPPY, MAKE YOU FEEL FINE”. HERE’S A SELECTION OF CHAMPAGNE, PROSECCO AND MCC TO
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INDULGE IN OVER THE HOLIDAYS.
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DOM PÉRIGNON X TOKUJIN YOSHIOKA In one of this year’s most anticipated collaborations, Dom Pérignon and Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka have come together in a collaboration that unveils a distinct facet of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2009. Tokujin Yoshioka’s expression of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2009 – the luminosity of the year that is the soul of the champagne – is embodied in an artistic object, and on the shield of the end-ofyear festive season coffret and bottle. Yoshioka’s crystal Prism installation,
produced to order by Baccarat – the oldest and greatest crystal manufacturer – and available only via Dom Pérignon Private Sales, the artist has paid homage to the singular nature of Dom Pérignon 2009. Tokujin Yoshioka reinterprets the Maison’s emblematic shield as a force emerging from the dark glass of the bottle: its vibrating energy and shimmering iridescence generate a dimensional, hologrammatic presence. The artist explains that when tasting Dom Pérignon Vintage 2009, he felt the champagne as being the memory of light.
In this powerful rendering, the shield evokes the sensory experience of tasting Dom Pérignon Vintage 2009 in all its light, its colors and emotion. This new interpretation of the shield is reprised on the coffret along with the artist’s signature. “Dom Pérignon empowers artists to reimagine its iconic codes through the lens of our personal aesthetic. For me it has been an inspiring and exhilarating experience,” says Tokujin Yoshioka. Dom Pérignon by Tokujin Yoshioka is available from: R 2 099.95
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MOËT & CHANDON GOLDEN SPARKLE COLLECTION With a bottle of its champagne opened every second around the globe, Moët & Chandon celebrate the enchantment of the season in style with this year’s glamorous Moët & Chandon Golden Sparkle Collection. Share the elegance of the season with the Moët Impérial Festive Sparkle Gift Box or if you are a Rosé fan, the Moët Rosé Impérial Festive Sparkle Gift Box, which holds a 75cl bottle. The attractive gift box’s sparkling burst is makes it a perfect on the table at festive celebrations, holiday parties, and gift-giving moments. Moët & Chandon Golden Sparkle Gift Box, from R529.95 Moët & Chandon Rosé Sparkle Gift Box, from R649.95
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BOLLINGER ROSÉ VINTAGE 2006 Bollinger Rosé 2006 is the very first limited edition vintage that Champagne Bollinger exclusively dedicated to a rosé, inspired by the excellent 2006 vintage. A blend of Pinot Noir (72%), Chardonnay (28%); nine of the very best Grands and Premiers Crus were selected to blend a unique cuvée. More than 10 years ageing was necessary for this wine to express the true character of the 2006 vintage. An exceptional cuvée deserves exceptional presentation. Labelled with metallic rose-gold Bollinger lettering, the beautiful bottle is majestically housed in a matching rose-gold latticework incorporating the Bollinger letters, intertwined and blended, creating a unique and splendid design. An enchanting salmon pink colour with a gracious mousse, the Bollinger Cuvée Rosé 2006 is delicately perfumed with enticing notes of rose petals, raspberries and quince. This unique champagne unveils elegance, precision and harmony. It has a gorgeous roundness on a lively palate, a silky texture and delicious wild berry flavours. It finishes fresh with lingering notes of tangerine. The Bollinger Rosé 2006 retails at approximately R1500. PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
NICOLAS FEUILLATTE PALMES D’OR BRUT VINTAGE 2006 The Champagne House flagship, the Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d'Or Brut Vintage is one of the most recognised bottles of wine in the world with its distinctive dimples reminiscent of black pearls. Powerful and distinguished, Palmes d’Or Brut Vintage encompasses the elegance and finesse of Chardonnay combined with the full body of Pinot Noir. Always a vintage, only made in exceptional years, the Palmes d'Or Champagne Brut is aged for a minimum of 9 years in the cellar. The Nicolas Feuillatte Palmes d’Or 2006, packaged in its distinctive black dimpled bottle and a stylish black gift box, is available at fine wine retailers at approximately R1690.
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VALDO ROSÉ FLORAL BRUT Alex Valenti of Prosecco SA says South Africa is tracking the global growth in demand for quality prosecco, and Valdo Spumanti is the perfect way to discover the category. Valdo is also one of the only Italian prosecco producers that specialises exclusively in sparkling wines, and he believes they offer the best quality prosecco at an affordable price point. Accessibility, value-for-money and a sense of celebration is key to the growing success of prosecco, as wine-lovers worldwide discover the welcome lack of formality that defines this uniquely Italian sparkling wine. He says prosecco is not stiff or formal. It’s about family, life, love and celebrations. And in all of those things, you should have a bottle of prosecco in the middle… it’s a drink for life lovers! Recommended retail price R265.
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KRONE RD 2001 Krone has unveiled the Krone RD 2001, celebrating the refinements and rewarding fruits of time. The Krone RD (recently disgorged) 2001, a rare limited release from an outstanding vintage, is a bold expression of complexity, vitality and finesse – a testament to 15 years graceful ageing on the yeast lees in the cool underground cellar at Twee Jonge Gezellen. This delayed disgorgement allows the Cap Classique to develop a richness and concentration while, at the same time, retaining a youthful vibrancy and fruity expression despite the ageing. The Krone RD 2001’s dense, persistent effervescence creates a fine first impression. Fresh aromas of green apple and lemon zest together with subtle notes of toasted brioche are evident on the nose. The palate is intense and complex offering baked apple pie, salted caramel, roasted nuts and a discreet note of honey. The midpalate and finish show breadth as well as a bright acidity and freshness. Recommended retail price: Between R300 and R350 per bottle.
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PERRIER-JOUËT BELLE EPOQUE 2011 Maison Perrier-Jouët unveils a new vintage for the iconic masterpiece of the House: Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2011. After five years ageing in Perrier-Jouët’s cellars, this intricate and floral new cuvee is smooth and rounded, yet unexpectedly fresh. 2011: A year of contrasts – The result of a year marked by contrasting weather, the Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2011 cuvee is vivacious and alluring. Thanks to an exceptionally warm winter followed by a hot spring, the grapes blossomed prematurely. The early harvest at the end of August led to a balanced and structured wine of charm and character with astonishing freshness. Available at select liquor outlets for R1999.
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GARDEN PARTY Tsogo Sun’s luxury Johannesburg hotel, 54 On Bath, launches its new champagne bar and garden by Maison Perrier-Jouët, an enchanting space of crafted beauty inspired by the Maison’s delicate floral style. Against the backdrop of the Champagne Garden’s sweeping terrace and breath-taking views, guests will enjoy an exclusive selection of prestigious Perrier-Jouët Champagnes. True to Maison Perrier-Jouët’s philosophy of uniting art and nature to bring beauty and wonder to everyday life, the Perrier-Jouët garden is designed to immerse guests in a refined and elegant ambiance in the Maison’s signature green, white and gold, embracing the natural beauty of its surroundings within the refined and tranquil setting of 54 on Bath. The new, stylish Champagne Garden offers a selection of Perrier-Jouët champagnes that is unrivalled in South Africa – notably the highly sought-after prestige cuvées Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque and Perrier-Jouët Belle Époque Rosé with its iconic, hand-painted anemone flower.
seventh
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heaven
AVIATION AND FOOD ARE UNLIKELY BEDFELLOWS GIVEN THE CHICKEN OR BEEF OPTIONS IN ECONOMY CLASS, ALTHOUGH THE FARE IN UPPER CLASS IS OFTEN NOT HALF BAD. THE TWO MIX PERFECTLY AT SEPTIMO ITALIAN MARKET & RESTAURANT ON NELSON MANDELA SQUARE WITH PAUL LYCOS’S HISTORY AS AN AVIATION LAWYER AND
70 YEARS OF CULINARY HISTORY IN HIS FAMILY.
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aul Lycos is a third-generation restauranteur, whose family has owned eateries in both France and the US. Some of the dishes on the menu are those from Paul’s childhood and which he describes as “Italian American cuisine that you would find in any restaurant in Little Italy in New York or South Street in Philadelphia." They can be found on the nostalgia section of the Septimo menu and include chicken or aubergine parmigiana, ricotta lasagna, homemade ravioli with Napoli sauce and spaghetti and meatballs.
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Signature dishes include pan-seared sea bass with crispy skin, blistered cherry tomatoes and citrus emulsion; grilled Mozambican prawns served with polenta cake and arrabiata sauce; wood fired whole baby chicken and a 350g, 45-day, dry-aged, grass-fed New York strip (sirloin) with a coffee and black pepper rub which is served with a delicious jus and thrice-fried parmesan black pepper chips. For diners who want a more modern take on Italian food there are dishes such as chargrilled octopus, served with cannellini bean hummus and pickled onions; kale salad with crispy pancetta, apple, roasted pine nuts, croutons and a parmesan vinaigrette or crispy pork belly with creamy polenta and a passion fruit balsamic glaze. The pizza from the wood fire oven have thin crusts and come with a variety of toppings from Margarita with fresh tomato, mozzarella and basil to Prostitutto with pancetta, fig and wild rocket. For desserts opt for the limencello meringue; classic tiramisu; flourless chocolate torte or the salted caramel poached pears.
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Septimo is a multi-purpose space, with a restaurant and a more casual area for those who want to grab a coffee and biscotti as well as a deli and well-stocked and comfy bar
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Architect, David Borchardt used copper and stained concrete to craft an industrial-look-and-feel for the restaurant, with layers of wood to soften the room. Mike and Rita Collaro, from Collaro Design, added the furniture and fixtures, and the result is a space that’s both chic and inviting – perfect for a long, lazy lunch, smart intimate dinner or a spot of people-watching on the square. Septimo is a multi-purpose space, with a restaurant and a more casual area for those who want to grab a coffee and biscotti as well as a deli and wellstocked and comfy bar. The restaurant has a compact but interesting wine list with some imported
wines. A few wines are available in 250ml and 500ml carafes. There is also a full bar and seven signature cocktails. Says Paul, “With Septimo I wanted to create a space where people can do multiple things; it’s all about a lifestyle.” Septimo is Italian for ‘seventh’ and represents the seventh decade of a tradition of preparing family recipes. After World War 2, Paul’s French grandparents opened and ran two Parisian restaurants, L'Ideal Bar near the Champs-Élysées and La Comete near Montmartre, both of which exist to this day. Their daughter Martine (Paul’s mother) emigrated to the United States,
and it was while she was raising her young family that she, and her Greek husband Athanassios, decided to buy their own establishment Terry’s Italian Restaurant in Pennsylvania. It had been run by Roberto and Teriza Mugione from 1951 to 1980 and when they sold they passed on all recipes to Paul’s parents who owned the restaurant from then until 2010. Now their son, Paul, and his cousin Andreas Kaiafas, are continuing the tradition with the third instalment, bringing 70 years of flavours, family, and fun right here to you in the worldfamous Nelson Mandela Square.
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take a moment COGNAC
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BISQUIT COGNAC’S
2
ND
EXPRESSION OF
INTERLUDE IS NOW AVAILABLE IN SOUTH AFRICA AND PRESTIGE READERS HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN THIS UNIQUE CREATION.
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isquit created a premium cognac, just 20 barrels, with an eye on the rapidly expanding Chinese market, particularly the gifting practises of the political and social elite. With the stroke of a pen, the laws around gifting were curtailed and Bisquit saw an opportunity to innovate with product in the regulated world of cognac. Maître de Chai, Denis Lahouratate, decided to create a time lapse of the blend, releasing them as expressions with the name Interlude, meaning an interval between two time periods. Five eaux de vie, of no specific vintage, constitute the blend – 1947 Grand Champagne (GC), 1969 Petit
Champagne (PC), 1973 GC, 1975 GC and 1988 GC. “It’s about taking what you have and making something new”, says Denis. The 1st Expression, released 18 months ago, was around the fruit says Denis whereas the 2nd Expression is more about wood and spice. It’s a big cognac, very balanced with a long finish of spice and subtle fruit tones at the back of the palate. There’s also aromatic wood, cigar box and sandalwood. Packaging is intended to speak handmade, with no ostentation but heritage appeal in the vintage bottle and labelling. With just two barrels dedicated to each Expression, this cognac is rare and PRESTIGE readers have an opportunity to win a bottle. Go to prestigedigital. net and click on Subscribe and Win. You will be in the running to take home a rare expression of a handcrafted premium cognac.
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do i have an advance on
R22million? THE CAPE WINE AUCTION IS NOW REGARDED AS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT INTERNATIONAL WINE CHARITY AUCTION EVER CONCEIVED IN SOUTH AFRICA – UNITING THE INDUSTRY AROUND
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A SINGLE GOAL OF RAISING MONEY FOR EDUCATION.
t may be a rock star party with the chance to bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences but in its four years of existence is has created a benchmark in philanthropy. To date it has raised nearly R55 million with all proceeds procured at the auction, with no deduction, allocated to beneficiaries who make a profound impact on education and the lives of children in the Cape Winelands. As the countdown continues to the 2018 auction – set to take place on Friday, February 9, at Tokara wine estate with the American Express Barrel Auction, followed by the Cape Wine Auction sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth on Saturday, February 10, at Rustenberg – the anticipation is almost tangible. PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
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Just what records will be broken this year? In 2017, a bespoke experience in Napa Valley, California, sold for R3 million – the highest ever paid for a lot in the history of the auction. The annual event is a roving one and has taken place at some of the Cape’s most beautiful and historic wine farms. The 2018 American Express Friday Night Barrel Auction at Tokara, on top of the majestic Helshoogte Pass outside Stellenbosch, gives the lucky few a chance to own a truly one-of-a-kind wine. Some of the Cape’s top winemakers have made their most exclusive wines available. Attendees taste right from the barrel, sign up as a bidder, place their bids and watch the drama unfold as the crowd tries to outbid each other in a rare opportunity to sample, and own, a masterpiece of South African winemaking. The main event - The Cape Wine Auction sponsored by Nedbank Private Wealth - will be held nearby at the beautiful Rustenberg Estate which was founded in 1682 and is nestled in the valley of the Simonsberg Mountain near Stellenbosch. One wonders what the original winegrower – a German named Roelof Pasman from Meurs near the Rhine – would make of the glamourous guests in all their finery, with gents in stylish summer suits and ladies in flowing summer dresses, but he’d probably appreciate the very serious sentiment behind the day’s frivolities. The idea for auction was born four years ago when trustee, Mike Ratcliffe (managing director of Warwick & Vilafonté) was inspired by a trip to Auction Napa Valley in the US, a wine auction with the mandate of subsidising health costs. He was joined back in South Africa by a powerhouse group of trustees, which now include Paul Cluver, Wendy Applebaum, Raymond Ndlovu, Ken Kinsey-Quick and Siobhan Thompson, and the dream of making a tangible difference soon became a reality. Together, the Cape Wine Auction trustees instituted a new model of distribution for the auction proceeds
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Cape Wine Auction since its debut in 2014. Never before has an industry been so united! It is also gratifying that the world has been exposed to this philanthropic face of the South African wine industry. We will continue to realise our dream this year,” says Ratcliffe, who is determined to beat last year’s record of R22 million raised for education.
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with greater collaboration amongst the organisations who receive assistance. An annual workshop includes all 27 beneficiaries – who share their experiences – and helps optimise productivity by eliminating duplication and concentrating on key areas of expertise. “We have been overwhelmed by the immense generosity and success of the
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All of the participating wineries know that the future lies in transformation through education and this is our way of helping to make a tangible difference R163 Cabernet Sauvignon (awarded the IWSC 2016 Trophy for Best Cabernet Sauvignon in the World) and a Cervelo bicycle – the official training bike of the Tour de France. The trip includes flights and accommodation. • A week-long holiday for 12 people at Marovasa Be, a boutique guest house set on a pristine private beach a pristine located in a secluded paradise on the northwest coast of Madagascar. After a day out on the water or reclining on the beach, guests will dine in the open-air restaurant where Chef Max offers a locally inspired menu prepared with fresh, locally sourced produce. Daily catches of fish, lobster and crab complement the guest house’s collection of fine wines.
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As with previous years, guests to the Cape Wine Auction are anticipated from across South Africa and as far afield as the US, Germany, the UK and Scandinavia where they can expect to be treated to the finest cuisine, prepared by some of South Africa’s leading chefs.
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FABULOUS, ONE-OF-A-KIND LOTS THAT HAVE BEEN DONATED FOR THE AUCTION IN FEBRUARY INCLUDE: • A week at Picarroque, near Toulouse, France for 12 people. Picarroque is an 18th century stone house built on the foundations of a ruined monastery which now make up the gardens of the house. Nearby are the wine regions of Cahors and Fronton and owners Mark Borrie and Simon Olding of Hawksmoor will also host a lunch at their nearby chateau for the winner and his or her 11 guests. • Seven nights for four aduts at two luxurious Azura Retreats Infinity Beach villas on Mozambique's Azura Benguerra Island with private infinity pool and beach front views. Included in the lot is five cases of the Chateau Pas de Loup from France's Loire Valley, including the Cremant, Rosé and Sauvignon Blanc. • A five-day experience for two people to the 2018 Tour de France with Nederburg, as well as a collection of six bottles of The Nederburg Private Bin
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the return of port ellen and brora RISING FROM ILLUSTRIOUS GRAVES. PATRICK
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LECLEZIO DECONSTRUCTS THE EXCITEMENT.
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he biggest news in whisky in the last few months has been the mouth-watering declaration that the Port Ellen and Brora distilleries are to be refitted, and reopened in 2020. This is most whisky lovers’ (much conjectured) fantasy come true. We’ve been living of late through a golden age of malt whisky in which the inception of new distilleries and the revival of previously terminated or shuttered distilleries (so-called silent stills) have been common occurrences: examples range from the massive Roseisle and the boutiquey Wolfburn, Kilchoman, and Kingsbarn on the one hand, to forerunners like Ardbeg and Bruichladdich, and more recently Tamdhu and Glengassaugh on the other. But this is different. Special. PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
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a small speck on a blended landscape. In fact the first book featuring tasting notes, ubiquitous today, and the first magazine devoted to Scotch whisky (inconceivable in a media environment where we’re drowning in whisky commentary) were only published in 1986. In the modern age Port Ellen’s production, predominantly, and Brora’s, entirely, during their active years had been allocated to blending, so they were to a large extent unknown quantities. The only bottling of Port Ellen
between 1967 and 1983 was a 12YO commemorating the Queen’s visit to the distillery in 1980, and the first known Brora bottling was released by the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in 1989. Independent bottlings became relatively common, but it was only with official bottlings in the late nineties and turn of the century (now a feature of Diageo’s annual special releases), and in Port Ellen’s case extended maturation, that the legends were created. The quality of the whiskies and the fact that no more of it would be produced (ostensibly)
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New distilleries are unknowns, and reincarnates like Ardbeg and Bruichladdich have largely created their standing during this latest phase of their existence. Port Ellen and Brora though are the Van Goghs of whisky, unregarded and mostly used as blending fodder whilst active, then garnering massive acclaim after their demise, and attracting followings during the interlude, Port Ellen in particular, that it would be trite to describe as “cult”. With this gong still reverberating, let’s take a look at what these announcements really mean. They boil down to three simple realities really: we’ll have access to whisky that until now has been very expensive and limited, it may or may not be what we expect, and we’ll have to wait a long time still before getting our hands on any of it - a situation in totality that should both fire and temper our enthusiasms. When time was called on Port Ellen and Brora in 1983 - part of a widespread series of closures by the Distillers Company Limited (Diageo, effectively), including now heralded distilleries such as Dallas Dhu, St. Magdelene, and Rosebank, driven by flagging demand - whisky was at a low ebb, and bottled single malt was
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The whisky will undoubtedly be wonderful, but whether it’ll have the same austere, pier head flavours that made its name is debatable
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on the famous whisky island of Islay, and Brora on the remote eastern coast of Sutherland, will both be reinstated to distil in carefully controlled quantities, with a meticulous attention to detail, replicating where possible the distillation regimes and spirit character of the original distilleries”. The strains of barley and yeast employed, and the calibrations of production – especially from a more manual era, may be difficult to duplicate and replicate. There is an additional challenge too: whilst Brora was merely “mothballed”, the original buildings and stills left intact, Port Ellen was partly demolished, its equipment, the stills
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combined to arouse messianic devotion – and pricing to match. The Port Ellen First Release, a 22YO of which there were 6000 bottled and offered at £110 in 2001, sells for some £4500 in 2017. Prices have escalated exponentially with each subsequent release, with Brora following a similar pattern. The prospect thus of larger supply, of being able to access these fine liquids at reasonable prices, is undoubtedly cause for celebration. But don’t pop your stoppers just yet. Making the same whisky as was done 30 years ago is not a given – as conceded by Diageo in its press release earlier this year: “Port Ellen Distillery
included, scavenged by other distilleries within the group. The whisky will undoubtedly be wonderful, but whether it’ll have the same austere, pier head flavours (as redolently described by Dave Broom) that made its name is debatable. Any celebration is also somewhat premature. Production is anticipated to begin in 2020 once “planning permission and regulatory consents, detailed design, construction and commissioning work” have been secured and completed, although it seems logical that Brora should be ready ahead of Port Ellen. Be that as it may the gain of a year or so in this initial period is of little significance. As with any whisky the production will be just a small part of the overall time frame. In various interviews on the subject Nick Morgan, Head of Whisky Outreach at Diageo, has disclosed an intention to release the two whiskies as 12YO’s, whilst also acknowledging that there may be preceding smaller releases. A 12YO would put us at 2032 - a long wait indeed. Any earlier release would likely mean NAS, perhaps playing with the maturation regimen (smaller casks, new oak) and perhaps vatting with (dwindling) pre-83 stocks – although I think they’d be hard pressed to take this risk, given the premium that these command unadulterated, and the higher purpose that they can serve in perpetuating the hype (now more useful than ever). The Port Ellens and Broras to which we’ve become accustomed (those lucky few amongst us) are perceptible only on a distant horizon. The number quite evidently will keep changing but at present there are 98 active malt distilleries in Scotland producing innumerable expressions, two of which, sharing certain similarities with a Port Ellen and a Brora, I’ll recommend to keep you company in the cold nights ahead, before your much anticipated rendezvous with our their future emissaries. Lagavulin, a few kilometres from Port Ellen, produces a rich, peaty, and complex 16YO whisky of exceptionally elegant balance. It is a defining Islay malt. On the opposite coast to Brora but unmistakably its Highland brethren you’ll find Oban, and in multiple bars and liquor stores around the world you’ll find its popular 14YO, a gorgeously fruity, aromatic maritime malt, imbued with fine wisps of smoke. May the dram be with you.
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MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT AND LAUGHING ALL THE WAY. PATRICK
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LECLEZIO PREPARES FOR SOME FESTIVE SEASON FUN.
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nother year is set to bite the dust. This period always gets me thinking about the elapsing of time, and about how moments in life come and go with a disconcerting haste. We can get melancholy about it of course, but what’s the point. This passing is inevitable, it is beyond our control. What we do with our time however is another matter, and something over which we should exert our most concerted influence, particularly in the weeks ahead, when we all-too-briefly get to shrug off our work obligations and focus on what really matters – our friends, our families, our loved ones, and ourselves. This is about liquor though, so I’ll limit my counsel to the overall sentiment and more specifically to the decorative cherries to which it is dedicated i.e. the inspiring drinks that’ll add a finishing touch to your experiences and festivities this season. Cheers, sláinte, l'chaim, gesondheid! Make the most of it.
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accompanied by all sorts of delicious treats and useful gin-related information, including tasting notes and cocktail recipes. The December / Christmas box is a treasure trove. The gins, there are three – Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh – each in a 200ml bottle, are bespoke limited editions developed for the Gin Box by the highly regarded Hope on Hopkins distillery. Each is delightful in its own right, each I’d be happy to drink at any time of year, but its Christmassy flavours of spice, nuts, and soft citrus make it an ideal complement for the festive season. It’s worth noting that the botanicals actually feature frankincense and myrrh, and that the gold version is lightly aged in oak to give the liquid its eponymous tinge. The box is stuffed with all sorts of other goodies, including two bottles of Goldberg Japanese Yuzu tonic, distinctly different from the Indian with its sweeter, citrus overtones, some dried fruit garnishes, and a few food items – notable amongst these being the decadent “Fat Santa Bar” from The Counter, yum.
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THE GIN BOX The gin revolution, whilst much covered in these pages, especially as manifest in the country, and particularly in the Cape, keeps on keeping on, outstripping my ability to stay current; I always seem to be a few newcomers behind. It’s worth considering, given this effusive flow, how gin is so prevalent over here. The Cape Floristic Region is one of six worldwide, the only one entirely contained in a single country, and home to an incredible diversity of plant species, numbering some 9000, a large proportion of which (69%) are unique to the region. It is a botanical paradise, generally but for an aspirant gin-maker specifically – and it goes some way to explaining the rapid local propagation of new and interesting gins. If you’re overwhelmed, as you’d unstintingly be forgiven for feeling, and unable to see the wood for the trees, then the Gin Box may be just the thing for you. This enterprising concept delivers to your doorstep monthly, bi-monthly (each R650), or once-off (R750), a carefully selected small-batch craft gin,
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LOUIS XIII Remy Martin’s flagship cognac is the ultimate luxury spirit, possessing a pedigree and an essence unmatched by any other drink. Its inspirations date back to the Battle of Jarnac in 1569, to the discovery of a metal flask on the battlefield that would serve as the model for its renowned, meticulouslycrafted, Baccarat decanter. The Louis “Treize” (French for 13), as it’s referred to, was launched in 1874 and has been continuously produced ever since, inexorably enhancing its reputation as it climbed to the presiding status that it enjoys today. The liquid itself is a blend with up to 1200 distinct Grande Champagne eaux-de-vie, the youngest matured for a minimum of 40 years, the oldest, incredibly, for over a century. When I first encountered it I was expecting an oaky character, being at a loss to understand how the
cellar masters could restrain the wood on a product with such an extended maturation. I was wrong. There’s wood of course, but it’s one of many chimes in this multipart melody. The “secret” is the tierçon, a special type of cask employed in the maturation. Made from Limousin oak, with finer staves than typical casks, they are restored but never replaced. These casks, in my view of it – the Remy people don’t use this term - are largely exhausted, having little of their oak elements left to impart – leaving the maturation to persist via the chemical reactions in the liquid and the interaction of the liquid with its environment as they breathe. The result is tantalising and transfixing, a rare phenomenon of awe-inspiring depth and complexity – all the benefits of old age but without its drawbacks. The Louis XIII earns its chops and then some.
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HOLIDAY COCKTAIL Our sunny alfresco South African holidays demand a sunny alfresco cocktail, the kind that you mix up in a jug and serve under blue skies on a lawn. Enter the ho-ho-ho merry Cointreau Fizz. I’d never considered triple sec as anything other than a sidekick ingredient, Tonto to the Tequila Lone Ranger in my margarita, before chancing upon the Fizz - which promptly prompted me to revaluate my
impressions. It’s simple, delicious and healthy, the sweet spirit offsetting tangy lime for a perfect balance. THE RECIPE 2 ½ parts Cointreau 1 part freshly squeezed lime juice 5 parts sparkling water Fill a jug with ice, add Cointreau and lime, top off with sparkling water, and garnish with an orange wheel or any sweet juicy fruit.
The gins, there are three – Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh – each in a 200ml bottle, are bespoke limited editions developed for the Gin Box by the highly regarded Hope on Hopkins distillery
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onstruction of the new 68m M/Y Day’s, the first of the CCNY ICE YACHTS range, is on schedule and proceeding as planned in collaboration with AES YACHT. Characterised by a strong family feel, it maintains the concept of being one with the outdoors, thanks to ample full-height glass surfaces.
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THE 68M M/Y DAY’S AT A GLANCE • Impressive internal volumes for more than 1,800 GRT • 2.7 metres of average interior headroom throughout two and a half decks • The garage holds both a 9m custom tender and an 8m tender • A huge beach club • A helipad on the foredeck • Great attention has been paid to the owner's privacy, with private access to the sky-lounge and the business meeting room • The owner will use the yacht for both leisure and business • International suppliers have been selected as partners for this new range
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room are also present. The guest area is on the main deck with three big VIP cabins, one guest cabin with single beds and an additional supernumerary cabin. All guest cabins are equipped with en-suite bathrooms and walk-in closets. Generous crew accommodation is provided for up to 18 crew members on the lower deck, plus the captain’s cabin on the bridge deck. The yacht has five decks, with an overall length of 68m and a beam
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M/Y DAY’S – THE NEW 2017-18 DETAILS Part of ICE YACHTS EXPLORER VESSELS all-new range, M/Y Day’s will accommodate 12 guests including owners. The owner’s area occupies the entire upper deck and is characterised by a spacious cabin forward. The apartment-like feel is created by the use of large continuous full-height windows all around. Two large walk-in wardrobes, two generous en-suite bathrooms, plus a gym and massage
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of 13m. The internal volumes are very impressive, at more than 1,800 GRT. These volumes are one of the biggest strengths of the M/Y Day’s. Interior headroom on the main and upper decks reaches 2.7 metres. Full height windows emphasise space and create a direct rapport to the exterior environment. The interior spaces are characterised by a minimalistic design with an elegant and warm feeling due to the use of refined materials where natural lighting is the main element. Two large tenders are present in the lower deck garage, while a helipad is located forward on the bridge deck. The
beach club with shower and head is on the lower deck, a large pool welcomes you at the entrance to the main deck. The yard and designer paid special attention to the owner's privacy, developing private and direct access to the sky-lounge business meeting room straight from the tender’s berth. The owner will use the yacht both for leisure and business and the design layout has taking this into consideration. The yard has also prepared a mock-up of one of the VIP cabins with all hard finishes. All equipment has been selected and ordered from well-known reputable international brands and suppliers.
The interior spaces are characterised by a minimalistic design with an elegant and warm feeling
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A RANGE WITH A STRONG FAMILY FEEL A 55 metre and a 75 metre yacht will enrich the CCNY ICE YACHTS range, designed in collaboration with the Italian studio HOT LAB. “These two concepts”, said Antonio Romano from HOT LAB, “are united with the 68m already under construction by their shared family feel and characterized by tense and masculine lines, while maintaining the
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Project management on the client’s behalf is carried out by Mr. Jacques Potgieter. With his extensive sea going and operational management experience in the industry, his input is vital to ensure that the vessel is being built to industry standards and that it will be functional, safe and cost effective to operate and maintain. This was facilitated by his involvement in the preliminary stages of the project, more than six months before any steel was cut.
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concept of being one with the outdoors, made possible by the presence of ample glass surfaces running fullheight.� Another characteristic of these new models is undoubtedly the careful attention paid to the distribution of interior volumes, with a 2.7 metre headroom on the main and upper decks on board the M/Y My Day’s: the new models will also reach the record levels in their category.
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Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African market.
Thrill instructor. The new Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 CoupĂŠ S. Visit www.everyterrain.co.za
A Daimler Brand
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he big Roller has managed to stay relevant in a world that is obviously much different now than when the first-gen Phantom debuted in 1925. As a company, Rolls-Royce has weathered its fair share of storms over the past century – including bankruptcy in 1971 – and the brand stood at the crossroads in the early noughties, lumbered with a model range that owed their ancient underpinnings to cars designed in the 1960s. The fact that Rolls-Royce not only exists but prospers today (it sold 4,011 cars last year; its second-highest tally in its 113-year history) is down to a BMW Group takeover of the company from its former owner – Vickers plc – in 1998. The notion of a German carmaker taking the reins of a British automotive icon would have horrified the purists, but the wholesale makeover of the brand that BMW subsequently rolled out proved to be a masterstroke (unlike the Bavarians’ stewardship of Rover and Land Rover).
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IF THERE WERE SUCH A THING AS AUTOMOTIVE ROYALTY, THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM WOULD BE IT. AFTER ALL, WHAT OTHER SINGLE NAMEPLATE CAN CLAIM A HERITAGE THAT DATES BACK 92 YEARS? APART FROM TWO BREAKS IN CONTINUITY – FROM 1940-50 AND
1991-2003 – THE PHANTOM HAS BEEN THE FLAG BEARER FOR THE ROLLS-ROYCE LINE-UP AND SERVED AS THE DEFAULT LIMO FOR HEADS OF STATE, DIGNITARIES AND ARISTOCRACY.
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A day-long drive across Swiss alpine roads provides proof the Roller still stands as the king of the hill when it comes to cossetting its occupants. BMW had to start from scratch, as after establishing the born-again RollsRoyce company, it had to find a fresh location, build a new factory and head office and design a brand-new car. The vehicle was subsequently developed in complete secrecy and the people working for the company were sworn to silence. Rolls-Royce Motors Cars Limited was established on January 1, 2003, and the state-of-the-art, seventh-generation Phantom debuted later that year. Unlike the antiquated vehicles that preceded it, the Phantom VII was a techno tour de force, underpinned by a sophisticated and lightweight aluminium spaceframe chassis, powered by a brand-new 460hp, 6.75-litre V12 and loaded with all the electronics and mod-cons on offer in 2003. This was the car to kick RollsRoyce into the new millennium, dispensing with all the olde-worlde frumpiness of its forerunners in one fell swoop, yet still embodying all the stateliness and gravitas that is such an integral part of the RR brand. In the process, not only did it find favour with the traditional Rolls-Royce customer, but also succeeded in attracting new (more tech-savvy) buyers to the marque. But time marches on, and while the Phantom VII has soldiered on nobly for the past 14 years (about double the typical lifespan of a luxury car), the time was ripe for an all-new successor that caters to the Rolls-Royce customer of 2018 and beyond. An important PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
point to note is that the average age of today’s RR buyer is now said to be just 39, about 20 years younger than used to be the case a couple of decades ago. This being so, Rolls-Royce design chief Giles Taylor says he sought to infuse a greater sense of dynamism and “movement” into the Phantom. Whereas the outgoing model was a cutting-edge design when it was penned, its profile is very upright, and Taylor says it looks too “static”. So, he addressed this by integrating the grille into the bodywork and leaning it back a few degrees (it formerly stood clear of the bodywork and sat bolt upright).
The tapered flanks of the car also create the impression of motion, and the fastback roofline further contributes to this effect. If you were to go on the images alone, you may not immediately distinguish the differences between old and new, but rest assured there’s not even one element carried-over. This is particularly evident if the Phantom VIII is stood next to its predecessor. The most obvious change are the new headlight clusters, which house laser beams claimed to be the brightest on offer in any production car, illuminating the road up to 600m ahead.
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The most obvious change are the new headlight clusters, which house laser beams claimed to be the brightest on offer in any production car, illuminating the road up to 600m ahead.
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Underpinning it all is a brand-new (and 30 per cent stiffer) aluminium spaceframe architecture, and this ultraflexible platform will form the basis for all of RR’s upcoming models, including the keenly anticipated SUV – due next year – known for now as ‘Project Cullinan’. Propulsion for the Phantom VIII comes from a 6.75-litre V12 that now features twin-turbocharging, boosting outputs to an unflustered 570hp and 900Nm to ensure the Roller offers the ‘waftability’ that’s synonymous with the brand. The Phantom packs a veritable techno arsenal, including a pair of cameras that scan the road ahead and pre-emptively prepare the suspension for upcoming surface irregularities. Each corner of the car is suspended on four-litre airbags for a ‘magic carpet’ ride, and even the massive tyres are foam-filled to further cushion the ride. Occupants are insulated from the outside world by double-glazed windows (two 3mm thick panes sandwich an acoustic layer), and there is no less than 130kg of sounddeadening material layered around the cabin.
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infotainment screens concealed behind the picnic tables housed in each the front seatbacks. There’s also a concealed cooling compartment for your beverage of choice nestled between the rear seats and the rear-hinged portals (‘coach doors’, not suicide doors, in RR parlance) can be closed at the push of a button, eliminating the need for an awkward stretch. RR spokesman Richard Carter is on the money when he says: “There’s not one person in the world who needs a Rolls-Royce Phantom.” Those who buy it do so because it remains the ultimate motorised statement of power and prestige. It’s art on wheels.
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Naturally, there’s lashings of the finest hand-crafted leather and walnut trim (all made to bespoke order), and a day-long drive across Swiss alpine roads provides proof the Roller still stands as the king of the hill when it comes to cossetting its occupants. No other car is this whisperquiet or feather-soft in its ride – and you’d expect as much, given the Phantom’s starting price of £360,000 in the UK. Each of the two rear seats is electrically adjustable, and they can also heat your backside or administer a gentle (perhaps too gentle) massage to your torso. Each also gets its own air-con settings, and there’s an iDrive-style controller for the pair of
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legend THE NEW MCLAREN P15 BEARS THE NAME OF LEGENDARY
FORMULA 1 DRIVER, AYRTON SENNA, HONOURING ITS STATUS AS
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THE ULTIMATE MCLAREN TRACK CAR, LEGALISED FOR THE ROAD.
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he McLaren Senna has been designed, engineered and developed with singleminded purpose: to be the ultimate McLaren track-concentrated car for the road. Legalised for road use, but not sanitised to suit it, the new Ultimate Series deliberately compromises McLaren’s trademark breadth of supercar daily usability; instead it provides the purest connection between driver and car, to deliver the most intense circuit experience of any road McLaren. The technical recipe is classic McLaren Automotive supercar, a pedigree established and earned in the short time elapsed since the pioneering sports and supercar company was founded in 2010, but taken to another level entirely in the McLaren Senna. Ultra-lightweight construction, with carbon fibre chassis and body panels. Mid-mounted, twinturbocharged V8 McLaren engine. Rear wheel drive. Sophisticated race-derived suspension that delivers an unparalleled blend of control and dynamic balance. Electro-hydraulic steering that rewards accurate inputs and gives the purest feedback. And two seats – but with absolute focus on the importance of the one that the driver occupies.
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ambition for the McLaren Senna is for it to be the best road-legal track car, setting a new benchmark for circuit excellence with track prowess absolutely taking precedence. “The McLaren Senna is a car like no other: the personification of McLaren’s motorsport DNA, legalised for road use but designed and developed from the outset to excel on a circuit. Every element of this new Ultimate Series McLaren has an uncompromised performance focus, honed to ensure the purest possible connection between driver and machine and deliver the ultimate track driving experience in the way that only a McLaren can.” Mike Flewitt, Chief Executive Officer, McLaren Automotive Given the famous name that this new McLaren bears, its unrivalled extreme performance and dynamic excellence should be no surprise. The legendary Formula 1 racing driver was renowned for his exceptional powers of concentration and single-minded focus on being the best on the track. The McLaren Senna driver is hardwired into the dynamic experience the car
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“You commit yourself to such a level where there is no compromise. You give everything you have; everything, absolutely everything.” Ayrton Senna
The carbon fibre Monocage III chassis that forms the core of the McLaren Senna is a further development of the structure that underpins the McLaren 720S and the strongest monocoque ever built by McLaren for a road-legal vehicle. Every body panel is made from carbon fibre, in line with a relentless focus on the weight of every individual component that has resulted in the McLaren Senna being the lightest road-legal McLaren since the iconic F1 road car, at just 1,198kg*. With maximum power of 800PS (789bhp), the McLaren Senna enjoys a power-to-weight ratio of 668PS per tonne. This statistic immediately underlines the performance credentials of the newcomer to the McLaren Ultimate Series, a product family introduced with the McLaren P1™ that is reserved for the rarest and most extreme McLaren cars. Unsurprisingly, there are strong echoes in the new McLaren Senna of the incredibly focused philosophy behind the McLaren P1™; where the latter was designed to be the best driver’s car on road and track, the
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delivers. Their connection to the car comes through the steering wheel, the pedals and the seat. Every sensation that comes from driving at speed is precisely communicated, putting the driver in total control. The indomitable spirit of Ayrton Senna has always been alive at McLaren and the McLaren Senna will further amplify his global legacy and link to the McLaren brand. “Our family is extremely proud of the naming of the new Ultimate Series McLaren Senna. This is the first project that really connects with Ayrton’s racing spirit and performance. The McLaren Senna honours my uncle because it is so utterly dedicated to delivering a circuit experience that allows a driver to be the best they can possibly be. There is an absolute, seamless connection between car and driver and this pure engagement, these sensory cues that a driver responds to and relies upon, ensure an experience so focused and immersive that you are left in awe of the depths of excellence the McLaren Senna possesses.” Bruno Senna, racing driver and McLaren Ambassador Priced at £750,000 including taxes (UK), production limited to 500 units and all hand-assembled at the McLaren Production Centre in Woking, Surrey, England from Q3 2018.
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Li'l mac
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VIVIEN NATASEN SAVOURS THE NEW MCLAREN 570S SPIDER
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cLaren recently introduced the convertible derivative of its ‘entry level’ range to African shores – the 570s Spider. With even bolder options available the brand is almost unnervingly nonBritish (that’s a compliment!) in their thinking from a design, technology and specification perspective. The other trait of McLaren convertibles that really pleases me is that there are normally negligible differences in performance, function and safety between their convertible and coupe models. This is very much the case with the 570s. Further, with there convertibles being hard-tops anyway, I cannot imagine why one wouldn’t automatically take the convertible, as with no compromise on performance, the added pleasure of open roof driving in our climate is a definite win.
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I honestly believed from the launch of the 570s coupe that this was one of the prettiest Mclarens ever built, with DNA most aligned to its iconic P1. I even felt that the 570s is a more engaging driver’s car, giving more steering feedback and feel than its recently replaced bigger brother the 650s. The spider is no different. Fitted with the 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 mated with their specially designed seamless shift gearbox (SSG) this car achieves 0-100 kph in 3.2 seconds with a claimed 0-200 kph in 9.6 its no slouch for an “entry level” super car and will teach many more expensive super cars some lessons.
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On the looks front, the 570s is much more pleasing on the eye as a well-rounded package. The front reflects a suitable amount of announcing “I am a sports car” and the level of presence is directly correlated to the colour schemes and options. If one wants to be subtle, one could choose a muted colour combination and if one wanted to announce I have arrived, there are several bold options that makes its presence felt. Add to that the scissor-hinged doors, the mid engines configuration and the edgy contours and simply put, one is firmly into super car territory at a decent entry price. The interior of the 570s is typically McLaren functional, given their racing DNA. There are luxury options in terms of Alcantara/leather and Carbon combinations that exude quality and one doesn’t feel short-changed in that department. Although the basic specification does assume the owner is a race car driver, one does have to check a few boxes for a decent entertainment, heating etc. McLaren is a relatively new manufacturer and many of the teething issues that emerged in the early models such as the MP4-12C have now disappeared along with their cryptic naming conventions. The 570s is a superbly configured refined super car. In theory, this car was designed to compete with the top of the Porsche 911 models and it actually does hold its own in every respect there. Its pricing in South Africa is a bit out which difference is explained by the dealer when considering volumes and exchange rate fluctuations. I suppose the purchase decision for the wellheeled client will take into account their priorities as a buyer which may include exclusivity, looks, performance, resale values etc. Given the demand from the local markets, the 570s is definitely a winner as the early cars are already spoken for, with an ever growing waiting list.
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VIVIEN NATASEN TESTS THE NEW AUDI A8 IN SPAIN
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t seems that most manufacturers are favouring Spain and Portugal for vehicle global activations, not that I am complaining as these are some of the most scenic locations for launches. Audi had selected Valencia in Spain for the world premiere of its new A8 luxury sedan. Like with its German counterparts, the flagship sedan is packed with technical wizardry that will form part of the future specification of lesser models to come. The convergence of technology with mobility has made Audi’s long-hailed catchphrase of “vorsprung durch technik” even more relevant today, as manufacturers chase the holy grail balancing point of drivability, technology, safety and convenience. In the case of luxury people movers the manufacturer’s task is even more difficult as the vehicle needs to be as attractive to the buyer from the driver’s seats as well as the rear passenger seat, as many of these owners will have chauffeur drivers – no easy task when one considers the demands, whims and fancies of the well-heeled markets.
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materialise. The front the grille is much more pronounced with a hexagonal design and a wider stance. The chrome accents blend in much better with the functional bits like the lamp clusters than the outgoing model making it significantly more pleasing on the eye. On the rear, the lamp clusters become artwork with the higher spec’ed models having a “theatre” effect using OLED technology of a lighting sequence to lock and unlock the car. Some may criticise Audi for not doing enough to differentiate the A8 from some of its competitors, but I think the strategy they have deployed should please most of their buyers. On the interior side, the change is dramatic. The new facia is now dominated by screens with less
pronounced buttons, presenting an elegant, purposeful design. Our first experience with the interior was on a chauffeur drive from the rear seat where a teaser video was played around the thinking that went into the design. Whether in the long-wheel base (“L”) models or the “normal” one, the cabins feel spacious and uncluttered. Even the air vents recess themselves away and only emerge when the ventilation unit is activated – very clever. The centre console now has a two screen configuration with a large infotainment screen above with an input and controls screen just below it. Coupled with the signature virtual cockpit situated behind the all-new Audi steering wheel, this is one of the most well thought interiors I have ever seen.
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So on this launch, even from the airport in Munich (where significant Audi branding always dominates the airport piazza) we were exposed to the four intertwined rings, followed by a branded charter flight across to Valencia in Spain. That first night we were presented with the all new, much anticipated A8. On the outside, the new A8, in true Audi fashion appears evolutionary against the outgoing models. From the side profile especially, the lines appear identical except from tightening up the shoulder line away from the roof line to lower the centre of gravity, providing a more composed stance without compromising ride height. It’s on the front and rear of the car that the most noticeable changes
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The stints I did in the rear seat also make this car as comfortable and enjoyable to be a passenger in
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The seats are perforated to provide heating and ventilation, while the A8 L can be optioned with a “relaxation seat” that allows for four different adjustment options and a footrest – for those who like to be chauffeured around in ultimate comfort. Rear seat passengers get their own remote mounted to the rear centre console that is removable. It allows them to control things like ambient lighting, reading lights, and the seat massage functions. They are also able to make private phone calls via a separate operating unit. As far as user input, the onboard infotainment systems allow for input via a touchpad up front as well as voice control. Navigation works seamlessly and pulls information from the LTE internet connection. The voice control works like a Siri function where you can speak in “natural speak” and the system will intuitively look for what you are seeking. On the technology side is where Audi broke the bank. Packed with features such as level 3 automated driving (this was not yet enabled for the Spanish launch for legislative reasons) although we got to experiment with “traffic jam pilot” on some of the city roads up to 37 mph, automated and remote parking, and 360 degree radar systems to determine and assess various risks such as collisions, pedestrians, cyclists etc, making this the safest Audi ever built. We were even treated to a safety system that elevates the car on side impact situations so that the force is transmitted into the strongest part of the car, protecting the occupants more than ever. There were two V6 derivatives available for launch drives being the 3.0 petrol TFSI with 250 kW and the 210 kW 3.0 Turbodiesel. The 4.0 TFSI with 338 kW and 430 kW W12 are set to follow later though we got to experience the W12 on the technology demos. Hybrid derivatives will also follow in the course of 2018. Out on the roads and countryside surrounding Valenica, the A8 is sublimely comfortable with good visibility of the road. The layout of the controls with the technology is intuitive in design and placement making it a pleasure to drive. The stints I did in the rear seat also make this car as comfortable and enjoyable to be a passenger in. Well done Audi on a well thought out contender to a hotly contested territory.
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THE FOURTH MEMBER OF THE RANGE ROVER FAMILY HAS ARRIVED. A NEW ADDITION TO THE RANGE ROVER FAMILY, FILLING THE SPACE BETWEEN THE RANGE ROVER EVOQUE AND THE RANGE ROVER SPORT. A MID-SIZE LUXURY SUV THAT DELIVERS NEW
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LEVELS OF REFINEMENT, MODERNITY AND TECHNOLOGY.
he Range Rover Velar brings a new dimension of presence, modernity and minimalist design to the Range Rover family. Designed to fit between the
Range Rover Evoque and Range Rover Sport, the Velar offers levels of luxury, refinement and all-terrain capability never before seen in the mid-size SUV segment. This is a new type of Range Rover for a new type of customer. Created from a clean sheet using Jaguar Land Rover’s Lightweight
Aluminium Architecture, the Velar represents the next chapter of the Range Rover success story as Britain’s biggest luxury export. Velar is defined by a visually reductive approach and meticulous attention to precision in every detail, which evolves Range Rover DNA and previews the next generation of Range Rover vehicles.
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An unwavering belief in reductionism has been fully employed, with switches being kept to an absolute minimum to help create a calm sanctuary
effortless acceleration and off-road capability with CO2 emissions of only 167g/km. The 280kW supercharged V6 petrol engine combines exhilarating performance with a unique soundtrack and enables the Velar to reach 100km/h in only 5.7 seconds, before reaching an electronically-limited top speed of 250km/h. Pricing starts at R947 700 PRESTIGE: IN THE LAP OF LUXURY
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output, respectively. These engines are joined by the new, two highly-advanced four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engines delivering 184kW and 365Nm, for 0-100km/h acceleration in 6.7 seconds, and a more powerful variant with outputs of 221kW and 400Nm, to achieve the 0-100km/h sprint in just 6.0 seconds. The V6 diesel combines an extraordinary 700Nm of torque for
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Velar’s design is beautifully balanced, from its powerful proportions to its continuous waist line through to the taut tapered lines of the rear. The generous wheelbase contributes significantly to its elegance while helping to provide a spacious interior. The large alloy wheels – in particular the range of 22-inch designs – optimise the vehicle’s silhouette, while further enhancing Velar’s presence. Advanced technology is pivotal to enabling Velar’s contemporary design: the full-LED headlights are the most-slender ever to appear on a production Land Rover. The flush deployable door handles emphasise Velar’s sculpted form, and contribute to the low drag coefficient of only 0.32 – this is the most aerodynamically-efficient Land Rover ever produced. Look inside Velar’s interior and you will see elegant simplicity, sophistication and refinement. An unwavering belief in reductionism has been fully employed, with switches being kept to an absolute minimum to help create a calm sanctuary. The light, stiff, aluminium-intensive body, together with double-wishbone front- and Integral Link rear suspension provides the perfect basis for agile handling, superior ride comfort and outstanding refinement. It also delivers exceptional levels of crash protection, and the Velar has been developed to meet the most demanding crash test regulations worldwide. Combined with a comprehensive restraints system that includes six airbags, and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Queue Assist, the Velar integrates the latest safety technologies. The Velar features a sophisticated all-wheel drive system, four-corner air suspension, ground clearance of 251mm (213mm when equipped with coil springs), wading depth of 650mm (600mm when equipped with coil springs) and Land Rover’s suite of traction technologies including Terrain Response 2 and All Terrain Progress Control. Performance and efficiency comes from the range of six petrol and diesel powertrains, all matched to the ZF eight-speed automatic transmissions and all-wheel drive with Intelligent Driveline Dynamics. Clean, refined four-cylinder Ingenium diesels are offered in 132kW and 177kW variants, noted for their low 142g/km CO2 emissions and high 500Nm torque
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LAST WORD
He who laughs last…
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o yet another year has flown by – quicker than I ever could have imagined. Like with most year ends, it is a time to take stock, reflecting on the events of the year and applying our minds to the coming year. This year has been one of change, of unlearning old habits and finding new good ones instead. In my own journey of self-discovery this year I spent time to discover what I want from life and started to place more urgent timelines on those goals, we are not getting any younger. Don’t get me wrong, I have always been the man with a plan and am probably better than most to adapting to circumstances to make the most out of situations. However, there does come that time during the taking stock process when we have to ask what life is about. Material things may be nice, but they don’t check off the real bucket list. Every year we resolve to make time for the things that matter, and every year the time slips by without those items getting addressed or achieved. I have always told my team that ‘new year resolutions are doomed to fail!’ They are euphoric moments when hope is at its highest and are generally not conscious decisions like to a plan. That’s why we do our planning in the midst of a year which the delusions have faded and the reality is clear. So, what are we in for this coming year? First pass shows global political turmoil, more incidences of terrorism from the increasing polarisation of humankind, further economic disparity, more unemployment from redundancies created from increased use of technology. Sounds damning but it is part of the reality check. For us as businesses and professionals we have to ensure we remain relevant in a constantly innovating environment. In the old days business plans used to
deal with five and ten year projections. In today’s world, clinging to a one year projection is a hard task as technology could come about in months that totally upheaves the operations – we find ourselves dealing with scenarios in order to build strategies to respond to evolving circumstances. That being said, I am really enjoying those projects as they take me way out of comfort zones and force me to maintain my own innovation. I expect much more of that in 2018! I guess my last word for 2017 would not be complete without some comment on South African politics. I did say in my commentary of last year that the ANC will be facing their biggest internal challenges this year, one that would make or break the party going forward. At the time of going to print, we were on the brink of their major elective conference, the outcome of which you would know by the time you read this. The turning point of any liberation movement comes when they recognise that they need to respond with integrity and mindfulness to the evolving circumstances of the populous. Oppression and abuse of process can only last so long, even if that ‘so long’ is a few decades. Zimbabwe’s recent changes are a prime example of that and should form political fodder for the powers that be as a wake-up call, well, we hope it does. At the end of the day, structure should follow strategy and legal form should be founded on substance. Unfortunately, substance is lacking in government today and with most politicians being puppet bottomfeeders fighting for political survival and their spot at the trough, the liberation movement that helped transform our country is at risk of breeding the generation that will tear it down. Without the strategists at the table, there are no decisions that would take into account the needs of the nation. Our only hope is that sanity will prevail in the last days of 2017! Vivien Natasen
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EDDIE R E DM AY N E ’ S CHOICE SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA MASTER CHRONOMETER