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LION WHISPERER KEVIN RICHARDSON l if e s t y l e ■ fa shion ■ l u x u r io u s watc he s ■ ya c h ts ■ r e a l e s tat e ■ pr i vat e j e ts ■ w ine s + spir i ts ■ e pic u r e Luxury Lifestyle

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D E PA R T M E N T

16 The Lion Whisperer Kevin Richardson spoke exclusively with Upscale Living Magazine about what it takes to ensure the preservation and protection of these magnificent beasts.

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“The Lion Whisperer” - Kevin Richardson shares with us what it is like to life amongst the most ferocious animals in the jungle. Read more on page 16

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Photo courtesy of Jackie Badenhorst

KEVIN

RICHARDSON The Lion Whisperer | By Heléne Ramackers

W

ith an innate love for animals that started when he was a young boy, Kevin Richardson should be lauded for his conservation prowess with lions, hyenas and leopards.

Best known as The Lion Whisperer, he spoke exclusively to Upscale Living magazine about what it takes to ensure the preservation and protection of these magnificent beasts.

KEVIN, TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF. I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa, in a suburb called Orange Grove. My fondness for animals was established at a young age and started with raising a baby bird with my father. I have always felt a connectedness with animals which made me want to become a vet. I didn’t get into veterinary science with my matric results so instead, did a BSc with the intention of reapplying. Ultimately my BSc led me down a different path and having completed it, majoring in Anatomy and Physiology, I decided to pursue a career in the exercise field including exercise physiology.

YOU HAVE HAD A LONGSTANDING LOVE FOR ANIMALS, STARTING AS ‘THE BIRD MAN FROM ORANGE GROVE’.

After raising the baby bird with my father at such a young age, birds became very close to my heart and still are. I’ve always admired how this species has managed to live closely with man and yet remain free. Sadly, this is not the case with all bird spe-

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cies and like other animals that pose a threat or conflict to man, they always lose this battle. As I was growing up in Orange Grove, more and more people caught wind of the fact that I was the one to bring all the sick, injured or baby birds to.

Before I knew it, my parents’ home became a rehabilitation and rescue center for these birds. Birds that could be released were released and those that couldn’t stayed. Before long people in the neighborhood were referring to me as ‘The Bird Man of Orange Grove.’

THEN, IN 1998, YOU MET 7-MONTH OLD LION CUBS TAU AND NAPOLEON AT THE LION PARK IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA, AND YOUR FATE (AND THEIRS) WAS SEALED. I had no idea of the path I was about to travel down when I met Tau and Napoleon. All I knew back then was that I needed to see them again and again after the first encounter. I didn’t have a clue of the world I was about to enter, but immediately knew that this was my calling. I visited Tau and Napoleon every day for the first six or seven months whilst still working at the gym, not knowing where this would lead.

When I initially got offered a part-time job at The Lion Park and then a full-time one, I grabbed the opportunity with both hands. Back then, before the internet and social media were at our fingertips, information could not be gathered as quickly and therefore much of what I learnt about lions and their behavior was through my interactions of trial and error.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME ‘THE LION WHISPERER’?

A photographer had heard about me and asked to do a photo shoot around 2006/2007. The pictures were then sold around the world to various news agencies and before I knew it, there were headlines calling me ‘The Lion Whisperer.’ The name stuck and soon people were asking about this lion whisperer. The more I told people that I wasn’t a lion whisperer in the true sense of the meaning, the more it stuck. Eventually a friend, who had a marketing background asked me why I was so opposed to being called ‘The Lion Whisperer’ as it differentiated me in the marketplace and was instantly recognizable. He told me people don’t remember people’s names, but by titles like ‘The Lion Whisperer’ they do. So, I decided I’d give it a try.

YOU ARE THE ENVY OF MANY PEOPLE; HOWEVER, YOUR JOB COMES WITH CERTAIN RISKS. APART FROM BEING EATEN ALIVE, WHAT ARE THE DANGERS YOU ARE FACED WITH ON A DAILY BASIS? Naturally, the main risk people think I face is being injured or killed by the animals I interact with. This was probably more of a real threat in my earlier, formative years as I was learning a lot in a short space of time with no mentor to bounce things off. Having worked now with lions, leopards and hyenas for two decades, the risk factor does reduce but is always there and something I don’t take lightly.

My interactions with the animals in my care, gives them a better quality of life in captivity. The whole world is becoming more conscious about our connectivity with animals and nature; this is no different with these predatory animals. Gone are the days that we should tolerate animals being put in cages, given food and water and think that’s good enough. They need so much more than this and the issue when you are keeping animals such as lions in captivity makes it that much more complex. There are so many viewpoints surrounding this issue like with most things in the world today.

FOR YOU, THE BENEFITS PROBABLY FAR OUTWEIGH THE DANGERS. Yes, they do, otherwise I wouldn’t do it. There are some people that argue that my interactions send the wrong message and may encourage people to go and pet a lion or even buy a lion as a pet, but what I have seen is that my platform gives me a powerful voice to speak on behalf of the lions, the messages that need to be portrayed.

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Photos Courtesy of Leticia Cox

For instance, I don’t think I’d be doing this interview if it weren’t for my intimate relationships I have with the animals. When we analyze the comments and messages we receive on a daily basis, one can immediately see the positive impact that we are having on educating people to the plight of the captive and wild lions in the world.

Many people from around the world write in to tell us that if it wasn’t for me, they would’ve had no idea lions were being bred in South Africa for tourists to pet and walk with and that they later got sold off to be hunted in what’s known as ‘Canned Lion Hunting.’ They also tell us they didn’t know that wild populations of lions were so severely threatened and that their numbers had declined to such alarming levels. Again, information that would not have been relayed if it wasn’t for what I do.

Furthermore, we have seen unintended positive consequences of my relationships with the animals, such as a man paralyzed in combat writing to us to tell us that if it wasn’t for my YouTube videos, he would’ve committed suicide and that the videos have brought him such joy, inspiration and purpose.

HOW DID YOU MANAGE TO BUILD THIS INCREDIBLE BOND WITH YOUR LIONS? Like any relationship, it takes time and effort. What I find lacking in the world today, is the ability of people to commit and persevere at something. This pertains to jobs, relationships, exercise and so many other things. We live in a world of instant gratification and if we don’t get what we want, we simply make excuses and move on. It should come as no surprise that a relationship that spans 20 years, took 20 years to nurture and build, just as it would with a human.

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YOU SEEM TO HAVE A VERY SPECIAL BOND WITH MEG & AMY. WHO ARE YOUR FAVORITES (I KNOW, IT’S LIKE HAVING A FAVORITE CHILD) I have a special relationship with Meg and Amy, however there are many other lions in the pride that I also share an incredible connection with.

It just so happened that these two ladies have been a hit with the people.

They seem to have an ‘on screen charm’, whereas some of the others aren’t as good on camera. And yes, truly there are no favorites.

I WOULD LOVE TO KNOW WHAT THE LION’S MANE FEELS LIKE – IS IT SOFT AND FURRY, OR COARSE? AND THE COAT? A lion’s mane is rather wiry and course. The coat is pretty much like that of a short haired dog when they are adults and it is more fluffy when they are cubs. They lose this softness when they are around twelve months or so.

THE BLACK LEOPARDS! THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY MAGNIFICENT! Yes, they are, but I think that like most unusual color variations, people obsess. I often say that if the world only had black leopards and a normal color variant popped up, people would go crazy. It’s human nature to gravitate towards the unusual or unique.

YOUR TAKE ON CUB ENCOUNTERS AND CAPTIVE BREEDING THAT EVENTUALLY TURN INTO CANNED LION HUNTING?

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This is a subject very close to my heart. For many years, I was unwittingly playing a part in this industry. Without thinking too much about it, I started working with lions, lions that were part of the petting industry. What many people don’t realize, including myself at the time, is how big this industry really is. You will hear many stories as to what happens to the cubs and surplus lions, some so convincing that you most probably will buy into them. I was sucked in very quickly myself and my relationships with the animals didn’t help me.

In many ways, people almost always assume that because they see you with an animal in a picture must mean that it’s your animal. The fact is that this is far from the truth and this complicates matters even further, because you can never just take a step back and analyze things objectively as you are emotionally involved.

Invariably there are people higher up making business decisions and the animals fall into this decision-making process. People always like to simplify things and I’ve been asked many times as to why I remained at a place that was involved. The answer is simple. I had forged bonds with many, many animals over the years

and I wasn’t prepared to just walk away without taking them with me. With no money to buy the animals, to build enclosures and land to put them I was pretty much stuck with two real options. Leave or stay. I decided to stay as I thought that I could effect change. Sadly, I was wrong as the demand for cubs to be petted in South Africa is simply too great.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no appetite from the South African government to more strictly regulate the breeding of lions in captivity and instead seem to condone or turn a blind eye to the ever-increasing facilities that breed lions. Currently there’s an estimated 260 lion breeding facilities in South Africa, with around 7,000-8,000 lions being kept (some argue closer to 12,000) and yearly around 1,000 lions bred in this industry get hunted in varying degrees of ‘canned’ hunts. These words are taboo in the pro lion hunting circles and the preferred term is ‘captive bred’ lion hunt.

There’s an old saying that says, ‘you can put as much lipstick as you want on a pig, but at the end of the day it’s still a pig.’ So, by the same vein, if a lion is hunted that doesn’t stand a chance of evading the hunter, no matter how small or big the area or whether the lion is hu21 Upscale Living Magazine |

man imprinted or not, it’s still in my opinion ‘canned.’

A big issue for me though in this whole industry, are the lies tourists are told when they pet and walk with these lion cubs. Story upon story is told, from mothers neglecting cubs to facilities saying that they keep all the lions they breed and offer for petting. At the end of the day, they don’t hold up to scrutiny, however are enough to placate the tourist asking the questions and thus the demand continues.

If one purely does the maths, you’ll soon realize that there simply cannot be enough good homes for surplus lions to go to and eventually will find their way into the lion bone trade and/or ‘canned’ hunting trade and/or facilities where the lions welfare become a huge concern. Saying you are keeping all the lions you breed is not a good enough answer, because at the rate lions breed, you will be sitting with a huge problem in no time at all and then have the added expenses of having to care for them properly, which costs run up very quickly.

Economically it makes no sense and businesses simply don’t operate that way. Therefore, welfare of these animals becomes a major concern.

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P R O F I L E HOW CAN THE KILLING OF THESE BEAUTIFUL BEASTS STOP? The demand needs to stop, but this is a really big ask as we have so many role players in this industry.

First, there is the breeding of lions for the petting and walking with lions industry. Parallel to this, we have lion farmers breeding lions for the trophy hunting industry and also the lion bone trade. Lion bones are sold legally to the Far East as substitutes for tiger bone.

Sometimes they are passed off as tiger bones. In July 2018, the Department of Environmental Affairs in South Africa upped the quota of lion skeletons for export from 800 to 1,500. This is to supply the increasing demand in countries such as PDR Laos, Thailand, Vietnam and China for the bones for ‘traditional medicine.’

There is also alongside this, the wild lion market where trophy hunters come out to hunt wild lions throughout Africa. Currently the quota for wild lions is around 10 per year in South Africa.

YOU ARE SEEN BY YOUR LIONS AS ‘PART OF THE PRIDE’ AND YOU ALSO PUBLISHED A BOOK WITH THAT TITLE. WHERE CAN WE GET OUR HANDS ON A COPY? The book is available on Amazon and people can download two free chapters from the book from my foundations website, www.kevinrichardsonfoundation.org WHY SHOULD PEOPLE NOT DO WHAT YOU DO? I have never said people shouldn’t do what I do, however, I’ve always cautioned that the relationships and experience I have, has spanned decades and the commitment I’ve made to the lives and well-being of these animals is for the remainder of their lives. Many people don’t think long-term when they delve into working with or keeping animals and this extends to domestic pets as well. Many simply act on a whim and don’t think about the consequences of their actions. My intimate approach to working with the animals does require a certain chutzpah and understanding of risk and that’s why I would advise against doing what I do.

YOU ALSO HAVE HYENAS THAT YOU HAVE A SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH. TELL US WHAT IS IT LIKE TO SPEND TIME WITH THESE MISUNDERSTOOD SCAVENGERS? It’s worth pointing out that hyenas are not just scavengers, and in many wilderness areas, hunt more than they scavenge. In many cases, they hunt more successfully than lions.

I had the same dim view of hyenas, as many people out there, until I got the opportunity to work with some. I quickly understood that I was dealing with a highly intelligent animal. This inspired me to read up as much as I could on them. I was surprised to learn how sophisticated and complex their society actually was, and that they weren’t just these pesky, smelly scavengers put on earth to give lions a hard time and be a villain to filmmakers.

I SUPPOSE YOU END UP WITH LOTS OF DIRTY CLOTHES WHEN YOU ARE ROLLING ABOUT WITH YOUR PRIDE. ARE LIONS SMELLY CREATURES? HAVE YOU CONSIDERED GETTING A DETERGENT SPONSORSHIP? Ha ha! Yes, getting dirty is part of the job. If you’re one of those people that always wants to be clean, then this is not for you. Lions, leopards and hyenas actually don’t smell bad at all. There are several myths out there as 22 Upscale Living Magazine |

Photo Courtesy of Leticia Cox

My views on them changed overnight and since my first encounter, I’ve been making it part of my mission to show people a side of hyenas they can warm up to and grow to love. I’ve noticed a mega change in people’s views and when I post pictures of hyenas nowadays, I can sometimes get the same amount of people liking the picture as that of a lion.

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P R O F I L E to how foul they smell, however this is normally when they’ve been devouring a carcass. Hyenas have some bad habits just like domestic dogs and love to roll in putrid smells, vomit and other interesting behaviors.

However, they also love to bathe and do so whenever water is available.

A detergent sponsorship is an excellent idea!

I have been fortunate enough to have the clothing brand Craghoppers sponsor me. The gear they supply me with is comfortable, functional and tough; it stands up to the punishment it gets given. But alas, even these garments have a short lifespan when working with lion and leopard. The hyenas are easier on the clothing but love to chew on my shoes; thankfully the shoe brand Zamberland came to the party there.

YOU ARE A SOUGHT-AFTER SPEAKER AND HAVE TALKED ABOUT YOUR CONSERVATION EFFORTS IN MANY COUNTRIES. WHICH COUNTRY HAS LEFT A LASTING IMPRESSION AND WHY? I’m always fond of visiting countries around the world as it makes you appreciate what you have in your own country. So often we moan about all the problems we have here, only to travel and discover that things are not as bad as they seem. Traveling puts things into perspective. I’m not sure I have a favorite as each country offers something special, but if I really had to choose, I’d say Italy is very high up there, especially Rome, because of the archaeological remnants of ancient Rome all around the town interspersed with the modern architecture. You can almost feel and smell gladiators fighting lions and tigers in the Coliseum and can only let your imagination run wild as to the types or lives people led back then.

IN 2018, YOU LAUNCHED THE KEVIN RICHARDSON FOUNDATION, A CROWDFUNDING CAMPAIGN TO PRESERVE HABITAT AND PROTECT LIONS. HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED IN THIS WONDERFUL INITIATIVE? The Kevin Richardson Foundation has been an initiative close to my heart for many years. I always wanted to set something up that could make a real difference in the conservation arena. The foundation has four main aims: to empower/educate people, especially communities on the fringes of wilderness areas and allow them to see tangible benefit from protecting wildlife systems, to acquire and protect habitat for wildlife as habitat loss is probably the single biggest threat to wild animals, to create a community of lion conservation collaborators worldwide and to maintain and protect the sanctuary and help bring an end to ‘canned’ hunting.

The first project we kicked off was the Land4Lions campaign, which is a Thundafund crowdfunding campaign to raise money to purchase the land the sanctuary currently resides on and to purchase the land surrounding it, which currently is home to wild lions too. We have seen such a tremendous response to this campaign and hope that instead of just being a one-off campaign, that it could become a movement in the future.

ANY EXCITING PROSPECTS FOR THE LION WHISPERER ON THE HORIZON? There are many things happening as a result of the formation of the Foundation, including working with some great organizations and people like The AfriCat Foundation in Namibia, doing great work to conserve and protect the wild lions in the Etosha region and with HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco who has an incredible passion for South Africa, its people and its wildlife. www.lionwhisperer.co.za www.kevinrichardsonfoundation.org

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F A S H I O N

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F A S H I O N

GIN & KILTS | BY RAJ GILL

Two Scottish brands have decided to set up a collaboration, gin and kilts what could possibly go wrong.

Increasingly brands are setting up collaborations with fashion designers to boost sales.

One such example is the recent union between Scottish drinks brand Caorunn Gin (pronounced “ka-roon”, Gaelic for Rowan Berry) and the rising star of Kilt making Siobhan MacKenzie.

Caorunn is approaching eight successful years and in that short time has won multiple awards. Most recently, a Gold Award for ‘Scottish Gin Destination of The Year’ at the very first Scottish Gin Awards.

Simon Buley, Gin Master, created this true Scottish gin in 2009, and has been hand-crafting Caorunn ever since. The work began when a 1920s copper berry chamber was transplanted to the distillery, this led to Simon scouring the area for natural ingredients that grew locally and had a significant Celtic link. He is involved in every step of the process ensuring that every bottle of Caorunn is of the highest standard.

Critically acclaimed Scottish fashion designer, Siobhan MacKenzie is making strides in a male dominated industry. Traditionally kilt making is left to the men folk. MacKenzie

brings her own set of special skills, and as a result her unique kilts stand out from the crowd. And this is what attracted the gin makers to set up the collaboration. Siobhan is a pioneer in the fashion world and put her knowledge and life experience to good use to help promote the gin brand.

She was given the task of producing a special bespoke kilt to celebrate Caorunn’s contemporary tartan which is officially registered by The Scottish Tartan Authority.

The traditional kilt dates back to the 1720s, Mackenzie offers a unique twist on this by contrasting multiple fabrics and colours. Born and raised in The Black Isle in the Highlands of Scotland, her Highland heritage and Clan Mackenzie roots inspired her Graduate Collection and have remained a firm inspiration transcending throughout the brand.

Her innovative design flair mixed with an exclusive Made in Scotland brand ethos reinvents the kilt, tailoring & knitwear into a contemporary Scottish Fashion Label.

Mackenzie says, “I was filled with inspiration on how to take the Caorunn tartan forward in a way which emulates the beauty aesthetic form of the Caorunn bottle.”

Simon Buley, continues, “The terroir, the process and the people ensure passion, innovation and tradition are poured into every bottle of Caorunn Gin.

We are proud others are able to take inspiration in what we do. I strongly believe in championing Scottish craftsmanship and Siobhan is the perfect example of what makes it so special.”

When asked if the union has been a successful one, Simon goes on to explain, “This is not the first time we have collaborated with Siobhan, last year we had a pop up bothy at Glasgow airport, where travelers could sample Caorunn and also purchase a bottle with a limited edition mini tartan kilt designed

by Siobhan. The activation was so successful for both parties we decided to work together again.

This time we’ve focused on championing Scottish craftsmanship. Siobhan took inspiration from the handcrafted process each bottle of Caorunn goes through, and then created a new contemporary Caorunn kilt with an urban edge.

Consumers and the fashion world are already very engaged with Caorunn as we are a super-premium gin and present at luxury events, but I do believe we have reached an even wider audience with this unique partnership.”

So as collaborations go this has proved to be a successful one for both brands.

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J E W E L S

Magnificent sapphire bracelet

by Cartier, circa 1945 - Photo courtesy of Sotheby's

7.8-Carat Tiffany Kashmir Sapphire Fetches $1.35M. Photo courtesy of Bonhams

Fine JEWELS

Magnificent jewels from a By-gone era

A gem set and diamond ring signed by Cartier, circa 2005. Photo courtesy Sotheby’s.

Legendary Marina Bulgari jewellery collection. Photo courtesy of Bonhams

An Art Nouveau multigem and enamel ‘Glycines’ choker, by Philippe Wolfers. Photo courtesy of Christie’s

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Upscale Living Magazine brings you an array of products and services to make your home your palace, the place that you enjoy When it comes to style, comfort and trendy, Upscale Living Magazine is the place to go.

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A George II Black, Gilt and Red Painted Pagoda Form Display Cabinet.

Pagoda Red. www.pagodared.com 31 Upscale Living Magazine |

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T R A V E L

TSALA TREETOP LODGE 32 Upscale Living Magazine |

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T R A V E L

High above the forest floor in the picturesque town of Plettenberg Bay in South Africa’s everpopular Garden Route, Tsala Treetop Lodge feels like coming home. | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HUNTER HOTELS

W

e arrive at Tsala Treetop Lodge late in the afternoon. The road to get to Tsala is beautifully scenic and it’s no wonder that the Garden Route is the favorite all-yearround destination of holidaymakers and residents.

Combine powdery white beaches and indigenous forests and you have a winning recipe. The weather is incredible, even in winter, making it the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of modern everyday life.

The arrival point at Tsala is an architectural delight, with its stonemasonry entrance, fringed by water features and the triangular shape with its glass windows, supported by Blackwood columns presents an eye-catching appearance. Our welcome is warm; we are offered the most delicious cappuccinos, hot chocolate and home-made biscuits.

We are shown to our Villa, Villa no 15 and the wooden walkway leads us to our impressive suite.

The two-bedroom Villa with lounge and plunge pool is the perfect antidote for any fatigued traveler.

My husband and I are accommodated in the master bedroom, with the most jaw-dropping views over the indigenous forest. Our daughter has her own room, with equally exquisite views. Both bedrooms have a full en-suite bathroom, tiled in black marble with the most inviting deep tub in the middle of the bathroom.

It is time to unwind and my attempt to carefully light a fire in the ceramic pot fireplace is a great success. Sipping on our sparkling wine while enjoying the complimentary snacks, we watch the sun sinking behind the treetops.

Tonight, we are dining at the highly acclaimed Zinzi restaurant. A short walk from our Villa, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The food is incredibly delicious and perfectly prepared – my husband and I dine on chateaubriand and our daughter feasts on her mouthwatering beef burger.

Back at our Villa, we decide to call it a night, but not before a cleansing shower with the Charlotte Rhys products. After a warm shower, I put my fluffy bathrobe and slippers on. Soon, sleep beckons and I climb into the oversized bed with its soft white bedding and accents of purple.

Today, we are heading home and preceding our journey, we enjoy a tasty breakfast at Tsala’s inhouse restaurant. The service is friendly, the food is superb – the choices are endless – a lavish buffet or your pick from the menu. My husband and I opt for the English breakfast and our daughter thoroughly enjoys her croissants and pancakes, washed down with the most delicious cappuccino and hot chocolate. Tsala really starts to feel like your home away from home. http://tsala.hunterhotels.com/home/ *** Views expressed are the author’s own.

TRAVEL TIPS Enjoy the best of Hunter Hotels by combining a stay at Tsala Treetop Lodge with Gorah Elephant Camp in Addo Elephant National Park. Visit www.hunterhotels.com for more information.

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KWANDWE PRIVATE

GAME RESERVE Eastern Cape, South Africa | By Heléne Ramackers

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Positioned in one of the most unspoilt wilderness areas in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province, Kwandwe Private Game Reserve spans over 54,000 acres of pristine landscape. Add to that the most spectacular accommodation, food and game viewing, and you realize you have discovered pure bliss.

“Mom, look over there”, my daughter instructs me, holding the pair of binoculars close to her face. I’m squinting, trying to look harder but I notice nothing. Our ranger hands me his binoculars and suddenly, I spot them – one mother, and one, two, three, four, five cheetah cubs! “Are we able to get closer”? I ask. This is really a once-in-a-lifetime sighting as a cheetah mother with five cubs is not something you see every day.

Our ranger, Brendon Dredge has already loaded tracker Dennis Yoli into the passenger seat and accelerates the Toyota Land Cruiser up the steep embankment. I wonder if we’re going to make it over the uneven, rocky surface and as Brendon stops the vehicle and turns the nose to where he thinks she might be, the most beautiful cheetah elegantly strides towards us, followed closely by her five cubs.

She looks hungry and is sniffing upwind to see if there is any prey in the vicinity. Having to look after five cubs and maintaining enough sustenance to feed them on a regular basis is no mean feat. The cubs are all sporting the adorable mantle that young cubs have to camouflage them from other predators. Mom trying to hunt turns into a game for the cubs and one by one, they run up to her, wanting to play. She is having none of it and eventually settles in the shade of a tree for them to all rest collectively.

Back at Uplands Homestead, our phenomenal accommodation for two nights and three days, we are warmly welcomed by host Somi Mngcongo. The homestead, originally built in 1905 as a farmhouse, was lovingly 40 Upscale Living Magazine |

restored after Kwandwe’s owners purchased the land. Decorated with antiques and collectables evocative of a settler home from the 1820’s, Uplands Homestead is the ideal home for exclusive use by six people or families traveling together.

My husband and I are staying in the master suite while our daughter is accommodated in the suite adjacent to ours. Each suite has a full en-suite bathroom with a modern twist, tiled to perfection and our huge bath is known as the ‘elephant trough’, large enough for a herd of elephants to drink from.

The beautiful wooden floors remind me of my grandparents’ home on the farm and so do the doorways, even the doorknobs are reminiscent of what was vogue in the 1900’s. Meals are best enjoyed in the dining room or outside, alfresco style. Responsible for the most mouthwateringly, delicious food is chef Ntiski Jackson.

Part of the well-oiled machine that ensures the smooth running of Uplands Homestead is Grace Thafeni, gardener Scura Mthana and housekeeper Myina Kebe. What makes a stay at Uplands Homestead even more perfect is that you have your own private ranger and tracker as well as a whole staff compliment to look after your every need.

It is early afternoon as we embark on a game drive with Brendon. We are driving towards Fort Dam and as the golden light sets in, we notice the outline of an animal in the distance. As we edge closer, we see it’s a sub-adult lion, basking in the late afternoon glow. There is a rustling in the bushes behind him and bounding out are three more sub-adult cubs – one male and two females.

We make our way to Heatherton Towers, where a lone cheetah had been seen earlier in the day. Brendon immediately sees her as she is sitting up-

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right, looking towards a herd of impala in the distance. She is perfectly positioned to stalk and pounce, but seems rather lethargic and as she lays down under a tree, we notice that she looks very pregnant.

The sun has started setting and Brendon suggests we see what the subadult lions are up to. As we get to where we have left them, they are up and about and on the move. They pause every few yards to listen – their mother is calling in the distance. We follow them until we get to an inaccessible patch and hope that they will be reunited with their mom.

Back at Uplands Homestead, the most delectable dinner is served, with calamari for starters, followed by delicious kudu venison, mashed potatoes and vegetables. For dessert, we all enjoy three different types of chocolate mousse.

Tonight, I indulge in a bath, filled with bubbles. The Karoo Lavender products are fragrant and very relaxing. Sparkly clean, I climb into the huge bed and as soon as my head touches the silky soft pillow, I am off to dreamland.

After a wonderful breakfast consisting of croissants, pancakes and English breakfast and the most perfect cappuccino, expertly made by Somi, Brendon takes us on our morning game drive. As we cross the Great Fish River, the white-fronted bee eaters are out in full force, warming themselves up in the sunshine. With the incredible cheetah sighting forever etched into our memories, we stop for a delightful early morning bush coffee stop, followed a little while later by an outdoor lunch at Uplands Homestead.

Ntsiki has outdone herself with a table laden with the tastiest food – vegetable penne pasta, beef sirloin, grilled baby chicken, artichoke salad and fruity pavlova for dessert. Before our afternoon game drive, we are treated to the most scrumptious high tea.

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On our afternoon drive, Brendon tries to find a leopard, but to no avail. Instead, we spot bat eared foxes and the same cheetah with five cubs we encountered earlier. The tiny fluffballs are fast asleep, until mom gets up to hunt. Hoping they will stay behind and don’t ‘blow her cover’, she stalks unsuccessfully while the cubs are running amok.

We are in for a treat tonight and driven to a secret location. Sundowners in the bush! The accompanying ‘snacks’ are to die for – imagine barbequed lamb sausage, beef sausage, pork sausage, chicken sausage, venison sausage, washed down with your drink of choice.

I can’t even think of having dinner as the ‘snacks’ were incredibly filling, but when I hear that we are dining on beef fillet, hand-cut fries and vegetables tonight, I know resistance is futile. I might just forget about fitting into my already tight clothes again.

The most astounding sunrise heralds our last day at Kwandwe. As we exit the gate at Uplands Homestead for our morning game drive, Brendon finds lion tracks. I remember him telling me the previous day that people (and it seems like animals too) fall in love with Kwandwe when they first set foot here and end up becoming return guests. That sounds like the most genius idea ever! See you soon! www.kwandwe.com Thank you to Saskia Brown from Kwandwe and Lucinda Lacon from Limosa Communications for arranging our stay.

Views expressed are the author’s own. | Photographs courtesy of Kwandwe and by Heléne Ramackers

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ARCHITECTURAL PLANNING J. Armando Leyva 253-653-6815

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CROATIA

EXPERIENCE LUXURY WITH CROATIA’S NATURAL WONDERS THIS FALL

| By Jarone Ashkenazi

DALMATIA COAST Dalmatia is the region on the Eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, mostly characterized as a coastal region with its coves, secluded beaches, islands and inlets. Its warm sea and picturesque landscapes consist of four areas: Zadar, Sibenik, Split and Dubrovnik. The coast is a paradise for yachtsmen, divers and sailing enthusiasts and also is a great destination for nature lovers.

Photo courtesy of Boris Kacan

S

ituated at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe, on the Adriatic Sea, Croatia is an incredible fusion of sea, islands and highlands. Croatia is the one-of-a-kind destination for diverse travelers, whether it’s families, friends, honeymooners, romantic getaways, or those looking for the ultimate party experience, outdoor adventures, or simply just relaxation.

While the majority of visitors’ flock to Dubrovnik and the island of Hvar in the Dalmatia region, Croatia is home to 10 regions – Istria, Kvarner, Dalmatia-Zadar, Dalmatia-Šibenik, Dalmatia-Split, Dalmatia-Dubrovnik, Lika-Karlovac, Central Croatia, Slavonia and

the City of Zagreb - and thousands of neighboring islands spanning a coastline of 6278km 3,625 miles, each offering moderately continental climates and several ecoregions. In the fall months, the weather is mild allowing visitors to still enjoy all the sites and outdoor activities available in the country and has the added benefit of not having as many tourists and being busy. Along with the colors of fall, and festivals celebrate everything from food to movies, music and sailing, experiences in Croatia range from 10 UNESCO sites, luxury hotels, eight vast national parks, elegant city centers, and a vast number of museums.

Northern Dalmatia has a litany of historic towns, jewel-like waters, rugged limestone mountains where sailing enthusiasts can explore unpopulated islands – must-see is the nautical paradise which is Kornati Islands the archipelago off of Zadar. With a terrain made up of picturesque islands and rugged mountains paired with a number of old-world castles and quiet ports and three UNESCO World Heritage sites, Central Dalmatia is the most action-packed and diverse part of Croatia. Spend time in the medieval walled UNESCO protected town of Trogir, visit the Diocletian’s Palace in Split and experience the glitz and glamour in Hvar town, the island’s hub and busiest destination. Hvar Island, famous since the antiquity because of its important strategic and nautical position, is Croatia’s most happening and sunniest island. Visitors familiar with five-star luxury features secluded getaways, will enjoy the mild climate, abundant cultural attractions and a robust nightlife scene. Famous for its pleasant Mediterranean climate and lavish summer parties, it is a town of a unique cultural and historical heritage and surrounded by turquoise waters.

Photo courtesy of Ivo Biocina

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T R A V E L DUBROVNIK OLD TOWN

(credit: Ivo Biocina)

Southern Dalmatia is a region to be explored by beach seekers and history buffs where tourists and visitors should walk the old city walls and forts and experience some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world.

In Southern Dalmatia, Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik Old Town – the highly photographed location seen throughout the world – visit Rector’s Palace and wander through the limestone streets, baroque buildings and the glisten from the Adriatic, all inspiring a sense of awe and beauty. And for those Game of Thrones’ buffs, King’s Landing was also filmed in Dubrovnik.

Photo courtesy of Ivo Biocina Advent in Zagreb. Photo courtesy of ZmlinaR Photography

ADVENT IN ZAGREB In Zagreb, the capital and largest city by population, neohistoricism and art nouveau architecture is seen throughout the city giving it a special charm. A mix of young and old, religious and secular, restaurants, cafes and bars, the city has a rich cultural life and the heralded Advent in Zagreb, which has been named (by European Best Destinations) the best three-times in a row as the best Christmas Market in Europe. Broken into three parts, Gornji grad (Upper Town), Donji grad (Lower Town) and Novi Zagreb (‘new Zagreb’), Zagreb is known as the city of museums as there are more of them per square foot than any other city in the world.

Among the many exciting museums in the city, one that is a must-go is the Museum of Broken Relationships, a global crowd-sourced project with permanent museum outposts in Zagreb and Los Angeles. Located in a baroque Kulmer palace in the Upper Town, the museum takes visitors on an emotional, heartbreaking and comical journey through a vast number of broken relationships.

KOPAČKI RIT PHOTO

Photo courtesy of Mario Romulic

In central Croatia, just north and east of Zagreb, features some of the countries most beautiful rural scenery. Lying in the valleys of the rivers Sava, Drava and Mura and home to numerous castles and Baroque towns, central Croatia is sprinkled with thermal and mineral water springs.

Home to Kopački Rit, a nature park and wetland area covering a total of 238 hectares, is one of the largest natural wetlands in Europe and has remained primarily intact, due to its inaccessibility to portions of the park, since the olden times.

Along with large herds of deer and wild boars, over 300 different species of birds are found at the park included rare and protected species like the white-tailed eagle and black stork. Tour the park on an excursion boat and traverse over swampy waters and get lost in the wetlands, forests and diluvial fields.

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PARK

Photo courtesy of Ivo Biocina

For the adventurous traveler, Croatia’s flatlands, hilly Northern region and a number of deep caves and lakes throughout, provides ample opportunities for exploring. Head out to Plitvice Lakes National Park and marvel at the park’s 16 lakes which flow beautifully into cascading waterfalls and sea-glass pools below. The UNESCO World Heritage Site can provide visitors with plenty of walking trails, an abundance of plant life, 160 species of birds to the wolves, brown bear and lynx and a bright fall foliage. For those a bit more adventurous, just 25 miles from Zadar, Paklenica National Park marks a destination for soft-adventure activities such as hiking, camping and cycling. Comprised of two dolomite limestone canyons called Velika (big Paklenica), and Mala (small Paklenica), activities in the park include: rock climbing lessons along with an abundant number of trails for cycling, hiking and walking.

WINE REGION PHOTO Deeply rooted in Croatia is their flourishing wine industry which has a history dating back to the Ancient Greek settlers some 2,500 years ago. With 300 geographically defined wine districts, their two primary wine regions are Primorska Hrvatska (“coastal Croatia”) and Kontinentalna Hrvatska (“continental Croatia”) which are divided across smaller vinogorje (literally, “wine hills). The indigenous grape variety – Tribidrag (also called Crljenak), has recently attained a massive uptick due to the research to identify the roots of Zinfandel and its popularity in the United States.

Photo courtesy of Fabijanic

Running from Istria in the north to Dalmatia to the south, Primorska Hrvatska is lucky to have long, hot dry summers and mild, short, wet winters which is particularly well suited to wine production. Where on the north coast the focus is on fruity dry wines and bold dry reds, further south in Dalmatia the islands and hillsides have a large variety of microclimates and use of indigenous grapes. Central Croatia (Kontinentalna Hrvatska) region experiences typical continental climate with cold winters and hot summers leading to concentration on production of white wines with the widely planted Graševina, which yields light, crisp, refreshing, mildly aromatic wines.

FOOD Croatia’s burgeoning wine scene is paired with a cuisine that is unique to every region and its culinary tradition. The cuisine is unique to each region of the country, allowing guests to have a taste of past and present influences along with local staples like the Zagorski Štrukli. A combination of old-word cuisine deriving from various cultures that have influenced the region with modern cuisine allow for a wonderful foodie experience. Using locally-sourced ingredients and sharing similarity with Italian, Austrian, Hungarian, and Turkish cuisine, Croatian cuisine is heavily influenced by the sea and its local produce.

Emphasizing the countries development of the local gastronomical scene, three Croatian restaurants have attained a Michelin-star one-star rating. Joining Monte in Rovinj, which received one star in 2017, was: Pelegrini based in Šibenik, 360º situated in Dubrovnik which received their star in 2018. Pelegrini abides the philosophy of unique experiences through fine dining, which is achieved through a gastronomic menu and deriving influences from French, Austro-Hungarian, Ottoman and Venetian cuisine. Set within the great walls of Dubrovnik, 360º overlooks the port and has deep roots in Mediterranean cuisine where chef Marijo Curić puts twist on locally sourced produce from Croatian regions.

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Photo courtesy of Ivo Pervan

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Photo courtesy of Sasa Halambek

ISTRIA WINE REGION PHOTO The western most region of Istria is the Adriatic Sea’s largest peninsula and features rolling hills and valleys, hilltop villages, vineyards and olive groves. As the world’s 2nd best olive oil region, it is a gourmet destination and also boasts the Istrian forests boast three sorts of black truffles, as well as the big white truffle. Those traveling in Fall are in luck as Truffle hunting season runs from October–December.

AD. The region of Istria has been a top olive oil growing region for decades producing with some of the finest award-winning olive oils in the world. Their status as a top producer of olive oils was recognized by Flos Olei, the only extra virgin olive oil world guide, which included 77 oils from Croatia, 11 more than last year, with two hailing from the Dalmatia region, and 75 from Istria in their guide.

Another notable product from Croatia is its award-winning olive oil production, with olives being a symbol of Istria since circa 50

With so much to choose from, Croatia is a destination that should be on everyone’s radar – no matter what age or interest – from cul47 Upscale Living Magazine |

ture, history, epic food adventure, old world European charm, or relaxing and enjoying an easy Mediterranean holiday — there’s always something for everyone who visits.

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Y A C H T S

the best yachts and yacht concepts | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

P

urchasing a mega-yacht cements your status in the ultra-wealthy.

Owning a multi-million-dollar massive vessel can be perfect to explore exotic and uncharted parts of the globe or also to invite friends and have a fun time at sea. For those who are ready to join this elite club or looking for inspiration for the design of their next yacht,

here are some of the best yacht and yacht concepts that we have come across in 2018.

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating.

There is simply no greater status symbol purchase than a massive vessel perfect for you and a few dozen friends to explore the most beautiful and exotic parts of the

globe. So for those in this elite club (or those ready and eager to join), we have prepared a prime selection of the most exceptional yachts for sale and yacht concepts for 2018. Fresh from the big boat shows (Fort Lauderdale, Monaco), here are our most illustrious finds.

SINOT YACHT – NATURE

HEESEN YACHT – HOME

Raising the bar in the mega yacht luxury category is the 120-meter Nature by Sinot Yacht. Unveiled at the Monaco Yacht Show, Nature follows Sinot’s policy of using the highest quality natural materials in each custom build on its outdoor decks and interior spaces. Designed to feel organic and harmonious with the environment, one of the yachts unique features is that the stern and side hatches expand, along with extending the roof hatches, which opens an open pool area perfect for both relaxation and entertaining. Along with an immaculate day spa and full-size gym, one of its key design elements is the spiral staircase at the center of the vessel which appears to float in place and connect lower and upper levels.

The lightweight aluminum hull of Home by Hessen Yacht allows it to be fuel efficient and achieve a top speed of 16.3 knots. Paired with hits near-silent hybrid propulsion, the wide staircase which leads from the swim platform to the main deck aft provides a grand entrance to the luxury yacht. The 50-meter yacht was designed by Italian designer Cristiano Gatto and gives cruisers an extremely modern and stylish feel on the water. In six staterooms, Home accommodates up to 12 guests and includes freestanding Paola Lenti furniture throughout a color palette of white, grey, silver and burgundy.

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Y A C H T S

DYNAMI – GTT 115

MESD 100 SUPERYACHT CONCEPT

The first superyacht with Porsche DNA, the 35-meter GTT 115 blends comfortable high-speed cruising with race-car inspired design. With a max speed of 21 knots and cruising speed of 19 knots using hybrid propulsion, the yacht has ceiling heights over 7ft and comes in a 3-cabin or 4-cabin deck plan. Available in Carrara White, Rhodium Silver, Chalk, or special Monte-Carlo Blue from Porsche line exterior colors, the 1000+sqft sun deck has four versatile zones: bar and barbecue zone; aft sunbathing area, an alfresco dining area with 75-inch home theatre screen and a forward pool. With a build time of 20 months from contract signature, only seven are to be built, making this yacht a truly an exclusive collector’s edition.

The 100-meter MESD 100 is the Superyacht concept from Norwegian Yacht designer Marius Skjolde. Included in the mega yacht is a large sloping deck with 7-meter pool and sundeck along with the yacht’s beach club which features a lounging space, spa area as well as a bar and a gym and direct access to the sea. With floor-to-ceiling windows on its upper deck and helipad found forward of the main deck, the sleek superyacht has a larger sun deck and a larger aft area from its predesccor.

BAGLIETTO – 43M FAST HT

ARCADIA SHERPA – PANTA REI III

The 43m Fast HT was designed by Francesco Paszkowski while the interiors by Margherita Casprini and is scheduled to be delivered in 2019. With a maximum speed of 28 knots and cruising speed of 25 knots, the sleek yacht can host up to 10 guests with seven crew members. Along with larger windows, significantly increased interior volumes and a hardtop to its sundeck, the interior uses beige and brown tones for a contemporary vibe.

The 17-meter custom yacht Arcadia Sherpa Panta Rei III starts with a Rolls Royce iconic Silver Sand color on the exterior, which went through two months of testing. The elegant sky lounge, with white sofas and 360-degree views, can also turn into an enclosed space, when its side windows are risen up to the hard top.

The two-cabin yacht are designed with rare marbles, handcrafted adornments, such as the hand-woven Jacaranda Chapatur carpet and spacious bathrooms.

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M O T O R C Y C L E S

DUCATI MULTISTRADA 1260 S The Ultimate Sport-Touring Machine | BY JAKE BRIGHT

For motorcycle manufacturers, getting the sport-touring equation right can be an elusive affair. There’s either too much sport, making long treks feel like endurance rallies. Or more commonly, the design favors touring comfort—at the cost of aggressive styling and performance.

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If there is an optimal balance of sport meets touring, Ducati found it in the Multistrada 1260S. The bike is versatile, eye-catching, wrapped with loads of ride enhancing tech­— and with 158 horsepower, hauls some serious hiney.

I discovered this testing a Multistrada for a week from New York City to Connecticut. The bike’s Italian name translates to “many roads”. So from Tribeca to I-95 to twisty seaside roads, I took the bright red Ducati on as many paths as possible.

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M O T O R C Y C L E

THE BIKE The heartbeat of the Multistrada 1260S is its 1262cc, twin-cylinder, electronically fuel injected Testastretta motor. The engine’s 158 ponies are complimented by 95 ft/lbs of torque.

[Photo: 1260.3] At $20,995, the 1260S is one of seven Ducati Multistrada variants. There’s a smaller 950cc model ($13,995) the base 1260 ($18,695), most expensive Pikes Peak bike ($24,995) and two dirt friendly Enduro versions.

For a couple grand extra the 1260S brings more comfort and performance tech than the standard Multistrada 1260. That comes first in Ducati’s digital Skyhook Suspension package, which allows riders to adjust damping on the fly, and for passengers specifically.

The 1260S also adds Ducati’s Quik/ Shift (DQS) for upshifts on the 6-speed transmission at full-throttle sans clutch.

It has cornering ABS—which allows for angled anti-lock braking through arced turns. The Multistrada 1260S also has Ducati’s Traction and Wheelie Control EVO, which can be turned off for those with an affinity for burnouts and front wheel popping.

From the bars and dash, the Ducati allows for multiple options to digitally program the bike’s handling characteristics.

Operators can make it easy by selecting one of four preset riding modes: Sport, Touring, Urban, or Enduro. Touring softens up the suspension and brings motor output down to Medium.

Urban brings the engine down to 100 horsepower and softens the ride even more. Enduro reduces ABS, nixes

Wheelie Control, and stiffens the rear shock. And Sport—where I kept the 1260S most of the time—delivers full engine torque and horsepower and optimizes suspension for aggressive riding.

And all these settings (and more) can be managed on a smartphone using Ducati’s updated Link app.

On comfort and convenience side, the Multistrada 1260S has cruise control and a pocket detectable, electric key fob—so you to jump on the bike, press the start button and go, without inserting anything.

For a little more cash, there are additional comfort and convenience options for the Multistrada—like heated grips or luggage racks—through Ducati’s Urban and Touring Pack upgrades.

THE RIDE When it comes to the performance, Ducati’s Multistrada 1260S has a very welcome split personality. You can ride the bike as tourer or daily commuter in relative quiet and comfort—albeit with the panache of the Multistrada’s hallmark Ducati design.

In any riding mode—at low to mid RPMs—the Testastretta motor runs so quietly and smoothly its power can be deceiving. I learned this early cruising out on I-95. In 6th gear, from 60 to 75 mph, the bike is so quiet and smooth there were several times I thought I’d stalled it.

So the Ducati Multistrada 1260S can be comfortable and tame, but turned naughty in an instant. You can spank this bike and when you do it lights up and performs superbly in acceleration, high speeds, hard braking, and cornering. It’s a rare and welcome dichotomy for one motorcycle to possess.

NITPICKS After a week riding the Multistrada 1260S it’s a stretch to suggest anything major for Ducati improve. I generally harp on manufacturers to put 400 pound plus motorcycles on a diet, but the bike’s 467 pound dry-weight is actually relatively light for a twowheeler packing a 1200cc plus motor.

Of course, shedding a few pounds would only add to the Multistrada 1260S’s sport capabilities, though the bike currently feels lighter than spec weight out on the road. My two small suggestions for Ducati would be a little more stopping power from the rear brake and a few millimeters more surface area on the rear brake pedal— which I found a bit narrow. That’s it.

THE SKINNY Ducati’s Multistrada 1260S offers an optimum balance of touring and sport capabilities in a stylish design package that sets it apart from the crowd. If you want a motorcycle you can tour on comfortably with a passenger one day—then hang with your sport bike pals on the next—it could be the ideal machine.

On each occasion, a throttle grab awoke Ducati’s signature roar and sent the bike speeding toward three digits on the speedo.

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A U T O M O B I L E

VISION EQ SILVER ARROW An emotive signpost to the future of design

Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Vision EQ Silver Arrow during Monterey Car Week, a yearly event attracting car aficionados and collectors from all over the world.

The one-seater vehicle is also an homage to the successful record-breaking WÂ 125 car from 1937. The paintwork in alubeam silver is reminiscent of the historic Silver Arrows which, for weight reasons, did not have a white paint layer. The interior is dominated by traditional, high-quality materials such as genuine leather, polished aluminium and solid walnut. The digital cockpit, meanwhile, points directly into the future: It includes a curved panoramic screen with back projection, as well as a touchscreen integrated into the steering wheel.

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A U T O M O B I L E

SPORTY SILHOUETTE With its clear, seamless design, the design idiom of the Vision EQ Silver Arrow is a brand-specific embodiment of the design philosophy of Sensual Purity. The streamlined silhouette of the approximately 5.3-metre long and approximately one metre shallow oneseater vehicle is slender yet sensuous.

The show car’s body structure is made of carbon fibre. The multiple layers of paintwork in alubeam silver appear like liquid metal over the top. This concept represents the design polar opposites of “hot” and “cold”. Functional attachment parts made of carbon fibre such as the front splitter epitomise the cool and rational aspect of this philosophy. The same applies to the front trim designed as a display, as well as the continuous lighting strip at the front. The side skirts also feature a lighting strip and the large, recessed EQ lettering in front of the rear wheels is illuminated blue as is characteristic of the brand.

Other highlights include the driver’s cockpit, which can be folded forwards, and the partially free-standing multi-spoke wheels.

The non-rotating hub caps and the partial trim on the wheels are other stylish and innovative highlights. The 168 spokes per wheel are made of lightweight aluminium and are painted a rose gold colour as is typical for EQ. Offering exceptional traction and correspondingly fast acceleration, the Vision EQ Silver Arrow has slick 255/25 R 24 tyres at the front and 305/25 R 26 tyres at the rear. Attesting to the attention to detail, tyre partner Pirelli has helped to realise a star pattern on the tread.

The rear diffuser is reminiscent of motorsport.

Two extendible rear spoilers act as an air brake by increasing the wind resistance when deceleration is desired.

BETWEEN TRADITION AND MODERNITY The interior of the Vision EQ Silver Arrow represents the values of Progressive Luxury.

The design idiom combines timeless aesthetic appeal with futuristic visions.

When the driver’s cockpit is folded forwards, it provides a view of the surprisingly wide interior.

A contrast brings it to life: On the one hand, it uses traditional, high-quality materials. These include saddle brown genuine leather on the seat and steering wheel, polished aluminium throughout the interior and solid walnut

with darker coniferous wood pinstripes on the floor. This creates a bridge back to the historic racing cars of the Silver Arrow era. On the other hand, modern, high-tech solutions such as the large projection surface for the panoramic screen and innovative user experience solutions such as the virtual race option (see below) represent the EQ’s typically visionary character. This contrast is an intentional merging of past and future.

The sitting surface and backrest have an unusual pattern which is aligned with the seat contour: Stars have been stitched in with the help of laser engraving. AIRSCARF neck-level heating is integrated into the seat.

A four-point seatbelt inspired by motorsport holds the driver securely in place. The pedals can be adapted to the driver’s specific stature, with a controller located on the seat for adjusting the pedals.

To match the exterior paint finish in alubeam silver, the side walls of the interior are covered in a luxurious, grey suede.

DOUBLE SCREEN AND VIRTUAL RACING The driver of the Vision EQ Silver Arrow is encompassed by a large panoramic screen on which a 3D image of the surroundings is projected from behind. As a pointer to future possible charging technologies, the lane of the roadway on which inductive charging is possible is superimposed onto the screen.

With the help of artificial intelligence it is possible to engage in a virtual race against historic or present Silver Arrow racing cars. For this a virtual racetrack is superimposed onto the real roadway on the panoramic screen and the driver sees their opponent either ahead of them or behind them as a “ghost”. The Virtual Race Coach assistance function helps you become a better driver by giving instructions during the race.

rechargeable battery in the underbody has a useable capacity of approx. 80 kWh and enables a calculated range of over 400 km according to the WLTP. Side air vents help to cool the battery.

THE EQ CONCEPT VEHICLES: OUTLOOK FOR ELECTRIC CARS IN ALL SEGMENTS

EMISSION-FREE DRIVE SYSTEM

With the Concept EQA, Mercedes-Benz demonstrated how the EQ strategy can be translated to the compact class at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Featuring one electric motor on the front axle and one at the rear, this electric athlete has a system output of over 200 kW. The drive characteristics can be altered by varying the permanent all-wheel drive’s front to rear torque distribution. The Concept EQA shows which drive program has been selected on a unique virtual radiator grille.

The Vision EQ Silver Arrow is conceived as an electric vehicle. This soundless Silver Arrow has an output of 550 kW (750 hp). The thin

At the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show, smart presented the smart vision EQ fortwo – an electric and autonomous vision for highly

There is also a touchscreen on the steering wheel. The driver can use it to select programs such as Comfort, Sport and Sport+, which offer different driving characteristics. Sound settings can also be configured here: Choices include the sound of a current Formula 1 Silver Arrow or a Mercedes-AMG V8 engine.

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A U T O M O B I L E

efficient and flexible local public transport.

Autonomous and electric-powered, the smart vision EQ presents a consistent concept for the future of urban mobility and the future of car sharing. The vehicle picks up its passengers directly from their chosen location and has no steering wheel or pedals.

The Concept EQ, unveiled at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, heralded the new EQ product and technology brand – a concept vehicle with the looks of a sporty SUV coupé that pre-empted many elements of the Mercedes-Benz EQC, which comes onto the market in 2019.

THE INSPIRATION: THE WORLD RECORD-BREAKING VEHICLE FROM 1937 The role model for the Vision EQ Silver Arrow is the W 125 twelve-cylinder, record-breaking car which Mercedes-Benz built in 1937 on the basis of the Grand Prix racing car.

For the new body in 1937, Mercedes-Benz was inspired greatly by the aviation industry: Examples include the recommendation from the development departments of the aircraft factories of Ernst Heinkel and Willy Messerschmitt to shorten the front overhang and to make the front more rounded. The front was also extended further down and ended more steeply at the tip.

As desired, this reduced lift on the front axle.

A longer and more strongly raised rear reduced lift on the rear axle. One striking feature – and inspiration for the designers of the Vision EQ Silver Arrow – was the round cockpit glazing modelled on a drop of water in terms of outline and cross-section.

With it, Rudolf Caracciola achieved 432.7 km/h on the A5 autobahn between Frankfurt and Darmstadt based on the average speed travelling there and back. This speed record on public roads stood until November 2017.

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G A D G E T S

STEALTH LUXURY GAMING TABLE BY 11 Ravens. This unique, oneof-a-kind brand which is based in Los Angeles makes some of the finest, game tables in the world can cost anything from $13,000 to above $50,000 and are customizable to any design theme. These luxurious pieces make an amazing collection and add great value to interior designing.

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EVEN’s H3 HEADPHONES provides a personalized sound customized to the unique way you hear in each ear. EVEN headphones have global distribution, from the U.S. to the UK and Japan.

EVEN creates the ultimate listening experience by combining the power of technology, sound and emotion with guidance from a team of musicians, sound engineers, software and hardware engineers. www.weareeven.com.

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GOLDGENIE 24K GOLD EMBELLISH IPHONE is the brand new addition to the Apple line up of iPhones which the company believe will be named the Xs and X Plus. The “Billionaire” iPhone Xs as it will be called will be limited to only 23 and numbered 1 – 23, each one will be stamped with the Gold standard Assay Hallmark at Goldsmiths Hall in London. In addition the Billionaire iPhone will include the top membership tier for the the Goldgenie Concierge service, giving access to a 24/7 365 day VIP service where any request to complement clients lifestyles can be catered to by their very own dedicated concierge team. Goldgenie pioneered the art of applying 24k Gold and other luxury finishes to several prestige car brands such as Roll Royce Bentley, Aston Martin and Lexus, them evolved into customising Apple, Blackberry and HTC smart phones along with other technology products such as iPads, and the iMac.

SEPTEMBER 2018 www.upscalelivingmag.com

D E S T I N A T I O N

MYKONOS THE BEST OF GREEK ISLAND LUXURY | BY EMMA-LOUISE O’NEILL

ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF STATHIS BOUZOUKAS

The beauty of the Greek islands is almost mythological - white-washed cube-style architecture and Byzantium churches set against the Mediterranean blue. Each island certainly has a charm all its own; Corfu’s sandy beaches, Santorini’s volcanic caldera and Delos’s ancient ruins…making it almost impossible to choose between them. As we were celebrating my sister’s 40th birthday, we wanted five-star luxury along with decadent fun – so Mykonos was the obvious choice.

A

lthough small is size, Mykonos has long been known for its flamboyant and glamourous nightlife, which of course attracts a very fashionably international crowd. So it’s no surprise that the island is now home to some of the best destination boutique hotels in Greece, as well as setting standards for the most fabulous and decadent beach clubs, which have been attracting an A-list clientele since the 1960s.

Nammos Beach (www.nammos.gr), the lively bikini-and-sushi beach club and restaurant at Psarou Beach renowned for attracting a traffic jam of superyachts anchoring off the shore in high season, is world famous.

Everyone goes for lunch, and stays for sundown – if you are lucky enough to get a table. And Nammos just got a little better with the addition of new beach cabanas featuring a private outdoor Jacuzzi, a butler to serve champagne, and even a dedicated private chef serving up delicious treats. Set slightly up from the beach, it’s certainly the most luxurious way to enjoy the famed party beach as you are guaranteed five-star service and a little privacy to relax.

The Psarou Beach crowd does glamour like nowhere else – this is designer beach fashion at its best and people are here to be noticed. Don’t be surprised if you feel a little underdressed upon arrival, so it’s rather lucky the international stores of Nammos Village are a short dash up from the beach. Brands such as Dior, Oscar de la Renta and Louis Vuitton and Christian Louboutin are among the stores set in lush botanic gardens, and the chances are you will return to the beach in an entirely new outfit – probably with five new resort outfits! (www.nammosvillage.com).

As we were celebrating a landmark birthday, we’d opted for a tailor-made trip to ensure we experienced the best this amazing Greek island had to offer – and our Mykonos concierge Angela (www.mykonosluxurytravel. com) took care of the finer details with a superbly planned trip.

Location is everything in Mykonos; a shortage of taxis means travel around the island can be challenging, so you need to ensure you have a hotel in a good location and 24-hour driver or hotel shuttle. The plush 5-star Kourous Hotel (www.kouroshotelmykonos.gr) has both – as well as a stunning clifftop location. It’s a picture-perfect Greek hotel, with serene all-white interiors and to-die-for views rolling down to Mykonos town, set off by the dazzling cobalt blue of the Mediterranean.

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With interiors by French designer Fabienne Spahn and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Kourous feels more like a stylish private villa than a hotel. Our suite came with its own private pool, so we could have happily stayed relaxing there all day (with a few trips to the Zoe spa for good measure) – however, the amazing selection of pastries and healthy breakfast (including the traditional local filo pastry pies with fillings such as spinach and feta) served around the main pool, with the views down over the activity of Mykonos town, always tempted us out to enjoy the atmosphere of the hotel.

Sunset is also a big occasion here, when it seems almost the entire population of the island emerges to watch the sky softly fade into the most spectacular rose-gold light. Little Venice, a quirky waterside area in Mykonos town that takes its name for looking strikingly like the real one, is probably the most popular spot for sunset, but as you’d expect it’s thronged – luckily, we had the most panoramic views in the luxury of a VIP private terrace at our hotel. I doubt there are better views anywhere on the island, especially as ours came with chilled champagne and fivestar service.

Kourous’ central location was perfect for making the most of the renowned Mykonos nightlife. The New Remezzo (www. remezzo-mykonos.com) restaurant, the newly renovated legendary island hotspot, is so good it features in every jetsetter’s little black book. The atmosphere is buzzy, the crowd glamorous and the fresh fish amazing. Mykonos devotees come back here year after year, it’s almost a ritual to do a big dinner at Remezzo – and we totally succumbed to its charm, so much so that we had to return a second night during our trip, and loved it just as much again.While the fabulous nightlife is definitely part of the charm of Mykonos, we were also in need of some pampering and time to unwind after a hectic few days. The second half of the holiday was going to be all about leaving the crowds behind and relaxing, and the majestic Blue Senerity Villa (www.mykonosluxurytravel.com) in Panoramas, in the north of the island, was certainly the perfect place for that – especially as it came with a concierge and five-star service, including a private chef who spoilt us with out-of-this-world cuisine (her peach and seabass ceviche was so good we demanded it daily).

So after a few days of doing nothing (despite the attempts of the concierge to tempt us on a private charter and guided excursion of the ancient ruins of Delos, the closest island) but admiring the stunning view of the Mediterranean from our infinity pool, working on our tans, having massages by the pool and eating like Royalty, we were ready to join the beach party set again. Luckily, the lavish Principot beach club (www.principote.com), was next door and boasted an amazing wine list to match any Michelin-star restaurant in the beautiful beach décor surroundings – proving it is possible to have the best of fine-dining while barefoot at the beach, a very unique experience.

That’s the charm of Mykonos, it serves up the most glamourous fun, set against the beauty of the Greek islands – something certainly on the wish-list for those big celebration holidays. www.elobrands.com | @elobrands

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D E S T I N A T I O N Kourus Hotel

Blue Senerity Villa Mykonos at night

Nammos Village

Nammos Beach Club

Principot beach club

Nammos Cabana

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