Premier | June 2011

Premier Comp lim e n ta r y M a gaz i n e fo r t he Di s cer ni ng Tr avel l er

The Cars of James Bond

Ultimate Bachelor Pads

Medjumbe Private Island Resort

Porsche 911 GT3

Kievits Kroon Spa

Mercedes CL65 AMG

Durban July

Toys for Boys

Chef Chris Augustyn

Premier Boardroom

Located at OR Tambo Airport, this new venue offers you relief from the task of finding a meeting space at the airport, or driving through horrendous Johannesburg traffic to reach your meeting venue on time! The versatile boardroom can be used either as a full 20-seater venue or split into two seperate 10-seater meeting rooms. We also offer three different conferencing packages to suit your budget and style.

We look forward to hosting your next meeting!

Contact Natelie on 011 390 1080 w w w. c o m f o r t g u a r a n t e e d . c o. z a

contents

All of the James Bond cars, much like their driver, are known for their class and wild performance

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Features 36 40 48 52 76

The Cars of James Bond Photographer Preyen Moodley The Ultimate Man Toys SA’s Finest Bachelor Pads The Annual Durban Boat Show

Travel 44 56 62 66 70 82

Medjumbe Private Resort Kievits Kroon Hotel & Spa AtholPlace Boutique Hotel Jock Safari Lodge Samsonite’s Luggage Guide 48 Hours in Durban

Business

24 64 74

Bidvest’s Charles Drewe Advertising Legend Andy Rice EWC CEO Vernon Rawstorne

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June 2011

The limited edition 911 is painted white as standard and emphasises its motor racing heritage with its dynamic appearance

Indulgence 72 80

Shelley Point’s Chris Augustyn Sommelier

Motoring 58 78

Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0 Mercedes CL65 AMG

Regular

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12 14 16 20 22 26 28 30 32 34 84 86 88

Letter from the Editor Letter from the Managing Director Point Taken Comfort Zone Lounge News This is the Life Have Passport, Will Travel Not Necessarily the News The New Black Technophilia Compulsory Reading Worth Watching And Another Thing

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Editor

Letter from the Deidre Theron-Loots

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“It is important that we know where we come from, because if you do not know where you come from, then you don’t know where you are, and if you don’t know where you are, you don’t know where you’re going. And if you don’t know where you’re going, you’re probably going wrong.”

– Terry Pratchett

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any people pay little more attention to their heritage than simply knowing where they were born. Having traced my lineage back to Nîmes in France, and having always been aware of my French heritage has shaped who I am.

But, in today’s modern world everyone seems to have become nomadic, quite willing to swop one culture for a new one. Perhaps one day we will all claim simply to be ‘citizens of the world’ and sadly, we may well lose our unique cultural rituals and celebrations.

France is a very special place to me, and it should be – it is in my genes (along with a spatter of Khoisan, and who knows what else). Knowing my heritage means that every time I travel to France with my family, I can revel in all aspects of my French heritage. Every part of this frequent pilgrimage thrills and delights me. It is a chance to partake of the food I love, and to speak a language that I adore but don’t have many opportunities to use. From being among the native pedestrians walking the streets to inhaling the sweet smell of spring as I look over the hills and fields of the vast countryside, France is a balm to my soul.

But knowing where I come from is just one part. Knowing where I am is equally important. Although I wholeheartedly embrace my French heritage, I am a South African.

My ancestors settled here more than three centuries ago and I have never considered this beautiful country as anything other than my home.

May this set the tone for your Father’s Day celebrations by not only celebrating the living, but also those who went before you. Take the time to learn about your heritage, even if it’s not as outlandish as mine. You may just be surprised and a little encouraged because knowing where you come from determines where you’re going…

Hamba Kahle. Mooi loop. Travel well.

Deidre

Premier PUBLISHER Bernard Hellberg bernie@tcbgroup.co.za EDITOR Deidre Theron-Loots deidre@tcbgroup.co.za MANAGING EDITOR Nicola Weir nicola@tcbgroup.co.za DESIGN & LAYOUT Aneska Meintjes aneska@virtualdavinci.co.za MEDIA TRAFFIC Okkie Meintjes okkie@tcbgroup.co.za National Sales Manager Estelle van der Westhuizen +27 84 821 7257 estellevdw@tcbgroup.co.za

Letter from the

Managing Director

Charles Drewe

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ell, the voting is over and I hope everyone is happy with the new political landscape and that service delivery problems and protests will soon be a thing of the past! Speaking of service delivery, I am delighted to report that we are working very hard in all of our lounges across the country to ensure that what we deliver complements our newly refurbished products as we roll them out.

Now for a progress report on our current big project – the enlarging and revamping of our flagship international Bidvest Premier Lounge at OR Tambo.

This lounge had been unchanged since 2001 and certainly needed upgrading and enlarging! Phase one required the stripping down and complete refurbishment of the old SAA lounge next door, which we have taken over. This phase has now been completed and was opened at the beginning of June and, if I may say so myself, is looking marvellous!

We have now closed the old Premier Lounge, which we are stripping and refurbishing. At the end of July we will demolish the wall between them creating our new 400-seater flagship lounge! In the meantime, we do ask you all to bear with us for any slight inconveniences you may encounter over the next month or so.

The completed lounge will include, inter alia, sleeping areas, a smoking lounge,

Premier

improved food and beverage services, facilities for the disabled, showers, eastern facilities and advanced internet capabilities.

On 10th May we held a “sneak preview” of the new lounge and we invited our loyal airline partners to this “hard hat” event so that all could see a glimpse of what was coming in the future. Light snacks and refreshments were served and it gave us a great opportunity to show off some of our proposed food and beverage offerings.

It was also a wonderful opportunity for me to properly introduce myself to those I had not already met and to discuss all the new developments taking place in Bidvest Premier Lounge.

The mini-refurbishment at Cape Town International Bidvest Premier Lounge, which essentially entails replacing much of the furniture and re-covering the rest, is progressing well. All the plans have been approved and we are now working flat out to complete this project by the end of June, in anticipation of an increase in international flights to Cape Town later in the year.

Have a great month and travel safely!

Until we talk again, enjoy the lounge!

Charles

Cape SALES MANAGER Nikki de Lange +27 21 903 1721 nikki.sales@tcbgroup.co.za SALES EXECUTIVES Bryan Kayavhu, Bernard Hellberg, Jeanette Gosling, Robyn Shillaw-Botha REPRODUCTION Virtual Da Vinci Creative Room +27 12 425 5800 info@virtualdavinci.co.za www.virtualdavinci.co.za CONTRIBUTORS TO THIS ISSUE Charles Drewe, Deidre Theron-Loots, Nicola Weir, Jacqueline Cochrane, Michael Vlismas, Lara Potgieter, Neil Grant, Bernard K Hellberg, Lesley Stones, Bronwyn Burns, Damon Boyd, Stuart Wainwright, Finweek, Preyen Moodley, The Mantis Collection, Creative Events, Kamini Pather, Karin Panaino Petersen, Signature Hotels IMAGES © iStockphoto.com PRINTING Business Print Centre, Pretoria AFRICAN SPIRIT MEDIA / TCB GROUP Pretoria 343 Lynnwood Road, Lynnwood, Pretoria, 0081 Tel: 021 876 3137 Fax: 0866 790 006 Franschhoek Oak Lodge 50B, Village Artisan, 69 Cabrière Street, Franschhoek, 7690 Tel: 0861 THE MAG (843 624) Fax: +27 12 362 0605 mail@tcbgroup.co.za www.tcbgroup.co.za PREMIER LOUNGE Head Office: +27 11 390 8660 Customer Care: 0861 BIDAIR (243 247) rosalynb@bidair.co.za www.bidvestlounge.co.za Premier magazine is published monthly by African Spirit Media, part of the TCB Group, on behalf of BIDAir Hospitality, part of the BIDVest Group. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of African Spirit Media, the TCB Group, BIDAir Hospitality, BIDVest, or any of the subsidiaries of the aforementioned companies, their strategic partners or 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 Editor.

Submissions of articles and photographs for publication are welcomed, but the publisher, while exercising all reasonable care, cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. Please ensure that all material is sent by email to editor@tcbgroup.co.za.

Copyright © 2011. All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to African Spirit Media, part of the TCB Group, and/or the individual contributors. All rights reserved.

point taken

Letters from our Guests Hi Charles I note in your publication that you have recently assumed the hot seat of managing the lounges. I would like to congratulate you and Bidvest on the quality of these lounges. In the last month I have used your lounges at ORTIA, Durban, Cape Town, PE and East London. They provide an excellent space for working or just relaxing. When you can read the paper, get a drink and a snack - within these lounges, travel becomes tolerable. I wish you well in your role and look forward to hours of peace and quiet in your lounges in the future.

Kind regards, Rob

Dear Charles I have received cour tesy and good service from your Bidair Hospitality lounge at George airpor t and thought to tell you what a good show Rosalind Piejus and her team run there. It is always a pleasure to visit the George Premier Lounge.

All the best, Philip

after visiting the lounges as much as I have, I am finally taking the time to write toyou.

I would like to compliment not only the lounge,the friendly staff and the food but also, specifically,your Premier publication Compliments & Complaints Please contact our customer care line 0861 BIDAIR (0861 243 247) www.bidvestlounge.co.za

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We Value Your Feedback Premier

Dear Charles I recently visited the Premier Lounge at OR Tambo and accidentally left the power cable for my laptop behind. I would like to take a moment to send you and your staff this thank you note for your time and effort in delivering my power cable to my offices in Johannesburg.

Yours sincerely, Gavin

Dear Charles Due to work commitments, I travel often and frequently make use of Premier Lounge facilities all over South Africa, thanks to my Diners Club membership. We so often forget to make time to provide feedback when we receive good service and so now, after visiting the lounges as much as I have, I am finally taking the time to write to you.

I would like to compliment not only the lounge, the friendly staff and the food but also, specifically, your Premier publication. I always find it to be an enjoyable read and take it with me when I do not have time to read it in the lounge.

Sincerely, Margot

comfort zone

the food is lovingly prepared by a team of enthusiastic chefettes who continually seek to surprise their guests with new gastronomic delights.

The Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town Those who have had the opportunity to discover the Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town will know that the lounge offers an oasis of calm amidst the chaos of a busy airport hub; a doorway to comfort amidst the endlessly frenetic rush of travel. For those who have yet to visit, we offer a glimpse into the experience that awaits...

Text & Image: © Jacqueline Cochrane

Consistently Friendly Frequent visitors to the Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town are accustomed to being greeted and hosted by a complement of staff members who display consistent friendliness and professionalism.

But those who experience the lounge for the first time often find themselves struck by the warmth of the smiles that welcome them, and the efficiency with which staff duties are performed. Whether as members or walk-in visitors, gaining access to the lounge is a simple process for all who cross its threshold. The check-in process establishes a level of effortless enjoyment – one that is maintained for the duration of the visitor’s stay.

Comfort Food

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Far more than just the stuff of basic sustenance and survival, food has the power to delight, soothe, and create a sense of true home-away-from-home comfort. The fare on offer at the Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town manages to fulfil this purpose. Displayed in a way that naturally choreographs the ebb and flow of snackseeking guests, the food is lovingly prepared by a team of enthusiastic chefettes who continually seek to surprise their guests with new gastronomic delights. From pain au chocolat that oozes indulgence to the crisp and healthy goodness of an array of Premier

fresh fruit, there is something on the menu to satisfy even the most finicky of palates.

Complemented by a variety of beverages – from light alcoholic drinks to hot drinks like tea, coffee and hot chocolate – the culinary element is an integral part of the Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town experience.

Keeping You Entertained Not all travellers come armed with a selection of reading material, sometimes much to their own regret and boredom.

Thankfully, this is never a problem at the Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town. Here, an array of carefully chosen magazines – from business publications, to lifestyle reads, to the Premier Lounges’ very own Premier magazine – will keep the desire to indulge in some insightful literature well satisfied. For those weary travellers who prefer some audio-visual stimulation, large-screen television sets are located throughout the lounge. Scared you’ll miss that major news happening as it breaks – or simply wanting to see what the weather’s doing? International news channels will keep you constantly updated and abreast of what’s happening while you wait for your flight.

Business to Business For many businesspeople, travel is a necessary evil. Leisure tourists often like to

savour every moment of the travel process as part of their holiday – but for the business traveller, time spent in queues and in transit often means precious minutes and hours wasted. The Domestic Bidvest Premier Lounge Cape Town understands this frustration, and offers many amenities to ensure the squandering of valuable business hours is kept to a minimum. Not only is there free wi-fi that allows constant access to the Internet, but smartly designed work spaces mean that travellers can enter the lounge, choose a spot, plug in their laptops and get straight back to checking their emails. Discreet nooks mean that business calls can also be made and taken in complete privacy.

Ambient Enjoyment In addition to their culinar y offerings, business amenities and ever-friendly staff members, the lounge offers all those little things that ensure an experience of utter comfor t. Easily accessible showers mean that tired travellers can refresh in time for the meeting waiting on the other side, and sumptuous seating arrangements ensure true relaxation. And for those who simply like to sit back and enjoy the experience, the view of the runway will restore a sense of childlike wonder at the sight of aeroplanes taking off and landing.

lounge news

Airline Partners enjoy a Preview of

New OR Tambo International Lounge The newly refurbished OR Tambo International Premier Lounge is set to open in late August 2011. A ‘sneak peak’ was held recently for Premier Lounge airline partners, who were shown just what to expect when the lounge is completed. The expansive 400-seater lounge will become the flagship lounge of Bidvest Premier Lounges and will offer visitors sleeping areas, a smoking lounge, improved food and beverage services, facilities for the disabled, showers, eastern facilities and advanced internet capabilities.

A lounge of this size, boasting such an array of amenities and services, will offer travellers an unmatched lounge experience. For more information on the Bidvest Premier Lounges, visit www.bidvestlounge.co.za.

Silverspoon

Nominations to be finalised in June

It is time once again for the annual Silverspoon awards, and to recognise members of Premier Lounge staff who have really gone the extra mile for their guests. All Silverspoon nominations must be submitted to the Premier Lounge HR department by the end of June. The winners will be selected from these nominations by a peer committee, after which the top three candidates in each category are invited to the award ceremony that will be held in August. The winners and runners-up in each category are announced on the awards evening. The categories for nomination are Best Housekeeping, Best Chefette, Best Receptionist, Best Lounge Manager and Best Lounge.

Breathing New Life into

OR Tambo Domestic Lounge The OR Tambo Domestic Premier Lounge is under new management and the dynamic Carlene Bourne is already making her mark! She joined the OR Tambo Domestic Lounge in February this year, bringing with her several years of both local and international hospitality experience. She has already wowed guests with the excellent service at the Lounge and, together with her team, has plans to take their hospitality to new levels, saying: “Our goal for the lounge is to make it a top-notch domestic lounge. We would like to make it the lounge you want to be a part of when you travel. One of our main aims is to bring in good food and beverage delivery and great facilities for your comfort and convenience.”

To most, he has just been a new name or face on the company website, until now. Damon Boyd sat down with Charles to get acquainted with the man who is now the MD of Bidvest Premier Lounge.

Text: Damon Boyd • Image: © Jacqueline Cochrane

Q:You’ve got nine premier lounges across the country.That equals a lot of travel. Don’t you get scared the more you’re in the air?

A: You know it’s funny. I’ve spent the last seven years of my life up in the clouds and I’ve never got over my fear of flying. I don’t hate flying; it’s just that I always tense up on take-off and landing. The average person has a hundred-thousandth chance of being involved in a crash, but when you fly as much as I do, the odds…well.

Q:Yet, you must feel quite nomadic nowadays…

A: Too true. In my last job I travelled for business to almost every continent every year except for Antarctica. Travelling is in my blood so this kind of business is ideally suited to my very being, and as long as I’ve got a great home base to come back to, then I’m all for getting out and about.

Q: And the new places you’ve been opened up to?

A: Well, in this job I’ve been fortunate to experience George for the first time. It’s now one of my favourite spots.

Q:This kind of work deals with high-end clientele. With all the travel and hobnobbing, are you still humble?

Meeting 24

the New MD Premier

A: Yes, both humble and down to earth.

People that think business travel is glamorous haven’t done enough of it. Business travel on this scale takes hard work and dedication.

Q:You’ve also had to ride through this industry’s ups and downs.You must have a strong survival instinct…

A: Yes, especially for people who get to my age. It’s a challenge, for sure, but I love it.The busier I am, the happier I am. But, as with all things, keeping up and remaining relevant can take its toll.

I picked a career in hotel management, something completely opposite of what I always wanted to do. It was an act of rebellion, a joke, really, but here I sit, 28 years later, and I don’t regret a thing.

Q: Do you ever get depressed?

A: [laughs]…I do get depressed, but it’s pretty short-lived. I’m a solutions man, so whenever it feels as though things are getting pretty intense, I sit down, think it through and then get cracking.

Q: So then, what makes you happy?

A: Family. I know it’s the stock answer, but we’re really close, really diverse, coming from all parts of the world, and it’s the three of us, my wife, my son and I. No matter what happens, my family is the most important thing.

Q: What did you start out as?

A: You won’t believe this, but I started out as a farmer. I grew up in Zimbabwe on a farm close to the Mozambican border, and all my early life I was being groomed for farming. I was even accepted to university to complete a bachelor of science in agriculture, but there was a war going on, way before the farm invasions of the ’90s, and the government had to move us off the farm for safety reasons. I was disillusioned.

I picked a career in hotel management, something completely opposite of what I always wanted to do. It was an act of rebellion, a joke, really, but here I sit, 28 years later, and I don’t regret a thing.

Q: Is character as important as skill?

A: In my opinion, character outweighs skill.

In the service industry you can train and hone people’s skill, but it is very difficult to change that person’s character. I believe that if you’ve got the right attitude, the rest can be learnt.

Q: Do you think you’ve been lucky?

A: Yes, absolutely. I’ve had a very diverse life.

I’ve travelled all over the globe. My ambition has always been to see every country in the world in my lifetime – I’m on about 45 countries at the moment. I’ve been married

to Hana for 24 years and we have a fantastic son, Michael. I’ve dealt with every challenge in such a way that they’ve turned out to be opportunities.

Q: Aren’t you frightened of anything?

opportunity, it’s all there on a silver platter, but we keep getting in the way of our own success.

Q: What’s the worst thing about getting older?

Q: Do you ever think about death?

A: It’s all those aches and pains…[laughs]…

Look, I don’t feel any older mentally, but my frustration with age comes up when I see the requirements for those Contiki tours.

There it says, in the pamphlet ‘18 to 30’, and that is the biggest regret of being older now.

A: [laughs]…Well, at 30-thousand feet in heavy turbulence, my mind does get to thinking…

Q: So, at the age that you are now, what is it that you still don’t understand?

Q: Are you a good cook?

A: Hey, I’m a sales and operations person, but I still don’t get finance.

A: Honestly? I am. I wake up some mornings and just feel like hiding. In a job like this there is huge responsibility – to company and to staff. But I tend to turn all my worries into positives.

A: I think I’m a good cook. I might not be a great cook, but I love cooking. No matter my stress, no matter how tired I am, for me cooking is the complete way to relax.

Q: What business philosophy have you brought to the Bidvest Premier Lounge umbrella?

A: I hope I’ve brought personality, character and experience. We are spending an enormous amount of money on refurbishing our product, so that our guests can have the best.

Q: What is the one thing that would surprise our readers about you?

A: Most people won’t know this, but I only knew my wife for 10 days before I asked her to marry me. We’ve been together ever since. She’s from Czech Republic, and in the beginning her written English was better than her spoken English, so we used to write to each other with a dictionary in between us. That was our way of talking…

Q: What do you dislike?

A: What really winds me up is corruption.

We have this amazing country, with all this

Q: What are you going to do when you retire?

A: I’ve seen so many people retire at 65 then fade away. I think retiring should mean slowing down to the speed that you feel most comfortable with. I have a dream of going to my family’s village in England, living in a cottage and running the pub.

Q:Your worst habit?

A: I would say wine, but that’s not bad is it? No, I’m joking. I would say that my worst habit is not listening. I have to keep reminding myself to listen more and talk less. They always say: you’ve got two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you talk.

Q: On the subject of talking… are you good at telling lies?

A: I’m a marketing person, so I prefer the word ‘spin’. Can I leave it at that? [laughs]

Q: And your personal motto…?

A: Enjoy yourself while you can. Make use of every opportunity. Don’t put off anything till next year, because, who knows? You might not be around…

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June 2011

this is the life

Johnny Clegg Live at the Lyric Theatre

A Day at the Races Johnny Clegg will return from a sell-out tour of the USA and Canada to perform at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City on Friday, 10th June at 20h30 and Saturday, 11th June at 20h00. He will be performing his anthemic hits that have made him a musical icon, from Impi to Scatterlings of Africa, African Sky Blue and Asimbonanga to name a few. Book your ticket at Computicket, Shoprite or Checkers as he will be performing two shows only!

To book your ticket visit www.computicket. com or call 083 915 8000. Prices range from R161 to R263.

2011 Knysna

It sneaks up on you and spreads like wildfire soon to engulf the entire country. It is the annual outbreak of “July Fever”, which makes its regular appearance in mid-April and grows in intensity as the days pass, becoming a national epidemic and immune to all cures but one. That cure will become available on 2nd July 2011 at Greyville Racecourse in Durban, when South Africa’s best thoroughbreds storm down the home straight to the finish of the R3 million, Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July. For most, there is nothing better than to be at the heart of the excitement, among the crowds who line the track, who relax in the many restaurant facilities or enjoy the day as guests in the corporate suites and the numerous venues in Greyville’s legendary Marquee Village. A variety of packages are also available in hospitality areas and these should be secured in advance. Over 50 000 people are expected on course with millions of others around the country taking serious bets. For hospitality information, call Event World on +27 31 309 5522. For more information, visit www.vodacomdurbanjuly.com.

Oyster Festival

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Guaranteeing you and your family the best 10 days of your winter in South Africa, the 28th Pick ‘n Pay Knysna Oyster Festival takes place from 1st to 10th July in the picturesque Garden Route town of Knysna. Attracting more than 65 000 sporting enthusiasts, families, food and wine lovers, and adrenalin junkies, the festival offers something for everyone from running, cycling, golfing, bowling and adventure racing to wine and whiskey tastings, cooking competitions, food and wine pairings, gala evenings, live music, a specialised children’s programme and, of course, not to forgot the oysters! A highlight of the festival is The Big 5 Challenge, in which competitors are put to the ultimate test participating in five gruelling events, including the Pick ‘n Pay Weekend Argus Rotary Knysna Cycle Tour, mountain bike and road race events. And this is all in addition to the main reason for the festival – the oysters! With over 200 000 oysters shucked, dressed and swallowed during the festival – it is 10 days of pure oyster indulgence. For more information visit www.oysterfestival.co.za or call Knysna Tourism on +27 44 382 5510.

Premier

have passport, will travel

The Edge of Paradise

The Grande Provence Big 5 MS Luncheon Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate in Franschhoek will once again host its 5th Multiple Sclerosis ‘Big 5’ fundraiser luncheon on 29th May 2011.

Five leading Executive Chefs, headed up by Grande Provence’s Executive Chef Darren Roberts, will be preparing 5 incredible courses, while guests will enjoy 5 performances by local artists, and stand the chance of winning 5 magnificent auction prizes and 5 fantastic raffle items on the day.

Tickets cost R1,100 per person and the full ticket price goes directly to MS Western Cape. To make your reservation, contact Grande Provence Wine Estate +27 21 876 8600 or email reservations@grandeprovence.co.za.

Ideal Winter Packages at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

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Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is offering an ideal winter warming package, comprising a delectable fondue, spa, dinner, bed and breakfast pamper package, including sherry served on arrival and a delectable 2-course dinner for two, served in The Terrace Restaurant, complete with fireplace and overlooking the winter gardens. After dinner, guests are invited to sip sherry while enjoying a romantic chocolate fondue for two served in the privacy of their luxurious suite in front of the fireplace. After waking up at their leisure for breakfast served in The Terrace Restaurant, guests will experience a pamper treatment in the exotic Fairlawns Bali-style spa, which includes an aromatic steam session and a back, neck and shoulder hot stone massage.This package is available at R1950 per person sharing per night, and is valid until 31st August 2011. For more information, call +27 11 804 2540/1/2/3.

Premier

Long Beach is a major new resort that has just opened on the east coast of Mauritius. It brings carefree piazza-style living to the longest and widest stretch of white-sand coastline of any Mauritian resort.

Beyond the beach, the tropical lagoon, with its crystal clear blue waters and rare coral formations, is a snorkelling paradise. The focus of the resort’s layout and its life is the urban-style piazza with restaurants, shops and bars. Architecture brings tropical interpretations to contemporary urban themes, softened by natural forms, local detailing and materials. Buildings integrate with the resort’s extensive, lush tropical gardens. A unique architectural feature is the adjustable “wind breaks” that modulate the offshore breezes. Long Beach is being developed by Sun Resorts, which also owns and operates Sugar Beach and La Pirogue, sister resorts on the west coast. Sun Resorts’ five-star properties are Le Touessrok on the east coast of Mauritius and Kanuhura in the Maldives. For more information, visit www.longbeachmauritius.com or www.wlh.co.za.

Warm Yourself this Winter at Clico Boutique Guesthouse Clico is an established 5-star guesthouse, offering chic accommodation and divine dining as well as versatile conference and events facilities. Non-residing guests dine by appointment, sharing their penchant for scrumptious food and wine pairing, including molecular gastronomy, with overnight guests, many of whom are regular visitors to this delightful boutique establishment. Clico will be offering a delectable winter dining and small function menu in celebration of achieving 5-star status late last year, including a Winter Fondue Feast until August 2011 with overnight accommodation packages that include gourmet dining options and food and wine pairings. Chef Sean Ackermann wows guests with his exciting molecular wizardry in the kitchen – some conference and events guests in fact insist he provides a demonstration of his ‘smoke and mirrors’ molecular acumen! For more information, call +27 11 252 3300 or visit www.clicoguesthouse.com.

Chef Sean Ackermann wows guests with his exciting molecular wizardry in the kitchen

138 Marine Beachfront Indaba Travel Show Winner 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse in Hermanus, Western Cape, has won the prestigious South African Tourism Welcome Award (2010/2011) for Service Excellence in the Accommodation sub-category Guesthouses/B&B’s/Country Lodges. 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse offers luxury accommodation with spectacular seafront views of Walker Bay. Situated only five minutes from the Hermanus town centre, one can enjoy magnificent views of the whales and spectacular sunsets over the ocean from the five designer suites or terrace. Immaculate attention to detail has been paid in the superbly stylish décor and the five luxurious designer suites are individually fitted with all modern comforts, meeting international standards. Renowned for warm and welcoming staff and service, this 4-star luxury beach house balances sophisticated elegance perfectly with an informal atmosphere. For more information, visit www.138marine.co.za.

enjoy magnificent views of the whales and spectacular sunsets over the ocean

Let’s Do Tea The perfect excuse to take time out for an hour or two, One&Only Cape Town Afternoon Tea is a decadent daily event where piles of impossibly delicate pastries, savoury bites and sweet indulgences set the tone. Executive Pastry Chef Rene Simatos and her team of passionate sugarsmiths and bakers start from early each morning to prepare the lavish buffetstyle Afternoon Tea. Each afternoon sees an oversized table in the Vista Lounge dressed with a colourful array of macaroons in an astonishing assortment of flavours, including just-baked cakes and tartlets, savoury finger sandwiches and an assortment of chocolate delights. Afternoon tea is served from 14h30 to 17h30 daily. Catering for up to 100 guests is available in the Vista Lounge. Advance booking is requested. For more information, call +27 21 431 4511 or email restaurantreservations@oneandonlycapetown.com.

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June 2011

not necessarily the news

New Cafe Blend from

Espresso Concepts

Warm away the winter blues with new Café Blend from Espresso Concepts. The newest addition to their range of over thirty coffee blends is a full-bodied coffee with a great chocolate aftertaste. Espresso Concepts are a local specialty coffee roaster with over 26 years experience in small batch roasting. They supply premium coffee and coffee equipment to the hospitality industry and home users nationwide. Only top grade beans are used for individual flavour, fragrance and taste. Espresso Concepts is available at selected restaurants, delis and shops nationwide. For your local stockist or further queries contact +27 11 300 990, or to order online visit www.coffee.co.za.

Belvedere Vodka:

The World’s First Super-Premium Vodkateambuilding experience

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Belvedere represents the pinnacle of the Polish vodkamaking tradition. Distilled exclusively from the finest 100% Dankowskie Gold Rye and quadruple-distilled to create the perfect balance of character and purity, Belvedere Vodka is the true expression of luxury vodka. Completely additive-free and diluted with water from Belvedere’s own artesian well, this is a vodka that combines over 600 years of vodka producing expertise with an uncompromising commitment to quality and heritage. On the nose you can pick up a faint hint of vanilla along with gentle characteristics of soft cream. It is full and round on the palate with medium body and a naturally smooth, rich and velvety texture. Some light vanilla notes sway between sweet and savoury, with a hint of white pepper and spice. It has a long finish with notes of almond, clotted cream and some faint Brazil nut characteristics. For more information please visit Belvedere SA’s blogsite, Facebook and Twitter pages.

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Minotti Presents

Design Identity The collection “Minotti Design Identity 2011”, designed by Rodolfo Dordoni, is now available. Offering sofas, tables, coffee tables, armchairs, chairs, beds and accessories, this collection expresses all the character of the Minotti brand, hence its title – “Design Identity”. One look at the collection and you immediately understand why such a weighty, and true word was chosen: identity. The reason lies in the lines drawn by Rodolfo Dordoni, in the consistency and strength of his designs.

Minotti products are available at Limeline Design in Cape Town. Limeline has established itself as South Africa’s leading distributor of top European furniture brands and products, and secured exclusive rights to many of Europe’s best brands. Lemeez Bardien, stylist and showroom manager for Limeline in Cape Town, can fully assist you in making the correct decisions when it comes to choosing original, high-end, quality furniture. Visit www.limeline.co.za for more information.

Individual

Inspiration

Firepetals was established in 2005 and is the creative collaboration between art jewellers Adi Cloete and Adeline Joubert.

Their work reflects creative design and excellent craftsmanship. Materials used include silver, gold, platinum, gemstones, diamonds and wood. They create distinctive individual works of art, from alternative wedding rings to their personally inspired pieces. Firepetals also create unique and exciting men’s jewellery like ebony rings and funky cufflinks.

Firepetals hand-crafts art jewellery with the individual in mind and their work has a contemporary South African flair. For more information call + 27 21 447 2025 or visit www.firepetals.com.

Regional semi-finalists named for

Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award Fashion design students basked in the limelight at the regional judging of the Vodacom Durban July Young Designer Award storyboards. The lavish assortment of storyboards received from design technikons, colleges and universities exceeded all expectations as designers gracefully tackled this year’s Vodacom Durban July theme “A Right Royal Affair”. Each student was required to design a race day ensemble that is stylish, fashionable and encompasses the spirit of the Vodacom Durban July.

The finalists will be selected from the regional finals in the last week of May and will go on to compete in the national finals in Durban on 15th and 17th July at Greyville Racecourse.The overall winner will be announced on the day of the Vodacom Durban July in Durban on 2nd July, and will win a prize including a five-day trip to London to attend the 2012 Graduate Fashion Week, R10,000 in cash from Vodacom as well as additional prizes still under consideration. The college represented by the winner will also receive R30,000 from Vodacom. Visit www.vodacomdurbanjuly.com for more information.

Val de Vie Estate introduces

Ryk Neethling to their wine portfolio Five-time Olympic finalist and one of the most successful international swimmers in history, Ryk Neethling, has joined the ranks of winemakers, creating his own unique blend for Val de Vie’s signature Rhône portfolio. Very aware of what makes wine great and what gives it the perfect balance and the right finesse, Ryk was guided by Harold Versfeld, Val de Vie’s winemaker, in creating his own unique wine blend, spending hours meticulously tasting and mixing and matching until they reached a flawless blend that was Ryk’s perfect wine. In keeping with Val de Vie’s varietals the wine is a Rhône blend, made up of cultivars such as Syrah, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsaut. The Ryk Neethling is a fruitdriven and elegant wine and is medium to full-bodied, fitting in perfectly between the Val de Vie Shiraz and the Polo Club Red. For more information, visit www.valdevie.co.za.

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June 2011

the new black

Patek Philippe introduces

a new Modern Classic

Vacheron Constantin’s Quai de l’Ile

Collection

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The resolutely contemporary Quai de l’Ile collection launched

by Vacheron Constantin has now been enriched with a Retrograde Annual Calendar model. This complication is revealed through the new Vacheron Constantin Calibre 2460 QRA and is housed within a 43 mm case, offering unique opportunities for personalisation.

This Retrograde Annual Calendar incorporates new dial variations featuring alternating vertical satin-brushed and opaline finishing versions that are now available for all models in the Quai de l’Ile collection. Clothed in pink or white gold – or both if the customer so wishes – this model with its dynamic lines houses a new mechanical selfwinding complicated movement designed, developed and crafted by Vacheron Constantin: Calibre 2460 QRA, bearing the prestigious Hallmark of Geneva.

This calibre incorporates two expressions of technical mastery: the annual calendar combined with a retrograde date display. To locate a dealer, visit www.vacheron-constantin.com.

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The new manually wound men’s chronograph is a highly anticipated addition to the Patek Philippe collection. Styled in a yellow-gold case, with the classic round Calatrava style and rectangular pushers, the design is reminiscent of Patek Philippe’s 1940s chronographs, which rank among the most coveted treasures at auctions. The silvery white dial, hour, minute, and second hands are crafted from yellow gold to match the hour markers and Roman numerals.The logarithmic pulsimeter scale on the outermost perimeter is calibrated to 15 heartbeats, revisiting the traditional doctor’s watch. As befits the heritage of Patek Philippe, the CH 29-535 PS caliber is not only extremely precise and reliable, it is also a masterpiece of aesthetics and supreme workmanship. It has strikingly elegant form parts and old-style bridges that are painstakingly chamfered, polished, and decorated with Geneva striping. Every surface, no matter how small, is finished in numerous consecutive steps, in most cases by hand. Patek Philippe timepieces are exclusively available at The Watch and Jewellery Gallery, located at Shop 33, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg. For more information please call +27 11 7842587 or visit www.patek.com.

For Cosmopolites and Frequent Fliers:

A. Lange & Söhne’s Saxonia Dual Time For anyone who travels frequently or who often needs to communicate with people elsewhere in the world, the display of a second time zone is a truly useful complication. The Saxonia Dual Time presents a new paragon of convenience when it comes to setting the time for a second zone: when its owner makes the transition from one time zone to another, the solid-gold hour hand that indicates local time can be incremented or decremented in one-hour steps. This is done simply by actuating one of the two push pieces located at 8 and 10 o’clock in the left-hand case flank.

When the upper push piece is pressed once, the hour hand advances by one hour.

When the lower one is actuated, the hour hand jumps anti-clockwise, again in one-hour steps.The progression of the minute hand is not affected by this operation. It is synchronised with home time and always tells the owner whether it’s day or night at home.To locate a dealer, visit www.alange-soehne.com.

technophilia

RIM Introduces New BlackBerry Smartphones

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Alienware Redefines Mobile Gaming

The high-performance BlackBerry Bold 9900 and 9930 smartphones feature a stunning and iconic design that integrates an incredibly easy-to-use BlackBerry keyboard with a brilliant, high resolution, capacitive touch screen. These exceptional smartphones are built on a new, performance-driven platform powered by the BlackBerry® 7 operating system and designed to deliver the ultimate in communications, multimedia and productivity for users around the world. They are also the thinnest BlackBerry smartphones yet, at only 10.5mm. These BlackBerry Bold smartphones feature a 1.2 GHz processor, Liquid Graphics™ touch screen and support for high speed 4G/HSPA+ wide area wireless networks. The Liquid Graphics touch screen, delivers fast, smooth performance for highly responsive touch-based navigation, web browsing, pictures, video and graphics intensive games.

They both also support up to 720p HD video recording and playback. For additional information please visit www.blackberry.com/touchbold.

Logging Mileage Just Got Easier

Alienware is redefining mobile gaming with three new, all-powerful laptops, including the soon to be released flagship laptop, the M18x, which lays claim to the title of “most powerful 18-inch gaming laptop in the universe.” It is perfect for gamers who want to compromise nothing for blistering frame rates and full immersion in the gaming experience. With Wireless HD and 3D options, as well as HDMI-in, the M18x allows gamers a no-holds-barred gaming machine capable of meeting even the most grueling demands of today’s gamer, delivering gaming content when and where gamers need it. It boasts an 18.4-inch FHD WLED 1080p display for the best visuals possible enhanced by Dual GPU options with the fastest graphics memory (GDDR5) on all graphics options. It offers both AMD and NVIDIA graphics options, in Crossfire X and SLI, respectively and new Intel “Huron River” Architecture with a new factory overclocked Intel Core i7 Extreme Quad Core processor up to 4GHz. For more information visit www.alienware.com.

Premier

Do you need to record your business mileage for SARS or your Employer? Do you need to manage your staff movements? Little LogBook effortlessly keeps a detailed log book of your business mileage in order to claim for a travel allowance.This inexpensive stand alone product offers you the perfect solution to these requiremens. Your Little LogBook GPS trip logger plugs into your cigarette lighter and tracks and records your mileage each time you turn your car on and off. Instinctive software then enables you to personalise your destination and allocate your travel to business or personal with the click of a mouse.

With Little LogBook, life just got easier, just plug in and go! Order online at www.littlelogbook.co.za

SMS & WIN Premier is giving away a Little Logbook package to one lucky reader! To win SMS your NAME and the words PREMIER LOGBOOK to 35131.Terms and conditions apply.

Competition closes 30th June 2011.

Brace Yourself The Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport combines state-of-the-art technology and the beauty of a convertible. Extreme precision and meticulous care for detail were the governing principles followed by the designers and engineers as they created the Grand Sport. This maxim of perfection found its expression in the car’s technology: the Grand Sport’s engine, drive, and brakes all deliver superlatives in performance, acceleration, and deceleration. The choice of materials is another indicator of Bugatti’s discerning standards: titanium, carbon fibre, magnesium, aluminium – each component is made of the material with the lowest weight and the highest level of functionality.

This is also true for the chassis safety features. The Grand Sport’s body consists of a carbon fibre monocoque suspended from an aluminium frame in the front and a carbon fibre/stainless steel frame in the rear. In assembly, too, perfection is the guiding principle: the Grand Sport is manufactured lovingly and meticulously by hand. This guarantees that precise care is given even to the tiniest details.The Grand Sport boasts a power output of 736 kW, cylinder capacity of 7993 cm3, a 7 gear DSG gearbox and the ability to go from 0-100 km/h in less than 2,7 sec.

Origin PC Launches First Laptop Overclocked to 4.5GHz

Novitech Creates World’s Most Powerful and Fastest Alfa Romeo The most powerful and fastest street-legal Alfa Romeo of all time has been created by Novitec, the world leader in tuning automobiles from Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia.The maximum rated power output of 600 hp/441 kW is available at 7,300 rpm. Peak torque jumps to 588 Nm at 5,400 rpm. This elevates driving performance to a level never before attained by a street-legal Alfa Romeo: the sprint from rest to 100 km/h is shortened to just 3.9 seconds. Top speed increases from standard 290 km/h to 305 km/h.The optional stainless-steel sport exhaust system benefits more than just power yield. The integrated flap system varies the exhaust note depending on engine speed from sport to race mode.

The exhaust system with its four tailpipes is designed to perfectly fit into the standard cutouts in the rear apron. A custom-tailored tire/wheel combination with 21’ and 22’ diameters and a height-adjustable sport suspension has also been added. Upon customer request Novitec personalises the cockpit of the 8C with exclusive appointments made from the finest leather and Alcantara in any desired color.

Origin PC has announced the availability of overclocked processors in the EON17-S. Featuring 2nd generation INTEL “Sandybridge” processors and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 485M graphics cards, the laptops are the most powerful Origin laptops available with mobile processors. Turbo Boost technology allowed Origin engineers to successfully increase the speed and power of the processor without impacting system stability or longevity. Among others, the key features of the EON17-S include 2nd Generation Intel Core i5 or i7 Processors, overclocking up to 4.5GHz with Turbo Boost on Core i7 Extreme Edition processors, four Memory Slots for up to 32GB Dual Channel DDR3 1333Mhz or 16GB Dual Channel DDR3 1600MHz and HDMI Out; Optical Digital Out, up to 7.1 HD Audio with THX TruStudio support. They also feature a 17.3 Full HD Widescreen, with LED Backlit, 16.9 and 1080p resolution. EON17-S laptops with overclocking are fully covered by Origin’s unsurpassed warranty featuring free part replacement, free shipping, and free lifetime support.

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June 2011

2006 Casino Royale Aston Martin DBS V12

It’s what makes our

Bond so special Ian Fleming is quoted as saying: “I wanted the simplest, dullest, plainest-sounding name I could find, ‘James Bond’ was much better than something more interesting, like ‘Peregrine Carruthers.’ Exotic things would happen to and around him, but he would be a neutral figure.” Undoubtedly some of that splendour has come in the form of the vehicles that now play such an integral role in any Bond film.

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Text: Stuart Wainright • Images: © Aston martin, Lotus, Ford & iStockphoto.com

Premier

T

he 22 Bond films that have been released have raked in over 84-billion Rand (inflation adjusted), making it easily the highest grossing film series ever produced. It is not surprising then that these films have seen some of the most beautiful and extravagant vehicles known to man. All of the James Bond cars, much like their driver, are known for their class and wild performance.

The importance of a Bond car, however, is not limited to its onscreen pizzazz. Entire vehicle launches have been timed according to premier dates, model sales figures have skyrocketed, world records have been

broken during filming, and worldwide cult followings have developed.

The marketing power of any association to Agent 007 cannot be underestimated.

No other film has had such a powerful and long-term affect on motoring offscreen. But this has not happened without considerable care and investment. The choice of every vehicle has been carefully aligned to the character and lifestyle of James Bond. He has an appreciation of all that is beautiful, fast and expensive. All that he chooses oozes sophistication and sex appeal. After all, how else is he going to get Bond girls like Ursula Andress to undress?

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June 2011

1964 Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5

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A host of stolen, borrowed and commandeered hovercraft, busses, Russian tanks, moon buggies, helicopters, aeroplanes, superbikes, gondolas, submarines, cruiseships, jet-skis, zeppelins, armoured trains, oil tankers, hot air balloons, Thai tuk-tuk taxis, a space shuttle, speedboats and dirt-bikes may not do the trick, so MI6 felt it appropriate to hand over a few prized specimen vehicles to Bond from time to time.

A quick recap of Bond’s 11, evercapable, company-issued “run around” models is in order. While the first two Bond films were humble in their choice of cars, making use of relatively common vehicles, it all took a very sudden change for the wonderful when Sean Connery drove the Aston Martin DB5 in the 1964 film Goldfinger. The car, while it may have meant the world to Bond, wasn’t enough for the producers of the film. The car was laden with gadgets that were capable of dispatching the most menacing of foes at the flick of a switch, including machine guns, oil slick dispensers, smoke screens, and of course the unforgettable passenger ejector seat. As iconic as this car is, the “Silver Birch” DB5 is the only car that MI6 has ever given to Bond that doesn’t feature rockets as standard from the secret service workshop.

Next in line for Bond was the Aston Martin DBS. The significance of the change in model here was roughly as significant as changing the model names from DB5 to DBS. Premier

Despite Fleming suggesting that the name “James” was a more suitable choice over “Peregrine”, perhaps “Penguin Bond” would have been more appropriate for the 1977 The Spy who Loved Me, as Bond ventured beyond land in his spirited Lotus Esprit, into the depths of the sea.

As Roger Moore ramped off a pier into the water, he picked off enemies with a combination of surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes and depth charges, before, in typical Bond style, surfacing on a busy beach, and driving off seemingly oblivious to the miraculous scene just prior.

Almost as if the Lotus had had enough of the Bond treatment, it committed carcareer suicide, as its self-destruct feature was enabled by villains early on in For Your Eyes Only, making way for the Esprit Turbo as Bond’s upgrade.

Exit Lotus and cue the return of the mighty Aston Martin V8 Vantage Volante for The Living Daylights film.

The Aston also came with a self destruct feature (this time more carefully managed) and a host of toys that would undoubtedly prove very handy in rush hour on your morning drive to work. It featured bulletproof screens, laser-guided missiles, rocket boosters for those open freeway stretches, and Ben Hur-styled tyre slashers.

While Bond has driven a range of vehicles, he remains patriotic, always driving the best that Britain has to offer.

Lotus and Aston Martin clearly set the

No other film has had such a powerful and long-term affect on motoring offscreen. The choice of every vehicle has been carefully aligned to the character and lifestyle of James Bond. He has an appreciation of all that is beautiful, fast and expensive.

1969 On Her Majesty’s Secret Service Aston Martin DBS

1977 The Spy Who Loved Me Lotus Esprit

2008 Quantum of Solace Aston martin DBS V12

1995 Golden Eye BMW Z3

benchmark up until the 90s. Off-screen, the purchase of the Rover Group by the Bavarians suddenly made BMW a closeas-can-be-British option. Possibly MI6 was experiencing budget cuts?

BMW worked closely with producers, filming Golden Eye prior to the public launch of the much anticipated Z3. Absolute secrecy was ensured during filming, and not one picture was leaked to the public about the appearance of the vehicle. It was not until the night that Golden Eye premiered at cinemas that BMW revealed a number of Z3s for the public to gawk at in the metal.

The simultaneous release of the film and car proved to be a recipe for success for BMW and the relationship between Bond and BMW was quickly set. Tomorrow Never Dies, and The World is not Enough also featured BMWs of the two and fourwheeled kind.

A seven series sedan, the 750il, was possibly the most boring vehicle in appearance that was ever issued to Bond.

It is the only four-door that was ever given to Bond. So boring in fact, that the vehicle is actually seen being fetched from a car rental service.

However, the fact that it had four doors was cleverly used in the film, as this vehicle was modified to be driven via Bond’s cell phone, which he then proceeded to

1971 Diamonds are Forever Ford Mustang Mach1 V12

do from the backseat. A feat that would have been difficult in any of his previous, two-door vehicles!

Pleasing to note here, that Bond had the decency to return the rental car, by driving it off a roof, to land on the rental agency offices. Rather kind of him.

The final BMW issue was the beautiful Z8.

Fitted with state-of-the-art titanium armour, the vehicle was as close to indestructible as possible. I say it WAS, because it was then sliced into two by a villain’s helicopter.

After 40 years of Bond service, 2002 saw the return of Aston Martin to the MI6 garage, in the form of a not-too-unsightly camouflaged Vanquish. Again, with a full tank of gadgetry and guns, and ample amounts of sexy curves.

Daniel Craig has certainly had a tough time with the filming of Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace as he has been issued the V12 DBS. Arguably the most beautiful car in production with its sapphire starter button, it didn’t need MI6 tinkering to make it any better. Surely it’s as good as motoring gets?

During the filming of Casino Royale, the DBS earned itself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, by even crashing with grace, completing 7 cannon roles before coming to a dead stop. Unintentional on the par t of the producers, but nobody complained.

During the filming of Casino Royale, the DBS earned itself a place in the Guinness Book of World Records, completing 7 cannon roles before coming to a dead stop.

Also unintentional, in the 1971 Diamonds are Forever, while Sean Connery makes a get away in a Ford Mustang, he flips the car up onto its two side wheels in order to squeeze through a tight alley, only to be filmed coming out of the alley on the opposite two wheels It appears as if the budget knows no bounds when it comes to making sure the car is right for Bond. To the extent that Toyota cut the roof off of its prized 1967 2000 GT, all because Sean Connery is too tall to fit inside the coupé comfortably.

If ever you doubt the cult following that Bond cars have created, consider this: one of the modified DB5s used for filming was recently sold for £2.6million. That specific car was originally sold for £5,000 in 1970.

Still wondering if it’s worth paying attention to the cars Bond drives?

Fleming may have wanted neutrality from Bond, but nothing around him is. The tricks, treats, action and jaw-dropping good looks of the Bond cars have earned these movie props more screen time than many actors could dream of. Screen time in the greatest movie series produced that has made these mere objects, characters in their own right.

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June 2011

Beauty 40

in a Single Frame

Premier

Preyen Moodley, of Loop Photo, is a young photographer with an exceptional eye for fine form. His appreciation for things with intrinsic beauty is seen in his work that seems to capture the prowess and poise of his subject. It almost feels as though he sees the power that lies within beauty and aims to extract that feeling from the scenes that he creates.

Text: Kamini Pather • Images: Š Preyen Moodley

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June 2011

B

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orn in Durban, but travelling to both Johannesburg, and more regularly to Cape Town, Preyen has etched his niche into the photography scene as a talent who produces exceptionally lit imagery with an elegant and naturally perfected quality. Interestingly, Preyen is a self-taught photographer. His tech-savvy side has allowed him to master the art of post-production, while his artistic wiles give him the freedom to work toward his expressive goals.

Premier

His technique resembles that of a puppeteer or orchestral conductor By simply keeping his eyes open, Preyen gathers inspiration for his shoots. He often takes long drives just to see what’s out there. Once he sees a fence with character, a weathered wall or a cluster of rocks on the beach, he moves the pieces around until the shot becomes real in his mind’s eye. His technique resembles that of a puppeteer or orchestral conductor who understands the par ts of the whole before putting it all together.

Once he sees a fence with character, a weathered wall or a cluster of rocks on the beach, he moves the pieces around until the shot becomes real in his mind’s eye.

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June 2011

Medjumbe

Enthusiastic about Luxury “We act as though comfort and luxury were the chief requirements in life, when all that we need to make us really happy is something to be enthusiastic about.” – Charles Kingsley Text: Karin Panaino Petersen • Images: © Rani Resorts

I

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f this famous quote makes the assumption that enthusiasm, comfort and luxury are not mutually inclusive then it is a tragedy that the author lived a century or two too early to experience the indulgence of a stay on the private Indian Ocean island of Medjumbe.

Viewed from the small aircraft, chartered from Pemba in northern Mozambique, to the island, Medjumbe reveals itself unexpectedly amid the azure blue waters of the Quirimbas archipelago. The element of surprise is innate to the journey, as this treasure of an island is barely a kilometre long at high tide, and a few hundred metres in width, making it difficult to spot until moments before your skilful pilot’s short and delicate touchdown.

And the personal touchdown remains delicate as the surrounding fresh ocean air embraces all senses while they struggle Premier

to absorb that this picture-perfect tropical island is not an illusion. With nothing except wind-assisted birds in sight for hundreds of miles and a translucent ocean stroking the soft blanched sands in front of the luxurious palm thatched chalets, holiday nirvana has been reached.

Mindful of its size and guests’ needs for the privacy required to make this the ultimate breakaway experience, Rani Resorts has limited accommodation to 13 beach chalets, artfully situated along an extended, winding pathway, to ensure absolute privacy and a sense of delicious solitude.

Guests can mould their stay into an exclusive experience of their choosing.

Medjumbe is, after all, about little more than a series of choices: whether to relax or be active, to be social or enjoy some rare seclusion, whether to shower inside

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June 2011

With so many ocean crannies in the area still to be explored, guests may end up having their dive site finds being named after them.

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or outside, whether to sunbathe on your private deck or on the beach, whether to cool off in the endless aquamarine ocean, the sparkling waters of the communal pool or in your private deck pool…to have cocktails before the huge, plump crayfish, or after.

For those who cannot shake their attachment to a busy lifestyle, there are myriad activities from which to choose.

Snorkelling around the island is a delight and scuba aficionados will quickly discover why this part of the Quirimbas is a secret, only shared by word of privileged mouth.

With many coves still unexplored, any diver’s sense of wonder will be heightened by regular encounters with marine life as diverse as turtles, Moray eels, Pufferfish, Clownfish, Sting rays and dolphins. PADI instructors and dive masters are on hand to guide guests through Neptune’s garden, at all levels of proficiency, from novice to know-it-all.

Reef sharks, snappers and Unicorn fish lie waiting in coves as deep as 40 metres, mystically named Sambi Sambi, the Cliffs of Premier

Insanity and the Edge of Reason. With so many ocean crannies in the area still to be explored, guests may end up having their dive site finds being named after them.

Other aquatic pursuits on offer at Medjumbe include kayaking, windsurfing, water skiing, tubing or gently taking in the ocean air aboard a traditional Mozambican dhow: dolphins at starboard, barracuda at port, indulgence at the helm and paradise all around.

It seems almost sinful, however, to be so active on this little stretch of beached tranquillity where gentle meanders around the shore reveal all manner of delights – from the endlessly changing moods of the sky to picture-perfect shells dotted around the shore and silhouetted sunset views of the resident birds coming in from their day’s labour. The living on Medjumbe is easy and the professional staff make sure that it is deceptively so.

Travellers accustomed to 5-star treatment will find the experience refreshing and not just because of the ar tfully mixed cocktails, served beside a to-die-for view

across the endlessly lulling drift of the ocean. The freshness is in the way that the island staff manage to be ever present and yet hardly noticeable, dutiful without being servile and warmly welcoming without being intrusive. And then there’s the food! How the chef and his team manage to constantly enthral guests with their fare, remains a mystery considering that most of the victuals are flown in, over several thousand miles, from South Africa.

There’s no telling as breakfast’s lightas-air croissants segue into lunchtime’s boulevard-style salads and dinner’s smorgasbord of fresh seafood, with all the trimmings the imagination could conjure, for a complete island experience.

Yes, Charles Kingsley, modern-day, privileged travellers have something about which to be enthusiastic – it’s the Medjumbe Private Island experience: it oozes comfort and defines luxury.

For more information, call + 27 11 658 0633 or 0861 77 RANI (SA Only), email info@raniresorts.com or visit www.raniresorts.com.

The Ultimate

Man-toys There are some things in life that will make a man’s heart ache or give him that tingly feeling in his toes – things that women will rarely understand. Those things are man-toys. Nothing gives a man greater joy than the opportunity to get his hands on a chunk of metal that goes extremely fast, is excessively loud or that sparkles with a price tag that says: I have arrived.

As the saying goes, all that glitters is not gold – some things are even better, but of course they probably require all the gold you’ve got.

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Text: Bronwyn Burns • Images: © Gulfstream, Harley Davidson, Rolex, BMW Design USA

Premier

Born to be wild Just as Elvis will always be the King of Rock, Harley-Davidson will always be the king of motorbikes. Unlike any other major brand of bike, there’s a certain something about Harley-Davidsons that sets them apart. It could be the distinctive sound of a Harley V-Twin engine through straight pipes at full throttle, but perhaps it is also the glamorised culture of Harley-Davidson, the mystique that you can only grasp when you own one yourself.

Of course, the American way will always be bigger is better and that is what HarleyDavidson is after with their all-new Road Glide Ultra. This man-toy is set to get you on the open road, and who cares if it is a road to nowhere, it is the ride that counts.

As one of Harley’s top-flight baggers, the 2011 FLTRU Road Glide Ultra is said to combine the light handling and windsplitting aerodynamics of a frame-mounted fairing with a full accompaniment of touring features such as the spacious saddlebags and Tour Pak for the long-distance rider and his passenger.

If you indulge in the Road Glide Ultra, you will be treated to reshaped seats for added comfort perfect for those all-day excursions you only ever dreamed about.

The sculpted saddles offer additional lower back support, and a narrower forward section makes it easier for riders to place their feet firmly on the road when at a standstill, leaving no room to lose balance and look a fool in front of the ladies.

A well-chosen soundtrack blaring the classic rock hits Born to be Wild and Bad to the Bone is a must for long-haul riding on this Harley, because audio acoustics are improved with the Harman Kardon Advanced Audio System and the placement of two speakers in the frame-mounted fairing, and two on the Tour Pak assembly.

Other comfort features can be found in the Road Glide Ultra’s vented fairing lowers, passenger backrest and electronic cruise control, plus there’s an intercom system so you can link to your passenger while cruising the miles.

On the flip side, if you are after that original 70s low-slung look for street riding, the Dyna Wide Glide is Harley’s old-school gem. It was re-introduced in 2010 and the latest FXDWG Dyna Wide Glide motorcycle is all about the “sit low and stretch out” attitude. The lowered suspension, drag bars and forward foot controls give its rider that classic Harley profile. Its retro styling has a

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such as air intakes in stainless steel and the bow, characterised by defined angles, that bring a strong presence to the boat.

The portholes of the Intermarine 55 are integrated into the large trapezoid-shaped windows, which allow for more visibility in the interiors, besides bringing outstanding beauty and character to the new model.

And, as a final touch, the unique personality of the boat is bolstered by feature lines in the hull that bring the elements of BMW automotive to the nautical world. Who wouldn’t want an upgrade of this sort?

Gleam of a Rolex comparatively retro price tag, yet the bike has a lot more to offer than looks alone.The Wide Glide sports a chopped rear fender, black rims on 40-spoke laced wheels, a black tank console, “Tommy Gun” exhaust, beefy, raked-out forks and a swept back sissy bar.

Throw in the spirit of the early choppers with old-school flames and any thought of a domesticated life flies off like dust behind its wheels.

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If you have been thinking you would like to get more out of your BMW but you are not quite sure exactly what, let the Bavarian car marker answer for you: “A spacious BMW that comfortably seats six people, has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and stunning views of the open sea.”

You may think, three bedrooms could be a little awkward for a car, but BMW’s latest creation is most definitely not a car.

It is called the Intermarine 55 and it is a luxurious 57-foot long motorised yacht, designed by BMW’s US design subsidiary, BMW Group DesignworksUSA, for the leading Brazilian shipbuilder Intermarine, a renowned connoisseur brand with a rich history of super-yachts.

You will have to clear your calendar and schedule in a last-minute getaway to South America, as the elegant, powerful and refined Intermarine 55 is due to hit the waters next month.

The BMW brand has always been about status, and this jewel is no different. It was conceptualised to provide balance for day and night use – making the most of the deck for guests to enjoy Brazil’s outdoor climate as well as an excellent internal arrangement including a salon, galley, three cabins and two bathrooms. It caters for six people and, of course, one sailor, presumably to do all Premier

the hard work for you.

The interior of the Intermarine 55 is inspired by an “open horizons” theme, which is geared at maximising space for open transitions and legroom. The salon entrance has a wide opening via three door panels, which offers perfect integration with the stern area.

The big windows in the salon, cabins and even in the bathrooms allow an all-round open view of the sea, bringing in full natural light. One of DesignworksUSA’s fantastic deviations from the norm is the shape of all the hull side windows. There is no circular or oval porthole like those traditionally used in boats – and any BMW owner loves discovering that little differentiator that sets their new toy apart from the rest. There is no mistaking the BMW detail in aspects

Given that an ultra-rare, oversized stainless steel Rolex just set a new world record for the most expensive Rolex ever to be sold at auction, it seems Rolex still has centre stage in the time keeping industry.

The rare chronograph, which was made in 1942, fetched $1.16 million at the Christie’s Important Watches Sale in Geneva last month because it remains the only split seconds chronograph wristwatch ever crafted by Rolex and it was never made available to the public. Only 12 were ever produced, of which only eight are still in existence. This is the first Rolex ever to crack the million-dollar mark.

The chronographs were produced exclusively as gifts to famous racing drivers in Italy and the UK in the early 1940s, such as Stefano La Motta, who raced the legendary Ferrari 166S Spyder and needed to keep track of his lap times.

Rolex had been associated with motorsports since the 1930s and this tradition is carried on today by the iconic Daytona. Perhaps even more prestigious, Rolex remains the official timekeeper of Wimbledon.

No other watch brand garners such recognition and attention. Rolex watches have earned this reputation from achieving a long list of “firsts” in the watch industry spanning back over 100 years. Rolex sponsored Sir Malcolm Campbell, who became the first person to drive an automobile over 300 miles per hour in 1935 while wearing a Rolex on his wrist. The first wristwatch with an automatically changing date on the dial was the Rolex Datejust in 1945. In 1953 Rolex introduced their most popular watch, the Oyster Perpetual Submariner, which was the first watch to be rated as water-resistant to 100 metres. The list goes on.

There is no question that Rolex watches

have continuously set the standard for precision, performance and reliability.

However, if you want to experience that standard firsthand, it comes with a price. As the saying goes, “It is the price of their toys that distinguishes men from boys.”

Rolex has three watch lines: the Oyster Perpetual, the Professional and the dressy classic Cellini. The Oyster has become an archetype, the most legendary of the brand.

Which is why the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Explorer is perhaps the ultimate man-toy – not because of size, but precisely because it is not a big chunky machine. It suggests an understated style and a professional stance, yet it has the kind of bold adventurous spirit of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay – and, as you may know, it was the Rolex Explorer that conquered the highest peak with them.

To pay tribute to this pioneering work, Rolex has redesigned and developed the Oyster Perpetual Explorer II, released in 2011, as the successor to the original Rolex Explorer. It is the Oyster casing that makes this particular model even more desirable. There are just a handful of people in the world who are allowed inside a Rolex Oyster. Hermetically sealed to the case with a massive torque of five Newton metres, the back of any Oyster creates an environment that protects the inner workings from shock, pressure, dust, water and any other intrusive element.

The Explorer brings out the adventurer in any man and becomes a prized possession to be worn with confidence and esteem.

High flyer The life of luxury surely begins and ends with a private jet – the secret yearning of every successful businessman. What more could money buy? The private jet is the apex of the rich and famous, and yet another ultimate man-toy.

The award-winning Gulfstream G550 may not be the largest, nor the fastest, and most likely not the most luxurious of private jets, but it is far from lacking when it comes to space, speed, and splurge.

You could in fact call it the Rolls-Royce of jets, particularly since it is powered by Rolls-Royce BR710 turbofan engines and is capable of reaching up to Mach .885, a speed that will get you to any destination promptly.

While it is not the fastest jet in the air, it does have some accolades to boast about: the G550 set a non-stop city-pair aviation record

in travelling from Seoul in South Korea to Orlando in Florida, US, in 14.5 hours. The G550 went on to set 40 city-to-city records in its first five years of flight.

If there is one thing that would ruffle your feathers on board your premier aircraft, it would be unwanted stops en route to your business meeting in Japan. Fortunately, one of the most appealing aspects of the G550 is its ability to get you quite literally halfway around the world without requiring a refuel.

It has a range of 6,750 nautical miles (or 12,500 km) at long-range cruising speed.

The cabin aboard the G550 combines productivity with exceptional comfort.

Granted, the G550 is no Boeing 787, but it certainly is not a Cessna either. It features four distinct living areas, three temperature zones, and a choice of 12 floor plan configurations with seating for up to 18 passengers. While airtime comfort is the foremost concern, maintaining contact with the home office is easy with a host of communication features: a fax machine (despite seeming somewhat archaic), a printer, a wireless local area network, internet and satellite communications.

While you could cer tainly spend more on a private jet, you probably wouldn’t find the G550’s combination of practicality and beauty anywhere else.

And if you really would like to invest just a small por tion of your pocket, from 2012 the new Gulfstream 650 will whisk you from Johannesburg to New York in a time wor thy of the glorious Concorde.

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One & Only

Michaelangelo Towers 15 Views

One & Only

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One & Only

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15 Views

Heap Top of the

SA’ Finest Bachelor Pads

Lesley Stones introduces South Africa’s top three bachelor pads, each more exclusive than the last. If you are a man about town, needing to set yourself up for a while in the Mother City or on top of the City of Gold, you would be hard-pressed to do better than these three stylish locations.

Text: Lesley Stones • Images: © Legacy Hotels,The Bay Hotel,The One&Only

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f you’re a jetsetter with one night and R65,000 to spare, step right this way.

Welcome to the Cupola Suite, one of the finest bachelor pads in all of Africa.

It sits atop the Michelangelo Towers in Sandton, with views so far across Johannesburg that you can see Pretoria and the Magaliesberg too. If you tire of admiring the view, you can admire the interior décor of gold and silver leafing, then summon the butler to your three-storey, three-bedroom suite via your private lift, and ask him to prepare an in-suite cocktail party for your 50 closest friends.

“It’s the most amazing apartment in Africa,” says Mike Rowley, marketing manager for its owners, the Legacy Hotels Group. “It has the most amazing views, plus privacy and security so it attracts high-end businessmen, movie stars and musicians.”

Luxury living is clearly back in fashion, with numerous hotels now providing penthouse suites promising top-notch service and absolute seclusion for the wellheeled traveller.

If the Cupola is a bit too economical for

your taste, how about the Penthouse Suite at the One&Only hotel in Cape Town? For a cool R90,000 a night you can check into the same accommodation that Bill Clinton and U2 enjoyed. They weren’t there at the same time, of course, although it’s so big they probably wouldn’t have noticed.

“It’s the most valuable real estate in South Africa with the most incredible 360 degree views of Cape Town you’ve ever seen,” says One&Only’s marketing manager Ashleigh Lambert. A private lift makes the entrance highly discreet, which probably appeals to our government officials who have stayed there. It’s also popular with Saudi sheikhs who bring their families with them on business trips.

It’s vastly impressive without being intimidating, Lambert says, and appeals to individuals who value location and luxury above all else. “It’s probably a little more upmarket than something a bachelor would check into, although the US television programme, The Bachelor did film a couple of scenes here when they came to Cape Town,” she says.

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Michaelangelo Towers

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The penthouse has four en suite bedrooms including a Master Suite with his and her bathrooms, several lounges, a stylish study and dining room, state-ofthe-art kitchen, a temperature-controlled wine wall, walls hung with a collection of local art, a private gym and a large sauna.

You don’t get one swimming pool – you get two – set in an outside entertainment area where the wrap-around terrace gives panoramic views of Table Mountain, Robben Island and Green Point Stadium.

Perfect for hosting a cocktail party at sunset or a more intimate dinner for two. You can even request top chef Reuben Riffel to leave his post at Reuben’s Restaurant for a while to rustle up your supper.

Guests can also enjoy the One&Only’s swanky restaurants, socialise in the Vista Bar or sample rare vintages in the Wine Loft.

Alternatively, you could work off those indulgences in the spa and fitness centre under the watchful eye of a personal trainer.

Guests who aren’t flying solo but have children in tow can take them to the KidsOnly Club for supervised entertainment.

If this is the sort of style you crave all year round, the good news is that the One&Only has two similar penthouses for sale, so you could own your own slice of heaven instead of merely renting it.

They’re yours for between R95 million and R75 million.

Rugby fans may get a kick out of Premier

staying in the 15 Views Villa in Camps Bay, owned by retired Springboks hero Percy Montgomery. One wall is given over to rugby memorabilia, while the master bedroom has a glass wall with stunning views of the Twelve Apostles mountains.

“It’s in a premier spot in Camps Bay within walking distance of the beach and the Camps Bay strip,” says Carla October, reservations manager for the Bay Hotel, which manages the villa.

“You have the luxur y feeling of a hotel but it’s more private, and there’s an exclusive feel with facilities like a private Jacuzzi.”

The 15 Views is popular with men in their 30s and 40s who are travelling alone.

Men over 50 as well as single women tend to prefer staying in the Bay Hotel itself, October says.

Guests typically book for three or four nights, but often extend their stay once they realise how luxurious it is. It’s packed full of boy’s toys, of course, with wireless internet access, a flat screen TV, satellite TV, a DVD player and hi-fi system. At night, the base of the bed goes sci-fi and is lit up with a funky neon blue light.

More practical touches are the open-plan kitchen, spacious dining room and a lounge with white leather couches on an underheated porcelain floor.

The hotel staff will even shop for you to pre-stock the apartment with your choice

of groceries and personal items. The 15 Views costs R2,300 a night in low season and R5,900 a night in peak season.

Back in Jo’burg, businessmen with slightly tighter wallets may prefer the Raphael Penthouse Suites in Sandton for a more modest R32,000 a month. They’re far from slumming it, of course, and the fact that there are 60 luxur y apar tments in the block confirms that this truly is big business.

Many were sold to private investors who rent them out through a central booking service. They are popular with companies that bring in staff for long-term placements, says Rowley of the Legacy Group, which developed these suites close to its Cupola Suite masterpiece.

People visiting South Africa for a nip and tuck of plastic surgery also enjoy the privacy that renting a suite offers, while businessmen from Dubai, India and Nigeria are other frequent guests.

The cost isn’t much higher than a hotel room, but the convenience of a study, meeting room and a kitchenette makes them extremely businesslike. Playboys popping in and out for a quickie tend to prefer a suite in the nearby Da Vinci Hotel, Rowley confides. The less racy Raphael Suites are not as iconic, but are more sophisticated and homely. “They’re for the guys who don’t really need to be seen,” Rowley says.

Where

Self-indulgence

is the Only Rule The Kievits Kroon Spa is designed for pure comfort and ultimate relaxation. With different areas of the spa dedicated to opportunities to treat yourself to quiet contemplation, rejuvenation and self-directed sauna, Swiss shower and Jacuzzi experiences, and therapists devoted to providing you with blissful treatments, selfindulgence is sure to take first priority. Welcome to a place where me, myself and I come in at number one.

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Text: Nicola Weir • Images: Š Kievits Kroon Hotel & Spa

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Kievits Kroon’s Decadent Winter Packages Let Kievits Kroon Spa warm you up this winter with their soothing winter spa packages.

The Decadent Spa Experiences Package and overnight True Romance Package offer guests several options, all focusing on comforting both body and mind.

Winter Decadent Spa Package: • R755 per person half day or R1055 per person full day* • Half or full-day decadent spa experience (guests’ choice from treatments below) • Delectable spa lunch • Use of spa facilities • Valid Monday to Thursday True Romance Package: • R1 495 per person sharing per night* • Half-day decadent spa experience (guests’ choice from treatments below) • Use of spa facilities • 5-course buffet dinner • Luxurious en suite accommodation • Breakfast

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he atmosphere of Kievits Kroon Spa makes an immediate impact on you from the moment you walk through the doors. The soft music that can be heard throughout the spa seems to complement the silence within, rather than compete with it and the soft lighting immediately starts to calm your senses. As you pour a glass of cold homemade iced tea, help yourself to some of the delicious treats and take a seat in the reception area with the company of your favourite magazine or newspaper and soon, your tapping foot will slow to a stop, your arms will uncross and all your worries will fade away.

After a tour of the facilities, and changing into your gown and slippers, you are led to the waiting area or relaxation lounge – a room designed exclusively to promote relaxation. Soft beds look over the pool and Jacuzzi area from where occasional sounds of water echoing through the windows can be heard. From here, one of the soft-spoken

therapists will fetch you and take you through to a treatment room where true bliss awaits you. The qualified therapists guide you through the entire spa experience, ensuring that you feel comfor table putting yourself and your relaxation in their hands.

The 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 that make use of premium products such as Moya and Theravine but if you really want to make the most of this spa, choose one of the specially designed packages, ranging from half-day to full-day treatment combinations.

For more information, or make a reservation, call +27 12 808 0150 or visit www.kievitskroon.co.za.

Snowbush & Spice: Heat up and relax your muscles with a Cape Snowbush hot stone full body massage. Then let the earthy, woody aroma of cinnamon soothe your soul while enjoying the cinnamon boutique facial. Complete the package with a hot oil Cape Snowbush scalp treatment that will leave you with radiant hair.

Mocha Marvels: Start with a Zinziba full-body exfoliation, followed by a divine chocolate body wrap and Zinziba full-body massage using rungu sticks. The smooth, heavy feel of the rungu sticks ensure that you get a deep, stimulating massage.

Cape May Comfort: The shiatsu pressure point massage focuses on therapeutic pressure points in order to relax the entire body.The Cape May used in your full-body aromatherapy massage soothes aches and pains, as well as dry, lacklustre skin. The citrus flavours of our ginger and orange hand and foot scrub will leave you revitalised and with soft, glowing skin. *These packages are valid until 31st August 2011and booking is essential.

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Time to

Salivate The Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0

It is difficult to imagine that one of the world’s greatest automotive engineers – Ferdinand Porsche – could have produced this string of iconic products with only the most elementary tertiary education.

Text: Bernard K Hellberg • Images: © Porsche

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orn on 3 September 1875, Ferdinand Porsche is also credited with the design of the world’s first hybrid vehicle (petrol-electric), as well as the VW Beetle. Other iconic creations from the fertile mind of this gifted engineer included the Tiger tank, which saw service in WW II, as well as the fabulous Mercedes-Benz SS/SSK. Although he died in Stuttgart in 1951, Ferdinand Porsche will be remembered and celebrated for the extensive range of sports cars, racing cars and also the Cayenne and Panamera vehicles that proudly carry the Porsche badge.

And just when Porsche enthusiasts are beginning to think that things cannot get even better, the limited edition 911 GT3 RS 4.0 makes its appearance. Limited to 600 vehicles, this stunning newcomer brings

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together in a road car all the attributes that have made the Porsche 911 GT3 a serial winner on the racetrack.

The flat engine’s crankshaft has been lifted unchanged from the RSR racing car’s six-cylinder engine and the connecting rods are fashioned from titanium – a clear indication that this Stuttgart-based company will continue to defend its racing heritage without disregarding its client base who insist on cars that are easy to drive on normal roads, but capable of thrashing the opposition on racetracks over weekends.

The 4-litre engine – the biggest ever produced for the 911 range – is also the most powerful normally aspirated engine produced by the company, with 92 kW per litre. It achieves this maximum power at 8,250 revolutions per minute. It is also able to produce an incredible 460 Nm of torque at 5,750 rpm. Available exclusively with a six-speed sports transmission, the GT3 sprints to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and reaches 200 km/h in under 12 seconds.

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Outstanding driving dynamics are the fruit of meticulously coordinated details. In addition to using the suspension components typically encountered in motor racing, weight reduction is also of supreme importance. Equipped as standard with lightweight components such as bucket seats, bonnet and front wings made of carbon fibre, plastic rear windows and weight-optimised carpets, the two-seater’s ready-for-road weight is a mere 1,360 kilograms. This includes a full tank of fuel.

The limited edition 911 is painted white as standard and emphasises its motor racing heritage with its dynamic appearance. Trademark characteristics are the wide track, low vehicle position, large rear wing with adapted side plates, the central twin tailpipe and aerodynamically optimised body.

The market launch of the new Porsche 911 GT3 4.0 begins in Germany in July this year. No prices have been announced.

Available exclusively with a six-speed sports transmission, the gT3 sprints to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, and reaches 200 km/h in under 12 seconds.

Classic meets Contemporary Contemporary-classic glamour and understated elegance collide at AtholPlace boutique hotel to ensure a stay that is unforgettable.

AtholPlace is committed to ensuring the comfort of each guest, providing you with refreshingly personal service and attention to detail. At AtholPlace every guest can expect an unforgettable leisure experience in Johannesburg’s cosmopolitan heart.

Text & Images: © Signature Hotels

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he hotel was originally a 1970s thatch-and-wallpaper family home and Sumari Krige and husband Gerhard are responsible for having transformed the house into the haven it is today.Their hard work and determination to make it one of Johannesburg’s most sought after-hotels paid off. Before it had even been open for a year it was voted as one of Condé Nast USA’s Hot Hotels for 2009, and made the list of Top 100 Hotels in the World for Condé Nast Italy. Once you visit this unique property, the reasons behind this success become obvious.

From the moment they arrive, guests are invited to enjoy any one of the variety of facilities on offer, from the comfortably furnished library with built-in fireplace to the large swimming pool. The extensive and tranquil garden is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, before going over to the bar area for a pre-dinner drink.

Each of the stylish suites on offer has been individually decorated to give a sense of relaxed elegance.

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AtholPlace offers five superior suites, four deluxe suites and one mini deluxe suite. All 10 suites are individually designed, to provide guests with a quiet sanctuary.

Guests have a choice of twin beds (in four of the superior suites) or extra-length king-size beds. The large suites, all boast en suite bathrooms, and are extremely spacious – no suite is smaller than 50 square metres. Once the doors leading to out onto your own private balcony are opened, the space is enhanced making it feel as though your suite is never-ending.

One of AtholPlace’s style signatures is the fact that the beds are made up in crisp white percale Frette bed linen imported from Italy. Luxurious duck-down duvets and soft, silky cushions contribute to the experience of absolute comfort and luxury, as do the extra touches such as underfloor heating in the bathrooms and complimentary wireless internet.

All meals are prepared by an expert in-house chef. Sumptuous breakfasts, light lunches and dinners are served in

the elegant dining area with its adjoining lounge. In addition, guests have the option of dining outside under the trees in the tranquil seclusion of the landscaped garden.

In the evenings guests are invited to enjoy complimentary pre-dinner drinks and canapĂŠs, served in the library or lounge.The restaurant and service are exclusively for the use of AtholPlace guests and are not open to the public.

AtholPlace is situated only 30 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport and is within close proximity to Sandton Central, which offers world-class shopping and an abundance of restaurants, with something to suit everyone’s needs. Sandton City, Nelson Mandela Square and Village Walk are situated mere minutes away from the hotel.

The Sandton station of the Gautrain Metro is less than a kilometre from the hotel, and has a direct link to and from OR Tambo International Airport. Airport transfers are also available directly from AtholPlace.

For more information, call +27 11 783 3410 or visit www.atholplace.co.za.

The extensive and tranquil garden is the perfect place to unwind after a long day.

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Jock

of all trades Popular cinema and literature can be held to blame when it comes to the misguided glamorising of certain professions. For example, Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series bears little resemblance to the actual trade of financial journalism, aside from the occasional homicidal instinct experienced on deadline. So too with advertising: that fabled profession of flashy cars and all-night parties resulting in the marketing campaign of the decade.

Text: Svetlana Doneva • Image: © Finweek

‘I’m a strategist but I don’t have a strategy for myself’

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here’s a perception advertising is all about the sex, drugs and rock ’n roll. Sadly, that hasn’t always been my experience,” says Andy Rice about the mythical perks of the industry, in which he’s occupied various enviable positions, including head of strategy at Ogilvy, and founded one of South Africa’s leading branding consultancies – Yellowwood – which services blue chip clients such as BMW and Sasol.

At age 61, Rice is at turning point, having let go of operational control at Yellowwood last year in favour of public speaking on the brand-focused themes. He says he’s always been “fond of talking”.

Rice was born in “a little town north of London” and found himself in Johannesburg at age 22 following a trans-African road trip.

SA was intended to be a passing attraction as opposed to his final destination. Rice found a marketing job at the Johannesburg branch of German chemicals group Henkel.

Several years later he joined advertising heavyweight Ogilvy, then operating under a different incarnation.

Rice moved jobs and continents several times, ending up as head of strategy at Ogilvy in Johannesburg in 1991 and founding Yellowwood in 1994. Other achievements include a weekly radio slot on Talk Radio 702, media commentator on

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the industry and judging panel positions at the Loerie awards, the PRISM awards for public relations excellence and Finweek’s Tony Koenderman’s AdReview ranking programme, among others. He remains chairman of the board at Yellowwood responsible for attracting new business.

In person, Rice is charming and funny – an embodiment of that famous dry, selfdeprecating British humour. He’s almost enviably ageless, as men who tend to take the good and the bad in life with equal good humour tend to be.

“Many years ago – when I was still single in London – I was sitting opposite an extremely beautiful woman at a dinner par ty,” says Rice. “I asked her about her ambitions and she gave me a detailed life plan for the next 10 years. I found it all very unappealing and not at all sexy. I’m a strategist but I don’t have a strategy for myself. My planning horizon isn’t ver y long term.”

Rice is currently involved in the Jock of the Bushveld 3D animated film production – based on the much-loved South African story of a Staffordshire terrier runt which goes on to have a series of adventures with his owner in the African bush. It’s the first film of its kind to come out of SA and Rice is its full-time marketing director, looking after the character licensing of the film, which includes all manner of related

merchandising that frequently makes more money than box office revenues.

Production of Jock began three and a half years ago and is scheduled for (delayed) release later this year in both SA and the United States.

Vital Statistics: Date of birth: 28th March 1950.

Born: Radlett, England.

Lives in: Parkview, Johannesburg.

Education: MA (History and Economics) Cambridge University.

Marital status: Married to Bev. Children: Oscar, 19 (stepson), and Jonah, 12.

Copy courtesy of Finweek. Call 086 010 3911 to subscribe.

Celebrate the

Romance and Elegance of a Bygone Era

Before the turn of the century, the lure of gold brought men from all corners of the world to Southern Africa. Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, author of the animal classic, Jock of the Bushveld, was among these men.They passed through some of Africa’s most scenic untamed wilderness. It is in this area that Jock Safari Lodge is based, with its Southern boundary being the old wagon route from Delagoa Bay into the gold fields of the interior. Here, guests can relive one of South Africa’s cultural heritages through the story of Jock of the Bushveld while enjoying luxury accommodation in beautiful natural surroundings.

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Text & Images: © Mantis Collection

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ituated on 6,000 hectares of unspoiled land, Jock Safari Lodge is one of the very first privately owned five-star camps situated in the heart of the world famous Kruger National Park, with exclusive traversing rights in what is regarded as the best Big Five game viewing area in the reserve. The theme of this lodge is set by Jock of the Bushveld, an animal classic penned during South Africa’s first gold rush, and guests will be delighted to discover that many original mementos can be found at the main lodge.

Jock Safari Lodge reflects the elegance of this bygone era. With the Mitomeni and Biyamiti rivers forming a stunning backdrop, it offers a bushveld setting to behold in an area famed for its Big Five sightings. Besides offering wonderful views of the river bed and waterholes, the

careful screening of lush trees and reed walls ensures that each luxurious suite provides a sense of being alone in, and integrated with, the surrounding landscape.

Old world charm and modern amenities combine at the 12 individual thatched suites. Accommodation boasts private plunge pools, outdoor showers and a private ‘Sala’ that overlooks the river bed. Each suite is stylishly furnished with en suite bathrooms that feature a Victorian bath, and offer all the comforts one can expect from a five-star lodge.

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The nearby Little Jock is a three-suite stand-alone lodge that offers personal service in an intimate atmosphere. With only three suites, this lodge ensures that personal service remains a high priority at all times. Here guests can relax in the comfor t of the central lounge designed with large bay windows and enjoy both alfresco and indoor dining facilities, while your chef conjures up traditional dishes inspired by natural surroundings.

A personal game ranger takes care of all your game drives and bush encounters.

Every sound, scent, footprint or broken blade of grass is a sign waiting to be interpreted and understood. Daily guided game drives, frogging safaris and walks led by professional rangers offer close encounters with Africa’s wildlife. At dawn and dusk, guests are invited to follow paths through the bush to discover the mysteries of this unspoilt wilderness. Game drives can last up to three hours and are conducted twice a day in open vehicles.

Families travelling with children younger than six years old are offered game drives in a closed vehicle for safety reasons.

With an estimated 34 different species of amphibians found in the Kruger National Park, Jock Safari Lodge ranks as one of the best places for Frogging Safaris.

Guests will marvel at the kaleidoscope of colours and the chorus of sounds emitted by these tiny creatures, some no bigger Premier

The nearby Little Jock is a threesuite stand-alone lodge that offers personal service in an intimate atmosphere.

With only three suites, this lodge ensures that personal service remains a high priority at all times. than your thumb. Froggers are issued head-lights, nets and gumboots and set out after dark. Frogs are caught and identified, and then released back into their habitat.

The rainy months of November through March are the best months for Frogging Safaris. Guests can also take par t in walking safaris to visit some of the oldest Bushman rock ar t in Africa, which is dated to be approximately 3 000 years old.

Charter flights from Johannesburg can be arranged at an additional cost, as can road transfers from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA/MQP) and other destinations. The Shamwari Group consists of Shamwari Game Reserve, Jock Safari Lodge, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve, Nkomazi Game Reserve and Rwanda’s Nyungwe Lodge and Gorilla’s Nest. For more information, please contact Central Reservations on +27 41 4071000 or email reservations@jocksafarilodge.com.

Feel Pampered with TheraNaka’s Irresistible Treatments Jock Safari Lodge also offers a unique pampering experience surrounded by nature. TheraNaka offers an innovative and unique body therapy spa range containing an abundance of exotic aromatic scents and natural herbal infusions with reputed healing properties. These are based on the principle that the open veld of Africa provides the ultimate sensory experience for natural therapy as well as complete relaxation and rejuvenation. From heavenly aromas to herbal purity, TheraNaka is a mesmerising and innovative body and sense-soothing safari, replicating the earthy scents and awe-inspiring wonders of this most profound continent. TheraNaka means Beauty of Africa. Since the earliest time, Africa’s original inhabitants lived in harmony with nature. Rituals were created to celebrate mother earth and their connection with life. Africans respected their environment, as they understood the delicate balance between their survival and the natural, healing produce from earth. Understanding our mutual interdependence with earth, TheraNaka has been developed using only the finest natural ingredients available from nature while honouring the ecosystem.

Samsonite’s Luggage Guide Well-chosen luggage makes for easy travel. Remember that there’s nothing quite like a heavy bag or ripped luggage to ruin a romantic getaway. Instead, the best bag ensures your travel comfort and convenience to the point where it plays no part in your holiday memories.

Text & Image: © Samsonite

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amsonite, which has remained at the forefront of good craftsmanship and luggage innovation for over one hundred years, has consistently provided unique solutions for sophisticated travellers.

Because Samsonite knows that well-designed, quality luggage can be a lifetime investment, here are five tips for selecting the best bag for your travelling needs:

Match Your Luggage with Your Journey The range of luggage on the market is huge, so your choice depends on whether you are jetting off on business, backpacking around Europe or taking an extended vacation at a luxury beach resor t. Carry-on baggage is just right for business or weekend travel – think light, durable and soft bags that can be manoeuvred under seats or into overhead compar tments with handles and wheels that allow you to whisk them through busy airpor ts. Larger, light weight and easy-to-handle suitcases are perfect for summer vacations while backpacks and duffel bags are ideal for adventurers.

Go for Quality

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While it might be tempting to skimp on luggage, you certainly need a bag that will make it back in one piece with you.

Remember, bags that go into airline or Premier

coach baggage holds often take a pounding.

Cheap, soft luggage may tear while flimsy, rigid hard-sided luggage can break or crack. Look for strong fabrics and zipper protection when shopping for soft bags and strength when buying hard shell cases.

Move with the Times Design innovations mean that comfort, good control and easy movement are well within reach of tired travellers in busy airports.You should push or pull rather than lift and carry bags. Look for luggage with spinner wheels and suitcases where wheels and feet are separate rather than one long unit. Samsonite’s Spinner suitcases feature four, multi-directional spinner wheels that allow 360-degree upright rolling in multiple directions. Handle and shoulder strap design is also crucial. Compression straps and ergonomically designed retractable handles that are easily adjustable to the required height lessen the chance of back pain, while rounded grips minimise impact on wrists and ensure comfort.

Take a Soft or a Hard Line The choice depends on your specific needs. Soft bags are easier to squash into small spaces and absorb shock better than their moulded counterparts. Hard shell cases are lightweight, stain and dampresistant and protect fragile items.

When buying a bag, walk around with it to check that the handle is long enough and that the grip is comfortable. Spend time making sure that you like the feel of the fabric, that it feels sturdy and is durable

Suit Yourself Compare different luggage interiors to see what suits your packing style. A divider pad and/or cross ribbons help organise your suitcase and allow you to keep your clothes in place when your case is not completely filled. You can store small items that could get lost between your clothing in side pockets. The top part of your case can be used separately to store delicate items or separate dirty laundry. Many of Samsonite’s designs have thoughtful extras like special dividers, shoe and laundry bags.

Some are also expandable to cater for extra purchases, When buying a bag, walk around with it to check that the handle is long enough and that the grip is comfortable. Spend time making sure that you like the feel of the fabric, that it feels sturdy and is durable.

Don’t forget that those who know best about luggage are specialist retailers or manufacturers and that those who, like Samsonite, feel most confident about the quality of their products, offer good warranties.

Samsonite – life’s a journey.

For a stockist near you, call +27 31 266 0620 or visit www.samsonite.com.

Samsonite Cordoba Duo – the Best of Both Worlds

Thanks to Advanced Hybrid Technology, Samsonite’s Cordoba Duo luggage range combines the extreme lightness and flexibility of a soft case with the strength and durability of hard cases. Add modern design, superior detailing and clever functionality and you have some of the most travel-friendly suitcases yet.

Functional features include unique ABS side panels that offer ultimate protection and durability, yet are still incredibly lightweight, and a smart sleeve that allows you to slide a shoulder bag or business case over the handle for hands-free carrying. Integrated carry handles and wheels maximise packing space. The uprights and spinners come with a modern design wheel handle, while smooth rolling wheels and a fixed TSA combination lock mean you can journey with ease.

The Samsonite Cordoba Duo range includes spinners and upright cases, a garment bag, duffel, cabin baggage, shoulder bag, beauty case and toiletr y bag. The 69cm and 76cm spinner cases expand for extra packing convenience. The upright 50cm weighs only 2.4kgs, offering one of the lightest cases on the market. The stylish Samsonite Cordoba Duo range is available from leading luggage stores in a striking red or black and has a five year global warranty.

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June 2011

Chris Augustyn Raising the Bar on the West Coast’s Cuisine The word is spreading along the Cape West Coast: Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club has found a chef capable of introducing visitors and locals to international standard cuisine. 26-year-old Head Chef, Chris Augustyn, is a Kaapenaar in every way but one and has already been exposed to some of the best training a young chef can have.

Text & Images: © Shelley Point Hotel, Spa and Country Club

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hris was educated at Wynberg Boys High in Cape Town and long before he matriculated, he says, he knew that cooking would be his career. “At the age of six I was already able to cook my parents’ breakfast – and I always enjoyed working with my mother in the kitchen.”

His matric certificate afforded him entrance to the highly respected Institute for Hospitality Education, where he qualified a year later as the top student with an almost unheard of 96% pass. After a short break with his family in Australia, he took on a variety of chef jobs in order to gain experience – the Lord Charles Hotel in Somerset West, Rick’s Café in Cape Town, Café Paradiso and the huge 546roomed Southern Sun Waterfront Hotel.

Then, in 2009, Chris took the biggest step forward in his career. He joined Phil Carmichael’s team at Sol Kerzner’s One&Only Hotel in the V&A Waterfront.

Carmichael was trained by Gordon Ramsay, and according to Chris, is regarded as one of the top five international chefs.

The One&Only was hard work. Chris was on duty from 07h00 to midnight – but, he says, “I got used to it and the experience I picked up was invaluable.”

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“At the age of six I was already able to cook my parents’ breakfast – and I always enjoyed working with my mother in the kitchen.”

Now settled with his fiancée, Simone, in a cottage at Lampiesbaai, just two kilometres from the Shelley Point Estate, Chris has transformed the menu of Shelley Point Hotel’s in-house restaurant, São Gabrielle.

When asked what he is out to achieve, he said, “We have to bear in mind that although we have many visitors from Europe and elsewhere, some of whom own homes here, our core clientele is the local people in an area. However, my experience is that if one quietly introduces what is recognised as the best European cuisine, it does not take long to build up a very enthusiastic clientele, some of whom will travel miles for one or two really superb meals a month.”

About Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club is a luxurious four star getaway situated on the West Coast, where the chief appeal is the laid-back lifestyle and relaxed, unhurried atmosphere. Offering 86 elegantly decorated suites, an array of leisure options and only a 90-minute drive from Cape Town, it is the perfect break from rushed city life.

A family destination, Shelley Point Hotel, Spa & Country Club caters for children of all ages with a supervised play centre offering age-appropriate indoor and outdoor activities. While the kids are entertained, a range of activities awaits the adults, including a gymnasium, tennis courts, a bowling green and a challenging 9-hole links golf course. For those wanting to relax, lie back and soak up the sun alongside the swimming pool or on the beach or even treat yourself to a pampering session at the Wellness Centre & Spa. End off your day with a sundowner while watching the sun set over the ocean, followed by dinner in one of the hotel’s in-house restaurants.

For reservations and enquires, call +27 22 742 1508 or visit www.shelleypointhotel.co.za.

Keeping

Things Moving Vernon Rawstorne has been with EWC Express, a leader in the Southern African logistics industry, since the company’s inception in a Kempton Park garage 21 years ago.

The CEO told Premier about the company’s goals and the challenges they face, and gave us a glimpse into his personal life.

Text: Jacqueline Cochrane • Images: © EWC

Premier: What do you love most about this industry?

Vernon Rawstorne: [Laughs.] Gosh, what I love most about the industry is the fact that it’s constantly changing. There’s not one day that’s the same...

P: What are the main challenges you face?

VR: All the clients we’ve had over the years have wanted a superior service and a cheaper rate...so the constant challenge is trying to give the customer what they want, without over-servicing them. It’s a massive challenge.

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P: Will the new tollgates going up, for example on the N1 between Johannesburg and Pretoria, have a big effect on you?

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VR: Yes, absolutely, and it’s something that we’ll have to pass directly onto the customer. We’ve basically worked out that the additional cost could be substantial and there’s no way we’d be able to absorb that cost.

VR: That’s right. Through the call centre we’ll track your delivery to the nearest EWC office, and they’re able to deal with any queries or problems.

P: What are some of the things that put EWC ahead of your competitors?

VR: At this point in time, our focus is mainly on time-sensitive deliveries and urgent overnight courier consignments – basically because the yield is bigger as it takes less manpower to move the smaller parcels and envelopes.

VR: One of those things is the fact that we’re constantly keeping up with technology, and that the customer can see the minute we’ve delivered a parcel via cellphones and GPRS. They can just log onto our webpage and track and trace all their parcels live – so that is one of the big technological advantages that we have over our competitors.

P:Your well-staffed call centre also makes a big difference, surely?

P: Which areas do you specialise in?

P:What makes this industry unique in South Africa?

VR: In our country, we’re basically snookered by time and distance. Getting a parcel from, say Swellendam to Nelspruit overnight is a massive challenge. And the big issue in

our industry, compared to internationally, is attracting and retaining, skilled labour.

That is the huge difference that we have in South Africa compared to anywhere else in the world.

P: What are some of the ways you work around that problem?

VR: We have extensive training programmes and initiatives to ensure that our staff are given the adequate skills and tools to maintain the EWC standards.

P: Which goals are you currently working towards?

VR: The short-term goal is to move our business away from the bulk load and back to the smaller; more manageable courier parcels.

P: What have been some of your biggest achievements?

VR: In October 2010, we sold the majority of our business to Imperial Logistics, which was a big achievement for us. Two of the founding members retired at that time.

P: What is like for you?

a

typical

whatever comes your way.

P: What is the one piece of technology you can’t live without?

VR: My cellphone!

P: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?

VR: Probably to look left and right before crossing the road! [Laughs.] The best advice that I have been given is from my brotherin-law. He told me to look after my family and make sure they come first forever.

P:You travel a lot. What is your favourite leisure destination?

VR: In wintertime, it’s skiing in Austria.

In summer, definitely the beach in Mozambique!

P: Do you have any travel tips you’d like to share?

VR: If you’re travelling overseas, be comfortable and drink a lot of liquid. Locally, just have good music on your iPod! [Laughs.]

P: What book has had a profound effect on your life?

VR: I do like biographies. There are two that stick out – the one that Jake White wrote, and the one by Valentino Rossi. They talk about having the perseverance to go ahead and do what you really love to do and want to do.

P: Would you ever live abroad?

VR: I am very loyal to South Africa – it’s going to take a lot to get me to move away from here! I’ve travelled extensively, and it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the world.

P: What do you do to relax?

VR: I love riding motorcycles; I love it when I can just get on my bike and ride into the distance. It’s time spent on your own and it gives you a space to reflect on whatever you’re doing. It gives me a sense of freedom away from the humdrum of life, I suppose.

day

VR: I try to get to the gym as much as possible. It’s a very stressful environment and you’ve got to try and stay healthy. I get up early, and it’s an extremely long day – because if anyone needs to speak to me I’m available 24/7. That’s probably what puts us apart from other companies as well; in that you can phone any of the directors and sort out the issues you might have or want to discuss. But every day is different... [Laughs.]

P: What are some of the characteristics you think someone needs to be successful in what you do?

VR: You know what, it’s perseverance basically. We deal with very diverse situations, and you just have to deal with

the customer can see the minute we’ve delivered a parcel via cellphones and GPRS. They can just log onto our webpage and track and trace all their parcels live 75

June 2011

The Durban International

Boat and Lifestyle Show Durban Marina: 15th – 17th July One of Durban’s most popular winter attractions is set to wow visitors at the Durban Marina; the Durban International Boat and Lifestyle Show, from 15th to 17th July, promises to be bigger, better and bolder!

Text & Images: © Creative Events

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elebrating its eighth year, the Durban Show is the only Boat Show in the country to exhibit locally and internationally built craft in their natural habitat, with superb sail and power boats at the moorings and any number of smaller vessels, outboard motors, electronics, marine equipment and accessories displayed on the hard. This year the lifestyle section has been expanded and spills out onto the newly reclaimed land at the far end of the Marina.

“Boating is a relaxing lifestyle, a way one can escape the pressure of modern-day life and experience the freedom of being out on the water with the family,” organiser Barr y Meehan stated. “We have boats, accessories and

Durban International Boat & Lifestyle Show

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Luhrs

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St. Francis Marine

Royal Cape Catamarans

lifestyle items to fit ever y water spor t, activity and budget!”

The show features several entertaining attractions for young and old alike. The Suzuki Rockin’ Roadshow promises an incredible 4x4 experience. The ‘Knowledge Box’ will showcase talks on all aspects of life associated with boating, fishing and leisure lifestyles. Consolidated Auctioneers will be conducting live auctions from their stand, in a Bits and Bobs Auction, with the proceeds from many items going to NSRI funds. There’s also the ‘Simply Sailing’ regatta over the weekend, an all-class event sailed within the harbour, giving spectators wonderful views of exciting sailing action from the lawns of the Royal Natal Yacht Club, which will be open to all visitors during the show.

Keen showgoers can also try out a stand-up paddle board; try their hand at the land-based sail activity of Blokarts; go on a cruise or a boat demo, or sip sundowners on a typical balmy Durban winter afternoon surrounded by all things aquatic.

The Durban International Boat and Lifestyle Show will ‘wet’ your appetite during the last weekend of the July school holidays from Friday 15th to Sunday 17th July. For more information, call Creative Events on +27 31 266 9828 or visit www. durbanboatshow.co.za, where corporates can find details on hospitality packages and cruise options during the show.

Knysna Yacht Co.

Riviera

Elegance

Unleashed Regardless of the number of high-performance models a manufacturer may produce, there’s always someone waiting in the wings to extract even more power from an engine. The new CL65 AMG proves that there is still more power waiting to be unleashed.

Text: Bernard K Hellberg • Images: © Mercedes AMG

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uch a company is AMG. Starting out as a small company turning Mercedes-Benz cars into eyepopping performers, it grew to surprise the world with racing engines that won victory after victory.

Today, it’s the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, defining the gold standard in the exclusive luxury performance market.

Launched in 1967 by Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, AMG was launched with a single goal in mind: to develop world-beating racing engines for Mercedes-Benz. With each engine handbuilt by one technician (and autographed by him) these cars provide the stamp of individuality for the discerning buyer.

The latest CL65 with its monstrous 453 kW V12 and twin turbos contains every specification expected of a supercar. It has rear wheel-drive and a five-speed automatic transmission that’s smooth as silk. Even the rear tyres are wider. Riding on 19” rims, those at the rear are 275 mm wide, while those in front are a ‘mere’ 245 mm.

Paradoxically, the engine is not really a 6.5-litre. In fact, it’s a 6-litre – or to be more Germanically accurate, it’s 5,980 cc.

Top speed is an electronically limited 250 km/h, and you will reach 100 km/h in a mere 4.4 seconds.

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At a price (in South Africa) estimated to be in the region of R1.6 million, the CL65 has a host of luxur y features as standard. These include the COMAND system with 40GB hard-drive GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, an 11-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound system, power sunroof, bi-xenon headlamps with active cur ve illumination, as well as premium leather, performance steering wheel with shift paddles, new instrument cluster and heated, 14-way seats.

A word of caution, however. The test car was finished in a matt pearlescent white. Although unusual, this added to the car’s character. Do not, under any circumstances, apply polish or wax to the paintwork. This will make the people at Stuttgart extremely unhappy.

The underlying feature of the CL65 is its docile and civilised manner when driven in city traffic. It responds magnificently to driver input and is even easy to park – thanks to warning sensors.

However, once unleashed (preferably on the open road, and under supervision), the CL65 demonstrates why, even at the price, there’s usually a waiting list of eager buyers of means – owners who simply must have the elegant best that money can buy.

Today, it’s the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, defining the gold standard in the exclusive luxury performance market.

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June 2011

The Common

Shiraz 80

Denominator

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Shiraz seems to play its part around the world, whether as a single varietal or as a blending component. It is one grape that blends seamlessly with other red grapes, but also with a certain white grape called Viognier. The Viognier softens out the tannins in the Shiraz. As a grape it is extremely popular – when sommelier Neil Grant of Rust en Vrede does an introduction to wines, he often ends off with Shiraz after the whites and Cabernets as, packed with personality and passion, it always proves to be the show-stopper.

Text: Lara Potgieter • Images: © Beaumont, Guardian Peak, Bouchard Finlayson

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his month, Neil introduces three wines that each use Shiraz as a blending component. The percentages vary from 2% up to 63% Shiraz.

As a blend, Shiraz plays a major part in the Rhône Valley as well as in California in more recent times, with the so-called “Rhône Rangers” (boasting their impressive blends of Shiraz with Grenache and Mourvèdre) and a small percentage in Italy being blended with Sangiovese. Note that the varietal is referred to as Shiraz or Syrah – the grape is identical, but certain countries choose to use one or the other or even both terms.

Often it is down to the wine maker’s style - if he is more classical ‘old world’ (France) then he would use Syrah, where ‘new world’ wine makers (Australia) will use Shiraz.

Guardian Peak SMG 2008 This is one of the first South African SMG (Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache) blends. Here Viognier is added, showing the versatility of Shiraz. Each grape is vinified separately - the Syrah and Mourvèdre are aged in new oak (French and American oak) for a period of 18 months. The Grenache is not aged in any oak, allowing the winemaker to keep the fresh natural flavours intact. The colour of this wine is a gorgeous, bright ruby red, almost alive with shine. The nose is blown away by caramelised toffee and hints of jasmine.

The palate detects silky cinnamon spice and black cherry butterscotch where the oak is well integrated to allow for a fresh fruity finish.

The 2008 Hannibal vintage brings in one of the smaller components of Syrah at 2%.

This wine should be kept for a few years, as it will age wonderfully. It is young and approachable, but can only get better over time. Aromatics and elegance sum this wine up, with its hints of Fynbos (forest character), mixed herb and great savoury flavours that would be perfect on a cold winter night.

Beaumont Vitruvian 2006 This wine is very elegant and softer than one would expect from the grape varietals used (Mourvèdre, Pinotage, Shiraz and Cabernet Franc). The 2006 vintage is the maiden vintage and takes its name from a 200-year-old mill on the farm named after the Roman engineer Vitruvius.

Sebastian Beaumont spent four years putting this wine together. He describes it as a combination of the different varietals in perfect balance and proportion. This

means that the blend will change from vintage to vintage. The wine was matured in 400-litre barrels (only 9 made in total), matured for 24 months, and aged for a further two years after bottling. It boasts a layered complexity that just keeps giving. It is medium-bodied and shows more of the red fruits, with just enough of the sweet blackberry notes. The wine is young but it oozes class, and the fine integration of well-managed oak (no over-oaking here) and tannins will see it through for a couple of years.

Bouchard Finlayson Hannibal 2008 In 1994 Peter Finlayson commercially planted Sangiovese and Nebbiolo. He began to experiment with blending these grapes in 1997 and in 2001 he finally released his maiden vintage labelled Hannibal. It is not often that we see the blending of classical French grapes with those of Italy (with the exception of the Tuscans, but this was also initially viewed as a controversial move).

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June 2011

48 Hours in Durban for the Vodacom Durban July

On 2nd July 2011, at Greyville Racecourse in Durban, South Africa’s best thoroughbreds will once again storm down the home straight to the finish of the R3 million, 2200m Grade 1 Vodacom Durban July. Whether you are among the millions of who will watch the annual spectacle on television, the infectious interest of this event cannot be escaped. For maximum effect, however, there is nothing better than to be at the heart of the excitement, among the crowds who line the track. We bring you the ultimate guide to spending a whirlwind 48 hours in Durban for this singular event.

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Start by checking into the Hilton Hotel Durban. The 5 star Hilton Hotel in Durban is located next to the world famous International Convention Centre. It is within easy reach of the business district, as well as within walking distance of Durban’s internationally renowned beaches. All of the guest rooms at the Hilton Durban Hotel enjoy a breathtaking view of the famous South African coastline and the Durban city skyline.

Taste the Rainbow Nation’s cosmopolitan flavours in the Rainbow Terrace Restaurant or enjoy wine and cocktails in one of three bars. If you have time, a visit to some of Durban’s main attractions like the Royal Durban Golf Course, Moses Mabhida Soccer Stadium and Ushaka Marine World can be easily arranged. If you prefer to relax at the hotel, take a leisurely swim in the expansive outdoor pool or visit one of the beaches close by.

This pristine hotel offers several services, such as 24 hour reception, business services, concierge, valet services, onsite parking, transport and shuttle services, swimming pool and room service to ensure a truly remarkable and comfortable stay, but those checking in for the Durban July will be most grateful for the ironing and laundry facilities to ensure that those show-stopping outfits stay pristine until it is time to unveil them at Greyville.

For more information, call +27 31 336 8100 or visit www.1.Hilton.com.

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Text: Nicola Weir • Images: © Premier Hotels, Game Plan Media

Saturday The excitement of Vodacom Durban July Day surpasses that of any other event on the African continent. With over 50 000 people expected on course and millions of others around the country taking serious bets or having their annual flutter, the totes and bookmakers will be under tremendous pressure dealing with the estimated R120-million betting splurge.

Synonymous with the Vodacom Durban July is a vibrant fashion programme that starts months ahead of the big race day, encompasses enthusiastic designers from every corner of the country, identifies and rewards emerging talent, and reaches a climax with a series of stunning fashion experience shows at Greyville Racecourse in the days before the Vodacom Durban July.The big day is an opportunity to let your hair down and show off your creativity in an eye-catching outfit for the event. Based on the year’s theme, race goers are encouraged to put together garments for race day that add to the special occasion.The competitive-minded designers enter the race day competitions, and the edgy and daring are showcased in the Avant Garde race day competition. This year’s theme, ‘A Right Royal Affair’ is sure to result in stunning creations.

Most facilities are booked out months in advance but the “Sold Out” signs should not deter those who have failed to secure reser vations. There will always be room at the casual restaurants including Greyville’s popular alfresco area, “The Paddock”, in the main grandstand concourse and the popular Shor thead Restaurant on the first floor. A variety of packages are also available in hospitality areas and these should be secured in advance.

For more information, visit www.vodacomdurbanjuly. co.za and for Marquee Village and hospitality enquiries, please contact Event World on +27 31 309 5522.

Sunday After the whirlwind weekend, and the exhilaration of the racing, unwind and reflect on the perfect weekend with a cup of coffee within the sanctuary of the King Shaka Domestic Premier Lounge. Help yourself to some scrumptious snacks and share your Durban July experience with your friends on Facebook or Twitter by making use of the complimentary internet before catching your flight home. Entry into the lounge can be gained by purchasing an access voucher or using one of the many access cards that allow you free entrance to the lounges. These include private banking cards from ABSA, Nedbank, FNB, Investec and RMB, as well as Diners Club and Hertz Gold Club and Priority Pass cardholders.

Visit www.bivestlounge.co.za for more information.

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June 2011

compulsory reading

Killing Giants

By Stephen Denny

Moment of Glory

By John Feinstein

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After winning six of the twelve majors played from 2000 to 2002, Tiger Woods was struggling with his golf swing in 2003, leaving him out of the running at the US open and the PGA. As a consequence, 2003 saw four first-time major champions: Ben Curtis, Mike Weir, Jim Furyk and Shaun Micheel. After their respective upsets, the four players have had little success, however Micheel and Curtis jumped from obscurity to stardom and subsequently played all over the world. Neither has won another major, and Weir has only won one other major, in 2004. In Moment of Glory, John Feinstein returns to this unlikely year and chronicles the personal and professional struggles the four players have experienced since then.

With his great affection for the underdog and extraordinary access, he gives readers an insider’s look at how winning and losing major championships changes players’ lives.

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Killing Giants unveils practical strategies for overtaking larger competitors in any market, looking at companies that started out small but quickly dominated by using their opponents’ size to their advantage.

Marketer Stephen Denny argues that any brand can directly challenge the giant of its category and not only survive, but thrive.

While it’s inconvenient to be the little guy, it can also be a blessing in disguise. Giantkillers can afford to shake things up and take bold steps. They can be faster and nimbler than giants who are too slow and hidebound to make the painful but necessary changes to stay competitive. By the time they notice that slingshot, they’re already keeling over. Baidu has beaten Google at search in China, and the Boston Beer Company took on Budweiser with Sam Adams Boston Lager. Stephen Denny shows how even behemoths like Nike and Coca-Cola are susceptible to small, even tiny, competitors, because of their size. Using a range of fresh case studies he explains how, by taking a fresh approach, you can carve out a larger chunk of any marketplace.

Mindfulness

By Mark Williams Mindfulness reveals a set of simple yet powerful practices that can be incorporated into daily life to help break the cycle of unhappiness, stress, anxiety and mental exhaustion and promote genuine joie de vivre. It’s the kind of happiness that gets into your bones. It seeps into everything you do and helps you meet the worst that life can throw at you with new courage.

The book is based on MindfulnessBased Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). MBCT revolves around a straightforward form of mindfulness meditation that takes just a few minutes a day for the full benefits to be revealed. MBCT has been clinically proven to be at least as effective as drugs for depression and it is recommended by the UK’s National Institute of Clinical Excellence – in other words, it works. More importantly it also works for people who are not depressed but who are struggling to keep up with the constant demands of the modern world. Mindfulness focuses on promoting joy and peace rather than banishing unhappiness. It’s precisely focused to help ordinary people boost their happiness and confidence levels while also reducing anxiety, stress and irritability.

worth watching

Love in the Eyre In a bold new feature version of Jane Eyre, director Cary Joji Fukunaga (Sin Nombre) and screenwriter Moira Buffini (Tamara Drewe) infuse a contemporary immediacy into Charlotte Brontë’s timeless, classic story. Mia Wasikowska (Alice in Wonderland) and Michael Fassbender (Inglourious Basterds) star in the iconic lead roles of the romantic drama, the heroine of which continues to inspire new generations of devoted readers and viewers.

The novel is narrated by its heroine, Jane Eyre, beginning with the orphaned Jane’s painful childhood, first in the disdainful clutches of a rich aunt and her bullying children, and later at Lowood, a Spartan charity school where Jane loses her best friend to consumption. But she rises to become a teacher there, making it possible to seek work as a governess in the outside world.

The movie opens at a provocative moment deep into the story. Jane Eyre suddenly flees Thornfield Hall, the vast and isolated estate where she works as a governess. The imposing residence and Rochester’s own imposing nature have sorely tested her resilience.

The movie opens at a provocative moment deep into the story. Jane Eyre suddenly flees Thornfield Hall, the vast and isolated estate where she works as a governess for Adèle Varens, a child under the custody of Thornfield’s brooding master, Edward Rochester (Fassbender).

The imposing residence and Rochester’s own imposing nature have sorely tested her resilience. With nowhere else to go, she is extended a helping hand by clergyman St. John Rivers (Jamie Bell of The Eagle) and his family. As she recuperates in the Rivers’ Moor House and looks back upon the tumultuous events that led to her escape, Jane wonders if the past is ever truly past…

Fukunaga is a cinematographer turned director, and the thoughtful way he cuts back and forth in time keeps the story moving even while augmenting it and further piquing our curiosity. Shooting in the Midlands, Fukunaga conjures an authentically mysterious and beautiful milieu, while Buffini preserves the elaborately polite (however menacing) and formal language that is one of the novel’s chief delights. If the motion picture industry had existed in 1847, the year Charlotte Brontë’s novel appeared, it might have produced an adaptation much like this one.

Master Harold…and the Boys

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Based on the original theatre play by Athol Fugard, Master Harold...and the Boys presents the wrenching story of an impossible yet real friendship in South Africa in the 1950s.

Directed by Lonny Price and starring Freddie Highmore, Ving Rhames and Patrick Mafokeng, the long-awaited South African pre-democracy drama follows a young man’s sensitive relationship to two black men working as servants for the family. It is both a coming-of-age drama and an attack on racism, exposing the essential nature of the apartheid regime’s vile political and social systems.

Rhames plays the lead role in the big-screen adaptation, a role Danny Glover originated on Broadway. Emmy Winner Lonny Price, who played opposite Glover in the Broadway play under Fugard’s direction and directed the 2003 revival, makes his feature directorial debut with the film.

The story centres around Hally (Highmore), an adolescent white South African who is stuck between his intolerant father’s outlook of him and the opinions of his caretaker, Sam (Rhames). A black waiter, Sam is also Hally’s teacher and friend. While Hally’s father exposes him to racism and cruelty, Sam, by contrast, shares uplifting experiences with him. One day Hally is terribly humiliated by his father and Sam shows him how to be proud of what he can achieve.

This is a moving work that everyone should see as a reminder about injustice. The power of friendship and the destructive nature of institutional racism collide as Fugard puts a face on it in this landmark work. Master Harold and the Boys is a reminder to us that we still have work to do.

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and another thing…

The Fitness Frenzy

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I took the plunge and purchased, at a moderate cost, a new bike. I now fall regularly every Saturday morning on my ride with the Hungarian, and am loving every minute of it.

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fter being taken on my first mountain bike trail by my friend – the three-time Iron Man competitor – and being thrown right over my handlebars, hitting a boulder and almost breaking my neck, I decided that I loved falling and hurting myself so much I should perhaps take this up as a hobby.

So I took my bicycle to the local bike shop for a proper service. By bicycle, I mean the R499 special I bought while still a student. It’s heavier than Lance Armstrong and his bike.

The guy at the shop took one look, laughed like a crazed hyena, and refused to do the service.

I asked again. This time he called the other shop assistant over so they could laugh together. I threatened to stab him through the heart with a wheel spoke. Then he said, “Look, you have two gears that are broken and need to be fixed. The chain is shot to pieces. It’s not even good for a lawnmower.” Then he pointed to something on the bike and said, “They don’t even make these anymore. So all that plus the service would probably cost you triple what this hunk of junk is actually worth.”

I took the plunge and purchased, at a moderate cost, a new bike. I now fall regularly every Saturday morning on my ride with the Hungarian, and am loving every minute of it. But the Hungarian, much like me, is a traditionalist.

He believes in simplicity when it comes to his sport and fitness. Yet, the money people throw at fitness is astounding.

Take the gym. There are people who go to gym better dressed than for their child’s school concert. There is equipment designed to build the muscle in your third toe, alongside the fifth tendon, and just under the lumbio dexteris perpendicular footis. And you’d better watch yourself, because that machine will damn near snap you in half if you take your eye off it for a

second. I once smashed a cleaning lady’s vacuum cleaner and nearly decapitated her while trying to use some cable machine that shot me into the air, pulled my one arm to Bronkhorstspruit and the other to Potchefstroom, and left me with an Annus Horribilis even the Queen would have winced at.

Ever ything is also about your core nowadays.

You have to do these little exercises where you squeeze something ever so gently, and your face takes on the same expression you had in school when you tried not to far t too loudly in Math class.

Then there’s nutrition. At the gym the other day, my wife decided to try a wheat-grass shake.

She was told it’s not the season for wheat-grass.

I never knew there was a season for wheat-grass.

What the hell is wheat-grass anyway?

And it’s not as if I’m new to the fitness gig.

I’ve trained and been fit my whole life. I still play football every week for my club. I run 10 kilometres with ease. I swim the Midmar Mile and love it. But I try to stay true to the days when Ar thur Newton ran the Comrades drinking only Oros, and Bruce Fordyce who included the famous Nancy’s Chocolate Cake in his diet with the express instruction, “Enjoy at least once slice per day for three to five days prior to Comrades.”

And let’s face it, there’s nothing worse than spending a fortune on a pair of running shoes, hitting the road, and then being overtaken and left for dead by a guy in long pants and a pair of hand-me-down Bata shoes as he finishes the last kilometre of his 10k just to catch the taxi to Mamelodi in time.

Michael Vlismas