Zimbali Resort Life 2015 - 2016

Z im ba li

R ESO RT L IF E

www.zimbaliresortlife.com

SU MM E R 20 1 5/ 16

Summer 2015 | 2016

W W W. S M D G R O U P. C O . Z A 35 Moffat Drive, Ballito 032 946 5600 / 032 946 1391

Zimbali_SMD_AD.indd 1

2015/11/02 11:15 AM

P R E - O W N E D L U X U RY V E H I C L E S

Zimbali_SMD_AD.indd 2

2015/11/02 11:16 AM

‘Zimbali has been highlighted in a recent study by Hurst and Wills and New World Health as the most exclusive estate in South Africa, based on locality and lifestyle, space, security, exclusivity, view, nature and scenery. No wonder, then, the delight of our investors, homeowners and guests.

We in turn are keenly aware of the responsibilities placed on us to uphold and promote Zimbali’s legacy and image.

Zimbali Resort Life plays a meaningful role in meeting these objectives and we trust that you will accordingly enjoy our Summer 2015/2016 edition.

We invite you once again to come and see Zimbali for yourself – you will not be disappointed!’

Werner Burger, CEO, IFA Hotels & Resorts

S

Published by The Creative Group CEO, THE CREATIVE GROUP Shaun Minnie – shaun.minnie@thecreativegroup.info

EDITOR Michelle Snaddon – michelle.snaddon@thecreativegroup.info

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

CONTRIBUTORS

Mark Peddle

Candice Botha, Jane Broughton, Charleen Clarke, Mary Corrigall, Richard Holmes, Michelle Snaddon, Jocelyn Warrington

ART DIRECTOR Lucia Viglietti

ACCOUNTS AND FINANCE ACTING ART DIRECTOR

Nicolette Lubbe

Jo Skelton

PRINTING Paarl Media Cape

FEATURES EDITOR & CHIEF COPY EDITOR Sally Rutherford

ADVERTISING SALES WESTERN CAPE Michèle Jones Sales and Marketing Manager

Susan Erwee Key Account Manager

michele.jones@thecreativegroup.info +27 (0)84 246 8105

susan.erwee@thecreativegroup.info +27 (0)83 556 9848

GAUTENG Yvonne Botha Key Account Manager

Ian Pepler Key Account Manager

yvonne.botha@thecreativegroup.info +27 (0)82 563 6685

ian.pepler@thecreativegroup.info +27 (0)82 465 2734

ADVERTISING BOOKINGS AND SUBMISSIONS Jackie Maritz Traffic Controller & Production Manager

jackie.maritz@thecreativegroup.info +27 (0)78 133 5211 CAPE TOWN Old Castle Brewery, 6 Beach Road, Woodstock, 7925

Michelle Snaddon

+27 (0)21 447 7130 +27 (0)87 828 0423

EDITOR ZIMBALI RESORT LIFE

DISCLAIMER The publisher of this magazine gives no warranties, guarantees or assurances and makes no representation regarding any goods or services advertised within this edition. © The Advertising Joint Venture. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent from the publisher. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material.

www.thecreativegroup.info

COVER PHOTOGRAPH: L AR PH OTO GRAP H Y MODEL: SCOT T L EF EV RE, I CE M O DE LS

ummer is a time for friends and family. Time to recharge the soul, catch up on good books, take long walks, swim at dawn, spend time creating gourmet meals together... and reawaken the senses. It’s also time for many of us to plan a blissful holiday. But what will it be? Bush? Seaside?

Well, the short answer is that doing both is easier than you think!

The quintessential safari-beach experience is right on your doorstep whether you live at Zimbali all year round, or divide your time between Joburg and the coast. Our choice for you in this issue is the magnificent big-game experience that the Sabi Sands Game Reserve has to offer, coupled with a dream escape to the relatively untouched southern Mozambican coast (read more on p60 in ‘Postcards from Paradise’). Arrive via helicopter and let your personal butler do the rest… but don’t miss an ocean safari to swim with bottlenose dolphins or watch as spinner dolphins play for hours alongside the boat, often spinning on their backs as they propel themselves out of the water.

If ‘Money, Money, Money!’ is still on your mind, we suggest you find out who’s investing in luxury cars today, what they’re buying and why. The feature offers a fascinating insight into the supercar industry and why it’s doing so well in South Africa. By the way, there’s only one Bond car left, and the bet is that it’ll be pre-sold by the time it hits our shores. But if none of this floats your boat, a heavenly spa retreat is sure to do the trick. Global spa trends (page 80) show that people are increasingly seeking time out from the never-ending demands of technology in our daily lives – yet intelligent, fully automated homes ironically restore calm with touch-of-a-button technology. Read more in ‘Just Press Play’ on page 33.

In this issue, we introduce two profiles for the first time: meet ever-so-discreet gemologist-designer Akshar Choudree (page 51), whose bespoke creations are worn by the likes of Princess Charlene of Monaco and Elizabeth Hurley. Our second is with sought-after historian and powerful orator, Rob Caskie, who has an extraordinary talent for bringing KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields’ history to life. Enjoy!

Please recycle this copy of ZIMBALI RESORT LIFE once you’re done reading it.

0 4 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

004_Zimbali_Welcome_FA.indd 4

2015/11/03 9:51 AM

RADO.COM

RADO TRUE DIAMONDS HIGH-TECH CERAMIC. LUXURY AND COMFORT. SERIOUSLY IRRESISTIBLE.

TIME IS THE ESSENCE WE ARE MADE OF

TA483_AD_RADO_Feathers_True_FPFC_220x300mm.indd 1

19.10.15 15:31

Contents 16

24

33 16.

WAT ER BO R N Designed on Japanese principles that incorporate water extensively into its layout, this grand Zimbali home is both welcoming and tranquil.

Conceptualised by Metropole Architects, it remains one of the most sought-after African-Asian styles on the estate

24.

NATU RA L WO N D ER The surrounding indigenous forest and uninterrupted sea views were the main attraction for Grant Swinford-Meyer of this Zimbali property that is nestled in the trees

33.

JUST PRESS PLAY Once the exclusive province of tech geeks or the superwealthy, home automation has entered the mainstream, controlling everything from security to ambience

0 6 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

006_Zimbali_Contents_FA.indd 6

2015/11/03 9:53 AM

Elegance is an attitude Aishwarya Rai

Longines DolceVita

Longines_HQ • Visual: AR13_DV16 • Magazine: Zimbali_Magazine 01_11_2015 (ZA) • Doc size: 240 x 320 mm Calitho #: 10-15-112851 • AOS #: LON_09215 • OP 20/10/2015

CONTENTS

40

51

60 40.

MO N EY, M O N EY, M O N EY !

While the car market in South Africa remains under pressure, exotic or supercars seem to be roaring off the showroom floors like never before. Who is buying these beautiful beasts? Are they good investments? What exotic cars can we expect in South Africa in the near future? And is the exotic car bubble ever likely to burst?

Charleen Clarke investigates …

51.

STATEMENT P I EC E ‘Wearable icons of portable art’ is how Akshar Choudree describes his meticulously crafted jewellery designs, the likes of which have found favour with queens of both the royal court and the silver screen

60.

POSTCARDS FROM PARADISE From waking to the roar of a lion at dawn to witnessing the ancient miracle of nesting turtles by night, Michelle Snaddon discovers the ultimate bush-to-beach safari

0 8 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

006_Zimbali_Contents_FA.indd 8

2015/11/03 9:53 AM

Oliato Danish White Wire Brushed with Woca Denmark UV White Oil - 15/4x220x2200

...staying ahead of the Jones’s with floors by Oggie.

Zimbali, KZN

Cape Town: 021 510 2846 | 37 Paarden Eiland Rd Johannesburg: 011 262 3117 | 03 Desmond Street, Kramer ville Durban: 031 000 1000 | Beacon Rock, Lighthouse Rd, Umhlanga Nick Gluckman: 082 555 4611 | nicholas@oggie-sa.co.za www.oggie-sa.co.za

CONTENTS

70.

BAC K TO T HE F U T U R E , A F R I CA N STY LE Art critic Mary Corrigall takes a look at the Afrofuturism cultural trend, and unpacks today’s buzzword in art, literary, film, fashion and architecture circles

70

8 0.

S PA GA Z I NG Spa travel is on the rise as more and more people seek time out from their busy technology-driven lives. We highlight some of the top trends and best spas to visit right now

80

Contemporary Furniture Design and Manufacturing

Contact

006_Zimbali_Contents_FA.indd 10

2015/11/03 9:53 AM

HOLIDAY IN PARADISE Zimbali Coastal Resort’s extensive portfolio of self-catering luxury villas and exclusive apartments provides the chance of a lifetime to holiday in one of the most pristine getaways on earth

I

f relaxing beside your own private pool while drinking in expansive sea views from your luxury villa sounds to you like the true definition of ‘holiday’, then set your GPS unit for Zimbali Coastal Resort, a protected tropical paradise on the balmy KwaZulu-Natal coast of South Africa.

From beachfront homes to forest and golf course hideaways, holidaymakers are spoilt for choice with an array of the finest in luxury self-catering apartments and holiday houses for rent at Zimbali Coastal Resort, where many of the properties form part of their owners’ investment portfolios. Rental guests also enjoy complimentary access to a variety of five-star facilities and recreational activities that form part of the Zimbali offering, such as the estate’s 18-hole championship golf course and its endless stretch of secluded beach.

Activity junkies will delight in nature trails that provide a chance to immerse themselves in the rich local flora and fauna of the estate’s private reserve, while culinary cravings are well catered for by a choice of dining venues.

The Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Hotel, meanwhile, provides the perfect setting for de-stressing and rejuvenating the soul.

And for business execs wanting to incentivise hard-working employees, there’s no beating a corporate golf or team-building break at Zimbali Coastal Resort.

Above all, peace of mind is guaranteed by the experienced Zimbali rentals team, which is located on site to ensure your holiday is one from which lasting memories are made.

Holidaying visitors will reap the benefits of a stay in paradise that is pure exclusivity

Zimbali Northgate Suites | Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa PO Box 130, Zimbali Coastal Resort, 4422 +27 (0)32 538 1351 | rentals@zimbali.co.za zimbali.co.za 1 2 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

Zimbali_Rentals_2015-16_FA.indd 12

2015/11/03 10:15 AM

FAIRMONT HERITAGE PLACE Dreaming of owning a private beach villa for family holidays?

Fairmont Heritage Place Zimbali offers the perfect solution to second-home ownership with a membership concept that takes care of absolutely everything, five-star style

I

magine an exclusive membership to Fairmont Heritage Place, the only internationally branded private residence club in South Africa. Imagine unlimited access to five-star facilities with a guaranteed minimum of 21 nights in any one of Fairmont Heritage Place’s 18 exclusive villas. It is all yours as an exclusive member of Fairmont Heritage Place, a premium membership concept that is fast becoming the perfect solution to second-home ownership and the burdens associated with a traditional holiday property.

Each of these beautifully appointed Indonesian-inspired coastal villas at Fairmont Heritage Place offers a home from home and a haven of luxury and relaxation, especially for you and your family. Members have full access to world-class amenities, including hotel chefs and the five-star concierge service, all from the privacy of their own home. In addition, there are numerous exclusive dining experiences to enjoy, the Willow Stream Spa, an exclusive gym, private ocean-side beach club, swimming

pools, tennis courts and a kids’ club. Nature lovers can spend hours walking trails through coastal forest and along the pristine beaches, while avid golfers have access to the renowned 18-hole Tom Weiskopf-designed championship golf course.

Fairmont Heritage Place also offers exotic international exchange opportunities, as membership allows you to book international destinations and holidays in a portfolio of Fairmont Heritage Place hotels and resorts around the world.

In addition, when joining Fairmont Heritage Place Zimbali, owners automatically become part of the by-invitation-only Fairmont President’s Circle Club, a gilt-edged membership offering preferential treatment and discounts at Fairmont’s legendary hotels around the world.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this exclusive ownership is that it is transferable, keeping the legacy alive and allowing members to share this unrivalled holiday lifestyle with generations to come.

The Fairmont Heritage Place Zimbali private residence club is your key to a legacy of luxury and a lifestyle investment that may be handed down from generation to generation

Zimbali Sales Centre | Zimbali Northgate Suites, Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa +27 (0)32 538 1205 | sales@fairmontzimbali.co.za fairmontzimbali.co.za 1 4 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

Zimbali fractional residence club_2015-16_FA.indd 14

2015/11/03 10:16 AM

The only difference from home is waking up in a different continent KLM presents its new World Business Class. With Dutch Design at its heart, it offers the perfect mix of comfort, individuality and personal space. The full-flat seats with smart privacy screens provide 207 centimeters of horizontal space. Together with the personal attention of our crew, the new WBC has all the comforts of home. Except home doesn’t bring you to the other side of the world. Visit klm.co.za

11998-KLM World Business Class (320 x 240).indd 1

2015/10/16 1:29 PM

Z I M B A L I C O A S TA L RESORT

WATER born TEXT CA ND ICE BOTHA P H OTO G RA P H S G RA NT P ITCHE R

016_Zimbali_MetropoleHouse1_FA.indd 16

2015/11/03 10:18 AM

RESORT LIVING

D

esigned on Japanese principles that incorporate water extensively into its layout, this grand home is both welcoming and tranquil

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 17

016_Zimbali_MetropoleHouse1_FA.indd 17

2015/11/03 10:18 AM

RESORT LIVING

1.

1.

2.

4.

1 8 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

016_Zimbali_MetropoleHouse1_FA.indd 18

2015/11/03 10:18 AM

RESORT LIVING

3.

‘When we wanted a name for our home,’ say the owners of this striking house, who live here with their teenage son, ‘we chose “Ukuthula”, meaning equilibrium or tranquillity in Zulu, but there was already a home with that name in Zimbali. Our architect, Nigel Tarboton of Metropole Architects, came up with “Kaya-mizu”, meaning “home” in Zulu and “water” in Japanese for “house on water”.’ This moniker is ideal for a house that incorporates water features in unexpected ways.

‘The house is entered over water via a timber bridge spanning the koi pond and leading into the double-volume entrance hall, which is itself an island surrounded by glass panels through which the koi pond is viewed,’ explains Nigel. ‘The koi can also be seen through a glazed slot in the floor of the kitchen, as the pond, which appears at the front and back of the home, is linked via a tunnel under the house.’ One of the owners’ favourite features is the glass panel in the lounge where they can watch the koi swimming at the same time as they watch television. Canals link up around the building, and a rim-flow swimming pool draws the eye to the views of the golf course beyond.

‘There are two waterfall-level drops in the swimming pool, which provide an evocative soundtrack throughout the ground-floor living spaces,’ notes Nigel. ‘The whole house is a sensually rich experience, with its palette of carefully considered natural finishes, the sound of falling water and the connection with nature, including vistas of indigenous forest, fresh breezes and bird call, all of which transport the resident to a paradise of peace and tranquillity and provide a sense of wellbeing.’

This feel was a central part of the brief provided to Nigel and his team. ‘We wanted a showpiece with an African-Asian style. The key words were natural, earthy, contemporary, minimalist, floating and tranquil,’ explain the owners. As well as water, lots of wood and glass were essential, and the owners were also quite specific about the design of the roof, the cantilevers and ring beams. ‘We have incorporated large overhanging roof forms and cantilevers, including the main suite, which cantilevers six metres over the outside entertainment area below,’ says Nigel. ‘Lots of glazing optimises views of the indigenous bush that encapsulates the house and, together with the palette of raw materials including natural timber, grey travertine cladding, water and natural stone cladding, dissolves the separation between inside and out.’

The architectural elements have been enhanced through the design of the interiors, by Michele Throssell

OPENING SPREAD A standout feature of the home is the gazebo alongside the swimming pool that encapsulates the African-Asian inspiration for the design of the house; large windows, designed to be reminiscent of Japanese screens, beckon the outdoors in 1. Water was an essential aspect of the brief. ‘Several bodies of water, including koi ponds, water features and a rim-flow swimming pool, appear to coalesce into one and flow through the house and out into the forest,’ says architect Nigel Tarboton 2. The double-volume entrance incorporating water, wood and stone is an fitting introduction to the house 3. The home’s interiors combine classic Asian elements such as intricate wood carvings with contemporary elements like the wood and glass staircase 4. The main bedroom’s muted palette creates a restful haven where the green vista beyond the windows is the focal point

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 19

016_Zimbali_MetropoleHouse1_FA.indd 19

2015/11/03 10:22 AM

5.4.

20 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

016_Zimbali_MetropoleHouse1_FA.indd 20

2015/11/03 10:23 AM

RESORT LIVING

6.4.

5. The main bedroom cantilevers out six metres above the outdoor entertaining area in a deliberate echo of the adjacent forest canopy 6. The teenaged son’s bedroom is decorated in shades of blue and raw wood punctuated with bleached animal skulls. The wood-look wallpaper forms a striking focal point

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 2 1

016_Zimbali_MetropoleHouse1_FA.indd 21

2015/11/03 10:23 AM

RESORT LIVING

with extensive input from the owners. ‘We chose to continue the African-Asian theme inside with earthy, natural tones, textures and colours,’ they say. Michele has chosen materials such as stone, raw wood, wicker and marble, and combined them with the cleaner finishes of glass and metal to keep the look fresh and contemporary. Plush furnishings are layered with bold accessories that make a statement without being overwhelming. African touches – like skulls, zebra-hide rugs and mud pots – are juxtaposed with Asian-inspired elements, including shoji screens and wood carving.

‘The lounge, with the view towards the gazebo and its earthy brown, orange and green colours, is a muchloved space. It feels like we have brought nature inside,’ say the owners.

The house has several noteworthy areas, including the owners’ teenage son’s favourite: a cinema room.

‘It’s the ideal spot for him to entertain his friends,’ they say of the beautifully appointed space.

The family loves to entertain and there are several outdoor areas that allow them to host guests and take advantage of the views and glorious KZN climate. An outdoor kitchen ensures that having friends and family to visit is hassle-free, a fire pit offers a cosy spot for the odd chilly evening and the gazebo with its oversized wrought-iron light fitting is one of the standout features of the home. ‘This is the best place in the world,’ conclude the owners. ‘We love the protected forest estate, being surrounded by nature and wildlife and having the beach, the golf course and hotel facilities nearby while still having a sense of privacy and tranquillity.’

7.

8.

Little Black Book: AC Screens & Shutters acscreens.co.za Classic Trading classictrading.net Cobinlight cobinlight.com Convergence Technologies convergence-technologies.com Dorma Ironmongery dorma.com/za Eco Balance Landscapes ecobalance.co.za Forest Flooring forestflooring.co.za Hampson Interiors hampsoninteriors.com John Goss at Sygnatur Homes sygnatur.co.za Kantina Projects 082 851 8597 Kitchen Classics kitchenclassics.co.za Koi & Waterways 083 779 4828 Lectron Billiards lectron.co.za Metropole Architects metropolearchitects.com Michele Throssell Interiors michelethrossell.co.za Miele miele.co.za Phase 3 Electrical phase3.co.za Recliner Specialists recliners.co.za Roux Airconditioning rouxair.co.za Select A Tile 031 705 1603 The Stone Specialist 078 302 6207 Timber Trends timbertrends.co.za Vacuflo vacuflo.co.za

24 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

016_Zimbali_MetropoleHouse1_FA.indd 22

2015/11/03 10:24 AM

RESORT LIVING

9.

10.

7. ‘In Japanese architecture, the roof is often the most visually impressive component, frequently constituting half the size of the whole structure and including oversized eaves,’ notes architect Nigel Tarboton, of a principle that is clearly visible in this home 8. The rim-flow swimming pool links up with the other bodies of water to create the illusion that the home is floating. A wellsituated outdoor kitchen ensures that entertaining is effortless 9. Natural textures in the furnishings, finishes and accessories give the home an earthy feel that ensures the house blends in with its surrounds 10. The home’s large living area is cleverly demarcated with changes in floor level, ceiling bulkheads and statement lighting

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 2 5

016_Zimbali_MetropoleHouse1_FA.indd 23

2015/11/03 10:24 AM

24 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

024_Zimbali_House2_Inhlati_FA.indd 24

2015/11/03 10:25 AM

RESORT LIVING

Z I M B A L I C O A S TA L RESORT

natural WONDER TEXT CA ND ICE BOTHA P H OTO G RA P H S G RA NT P ITCHE R

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 2 5

024_Zimbali_House2_Inhlati_FA.indd 25

2015/11/03 10:25 AM

RESORT LIVING

1.

2.

7.

26 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

024_Zimbali_House2_Inhlati_FA.indd 26

2015/11/03 10:26 AM

RESORT LIVING

3.

T

he forest surrounds and uninterrupted sea views were the main attraction of this property for Grant Swinford-Meyer

It was the location that drew Grant Swinford-Meyer to this property. Nestled amongst the trees in the forest with views of the sea, the situation was ideal. The house, however, was not. ‘It was very outdated and needed a complete overhaul,’ he recalls. Having nature around him as well as the sea right on his doorstep made the extensive renovation worthwhile, though.

The double-storey house was completely gutted and refitted as well as extended into a spacious four-bedroom home. The original layout was awkward, so Grant has opened up the spaces to create an easy flow between indoors and out, and upstairs and down. ‘I have tried to bring nature in by using natural textures – like wooden floors, by FinFloor, and stone cladding – decorating with neutral colours and adding large windows to take advantage of the garden and sea views,’ he says. An extraordinary element is the rim-flow pool perched upon a stone-clad wall jutting out from the veranda.

The water cascades down to the garden level, making it a remarkable feature of the façade.

In order to make the most of the house’s positioning, Grant kept the living area and main bedroom on the top floor of the house. In the kitchen, designed by 104 Kitchens, an expansive window frames the forest vegetation outside and ensures that whatever direction you are facing, there is something to admire.

Natural finishes extend into the private spaces.

In the bathrooms, Grant chose an Earthcote product rather than tiles, and an exposed brick wall is a striking feature in the main bedroom. To add the accessories and soft furnishings, Grant enlisted the help of

4.

OPENING SPREAD Natural timber and stone finishes ensure that the house, which was extensively renovated

by Extra Dimensions, blends into the surrounding forest 1. The main bedroom, built on a split level, is a tranquil space that maximises the ocean views from all areas of the room. Large windows frame the greenery outside 2. The freestanding bath in the main en-suite bathroom is one of Grant Swinford-Meyer’s favourite features of the house.

Raised on a platform, it takes in gorgeous vistas of the garden and coastline 3. Windows throughout the home, including in the kitchen, frame lush outdoor views. Sophisticated lighting and the clever arrangement of fittings and furnishings help to create intimate zones within the expansive interior 4. A spiral staircase linking upstairs and down doubles as a sculptural feature, while the stone feature wall demonstrates an appreciation of organic textures and brings texture and warmth to the space Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 2 7

024_Zimbali_House2_Inhlati_FA.indd 27

2015/11/03 10:26 AM

RESORT LIVING

5.

6.

Black Book

‘I am plugging the gaps in the vegetation so that the house will eventually be completely private and all you will see will be the forest and the sea’

104 Design 031 700 6905 Dune Designs 079 704 1442 Extra Dimensions edimensions.co.za FinFloor finfloor.co.za High Temp hightemp.co.za Pierre Cronje pierrecronje.co.za Tizagenix 082 452 8280 use-rainwater.com Weylandts weylandts.co.za 5. A covered patio that opens onto the swimming pool is an enviable viewing platform.

On the other side of the pool, an outdoor shower provides a perfect place to rinse off after a swim 6. The infinity pool blends in with the ocean and sky, seemingly an intrinsic part of the surrounds – exactly the impression Grant has tried to enhance throughout the house

Annel Scholtz of Dune Designs. ‘Although there are modern touches, the house is warm and inviting,’ she notes. ‘The Pierre Cronje dining-room table and plasma unit set the trend for us in the living areas. All other furniture was custom designed to suit the space. For example, I fell in love with a dining chair from Weylandts that I thought was perfect for the kitchen counter, but it was not the right height. It had an olive-green cane weave wrapped around a steel frame. We ended up adding a wooden base to the steel structure, which turned out amazingly well.’

Grant’s background in conservation made it inevitable that he would include green elements in the renovation. Solar panels, from High Temp, provide a large portion of the home’s electricity needs, while a series of underground water tanks and a filtration system, from Tizagenix, ensures that most of the household water needs are met with rainwater. LED lights and gas appliances reduce energy consumption.

‘I love working in the garden and am plugging the gaps in the vegetation so that the house will eventually be completely private and all you will see will be the forest and the sea,’ says Grant. ‘My passion is nature and conservation, so I couldn’t have chosen a better spot than Zimbali – all the perks of civilisation are conveniently nearby but I can come home and feel as though I am at a holiday resort in the bush.’

This home is available as a holiday rental.

Contact 071 892 0101

2 8 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

024_Zimbali_House2_Inhlati_FA.indd 28

2015/11/03 10:26 AM

HOMEWOOD #craftedluxury

SOLID HARDWOOD FURNITURE INDOOR | PATIO | OUTDOOR ALL PRODUCTS MADE TO ORDER TO MEET YOUR REQUIREMENTS

Nothing happens unless first we dream.

Carl Sandburg

KRAMERVILLE | MIDLANDS | PRETORIA (FEB 2106) | UMHLANGA RIDGE

www.homewood.co.za

ZIMBALI OCT 2015 3rd.pdf 1

2015/10/21 11:10:34 PM

BEYOND ZIMBALI

K

W is on a mission to spread its wings in 2016. American-based Keller Williams Realty is the largest international real estate franchise company in the world with over 125 000 agents in more than 700 centres globally.

It was founded on the principles of trust and honesty in 1983, and has been in South Africa since 2012 and in Zimbali since 2014.

No longer content to remain trading solely 45km north of Durban, this powerhouse agency recently added Ballito and Umhlanga branches to its KwaZulu-Natal presence.

KW Developments – a new division of KW – is proud to announce that it has been awarded the exclusive mandate to market the first residential property

pipeline. The KW brand will soon be highly visible throughout KwaZulu-Natal, assisting clients at the very highest level.

At the time of going to print, KW’s sales figures had soared to a staggering R133 583 000 (one hundred and thirty three million, five hundred and eighty three thousand rands) in just one month, largely as a result of delivering extraordinary levels of service, building a solid reputation and by staying ahead of trends in the real estate industry.

KW remains committed to innovation, education, marketing, technology and wealth building, as well as its core values of integrity and trust. It is a training and consulting company that also provides the franchise systems, products and services that lead to productivity and profitability.

Gordi Behn, Team Leader, Keller Williams Ignite

Karen Golby, Sales Associate, Keller Williams Ignite

Anne Muiruri, Intern Agent, Keller Williams Ignite

development in the Sibaya precinct.

OceanDune-Sibaya is Sibaya’s R700m flagship project. Ideally positioned on the beach, it will comprise 260 units, ranging from studio to three-bedroom units and retail elements as well as restaurant, health and wellness facilities.

KW is a compelling force to be reckoned with and has a talent base of over 630 associates nationwide to draw from.

Further growth with multiple new locations across KwaZulu-Natal is in the

Carys Behn, Intern Agent, Keller Williams Ignite

‘KW KwaZulu-Natal’s September sales figures soared to a staggering R133 583 000, largely as a result of delivering extraordinary levels of service, building a solid reputation founded on trust and by staying ahead of trends in the real estate industry’

Craig Bricknell, Intern Agent, Keller Williams Ignite

Gavin Falcke, Intern Agent, Keller Williams Ignite

KW thinks like a top producer, acts like a trainer-consultant, and focuses all its activities on service, productivity and profitability, with the ultimate goal being to help more individuals, families and investors to realise their real estate goals and dreams.

Buyers and sellers are in safe hands as our true honour is in serving you!

Contact Beverley Gaul on + 27 (0)32 004 0022 or or email sales@kwignite. co.za. Visit www.kwignite.co.za

Zimbali Sales Centre | Zimbali Northgate Suites, Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa +27 (0) 032 004 0022 |beverley.gaul@kwsa.co.za www.kwignite.co.za 3 0 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

Zimbali- KW/ZEA Property Advertorials_revised_FINAL_separates.indd 30

2015/11/03 5:05 PM

Jamie Golby, Sales Associate, Keller Williams Ignite

Kathy Webster, Sales Associate, Keller Williams Ignite

Prakashan Naidoo, Intern Agent, Keller Williams Ignite

Verna Malyon, Sales Associate, Keller Williams Ignite

Beverley Gaul, Market Centre Administrator, Keller Williams Ignite

PHOTOGRAPHS: BARRY BOWD ITCH , SUP PL I ED

Joe Mokoena, Intern Agent, Keller Williams Ignite

Zimbali- KW/ZEA Property Advertorials_revised_FINAL_separates.indd 31

2015/11/03 5:06 PM

EXCLUSIVELY ZIMBALI

Z

imbali Estate Agency – purveyors of fine property within Zimbali Coastal Resort since 2003 and powered by Keller Williams Realty – is staffed by a team of highly trained, experienced and knowledgeable agents. ZEA is the only real estate company that sells Zimbali exclusively. It is located on site within the 350 hectare Zimbali Coastal Resort, and has full access daily to a portfolio of sought-after new developments, land and resale properties.

Zimbali Coastal Resort was recently voted the Best Estate in KwaZulu-Natal and Second Best Residential Estate in South Africa by Hurst & Wills and New World Wealth, a global wealth intelligence and market research company.

Erika Naudé, Zimbali Sales Agent, Zimbali Estate Agency powered by Keller Williams

Heather Eaton, Zimbali Sales Agent, Zimbali Estate Agency powered by Keller Williams

Since its inception in 2003, Zimbali Coastal Resort has become the premier luxury community on the east coast of South Africa and features a world-class golf course, two hotels, a Vacation Club, five outdoor swimming pools, the exclusive Willow Stream spa and so much more. This jealously guarded slice of paradise remains one of the most desired residential estates worldwide and is the only one of its kind on the KZN North Coast with direct access to 3,5km of pristine beachfront via the estate.

Jana Vorster, Zimbali Sales Agent, Zimbali Estate Agency powered by Keller Williams

Janelle Maritz, Zimbali Sales Agent, Zimbali Estate Agency powered by Keller Williams

The sophisticated on-site sales centre – where prospective homeowners will always encounter a friendly smile and a warm welcome – is conveniently located at North Gate and is open Monday to Sunday from 8am to 5pm.

Are you are dreaming of owning a private luxury beachfront villa? Investing in a vacation home that’s ideal for year-round enjoyment or holiday letting? Or looking for an opportunity in one of the latest off-plan sectional title developments? The ZEA Team will gladly

Thersia Forbes-Ffennell, Zimbali Sales Agent, Zimbali Estate Agency powered by Keller Williams

Vaughn Reiche, Zimbali Sales Agent, Zimbali Estate Agency powered by Keller Williams

show prospective purchasers around the resort and present them with an exciting and varied portfolio of options. Our highly skilled ZEA sales executives have extensive knowledge of Zimbali and are sure to find a home to match your lifestyle.

When you choose Zimbali, the Zimbali Estate Agency team will ensure that your purchase process will be absolutely seamless and enjoyable.

Contact + 27 (0)32 004 0022 for a site visit and guided tour. Visit www.zimbali.co.za

Zimbali Sales Centre | Zimbali Northgate Suites, Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa +27 (0)32 004 0022 | sales@zimbali.co.za www.zimbali.co.za 3 2 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

Zimbali- KW/ZEA Property Advertorials_revised_FINAL_separates.indd 32

2015/11/03 5:06 PM

SMART HOME

JUST PRESS

PLAY Once the exclusive province of tech geeks or the superwealthy, home automation has entered the mainstream, controlling everything from security to ambience T E XT J O CE LY N WAR R INGTO N P HOTO GRA P HS B N C TECHNO LO GY, NI CO VAN DE R M EULE N A RCHITECTS, M ATTH I AS KOS L I K, U LR ICH SCHWA RTZ, D- H AUS COM PANY

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 3 3

033_ZimbalI_Edition3_SmartHome_FA.indd 33

2015/11/03 10:27 AM

Microsoft’s former chairman Bill Gates may have spent more than $100-million on his ultra-intelligent Washington home, where lights appear to come on miraculously, while preferred tunes follow electronically chipped occupants as they move about, but these days such integrated technology is no longer reserved for just the extremely rich or, for that matter, the technologically astute.

‘The birth of the smartphone, which made everything available at one’s fingertips, completely revolutionised the industry. The more devices can be integrated, the more people want to control them,’ says Nick Caripis, managing director of BNC Technology (bnctechnology. co.za), a Johannesburg-based company that specialises in state-of-the-art home-technology solutions, including home automation, audio and video distribution, home cinema and media rooms, integrated security and acoustic design.

While Caripis admits that the present smart-home market is relatively fragmented in this country, it is nonetheless growing in terms of functionality, sales and expectations. ‘To harness the full potential of smart-home automation, disparate manufacturers will have to develop technologies based on common open

OPENING PAGE AND ABOVE ‘A smart home is one that is equipped with special structured wiring to enable residents to remotely control or programme an array of automated home electronic devices by entering a single command,’ explains Nick Caripis, managing director of BNC Technology, which installed the home integration solutions at this contemporary home in Kloof Road, Cape Town.

Collaborating with Nico Van Der Meulen Architects, BNC ensured that the house enjoys a seamless, convenient and secure indoor-outdoor flow, thanks to technologies such as home automation, acoustic design and consultation, and integrated security solutions

standards,’ he says, adding that very few, if any, firms produce every device found in a home and that it is unlikely that consumers would be brandloyal enough to buy every household device, or even the majority of them, from a single manufacturer.

‘So, if manufacturers want to ensure that their devices talk to others, they will have to be developed under common standards – standards also shared by software companies. This level of collaboration may take some time – many of these firms are direct competitors, after all – but it is necessary.’

And if data from the US portends a new dawn for home tech globally, the future of the industry looks positively fluorescent. Berg Insight (berginsight. com) reports that sales of home-automation systems could grow to around $9,5-billion (about R113billion) this year, while CNN (cnn.com) predicts that by 2017 this number could balloon to $44-billion (about R525-billion).

The reality is that all the electronics in your home are fair game for the tech revolution. ‘Most of the advanced systems on the market are very intuitive and easy to use,’ says Walther Blersch of Cape-based Nuru Intelligent Buildings (nuru.co.za). ‘There is also a single

3 4 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

033_ZimbalI_Edition3_SmartHome_FA.indd 34

2015/11/03 10:28 AM

SMART HOME

1.

screen for all devices, so one does not have to get used to different menus. Keypads and touch screens are brought down to a minimum and placed in the most convenient areas of the house. And, of course, the need for multiple light switches is eliminated.’

Blersch, whose company specialises in the Control4 bouquet of home-tech products, adds that the projects he typically works on entail the automation of lighting, music, TVs and security systems (both alarms and surveillance). ‘Climate control comes into about 60 per cent of houses, as do irrigation, blinds or curtains, albeit to a lesser extent. One does get funny requests, such as an owner’s Rottweiler having to be fitted with a radio-frequency identification tag so as not to trigger a peripheral geosphere intended to detain burglars.’

Whatever your automation requirements, however, Blersch insists these are best considered, wherever possible, at the start of a project. ‘This allows for a proper wiring-layout schedule – if the electrician is shown from the start where the various light switches and keypads, speakers, TV points, touch screens, thermostats, infrared beams and motors (for blinds and curtains) will be placed, he can position the conduits in the correct places.’

Blersch adds that lighting requirements typically all go to a distribution board, while everything else is directed to one’s server station. ‘The electrician must know this to do a proper layout,’ he says, explaining that Nuru ideally implements the systems at architecturalplanning level. ‘This is beneficial in that all devices are provided for and the amount of chasing that will need to be done afterwards is limited. All these devices will then be hard-wired and will not have to be controlled wirelessly, which makes one dependent on a signal.’

According to Blersch, once the proper conduits have been installed in the house, everything else falls into place: ‘The system is completely modular and can easily be up- or downscaled, as new and old devices will run on the same wiring.’

And the cost for such a system? ‘We find our quotes are anything from R80 000 for a one-bedroom apartment to R800 000 for a four-bedroom house.

Of course, this is fully customisable and all depends on the owner’s needs. However, the good systems still need to be imported.’

2.

1. ‘The lighting was a major challenge as the home was just completed and the client was disappointed with the existing lighting-control system,’ Caripis says about Kloof Road House.

‘We were given the mandate to replace the system but this required doing remedial work on all switches and adding additional wiring to the lights, as well as replacing the bus system (bus systems are used for high electrical currents distributed throughout a building). All patching, breaking and physical installation was completed when the client went on holiday for two weeks.’

He adds, ‘It’s a misconception that only new builds or renovations can have smarthome integrated technology’ 2. At Kloof Road House, as well as remote controls at every TV, full-control touch panels were installed in high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen, for convenience

Power to the people South Africa’s electricity woes may be a thing of the Dark Ages, thanks to local lad-made-good Elon Musk – he of electric-car fame. Musk’s Tesla recently announced the introduction of the Powerwall Home Battery (teslamotors.com/ powerwall), an easy-to-use lithium-ion battery system that provides efficient energy to homeowners seeking a sustainable source of domestic energy.

The fully automated, wall-mounted battery (a far cry from the unwieldy, racket-producing generators currently on the market) draws energy either from home solar panels or from the grid itself (during off-peak hours) as the need arises. Available in two versions – a $3 000 (about R36 000), 7kWh model, and a larger $3 500 (about R41 000), 10kWh unit – the battery comes with the added advantage of being so easy to install that even technophobes will find it a simple task.

And it requires zero maintenance.

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 3 5

033_ZimbalI_Edition3_SmartHome_FA.indd 35

2015/11/03 10:28 AM

WANDERLUST SMART HOME

CASE STUDY: KLOOF ROAD HOUSE, JOBURG A project undertaken jointly by BNC Technology and Nico Van Der Meulen Architects (nicovdmeulen. com), Kloof Road House could well serve as the film set for The Jetsons. Not only is Wi-Fi present throughout the strikingly contemporary house, with high-definition image quality deployed to every TV and a motorised picture lift concealed in the kitchen counter, but all audio-video systems are remote controlled, with touch panels located in high-traffic areas, such as the kitchen and master bedroom.

Lighting throughout is delivered via a fully automated system, and the 70 or so blinds in the home are all controlled wirelessly. The entire solution is compatible with apps for iOS and Android, and, to top it all, the complete absence of visible cabling means it was implemented with absolutely no impact on the building’s aesthetics.

‘Our programming philosophy is also important, as we try to give the client everything while simplifying the operation, labelling and programming,’ says BNC’s Nick Caripis, who explains that there are several design challenges and considerations involved when developing a home-automation system,

Berg Insight reports that sales of homeautomation systems could grow to around $9,5bn (about R113bn) this year, while CNN predicts that by 2017 that number could balloon to $44bn (about R525bn)

many of which are determined by the user’s needs.

‘Once these have been decided upon, the designer can choose the appropriate processor, sensors and communication protocol for the system,’ he adds.

Caripis insists that working closely with the architect enabled BNC to more effectively achieve the required technological and architectural objectives. ‘It’s not just about the technology or the architecture; it’s the intelligence of both disciplines providing the ultimate in efficiency,’ he says. ‘When designing or constructing high-end homes, too often we find there is a big misconception about when the home-technology professionals should be brought in to consult on the project. We’ve found it commonly (and incorrectly) perceived that the systems designer isn’t needed until the house is built and “ready for the equipment”. On the contrary, the designer should become part of the project at its earliest stages. One of the key elements to a successful project is comprehensive and organised design during the planning phase.’

Importantly, all home-technology solutions provided

by BNC adhere to a stringent set of guidelines laid down by the internationally accredited Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association.

3 6 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

033_ZimbalI_Edition3_SmartHome_FA.indd 36

2015/11/03 10:28 AM

SMART HOME

‘There is no reason why a smart home should be more complicated or expensive than a conventional house … In our projects we now use a “plug-and-play” system that needs only a Wi-Fi connection’ Frank Heinlein, a lead designer on the Efficiency House Plus project in Berlin

3.

4.

3. The Efficiency House Plus is sited so that it capitalises on daylight hours. Solar energy is harnessed by panels on the roof and the façade 4. The house provides a docking point for an electric car Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 3 7

033_ZimbalI_Edition3_SmartHome_FA.indd 37

2015/11/03 10:29 AM

SMART HOME

Movable assets

CASE STUDY: EFFICIENCY HOUSE PLUS, BERLIN Located in inner-city Berlin, the ambitious Efficiency House Plus, or F87, was the winning design in a competition run by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. The arresting full-scale glass-enclosed house, created under the direction of Professor Werner Sobek (wernersobek. de) and the University of Stuttgart’s Working Society, demonstrates ‘the potential of providing inhabitants with the highest level of comfort while ensuring that an optimal energy balance is achieved’, says Frank Heinlein, one of the lead designers on the project.

Heinlein explains that to achieve this goal, the suitability and orientation of the construction site were carefully analysed: ‘The Efficiency House Plus utilises the entire available site, thus maximising the roof surface, which is employed to generate current from a solar cell. The closed façade, on the north side, minimises thermal losses, while the south side, also equipped with a solar-cell system, maximises energy recovery. The entrance to the home – on the west side – consists of a picture window behind which electric vehicles are parked and charged.’

According to Heinlein, the house’s energy is generated from two sources: ‘An air-water heat pump recovers the necessary heat from the ambient air in winter. The solar cells on the roof and along the southern façade generate current. This current either is available immediately, can be stored and used later, or can be used to charge an electric vehicle. Any additional generated power can be fed to the public supply grid. Innovative technology and intelligent energy management therefore allow bidirectional battery operation – that is, both as a power consumer as well as a power supplier to the public grid.

‘In my view, there is no reason whatsoever why a smart home should be more complicated or expensive than a conventional house,’ insists Heinlein.

‘Of course, much depends on the “smartness” of the design, but, where hitherto many intelligent homes required purpose-built hard- and software, with wiring through the whole house, this is no longer necessarily the case. In our projects we now use a “plug-and-play” system that needs only a Wi-Fi connection. All sensors work without wiring and without batteries. This, of course, makes life – and installation – so much easier.’

Conceptualised by UK designers David BenGrünberg and Daniel Woolfson, the D-Haus (thedhaus.com) is a home for all seasons. The modular house can unfold into eight configurations in accordance with changes in climate and weather patterns, and each structural arrangement is designed to make the most ecological and sustainable use of the specific environmental conditions of the site.

‘The house automatically moves itself into the most efficient formation according to the time of day and year,’ explains Ben-Grünberg.

‘In winter the house is in a square formation, with thick, heavy external walls, small windows and a high thermal mass. It hugs itself. As the seasons change and the climate warms, the building opens up, mimicking the petals of a flower, allowing light and air to penetrate to the inside through the now-unfolded glass internal walls.’

Ben-Grünberg believes that the D-Haus is the house of the future.

‘A house like this has never been done before in the history of architecture, and we believe that creating buildings that can adapt and change is a much more sustainable way of living,’ he says.

For now it remains at concept stage.

3 8 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

033_ZimbalI_Edition3_SmartHome_FA.indd 38

2015/11/03 10:29 AM

FROM JOHANNESBURG

PARIS

7 FLIGHTS PER WEEK

AIRFRANCE.CO.ZA

Money, money,

MONEY! T E XT C H ARL E E N CL ARKE

P HOTO GRA P HS SU P P L I ED, P O RSCHE CAY MA N/ STE FAN BO G NE R/CU RV ES -MAGA ZIN.CO M

4 0 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

040_Zimbali_LuxuryCars_FINAL.indd 40

2015/11/03 10:31 AM

LUXURY CARS

While the car market in South Africa remains under pressure, exotic or supercars seem to be roaring off the showroom floors like never before. Who is buying these beautiful beasts?

Are they good investments?

What exotic cars can we expect in South Africa in the near future? And is the exotic car bubble ever likely to burst?

Charleen Clarke investigates…

MAIN IMAGE Cars such as the Bentley Continental GT (seen here in Norway) are in massive demand in South Africa INSET IMAGE A mere three examples of the stunning Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition are coming to South Africa

The exotic car market is – and has always been – a bit of a shady underworld. Owners are often hesitant to speak to the media – because they don’t want their wealth to be broadcast to all and sundry. Respecting their customers’ obsession with privacy, importers and distributors of the luxury brands are equally reluctant to reveal precise details of who is buying what.

However one thing is certain: while the regular car market is in the doldrums in South Africa (it’s around 14% down on 2014), well-heeled buyers are not following in their tyre tracks. Au contraire, exotic cars are being snapped up faster than hot cross buns at Easter. In fact, one manufacturer (Porsche) is enjoying 86% growth year on year!

Recognising this trend, importers and distributors of these cars are investing millions of rands in new facilities. This year alone, Ferrari distributor Scuderia South Africa has opened a new 3 500m2 showroom and workshop in Bryanston, Sandton.

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 4 1

040_Zimbali_LuxuryCars_FINAL.indd 41

2015/11/03 10:33 AM

LUXURY CARS

Italian luxury car manufacturer Maserati has announced its official return to South Africa. Its importer, European Automotive Imports – South Africa (EAI-SA), has opened a 16-car showroom and service facility a stone’s throw from the Ferrari showroom.

‘South Africa holds considerable potential for Maserati and offers a unique opportunity to expand our company into a growing market with a dynamic economy and an outstanding future,’ notes Glen Sealey, chief operating officer of EAI’s Maserati operations. Plans are also underway to extend Maserati’s sales and service footprint to Cape Town and Durban in the near future.

Maserati has re-entered South Africa with its complete model line-up of the Quattroporte, GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Ghibli ranges. Sealey is predicting ‘triple figure’ annual sales in South Africa.

‘Within our first three months of trading we have already signed 20 orders,’ he tells Zimbali Resort Life.

The Daytona Group appears to have a bottomless pot of money to pour into this market. It recently opened McLaren Cape Town, and will move all its luxury dealerships to Melrose Arch in the next 18 months, thereby creating the biggest exotic-car emporium in the country. The facility will include stand-alone Aston Martin, Brabus, McLaren and Rolls-Royce showrooms as well as a Daytona exotic showroom.

Porsche, too, has invested in the South African market this year, spending an estimated R80 million on a new dealership in Pretoria. Of course, investing in South Africa is nothing new for this brand: back in 2008 it opened the largest Porsche Centre in the world on Witkoppen Road (it covers 18 781m2 and houses 334 parking bays).

But who are the customers supporting these facilities?

Justin Divaris is CEO of the Daytona Group, and he describes these customers as ‘entrepreneurs and selfmade individuals’. ‘We have noticed an increase in black buyers and our sales to female customers are higher than expected.’ Typical customers own more than one exotic or supercar, and they change their cars every one to two years. Divaris says these customers are resistant to the economic downturn. ‘The exotic and supercar market does not feel the same pinch experienced by medium- to low-end car markets.’

Christo Kruger, public relations manager for Porsche South Africa, says buyers of exotic cars range from the upper middle class to the very upper class. ‘They are

1.

1. Only eight examples of the McLaren 675LT will come to South Africa and the car is already sold out – even though final pricing hasn’t been announced (because of the exchange rate). Back in October, it was expected to cost a cool R6,5 million or so 2. The interior of the Bentley Continental GT: luxury personified 3. This is what an exotic car may look like in the not-toodistant future. Enter the Porsche Mission E concept car, a sports car with electric drive 4. The Aston Martin Vulcan, a track-only supercar, is said to be the company’s most intense and exhilarating creation to date 5. The Ferrari 488 GTB costs upwards of R4,2 million

passionate motoring people. They tend to be mostly male, they have two children and a family, they are successful, entrepreneurial, or in a financial position where they manage other people,’ he reveals.

The attraction of an exotic car is obvious: it is one of the ultimate status symbols. Many are in extremely short supply, too. Take the Aston Martin DB9 GT Bond Edition, for instance. Celebrating the release of Spectre, it is limited to a mere 150 examples worldwide – and only three are destined for South Africa. ‘We have received a great deal of interest in these vehicles, with two being delivered to their new owners imminently,’ explains Grant Dryden, general manager of Aston Martin South Africa. ‘Due to the limited production run, this is definitely a must-have for any car collection.’

He reckons that the third car – with its mighty 6.0-litre V12 engine – will have ‘sold’ stamped on its windscreen by the time this magazine hits the printing presses (the R3,6 million price tag is no deterrent).

The McLaren 675LT is yet another case in point. It hasn’t yet even been launched in South Africa, and it’s already sold out. Given the fact that it’s ‘the lightest, most driver-focused, most exclusive series-production McLaren supercar ever built’, it won’t come cheap.

Also on the subject of the McLaren marque, we can reveal that South Africa will just receive one 650S Can-Am in April 2016 (stop bickering now, boys).

Lest you’re unfamiliar with this model, it celebrates

2.

040_Zimbali_LuxuryCars_FINAL.indd 42

2015/11/03 10:33 AM

‘Typical customers own more than one exotic or supercar, and they change their cars every one to two years’

3.

4.

5.

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 4 53 3

040_Zimbali_LuxuryCars_FINAL.indd 43

2015/11/03 10:33 AM

LUXURY CARS

McLaren’s domination of one of the most extreme forms of motorsport, Can-Am, in the 1960s and ’70s.

Just 50 examples of this car, which is based on the 650S Spider, will be produced globally.

Given this level of exclusivity, it’s not hard to understand why enthusiasts fight over the first local delivery of the next supercar. But there’s a logical reason for their purchases too … they’re not a bad investment.

‘If you look at the way the rand is moving, your money is probably safer in an exotic car than it would be in an investment account,’ Dryden points out.

Earlier this year, Russian car enthusiasts showed similar sentiments when their currency took a nosedive – they turned the plunging ruble into concrete assets.

‘All cars with the original ruble price tags were literally swept off our showroom floor within two weeks,’ Sergey Mordovn, sales manager of the Lamborghini store in Moscow told Euronews at the time.

Back on home turf, we don’t know what will happen to our currency. But it seems highly likely to assume that the exotic-car bubble is far from bursting. One of the major factors that will drive sales is the plethora of forth-coming vehicle launches. At the end of this year, the Aston Martin GT12, Aston Martin DB9 GT, McLaren 675LT, McLaren Sports Series and RollsRoyce Dawn will be launched. The really big news is the launch of the new Porsche 911 Carrera models in February 2016. Next year will also see the launch of the stunning Maserati Levante SUV and the Ferrari 488

040_Zimbali_LuxuryCars_FINAL.indd 44

6.

6. The Porsche Cayman, undoubtedly the best mid-engine sports car on mountain roads, photographed in the Swiss Alps 7. The new Lamborghini Huracán LP 610-4, the successor to the highly successful Gallardo, does 0 to 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, and has a top speed of more than 325 km/h

Spider, the latest chapter in Maranello’s ongoing history with open-top V8 sports cars. As such, Divaris predicts happy days ahead for this sector. ‘In our opinion, the purchase of an exotic car is a carefully calculated decision by the individuals who buy these vehicles.

There will always be a market for these cars. They are a luxury item that the owners are extremely passionate about and will continue to be passionate about. Perhaps some brands will fare better than others, but exotic cars are definitely here to stay,’ he concludes.

Bravo exotic cars!

2015/11/03 10:34 AM

7.

040_Zimbali_LuxuryCars_FINAL.indd 45

‘Given this level of exclusivity, it’s not hard to understand why enthusiasts fight over the first local delivery of the next supercar. But there’s a logical reason for their purchases too … they’re not a bad investment’

2015/11/03 10:34 AM

EXPERIENCE THE LIFESTYLE If you haven’t experienced the SMD Group lifestyle showroom in Ballito, you’re missing out. It’s not just another car dealership – it’s an experience that will appeal to all your senses

W

alk through the Ford, Jaguar and Land Rover showrooms on the ground floor at SMD and browse for your next vehicle. Having won Service and Dealer of the Year awards, this professional team is ready to cater for your needs.

Upstairs, take in the magnificent pre-owned supercars – like the Lamborghini and the Aston Martin, not to mention the luxurious Rolls-Royce and Bentley models for the distinguished purchaser.

Allow the throaty roar of a Ferrari’s highly tuned motor to travel straight to the centre of your brain and whisk you away on a magnificent imaginary journey without you having to take a step.

Savour a smooth cappuccino or freshly

046_Zimbali_SMD_Advertorial_FA.indd 46

squeezed fruit juice at Zaras Lite, the 80-seater restaurant located on the showroom floor. Known for its sumptuous breakfasts, Zaras is open from 7am to 5pm (weekdays) and 8am to 1pm (Saturdays). Choose a healthy Belgian oats and granola basket, order a crispy salad or relax over a light and delicious wrap. If you’re there on a Wednesday, go for the decadent gourmet burger special: try the jalapeno, feta and guacamole burger or the gorgonzola, rocket and streaky bacon burger. And Friday is pie day – made with light, buttery pastry, and filled with a variety of old-fashioned combinations such as chicken and mushroom or lamb curry, these savoury treats will transport you back in time to your grandmother’s kitchen.

2015/11/03 10:43 AM

ADVERTORIAL

OPPOSITE The SMD Group lifestyle showroom also stocks luxury lifestyle brands such as this timepiece from Lusso THIS PAGE Walk the showroom floor and you’ll find pre-owned supercars such as the Lamborghini Huracán LP610-4 (above) or the sleek black Ferrari 458 Italia and yellow Ferrari 458 Spider

046_Zimbali_SMD_Advertorial_FA.indd 47

2015/11/03 10:45 AM

THIS PAGE, ABOVE AND FAR RIGHT Browse and discover a range of exotic vehicles, from the black Ferrari 458 Italia (also pictured far right) or the McLaren MP4-12c RIGHT Relax a while at Zaras Lite, where a variety of favourite dishes keep locals returning time and again BELOW Don’t miss a peek at the stately Bentley Azure, a rare find as it’s one of only three in the country – you simply have to ask and the SMD team will arrange a drive

Once you’ve fed your taste buds, it’s time to feed your eyes. Opposite the restaurant are two sophisticated accessory and fashion boutiques.

Lusso – Italian for ‘luxury’ – is a plush place of exquisite timepieces such as Hublot, Franck Muller and Girard Perregaux (among others) and oneof-a-kind jewellery. And if you’re looking for a gift for that certain someone who has everything, you can’t go wrong with the Espresso Veloce, a perfect scale-model Formula 1 racing engine that functions as an espresso maker.

The Style Network boutique brings the latest trends and fashions from across the globe right to you. Enjoy the exquisite clothes worn worldwide by the elite, including A-list celebrities. Here’s where to pass a few precious moments in the company of the distinctive yet sensual Italian label that is Versace, for example. (Now you know where to purchase your outfit for the Durban July.)

And if you’re feeling jaded, and that your personal look could do with a sharp, professional eye over it, owner Sita Hiralal will give you a personalised consultation to create that casually sophisticated look you desire.

Between the two boutiques is the Formula 1 Simulator room. Each of the two simulators,

046_Zimbali_SMD_Advertorial_FA.indd 48

2015/11/03 10:46 AM

ADVERTORIAL

THIS PAGE, ABOVE The experienced team that satisfies motorists’ dreams: SMD’s staff is here to assist with every need FAR LEFT The Ferrari 458 Italia LEFT Try one of the two simulators, set between the two boutiques, for a real-life feeling of what it’s like to drive a Formula 1 car BELOW A landmark in Ballito, SMD’s showroom invites you to experience the exotic-car lifestyle

which give the feeling of being in a real full-sized car, has three 3-D screens and a tower of speakers.

For Formula 1 fans, this is the ultimate way to see what it’s really like to take a powerful machine out for a high-speed spin around a race-car circuit. Be warned, though: the experience isn’t for the faint-hearted.

The SMD Group lifestyle showroom building is itself a thing of both beauty and brains. The entire building has energy-efficient LED lighting, with special glazed glass panels that keep the air inside cool. The rooftop solar panels generate 50 per cent of the power needed to run the building, and so during load shedding business continues uninterrupted. Rainwater is harvested into freshwater underground tanks with a total capacity of 500 000 litres. And Eco Wash equipment, which uses no more than one litre of water per vehicle that’s washed, is used throughout the building.

So when next you’re looking for a new or approved-used Ford, Jaguar or Land Rover, or a fabulous new ensemble for that high-end function that’s on the cards, or a distinctive gift for someone special – and you’d like to take a break over a great cup of coffee once you’re done – then make SMD Group your destination.

046_Zimbali_SMD_Advertorial_FA.indd 49

2015/11/03 10:46 AM

SUITE DEAL At Zimbali Suites, you get the advantages of a luxury seaside home, with none of the hassles. And you enjoy all the amenities of a world-class resort on your doorstep

W

ith breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean and access to a wide range of premier leisure facilities, Zimbali Suites offers an idyllic escape from city living.

The latest luxury development within the award-winning Zimbali Coastal Resort is set just a short walk from the ocean, where kilometres of unspoilt golden beaches make for a perfect seaside holiday.

Further inland, a well-developed system of walking trails provides residents with a wonderful opportunity to experience the abundant flora and fauna of the pristine coastal forest.

Golf is another highlight of life on the resort – the 18-hole par 72 championship golf course is rated as one of South Africa’s finest – while mountain biking, scuba diving and deep-sea

The latest luxury development within the award-winning Zimbali Coastal Resort is set just a short walk from the ocean, where kilometres of unspoilt golden beaches make for a perfect seaside holiday fishing provide other exciting leisure options.

Adjacent to Zimbali Suites is the Fairmont Zimbali Resort, where residents can enjoy a full range of world-class hotel services – exclusive pamper sessions at Willow Stream Spa, a fitness centre, a variety of dining options, five outdoor swimming pools, and much more.

The six-storey Zimbali Suites development is built to exceptional specifications, with

the design incorporating the contemporary Balinese aesthetic that has become the trademark of Zimbali Coastal Resort. This is combined with earthy African tones and the use of natural materials, such as clay roof tiles and stone wall cladding.

The beautifully landscaped blocks offer a choice of smart one-, two- and three-bedroom condo units, ranging from 36,2 to 130 square metres – all with spacious patios, fully fitted kitchens and secure undercover parking.

Suites are fully serviced. Investors can further benefit from a rental programme managed on their behalf by a dedicated operations team.

Zimbali Suites are the ultimate lock-upand-go holiday havens, and with King Shaka International Airport just 20 minutes away, they’re easily accessible from wherever you, your family and friends reside.

Zimbali Sales Centre | Zimbali Northgate Suites, Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa +27 (0)32 538 1205 | sales@zimbalisuites.co.za zimbalisuites.co.za 5 0 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

Zimbali_Suites_2015-16_FA.indd 50

2015/11/03 10:47 AM

DESIGNER WINELANDS

statement

PIECE ‘Wearable icons of portable art’ is how Akshar Choudree describes his meticulously crafted jewellery designs, the likes of which have found favour with queens of both the royal court and the silver screen

I N T E RV I EW JO CE LY N WA R R INGTO N P HOTO G RA P HS AKS HA R CHOU D R E E FINE JEWE LLE RY Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 49

051_Zimbali_AksharChoudree_FA.indd 51

2015/11/03 10:48 AM

I

1.

ntricate diamond-encrusted chandeliers that cascade like glittering fountains from high-class lobes.

Dazzling tiara-style cuffs embedded with rubies and emeralds that mould like mercury to the aristocratic curves of well-to-do clavicles. Opulent tourmaline and tanzanite blooms that wend pearlescent tendrils towards the manicured tips of the wealthiest of fingers.

An Akshar Choudree design is a statement all of its own. The gemologist-designer’s conversation-stoppers are the darlings of Bollywood queens; Gavin Rajah – the Lacroix of South African fashion – is obsessed with them, and they formed part of a pageantry of jewels chosen to mark the opening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. We spoke to the Durban-born jewellery virtuoso, who designed his first piece at the age of 15.

Q:You studied at the prestigious Gemological Institute of America – in fact, you were awarded the GIA Jewelry Design Award.What other experiences have helped you fine-tune your craft?

A: In addition to my degree in Gemology from the GIA, I also hold a Graduate Pearls Diploma and Jewelry Design Diploma from the Institute, and am an Accredited Jewelry Professional. After New York, I interned at the largest diamond-processing company in the world, Rosy Blue, where I was tasked with grading, sorting and valuing thousands of carats of diamonds on a daily basis. This exposed

2.

5 2 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

051_Zimbali_AksharChoudree_FA.indd 52

2015/11/03 10:49 AM

PROFILE

‘I have long found the Mughal era to be a fertile ground from which to draw my inspiration, since the pursuit of intricate beauty was always a demand of their dynastic rulers’

3.

4.

Akshar Choudree

2.

5.

Opening page Durban-born jewellery virtuoso Akshar Choudree, whose statement pieces – described by the designer as ‘wearable icons of portable art’ – cater to a high-end, niche market with ‘a taste for opulence and something extraordinary’ 1. A high diamond neckpiece featuring a combination of baguette and round diamonds (16.85 carats of baguette diamonds and 19.88 carats of round diamonds) in an 18-karat white gold setting 2. This multifunctional contemporary flower pendant can also be worn as a brooch. The striking combination of more traditional yellow gold paired beautifully with white gold consists of white and yellow diamonds in both baguette and round shapes (total diamond weight of 5.35 carats) in an 18-karat gold setting 3. A pair of Zambian emerald and diamond ear clips with 13.40 carats of emeralds and 4.97 carats of diamonds set meticulously in a traditional yet contemporary combination of white and yellow gold

3.

6.

4. A baguette and round diamond cocktail ring with a combined diamond weight of 2.63 carats 5. Inspired by Arabic calligraphy, this pair of regal sapphire and diamond chandelier earrings consists of 3.85 carats of blue sapphires in a channel setting matched with 1.44 carats of white diamonds in a micropavé setting 6. A feminine pair of threedimensional rose gold and diamond earrings, a current favourite metal colour set with white diamonds in a micropavé setting

4.

me to a rigorous training regime in Mumbai, India.

I trained in rough diamonds with a Diamond Trading Company sightholder in Surat, one of the most highly respected diamond manufacturing companies in India; in addition to educating me in the selective and preferential demands of different markets, my attendance at international jewellery and diamond exhibitions exposed me to the latest in design trends from New York and Paris to Hong Kong and India, as well as to the latest in cutting-edge equipment.

Q:You refer to yourself as a gemologist rather than a jeweller.Why the distinction?

A: Gemology is the actual science of dealing with natural and artificial gems and gemstones. It’s considered a geoscience and a branch of mineralogy – so I am academically qualified to identify and evaluate gems, where a jeweller’s expertise lies primarily in manufacturing or the creative crafting procedure.

Q:Where do you source your inspiration?

A: Gemstones and precious metals have always held a fascination for me, not only for their exuberance but also because of their intrinsic value and the rarity of their nature. I have long found the Mughal era to be fertile ground from which to draw my inspiration, since the pursuit of intricate beauty was always a demand of their dynastic rulers. The motifs observed in their intricate architecture are recreated in a modern context in my jewellery designs. These motifs strike a remarkable balance between geometry and nature, one for which I, too, strive. I also draw inspiration from the exquisite palace architecture keenly observed during my studies in my ancestral hometown of Jaipur, a major influence in my current and past collections.

Q: Tell us about your exacting market.

A: The tag phrase of my company ‘The Predilection of Royalty’ was coined four years ago, after I was commissioned by a queen to craft a bespoke piece for the king. My clients are drawn from a wide spectrum of local and international jewellery lovers, and my collections stand alone. I deliberately avoided tagging onto renowned jewellery houses in order to enjoy freedom of design and style.

Q:What kinds of precious materials do you use?

A: Our metal choices are 18-karat white, rose and yellow gold as well as platinum. All our diamonds and precious stones are purchased from legitimate, conflict-free sources and are strictly in compliance with United Nations resolutions. My favourites are emeralds, the epitome of regal splendour, and South Sea pearls for their pastel lustre, which pairs beautifully with diamonds and exudes a timeless, feminine quality. White gold and platinum have always been my preferred metal choices, as they enhance the stones they hold and lend an air of modernity to a design.

Q: And your crafting techniques?

A: Micropavé diamond and gemstone settings are undoubtedly one of our specialties – the term ‘micropavé’ refers to the setting of small diamonds or coloured stones (melee) in multiple rows over Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 53

051_Zimbali_AksharChoudree_FA.indd 53

2015/11/03 10:49 AM

PROFILE

‘My personal favourites are emeralds, the epitome of regal splendour, and South Sea pearls for their pastel lustre, which pairs beautifully with diamonds and exudes a timeless, feminine quality’ Akshar Choudree

7.

7. Indian model, actress and producer Dia Mirza in statement chandelier earrings from Akshar Choudree Fine Jewellery

the entire surface of a jewellery item with a precision that is only possible using high magnification. I employ 42 craftsmen, all based at my factory and workshop in Hong Kong, and launch new collections every four to six weeks, hosting private shows in Hong Kong and Dubai.

In essence, I view it as the synthesis of two complementary aspects of fashion, an interrelated design. Seeing it as such allows the opportunity to showcase a collection with the movement and fluidity of jewellery as wearable icons, interacting with both outfits and models in real time.

Q: How would you describe your style of jewellery?

A: Entirely modern, three-dimensional, contemporary and creatively bespoke with an emphasis on high-end, niche pieces for clients with a taste for opulence and something extraordinary.

Q:When you showcase your collections in South Africa, the Zimbali Fairmont Hotel is your location of choice.Why? A: Fairmont Zimbali’s high security standards have always surpassed my expectations, assuring me and my guests both privacy and peace of mind. The resort is a magical escape into a world of opulence and impeccable service, which is perfectly aligned with my brand image. We have used it for many photo shoots and have held interviews there for lifestyle TV shows, as well as, more recently, an exclusive corporate high-tea event at which I exhibited my most recent diamond collection. aksharchoudree.com

Q:What are your thoughts on the unique symbiosis between jewellery and fashion design?

A: My company was established with the intention of being showcased on runways internationally, in conjunction with leading couturiers 8. in a symbiotic relationship between elegant apparel and eye-catching accessories.

5 4 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

051_Zimbali_AksharChoudree_FA.indd 54

2015/11/03 10:49 AM

HOTEL CONDOMINIUMS The opportunity to invest in sectional title condominiums at the Fairmont Zimbali Resort Hotel comes with a guaranteed return on the purchase price for the first three years

OPTIMA font

TRAJAN PRO font

Location and brand – supported by the reputation of the estate and the stability of the hotel owner – are vital

I

deally located, the condominiums have expansive views of the Indian Ocean and the magnificent resort swimming pool, which is nestled among beautifully landscaped indigenous gardens and water features. As part of the 154-room Zimbali Resort Hotel, they offer a low-risk investment opportunity for those who love the five-star hotel lifestyle but enjoy the convenience of creating a homefrom-home on holiday, knowing that their investment will earn its keep for the rest of the year. Spacious and comfortably appointed, the units are fitted with modern conveniences and technology, making time spent at the resort memorable and relaxing.

Condominiums are purchased on the basis that they will be made available to the hotel. The hotel determines the room rate, books the accommodation and is responsible for ensuring that occupancy is as high as possible. Anyone looking for a sound property investment in a reputable five-star environment, with the ability

to utilise the facilities personally and receive a return will see the benefit of investing in the condominiums.

An agreed number of nights are allocated annually for personal use, including access to Fairmont Zimbali Resort’s and the greater Zimbali Coastal Estate’s five-star facilities.

Because the revenue is pooled, the units are continually generating returns. The hotel has a ‘blackout’ of 30 nights per annum, and the rest of the year is banded into high, medium and low season. Owners have access to all seasons, within certain limitations.

Rentals are managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a Canadian-based international management company that operates some of the most prestigious hotels in the world.

The advantages of this management structure is global brand presence, word-class hoteloperating skills and access to a market of international guests who typically are willing to pay a higher room rate. Please visit www.fairmont.com for further details.

BENEFITS AT A GLANCE n Condominium owners share of rental pool revenue guaranteed at 8% of purchase price per annum for the first three years. This protects investors from occupancy variables n Participation in the rental pool of the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts is mandatory. n Levies are deducted from the rental pool income share. n An agreed number of nights are allocated annually for owners’ personal use. n Zimbali Coastal Resort products boast a proven record of capital growth. n Owner have easy golf cart access to Zimbali Lakes Golf Club and amenities.

DIVISION/ALLOCATION OF RENTAL INCOME n 5% of the total hotel revenue is allocated to a maintenance reserve and the remaining 95% is allocated pro rata to the number of hotel versus condo rooms. n Condo income is then shared between the condo investors and the hotel, with investors taking a 25% share of the income. This amount is then shared by the hotel condo rooms according to a predetermined allocation, which gives the amount due to the investor.

Zimbali Sales Centre | Zimbali Northgate Suites, Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa +27 (0)32 538 1205 | sales@fairmontzimbali.co.za zimbali.com/property/sales-and-letting Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 55

Zimbali_adv_Condos_2015-16_FA.indd 55

2015/11/03 10:51 AM

GOURMET DELIGHTS

AYOBA AND ITS POOLSIDE BAR, MAKHAZA

The Fairmont Zimbali Resort offers a full range of culinary experiences, from a quick dash to the deli to signature dining in style

O

ACAPULCO PRAWN SALAD

ne of the most enjoyable aspects of staying at the Fairmont Zimbali Resort is the exciting mix of dining options it offers, many with magnificent ocean views. Guests may dine at the fine restaurants and soak up the casual ambience, or simply relax around the pools and enjoy the balmy ocean breezes and a meal outdoors.

This summer, Ayoba is the place to be.

Sangria is the cocktail of the moment, but you’ll find an extensive menu of cocktails created by innovative bartenders, who regularly attend the Brandhouse World-Class Cocktail programme. Equally tempting is the chef’s new take on the classic pulled pork, Ayoba’s most popular dish, now served with a Mexican twist. Just ask for the Taco de Cordero or Taco Carnita, the unusual guava-marinated, slow-cooked pork shoulder.

And their signature dish? Nachos de Gringo, served in a deep pan with nachos, tomato salsa, barbecue steak strips, feta, coriander and green onion.

Bite, situated next to the main swimming pool, was designed for coffee connoisseurs to enjoy a specialty Java, home-made ice cream or a cocktail under the patio umbrellas.

Picnics are as easy as pie: with fresh salads, sandwiches and tasty treats ready to go, these are all wonderfully relaxed for families.

TACO DE TINGA

5 6 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

056_Zimbali_Ayoba_Advertorial_FA.indd 56

2015/11/03 10:51 AM

MEXICAN SANGRIA RECIPE 750ml The Beach House sauvignon blanc 660ml orange juice 660ml granadilla juice 30ml Triple Sec liqueur 400ml sparkling water 1 fresh apple, thinly sliced ½ pineapple, thinly sliced ½ apple, thinly sliced ½ orange, thinly sliced Mint leaves and strawberry for garnish Makes two jugs or eight glasses.

AYOBA TERRACE

EXECUTIVE CHEF DEAN UREN Young and adventurous, Cape Town-born Dean Uren trained in Johannesburg before embarking on a journey that was to take him around the world to glean the inspiration that makes his menus so tempting. He joined the World Trade Centre kitchen before working at top game parks and Rovos Rail. He then travelled far and wide for five years. ‘It was exhilarating to experience new flavours and tastes,’ he explains. ‘Seeing how the French, the Spanish, the Italians and other cultures relate to food made me view cuisine as a lifestyle. It really helped to round out my background. My travels provided me with much more of a feel for what and how I cook.’

By 2000 he had set up in London at a number of fine-dining establishments, including Richard Corrigan’s Searcy’s, before becoming the pastry chef in Gordon Ramsay’s three-star Michelin restaurant. In 2005 he returned to South Africa to become a restaurant consultant but missed the kitchen so much that he became the chef de cuisine at a new Sun International casino. The company also managed the Zimbali Lodge, where Dean was appointed executive chef in 2006.

When Fairmont Hotels & Resorts took over operations he stayed on, becoming the top toque at Fairmont Zimbali Resort, which opened in May 2010, as well as the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge. Today he oversees 11 kitchens and a 77-member kitchen brigade. Highlights of his time here include being selected to create a uniquely South African menu for the wedding reception of HRH Prince Albert and Princess Charlene of Monaco, which took place at the Fairmont Monte Carlo.

Dean’s love for South Africa’s culinary bounty is evident in his menus’ subtle local influences: farmed ostrich, grain-fed beef, seafood and curries. He is equally committed to buying local (the ethos of Fairmont chefs around the world). His vegetables are grown on a farm less than 10km away; a call as the fishing boat pulls into the harbour alerts him to the catch of the day; and the French-style artisanal cheeses hail from the Midlands.

Curries, Zimbali’s perennial favourite, are authentically crafted by Indian and Zulu cooks, as are the pickles and chutneys.

Fairmont Zimbali Resort Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa +27 (0)32 538 5000 | zim.dining@fairmont.com | fairmont.com/zimbali-resort

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 57

056_Zimbali_Ayoba_Advertorial_FA.indd 57

2015/11/03 10:52 AM

ZIMBALI VACATION CLUB IFA Hotels and Resorts introduced the first-ever, exclusive Zimbali Vacation Club at the tranquil Zimbali Lodge, perched up on a hillside with magnificent views overlooking the golf course and sea – the ideal family holiday destination

W

ith one of the most photographed infinity pools in South Africa, admired for its elegance of design and sublime setting, Zimbali Lodge has always been a sought-after holiday destination for families and couples who love its privacy and tranquillity. Five-star service from welcoming and friendly staff makes all the difference to a relaxing holiday, and now it’s even more accessible on a regular basis.

Zimbali Vacation Club offers a holiday retreat in tastefully designed studio, one- or two-bedroom en-suite units, each with a private balcony, fully equipped self-catering facilities, air conditioning, satellite television movies on demand and Wi-Fi and laundry facilities.

In addition, members have access to all the facilities of Zimbali Coastal Resort: • access to the championship 18-hole golf course, designed by Tom Weiskopf and consistently ranked as one of the top 25 golf courses in South Africa • tennis and squash courts, for those who don’t feel like going down to the beach or swimming • kids’ club facilities • an array of dining experiences • walking trails throughout the coastal estate.

As a Zimbali Vacation Club member, it is possible to plan your special holiday times ahead, doing what you want, when you want. Apart from the cost saving, an annual flexible holiday at Zimbali Vacation Club gives you time in one of the most exclusive holiday destinations around the world, with access to local and international properties of The Registry Collection.

Zimbali Lodge has always been a sought-after holiday destination for families and couples who love its privacy and tranquillity Zimbali Sales Centre | Zimbali Northgate Suites, Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa +27 (0)32 538 1205 | sales@zimbalivacationclub.co.za zimbalivc.com 5 8 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

Zimbali Vacation Club_2015/16_FA.indd 58

2015/11/03 10:57 AM

5

YEAR

WARRANTY* *Conditions apply

WANDERLUST

6 0 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

060_Travel with changes_FA.indd 60

2015/11/03 10:59 AM

Postcards from paradise

From waking to the roar of a lion at dawn to witnessing the ancient miracle of nesting turtles by night, Michelle Snaddon discovers the ultimate bush-to-beach safari P H OTO GRA P HS ADRI AAN LOUW/S ING ITA , D O O K/WHITE P E A R L, LIA M S NA D D O N

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 6 1

060_Travel with changes_FA.indd 61

2015/11/03 11:00 AM

1.

OPENING SPREAD Wallpapered memories of early pioneering safari days.

Before Luke Bailes opened Singita Ebony 22 years ago,

safaris were an altogether more rustic bush experience for the intrepid few. Here, a curated still-life collection of brass adorns the writing desk

1. The organic interiors of Singita Boulders Lodge, set along the banks of the Sand River, merge seamlessly with the bush outdoors

3.

2. & 3. It’s all in the detail: Panamas and kikois aplenty if you’ve arrived without yours, and the world’s most scenic hand basin

4. A series of newly built cantilevered dining platforms and a welcoming fire pit offer unparalleled game viewing at Singita Ebony

4.

4 0 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

060_Travel with changes_FA.indd 62

2015/11/03 11:01 AM

WANDERLUST

2.

There’s a glorious sense of safari romance and history here, yet every thoughtful detail has the nomadic tech-savvy traveller in mind

He was young and nervous. Lying tjoepstil in a bed of golden grass; we missed him at first. Until his ears twitched, shooing bothersome flies. A newly independent male leopard out on his own, he was our first sighting of the day. With his cover blown and a characteristic flick of the tail, he headed towards the rocky bank of the waterhole behind, settling quietly to gauge the possibility of terrapin for dinner – or perhaps he was intending to fish? His patience went unrewarded on both accounts when potential danger took him by surprise, prompting him to leap backwards and give up his quest for another day … unlike the trio of mating leopards we chanced upon not 20 minutes later.

Guttural snarls from two males filled the air, followed by violent outbursts from the female, as this ancient five-day ritual of nature played itself out. It was clearly a privileged day of leopard sightings in the Sabi Sands.

‘Beginner’s luck,’ said Marc Eschenlor, our ranger, alluding to the fact that we had two first-time safari guests on board, but we never looked back.

Nor, it seems, has Luke Bailes, the pioneering safari entrepreneur who opened Singita Ebony in 1994 and later, Singita Boulders, its neighbouring lodge. An icon in the industry, his vision of a luxury safari experience transformed the notion of the African safari forever, bringing with it a wave of new-look lodges in its wake.

Twenty-two years later, and with a significant portfolio of lodges stretching from South Africa to Tanzania, it was time for Ebony to reinvent itself. ‘There was a need to honour its significance as the first lodge opened by Singita,’ says Luke. So this time interior designer Boyd Ferguson blended what he called ‘campaign utility’ with traditional luxury, but replaced the original jewel-like hues and faded colonial grandeur that guests remember from the original lodge.

Today taxidermy is nowhere to be seen. In its place, oversized sepia photography is set against bold tribal patterns painted as wall murals, offsetting the golden glow of old-world brass and polished antiques, many of which have been collected by the Bailes family over the years. Khaki greens and cool chalky tones pull together the interior palette, while existing antiques have been complemented by functional folding campaign furniture in early 19th-century style.

Architecturally, each suite was opened up to create a dynamic and voluminous living space that flows seamlessly outdoors to the deck overlooking the river below. New canvas- and glass-lined walls echo a ‘quintessential safari aesthetic that captures the spirit and sentiment of the original’, explains architect Sally Tsiliyiannis. ‘These days, luxury properties are competing on a “feelings” frontier,’ says Boyd. ‘How you feel is what matters. The intangible elements, or the essence of a space, are of utmost importance.’

Perhaps that’s why Ebony retains much of the laidback charm reminiscent of early safari days. In fact, there’s a glorious sense of safari romance and history here, yet every thoughtful detail has the nomadic tech-savvy traveller in mind. Even my writing desk has a bird’s-eye view of the bush over the river. I sadly missed the elephant that left behind a trail of deep footprints in the sand, but was amply rewarded with a sighting of at least 20 matriarchs and their babies on a game drive later that morning. But it was the experience Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 63

060_Travel with changes_FA.indd 63

2015/11/03 11:01 AM

WANDERLUST

of waking in the magnificently draped four-poster to the sound of grunting hippo that has imprinted in my memory bank of bush experiences that make me smile.

Later, while warming up over a cup of coffee around the fire pit on the main deck, the unmistakable roar of a lion is heard again – this time, much further away. All eyes turned to our tracker, confirming that we weren’t imagining closer pre-dawn roars, and soon enough, we were aboard the Landy all wrapped in fleecy ponchos with hot-water bottles tucked into our laps. Crossing the river, I took in great lungfuls of cool dawn air. On the opposite bank the sun’s warming rays were keeping a troop of baboons and monkeys in a state of perpetual doziness, except for the odd one picking a fight with its younger sibling and sending it off squealing. It was not long afterwards that we discovered the male tracking the scent of a female. Seemingly oblivious to our presence, he walked purposefully past, stopping suddenly to open his lips and bare his teeth in what’s known as the Flehman’s response of drawing in air to decode odours. It had been a thrilling morning, but by far the most humbling experience was up close with a hyena while we were photographing wild dog spoor in the sand. Huddled on the ground, we kept absolutely still and watched in awe as he marked his territory and

THIS PAGE White Pearl’s evenings are magical: sometimes children from a nearby village come to sing and dance around the fire pit. Afterwards, learn how to play a traditional board game of bau or mancala 5. Five-star relaxation beds don’t get any better than these. Put your feet up, order your ice-cold Laurentina and let the view do the rest 6. Drop in at the beach bar after stargazing – Fernando da Silva sets up the telescope for guests near the dive centre every evening 7. Even if showering on your private deck under the stars is your idea of heaven, with this stupendous view at least one deeply relaxing bubble bath is called for

then came up close, raised his head, sniffed, and then moved on around us.

Celebrating our sightings that afternoon with expert sommelier Welma Beukes at a private wine tasting, we sat back and enjoyed four diverse wines, including my favourite, ‘David’, an exceptionally good vintage Aristargos from the Cape’s Swartland. Later, a surprise lantern-lit dinner on the airstrip gave us a last sighting of a hyena before we headed off to explore Mozambique’s pristine coast. Sauntering towards the camp kitchen, he was spotted briefly in the torchlight, before disappearing forever into the blackness of the bushveld night.

My next destination, White Pearl Resort at Ponta Momoli, is reached by a short flight from Nelspruit to Maputo, where the best connection (and undoubtedly the most glamorous) is by helicopter over the Maputo Elephant Reserve. And although this is a 30-minute highlight, it’s the turtle nesting and ocean safari experience that will remain etched in memory forever.

Landing right on the coastal dunes, we’re greeted with broad smiles and swiftly welcomed into the cool interiors. White Pearl is just that – all elegant simplicity, dressed head-to-toe in a soothing blend of the purest whites, pearly creams, bleached blues and driftwood greys. Suites are nestled in the dunes, rising high above

6 4 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

060_Travel with changes_FA.indd 64

2015/11/03 11:02 AM

5.

6.

White Pearl – dressed head to toe in a soothing blend of the purest whites, pearly creams, bleached blues and driftwood greys – is all elegant simplicity 7.

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 4 5

060_Travel with changes_FA.indd 65

2015/11/03 11:03 AM

8.

8. White Pearl is an hour’s drive from the southern Mozambique border of Kosi Bay. Contemporary suites have magnificent views of the

coastline, which is lined with unbleached reefs teeming with spectacular fish, offering even the most timid of snorkellers an experience of a lifetime

the beach and offering an uninterrupted view of endless white sands and surf through glass-fronted walls. In the humid heat of the day, a quick swim in a private pool followed by an iced Laurentina with some deliciously garlicky prawns off the lunch menu is the best way to start a holiday here … or drifting into a siesta on the lounger before ambling down to the beach for a late afternoon walk. Make for the headland, where rock pools reveal shiny cowries at low tide and ghost crabs skitter along the sand before riding the next wave.

On the way back, we meet Fernando da Silva and Lorenzo Paco setting up the telescope in preparation for night-time stargazing. In the evening, the pair do turtle nesting walks in season, and by early morning, they’re instructing guests to hook their feet under the boat straps and hang on tight as they hit full throttle to ride the waves and head out on their ocean safaris. Both are passionate about conservation on their coastline and will spend hours longer than expected on safari if you discover, as we did, an unusually large pod of playful spinner dolphins or happen to come across a sleeping ragged-tooth shark at the entrance to a reef cave.

But it’s the nesting loggerhead and leatherback turtles that draw fascinated visitors from around the world to these shores to witness this miracle of nature. Pre-dating dinosaurs, these incredible creatures return time and again to this magical coastline, dragging their heavy bodies up the beach to lay their precious eggs in this protected paradise. A miracle of nature indeed.

9. Spinner dolphins, filmed on an ocean safari: they ‘spin’ as they playfully rise above water, treating you to an unbelievable show of speed and grace

After a siesta on the lounger, amble down to the beach for a walk.

Make for the headland, where rock pools reveal shiny cowries at low tide and ghost crabs skitter along the sand before riding the next wave

10. Once you’ve been out swimming with the bottlenose dolphins, take a walk along the beach to the rock pools at low tide

BELOW Book a guided walk between November and February if you want to see loggerhead and leatherback turtles lay their eggs on the beach

Black Book Singita Ebony and Boulders singita.com, +27 (0)21 683 3424 (reservations), +27 (0)13 735 9800 (lodges), enquiries@singita.com Federal Air fedair.com, +27 (0)11 395 9000 White Pearl whitepearlresorts.com, +258 (0)84 605 8112, reception@whitepearlresorts.com, or +27 (0)11 026 7178, direct@whitepearlresorts.com

6 6 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

060_Travel with changes_FA.indd 66

2015/11/03 11:03 AM

WANDERLUST

9.

Film these incredible creatures underwater and they’ll treat you to a show of unbelievable speed and grace 10.

Insider’s guide By air: Zimbali homeowners who live in Joburg may fly directly to Singita’s Sabi Sands airstrip daily with Federal Air (which, incidentally, has the most relaxing safari-style airport lounge).On departure from Singita, transfers to Nelspruit (Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport) may be arranged so that guests can connect directly to Maputo, Mozambique. From there, a spectacular half-hour helicopter flight takes you over the Maputo Elephant Reserve and remote dune bush directly to White Pearl. Remember: soft bags only (15kg for helicopter transfers) – no hard suitcases.

Storage for excess luggage is available. Maximum five adults per transfer, departing at 11.30am.

By road: Zimbali guests or homeowners may drive directly to the Kosi Bay border post (around 4 hours). Leave sedan cars at the secure parking area on the left, just before customs, as the sandy road to White Pearl is best suited to 4x4s. Transfers can be arranged with White Pearl and the driver will meet you. If you’re driving yourself, remember to pack all relevant cross-border paperwork required at customs.

Five-star, self-drive safari options closer to Zimbali include Phinda (andbeyond.com) and Thanda (thanda.com). Thanda is two hours’ drive from Zimbali, and Phinda is almost three.

060_Travel with changes_FA.indd 67

2015/11/03 11:03 AM

The storyteller of

Isandlwana T E XT RICHA R D HO LMES P H OTO G RA P H S G E TTY IMAG ES, SUPPL I ED

Need to know If you’d like to hear Rob Caskie speak when he’s next at Fairmont Hotel, contact Joanne du Plooy on joanne. duplooy@fairmont. com.

Rob Caskie revels in telling memorable tales of struggle and endeavour, from the grasslands of Isandlwana in South Africa to the icy wastes of Antarctica. Born and bred in Mooi River, Caskie had plans to become a dairy farmer but these were soon put out to pasture when he joined acclaimed orator David Rattray in sharing the rich history of KwaZulu-Natal.

Today, as the pre-eminent guide to the Anglo-Zulu battlefields, Caskie shares the highs, lows and human triumphs with audiences at home and abroad

6 8 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

068_Zimbali_Travel_Rob_Caskie_subbed_FA.indd 68

2015/11/03 11:04 AM

HOW DID YOU FALL INTO THE ROLE OF HISTORICAL TOUR GUIDE AND SPEAKER? While I was at university I travelled all over Africa on motorbikes. Whenever I got back from a trip there were students who wanted to hear about where I’d been and what had happened. Unbeknown to me I was developing a reputation as a storyteller. Then a fellow by the name of Graham Smythe, curator of the museum at Rorke’s Drift, recommended me to the orator and storyteller David Rattray, who was looking for someone to join him telling stories on the battlefields. I have no background in public speaking, theatre, drama or history, and consider myself more of a rugby player than a historical society sort of guy!

‘I find the history fairly dry – what I’m interested in are the stories and the behaviour and response of human beings when the chips are down’

The battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu War enjoy a disproportionately high profile in terms of their significance in world events at the time. Then there are the stories: a solar eclipse taking place during the battle of Isandlwana, 139 British soldiers holding out against 4 000 Zulu warriors at Rorke’s Drift, a modern Victorian army facing off against men with sticks and shields and spears… there’s something incredibly noble about the battlefields that appeals to the innate humanity within us all. I find the history fairly dry and rather uninspiring – what I’m interested in are the stories and the behaviour and response of human beings when the chips are down.

My partner Karen, my greatest fan and greatest critic, says I tell a better story about Rorke’s Drift, but if given a choice, it has to be Isandlwana because the canvas on which to paint the story is simply sublime. The fact that 4 500 good men lost their lives there and the drama and the scale of it all make it an incredible story. When I tell it at conferences and dinners I usually have an hour, but when we do our tours to Isandlwana we spend five hours on the battlefield. That’s the time it takes to give it the prominence it deserves, to add the meat to the skeleton.

Most of our guests come up for two nights, allowing a full morning for Isandlwana and a full afternoon for Rorke’s Drift.

YOU’VE BRANCHED OUT INTO OTHER TALES OF GREAT HUMAN BRAVERY. TELL US MORE I’ve been very fortunate to visit both Antarctica and the Arctic. The epic stories of human struggle and endeavour in those two regions, and of people trying to find the North West Passage, are simply incredible. These were hugely different endeavours to the Anglo-Zulu wars, but there are parallels of human struggle and the quest for human beings to go to foreign environments and triumph. The human parallels and the best side of human nature in us all are what appeal in these stories.

WHAT IS SO COMPELLING ABOUT THE ANGLO-ZULU BATTLEFIELDS?

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE BATTLE?

descent but born in Ireland. He came out to South Africa in January 1870 as a Royal Engineer, and oversaw the building of Fort Durnford outside Estcourt.

Durnford was a liberal, and progressive in his thinking; he thought the Zulus were being given a very poor deal indeed. But he was obliged to fight at Isandlwana and ended up dying on the field at the hands of the people whose cause he had always championed. Durnford has always been blamed for what happened at Isandlwana, but I, and David Rattray before me, both have tried very hard to change the perception of Durnford.

YOUR CAREER HIGHLIGHT?

OPPOSITE PAGE This drawing by war artist Melton Prior – showing General Marshall surveying the wreckage of the Battle of Isandlwana during the Anglo-Zulu War – was published in the Illustrated London News in 1879 BELOW Raconteur and specialist battlefields tour guide Rob Caskie with his dog, Jess

In September of 2010 I was invited to speak on the Anglo-Zulu war at the Royal Geographical Society in London, where explorers like Burton, Speke, Stanley and Livingstone have spoken before. I was so nervous I didn’t sleep a wink the night before! They have 775 seats in the auditorium, but by the time I started talking there was standing room only.

In a more general sense, the fact that David Rattray had the faith in me to allow me to join him telling stories on the battlefields gave me the opportunity to develop as a storyteller. If it weren’t for him I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now.

ARE THERE LESSER-KNOWN BATTLEFIELDS THAT DESERVE ATTENTION? There are lot of other battlefields that deserve a mention.

There’s a scarcely known battlefield called Intombi Drift near the little town of Lüneberg, where a regiment under Captain Moriarty was taken apart on 12 March 1879.

It’s an incredible story in which they had laagered their wagons badly against the river. The Zulus attacked them in the pre-dawn mist, and soldiers were drowning as they tried to flee across the river. It’s the most incredible drama nobody has ever heard of.

TELL US ABOUT A HERO OF THE BATTLEFIELDS WHO QUIETLY CHANGED THE COURSE OF HISTORY The most senior officer to die at Isandlwana was a man called Anthony William Durnford, who was of English Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 69

068_Zimbali_Travel_Rob_Caskie_subbed_FA.indd 69

2015/11/03 11:04 AM

Back to the Future

AFRICAN STYLE Art critic Mary Corrigall takes a look at the Afrofuturism cultural trend P H OTO G RA P H S SU P P LIE D

70 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

070_Zimbali_Afrofuturism_FA.indd 70

2015/11/03 11:08 AM

LIFESTYLE TRENDS

1.

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 7 1

070_Zimbali_Afrofuturism_FA.indd 71

2015/11/03 11:09 AM

2.

I

t’s as if I have wandered onto a film set for a Sixties or Seventies period movie, or perhaps one of those small museums dedicated to some offbeat phenomenon. There is a mannequin in a retro-futuristic costume wearing a mask with horns.

Anachronistic objects are dotted about; a metronome and an old radio populate this surreal installation by Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum and Thenjiwe Nkosi at the Goodman Gallery, Joburg. It is part of a show curated

by Tegan Bristow titled ‘Post African Futures’. Given it is the first exhibition staged in South Africa dedicated to this new cultural trend called Afrofuturism, some visitors were probably a little confused by the ‘post’ prefix – how could it be over before it had even began, particularly given we are talking about the future here?

Which is the first thing you need to know about this trend: it has little to do with the future. (Although in architectural circles on the continent this moniker has been adopted to promote the way in which the continent’s urban centres have become examples of future cities.)

LOOKING BACK TO SEE FORWARD As the installation and the entire exhibition at the Goodman demonstrated, Afrofuturism is marked by a sense of nostalgia for the past. Not the actual past, mind you, but an imagined history that never took place. Cultural producers do love contradictions. Try this one for size: the history Afrofuturism references is the notion of the future as advanced via popular culture back in the day. Take that Eighties film franchise ‘Back to the Future’: while the title of this cheesy film aptly captures the spirit of Afrofuturism, the movement itself intends to overturn those kinds of pop cultural products that promote futures determined by white

1. The ‘Post African Futures’ exhibition at the Goodman Gallery included ‘Kitchwateli 1’, a sculptural work by Muchiri Njenga (Kenya) that references the space age – the beginning of the ‘future’ as imagined by pop culture 2. Muchiri Njenga’s ‘Kitchwateli 2’ shows how these ‘future’ items are low-tech, using disused components from a past era 3. The Goodman Gallery’s ‘Post African Futures’ exhibition was curated by Tegan Bristow, a Zimbabwean academic based in Johannesburg 0 0 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

070_Zimbali_Afrofuturism_FA.indd 72

2015/11/03 11:09 AM

LIFESTYLE TRENDS

3

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 7 3

070_Zimbali_Afrofuturism_FA.indd 73

2015/11/03 11:09 AM

LIFESTYLE TRENDS

4.

men. The movement therefore presents a way of challenging those perceived as owning the future as set out in American products since the Sixties, when Neil Armstrong’s steps for mankind and other significant technological leaps propelled an explosion of sci-fi pop culture in TV, film and other mass-produced ephemera like graphic magazines. From the novels by Philip K Dick to William Gibson to Star Trek, Back to the Future, Alien and Star Wars, the explosion of sci-fi was an American phenomenon.

RECLAIMING THE FUTURE Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum and Thenjiwe Nkosi’s installation at the Goodman Gallery – which reads like a vacant film set – returns us to the origin of these fantasies, reminding visitors to the exhibition that these future projections were not very convincing and have dated but, more importantly, that they are also in the process of being rewritten by Africans. As such, the artists direct our attention to the idea that a new stage is being set for futures that are fictional but could also perceivably be real – given local urban theorists such as Edgar Pieterse (from the African Centre for Cities), who has been drawing attention to the fact that cities on the continent present new and positive models.

REJECTING STEREOTYPES A rebellion against the ‘future’ as defined through white-dominated American pop culture first took hold in the US, from within the black American community during the Nineties, in hip-hop and music circles through the techno mashups of Scanner and DJ Spooky. This resistance has now expanded into other art forms. Creators belonging to historically marginalised communities have successfully generated counter-

6.

‘Contemporary Afrofuturism presents the cultural space in which to posit alternative futures of Africa that are positive even as they are critical, and that take cognisance of the complicated histories on which they are built’ 4. The Goethe Institut in Johannesburg is running a festival dedicated to different expressions of the Afrofuturism movement on the African continent 5. Pamela Phatsimo Sunstrum and Thenjiwe Nkosi’s installation at the Goodman Gallery’s ‘Post African Futures’ exhibition served as a reminder that projections of the future are being rewritten by Africans

cultural products that cast black people as the central protagonists to challenge the stereotype that American white men have cornered the market on the future.

AFRICAN RENAISSANCE Africans are tired of negative narratives and stereotypes linked to the continent, which is why the Afrofuturism movement here is so appealing and relevant in a different way than in the US. In South Africa, we didn’t even have TV sets until well into the Seventies. Besides, back then the future of a repressive racist state looked grim. Contemporary African Afrofuturism presents the cultural space in which to posit alternative futures of the continent that are positive even as they are critical and not remotely naïve, and that take cognisance of the complicated histories on which they are built. The movement also articulates the fact that Africans have indeed moved into the future – their societies have, like those the world over, been shaped by new technologies.

TECH SAVVY The role of technology in advancing Africa’s future was the main component of the ‘Post African Futures’ show in Joburg. New forms of textual communication facilitated by smartphones were represented in a video work by Tabita Rezaire dubbed ‘Sorry for Real’ and in Brooklyn J Pakathi’s enlarged Whatsapp conversations on iPhone screens. The ‘post’ prefix attached to Afrofuturism at the Goodman Gallery show announces the way in which the movement has been adopted and redetermined on the continent to fit a specific sociopolitical gesture that is technology driven. Africans are part of the global community, and are claiming conversations about the future while new ways of adapting technology as forms of expression are found.

74 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

070_Zimbali_Afrofuturism_FA.indd 74

2015/11/03 11:10 AM

5.

070_Zimbali_Afrofuturism_FA.indd 75

2015/11/03 11:10 AM

GOLF LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE TRENDS

6.

7.

76 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

070_Zimbali_Afrofuturism_FA.indd 76

2015/11/03 11:11 AM

™

6. Nigerian artist and photographer Kelechi Amadi Obi took part in the ‘African Futures’ festival in Johannesburg in October 7. Another voice heard at the ‘African Futures’ festival belonged to Jonathan Dotse, a techno-progressive who seeks to ‘explore, develop and promote science- and speculative-fiction pertaining to the people of Africa’

A HAND-PICKED COLLECTION OF MAGNIFICENT PROPERTIES

These fictional futures, which are recast from stories from the past, are being played out in imaginative spaces of art and performance, such as in the work of South African Athi-Patra Ruga, whose performanceand object-based practice is centered on the myth of Azania – a utopian African state existing without the intervention of colonialism.

The movement is not limited to the visual arts.

Speculative fiction has become the predominant trend in literary circles, with authors such as Louis Greenberg, Imraan Coovadia and Lauren Beukes generating alternative African landscapes that are eerily familiar but strange with sci-fi twists. In October, the Goethe Institut’s ‘African Futures’ multidisciplinary cultural programme celebrating and investigating this cultural trend took place concurrently in Johannesburg, Lagos and Nairobi and included such diverse and prestigious African writers as Lauren Beukes, Nnedi Okorafor (from Nigeria), Binyavanga Wainaina (from Kenya), and Achilles Mbembe (Cameroon), a leading public intellectual on the continent, who says, ‘If you want to have any idea of the world that is coming, the world ahead of us, look at Africa!’

THE FUTURE IS NOW ‘Future Cities’ was the guiding theme for AZA 2015, an architectural festival held in Joburg at the end of September. Architecture is the ideal field within which to explore or add to the Afrofuturist cultural phenomenon, as it is ‘both deeply speculative yet also grounded in reality,’ observed Edgar Pieterse, during his keynote address at ‘African Urbanisms’, earlier this year. He, along with Lesley Lokko, will be one of the curators of a show in Germany that will present future models of African architecture.

For some time now Pieterse has been promoting the idea that Africa’s future is not only something that exists in the realm of the imagination but is already playing out across the continent in these complex makeshift cities defined by transient societies. The future is now, although visual artists are refracting it through those biased visions generated in the past. This makes it an empowering cultural gesture that, while backward-looking, will conceivably sustain a belief in positive change for the much-aligned ‘dark’ continent.

VISIT LUXURYHOMESOFTHEWORLD.COM

070_Zimbali_Afrofuturism_FA.indd 77

2015/11/03 11:11 AM

OCEAN DREAMING Ocean Club Zimbali represents an exciting opportunity to invest in the first phase of Zimbali Lakes Resort, the new Zimbali active-lifestyle estate that offers superb leisure facilities, security and freedom amid spectacular natural beauty

W

ith Zimbali Coastal Resort practically complete, accomplished development partners IFA Hotels & Resorts and Tongaat Hulett Developments are now ready to write the next chapter in the Zimbali success story – the creation of Zimbali Lakes Resort.

Set to become another world-class oasis of stylish, comfortable living, Zimbali Lakes Resort will cover 300 hectares of rolling hills on the northern banks of the Tongati River. It will echo the ethos and outstanding development principles of the adjoining Zimbali Coastal Resort – with contemporary apartments, hotels, offices, exclusive residences and premier facilities that will be the epitome of cutting-edge international style and elegance.

Ocean Club Zimbali, situated on a prime parcel of elevated land with breathtaking ocean vistas, represents the first stage in this development. It will be home to three product offerings, all to be professionally operated and managed by a world-class

management company. Choose between twoand three-bedroom residences, or decide to invest in the one- or two-bedroom hotel suites, or the one-bedroom hotel condos.

Part of the charm of Zimbali Lakes Resort is its positioning as an active-lifestyle estate.

It will incorporate a signature championship golf course, which will make extensive use of the dramatic undulating terrain and optimise the stunning vistas. Zimbali Lakes Resort will be home to the new golf clubhouse with all its facilities, including a golf academy and driving range, a variety of restaurants and bars, pools and leisure facilities.

Residents will also have access to the new Zimbali Lakes Beach Club, where pools, decked areas, beach bars, restaurants, shaded loungers and refreshment kiosks will provide a unique beach experience.

Walking trails and boardwalks will allow residents to explore the area’s bounty of indigenous flora and fauna, including its large populations of birds and butterflies.

HOTEL CONDOS STUDIO UNITS 30m² to 39m² from R1,3 million HOTEL SUITES ONE- & TWO-BED UNITS 46m² to 89m² from R2,4 million RESIDENCES TWO- & THREE-BED UNITS 68m² to 104m² from R2,95 million ON-SITE AMENITIES AT OCEAN CLUB ZIMBALI & ZIMBALI LAKES RESORT • Pool and lounge area • Golf Academy • Golf course • Beach Club • Concierge • Restaurants • Underground parking

Zimbali Sales Centre | Zimbali Northgate Suites, Zimbali Coastal Resort, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa +27 (0)32 538 1205 | sales@oceanclubzimbali.com oceanclubzimbali.com 7 8 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

Zimbali_adv_OC_2015-16_FA.indd 78

2015/11/03 11:12 AM

CELEBRATING 2005 - 2015

YEARS

www.facebook.com/PatioWarehouse

www.patiowarehouse.co.za

SPA gazing

T E XT JA NE B ROUG HTO N P H OTO G RA P H S SU P P LIE D 0 0 | Z I M BA L I R ESORT L I F E 8

080_Zimbali_Spas_subbed.indd 80

2015/11/03 11:15 AM

LIFESTYLE TRENDS

Spa travel is on the rise as more and more people seek time out from their busy, technology-driven lives. We highlight some of the top trends and best spas to visit right now

ZZI IMBA MBALLI I RRESO ESORT RT LLI IFFEE || 0801

080_Zimbali_Spas_subbed.indd 81

2015/11/03 11:15 AM

1.

2.

OPENING SPREAD The thermal floor at Espa Life, part of the Corinthia London hotel, includes a silver-steel swimming pool, vitality pool with air and water massage jets, black mosaic steam room, experience showers and heated relaxation beds.

The 2015 Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guide hails it as a ‘heavenly big hitter cocooned within palatial surroundings’ 1. The views from the spa pool deck at Delaire Graff Estate take in Stellenbosch, its mountains and vineyards 2. The pool at Ellerman House offers welcome respite on a Cape Town summer day 3. At Karkloof Safari Spa, a fully inclusive rate ensures that there is no limit to the number of treatments you can enjoy every day

3.

4. Guests of Ellerman House Spa relax after a treatment with a cup of herbal tea in an inviting après-spa area overlooking the Atlantic Ocean

4.

8 2 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

080_Zimbali_Spas_subbed.indd 82

2015/11/03 11:16 AM

LIFESTYLE TRENDS

on holistic spa holidays that incorporate the physical and emotional aspects of wellbeing while exploring the delights of an exotic destination. People no longer go on holiday to lie around and do nothing, but are seeking an experience-rich self-improvement aspect to their hard-earned escapes.

In South Africa, most spas offer pampering rather than problem-fixing. An exception is Karkloof Safari Spa (karkloofsafarispa.com), a destination spa in a 3 500-hectare private game reserve in KwaZuluNatal, where luxury accommodation, raw cuisine, spa treatments and game drives are all included in the daily rate.

PAMPERING SPAS

Spa travel is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the travel industry, according to expert Frances Geoghegan – and she should know. Not only does Geoghegan own Africa Travel, a UK-based company that arranges top-end itineraries and safaris to Africa, but she also owns specialist travel company Healing Holidays (healingholidays.co.uk), which curates exclusive spa holidays to some of the most desirable spa destinations in the world. These include perennial favourites such as Chiva-Som in Thailand (chivasom.com) and the supertrendy Vana in India (vanaretreats.com), which dishes up lashings of luxury with authentic Ayurvedic therapies.

‘Today’s spa-goers are essentially divided into two categories – the purist and the hedonist,’ explains Geoghegan. It was a trend confirmed by the highly influential Tatler Spa Guide, sponsored by Healing Holidays, which split its 2014 line-up into these two distinct categories. According to Tatler, there are those who want to escape and be pampered and indulged, and those who want to kick bad habits, stick to a regimen and see results.

The recently announced 2015 Condé Nast Traveller Spa Guide revealed that ‘fixing your issues’ is a growing focus, with medical spas and specialist retreats the big draw, according to Geoghegan. ‘There are seven-day programmes where you can go to have full medical tests, cancer screening and DNA readings, with a full nutrition and excercise programme as well as psychoanalysis. They are the hot ticket in spas at the moment.’

Although Healing Holidays’ clients are usually looking to fix a specific problem, from losing weight to giving up smoking, there is also a growing emphasis

‘Today’s spa-goers are essentially divided into two categories – the purist and the hedonist’ Frances Geoghegan, CEO, Healing Holidays

The only Espa outpost in Africa is at One&Only Cape Town (capetown.oneandonlyresorts.com/spa), which follows the brand’s philosophy of establishing what the body needs by finding the perfect Unwind, Restore or Elevate blend of oils to induce a state of wellbeing. Each treatment begins with sensory testing, explains spa manager Kim Milton, gauging the client’s mood and needs based on which fragrances resonate with them. In this way, each treatment is tailor-made to suit the individual. The spa also offers a Pedi:Mani:Cure Studio by Bastien Gonzalez (see page 87) and complimentary hydrotherapy facilities.

Vicky Dennett, spa manager at Cape Town’s Ellerman House (ellerman.co.za), says that the majority of treatments offered by the boutique hotel are aimed at relaxation and pampering. ‘Most of our guests are foreigners well versed in spa culture, so they either are looking to sustain their weekly treatments or just want to relax after a long flight or safari,’ she explains.

Renee Rosettenstein, who manages the lavishly scaled Waters of Royal Malewane Bush Spa at Royal Malewane (royalmalewane.com), says that the lodge’s high-profile guests appreciate the spa’s 25-metre heated outdoor lap pool and fully equipped gym, not to mention the privacy of the shady poolside casitas for post-treatment relaxation. ‘We offer washes and blow waves after all treatments – especially great after an oily massage or anti-ageing Dermalogica facial.

Our guests want to look polished before facing the real world again or embarking on a long flight back home.’ The spa also uses the South African-produced Healing Earth range, which is free from synthetics, petrochemicals, colourants, preservatives and parabens and is not tested on animals. ‘We keep the doors to our treatment rooms open, inviting in the sights and sounds of the surrounding bush, so there’s a real sense of being immersed in nature here,’ she adds.

In the serene treatment suites at the Spa at Delaire Graff Estate (delaire.co.za), the emphasis is on physical and spiritual wellbeing, executed by expertly trained therapists using the Swiss Perfection antiageing skincare range (exclusive to Delaire in Africa) and delicious-smelling Aromatherapy Associates products. Spa director Taffryn Kinsey has recently added diamond-tip microdermabrasion facials and Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 8 3

080_Zimbali_Spas_subbed.indd 83

2015/11/03 11:16 AM

LIFESTYLE TRENDS

5.

light therapy to the spa menu, bringing cutting-edge, noninvasive anti-ageing solutions to Stellenbosch.

At the Spa at The Oyster Box in Durban (oysterboxhotel.com), spa manager Jackie Armitage reports a growing demand for men’s treatments. In the past two years she has introduced both Elemis and Dermalogica Men’s Exclusive Facials with the option of a facial shave.

At the award-winning cliff-top spa attached to Azura at Quilalea Private Island (azura-retreats.com/quilalea/ spa) in the Quirimbas Archipelago in Mozambique, African mud wraps, marula oil massages and the healing, calming properties of aloe, rooibos, cucumber and coconut not only smell delicious, but also leave skin hydrated and spa-goers in a state of bliss.

HARD-WORKING SPAS With their mineral-rich waters, European spas used to be on the cutting edge of spa therapies before going through a phase of appearing run-down and deeply unfashionable. Today, state-of-the-art spas in Italy and Switzerland are once again making the most of the region’s restorative water and mud therapies, as well as adding bespoke wellness programmes that employ the expertise of everyone from nutritionists and osteopaths to psychologists and exercise gurus.

For the well-heeled globetrotter, yearly visits to medical spas have become standard practice. In general, the expectations of regular spa-goers have evolved from pampering indulgence to highly personalised solutions for optimum health and wellbeing, a conclusion backed up by Spa Finder (spafinder.com).

5. The serene spa at Johannesburg’s Four Seasons The Westcliff has recently reopened. You’ll be tempted to linger for hours afterwards at the Après Spa, the city’s only outdoor spa lounge 6. The famous Mayr Clinic at Parkhotel Igls in Austria is about much more than a good rest – it is about regaining your health 7. Treatments at the overwater spa at the Four Seasons Mauritius are firmly rooted in the island’s ethnically diverse cultures and its holistic-healing tradition 8. At the spa at Royal Malewane, candlelight and fragrant oils add a romantic element to the private bathing area at night

Geoghegan confirms that the growth in popularity of the medical spa offering full health analysis under full doctor supervision is a major trend. ‘The famous Mayr clinics in Austria are still huge,’ she says, ‘as are specialist programmes like the Eucrasia programme with Six Senses at Elounda Mare Crete, which has just won a major award with Condé Nast Traveller as the most progressive set-up.’

The Mayr cure offered at Parkhotel Igls Austria (parkhotel-igls.at), located in a beautiful Alpine valley near Innsbruck, is seen as the template for the spas of the future. It is based on the revolutionary principles of Dr FX Mayr (1875–1965), who believed that a healthy digestive system is the source of good health. It extols the virtues of healthy living habits, eating simple food and chewing it thoroughly, and eating food free of additives or colourants, as well as the benefits of daily abdominal massages and the daily intake of Epsom salts to detox. Tailor-made programmes are all run under the watchful eye of the charismatic Dr Peter R Gartner.

Espa Life Spa (espalifeatcorinthia.com), part of the Corinthia London hotel on the banks of the Thames, boasts 17 treatment rooms, a Daniel Galvin hair salon and thermal floors, as well as a team of therapists made up of experts in fertility treatments, orthopaedic rehabilitation, detox diets and more.

Ellerman House Spa’s Dennett says the introduction of oxygen, collagen and stem cells in treatments is big news. Her spa uses QMS Medicosmetics, which incorporate sea fennel stem cells to support the body’s own stem cells and improve the skin’s metabolism. These natural, soluble collagens improve the absorption of oxygen, and soothe, stimulate and regenerate the skin.

8 4 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

080_Zimbali_Spas_subbed.indd 84

2015/11/03 11:16 AM

6.

7.

‘A spa is not a transaction business; it is an emotional business.What really counts is how you are made to feel.

The value of the human touch should never be overlooked’ Holly Stiehl, president, Thank You Very Much, Inc

8.

Z I MBA L I R ESO RT L I F E | 85

080_Zimbali_Spas_subbed.indd 85

2015/11/03 11:16 AM

GOLF LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE TRENDS

9.

BY DESIGN

10.

Inspiring architecture and design has become integral to a memorable spa experience, with uplifting interiors and special features as important as the treatments and products on the menu. At the luxury Four Seasons Resort Seychelles (fourseasons.com/ Seychelles), for example, the spa is designed with the same focus on solitude and seclusion as the exquisite villas dotted below it on the jungly hillside above beach and ocean.

Cheong Yew Kuan, the principal architect at Area Design, the award-winning, Singapore-based firm that designed the resort, explains that the Indian Ocean island resort was designed on site rather than on paper, to maximise the steep location and breathtaking views. Natural features and finishes echo the surroundings and the fusion of European and Asian-style techniques used in its treatments.

A CULTURE OF SERVICE

9. Daily massage therapies are typical of the Balinese approach to wellbeing at Como Shambhala Estate 10. At Como Shambhala, every treatment begins with a soothing, fragrant foot-bathing ritual

So, what sets one spa apart from another? According to the experts, it is most definitely much more about the therapists and resident experts than the spa itself.

Many cult spas, including those in Asia and the Indian Ocean islands, enjoy huge followings as a result of incredible therapists. ‘An example is Sushant Pandey at the Ananda Spa in India, who attracts yoga lovers in their droves,’ says Geoghegan. Then there is osteopath Ricardo Rosa at Longevity Wellness Resort in Portugal’s Algarve and Jacqueline Bourbon at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, who is a spiritual

8 6 | ZI M BA L I R ESORT L I F E

080_Zimbali_Spas_subbed.indd 86

2015/11/03 11:17 AM

healer, a medium and a sage. People apparently come to her with physical ailments as well as deeper emotional issues, explains Geoghegan.

Holly Stiel (thankyouverymuchinc.com), a hospitality and customer-service expert and author, confesses to being a spa junkie herself and maintains that the same principles of service excellence that apply to hospitality apply to spas. She believes that kindness and empathy are integral to good service.

The emotional component of service – taking care of a client’s feelings – adds more to the overall spa experience than any other aspect. ‘A spa is not a transaction business; it is an emotional business,’ says Stiel. As the bar is raised and hotels and spas become increasingly sophisticated, high-end facilities and cutting-edge treatments are almost a given. ‘What really counts is how you are made to feel. The value of the human touch should never be overlooked. The most requested treatments are always massages – people want to be touched.’

Besides being highly experienced in delivering a top-notch treatment, a spa therapist’s most important job is to create a space of comfort and safety for clients so that they know what to expect and can relax and benefit fully from the treatment.

What happens in those few minutes before the treatment starts is all important, as it sets the tone and mood for everything that follows. It is often the little

A step ahead

touches, such as how the treatment ends, that leave a lasting impression. For example, feet may be wrapped in a warm, fragrant towel at the end of a massage.

ASIAN SPAS AND ANCIENT WISDOM

11. Recently voted by Travel+Leisure magazine’s World Best Awards 2015 as Canada’s top hotel spa, the Willow Stream Spa at Fairmont Banff Springs (fairmont.com), with its pulsating waterfalls and mineral pool at the heart of the spa, is reminiscent of the hot springs that attracted travellers over 100 years ago

Asia has always had a reputation for having the best spas, especially in Thailand. Here Chiva-Som continues to lead the way, along with the likes of Como Shambhala near Ubud in Bali (comohotels.com/ comoshambhalaestate). Resident experts include an Ayurvedic doctor and nutritionist and yoga teachers.

Authenticity is key in executing traditional wellness treatments, such as the 3 500-year-old Indian Ayurveda, a personalised detoxifying regimen including diet, exercise, meditation, massage and herbal medicine, based on identifying imbalances in a person’s doshas.

Traditionally, Indian Ayurveda spas were basic at best, but this has all changed with the opening of luxurious healing spas based around Ayurvedic principles.

It’s no surprise that as more and more people seek time out from their busy, technology-driven lives, pampering rituals, restorative massages, detox regimens and alternative-healing therapies are providing an essential escape or cure for the constantly plugged-in generation.

11.

Dubbed the ‘Foot Virtuoso’, Bastien Gonzalez (bastiengonzalez.com) has won fame as pedicurist to the world’s well-heeled elite, from Arabic princesses to South Africa’s own Sun King, Sol Kerzner. A podiatrist by training (Gonzalez entered the field after a skiing accident forced him to undergo extensive physiotherapy), the Frenchman’s approach to footcare is based on a three-pillared system: podiatry, nail care and massage. His renowned Pedi:Mani:Cure studios are located around the world (he has not had a new client at his New York studio in seven years, he claims, such is the loyalty of his patrons), including at Sol Kerzner’s One&Only Cape Town hotel at the V&A Waterfront (capetown. oneandonlyresorts.com). ‘With 26 bones, 51 muscles and 103 ligaments, feet are extremely complex appendages,’ says Gonzalez, who credits his success to education – of both therapist and client.

The Bastien Gonzalez patented package of medicinally rooted therapies is complemented by an all-natural range of specialised footcare products, Reverence de Bastien, and his treatments include the use of surgically sterilised instruments – from fine-grained glass files to diamond-dust polishers and chamois-leather buffs – developed to provide holistic healing for downtrodden heels and toes. When it comes to current pedi trends, it’s natural all the way, he says: ‘Of the 40 000 pedicures performed in my studios last year, 98% were finished with a simple polish but no paint at all.’

– Jocelyn Warrington

080_Zimbali_Spas_subbed.indd 87

2015/11/03 11:17 AM

‘Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air’

PHOTOGRAPH: L AR PH OTO GRAP HY

Ralph Waldo Emerson

088_Zimbali_Edition3_back_page_FA.indd 1

2015/11/03 11:18 AM

1501678

International banking and investments.

International recognition.

For the third year running, we have been awarded Best Private Bank and Wealth Manager in South Africa by the Financial Times of London. This is testimony to our efforts to deliver world-class service and value to our clients, year after year.

As recognised by:

Investec Specialist Bank, a division of Investec Bank Limited registration number 1969/004763/06. Investec Specialist Bank is committed to the Code of Banking Practice as regulated by the Ombudsman for Banking Services. Copies of the Code and the Ombudsman’s details are available on request or visit www.investec.co.za. A registered credit provider registration number NCRCP9. Investec Wealth & Investment, a division of Investec Securities Proprietary Limited. 1972/008905/07.

Member of the JSE Equity, Equity Derivatives, Currency Derivatives, Bond Derivatives and Interest Rate Derivatives Markets. An authorised financial services provider No.15886. A registered credit provider registration number NCRCP262.

24/7/365 Global Client Support Centre 0800 1Place (75223) Cape Town 021 416 1000 Durban 031 575 4000 Johannesburg 011 286 7000 Port Elizabeth 041 396 6700 Pretoria 012 427 8300 Stellenbosch and Winelands 021 809 0700.

1501678 INVESTEC OnePlace Awards 320x240 Zimbali.indd 1

2015/10/27 8:33 AM

I N C I N EMAS

JAMES BOND’S CHOICE

AVAILABLE AT: ARTHUR KAPLAN +27 11 669 5600