FEBRUARY 2020 ISSUE 12
T R AV E L
WILD DIVES MIND-BLOWING UNDERWATER ENCOUNTERS P. 78
SAY 'KIA ORA' TO...
ERIKA
S A N S O N E THE NATURE-LOVER IS READY TO TAKE ON NEW ZEALAND! H E A LT H
BIOHACK YOUR BODY MAKE IT FUNCTION MORE EFFICIENTLY P. 52
FACEBOOK/MAXIMAU TWITTER/MAXIM_AUS
INSTAGRAM/MAXIM_NEWZEALAND YOUTUBE/MAXIMAUSTRALIA
W W W. M A X I M . C O M . AU INC GST
PRINT POST APPROVED PP 100003469
AUST/NZ $9.95
BAR: THE RUM DIARIES ICON: PAMELA ANDERSON AUTO FOCUS: 100 YEARS OF BENTLEY
10
BODY
GIV
WEEK
Y TRANSFORMATION
VEAWAY BROUGHT TO YOU BY
BECOME YOUR BEST SELF IN 10 WEEKS! COMING SOON
CONTENTS I S S U E 12 — F E B R UA RY 2 0 2 0
12 22 30 32 36 46 52 58 62 70 72 78 90
SPOTLIGHT MEET MODEL, ACTRESS AND ANGELINA JOLIE LOOKALIKE MARA TEIGEN
36
32
MACHINES THE BUGATTI CENTODIECI, MERCEDES EQS EV, INDIAN SCOUT BOBBER AND YAMAHA MT-03
MAXIM AUS/NZ OFFICIAL 2020 CALENDAR MEET FEBRUARY BABE OLIVIA CANEVA
46
STYLE THE SUPERWATCHES THAT CONTINUE TO EVOLVE AND ASTONISH THE WORLD COVER GIRL ERIKA SANSONE IS READY TO TAKE ON NEW ZEALAND! BAR AN OVERLOOKED SPIRIT COMES INTO ITS OWN, AND IT’S CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION HEALTH HOW TO BIOHACK YOUR BODY FITNESS THE ONLY WORKOUT YOU’LL EVER NEED AUTO FOCUS BENTLEY CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF BUILDING THE WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL GRAND TOURERS
52
78
HOME ENTERTAINMENT COLOMBIAN ACTRESS NATALIA REYES TALKS TAKING ON THE TERMINATOR MODEL PROFILE INTRODUCING U.S. COVER GIRL AND SOCIAL MEDIA SENSATION VIANNAH ÉLISE TRAVEL WILD DIVES — FIVE OF THE WORLD’S BEST DEEP SEA ADVENTURES ICON PAMELA ANDERSON DISCUSSES TRUMP, ASSANGE AND ULTRA TUNE
62 90
8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
NEW ZEALAND
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Santi Pintado (spintado@nuclear.com.au)
Phone Mail
COVER
Email Web facebook twitter instagram youtube
ERIKA SANSONE P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y B R I A N B H AY E S
Art Director
National Advertising Manager
Marketing Director Managing Director
Fashion Editor Grooming Editor Motoring Editor Gaming & Tech Writer Staff Writer
+612-9363-1464 PO Box 230, Double Bay NSW 1360 maxim@maxim.com.au www.maxim.com.au maximau maxim_aus maxim_aus maximaustralia Luke Shaddock (lshaddock@nuclear.com.au) Gabrielle Keaton (sales@nuclear.com.au) Natalie Downs Michael Downs
Adriana Dib Shonagh Walker Bill Varetimidis Chris Stead Reilly Sullivan
MAXIM WORLD WIDE BRAND LICENSING
Chairman and CEO, Biglari Holdings Inc. Mr. Sardar Biglari Senior Paralegal & Rights Manager Catherine Baxter
© 2020 MAXIM Inc. The name “MAXIM” and the MAXIM logo are registered trademarks of Maxim Media Inc., and used under license by (publisher). All rights reserved. The United States edition of MAXIM is published monthly by MAXIM Inc. 268 W. 44th Street 5th Floor New York, NY, 10036 For international publishing or licensing inquiries: maximworld@maxim.com
1 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
W W W. K A T H M A N D UA DV E N T U R E S . C O M
SPOTLIGHT
MEETING
MARA We catch up with this stunning actress, model, skincare entrepreneur and Angelina Jolie doppelganger. Introducing MARA TEIGEN. You’re welcome... P H OTO G R A P H E D BY R O C K Y B AC H E L O R P R O D U C E D AN D STYLE D BY B E L I N DA R O E LO FS I N T E R V I E W BY S A N T I P I N TA D O
1 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
1 3
SPOTLIGHT
1 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
H ey Mara, congrats on your first MAXIM New Zealand feature. How do you feel? Amazing! I’m so excited to be featured for the first time and I feel so lucky to be a part of MAXIM.
This photo shoot was done in Mozambique. What did you love most about it? I loved travelling to Africa. It’s a place that I always wanted to visit and it did not disappoint. I fell in love with it and it opened me up and inspired me to travel more. I actually booked a one-way ticket to Italy from Mozambique and ended up backpacking alone around Italy for three months after this shoot – that’s how inspired I was! Beautiful Africa – I can’t wait to go back. Were there any funny moments during your shoot with us? Shooting on location always has funny moments. Exploring through the Safari and running barefoot in sand that wasn’t very soft, but trying to make it look sexy, was definitely a highlight.
Well, you look gorgeous. When do you feel you are at your sexiest? I feel sexy when I’m taking care of my mind and body. Exercising and staying on a regime makes me feel super sexy. Feeling good about the skin I’m always in brings confidence. When are you at your best? When I’m on a schedule. I’m a Virgo and we like structure. Going to bed at the same time every night, waking up, getting exercise and completing my agenda for the day is when I feel my absolute best. When you’re not posing for MAXIM what do you do? For the past year I’ve been working on a sustainable skincare line called Ziin Beauty which is good for you and the planet. I’m
“I WOULD HAVE NEVER HAVE DREAMT OF HAVING THE LIFE I HAVE NOW BUT I’M GLAD I NEVER GAVE UP.”
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
1 5
SPOTLIGHT very passionate about it because I had my own skin issues growing up but worked hard at fixing them. So, I want to share my experiences and help anyone else who likes having healthy, clean-glowing skin. Ziin Beauty is a sustainably-aware brand — we don’t use plastic and we use recyclable and biodegradable packaging. It’s a new approach to clean luxury skincare and I can’t wait to launch it this year – stay tuned! Tell us a bit more about yourself and life story so far. I have lived alone since I was 15. I moved
“EXERCISING AND STAYING ON A REGIME MAKES ME FEEL SUPER SEXY.”
1 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
to Los Angeles at 16 and decided I was going to hustle and make a better life for myself. I started modelling in 2013 – I was still very young then and never saw myself as a model. I got scouted at the time and it just became my job and a way to support myself. Since then, I have evolved immensely and accomplished so many things. I would have never have dreamt of having the life I have now but I’m glad I never gave up. I’m thankful every day – and I’m still just getting started. You’re well known for having an uncanny resemblance to actress Angelina Jolie. Have you ever played up on this? This is funny! No, I have never played up on this but I’m very flattered to be compared to such a beauty! What’s the best way for a man to win his way to your heart? With humour, understanding and good taste in music. Where do men go wrong with women?
Men go wrong with women when they assume we are naive and underestimate our strength and power. Describe your perfect date. Italian food, a bottle of wine, good music and a walk around the streets. If you had to take MAXIM on a date, what would it entail? It would probably be a day date. We can wear bikinis and drink something fruity on the beach. Interesting. Would you ever date one of your social media followers? It really depends on the person and how organically it grows. Have you ever been to Australia? Sadly, no, but I’ve heard that the people are very nice and that the beaches and cities are lively and beautiful. Finally, where would you like to be in five years? In my apartment in Paris, with my love and a baby. ■
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
17
SPOTLIGHT
“RUNNING BAREFOOT IN SAND THAT WASN’T VERY SOFT, BUT TRYING TO MAKE IT LOOK SEXY, WAS DEFINITELY A HIGHLIGHT.”
1 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
1 9
SPOTLIGHT
“MEN GO WRONG WITH WOMEN WHEN THEY ASSUME WE ARE NAIVE AND UNDERESTIMATE OUR STRENGTH AND POWER.”
2 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
Status Update FULL NAME: Mara Teigen HOMETOWN: Las Vegas, Nevada U.S.A. LIVES: Los Angeles, California U.S.A FIVE-WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Curious, open-minded, loving, accepting, daring.” GO-TO DRINK: “Jack and Coke.” HANGOVER CURE: “Bone broth and sleep.” FAVOURITE HOBBY: “Nature – I LOVE nature. Anything outdoors – I’m in!” PHOBIA: “I have a fear of drowning in the deep sea.” LIFE MOTTO: “Be present and take chances.” INSTAGRAM: @marateigen and @ziin.beauty
HAIR & MAKE-UP SI M MY CAR R LINGERIE AND BIKINIS MARY HOLLAN D LINGERIE VIDEOGRAPHY ALEX SCAPE NS LO C AT I O N W H I T E P E A R L R ESORTS, M OZAM B IQU E
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
2 1
MACHINES
Bugatti Centodieci
HYPERCAR BY B I L L VA R E T I M I D I S
I
f you’re bored with all the $3 million-plus Bugatti Chirons your mates are driving, maybe this machine will move your needle. From the makers of such fine hypercars as the $3.93m Chiron, comes the exclusive and extreme Bugatti Centodieci — priced for Aussies at about $20 million including stamp duty, luxury car tax and rich bugger fees. The Centodieci features a relentless 8 litre 16 cylinder engine with four turbochargers that makes 1176kW and 1600Nm of torque — numbers that wouldn’t look out of place at a shuttle launch. Impressed? Try an eye blinking 0-100 km/h time of 2.4 seconds and 0-300 km/h in 13.1 seconds — the same time it takes a Toyota Camry to hit 100km/h. But these stats don’t make it the worlds quickest. Bugatti has electronically muzzled the Centodieci’s top speed to 380km/h — short of the Koenigsegg Agera RS which has a champion top speed over 420km/h. Stephan Winkelmann, head of Bugatti, doesn’t see the issue: “It’s not just the top speed that makes a hyper sports car. Design, quality and performance are just as important”, he says.
We're with ya Stevo, the Centodieci is 20kg lighter than a regular Chiron and has a power to weight ratio of 1 kW per 1.13kg, on par with those Formula One flyers. This elite machine pays tribute to the Bugatti EB110 hypercar from the early 1990s with several styling influences 'borrowed'. So what does Centodieci mean? It's Italian for 110 — and this model coincidently celebrates the 110 year anniversary of the first ever Bugatti. In any language, we feel very poor and inferior right now.
ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
POWER
TORQUE
TOP SPEED
0-100KM/H
W16 quad turbo
7 speed dual clutch
1193 kW
1,180 pounds-feet
380 km/h
2.4 sec
2 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
PRICE
$20 million
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
2 3
MACHINES
Mercedes’ Vision of
ELECTRIFIED LUXURY BY B I L L VA R E T I M I D I S
I
s this the future of electrified luxury, or luxurious electricity? Mercedes is hoping the Vision EQS concept will do for their electric range what the S-Class did for almost the whole car industry. After all, this is where all tech is going to trickle down from. Given Jaguar’s making the next XJ electric, the luxury car market may be going silent — and possibly autonomous. But while the EQS comes equipped with Level 3 autonomy, it’ll still be very much driveable. Mercedes promises decent handling, good performance, and an arse whooping coming the way of Tesla. This isn’t ludicrous speed quick, but accommodating. Peaks of
2 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
350 kW and 560lb ft are spread across both axles for torque-vectored all-wheel drive, allowing a brisk 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Range is roughly 640km on a half-hour charge. Inside there’s your standard head scratching concept features; seats that look sexy but are shaped only for a supermodel’s comfort, and so many screens you’ll think you’re working security. But it’s the use of recycled bottles on the dashboard and ocean waste in the headlining that will
keep Greenpeace happy. Planet protestors will hate the exterior, given it’s lit up like a Christmas tree. Up front, 188 LEDs help give signals to other road users while round the back there are 229 star-shaped lights across the rear. The battle against Tesla for dominance is well on. Current competitors include Audi e-tron and Porsche Taycan, so cars like the EQS are only going to maximise the offensive. The future of electrified luxury is looking bright indeed — especially with all those LEDs.
MACHINES
GET LOW The Indian Scout Bobber will make your heart race... BY KE ITH G O R D O N
R
iders of all kinds have been drawn to Indian Motorcycle in recent years due to its combination of performance, design and craftsmanship. Models such as the Scout and Scout Sixty have taken Indian’s product line to new levels, and a more aggressively styled addition to its offerings, the Scout Bobber, flaunts the highest level of design achievement by, ironically, getting low. The sleek lines of the Scout Bobber provide the feeling of streamlined speed, even when stationary. It features a stripped-down look, perfecting the traditional bobber shape by providing an aggressive riding position without sacrificing any of the comfort riders have come to expect from Indian. Its blacked-out design is enhanced by the colour options available, including White Smoke, Bronze Smoke, Thunder Black and Thunder Black Smoke. Needless to say, the Scout Bobber has an intimidating personality on first impression, and that’s without even hearing its beastly motor and exhaust roar to life. The Scout Bobber is powered by a 100 horsepower, 1133 cc liquid-cooled V-Twin engine. A 6-speed constant mesh transmission offers smooth gear shifts, while the ABS system ensures control during braking for both the front and rear wheels, a vitally important feature with a bike this fast. For those looking for something more customised, optional accessories include the Stage 1 Slip-On Exhaust Kit, which provides an even richer and more aggressive soundtrack from the exhaust, while the optional Performance Air Intake can increase horsepower by some 5%. Indian Performance Shocks by Fox are also available, somehow improving an already comfortable ride, and ensuring that your bike’s handling fits precisely to your personal preferences. Throw in a change of handlebars that fit your reach and preferred riding posture, and this is a monster that you can not only tame, but tweak to your dream setup. With prices starting around $18,500, the Scout Bobber is the ideal two-wheeler for all of your weekend adventures or weekday commutes, offering both the aggressive performance and styling that riders have come to expect from Indian, but with the comfort and personalisation to allow it to be a practical everyday ride. So while the Bobber is a stunning example of motorcycle design, it’s managed to elevate the low-slung experience to new heights.
2 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
2 7
MACHINES
NAKED YAMAHA BY B I L L VA R E T I M I D I S
Y
amaha ushered in a new era in the motorcycle world when it launched the iconic MT-09 in 2013. Now Yamaha’s Hyper Naked family has a new sibling — the 2020 Yamaha MT-03. Based on the YZF-R3 supersport, the MT-03’s styling fits in with Yamaha’s Dark Side of Japan theme that flows through the MT-07, MT-09, and MT-10 naked uprights. The Dark Side of Japan is a core philosophy amongst a certain group of riders who celebrate Yamaha’s Japanese origins, while declaring MT riders as the true Masters of Torque. The same high-revving twin-cylinder DOHC powerplant and state of the art suspension that was used in the YZF-R3 is on show here, so this machine should be well-suited to urban brawling. We expect nothing less. Inspired by the theme of darkness and aggression, its predatory twin-eye LED face gives off the most evil ENGINE
TRANSMISSION
321cc DOHC Liquid-cooled parallel twin
6-speed constant mesh
2 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
death stare, and the new upside-down forks and a restyled fuel tank with air scoops are on point with the dynamic MT family design philosophy. For bonus family points, riders can download the MyRide app. This enables riders to track every outing and record data including acceleration, top speed, distance covered — even lean angle and elevation changed. Images and info can be saved and stored under the rider’s account, then shared on social media with MT friends and MT family (mandatory). At $200 less expensive than the 2019 Kawasaki Z400 ABS and $300 lower than the 2020 Honda CB300R ABS, the price point of the 2020 MT-03 is as aggressive as its appearance. It’s the ultimate step-up model for those looking to join the MT family, and who can blame them. This bike just loves to be ridden — in the dark preferably. ■
POWER
TORQUE
DRY WEIGHT
SEAT HEIGHT
FUEL CAPACITY
PRICE
30 kW
21.8 pound-feet
169 kg
779 mm
14 litres
$4,599
Namale Resort is Fiji's most comprehensive 5-Star all-inclusive resort overall. It is no wonder that Conde Nast Traveler's Reader's Choice Awards called Namale a top resort in the South Pacific and Australia in 2018 and 2019!
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: @NAMALERESORT
www.namalefiji.com
MAXIM AUSTRALIA/NZ OFFICIAL 2020 CALENDAR
OLIVIA CA N E VA P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y B R I A N B H AY E S
The incredibly stunning MAXIM Australia/NZ Official 2020 Calendar is out now and is the essential item for the new year. Featuring 12 of our gorgeous local and international models shot on location at Namale Resort, Fiji, this month we introduce you to February babe Olivia…
3 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
Status Update NAME: Olivia Rose Caneva BORN: May 3, 1994 HOMETOWN: Yarra Valley, Victoria JOB: Bookkeeper/manager and model FIVE-WORD SELF-DESCRIPTION: “Grounded, positive, loyal, ambitious and energetic!” HOBBIES: “Sport, playing piano and being a foodie.” BEST HIDDEN TALENT: “I can play piano by ear and I’m not too bad at it – let me play you a song?” GO-TO DRINK: “Vodka, lime and soda – don’t call me boring, call me practical.” GIRL CRUSH: “Delta Goodrem because she is a goddess and the reason I played piano.” BEDTIME ATTIRE: “My birthday suit or a baggy pair of trackies.” LIFE MOTTO: “Don’t be afraid to fail. Be afraid not to try.” INSTAGRAM & SNAPCHAT: @Livvycaneva TWITTER: @Oliviacaneva
The MAXIM Australia/NZ Official 2020 Calendar is available at www.maxim.com.au/ calendar, RRP $19.95
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
3 1
STYLE
ROYAL OAK FEVER
Audemars Piguet’s iconic ’70s super-watch continues to evolve and astonish... BY J A R E D PA U L S T E R N
I
n 1970 legendary watch designer Gérald Genta created the now-iconic Royal Oak for Audemars Piguet. Even before the Patek Philippe Nautilus — which he also designed — became a horological sleeper hit, the Royal Oak, originally produced in stainless steel and reportedly costing 10 times as much as many steel Rolexes, had a hardcore following among the watch world cognoscenti. In 1993 Audemars launched the Royal Oak Offshore chronograph, officially updating Genta’s design for a new era, and these days its fans include the likes of Jay-Z and LeBron James. And the latest awe-inspiring Grande Complication models now go for up to US$1 million. “The Royal Oak brings together several different elements that all contribute towards its history, legacy and future,” Michael Friedman, Audemars Piguet’s Head of Complications, tells us. And while Genta of course deserves due credit, Friedman points out that another of the era’s design luminaries Jacqueline Dimier “demonstrated the true versatility of the Royal Oak design and how far it could go.”
3 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
Dimier oversaw the first gold models that were introduced in 1977 and designed the first complicated models that launched in 1984 with the Royal Oak perpetual calendar, “all highly recognised today as major milestones within the Royal Oak’s evolution and all central to the current place the Royal Oak holds in the minds and hearts of many collectors and enthusiasts.” That “many” is an important qualifier; the still somewhat esoteric appeal of the watch has helped it maintain its air of exclusivity. “In any medium, design language and form, language can create meaningful connections
for some, and not for others,” Friedman notes. “For those that find connections to the Royal Oak, they see a highly-finished watch comprised of great technique and watchmaking expression that has been the canvas for so many beautifully crafted movements, case materials and dial designs.” While continually incorporating new ideas, materials and complications, Audemars Piguet has always been careful to also offer Royal Oak models that would look right at home in 1970. In 2019, Friedman points out, “we introduced a 39mm Royal Oak in white gold that echoes the origins of the model; we released a highly contemporary and fresh interpretation of the self-winding perpetual calendar in full white ceramic with a blue dial; we unveilled a titanium and platinum self-winding perpetual calendar Ultra-Thin; [and] we released the first extrathin tourbillon Royal Oak in full black ceramic.” The challenge, Friedman tells us, “is to always keep moving forward, creating for the future, while honouring and respecting the great work of the past. The Royal Oak has such a strong foundation due to its design, which itself was deeply rooted in Audemars Piguet’s long history of unconventional case designs. As long as the form remains a canvas for beautiful and complex finishings that demonstrate human ingenuity and great craft, we feel we are on the right path. The link of the Royal Oaks of the past, present and those yet to be created are the watchmakers, artisans and technicians themselves. They simultaneously guard the
traditional techniques of the past, problem-solve for the present and conceptualise for the future.” From Gérald Genta to Jay-Z and the next generation of watch guys and superstars who will wear their Royal Oaks, this is one icon that, much like the Porsche 911, may alter slightly over the years but will never get old.
CLOCKWISE (FROM TOP): A 1972 Royal Oak; the back and front of a Royal Oak Offshore Grande Complication; a Royal Oak Selfwinding Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin; a white gold Royal Oak Grande Complication
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
3 3
STYLE
FROM SNAIL TO GRAIL
Paul Altieri, founder of Bob’s Watches and one of the world’s top Rolex collectors, acquired this vintage stainless steel Nautilus Ref. 3700 in 2017. Made in 1979, shortly after the model’s debut, and now worth about US$100,000, it’s the most coveted version of the iconic timepiece. “The value of this watch has exploded in the past few years, and I’ve come to love its unique design,” Altieri says. “It’s pretty risqué for a Patek. It wouldn’t have looked out of place on Roger Moore’s wrist in one of the ’70s Bond movies.”
How the Patek Philippe Nautilus became one of the most coveted watches in the world...
P
atek Philippe was founded in Geneva in 1839. It is by no means the world’s oldest watchmaker, but in the past 180 years it has certainly become the most prestigious. The brand has created some of the costliest and most complicated timepieces on the planet, and while its overall design ethos can be described as staunchly traditional, with the basic outlines of its most popular pieces having changed little over the last several decades, one of its most atypical, and originally unloved, designs has suddenly become its most popular.
3 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
The Nautilus, designed by horological legend Gérald Genta, creator of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak among others, and introduced in 1976, was made to resemble a ship’s porthole with its rounded octagonal bezel, and was Patek’s attempt at a contemporary highend sports watch in lowly stainless steel at a time when gold watches were all the rage. Sized at a generous 42mm it sported a grooved deep blue dial. As WatchTime reports, the conservative company was not without reservations about it. Demand for the watch was slow at first, the magazine notes, and its popularity has
waxed and waned over the years along with changing tastes, with gold versions introduced to up the luxe factor. In the past few years however stainless steel Nautilus models, in particular the reference 5711, have skyrocketed in popularity. Where collectors have long seen the appeal of the Nautilus, it took sightings of the watch on the wrists of celebs like Jay-Z, Jason Statham and Brad Pitt to really push it into the stratosphere. Most recently, cult Off-White and Louis Vuitton menswear designer Virgil Abloh was spotted sporting a custom blackedout version, giving it instant street cred.
P H O T O S : C O U R T E S Y O F PAT E K P H I L I P P E
BY J A R E D PA U L S T E R N P H OTO BY J U STI N M O RTO N
Earlier this year the New York Times reported that the waiting list for the most popular model, the black-blue dial Ref. 5711 in stainless steel, is now said to be eight years long. It has become even harder to come by than the iconic Rolex Daytona. And Patek, being Patek, has no plans to increase production. “We don’t discuss production quantities, but clearly we don’t make enough Ref. 5711s,” Patek President Thierry Stern told the paper. “Today we are meeting maybe ten per cent of the demand, and it is going to stay that way. For us, this is not a race to make more money. It is a race for beauty, for the long term.” British GQ adds that those who want to buy one are “carefully vetted and must have a longstanding relationship with the company. They also have to somehow prove that they will actually wear the watch, rather than resell it at a vast profit.” Patek now makes many different versions of the Nautilus, which was given a relaunch of sorts for its 40th anniversary, in rose gold, white gold, and stainless steel, some equipped with annual calendar and other complications. But the simplest references harking back to the rather minimal original are the most coveted. “The Nautilus simply didn’t sell that well when it was first released in 1976,” David Lee, General Manager of Watches at StockX, the live bid/ask luxury marketplace backed by the likes of Mark Wahlberg where collectors can build portfolios of iconic timepieces, tells MAXIM. “For one thing, at 42mm the original Nautilus was simply considered too big. Over the course of the next three decades, Patek Philippe released a number of different references and sizes, but the Nautilus was still simply Patek Philippe’s entry level timepiece, a way to enter the Patek universe for a fairly affordable price.” Flash forward to 2006, Lee says, and the introduction of the 5711. “Limited supply of new watches and a growing desire for highend luxury sport models started pushing prices in the pre-owned market to trade 20-25% over retail. Secondary market prices continued to trickle upwards. But even up to 2015, you could still find examples for under US$40,000 in the pre-owned market.” In the beginning of 2018 however, “Patek seemed to address the rising prices of the Nautilus and raised the retail price from US$17,000 to US$29,800. However, instead of dampening demand, the reverse happened, with secondary market prices doubling from around US$40,000 in late 2017 to the current US$80,000 range.” Quite a jump. “While it now costs five digits more to buy a steel, time-only Nautilus than a gold annual calendar, the market shows little signs of slowing down,” Lee notes. “With continued limited supply and popularity amongst
“TODAY WE ARE MEETING MAYBE TEN PER CENT OF THE DEMAND, AND IT IS GOING TO STAY THAT WAY.” collectors and celebrities growing steadily, the market marches higher and higher.” In other words, if you can get your hands on one — and it’s a big ‘if ’ — you’d be well advised to hold onto it. Lee himself owns a white-dial steel Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A that took him over two and a half years to track down. “I promised my Patek dealer that I wouldn’t flip the watch, and
ABOVE: Patek Philippe President Thierry Stern; BOTTOM: Off-White designer Virgil Abloh and his custom Nautilus
despite the fact that I could now get two or three time what I paid, after wearing it for just over a year the thought of ever selling it has forever left my mind.” Ask him to tell you exactly what he loves about it though and it’s difficult to put into words. The appeal of the Nautilus remains somewhat esoteric, which in itself is a large part of the draw. “Why is the Nautilus so popular?” Thierry Stern mused to the Times. “Of course I am happy about it, but honestly [even] I don’t know the answer”. ■ MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
3 5
COVER GIRL
3 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
ERIKA S A N S O N E
The nature-lover is ready to take on New Zealand. If you see her around, say 'kia ora!' P H O T O G R A P H E D B Y B R I A N B H AY E S MAK E-U P BY EVE L I SS E HAH N SW I MW EAR BY CO R P O B O N ITO
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
3 7
T COVER GIRL
ell us a bit about your shoot It was incredible getting another opportunity to work with Brian Hayes, the greatest and most respectful photographer that I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. It was a blast teaming up with him and his crew for the day! We shot these images in Florida with the idea and hopes I would be chosen and published in MAXIM. Thank you MAXIM New Zealand as I am truly humbled and grateful from the bottom of my heart that you would choose me as your cover model for your February 2020 issue!
Are there any other funny anecdotes you can share about this shoot? Yes, the last 30 minutes of this eight hour
3 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
“I HAVE BEEN MODELLING FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS AND BOY HAS THE INDUSTRY CHANGED. ” shoot! As I went to lie down on the beach and get myself situated, a large unexpected wave came crashing in, knocking me completely over and under water. Out of many amazing images these happen to be some that we decided to use! Have you ever been to New Zealand? I will be there visiting during this month of February! I can’t wait to visit Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Milford Sound and Christchurch, of course. I love to be out doors, kayak, hike, I am a lover of nature and beautiful views. When do you feel sexy and why? After a great run, that sweaty accomplished feeling, there’s something about having tight muscles that makes me feel on point. What is your best asset? I believe my very best asset is that I am very independent and driven. I believe my next
best asset would certainly be my legs. Give us a little more background about yourself and your life story so far. Besides being a model for 10 years, I have been in real estate for the past 12 years. I purchase homes to flip as I enjoy doing all of the work myself. I am a mother to my two beautiful children with the love of my life, my best friend. What would people be most surprised to know about you? Between modelling, real estate and being a mother, I have also worked in the oil industry for almost 15 years. I obtained a forklift licence while also spending some time under a hard hat. How would you describe yourself in five words? Humble, kind, loyal, independent and courageous
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
3 9
COVER GIRL
How long have you been modelling and what would do if you weren’t modelling? I have been modelling for the past 10 years and boy has the industry changed. I do keep my plate full of my other passions I enjoy because I love to stay busy. I love my life. I am very blessed. There isn’t anything I would change about my life. What have you learned about men over the years? In my opinion, I do believe men are very simple. Men work hard every day to provide. They like to feel appreciated (respect is free). They enjoy going home into their routine environments; they like to eat so keeping a man’s tummy full with a great meal is always extremely satisfying. Lastly but most importantly I do believe men think 4 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
between their legs, especially during the time of relaxation, so to me it’s very easy to keep my man happy, loved and satisfied. Again, in my life strictly based on my opinions this is what I have learned about men. Real men. What’s one thing men should always know about women? I am very old school so I’m not really sure that men these days could really grasp the concept of what my opinions are on “what men should know about a real woman.” What do you look for in a man? My list is very long but for the most important attributes of what attracts me the most would be loyalty, honesty and having integrity. I have always been very hopeful to fall in love with a man I could call my best
friend, someone that is very supportive, a true team player. Describe your ideal date. I would say my very favourite date night is sitting on the back of a tailgate in the back of a pick-up truck, wearing a pair of cut offs listening to my favourite tunes enjoying a bottle of wine. What can we get you at the bar? A house red. Got a hangover cure? Vitamins before I start, water before during and after, then vitamins as soon as I wake. What’s your best hidden talent? I’m very flexible, I was a gymnast.
“YOU WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW ME TO SEE. I AM MORE ABOUT THE 'SHOW' THAN THE 'TELL.'”
Do you have any phobias? I don’t believe it’s a phobia but in order to keep things smooth sailing in my life I enjoy being clean and organised. Being able to control my environment with cleanliness, and things being in place, helps me to stay focused and on schedule with my busy life. I would say I do have a phobia to germs though! Who is your girl crush and why? I wouldn’t say I have a girl crush but since I was very young I have always respected and looked up to Kathy Ireland. My opinion of her true strength of the importance in never lowering her standards, keeping her morals and values number one above all in her career as a model. What’s the freakiest/weirdest thing
someone has sent you via social media? It’s very difficult to read through so many private messages on social media, so I do not check them very often, but for quite a few I have been able to check, I’m honestly very grateful that most people are positive, supportive and respectful to me. I do remember on one occasion as I skimmed across messages I noticed one headline someone asked ”Could I send them my sweaty, gym panties?” LOL. So running across that message sums up to me the freakiest/weirdest but grossest thing asked or said to me via social media in the past 10 years! S Wis I Myour W E A Rmotto , What in life? M Eaction D I N A we S W Itake M “Every generates a force of energy that returns to us in kind. When
we consciously choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our karma is happiness and success.” Dylan Marer CEO Karma International
What’s next for you? Any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us? You will have to follow me to see. I am more about the “show” than the “tell.” Finally, where would you like to be in five years? One of my primary goals in my life for the years to come is making sure my preparations of whatever legacy I leave is not of my possessions, but the quality of my life. I feel the greatest waste in all of our earth, which cannot be recycled or reclaimed, is our waste of the time we are given each day. MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
4 1
COVER GIRL
“I BELIEVE MY VERY BEST ASSET IS THAT I AM VERY INDEPENDENT AND DRIVEN. ”
4 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
4 3
COVER GIRL
“I LOVE TO BE OUT DOORS, KAYAK, HIKE, I AM A LOVER OF NATURE AND BEAUTIFUL VIEWS.” Status Update FULL NAME: Erika Sansone HOMETOWN: College Station, Texas BORN: 1986 INSTAGRAM: erikasansone SNAPCHAT: erikasansone FACEBOOK: erikasansone
4 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
4 5
BAR
THE RUM DIARIES An overlooked spirit comes into its own, and it’s cause for celebration... BY N I CO L AS STE C H E R
W
hile traditional luxury libations like Scotch and cognac have long held prized positions on the shelves of spirits enthusiasts, the fascination with high-end tequila, vodka, gin and whisky from around the globe has skyrocketed in recent years. This obsession with “premiumisation” inexplicably bypassed rum, however; the versatile spirit seemed relegated to a dark corner as a drink best suited to sailors, gentleman rogues, and other salty ne’er-do-wells. But not any more: in 2018 alone, volume of super-premium rums skyrocketed 27% — the biggest leap in any super-premium spirits category — underscoring the burgeoning global appreciation of this fine spirit distilled from sugarcane byproducts. And at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition an astounding number of premium rum entries qualified, with Ron Zacapa Centenario Sistema Solera 23 from Guatemala claiming a gold medal. “I like to think that anything you can do, rum can do better,” explains Brian Miller, partner (as well as Beverage Director and bartender) at New York City’s esteemed tiki joint The Polynesian. While Miller suggests playing with your favorite recipes by substituting white rums for gin, tequila, and vodka, and darker rums for whiskeys, in cocktails like the Manhattan, Old Fashioned, and Sazerac, there are many rums so smooth and amusingly complex that they can (and some would argue should) be sipped neat or with a couple of rocks. Here are our favourites:
4 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
“IN 2018 ALONE, VOLUME OF SUPERPREMIUM RUMS SKYROCKETED 27%”
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
4 7
BAR
MOUNT GAY 1703 MASTER SELECT
With a deed dating back to 1703, Mount Gay lays claim to being the world’s oldest premium rum brand. To celebrate its 300-plus years of heritage, the Barbados-based label created 1703 Master Select, a cherrypicked blend of the legendary distillery’s finest single and double pot- and column-still rums from its oldest reserves. The barrels were carefully monitored, all resting between 10 and 30 years, then expertly blended for what is Mount Gay’s rarest and oldest expression. The long sleep lends 1703 Master Select, which was overseen by the brand’s new Master Blender, Trudiann Branker, an oaky nose, with hints of caramel and a superb round mouthfeel.
RON ZACAPA CENTENARIO XO
As far as terroir goes, there is no rum in the world — and arguably no other spirit — with as unique a birthplace as Zacapa. Located between angry volcanoes in the highlands of Guatemala, some 7,500 feet above sea level, Zacapa’s aptly named “House Above the Clouds” claims to be the highest spirits aging facility in the world. For over 30 years Master Blender Lorena Vásquez has overseen production, as passionate about creating a timeless spirit as she is about preserving local Guatemalan culture (every bottle of Zacapa 23 comes adorned with intricate petate grass bands handwoven by artisans of Mayan descent). While Zacapa 23 and Edición Negra add value to any bar shelf, Vásquez’s XO expression blends rums 6 to 25 years old, with an extra aging stage in French oak cognac barrels.
4 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
FLOR DE CAŇ A 25 YEARS Sure, the Caribbean islands ostensibly run the rum game, but don’t sleep on Central America. The Pellas family is now celebrating five generations running Nicaragua’s Flor de Caña as a family-owned estate, never touching artificial additives during aging. In 2017 they were named Rum Producer of the Year by the International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC). As one of the spirits industry’s most prestigious distinctions, IWSC’s award is a powerful endorsement of Flor de Caña’s consistent excellence in a country that has seen its share of instability. The minerality of Flor de Caña sugarcane fields’ soil and the rich molasses it produces can be attributed to the farm’s placement at the base of the San Cristóbal volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in Latin America. The spirit is then distilled five times before casking in undersized white oak bourbon barrels sealed with plantain leaves. The smaller barrels spur greater contact with the wood, and — in combination with the country’s tropical climate, higher temperature and humidity —
accelerate the effects of aging, lending the spirit a complexity not attainable in any other locale. Meanwhile the plantain leaves add a natural tropical note to the finished product. All of Flor de Caña’s younger expressions expressions —4, 5 and 7 years old — will improve your cocktail game, but their ultrapremium 12, 18 and 25 should be enjoyed as you would your finest Speyside single malt. Meaning neat, or at most with a single rock.
“IN 2017 FLOR DE CANA WAS NAMED RUM PRODUCER OF THE YEAR BY THE IWSC”
THE RUM COOPERATIVE BY BULLY BOY DISTILLERS
When one thinks of rum, arguably the last terroir they’d envision is Boston. Top-shelf small-batch rum handcrafted in 750-gallon copper pot stills in Beantown? Highly unlikely. Perhaps that’s why Bully Boy is so shocking. This isn’t just a garden-variety rum to be passed around in Coke Zero bottles at Gillette Stadium; Boston’s first craft distillery since Prohibition makes a truly superlative spirit. Bully Boy Distillers first registered on our radar when they launched their Boston Rum in 2013 to wide acclaim. Now for the aptly named Rum Cooperative expression they’re blending that tipple with four other exotic dark rums sourced from founding brothers Will and Dave Willis’s favorite rummaking regions. The Rum Cooperative was recently awarded a gold medal at the 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
4 9
BAR
GOSLINGS FAMILY RESERVE OLD RUM
In 1806 James Gosling sailed to Bermuda and began the Goslings empire with a shop on King’s Parade in St. George’s. Papa Seal Single Barrel Bermuda Rum is Goslings’ top-tier experience, with the bottling date, barrel number and bottle number hand-written on each label. It is delicious, no doubt. But if you desire a less expensive inroad to the world of Goslings without sacrificing quality or taste, check out their Family Reserve Old Rum. It uses the same barrel blends as the flagship Black Seal Rum — all pot- and column-distilled from molasses — but is aged even longer than Black Seal’s time in charred, once-used bourbon barrels to add rich velvety notes of leather and chocolate. As the San Francisco World Spirits Competition awarded Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum a double gold medal and the Caribbean Journal dubbed it the No.1 aged rum in the world, this more accessible expression is clearly no slouch.
PLANTATION FIJI 2009 VINTAGE
Elaine Lilley, owner of Cigar Bar Hawaii, enjoys a perfect pairing with Diplomático Reserva Exclusiva rum from Venezuel
Plantation specialises in molasses-distilled rums, but other than that unifier almost anything goes. Creator and Master Blender Alexandre Gabriel of Ferrand Cognac fame has quite the gig: he basically travels the world searching for the finest rums and then applies unique aging techniques to manifest a particular Plantation spirit. Previous expressions from Panama, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad distilled in 2004 and 2005 helped lay the foundation for Plantation, and now Gabriel returns with a spirit from Fiji. Utilising 1,000-year-old cane and world renowned waters of pristine purity, the latter was created from molasses distilled in 2009 in both pot and column stills by the South Pacific Distillery, and then matured seven years in bourbon barrels. The blend was then shipped all the way to Château de Bonbonnet in France for a final two-year aging in Ferrand cognac barrels. With such origins you can expect bursts of sweet flavours like vanilla, dulce de leche, quince and ginger ale. Boasting a rich and round mouthfeel, Fiji 2009 finishes off with lingering smoky notes of bourbon and cocoa. For the true treasure hunter, look out for Plantation’s Extrême N°3 Collection, which includes two very rare expressions from Jamaica, bottled at cask strength.
DIPLOMÁTICO RESERVA EXCLUSIVA
. . .
No matter the state of global affairs, the one export Venezuela can surely rely on is Diplomático — arguably the best rum from South America, and inarguably the most highly awarded. Diplomático’s amber Reserva Exclusiva is distilled in the foothills of the Andes from sugarcane honeys in pot stills and then aged up to a dozen years in small oak casks. The result is an eminently smooth, rich and even fruity rum that can be sipped neat and hold its own with any Scotch or cognac on the planet. Somewhat challenging to source in America, Diplomático’s dark Reserva Exclusiva rum is worthy of concentrated pursuit; a higher-end prestige range is also available, but the Reserva Exclusiva hits the bullseye. ■
5 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
H E A LT H
HOW TO
BIOHACK YOUR BODY Are we able to change our body chemically and genetically to benefit our lifestyle and personal demands? Is this obsession with immortality, anti-aging and otherworldly success only for the rich and powerful or can we all benefit from a little “hacking’ of our own”? BROOKE BENSON CAMPBELL (BHSc Nut Med) investigates…
5 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
T
he buzzword of Silicon Valley, Biohacking is essentially the practice of changing our chemistry and our physiology through science and self-experimentation. The point being to leverage every means possible — genetic, emotional, psychological, biochemical, spiritual — towards a specific goal: usually that of peak performance (and in some cases, immortality). It can be as simple as implementing lifestyle and dietary tweaks that improve the functioning of your body, or as drastic as implant technology and genetic engineering (both of which, if we believe the hype, are coming to a store near you in the next decade or so). The possibilities appear to be endless, but is biohacking really all it is cracked up to be? For decades, the solution to aging has seemed merely years away, and historically people have always been fascinated with the concept of immortality, accomplishment and having the secret edge. In fact, in 1615 a German doctor suggested that ‘the hot and spiritous blood of a young man will pour into the old one as if it were the fountain of youth’, and in 1924, physician and Bolshevik Alexander Bogdanov took this proclamation to heart and began ‘young-blood’ transfusions, and a fellow-revolutionary commented that ‘he seems to have become seven, no 10, years younger’. Unfortunately for Bogdanov, he then injected himself with the blood of a young student with had both malaria and tuberculosis and died. Fail. Even so, in the last 100 years age has gone from being a final stage (Time magazine headline of 1958: ‘Growing old gracefully’) to something avoidable (Time 1996: ‘Forever Young’) or at least deferable (Time 2015: ‘This baby could live to be 142 years old’. It seems death in this day and age is no longer a metaphysical problem, but simply a technical one. And biohackers are here to help. Some biohackers like author and self-experimenter Tim Ferriss and Bulletproof founder Dave Asprey aim to give us a healthier life followed by a quick and painless death, and they may be
onto something — as Eric Verdin, CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, the leading non-profit in the field, notes, ’if you just kept aging at the rate you age between 20 and 30, you’d live to 1000. At 30, everything starts to change’. From that point our risk of mortality doubles every seven years, and let’s be honest, it’s a downward slope from there. However, if we could for instance, cure cancer, we would add 3.3 years to the average life, and solving heart disease would get us an extra four. Yet, other groups of biohackers want more — in 2013, Google launched Calico, short for the California Life company, with a billion dollars in funding. Unfortunately, so far, it has proved to be extremely secretive. All that’s known is that it’s tracking 1000 mice from birth to death to try to determine the biomarkers of aging, and that it has invested in drugs that may improve lives of diabetes and Alzheimer’s Disease sufferers. But, the good news is, if you’re a normal person rather than a Silicon Valley investor, you don’t have to spend big to biohack your way to better health and performance. Here are a few easily adaptable techniques to make the most out of your body... RAISE YOUR BASIC AEROBIC PHYSICAL ACTIVITY (BUT DON’T DO TOO MUCH ENDURANCE TRAINING): It turns out that being physically inactive is quite detrimental to testosterone production. Testosterone is needed for muscle growth, cognitive function, sexual function, mood stability and bone health, and so should feature highly on any biohackers wishlist, and it has been shown in clinical studies that sedentary men who engage in regular physical activity instantly raise their testosterone levels, and do it very significantly. On the flipside, too much endurance training has been shown to lower testosterone levels significantly, which can possible impair testicular function and contribute to premature aging. FREEZE YOURSELF: Cryotherapy (the art of making yourself ridiculously cold) has been utilised by many biohackers to enhance immune function, increase cell longevity and boost release of adiponectin, a hormone that helps to break down fat and repair muscle, and the best news is, it isn’t limited to those with fancy cryotherapy tanks. Biohacker and athlete Ben Greenfield uses ice baths twice a week to restore vitality and recover from injury, and they are simple to prepare. Buy two bags of ice from a nearby petrol station. Drop them into your tub and fill with cold water. Immersion time is approximately four to 12 minutes. Warning though: it’s going to be COOOOOOOOOLD!
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
5 3
H E A LT H
TRY INTERMITTENT FASTING: We hear a lot about which foods are better for our metabolism, but new research has found that it’s not just what we eat, but rather when we eat that makes the biggest difference. Many biohackers have turned to intermittent fasting to increase levels of growth hormone (as much as five times their normal rate), reduce insulin resistance, lower levels of inflammation and increase cellular waste removal (your inbuilt detox system). And as a bonus, one study showed that a fast of 12 to 56 hours improved testosterone response by up to 180% in lean men (yet not in obese men). While there are many versions of intermittent fasting out there, the most user-friendly is the ‘16/8’ method, in which you restrict your daily eating period to eight hours — for example, each day you eat from 11am to 7pm, and fast for the other 16 hours. The theory being, while your body is digesting food it is not focused on repair and rejuvenation, so to maximise this period, compress those eating hours. INHIBIT 5-ALPHA REDUCTASE TO BOOST SEX DRIVE: A common biohacking therapy involves avoidance of certain foods to maximise biochemical and hormonal levels. 5-alpha reductase is an enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and also often causes male balding. Luckily, natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil, quercetin (an anti-inflammatory nutrient), green tea and flaxseeds. So, add these foods to your daily routine and reap the rewards between the sheets. POWER UP YOUR GRILL: Cooking and charring of food causes harmful compounds to accumulate on the surface, and these compounds are linked to cancer and aging. Luckily, the amount of heterocyclic amines (HCAs) is reduced by up to 90% when meat is marinated for four hours or more in alcoholic beverages and strong spices like
5 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
garlic, ginger, thyme, rosemary and chilli. Adding turmeric or sour ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar also reduces the amount of AGEs and potentially carcinogenic substances and will have you looking like a professional chef in no time at all. UTILISE RED LIGHT THERAPY: Studies have shown that the body responds particularly well to red and near-infrared wavelengths, which range from about 600900nm. This particular range of light waves are absorbed by the skin to the depth of about eight to 10 millimetres, at which point your mitochondrial chromophores absorb the photons. This in turn activates a number of metabolic and nervous system processes. In simple terms, red light therapy has become an increasingly popular form of biohacking used to treat a number of conditions. It has been proven in clinical study to relieve pain, reduce inflammation and restore muscle and joint function, all while detoxifying the body of waste products and allowing an escape from
YOUR GUT IS FULL OF CREEPY CRAWLY BACTERIAL CELLS, MAKING YOU MORE MICROBE THAN HUMAN.
the stress of electromagnetic transmissions. Best of all, it is non-invasive and chemical free. EMPLOY TECHNOLOGY: Biohackers routinely use sophisticated software and internet crowdsourcing to moderate their tech and lifestyle. f.lux is a software app that can be used to automatically adjust the colour of your computer’s display to the time of day — warm at night and like sunlight during the day. By removing the blue light from your screen at night, it aids in keeping your circadian rhythm in check and prevents blue light from disrupting melatonin (your sleep hormone) secretion, allowing for a deeper and more restful sleep. Meanwhile, online, the use of healthdata crowdsourcing through sites such as CureTogether (now part of the 23andme site) and PatientsLikeMe allows large groups of people to compare clinical research results. In 2008, after hearing that lithium carbonate may help treat ALS, some individuals who suffered from the disease began taking the substance to see whether it had any effect.
They uploaded their findings to a website and the data was crunched by a team of doctors. Conclusion: it wasn’t effective. However, many biohackers believe that similar efforts could allow clinical trials to be conducted faster and on a larger scale than ever before. CureTogether currently lists clinical data for treatments (both medicinal and natural) for conditions like allergies, IBS, arthritis and depression, among others. While not a replacement for doctor’s advice, these sites provide information and options often needed in chronic illness. Watch this space, there’s more to come. GET GOOD FAT: Studies show that men who consume a diet containing 20% fat compared with diets of 40% fat have significantly lower concentrations of testosterone in the blood. Many other studies show that getting enough fat from the diet is crucial for testosterone production, and that getting enough cholesterol in crucial to optimal hormone balance. And note, this isn’t an excuse to pound that Big Mac meal.
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
5 5
H E A LT H Testosterone production is fuelled by good fats: avocado, whole eggs (with yolk), fatty fish like salmon and sardines, butter, nuts and coconut oil are good examples to add to the daily regime. However, interestingly for men who exercise, and specifically those who perform an intensive training cycle, it is crucial to eat enough carbohydrates too. In one study two groups were compared in terms of testosterone to cortisol ratio after eating a diet consisting to different amounts of carbs: 30% carbs or 60% carbs. The study found that those who ate 60% of their diet as carbohydrates had significantly higher free testosterone to cortisol ratio than the lower carb group. Cortisol works as a catabolic hormone, meaning it contributes to fat gain and muscle breakdown, while testosterone does the opposite, so bring on the sweet potato and whole grains. BE A CLEVER FLYER: Tests show that if you are flying readily for work or pleasure, you will be constantly exposed to gamma
radiation, and that is linked to aging of cells, telomere shortening and cancer. Fortunately, studies show that taking a large dose of antioxidants (such as selenium, vitamin E, vitamin C, CoQ10, N-acetyl Cysteine and Alpha-lipoic acid) before flying reduces the oxidative stress caused by radiation, and that taking a high dose of Omega-3 fatty acids (particularly DHA) before flying prevents inflammation caused by UVB radiation. And, never fear, post-flight many overseas clinics offer intravenous drips that will infuse an anti-jetlag cocktail of vitamins, minerals and amino acids into your bloodstream and injections of vitamin B12 to provide that getup-and-go energy that dissipates during a 24-hour flight. EXPERIMENT WITH DNA TESTING: Science shows that gene variants called SNPs can affect the way your body absorbs and utilises nutrients and contribute to the risk of certain chronic diseases. While companies like 23andme.com no longer ship their full DNA
ABOUT BROOKE
5 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
health profile test to the Australian market, you can run results from Ancestry.com or other ancestry sites through Promethease. com to get a full genetic breakdown of each SNP and then get sites like FoundMyFitness to analyse the results and provide targeted nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to optimise your individual biochemistry and performance. This is the future of medicine as we know it. WEARABLES AND IMPLANTATIONS: While most of us use wearables like FitBit or the Apple watch to track the way our bodies operate, some Biohackers are taking wearables to a whole new level. Dave Asprey famously has a bloodglucose monitor implanted into his arm (and no, he’s not diabetic) and many of the Silicon Valley crowd are beginning to use implanted microchips (the size of a grain of rice) so that they can use public transport systems and make contactless payments without the need for a debit card or smartphone. Some of these devices also open electronic doors and high-tech cars, and they are even capable of storing information like bank details and ID numbers, meaning the need for passports, drivers licenses, cash, keys and wallets is near. It seems when it comes to this technology, the opportunities are endless, but even if you don’t have a computer part imbedded in your flesh, some wearables take tracking to a whole new level. The Oura ring is devised to be the world’s most advanced option, giving feedback on sleep, heart rate, variability, and temperature (and how your body responds to each of these, enabling you to get the most out of each day) and is discreet and simplistic in design. A biohackers dream, it allows you to satisfy your curiosity on a cellular level. ■
Brooke Benson Campbell (BHSc) is a Clinical Nutritionist and Naturopath, speaker, writer and presenter with a passion for all things health, beauty and wellbeing. A self-proclaimed human test subject, she is constantly trialling the newest products, seeking the latest discoveries and reading the current clinical studies, in order to share her findings with the public through private practice, social media and industry education. Follow Brooke on Instagram at: @the.b.b.c
FITNESS
TOTAL BODY MAXIM NZ fitness guru ALEXA TOWERSEY helps fulfill your “to-get-fit” New Year’s resolution with the only workout you’ll ever need…
CONDITIONING 5 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
You don’t need an hour to get a heart-pounding, muscle-building, fat-shredding workout. All you need is a set of Kettlebells, 20 minutes and some defibs on standby.
CARDIO VS CONDITIONING We could start here by listing all the studies about the drawbacks of long duration cardio, without even mentioning the fact that endurance athletes are reported to have the highest divorce rates amongst all the sporting codes. Then we could list all the studies that show the benefits of shorter, high intensity conditioning sessions. Truth is, there is a time and place for both depending on what YOUR specific objective is. However, what I want to make clear is that irrespective of goals, cardio and conditioning can be two very different beasts. In short, the conditioning I’m talking about prepares you for battle whereas the cardio you’re probably used to, prepares you for running away from it. In short; conditioning is sex and cardio is cuddling and a chick-flick. Here’s what you need to know… THE COMPLEX Despite its name, the Complex is anything but complex. It’s simply a series of lifts back to back where you finish the reps of one lift before moving on to the next lift. The piece of equipment you choose to use only leaves your hand or touches the floor after all of the lifts are completed. Complexes have been gaining mainstream popularity due to their time efficiency and effectiveness, the original goal being – according to the Complex OG Javorek, “to find an efficient and aggressive method of performance enhancement that saves time and makes a program more enjoyable.”
THE RULES OF COMPLEXES START WITH THE HARDEST STUFF FIRST: The most technical movement with the highest neurological demand. This is the movement you don’t want to f—k up, because it has the highest risk of injury, i.e. Olympic Lifting. MAKE IT FLOW: Work either up or down the chain so you don’t waste time and energy on pointless transitions. A Deadlift to Bent Over Row works really well, as does a Push Press to Front Squat. But Deadlift to Push Press back to Bent Over Row won’t just waste your breath, but it will also waste your hands. CHOOSE FROM SEVERAL CATEGORIES: Love your ‘pullers’ as much as your ‘pushers.’ Try selecting from different categories of movements — Explosive/Olympic Lifting, Lower Body Pull, Lower Body Push, Upper Body Pull, Upper Body Push.
MAKE IT MEANINGFUL: Training should always have a goal, even if it’s just to get Fit AF. If you’re training for strength, complexes should combine strength-based moves for low reps — 3-5 sets of 3-6 reps per movement with longer rest times between sets — i.e. twice the time it took to finish the complex. If you’re training to get leaner and need to address your breathing, simply use more reps and less rest — think 1:1 work/ rest ratio or less. You can do complexes with any equipment — sandbags, deadballs, plates, dumbbells or kettlebells — the most common tool being the barbell. However, I like to include a little more structural balance and ‘functionality’ in my training and Kettlebells are ideal for this. They allow for unilateral work so you can’t cheat a movement or compensate for a weakness, they’re awkward as f—k to carry so your core and stabilisers have to work pretty hard and they’re usually thicker than your average bar so your grip gets an extra workout, too. MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
5 9
FITNESS FITNESS
TRY THIS BRUTAL COMPLEX ON FOR SIZE 8 x Romanian Deadlift 8 x Bent Over Row 8 x Sumo Deadlift High Pull 8 x Double Rack Hold Squat 8 x Push Press 16 x Double Rack Hold Reverse Lunge 45 secs Straight Arm Plank Balancing on KB 90 secs rest. 4-5 rounds. Here’s where the really brutal part comes in. If you have to put the KB’s down at any point during your complex, it is an offense punishable by death AKA 5 burpees (add up the total and complete at the end of each round).
TOP TIP When it comes to weight selection, don’t be swinging around 2lb DB’s, but be sensible. The basic rule is to use the heaviest weight you can on the weakest movement in the complex. For example, if it contains an overhead press and a squat, you’d use the weight you can handle on the overhead press, not the squat. Otherwise you’d get crushed, and girls would laugh. But if you’re not questioning why the hell you’re doing these exercises, or trying to convince yourself that three circuits is enough, you’re being a pussy. It’s brutal — and it’s brutally effective. But the best thing? You can’t do it while talking on the f—king cell phone or ‘going through the motions’. It requires focus, discipline, hard work, and quite possibly a touch of insanity. Now, go to war!
6 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
ABOUT ALEXA
“Action Alexa” is an internationally published celebrity trainer, sports model and nutrition and lifestyle coach with over 15 years’ experience in the health and fitness industry, and has worked with NZ’s world champion rugby team, the All Blacks. She has qualified for the Ironman 70.3 World Champs and was named as one of the Five Toughest Trainers in Asia during her seven-year stint in an MMA gym in Hong Kong.
DON’T BE ANTI-SOCIAL FOLLOW MAXIM NEW ZEALAND EVERYWHERE
FACEBOOK/MAXIMAU TWITTER/MAXIM_AUS INSTAGRAM/MAXIM_NEWZEALAND YOUTUBE/MAXIMAUSTRALIA
NOT JUST A MAGAZINE WAITING AN ENTIRE MONTH FOR OUR MAGICAL PUBLICATION TO ARRIVE IN SHOPS CAN BE EXHAUSTING. THAT’S WHY WE OFFER YOU A LOT MORE THAN JUST THE INK AND PAPER IN YOUR HANDS RIGHT NOW...
MAXIM.COM.AU Visit MAXIM New Zealand online for your fix of girls, entertainment, sport, tech, lifestyle, competitions, and the web’s hottest video content. Well, the hottest content that doesn’t involve the words “feeder fetish webcam”. We know you’ll totally search for that after you read this.
MAXIM NEW ZEALAND DIGITAL EDITION Get with the times, you Boomer loser. Our digital edition on Zinio is exactly the same as the print edition, and available for Apple, Android, and PC devices. Go to zinio.com.au to either buy a single edition or subscribe for 12 months. WWW.MAXIM.COM.AU/SUBSCRIBE-DIGITAL
AUTO FOCUS
A CENTURY of STYLE Bentley celebrates 100 years of building the world’s most beautiful grand tourers... BY J A R E D PA U L S T E R N
6 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
“IS THIS INVESTMENT TRULY BENEFICIAL FOR YOUR BODY OR JUST A PSYCHOLOGICAL BAND-AID TO EXCUSE DECADENT BEHAVIOUR?”
A
sk any true James Bond aficionado: 007 has always been a Bentley man at heart. In the original novels by Ian Fleming, Bond owned a number of Bentleys, but his first was a supercharged 1931 4.5 Litre “Blower”, nearly identical to the car that won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928 — part of a string of victories at the famed endurance race captured by the marque between 1927 and 1930 by the Bentley Boys, “a bunch of wild, fabulously wealthy devil-may-carers” and gentleman racers, “united by a love of insouciance, elegant tailoring, and a need for speed” (as The Rake magazine put it). In Casino Royale, the very first Bond novel, published in 1953, Fleming writes that the Blower was Bond’s “only personal hobby,” noting that he “drove it hard and well and with an almost sensual pleasure.” An attitude shared by most Bentley owners, seduced by the brand’s unique blend of uncompromising luxury and relentless performance, be they secret agents or CEOs.
The first car built by Walter Owen (W.O.) Bentley roared into life in a London back street in 1919, exactly one hundred years ago. And while some manufacturers would be content to rest on their laurels, Bentley is celebrating its centenary — and the start of its second century — by breaking new ground in both automotive engineering and design and alternative fuel. Not only with its revolutionary new 1,400 horsepower EXP 100 GT electric grand tourer concept, but a host of new production models in keeping with the company’s ethos of creating “extraordinary cars for extraordinary customers.” For the past century and the one to come. “Bentley defined grand touring, and touring is in our blood,” as former Bentley board member Dr. Andreas Offermann writes in his foreword to Be Extraordinary, The Spirit of Bentley, published by Assouline. ”We believe life is a grand tour, an optimistic journey full of inspiration, seeking new opportunities and challenges, constantly learning and growing… From family, friendship, and entrepreneurship to craftsmanship, conservation, and competition.” Christophe Georges, President & CEO of Bentley Motors Inc., The Americas, tells MAXIM that these days the grand tourer “is not linked to a body shape. Grand
The stunning 1,400 hp Bentley EXP 100 GT concept embodies the future of luxury craftsmanship with the seamless fusion of materials and intelligent curation of technology MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
6 3
AUTO FOCUS
6 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
Touring is emotive and speaks to our desire as engaged drivers to enjoy the vast open roads. Regardless of body shape or even propulsion technology, that is how we see Bentley today and in the future.” The EXP 100 GT, which made its stateside debut during Monterey Car Week last month, is the world’s first electric Bentley, “as powerful and exciting as any of its conventional predecessors” according to the marque, fully encompassing all of the traits of a classic grand tourer. Four electric motors enable maximum control via torque vectoring, while a Next Generation Traction Drive system applies 50% more power, with 35% less mass, as you sweep around the curves of the road. And it wouldn’t be a true grand tourer without a cross-continental range of nearly 435 miles. The zero emissions EXP 100 GT, which is truly the shape of automotive things to come, uses Artificial Intelligence to “predict human emotions and behaviour, learning from every journey to make
“THE BENTLEY EXP 100 GT DEMONSTRATES HOW BENTLEY IS GOING TO EVOLVE AND STAY RELEVANT IN THE NEW ERA OF AUTONOMOUS CARS.” the next one even more intuitive.” It can switch between two, three and four seat configurations depending on the driver’s wishes, and the seats “biometrically” detect the driver’s mood and configure the seat surfaces and temperatures accordingly. “Exceptional, sustainable materials”
TOP: JP Gregory, Bentley’s dashing young Head of Exterior Design, worked on the EXP 100 GT; ABOVE: In the car’s interior “the embroidery pattern of the sustainable textile and leather complement the pattern of the grain in the naturally-felled British oak veneer”
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
6 5
AUTO FOCUS
meanwhile are “seamlessly fused with tailored technology throughout the car, providing effortless interaction between human and machine.” As for the interior, “the embroidery pattern of the sustainable textile and leather complement the pattern of the grain in the naturally-felled British oak veneer” , while “souvenirs from each journey can be captured by the car and woven into your private AI memory library, to relive in the future.” Bentley also promises “a range of bespoke services relevant
6 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
to your life” to accompany the EXP 100 GT, including a “personalised concierge who will ensure your favorite items are delivered and stored in the car ready for every occasion,” while when travelling abroad you can arrange for another EXP 100 GT to be prepped and waiting, pre-loaded with your own AI content and preferences and ready for the next adventure. JP Gregory, Bentley’s dashing young Head of Exterior Design, is responsible for the EXP 100 GT’s exterior as well as that
of the new Continental GT. “The Bentley EXP 100 GT is the perfect demonstration of how Bentley is going to evolve and stay relevant in the new era of autonomous cars and alternative fuel,” Gregory explains. “It is an intelligent car which captures extraordinary human journeys thanks to emotionally intelligent AI and allows them to be relived…. It is a fully-autonomous car that can be driven when one wishes to enjoy the thrill of driving. It demonstrates the future of luxury craftsmanship with seamless fusion of materials and intelligent curation of technology. And it is a physical embodiment of the future Bentley brand, a perfect blend of performance, technology and craftsmanship.” It seems that the brand has been planning this for some time; since 1919 in fact, if you take the long view. “The aim of [the] company was from then on established,” writes Count Gelasio Gaetano d’Arragona Lovatelli in the introduction to Be Extraordinary. “To create extraordinary cars for extraordinary customers. It signposted the beginning of an epic grand tour, the Bentley marque earning legendary status on the racetrack, the road, and the red carpet.” At Bentley, d’Arragona writes, “our remarkable success lies in our DNA: a double helix comprising two distinct strands of genetic information,
each entwined around the other. One delivers uncompromising luxury; the other, relentless performance. The seamless fusion of the two creates a tension that courses through our brand: our products, our philosophy, our drivers, our designers, our fame, our flamboyance and our future.” More than just a brand, “Bentley is a destination,” Georges tells us, “and Bentley customers are very loyal. In particular, they look for this unique combination of luxury and performance that Bentley delivers, and for them, there is no sacrifice of one for the other. The product quality and features allow our customers to enjoy their Bentley as their main car. And when the time comes for their next vehicle, we collaborate to define through design and features their desired expression, and this we call ‘co-creation.’ Ultimately, our customers are very close to our brand and our company, and this further drives their passion.” Recently we had the opportunity to visit the Bentley factory in Crewe, England, as part of a VIP preview of the beautiful, brand new four-door, 626 hp Flying Spur, which Bentley’s CEO Adrian Hallmark calls “a ground up development that pushes the boundaries of both technology and craftsmanship to deliver segment-defining levels of performance and refinement.” Customers can often be seen being given
“The Bentley EXP 100 GT is a fully sustainable project, not just in the beautiful sustainable materials it uses, but in the sustaining of key crafts and skills,” notes exterior designer JP Gregory
“NEW TECHNOLOGIES BRING NEW CHALLENGES, BUT A LARGE PART OF WHAT MAKES A BENTLEY A BENTLEY IS THE FACT THAT IT IS BUILT BY HAND.” MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
6 7
AUTO FOCUS a tour of the historic plant, where the Bentley Mark VI was first produced in 1946. As the book puts it, “it’s a place where millionaires meet mechanics, where drivers meet the driven, and contrasting skill sets are united by mutual passion.” At any given time there are over 200 people stitching together the sumptuous leather upholstery that has long been synonymous with the Bentley name, while equally renowned woodworkers prepare the gorgeous veneers that make the cabin of a Bentley such a sybaritic environment. The possible combinations are astronomical, and rarely are any two cabins exactly alike. It’s a very very busy place these days; in addition to the new Flying Spur, Bentley’s technicians are building — by hand — the new Continental GT and Continental GT Convertible, third generation of the world’s top luxury grand tourer; the Bentayga Speed, which recently topped the Lamborghini Urus to take the title of world’s fastest SUV; and the new Bentayga Hybrid, billed as the world’s first true plug in hybrid luxury SUV, which will no doubt attract many new customers to the brand even given its US$156,900 starting price tag, which in point of fact makes it Bentley’s least expensive vehicle. Regardless of its ultra high-tech status, the EXP 100 GT was also built by hand, and Bentley has no plans to automate production or do away with any of the painstaking, some would even say outmoded, method of assembling its cars, giving each of them a unique personal touch along the way. It is said that the top craftsmen and women at Crewe can tell at a glance which of them worked on the interior details of any given car. “The Bentley EXP 100 GT is a fully sustainable project, not just in the beautiful sustainable materials it uses, but in the sustaining of key crafts and skills,” Gregory says. “New technologies bring new challenges, but a large part of what makes a Bentley a Bentley is the fact that it is built by hand. As a result we will continue to build our cars by hand.” Will the storied factory soon see EXP 100 GTs queueing for its assembly line? The concept is “a beacon for the kind of cars we want to make in the future,” Gregory tells us. “Like those great cars of the past, this car will connect with its passenger’s emotions and help them experience and safeguard the memories of really extraordinary journeys they take.” He says it will not go into production in its current form but will “influence future Bentleys in their design, their technology, their drivetrain and their owner experience.”
6 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
Gregory says the marque is already looking ahead to the next hundred years. “We are a business that keeps innovating, keeps inspiring and thrives on vision, determination and momentum,” he tells MAXIM. “We have our eyes set on the future, pioneering new experiences for those who have a clear purpose and who value authenticity and innovation in equal measure. We strive to perfect what we do today, innovate for tomorrow, [and be] the epitome of modern luxury.” Georges takes a dim view of brands that boast about “redefining luxury,” an all too common catchphrase these days. “Luxury will not be redefined,” he insists; it is and always has been “all about emotions.” However, to be considered as true luxury brands these days they “must be animated by the right values. For Bentley, this means embracing new, yet exclusive, ideas for customer benefit, such as luxury and mobility services,” especially ones that are not available to the general public. “We have just launched Bentley on Demand, for our customers only. This is a service where a Bentley customer can use a Bentley while traveling or when they need, or want, a different style of vehicle for a defined period, say a weekend.” And rather than turning to a different brand they stay within the fold and never regret it for a minute. “We have a clear understanding of who a Bentley owner is now, and in the future,” Gregory notes. “First, we will continue to fully engage, and be highly relevant to, our existing traditional luxury customers,” with initiatives such as Bentley on Demand and a brilliant new app for owners. “Moving forward we will also capture the attention of a younger and broader modern luxury audience, which will become the core of our business in the next 10 to 20 years.” Gregory says they call such customers “life achievers. Not just financially successful, they are driven to achieve in all aspects of their lives. They are entrepreneurs, early adopters and digital natives who like to challenge convention. They care about the world we live in and they seek our brands with a strong purpose, progressive values and a sense of social responsibility and diversity.” They also want brands who will collaborate with their customers. “Brands who don’t just build products, but also create unique, enriching experiences that go beyond the accumulation of wealth or status.” ■
H O M E E N T E R TA I N M E N T
HASTA LA VISTA, BABY Colombian actress NATALIA REYES talks taking on the Terminator... BY KE ITH G O R D O N
Colombian actress Natalia Reyes is already a household name in Latin America, thanks to her incredible performances in film and on television in her native country. But with her sights set on an even bigger stage she managed to land a role in one of the greatest franchises of all time, the Terminator films, starring in Terminator: Dark Fate released on DVD this month. She recently spoke with MAXIM about her career, working with her idols, and balancing a life and career spent both in Hollywood and her home in one of the world’s trendiest travel destinations, Cartagena. How did you get started in acting? What do you consider to be your first big break? I started with theatre when I was nine years old and then got into TV at 16, but I’d say my first big break was Lady, La Vendedora de Rosas, a telenovela that was very successful all across Latin America. You had great critical and commercial success in Colombia. What motivated you to expand to Hollywood and a larger global audience? You can say that I have always dreamt big. As an actor you want the world to see your work and my dream was to make movies. I learned English (self-taught, if you can imagine)
7 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
because I knew it was the best way to get work in bigger productions. And now I’m in this massive franchise! I still can’t believe it. The Terminator franchise is one of the all-time film classics. What attracted you to the project and role, and what was your reaction when you got the part? At first, I thought it was a remake! But then I found out it wasn’t, rather it was a continuation of the story from Terminator 2: Judgment Day, and Tim Miller was attached to direct, James Cameron was back as a producer and they had this whole new story line and new characters…. When Tim called me and told me I got the part I cried for hours and actually I still can’t believe it. Were you familiar with or a fan of the earlier films? It's funny because I wasn’t even born when the first Terminator film came out, but I did see both (1 and 2) when
after seeing him so many times on a big screen was surreal and hard to believe it was actually happening. Mackenzie is such aninspiration to me, she is a terrific actress and we became very close working together and am so happy to call her a great friend now. Gabriel is a very sweet person and I'm excited for people to see him as the new Terminator.
I was about seven years old — just a regular Sunday watching movies at home. I remember I was so amazed by that world they had created. Not to mention Linda Hamilton, she became such an icon for me ever since! What was it like working with legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger and
Linda Hamilton, as well as current stars like Gabriel Luna and Mackenzie Davis? It was an amazing experience! I felt it was the perfect balance between new talent and the legends. I love Linda, she is the most professional and committed actress I know and just such a loving human being. Working with Arnold
“WHEN THEY TOLD ME I GOT THE PART I CRIED FOR HOURS AND ACTUALLY I STILL CAN’T BELIEVE IT.”
Are film sets and the working environment different in Colombia as they are in the U.S.? Hollywood is a bigger and older industry and therefore the scale is different, everything just feels 10 times bigger, from the catering to the crew. Every day I learnt something new! Do you plan to continue focusing on American films or do you want to continue working in other countries as well? Yes, I want the best of both worlds. I'd love the opportunity to continue to work in Hollywood with people I have always admired and I also want keep telling stories from where I’m from. What other upcoming projects are you working on? Anything to look forward to soon? Well, there’s a beautiful
independent movie and a Netflix series coming, but I also want to start developing projects with characters that I want to portray. What passions or hobbies do you have away from the acting world? I love theatre, going to the movies and cooking new vegan dishes at home. I also love dancing salsa and travelling and doing outdoor sports such as biking, hiking, and swimming. Are you excited/optimistic about Colombia’s future, and is it now a must-visit country for travellers? And do you have any tips for those considering visiting? Absolutely, Colombia is a beautiful must-visit country, it’s full of nature and lovely people. I’m excited and proud of the peace agreement we signed two years ago with the guerrillas so it’s pretty safe — we ended the war and we are in a reconciliation process so the country is blooming. I was born in Bogotá, but then moved to Cartagena, my favourite place in Colombia. My husband and I have a beach resort on the closest island to Cartagena, it’s called Fenix Beach, so make sure you stop by when you visit. ■
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
7 1
MODEL PROFILE
G E T T I N G
T O
K N O W …
AVIANNAH É L I S E
This month we get more acquainted and intimate with this American cover girl and social media sensation… P H OTO G R A P H E D BY J E S TO N B R A N D O N
7 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
7 3
T HE BEST THING ABOUT MY MAXIM FEATURE SHOOT IS… the confidence it has given me. It is truly an amazing experience to become a MAXIM model and as many models like myself think, this is a dream come true.
WHEN I’M NOT POSING FOR MAXIM, I’M… on the beach somewhere, working on my tan, at the gym, taking my dogs to the park or playing football. I’m trying to take on as many photo shoots as I can to always be producing new images and concepts. In the fall of 2020, I will be releasing my very first calendar! MY BRIEF LIFE STORY SO FAR IS… I grew up in San Diego, California and then moved all over the U.S. trying to find my forever home. I started modelling at 17, as a foot and hand model, and my passion for being in front of the camera grew more and more. Posing for international magazines has been a major highlight of my life.
“I ENJOY LEAVING MYSTERY IN THE PHOTOS. LET YOUR MIND WONDER ABOUT WHAT IS UNDER THE GARMENTS.”
THE LAST THING THAT MADE ME LOL WAS… if I’m being truthful, I’d have to say some of these questions! Before this, I was watching cat videos on Instagram – they had me laughing my butt off.
MY HANGOVER CURE IS… Mimosas with peach in them – sometimes even if I’m not hungover. It just has a taste that always leaves me satisfied.
A GUY COULD WIN HIS WAY TO MY HEART BY… buying me Fuzzy Tacos. I’m a complete sucker for their chicken soft tacos. The garlic sauce – all of it! Oh, and by opening doors for me – car door, front door, any door – I just absolutely love it!
THE BEST JUNK FOOD IS… macaroni and cheese. As much as I hate to admit it, it’s the truth.
WHAT I FIND SEXY ABOUT MEN IS… confidence. Someone who isn’t afraid to say exactly what he wants and goes after all of his goals. Being strong and stable also isn’t too much to ask for. MY PERFECT DATE WOULD INVOLVE… just an every day trip to the beach, play some football, lay out in the sun, dip into the water and enjoy the quality time together.
MY BEST ASSET IS… my eyes. I feel like eyes are key to true intimacy – you can feel so connected to someone.
ONE THING A GUY SHOULD ALWAYS KNOW ABOUT WOMEN IS… it’s not appropriate to talk to most of us while we are at the gym. Unless you are given clear signals, it is a “no”.
I FEEL SEXY WHEN… I have a new dress and heels on. It’s all snug and tight and catches everyone’s eyes when I walk into the room.
THE WORST PICK-UP LINE I’VE EVER HEARD IS… “If you were a booger, I’d pick you first.” It made for a great laugh, though. I almost went on a second date with him.
I CAN BEAT ANYONE AT… naps. I’m definitely a “napper” since I’m always up at weird hours with international business. I’ve learnt the power of a well-placed nap.
MY GO-TO DRINK IS… Southern Comfort, chilled, with roses and lime Juice – always after making sure I can drink responsibly.
7 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
PUBLIC NUDITY IS… not for me. I enjoy leaving mystery in the photos. Let your mind wonder about what is under the garments. AT BEDTIME I WEAR… a sports bra and panties. Always. I have to keep everything nice and perky. ONE THING I’D CHANGE ABOUT THE WORLD IS… everyone’s outlook and make it only positive. No matter what it is – everyone has to find something positive within it. Sometimes we are consumed with negativity. THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE ANYONE HAS EVER GIVEN ME IS… “Always be true to yourself.” It has kept me humble and down to earth and I think about it daily. IN FIVE YEARS, I’D LIKE TO BE… an expert world traveller – I’m hoping to visit every country I can within five years. I want to see everything I can before settling down with my prince charming. ■
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
7 5
MODEL PROFILE
“EYES ARE KEY TO TRUE INTIMACY — YOU CAN FEEL SO CONNECTED TO SOMEONE.”
7 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
Status Update FULL NAME: Aviannah Élise BORN: May 12 HOMETOWN: La Jolla, California U.S.A. LIVES: Miami Beach, Florida U.S.A. FIVE WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Trustful, loyal, bubbly, never-ending and tasteful.” HOBBIES: “Fitness, playing football, walking my dogs, travelling, photography, baking sweets, biking along the beach, hiking, volunteering on holidays.” HIDDEN TALENT: “I’m actually a pretty damn good DJ. It’s my favourite productive past time.” PHOBIAS: “Giant spiders with babies on their back!” LIFE MOTTO: “Take the risk or lose the chance.” It’s always an inspiring quote to go by! AGENCY: LSA MODELS – @lsamodels @leo.alderman INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK SNAPCHAT TWITTER YOUTUBE: @AviannahElise
HAIR & MAKE-UP AN DR EW CARTE R STYLI NG RAC H E LLE C H I LD
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
7 7
TR AVE L
Wild
DIVES In their new book Wild Dives, NICK AND CAROLINE ROBERTSONBROWN take the reader to remote locations to experience some of the best, and weirdest, underwater spectacles and adventures from around the world. In this special edited extract for MAXIM NZ they take an in-depth look at five of the best…
7 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
7 9
TR AVE L
MEXICO
Playing Simon Says With A Manta Ray In Socorro Socorro is a volcanic island that is part of the Revillagigedo Archipelago in the Pacific Ocean. It takes a 36-hour boat ride to reach these islands, which are located some 390km off the coast of mainland Mexico. It is a remote and rugged destination that can only be visited by liveaboard. The islands are a marine reserve and have also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. GENERAL DIVING The diving here can be challenging with strong currents, surge and large waves. As it is also about as remote as you can get, so much so that special procedures are put in place where every diver has to wear a GPS location device in case they drift out of sight of the boat. Underwater, the topography is impressive. These volcanic islands continue their rugged form below the water with huge rock formations that get battered by the waves. Some pinnacles rise up out of the water, and some cannot be seen from the surface, but these islands in the middle of the Pacific Ocean attract an incredible array of pelagic marine life. On any single dive you might encounter four or five species of shark. Humpback Whales can be heard singing as you dive, and if you are really lucky you might even encounter one underwater. Dolphins are abundant here and often approach divers. Huge schools of fish swirl near to the safety of the rocks, and Orcas have also been known to hunt here. You can even night snorkel with Silky Sharks. The most compelling reason that divers put this remote destination on their wish list, however, is for the Giant Mantas that frequent all the dive sites along the archipelago. We dived San
8 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
Benedicto, Socorro and Roca Partida islands on our itinerary. Each one of these islands has amazing diving to offer. On Roca Partida you will find whitetip sharks piled on top of each other trying to get some rest in the small cuttings in the rocks that offer protection from the currents and surge. San Benedicto can offer large numbers of manta rays on every dive, but it is Socorro that really impresses with incredible encounters every single time. THE WILD DIVE During the long boat journey to reach the islands various members of our liveaboard crew presented talks in the evenings on the wildlife that we may encounter. Among the specialists on board was a marine biologist whose specialism
was in manta rays. On the evening before we arrived at ‘El Boiler’ he spoke to us at some length and gave us scores of fascinating facts and a mass of information about these incredible creatures. The Giant Manta Ray is the largest ray in the world and its wing-span can exceed seven metres. They have the largest brain of any fish (relative to their size) and to assist in keeping all parts of the brain active, even in really cold conditions, they have blood vessels that are routed to supply heat to all the principal parts of the brain. Our guide also went on to say that these mantas are truly intelligent and will even make efforts to communicate with us. As a biologist with an MSc in animal behaviour, I was more than a little sceptical about this final
part. However, my principal emotion was one of excitement at the prospect of finally getting into the water with these magnificent ocean wanderers and experiencing a close encounter. The giant mantas in this area are known to be familiar with humans and to regularly approach divers. They are inquisitive and docile, and it appears that they like the bubbles that divers exhale brushing up on their undersides. To reach El Boiler, one of the most famous dive sites of Socorro and the highlight of the whole trip, we had to transfer from our large liveaboard to a small RIB, carrying six divers out to a pinnacle that does not quite break the surface. Once in position our guide gave us the countdown and we all rolled back into the Pacific Ocean together. I looked down and immediately saw a young Whale Shark directly beneath us. It was around four metres in length and not at all bothered by our presence in the water. In fact my buddy, who was focussing on getting his camera set up for the dive, did not see it until he was on top of it. Still it seemed happy to swim along with us for a while. In the distance we spotted two dolphins as they disappeared into the blue. We had only been under the water for a matter of minutes and it was already one of the best dives I had ever been on. Divers who ventured a little deeper reported back after the dive that they had also seen a Tiger Shark. We stayed fairly shallow and waited in a sheltered area near the rocky wall. Alongside us there were bright orange Clarionfish waiting for the same event as us – the arrival of the manta rays. We did not have to wait long because very soon two large mantas were soaring towards us. The Clarionfish darted out into the water to meet them, and to begin their task of cleaning them of parasites. We simply waited, hanging in mid-water, and paused for them to approach us. They were huge, with eyes the size of a softball, and they would slowly glide past looking directly into your eyes as if they were attempting to communicate. One suddenly stopped directly in front of me as I took a few shots before a thought popped into my head: What if I really could communicate with a Giant Manta Ray? How would that work? I did the only thing I could think of at the time and spread my body out, arms and legs as wide as they would go as if I was doing an underwater star-jump. The manta stopped and looked and then reared upwards, manoeuvring so that it too was vertical in the water, its wings stretched out directly in front of me. I could not believe it. Surely this was a fluke? I bent one arm inwards and waited. Sure enough, the manta bent its corresponding wing and waved back. This really was hard to comprehend. Was this manta really playing ‘Simon Says’ with me? I put my arm in front of my face and waggled it in a wavy motion and paused, barely able to breathe as I waited to see what the manta would do. It did not move its wings, but instead unfurled is cephalic lobe and waggled it back at me. I was overwhelmed and could feel my hairs standing up on end and my eyes filling with tears. I had communicated with a Giant Manta Ray. Obviously my emotions were not of interest to the manta as it got bored and swam off to the next diver to check out their bubbles. Recounting this story still gives me goose bumps and it will always be one of the most amazing dives of my life.
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
8 1
TR AVE L
FIJI
Mind-Blowing Coral Fiji is an island nation which forms an archipelago that is made up of more than 300 islands in Melanesia in the South Pacific. It is famous for its golden beaches fringed by palm trees, its clear blue water and its rugged and lush volcanic hills. It is part of the wider region known as Oceania. Fiji is one of those magical places that can be found on many people’s bucket lists of places to visit, and it offers the traveller a host of experiences — whether they want to relax in luxury or be more adventurous, there is something for everyone. Surfers come to ride the waves, you can partake in a natural spa of hot springs and bubbling mud baths which they say will knock 10 years off you (it didn’t work for me!), or join in a local kava ceremony which is based around a mildly narcotic drink made from pepper roots that makes your lips tingle and relaxes your body. The landscape and wildlife are as rich and diverse as the local culture and history. GENERAL DIVING The diving in Fiji is right up there as one of the top activities to include on any traveller’s itinerary. It is probably most famous for its vibrant coral reefs, but many people also want to see the large marine life that inhabits these waters. On the main island of Viti Levu, in a place called Beqa Lagoon (pronounced benga), you can dive with dozens of Bull Sharks. The area has been made a marine reserve and the locals have a huge respect and love of the sharks that frequent these waters. Off the island of Kadavu, on the Great Astrolabe Reef, you can snorkel or dive with manta rays, and off Taveuni you can dive the world-famous Rainbow Reef and White Wall. There are so many great dive sites around these
8 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
islands that it would take many trips or a long stay in order to appreciate them all. On top of this, the region is a hot-spot for Humpback Whales and other impressive marine life. THE WILD DIVE We did so much great diving on the three Fijian islands we visited that it still sits as one of our favourite diving destinations. However, coming to the end of our trip we found ourselves on the main island of Viti Levu, staying in the Pacific Harbour area. We arrived at our hotel in the pouring rain, and even though it was just a couple of steps from the taxi to the hotel reception we looked like drowned rats as we dashed in to get some cover. Tropical rainstorms, as anyone who has experienced one knows, can be intense! Once we had got settled into our room and dried off the weather had magically cleared and we sat under a perfect blue sky and then started to relax as the sun set. While enjoying a cool beer with our hosts they asked us where we would like to dive the next morning. We suggested that they should take us to their own favourite location to kick off this part of our trip, and so it was agreed that we would head to a dive site called Fantasea 1 early the next morning. The following morning we woke to a beautiful day with the sun shining and the seas flat calm. We were excited to be diving a new destination for us. The dive site was adjacent to a small island called Yanuka which would provide us with a place to moor the boat between dives. Our guides eagerly told us that Fantasea 1 was their favourite dive because the coral was like no other dive site they had ever seen, and these guys had worked in a fair number of dive locations. Fiji is famous for its coral and we had already dived several incredible sites, but we were willing to believe them, as this small pinnacle that did not quite reach the surface certainly sounded wonderful. I got into my gear, grabbed my camera, and jumped into the water. As I waited at the surface for my buddy and guide to join me, I dropped my head into the water and looked down at the reef below – the sight was amazing, mind-blowing and absolutely stunning. Every inch of the top of the pinnacle was covered in soft corals and anemones, all lightly swaying in time with the gentle waves. I was eager to explore more and as we descended, and directed our lights onto it, it just got better and better. As we descended further, the soft coral gave way to huge gorgonians and whip corals. Fish darted in and out of the reef, using the corals as protection. The scene so vivid – with bright pinks, oranges, reds, purples – that it was hard to believe that the reef was real. As an experienced dive writer and journalist I never thought that coral alone would be enough to blow my mind on a dive, but Fiji is different and it certainly did. It makes your senses leap to attention, and I just wanted to take some time to hover in mid-water and let it all soak in. Back on the boat the dive guides glanced at each other and laughed as we eagerly chattered about what we had seen. For a dive guide, the excited babble of the divers after a dive is always a great indicator of how much they had enjoyed it, and we have seen so many fabulous places that we cannot be the easiest to please. However, in this case they were right all along — this really is a special dive site.
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
8 3
TR AVE L
THE BAHAMAS Bimini’s Wild Dolphin’s
Located in the far west of the archipelago, Bimini is closest group of Bahamian islands to the Florida coastline. Bimini has two main islands, North and South, in addition to a series of small cays. North Bimini in particular is famous for being Hemingway’s favourite getaway, but less well known is the fact that the final scene from the film Silence of the Lambs was shot here — the one where Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) talks on the phone to Clarice Starling (Jodie Foster). “I have to go now Clarice, I’m having an old friend for dinner.” It is also believed that Bimini Road, a series of artificial blocks off the coast of North Bimini, could be the remains of the road to the lost city of Atlantis. What is certain is that Bimini is famous for its sharks and is home to the world- famous Bimini Sharklab that conducts invaluable research into shark behaviour and biology. GENERAL DIVING Among the diving fraternity Bimini is most famous for its Great Hammerhead Sharks, which visit the islands for a few months each winter. There are plenty of other species of shark that reside here permanently, and this is why one of the leading global shark research facilities is based on South Bimini. Divers flock here to dive with the sharks in warm shallow clear blue water, and ‘shark photography’ is a major form of income to the Bahamas. Shark fishing has been banned throughout the islands of the Bahamas since 2011 and hefty fines are imposed on anyone found landing a shark of any species. There are shallow coral reefs around the islands of Bimini, as well as an impressive wall dive that plummets more than 1,200m (4,000ft)
8 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
below you. These islands are also home to important mangrove areas which are nurseries for reef fish and sharks, as well as providing the islands with protection from storms. A number of shipwrecks, both deliberately and accidentally sunk, have created havens for marine life.
THE WILD DIVE Sometimes the most simple of experiences can bring the most pleasure and this was certainly the case on a sunny afternoon in Bimini. We were asked if we would like to join a boat going out to see if they could find any wild dolphins. The waters around Bimini have resident populations of both Bottlenose and Atlantic Spotted Dolphins and the latter are renowned for interacting with snorkellers and free-divers in the water. There wasn’t much to think about really, so we ditched our diving equipment, grabbed our masks, snorkels, fins and cameras, and jumped aboard one of the waiting dive boats. We travelled north past the Bimini Islands until we arrived at the western edge of the Great Bahama Bank. Our captain told us to start looking for any signs of dolphins leaping out of the water, and as we peered into the sunlit waves it was not long before we caught our first glimpse. At first our captain did not appear to be as keen as we were, and this was because the dolphin pod we had spotted were Bottlenose
Dolphins which are generally not as curious as their Spotted cousins. However, this particular group seemed to be staying in one place and everyone on the boat was keen to jump in to have a look. Bowing to pressure, he cut the engines, brought the boat to a stop and declared the ‘pool’ to be open. We did not need any further encouragement and were finned and masked-up and in the water in a matter of seconds. Around 20 dolphins were hunting using echo-location on the sandy seabed to find their hidden meal. You could hear and feel the dolphins’ sonar clicking away as they searched, and then you would see one plunge its head, or rostrum, into the sand, flapping its tail fins to push deeper. Eventually it would come away with a small fish as its prize. It was mesmerising to watch. Dolphins need to come to the surface to breathe and so, as we floated at the surface watching, every now and then a member of the pod would come up towards us and, rather than avoiding us, would swim close around us for a few minutes before returning to the job of feeding.
This experience would have been special enough, but then we spotted a baby dolphin. It could only have been a few weeks old, perhaps even just a few days. It was tiny! Always accompanied by an adult, with the adult positioned between us and the baby, it would come up to breathe and swim at the surface. As the pod became more tolerant of us the adults and youngster got closer and closer until we had an incredible close-up swim past with baby and escorts swimming right past our masks. It was incredible. Far too soon our skipper was encouraging us to come back on to the boat and we were amazed to find we have been in the water for hours. This is how dolphins should be experienced. Wild and free, not in captivity where they have been ripped from their families in order to ‘entertain’ humans. We did not get to see the Atlantic Spotted Dolphins we had hoped for, and yet we had still had an incredible encounter. We will just have to go back and do it all again some time.
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
8 5
TR AVE L
Bull Sharks On A Windy Day Bimini is part of the Bahamas chain of islands that is the closest to the U.S.A., just under 80km off the Florida coast. It has been a popular tourist destination for decades and has seen its fair share of the rich and famous taking advantage of the beautiful weather. Bimini was reputed to be Ernest Hemingway’s favourite place to escape and is where he wrote Islands in the Stream. Martin Luther King wrote his Nobel Peace Prize
acceptance speech whilst on the island and on his final visit also wrote his Sanitation Workers speech — the last speech he would ever give as it happens, as he was assassinated soon after. It is said that he knew he was going to die and also wrote part of his own eulogy during this same visit to Bimini. GENERAL DIVING The diving in Bimini is famous for its incredible
Great Hammerhead Shark encounters, but it also has a host of good reef diving and a number of wrecks to explore. The clear blue waters here are also home to wild dolphins and in the summer months, when the water is flat and calm, going out to snorkel with them is also a fabulous experience. Spotted Eagle Rays swim in the shallows and can often be seen aggregating in the narrow stretch of water that separates North Bimini from South Bimini. The sand banks between the islands are reputed to regularly give up ancient treasure and the marina area of North Bimini is also famous for its Bull Sharks. THE WILD DIVE As you arrive in Bimini in small plane flying relatively low you get a wonderful bird’s-eye view of the low-lying islands of the Bahamas, fringed with white sandy beaches and the pale blue and turquoise shallow water leading into the dark blue deeper waters. It reminded me of my first visit to these magical islands while working on a dive boat as a divemaster. One of the divers in the group I was taking out asked if his wife could come along for the ride and I agreed that would be fine. As we pulled out of the dock she fished a collection of glass vials out of her handbag and asked me to slow the boat down. As I brought the boat to a stop she dipped the vial in the water, sealed it up and dropped it back in her bag. A minute later she repeated this process and then just as we approached the dive site she asked me to stop once again. The suspense was too much for me and this time I had to ask, “What are you doing?” She replied, “I just had to show my friends back home all the different shades of blue the sea has here.” I had no idea how to tell her how disappointed she was going to be when she looked at her results back on dry land! On this trip, however, as I hauled my heavy dive and camera kit to the dive shop, I already knew that I was going to be disappointed. I was supposed to be going out to snorkel with Atlantic Spotted Dolphins but the wind had picked up and the seas were starting to get rough — these were not conditions to be snorkelling in. I dropped into the dive shop to check, just in case, but my suspicions were correct and the trip had already been cancelled. However, the owner tried to make it up to me and suggested that I might like try out a Bull Shark cage dive instead. At the side of the dock, where fishermen often clean their catch and throw the unwanted bits into the sea, was a cage at the surface. Pelicans sat bobbing on the water hoping to get some fish scraps and beneath them I could see the outline of six big Bull Sharks. It was not what I had planned for my day, but sometimes, as any experienced diver knows, you just have to go with the flow. I donned a heavy weight belt, grabbed my mask and camera and slid into the cage. The dive shop owner handed me a long regulator hose attached to a tank that sat at the surface and I dropped down to the cage floor. The water was clear and in front of me I could see the sharks circling and the feet of the pelicans paddling above me. One of the Bull Sharks had some pretty impressive scars on its
8 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
nose and this one had all the attitude of the alpha, the other sharks deferring and moving out of its way. Scarface – the name I gave this shark in my head – also liked to come in close to the cage, perhaps checking out its reflection in the glass dome of my underwater camera. Bull Sharks are always impressive to see up close. They are bulky and all muscle, built for fast bursts of speed. As a shark approached the surface the pelicans would scatter, but then would soon be back again hoping to snatch a free snack and I wondered why the Bull Sharks did not attempt to eat them. There was a queue of divers waiting to take their turn in the cage, due to the weather having stopped all the other diving and snorkelling activities Bimini has to offer and so soon I was being called out. It was not the way I had planned to spend my afternoon, but getting to see these jaw-droppingly impressive sharks up close in clear water was an exhilarating alternative.
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
8 7
TR AVE L
Finally Getting To Dive With Tiger Sharks Grand Bahama is the northernmost island in the Bahamas. It is a popular tourist destination, with typical white sandy beaches, plenty of night life and lots to do for those that want more than just to lounge in the sunshine by the pool or on the beach. It is surrounded by rich mangroves that help to protect the island from the worst of the hurricanes. GENERAL DIVING Grand Bahama has a host of excellent dive sites with varied experiences that include diving with sharks, exploring wrecks and enjoying reefs that sit just off the shoreline. One of the signature dives on Grand Bahama is Shark Alley, a site where several dive operators have been performing shark-feeding dives for decades. Now, if you dive in this area, regardless of whether there is any bait in the water, you will be sure to see plenty of Caribbean Reef Sharks patrolling the reef. Stingrays and large green moray eels also frequent this area, along with a large school of Horse-eyed Jacks. The shallow dive in clear blue warm water is high on many people’s lists of favourite dive sites. The reefs that surround the island form long fingers of rock formations covered in coral, with sandy channels in between. Here marine life thrives with delightfully varied creatures living on the reef including weird arrow crabs hiding in sponges, beautiful and delicate angelfish darting along the reef, bright parrotfish audibly chomping on the coral, and the oddly named Flamingo Tongue Snail eating soft corals. Another very famous dive off the West End of Grand Bahama is Tiger Beach, which is named after the Tiger Sharks that frequent this area. Along with Tiger Sharks you may also encounter Caribbean Reef Sharks, Nurse Sharks, Bull Sharks, Great Hammerhead Sharks and Lemon
8 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
Sharks here, so it is a perfect dive for those that love their sharks! THE WILD DIVE There are very few places in the world where you stand a good chance of diving with Tiger Sharks. It has been a dream of ours since we started diving over 20 years ago to be able to see these magnificent sharks up close and one that proved very hard to bring to fruition with the weather and animals proving less than cooperative. So it was with some excitement that we woke up to an early
alarm that indicated today was the day. The boat ride was going to take between one and two hours depending on conditions, so we focused on getting our dive and camera gear ready and loaded onto the boat and then went to find coffee and breakfast for the journey. Our group consisted of us, another diver we had met at our hotel, our captain and two dive guides, so we knew that if we got the chance this was the perfect small group for a great day out. As we arrived it was hard not to get overexcited. As I looked down through the clear blue shallow
water I could already see Caribbean Reef Sharks and Lemon Sharks swimming under the boat. As the crew start to chum the water it was time for us to set up our dive and prepare our underwater photo and video equipment. Soon I heard one of our dive guides ask “Is that one there?” while pointing to a larger shark swimming below. The first Tiger Shark had arrived. I slid into the water and made my way down to the preagreed spot on the sandy seabed. The view was incredible. Lemon Sharks joined us, lying on the sand and swimming lazily around our legs. Nurse Sharks stayed right next to the bait box. Caribbean Reef Sharks swam in circles, never straying too far from the alluring smell of the bait box. Then as I got my eye in I spotted my very first Tiger Shark in the distance. I could also see a Bull Shark, but this shark stayed away from us and was too nervous to come any closer as the first big Tiger Shark approached. Tiger Sharks are extremely beautiful. They get their name from the patterns
on their sides that are similar to those of the eponymous big cat species, but these patterns fade as the Tiger Shark gets older and so the biggest of the individuals seen on this dive had very few of their striped markings still obviously visible. They are big sharks, with the largest reaching five metres in length. They are broad and imposing and on this dive they came very close indeed to the divers. The dive was in fairly shallow water, between eight to 15 metres, and the water temperature was a balmy 28°C. I knelt on the sand completely mesmerised by the sharks swimming in front of me. Soon we had a second Tiger Shark that wanted to get closer and closer to the bait box and the divers. I had heard that these sharks are very used to divers and not at all shy in coming in close, and this proved to be true, with both Tiger Sharks making close passes in front of us or over our heads. All too soon our dive guide was signalling for us to head back to the surface.
The Tiger Sharks seemed to know the routine and drifted off into the distance, but the Lemon Sharks followed us up the line and stayed at the back of the boat as we changed over tanks and got ready to do it all again. With a long ride home we knew that we would have limited time on our second dive with the sharks, but I was already delighted with the encounters we’d had on the first dive, so I was much more relaxed second time around, enjoying the return of the Tiger Sharks swimming over the sand and seagrass at this incredible dive site. Finally, after many years of trying, my dream of seeing Tiger Sharks had come true. ■
WILD DIVES by Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown, New Holland Publishers RRP $35.00, is available from all good book retailers or online at newhollandpublishers.com
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
8 9
COVER GIRL
PAMELA T
H
E
I
C
O
N
I
C
A N D E R S O N
9 0
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
She’s back and she’s still got it! Yes, the former Baywatch beauty returns to MAXIM to talk about her foundation and how the world can be a better place, Julian Assange and our PM Scott Morrison, plus being the star of the latest Ultra Tune television commercial and much, much more… P H OTO G R A P H E D BY CA R M E L O R E D O N D O
I N T E R V I E W S A N T I P I N TA D O
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
9 1
COVER GIRL
H ello, Pamela, welcome back! How does it feel to be on the cover of MAXIM after all these years? After all these years? That’s a funny way to start off! I don’t think of time, dates – life flies by in a blur. I’m always taking pictures, taking on creative projects and just having fun. I’m blessed you’re still interested!
Well, you’ve clearly still got it. You look gorgeous and it’s a great photo shoot. What did you enjoy most about it? I love the photographer, Carmelo – he’s an angel – and I love Australia. I loved being on a boat on the Gold Coast – I heard it is
9 2
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
“WE NEED TO TAKE ACTION WHEN WE ARE UNCOMFORTABLE AND BE CAREFUL WHEN DEALING WITH PEOPLE IN POWER.” pretty sharky where we were shooting this feature but I enjoyed swimming off the boat. I also love all the swimwear – it’s athletic, chic and simple. Did you approach this shoot any differently to the millions you’ve done in the past? I don’t approach anything differently. I just act the way I would without the camera there – I’d be the same around my friends. I just kept the focus on feeling good and I enjoyed the sun. Being outdoors makes me happy and healthy — it’s sexy. How do you keep yourself looking so fit and fantastic? I try to keep on a bit of weight – I think it’s better on me.
Tell us about your role in the new Ultra Tune TV commercial out this month. I was presented the idea by my publicist who told me it was a funny and popular series of commercials. I did see the script and it was cute, simple and when I heard Australia I thought it would be a good opportunity to visit. Any funny behind-the-scenes anecdotes you can share with us? Nothing crazy – it was very easy, professional and everyone was cool, very sweet. And the Ultra Tune Rubber Girls were all very nice, beautiful girls. I did pair some high heels with my wetsuit – I love a full wetsuit with zipper in the front and high heels — and after a day of filming I did have a drink in the bar.
O P P O S I T E PA G E : SWI MWEAR, M E DI NA SWI M; S U N G L A S S E S , R AY - B A N ; SHOES, STEVE MADDEN T H I S PA G E SWI MWEAR, M E DI NA SWI M PREVIOUS SPREAD: SWI MWEAR, M E DI NA SWI M
What are your thoughts about previous Ultra Tune ads being labelled “sexist”, “out of touch” and supposedly portraying women in an outdated manner? I never thought of Aussies as uptight. You filmed the ad on The Gold Coast — what did you enjoy most about this? My trip was quicker than originally planned and I was only in Australia a few nights. I came from Paris so I was a bit jet lagged, but we had a beautiful day on the beach and the next day on the boat – it was nice MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
9 3
COVER GIRL
“LIFE FLIES BY IN A BLUR. I’M ALWAYS TAKING PICTURES, TAKING ON CREATIVE PROJECTS AND JUST HAVING FUN.”
9 4
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
O P P O S I T E PA G E : SWI MWEAR, M EDINA SWIM LEFT: SWI MWEAR, M EDINA SWIM
Speaking of Julian Assange — where is everything at with him and our Prime Minister Scott Morrison? I’m confused as to how the Prime Minister has just decided to ignore this. It says a lot. It really looks as though America is running your government. I pray Trump decides to do the right thing. Everything is a mess and Julian is caught in the middle. It’s not fair. I wish I could speak to Julian about all the topics of the world – he such an informed and cool guy and he’s very misunderstood. I can’t do much more than draw attention – I’m not a lawyer, only a friend. I pray Australia will do more for him. I feel like Julian is already more spirit than body. We could lose him and that will be a huge loss, especially when the world really needs someone like him. So much.
B E LOW: S U N G L A S S E S , R AY - B A N ; W E T S U I T, S U P P L I E D B Y U LT R A T U N E
Have you heard from our PM? He responded, but with nothing interesting.
to be there at that time of the year. I wish I was able to see more but I’ve been to Australia many times and I’ve always loved it. The people are awesome – they remind me of Canadians and I feel comfortable. Other than hanging out with the Ultra Tune crew in the Gold Coast, what else did you get up to during your short visit here? I came for many reasons and accomplished what I set out to do. Like I said, it was a good reason to come to Australia, take some meetings to help Julian [Assange] and put him more in people’s minds. I usually have other things in mind when I work and I was also happy to donate to the Koala rescue – it was very sad to see the bushfires and devastation in Australia. When I travel I always try to find an animal cause to support. Australia no doubt thanks you for your contribution in helping the bushfire victims. Tell us more about The Pamela Anderson Foundation (www.pamelaandersonfoundation.org) and your passion for human, animal and environmental rights. I apply all I learn to all I do. I have a platform and I understand my limits.
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
9 5
COVER GIRL
“I’M CONFUSED AS TO HOW THE PRIME MINISTER HAS JUST DECIDED TO IGNORE THIS. IT SAYS A LOT.”
9 6
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
If you could ask Donald Trump anything what would it be? To be the Hero of the world and to rethink his legacy while he is in power. To help to save the planet and freedom of press — to grant Julian Assange clemency. Besides appearing in Ultra Tune ads and your foundation, what else have you been doing these days? I’m working on a sex positive project. It’s
about sex/tech/love – I’m dedicated to helping people embrace a natural and healthy modern world when it comes to romance and love. Being an iconic sex symbol who clearly has a wealth of experience. So, we have to ask — what do you think of the #MeToo movement? Was it a longtime coming? I think we need to take action when we are
SWI MWEAR, M EDINA SWIM
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
9 7
COVER GIRL
“THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE INTERESTING. I’M OPEN AND WILLING — THIS IS THE FIRST STEP.”
Status Update NAME: Pamela Denise Anderson BORN: July 1, 1967 HOMETOWN: Ladysmith, BC, Canada LIVES: “Gypsy.” FIVE WORD SELFDESCRIPTION: “Alien, weird, poetic, loving, artist.” TOP THREE CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: “Baywatch, Barb Wire and V.I.P.” LIFE MOTTO: “Be free.” INSTAGRAM: @pamelaanderson TWITTER: @pamfoundation WEBSITE: pamelaandersonfoundation.org
9 8
M A X I M
N Z
-
MAXIM.COM.AU
uncomfortable and be careful when dealing with people in power – to be safe. And it’s our job to teach our children respect with respect. You’ve worked with some amazing people over the years. Who has been the best experience? Vivienne Westwood – she has taught me a lot about activism. She encourages me to read and go to museums. It’s the best advice, although I’m already an avid reader. She sends me books of all kinds. If you read you’ll never be nothing – you’ll always have a job. When you watch classic footage from Baywatch of you running along the beach in slow-motion wearing that red one-piece swimsuit, what goes through your mind? That I must save a life. You’ve had your fair share of controversy in your career, what’s the funniest rumour you’ve ever heard about yourself? That I was an alien here to teach men a lesson. News of the World listed this when I first arrived to Hollywood. From your vast experience over the years what have you learned about the following… MEN? I’m still learning but I love books like Iron John. I have boys, so male psychology is an interest and I study it a lot. MONEY? It doesn’t impress me. SOCIAL MEDIA? A good tool for activism. HOLLYWOOD? Somewhere I only want to visit. What’s the biggest misconception about Hollywood? It’s fantasy, so there are none.
ABOVE: SWI MWEAR,
patience, confidence and looking at the big picture. But I think it goes both ways. I lose interest easily – I want a man to teach me. I want to be treated as a woman. That’s a slippery slope these days – it’s hard for men to know what they “can” do and it’s a bit paralysing in this progressive movement. But equality doesn’t mean feminisation – just be a man, be sensitive, be strong, be wise and just be kind.
What’s one thing men should always remember about women? That we are complex, sensual creatures — but that’s just a generalisation. Good luck!
What is one thing you’d change about the world? I wish people love in their relationships. We are stronger in pairs to face the world – human connection, love, empathy and kindness is most important.
How does a man win his way to Pamela Anderson’s heart? Show me something new. Every person is a journey into the unknown. It’s about trust in the wildness – sometimes this takes
What’s your New Year’s resolution? To explore yoga seriously. I’m starting the year in India and then an Ayurvedic cleanse — this year is going to be interesting. I’m open and willing — this is the first step.
V I N C I J A S W I M ; H AT, S E E D H E R I TA G E
HAIR & MAKE-UP TA N I A
de
ROSS
(@D E R OSSARTI STRY) STYLI NG JODI E LE E ( @ J O D I E L E E M A K E U P, @JODI E LE EOFFICAL) & TENEILL BELL (@TENEILLBELL)
Finally, any exciting projects on the horizon you can share with us? Many. This is the most creative time in my life. ■
Support the Pamela Anderson Foundation by purchasing a hoodie at ShopPAF.com. This month, all profits will go toward aid for the Australian bushfires
MAXIM.COM.AU
-
M A X I M
N Z
9 9