LIFESTYLE
GET AWAY FROM IT ALL UNWINDING IN THE ROLLING HILLS OF STELLENBOSCH Matthew Macris
A
nyone seeking a beautiful getaway destination would be hard pushed not to enjoy the landscape of Stellenbosch. Asara Wine Estate and Hotel may be one of the many hotels on offer in the region to lay claim to the environment, but as part of the exclusive and renowned Relais & Châteaux collection, it also offers luxurious five-star accommodation. The views, as one would expect in the wine region of South Africa, are breathtaking. Backed by mountains with a sweeping view of its own vines and the valley that lies below, Asara offers a tranquil environment in which to unwind whilst still being just a stone’s throw from the shops and restaurants of Stellenbosch. The hotel itself has 36 bedrooms, a grand ballroom, spa, delicatessen and tasting room, which should be enough to keep most guests occupied throughout their stay. In addition, Sansibar, the hotel’s cigar and whisky lounge, offers an old-fashioned feel with wooden finishes,
leather couches and an extensive menu of whiskies, imported cognacs and hand-rolled cigars. Raphael’s is the main restaurant at Asara and provides a taste of European-style cuisine as well as the full range of Asara’s wines, all of which can be paired with the courses. The décor is very welcoming, particularly with views of the dam and mountains beyond. I had an oyster starter followed by a leaf salad with deep fried haloumi and raspberry vinaigrette – all of which were beautifully presented, delicious, refreshing and light. Checking out the next morning, I was presented with a complimentary wine-tasting voucher, which I will make use of when next in the Cape. Wine tastings are conducted in The Wine Bar, which also provides a selection of cured meats, local cheeses and tapas for guests who like to keep a clear head whilst tasting the selection. Asara Wine Estate and Hotel: Tel +27 21 888 8000. www.asara.co.za
Audi R8 5.2 FSI Spyder
T
aking a great car and adding to its exotic status by removing the roof is guaranteed to garner plenty of attention – something the Audi R8 Spyder achieved when it was first featured on the set of Iron Man 2. In a way, the Iron Man (Tony Stark) and the R8 Spyder are a perfect match. While superhero Mr Stark flies around in a metal suit, so too does the R8. Built on Audi Space Frame (ASF) technology, coupled with a powerful V10 engine that will see you literally flying across the country’s landscape, the R8 Spyder makes you feel like a superhero. Well not quite, but at times you do feel like you have superior driving abilities. Although true to the original R8 V10 Coupé’s design, the Spyder does not have side blades behind the doors and instead features a pair of silver-coloured air vents over the engine cover that look more like shoulder blades. In front, the Spyder is distinguished by its brushed aluminium framed windscreen, but otherwise it’s pure R8, with gloss black accents front and rear, trademark LED day-time running lights in front, cannon-sized oval exhaust-pipes and 19-inch Y-spoke design alloy wheels. The electro-hydraulic fabric roof opens and closes in 19 seconds at speeds up to 50 km/h.
an angry growl on idle, but begins to roar with the enthusiasm of a volcanic eruption as the revs climb and the tacho needle snaps around its axis. It’s a sound track that when played against the backdrop of a mountain pass stirs the soul. The R8 Spyder is in its element on smooth winding roads and rewards with magnificent driving dynamics. The ASF chassis and quattro permanent all-wheel drive combine to impart bucket loads of confidence and ensure all the thrills without the spills. Priced from R2 126 420 for the 6-speed manual, the R8 V10 Spyder is a superbly competent supercar with the sex appeal and soundtrack to boot.
Sidle into the driver’s seat and you’ll find a welcoming interior. Leather clad, electronically adjustable seats hold driver and passenger comfortably and snugly in place. The switchgear and interior fit and finish are second to none, offering a premium sense of solidity. Behind the seats lies the 5.2-litre, 40-valve, V10 engine. Power remains unchanged from that of the Coupé, with 386 kW and torque of 530 N.m – enough to rocket the car from 0–100 km/h in 4.1 seconds and on to a 313 km/h top speed. The V10 resonates with
36
February 2011