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DECEMBER 2016 | ISSUE 33 - LUXURIOUS

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FRONT COVER CANADA photography: Michele Taras make-up: Glam & Eros hair: Angela’s Beauty Box fashion design: Desieye model: Nini Amerlise

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IN THIS ISSUE

ISSUE THIRTY-THREE | LUXURIOUS Features & Regulars 3 14 18 38

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Letter from the Editors Veux Magazine 2016 Holiday Gift Guide Beauty: Organic Inas X: Pop Princess Photography by Pascal Bernier On the African Coast: Zanzibar and Chole Island

By Vivien Hoang; Photography by Vivien Hoang & Andrew Oplinger

Editorials 3 28 42 52 62 80

Back in Town Mississauga Musings Country Lux Carnival Botanica Throne Age In the Lap of Luxury

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VEUX Magazine - Issue 33 - Luxurious STAFF

Vivien Hoang Editor-In-Chief/Layout Design vivien@veuxmag.com

Ada Adams Editor/Content Director/Public Relations ada@veuxmag.com

Wales Wong Editor/Literary Editor/Photographer wales@veuxmag.com

Yawen Chan Web Producer

CONTRIBUTORS: Pascal Bernier, Vivien Hoang, Andrew Oplinger PUBLISHER VEUX Magazine is published every two months by AVW Publishing Inc. The views and opinions expressed in this magazine are solely those of the original author and other contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of VEUX Magazine, AVW Publishing Inc., any of its staff, and/or any/all contributors to this magazine.

CONTACT www.veuxmag.com Editor-In-Chief: editor@veuxmag.com Submissions: editorial@veuxmag.com

FOLLOW www.facebook.com/veuxmag www.twitter.com/VeuxMag www.google.com/+Veuxmag

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Letter from the Editors

Happy Holidays, VEUX Magazine Readers!

Our editors and content creators have worked hard to bring you lots of cheer in this issue! We hope that the last few days of 2016 are memorable and enjoyable for all. Here at VEUX, we are wrapping up yet another year of beauty, fashion, style, art, and travel and are excited for the upcoming years’ adventures.

Here are some wonderful changes that are taking place as we continue to grow: Vivien Hoang will officially be taking over as our amazing Editor-In-Chief as Wales Wong and I transition into a few new roles in the upcoming months.

I have continuously been in awe of Viv’s superpower to simultaneously be both a creative genius and a fierce business lady and I am so excited for this new role she is taking on! She will, of course, also continue to kick butt on the magazine’s layout.

Commencing in February 2017, the magazine will be shifting away from our themed issues and will instead be embarking on the adventure of open content submissions in all issues throughout the rest of the year! A big part of the editors’ decision to do this is fully unleash your creativity, with no limits! We are hoping that this new change will help inspire new submissions and even more of your imagination and diversity. We simply love to see the creativity from teams all around the world!

VEUX Magazine remains committed to being a publication that is open and inclusive. We respect the boundless diversity of our submitters. When we created VEUX Magazine, we wanted to ensure that the content on its pages would not be limited by any boundaries and we welcome the limitless expression of yourselves.

Happy New Year! Wishing you much love, happiness, and success in 2017!

A.A. On behalf of the editors Skirt by N’ella by Daniela Vitale Harness by Dissidia Couture Black Bodysuit by American Apparel LUXURIOUS | ISSUE 33 | VEUX | 3

Back in Town

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Necklace and Leather Belt by Dissidia Couture Gilet by Light Before Dark Shirt by Mango LUXURIOUS | ISSUE 33 | VEUX | 5

Skirt by N’ella by Daniela Vitale Garness by Dissidia Couture Silver Bomber by ZARA Black Bodysuit by American Apparel Shoes by Doc Martens 6 | VEUX | ISSUE 33 | LUXURIOUS

Black Blazer by ASOS White Shirt by Liu Jo Trousers by N’ella by Daniela Vitale Shoes by ASOS

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Black Blazer by ASOS Bra by intimissimi Black Leather Pants by American Apparel Necklace by Dissidia Couture

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Black Bodysuit by American Apparel Accessories by Dissidia Couture LUXURIOUS | ISSUE 33 | VEUX | 9

Black Blazer by ASOS White Shirt by Liu Jo 10 | VEUX | ISSUE 33 | LUXURIOUS

Black Blazer by ASOS White Shirt by Liu Jo Trousers by N’ella by Daniela Vitale Shoes by ASOS

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Hat by Other Stories Black Body by American Apparel Accessories by Dissidia Couture

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ITALY photography: Giada Lefebvre make-up & hair: Tania Toska (Tosca the MUA) fashion design: Daniela Vitale wardrobe styling: Giulia Amendolagine model: Siena Hutton LUXURIOUS | ISSUE 33 | VEUX | 13

VEUX Magazine 2016 Holiday Gift Guide The holiday season is the season of giving. In addition to giving good wishes, holiday cheer and volunteering your time to charitable and worthy causes, there’s also the joy of giving the perfect gift. Don’t worry if you’re stuck looking for that hard to shop for person: Veux Magazine has put together a list of luxurious gifts and stocking stuffers sure to bring a smile to their face!

Castle Forbes

(sold at menessentials.ca and select retailers) Looking to her surroundings as a source of inspiration, Jinny Forbes turned her passion for scents and essential oils into perfumes, with the help of her friend, perfumer Andrew French. The 600-yearold Castle Forbes in Scotland was turned into a private perfumery in 1996, and has evolved into an exclusive range of high-end fragrances for women and men.

Today, Castle Forbes includes over a dozen perfumes in its fragrance base (from fresh to floral), shaving products for men, linen sprays, soaps and other gift items – done in small batches to ensure the highest of quality.

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Taylor of Old Bond Street

(sold at www.tayloroldbondstreet.ca and select retailers) Jeremiah Taylor first founded Taylor of Old Bond Street on September the 1st, 1854 and his salon quickly gained a reputation in British Society for the use of botanical extracts in his products.

With the flagship store now located in Jermyn Street in London, the family-run business manufactures products that are designed to meet the highest standards and made of natural ingredients when appropriate. Epitomizing classic British style, Taylor of Old Bond Street provides both exceptional customer service and products (fragrance, shaving, hair, accessories) in understated scents and efficacious formulations.

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Venque

(sold at venque.com and other retailers) Launched and produced in Toronto by Viktor and Simon Cui in 2011, Venque was created out of necessity. The design-savvy brothers developed a line of briefcases, backpacks (mini, mid-size and large), a camera bag, and tablet cases in classic shapes with modern twists at an accessible price.

Products are made with Quanta - a high-density fabric pioneered and launched by Venque in 2012 – that is dust and water repellent, anti-scratch, lasts 5X longer and is 3X stronger than comparable fabrics. And the functional details like padded compartments, additional pockets for digital gadgets and phones will make them essentials in everyone’s wardrobe.

The Briefpack XL Black

Flat Mini Demin Blue

Hamptons Grey

Milano Black BE

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Organic UKRAINE photography: Arsenii Gerasymenko make-up & hair: Julia Kuzmenko model: Anna Klunnaya (TheImpeccability Model Management)

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Eyes: Kiko Milano Infinity Eyeshadow #217, #210. Benefit High Beam Cheeks: Benefit in Sugarbomb Lips: Maybelline Matte Lipstick in #950 Magnetic Magenta 20 | VEUX | ISSUE 33 | LUXURIOUS

Lips: Inglot Matte Lipstick in #140

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Eyes: MAC Glitter in Gold, Inglot Eyeshadows in M382 & M368 Lips: Inglot Matte Lipstick in #140

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Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel Eyes: Kiko Milano Infinity Eyeshadow #217, #210 Lips: Maybelline Lipstick in #915 Blushing Beige

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Eyes: Kiko Milano Metallic Shine Eyeshadow #05, Kiko Milano Infinity Eyeshadow #217, 213 Lips: MAC Lipstick in CREME D’NUDE 26 | VEUX | ISSUE 33 | LUXURIOUS

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Mississauga

Musings

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CANADA photography: Michele Taras make-up: Glam & Eros hair: Angela’s Beauty Box fashion design: Desieye model: Nini Amerlise

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Inas X: Pop Princess Photography by Pascal Bernier East Coast native and powerhouse musician Inas X created her stage name as an official mark of independence – a way to stand for being undefined and for feeling empowered without labels or limits. After reaching number 11 on the top 20 Billboard Dance Chart this year and hitting the road on her first national tour, Inas shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.

Raised in Brooklyn by her two Palestinian parents, Inas’ love for music and her raw talent began blossoming at a young age as she was deeply impacted by the streets of her hometown. Being Palestinian is everything to Inas and she often finds herself incorporating Middle Eastern sounds into her music. In the early 2000s, Inas X also became powerfully inspired by Pop music, mixed in with Hip-Hop and Reggae. The work of artists like Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Billie Holiday, Aaliyah, Amy Winehouse and most especially, Michael Jackson, fueled Inas’ deep-rooted love for music and performance, which sparked the creation of the dynamo that would become Inas X. After a sudden change in scenery with a move from Brooklyn to small town Connecticut, Inas entered high school, where she furthered her career in performing arts. For Inas, performing was her personal outlet to rise above the everyday struggles that come along with being a teenager. Thus, the stage is where she found her true self, and paved the road into becoming the artist she is today.

Her career quickly took the high road, which sparked a move back to New York City.

Since then, she has opened up for acts like Fetty Wap among others, and has collaborated with Fetty, Monty, PnB Rock, and Post Malone, with some featured production by Timbaland and team. Working with RFG Productions and Fetty Wap specifically taught her the true “dos and don’ts” of the music business, and gave her some tools she needed to spearhead the next chapter of her career.

Inas is extremely passionate about standing up for what she believes in, and from this, wrote the song “Love Is” after the Supreme Court ruled that states must allow same sex marriages. She calls this her true identity song and her message is for others to know that they are all worthy of love no matter their gender or race.

She collaborated with Walu on her recent music video for single – “Gets Me High” – and together they created a vision of someone who is unbreakable no matter what life throws at them. Inas strives for authenticity and wants people to connect with the real trials and tribulations that she has been through in her life.

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One of those major tribulations was Inas being diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis earlier this year. Going through this made her realize how short life is and how the most important things in life are to be healthy and happy with the person you are. She hopes to show others that they can make it through anything. “We are limitless and unstoppable entities. We are worthy, strong, and so valuable. I want to give people hope. If you see me killing it while fighting a disease, you can do it too. We can kill it together.”

Inas’ new and electrifying single “Stupid” details a toxic relationship that she couldn’t walk away from, no matter how many times she tried. With this song, she hopes to show others that they are not alone in the mistakes that they may make. She explains, “You can be the smartest person, but be so stupid for just one person and that’s okay! You’re not the only one.”

Ultimately, Inas just wants to spread light and love through her art. She aims to move people and make them think differently. She put it best – “With so much going on in the world, I just want to make people feel good.

Even if it’s just one person, I’m happy.”

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Fashion Design Abitart by Vanessa Foglia (www.abitartworld.it) Amavis by Ada Santarelli (www.amavis.it) Francesca Cimini by Francesca Cimini (www.facebook.com/francesca.cimini.37) Gaetano Massari Roma by Gaetano Massari (www.facebook.com/Gaetano-Massari-Roma-193191174096555) Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito (www.facebook.com/hatsandcrafts) Lim.Glam by Paola Glam (www.facebook.com/LIM.GLAM) Luca Giannola by Luca Giannola (www.lucagiannola.com)

Country Lux

On Andrea Jiga: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Top Handmade Tricot by Francesca Cimini Georgette Long Skirt by Amavis Black Leather Belt by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam On Georgina Hobor: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Georgette Rocks Dress by Amavis Black Leather Bustier by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam On Jessica Bucci: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Georgette Long Dress by Francesca Cimini Embossed Shrug by Amavis Black Leather Bustier by Gaetano Massari Roma On Viktorie Ignoto: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Eco-friendly Top by Francesca Cimini Tulle Long Skirt by Amavis Black Leather Belt by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam 42 | VEUX | ISSUE 33 | LUXURIOUS

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On Andrea Jiga: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Top Handmade Tricot by Francesca Cimini Georgette Long Skirt by Amavis Black Leather Belt by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam

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On Antonia Fotaras: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Organza Dress by Francesca Cimini Jewellery by Lim.Glam Black Leather Cuffs and Bustier by Gaetano Massari Roma Black Boots by Charro

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On Andrea Jiga: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Kimono Shirt by Abitart Black Georgette Pleated Skirt by Francesca Cimini Leather Necklace by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam Black Socks by OVS On Jessica Bucci: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Stole by Abitart Chiffon Dress by Francesca Cimini Jewellery by Lim.Glam Black Socks by OVS On Viktorie Ignoto: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Kimono Dress by Abitart Lace and Neoprene Skirt by Francesca Cimini Jewellery by Lim.Glam Black Socks by OVS

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On Georgina Hobor: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Hand-made Shawl by Francesca Cimini Kimono by Luca Giannola Skirt by Francesca Cimini Jewellery by Lim.Glam Camperos by Sonora Boots

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On Andrea Jiga: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Hand-made Shawl by Francesca Cimini Kimono by Luca Giannola Lace Miniskirt by Francesca Cimini Jewellery by Lim.Glam Brown Chamois Camperos by Charro

On Viktorie Ignoto: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Kimono by Luca Giannola Handmade Lace Skirt by Amavis Jewellery by Lim.Glam Snake Camperos by Rocco P.

On Jessica Bucci: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Kimono by Luca Giannola Chiffon Dress by Francesca Cimini Jewellery by Lim.Glam Brown Camperos by Marni LUXURIOUS | ISSUE 33 | VEUX | 49

On Antonia Fotaras: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Organza Dress by Francesca Cimini Jewellery by Lim.Glam Black Leather Cuffs and Bustier by Gaetano Massari Roma Black Boots by Charro On Georgina Hobor: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Handmade Top by Francesca Cimini Laser Cut Organza Skirt by Amavis Jewellery by Lim.Glam Half-boots by Ermanno Daelli On Viktorie Ignoto: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Tulle Dress by Francesca Cimini Black Leather Cuffs by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam Boots by Marni

On Facing Page: On Andrea Jiga: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Top Handmade Tricot by Francesca Cimini Georgette Long Skirt by Amavis Black Leather Belt by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam On Georgina Hobor: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Georgette Rocks Dress by Amavis Black Leather Bustier by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam On Jessica Bucci: Black Merino Wool Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Georgette Long Dress by Francesca Cimini Embossed Shrug by Amavis Black Leather Bustier by Gaetano Massari Roma On Viktorie Ignoto: Raffia Boater by Hat & Craft by Gianluca Esposito Eco-friendly Top by Francesca Cimini Tulle Long Skirt by Amavis Black Leather Belt by Gaetano Massari Roma Jewellery by Lim.Glam

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ITALY photography: Rosario Talora (www.facebook.com/rosariotaloraph) make-up: Manuela Melillo (www.makeupsposaroma.it) Anna Lisa Giovannetti (www.facebook.com/lisajomakeup) & Vanessa Johansdutter (www.facebook.com/wanderlustmakeupbyvanessa) hair: Sarah Barbuto (www.facebook.com/Sarah-Hairstylist-435855919779058) fashion editor: Paola Glam (www.limglam.com) wardrobe styling: Paola Glam art director: Paola Glam styling: Francesca Cimini backstage assistants: Francesca Cimini, Ada Santarelli & Örkény Zsombor photography assistant: Daniele Sabatino & Claudio Panatta models: Andrea Jiga (www.facebook.com/AndreeaJigaModella) Antonia Fotaras (www.facebook.com/antonia.fotaras) Georgina Hobor (www.georginahobor.com) Jessica Bucci (www.facebook.com/Jessica-Bucci-167272913441916) & Viktorie Ignoto (www.vikiangel.wixsite.com/viktorie-model) In memory of Paolo Tallarigo Shot on location at Casale sul fiume Treja – Mazzano Romano, Roma - Italy

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Carnival Botanica

UNITED STATES photography: Natasha Bresna (www.infiniteimageryart.com) make-up: Roxy Arenas Arevalo (Unique and Flawless - IG @uniqueandflawless) hair: Karina Gutierrez (Unique and Flawless - IG @uniqueandflawless) fashion design: Cheri Elizabeth (www.cherielizabeth.com) wardrobe styling: Cheri Elizabeth (www.cherielizabeth.com) models: Nathalie Zender (IG @nathaliezender), Jennifer Prunty (Willow Model Management) & Kate Clarkson (IG @katesclarkson) 52 | VEUXAll | ISSUE 33 | LUXURIOUS gowns and headpieces

by Cheri Elizabeth.

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Throne Age 62 | VEUX | ISSUE 33 | LUXURIOUS

Dress by VANIKA Ring by ZARA Necklace by ZARA Head piece by Simons

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Dress & Dragon Scale Leather Cape by VANIKA Necklace, Earrings, Rings by TOPSHOP

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Fur Cape by VANIKA Skirt & Top by VANIKA Head piece by ASOS Ear cuff by ZARA Bracelet by Catherine Malandrino

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Dress & Dragon Scale Leather Cape by VANIKA Necklace, Earrings, Rings by TOPSHOP

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Dress & Quilt Fur Vest by VANIKA Choker by ASOS Earrings by ZARA Ring by ZARA

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CANADA photography: Ildiko Csorgo make-up: Vanessa Kiraly hair: Ildiko Csorgo fashion design: VANIKA Design photography retouching: Vanessa Kiraly model: Vanessa Kiraly Shot on location at Castle Village Enchanted Kingdom - Midland, Ontario, Canada LUXURIOUS | ISSUE 33 | VEUX | 69

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On the African Coast: Zanzibar and Chole Island LUXURIOUS | ISSUE 33 | VEUX | 71

Text by Vivien Hoang Photography by Andrew Oplinger and Vivien Hoang

We land at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, stepping out of the hot Cessna Caravan plane and onto the hot tarmac. We are on one of the islands of the Zanzibar, which is off the coast of Tanzania, and the southern sun beats down on us mercilessly. We bid a hasty retreat into the airport, pass quickly through immigration and find our driver Haji, who has an air-conditioned van waiting for us.

Asali Honeymoon Suite

It’s a one-hour drive north across the island and after the natural isolation of having been on safari in the African savannah for weeks, the sheer throng of humanity is almost overwhelming.

Haji expertly navigates us through the traffic, and around the overcrowded, public dalla-dalla busses with passengers hanging out the back. We pull off the main road, drive through the small village of Matemwe, and arrive at Matemwe Beach Guesthouse (www.mangoafricansafaris. com/zanzibar/matemwe-beach-guesthouse).

Matemwe Beach Guesthouse is situated on a pristine, white sand and palm tree lined beach.

The Guesthouse is actually a resort with 17 rooms, 5 suites and the large Asali honeymoon suite. It’s currently quiet on the grounds, as it is during the offseason and to our delight and surprise, we are upgraded to the honeymoon suite.

The Asali suite, with its luxurious hot tub, kitchen, and seating area, opens out directly onto the beach. The bedroom contains both an indoor and an outdoor bathroom. Every night, we dine on delectable soups, fresh seafood, and local coconut rice; dinner is served at a different location throughout the resort – poolside, on the beach, tucked away in an alcove.

Located on the hotel ground is also One Ocean Dive Shop (zanzibaroneocean.com); we are able to complete our PADI Open Water certification in their pool and out in the Mnemba Atolls with our English dive instructor, Craig. The waters are warm, clear and teeming with life and in no time, we are exploring the Indian Ocean beneath the waves.

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Above: Matemwe Beach Guesthouse main seating area and lobby Below: Beach outside the Asali Honeymoon Suite

Above: Sunset at Matemwe Beach Guesthouse Below Left: Diving with One Ocean Below Right: Dalla-dalla bus in Tanzania

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Zanzibar is also home to Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important crossroad of Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European cultures. The city is so named for the distinctive coral stone used throughout the city for construction. Stone Town is the former capital of Zanzibar when it was under Sultanate rule and its history is as rich as it is dark. It was a key city for not only the spice and ivory trade, but also the slave trade. Today, you can visit the old slave markets and pits on the Anglican Cathedral grounds, and see the solemn memorial.

Our tour guide, Abdullah, takes us on a walking tour through the various spice and fish markets. We stop to people watch at the infamous Jaws Corner, where people from all walks of life come to discuss politics, and pass by the kitschy Mercury House (Freddie Mercury was born in Stone Town). A few years ago, Zanzibar had political turmoil over a disputed election which resulted in several bombings throughout the city. But as we tour the city’s narrow alleyways, it’s just the regular hustle and bustle of a city life. We visit the Sultan’s Palace, which now houses a dusty museum displaying furniture and curios from the royal families, and pass by the House of Wonders and Old Fort. If you’re in Stone Town at night, Forodhani Park comes alive with stalls of local street food.

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Ruins found throughout the grounds at Chole Mjini

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We hop a flight south to the small Mafia Island.

Where Stone Town is a well-known travel destination with all the tourists’ trappings and traps, Mafia Island is quiet, rural and beautiful in its wilderness.

The crowds have not yet discovered the sugarwhite sandy beaches and coral reefs. But our final destination is not Mafia Island, but an even smaller and more remote island, Chole Island.

Chole Island is off the southeastern tip of Mafia Island and the only way to get there is by wading out to the waiting wooden dhow boat, waiting to ferry you across the waters. It’s just a short 10 minute ride, but you are instantly transported to another world. As we hop over the side of the boat, and follow the gentle lapping waves to shore, it becomes abundantly clear we are in for the adventure of a lifetime.

Despite being a small island, Chole Island was hotly contested throughout its history. During the European scramble for Africa during the 19th century, Chole eventually became part of the German territory. Under the German rule, slavery continued and beatings and hangings took place at the Customs House; the Customs House was left in ruins but is being refurbished. Many of the buildings from the Sultanate and colonial eras can be found abandoned throughout the island and the lodge property. Most are nothing more than walls that the local flora is slowly reclaiming.

We are staying at the Chole Mjini Lodge (www. cholemjini.com). But perhaps the word “lodge” is a misnomer, because where we are staying has no walls. Our accommodation for the next four nights is a massive two-story tree house, wrapped around a giant baobab tree. Chole Mjini was started by the ambitious and lovely Jean and Anne de Villiers, who opted to develop the property entirely by hand, using only local labor and material, and supporting the small local economy on Chole Island.

There are seven treehouses, each with its own unique design and views. We are staying in the Nne treehouse; it has a large comfortable bed surrounded by mosquito netting, a hammock for dozing, and an “upstairs” sitting area, to read and enjoy the breezy views. What it does not have is WiFi, electricity or running water – we are 100% off the grid and disconnected from the rest of the world.

This is a complete retreat from the high tech, interconnected life.

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Ferry to Chole Island, carrying supplies and passengers

Everything becomes different when you don’t have the usual conveniences but it brings a certain mindfulness to actions you used to take for granted. There’s no bathroom, but a clean and well-built outhouse not too far from the base of the treehouse. Fresh water basins provide water for washing your hands; you have to remember to put the bar of soap back in its case to stop animals from eating it. Every morning, we set our solar powered flashlights out to charge so that we have a light at night for simple tasks like changing into pajamas and brushing our teeth. The water for the shower is heated up using a kerosene candle. Dinner is done by candlelight, throughout the lodge grounds and each delectable meal is made with local ingredients and freshly caught fish. Anything that cannot be grown or caught on the island must be transported in by dhow.

We dine with Jean and Anne and the other guests; conversations go long into the night aided by good wines and fascinating people.

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The island is quiet, save for the birdsong. There’s no hum of electricity, no honking of cars. It’s possible to walk trails around the island, which is famous for its wildlife, particularly the large population of flying fox fruit bats. At dusk, the skies are filled with these large flying mammals as they dart among the trees, eating ripe fruit.

We venture to the local village, buy some handcrafted souvenirs before befriending some schoolgirls, who cheerfully sing us songs. The villagers on Mafia and Chole are almost all Islamic and out of respect for local customs, we dress modestly when visiting.

The pace is slower on Chole but it’s not without excitement. We spend an afternoon with Kitu Kiblu (kitukiblu. co.tz), a sustainable and ecologically respectful whale shark encounter operator, searching the Indian Ocean for these gentle giants. Unfortunately, the recent rains have driven the sharks into deeper waters, but we still enjoy a relaxing day on the waters. We have more luck seeing marine life when we go diving with Mafia Island

Top: Hammock in our tree house Bottom: Main dining hall, lounge and bar at Chole Mjini

Diving (www.mafiadiving.com); our local dive master Asheli takes us on incredible and awe-inspiring dives as we complete our PADI Advanced Open Water certifications. We spot eels, rays, turtles and fish too numerous to count, and Asheli’s infectious enthusiasm deepens our love of scuba diving.

The morning of our last day on Chole, we are treated to a spectacular thunderstorm. It’s a true testament to the construction of the treehouses as we are able to stay dry in the torrential downpour, cuddling while watching the streaks of lightening in the sky. Even a rainstorm can’t dampen the beauty of this jungle paradise; it reminds us of the wonderful simple joys of a dry shelter and hot tea.

Sometimes, we really do have to go to the ends of the Earth to find ourselves again.

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UNITED STATES photography: Kerri Jean make-up & hair: Chie Sharp fashion design: uku clothing wardrobe styling: Kerri Jean assistant: Jim Longino model: Madison Scroggin Shot on location at Boutique Photo Loft.

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