YourLuxury Africa May 2023 issue

IT’S BEEN A THRILLING RIDE for the YourLuxury team since our launch six months ago. We thought it would be apt to celebrate with an issue dedicated to all things high energy, from fast cars to extreme adventures and adrenaline-pumping experiences. This being the month of the Monaco Grand Prix – the most glamorous race on the Formula One calendar – we kick-off with the high-octane drama of motorsport and delve into the world of supercars. We then take a look at timepieces made for F1 drivers, as well as watches created to stand the test of challenging conditions. If travel is on your agenda, consider a visit to one of the extreme bars we discovered or head off to the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah – one of the most exhilarating adventure destinations. While you indulge in this issue, we’ll continue to seek out the best in the world of luxury for you.

FROM THE EDITOR

The Patek Philippe Calatrava timepiece featuring a 1940s racing car zipping across its face against the backdrop of Geneva’s iconic Jet d’Eau fountain, was presented by the watchmaker at its Rare Handcrafts exhibition in early April. Part of a limited edition of only 10 pieces, the Calatrava commemorates the 1948 Nations Grand Prix that took place in the Swiss capital of luxury between 1946 and 1950. The artistic treatment of the timepiece exemplifies the highest accomplishments of three completely different and incredibly rare enamel techniques, namely Grand Feu Cloisonné enamel, miniature enamel painting and Pailonné enamel. With silver leaf detailing the race number, a Clous de Paris crowning the bezel and hand-pierced white gold hands evoking the buttons on a racing driver’s gloves, this watch perfectly captures the thrill and exhilaration of race day.

MY TOP PICKS

1.

3.4. 2.

5.

Longines Spirit Flyback Chronograph 42mm steel case with beige NATO strap, longines.com

EDITORIAL: ACTING & BEAUTY EDITOR Ingrid Wood ingrid@yourluxury.africa MANAGING EDITOR Matthew McClure matthew@yourluxury.africa

COPY EDITOR Tamlyn Cumings PROOFREADER Leigh Herringer leigh@yourluxury.africa IMAGE EDITOR Coralie Elske

ADVERTISING & MARKETING: MD Yvonne Shaff +27 (82) 903 5641 I yvonne@yourluxury.africa

ACCOUNT MANAGER: NATIONAL Gina van de Wall I gina@yourluxury.africa

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kate Walters

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Rachael Akerman rachael@yourluxury.africa

ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Yvette Mehl + 27 (21) 439 4907 I yvette@yourluxury.africa

MANAGEMENT: MANAGING DIRECTOR & PUBLISHER Yvonne Shaff

DISTRIBUTION & PRINT: DISTRIBUTION On the Dot, Media Support PRINTED BY Novus Print for YourLuxury: PO Box 1053, Sea Point 8060, Cape Town. All rights reserved. Whereas precautions have been taken to ensure the accuracy of information, neither the editor nor YourLuxury Africa can be held liable for any inaccuracies, injury or damages that may arise. The opinions expressed in the articles may not reflect those of the publisher. All prices correct at time of going to print.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Jacquie Myburgh Chemaly jacquie@yourluxury.africa

yourluxury.africa

Uni Form by Luke Radloff pocket gilet and cotton track pant, uniformza.com

Louis Vuitton Taigarama Duo Sling Bag, louisvitton.com

The Roger Spin sneaker, tifosisports.co.za

Pomellato Catene rose gold ring, bhhboutique.co.za

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, esteelauder.co.za

ROUND-UP OF EVENTS FOR ART, ARCHITECTURE AND BOOK LOVERS

LONDON CALLING

As a leading celebrity and royal photographer, Alexi Lubomirski has captured some of the most famous faces and iconic fashion moments. His new photobook, The Sittings 2003 – 2023, features celebrity portraiture and is being launched as a curated exhibition at Claridges Art Space. Pop in if you’re in London town before 19 May. You can purchase the book at the event or from alexilubomirski.com.

claridges.co.uk

READER’S DIGEST

The third weekend of May sees Franschhoek transformed by the annual Literary Festival. As always, you can expect a plethora of razor-sharp minds debate everything from culture, history and politics to national identity and loadshedding. On our radar is Blind Ambition, a documentary about Zimbabwe’s first national wine tasting team, to be screened on Friday 19 May. On Saturday, catch Antjie Krog’s sit-down with Dominique Botha to discuss her recent collection of poetry. Tickets are available from webticket.co.za. flf.co.za

WHALE OF A TIME

The FynArts Festival is on from 9 – 18 June in Hermanus and is the perfect excuse for a winter getaway. The back-to-back programme has something for everyone, from food and wine events to workshops, theatrical performances, art exhibitions and talks. Sculpture on the Cliffs at Gearing’s Point will showcase some exquisite new works, such as Guy Du Toits’ Thornpicker (right). Pieter-Dirk Uys is the recipient of this year’s Legacy Award and is performing his new show – don’t miss out.

hermanusfynarts.co.za

BACK TO THE FUTURE

If you happen to be in Venice between 20 May and the end of November, don’t miss the 18th edition of the Biennale Architettura, titled “The Laboratory of the Future”. Lesley Lokko, writer, academic and founder of the Graduate School of Architecture in Johannesburg, is this year’s Biennale curator, overseeing a lineup of exhibitions and workshops that promise to provoke and engage. Expect to see superstars such as David Adjaye, Sumayya Vally and Kate Otten at the Laboratory, along with other incredibly special projects. labiennale.org

yourluxury.africa

NEW ART FAIR

RMB Latitudes launches a new art fair in Johannesburg celebrating curated works of more than 250 artists and exhibitors from across the African continent. The New Art Fair Experience will transform Shepstone Gardens into art hubs, which will include an International Galleries Section curated by Nkhensani Mkhari, an Independent Artists Exhibition featuring works by Terence Maluleke (above), Lebogang Mogul Mabusela and Benjamin Selvatore among others, and Strauss & Co. talks. Wine, bubbly and food by chef James Diack will be available. On from 26 – 28 May; tickets via Quicket are R250pp or R400pp for a weekend pass. latitudesartfair.com

IF YOU’VE BEEN ENJOYING THE PRINT editions of YourLuxury Africa, head to our website at yourluxury.africa

There, we share news and views about the ultimate luxury lifestyle, with carefully curated content from all over Africa and beyond. From food to fashion, wine to watches, wheels to wings and fragrance to fine art – it’s all there in one exquisite online space. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook too.

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

AYANDA

Ayanda is an award-winning fashion editor who’s worked in the media industry for over a decade. She’s recently branched out into the lifestyle and decor space. Her definition of luxury is choice – being able to choose between takeout or a fancy restaurant, for example, as not many people are blessed with options. See: p32

Christine is a lifestyle journalist who focuses on fashion, society and the innovative women who usually run the show. For Christine, luxury is not about labels or constant accumulation – it’s the simple pleasure of being able to choose how you spend your time, all the time. See: p38

NAFISA

Nafisa has written about technology for more than 16 years, and is completely obsessed with the latest gadgets and idea of building a smart home. To Nafisa, true luxury is about genuinely appreciating what goes into a product or service and knowing that it’s worth the splurge. See: p31

NGOBO

CHRISTINE VAN DEEMTER

AKABOR

COUTURE WEEK IN PARIS is usually a rather chilly affair, but it’s certainly the highlight of the international fashion calendar and a gloriously glamorous way to kick off the year. And while the fashion media is filled with catwalk images and the odd fabulous wintry streetstyle sensation, it’s at the high jewellery presentations that the true glamour is finally revealed. Graff eclipsed all the jewellery houses this year with the unveiling of a breathtaking rendition of the maison’s signature Tribal necklace style – featuring a 50-carat D Flawless diamond surrounded by another 100 carats of pear, emerald, oval, round and baguette cut diamonds.

DiamondDazzling Couture

GRAFF UNVEILED ONE OF ITS MOST DRAMATIC HIGH JEWELLERY PIECES YET AT

COUTURE WEEK IN PARIS

The pendant section of the showstopper necklace is designed to appear as if the giant egg-shaped diamond is floating upon a diamond surround, with nothing visibly holding it in place. And suspended beneath the central stone, a layered fringe of oval and pear shaped diamonds adds drama and depth to the tribal design.

The contrasting, graphic design of the necklace – hand crafted at the Graff design studio in Mayfair, London – is certain to have caught the eye of high-end jewellery collectors and is the hero of this year’s Graff diamond collection.

The 50-carat diamond at the centre of this necklace was discovered in Lesotho, the source of most of the largest gem-quality diamonds found this century. It measures more than 30 x 20mm, and a stone of these rare proportions joins the unique collection of important diamonds that Graff has sourced during its 63-year history. graff.com ■

WORDS JACQUIE MYBURGH CHEMALY

HAUTE

Ready, Set, GO!

THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN GETTING THE ADRENALINE FLOWING WHEN ENJOYING THE OUTDOORS – AND, OF COURSE, A DAPPER MAN STILL WANTS TO LOOK GOOD DOING IT

COMPILED BY INGRID WOOD

The plate of Sherwood is a nod to Robin Hood’s legendary arrows: Memo Sherwood EDP 75ml, R5 140, skins.co.za

The ultimate responsibly produced water-resistant range for outdoor adventures,

Ascend Label men’s white and lime tennis T-Shirt, R850, sweater, R1 600, shorts, R2 500, ascendlabel.com

Louis Vuitton monogram velvet tennis racket cover, made to order, louisvuitton.com

Dr Andrew Weil for

Team Dr Joseph Intense Energizing Serum, R1 440, futurethis.co.za

WHEN YOU’RE OUT AND ABOUT AT A FRENZIED PACE, MAKE SURE YOU’RE EQUIPPED WITH THE RIGHT BEAUTY AND STYLE ACCESSORIES TO KEEP YOU ON TRACK

Louis Vuitton 2kg dumbbells, made to order, louisvuitton.com

Jimmy Choo Fever 100ml EDP, R1 899, select

A dewy glow (without the sweat), Dolce&Gabbana Solar Glow Universal Illuminating Drops, R850, woolworths.co.za

Energise

your skin with Lancôme Absolue The Revitalizing Oléo-

SPORTY

IT’S MONACO GRAND PRIX MONTH – ONE OF THE MOST GLAMOROUS RACES ON THE F1 CALENDAR – AND FORMER MOTOR RACER TURNED SKY F1 PRESENTER NAOMI SCHIFF WILL BE BRINGING US ALL THE ACTION. BORN IN BELGIUM TO A RWANDAN MOTHER AND BELGIAN FATHER AND RAISED IN SOUTH AFRICA, NAOMI SAYS IT FEELS LIKE HER CAREER HAS COME FULL CIRCLE

WORDS

IT’S NO SECRET that the world of Formula One is a rarified one. Just ask any of the 20 drivers on the grid how tough it was to get their hands onto the steering wheel of one of the fastest cars on the planet.

One has to give full credit, then, to 28-yearold Naomi Schiff – the newest member of the Sky TV F1 team – who has so elegantly turned a successful motor racing career into a life as an F1 presenter and analyst.

Naomi’s break into F1 presenting began last year, and it’s not an opportunity she takes for granted. “I have been on a journey to get somewhere my whole life, and for so long I didn’t know where it was going. Then last year I felt like I had landed where I’m supposed to be,” she says.

Naomi was born in Belgium but grew up in Sandton, Johannesburg, and it is here that the racing bug first bit. After a karting birthday party at the age of 11, she took up the sport full time and eventually followed her dreams to Europe. There, she carved out a successful career in the challenging world of motor racing. This culminated in a place on the grid at the W Series that had been launched in 2019 to create equal opportunities for female motor racers. By 2020, Naomi had taken on the role of diversity and inclusion ambassador for the W Series, but financial challenges have beset the all-woman championship, and its future seems uncertain.

Like so many other people who have been inspired by seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton, it was his career that set the tone for Naomi’s ambitions. She has previously shared the story of how, at the age of 14, Naomi and some classmates signed out of school early to watch Lewis race in a promotional event at the Kyalami Racetrack in 2010. Even though they couldn’t get in, she’ll never forget the moment Lewis came over to the fence to speak to them.

Many years later, Lewis continues to play an important role as an ally to Naomi. “When I was in W Series, he would share pictures of me as much as he could on his [social media] profile. He’s always said he wants to reach back and bring people forward, and I definitely felt that. Allyship is important for women in this sport, and to have that with someone who is at the top of the sport as I have with Lewis – I feel really, really lucky,” Naomi says.

JACQUIE MYBURGH CHEMALY

It was also Lewis who came to Naomi’s defence last year when a troll tried to derail her rapid rise as a race analyst by calling the racing driver’s expertise into question. The naysayers’ opinions didn’t find any traction though, and Naomi was subsequently offered a much larger role in Sky TV‘s coverage of F1. We can expect to see her covering between 12 and 16 of this year’s 24 F1 races.

One of them is the Monaco Grand Prix – the race Naomi’s been most looking forward to attending this year. This will be the first time she experiences the race for herself in the most glamorous of places.

“Obviously, for all the drivers, this is the ultimate race to drive and win. In terms of the atmosphere and how spectacular of an event it is, it’s the pinnacle of the race calendar,” she says. Naomi will truly experience the glamorous side of things, hosting a Q&A session with the current world champion Max Verstappen and fellow Red Bull driver Sergio Pérez on the TAG Heuer Yacht.

Even though her motor racing career has taken a different direction, Naomi is still passionate about promoting women in motorsport and still believes we will one day see a woman behind the wheel of an F1 car.

However, a lot still needs to change in terms of development amongst female drivers. “That’s why the W Series and F1 Academy are so important – they show the world that this is a sport for women too. We need women to have equality as well as parity; they need the same level of opportunity consistently throughout their careers,” she says.

Naomi feels that her voice can make a difference by bringing opportunity to the world of sport for Africa too.

A Crawford College and Wits alumni, she now lives in Paris and spends most of her time on the road travelling to far-flung F1 destinations. Naomi still visits South Africa at least once a year; this year she’ll come three times. She met her partner here and feels very much at home down south.

“I love South Africa – it’s still my favourite place in the world, and I come back as often as I can.”

Naomi always kicks off a trip back home with a nostalgic drive past her old school and a chocolate croissant at Fournos or a visit to Tasha’s in Morningside. She loves the bush, and makes a beeline for the Pilanesberg whenever possible.

When she heard that the South African Grand Prix that had been mooted for 2023 was officially off the table, Naomi was heartbroken, but she believes it may still happen. “I have high hopes that there will be an African Grand Prix in some shape or form. Formula E was a good starting point, but it’s such a difficult time

for Formula One to be trying to come to South Africa because the sport is booming and they have many big offers. I don’t know if South Africa was potentially not in a financial space to be able to do it. I just hope they’ll realise how important it is to have a race on every continent,” she says.

“I definitely feel a sense of responsibility to talk about this because there aren’t many of us in the room who can talk from the perspective that I can,” adds Naomi. “There are people in the F1 ecosystem that care about having an African Grand Prix, but I only have a small voice, and for it to happen there are going to have to be some of the bigger voices.”

Naomi takes every aspect of her role seriously, and realises how important the visual side of being a TV presenter is.

Dressing for television on the road is tough logistically, says Naomi, and that’s why she’s started working with stylists –chiefly to improve the sustainability of her wardrobe. Her first year in F1 presenting saw Naomi struggling to make sure she had the right clothes in the right place, which often meant buying a whole lot of clothes that she is unlikely to wear again. “I really want to build a relationship with the fashion brands and do more lending since it makes sense from a sustainability perspective,” says the presenter.

While the fashion is certainly secondary to her race analysis work, she believes it is an important opportunity for her to represent and express herself. “People are paying attention to these things, and I get a lot of lovely messages about my clothes and my hair – you can’t ignore it.”

Putting together a weekend wardrobe means making contingency plans for all types of weather, and Naomi needs to be in an outfit from early morning to late at night, as well as have a style progression over the course of the weekend. “I go from casual on a Thursday and then get smarter every day, with the emphasis on Sunday being the major look,” Naomi says. And while there are plenty of weather issues to consider when planning your trackside wardrobe, wind is probably the most challenging one. Apart from her stunning afro which needs controlling if wind is predicted, the matter of windswept skirts is more critical. Naomi says a female colleague introduced her to the solution early on: A visit to the Pirelli garage for some little lead weights that are used to balance the tyre rims. They work like a bomb on skirts too!

In just one year, Naomi’s life has certainly seen massive changes. Does she ever see herself returning to racing? She says she is incredibly grateful that her career path now provides her with financial stability in the sport that she loves, and it feels like she has come full circle. ■

NAOMI AND CARS

Dream racing rival: Probably Lewis. There is so much to learn from him – not only his driving ability, but also his character. I would learn quickly from his patience; he is so calm in the car. Your first car: A VW Polo. Current favourite mode of transport: An electric scooter – which has sadly been banned in Paris. Dream car: A Porsche 911 992 Turbo S. Dream family car: Mercedes-AMG G63. Car colour: Black, always.

FOR MANY, OWNING A SUPERCAR or an extreme sportscar is a symbol of success and achievement. But the real allure of a highperformance car lies in its ability to provide a driving experience that is both visceral and exhilarating. The sensation of hitting warp speed in just a few seconds surrounded by the intoxicating sound of the roaring engine, all while feeling the wind rushing past as you carve a tight corner at high speeds, add to the sheer thrill and excitement of owning a super sportscar. While extreme performance was earlier limited to track-only hyper sportscars, nowadays you can walk into a showroom and drive out in a road-legal yet track-ready car from mainstream automakers. These four extreme machines are equally as good for cruising the city streets as they are when hitting the apex on a track.

MCLAREN ARTURA

The Artura is the first series-production high-performance hybrid supercar for McLaren. It condenses ground-breaking hybrid technology seen in the limited-run P1 and Speedtail hypercars into a relatively tamer road car. The Artura is underpinned by the new McLaren Carbon Lightweight Architecture, which together with 130kg of hybrid components, helps keep the car incredibly lightweight at a mere 1 498kg. Powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine and putting out 585 horsepower and 585Nm of torque, the Artura darts from 0-100km/h in just three seconds, 0-200km/h in 8.3 seconds and 0-300km/h in 21.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 330km/h. But thanks to the electrification of its powertrain, despite all this firepower, the Artura boasts relatively lower emissions and can run in pure EV mode for up to 30km. The car also features a new eight-speed transmission and an advanced suspension system that uses sensors to adapt to road conditions in real time. The interior is minimal in its design but is equipped with the latest technology, including a high-resolution digital instrument cluster and a central touchscreen display.

ONEFORTHEROAD…ANDTRACKWHILE

yourluxury.africa

SOME OF US ARE WORKING OUT HOW TO FIT A VISIT TO MONACO FOR THE GRAND PRIX INTO THE DIARY, OTHERS ARE WONDERING HOW THEY CAN EXPERIENCE THE RACING EXHILARATION THEMSELVES.

HERE’S YOUR ANSWER… WORDS SONY THOMAS

BMW M4 CSL

The CSL, or Coupe Sport Leichtbau, is a nameplate that has historically been associated with BMW’s most lightweight and track-focused models. True to its name, the BMW M4 CSL is a high-performance sports car that combines lightweight construction with advanced technology and a race-inspired design. Lighter than the standard M4 thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic in the body panels, suspension components and interior trim, it’s also 100kg lighter than the BMW M4 Competition Coupé. This combination of reduced weight and increased output, which stands at 550 horsepower and 650Nm of torque, helps the car sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds. The top speed is an electronically limited 305km/h. Adding to these are tweaks that have resulted in enhanced downforce and stability at high speeds, and a range of performance-oriented features, including a track-focused suspension system and carbon-ceramic brakes.

MASERATI MC20

The MC20 is the model that heralded what Maserati calls its new era. One of the most beautiful two-door super sports cars around, the MC20 is an aerodynamic car with a drag coefficient of under 0.38. It also debuted the brand’s new Nettuno engine, a 621 horsepower V6 with torque of 730Nm that helps the car dispatch a 0-100km/h run in just under 2.9 seconds on its way to a top speed of 325km/h. The MC20 is also an impressively lightweight vehicle and weighs under 1 500kg, with a weight-to-power ratio of 2.33kg/hp. Complementing the car’s exceptional performance is the sleek, aerodynamic design, with sharp lines and a low-slung profile that gives it a distinctive look. It also features advanced technologies such as active aerodynamics and a sophisticated suspension set up, all of which contribute to the car’s outstanding credentials. For those who like al fresco driving, there is a drop-top version called MC20 Cielo, which has a hard top that folds down in just 12 seconds and can be operated at speeds of up to 50km/h.

PORSCHE 911 GT3 RS

There aren’t many other cars as purpose-built for performance as a Porsche 911. So when the German carmaker makes “purpose-built for performance” the key phrase for the 911 GT3 RS’s promotion, you know this is a car that has distilled everything the 911 stands for into an uncompromisingly designed package that delivers maximum performance. This road-legal highperformance sports car is powered by a high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.0-litre six-cylinder boxer engine that’s good for 518 horsepower and accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 3.2 seconds, reaching a top speed of 296km/h in seventh gear. The 911 GT3 RS offers three driving modes – normal, sport and track – allowing the tweaking of the settings including the rebound and compression damping of the axles. It’s lightweight, thanks to the extensive use of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic used in making the doors, front quarter panels, roof and hood. Lightweight CFRP is also used in the interior, including the standard full bucket seats as well as parts of the cabin trim. ■

ON THE WRISTS OF CHAMPION DRIVERS

APART FROM BEING OFFICIAL TIMING PARTNERS OF FORMULA ONE TEAMS, WATCHMAKERS ALSO BRING OUT SPECIAL EDITIONS DEDICATED TO RACERS

THE INTERCONNECTED HISTORY of motor racing and the watch industry has given us several horological icons. The Rolex Cosmograph Daytona and the Omega Speedmaster began their lives as racing chronographs before attaining legendary status for entirely different reasons. TAG Heuer’s Carrera, Autavia, and later Monaco were all connected to motor racing in one way or the other. This association between the two isn’t surprising though, as the results of racing events are entirely dependent on accurate timekeeping, from lap times and pit stops to finishes. The relationship continues to this day and at the highest level of motorsport, with most Formula One teams having a leading watch brand as sponsor. While prominent positioning in the race car livery is one of the benefits, the biggest

WORDS SONY THOMAS

OPPOSITE:

draw for watch brands from this link is the endorsement by celebrity drivers who have the potential to influence thousands of their admirers. Here we discuss a few watches worn by leading F1 drivers. One simply cannot talk about motor racing and watches without mentioning Rolex and its iconic Cosmograph Daytona Chronograph. The Swiss watchmaker’s ties with the sport date back to the 1930s when Sir Malcolm Campbell became the first driver to break the 300mph barrier driving the ‘Blue Bird’ and wearing a Rolex. The relationship was cemented further in 1959 when Rolex started partnering with the Daytona International Speedway, and named its now legendary chronograph after the racetrack. It was much later, in 2013, that Rolex became associated with Formula One as a Global Partner and the Official Timepiece of the races. Racing legend Sir Jackie Stewart and drivers Mark Webber and Jenson Button have all been Rolex ambassadors, and are often spotted wearing the Cosmograph Daytona. Keeping the historic bond between TAG Heuer and motor racing strong are Max Verstappen and Sergio Pérez of Red Bull Racing. While both drivers are often spotted wearing various models from TAG Heuer, each has a special edition watch dedicated to them. In 2021, TAG Heuer

marked Sergio’s home race, the Mexican Grand Prix, with a special edition Carrera Heuer 02 Tourbillon chronograph, of which only two pieces were produced. While one was presented to Sergio, the other was used to raise funds for the Checo Pérez Foundation. The 45mm timepiece is made of lightweight grade two titanium and coated with diamond-like carbon, in matte black with rose gold accents. TAG Heuer also presented Max Verstappen with a personalised version of the Monaco with the number one on the dial as well as on the case back, in a nod to his race number. Drawing inspiration from the TAG Heuer Monaco “Dark Lord”, this edition of the Monaco is also made with grade two titanium and coated in DLC. The non-limited version of this watch is still available.

Lewis Hamilton, one of the most successful drivers in F1 history, has been spotted wearing various models from IWC Schaffhausen, including the Big Pilot’s Watch, the Big Pilot’s Watch Top Gun Mojave Desert and the Pilot’s Chronograph 41. While a special edition IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronograph 41 Edition is dedicated to the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team with its bright green and black colouring, the champion racer has a limited edition named after him – the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Lewis Hamilton Edition. The watch has a deep burgundy dial with golden accents and is powered by the 52615 automatic movement, with a whopping 168-hour power reserve. The special watch was limited to 100 pieces and sold out, so if you want to buy it now, you’ll have to hope one pops up in the secondary marketplace.

Aston Martin’s official timing partner is Girard-Perregaux, with the remarkable Aston Martin Three Bridges Tourbillon being a fitting celebration of the tie-up. The Laureato Absolute Chronograph Aston Martin takes the partnership to another level, literally, with carbon taken from two of the 2021 season’s actual F1 cars and used in the watch. While Lance Stroll is often seen wearing this watch, Fernando Alonso, who joined the team this year, still mostly sticks with his favourite brand Richard Mille. And why wouldn’t he, when the watchmaker has released a special edition in his honour, the stunningly vibrant RM67-02 Fernando Alonso Edition? Created in the colours of Fernando’s F1 helmet when he was part of the McLaren team, this prototype RM 67-02 is said to be the only one of its kind in the world.

Keep an eye out as the season unfolds to see what other exciting new timepieces will adorn the wrists of these racers. ■

RIGHT: Retired British F1 driver and Rolex Testimonee Jenson Button; IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar Lewis Hamilton Edition;

BELOW: TAG Heuer Monaco, Max Verstappen Edition; Richard Mille RM67-02 Fernando Alonso Edition; Girard-Perregaux Aston Martin Three Bridges Tourbillon

F1 driver Lewis Hamilton wearing the IWC Big Pilot’s Watch Perpetual Calendar; Rolex Cosmograph Daytona.

BREITLING BRAND HISTORIAN AND AVID VINTAGE WATCH COLLECTOR FRED MANDELBAUM DELVES INTO THE WORLD OF WATCH GEEKS AND PETROLHEADS. HE DISCUSSES THE BRAND’S EXTENSIONS TO ITS PREMIER AND TOP TIME CLASSIC CARS COLLECTIONS

WORDS DEBBIE HATHWAY

WATCH ENTHUSIASTS and automobile aficionados have a few things in common. For starters, there’s the fascination with high-performance machines for both road and wrist, a love of mechanics, and what high-end watch brand Breitling expert, Fred Mandelbaum, calls a lack of logic when it comes to collecting watches. “There’s only pleasure and desire, which holds true for both [cars and watches],” Fred notes. The chronograph has long been a Breitling speciality. In 1932, Willy Breitling became the brand’s third-generation leader and introduced a game-changing innovation to watchmaking by patenting the second independent pusher at 4 o’clock. Breitling began producing aviation instrumentation and tool watches in 1937, establishing a reputation for precision and reliability. In 1943, they launched the Premier line, combining the precision of a tool watch with the style of a dress watch. Years later, in 2021, Breitling reintroduced the Premier Heritage chronograph collection, and this year the brand added six new references to the Premier assortment, all powered by the self-winding Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01. “The Premier range represents the move from tool watch to personal luxury. We took that pilot’s watch and gave it pizzazz, exuberance and elegance. And that’s what the Premier represents,” says Fred. The Top Time line, he explains, was a response to a crisis. The 40s were huge for chronographs – everybody wanted one –but dive watches became the accessory du jour a decade later. In the early 60s, the chronograph needed a repositioning to appeal to the emerging youth market. “The chronograph was maybe too elegant and didn’t catch the spirit of the swinging 60s – a period of good times and economic growth,” he says.

MOVING THE NEEDLE ON HIGH-PERFORMANCE OBJECTS OF DESIRE

The classic Top Time rejuvenates the chronograph, theming it around classic muscle cars of the 60s and early 70s, when driving was about more than just transportation. It was an experience and an expression of enjoyment of life. Breitling’s 2023 extensions to the collection includes the new Ford Thunderbird model and updated versions of the Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette and Shelby Cobra chronographs. While die-hard musclecar enthusiasts might argue whether the Cobra actually fits the bill, MerriamWebster defines the category as “any of a group of American-made two-door sports coupés with powerful engines designed for high-performance driving”. And, as such, the Cobra qualifies. Fred draws synergy between the attainability of muscle cars and Breitling’s inclusive luxury. “Muscle cars were different. Designed to be relatively affordable, they were not something you dreamt about but knew you’d never afford. They were something you could have. Breitling isn’t about closed doors, unachievable dreams or a decade of waiting lists. One of Breitling’s core values is inclusive luxury, and I think that’s another point where the combination of the American muscle cars and the Top Time works extremely well.”

Are collectors of the Premier range very different to those who hanker after the Top Time line? “Interesting question,” says Fred. “They are very different watches, although they are out of the same stable. When I dress up, I wear a Premier. When it’s a sports weekend, I take my Top Time. However, mine will be vintage, of course. Today, I think we need both. We need the classic sophistication of the Premier and that louder, more outspoken, self-assured Top Time.” ■

ABOVE AND

The Premier dial colours are classic, understated, timeless, elegant and sophisticated. The colour palette includes salmon, blue, green, black and cream with tone-on-tone chronograph counters and Super-LumiNova® luminescent hour and minute hands. The six models are powered by the self-winding Breitling Caliber 01, one of the industry’s most highly regarded chronograph movements.

FAR

Breitling has upgraded its Top Time Classic Cars collection by introducing the Breitling Manufacture Caliber 01, visible through the open-sapphire crystal caseback. The chronograph calibre increases the power reserve to approximately 70 hours, comes with a five-year warranty and is COSCcertified. The case has also been improved to provide increased water resistance of 100m.

LEFT:

LEFT:

PROUDLY RANKED AMONG

A haven where you and your family will enjoy a lifestyle like no other. Get your adrenaline pumping on the 50km mountain bike trail , jog on the 45km promenade or enjoy the clear crystalline waters of our 300m lagoon Take a scenic flight to your weekend getaway from the Ultimate Helistop or play a round of golf on our Nicklaus design championship golf course all nestled in our 2000 acres of indigenous parkland . This piece of paradise has 24/7 security to provide peace of mind while you enjoy all the amenities you could ever wish for.

NEW RENT TO OWN MODEL LAUNCHED AT OUR FLAGSHIP DEVELOPMENT, CITY CENTRE.

Book your exclusive viewing at www.steyncity.co.za or email sales@steyncity.co.za and marvel at the ultimate luxurious lifestyle on offer in Gauteng.

THE WORLD’S TOP TEN LIFESTYLE ESTATES NWWEALTH 2023

INSIDE MY...

BY DAY TEBOGO IS A CREATIVE DIRECTOR at a television network, but in his spare time he playfully labels himself as “an urban culture student that loves sneakers”. With an incredible collection of more than 400 pairs, he is well on his way to becoming a master.

Born in Mamelodi in the north-east of Pretoria, Tebogo saw himself as the black sheep. He wasn’t interested in soccer like everyone around him and spent most of his time immersed in books and movies. “I was desperate to figure out what actually powers up a lightsabre,” he explains.

“Growing up on the vibrant yet dusty streets made it hard to keep my sneakers clean,” Tebogo jokes as he talks about his earliest sneaker memory. “They were Converse Chuck Taylors. I wore them until there was a hole in the bottom that I had to fill with cardboard. My mom refused to buy a shoe that was associated with criminals, so I remember hustling my sister to buy me the shoes – which were on lay-by for a few months.”

His interest in sneakers soon began to grow. As he recalls, “What matters most in your teens is the ability to look cool, and sneakers were the thing. It was also about navigating having versus not, in a place synonymous with style and dope dress.”

Now a real aficionado, Tebogo buys shoes because he loves them and as an investment. But he doesn’t believe in keeping them locked away. He regularly visits his sneaker storeroom to put the next set in rotation. He tries to wear different pairs each month.

COLLECTION OF KICKS

Some of my top sneakers

BATHU SNEAKERS

“Local is lekker, so seeing this brand grow has been great. From them activating at Sneaker Exchange to having multiple billboards, they’ve convinced people to buy local, and are growing the industry.”

“These are arguably the first sneakers people have camped out for in South Africa. I remember bunking work to go wait in a long line just to buy them. They are now worth more than R50 000.”

Not content with just collecting, Tebogo, along with friend Zaid Osman, founded Sneaker Exchange. “It’s a meeting spot for like-minded sneaker enthusiasts, as well as a place to trade and market sneakers” he says. “It was born out of a passion for sneakers and urban culture, and has grown from a meet-up of 80 friends to an event of thousands.” The 2023 event will be happening later this year.

It’s not just his friends who support his obsession. The first pair of sneakers that his wife bought for him were the 310 Motoring and rapper The Game collab, The Hurricanes. “It showed she supported my love of sneakers and understood the madness,” he says fondly. ■

“I love American fashion designer Jeremy Scott’s work; he always comes up with next-level, outside-the-box designs. You know that you’re bound to get a really good reaction when you wear these sneakers.”

“I was gifted these by a real legend in the urban culture space, television and radio personality, Siyabonga ‘Scoop’ Ngwekazi. I’ve had the privilege of working with him and we connect on many levels. Our love for sneakers is unmatched.”

“This was an exciting sneaker to launch – a collaboration between Reebok and the late South African rapper, AKA. It was great to see him have the privilege of cocreating a sneaker. Long live Supa Mega.”

yourluxury.africa

WORDS JO BUITENDACH PHOTOGRAPHY ROELENE PRINSLOO

NIKE AIR X KANYE WEST –YEEZY

ADIDAS X JEREMY SCOTT

ADIDAS X STAR WARS–YODA

REEBOK X AKA –SUPA MEGA

CREATIVE GENIUS TEBOGO MOGOLA TALKS US THROUGH HIS IMPRESSIVE SNEAKER COLLECTION

ARTISTIC INTELLIGENCE

THE DAY BEFORE POSTING FASHION SHOW FOR ELDERS

Malik Afegbua had 3 000 followers on Instagram. Within days that number doubled, then tripled, then quadrupled as his virtual reality runway images enthralled social media users around the globe. The AI fashion show was a hobby project aside from his day job of producing commercials, documentaries and films. But it was one that he worked on with fervour because of what it meant personally.

Inspiration for the show came after Malik’s mother suffered a series of strokes, leaving the two unable to have their daily check-in conversations. Thinking about how difficult it must be for his mom being unable to communicate sparked an idea to portray senior citizens as kings and queens ruling their lives and the runway with wisdom and dignity. The images went viral and have since opened many doors of creative opportunity for Malik. He’s currently working on a docudrama about Nigerian textile designer and global fashion icon, Nike Davies-Okundaye, and has a slate of exciting projects coming up – including one for Marvel.

ON PURPOSE: “I am very particular about being unique and intentional about what I do. I simply don’t do things for art or entertainment. There’s always a story that backs it up. Every single thing I do has an underlying message.”

TURNING A NICKNAME INTO A BUSINESS NAME:

“My friends have always called me Slick. By the time I was at university and ready to start a company, the name Slick City was a no-brainer.” Malik studied business at the University of Sussex, but felt a strong pull to the arts. His first business focused on apparel and he customised t-shirts, belts and bags, first for himself, and then for friends and clients who wanted his distinct eye. A few years later he shifted focus from his clothing line to production and film, and he came up with the name Slick City Media.

ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: “I will always love using technology because it will continue to evolve. Whether people like it or not, it will always get better, which excites me. I’m happy when there is a particular innovation to use for telling stories or capturing data.” In the past few months there have been concerns about the use of AI in art and whether it could eventually replace or replicate human creativity. Malik understands the reservations, but believes that technology isn’t inherently bad.

NIGERIAN-BORN DESIGNER AND FILMMAKER MALIK AFEGBUA USES TECHNOLOGY TO TELL STORIES THAT HONOUR THE PAST WHILE IMAGINING THE FUTURE

A CAREER HIGHLIGHT: While they may have looked like they were walking at New York or Paris Fashion Week, the models in Malik’s virtual reality fashion show were all entirely his own creation, and their Afro-futuristic outfits were garments that he conceptualised from scratch. The whole runway show was created through AI software, with Malik using three different AI image generators to create the looks he wanted. Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter saw the images of Fashion Show for Elders on Instagram and commented, “This is so dope!!”. This brief exchange has led to a collaboration on a project for Marvel that Malik isn’t yet allowed to talk about. “It still feels like a dream,” he says.

THE JOYS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP: “I love the fact that you can grow, evolve, innovate and be a solution to something.” While he describes it as bittersweet, freedom is another benefit of self-employment that Malik relishes. “I am in control of my own time, but if I misuse it, I have to pay for it one way or another.”

ON CREATIVITY: “I draw inspiration from my personal experiences and those of other people. I live in my head and imagine things that exist mixed with things that don’t.”

HIS ASPIRATIONS: “I’ve got a few projects coming out that I’ve directed or co-produced on Netflix, but ultimately, I’d love to work on my own feature films and series.”

Follow @slickcityceo for more from Malik. ■

yourluxury.africa

WORDS NORMA YOUNG

WORDS FAEEZA KHAN HEAD OF RESEARCH AT FLUX TRENDS

FROM ENABLING BRANDS TO GENERATE NEW DESIGNS faster and allowing for quicker prototyping and testing to drastically reducing lead times from product ideation to launch, generative AI is proving to be revolutionary for brands, especially those in the luxury sector. By using AI-generated content like chatbots and virtual assistants, luxury brands can provide seamless and personalised customer experiences around the clock, providing additional value and convenience.

The use of generative AI has also enabled brands to create engaging and interactive in-store experiences that are immersive and personalised. Additionally, it improves the accuracy and speed of trend forecasting and inventory management, allowing labels to gauge consumer preferences and, ultimately, reduce clothing waste.

According to McKinsey, generative AI has the potential to generate around $275 billion in operating profits for the apparel, fashion and luxury sectors over the next three to five years. And this is where it’s heading…

PRODUCT INNOVATION

Human craftsmanship and the use of high-end materials will maintain the exclusivity of luxury brands. However, generative AI will begin to perform the function of design assistants while experienced designers oversee and curate their work. “Generative AI is like having an infinite number of design assistants, each with their own unique perspectives and ideas,” says designer Stella McCartney. AI can generate a myriad of design variations, some of which may not have occurred to the designers themselves, leading to heightened innovation.

CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

Customer data – like consumer profiles and online real-time interactions – can be used to curate better product recommendations on the retailer’s website and app. It can also provide a hyper-personalised styling service. To date, many chatbots have been frustrating to deal with and can often only provide very limited responses. However, AI chatbots will have the ability to answer more complex requests and can keep the conversation going, even giving styling recommendations after a shopper leaves the store. These would also enable more sophisticated virtual try-ons.

HYPER-BESPOKE

The extensive range of customer data that generative AI has access to can enable the hyper-personalisation of the products, creating an increasingly bespoke shopping experience. A customer can specify things such as colour, fabric and mood and the designer could use AI to assist in coming up with designs meeting those requirements. Glasses, for example, can be customised to the exact topography of a person’s face using facial-recognition technology. The AI platform Cala even enables users to design clothing for themselves. One starts with a basic silhouette, chooses ‘adjectives and materials’ and ‘trims’, and the software generates a variety of designs. This technology is relatively nascent, but demonstrates its potential. Designers could use such technologies to generate an initial set of designs which are then fine-tuned for the client, keeping the human touch.

DIVERSITY

There has long been a call for the fashion industry to be far more representative of its target market, which includes a large diversity of individuals of different races, shapes and sizes. Generative AI can create an endless supply of diverse fashion models – more so than human models could –that serve a wide range of customers. This way, a customer will be able to see exactly what a certain product would look like on them. Levi’s just announced a partnership with Lalaland.ai, a studio that creates AIgenerated models, to increase the number and diversity of its models. Since the announcement, however, there has been significant backlash for not using diverse human models instead.

But will generative AI ever actually replace designers? Probably not. Will it dilute the luxury fashion industry? Not anytime soon. Final decisions will always require human judgement and taste, but learning how to work with AI will be a valuable skill for designers. The London College of Fashion, for example, has already introduced an AI module. This technology is here to stay and it’s exciting to see how it transforms the fashion industry. ■

AI IS PROVING TRANSFORMATIVE IN THE LUXURY SECTOR AND IS INCREASINGLY BECOMING A GAME-CHANGER FOR BRANDS LOOKING TO MAINTAIN THEIR COMPETITIVE EDGE

OF THE BEST FITNESS TRACKERS

1. The Garmin Epix Gen 2 Sapphire in white titanium is the most expensive smartwatch from the brand, and pairs on both Android and iOS. It has a 1.3-inch circular display and offers round-the-clock health monitoring, even giving you a daily report. The watch packs in a 16-day battery life, has GPS, tracks most workouts as well as stress levels, sleep and hydration. You’ll also receive smart notifications. Some extras available include performance metrics, contactless payments and a jet lag advisor. R19 999, sportsmanswarehouse.co.za

2. The Apple Watch Ultra is the brand’s most advanced watch. It’s 49mm in size and is certified for diving, tracks a variety of workouts from yoga to triathlons and supports health features like heart-rate monitoring, ECGs, SpO2 readings and temperature sensing. It comes with built-in cellular and GPS, has a night mode, siren and a back-track feature, so you’ll never get lost. R19 999, istore.co.za

The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro is the brand’s top-of-the line wearable, aimed at adventurers. It’s available in 45mm featuring a 1.36-inch round display that tracks over 90 workouts. It has sensors and monitors for heart rate, blood pressure, sleep and bodyfat percentage, and takes ECGs. The watch is waterproof, has an 80-hour battery life and runs on Google Wear OS with third-party apps aplenty. Customisation options such as various digital faces and straps are also on offer. R11 999, samsung.com

Google Pixel Watch delivers the best of Fitbit and Google, offering the standard fitness and health tracking, including tracking your heart and supporting ECGs. It also monitors sleep, is water resistant and has Google Maps and Wallet built-in for directions and payments. Another unique feature is the ability to control other smart devices through Google Home. Though not officially launched in South Africa, the watch is available via third parties. R8 795,

Huawei Watch GT 3 Pro Ceramic is another top-of-the-line wearable to consider as it supports both Android and iOS devices. This stylish watch is all about aesthetics while it monitors the heart, tracks wellbeing, sleep or stress, and can be used for diving. There are more than 100 workout modes, plenty thirdparty app support and you can use it to answer calls or check notifications. It has a two-week battery life and is available in titanium. R12 999, consumer.hauwei.com

If you’re a Fitbit fan, its newest tracker, the Fitbit Sense 2, is packed with smart tech. It has a square high-res face, a six-day battery life and works with most Android and iOS devices. The sleek wearable offers extensive fitness tracking, heart-health and sleep monitoring and analysis, plus stress management. Now that Google owns Fitbit, it has Google Wallet for tap-topay, with Google Maps coming soon for iOS. R7 999,90, sportsmanswarehouse.co.za

FOR ALL THE SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS OUT THERE, HERE ARE THE BEST FITNESS WEARABLES YOU CAN GET YOUR HANDS ON WORDS NAFISA AKABOR

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WHAT’S WITH ALL THE RACKET?

IF PADEL HASN’T HIT YOUR RADAR YET, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR NEXT DINNER PARTY. IT IS, AFTER ALL, THE SPORT EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT

WORDS AYANDA NGCOBO

WHILE PADEL HAS BECOME INCREDIBLY POPULAR in recent years, the sport has actually been around for decades. It was invented in 1969 by Enrique Corcuera in Alcapulco, Mexico, and his friend, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg, later took it to Spain, building the first two padel courts in Marbella.

A racket sport – it is essentially a hybrid between tennis and squash – it’s played in doubles (two teams of two players) on an enclosed court made with glass walls and mesh sections. The scoring method is the same as tennis (15, 30, 40, deuce and advantage), with the difference being that the serve is underarm and the balls can be played off the walls, similar to how one would play squash.

The game is easy and quick to learn at a basic level, having many similarities to tennis. It is also not solely dominated by strength, technique or serve but more match-craft, as the game is won through strategy. Being a sport that is always played in doubles and often in groups of mixed ages, it has a great social quality as opposed to being purely competitive. The smaller enclosed court also encourages constant communication between players.

Worldwide, there are roughly 10 million people playing the sport in more than 60 countries and, considering how popular it is overseas, it’s no surprise that some of the most beautiful courts can be found abroad. For example, Padel Cassis Club in France is nestled between forest, sea and mountains with breathtaking views, while the Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives is host to a court built on a picturesque white sand beach surrounded by coconut trees. If you’re lucky enough to be counted as part of the exclusive few, Padel Villa Marbella – an invite-only club in Spain – is one to try.

ABOVE: Hurawalhi Island Resort in the Maldives RIGHT: Padel Villa Marbella

PADEL HACKS FROM THE PROS

Simon Raab, the co-owner of Padel Gear (padelgear.co.za), has seen more than his fair share of funny moments on the court.

“I’ve seen someone trip and fall through the back glass, which then smashed. It was quite frightening at the time, but when we realised the player wasn’t injured, it quickly became very funny. I’ve personally run into and tripped over the net on a few occasions, and once I went for a boast lob off the back wall and hit the ball directly into my face, taking my sunglasses and cap right off. The ball hit me on my nose and I couldn’t brush my top teeth without some considerable pain for a month!”

Simon recommends that you put a frame protector on your racket and get a ball re-pressuriser. “The frame protectors are cheap in comparison to the price of the racket and they do an amazing job of preventing frame damage to your racket. The ball re-pressuriser saves you the cost of buying balls in the long run – and is also better for the environment. The repressurisers are easy to use and can keep your padel balls bouncy for as long as the felt lasts.”

Damian Oosthyuzen, owner of PadelZone (padelzone.co.za), fell in love with the game after a summer holiday in Europe. “I hadn’t heard much about the sport, but it was extremely popular in two of the countries I visited – the Netherlands and Spain. My fiancée and I played padel almost every morning in the Spanish sun and were completely hooked.”

Damian has also seen his fair share of entertainment on court. “The first thing that comes to mind is the uncanny ability of a padel player to smash the ball into the net, no matter how close they may be to it,” he says. “When the ball is lobbed into the air, every fibre in your body makes you want to smash that ball onto the opponent’s side and out of the court for an outright winning shot, but it’s more challenging than one may think. I’ve seen my partner almost touching the net, smash the ball with all his strength straight into the back of the net on our side. It lost us a point that should have been a sure winner.”

• Alejandro Galán from Madrid is currently number one in both the World Padel Tour and Premier Padel World rankings.

• It’s very popular among some of the world’s sporting greats, including David Beckham, Roger Federer, Lionel Messi, Serena Williams and Zlatan Ibrohimovic.

• In Spain it’s the second most popular sport after football.

• According to the Guinness World Records, the longest padel marathon lasted 30 hours, 30 minutes.

• The highest padel court in Europe is at the world-famous St. Moritz ski resort in Switzerland, and has an altitude of around 1 822 metres.

• The first South African padel court was opened in 2019. There are currently 50 sites and 140 courts around the country, and it costs between R600k and R1 million to build one.

In order to maximise your enjoyment and improve your game quickly, he suggests that players focus on control over power and aggression. “Although coming from other racket sports like tennis and squash where you have to hit the ball hard to get it going and make your points, padel requires a much more controlled approach. Once you are a bit more comfortable, it’s all about pushing forward to the net with your playing partner to control the point.”

For a list of padel courts around the country, visit www.africapadel.com. ■

ABOVE:

Padel Club de Cassis

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: Nox Equation Lady WPT Racket, R4 999,95, and Nox AT10 Trolley

Padel Bag, R2 099,95, both PadelZone; Bullpadel Hack 03 racket, R6 995, and Nox AT10 Lux Padel Shoe, R3 750, both Padel Gear; RX #Greenpadel Racket, R3 499,95, PadelZone

WORDS RICHARD HOLMES

RAS AL KHAIMAH IS THE FOURTH LARGEST of the seven emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates (UAE). And while Dubai has built its tourism offering on western-friendly glitz and glamour, and Abu Dhabi stakes its claim as the cultural and spiritual heart of the UAE, Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is all about outdoor adventure.

It’s a destination on the up, and 2022 proved to be something of a watershed year for this tiny emirate with very big ambitions. Even the venerable Time magazine sat up and took notice, including Ras Al Khaimah on its list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2022. International visitors grew by more than 40 percent, attracting a slew of global hotel investments. With the likes of Marriott, Sofitel and Anantara building new properties, hotel inventory is set to nearly double in the next few years.

Not that you’ll be spending much time in your hotel room, that is.

WE WILL RAKYOU

THE WORLD’S LONGEST ZIPLINE

Most travellers will head straight for the Hajar Mountains which stretch from the eastern reaches of Ras Al Khaimah across the border into Oman. And it’s the peak of Jebel Jais – the highest point in the UAE – that has fast become the adventure capital of the Middle East, with rugged mountain landscapes offering up an impressive menu of adrenalin-charged activities.

The poster child for Jebel Jais is the Jais Flight; the world’s longest zipline. From a starting point 1 680 metres above sea level, riders fly down the wire – suspended face down in a Superman position – for 2.8 kilometers, or the length of 28 football fields, while reaching speeds of up to 160km/h.

If you dare to look down, you’ll find yourself flying across desert canyons and deep ravines. When you do come to a stop, the adventure’s not over. The first section ends on a glass-floored platform suspended 80 metres above the ground, with a final zip wire taking you back to terra firma. Too extreme? The Jais Sky Tour offers a series of more traditional zip lines that are a little shorter and speed along at a more sedate pace.

yourluxury.africa

A ROCKY ROLLERCOASTER

If you’re not one for the high wire, the Jais Sledder delivers all the high-speed thrills without the added aerial adrenalin. A little like a gravity-powered rollercoaster, the Jais Sledder’s steel rails careen up and over the rocky ridges of Jebel Jais, rocketing riders along almost two kilometers of track at speeds topping 40km/h. For family adventure and those afraid of heights, it’s an unforgettable mountain experience.

And while these adrenalin-charged experiences grab the limelight, it’s the mountain landscapes that are the true stars of the show. The sinuous switchback road that leads up the slopes of Jebel Jais is reason enough to visit, with the Jais viewing deck delivering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes of empty desert, ancient villages and date palm plantations. Outside of the summer (June to August) heat, the region’s hiking trails offer an immersive taste of the landscape, with the soon-to-open Via Ferrata – an ‘iron path’ laid into rock faces with steel rungs and ladders – upping the adrenalin factor.

DON’T BE ALARMED IF YOU’VE NOT YET HEARD OF THE EMIRATE OF RAS AL KHAIMAH. BUT ALSO DON’T BE SURPRISED IF IT’S THE DESTINATION ON THE LIPS OF EVERY ADVENTUROUS TRAVELLER THIS YEAR

FANCY YOURSELF A BEAR GRYLLS?

If all that adventure makes you fancy yourself an intrepid soul, make your next stop the Bear Grylls Explorer Camp. Established by the well-known British celebrity survival expert, the Explorer Camp offers a range of captivating wilderness experiences that will teach you everything from desert survival to celestial navigation. You’ll learn self-rescue techniques and skills ranging from trapping animals to lighting a fire (without matches). While the setting amid the Jebel Jais Mountains is spectacular, the cabins fashioned from shipping containers lean towards the rustic. Fine for a night, but don’t expect much R&R.

DOPAMINE OF ANOTHER KIND

Our advice? Book-end your adventurous escapades with a few nights at the Ritz-Carlton Ras Al Khaimah, in the breathtaking Al Wadi desert, an hour’s drive to the south.

This is desert luxury with a capital ‘L’. Set within a 500-hectare protected reserve, the resort’s opulent villas promise no end to indulgence, from private pools to a discreet butler service. This highly curated resort offers an array of culinary experiences, whether it’s discovering the flavours of the region at Kaheela or sipping bespoke cocktails beneath star-spangled skies at the al fresco Moon Bar. To fill your days, the expansive spa offers an indulgent rainforest experience, reminiscent of a desert oasis, while an experience concierge is on hand to curate everything from desert walks to falconry displays. You won’t be bored.

It’s an entirely new perspective on the United Arab Emirates, trading the bright lights and big-city bustle for bucolic desert landscapes. Watch this space… 2023 is the year of Ras Al Khaimah. ■

NEW ADVENTURES FOR LUKE DALE ROBERTS

AWARD-WINNING CHEF AND RESTAURATEUR LUKE DALE ROBERTS THRIVES ON THE PROCESS OF CREATION, THE FORGING OF A NEW CONCEPT AND THE STEADY PROGRESSION FROM NOTION TO REALITY

WORDS RICHARD HOLMES

“I’M ALL ABOUT THE BUZZ OF A NEW IDEA. Seeing it executed and watching customers enjoy it,” says world-renowned chef, Luke Dale Roberts. “That’s why I’ve always ended up doing a different kind of restaurant every time I’ve embarked on a new project.”

The latest addition to his portfolio of acclaimed eateries is certainly something new. Set just two floors below the hugely popular Pot Luck Club, Salon offers up an elegant and intimate space within the creative hub of The Old Biscuit Mill precinct in Woodstock, Cape Town.

“It’s not an easy time for the restaurant industry globally, but I suppose I am quite bullish,” Luke adds. “People have said we’re brave to do this, but the past season has been so good and so busy. If we can just hone this down and get the concept right, we should be in a great position.”

Salon is most certainly a concept that has evolved. Though it was originally imagined as a simple cocktail bar with canapés, it has since morphed into a more unique and layered experience.

But first, the decor. While the Pot Luck Club does make an immediate impression with its panoramic city views, Salon has to work a little harder. Enter designer Maurice Paliaga, who also worked with Luke on the ‘Dark Room’ concept at The Test Kitchen.

At Salon, Maurice has turned to colour and light to evoke the concept of a vintage French salon with contemporary chops. There are Art Deco window decals and velvet drapes, brass lamps and mid-century furnishings. But also a thoroughly modern entrance ‘tunnel’, a portal that transports you from modern-day Woodstock to a more elegant, cerebral space.

Step through into the intimate restaurant and you’ll find a cluster of four-top tables framed by leather banquettes along the walls. The marble tables atop wrought-iron stands are an authentic touch. But if you have a small group, the pair of exclusive booths are the best seats in the house. Beneath impressive crystal chandeliers and with an extra dollop of privacy, they’re the perfect space for earnest discussions and gastronomic adventures.

The menu at Salon is a testament to Luke’s years of culinary adventure all around the world; a set-menu of nine plates tracing his travels through global kitchens in seven countries. There’s an echo of the Dark Room experience at The Test Kitchen here, – which is certainly no bad thing – but new dishes extend from a typically inventive take on local shisanyama to Malaysianstyle laksa and Singaporean chilli-crab.

The wine list is compact but well curated, with the add on of an enticing cocktail collection created especially for Salon. Overall, it’s a culinary and creative space

that’s a perfect fit for Cape Town; a market Luke Dale Roberts knows well.

Johannesburg has proven to be more of a learning curve for him as a restaurateur though. While The Shortmarket Club in the Oxford Parks development has been a huge success, the much-vaunted opening of The Test Kitchen Carbon – located in the same development – has been far more capricious. Hence the conversion of the TTK Carbon space into the first permanent Johannesburg outpost of The Pot Luck Club, which opens this month. He also created the menu for the newest kid-friendly spot in Dunkeld West, Joy Jozi, assuring it’s a place parents will want to frequent as much as the children do.

“I think in many ways people are over the very serious fine dining experience,” the chef muses. “They want more choice and to just have an enjoyable, fun time while having dinner. That was certainly a motivating factor behind what we’re doing in Johannesburg with the Pot Luck Club. We’re also aware of our market. You want to create an experience where locals can come back regularly. You don’t want them visiting only once a year.”

And judging by the new menu, there will be no shortage of loyal locals. The tapasstyle menu combines some of the most popular Cape Town dishes with plenty of Johannesburg-only innovation added. It’s another new adventure, another new concept and one of the country’s most lauded chefs and restaurateurs can’t wait to open the doors.

“I’m 51 now, and it feels like I’m at a pivotal moment in my life,” says Luke. “I’m really eager to spend the next 10 to 15 years exploring new opportunities, new ideas and my own creativity.”

For more, visit salonpotluck.co.za ■

LUKE, BEYOND THE PASS...

EATS… “I really like Italian food, and I’m at A Tavola in Claremont at least once a week. I also really enjoy Limoncello in Noordhoek – they do the best pizza in Cape Town. Saigon is always a favourite, and I love Nobu for special occasions. On the weekends you’ll find me at Long Beach for a swim and a breakfast bun from AndRoc food truck.”

TRAVELS… “I recently got back from 10 days in the Seychelles. We stayed at Hilton Northolme and Mango House in the south of Mahé, and at Hilton Labriz on Silhouette Island. It was such a tonic to switch off and just fish, snorkel and swim. I really need those kinds of holidays.”

READS... “I wish I had more time to read, but I find that my mind starts to wander. The last book I read was The Promise by Damon Galgut, which I took to the islands.”

SHOPS... “Paul Smith is a favourite, and I enjoy We Are Egg in Claremont for local designers. I buy a lot from the surf shop in Kommetjie.”

FROM BELOW ZERO TO THE STARS, IT'S TIME TO GIVE YOUR LOCAL A SKIP AND HEAD TO ONE OF THE MOST EXTREME BARS IN THE WORLD

WORDS CHRISTINE VAN DEEMTER

MAKE DOUBLE MINE A

ADVENTURE

THE HIGHEST URBAN BAR IN AFRICA

Alto234, Johannesburg

Head up to the 57th floor of The Leonardo in Sandton to experience Egoli from new heights at Alto234, the highest urban bar in Africa. With the most spectacular 360-degree views, it’s the place to be at sunset and beyond, sipping on a signature drink. On a clear day you can see the Magaliesberg, and even the Voortrekker Monument to the north. alto234.co.za

THE HIGHEST BAR

Ozone, Hong Kong

Few cities have a more magical skyline than Hong Kong, its eastern and western history coming together in scenes of sprawling urban lights and ancient junk boats. And what better vantage point than 480m above ground, on the 118th floor of the Ritz-Carlton? At Ozone bar and lounge, you’ll practically be sipping your spritzer in the clouds, with Asian tapas and a house DJ setting the scene. The sleek rooftop bar is futuristic in design, with a terrace showcasing breathtaking city scenes. Don’t miss the Dom Pérignon brunch on Sundays. ritzcarlton.com

THE SECRET BAR

The Art of Duplicity, Cape Town

Don your Capone fedora and Mae West feathers and head to this underground speakeasy hidden in a secret warehouse in Cape Town. The 1920s-themed jazz and cocktail bar is only accessible with a password, which you'll receive when booking. Once inside, you can enjoy award-winning, unconventional cocktails by mixologist and coowner Brent Perremore while sinking into a vintage Chesterfield sofa, live jazz humming in the background. Snacks are tapas or platters and the vibe is Roaring Twenties – and with only a few dozen seats, your Gatsby dreams won’t be overcrowded. 170120.co.za

yourluxury.africa

THE MOST MAGICAL BAR

Northern Lights Bar, Iceland

Other-worldly Iceland offers countless vistas, with the northern lights a highlight if you’re visiting from September to April. But you don’t have to take in the magical aurora while standing outside freezing – simply sit back at Ion Adventure Hotel’s Northern Lights Bar and watch the skies dance. Designed as a glass box jutting out from the main building, the bar is a spectacular yet cosy setting, perched in a remote lava field. ionadventure.ioniceland.is

THE COLDEST BAR

Below Zero Ice Bar, New Zealand

There’s no bar cooler than an ice bar, and Below Zero Ice Bar takes this to extremes. Billing itself as the chilliest bar in Queenstown, it’s an all-year winter wonderland made from 30 tonnes of hand-sculpted ice. Everything is made from ice, from the walls to the bar and the glasses you sip your drink from – on the rocks, naturally. But don’t worry, you’ll get a jacket, gloves and boots before you venture inside. belowzeroicebar.co.nz

THE BAR YOU NEED TO GET FIT FOR

The Old Forge, Scotland

Lace up your hiking boots and hold onto your walking stick – Britain’s most remote bar is a solid two-day walk from the closest road. The Old Forge is a cheery Scottish pub in the village of Inverie – population just over 100 – and the hike to get there starts at the end of the UK’s longest dead-end road, taking in the mountains and lochs of the highlands. The northwest of Scotland is still wild country, but if you can manage the 25km walk, your reward will be an ice-cold pint from the local Knoydart Brewery. The only other way to reach the village is by ferry, so it's no surprise The Old Forge holds a Guinness World Record for most remote bar in mainland Britain. theoldforgecbs.org

THE UNDERWATER BAR

Subsix, Maldives

Take your sundowners underwater at the luxurious Subsix bar and restaurant at the fivestar Niyama hotel in the Maldives. As you go from your overwater villa to the underwater bar, the turquoise waters become the walls, teeming with curious tropical fish. A dramatic abstract chandelier covers the ceiling like coral, while the chairs mimic anemones. At six meters underneath the water and 500m from shore, you are truly submerged and can live out all your Little Mermaid fantasies – cocktail in hand. niyama.com

ORDERING IN

CHEF, AUTHOR AND AVID CYCLIST DAVID HIGGS NEEDS LITTLE INTRODUCTION. THE GUIDING HAND BEHIND GASTRONOMIC DELIGHTS SUCH AS MARBLE, SAINT, ZIOUX AND PANTRY BY MARBLE, HE’S AS COMFORTABLE GUIDING A FULLY STAFFED KITCHEN AS HE IS NAVIGATING THE CAPE EPIC. WE FIND OUT WHAT KEEPS HIM BUSY DURING HIS TIME OFF

WORDS MATTHEW MCCLURE

WHAT IS YOUR IDEA OF LUXURY? A weekend at home is a bit of a luxury for me. I always try to keep Sundays for myself, starting with a bike ride or some coffee with mates.

YOUR FAVOURITE INGREDIENT TO WORK WITH? Coriander. It’s a herb that you either like or dislike. It’s a chemical thing, but it transforms dishes. Curry is an obvious one, but if you are making salsas, you can’t do without coriander.

WHAT DOES A WEEKEND AT HOME LOOK LIKE FOR YOU? When I get the chance to be at home on the weekend – which isn’t too often – I’ll definitely make sure I spend some time on my bike. When I get home, one of my favourite meals to cook is breakfast. I like to make myself a proper fry-up and then put my legs in the pool. Then I do one of two things: order Uber Eats, or I have a lovely souvla braai. Also, I enjoy a glass of good whisky, wine or water, depending on my mood. I love coming home; I love my house. I’ve worked hard to get it, so I enjoy spending time there.

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME? It’s always been Namibia, where I grew up. I go to Swakopmund to reconnect with special friends, and it’s the one place I really feel at home. I get to do things that remind of my childhood, like fishing. It brings me peace.

THE ONE THING YOU DO AFTER WORK TO HELP YOU UNWIND?

I snack a lot when I get home. I’m quite an anxious person at work, but when I get home, that all goes and my hunger sets

in. I also train quite hard, so I literally have to leave the fridge empty, otherwise I’d just eat everything. I have to get creative because there’s not much in there; maybe a rice cake with some Emmenthal cheese, and then always Rooibos tea with collagen powder.

THE BEST REASON TO SWITCH YOUR PHONE TO AEROPLANE MODE? I don’t need a reason, it’s lovely. We literally run our businesses from our phones, so whenever I know myself and my business partners are away and I can safely turn off my phone, that’s a very special time for me. It doesn’t happen often, though.

DREAM FOODIE DESTINATION? A place I really want to go to is Japan. I’d like to visit for about three months. I also love the Mediterranean countries like Spain

DOWNTIME HOTLIST

and Italy. I’ve always eaten and lived so well when I’ve been there.

YOUR GUILTY PLEASURE? I’d probably buy a nice bicycle – the latest one with all the tech and bits. Or maybe a good whisky if I find something special.

THE BEST HOLIDAY YOU’VE EVER HAD? It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific one, but a holiday for me is when I do things that I love, like riding my bicycle. When I’m near water I’m so relaxed, so anywhere close to the beach is great. I’ve spent incredible summers in Spain and Italy, eating amazing food with special people. This year I’m heading to Sardinia, and I’m really looking forward to it. The best holiday is when there is good, simple food near the beach with sunshine –and obviously where I can ride my bike.

Your go-to leisure outfit: Without a doubt, jeans and a t-shirt. I love not wearing any shoes Your happy place? Definitely my home. I love my home. My dog Carlos is there and it’s my comfort zone. A song you’re listening to on repeat? The cover of Fleetwood Mac’s Dreams by Lanie Gardner. It’s quite incredible. Have a listen. A hidden gem you love? It might not be a hidden gem anymore, but Salvation Café in Joburg is a constant for breakfast. It’s run by a special friend of mine – I’ve known him since we were about 13 or 14 years old. A hobby you’d like to get into? The one thing I would really love to get into (which sounds ridiculous because I’ve been cooking as a chef for 34 years) is the art of making bread properly. One luxury that’s actually a necessity? For me, luxury is time, especially in this industry. I also have a soft spot for watches and I have a great relationship with Breitling. It’s really interesting to see the brand with Georges Kern at the helm and the amazing things that they’re doing. I’ve also been a part of the Mercedes-Benz family for the last seven years; a brand that is luxurious indeed. ■

yourluxury.africa