Premier | May 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

Wedding Guru Aleit

The Ultimate SA Honeymoon

Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

Photographer Jean-Pierre Uys

Top Wedding Venues

Uwe Koetter Jewellers

Deonne le Roux

Jagadi Couture

Bentley GTC

Premier Lounge

Cape Town International Airport

East London Airport

King Shaka International Airport

OR Tambo International Airport

While waiting for your flight, relax in comfort and avoid the crowds • Enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks • Freshen up with a shower • Utilise business facilities • Smoking rooms available

All are welcome Premier Lounges Available in OR Tambo International, Cape Town International, King Shaka International, Port Elizabeth, East London and George airports.

All are welcome www.bidvestlounge.co.za

contents

on the day of the wedding, step back every hour and take it all in because midnight comes too quickly!

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28 Features 28 42 46 56 68 72

Wedding Guru Aleit Swanepoel Deonne le Roux Unforgettable Wedding Photos Jagadi Couture’s Tailored Suits Uwe Koetter The Perfect Venue

Travel 36 44 52 70 82

The Last Word Fairlawns Boutique Hotel and Spa Azura’s Unspoilt Luxury Property Opportunities at Cape Royale A Guide to Honeymooning in SA

Business

50 62

Credit Card Fraud on the Rise The Easy Way to Log Business Mileage

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May 2011

most brides sensibly opt for a luxury vehicle that will get them to their destination on time, in style, and in supreme luxury and comfort. Luckily, help is now at hand in the guise of the Bentley Continental GTC.

Indulgence 64 80

Monneaux Restaurant Sommelier

Motoring

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26

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58 76

How Not to Get to Your Wedding The Bentley GTC

Regular

08 10 12 16 18 20 22 24 26 84 86 88

Letter from the Editor Letter from the Managing Director On the Soapbox Comfort Zone 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

“The best conversations with mothers always take place in silence, when only the heart speaks.”

Carrie Latet

M

y son is one of the strongest people I know. Not only does he have the strength of character of an old soul, but he also has an amazing gift to find enough emotional strength sometimes to carry me, and on occasion our whole family, through the tough times. And he does it with such insight and bravado that I have to sometimes remind myself that he is ‘only’ a child.

I do not expect other people to share my conviction of my child’s abilities, as it is natural for mothers to see their children in a heroic light. Whether or not the talents of my progeny impress others as much as they do me is neither here, nor there. But, am I grateful for the opportunity to witness the development of a little being into a grown man? Definitely.

As a mother, the arrival of that special day reserved for moms, is more than just a day to kick back and enjoy the spoils with which your family indulge you. Mother’s Day should always serve as a reminder of how blessed we are to be parents, as it truly is an awesome responsibility, which at times may seem terrifying, and exhausting, and enormously gratifying all at once.

So, on this Mother’s Day, when you are blessed with breakfast in bed (that was prepared either with, or without dad’s assistance), or you receive a call from your baby far away, know that my heart is with you, and that you are privileged to have the right to call yourself a mother.

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Enjoy your travels!

Hamba kahle. Mooi loop. Travel well!

Deidre

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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

W

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e do hope that you have all returned safely from your various holiday destinations after the abundance of public holidays we have had in the last few weeks!

This is my first letter to you as Managing Director of the BidVest Premier Lounge and I look forward to chatting to you regularly through this column in the future.

It seems amazing that I have already been with BidVest Premier Lounge for over a month, as my feet have hardly touched the ground! I guess it is true when they say “Time flies when you are having fun.” This is my first opportunity to sit down quietly and reflect on the frenetic events of the last few weeks.

I have managed to get right around the country to visit all nine of our lounges and meet the teams in Johannesburg, Cape Town, George, Port Elizabeth, East London and Durban. We have some great products out there that are staffed by some wonderful people. It really makes me proud to be part of it!

In between, I have been trying to meet as many of our corporate clients and airline partners as possible. If I have not got to you yet, expect a call soon!

Breaking news is that we are Premier

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, Lara Potgieter, Michael Vlismas, Neil Grant, Bernard Hellberg, The Aleit Group, Jean-Pierre Uys, Finweek, The Mantis Collection, Unlimited Destinations, Nic Joubert, Jane Barry, Tilly Smith PR, Bee Luckey

proceeding with a mini-refurbishment of our international lounge in Cape Town. It is going to look fantastic and should be completed in the next month or so. Expect a progress report in the next issue.

Now onto our current big project, the enlargement and revamping of our flagship international lounge at O. R. Tambo. As I write this we are nearing the completion of Phase 1, with an opening date proposed for the second half of May. The completion of Phase 2 and the opening of the full 400seater lounge is set for late June/early July.

I am also delighted to announce that Antonette Kennedy has been appointed General Manager of the O. R. Tambo International Lounge. Antonette comes to us with a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry over a number of years.

This experience will be invaluable as she oversees the launching of both phases of the new lounge. We wish her every success and welcome her to the BidVest Premier Lounge team.

Have a great month and travel safe!

Until we talk again, enjoy the lounge!

Charles

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.comfortguaranteed.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.

On the soapbox…

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This month we chatted to designer Jenna Clifford about what it is like to play a part in the journey of love.

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myself am lucky to have found my perfect match with my beloved husband, and finding a wedding or engagement ring is a lot like that – you have to find your perfect match. I think love is a very good energy to work with and I am passionate about helping people to embark on their union and their journey in a meaningful way. I do not believe that anyone should commemorate their union with something mass-produced, something derived from ill-gotten gains or something that does not truly celebrate the energy that two people in love share. I do believe that purchasing a piece of jewellery that is mass-produced is not necessarily wrong, if it is a necklace or bracelet, but it is wrong for something as personal as an engagement ring. Your engagement and wedding ring are talismans that will be with you for your entire journey together, and for this reason they need to be special and unique to each individual.

Love is a primal emotion and for being such a enduring aspect of being human, it should be celebrated. For that reason I am starting to make much greater use of ancient techniques in my design as well as making my work more affordable, because everyone deserves the chance to celebrate their love – I do not believe that this privilege should be reserved only for those who can afford it.

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Jenna Clifford

I also believe that people need a genuine jeweller who almost acts like an advocate to them in helping to choose the right piece. Different metals and stones have energies and emit vibrations that do affect us. This is concerning when you realise that most jewellery comes from the East and has meanings and connotations that apply to Eastern cultures. These pieces are then removed from that environment and brought

In a marriage or in a relationship, if you can unconditionally love and not judge then you have the right recipe. here, where people might buy them and wear them without being aware of their meaning. By choosing jewellery such as this, which people do mainly for budgetary reasons, they miss out on the energy that can come from true customisation. And I do believe that when working with items that have primordial energy, customisation is very impor tant. When working with customised jewellery, money makes it so simple but not everybody has money,

and that is why I want my designs to be affordable and, more impor tantly, to be made with love, because that does not have a price tag.

My golden piece of wisdom to any couple embarking on a lifelong journey would be to set the physicality of the relationship to one side and truly to walk through life together for a few years before making a decision about marriage. And once you make this decision, bring that physicality to the forefront and nurture it, because it truly is a gift and once that goes out of the window, a relationship has no chance of survival.

In a marriage or in a relationship, if you can unconditionally love and not judge then you have the right recipe. Many people, because of our high divorce rate, do not have a role model to help with this and to teach them this. If this is the case, you need to become a reader in order to absorb that information and that knowledge because it is possible to gain wisdom from other people’s experiences and mistakes. I strongly believe that readers are leaders and that sometimes, when you have nowhere else to go; the solution can be found in books. Another part of the winning recipe is to embrace the concepts of ‘us’ and ‘we’ and let go of I, me and my. A bird cannot fly with only one wing, it has to be two and the same goes for love.

comfort zone

The Magic is

in the Details

German author and poet Christian Morgenstern once said, “Home is not where you live, but where they understand you.” At the Premier George Lounge, guests’ needs are not only understood, but also seen to – and perhaps it is this, above everything else, that truly makes this lounge feel like home.

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Text & Images: © Jacqueline Cochrane

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A

s is so often the case, it’s the small details that make all the difference. The George airport is one of our country’s smaller air travel hubs, and the George lounge has been designed accordingly. In this instance, however, compact in no way means a compromise in comfort. Indulgent armchairs are intelligently arranged to make for naturally grouped seating without cluttering ease of movement. Laptop users will find plug-in points to ensure electronic business doesn’t grind to a halt, while leisurely guests will enjoy catching up on the latest world news – whether from settling down with a daily newspaper, or catching it on the small screen. And best of all – this can be done with a hot drink, a refreshing alcoholic beverage, or sandwich in hand.

Those with a penchant for tobacco will delight in the dedicated smokers’ lounge.

A far cry from the dark and airless rooms one so often finds at airports, this bright and well-ventilated space is conducive not only to comfort, but also to relaxation.

Overlooking the runway, the George lounge restores in guests a sense of childlike awe at watching aeroplanes take off and land. Here, visitors may also sit back without having to watch the clock the whole time, as one of the staff members will – no doubt smilingly – come around to remind one when boarding calls are announced. Located a short walk away from the boarding gates, guests still have time to finish that last drink or packet of snacks before finding their boarding pass, and making their way to the gates. The best thing about Premier Lounges is, perhaps, the fact that anyone may make use of them – it is simply a matter of walking in, and 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 card holders. This means the true comfort of a home away from home is available to everyone. Suddenly, delayed flights don’t seem so dreadful after all...

this is the life

Madame Zingara’s

Theatre of

Dreams Catch the spirit at the

Fine Brandy Festival

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The inimitable Madame Zingara returns to the Zulu Kingdom with her unique dinner cirque spectacular. Housed within one of the last remaining mirror tents in the world, the Madame invites you to enjoy her special fusion of dining and enter tainment at Sunset Casino and Enter tainment World where everything is possible and anything can happen. South Africa’s Burlesque sensation is opened by The Little Queen of Tar ts, who is a sassy past master at the ar t of quick change. Accompanying her at centre stage is a veritable United Nations of performers with death-defying aerial acts, mind-bending contor tions and an astounding rollerskating performance. Durban audiences will also welcome back with open arms the Original Tons, who are guaranteed to get any crowd on its feet with their largerthan-life renditions of Motown and disco smash hits. And while the acts will keep you spellbound, head chef Grethel Ferreira’s army of kitchen staff will delight your palate with their sumptuous four-course feast created with the love and passion that embodies Madame Zingara’s spirit. For more information, visit www.madamezingara.co.za or call 0861 623 263.

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The 2011 Standard Bank Fine Brandy Festival takes place from 25th to 27th May at the Sandton Convention Centre. Now in its 4th year, this flagship event for the South African brandy industry will showcase brandy as never before.

This magnificent South African product has been hailed as the world’s finest – and well-deserving of an event dedicated to the celebration of this doubledistilled grape spirit. From world-acclaimed champion brandies, new product launches and chill-out lounges to cutting-edge men’s fashion, super cars and brandy-enhancing food, the festival line-up promises to be a crowd pleaser.

New to the festival is a series of entertaining and informative Masterclass® talks featuring a line-up of illustrious international experts and local gurus.

Tickets are available at Computicket or at the door and will cost R195, including a brandy glass and beverage vouchers. No visitors under 18 years will be allowed. Visit www.brandyfestival.co.za for more information.

Celebration of the Vine at the 10th Stellenbosch Wine Festival One of the biggest and oldest country food and wine festivals in the Cape, the Stellenbosch Wine Festival returns to the Paul Roos Centre from 28th to 31st July this year. A joyous experience of all things epicurean, the festival showcases over 500 Stellenbosch wines for visitors to sample along with gourmet delights from top chefs, educational wine and food workshops, and some of the finest entertainment and artistic talent these famous winelands have to offer, all under one roof. The Stellenbosch Wine Week, which kicks off a week earlier on Friday, 22nd July, offers a feast of indulgences on many of the 150 farms that make up the Stellenbosch American Express® Wine Routes. Be sure to take advantage of the various special online prices by booking your tickets now at www.wineroute.co.za.

have passport, will travel

The Square hosts

Tierhoek and Stellakaya in June

Emirates Takes Luxury to New Heights To celebrate the launch of its second daily service from the Mother City, Emirates is offering Capetonians an exclusive complimentary stopover package when they book a First Class or Business Class ticket to any point on the airline’s network of 111 international destinations. From now until 15th June, customers booking a First Class flight can enjoy a two-night stay at either the Armani Hotel, which is located in the world’s tallest building, the 828-metre high Burj Khalifa; or the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray hotel on Dubai’s iconic Palm Island. Business Class customers can choose a one-night stay at either The Address Hotel in Dubai Marina or the Jumeirah Emirates Towers hotel, which is conveniently situated in the heart of the city’s business district. A free 96-hour visa is also included. In addition to the hotel stay, customers staying at the Armani Hotel or Address Dubai Marina will also receive complimentary fast track access to “At the Top”, the observation deck on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa, which offers spectacular views of Dubai. Guests staying at the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray or Jumeirah Emirates Towers will enjoy free access to the Wild Wadi water park.This offer is valid on flights EK772 and EK773 only and can be used on the inbound or outbound leg of trips starting or ending in Cape Town.

Urban Hip Hotels celebrates a hip 5th Anniversary

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Five cheers for Urban Hip Hotels celebrating its 5th anniversary this year! The first toast was to celebrate the acquisition of an additional extensive apartment portfolio at the Icon in Cape Town as of the 1st April 2011. Urban Hip already operates a very successful Hotel operation at Icon, and the additional apartments will consolidate their position in this ultra-modern precinct on the Cape Town Foreshore. Urban Hip has also recently been awarded the management contract for the new prestigious ipanema apartment hotel project located at a landmark site in Rosebank, Johannesburg, within walking distance of the new Rosebank Gautrain station. Hotel operations will commence on the 1st September 2012. Over the past five years Urban Hip Hotels has experienced phenomenal growth.

The international trend towards apartment hotels has been well adopted by South African guests and Urban Hip Hotels is well positioned to experience continual growth. Urban Hip Hotels operates 6 hotels located in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

For more information, visit www.urbanhiphotels.com.

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The Vineyard Hotel & Spa’s series of acclaimed gourmet wine dinners, hosted at The Square restaurant, features Tierhoek and Stellakaya in the month of June.

Tierhoek is the only restored Sandveld farm in Africa and is situated in the peaks of the Piekenierskloof, on the border of the Cederberg and features a unique climate that allows for premium wines characterised by intense fruit flavours, backed by subtle minerality and fresh acidity. Their flagship wine is Chenin Blanc.

Stellakaya is a privately owned boutique wine producer situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands. They focus on producing wines from noble red varietals that typify the Stellenbosch terroir. At both gourmet wine dinners guests will be treated to a gastronomic delight prepared by The Square’s sous chef Alex Jenkinson, with complimentary wines carefully chosen to accompany each course. Reservations are essential and can be made by contacting The Square on +27 21 657 4500.

Joie de Beauté John Keats once said that “a thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Body Bliss Day Spas would like to bring joy to your world with their blissful variety of treatments and therapies all perfected to ensure your delight and satisfaction. Let their bevy of therapists transport you into a world of luxury and relaxation with one of their unique Signature Treatments, a Refreshing Facial or Pampering Pedicure. Joy is meant to be shared and Body Bliss Day Spas have expressly designed treatments for you and your partner to enjoy together, starting with a Couples Hot Stone Therapy, a Revitalising Steam Room Session or Indian Head Massage. Begin your holiday relaxed, refreshed and reinvigorated!

There are four Body Bliss Day Spas in South Africa located at Cayley Lodge and Kiara Lodge in the Drakensberg, Tiger Lodge in Jozini and Hazyview Cabanas in Hazyview. For more information, visit www.bodybliss.co.za, call 0861 269 846 or email bodybliss@bodybliss.co.za.

Body Bliss Day Spas have expressly designed treatments for you and your partner to enjoy together

Marion on Nicol Celebrates Mother’s Day Nestled in the heart of Johannesburg in beautiful park-like surroundings along William Nicol Drive, you will find the gorgeously stylish Marion on Nicol Boutique Hotel.

Elegant and lavish in decor, with a splash of fuchsia orchids in every corner, her five-star rating offers both business and leisure travellers the finest in luxury accommodation, indulgent pampering at the Marion’s Spa de la Veille and delectable cuisine, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients. Enjoy our Mother’s Day Special at R2850 for one night in a luxurious double room, including a sparkling wine brunch and an indulgent hot stone pedicure and scalp massage for your Mom! This offer is valid until 7th May 2011. The Marion on Nicol also invites you to experience the Mother’s Day sparkling wine brunch at R295 per person or Mother’s Day high tea at R250 per person. This offer is valid until 8th May 2011. All of the above offers are by reservation only. For more information visit www.mariononnicol.co.za or call +27 11 783 7816.

Swirl & Taste!

The 2011 Port & Sherry Festival will be held on Saturday 4th June, in aid of the Woodland School in Magaliesberg. This is a unique opportunity to taste some of South Africa’s best Port, Sherry, Grappa, Potstill Brandy and dessert wines in a tranquil outdoor setting! More than 30 producers will present in excess of 90 fortified wines. Supervised entertainment for children will be provided giving parents a chance to relax and enjoy the many delights of the festival. Gates open at 13h00 and close at 16h00. Designated drivers get in for free.

Tickets are available at Computicket. For more information, call +27 82 571 275 or visit www.winefestival.co.za.

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May 2011

not necessarily the news

Coffee Central

You walk off the street into our historic brick tobacco warehouse in Cape Town’s De Waterkant district. You see a hissing, stainless steel espresso machine, boxes of roasted coffee, a row of coffee grinders, a barista, a chalked up menu on the wall, and tables of people chatting and sipping coffee.

A café? No. It’s the tasting room for Origin Coffee Roasting – South Africa’s pioneering artisan roastery and barista school, and also the home of specialist tea merchants, Nigiro. You’re welcome to treat it as a café, and you certainly won’t be disappointed. Explore new lots from the world’s most illustrious coffee farms; design a personal blend that uniquely suits your palate; discover novel ways of enjoying your coffee (French press, filter, siphon or Turkish style); find out what equipment is best for you and how to get the most out of it. Call +27 21 421 1000 for more information.

Stadium Experience

Fantasy becomes reality in this unique teambuilding experience Creators of professional stadium entertainment for over 10 years, The ProduXion House now offers you the chance to be the sports star of your company in this unique lifelike experience! Go for gold in a series of challenges that put you in the same arena as the legends – perform at the home ground of Pirates football stars, the Springboks or the Proteas.

The personalised experiential visit includes the change room of your favourite sporting heroes such as the ’95 World Cup Springboks, a visit to the presidential suite, use of the giant screens and tunnel, your very own cheerleaders, and a variety of sports skills and mental challenges at various levels on the actual field. The ProduXion House also organises all the conferencing and catering needs related to the event! Visit www.pxhouse.co.za for more details on this and other exciting entertainment concepts.

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design a personal blend that uniquely suits your palate

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Magical Winter Wineland Weddings at

Knorhoek Estate Planning to tie the knot outside the manic, over-inflated wedding season? Then Towerbosch Ear th Kitchen at Knorhoek Wine Estate is the picture-perfect setting for a magical winter winelands wedding celebration, where fairytales meet an enchanting haven of old-fashioned culinary bliss at welcome low-season rates. Due to popular demand, Towerbosch, gently tucked away in a corner of the Simonsberg, has extended its wedding season, now also creating love magic at a reduced venue hire fee during the quieter months from May till August. The venue can accommodate up to 120 guests and features a Bedouin tent for guests to dance the night away at the edge of the glistening rock pool, with a lush tree forest accentuating an idyllic backdrop. For more information, call +27 21 865 2958 or visit www.knorhoek.co.za.

His and Her

wedding bands from Shimansky

Symbolise your commitment on your wedding day by exchanging beautiful wedding bands from Shimansky – the perfect way to express gratitude to your loved one for being par t of your life.

At Shimansky the utmost emphasis is placed on the development of one-of-a-kind jewellery pieces composed around stones of exceptional cut and quality, a testament that has established them as South Africa’s jewellers of distinction. They are pleased to present their exclusive his and her wedding bands that are sure to suit every individual’s personal taste and budget.

Shimansky’s tips for selecting the perfect ring: 1. Aim for a single stone that is a timeless choice and can be added to later if she prefers or when your budget permits.

2. Purchase a stone that has the best balance of cut, colour, clarity and carat. In other words, don’t choose a bigger stone with obvious flaws.

3. Try to find out her approximate ring size. The last thing you need is for the ring not to fit when she says yes and you try to slide it onto her finger!

4. If your budget permits it is advisable to buy a diamond set in platinum as this is the only metal that does not tarnish or wear itself thin over time.

5. Insist on an international diamond certificate with your purchase, which states the quality of the cut.

For more information call +27 21 421 2788 or visit www.shimansky.co.za.

Shimansky is pleased to present their exclusive his and her wedding bands

Vows with a View One&Only Cape Town now offers engaged couples even more options with their Penthouse Weddings, complete with spectacular 360° views of Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront. And with a turnkey wedding coordination service provided for each nuptial celebration as well as competitively priced all-inclusive packages, brides and grooms are assured of a seamless celebration from start to finish. Aside from the two Penthouse Wedding venues, One&Only Cape Town also offers numerous other locations in and around this sprawling luxury urban resort. From alfresco gatherings at outdoor venue Isola to spectacular celebrations in the glittering, chandelier-bedecked Ballroom, romantic weddings for just six people under a gazebo on the hotel’s private jetty and intimate festivities for thirty in the Marina function room, the One&Only team ensures that every nuptial celebration is an unforgettable occasion. For more information contact Adele Bennett on +27 21 791 3938 or email weddings@ oneandonlycapetown.com.

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May 2011

the new black

For the

Connoisseur

Weddings Made Simple at the

Hyatt Regency

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The team at the Hyatt Regency Johannesburg believes that there is nothing more impor tant than bringing people together in an unforgettable fashion for your wedding or commitment ceremony. Their professional staff will take care of every detail imaginable – from flowers to music and everything in-between – to make your day a dream come true. Whether it’s a small, intimate gathering or a lavish affair, you’ll feel more than welcome with their stunning facilities and idyllic settings.

When you choose Hyatt Regency Johannesburg to celebrate the most important day of your life, every member of their team devotes themselves to designing a day that perfectly reflects you and your love. Their wedding coordinator will ensure that sumptuous cuisine, exquisite linens and elegant flower arrangements will delight your guests as much as they will you. For the perfect wedding that reflects all that you are, call +27 11 280 1234.

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KWV produces brandy to the highest quality standards and the passion for brandy making is evident in each bottle with the promise of superior taste, flavour and consistency. KWV brandies mature in solid oak barrels and the release of the brandies at the perfect time allows for a quality selection of 3, 5, 10, 15 and 20-year-old brandies. “We believe that whether splashing out on the 20 Year Old or selecting the more affordable 5 Year Old, the taste sensation is bound to meet expectations”, says Nathalie Sweeney, Marketing Manager for KWV SA Division. KWV 10 Year Old is a timeless classic and goes well with a Cuban cigar, making a perfect choice to calm the nerves on your big day. This brandy offers complex flavours with spicy undertones to savour. Look out for the 750ml bottle packaged in an elegant black tubular presentation.

Live with Chivalry

For whisky connoisseurs there is usually one particular brand of whisky they would choose to enjoy on their wedding day, Chivas Regal. The first whisky ever to carry the Chivas Regal name was launched in 1909. It was a 25-year-old, designed as the first luxury whisky targeting the booming cities of North America. Chivas Regal 25 Year Old was an immediate success and became “one of the most talked about new imported consumer goods among the well-to-do stratum of society in the New World”. Upper-echelon hotels and restaurants up and down the Eastern seaboard hounded Chivas Brother’s agents for a single bottle or two whose contents, they promised, “would be meted out solely to their best and wealthiest clientele”. Chivas Regal 25 Year Old Original epitomises the Chivas family style, but with its own superlative qualities. The whisky’s astonishingly rich character yields an abundance of flavour and aroma. Elegantly smooth and perfectly balanced, this is the consummate blend to be enjoyed with friends for a special occasion.

A New Era of Mercedes-Benz

technophilia

With the Concept A-Class, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a car that might have come from another planet; its evocative design expresses a concentrated dynamism, with its long bonnet, low silhouette and slim window areas. The car’s spor ty appearance is given particular depth by the interplay between lines and surfaces.The wind and the waves, as well as aviation engineering, were the sources of inspiration for its designers.

On the front end, the brand logo appears to be surrounded by a starry sky. Where there are usually apertures or louvres, the radiator grille consists of numerous metallic silver “dots” on black stems. This theme is also reflected in the design of the wheels. A very special effect is created by the lights of the Concept A-Class, as the innovative full-LED high-performance headlamps repeat the starry sky motif with numerous lighting points. The technical highlights include a new, turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, a dual-clutch transmission and a radarbased collision warning system with Adaptive Brake Assist.

Express Yourself with

Nikon’s D5100

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Nikon’s latest release, the D5100, is a high-performance D-SLR designed to stimulate your creative side and help you create still images and movies like no other.The swing-out variangle monitor combines with the camera’s D-movie function to enable unique shots from any angle. Still images or movies can be shot using a special effect to add a sense of magic. High Dynamic Range imaging lets you capture exquisitely detailed stills of high-contrast scenes. The perfect way to capture your view of the world, this camera was made with freedom of expression in mind. The new features of the D5100 include a 16.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor, a 7.5 cm 921k-dot vari-angle LCD monitor with wide viewing angle, the Special Effects mode and the D-Movie feature that allows you to capture full (1080p) high-definition movie clips. Contact your nearest Nikon dealer for more details.

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Virgin Oceanic Explores

Earth’s Final Frontier

Seventy percent of Mother Earth’s surface is covered in water, yet we know more about the moon than we do about our deepest oceans. In yet another ground-breaking initiative under Virgin’s multi-faceted “Branded Venture Capitalism”, Richard Branson intends to change all that with the Virgin Oceanic Five Dives project. The project is a series of ocean expeditions to the bottom of the five deepest trenches in the world, beginning with an attempt on the world record 35,911 foot dive to the Pacific Ocean’s Mariana Trench – the deepest point on earth. The dives will be performed using the Hawkes experimental prototype DeepFlight Challenger submersible – a submarine more akin to an aircraft in the way it manoeuvres than a traditional submarine because it glides on wings and uses positive buoyancy. Constructed from extremely strong, lightweight materials such as titanium, carbon fibre and quartz, the DeepFlight Challenger submarine will need to resist 1,000 atmospheres as it plumbs the lowest points on earth.

Image: © Jean-Pierre Uys

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Image: © Jean-Pierre Uys

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Image: © Jean-Pierre Uys

Image: © Joe Dreyer

Image: © Jean-Pierre Uys

Personality meets

Perfection It is not every day that you meet someone is who highly trained in the art of making fairy tales come true but Aleit Swanepoel does just that. Personalised attention, opulent luxury and simple sophistication are just some of the hallmarks that have come to be associated with his exceptional skill. For scared and stressed out grooms, we present The Aleit Group, who bring together every couple’s personality and their unwavering dedication to perfection with the flair and magic that is an Aleit Wedding.

Text: Nicola Weir • Images: © The Aleit Group

Image: © Jean-Pierre Uys

Image: © Zarazoo

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Image: © Lizelle Lotter

Image: © Joe Dreyer

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leit Swanepoel grew up in Worcester but after his parents relocated, he attended high school in Cape Town where he excelled in cultural activities and events, a sure sign that he was destined for a career in the hospitality and events planning industry. At age 14 he began working as a waiter and was soon left in charge by the restaurant managers when it became clear that he was exceptionally talented at the art of hospitality and customer service.

After school he travelled and worked in London at a 5-star hotel while studying for his degree and when he returned to South Africa he was appointed to run the restaurant of a well-known wine estate in the Cape. When a staff member was absent, he was asked to run a wedding taking place on the estate and by the end of that night, he knew what he was born to do. Ten years later, the Aleit Group is a force to be reckoned with. “We have

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Image: © Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

grown a lot,” he says, “especially over the past three years or so. Aleit Wedding Coordination and Aleit Event Projects have grown immensely and we have now opened The Aleit Academy, which provides highly specialised training in this field.”

The company has grown to the point that they sadly have to turn clients away in their effor t to keep up with demand.

Aleit explains, “I wish I could help each and every client I see but we cannot run the risk of dropping our standards. Our clients come to us because they want the personalised attention and time that we can offer them and this is extremely important to us. Of course I would love to do more, but our limit is 40 weddings a year. Anymore, and we would begin to compromise the quality of our service, which, for me, is out of the question.”

This personalised service starts from the first consultation that a couple has with Aleit. The couple completes a mini-

Image: © Zarazoo

questionnaire so that Aleit can establish their basic needs and their budget. Once this is finalised and the couple makes the decision to go ahead with Aleit’s assistance, a much longer questionnaire is filled out so that Aleit can find out as much about them as possible. This includes finer details such the type of music they like, their favourite foods and colours, right down to fond childhood memories, hopes, dreams and of course, goals for the big day. From here the couple will receive a complete, itemised breakdown of their budget. Each item is listed with its own price tag and it is then that couples must re-evaluate their priorities and preferences until the budget is appropriately distributed, although Aleit is always on hand to let them know if they are compromising quality on any aspect of the wedding.

For couples who have a smaller budget or just need some guidance, Aleit also offers a consulting service. For a fee,

Aleit’s Top Dos and Don’ts 1. Create an ambience from the moment guests arrive. Have waiters standing by with something like homemade lemonade in cute bottles to immediately serve drinks and make sure that there is music playing.

2. Guests are hungry. Do not make them wait until 19h00 to eat.

Serve drinks and canapés after the ceremony and make sure that this is a party on its own. Serve canapés that you love – even if your favorite dish is fish and chips – do it and make it work. Serve with bubbly and cocktails and make the pre-dinner drinks a party of its own.

3. You want happy guests, so make sure you have enough efficient, well trained (and good looking) waiters and waitresses – I recommend working on one waiter for every eight guests.

This will contribute to the guests having an unforgettable experience and leave them feeling spoilt.

4. Make sure you have an excellent photographer who you are comfortable with and who can capture the essence of this day and of who you are. You will look at these photos again and again and will want to relive every moment.

5. Be true to yourself – every aspect will be determined by and take the shape of who you are. Really enjoy the process, as time flies. So on the day of the wedding, step back every hour and take it all in...’cause midnight comes too quickly! Also, too much money is spent not to appreciate and totally absorb every detail of every moment.

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Aleit’s Gift to You!

Each person on my team has their own strengths and weaknesses and I take this into account when I pair a couple with a planner.

Here are a few of Aleit’s best-loved ideas for you to try at your own wedding!

• Have each guest light a candle at the entrance to the ceremony, which by the time everyone is seated adds to the ambience of the church or cellar. This can also be done at the reception by putting one at each place setting. Have the guests light “their” candle which symbolises their connection to the bride or groom and reminds them that they have been a part of your lives.

• Instead of the traditional guest book, have a framed canvas for your guests to sign. This is something you can hang in your home as a unique memory of your wedding day.

• Use a Polaroid camera at the wedding and ask a family member to take photos of each guest. Have each guest sign the photo which is then placed in a scrap book.

• Consider serving a high tea during predrinks instead of the usual canapés. This is extremely sophisticated and as it’s not your typical scenario, it is likely to be well remembered.

• An alternative to tossing the bouquet to all the single girls, because let’s face it, who actually has that many attending weddings these days! Gather all the married couples to the dance floor and round by round, eliminate those married less than 5 years, then less than 10 years and so on until you have a couple remaining who has been married the longest and present them with the bouquet.

• If you really want to toss the bouquet, have your florist make up a second bouquet but create a large one made up of many smaller mini-bouquets that when thrown breaks apart. Voilà! No more mad massacres at the reception!

• One of our current favourites is giving a small tree sapling as a favour and request that each couple plant this on their property or the property of a friend or family member to remind them of your union as the years pass.

• To encourage guests to dance, assign each table a love song. When the band or DJ plays the specific song, that table should get up to dance.

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• On a strict budget and worried about all the money you need to decorate?

Consider a picnic theme. Each couple gets a picnic basket that contains a gingham cloth, plates, cups and all the necessaties. Also the meal and a candle or two of course. Guests get to choose their basket and where they wish to sit. If the site allows you could have an open-air dance floor for later and string some fairy lights in the trees for a magical effect.

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Image: © Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen

couples can have the opportunity to sit down with Aleit to discuss and brainstorm ideas about every aspect of their wedding plans. He will help to compile mood boards and also generously provides information and contact details for the best service providers in the industry.

Even though Aleit cannot help couples such as these through the entire process, he offers his services in this way because he believes that there are several benefits to making use of a professional planner versus doing it alone. “The experts are aware of the trends in their industry and they are skilled in their ability to zoom in on the essence of the bride and groom and are therefore able to offer fresh and new ideas for each couple,” Aleit explains, “we also take into account important aspects of the day that laymen would not. It is not only about the ‘look’ of the wedding but also about the guests’ experience. They have taken time to come and share in your special day and you owe them a wonderful experience for that.”

Another important aspect about using a planner is the fact that they consider and cover all legal aspects of the planning.

Should a vendor unexpectedly cancel on you or fail to deliver what was promised, a professional wedding planner is able to deal with this on your behalf. To keep this and other similarly important aspects in the forefront of their minds, each of

Image: © Zarazoo

the planners working with Aleit does a maximum of 10 weddings a year. This ensures that each couple receives the full benefit of their expertise and that the maximum amount of time can be spent on their wedding. Aleit says,“Having my team work in this manner means that there is a full structure to fall back on. I am also careful in how I delegate projects as well.

Each person on my team has their own strengths and weaknesses and I take this into account when I pair a couple with a planner. The chemistry has to be right. You cannot pair an extroverted, funky planner with a quiet and conservative couple.”

This ability to read people and the chemistry between them obviously gives Aleit great insight into his work and through this he has picked up a worrying trend in the industry. The stereotype of the wedding being more about the bride than groom seems to be true. “It is there, definitely, but it should be changed, and soon,” he says. “A wedding day is not meant to focus exclusively on one member of the couple but rather on their union.”

He does agree though, that for some men, wedding planning is just not for them. “It really depends on their personalities, and their career demands. Obviously a groom who works as a graphic designer is going to be far more interested in the creative aspects of his wedding than a groom who is, say, an actuary.” Aleit has found that in his

Men have an outdated perception of wedding planning.

It really can be a fun experience but they seem to be stuck on the notion of an old-fashioned wedding where your wants and needs are ignored

Image: © Jean-Pierre Uys

experience, up to 25% of grooms choose not be involved in the process of planning their wedding.

However, Aleit says the trend is slowly changing and he goes out of his way to get the grooms involved. “Men have an outdated perception of wedding planning.

It really can be a fun experience but they seem to be stuck on the notion of an old-fashioned wedding where your wants and needs are ignored while your motherin-law-to-be bulldozes all of your ideas.

Weddings can be so customised nowadays, and so many grooms are excited to hear that their favourite TV snacks can be served at the canapé reception or that we can have beer buckets and couches set out on the lawn.”

Another reason that more grooms may be getting involved in the planning process is because of the financial contribution they are making to the day. According to Aleit more and more couples are paying for their own wedding, which makes the

SMS and Win! One lucky couple stands the chance to win R7000 wor th of consulting with Aleit! SMS your NAME and PREMIER WEDDING to 35131 and the chance for Aleit to wave his wand over your wedding could be yours!

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Image: © Joe Dreyer

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Terms and Conditions Apply. The winning bride or couple will be required to accept all terms and conditions before receiving their prize. Competition closes 31st May 2011.

groom want to be more involved now that he is spending his own money. “Times have changed and now most couples can afford to pay for their weddings whereas their parents cannot. This financial involvement makes grooms more interested than they would have been otherwise.” In addition to this, Aleit and his team go a long way to making the planning process a fun and comfortable experience for both the bride and the groom. “Because of our way of doing things, we sell the grooms on the first consultation. We appeal to aspects of the groom’s involvement that the bride cannot make a decision on for him.”

“I want people to know how fun this process can be and how important it is for both the bride and groom to enjoy it,” says Aleit, “you have to be true to yourself because that influences everything on the day. You also deserve to enjoy your party and you owe your guests a good experience and we are here to make that happen.”

Indulge, relax and splendour are only a few words that spring to mind to conjure up an emotion that describes the beauty of Zulu Nyala Country Manor. 13 acres of cascading landscaped English Country styled gardens with Zebra, Springbok and Blesbuck – all of this in the heart of Gauteng’s up market Fourways/ Chartwell district.

Come experience a luxury bush getaway and impeccable service with a smile and let us make your momentous day one to remember.

We have 3 unique venues on offer: The Country Manor in Chartwell, Fourways (as seen above), a private Game Lodge/Reserve and Heritage Safari Lodge, both of which are situated in Hluhluwe Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal sandwiched between St.Lucia (World Heritage Site) and Sodwana Bay (Marine Reserve) that specialise in Bush Weddings. We offer accommodation not only for the bridal couple, but also for all their guests. 1 Carat of Diamonds will be gifted to the first 10 brides who use the Diamond Events Centre at the Country Manor or the Kwa-Zulu Natal Game Lodges.

Terms and Conditions Apply Contact: Marcelle Richards Zulu Nyala Country Manor Tel: +27 11 702 9300 Email: m.richards@zulunyala.com Website: www.zulunyala.com 25’59’30.46”S – 27’58’32.37”E

Discover the

Hidden

Gems

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of Cape Town

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The Last Word has taken the hospitality industry to a different level. It’s a unique concept that entices, enchants and astonishes. It’s beyond boutique.

Text & Images: © The Mantis Collection

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rench author Andre Gide said: “One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore.” The Last Word team takes the plunge, rows away from the sea of sameness and invites guests to dive into authentic, sophisticated simplicity as the voyage takes them on routes less travelled.

“Our philosophy is to offer guests sanctuary from the madding crowd,” says Nicky Coenen, the collection’s general manager. “Travel the world; you’ll be put to the test to find properties to match these,” she adds. “The best and easiest way to see more of Cape Town is with The Last Word. We have five intimate hotels in five picturesque locations, in and around the city. By combining stays at these different hotels visitors can experience the versatility of Cape Town while enjoying the memorable service and hospitality for which The Last Word is renowned.”

It’s the attention to detail, the little surprises, the charming service as well as the hotels themselves that have given The Last Word a name beyond the best. The brand comprises five irresistible five-star intimate hotels; each pleasingly different in style, scenic beauty and activities, yet linked by a distinctly superior standard of elegance.

Carefully chosen for spectacular outlooks of mountain, sea or garden, each hotel is a hidden gem offering unparalleled peace, comfort and privacy. Features include Premier

suites of generous proportions, private patios, sparkling pools, tranquil gardens and the last word in luxury. Perhaps the most compelling quality of The Last Word is welcoming, yet discreet, hospitality.

The hotels are strategically positioned in the most scenic locations of Cape Town and Franschhoek; the latter being renowned for its vineyards and fine wines.

The Last Word properties in Constantia, Bishopscourt, Long Beach, Franschhoek and Camps Bay were selected for their unique exclusivity and spectacular settings.

“Whichever destination you choose, a memorable experience awaits you,” Nicky adds knowingly. “Most of the hotels in the portfolio are a short scenic drive from the city centre and the V&A Waterfront, so guests are within easy reach of the exciting cosmopolitan vibe Cape Town offers yet they are far enough away when refuge from the bright city lights is required. And let’s not forget Princess Emma, The Last Word’s luxury motor yacht, which is best described as a honeymoon couple’s dream come true.”

The Last Word Bishopscourt is in Cape Town’s most prestigious, leafy suburb and in close proximity to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, 10 minutes from the city centre, V&A Waterfront, world-class golf courses, shopping centres and top restaurants. All suites offer majestic views of Table Mountain.

“The best and easiest way to see more of Cape Town is with The Last Word. We have five intimate hotels in five picturesque locations, in and around the city.”

The Last Word intimate hotel group is a Proud Member of Mantis. The Mantis Group founded by Adrian Gardiner is a private collection of award winning, privately owned, five star properties located around the World. Divided into three distinct groups, their specialist areas include Boutique Hotels, Game Reserves and Eco Lodges. All of the properties are unique and celebrate the culture, gastronomy, architecture and nature of the locations in which they are found.

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The Last Word Constantia, in Cape Town’s oldest wine valley, is in a colourful, tranquil garden setting. It’s close to boutique shopping, golf courses, worldclass restaurants and wine estates. The city centre, V&A Waterfront and Cape Point are about 20 minutes away.

The Last Word Long Beach, on the water’s edge in the picturesque lobsterfishing village of Kommetjie, has sea-facing suites and inspiring ocean views from Hout Bay to Table Mountain.This hotel is close to Cape Point, Simon’s Town, Chapman’s Peak and Kalk Bay. The Last Word Franschhoek is in the heart of the village, the wine and gourmet food capital of South Africa. The hotel is a minute’s walk from award-winning restaurants, boutique shops and art galleries. Horse riding, walking trails, leading wine estates and a signature golf course are all close by.

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The Last Word Sea Five, a 10-minute drive from the city centre, is on the trendy Atlantic seaboard. Under the Twelve Apostles mountain range – and with an expansive beachfront, palm-tree lined promenade, trendy sidewalk cafes, restaurants and bars, and a casual atmosphere – Camps Bay is a popular tourist destination.

Princess Emma, moored in the Waterfront, Africa’s most celebrated playground, promises the ultimate in romance and memorable moments.

Racontours is the last word in mild adventures off the beaten track. Take an expert guide and enjoy an intimate connection with Cape Town that most locals never experience.

The Last Word is a partner of Mantis and Preferred Boutique Hotels. For more information, visit www.thelastword.co.za or call +27 21 794 6561.

Boutique Hotels: Located worldwide on land and on water these intimate hotels, rail journeys and luxury yachts present the highest standards of personalised service offering lavish havens of comfort and privacy.

Game Reserves:These world renowned game reserves are dedicated to conserving local ecosystems with the full diversity of plant and animal life native to each area. Enjoy exceptional accommodation with unprecedented encounters with nature.

Eco Lodges: With a strong commitment to conservation of the environment and exploration, the eco lodges are an eclectic collection of luxurious yet responsible travel opportunities. In Keeping with the Mantis philosophy of conserving a vanishing way of life, these experiences all boast unparalleled green credentials and a dedication to the preservation and sustainability of their respective environments.

For more information contact Mantis Central Reser vations on +27 41 407 1000 or e-mail reser vations@mantiscollection.com and www.mantiscollection.com.

The Expert on

Engagement

Can it be true that in the overpriced sector of diamond rings, there are some jewellers who deliver superior products to go with their superlative price tags? I had thought this impossible until an exhausting trip around South Africa’s jewellery industry brought me full circle to Deonne le Roux Jewellers.

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Text: Nicola Weir • Images: © Deonne le Roux Jewellers

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M

y best friend was getting engaged and for as long as I have known her, her dream has been to wear a Deonne le Roux ring. Of course, many people are already aware that Deonne le Roux produces some of the most stunning engagement rings on the market, and even I have sat in traffic, staring at one of their billboards and fantasising about wearing one of their perfect creations, but I was not sure whether rushing into their store and buying a ring was the right move for my friend. “They must cost a fortune,” I said, but she argued that they are known for their quality. “Don’t buy the first ring you see,” I told her, “I don’t think you have tried on enough rings to make an informed decision.” She agreed to a field trip, and said that she would try on as many rings as it would take to prove me wrong.

We proceeded to visit several jewellery shops, trying on the best of their engagement offerings. “I am saving Deonne le Roux for last,” my friend said, “because I promise that by the end of the day you will agree that they are the best.” Still sceptical, I nodded vaguely and dutifully jotted down names, styles, carat weight, clarity and prices for her as she tried on ring after ring. Eventually, after seeing so much sparkle that I was literally seeing stars, we arrived at the Deonne le Roux store. My friend proceeded straight to the counter and asked to try on ‘her’ ring.

It was dazzling, it was a masterpiece and the diamond was more than generously sized.

I hesitated, and asked, “How much?”

Her answer almost knocked me to the ground. Certainly not cheap, but well priced in comparison with many other rings that she had tried on and this one was clearly of a far superior quality – she had proved me wrong, and I graciously offered to pay for lunch, my penance for doubting her.

Her ring was made especially for her by the Deonne le Roux team, and her dream finally came true.

I could not stop thinking of this process, and where we had landed up. How is that we had seen more expensive rings than the one she chose and yet, that ring just looked so much better! It sparkled and shone like a beacon, it encompassed every aspect of

a dream ring you could imagine. Wanting to know how they had managed to change my mind, I had to ask Mr Deonne le Roux himself to find out his secret.

“The secret to our success,” he told me, “is that we aim to exceed our customers’ expectations every time.” How do they do this? Well, according to le Roux it starts with the design, “It’s easy to create something that is so avant garde it ends up looking like a purple cow that no one wants to wear.

We want to design a piece that does not stand out because it is weird or ugly, but rather a piece that stands out in detail and in quality.”

Le Roux is of the opinion that a design does not necessarily have to be ‘different’ and that it is unrealistic for each person who gets engaged to set out to create a completely unique design that has never been done before. He believes that no matter what design you choose, somewhere out there, on the internet or in a shop you will find a design with similar elements to yours. But Deonne le Roux offers a range of existing designs and I was concerned that this eliminated any chance of individuality.

He answered me by saying, “I believe that a product can be unique because of its quality. While none of our items are massproduced, we do re-use similar designs but at the end of the process not each one will be exactly the same. If a client comes to me with their own stone and sees one of my designs and wants it custom-made for them, I would look at that design and then use the design principles, incorporating them with my thirty odd years of experience to create a ring that may look similar but is in fact one of a kind, and because each of our items is hand-finished, each one is a little bit different.”

Deonne le Roux also make use of technology as part of their manufacturing process in their efforts to exceed expectation. “We do things a bit differently to most jewellers due to the fact that we use computer-aided production and design for our jewellery. This state-of-the-art technology is a large part of why our ring designs have been so successful, because through computer-aided design we can complete intricate details that cannot

be done by hand and the construction is perfect. Nothing on the ring will be skewed or out of place, no matter how small or detailed the design elements may be.”

Another important part of manufacturing the ring lies in the selection of the diamonds.

According to le Roux, each one needs to be the right size, the right colour, and the proportions of the cut along each angle must be perfect.“When choosing a selection of stones that are similar in size for a ring, all of our diamonds are calibrated to within a tenth of a millimetre making them each the exact same size which makes a huge difference to the design and the setting of your ring,” Deon explains. He ensures that these diamonds are calibrated along their width, length and depth to ensure perfect proportions and to ensure that each and every one is a perfectly cut diamond.

“A perfectly cut diamond is my highest priority,” he says, “in the cut you unlock the true beauty of the stone. All the fire and all the life in a diamond come out through perfect cutting.”

Another special element that le Roux likes to include in his rings is done during the manufacturing process. Before the diamonds are set, to ensure the best reflection of light through the ring, a reflective surface is created onto which the stone is placed. This surface is highly polished, and resembles a mirror. Once the diamond is put into place, when light goes through it, it is reflected back again through the stone creating a dazzling effect.

Once you have the perfect stone, and the ring has been designed, it needs to be cast and then ‘finished’. On average, most jewellers will spend 45 minutes to an hour finishing and polishing a ring, but a Deonne le Roux ring typically undergoes more than nine hours of finishing, which really brings out the sparkle and shine that their rings are known for. “Ultimately, the reason why I know that my customer’s expectations have been exceeded when we present the final product to them is because of the philosophy I have when approaching my work, which is; when I make a ring, I make it for me. I would never make a ring for a customer that I could not proudly place on the shelf in my store.”

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Haven

Blissful

Situated in the heart of Sandton, the Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa combines age-old Asian healing traditions, philosophies, beliefs and wisdom with modern technology and products to create a variety of holistic treatments.

Step over the threshold and forget you are in the middle of a bustling city – welcome to the Fairlawns Spa haven.

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Text & Images: Š Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa

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he spa focuses completely on creating the perfect atmosphere, which is done through beautifully appointed spaces combined with a treatment offering that focuses on a holistic healing approach. “The principles of holistic healing in a pampering environment is the focus of this Balinese Spa, with its hydrotherapy treatments, relaxation and dining pavilions as well as outdoor massage areas, reminiscent of a tropical paradise,” says Fairlawns Spa Manager Christine Freimann.

The spa offers three signature body treatments guaranteed to take you on a journey of pure bliss. These body treatments are specifically designed to offer exclusive pampering, in a mystical sanctuar y. The Signature Body Treat lasts for a divine two and a half hours and makes use of the Fairlawns Spa Body Range, which includes a bamboo scrub, a honey and coffee body mud and a cooling mint body butter.

The Signature Massage Treatment was specially designed by the internationally qualified Fairlawns spa therapists to soothe and relax tired muscles using cooling hot stones and wooden Iroko sticks, and to really get guests in touch with their mental and physical well-being, a signature Reiki treatment lasting 90 minutes was designed. After enjoying a cup of chamomile tea and a heavenly foot massage, the healing Reiki therapy creates deep relaxation leaving guests completely rejuvenated on ever y level.

Massage treatments are usually at the top of anyone’s list when visiting a spa, and Fairlawns has several massage options on offer to ensure that each guest gets the exact type of relaxation they are looking for.

The Pressure Point Foot Massage is based on an ancient treatment that focuses on the reflexology principles of feet to treat the entire body, while the Indian Head Massage is used as a detoxifying massage treatment of the head, scalp, face, neck and shoulders.

The classics include Swedish Massage, which stimulates blood circulation

Experience Fairlawns’ Heavenly Autumn/Winter Packages: and soothes tense muscles, utilising firm but gentle pressure and the Hot Stone Massage, which uses heated riverbed stones, to create a cleansing, harmonising and soothing effect on the body. A firm favourite among most guests is the Relaxing Aroma Oil Massage. Therapists use a blend of pure aromatic oils to relax, rejuvenate and re-energise the body through the ancient ar t of massage in order to combine the benefits of essential oils with healing therapeutic strokes.

If you are up for tr ying a completely unique massage then the Soy Candle Wax Massage is for you. 100% organic soy candle wax is used to hydrate and soothe the skin while relaxing tired muscles. Guests are encouraged to select a favorite aromatic candle on arrival and to take it home with them to enjoy with a sensual bath.

Expectant moms are catered for with the Pre-Natal Massage, which uses safe oils and incorporates gentle techniques to ease away aches, pains and stress.

Facial treatments include a complimentar y skin analysis and the highly qualified Fairlawns Spa therapists will formulate and recommend a unique skin maintenance plan to suit each individual. These plans can include facials that take place within the sanctuar y of Fairlawns Spa where a variety of classic and rejuvenating facials are available. Classic facials include Elemis Skin-Specific Facials, tailor-made with the advanced Elemis range to assist with dehydration, congestion and stressed skin; and the Guinot Classic Facial, which remains a great classic for dehydrated skins. Men are welcome to experience the Men’s Deep Cleanse Facial, which focuses on cleansing and purifying to leave skin smooth and refreshed. An absolute must is the newest addition to the spa’s offering, the QMS Medicosmetics Regenerating and Corrective Facials, which use natural soluble collagens to return skin to a healthy, youthful state by increasing the skin’s natural collagen levels with instant lifting and antiageing results.

Autumn/Winter 2011 Couples Package: Couples Treatments are performed in the privacy of the luxurious Fairlawns Spa Villa, complete with a private garden, at R2,400 per person. This package includes: Glass of Sparkling Wine on arrival Aromatic Steam Session 60-minute Aroma Oil Massage 60-minute Classic Facial Cheese and Fruit Platter with Sparkling Wine 60-minute Manicure 30-minute Indian Head Massage 60-minute Pedicure Harmony Half Day Couples Package: A taste of the essentials – be pampered and feel relaxed and rejuvenated. This package lasts 4 ½ hours at R1,950.00 per person and includes: 60-minute massage of guest’s choice 60-minutes Classic Facial Spa Cuisine Lunch Classic Manicure Classic Pedicure Complimentary iced tea throughout guest’s visit Autumn and Winter 2011 weekend special addition: Include a night’s stay in one of the luxurious Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa suites including breakfast for only R1,999.00 per couple per suite.

The Spa at Fairlawns Boutique Hotel & Spa is popular with day visitors wishing to spoil their spouses and friends. Fairlawns welcomes non-hotel residents to dine and enjoy spa treatments by appointment.

Fairlawns was nominated for the World Luxury Spa awards 2010, won the 2010 Platinum Diners Club Wine List Award, and is the 2010 World Luxury Boutique Hotel Award winner for South Africa. The 5-star hotel is privately owned and a member of Inspirational Places.

For more information, call +27 11 804 2540/1/2, email fairlawn@fairlawns. co.za, or visit www.fairlawns.co.za.

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May 2011

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I Want Your Most Memorable Day to be

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Unforgettable Only a truly passionate photographer has the ability to capture something as precious as your wedding day and passion is something that Jean-Pierre Uys has in spades! Couples from all over South Africa choose Jean-Pierre because of his ability to portray precious memories in his photographs. Grooms especially, are attracted to his relaxed style and his knack for making his subjects so comfortable that he almost becomes invisible.

Text: Nicola Weir • Images: © Jean-Pierre Uys

“I

have been so blessed in my career and to share what I love most, my images, and my gift...my art!” says Cape Town-based photographer Jean-Pierre, who has become South Africa’s top wedding photographer because of his ability to shoot unconventional and breathtaking photos that truly capture every moment, and preserve every memory. His work has been published in over 50 local and international magazines, he has been featured on Top Billing and

he has extensive experience in shooting destination weddings, having worked in San Francisco, Spain, Italy, Germany, UK, Ireland and Victoria Falls. He has also captured the attention of several local celebrities and was asked to photograph the weddings of Trevor Manuel, Nicole Fox, Kerry McGregor and Neil McKenzie. His ability and talent were recognised when he won South Africa’s Wedding photographer of the Year and was co-sponsored by Nikon. All of this demonstrates how outstanding he is in his

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May 2011

His ability and talent were recognised when he won South Africa’s Wedding photographer of the Year

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field. When asked how it was possible for him to achieve all of this, he says, “I believe that you should follow your heart and remember where your gift comes from. I am thankful for my career and I am grateful to my clients who have respected and trusted me so much in capturing over 350 beautiful weddings.” After working for such a monumental number of clients, Jean-Pierre can certainly consider himself a specialist in wedding photography,

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although for him it hardly feels like work, “this is my passion...to create and capture those beautiful moments. Words can flatter, but photos convey truth and I trust that my photos will speak of my dedication and love for my art and my commitment to make your most memorable day unforgettable with timeless photographs that will be cherished by you and your family for years to come!”

Words can flatter, but photos convey truth and I trust that my photos will speak of my dedication and love for my art and my commitment to make your most memorable day unforgettable with timeless photographs that will be cherished by you and your family for years to come!

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Fraud Credit Card

A disconcertingly growing industry in South Africa

Last year R141 million was stolen from South African bank accounts due to cloned card fraud. That’s the official industry figure released by the South African Banking Risk Information Centre (Sabric). When I first heard that number, I thought it was on the low side, considering how easy it had been for someone to clone my card, steal my pin number and withdraw R1 000 in cash from an ATM in the blink of an eye.

Text: Mark Ashton • Image: © iStockphoto.com

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t sounded even lower when people began reporting they’d also seen amounts up to R30,000 being cleared from their accounts and were now trying to prove to their banks they were victims of fraud.

To Standard Bank’s credit, it did contact me to inform me it had investigated my problem; I was off the hook and would be refunded shortly. Some people did comment that that had more to do with one of my more famous colleagues sullying the bank’s name on national radio rather than an attempt at client service, but I’m an optimist at heart.

What I did find curious was how sophisticated card-skimming is. Card readers that fit in the palm of your hand, miniature spy cameras and skimmers that can be attached to an ATM without appearing to be obvious unless you know what to look for. I asked Tobie van Zyl, of financial platform BSavi, for some input and he berated the banks for not doing enough to make people aware of the risks. Some of his suggestions to SA’s banks included: • Place pictures in the ATM to create awareness and tell people what to look for when using an ATM. • Promote the option of “chipped” cards, Premier

as that’s the most secure transaction facility available. Banks are slow in implementing the payment card industry (PCI) data security standard introduced by card companies such as Visa and MasterCard. PCI is applicable to every organisation dealing with credit card payments. Visa and MasterCard provide payment callback options, as well as insurance, to potential victims.

• Offer a security library on bank websites in simple terminology understandable to all.

• Send notifications via SMS alerts. The majority of banks only send transaction data, amounts and location shopped on an SMS. Available balances should also be shown.

• Make use of authentication servers, such as Emue and IBM, which offer new protection technology that’s been tested overseas and where the card crime rate has declined. That reduces the number of gadgets you need to carry to authorise transactions.

However, I was a little surprised to be told by Standard Bank’s call centre it wasn’t necessary to report the theft to the local police station. Cynically, I don’t expect the Randburg Police Station to put too much

energy into investigating my R1 000 theft, but after some discussion it turns out that advice may be designed to discourage outside investigators asking questions of bank fraud teams. Report it and maybe somebody spots a trend.

Sabric says a total of 190 hand-held skimming devices were retrieved last year alone and bank investigators and the police have retrieved 23 such devices this year.

That’s a very real problem, especially with the devices being available to buy from platforms such as eBay and then sent to SA. Apathy is a big problem in SA and many turn a blind eye to people tampering with ATMs, standing over your shoulder or card fraud because nobody gets “hurt”. But you’ll know about it when it’s your bank account that has been cleaned out.

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

Unspoilt

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Luxury

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Azura has raised the environmental stakes by becoming the first carbon neutral retreat in the country. Not only does this luxurious hotel paradise offset its carbon footprint, but it also works alongside the local community in setting a standard for resorts worldwide, showing that luxury does not literally have to cost the earth.

Text & Images: © Unlimited Destinations

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zura, Mozambique’s finest boutique retreat, is situated on stunning Benguerra Island within the Bazaruto Archipelago. Guests are guaranteed to be amazed by its miles of pure white sand, tranquil turquoise seas, swaying palms, endless sunshine and starstudded nights. Azura is Mozambique’s first carbon neutral retreat and was opened in November 2007 and offers exquisitely designed villas, private pools, superb cuisine, African spa treatments, and a world class diving, fishing and watersports centre.

Laidback Living Accommodation includes 15 spacious beach villas, all just a stone’s throw from the beach. Each villa features air conditioning, a private villa host, double outdoor showers,

an outdoor Sala for lazy afternoons, a private sundeck and a sparkling infinity pool for cooling off in. Nestled among indigenous trees and vegetation, each villa offers guests their own private sanctuary for the ultimate in relaxation.

A phenomenal Presidential Villa, one of the most luxurious private residences to be found anywhere in the Indian Ocean, was added to Azura in 2009. It boasts three bedrooms, a sitting room with a fireplace and all the perquisite mod cons as well as a dining area, wine bar, treehouse lounge, a private beach area and a private kitchen with a dedicated chef. The second exciting addition to Azura is a twobedroom private villa, called Villa Amizade.

With luxurious features such as a private

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ten-metre swimming pool, a dining area, sitting room and wine bar, Villa Amizade has its own spot on the beach at the end of the property with fantastic views of the setting sun.

Getting Active Azura caters for visitors of all ages and with the launch of its kid’s entertainment programme last year, even the adults will be jealous of the amazing adventures on offer. These include big fish fishing (and cooking afterwards), stargazing, a trip to magical Pansy Island and searching for crocodiles.

For kids wanting to try scuba diving in a safe and secure environment, there is the PADI Bubblemaker course. Children aged eight years old and upwards will be taught how to breathe underwater and when ready, they will practice swimming in the dive training pool (max depth: two meters).

Kids can learn some impressive underwater tricks and will be awarded with an official PADI certificate to take home. Azura also offers the PADI Discover Scuba course for children ten years and older, which includes a shallow dive out to the spectacular reefs, where turtles and dolphins are often seen, as well as Humpback whales on their seasonal migration.

Hospitality with a Conscience

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The vision behind Azura is to harness the power of responsible tourism for the benefit of the local people, while still conserving the unique cultural and biological diversity of Benguerra Island.

Even before the building plans were finalised or the first brick laid, a dedicated team of environmental specialists were appointed to identify valuable and essential local projects that Azura could support.

The marine environment is a priority at Premier

Azura has raised the environmental stakes by becoming the first carbon neutral retreat in the country.

Azura. As a result, the local communities are educated and encouraged not to hunt rare species or over-fish certain areas and a ‘no fishing zone’ has been established in front of the resort’s shores.This has already had a tremendous impact with a noticeable resurgence of fish life and regular dolphin sightings right in front of the villas. Members of the community and environmental specialists have also reported regular Humpback whale sightings towards the reefs, as well as the occasional sighting of our semi-resident dugong ‘Antonio’.

Azura is owned and operated in partnership with the local community.

Besides employing local islanders wherever possible, the lodge has set up a number of initiatives to help the community. A new school has been built, helped by many guests who have generously contributed to Azura’s Rainbow Fund, Mozambique’s first registered charity of its kind introduced to finance a number of initiatives to benefit the community.

The actual building of Azura was done by hand using a local workforce of some 250 people, many of whom were originally subsistence fishermen. Extensive use has been made of natural materials, transported to the island by dhow to reduce the amount of fuel utilised in the process. The lodge owns a state-of-the-art sewerage treatment plant, which was installed to recycle the water used, thereby preventing damage to the environment often seen in the area by the use of ‘soakaways’.

Azura’s carbon neutral status was certified by the Carbon Neutral Company in the United Kingdom, with Azura offsetting its carbon emissions through contributions to a number of environmental projects around the world.

For more information, visit www.azuraretreats.com. For reservations, contact +27 76 705 0599 or email reservations@ azura-retreats.com.

Making

the Cut Having the right suit for your wedding day is crucial for any groom, and to get it right means having a tailor-made suit created specifically to suit your taste and style, and most importantly, to fit you perfectly. Designer Javaid Aslam of Jagadi Couture has become one of South Africa’s best and most well-known tailors and if you were thinking of buying off the rack, he provides all the reasons not to.

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Text: Nicola Weir • Images: © Jagadi Couture

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avaid Aslam launched Jagadi Haute Couture in 2004 when he noticed that there was not much available for the discerning South African gentleman seeking a beautifully crafted, tailored suit.

Jagadi Haute Couture has since become one of South Africa’s most well-known brands, recognised for its true passion and creative design influence in all areas of fashion. But their speciality remains made-to-measure suits, which are unique to each client and can be made from a choice of over 300 fabrics in different grades. Whether clients opt for business suits, formal suits or linen suits, each suit is impeccably made and personalised, giving South African men more choice than ever.

Jagadi offers something different for their clients – a combination of European elegance, American glamour and distinctive style. Aslam’s shop is impressive, and has a unique look that definitely expresses his personal style – it is just as a distinctive as the clothing he produces. His evening and cocktail wear, and the recently launched ready-to-wear range are equally distinctive with organic lines and signature notes that set them apart from the crowd. It is a place for customers to relax and enjoy the finer side of shopping with the personal touch from the designer himself.

“The process is very painless,” Aslam explains. “First we have a discussion of the

requirements, as I need to know what the occasion is and if there is a specific theme or colour required. We then show the clients a huge range of fabrics in sections based on weight, thread count, composition and price.” Aslam’s team gives each client individual attention to ensure that they are guided through choices such as what would work for their specific body type, and once the client is happy with their chosen style, precise body measurements are taken and are then handed over to the tailor who works from these measurements to cut each client’s suit individually. “There is nothing better than having a suit that is tailored to your specific body type,” Aslam says. “Not everyone has a regular body shape so to have a suit that fits you perfectly there is no comparison. Especially when you are going to wear the suit on the most important day of your life!”

According to Aslam most men need assistance such as this when choosing a suit because most of the time, they are unsure of what to look for. According to him the fabric is of upmost impor tance, saying that “natural fabrics are the best and you should look for either fine wool or wool cashmere mixes. This allows the body to breathe and controls your body temperature.” Another impor tant aspect is the fit and propor tion because a suit may fit well on the body but could be

either too shor t or long on the sleeves or trousers, which makes the whole suit look wrong. “It is always good to have a suit that has nicely tailored pants that work with the jacket, but some companies don’t allow for this,” he says and that is why the best option is go for something tailored.

Aslam’s final words of advice are, “look at the quality of the finish, fabric and internally how the suit is finished.

Don’t buy an off-the-peg suit without considering having one made, because if you take the time to do this you will definitely have a suit that will fit you better and hopefully, one that will last as long as a great marriage does.”

Javaid Aslam was born in England and obtained his fashion degree there before completing his training in London’s famous Savile Row where his tailoring skills were honed. Javaid collaborated with fashion houses such as Burberry, Savile Row Tailors UK, Donna Karan, Calvin Klein and Dunhill.

Javaid’s award-winning designs express his passion for quality, precision, cut and fit. The fashion industry inspired him to travel the world, allowing him to gather international experience. With his affinity for clean lines, simplicity and natural fabrics, he has established himself in the international fashion scene, most notably for the fusion of eastern and western elements using natural silks, leathers and linens.

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Wheels for Your

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Wedding Day Premier

Arranging a wedding on a grand scale can be a daunting undertaking. Two very separate and very determined factions – the in-laws-to-be – will try to enforce their tastes and preferences to such an extent that it’s sometimes a wonder that two people get married at all. One of the major points of friction is often the choice of a suitable set of wheels to transport the bride and/or groom-to-be to the wedding venue. But no matter how badly you may want to please your in-laws-to-be, there are certain modes of transport that are simply not ideal for starting the journey of a lifetime.

Text: Bernard K Hellberg • Images: © iStockphoto.com

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ome girls prefer to go the old and nostalgic route and try to find the car that their parents had owned when she was a little girl. The problem with these antiques, however, is that while their proud owners are often more than happy to lend you their pride and joy for a small ‘consideration’, they will not let the car be driven by anyone but themselves.

Additionally, these stars from a previous era are also prone to breaking down and need to be treated with kid gloves. In fact, which bride would be prepared to take her chances with a 70-year-old car when she has a nervous 20-something bridegroom already waiting at the venue?

Another possibility is the car rental industry. It must be said, however, that these companies seldom have large luxury limousines that are suitable for this purpose. And perish the thought of a so-called ‘stretch’ limo. You surely would not want to see your precious daughter using one of those on her wedding day...?

An all-in-one service, in terms of which the bridal vehicle is included as part of the overall package, can usually be arranged by organisations that specialise in weddings and functions. The advantage of this method is that the client may even be

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offered a choice of vehicles. For instance, should the ceremony take place on a game farm, it would be perfectly acceptable to use a luxury off-road vehicle as a bridal car. But keep in mind that open gameviewing vehicles do not qualify as ‘luxury’ off-roaders – so forget about the bride in white on the back seat of an open, dusty, dark green Land Rover.

There are also two main sets of individuals who should not be approached.

The first of these is the major motor manufacturers. Do you really think that a company that sells its state-of-the-ar t R1 million-plus product to rich individuals will lend you this car for a Saturday afternoon?

Without any security? Wondering if the car will be driven by the bride’s 18-year-old brother?

The manufacturers/importers have heard all this before. After all, it’s not only for weddings that they get approached.

Matric farewells also feature large in their long list of nightmares.

And do not think about asking motoring journalist acquaintances to get you a car – unless the bride is also a motoring journalist and will be driving the car herself on her wedding day – a rather unlikely scenario, don’t you agree?

which bride would be prepared to take her chances with a 70-yearold car when she has a nervous 20-something bridegroom already waiting at the venue?

Are you logging your

Business Mileage?

Life just got easier with Little LogBook

SARS has changed its laws regarding business travel and the onus is now on the individual to keep a detailed logbook of all mileage in order to claim a travel allowance. Not only are individuals with car allowances affected, but there has also been a marked increase in the perks tax levied if using a company vehicle. If your mind immediately turns to laboriously handwritten records, banish that thought because Little LogBook offers you an unbelievably simple solution to this requirement.

Text & Image: © Little LogBook

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f you use your car for business or your employer, you need to keep track of the kilometres you travel in order to claim for the business mileage.

In fact, all tax payers who benefit from a travel allowance or company car, need to submit a logbook to SARS with their tax return. Without this logbook, the allocated monthly tax benefits are lost and the benefits received would need to be paid back to SARS at the end of the tax year.

For example, a vehicle owner who travels 20,000 km for business during the tax year, in a vehicle valued at R250,000 could end up paying SARS R15,892 back if he is unable to produce a compliant logbook.

Little LogBook is a complete standalone product that offers you a simple and cost-effective solution for tracking your mileage. The handy plug in and go GPS trip logger uses the latest tracking technology to electronically log your Premier

daily mileage. You simply plug the device into your cigarette lighter socket and it is activated when the ignition is turned on. It stops recording the trip when the ignition is turned off, making it impossible to forget to keep a logbook ever again.

Included in the package is innovative software that enables you to download and edit the list of trips. These trips can be viewed at street level, which reveals your speed along the route. To fur ther enhance your experience, Little LogBook allows you to personalise your destination, for example “Home” or “Office” and the instinctive software will memorise and automatically populate all future repor ting with the renamed destination.This greatly assists in selecting between private and business mileage.

Generating a SARS-compliant logbook repor t can now be done at the click of your mouse.

Little LogBook enables you to generate three types of reports: 1. The Summary Report provides a breakdown of business and private mileage over a tax year broken down into months.

2. The Detailed Report provides a breakdown of business and private mileage over a tax year broken up into individual trips.

3. The Date Range Report allows you to generate a report for your employer for a specific period.

It really couldn’t be easier to keep track of your business travel with a Little LogBook. This is an essential gadget that takes care of what could be a laborious administrative task.

Log onto www.littlelogbook.co.za and order yours today.

Mondern Twists at

Monneaux

With a revamped menu that includes some fresh ideas as well as some old favourites, it is a good time to head to Monneaux Restuarant at the Franschhoek Country House & Villas.

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Text: Jane Barry • Images: Š Franschoek Country House and Villas

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The revamped Monneaux menu has something to suit everyone’s palette

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riving towards Franschhoek is always a pleasure, as the scenery becomes ever more picturesque as you pass vineyards, lush wine estates and fertile farmlands. Shortly before you enter Franschhoek itself, you will find the Franschhoek Country House & Villas – an ideal location for a luxury break.

This five-star boutique hotel offers a tranquil retreat in a plush setting. The grounds are a mixture of bubbling water features, lavender gardens and quaint pathways, giving it a distinctly French atmosphere. The manor house, which was the site of a perfumery in the 1800s,

houses 14 deluxe and luxury rooms, which are both cosy and comfortable. There are also 12 Provencal-style villas, which come complete with fireplaces, lounges, balconies and wonderful freestanding baths in elegantly decorated bathrooms.

If you are planning on staying at the Franschhoek Country House & Villas, it is well worth arriving as early as possible so that you can spend time enjoying the space.

The heated pool offers a wonderful view of the vineyards and mountains that give Franschhoek much of its appeal, and is the ideal spot to spend an afternoon reading a good book and unwinding on a deckchair.

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Drawing from his own experiences, Jansen has introduced some traditional Cape Malay elements to his meals – an influence that stems from the delicious curries that his mother used to make.

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But, the real reason I am at the Villas is not to lounge by the pool. I am here to sample Chef Louis Jansen’s revised and invigorated menu at the award-winning Monneaux Restaurant. Chef Jansen, who has extensive experience at top restaurants and who also happened to be a competition chef at the Food and Wine Show this year, brings unique flavours to the menu.

“I’ve adopted a more Mediterranean angle, but also have some Asian and Cape Malay influences,” explains Jansen.

“It is modern Mediterranean with a twist.”

Launched in December last year, Jansen felt that the menu needed to move towards lighter and more flavoursome dishes. “Each individual item on the dish gives you a different experience,” says Jansen.

Drawing from his own experiences, Jansen has introduced some traditional Cape Malay elements to his meals – an influence that stems from the delicious curries that his mother used to make.

The most popular item on the menu for example, the rack of lamb, is complemented by a curried lentil salad and homemade vegetable achar, offset by a mint yoghurt dressing. “It is really my signature dish and so far is doing very well.”

One of the changes that Jansen has also made is to include a variety of homemade items and Monneaux now makes their own pasta and ice-cream in house. “People want to know what they eat and nowadays people are more health conscious than ever,” shares Jansen. With that in mind, he makes it his business to know exactly where the food in the restaurant is sourced. “Lots of people ask where the food comes from Premier

– where it is bought, where it is grown and so on – and you have to be able to foresee these questions,” he explains. The menu incorporates as much local fresh produce as possible and Jansen has a good relationship with suppliers in the area.

One of their homemade pastas worth trying is undoubtedly the butternut gnocchi with ricotta, sage cream, Swiss chard and toasted almond butter.This unusual take on an old favourite is satisfying and delicious.

Meanwhile, Jansen’s personal favourite on the menu is the tempura prawns, “It’s quite Asian with a ponzu sauce, a citrus soya sauce, and a combination of dill and crème fraiche.” Monneaux is aiming to change the menu seasonally, so expect new delights every few months.

For Jansen, the mark of a good meal is that it tastes good, it looks good and that it is an experience that you will not forget.

And while many restaurants in the area are still focused on producing fine dining cuisine, Jansen wants to make food that people know – but with a twist. “When the dish arrives, I want people to say ‘Wow, I’m used to this but now I’m seeing it in a new way’.” Jansen is determined to keep the food simple, yet unforgettable.

Being situated in the gourmet capital of the country puts pressure on Monneaux to stay on their toes. But this is a challenge that Jansen loves. “Once people have had one good experience, they will come back again and again,” he says. There is even one local couple who eats at Monneaux every single night – and order the same thing each time.

Monneaux restaurant in the evening is quite magical.The glow of fairy lights and the

bubbling water features create a romantic setting in which to enjoy the delicious food.

From the vine ripened tomato tart tatin with watercress, pine nut and basil crème fraiche to malva pudding for dessert, all of the dishes offered something special. The seared Franschhoek salmon trout sashimi, wasabi mayonnaise, feta and chives also comes highly recommended and is an item that Monneaux has kept on the menu for years – simply because of ongoing requests for it. Meanwhile, another innovative treat to look forward to is the Monneaux tasting menu, which allows you the option of sampling a variety of items to give you a well-rounded taste experience.

The revamped Monneaux menu has something to suit everyone’s palette.

Moreover, with prior arrangement with management, any requests for special dietary requirements will be happily accomodated. If good food and a prodigious dining experience are what you are looking for, then make Franschhoek Country House & Villas’ Monneaux restaurant your next stop.

Look out for Monneaux at the Franschhoek Learns to Cook festival this winter from 10th to 12th June. For reservations, contact +27 21 876 3386. For more information, visit www.fch.co.za.

A Lasting

Relationship Craftsmanship, personal service and innovative design are concepts synonymous with Cape Town’s Uwe Koetter Jewellers.This family-based company has become the preferred jeweller for both international celebrities and discerning South Africans.

Their combination of design talent and crafting skills has earned Uwe Koetter Jewellers numerous prestigious awards from De Beers, Intergold, the Jewellery Council and Anglo Platinum. Their beautiful designs and quality craftsmanship have caught the imagination of Joan and Jacky Collins, Stevie Wonder, Joanna Lumley, Kate Moss and Nicolas Cage. But it is their stunning engagement and wedding bands that Uwe Koetter Jewellers are really famous for.

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Text: Bee Luckey • Image: © Uwe Koetter Jewellers

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ohan Louw, award-winning designer, says that the engagement ring and wedding band sets are the main thrust of the company’s business. “As traditional jeweller to both South Africans and clients further afield, making jewellery is a matter of building relationships,” Louw explains, “like a marriage, this relationship with the client begins with the engagement ring.” Most couples coming to see Louw do not want to buy ready-made rings; they prefer to create their own rings and begin with an appointment and consultation with him.

“Many newly engaged couples prefer to do it this way because they see the bands as a physical manifestation of their individual relationship to each other,” Louw says.

This is the main reason that Uwe Koetter mostly sells wedding rings as a set, designed to match each other, rather than just the engagement or the wedding rings individually. “We create more than just a ring”, says Louw, “from an outside point of view, engagement rings may look similar, but at Uwe Koetter, we place huge emphasis on unique design elements with each wedding set, highlighting the individuality of the couples.” This, Louw says, means that the design and style of every ring is particular to each person and by ensuring this is present in each piece, an enduring relationship is formed with his clients.

“Usually they have an engagement ring made first and will come in again later for a matching wedding band. Like in the marriage itself, these rings form the building blocks of the relationship between us and our clients,” Louw adds. This relationship continues with jewellery that is usually bought as a marriage continues its journey, such as eternity rings purchased after their first child is born, anniversary gifts for the couple and other special occasions.

The design style of the engagement ring itself is intrinsic to the client’s own personal style. Louw gets to know this

Uwe Koetter’s famous workshop and showroom are based in Cape Town’s foreshore, with easy access to satellite shops in the V&A Waterfront and The Westin Hotel Cape Town. For more information, call +27 021 425 7770, e-mail johan@uwekoetter.co.za or visit www.uwekoetter.co.za.

style and taste by getting to know his clients. With each item of jewellery he designs for them his relationship with them grows and he becomes more familiar with their individual personalities. “Learning about my clients like this, opens up a world of possibilities,” says Louw, “for instance, I can design surprise gifts for them. Often the husband will order an item of jewellery without his wife knowing about it.” Louw says that just as it would be in a marriage, his relationship with his clients is based on trust and understanding.

“Many newly engaged couples prefer to create their own rings because they see the bands as a physical manifestation of their individual relationship to each other.”

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The Cape Royale Leads the Way in Extraordinary Property

With holiday and business travellers spoiled for choice of 5-star hotels in Cape Town and investors always keeping a keen eye on outstanding property in our local market, The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence is one choice both visitors and property investors will surely indulge in, again, and again, and again...

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Text & Images: Š Cape Royale Luxury Hotel & Residence

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nspired by the gracious architecture of Parisian boulevards, the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence showcases a distinctive old-world facade, elegantly infused with modern, spacious interiors, making this one of the world’s most luxurious contemporary hotels.

The eleven-storey Cape Royale facade is crowned with a slate mansard roof, and is adorned with grand archways, French windows and wrought iron Juliet balconies.

Designed by the Phelan Holdings design team and assisted by six leading South African designers, every element of Cape Royale was considered from both its functional and aesthetic aspects, creating

an enclave of luxury and refinement, right in the hear t of South Africa’s most beautiful metropolis.

Set against the iconic outline of Table Mountain and with panoramic views over the city and Atlantic Ocean, the Cape Royale is within close proximity to the world-renowned Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, and the new Cape Town Stadium. It also boasts convenient access to major roads, the CBD, the pristine beaches of Camps Bay and Clifton, the winelands of the Western Cape and has easy access to Cape Town International Airport and a host of other destinations.

In addition, the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence offers guests a rare combination of ‘home away from home’ comfort and a venue exotic enough for you to want to leave the world behind.

It brings together the familiarity and sophistication of Europe and the vibrant spirit of Africa. Here every guest’s arrival is celebrated through personalised service of staff trained to indulge your every whim with the utmost professionalism and discretion. The Golden Key Concierge

proportioned suite includes bedroom(s) and en suite bathroom, entertainment and lounge area, dining room and a fully-fitted kitchen with top-of-the-range appliances.

Standard features for the suites also include fresh orchids and floral arrangements, complimentary butler’s tray with an array of local and imported tea and coffee, lavish bath and body products, ladies’ and gents’ bathrobes and slippers, satellite TV with 14 channels, 32” LCD TV in the lounge, 22” LCD TV in the main bedroom, a DVD player and surround sound music system, complimentary highspeed internet access, private laptop safe, international plug adapters and doubleglazed window and doors.

In addition to the luxurious style of living at the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence, there is also a choice of restaurants, including the renowned 1800 Degrees Grill Room, state-of-the art executive board rooms and conferencing suites, the Equinox Spa and Wellness Centre with a small, but fully equipped cardiovascular gym, and the rooftop pool deck and Sky Bar, with 360° panoramic

will leave no stone unturned in assisting you with information pertaining to the many pleasures that Cape Town and its surroundings have to offer.

The Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence accommodates 37 onebedroom residences, 47 two-bedroom residences, 6 three-bedroom residences and 1 four-bedroom residence. Each offers contemporary décor, luxurious fabrics and fine textures with carefully selected artwork displayed to create an ambience of under-stated luxury. This is combined with custom-made furniture designed for comfort and relaxation, dark woods and fabrics that contrast with accents of crisp white and lime green. Each generously

views of Table Mountain, the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront and the Table Bay harbour for all the guests and tenants to enjoy.

Life at the Cape Royale Luxury Hotel and Residence also includes the use of a multilingual concierge, front desk staff to assist with anything guests may need, currency exchange, 24-hour room service and butler service, private in-room check-in on request and express check-out on request, childminding services, 24-hour security and underground parking, tours and transport desk, laundry and valet services, and limousine services.

For more information, call +27 21 430 0500 or visit www.caperoyale.co.za.

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Clouds Estate

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Perfect The perfect venue is the most crucial component of planning your wedding. South Africa boasts incredible open spaces, beautiful views and historic architecture that attract not only local couples but also couples from abroad seeking a destination wedding. Just as each couple has a personality and a character; the same can be said for a venue. We present the cream of the crop to help you find your perfect match.

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Text: Nic Joubert • Images: Š The Forum, Clouds Estate, Emily Moon River Lodge, Red Ivory Lodge

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Red Ivory Lodge

Emily Moon River Lodge Clouds Estate

Western Cape Clouds Estate With one of the most celebrated views in the Cape, Clouds Estate is an undiscovered gem in the heart of the winelands. This 4.5-hectare estate, is situated at the top of the Helshoogte Pass, overlooks the beautiful Banhoek Valley, edged by the majestic Drakenstein, with Simonsberg taking pride of place in the foreground. Clouds offers four multifunctional venue options each more breathtaking than the next. The ceremony can be held in the stone floor chapel, with its imposing arched windows and domed ceiling with seating for up to 150 guests, or

Emily Moon River Lodge

Red Ivory Lodge

at the overhead Piazza, a vast, open area that boasts the best vantage position over the mountain views. The piazza is ideal for an open-air ceremony, but can also be used for pre-dinner drinks. As well as intimate spaces for garden ceremonies, Clouds also boasts a pavilion. This expansive, covered venue boasts beautiful arched windows framing picturesque views, and provides a serene garden room atmosphere which is perfect for receptions as it can accommodate 100 seated guests. As part of its wedding offering, the estate can arrange accommodation for guests at the Clouds Villa. For more information, visit www.cloudsestate.co.za.

The ceremony can be held in the stone floor chapel, with its imposing arched windows and domed ceiling with seating for up to 150 guests

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Turbine Hall

The Garden Route Emily Moon River Lodge

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The love story of Emily Moon and Harry Mallard can be felt in every corner of this location, and each of the beautiful treasures from Africa and India, which can be found in every corner, has its own tale of mystery and romance – a truly magical place to celebrate the start of a new life.

Emily Moon River Lodge boasts neverending views over wetlands, a winding river, gentle whispering reeds, and distant majestic mountain ranges. The restaurant, Emily’s, seats a maximum of 100 guests and has a dance floor as well, while the deck area around the pool is ideal for a cocktails and canapés reception. To accommodate even more guests, half Premier

the pool can be covered to provide for extra seating or a dance floor. Emily Moon can accommodate up to 60 guests for a pool-side service, while larger numbers can be catered for at the picturesque churches (of every denomination) in the village a few kilometres away. Seaside services are also an option for couples and take place at the beach close by.

Their extraordinary chef, Chris, will discuss and advise on menus which can be either plated or served on platters. Their long baronial tables set with cream rose damask, white crockery, long-stemmed glasses and an eclectic mix of chairs make for an elegant and festive gathering.

Accommodation is catered for with 8 beautiful lodges positioned high above the Bitou River, each decorated in their

own individual style. For more information visit www.emilymoon.co.za or email valentined@mweb.co.za.

Gauteng Turbine Hall Turbine Hall has become synonymous with chic, urban weddings. This historic old building’s imposing industrial exterior conceals a breathtaking multiple-volume space accentuated by ultramodern interiors. Spacious zones accommodating from 10 to 800 people, eye-catching décor with flashes of sleek chrome, sophisticated lighting and a view of Johannesburg’s magnificent skyline from windows that span almost the entire length of the building – every element impresses and ensures that Turbine Hall forms the ideal backdrop for a

contemporary urban wedding. This unique venue, enhanced by the forum company’s trademark style, exceptional food and personalised wedding coordination service, will create a standout celebration rendered timeless in memories. To ensure your special day goes as planned The Forum offers a range of services to assist you with designing your wedding down to the smallest detail. This includes planning and coordinating services, décor consulting, and the provision of expert bar and waitering staff. The Forum team will be at your disposal to discuss your needs and create an event that perfectly reflects your personal style. The Forum believes that on your special day, things should be done your way.

For more information, visit www. theforum.co.za.

Red Ivory Lodge

Turbine Hall

Walk through a Wild Pear orchard to a magnificent treetop chapel and banquet on a sun terrace with breathtaking views over the Har tbeespoor t Dam and Magaliesberg. This may sound like a dream venue and it is. Red Ivory Lodge has brought a completely new look and

feel to Gauteng weddings, proving that you do not need to travel to the coast to have a venue that boasts mountain views and effor tless Provencal chic. Red Ivory can host up to 200 guests for a reception dinner and accommodate 20 guests at the lodge. They are also happy to assist with additional accommodation at neighbouring lodges.

When walking around the venue, couples tend to feel a sense of awe, which is exactly what was intended. James Gibson, CEO of Red Ivory says, “Buildings or structures rarely capture a sense of spirit, well-being or good karma. Yet Red Ivory captures all three…it celebrates its surroundings and shares its energy with all who visit. A magical mixture of contemporary design, sumptuous cuisine and awe-inspiring views, the exterior and interior merge, introducing emotion, energy, texture and taste.” With this in mind, it is no wonder that Red Ivory is booking up fast, as more and more couples seek to commemorate their union at a place with such a special energy. For more information, visit www.redivorylodge.com or call Tracey on +27 82 493 3212.

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Church Get me to the

in style

Regardless of where the wedding is taking place – be it a church, synagogue, a wedding venue or even the magistrate’s court building, arriving in style has become part of the Big Day. Text: Bernard K Hellberg • Images: © Bentley

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musing, and occasionally, horror, stories abound regarding bridal modes of transport. Wheelbarrows, and even tandem bicycles, are known to have been used by the unthinking, the unconventional and the plainly desperate. Fortunately, and especially now that winter is upon us, most brides sensibly opt for a luxury vehicle that will get them to their destination on time, in style, and in supreme luxury and comfort.

Luckily, help is now at hand in the guise of the Bentley Continental GTC. The logical choice of the discerning bride, the Bentley comes with a rich heritage of open-top motoring, which has been par t of the Bentley tradition from the company’s earliest days. In fact, even the ver y first Bentley could have provided

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When driving at a sedate pace, many brides will appreciate the sophisticated opentop specifications and the luxurious interior

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suitable transpor tation for a bride. It was sleek, low and open to the elements – although some brides may have found this disconcer ting.

The famous ‘Bentley Boys’, on the other hand, appreciated this ‘wind-in-the-hair’ effect and convinced WO Bentley that his cars could also achieve great results in the major races at the time. They were right.

Bentley swept the board at the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours – with five victories between 1924 and 1930.

The year 2003 was another milestone for Bentley when the Speed 8 again won at Le Mans. This milestone year also saw the unveiling of the new Continental GT, a 2+2-seater coupe that delivers supercar performance, as well as civilised Bentley style and refinement in a stunning allwheel-drive package. Like every Bentley, they are also expressly designed for those looking to enjoy the performance, excitement and refinement of the modern Continental range.

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Bentley customers have a world of infinite choice when commissioning their cars. There are 100 paint colours in the range, including everything from unusual heritage colours to duo-tone combinations.

But the choice does not end there.

The latest in-car technologies are discreetly placed, and could include such must-have goodies as a multimedia system with 60Gb hard disc drives, satellite navigation and audio/video facilities.

While being driven to the wedding venue, the bride will have time to appreciate and enjoy the mix of polished and satin metals, such as you might find in modern watch design. Even the choice of leather has to be perfect and even the slightest insect bite scar will be cause for rejection by the Bentley trim specialists.

When driving at a sedate pace, many brides will appreciate the sophisticated open-top specifications and the luxurious interior while being surrounded by the finest materials and craftsmanship

on her big day. Should the weather change, the Bentley will respond within seconds, continuing the journey without missing a beat from its mighty 412 kW W12 engine. Torque is an amazing 650 Nm – more powerful than the average mid-sized farm tractor.

With a top speed of 312 km/h (with the roof up), aided by the all-wheel drive and an advanced air suspension, every bride being transported in a Bentley should – by all accounts – be able to get to the church on time. This means that Bentley will gain yet another admirer in a nervous bridegroom pacing up and down while wondering what had become of this bride.

And last but not least, the bride will be keeping her eye on the bespoke traditional analogue Breitling clock to see how many minutes she has left as a single girl. Truly a sensational combination – a beautiful girl on her wedding day – being taken to her bridegroom in one of the world’s great cars.

Champagne 80

for your special day

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For three centuries champagne has been associated with royalty, luxury and elegance. For this reason, it is an essential at weddings. Champagne can even be seen as analogous to a marriage - starting with youthful beauty, blossoming with middle age and finally maturing into an ever-increasing complexity and fascination as it grows older.

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Text: Lara Potgieter • Images: © Rust en Vrede, Chabivin, Siris Vintners

round two billion bottles of sparkling wine are produced each year, but only 300 million of these are genuine champagne. If your budget permits, you should enjoy the real thing on your wedding day. Remember, however, that champagne and wedding cake is a combination that does not work.

The sweetness of the cake overpowers the clean, fresh acidity of the champagne.

Rather drink the champagne with the toasts or speeches, or pair with one of the meals.

When pairing champagne, remember that most champagnes are produced without oak, making them rather flexible. The lighter weight and lower alcohol level also allow for a wide range of matching possibilities.

There are a few particularly special champagnes you could keep in mind when planning your wedding.

thing about this champagne is that it is a rosé de cuvaison, which means the grapes soak with their skins for about 36 hours at the start of the fermentation. The soaking technique is not common and requires a great deal of skill.

The sweetness of the cake overpowers the clean, fresh acidity of the champagne.

Rather drink the champagne with the toasts or speeches, or pair with one of the meals

Charles Ellner Brut Rosé Champagne This champagne consists of a blend of 50% chardonnay and 50% pinot noir. It has a beautiful rose petal colour. Hints of rose petal and strawberry can be detected on the nose, with fresh strawberry and raspberry fruit gracing the palate. It boasts great balance and a lingering finish.

Mailly Extra Brut Champagne This is a very dry champagne, with less than 0.6 grams per litre of residual sugar.

It consists of 25% Chardonnay and 75% Pinot noir grapes. It boasts a rich lemon colour with a bright central core and bright white edging. On the nose a nuttiness with bread notes can be detected upfront, with crushed walnuts, floral notes and a hint of chalkiness following. On the palate rich and mineral fruit, citrus, toasty notes and slight sourdough flavours can be enjoyed.

Guy Charbaut Brut Rosé Champagne This Rosé is a blend of 10% chardonnay and 90% pinot noir. Rosé should be drunk younger and not laid down for many years (although there are always exceptions to the rule). The reason for this is not because they will not last, but because they generally have a delicate, floral, perfumed style that has nothing to gain from laying down, other than turning orange. As value for money goes this is a great champagne for a wedding. It is also lower in alcohol (12%) and is thus easy to pair. One unique

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A weekend in Hermanus for a Breathtaking Honeymoon

Although many of us dream of an idyllic extended honeymoon in Europe or a few sun-soaked weeks in a tropical island paradise, the realities of our daily lives and responsibilities mean that this may simply not be an option, or may need to be postponed, often for a year or two. So, how does a newly married couple capture that dream honeymoon experience with no time to spare? Taking a long weekend at one of South Africa’s many dazzling destinations seems to be the obvious answer. We give you the ultimate guide to spending a long weekend in Hermanus, one of the most romantic locations imaginable.

Friday

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Star t your honeymoon by checking into Birkenhead House & Villa. Located just an hour and a half from Cape Town, Birkenhead is superbly situated in the unspoilt natural surroundings of Hermanus, and offers everything the discerning traveller could wish for : from uninterrupted views and diverse activities to the very finest in international cuisine, and richly appointed accommodation enhanced by rich fabrics and antiques. With spacious suites offering expansive views of Walker Bay or the towering Overberg Mountains, the best part about this hotel is that with a world class spa, unparalleled cuisine and several activities on offer, you can remain cloistered in the hotel’s luxury without having to venture out for anything.

The food at Birkenhead is a delicate mixture of modern African Cuisine and traditional French techniques with strong Asian and Italian influences. On offer are homemade breads, ice creams and sorbets, and fresh local fish ranging from kingklip, yellowtail and kabeljou to crayfish and mussels. Lavish meals and seafood delicacies are served at Birkenhead House in your choice of setting: the patio overlooking the ocean, the courtyard next to the dual level pool or the glass-fronted dining area. Alternatively room service will happily oblige you with a sumptuous meal in the privacy of your suite. Birkenhead Villa boasts a separate kitchen with a dedicated chef on hand to meet your culinary wishes.

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Text: Nic Joubert • Images: © iStockphoto.com & The Royal Portfolio

Saturday Take advantage of the spa at Birkenhead and indulge your senses with the medley of massage, aromatherapy and reflexology treatments on offer. The ideal option for couples unwinding from a hectic few months of wedding planning is the Stress Relief Body Pack, which incorporates an intense hydrating and stress-reducing treatment, specifically designed for bodies exposed to today’s fast-paced life. This option is best enjoyed when it is combined with the Total Wellness Body Treatment. This treatment consists of a full body scrub, the application of the Body Pack and a 45-minute Swedish Full Body Massage or a 45-minute facial, after which your skin is left toned, moisturised and rejuvenated. Guests are welcome to make use the spa facilities for the entire day and even to enjoy lunch within the relaxing environment of the Spa.

Sunday Take advantage of the natural splendour surrounding Birkenhead with breathtaking nature walks, pristine beaches and spectacular sightings of the Southern Right Whale. From May to December, this endangered whale graces Walker Bay with its massive presence. August is the height of the birthing season. Many calves that are literally a couple of hours old, together with their very protective mothers, can be seen from the wonderful vantage points at Birkenhead. Looking out from the terrace, you will see that two of Hermanus’s best beaches are just steps away. The beach on the left is Voëlklip Beach, which is ideal for swimming and the beach on the right is called Nanny’s or Kamma Bay. To the left of Birkenhead is Grotto beach – the longest strip of white sand in Hermanus, and an easy ten-minute walk away along the world-renowned cliff path. Birkenhead can pack an inviting picnic basket for two providing a romantic lunch option.

Monday Enjoy some privacy on the last day of your honeymoon getaway by having breakfast on your private terrace. Make the most of your last moments together with a romantic stroll on the beach, or if the extra calories served to you by Birkenhead’s chefs are playing on your mind, try something more spirited. Nestled in a narrow coastal plain between the mountains and the ocean, Hermanus offers more energetic guests several trail options, all of which feature spectacular views of the coastline and the beautiful fynbos-covered mountains. Fernkloof Nature Reserve boasts unrivalled birds-eye views of Walker Bay for those with high energy levels. If the more energetic options are not for you then why not indulge in yet another uplifting spa treatment that would be sure to beat those end-of-holiday blues.

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compulsory reading

Superfreakonomics

By Steven D. Levitt & Stephen Dubner

The Big Short

By Michael Lewis

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In this visceral tour of the heart of the financial system, Michael Lewis takes us around the globe and back decades to trace the origins of the current crisis.

He meets the people who saw it coming, the people who were asleep at the wheel and the people who were actively driving us all off the cliff. How could we have all been so deluded for quite so long? Where did it all start? Was it systemic? Was it avoidable? And who the hell can we blame?

Michael Lewis has the answers. No one is better qualified to get to the heart of this labyrinthine story. And no one can make it such an enjoyable ride along the way. While Wall Street was busy creating the biggest credit bubble of all time, a few renegade investors saw it was about to burst, bet against the banking system – and made a fortune. From the jungles of the trading floor to the casinos of Las Vegas, this is the outrageous story of the misfits, mavericks and geniuses who, against all odds, made the greatest financial killing in history.

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Their first book Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores The Hidden Side Of Everything was a cult bestseller. It taught us that Freakonomics is at the heart of everything we see and do and the subjects that bedevil us daily: from parenting to crime, sport to politics, fat to cheating, fear to traffic jams. Asking provocative and profound questions about human motivation and contemporary living and reaching some astonishing conclusions, Freakonomics helped us to see the world through a completely original lens. Steven Levitt, the original rogue economist, and Stephen Dubner have spent four years uncovering the hidden side of even more controversial subjects, from terrorism to shark attacks, cable TV to hurricanes.

The result is Superfreakonomics. It reveals, among other things: why you are more likely to be killed walking drunk than driving drunk; how a prostitute is more likely to sleep with a policeman than be arrested by one; why terrorists might be easier to track down than you would imagine; and, how a sex change could boost your salary.

Because sometimes the most superfreaky solution is the simplest.

Aerotropolis

By Greg Lindsay From Dubai to Amsterdam, Memphis to South Korea, a new phenomenon is reshaping the way we live and transforming the way we do business: the aerotropolis.

A combination of giant airport, planned city, shipping facility and business hub, the aerotropolis will be at the heart of the next phase of globalisation. Drawing on a decade’s worth of cutting-edge research, John Kasarda and Greg Lindsay offer a visionary look at how the metropolis of the future will bring us together - and how, in our globalised, ‘flat’ world, connecting people and goods is still as important as digital communication. Airport cities will change the face of our physical world and the nature of global enterprise. Aerotropolis shows us how to make the most of this unparalleled opportunity. The book is a brilliant and eye-opening look at this new phenomenon and gives us a glimpse at the way we will live and conduct business in the near future. Aerotropolis is news from the near future – news we urgently need if we are to understand the changing world and our place in it.

worth watching

Rabbit Hole How do you make bearable a film about people dealing with the unbearable?

Director John Cameron Mitchell takes a break from shepherding his sexually charged writing to the screen to direct David Lindsay-Abaire’s adaptation of his Pulitzer-winning play, Rabbit Hole, an intense, intimate story of a couple reeling from the loss of their young son. Mitchell – who has spoken openly about having lost his own four-year-old brother at the age of 14 – admirably respects the material enough to not make it exploitative or sensationalistic. He pulls this off through cinematic sleight of hand, focusing our attention on the less melodramatic elements of his story while setting the stage for last-act revelations. And it helps, of course, to have Nicole Kidman as leading lady, willing to both entice and alienate audiences with a seething, Golden Globe-nominated performance. The story begins eight months after a traffic accident kills Becca (Kidman) and Howie’s (Aaron Eckhart) boy. The more the couple plays “normal”, the more the effort fails. Becca tries to eradicate all signs of her son, while Howie reaches out to

Lindsay-Abaire’s writing carefully pinpoints the moment when bottled-up rage will explode or the smallest incident can trigger a complete loss of control. family and friends. Lindsay-Abaire’s writing carefully pinpoints the moment when bottled-up rage will explode or the smallest incident can trigger a complete loss of control. Kidman’s performance is riveting because she essentially plays the entire film at two levels, the surface everyday life and then what is turning over and over again in her mind. Eckhart’s outgoing husband, who isn’t afraid to admit to his pain, nicely balances the tightly wound wife. But the lesson at the film’s heart is that when tossed down the rabbit hole of bereavement, there is no “right” response. It is unmapped territory that each of us must learn to negotiate.

Freakonomics

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Based on the best-selling book by economist Steven D. Levitt and author Stephen J. Dubner, the film version of Freakonomics comes about as close to a franchise as a documentary can probably get. Made by an A-list team of documentary filmmakers, the film received its world premiere as the closing attraction of the Tribeca Film Festival. Covering a wide range of topics, Dubner and Levitt set out to demonstrate that statistics and figures can be used to belie things we previously believed as fact. Like the book, the film examines human behaviour with provocative and sometimes hilarious case studies. Freakonomics is made up of four distinct chapters, each with a different film maker at the helm. Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) applies his comically satirical style to a segment about the ramifications of baby names. Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side) handles an investigative segment about the rampant corruption in the world of sumo wrestling. Eugene Jarecki (Why We Fight) has been assigned the film’s most provocative chapter, exploring the possible reasons for the dramatic drop in crime rates in the US in the 1990s and offering a surprising explanation seemingly guaranteed to raise controversy. Finally, Rachel Grady and Heidi Ewing (Jesus Camp) explore the much-discussed idea of offering financial incentives to students to improve their grades. The film blends its thoughtful analysis with frequent doses of light-hearted humour, such as when Levitt illustrates his theory that “incentives matter” by describing how his three-year-old daughter quickly learned to game the system when offered sweet rewards for going to the potty. In a fantastic twist of irony, the film even manages to dispel a misperception about documentary films: that they’re boring, flat and serve no entertainment purpose. While there aren’t any gun fights or explosions, it would be impossible for any casual movie-goer to be bored by this film.

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and another thing…

The ABC of My Search for an SUV

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I phoned my friend the used car salesman, gave him the price range I was looking in, and laughing hysterically he offered me an expensive Italian mountain bike.

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omething went horribly wrong with my car recently. It blew a gasket, or popped an injector, or shot a sprocket, or something like that. I know as much about cars as I do about the secret life of Costa Rica’s rare golden toad, which was last seen 20 years ago. Much like my socket wrench.

However, I am not completely useless. I did learn to service my boat’s motor by watching a video on YouTube. But I have yet to find a video that shows you how to fix the engine of a BMW X5. Anyway, the Bundesvehicle went kaput on me. The fact that it has more mileage on it than a Voortrekker ox wagon may have something to do with this. So I began that agonising process of shopping for a used car. As my wife will attest, I hate buying cars. I hate buying anything that loses value so fast, which is why, despite my love for soccer, I have yet to buy a ticket to a Bafana Bafana match. But I started looking, nonetheless.

I showed my wife a Toyota Prado. She opened the door, put her head in and walked off the floor before the salesman could even say, “Everything keeps going right.” I phoned my friend the used car salesman, gave him the price range I was looking in, and laughing hysterically he offered me an expensive Italian mountain bike. Then I put it to the panel of fathers at my sons’ school. “The Land Rover Discovery 3 – best car you’ll ever buy.” But I’m not the Camel man. “No. Not Land Rover. Get yourself the new X5.” Or I could buy Lesotho for the same price.

“Forget it. Trust me, the Toyota Fortuner is unbelievable value.” A double cab with a boot?

“Never. Buy Kia buddy. Even the mechanics love the Sportage.” I don’t know how else to say this, but it just looks funny. “What about the Sorento?” But Jeremy Clarkson called it, “Another dreary 4x4 from some godforsaken industrial conglomerate in the Far East.”

“If you want reliability, go for the Honda CR-V.” I had a mate who owned one, then sold it for an obscenely expensive Audi Q5. His reason?

“Anything’s better than a Honda.”

“The lines on the new Jeep Grand Cherokee look stunning.” Yeah. I owned a Jeep once. Go anywhere, they say. Except out of your garage because the thing breaks all the time. “So what are you going to buy?” I don’t know. Maybe I’ll just stick with my current car.

That’s when the Hungarian with whom I cycle weighed in. “We must sign up for the 94.7 Cycle Challenge,” he said, coming from what I thought was distinctly left field given the conversation.

“But you,” he added, “must sign up now.”

“Why?” “Because,” and he paused. “If you sign up now, you stand a chance to win a car. And it looks like you need it.”

Michael Vlismas