www.bluetrainmag.co.za
Complimentary Guest Magazine
February 2013
Penthouse Living • Top Spas • Zanzibar Butterflies
Feature
Adjacent to the Greater Kruger National Park, is the famous Thornybush Collection of lodges. BushBreaks & More… offer a variety of four and five star lodges within the renowned Collection. The lodges cater for small groups, bush weddings, milestone birthday celebrations or business indaba’s. The Thornybush Game Reserve is home to the Big 5 & offers great game viewing opportunities!
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contents 22 www.bluetrainmag.co.za
Hanlie Kotze Letter from the Executive Manager
Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu Letter from the Editor
News Keeping You Informed
From The Mailbag Passenger Letters and Comments
EVENTS Dates To Diarise
BITS Need To Know
THE CITY OF LOVE Johannesburg’s Romantic Side
TOKENS OF LOVE Valentine’s Day Gift Guide
THE ULTIMATE GIFT South Africa’s Top Spas
MUSICAL MAESTROS OF THE FUTURE Acosa
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Complimentary Guest Magazine
February 2013
06 Penthouse Living • Top Spas • Zanzibar Butterflies
08 16 10 11 12 14 28 16 20 22 28
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WINGS OF CHANGE
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The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
THE HEART OF THE MOTHER CITY Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa
PENT UP PASSION The World’s Most Luxurious Penthouses & Suites
THE CALL OF THE WILD Shumbalala Game Lodge
I LOVE ME Learn to Love Your Body
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THE CANAPÉ QUEEN
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Chef Charmaine Lilje
ALL YOU’VE EVER WANTED IN A CAR The Chrysler 300C SRT8
Destination Listings Luxury Accommodation & Dining Guide
IN THE TRACKS OF A LEGEND The History of The Blue Train
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SUITE LAYOUT Coach Info
February 2013
30 34 36 42 47 51 54 58 62 64 |
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Letter from the Executive Manager Hanlie Kotze
Welcome A very warm welcome to you all. With the holidays now a thing of the past, I suppose it is prudent to hang on to some kind of fête, in this case February, the penultimate month of summer, albeit that we are blessed in this country to have very long summers. A colleague of mine, who is currently busy with his studies, recently told me that as challenging as balancing work and his tutorials is, the notion of “working like a slave now and living like a king later” was one that he found particularly invigorating. In life, we have to make choices about doing things when we have to do them. This, however, paves the way for us to one day do all of those things we want to do when we want to do them. And because of this, the reward is that much greater! This is my wish and my prayer for every person that reads this: that we may all do what we have to do – be it in our business, social or personal lives – and that as we do it, we may remember to do what is right every time, all the time; even when nobody is looking. This way, the reward will not only be greater, it will be Heavenly.
Africa’s Spectacle The Orange Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament winds down in the next couple of days and what a spectacle it has been! We have proven yet again what a warm, friendly and hospitable nation we have become. As all of our visitors prepare to check out of our beautiful country, we can only hope that we have left a lasting impression and that in the process we have unconsciously created ambassadors for our country and all that it has to offer in each one. This has truly been a “Beat at Africa’s Feet”, as the slogan for this year’s tournament so articulately states. South Africa, take a bow! We, of course, will also wait with bated breath to see who will be crowned Africa’s number one footballing nation. May the mightiest warrior prevail! During one of his famous speeches at The American University in Washington DC, President John F Kennedy once said: “Our problems are manmade; therefore they may be solved by man. And man can be as big as he wants. No problem of human destiny is beyond human beings.” This statement certainly gives new meaning to the phrase: “For every problem there is a solution” doesn’t it? Warm regards,
Hanlie
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Letter from the Editor Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu Many of us (over the age of 18, that is) groan inwardly at the thought of Valentine’s Day. All that red velvet and white satin, those sickly sentimental cards and ridiculously overpriced roses, not to mention the zoos of cutesy plush animals holding hearts that say, “I love you”. Mention Valentine’s Day to most people and the common response is usually that 14th February is only for young lovers or those silly enough to buy into the Hallmark-created commercialism of the occasion. But while they may have a point, I still think the concept of dedicating a day to the celebration of love is a good one – and not just the kind of romantic infatuation and puppy dog love that is usually associated with Valentine’s Day, but rather that overriding and allencompassing emotion that truly defines us as human beings. Perhaps the reason why love is so often lauded as the purest of human emotions is that by its very nature it demands so much more from both the giver and the recipient than other emotions do. To truly love someone (both romantically and filially) one needs courage – courage to open our hearts despite the risk that the feeling may not be reciprocated. One also needs faith; faith that once love is established, despite its intangibility it will remain – and if tended – will grow in time. True love requires empathy – the ability to truly understand and identify with those we love despite the fact that they may be very different from ourselves. Love also requires forgiveness – that most challenging of emotions – because everyone stumbles along the way and where there is love there is also bound to be disappointments, betrayals and let downs. Finally, love needs endurance and strength: it takes energy and work to keep the flame of love alive when the rigours and stresses of daily life and the complexities of human nature conspire constantly to snuff it out. Love is such a multi-layered and complex emotion that demands so much from us that it is a true wonder that any of us have the courage or fortitude to embark on it. And yet, we do; blindly driven by the need to give and receive this most powerful of emotions. And that in itself is the true miracle of love – and something worth celebrating. So whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day with an extravagant display of affection, or just take the time to connect with the special people in your life, don’t let this 14th February pass by without pausing for a moment to wonder at and be grateful for the fact that one of the best parts of being human is having love in our lives. Happy Valentine’s Day.
Noeleen
editor@bluetrainmag.co.za
THE BLUE TRAIN www.bluetrain.co.za Pretoria, Gauteng Tel: +27 12 334 8459 Fax: +27 12 334 8464 Cape Town Tel: +27 21 449 2672 Fax: +27 21 449 3338 United Kingdom Tel: +44 1403 243619 Fax: +44 1403 217558 Central Europe Tel: +44 2089 245126 Fax: +44 2089 245126 United States Tel: 001 305 864 4569 Fax: 001 305 675 7693 PUBLISHER Deidre Theron-Loots deidre@africanspiritmedia.co.za African Spirit Media (Pty) Ltd PO Box 11273, Hatfield, 0028 Tel: +27 861 THE MAG (843 624) Fax: +27 88 012 346 2367 mail@africanspiritmedia.co.za
EDITOR Noeleen Maholwana-Sangqu editor@bluetrainmag.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Nicky Furniss nicky@tcbgroup.co.za ADVERTISING SALES national sales manager Bryan Kayavhu+27 78 248 5245 bryan@tcbgroup.co.za Images © iStockphoto.com Cover Image © The Oyster Box Hotel DESIGN & LAYOUT Joanne Mc Laren joanne@virtualdavinci.co.za Virtual Da Vinci Creative Room
PRINTING Business Print Centre, Pretoria CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Dr Liz Pretorius, Nicky Furniss, Bernard K Hellberg, William James, Bernard Hellberg, Nicola Weir, Janine Erasmus/mediaclubsouthafrica.com. The Blue Train Magazine is published monthly by African Spirit Media (Pty) Ltd. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of African Spirit Media (Pty) Ltd, The Blue Train or any of their clients. Information has been included in good faith by the publisher and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. No responsibility can be accepted for errors and omissions. No material (articles or photographs) in this publication may be reproduced, in whole or in part, without specific written permission from the Publisher. Copyright © 2013. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to African Spirit Media (Pty) Ltd and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.
news
The Blue Train Steams Ahead in Africa
The Blue Train was recently named “Africa’s Leading Luxury Train” at the World Travel Awards 2012 – an accolade it has now enjoyed for four consecutive years. Hanlie Kotze, The Blue Train’s Executive Manager, could not hide her excitement: “We are thrilled and very proud to yet again be named amongst the crème de la crème of the African continent. The World Travel Awards are hailed as the ‘Oscars’ of the travel industry and aim to reward those travel brands that have excelled and made a great contribution to the industry. This award is evidence of the hard work everyone has been putting in – especially over the last couple of months. It also serves as a signal that our plans to take this brand to another level are on the right track,” she said. “This award qualifies us for the Grand Finale, which will take place in New Delhi, India on 12th December 2012, where The Blue Train will compete with the world’s best for the coveted ‘World’s Leading Luxury Train’ award. We will be keeping our fingers crossed!” Hanlie concludes.
The Blue Train Wins Silver The Blue Train is delighted to have been announced as the second placed Runner Up at the exclusive Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards in the category of “Favourite Specialist Train Operator”. This prestigious awards ceremony was hosted at The British Museum in September 2012. The Blue Train previously won Gold in 2010, and came fifth in 2011. This year, the top prize went to The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, which is a worthy winner. Other trains in the Top Ten included The Palace on Wheels, The Maharajas’ Express and Deccan Odyssey in India, The Rocky Mountaineer and Royal Canadian in Canada, The Hiram Bingham in Peru and The Old Patagonian Express in Argentina. Rovos Rail, the other specialist train in South Africa, won tenth place which is fantastic news for South Africa – playing host to two of the world’s Top Ten trains. “We are truly delighted with this achievement. The nomination alone in these prestigious awards is a great honour for us,” comments Hanlie Kotze, the Executive Manager of The Blue Train. “We always strive to meet and possibly exceed all of our guests’ expectations, every time, all the time. It is through great nominations and awards
such as the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel awards that one finds time to reflect and iron out any shortcomings or complacency that may have crept in on our service standards,” she adds. Condé Nast Traveller is a highly respected publication that is largely regarded as the only authority on travel and lifestyle in the UK. Its ‘Truth in Travel’ ethos along with its policy of never accepting sponsored press invitations means that the publication never yields to pressure and is a magazine readers trust.
The Blue Train Magazine in the Spotlight The Blue Train Magazine once again did us proud at the recent 2012 SA Publication Forum Awards which reward excellence in custom publishing. The magazine was awarded certificates of excellence in two judging categories, namely design and communication, and was not only selected as a finalist in the Communication category but went on to place third overall in the category, which included over 150 other corporate publications. The magazine was also selected – for the first time – as a finalist for the award of “Best External Magazine Category A” (magazines with a higher budget). This effectively recognises The Blue Train as one of the best external corporate publications in South Africa – an accolade which the magazine’s production team are extremely proud of.
Business “Unusual” Charters A special tailor-made, all-inclusive charter on The Blue Train is a wonderful way for guests to explore South Africa’s landscapes and landmarks, lasting from a few hours to several nights. From a VIP cocktail breakfast, lunch or dinner, to a business “unusual” conference, a product launch with a difference, a special wedding reception, staff incentives or even a birthday celebration, the experience is up to you. The Blue Train follows any route, provided the rail networks are compatible to its technology.
The Blue Train is now a Heart Save Area Several Blue Train staff have completed a Heart Saver CPR/AED Course and are now proficient in the necessary knowledge and practical skills to recognise life threatening cardio-pulmonary emergencies on board. This will enable them to respond swiftly and effectively in the event of an emergency. The staff will be aided by the Samaritan Pad 500P with CPR Advisor, which is a small, portable and easy to use device, which helps to restore a pulse in most heart attack victims. It also aids rescuers by giving precise visual and voice instructions on how to use the device and how to administer effective CPR.
For Further Information For more information on The Blue Train’s exciting packages and to read the booking conditions for advance reservations, visit www.bluetrain.co.za or contact The Blue Train reservation office in Pretoria on +27 12 334 8459 or Cape Town on +27 21 449 2672. Email any general enquiries or feedback to info@bluetrain.co.za. n
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From the Mail Bag
Passenger Letters & Comments
Thanks to the manager and all of the staff. This is an experience of a lifetime, and I would not exchange it for anything. LC Sikakane, South Africa Thank you for a fabulous experience. We feel very privileged to have been served by such friendly and helpful staff. Mr and Mrs PJ Laney, UK This is our fourth trip on The Blue Train, and as usual, everything was perfect with very friendly and helpful staff. Mr & Mrs De La Harpe, South Africa We thoroughly enjoyed The Blue Train experience and will definitely recommend it to others. Mrs CJ Aldred, UK Our trip was an 80th birthday present from my wife who has travelled on The Blue Train before. Fritz (our butler) was excellent. It was an experience of a lifetime. Thank you for a most relaxing and comfortable journey. Mr & Mrs Micklewright, South Africa I had a fantastic time – thank you! Mr J O’ Neil, Canada Everything was absolutely perfect. Excellent all the way. Mrs C Cowley, South Africa The meals were superb and the facilities, service and experience were beyond our expectations. Mr JC Lee, Korea What a magnificent train! Everything looks beautiful and as usual, we had a great experience. Mr & Mrs Rabinowitz, South Africa The food and service were excellent. It was a fantastic experience and we loved it. Mr & Mrs Swanepoel, Australia
Do you have a complaint or comment that you would like to share with us? Please fill in the guest questionnaire that is available in your suite or alternatively send an email to info@bluetrain.co.za. Please also feel free to send your photos from your trip on The Blue Train to the same address. Comments may be edited, shortened or translated from the original language.
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events The Sugarman Cometh Legendary Mexican-American singer-songwriter Rodriguez will be performing on 15th February at Carnival City in Johannesburg and on 20th February at GrandWest Casino in Cape Town. The music legend first became known in Detroit in the early 1960s, and in 1969, he recorded an album entitled Cold Fact that many of his fans believed would secure his reputation as one of the greatest recording artists of his generation. Instead, it bombed and Rodriguez disappeared from public life. Several decades later, two South African fans went in search of Rodriguez to find out what really happened to their hero, and their story forms the basis of the recently released documentary Searching For Sugarman, which was very well received at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival. Since then, Rodriguez has gained renewed publicity and will be rewarding all of his South African fans with his performances in February. Tickets are available from www.bigconcerts.co.za.
The Sport of Kings The Veuve Clicquot Masters 2013, South Africa’s most glamorous polo event, is set to take place on 23rd February at Val de Vie Estate outside Cape Town. Veuve Clicquot sponsors some of the world’s leading polo events; however, the Veuve Clicquot Masters Cape Town is their first and only on the African continent, where Val de Vie’s world-class polo fields and luxurious clubhouse facilities provide the ideal venue to host an event of this calibre. Enjoyed by South Africa’s glamorous elite, guests include top celebrities, fashionable socialites and avid polo lovers. The event is expected to attract 1,200 guests this year, who can expect a day out filled with champagne, gourmet canapés, sophisticated fashion, traditional games of pétanque, and of course a riveting game of world class polo. Tickets are available online from www.valdevie.co.za.
Tapping up a Storm The worldwide dance sensation, Tap Dogs – an 80-minute explosion of non-stop entertainment that combines high energy dance, theatrical performance and live music – is set to return to South Africa faster, stronger, louder and more outrageous than ever before. The show promises the same hard tapping and pulsating dance moves for which it has become famous worldwide, but in a re-energised and revitalised guise and bursting with the kind of rough and ready appeal exclusive to the hottest tap dancers to be found south of the equator. Tap Dogs opens at Montecasino in Johannesburg on 12th February, and will run for four weeks, after which it will move to Artscape in Cape Town from 13th to 24th March. Tickets are available from Computicket at www.computicket.com or by calling 0861 813 9000. For more information, visit www.tapdogs.com.
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events Making Your House a Home The Gauteng Homemakers Expo will be celebrating its 20th birthday when it runs from 28th February to 3rd March at the Coca-Cola Dome in Johannesburg. This year’s line-up of South Africa’s leading home lifestyle brands will be spearheaded by a show-stopping Furniture and Décor feature, Urban Interiors, which will demonstrate 360˚ design solutions for small spaces, while both well known as well as up-and-coming decorators and designers will be showcasing a complete design solution for multifunctional spaces at the Kitchen Specialists Pavilion. Visitors can also view the latest trends in kitchen design and join the experts from Builders Warehouse at the ‘Get it Done’ Theatre, to learn how to make a success of everyday DIY projects. For more information, visit www.homemakersonline.co.za or phone 086 111 4663.
Be a Harvest Helper The fifth Hands-On Harvest in the Robertson Wine Valley will be taking place from 22nd to 24th February, and promises a wide variety of activities that will appeal to both wine lovers and budding vintners. These include harvesting your own grapes, and then stomping them; indulging in delicious farm breakfasts and hearty harvest lunches and partaking in a spot of wine tasting on horseback. Visitors can also sign up for boat trips on the Breede River, tractor rides through the vineyards and a host of informative talks and demonstrations on the art of winemaking. As some of the wineries participating in Hands-On Harvest are not ordinarily open to the public, the focus will be on hosting a series of intimate events. This ensures that guests enjoy the best, most personalised and ‘hands-on’ experiences. Visit www.handsonharvest.com for more information.
A Piano Prodigy British-born pianist Nicholas McCarthy has played for the Prime Minister of Malta, been awarded the prestigious international AMI Award for his creative excellence in music and played at the closing ceremony of the 2012 Paralympics alongside the Paraorchestra and Cold Play – and all of this with only one hand! Now, South Africa can look forward to witnessing this lefthanded piano sensation in action as he tours the country in February. Nicholas will be performing at the Cape Town Convention Centre on 9th February, at the Durban City Hall on 13th February, and at the Linder Auditorium in Johannesburg on 15th February. His stage performances have left audiences in awe and he has been described as ‘sheer poetry’ by The Times. He is also presently the youngest sole left-handed pianist to ever play professionally. Tickets are available from Computicket. For more information, visit www.nicholasmccarthy.co.uk.
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bits “I Want More” Couture Inspired by the golden sand dunes of Morocco, white Bedouin tents, glass mosaics and soft silk curtains blowing in the breeze of a Marrakesh summer, Jenni Button’s Summer 2013 Collection is sizzling hot. Creative Director, Warrick Gautier, uses only the finest silks, embroidery, embellishment, and beading in the range’s Couture line. French metallic laces and long flowing dresses in silk chiffon and rich satin are integral to the collection. South African designer Jenni Button – who has long been synonymous with glamour, elegance and sophistication – takes the Couture Collection to exciting new heights this season, from one-off pieces for formal eveningwear occasions, to beaded cocktail dresses for glamorous parties. Jenni Button Couture is available in Hyde Park and Sandton City in Johannesburg, Cavendish Square in Cape Town and Gateway Theatre of Shopping in Umhlanga. For more information, contact +27 21 461 1207.
Home Grown Hair Care Hannon is a proudly South African company and was created by well-known stylist and makeup consultant Hannon Bothma and his business partner Julius Swart in order to fill a gap in the local market for a unique and professional hair care and makeup range. After extensive research and development in both France and South Africa, the Hannon Hair Care and Faces range was born. Included in the Hannon Hair Care range is Normalising Moisture Shampoo, which provides extra nourishment for dull and dry ends while regulating oil build up on the scalp; Detangling Conditioner for extremely knotty hair; and Anti-Frizz Silk Finishing Spray, which works as a spray-on moisturiser and removes frizz instantly. Hannon Hair Care and Faces is distributed through selected professional hair and beauty salons nationwide. For more information and a list of stockists, visit www.hannon.co.za.
A Winelands Treat Nestled at the foot of the magnificent Paarl Rock is a small, luxury hotel like no other. The only South African member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Grande Roche Hotel is a destination where history meets modernity. At the Grande Roche Hotel, guests can look forward to the privacy and tranquillity of comfortable and stylish suites nestled among the vineyards of a working fruit farm while still only being a short walk away from the bustling country town of Paarl. The moment guests first set foot in their suites at the Grande Roche Hotel, they are guaranteed to feel that, finally, they have found the place where they feel most at home. For reservations and more information, contact +27 21 863 5100, email reserve@granderoche.co.za or visit www.granderoche.co.za.
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bits A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Robertson Small Hotel, a five-star boutique hotel in the Western Cape, will be celebrating the month of love with a Midsummer Night’s Dream date on 14th February. Connoisseurs of Cupid’s craft will be whisked away to the hotel’s mystical garden for a sensory five-course food and wine feast and a romantic moonlit affair infused with delights and surprises for the senses. Guests who stay at the hotel during the month of February will also enjoy a host of Valentine’s touches, including a complimentary bottle of wine for their table if they dine at the hotel’s signature restaurant; a special gift and romantic treats in their room, as well as a R100 spa voucher. The Midsummer Night’s Dream Valentines Dinner costs R240 per person, which includes the wine/beverage pairing per course. Bookings are essentials and can be made by contacting +27 23 626 7200 or emailing info@therobertsonsmallhotel.com.
For Fresh, Minty Kisses As February is the month of love, what better time is there to improve your oral care routine? The first step to fresher breath is better brushing. Philips Sonicare is the number one sonic toothbrush brand recommended by dentists worldwide and is clinically proven to clean teeth and gums more effectively than manual and other power brushes. Described as the “Ferrari” of electric toothbrushes, the Philips Sonicare range of brushes, including the Sonicare Flexcare with an integrated UV Sanitiser, is available from dentists, Dis-Chem and selected pharmacies. For product news, competitions and more information, visit www.gettingfresh101.co.za, or www.facebook.com/ivohealth. Alternatively, you can contact IVOhealth on 0860 456 123 or email info@ivohealth.co.za.
Guts, Glory and Gold Gold Reef City Theme Park offers a fascinating window into the past of Africa’s richest and most powerful city and how it was forged from the veins of gold running beneath the surface of the Highveld. The world’s only theme park located on the site of a historic underground gold mine, Gold Reef City Theme Park offers a vivid view of the guts, grit and glory that gave birth to Johannesburg. The Theme Park allows visitors to experience life in the city at the turn of the century, discovering how miners lived, worked and played. The star attraction is ‘Jozi’s Story of Gold’, an interactive experience that includes a guided underground mine tour, visits to authentic mining houses, and a chance to see gold panning and pouring. The two-hour long ‘Jozi’s Story of Gold’ tour is conducted five times daily from Wednesdays to Sundays. For more information, visit www.goldreefcity.co.za.
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Feature
The City of
Love
Johannesburg’s Romantic Side
While sunset walks on the beach and spectacular mountain backdrops may make Durban and Cape Town the clear romantic favourites this Valentine’s Day, the City of Gold also offers couples a host of possibilities for memorable amorous encounters. Text: Nicky Furniss Images: © iStockphoto.com, Bill Harrops 'Origional' Balloon Safaris & The Lindt Chocolate Studio
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Feature
Ride off into the Sunset
They say that the couple who laughs together stays together, so for a romantic night out with a difference, why not head to Montecasino’s popular comedy club Parker’s Comedy & Jive? The club is open from Tuesday to Saturday every week and hosts a hilarious line-up of both local and international comedians. Parker’s is fully licensed and also has a selection of light pub grub to satisfy hunger pangs. Alternatively, there is a huge variety of restaurants in Montecasino itself where you can grab a quick bite before the show starts or continue the fun afterwards with dessert and a cocktail or two. The line-up for Valentine’s Day this year features a number of South Africa’s most entertaining funny men, including Nqoba Ngcobo and Loyiso Gola. For more information, visit www.parkerscomedy.com.
Walk with the Animals
While these days ladies are unlikely to be swept off their feet by shining knights on horseback, that does not mean that you cannot both saddle up for a horseback trail far from the hustle and bustle of the city. At over 1,600 hectares, The Northern Farm Nature Reserve – home to SA Horse Trails – boasts a host of spectacular routes for all experience levels. All riders are given personal instruction when they arrive and can choose the length and type of their outride – from bundu-bashing and technical outrides for the adventurous to a more sedate bird watching meander for those who just want to get back to nature. For more information, email info@satrails.co.za.
Tickle Your Funny Bone
Whether you are an avid animal lover or not, the Joburg Zoo – one of Johannesburg’s most popular tourist attractions – always makes for a fun outing, and even more so at night when its nocturnal inhabitants wake from their slumber and everything is bathed in soft moonlight. The zoo offers three types of night tours: sunset tours (16h00 – 18h30), moonlight tours (17h15 – 20h00) and night tours (18h15 – 21h00), which all include a tour, tea, coffee and hot chocolate, as well as the opportunity to snuggle with your loved one and toast marshmallows over a bonfire. Guests are also welcome to bring their own picnic baskets to complete the experience. This Valentine’s Day, the zoo will be hosting a special Valentine’s Moonlight Tour. For reservations, email lebo.moalusi@jhbzoo.org.za.
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Feature
Chocolate Kisses
Couples looking to add a little heat and spice to their relationships this Valentine’s Day (and thereafter) need look no further than COMESALSA, Johannesburg’s most popular salsa dance school. The school hosts weekly Sunday evening socials in Melville to give interested guests a chance to try out their dancing shoes and meet other salsa fans in a relaxed and informal setting. They also offer group classes (from beginner to intermediate level), as well as private classes for those who would prefer more one-on-one attention. What better way to celebrate the month of love than by learning to dance some of the world’s most sensual dances, including the Mambo, Salsa Rai and the Merengue? For more information, contact +27 73 749 9022 or email comesalsa@gmail.com.
Take to the Skies
Chocolate is always a go to Valentine’s Day favourite, but this year, instead of buying each other choccies, why not spend some quality time together making them? The Lindt Chocolate Studio in Fourways offers a number of evening chocolate courses that are perfect for indulgent bonding. Couples can try their hand at making mouth-watering toffees and fudges, Swiss roulades (Swiss rolls to us uninitiated bakers), or even sign up for a chocolate appreciation course to learn all about chocolate production and how to tell mediocre chocolate from the really excellent stuff. The Lindt Studio will also be running Valentine’s Delight workshops on 14th, 15th and 16th February, which include sparkling wine and truffles and give you and your loved one the chance to make three decadent desserts, including heart-shaped chocolate lollies and chocolate truffle torte. Reservations are essential. Visit www.jhb.chocolatestudio.co.za for more information.
Spice Things Up
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If your partner makes your heart soar, then why not return the favour by treating them to a romantic hot air balloon ride over the picturesque Magalies River Valley or the historic Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site? Start your Bill Harrops ‘Original’ Balloon Safari with an early morning cup of hot chocolate and a biscuit or two at their clubhouse as you watch the beautiful patch-worked balloon unfurl and stretch towards the sky. Once onboard, your pilot will release the tether ropes and you will soar gently into the air where you will stay for the next 45 minutes, as you marvel at the beautiful scenery below and at the absolute silence of being among the clouds. Toast your trip with a glass of bubbly after you land and then cap off the experience with a delicious breakfast at the clubhouse. For more information, visit www.balloon.co.za. n
Love
Feature
Tokens of
Spoil Your Loved One this Valentine’s Day with the Perfect Gift
Warm the Cockles of his Heart Cognac connoisseurs will feel extra loved with a bottle of Hennessy V.S.O.P to call their own – especially as it is now available in a regal new bottle decked out in red and black; the perfect colours for Valentine’s Day. Available from selected bottle stores nationwide.
Wear Your Heart on Your Keys Give your loved one a daily remember of just how much you care with this pretty cut out heart key ring. Woolworths.
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A Little Bit of Everything Presented in a vibrant box, this limited edition AHAVA Best Wishes gift set includes a 100 ml Mineral Body Lotion, a 100 ml Mineral Hand Cream and a 100 ml Mineral Foot Cream. R480, from Truworths, Stuttafords, and selected pharmacies and health shops.
The Essence of Roses The perfect gift for a timeless beauty, Crabtree & Evelyn’s signature scent, Evelyn Rose EDP consists of delicate nuances of velvety petals, fresh accords of juicy citrus and subtle amber notes to add warmth and sensuality. R1,000 for 50 ml, Crabtree & Evelyn stores nationwide.
A Gift for the Gamers For the gaming geek who has everything – the Sphero is the world’s first iOS/Android-powered robotic ball. It glows in all colours and is great for tabletop/multiplayer games, basic programming and exploring augmented reality. R1,499, iStore.
Feature
Sweets for Your Sweet Make your sweetheart even sweeter on you with the Sweetly Does It Silicone Cake Pop Pan, which makes it simple and fun to create delicious cake pops at home. R230, Yuppiechef.com.
Beauty Box For flawless, kissable skin, treat her to a BABOR gift box containing a 50 ml HY-ÖL, a 30 ml Phytoactive Base, a 15 ml HSR deluxe ultimate antiaging cream and an ultra-size mascara. R650, BABOR.
For Love Birds Spoil the love bird in your life with a Wise Eyes iPad mini, iPad or iPhone 5 cover which is both fun and functional. From R299 at iStores nationwide. For Happy Holidays The S’Cure comes in a range of fun summer colours and is also Samsonite’s lightest and most durable suitcase yet – perfect for romantic getaways. Available from leading luggage stores nationwide from R3,795.
Through Rosé Tinted Spectacles Give your Valentine a bouquet of rosés from the House of JC Le Roux, including the award winning Pinot Noir Rosé, the off-dry La Vallée Rosé Cap Classique, and the flirtatious and sweet, La Fleurette. La Vallée Rosé, Pinot Noir Rosé and La Fleurette are available nationwide, selling at the cellar door for R80, R100 and R50 respectively.
Chocolate Kisses Van Ryn’s Distillery has recently engaged bespoke chocolatier, Jane Stuart, to create the ultimate gift box of customised deluxe chocolates. Each of the five flavours is matched to an award-winning brandy in their range. R160 per box, Van Ryn’s Distillery.
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The Ultimate
Valentine’s Gift South Africa’s Top Spas
Sometimes the best gift you can give to someone you love – or indeed to yourself – is the opportunity to indulge in a little pampering. So this Valentine’s Day, why not treat your sweetheart to a romantic spa day at one of South Africa’s top spas? Pix © The Oyster Box Hotel, Kievits Kroon, The Vineyard Hotel, Karkloof Spa, Hyatt Regency, The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Cradle Health Spa
Phumula Spa at the Hyatt Regency, Johannesburg Meaning “to rest” in Zulu, Phumula Spa at the Hyatt Regency in Rosebank, Johannesburg, certainly lives up to its name. From the moment you traverse the tree-lined skywalk that leads to the sanctuary of Phumula Spa, feelings of relaxation and comfort begin to set in. The spa’s uplifting lime and bamboo décor beckons visitors to lose themselves within the cocooned sanctuary of Phumula, as they are guided to the separate men’s and women’s facilities. These include whirlpools, plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms and luxury changing rooms, as well as a shared infinity pool that extends into the sky. Each treatment room features dimmed lighting and gentle music, and the qualified therapists carry out decadent treatments in an unhurried fashion using Theravine and Clarins products. For more information, visit www.johannesburg.regency.hyatt.com.
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of touch as their massage techniques uncoil every tightly wound muscle in their path. Decorated with Asian flair, the spa offers ten treatment rooms, including two deluxe rooms with steam and shower facilities overlooking Table Mountain. The signature Rain Mist treatment room provides an invigorating and rejuvenating experience, especially when combined with the Ayurvedic rain mist “Blissful Shower” package. This package starts with a 60 minute Ayurvedic massage, followed by a 15 minute rain mist steam, and a 30 minute Jasmine Frangipani Sparkle or Luscious Lemon body polish, finished off with 15 minute rain shower. For more information, contact +27 21 674 5005 or email spa-vineyardcapetown@angsana.com.
The Spa at Kievits Kroon, Pretoria The Kievits Kroon Spa was designed to meet the highest European standards, and boasts one of the most advanced Thermae facilities in Gauteng. Plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms, Jacuzzis and an indoor, heated swimming pool with a view of the estate’s spectacular gardens all conspire to ensure that you float, rather than walk out of the spa. The spa menu offers a variety of treatments which make use of premium products such as Moya and Theravine, but if you really want to make the most of your visit, choose one of the specially designed packages, ranging from half-day to full-day treatment combinations. For more information, contact +27 12 808 0150 or visit www.kievitskroon.co.za.
Karkloof Spa, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
Angsana Spa at The Vineyard Hotel, Cape Town It does not matter what state you are in when you walk into Angsana Spa at the Vineyard Hotel in Cape Town, because you are guaranteed to leave without a care in the world. Every client is invited to choose a scent from three signature bouquets to be placed below the massage tables. Each has its own properties, and their aromatherapy benefits calm the mind as the treatment begins. At the hands of the highly qualified Thai therapists, you will truly come to appreciate the healing powers
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Karkloof Spa is located just outside Pietermaritzburg in a picturesque bush setting. It is renowned for its Thai-inspired spa, which offers unlimited treatments to in-house guests and also runs as a day spa. Wooden walkways link the spa’s 17 treatment rooms, each with its own theme, designed to make guests feel like each treatment is a journey to somewhere new. Inside the hydrotherapy area, a large bubbling Roman bath invites one to soak a while, in between languishing in the sauna and steam rooms. For the brave, alternating arctic-cold and lava-hot Kneip pools aid circulation, while lathering oneself in mud in the Moroccan Rassoul works wonders for the skin and the soul. All of Karkloof’s therapists were handpicked in Thailand, and are experts at administering traditional Thai massage. Also on the spa menu are hot oil hair and scalp treatments, Asian hand and foot treatments, and herbal baths and wraps. Treatments are taken at a leisurely pace and guests are free to spend the day swimming or relaxing around the hydrotherapy pools with a glass of homemade lemonade and a stack of magazines. For those who crave solitude, the reflection room with its comfortable recliners and panoramic view is just the place to revel in silence and the comfort of one’s own thoughts. For more information email info@karkloofspa.com or visit www.karkloofspa.com.
Shumbalala Game Lodge An African Dream In the vast wilderness of South Africa’s hot northern plains, adjacent to the famous Kruger National Park, deep within an ancient tapestry of natural wonder, you will chance upon SHUMBALALA GAME LODGE. From your early morning game drive or bush walk in the Big 5 Thornybush Game Reserve to lazy afternoons at the pool and a sunset safari, tales of the day are told in the wine cellar as you prepare for a sumptuous dinner fire-side al fresco or candle-lit indoors. Choose from four luxury suites or the Presidential Suite, all of which have private viewing decks and picture window bathrooms. Wake up knowing that each day will allow for the adventure and peace of Africa to enter your soul – in a place where the lion sleeps.
Reservations – Thornybush Collection: Tel: +27 (0)11 253 6500 • Fax: +27 (0)11 803 7350 • sales@thornybush.co.za Lodge: Tel: +27 (0)72 8122172 • Fax: 086 6858902 • info@shumbalala.co.za
w w w. s h u m b a l a l a . c o. z a
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what is offered and practiced at Cradle Health Spa and Medical Centre, an incredible new holistic health and pampering spa nestled under the beautiful Magaliesburg Mountains in the Hartebeespoort Valley. The Cradle Health Spa and Medical Centre were born out of the desire to bring a brand new concept to South Africa by offering full conventional medical consultations, a fusion of modern and multi-disciplinary healing modalities, a magnificent day spa and conference facilities, as well as health and wellness seminars. These are all personalised to clients’ needs by an expert team of medical doctors, gynaecologists, nurses, massage therapists, physiotherapists, beauticians and other practitioners. For more information, visit www.cradlehealthspa.co.za.
The Spa at The Twelve Apostles, Cape Town As well as being one of the Mother City’s most scenically located five-star hotels, The Twelve Apostles Hotel also boasts a superb spa which was recently voted the Top Hotel Spa in Africa and The Middle East in the Travel + Leisure 2012 World’s Best Awards. The Spa at The Twelve Apostles underwent a complete transformation a year ago, and this has clearly proved to be the secret to its success. It boasts an all-white crystal grotto interior and features seven superbly equipped treatment rooms for both dual and single treatments. Guests are also spoilt for choice with a hydrotherapy bath and rain showers, a Rasul Chamber for traditional cleansing rituals, a Perfect Finish Salon for manicures and pedicures, and a Tranquillity Lounge and Wild Lanyana Aromatherm Room for hydrotherapy treatments. The new spa also features treatments and products from Red Carnation Group’s exclusive B|Africa range, as well as Elemis and Dermalogica. Elemis has even created a unique treatment for The Spa at The Twelve Apostles (called The Escape), which is only available here. For more information, visit www.12apostleshotel.com.
Cradle Health Spa, Magaliesburg Health is the new wealth, and this is at the heart of
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The Spa at The Oyster Box Hotel, Umhlanga Tucked away in the lush gardens of one of South Africa’s architectural treasures, true luxury awaits guests at The Spa at The Oyster Box Hotel. Celebrating KwaZulu-Natal’s rich Afro-Indian culture, the Oyster Box Spa offers masterfully created spa experiences which incorporate touches of Ayurveda with leading international techniques and ingredients native to Southern Africa. With six modern treatment rooms, two Hydrotherapy Baths, a grooming lounge, Nuvola Dry Floatation and Colour Therapy Bed, a plunge pool, state-of-the-art private fitness club, an infinity pool, and a post-treatment tranquillity lounge, guests are guaranteed a pampering experience. The Oyster Box Spa also boasts Africa’s only authentic Turkish Hammam, which traces its roots back to the Roman Thermae. Known as the "silent doctor", the Hammam was a place of cleansing and healing for both body and soul, and now spa guests can also indulge in these traditional Middle Eastern treatments. For more information, contact +27 31 514 5000 or email reservations@oysterbox.co.za. n
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Training the
Musicalof theMaestros Future Acosa
In South Africa, formal music training was at one time viewed as the domain of the elite, but in recent years a number of organisations have worked to tap into the wealth of musical talent in South African communities. The African Cultural Association of South Africa (Acosa) is one of them. Text: Janine Erasmus/mediaclubsouthafrica.com Images: © Acosa
This non-profit organisation, based on Johannesburg’s West Rand, was established in 1947 and its vision remains the same as it was back then – to reach out to the community in the form of formal music education, both choral and instrumental, and to bring music lovers together to create beautiful sounds. Today, Acosa is headed by South African music legends Michael and Sheila Masote. Distinguished National Order laureate Michael is a pioneer in the development of youth orchestras and choral ensembles – he was the first black South African to complete a BMus degree from Unisa, and was instrumental in introducing classical music on a wide scale to Soweto with the formation of the Soweto Youth Orchestra. It is said that he taught himself how to conduct the orchestra by disguising himself as a janitor and sneaking into the rehearsals of the former National Symphony Orchestra at
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the city hall in Johannesburg. The Soweto Youth Orchestra evolved into the semiprofessional Soweto Symphony Orchestra, which in turn produced world-class successes such as trumpeter Prince Lengoasa and the ever popular Soweto String Quartet, all of whom learned their trade under Michael Masote. Now Masote is inspiring a new generation of musicians – including his own children and one of his grandchildren – with his work as director of music at Acosa. This organisation, too, has spawned musical talent such as the all-girl Ntombizodwa String Ensemble, who have performed for Queen Elizabeth II, among others, and sensational young cellist Abel Selaocoe, who is presently studying on a scholarship at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. They are proof that music is for everyone, and are the living
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embodiment of everything that Acosa stands for. “Acosa aims to create youth orchestras where everyone has access,” says Sheila Masote. “We provide teachers if the musician doesn’t have one, and we also want to train more teachers. Too many kids need teachers, and there are not enough good teachers to go around.” The demand for tuition is immense. “We can’t stretch ourselves far enough,” she adds.
A Sense of Belonging Besides the Soweto Youth and Soweto Symphony orchestras, Acosa has also established a number of other ensembles over the years – these include the Soweto Children’s Orchestra, the Acosa Wind Band, the Acosa Brass Ensemble, and most recently the Gauteng Camerata, a youth development orchestra of 20-somethings. “The kids get a sense of belonging to a group that gives back to the community,” explains Michael Masote. “They feel unique, and they feel hope for the future.” Accomplished Acosa alumni have taught and studied overseas, and graduates of the wind and brass groups have been accepted into the highly rated national bands of the South African navy, army and police.
Bringing Music to the People Acosa’s motto is “Ke fa go re o fe” (which means “power is knowledge diffused to others” in Setswana). In keeping with this sentiment, the organisation has plans to go national, which they hope will uncover more home grown musical talent. In the meantime, it works in Gauteng through various venues including the Soweto Music Conservatoire, which has a colourful history of its own, starting up in 1947 in the home of choral conductor Zepheniah Mothopeng – Sheila Masote’s father – in defiance of the Apartheid laws of the time. The Soweto Conservatoire concept has been duplicated in the Acosa Tsa Lapeng Conservatoire near Hammanskraal in northern
Gauteng, and the Acosa Sebokeng Music School at Mojalathuto Primary School in Sebokeng, about 57 km south of Johannesburg. The organisation also gives classes in four primary schools in Soweto, and at its main facility, Acosa House, in Roodepoort. Acosa teaches choral and classical music on instruments such as the cello, violin, viola, double bass, guitar and piano. Not all students can afford their own instruments, and in these cases, Acosa is able to arrange the extended loan of instruments to deserving musicians. Exams are set according to the Royal School of Music in London. Musicians are expected to be committed to and serious about their art. “This is not recreational music,” says Kutlwano Masote, mentor and conductor and son of Michael and Sheila. “We aim to instil a sense of excellence in our musicians, which will help them to get bursaries to schools such as St John’s College, which teaches music as an academic subject.” The younger Masote is a pioneer too, graduating from the International Menuhin Music Academy in Switzerland and becoming the first black member of the National Symphony Orchestra in 1998. Acosa has received funding from the National Lotteries Board which has been allocated to the purchase of a permanent home for the school, the further development of its music programmes, and minibuses to transport musicians and equipment to and from their homes in places as far away from the school as Daveyton on the East Rand, and Sebokeng. Next in the plan is a media centre, which will allow the young musicians to learn music software such as Sibelius. They can then create their own arrangements and learn to compose. “We envision six or seven terminals,” says Kutlwano Masote, adding that it is not all work for the students, as there are fun activities too and hopefully, a tour to Botswana in the coming months. For more information, contact +27 11 472 7413, email sheila.masote@acosamusic.co.za, or visit www.acosamusic.co.za. n
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Wings of Change
The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
One of the most alluring things about butterflies is just how fleeting they are. From when they emerge as beautiful, multicoloured winged creatures from their cocoons, they have only a few days or weeks to flit from flower to flower, mate, lay their eggs and then die. But while the lifecycles of these iridescent insects may be short, the impact they are creating on environmental awareness and sustainable job creation on the island of Zanzibar is anything but fleeting. Text: Nicky Furniss Images: Š Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
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Visitors to the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre are guaranteed to see a whole host of these beautiful winged insects, including Acraea zetes (left), and the African Monarch butterfly (Danaus chrysippus)
Travel
Situated in Pete Village, 2 km west of Zanzibar’s JozaniChwaka Bay National Park, lies the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre. It is a haven for hundreds of butterflies and a unique tourist attraction with a strong environmental conscience. The centre was created in 2006 by its three founders: Scottish ecologist Benjamin Hayes, Zanzibari forester Abass Mzee and Tanzanian conservationist Alfred Massawe. Prior to the establishment of the Jozani-Chakwa Bay National Park, Zanzibar had lost nearly 90% of its trees due to deforestation. The park was created to protect what little of the indigenous forest was left, as well as to provide a safe haven for the critically endangered Zanzibar Red Colobus monkey.
Pupae Aided Poverty Alleviation When the park was created, however, many locals living close to the park lost farming land. Many turned to charcoal production as a means of supporting their families. Naturally, this exacerbated deforestation surrounding the park. “The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre was thus set up to provide alternate livelihoods and reduce charcoal production in the area surrounding the Jozani National Park,” explains Federica Busiello, the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre’s Project Manager. “The founders were concerned by the issue of deforestation on Zanzibar and wanted to create a solution that also worked towards poverty alleviation.” This is exactly what they did. The centre currently employs 37 farmers who were given instruction on how to construct breeding enclosures, and also on what plants butterflies (in all stages of their life cycle) thrive on. Once the farmers have caught a number of wild butterflies their business can begin, as they collect the eggs the female butterflies lay on the plants in their enclosure, raise the caterpillars and then sell them in
pupae form to the centre. The centre uses funds generated from tourist entrance fees to pay the farmers for their butterflies. This works so well, in fact, that many farmers are now earning significantly more money than they ever did from selling charcoal. “Also, charcoal production is much harder work in terms of time required and physical effort, so the famers are not keen to return to it,” adds Federica. Most of the centre’s farmers were selected due to their interest in the project, as well as their past income generating activities, as the centre remains focused on reducing the number of charcoal producers on the island. Federica explains that the project also has the potential to hire even more farmers as it grows. “We also encourage and sometimes prioritise female farmers, as this is an activity which can easily
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Local butterfly farmers in Pete Village make a living by selling the butterflies they raise (in pupae form) to the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre
An Amauris niavius pupae
programme and raising even more environmental awareness in the villages surrounding the National Park.
A Magical Experience
fit in around childcare,” she adds. As well as helping to alleviate poverty in the region and curbing the deforestation of the island, the project has also had a positive effect in terms of educating the locals. “Now the local inhabitants know that there are alternatives, and that it is possible to create an income based on activities other than farming and charcoal production, while also protecting the surrounding environment,” says Federica.
International Recognition The locals are not the only ones who have noticed the centre’s excellent work. It recently won a UN SEED Initiative Award in recognition of its potential to make substantial improvements in poverty eradication and environmental sustainability. “We are very proud to receive this award, as it means that our work is being recognised. Moreover, we now have the funding to provide a sustainable water supply to the centre, which will be accessible to the villagers as well,” says Federica. The award also paves the way for future funding, and the centre already has plans for implementing a renewable energy
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All of this means that visitors to the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre can rest assured that their money is going to an extremely worthy cause, as well as allowing them access to one of the island’s must see attractions. The centre currently boasts one of the largest butterfly exhibits in Africa with over 30 indigenous species. Although many of these are seasonal, visitors are always guaranteed of seeing at least 15 to 20 species flitting about the garden at any given time. These include butterflies of all colours, shapes and sizes, including the striking blue, yellow and black striped Gold Banded Forrester (Euphaedra neophon), and the ever popular orange and black African Monarch (Danaus chrysippus). As well as exploring the centre’s beautiful garden and being surrounded by a glorious techno-coloured display of fluttering butterflies, visitors are treated to a 30 minute tour during which they can see and touch all of the stages of the butterfly life cycle (from egg, to caterpillar, pupae and eventually butterfly), learn about butterfly ecology, as well as conservation issues on the island. “Stopping at the Zanzibar Butterfly Centre allows visitors to see a less touristy side of Zanzibar and get a glimpse of local village life,” says Federica. “Entering our butterfly garden has also been described by many as a magical experience,” she adds. And considering just how big a positive impact the project is having on the surrounding community and on conserving the island’s indigenous flora, many would agree that it is magical in more ways than one. The Zanzibar Butterfly Centre is open seven days a week from 09h00 to 17h00. For more information, email mail@zanzibarbutterflies.com, or visit www.zanzibarbutterflies.com or www.facebook.com/ZanzibarButterflyCentre. n
Travel
The Heart of the
MotherCity Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa
Staying at the Three Cities Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa on St George’s Mall offers not only a central city location that soaks up the atmosphere of the historic part of Cape Town, but also some new adrenaline pumping ideas, in the form of exciting new adventure packages. Text & Images: Š Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa
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Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa offers full service or self-catering options, with friendly staff to assist, an underlying philosophy of “ubuntu” (kindness towards one another) and a welcome in every smile. This apartment-style hotel offers a variety of options from studio to one or two-bedroomed units, thereby offering guests both space and easy access. For business travellers, certain apartments also offer facilities for private board meetings, which makes the hotel an ideal business base while visiting Cape Town. The hotel’s platinum apartments are the ultimate in luxury. A queen-size bed in the main room and a double bed or two single beds in the second bedroom provide ample space for families travelling together. These apartments also include en suite bathrooms; an open plan, fully equipped kitchen; a lounge, entrance hall, dining room and private balcony; plus some of the best views of the city. Conveniently situated in the heart of Cape Town, guests have easy access to a wide array of attractions from Table Mountain and the Company Gardens (which are almost on the hotel’s doorstep), to shops, restaurants, museums and galleries. The hotel’s new adventure packages are also a fun and exciting way to spend your time in Cape Town. When the adventure bug bites, it is all a hop away from the hotel and no effort to organise – from shark cage diving and tandem paragliding to abseiling, powerboat riding or a downhill biking adventure. The hotel can also arrange hop-on, hop-off bus
tickets for guests wanting to see the sights of the Mother City, whereas those with extra energy to spare also have the option of hiring a bicycle from the hotel to better explore the city. For those who simply want to chill, however, the hotel’s Wellness Club Spa is the ideal stress reliever and offers a range of luxurious pampering treatments that are guaranteed to soothe and rejuvenate. When guests are feeling peckish, then Doppio Zero, renowned for their fresh and authentic Italian fare, offers an extensive and flexible Mediterranean menu which transforms from café cuisine during the day to a fine dining experience, filled with romance and nostalgia, in the evening. The Mandela Rhodes Place Hotel and Spa offers visitors the ideal opportunity to explore the Mother City and to enjoy many of its spectacular sites and attractions while enjoying superb accommodation and unrivalled hospitality. For more information, visit www.mandelarhodesplace.co.za or follow @hotelmrp on Twitter. n
Special Packages Book a one or two-bedroomed apartment at the hotel’s discounted rates and they will throw in 100 MB of free Wi-Fi usage per day, one hop-on, hop-off bus ticket per person per stay, as well as breakfast for two. Add on an adventure package and you will also receive bicycle rental as a free add-on for a day.
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Pent Up Passion The World’s Most Luxurious Penthouses & Suites
Each hotel holds its largest, most lavish suite in the highest regard, so high in fact, that most are located on the top floor, where the best views are to be found, the most space can be utilised and where the guests lucky enough to step upon their plush carpets can feel miles above everyone sleeping below. Plus, during this month of love, there is nothing quite so decadently romantic as treating your significant other to the lap of luxury in one of the world’s most luxurious hotel suites. Text: Nicola Weir Images: © Starwood Hotels, Red Carnation, Hilton Group, Rosewood Hotels, Dorchester Collection, The Raj Palace
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The Presidential Suite at the Oyster Box, Durban From the moment the Oyster Box opened its doors in 1947, the hotel rapidly became one of Africa’s best loved and most distinguished hotels. Its combination of colonial charm, impeccable service, lush tropical gardens and breathtaking seaside setting swiftly gained it a reputation that is now legendary the world over. The Oyster Box’s Presidential Suite is split over two levels with a private lift. The suite offers guests a grand master bedroom with its own comfortable seating area, an intimate personal study and two lavish marble bathrooms: his and hers. And of course there is the magnificent private rim-flow swimming pool, a tastefully tailored private lounge, a gracious dining room with seating for eight guests with a private bar and a well equipped kitchen for intimate in suite dining. And for that even greater feeling of space, the suite offers an additional bedroom.
The Maharajah’s Pavilion at The Raj Palace, Jaipur The Raj Palace is recognised as the best luxury hotel in India as well as being one of the only places previously lived in by a Maharajah that has since been restored to its original glory. The
The Raj Palace
Palace and Presidential suites at the Raj Palace offer complete royal apartment blocks which include multiple bedrooms, living rooms, private access to a home theatre, a gym, spa and a pool, as well as a library. The Maharajah’s Pavilion boasts a private entrance and
The Oyster Box Hotel
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a private elevator which connects all four floors with a total area of 1486 m2. The first floor of the pavilion houses the lobby which leads to a reception area and an extra luggage storage area. Beyond this lies a large lounge with a bar. The second floor of the pavilion was the private floor used by the ruler himself and overlooks the inner courts of the palaces and the Charbagh gardens. It combines a reception room with vaulted apartments intended for private use. Originally this floor contained a sleeping chamber for the Thakur Sahib and its luxurious ornamentation now includes gold leafed painted walls, stucco and mirror work as well as silver and gold furniture. The highlight of the suite is also located on this floor – a private museum displaying the old throne and bolsters of The Thakur Maharajah. The third floor contains the library with a lavish dining room connected to a kitchen and an additional bedroom. The fourth floor, which was known as the Maharajah’s pleasure pavilion, now contains a bedroom, large lounge, a private bar, library, study area and an elegant dining area complete with a separate butler entrance. The bedroom is bedecked with rich ivory and gold furniture and boasts two luxurious bathrooms. The adjoining rooftop terrace boasts a Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a private spa with panoramic views of the city.
The Waldorf Astoria
The Presidential Suite at the Waldorf Astoria, New York The iconic Waldorf Astoria’s collection of Historic Suites have hosted some of the world’s most noteworthy figures and include the Royal Suite, former home to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, and The Presidential Suite, which has hosted every US President since Herbert Hoover. The Presidential Suite encompasses 168 m2 of space and buys you ease and luxury of the highest order. From the private check-in lobby (which ensures complete discretion), your dedicated concierge will escort you to your room. The suite contains a fully equipped kitchen and a large ‘parlour’ with a dining table that seats eight guests. The large bedroom features an opulent bathroom complete with an oversized marble bath, a boudoir style dressing room and robes so plush that they have become something of a conversation point among those lucky enough to have worn them. The bed is known for its supreme comfort – achieved through a triple layer of sheets.
The Cavalieri Hilton
The Penthouse Suite at the Cavalieri Hilton, Rome Overlooking the panorama that has inspired visitors for centuries is Rome’s most prestigious address, the Rome Cavalieri Hotel. Enclosed in 15 acres of lush Mediterranean parklands, the hotel is a calm retreat in the heart of the Eternal City, with an art collection that outshines many museums, and a Grand Spa that would be the envy of any prestigious health resort. The spacious, 200 m2 Penthouse is the highlight of the Rome Cavalieri Hotel. Each room of
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the suite is adorned with exquisite works of art, including a Warhol series, and is furnished in palatial style featuring a magnificent Karl Lagerfeld sofa, originally designed for his home in Paris. The entire suite is wired with fibre optic lighting to create starlit ceilings. Elevated above the bedroom level is a hydro massage tub with magnificent views of the Rome skyline. The bathrooms are panelled in precious marble with malachite inlays, while the taps are made of Swarovski crystal. The bathrooms also boast views of St. Peter’s Basilica, while St. Peter’s Dome can be seen from the 215 m2 private rooftop garden. For the ultimate hotel experience, climb the staircase as the glass ceiling slides open onto your private panoramic roof terrace with a gazebo, solarium and plunge pool. The suite also boasts a private wine cellar containing several prestigious European labels and vintages as well as a cigar humidor with a selection of ‘Puros’. The suite can also be extended to include an extra bedroom or private gym.
The Empire Suite at The Carlyle, New York The Carlyle has been called home by leaders in world affairs, business and society since its debut in 1930. Brilliantly positioned on Madison Avenue in Manhattan’s Upper East Side overlooking Central Park, it is a true New York City landmark – a showcase of great art, a purveyor of privacy and a sanctuary of luxury and refined taste. The Empire Suite, a spacious three-bedroom duplex located on the 28th and 29th floors, truly blurs the line between hotel accommodation and a residential apartment. Designed by famed interior designer Thierry Despont, this one-of-a-kind suite offers 242 m2 of living space, king-bedded bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, an office, full kitchen, separate sitting room and a private art collection. Both the living room and master bedroom feature unobstructed views of Central Park with floor-toceiling windows.
The Carlyle
The Basketball Hardwood Suite at The Palms, Las Vegas This unique suite invites you to assemble your own dream team and live like a sports star. Covering 929 m2 over two floors, the Basketball Hardwood Suite replicates the lifestyle of a NBA superstar. Boasting an indoor basketball court, professional locker room, scoreboard, and NBA-sized Murphy beds, this is a true sports fan’s dream come true. As you walk through your private entrance, do not get too lost taking in the 2.7 m high ceilings, flat screen TVs or state-of-the-art kitchen. Just outside your window lies an expansive view over the Nevada mountains and the Las Vegas strip – best viewed from your whirlpool bathtub. Put your feet up as you get acquainted with a luxurious bed, complete with Italian bedding. If you can bring yourself to leave your room, be sure to experience the delicious restaurants and the pools and spas that The Palms has to offer. Just be careful though – after living the high life, you may never want to leave. n
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The Palms
Travel
The Call of the
Wild Shumbalala Game Lodge
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Shumbalala Game Lodge is an exclusive and tranquil haven in the midst of the vast bushveld in the Thornybush Game Reserve, where lucky guests can not only look forward to hearing the call of the wild, but also to getting up close and personal with the country’s majestic Big Five. Text: Bernie Hellberg & William James Images: © Shumbalala Game Lodge
It is with a sense of adventure that you stumble upon a leopard lazing in the bough of a Jackalberry tree; or a hyena giving you a languid yellow gaze in the gathering dusk; a majestic bull elephant crashing its way through a thicket in search of sweet reeds; or a surprise sunrise encounter with a pride of lions on the prowl. This is the world of Shumbalala Game Lodge, where tales of sightings are recounted over a glass of the finest wine in the cellar; or over dinner on the deck, with its panoramic view of the waterhole out on the edge of the savannah. Unspoiled and untainted by the world beyond, stone-clad Shumbalala, which means “where the lion sleeps”, is a five-star journey for the soul, set
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Travel
beneath shady African trees lining the Monwana River, along the banks of which you will spot a myriad of animals from your position in a large, cane wing-back chair poised on a teak deck. Lodging is comprised of four luxury suites, all of which have elegantly inspired dÊcor with all the facilities, including overhead fans, air conditioning, open fireplaces, and glass fronts with private viewing decks looking onto the magical African bush. Bathrooms, including open-air showers, have their own picture windows to watch the wild world go by as you wash off the heat of the day. The Presidential Suite, which comprises two bedrooms, also includes a private dining room, lounge, pool and fireside facilities. Lazy afternoons are spent around the pool and followed by evening game drives, topped off with a sumptuous feast. Dinner is taken either fireside on the lodge deck positioned above the riverbed, or in the candle-lit dining room during winter. Shumbalala Game Lodge is an inimitable sanctuary where the African wild is disturbed only by the quiet appreciation of guests being waited upon in lavish surroundings. Close encounters of a different kind are the experiences that will linger in your memory long after your visit to Shumbalala Game Lodge – an African safari not to be missed. For reservations and current special offers, visit www.shumbalala.co.za or email sales@thornybush.co.za. n
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Situated on the Nor th Eastern coast of Zanzibar and approximately 45 minutes from the airpor t in Stonetown, set on an idyllic beach opposite the world-acclaimed Mnemba Island Atoll, which has become known as being the prime scuba diving and snorkelling site in Zanzibar ; Azanzi Beach Hotel is a luxury boutique establishment which boasts 35 rooms comprising of 8 standard rooms which feature an en-suite shower, 12 luxury suites there are interleading rooms available for families who want to stay together but also want their privacy as well as individual suites, 9 stand alone villas with a full en-suite bathroom as well as an outside shower, and 6 deluxe villas which feature a jacuzzi.
General Enquires E-mail : res@anthology.co.za | Tel Central Reservations on: (International) +27 11 781 1661 (South Africa) 0861 010 200 Hotel Number +255 77 504 4171
Feature
I Love Me Learn to Love Your Body
“It’s never been true… that the value of a soul, of a human spirit, is dependent on a number on a scale. We are unrepeatable beings of light and space and water who need these physical vehicles to get around. When we start defining ourselves by that which can be measured or weighed, something deep within us rebels… We don’t want to EAT hot fudge sundaes as much as we want our lives to BE hot fudge sundaes.” – Geneen Roth. Is your life like a hot fudge sundae, or do you wish you were thinner, taller, more beautiful, more talented or that you could look more like some famous celebrity? Text: Dr Liz Pretorius Image: © iStockphoto.com
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Throughout the ages, women have been socialised in such a way so that their image of themselves has been directly connected to their physical appearance. Women are often valued by men according to how they look and a beautiful woman can even provide a man with additional status. It is not surprising then that women value themselves by how they feel about their bodies. Society’s concentration on and concern about women’s bodies forces us to focus on food and eating. Women are continually made to feel that if they do not look good it is impossible for them to feel good. No matter what a woman chooses to do with her life, she is constantly encouraged to maintain her looks. So how do you ensure that you and your children maintain a healthy mind-body image? Use affirmations and compliment yourself repeatedly. Give yourself three compliments every day and before you go to bed, list three things in your day that really gave you pleasure. It could be how you felt when the wind blew through your hair, when you heard a colleague laugh, or the look on the face of a stranger you paid a compliment to. Focus on the positive aspects of your life. Focusing on the positive aspects of life can help you change negative feelings about yourself. Identify and concentrate on your best assets, like your hands, skin, feet, your legs, or your lips. Try to focus on what is unique and interesting about you. If things go wrong, learn to say, ‘I am human’, rather than ‘I’m a loser’. You can change things about yourself you would like to. If there are things about yourself that you want to change, you can do this by setting goals for yourself. It you want to be fit and toned, ensure that you plan an exercise and eating plan. Achieving what you set out to do can boost your mind-body image. Do not be so concerned about what others think. They look at you through their eyes and are not the expert on your worth, beauty or talents. Tell your ‘inner-critic’ to stop when you hear yourself saying negative things about yourself. Messages you receive from others may have made you believe you
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are not beautiful and these messages may ‘pop’ into your head and make you doubt your worth. Have a full-length mirror in your home. Look at yourself when you are dressed and when you are nude and repeatedly say to yourself, ‘I am beautiful and I love myself’. It is essential that you learn to see yourself as the total you, not a head or a body, but the totality of what makes you uniquely you. Teach yourself and your children to not only concentrate on physical appearance. Emphasise other attributes such as academic or sporting excellence, a talent in music or art, the ability to design clothes, to cook and bake, or whatever you excel in or have a passion for. Weight is a topic that should be avoided – do not speak about your own weight or that of others in front of your children. They will get the message that it is something to be concerned about and may or may not think their weight is ideal. “There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection. To me, that is the true essence of beauty.” – Steve Maraboli n
More Love Your Body Tips • Accept that your worth is not defined by a measurement or number on a scale. • Highlight your best assets and never single out anything specific that you do not like about yourself. • Create a healthy relationship with food and emphasise food as fuel. • Teach your children when they are young to eat when they are hungry and to stop when they are full. • Teach your children that people come in different shapes and sizes and all are acceptable. • Use positive affirmations to top up your ‘self-esteem and body image’ reservoir.
Chef
The Canapé Queen Chef Charmaine Lilje
Chef Charmaine Lilje has always had a passion and talent for cooking, which she honed in Cape Town’s Olympia Cafe and then at Constantia Uitsig’s acclaimed La Colombe restaurant. But she also knew that she was destined to be her own boss, and along with her business partner, Craig Hancock, she is now the proud owner of Chardonnay Chefs, an exclusive private catering service that specialises in designer canapé functions and discreet dining. We recently chatted to Charmaine about her move to the catering world and about what sets her company apart from the rest. Text: Nicky Furniss Images: © Fivestar PR
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Chef
You were lucky enough to work under two celebrated chefs (Franck Dangereux and Luke Dale-Roberts) at La Colombe. What was the greatest lesson you learnt from each of them? Charmaine Lilje: I learnt the very best in the basics of Frenchstyle cooking from Franck Dangereux, as well as to have fun and not to fear food. From Luke, I learned how to create clean flavours, and also how to create a cohesive workspace with a small team. Why did you choose to move away from the restaurant scene to pursue catering? CL: I’ve always loved functions whilst working in restaurants and I always knew I would have my own business one day. I love that we work in many fabulous venues all year round, that we are in direct contact with wonderful people and that the amount of effort you put in is felt more immediately than in the restaurant world. What do you think distinguishes Chardonnay Chefs from other catering companies? CL: I think the big difference is me: I love what I do, I’m passionate about food, and I am serious about work and dedicate 100% to every client. Thanks to this frame of mind, I have managed to attract a team of wonderfully dedicated individuals who have the same work ethic as I do, and as a result our clients enjoy our professionalism and passion. What exactly is canapé catering? CL: Canapé catering involves lots of small, very delicious mouthfuls served elegantly over a period of time. It’s easy, fuss-free and the best way to cater, especially in summer. Without the benefit of a sit down dinner, how do you ensure that guests leave an event feeling full and satisfied? CL: We always advise on selection. Our full canapé menu consists of 12 items and we make two portions of each for each guest. 24 pieces is enough for a meal and with all the different flavours, nobody is left wanting more. We also offer a “structured” menu where we break up our canapés into three courses: starters, mains and dessert. This way you have an elegant, varied and fuss-free three-course meal. Do the same rules that apply in a fine dining restaurant,
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apply to a catering restaurant? CL: For us, yes. Work efficiently, neatly, accurately, hygienically and with love. Work hard and well and remember to also have some fun along the way. Do you think discreet dining is becoming more popular in South Africa? CL: Definitely. Granted, many people would prefer to go to a restaurant as opposed to having a dinner or lunch at home as they may not enjoy the feeling of being “staffed”. We understand this very well and are always discreet in our approach to service on the day of the event to ensure that our clients and guests are comfortable. For this reason, we are doing more and more discreet dining. It’s easy and so much nicer to entertain in your own space without having to do anything other than host. There is often a perception that catered food is never as good as restaurant food. How are you trying to change this perception? CL: The only way we can make a difference is by meeting and exceeding our clients’ expectations all the time. We make a massive effort to always plate our food well, always add as much flavour as possible and to never “over complete” food. We have the advantage over restaurants as we will never offer a dish a client does not like. We only make what our clients want and then we do it to the very best of our abilities. Why do you think you and your business partner, Craig Hancock, make such a good team? CL: Any successful event is made up of many components: The service, the food, the energy of the staff and the guests, the wine, the décor and the clean-up. When it comes to the day of the event, Craig and I have our own areas to focus on. Mine is the kitchen and his is the floor and front of house. With our own teams, we are able to ensure that all the components are seamless and cohesive. I couldn’t have a better partner to work with. What are your hopes for Chardonnay Chefs in the future? CL: To carry on growing, and to always have clients at the forefront of what we do, as well as to develop a product range and to continually evolve. n
Feature
All You Have Ever
Wanted in aCar The Chrysler 300C SRT8
For the last years of its life cycle, the previous Chrysler 300C was to motoring what Tom Cruise is to action movies: a blast, albeit one from the past. The 300C’s second act though, brings the best of American motoring muscle firmly into the 21 st Century, and we really love it. Text: Bernard K Hellberg Images Š Quickpic
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When Chrysler launched the first generation 300C way back in 2005, many loved the not-so-subtle Bentleyesque look the car brought to local roads. Although not wildly popular locally, the 300C had enough of a following to convince Chrysler South Africa that an all-new 2012 version of the ageing supersized sedan would do better. Looking at the recent runaway success for Chrysler’s Jeep products, we’ll hazard a guess that the 300C has grown refined enough to go further and do more than the previous generation. I recently spent a week living with the monster SRT8 and found that underneath the almost European yet still very American exterior, lies a surprising and intensely drivable machine. The new 300C captures the bold appeal of the original and loses the flattened awkwardness of the old car’s low roofline. For some, the looks might still tip the scale towards the ‘slightly overthe-top’ end, while others may be disappointed that Chrysler has sacrificed the 300C’s originality, yet the overall styling shows the same level of maturity and class of any big German rival. There is also no arguing that attention to detail has improved overall – from exterior fit and finish (a major complaint of the original), to the quality of materials applied inside the cabin. Chrysler has invested a lot of time and effort in improving the interior experience on all of its new models and the 300C SRT8 is no exception. The improvement in overall interior quality is immediately noticeable, as is the stitched leather on the dash and suede inserts on the doors and seats. The flat-bottom satin-chrome steering wheel adds to the driver experience and looks and feels great, as does the redesigned backlit instrument cluster. The SRT8 is packed with every conceivable electronic function, all conveniently controlled from a large touch screen interface mounted within easy reach in the centre console. Included in the SRT8 is a Garmin GPS system, climate control and a magnificent 19-speaker harman/kardon audio system. Finally, Chrysler has built a sedan that does not only look good from a distance. As could be expected, the SRT8 leaves nothing to the imagination from a power point of view. The heroic new 6.4 litre HEMI V8 roars through the rev range with surprising refinement as it gives every kilowatt and every Newton-metre up for sacrifice without hesitation. And with 347 kW and 631 Nm of torque available, the SRT8 will only run out of steam around the 280 km/h mark.
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True, it is not as fast in a straight line as other saloons in its class, but seldom have I tested a vehicle that just refuses to run out of breath quite like this big V8. Although the ‘old’ Chrysler five-speed gearbox does not quite hold up to the sophisticated eight-speeds offered by other manufacturers, it shifts smoothly through the range – in both auto and manual mode – and holds downshifts nicely through every corner. Even while pushing the SRT8 to its handling limits, the Chrysler can easily be saved from trouble without resorting to the stability system. The car’s natural engine-forward balance, combined with the big 245/45R20 tyres, gives it almost unbeatable prowess. With so much already going for the 300C, and in particular the SRT8 version I drove, the question remains, where does this car fit into the market in a world dominated by more established super-sedans? In my opinion, Chrysler has done something very interesting here: A few years after its divorce from Mercedes-Benz, they have created a really impressive take on the German saloon, but it is virtually impossible to name another car that goes this fast, looks this good, offers this kind of equipment, and will not cost you an arm and a leg. At the time of going to print, the SRT8’s recommended retail price is R629,990, with metallic paint available as an option for an additional R3,000 – a small price to pay for everything you have ever wanted in a car. n
Accommodation Guide
Azanzi
Beach Hotel
An intimate, all-suite boutique hotel on the eastern shoreline of the mystical Zanzibar Island. The central guest entertainment and guest areas of Azanzi flow into vast uninterrupted stretches of silk-like sand. The hotel suites feature an array of guest comforts designed to pamper you during the quieter moments of your fun-filled days. Your hosts will be delighted to arrange any number of activities for you, including snorkeling, diving, dhow trips and historic village tours. Alternatively, you may simply want to laze in the shallows of the water’s edge or cool off in the pool.
Mkokotoni Matenwe
Kiwengwa Mangapwani
Contact
Pongwe
Azanzi Beach Hotel • Call: +27 11 781 1661 • E-mail: res@anthology.co.za • Website: www.azanzibeachhotel.com Stone Town
WiFi
Universal AC
Spa/Pool/Gym
S,P
Smoking Rooms
Disabled Access
Room Service
Child Friendly
Guided Drive/Walk
Air-conditioning
Malaria Free
Conference Facilities
Wheelchair Friendly
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Chwaka
Bwejuu Paje Jambiani Makunduchi
Kizimkazi
Accommodation Guide
A fusion of contemporary luxury and classic charm, the Mount Grace Country House & Spa is an elegant countryside hideaway. A fusion of contemporary luxury and classic charm, the Mount Grace Country House & Spa is an elegant countryside hideaway. The picturesque hotel started life as a private residence and farmhouse and has hosted a number of dignitaries and A-list visitors over the years. Located on a hillside with un-spoilt views of the valley and boasting some ten acres of manicured gardens as well as pristine bushveld, the sprawling property is a balm for the city-weary soul.
Contact
access 45 minutes drive from Pretoria
Mount Grace Country House and Spa • Call: +27 14 577 5600 • E-mail: reservations@mountgrace.co.za • Website: www.mountgrace.co.za
WiFi
Universal AC
Spa/Pool/Gym
Smoking Rooms
Disabled Access
Room Service
Child-Friendly
Guided Drive/Walk
Air-conditioning
Malaria-Free
Conferencing Facilities
Wheelchair-friendly
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Restaurant Guide
Bosman’s Grande Roche Hotel
An aura of timeless elegance sets the tone for Bosman's Restaurant at the five-star Grande Roche Hotel, where fine dining and attentive service are the order of the day. Situated in the Manor House at the Grande Roche Hotel in the Paarl Winelands, this 70-seater restaurant and terrace has a multitude of awards to its name including being listed as one of the top ten restaurants in South Africa, as well as one of the top 100 restaurants in the world. These richly-deserved accolades are recognition of the superb harmony of flavours and textures that are the hallmark of a truly magnificent dining experience combined with unsurpassable service and spectacular views across the Paarl Valley.
Contact
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Bosman's Grande Roche Hotel, Paarl Winelands • Call: +27 21 863 5100 • Email: reserve@granderoche.co.za • Website: www.granderoche.com
The Blue Train
access 50-minute drive from Cape Town
Restaurant Guide
Dutch East Franschhoek
The menu of homely but stylish Dutch East Restaurant is inspired by the seasons, combining local produce with eastern flavours. Dutch East Restaurant serves a variety of simple, eastern-inspired dishes. Head Chef Pasch du Plooy was introduced to eastern ingredients, flavours and combinations at a very young age. Later on he started to incorporate these ingredients into his style of cooking. Techniques like pickling and searing, as well as ingredients such as soy mirin and sesame have become staples in his kitchen. This makes for an eclectic and exciting dining experience in the heart of Franschhoek.
Contact
access One hour drive from Cape Town
Dutch East Restaurant – Franschhoek • Call: +27 21 876 3547 • Email: info@dutcheast.co.za • Website: www.dutcheast.co.za
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History
In the Tracks of a
Legend The History of The Blue Train
For over half a century, The Blue Train in South Africa has enjoyed an international reputation as one of the world’s pre-eminent travelling experiences. Officially named The Blue Train in 1946, the train’s predecessors trace their history to the 1890s and the discovery of diamonds and gold. Text & Images: © The Blue Train
For the empire builders of old, the unchartered African interior was the landscape of a dream in the making. A dream that would etch its course in parallel lines that snaked their way northward from the Atlantic shoreline, conquering the distance from Cape Town to Cairo. This dream was not to be, as the Great African Railway reached only as far as a bridge across the gorge of the Zambezi River, overlooking the thundering smoke of the Victoria Falls. But in the fading years of the 19th century, the discovery of gold and diamonds drew thousands to the edge of the continent, and those lines of tempered steel began to bear the burden of industry, commerce, and society on the move. Soon, as the moneyed classes made their presence felt, the network added leisure travel to its list of duties, and in the slipstream of leisure came luxury. The Union Limited and the Union Express, ferrying passengers between the mailships of Cape Town harbour and the goldfields of the Witwatersrand, were the standardbearers of steam-powered opulence in the easy-living heyday of the 1920s, boasting everything from card tables to hot and cold water on tap. A coat of royal blue and cream would later give the trains their distinctive livery, and it was from this line, in these shades, that The Blue Train – a “Palace on Wheels” – would ride the rails to legendary status. Withdrawn from service during the dark days of World War Two, extensively refurbished and modernised in the seventies and nineties, The Blue Train went on to define a new era of luxury travel, making the switch from steam to electric and diesel, linking veld to sea, and tradition to progress, with a sense of style, grace, and mesmerising power that have never come close to being matched.
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History
Keeping Up With Technology From the Age of Steam to the Age of the Internet, The Blue Train has kept on track with ever-changing technology. In the process, it has lost none of the charm that anchors it to a bygone era. In its earliest incarnation, as a direct descendant of the Union Limited and Union Express that plied their way between Johannesburg and the Cape coast, The Blue Train thundered down the rails at the command of a mighty steam locomotive. A wisp of romance still lingers from that coal-fired era, clouding the memory of an energy source that proved to be less powerful, less efficient, and far more difficult to maintain than its whisper-quiet replacement. Today, the dual Blue Train sets, differentiated only by their number of suites and the option of a Conference Car that doubles as an Observation Lounge, are hauled by a fleet of diesel or electric locomotives. Whatever the motive, The Blue Train glides through the countryside at a maximum service speed of 90 km/h, ensuring that the noise level of 55 decibels, somewhere between the sound of soft rainfall and normal conversation, is never exceeded. Inter-suite sealing ensures utter privacy for guests. In the world of ever-shrinking boundaries, ever-intensifying demands, rail travel in the grand old tradition has become a luxury in itself. The luxury of time: time to indulge, time to reflect, time to savour sights, sounds, senses and sensations. You’ll feel it from the moment you step into your suite, transformed by a magical act of alchemy from an elegant, spacious lounge by day, into a sanctuary of comfort and slumber by night. Bringing together cultures and travellers from across the globe, The Blue Train is an exclusive society on the move – one that will undoubtedly prevail for years to come. n
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Train Layout
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