Prestige 82

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FA S H I O N | D ESIGN | J EW ELLERY | TR AV EL | BUSINESS | P RO PERTY ONE&ONLY CAPE TOWN • MCLAREN 650S • OFFSHORE INVESTMENT WITH A PASSPORT SIMONSIG’S SPECIAL GARLAND • JEWELLERY IN DUBAI • SOLAR ON THE HIGH SEAS R49.00

Issue 82 – 3/2015

Africa’s Premier luxury Lifestyle Magazine

The S-Class CoupĂŠ.

Welcome to the view from the top.

A sight of beauty and triumph. The S-Class CoupĂŠ, with industry-first curve tilting technology, leans itself into bends for ultimate driving comfort. Unveil a vision of performance, poise, and unparalleled luxury that can only be described as breathtaking.

Welcome to the view from the top. Visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/s-coupe Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African market.

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Upfront Ed’s Letter – Page 6

Inside Lifestyle – The latest luxury products – Page 8 Heart of Gold – Frederique Constant COO Aletta Stas-Bax talks about the founding of a new watchmaking company in a world where luxury is seen as tradition – Page 22 Become a Reflection of your own Potential – You receive according to how much you serve and feel you deserve, in life and in business, according to Human Behaviourist Dr John Demartini – Page 28 Go Global – Chris Buchanan talks to Nadia Read of Lio Global about the real benefits of investment for residence/ citizenship schemes and one or two blind side possibilities that could cost you dear – Page 32 Master of the Estate – When talking about lifestyle properties we tend to revert to golf courses, waterfront apartments and related holiday destinations. But, says Frederic Makelberge of Neo Estates, the last few years have seen a new trend taking shape in Europe – Page 36 Out on the Vines – The Red Carpet Fashion Show is a big fundraising event on the Cape Town fashion scene and Prestige is delighted to be the media partner – Page 44

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Getting Away from it all

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Only the Good – Chris Buchanan spends a weekend at the One&Only in Cape Town and is seduced by the setting, the level of service and the quality of its people – Page 50 Memories are Made of This – As the owner and operator of the Atlantis and One&Only brands, Kerzner International is committed to providing the ultimate holiday experience by staying focused on their number one core value: blow away the customer– Page 57

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Bet on The Bay – The Bay Hotel, in a number of its incarnations, has been an institution on the Camps Bay strip in Cape Town for over a century.

Chris Buchanan spent a night and found history, luxury, rejuvenation and a fantastic new menu – Page 60 Delta Dawn – Combining simplicity with elegance, Great Plains Conservation has created a camp in a remote and secluded spot, where Gillian McLaren is deeply impressed by all that she encounters – Page 64 World in Motion - Vivien Natasen experiences a day in the life of a Resident of The World Residences at Sea – Page 68

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Food and Wine

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The Spanish Connection – They arguably own as much of the whisky heritage as any producer.

Patrick Leclezio reviews a selection of whiskies owing their vital essence to the grapes of Spain – Page 74 The Vodka Phenomenon – Style over substance: how an unlikely, unassuming liquid took over the planet. Patrick Leclezio looks over the world’s most internationally popular spirit – Page 78 Laurel Wreath – Simonsig, the Stellenbosch wine estate famous for the pioneering role it played in the industry, has reached a new milestone in its proud history – Page 82

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Getting Around

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Sailing in Harmony – Arcadia 85 motor yacht is the first yacht to come out of this Italian based innovative yacht building company – Page 86 Paradise Found - Owning a super yacht in its entirety has its advantages because it’s yours and leaves you to do what you please with it. But maximizing the asset value is difficult with high running and berthing costs – Page 92 Spanish Caravan – Not one hour from the southern coast of Spain lies every motoring enthusiast’s fantasy… a private racetrack… welcome to the Ascari Race Resort – Page 94 Return of the Mac – Vivien Natasen drives the successor to McLaren’s highly successful MP4-12C, the 650S – Page 100 Merc’s all-new AMG C 63 – The W205 series Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a great car and now the AMG version is here, and pundits should note that the new car has a new name: It’s now the MercedesAMG C63 – Page 106 Prime-Evil – Stuart Johnston climbs into Mario Puzo’s Godfather character in the Supercharged 300C by RGM – Page 110

Final Say From the Publisher – Page 112 PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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UPFRONT

Publisher Vivien Natasen +27 11 484 2833

ED'S

Editor Chris Buchanan chris@prestigemag.co.za

people, planet, profit

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he concept of the Triple Bottom Line was coined by corporate responsibility specialist John Elkington in 1994 and is otherwise known as the Three Ps – People, Planet, Profit. You can tell a lot about a company by which of the Ps are prioritised and believe me, it leaves a lasting impression on customers and clients of said company when that priority comes to the fore.

I once worked for a large diversified media company that would boast about its profit bottom line in the same sentence that management used to assure staff that all was well with the organisation. Profit numbers had shown a consistent increase of around 12% for the last five years but the story in the operations centres full of the people who kept this media machine running, made for very different reading.

Salaries were the lowest in the market, increases were solely based on inflation and staff turnover was unlike I had seen in my media experience, most staffers leaving for higher salaries despite high levels of job satisfaction.

Management showed contempt for the rank and file, and counter-offers when staff resigned were unheard of. Priority = profit.

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing to be ashamed of in declaring profit in business, after all, that’s the whole point. It’s when profit comes at the expense of planet or people that we sit and take notice – petroleum, mining and cigarette companies being cases in point.

Richard Branson says you should treat your employees in the way you would want them to treat your customers and that your people are your

biggest asset in business.

There are businessmen who believe that the planet is our biggest asset and that respect for the planet holds the key to our longevity.

Within these pages you’ll come across two exceptional businesses that see true value in people, Frederique Constant and One&Only. They’re both relatively recent additions to established and traditional luxury markets, and they’ve clearly prioritised the planet and people above profit.

In the old days, we drove with our windows down without fear of a snatchand-grab and the only folk we saw at traffic lights were newspaper sellers and the crazy mob that descended on the town on university Rag weekend.

The students sold the same thing, Rag Mag, and everybody bought one and, until you could show a mag on the dashboard of your car, the mob, usually body painted in all colours, would flash Rag Mags in your face until you parted with your cash.

I would wait for the mob that put in bucket-loads effort to sell the mag and make me want to part with my cash and have a good laugh at the same time, not the ones who held it out hoping someone would buy the damn thing so they could go home.

And therein lies the rub with people whom you encounter as a client of luxury goods and services – they determine your experience of the brand and they treat you in the same way their employers treat them. That’s why I will always be loyal to certain purveyors of the things I hold dear, their people treat me like a friend rather than a customer, and they put a smile on my face.

CHRIS

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Layout and Art Direction Daniel Jonathan info@danieljonathan.co.za Advertising Sales Carly Natasen carly@prestigemag.co.za Calvin Pillay calvin@prestigemag.co.za Susie White 082 882 9391 Operations and Circulation Farhana Suder farhana.suder@neoafrica.com Digital Chris Buchanan chris@prestigemag.co.za Contributors Juan Miguel Beco, Stuart Johnston, Patrick Leclezio, Gillian McLaren, Eugene Yiga Printing Typo 011 402 3468 Subscriptions: To subscribe please go to www. prestigemag.co.za click on the Subscribe tab and submit the form. An invoice with banking details will be sent to you. Your first issue of Prestige will be despatched as soon as payment is made.

Costs: 6 Issues = R350 per annum excl VAT, other countries are subject to a postage surcharge and will be calculated accordingly.

PUBLISHED BY Neo Publishing (Pty) Ltd Tel +27 11 484 2833. Fax +27 11 484 2899 All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or any of its clients.

Information has been included in good faith and is believed to be correct at the time of going to print. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information and reports in this magazine, the publisher does not accept any responsibility, whatsoever, for any errors or omissions, or for any effects resulting therefrom. No part of this publication may be used, or reproduced in any form, without the written permission of the publisher. All copyright for material apearing in this magazine belongs to Neo Publishing and/or the individual contributors. © 2014

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ALL THAT

glitters Vivien Natasen attends the luxurious VicenzaOro jewellery expo in Dubai PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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n opportunity to experience fine jewellery in one of the highest valued markets in the world can never be missed. We were kindly invited to attend one such expo, referred to as VicenzaOro Dubai. The trade fair, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre, comprised jewellery, diamonds and gemstones and jewellery technologies only to retail buyers.

Essentially, Dubai wishes to firmly establish itself not only as a key market for jewellery, gemstones and diamond trading worldwide but also at the central hub for trading in the Persian Gulf. It also represents a partnership with Vicenza fair, a global leader in hosting such events for the sector.

VicenzaOro Dubai had exhibitors from the following regions: GCC countries, Africa, Southeast Asia, Russia, Central Asia, the former Soviet countries, and India. Attendance at the show was by invitation only to selected exhibitors and buyers. In a large scale fair like this with at least 500 exhibitors it takes a lot to stand apart from the crowd. There were some ingenious, inviting display stands and even more complex and exciting jewellery pieces that obviously took several painstaking hours to design and produce.

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What was most enlightening as a visitor was the opportunity to engage with manufacturers and jewellery makers on market trends, latest innovations in jewellery production, and most important, on bespoke fine jewellery, what inspired the maker into each piece. From unique handmade pieces inspired by history to modern pieces driven by science fiction, exhibitors had it all on display and

they were happy to explain the unique aspects of their craft. I have never seen such an array of expensive metals and stones on display in one arena.

With such a diverse range of exhibitors from so many countries, it was also interesting to note the different styles drawing from heritage of Italian, Greek or Indian designs in new unique ways of jewellery production allowing for more complexity in jewellery making.

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The summary highlights of the show are: •M ore than 6,000 Visitors and Buyers attended the Show; •A ttendees coming from more than 110 countries: UAE, India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Lebanon, Turkey, Egypt, Syria, China, Russia, Jordan, Azerbaijan, Kuwait, Algeria, Bahrain, Afghanistan, Thailand, Yemen, Australia, Qatar, Iraq and many more; •M ore than 500 exhibiting Brands, that covered 12,000 square meters; •E xhibitors coming from 20 countries: UAE, Italy, India, Turkey, Hong Kong, Belgium, Greece, Thailand, the USA, Spain, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Jordan, South Korea; The fair also allowed for a strong collaboration with fashion and jewellery. It also comprised several workshops by industry leaders on understanding gemstones, jewellery trends and market conditions.

Of interest during our visit was a selection of museum pieces in a separate exhibit which showcased the evolution of Italian handmade jewellery over the years. Some of these pieces were valued at well over a million Euro.

The VicenzaOro Dubai trade fair is set to become a permanent fixture on the Dubai trade expo calendar and can only grow from strength to strength with the right support already coming from authorities and committed individuals.

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WIDTH OF A

CIRCLE For the conception of Clé de Cartier, the challenge was clear: to create a new form based on a perfect circle. A task that may at first appear effortless. But, what seems straightforward is

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often deceptively so.

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he result is a feat of subtlety and restraint. Shapes are pared down and reduced to their essence.

Everything is a question of precision, balance and proportion.

Great mastery was employed to create a seamless flow, an elegant economy and a harmonious whole. Sharp edges were eliminated. The bezel is gently rounded, the horns smoothly tapered.

The new indexed winding mechanism combines both facility and conviviality. Specially developed with user-friendliness in mind, it incorporates a system that allows the time to be set with great ease. After making adjustments, it is possible to push the crown back in place and return it to its vertical position without the hands moving—an apparently simple gesture mastered thanks to Cartier’s consummate savoirfaire. And an exercise accompanied by a reassuring sound that enhances the sensorial experience. The act of both turning the crown and pushing it back in activates a gentle clicking noise. A sound with echoes of congeniality, quality and the complex inner workings of the finest timepieces.

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For Men There is a certain audacity to the ClĂŠ de Cartier collection for men. A look that exudes serene strength and self-assuredness. A design that reaches out to those who have grasped that the essence of life is to be found in equilibrium, clarity and restraint. Those who embody a quiet confidence and a tranquil force. A man who has nothing to prove. Who simply appreciates beauty for its intrinsic value.

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For Women A fine balance between strength and grace. That is the subtle equation fully embodied by the women’s collection. The case’s pared-down lines lend a sober sophistication, while the fluid rounded forms add a distinctly tactile, sensuous note accentuated by diamonds set flush to the case, making them silkily smooth to the touch.

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www.cartier.com PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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OMEGA

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GLOBEMASTER

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Created in the true spirit of OMEGA, the Globemaster houses the brand’s most advanced mechanical movement and features a design inspired by early Constellation models that represent horological expertise and OMEGA’s legacy of precision and outstanding performance. Each watch is certified through a series of independent tests – a revolutionary process that establishes a new

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wo design features that define the Globemaster are its dial, which is created in a style that watch collectors have long referred to as a pie-pan dial, and the “fluted” bezel, an element that has decorated several famous Constellation watches.

OMEGA’s history also influenced the Globemaster’s caseback.

Representing the precision awards that the watchmaker received for the outstanding performance of its movements during the famous chronometer observatory trials in the 1940s and 1950s is a medallion stamped with an image of a cupola of an observatory where the precision competitions took place. Eight stars in the sky above the observatory symbolize the most important precision records that OMEGA set and, reflecting how the brand’s commitment to quality has endured, the stars also signify the eight METAS-certified criteria that a timepiece and its movement must pass in order to receive Master Chronometer status.

In December of 2014, OMEGA

held a press conference together with the Swiss Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS) to announce a new watch certification process that will become active in 2015. The Globemaster is the first watch to be tested and approved according to this new process, which, in addition to measuring the performance of the watch in daily wearing conditions, ensures that it functions properly when exposed to strong magnetic fields of 15,000 gauss. Any watch brand can submit its watches for these METASapproved tests in order to receive Master Chronometer standing, a label that at once makes a statement about the quality of not only the mechanical movement but also of the watch itself.

The eight criteria that are measured during the certification process are: 1 The function of the movement during exposure to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss 2 The deviation of the running time of the watch in six positions 3 The deviation of the running time of the watch between 0 and 2/3 power reserve 4 The function of the watch during exposure to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss

quality standard in the watch industry.

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5T he deviation of the average daily precision of the watch after exposure to a magnetic field of 15,000 gauss 6 The average daily precision of the watch in tests replicating daily wearing conditions (six positions, two temperatures) 7 The power reserve of the watch (autonomy – functioning without winding) 8 The water resistance of the watch (tested in water)

leather strap. The indexes and familiar Constellation star are applied to the dial and fashioned from 18K Sedna™ gold or 18K yellow gold, or are rhodium-plated or blackened depending on the case material and dial colour.

The central hour, minute and seconds hands match the indexes, all of which are coated in Super-LumiNova – as are the hour and minutes hands. There is also a date indication at 6 o’clock on the dial.

Surrounding the dial is a fluted bezel whose top ridges are smoothed, giving the Globemaster a unique look that ensures it will remain immediately identifiable for generations to come. The bezel on the stainless steel models are made of a hard metal (tungsten carbide).

The Globemaster will have to perform within a tolerance of 0 and +5 seconds per day during and after exposure to a magnetic field measuring 15,000 gauss in order to receive its Master Chronometer designation.

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Before the watch is exposed to the magnetic field and its performance is measured according to the criteria approved by METAS, the movement must pass the tests established by the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (COSC). Along with their watch, customers will receive a certification card that includes an identification number which they can use to see how their watches performed on each test. This documentation is proof that the watch has been certified by METAS. The Globemaster will have to perform within a tolerance of 0 and +5 seconds per day during and after exposure to a magnetic field measuring 15,000

gauss in order to receive its Master Chronometer designation.

Available in a wide range of materials including 18K Sedna™ gold, 18K yellow gold and stainless steel, the Globemaster will forever be recognised as the first Master Chronometer.

The 39 mm timepiece features the iconic pie-pan dial made famous by the Constellation models in 1952. A sun-brushed blue dial graces the full stainless steel and bi-metallic models which are available with a bracelet or a blue leather strap. Silvery opaline dials are found on the 18K Sedna™ gold, 18K yellow gold, stainless steel and stainless steel and 18K yellow gold versions. The silvery opaline dial on the full stainless steel model is complemented by a grey

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The case is brushed and has two polished bevels that connect the edges of the lugs to the bezel. These polished bevels are also found on the three-row metallic bracelet which is completely brushed except for its understated polished edges. The central links are slightly curved, enhancing the watch’s sophisticated appearance.

Protecting the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8900/8901 powering the timepiece is a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an outstanding decorative feature. A medallion made of the same material as the casebody has been set into the glass before the glass is fastened to the caseback with four screws. The medallion is stamped with an image of an observatory surrounded by a polished sky marked with eight symbolic stars. The medallion does not completely cover the rotor and movement so the OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8900 – for stainless steel and steel-gold models – or OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8901 – for the gold versions – is visible. The OMEGA Co-Axial Master Chronometer calibre 8901 features an 18K Sedna™ gold rotor. The reliability and precision of both anti-magnetic mechanical movements is such that the Globemaster is offered with a full four-year warranty.

It is water resistant to 10 bar (100 metres / 330 feet).

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DAYS OF

SUMMER Following its launch in 2014, an evocative Constellation Pluma has been unveiled with a newly designed motherof-pearl dial.

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he Constellation family has long been admired for its elegant yet understated design and is distinguished by the state-of-theindustry timepieces that combine innovation with style. Last year, OMEGA unveiled its collection of Constellation Pluma timepieces characterised by the unique design engraved on their mother-of-pearl dials. These sophisticated watches take their name from the Latin word for feather, subtly hinting at the delicate design that accentuates its most striking element.

This year, OMEGA has unveiled an evocative interpretation of the Constellation Pluma with a light coral-coloured dial that is reminiscent of the warm sunshine on a summer day. Similar to its sisters, this 27 mm timepiece is decorated with 11 diamond indexes in 18K gold holders and a soft-wavy pattern that flows between the iconic claws on the bezel. Its polished and facetted central hour, minute and seconds hands are crafted from 18K gold and coated with white Super-LumiNova, so the time can be read in a variety of lighting conditions.

The 18K red gold bezel of this ladies’ wristwatch is paved with 32 full-cut diamonds, adding to the overall style of this piece. This Constellation Pluma is presented on a bracelet with brushed stainless steel links and polished 18K red gold bars. The OMEGA Co-Axial calibre 8520 at its heart is visible through a domed scratch-resistant caseback and the precision and reliability of this mechanical movement is such that the timepiece is offered with a full four-year warranty.

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of gold

The name Frederique Constant is not yet thirty

years old in the world of fine watchmaking but has set the bar with a number of achievements that are relative to a manufacturer with a few more years to its name. Chris Buchanan spoke to the co-founder and COO of Frederique Constant, Aletta Stas-Bax

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rederique Constant was founded in 1988 by Aletta Bax and Peter Stas based on the philosophy that fine watchmaking, in both movement and finish, needn’t be reserved for those in the absolute elite of society in terms of wealth. Strong emphasis has always been placed on an eye for detail, the quality of the product and innovation.

In 2001 Frederique Constant started the development of its own movement, and in Basel 2004 launched its own manufacture watch with own movement at a huge investment.

Over the years of development of a range of Swiss mechanical and quartz movement watches the company has always been loyal to the mission of letting more people enjoy luxury which means staying within the price range.

Stas-Bax says luxury in watchmaking can be defined "by the mechanical movement because the luxury is on the inside incorporating the working together of many parts.

Then there’s the aesthetical part on the outside and particularly the finishing, the dial, the case, the hands and the diamond cut and polish" – she believes it’s a combination of mechanics and aesthetic.

But she says you can have luxury with a quartz movement particularly in women’s watches. Women are less interested in the movement of a watch and prefer thinner watches which is difficult with a movement and ladies aren’t particularly fond of hand winding their timepieces, so the luxury will be in the jewellery effect and the finishing.

And is there room for innovation in fine watchmaking? Stas-Bax says there is innovation in the parts of the movement and in materials used – silisyum or silicon replacing brass. And in the crown for their Manufacture Slimline Moonphase Date, making it easily adjustable without the use of push-pins.

The most important recent innovation for the company is the Horological Smartwatch which was triggered by the high-tech industry. Motorola, Samsung and Apple with the launch of their smartwatches were fast approaching the watchmaking industry and Frederique Constant felt the need to react. While the CEOs of many luxury watchmakers were of the opinion that smartwatches had no place in horology, these guys disagreed and started bringing the two together particularly as the smartwatch price points were at the same level as the Swiss quartz watches.

The Frederique Constant Horological Smartwatch uses MotionX technology to track movement, heartbeat etc, and Stas-Bax says the company is moving to develop more PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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functions in the watch without falling into the trap of having a device on your wrist and keeping the integrity of the watch being a luxury product. “If you look at this product the DNA is Frederique Constant.

The case is classical, the dial the hands, everything is classical but with connected functions.”

She predicts that in a short while 30-50% of Swiss quartz watches will have some kind of functionality because the technology exists relating to sleep and activity tracking and these devices on their own, have sold over 20 million, so the opportunity exists to combine the aesthetics of a crafted watch with the technology of mobility tracking. The biggest advantage of innovation in this space if new technology or updated software or functions need to be added, is the ability to do it wirelessly. The modular design means the processor can be updated for increased computing capacity by a visit to a local service centre.

Giving something back is also a priority for Frederique Constant. In the quest to look for the most passionate entrepreneur for their Passion Award prize, in association with the Canton of Geneva, the IMD Business School in Lausanne and the Financial Times, they found the most inspiring and passionate applicants

The company has always been loyal to the mission of letting more people enjoy luxury which means staying within the price range. coming from non-profit organisations, in particular a cardiologist in the USA with his own charity doing open-heart surgery for the underprivileged.

And so the relationship with heart related charities and organisations began and continues with the World Heart Federation, but will be consolidated into the Frederique Constant Foundation.

There’s also the Double Heartbeat movement which incorporates a double heart shaped aperture at 12 o’clock and purchasers of this watch also participate in the heart related charity. “Ultimately it would be really nice and a sign of luxury if people think and feel this (giving back) is important. I cannot define that for other people, I just hope that people realise this (making purchases influenced by the ability to give back).”

So, Frederique Constant may be the new kid on the block in the world of fine watchmaking but they’ve nailed their colours to the mast in their commitment to investing in the things that define luxury, in innovation and in recognising the need to put something back into the lives of those who may be less fortunate.

http://frederiqueconstant.com PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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business

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become a reflection

of your own Potential You receive according to how much you serve and feel you deserve, in life and in business, according to Human Behaviourist Dr John Demartini.

Here, he explains how to become a reflection of your ultimate potential

I

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n this world, you ultimately receive according to how much you serve and what you feel you deserve, no more and no less. Building your profile in business is very much about building your profile in life; it is about allowing yourself to become a reflection of your ultimate potential. While many people will promote the techniques and strategies for getting noticed by senior peers and/or prospective clients, I believe it is through pushing yourself to be your own personal greatest that will make the people around you start to desire to be served by you.

When I was just 17 years old, I met an inspiring elderly man who changed my life. He did it by drawing out of me a profound and inspiring vision of my destiny that elevated my true worth and transformed my beliefs about what was possible for me. He taught me that when you can see it, you can be it. That extraordinary man gave me the affirmation, “I am a genius and I apply my wisdom�, and told me to say it every day for the rest of my life. Even though I was just a near-illiterate young surfer

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The more self-worth and love you have for yourself, the more prosperity and success you will achieve. at the time, I trusted him and followed his guidance diligently. I’ve never missed a day of saying that affirmation in more than 40 years and I know it’s one of the major reasons why I am where I am and who I am now.

What you believe about and what you say to yourself will have a tremendous impact on what happens to you and what kind of life you’ll lead. You are the creator of your own destiny. You write the script of your life with every thought. The more self-worth and love you have for yourself, the more prosperity and success you will achieve.

Self-worth builds both creativity and courage. If you have great self-worth, you’ll never have to worry about having a job, because people are spontaneously

drawn to this quality and want to employ or work for those who have it. People who complain that the world is unfair or unjust because others are being given so much while they’re getting so little are creating that situation themselves and only they can change it. The world is fair; you receive what service you give.

If you’re not receiving in abundance, it’s because you’re not giving service in abundance.

You have either results or excuses, and they are mutually exclusive. If you take responsibility for your life and ask quality questions about how to fulfill it, you become a magnet for opportunities.

People and money are irresistibly drawn to energy, enthusiasm and certainty.

You are the master of what you love

doing and the slave to what you don’t.

A few of the primary keys to becoming your greatest in life include having a clear intent or purpose, a truly inspiring vision, a grand message to share, a genuine social calling and a targeted niche to serve. From these initial basics arise the primary strategic objectives you would love to accomplish or achieve and a plan for their implementation. But before these objectives can be met, the mastery of the mind is to be initiated.

True business leaders are those who are congruent and integrated, and who can organise and lead their inner parts purposefully. One who can govern their own mind can govern the world.

Once leaders govern themselves, they can serve and govern others.

Dr. John Demartini is a human behaviour specialist, educator, author and the founder of the Demartini Institute.

www.drdemartini.com

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TO PARADISE The subject of global citizenship a.k.a. dual citizenship or alternative residence is occupying more and more column space in financial media as South Africa spirals into economic uncertainty and socio-political tension.

Chris Buchanan talks to Nadia Read of Lio Global about the real benefits of these schemes and one or two blind

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side possibilities that could cost you dear.

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recent article on Traveller24 listed the 97 counties South Africans can visit on their passport alone, no visa required. The comments made for interesting reading, generally slating the fact that of the 97, not many were worth the trouble for a holiday, never mind a second home or business possibility. If you want to do business globally in the economies that won’t bury you in red tape but will give you access to important markets, you will need expand your business out of Africa and into a country with credibility.

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PHOTO: SHUTTERSTOCK

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Nadia Read says the following about the importance of having options when entering global markets, “For business owners who travel extensively, a second citizenship can open many global doors.

Freedom of mobility and travel allows flexibility and ease of movement, as visa restrictions become more stringent and restrictive to South African businessmen and women. Establishing companies as well as bank accounts is easier, less hoops to jump through. Big names like Elon Musk and Mark Shuttleworth, despite having moved abroad have done wonders for brand South Africa. A second passport allows not only freedom of movement but also access into EU, US, UK, etc.”

Barriers to entry will differ extensively from country to country and bear in mind the first and most significant of those barriers – the Rand/Euro/Dollar/ Sterling exchange rate. Suddenly you’re dividing your capital by 11, 12 or 19 so whether it’s an investment in government bonds, a start-up business or a property investment, your wheelbarrow full of Rands is an envelope of Dollars.

European markets are also more sophisticated and competitive – they do business differently, less start-up red tape but more strict on corporate governance and fiduciary duty.

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Maybe it’s a time zone thing or maybe it’s the ‘jet-set’ tag but the Caribbean is often overlooked as a citizenship option but offers some of the most successful and popular citizenship by investment programmes. Read says there are some really good reasons to consider the land of the Calypso with convenience being top of the pile: •S t Kitts and Nevis has been running program successfully since 1984 and have over 30 000 individuals who have acquired citizenship (includes children, dependents etc.).

•F ast and straight forward application process (very strict due diligence) with very limited, if any

travel requirement to visit.

• Short processing time: St kitts 6-8 months to get passport, Antigua 4-5 months.

• St Kitts and Antigua passports open no-visa travel to over 130 countries including the UK, the Schengen zone.

They are commonwealth countries and form part of Caricom (The Caribbean Community).

• Antigua is an up and coming celebrity destination pushing property prices up and stimulating the economy. It is a beautiful and rustic tropical island, good holiday location and popular yachting destination.

• In short, passport application is straightforward and fast.

But if it’s the EU you’re set on then Malta is your best bet says Read and you need to start enquiries fast. Malta offers one of Europe’s most exclusive investor programmes, offering full EU citizenship in just over 12 months, problem is It’s capped at 1800 investors and will cost you over one million Euro.

There’s no free lunch in life or business and gaining global access for you and your family to hedge yourself against uncertainty and instability, comes at a price. Your best ally in any citizenship by investment programme is doing your homework and using credible consultants to walk you through the process. There were a few investors who got hurt recently in EU property schemes and making an investment mistake is costly enough in Rand, do the multiplication and your loss is elevenfold.

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Another potential pitfall says Read is understanding the benefits and risks

to holding dual citizenship as a South African.

•Y ou will need to complete a retention of citizenship with home affairs, otherwise you can lose your SA passport and you must notify them before you get your new passport.

•M ake sure you get naturalisation certification in your new country of citizenship in order to allow you to renew your passport.

•B e clear on where your new freedom allows you to travel and other benefits such as reduced EU education rates – this can mean a massive saving depending on how many kids.

•W hen you travel, always leave on your SA passport.

•T here’s an ease of opening international bank accounts, for example you can open an account in France even though have Maltese citizenship.

•G et yourself full understanding of the tax implications of a second citizenship.

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You have the cash and you’re ready to make the move to the EU which will give you the option of Cyprus, Malta, Portugal, Greece and Hungary. The details of each programme are well documented on the Lio-Global website lio-global.com, but most important if you want your money well spent is to know the difference between what an EU Residence vs Citizenship can offer you. Read says the following points should be considered when looking at the options: •E U Residence gives travel access to Schengen zone countries for 90 days only. You can only live, work, study in country of residence – not anywhere in EU. Only EU citizenship gives the right to live, work and study anywhere in the EU .

•E U residence can change and is less secure than EU citizenship. Once you are a part of the EU, you are protected

by EU law. Citizenship is much more secure in the long term.

•M ost countries allow you to pass your citizenship or residence on to future generations. Eg. Malta, your kids can pass on to their kids, therefore establishing legacy plan for your future generations •E U residence means you can only travel to 26 countries in the Schengen zone.

With citizenship, eg. Malta or Portugal you can travel to over 160 countries worldwide. Malta also allows visa free travel to US and many other countries making it one of top 10 passports you can have.

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master of the

estate When talking about lifestyle properties we

tend to revert to golf courses, waterfront

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apartments and related holiday destinations.

But, says Frederic Makelberge of Neo Estates, the last few years have seen a new trend taking shape in Europe.

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urope has a vast number of historic buildings, from castles and mas in France, historic master houses in Bruges and other medieval towns in Belgium, to statuesque villas on the Italian lakes.

A mas is a farmhouse that used to belong to the nobles in France and they have become all the rage in the last five years with well-heeled celebrities and bankers, particularly the Hollywood big earners. It boils down to a need for more privacy, away from the peering eyes of the paparazzi in the towns of Cannes or St. Tropez. On the outskirts of the village of Plan de la Tour an extensively renovated

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have the chateaux of the nobility but we do have many heritage estates in the winelands that have come to market, a lot of them producing wine, as well as the new found avenues of olives, etc.

These properties offer a perfect lifestyle combined with the opportunity to put your signature on an existing estate.

I was recently introduced to two estates, one in Tulbagh and the other on the outskirts of Stellenbosch.

Both estates need different levels of upgrade and improvement but both are supported by a good label that have acquired a number of industry awards and pricing sits between R15 million and R38 million – not a French chateau but as good in terms value and you get to enjoy your own wine with the package.

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have the appetite for this kind of living then a good example is Anjou, a château in Tuffeau, dating back to the 18th century. It’s big at 16 000m2 and 18 bedrooms but is perfect to convert into a boutique hotel-cum-wedding venue. Included in the 11 hectares of parkland with private landing strip, are three independent cottages, 500m2 of reception venue and a private chapel.

It’s situated close to the TGV station and a mere two hours from Paris by high speed train and, as a castle, would be considered one of the best on the market in France with pricing at around four million euro. There are a number of these properties available from as little as 500 000 euro.

But one does not have to look so far from home. In South Africa we don’t

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mas belonging to Johnny Depp, is on the market for 2 800 000 euro.

There are also a number of old castles that might appeal but the thought of that alone might make you think of fairy tales and scare you away because the idea of a castle seems too out of reach as a property purchase, unless you have a very big bank balance. But the reality is different. As nobility becomes more of an anachronism in today’s fast-paced world of gathering wealth, and the heirs to these noble houses reach for their own success in the commercial centres, many of these castles are coming to market for fairly reasonable prices – provided you have plenty of cash for maintenance and upkeep.

If you’ve ticked all the boxes and

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Wine Farm, Stellenbosch POA Only a few kilometers before entering the historic Town of Stellenbosch, an exceptional wine estate welcomes you.

The winery is fully equipped with a state of the art wine making facility.

This is located in a Tuscan style two story building with offices and tasting room. The building is constructed partly underground to establish the best natural temperature to create wine all year round.

Possibilities and approved plans for a restaurant and bistro are also on hand.

The vineyards produce an average of 200 tons of grapes, of which a portion is used to produce +- 30,000 bottles of prime quality wines including their much accolade Sangiovese. The rest of the grapes are delivered to the Koelenhof winery.

The property also has two three bedroom villas, of which one has a swimming pool and a number of outbuildings (sheds, stores, cottages, etc.) and four staff cottages.

A further guest cottage offers the opportunity of a guesthouse or boutique hotel operation adding to the potential of his 84 hectare estate becoming a destination in Stellenbosch. 28 Hectares of Vineyards produce Cabernet Sauvignon - Shiraz – Pinotage – Sauvignon Blanc – Merlot – Sangiovese – Chardonnay – Riesling – Chenin Blanc. There are also 5 000 Olive trees producing five tons of olives per year.

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Blair Atholl Country Estate R21,500,000 Meander through this estate with warthog, kudu and other game.

Walk to the winding river in view from your home where you can enjoy fishing and there is a wonderful restaurant and a relaxing spa.

Stables on site and a private nursery school and golf course, This home is the epitome of luxury with a massive entertainment area and an infinity pool, the open plan lounge and family room complete with fireplace have panoramic views and the cordon bleu kitchen has touch screen cupboard units and a Caesarstone central island, AEG double ovens and built in double fridge freezer and separate scullery. There is a guest cloakroom with shower and a guest bedroom. The stunning staircase transports you to the upper level where there are four large bedrooms all with en-suite bathrooms with spa showers and spa baths. In the main dressing room the central island has shoe storage compartments.

There is a fireplace in the main bedroom and a pyjama lounge. The property has four garages, helpers quarters, it’s near Hartbeespoort Dam for the avid sailor and minutes from Lanseria Airport for the busy executive.

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Morningside Sandton R21,000,000 This luxurious large cluster is ideal for the executive due to its proximity to the Sandton CBD and motorways. It is set in the sought after Clouds End in West Road South this is a rare gem.

You are welcomed by the large atrium complete with water feature and the open plan lounge and dining room with a welcoming bar area and a family room.

The kitchen has a central island with hob and extractor fan, walk in pantry and a built in double fridge freezer and a double oven, not to mention the marble tops and breakfast bar. Upstairs there are four bathrooms with en-suite bathrooms. The main bedroom has his and hers vanity units and spa bath, and walk in his and hers dressing rooms.

This is a getaway property with luxurious living near the Sandton hub and has excellent security.

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outon

the vines

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The fashion community certainly had something to talk about at this year’s Prestige Red Carpet Fashion Show by Red Carpet Concepts together with Bisquit Cognac. Cool, edgy beats set the tone at Cassia, Nitida's restaurant on the lake, as a collection of SA's top designers strutted their fall looks down the runway earlier this year in May.

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ffering a diverse platform to the fashion industry with an integration of couture, dance, music and culture, industry leaders Craig Port, Stefania Morland, Jagadi Couture, Australian born Bo&Luca and rising star Joanna Hedley captivated guests with their autumn and spring collections, coupled with a preview of BeachCult’s upcoming summer range. KarenFay jewellery added a sparkling touch to both Port and Jagadi’s runway collections, with Diesel eyewear offering an added layer of cool.

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The who's who of the VIP arena, including the likes of fashion greats Cindy Nell and Ilse Fourie, gathered in anticipation whilst sipping on Nitida Matriarch MCC or Bisquit cocktails, and enjoying a FoxBox express mani in the opulent Bisquit Lounge. Nash Music seeded an enchanted auditory ambience whilst flashes illuminated the courtyard, capturing guests in their finest cocktail attire. Delicious Cassia canapés circulated throughout the evening compliments of Mediterranean Delicacies.

Master of ceremonies, the gorgeous Natalie Becker, lead guests through the art filled eve, dovetailed by incredible performances from Tulu Entertainment, and fabulosity duo – the Marylinz – adding interesting interludes between each designer. Following the production, guests were offered gift bags complete with Nimue and Kérastase products, Bisquit, Superbalist and Danté Wellness Spa vouchers, Prestige Magazines, Mediterranean Delicacies products and more as they headed back into the courtyard for the cocktail party heated up with a live performance by the fantastic ShenFM.

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To ensure guests could commute safely to and from the venue Uber offered credit vouchers for first time users.

“We are ecstatic about the turnout of this year’s show! Each of the designers ranges were just so absolutely breathtaking, and the performances in between were sensational. All the guests dressed up to the nines, and of course all those involved pulled out all the stops to make it work. A massive thanks to Ampere, Devon Anderson Concept, StyleBar, The Make-up Issue and each of our fantastic sponsors for making this event possible.”

– Jade Allen, Red Carpet Concepts.

For more information on the Red Carpet Fashion Show go to http:// redcarpetpr.co.za/rcfs-2015/.

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In the world of luxury resort hotels, very few can offer an island paradise in an urban setting, surrounded by the sense of place that is Cape Town. Chris Buchanan found this as a guest of the One&Only and better hosts will be very hard to find.

T

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he word sommelier is derived from Middle French and describes a court official who was in charge of the procurement of supplies which were delivered, in ancient times, by pack animals. Go into French dialect and Old Provencal and you find the word ‘saumalier’ – the pack animal driver.

So, when we think of a trained wine professional who advises on wine lists and food and wine pairings, we hardly imagine a fella who spends his time driving a pack of mangy mules, topping up the supplies of the medieval court.

I met a sommelier recently who took away all my preconceived ideas that these professionals are born among the vines and suckled on Pinot Noir instead of breastmilk and carry an air of arrogance that makes any wine amateur like me feel inadequate. You see, Luvo Ntezo grew up in hardship, looking at the vines as he walked the road and thinking he would be lucky to get a job, never mind taste the wines those faraway vines would produce.

He got that job, as a beer man for an estate in Cape Town and his absolute enthusiasm, thirst for knowledge and gifted manner with people, have seen him progress to head sommelier at the One&Only resort, internationally recognised and considered the best young sommelier

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in the country. During a short tasting at Reuben’s, he taught me that anybody can learn everything there is to know about wine but only very special people can articulate the knowledge, make me laugh and have me change my perceptions about something I know very little, but I know what I like – or at least I thought I did.

Luvo opened my eyes to Chenin Blanc, which always came across as too floral – not enough citrus or fruit. I now have a better understanding of the wine and its tropical fruit, as I have for Shiraz which, for me before, was a bit too earthy and better as a blending grape.

He also opened my eyes to the fine white blends available, and one in particular of Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from Ashbourne with the sexiest label on any wine shelf. I could have listened to him for hours but a table awaited us at Nobu and the popularity of this restaurant would have had us snacking peanuts at the bar for dinner had we missed our reservation.

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Jalapeno, Baby spinach salad, Tiger Shrimp Tempura, Beef Teriyaki, Assorted Sushi and a Chocolate Bento Box, which sounds daunting but this food is meant to be enjoyed slowly, allowing time to meld sensational food, wine, people and conversation. And if you thought baby spinach salad was more café bistro than fine dining, this one from Nobu is a masterpiece and we all had seconds.

Now I’m not a big one for spa treatments and pampering unless my body is punishing me for the indulgent downfall of the night before, so my attention to detail on the pre-treatment form was non-existent and ‘sensitive feet’ went unaccounted for. It was tropical magic on One&Only’s Island in a monastically serene environment, every nasty that had ruined my morning was being massaged from my body, and then the masseuse reached my feet. The reflex action bent my knee and sent my heel heading toward her jaw. It missed and we parted as friends and I took solace in a glass of champagne in the quiet of the garden that was not 500m from South Africa’s most popular tourist attraction.

The Island is just that – a piece of urban paradise as tropical as your imagination takes you. While the main hotel gives you a perpetual view of Table Mountain, the Island gives you date palms, parquet wooden floors and puts you close to the water of the canals, where

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the fund managers who own penthouses in this neighbourhood paddleboard on a quiet weekend morning. This is where you find the pool and Isola, which serves a contemporary bistro menu al fresco poolside and is unsurprisingly popular as a wedding venue because of the island vibe.

There was a rather festive wedding taking place in the main hotel as we took the institution that is Afternoon Tea in the Vista Bar and Lounge. The marimba band had all sorts of passers-by joining in the dancing, including an elderly gentleman in a robe holding a black book whom we thought was the priest. Turned out he was returning from a spa treatment and couldn’t resist a bit of a boogie.

To take full advantage of the view from the One&Only of Table Mountain and the city, you need to spend time on your balcony. A chance to have a quiet dinner without the antics of the night before gave us just that with a seafood platter served in-room and the mountain in all its lit-up glory as the backdrop – until Earth Hour struck and plunged the mountain into a black void. The rest of the city didn’t seem to care about Earth Hour and Cape Town looked as if its mountain had forsaken it – just blackness above the last line of lights between streets and mountainside.

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It came back, only to remind me why this aspect of the city from the foreshore, back up the mountain, is so iconic and unique and the One&Only feasts on this view from its prime position on the Waterfront.

Prepare for further indulgence at the breakfast table in Reuben’s which puts the Champagne and oysters as centrepiece to start your day with a smile of decadence. In true One&Only fashion the options are endless, offering a full buffet, as well as specialities off the menu to take breakfast into brunch and giving reason to take a walk through the V&A Waterfront or have yourself a

And if you thought baby spinach salad was more café bistro than fine dining, this one from Nobu is a masterpiece and we all had seconds.

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Spa treatment to detox – remembering to complete the pre-treatment form accurately particularly if you have sensitive feet!

When we’re talking luxury resorts, there’s very little that differentiates the top 1%. They all have beautiful rooms, particulars in operations and setting, and they all intend for the guest to have a spectacular time and hopefully come back.

But the One&Only Cape Town gave me the most personal, intimate and pleasant experience I’ve had at this level of luxury hotel because of its people.

From the gentleman who served us and cleared the table at breakfast, to the sweet housekeeper who cleaned up after us, the smiley faced porter who heaved our luggage to the room, my dear forgiving masseuse who nearly lost her teeth, the front desk staff who led us through an introduction to the resort, the guys at the door and the concierge always ready to help, management who dined with us as friends, and the pauper who became a beer man who became a great sommelier, every one of whom epitomises ‘sui generis’, the Latin phrase meaning ‘of its own kind’, ‘in a class by itself’, ‘one and only’.

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“REUBEN INVITES” After the sell-out success of last year’s series, Reuben Invites 2015 commences this April and is the perfect opportunity to meet the personalities behind some of South Africa’s most respected restaurants.

25 June – Darren Badenhorst with Grande Provence Wines, Executive Chef at The Restaurant at Grande Provence.

9 July – Cornelle Mini with Babylonstoren Wines, Head Chef at Babel Restaurant on Babylonstoren Estate.

20 August – Michael Deg with Delaire Graff Wines, Executive Chef at contemporary country dining destination Delaire Graff Restaurant.

24 September – Tanja Kruger with Vriesenhof Wines, Head Chef at award winning Stellenbosch concept eatery Makaron Restaurant at Majeka House.

NOBU WINE & DINE

I met a sommelier recently who took away all my preconceived ideas that these professionals are born among the vines and suckled on Pinot Noir instead of breastmilk.

Following a similar format to the Reuben’s Wine & Dine series, Nobu will also continue their enormously popular evenings where guests are treated to Head Chef Dil Tamang’s and Head Sushi Chef Keisuke ‘Keke’ Itoh’s delightful contemporary Asian cuisine and a selection of specially chosen wines and bubblies from some of the Cape’s best estates. Hosted by charismatic MC and One&Only Cape Town’s ambassador Aubrey Ngcungama, these festive evenings promise to be a highlight for wine-loving foodies and Nobu fans.

2 July – Graham Beck’s MCC collection 6 August – Paul Cluver Wines

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Cape Town’s One&Only offers warm atmosphere evenings to keep the cold at bay through the winter. Below are some of the highlights:

REUBEN’S ONE & ONLY WINE & DINE The ever popular Reuben’s One&Only Wine&Dine series where celebrity chef Reuben Riffel and master resident sommelier Luvo Ntezo invite a series of stellar wine and Methôde Cap Classiqueproducing estate ambassadors to join him in presenting a deluxe 5-course dinner.

30th June – Steenberg Wines 28th July – Morgenster Estate Vertical Masterclass 25th August – Graham Beck Wines PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

memories are made of this by: Eugene Yiga

As the owner and and One&Only brands, Kerzner International is committed to providing experience by staying focused on their number one core value: blow away the customer.

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the ultimate holiday

"M

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operator of the Atlantis

y fondest [hotel] memory was staying at Villa d’Este on my honeymoon,” says Alan Leibman, chief executive officer of the international hotel group. “In fact, I recently returned there with my wife to celebrate our anniversary and to retrace our steps. It was a different experience from our first time staying there as I think we originally may have had one of the smallest rooms. But [both] stays were magical.”

Leibman was born in South Africa and moved to the United States when he was 11. He grew up in the world of hospitality and worked in his family’s gourmet food and wine companies in Texas before earning an Associate’s Degree at the American Culinary Institute in New York. He also obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from Florida International University.

“My number one goal as CEO is to ensure all of our resorts are continuing to provide amazing experiences and everlasting memories for our guests; develop committed

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passionate people; and develop and introduce both Atlantis and One&Only resorts in new markets,” Leibman says.

At the end of last year, Kerzner International announced that they would be taking over the management of Emirates’s Wolgan Valley and rebranding it with One&Only. This happened in February and was hot on the heels of the recent launch of One&Only Hayman Island in the Great Barrier Reef. This also makes it the ninth One&Only property across the globe and gives the group the best of both The Blue Mountains and the Great Barrier Reef in their One&Only portfolio.

“As we continue to aggressively grow, one of our challenges is ensuring we are growing our team at the same pace,” Leibman says. “We are always looking for passionate, committed people to blow away our guests.”

Indeed, Leibman believes that the people who work at the resorts are the company’s greatest asset. This has been the case at One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico. As one of their flagship properties, it reopened on 20 April following Hurricane Odile in September last year.

The spirit of the local community was quite remarkable and the company was delighted that One&Only Palmilla was at the heart of it. And now that the resort is better than ever (and set

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Right now, key locations include the likes of London, Paris, and New York.

(The United States continues to be its number one source market for guests so they are looking at the One&Only concept for this.)

But the company will remain focused on the ultra-luxury segment for One&Only (not mass luxury) while the Atlantis brand, which is more leisurefocused, will continue to grow as an iconic entertainment destination resort offering with wider appeal.

“Hotels play such an important role in memories,” Leibman says. “I am excited to be a part of delivering that for guests all over the world”

One&Only around the world

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in Maldives, Mauritius, Cape Town, and Dubai.

“To lead you need to empower, inspire, and challenge people,” Leibman says. “I surround myself with a strong team and put the right people in the right roles. I have an expert Development Team that is committed to excellence in finding the right locations and delivering an exceptional product.”

Looking further into the future, the company will continue to focus its efforts on positioning its business for long-term, sustainable growth. To do this, they plan to develop and manage world-class trophy properties with partners who understand that quality commands higher rates, higher asset value and strong operating results.

It’s about delivering truly memorable experiences and impeccable service.

More specifically, they are expanding both the One&Only and Atlantis brands and intend to take the One&Only brand into primary cities as well as where they know their guests frequently travel.

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to be the dining destination in the region, given the Seared Steakhouse in collaboration with Jean Georges), growth continues with two additional resorts on the Pacific coast of Mexico: One&Only Mandarina and One&Only Santa Maria de Xala. Both will offer a complementary experience to One&Only Palmilla.

“One of our challenges is growing fast enough for our guests—they want more!” Leibman says. “We are aggressive at introducing both One&Only and Atlantis into new markets. However, for both One&Only and Atlantis Resorts, we need to be in the right destinations for us to provide our level of design and service.”

The group is also developing One&Only Portonovi (Montenegro), One&Only Bahrain (Persian Gulf), One&Only Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), and One&Only Sanya (in Hainan, China’s smallest and southernmost province).

All the while they will continue to innovate at their existing resorts in the

One&Only Resorts are created exclusively for the luxury resort market. Each award-winning resort is set in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. Each also offers guests genuine hospitality and a distinctive style and personality that comes from the local culture.

But when it comes to One&Only, there’s no need to choose only one.

Here’s a list of the resorts around the world, each of which offers the ultimate luxury experience at a villa, penthouse, or presidential suite. That means you can expect a dedicated host and butler team, always nearby to make sure you get whatever you want and need.

1. One&Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island, The Bahamas: Villa Residences 2. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos, Mexico: Villa Cortez 3. One&Only Royal Mirage, Dubai: Beach Garden Villa Residence 4. One&Only The Palm, Dubai: Villas and Luxury Mansions 5. One&Only Le Saint Géran, Mauritius: Two-Bedroom Ocean Front Villa Residence with Pool (Nelson Mandela stayed here!)

6. One&Only Reethi Rah, Maldives: Grand Beach Villas 7. One&Only Cape Town: Presidential Suite 8. One&Only Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef: One-Bedroom Penthouses, Two-Bedroom Diane von Furstenberg Penthouse, and Three-Bedroom Owner’s Penthouse 9. Emirates One&Only Wolgan Valley: Three-Bedroom Wolgan Suite

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The Bay Hotel, in a number of its incarnations, has been an institution on the Camps Bay strip in Cape Town for over a century. Chris Buchanan spent a night and found history, luxury, rejuvenation and

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a fantastic new menu.

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challenge you to find a picture of the Camps Bay strip taken from the beach that doesn’t feature some aspect of The Bay hotel. Early pictures would have shown the old Rotunda, until the 1950s when it became The Bay and gentleman Farquhar’s vision of this strip becoming a “Little Brighton” came closer to reality – he even planted the iconic row of palm trees to enhance the effect.

That same Victoria Road strip is now more like Miami Beach than Brighton with a vibrant mix of bars and restaurants that spill onto the street and beckon you toward them and their funky music and fashionable people. Still, The Bay remains the focal point, its Mediterranean canvas of dark blue and white and its loungers at the pool across the road from the beach, creating a sense of envy in all who walk by and don’t have a room reservation.

The advantage of being the oldest establishment in the neighbourhood means first choice in location – Camps Bay with its arc of white beach and endless sunset in front of you, and Lion’s Head to the one side and the slopes of Table Mountain behind. To

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take advantage of all aspects you need to book the Suite where you’ll have the sunlit Lion’s Head from your bedroom in the morning and the buzz of Camps Bay, palms and sunset from your jacuzzi on the balcony off the living room in the evening.

But head down to the Sandy B Private Beach Club as the sun goes down over the sea and sip cocktails with a few locals to get the feel of how the components of this property relate to this piece of shoreline that is the jewel in the crown of the Atlantic Seaboard. Down here you’re close to the action of people walking or jogging by, leaving the beach after a day in the sun and finding their favourite cocktail.

But it’s what chef Warwick King and sous chef Cheslin Cornelissen are doing in The Bistro that will have you staying at the hotel instead of finding dinner amongst the throng of revellers on the strip. We were lucky to be the guinea pigs for their tasting menu and these two talents did not disappoint.

Simple it may sound but mozzarella on rye with mixed beets hit the spot to start and it all ended with a chocolate

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Down here you’re close to the action of people walking or jogging by, leaving the beach after a day in the sun and finding their favourite cocktail.

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We were lucky to be the guinea pigs for their tasting menu and these two talents did not disappoint. ensemble of parfait, mousse, ice cream and rice balls. Highlights in between were the sweetcorn and wild mushroom mousse with Parma ham, the home cured Norwegian salmon with cumin and coriander, salmon tartar with roe and fennel, and the springbok with dried fruit in phyllo pastry with a springbok jus and baby carrots. Warwick tells me they change the menu fairly often to suit seasonal and available produce, giving good reason to go back and see how it evolves.

This is the story of The Bay Hotel at present – evolving and rejuvenating its prime position on Victoria Road, realising that many options await the luxury client in the area so the need to capture the imagination of its clientele will take it into another century as a landmark in Camps Bay. The gentleman Farquhar rests assured that his Rotunda still stands and should for many years as part of the Village and Life portfolio who have injected a renewed energy into an old favourite.

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Combining simplicity with elegance, Great Plains Conservation has created a camp in a remote and secluded spot, where Gillian McLaren is deeply impressed by all that she

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encounters.

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rom the aeroplane co-pilot seat, I gaze down at the Okavango Delta as we sweep over the many rivers and lagoons.

Islands - with a barren centre and circles of trees on the periphery - form fascinating repeating patterns in this region proclaimed one of the seven natural wonders of the world in 2011. From Maun we fly north east to the Selinda concession. I am met by Oboletswe Merafhe, my guide from Selinda Camp, who drives me on dust tracks across the grassy plains -surrounding the seasonal spillway between the Okavango Delta and the Linyanti wetlands – to a pride of 18 lion.

At first they are snoozing, as lions are wont to do, but then the nine cubs wake, greet each other and begin to play. This is one of two prides that are regularly spotted in this private concession. As we have to cross the Selinda spillway in a motorboat before dark, when hippos begin their forays out of the water and Pampas grass to graze, we have to leave this charming sighting. During the exhilarating boat trip, I watch the reflection of the fast-fading light in the wake and see skeins of birds silhouetted above the vivid orange horizon.

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From the vantage point of the vehicle, we follow the pack of 18 dogs that are on the hunt, until they disappear into an area too thick for even our sturdy vehicle to follow.

Selinda Safari Camp is positioned alongside the spillway, so each of the seven Meru tents sports a magnificent view of the water and flat plains, broken by very tall illala Palm trees on the distant horizon. Tents are raised on wooden stilts, to buffer the ebb and flow of any floodwater, so I can lie on my kind-sized bed, eye-level with the tops of trees, to watch the antics of birds. As the camp is unfenced, you have to be escorted by a guide to your tent after dark. Next to my tent, is a mound of sand where a bull elephant regularly visits to take a nap. Hippos punctuate the night with their grunting and grass munching.

Although the overall feeling of the camp is simple and rustic, there is a high level of luxury. Tents are spacious, airy and immaculately clean, with a large bath and shower on a wooden deck, separated from the bedroom by sliding doors. The predominantly khaki colour scheme is accented with rich red elements like Persian carpets and a throw on the bed. Antique furniture of heavy, dark wood includes the solid bed, with its swathe of mosquito netting forming a canopy, plus an PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

appealing desk with many drawers.

Glass decanters set on pewter bases contain sherry and an old-fashioned packing trunk houses the tea and coffee provisions. The Out of Africa theme is gently sustained. A highlight in my tent - and in several areas of the camp - are the sensitive, evocative game

photographs by Beverley Joubert. She and Derek have spent years in the bush, in this area, filming the lions that have adapted to hunting through the water.

The love and respect that the Jouberts have for nature is reflected in all the ways that Selinda Camp considers the environment. The aim

is to have a neutral footprint. Waste is separated for recycling and flown out of the concession, water from the spillway is purified for use in the bathrooms and plastic water bottles are eschewed for individual metal ones, which guides refill and guests may keep. LED lights softly illuminate the dust path leading from the tents to the dining area. On evening game drives, the guide uses a red filter on the spotlight, not to disturb nocturnal animals like African wildcat, large spotted genet and leopard, as little as possible Two packs of wild dog are regularly seen in the area and I am thrilled to watch both groups extensively during my stay. From the vantage point of the vehicle, we follow the pack of 18 dogs that are on the hunt, until they disappear into an area too thick for even our sturdy vehicle to follow. Careful off-road driving is permitted for special sightings, so I am privileged to see a herd of roan antelope at close quarters. This game rich private concession is also abounding in birds.

I tick 92 species, without using time to identify the small non-descript ones.

Morning tea and evening sunset drinks are accompanied by delicious fare my favourite being chickpea and fresh parsley dip with homemade crisps, which finely complement the Tanqueray gin, tonic and slice of lime, served in a pewter goblet. Actually all the food is delicious and imaginative, as well as being healthy.

There are large breeding herds of elephant, pods of rotund hippo and bold coppery-tailed coucal year round in the lush reeds of the Selinda Spillway.

Cared for by the warm and relaxed staff in Selinda Camp, I realise I have experienced Africa at its best, as I take off into a cloudless sky.

When you go:

Mack Air specialises in air charters throughout Botswana and the surrounding areas. www.mackair.co.bw PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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Airlink offers a wide network of regional and domestic flights within Southern Africa, including direct scheduled flights between Johannesburg and Maun/Kasane. www.flyairlink.com

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Selina Camp, Great Plains Conservation www. greatplainsconservation.com/ selinda-camp

World in motion

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Vivien Natasen experiences a day in the life of a Resident of The World Residences at Sea.

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any self-actualising people dream of overcoming borders and boundaries, and especially having a lifestyle of ticking off “bucket list” items. The World is a perfect example of how one can achieve that in style.

Purchasing a Residence on The World is tantamount to buying a fast-track ticket to achieving one’s bucket list as well as access to a diverse community of individuals.

A discussion with the vessel’s General Manager revealed that the owner-managed structure has selected

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We were treated to an exquisite lunch paired with wines from a comprehensive global selection. The chefs are handpicked for their skills in different types of cuisine. Again, this is to cater for the diverse tastes of the residents.

All in all, for a well-heeled family, a Residence on The World is an opportunity for a unique and different lifestyle. This can be easily evidenced by the long waiting list to secure an apartment on this truly amazing ship.

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out on yesterday” which is experienced as you pass between Big Diomede and Little Diomede, two islands in view of each other but a day apart. Residents continually flit in and out of the vessel, catching up to it where they can, whilst still having other commitments globally.

Over the last two years most of The World’s amenities have been refreshed and modernised, making it a warm and inviting atmosphere and more differentiation in the options available for dining and socialising.

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a charting to enable residents to experience the locations that the vessel visits more, thereby spending less time out at sea. Normally most re-locations are overnight trips making it fun for residents to wake up to a new view in the morning. How’s that for flexible apartment living?

One of the unique trips that residents got to experience was running along the international dateline between Russia and the United States. Very few people can say they physically “looked

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Private Residence Details There are 165 Residences aboard The World ranging from studios to expansive three - bedroom apartments and a palatial six-bedroom penthouse suite, which boasts accommodations for up to 12 people. All of the homes have been sold although there are a select number of Residences available for resale.

Annual ownership costs are additional and are based on square footage of the apartments. The spacious Residences include 106 two-and three-bedroom apartments, 19 one- and two-bedroom studio apartments, and 40 studios.

Interiors of the two- and three-bedroom Residences are customized based on residents’ individual tastes and feature everything from contemporary to transitional to traditional decor.

The World Spa & Wellness Center The World Spa & Wellness Center is a 7,000-sq.ft. retreat for the mind, body and soul whose team of experts craft the perfect combination of wellness, fitness, and beauty. Products used are made with the highest quality, handpicked ingredients, as well as PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

the latest hair, body and skin care techniques to keep those who indulge looking and feeling great. Residents are pampered with a complete menu of services including body, massage and facial treatments; advanced skincare; hand, nail and foot treatments; hair services and grooming. The World’s physiotherapy program comprises both hands-on treatment and therapeutic rehabilitation, including rehabilitative Pilates.

Health and Fitness Whether looking for increased flexibility and mobility, improved strength and/or cardiovascular capacity, the full service Fitness Center provides a wide range of state-of-the-art training equipment, workshops, personal trainers and group exercise options. A variety of off-Ship fitness excursions are also available from hiking and cycling, to snorkelling, diving and kayaking.

Classes accommodate all fitness levels and workshops are designed to address common fitness and health issues while introducing some of the newest concepts in the industry. For those seeking an active and healthy lifestyle The World features two swimming pools, a full-size tennis court, paddle tennis court, cricket, golf facilities with a golf simulator, driving ranges and putting greens, jogging track and a retractable marina for water sports.

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Dining and Lounges Extraordinary skill and culinary mastery delight diners’ palettes with international creations often using locally sourced produce and specialty ingredients to enhance the cultural experience. Restaurants offer light options and cater to special requests including kosher, vegetarian, and diabetic diets. There are four major restaurants are on board: East – eclectic Asian cuisine serving sushi, sashimi and a wide variety of Pan-Asian specialties. Select tables are fitted with removable turntables for family-style sharing.

Marina – superb seafood, grilled fish, prime steaks and rotisserie specialties in a traditional, informal steakhouse setting.

Portraits – haute cuisine and fine dining. A truly gastronomic experience in an elegant setting.

Tides – a panoramic, ocean-view restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian flair.

Two of the most unique dining options on The World are its “Call-aChef” programme, offering a private chef service in a Residence – a wonderful opportunity to celebrate a special occasion with a personalized PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

Extraordinary skill and culinary mastery delight diners’ palettes with international creations often using locally sourced produce and specialty ingredients to enhance the cultural experience.

dinner party – or enjoying a snack, dessert or relaxing nightcap under the stars on one of the Ship’s private Bali beds on Deck 12. In-Residence Dining is also available.

Other dining options include: Fredy’s Deli – café setting serving coffee, tea, sandwiches, salads and pastries. Also includes a gourmet market stocked with fresh local produce and specialty items from different ports.

Poolside Grill – poolside venue offering casual cuisine such as burgers, salads and light meals. A diverse selection of cocktail lounges and bars are also on board including: Cigar Club – traditional English-style smoking and cognac bar. Features a large humidor and cognac cabinet.

Also offers vintage ports, calvados, Madeira’s, Sherries and wines.

Lobby Bar – a classic bar serving

wine and champagne, signature cocktails, and an extensive selection of high-end spirits.

Marina Bar – full-service bar with breath taking views offering an extensive selection of wines, spirits and The World’s signature and classic cocktails.

Pool Bar – tropical cocktails, fresh juices and smoothies prepared with organic super foods.

Quantum Bar – located in Quantum Nightclub serving champagne, highend spirits and The World’s signature and classic cocktails.

Regatta Bar – spectacular view with the ambience of a casual yacht club and sports bar.

The Garden – tea room and lounge.

Onboard Facilities, Services and Amenities The Ship offers myriad services and amenities. A few of note include an art

gallery, arts & crafts, billiards, florist, gourmet deli, housekeeping, laundry, library, medical Centre, nightclub, nondenominational chapel, sports centre offering real and virtual golf excursions to the world’s top-ranked courses, The World Boutique & Showroom, The World Concierge, The World Spa & Wellness Center, theatre, video and board games, video-on-demand, and youth program.

Guest Stay Program A Guest Stay Program allows interested and qualified potential Residents to experience first-hand the unique and luxurious lifestyle aboard The World prior to a purchase decision. Guest Stay access is quite limited and is by invitation only due to the exclusive and private nature of The World.

www.aboardtheworld.com

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whisky

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They arguably own as much of the whisky heritage as any producer. Patrick Leclezio reviews a selection of whiskies owing their vital essence to the grapes of Spain.

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y caramba, the Spanish have infiltrated!

This is not breaking news – in fact it shouldn’t even be news at all - it’s been a good long time in the making and despite my ambiguous exclamation, it’s a good thing; for many, like me, the very best thing. I’m talking about sherry, of course, the quintessentially Spanish fortified wine that has become so important to so many people – us whisky lovers – who don’t drink it, who have no intention of drinking it, yet who wouldn’t want to live without it. I set out recently to review, with a little bit of help from some discerning friends, some of the more notable sherried whiskies on the market, and to learn a bit more about its epic contribution to my favourite tipple.

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The single most important factor influencing the flavour of a whisky, undisputed and empirically proven, is the maturation (or ageing) of the spirit.

One is often told – cut to an industry emissary assuming a portentous tone – that whisky is made from only three ingredients: barley, water and yeast.

There are other ingredients that have come to play a part – peat and oak notably, and acting in synergy with the oak, a variety of other drinks, of which bourbon and sherry are overwhelmingly the most significant.

The single most important factor influencing the flavour of a whisky, undisputed and empirically proven, is the maturation (or ageing) of the spirit, which itself, for the most part, is constituted of three essential, equally vital elements: time, wood and the sherry or bourbon in which the oak was seasoned. It’s a subjective view on which

some may differ but I would venture that of the two, sherry is by far the more interesting.

The sherries in whisky There are a few distinct sherries primarily used by the whisky industry for the seasoning of its casks, each of which imparts a different influence to flavour.

Oloroso: The most popular sherry for whisky maturation. An oxidatively aged sherry – which means that it matures in contact with air. Dark, nutty, often sweet.

Pedro Ximenez (PX): Increasing in popularity. Pressed from dried grapes, thereby concentrating its sugars. Intense raisin and molasses. Very sweet.

Fino: A biologically aged sherry, covered during maturation by a cushion of yeast

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Spanish oak, but possibly of French oak or of other types. The same sherry in one or the other has a markedly different result for the whisky end-product. Even the same sherry in the same wood, being organic and imbued by nature with its own individuality, will produce varied results, albeit less markedly.

These insights could be evident in our much of the selection we reviewed.

The pool, not comprehensive by any means, but as representative a collection of reasonably priced sherried whiskies as was possible and practical, was as follows: Aberlour 16YO, Balvenie 17YO Doublewood Bunnahabhain 18YO, Glendronach 12YO, Glendronach 16YO Platinum, Glenfiddich 18YO, Glenmorangie Lasanta, Highland Park 12YO, and Macallan Sienna. There isn’t a whisky amongst the lot that I wouldn’t gladly drink on a daily basis, testament to sherry’s potency if well deployed.

My favourite? The Aberlour 16YO – it ticks all the boxes with a flourish. Rich, balanced, and interesting without being taxing, with wisps of redolent flavours weaved into the backdrop of a thick,

hearty traditional, home-made fruitcake.

It’s an exemplary whisky, the type I can imagine to have created the tradition, that had people nodding their heads in appreciation and in realisation, and that forever bonded Spain into the whisky bloodline. May the dram be with you.

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known as flor, which prevents contact with air. Light, fresh and dry, with no oak influence.

Amontillado and Manzanilla casks are also rarely but occasionally employed.

Strangely, the importance of sherry to whisky is not endorsed in the regulations (I refer to those for Scotch whisky), which only require whisky to be matured in oak casks. Its use exists purely on the basis of accident, convention and its own considerable merits. The origins of the relationship lie in the reuse of the casks that transported sherry from Spain to Britain to hold and store whisky for merchants and wealthy customers, who subsequently discovered a beneficial influence on the liquid. The practice was perpetuated and by the end of the eighteenth century, distilleries had begun to mature their whiskies in this fashion as a standard. Today these transport casks have been replaced by bespoke casks – casks seasoned with sherry on instruction, for a prescribed period of between one and half to two years.

The resultant variety of flavour is attributable to the different types of sherry, but also to the different types of wood being used. Casks seasoned with sherry are made from both American oak and European oak, and have been for much of history, the latter mostly of

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Spirits

THE

PHENOMENON Style over substance: how an unlikely, unassuming

liquid took over the planet. Patrick Leclezio looks over the world’s most internationally popular spirit.

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t can be made from everything, it doesn’t look like anything, and it tastes like nothing. These aren’t attributes that you’d think would best recommend a drink. At least not at first glance. Looking more closely though they neatly explain both vodka’s success and its dominance. Originating in Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, Europe’s “vodka belt” - Russia, the Ukraine, Poland, Sweden and Finland have a particularly strong tradition - vodka is now made just about everywhere, and significantly drunk pretty much anywhere. Its popularity is unmatched. It begs the question - how did this come to be?

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It’s a consistently reliable complement to your favourite flavours, and it’s crisp and fresh on its own. In a word – it’s easy.

Whisky is made from barley, bourbon is made from corn (primarily), rum from sugar cane derivatives (the molasses, the juice, the syrup), tequila from agave…I could go on. Most spirits are produced from a specific type of raw material, whatever was to be found in the area in which they originated, and to a large extent this has bound them to these regions. Vodka though differs in that it can be made from any vegetable matter.

There is no legal restriction – although the “vodka war” of the early 2000s pitted historic against new producers for this very reason, with the former seeking to restrict materials to the traditional: cereal grains, potatoes and sugar beets. The dispute was settled with a compromise that compelled vodkas made from other ingredients to declare it on the label, in Europe at least.

The Cîroc label for instance follows the descriptor vodka with the words “distilled from fine French grapes”. In spite of this sideshow (and to a large extent having prompted the sideshow), there are significant, thriving vodkas made from all sorts of things. If it’s commercially viable you can be assured that somewhere someone is using it to make vodka. Equally, almost every territory has something within their agricultural resource base that can feasibly be applied to the production of vodka. The general upshot is that the spirit is cheap, plentiful and accessible, and wildly popular, wherever you might happen to be. If you make it they will come.

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Moving then from inputs to the output, the results are similarly compelling. South African legislation dictates that vodka should not have “any distinctive characteristic, aroma, taste or colour”. It’s a liquid that’s clear, and for the most part largely tasteless and odourless - those few vodkas that have managed to skirt this regulation have flavour profiles which it would be an overstatement to describe as subtle. I find it counter intuitive, paradoxical even, that a drink could be both banal and globally

dominant, and yet this is precisely the case with vodka. Everything though is explainable, there’s logic to it: Firstly, whilst it has the same (sometimes offensive) effects as any other spirit, of these, vodka is the least inoffensive. It might not be politically correct to say it, but we drink liquor in large part for the effects of intoxication, although hopefully with a responsible rein on its extent. Vodka then is the consummate facilitator; with no edge – other than the alcohol, and no flavour funk, it’s smooth and universally

are diverse and interesting spirits.

Vodka is not. And yet I buy it, I serve it and I drink it. On any given occasion there’ll be a bottle both behind my bar and in my freezer – ready for the versatile deployment of which it is

uniquely capable. It’s managed to find its way into even my unsympathic heart, such is its appeal. If it’s a rule that you can’t be all things to all people, then surely vodka must be the exception.

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palatable (if well distilled and filtered), and it’s easily masked - ease it into a mixer, or a cocktail and you won’t even know that it’s there. It’s a consistently reliable complement to your favourite flavours, and it’s crisp and fresh on its own. In a word – it’s easy.

Secondly, with little to distinguish one vodka from another intrinsically, the attention has been very much focused on its extrinsic attributes – the name, the packaging, the image communication - which are out there for all to see and experience. Vodkas are explicitly and overtly designed to be loved by the demographic for which they’re intended, they are engineered. A cynical observation perhaps, but valid I think. And don’t knock it. People get satisfaction across all spirits and indeed all products from far more than just the raw product itself.

I consider whisky, rum and gin to be my favourite spirits. I’m also partial to brandy and cognac, and with a little more exposure I know I’d grow to love a Calva. I’m a flavour snob and these

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WINE

LAUREL

Wreath Simonsig, the Stellenbosch wine estate famous for the pioneering role it played in the industry, has reached a new milestone in its proud history. The launch of The Garland 2008 is the crowning success on an extensive wine range and a reputation for excellence that Simonsig has amassed since the release of its first wine in 1968.

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he Garland is Simonsig's first super premium wine and is produced from a single vineyard Sauvignon grapes situated against the slopes of Stellenbosch's Simonsberg mountain, one of the leading locations when it comes to superlative red wine, and specifically Cabernet Sauvignon. Only a limited supply of this extraordinary wine will be made available to the market annually, and the price for the 2008 vintage is R1 375 per bottle. A total of 1 500 bottles of this wine will be released.

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According to Simonsig cellarmaster Johan Malan, The Garland is the culmination of a dream that Simonsig has long cherished to introduce a particularly luxurious wine to the market that represents the ultimate expression of the estate's winemaking heritage.

“It has been a long and arduous journey to reach the point where we could finally unveil The Garland this year,” says Johan. “But the quality of wine that Simonsig is now able to offer the market along with our other, better known labels makes it absolutely worthwhile. A winemaker is never entirely satisfied with his wine, but with this one it is as close as can be.”

The Garland is made from a unique Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard majestically situated against the steep slopes of the Simonsberg. The vineyard is managed by Simonsig in conjunction with the owners of the land on which it stands.

“The vineyard truly yields some of the finest Cabernet Sauvignon grapes I have ever seen,” says Johan.

“The vines are planted in lovely red weathered granite soils, with good chunks of granite visible between the vineyards. The site is about 400m above sea level and the vineyard is

A winemaker is never entirely satisfied with his wine, but with this one it is as close as can be.

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As the name suggests, this wine is a crown that Simonsig wears to display and to honour a remarkable achievement berry fruit aromas. The fermentation was started by inoculation with a Bordeaux yeast to give a slow, even fermentation which peaked at 28° Celsius. Pumpovers were done together with aerations to extract the maximum colour and fruit and after fermentation the maceration lasted a total of 29 days. After pressing the wine was racked into a selection of the best tight grain new French oak for a total of 26 months. During the maturation the wine was racked and aerated every few months to soften the tannins and help with the integration of the fruit, tannin and oak.

Vintage Description The growing season during spring and early summer was cool with rainfall spread out over the entire period. The cool conditions caused small berries and a later start to the harvest. During the harvest there was rain in February and again in March which revived the dry farmed vineyards but did increase the risk of grapes being spoiled by Botrytis rot. The weather turned and the Cabernet Sauvignon ripened in warm dry conditions with 12 days over 30° Celsius. The Garland was picked on 27 March 2008 at 26° Balling.

Wine description Deep black cherry colour with healthy and youthful rim. The nose exhibits a potpourri of flavours ranging from Santa Rosa plum and violets to a touch of truffle and forest floor. The telltale black currant bud and lead pencil herbaceousness add to the unmistakable Cabernet Sauvignon personality coming from a cooler vintage in the Stellenbosch. Delicious sweet, well rounded flavours on the palate are perfectly framed by the seamless fine grained tannins which have softened sufficiently to allow the ripe berry fruitiness to shine through.

Spicy clove and vanilla oak notes add to the complexity and lingering aftertaste. A Cabernet with elegance and finesse which can be enjoyed now, after seven years or matured further until 2018 -2022.

Winemaking The yield was limited by green harvesting to one bunch per shoot.

The grapes were handpicked and destemmed before a cold soak was allowed for two days to enhance the

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flavours of spice and vanilla rounding off the wine. Although the current vintage has already matured for seven years, it will continue to develop until it reaches its peak between the years of 2018-2022.

“It is a rare wine, and the price is high for a South African wine,” says Johan. “But The Garland is the ultimate expression of unique terroir and the winemaking style of Simonsig, and it is a product we are immensely proud of. As the name suggests, this wine is a crown that Simonsig wears to display and to honour a remarkable achievement.”

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exposed to both the cold Atlantic Ocean from Table Bay as well as the sea breeze from False Bay's side. These are perfect conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon, as the many great wines made from Simonsberg grapes have shown through the years.”

There is a family connection between the Malans from Simonsig and the farm on which the The Garland vineyard is located. The land belongs to the Van Niekerk family, Johan's maternal relatives.

“As a child I regularly visited the farm and was always fascinated by these vineyards that seem to cling to the mountain slopes,” recalls Johan.

“And when I set out on my winemaking career, it was always my dream to one day get my hands on exceptionally good Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from the Simonsberg and make an iconic wine.”

In order to obtain optimal fruit quality in the harvest, a significant amount of bunches were removed in the early season, until only one bunch per shoot remained. The grapes were harvested by hand and kept in chilled conditions after destemming to allow good development of the berry flavours. Inoculation with a Bordeaux yeast strain followed and the grapes fermented on the skins for 29 days to extract maximum colour and flavour.

The wine was then matured in new French oak for 26 months before bottling, after which it was given more time to develop in the bottle.

According to Johan the wine exhibits violets and plums on the nose, with a touch of truffle and forest floor.

The flavours are typically Cabernet Sauvignon, with blackberry and pencil shavings, as well as a subtle fynbos character. Immaculate wood maturation adds soft tannins with

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IN HARMONY

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Arcadia 85 motor yacht is the first yacht to come out of this Italian based innovative yacht building company.

There are another two yachts, that are currently at the stage of a concept and have not started the construction yet. These are the Arcadia 115 and Arcadia 135.

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he exclusive layout and the incredible living concept are the result of a real construction revolution: the linear design of the superstructure and the vertical line of the bow allow a better use of every single available space, with a living capacity much higher than other yachts of the same size. To get the very best out of every moment spent at sea.

The design of motor yacht Arcadia 85 reflects simple and understated styling.

Her deckhouse has been made almost entirely out of double layered reflecting glass, giving the interior a bright and airy feel. The sliding over-head panels can provide privacy and shade, as required by the owner and their guests.

The hull shape of the Arcadia 85 motor yacht is such, that it requires low power engines, while the solar panels are used to recharge batteries. Motor yacht A85 reflects a perfect, harmonious blend between the indoor and outdoor areas.

Her aft deck is quite large for the ship of her size, and features a well protected cockpit, perfect for dining, as well as large sunbathing area towards the stern of the yacht. Arcadia 85 motoryacht Solar does not offer a sundeck, however manages to include all the amenities normally found on the sundeck on the aft portion of the main deck. Motor yacht Solar is designed to be a family yacht, therefore combing different exterior functions in one single deck, gives guests more possibility to spend time together.

Four guest cabins can be found on the lower deck of the luxury Arcadia 85, including the spectacular owner's cabin

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aft. The room is unusually large with a stunningly beautiful en suite head. The large VIP cabin forward is fitted with double bed. And there are also two more twin cabins. The bow of the yacht offers space for crew, which can be accessed through a hatch underneath the forward sun pads.

Arcadia 85 main saloon is more intimate and provides space for up to 8 guests. However, the aft deck being well protected against the elements, gives a larger possibility to guest to spend most of the time there, instead of inside. The interior of the yacht features modern furniture by well known Italian design houses, such as B&B Italia and Schiffini.

Almost all the interior is composed of loose pieces of furniture, thus giving the option of creating different layouts.

Forward the main saloon passed the galley there is a dining room , which opens to the wheelhouse. The dining room can be opened up with large sliding doors to the side deck.

The 23.97 metre motor yacht Arcadia 85 has a displacement of 55 tons. She is PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

powered by twin MAN diesels, giving her the maximum speed of 18 knots and she can comfortably cruise at the speed of 16 knots. Her range is 500nm.

A new way to experience the sea, with Innovation and Ethical values to the fore. Because sailing is a privilege that should be experienced without ostentations, rushing or any kind of waste. To enjoy the sea whilst respecting Nature and the economic value of every single action. A real commitment made of style and substance. A project that has become a new point of reference for

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big decisions. This is a lifestyle that Arcadia Yachts has managed to bring into the nautical sector through an idea that has combined together “luxury” and “ethical sense”, appreciation and respect for the environment. An “ecological idea” which translates into eco-friendly solutions, that reduces consumption and environmental impact. To enjoy the

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the sector in just a few years. This is our “ecological dream”, which takes place in three different key steps: starting from the ECOTHINK philosophy to ECOTECH innovations, up to a new onboard experience, ECOLIVING. ECO THINK - A “ green” approach reflects in everything we do, in our everyday life, at work and when making

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limited engine power, guaranteeing low consumption, emissions and maintenance costs; • SOPHISTICATED SYSTEMS which provide waste water treatment to avoid pollution; • Optional HYBRID PROPULSION to sail up to 8 knots with “zero emissions” in absolute silence; •A RCADIA ASSEMBLING SYSTEM which minimises the waste materials during the building stage, the use of paints, and helps reduce construction times.

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THE SHIPYARD • Shipyard is located in the heart of the Mediterranean: a 36.000m2 facility where craftsmanship, modern technologies, attention to detail and the surrounding environment are perfectly blended together.

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sea in a more free and responsible way.

Because the future of yachting is a little greenerevery day.

ECO TECH - The most advanced technological research and the best Italian creativity to generate innovative and efficient solutions which define a new “sustainable” frontier in yachting: • FUNCTIONAL DESIGN with a distinct personal touch, to better integrate shapes and components and reach the highest eco-friendly performance; • Double glazing SOLAR PANELS integrated within the superstructure.

This feature ensures maximum comfort whilst recharging the batteries and powering all utilities and services onboard. This is the only way to reduce the use of generators; • HYDRODYNAMIC EFFICIENCY of the semi-displacement hull which requires

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Owning a super yacht in its entirety has its

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advantages because it’s yours and leaves you to do what you please with it. But maximizing the asset value is difficult with high running and berthing costs. Now you can own a percentage of a luxury vessel, share the costs and take advantage of a lifestyle on the water.

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he Majesty fractional ownership allows each of the clients to own a percentage of a luxury yacht. Crewed, berthed, maintained and managed - your investment is accessible for any manor of events. Every month your allocated weeks and days will ensure your clients, employees and your family have access to the finest locations in Cape Town and Durban. The value in this ownership opportunity is not only in the use of this luxurious super yacht but in the income from 'under utilization' as well as the long term value of this vessel.

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climate makes all year round use a reality. The group also has a complete travel solution to negotiate air travel to the various mooring hubs to ensure your departure destination is only hours away.

These yachts are obviously dollar based and internationally tradeable assets - with that in mind a share of such a dollar based internationally sale-able asset would be inclined to hold superb equity.

Fractional ownership as proposed here takes the hassle and high cost out of the yachting experience and offers the owner the peace of mind.

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most complete in the industry.

The Majesty 48 also distinguishes itself from its competitors by offering a revolutionary design that optimises the space of a comparable 55 foot yacht.

The yacht is fully stocked however arrangements have been made to have bespoke 'accessories' branded that are removable to enhance the bespoke feel and highlight your specific identity - these would include linen, glasses, deck and suite towels, cutlery and crockery, umbrellas and branded interchangeable fittings that would compliment the designer interior.

The yacht will be moored in Cape Town but would seasonally relocate to Durban where the warmer 'winter'

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The ownership is limited to four shares per boat to ensure maximum experience of ownership and usage.

All the hassels of yacht ownership are taken away and the management company provides you with an exclusive “arrive and sail experience�.

The monthly management fee therefore includes all maintenance, staff and all these unexpected expenses that might burden your yachting experience.

The Majesty 48 itself is one of the latest additions to the Majesty fleet and is constructed by Gulf Craft in the UAE. Gulf Craft opted to provide the yacht fully equipped, so the user can have the best experience out of the vessels. From a generator to radar systems, the list of equipment is the

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by: Juan Miguel beco

The Southern Coast of Spain is known for many things: small seaside towns, idyllic beaches along the calm Mediterranean, throngs of British holidaymakers in the summer and for being the birth place of Pablo Picasso. But there, not one hour from the coastline lies every motoring enthusiast’s fantasy… a private racetrack… welcome to the Ascari Race Resort.

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he brainchild of Dutch businessman, Klaas Zwart, Ascari was built in 2003. The property Initially housed a holiday villa whose access road would eventually spawn the racetrack that Mr Zwart would dream up. Incidentally the track is named in deference to double Formula One champ Alberto Ascari, who is the only

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eye can see (the by-product of these oily little buggers can be felt under wheel just after harvest season). Occasionally your vista is jarred by the sight of dozens of power-producing windmills turning lazily in the Spanish breeze. You could however skip all of that and simply land at the facility’s helipad!

If you weren’t directed to the track

you’d miss it completely as it is cupped within the Serrania of Ronda (the Ronda mountain range). A large wooden gate with a modest sign heralds your arrival, but unless you are expected, the 24-hour security will have no qualms with sending you back whence you came. If you were invited, as we were, then a quick chat with the guards at the gate will confirm your

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Italian driver to have won two F1 world titles for Ferrari. That latter fact, no doubt, earns him legendary status in his home country and with the brand’s fervent fans worldwide.

Accessing the track means that one has to drive up from the coast and into the highlands of Andalusia, which in itself allows drivers to tackle some of the more entertaining roads one is likely to encounter anywhere in the world. The sights range between quaint little villages with archaic stone houses and olive groves as far as the PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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appointment and happily send you on your way to the main facility.

When building within this nature reserve, the developers were careful not to alter the shape of the land, but rather to utilise the natural contours to create a unique driving experience. In fact, wherever possible, trees were not removed from within the circuit and, as the track was not created nor approved for racing, spectating was not critical in the design phase, so standing on the pit-side gantry one can only see slivers of track as it wends its way around the corner and into the distance.

At 5,425 km Ascari is one of the longest racetracks in Spain and runs in a counter-clockwise direction. It consists of 26 corners, an equal number of right- and left-handers, which is a high corner count when you consider that Kyalami only has 12. Ascari’s turns range from tight chicanes to two very high-speed sections with the prerequisite slow and medium speed corners interspersed to make the experience complete. With minimal landscaping, the track offers on and offcamber corners, proving a real challenge for both car and driver. A banked section of 18 degrees and rises and falls of up to 12 per cent are part of the challenge. Corners PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

are named after their namesakes at various other famous racetracks including petit Eau Rouge, Laguna and Bathurst as well as after renowned racing drivers Ayrton Senna, Damon Hill and Betrand Gachot.

Friends and family who aren’t keen on speed can take up station at the beautiful villa, replete with swimming pool and serene entertainment area with its top notch catering. Whether it is fine cuisine or just a good ole fashioned braai, which the Spaniards do almost as well as us South Africans, all tastes are pandered to.

Once drivers are fully fuelled they can return to the main circuit or use the buggy track, skidpan , kart track, or even head over to the off-road course - there is something within the Ascari facility for every type of motoring enthusiast.

We were lucky enough to be attending the launch of a top-end sportscar, but not everyone will be in this position. For those speed freaks who are keen to experience one of the finest tracks in the world, away from prying eyes, Ascari offers membership packages. Billed the Ascari Club, the programme offers a number of benefits for members including: attendance of the Ascari Driving Academy offering several types of cars from small front-wheel drive hatchbacks all the way to a full-blown 1997 Formula 1 car and everything in between, access to special events, access to the track, garaging facilities (as mentioned earlier) for your own cars as well as mechanical assistance from dedicated, trained race technicians.

Members are also privy to Club days, which take place regularly through the year. With just a few dozen members the track, entertainment boma and facilities

are never crowded, ensuring a leisurely and relaxed day out for family and friends and plenty of track time for the principal member. Membership in this exclusive club can take place in one of a few ways, individual or family, seasonal or full and range from three to 25 years, depending on your commitment to the cause. Upon joining all new principal members get a full race kit, including suit, boots, gloves, fireproof undies and towels as well as a

bag to store it all in your very own locker at the track, which really takes the arrive and drive concept to a whole new level.

If this level adrenaline-fuelled excitement and exclusivity sounds like your flute of champagne then it is definitely worth exploring membership in the Ascari Club.

info@ascari.net

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The S-Class CoupĂŠ.

Welcome to the view from the top.

A sight of beauty and triumph. The S-Class CoupĂŠ, with industry-first curve tilting technology, leans itself into bends for ultimate driving comfort. Unveil a vision of performance, poise, and unparalleled luxury that can only be described as breathtaking.

Welcome to the view from the top. Visit www.mercedes-benz.co.za/s-coupe Vehicle specifications may vary for the South African market.

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Vivien Natasen drives the McLaren 650s.

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he MP4-12C was McLaren’s first foray into conventional production cars many years after the legendary F1 super car. It was an amazingly superb vehicle with performance that bettered many of the other marques out there yet critics still favoured the Italian rivals over the perceived boring shape of the 12C. Having driven the 12C in the past (well over four thousand kilometres counting road and track), I found it to be a very capable vehicle in all relevant applications as well as an exhilarating drive.

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When the 650s was launched, the initial misconception was to assume that it was merely a face-lifted 12C to address the critics’ comments of the vehicle being boring as well as to image the new vehicle as a “baby P1.” The technical fundis who researched the new vehicle claim that the new vehicle is thirty percent better than the outgoing model.

The 650s, in the flesh, has a lot more presence than its predecessor.

The change of the front nose section to be aligned with the P1 has paid off in improving the pavement presence of the car. The rear appears largely unchanged, however is technically wider.

Performance wise though the differences between the two models start to shine through. The 650s is 0.1 seconds quicker in the 0-100 kph sprint but is almost a second quicker to 160 kph. The top speed is slightly higher at 338 kph, though getting up to that speed would get you into a bit of trouble.

This is as a result of increase in power from 625 horsepower on the 12C to 650 on the new vehicle – which ties up to the 650s moniker. Like with the 12C the spider (convertible version) has no discernible difference in performance.

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My advice for those seeking to invest in a McLaren 650s is to seriously consider the spider as it unlocks the opportunity for open top driving without any compromise in performance.

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What I found most appealing was the improvement in handling, the new car feels more poised and precise. The balance and handling improvements at no time made me feel unsafe or that the car was close to losing it. The increase in torque in this car creates that extra little bit of excitement on the bends that engages the driver more and makes one feel more involved.

Interior finishes are almost identical to the 12C so there isn’t too much to set the two apart, so there isn’t much to report home here. McLaren has introduced several options on colours that are very striking like the Volcano Red and Volcano Orange. My personal favourite is the Super Nova Silver.

For those more adventurous and with deeper pockets, there are several further individual enhancements that can be done with McLaren Special Operations (MSO) division that can make one’s car especially unique.

My advice for those seeking to invest in a McLaren 650s is to seriously consider the spider as it unlocks the opportunity for open top driving without any compromise in performance. The more important debate is whether the almost R2 million difference in price is justified. For a first time owner of the marque, it may be more prudent to get into the older brother first and when ready purchase the 12C. If you have the money, like most of our Prestige clients, then it’s a simple decision – it’s a must have if you want track car performance in an everyday car with reliability to match.

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– the car now matches the engine! by: Stuart Johnston PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

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The W205 series Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a great car – witness the World Car of the Year title version is here, and pundits should note that the new car has a new name: It’s now the MercedesAMG C63.

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it garnered after its 2014 debut. Now the AMG

long with the new name, and a new top-level management at AMG, comes the 2015 car that is set to take on BMW’s latest M3, a modelnameplate which defined the supercarcum-passenger-car template back in the mid-1990s. In the past 15 years or so, Merc’s ensuing AMG models based on the C-Class went about challenging the Beemer by adding ferocious horsepower, but often neglecting important driverinvolvement aspects such as braking to match huge power outputs, and suspension to offer both grip and compliance.

Well, the new C63 from MercedesAMG has finally come of age. Along with an all-new, mega-kiloWatt 4,0-litre twin turbo V8 to replace the raucous 6,2-litre V8 on the out-going model, comes a much improved gearbox, a body-shell that has the requisite stiffness for containing such power, and most important, a suspension system that is stiff enough to induce huge mid-corner grip, but won’t rattle your teeth to destruction or, more tellingly, send the rear-end of the car skittering around like a forgotten coin in a washing machine.

In base form, the new engine provides marginally more power compared to the out-going V8, but a sizeable step-up in torque. But most enjoyably, the urge is fed through to the rear wheels in an extremely progressive manner, making it easy for even a mediocre driver to gauge the amount of grip at the rear wheels and apply the required amount of juice when exiting a corner.

There is a similar amount of confidence inspired when turning in. The bite to the front tyres is impressive, and yet, there is an ever-so-slight amount of edginess that sees the rear end step out just a tad in medium to fast corners when you are pressing on. Far from un-nerving you, this in fact aids your turn-in and is instantly correctible on the thick-padded steering wheel, the communication from all four corners of the car being concise, but rather benign. Like a big ol’ dog that is well aware of the strength of its jaws, but nevertheless takes a treat in the most gentle of ways.

At the launch in late May we discovered all this about the MercedesAMG C63 on the Zwartkops Raceway outside Pretoria as well as on some

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interesting back-roads that offered surfaces far from perfect. At high speed on bumpy roads the C63 is ultra-impressive in its ability to track straight and true offering up ever-so-slight side-to-side kickback through that bright-metal-enhances AMG sports steering wheel.

I have mentioned the chassis characteristics of the new car first and foremost, because that was always going to be the biggest question posed by the new W205 series C63. Would it be a true track weapon, or merely continue as a grossly powered point-and-squirt device?

Huge fun, but not in any way approaching the sophistication reached by the likes of Porsche, say ion terms of road manners.

Well the good news is that the AMGF has come of age – still not as crisp and decisive as its strongest competitor down the road from Munchen, but its slightly mellow approach in fact makes it possible for the average-to-good driver to cut some spectacular lap times in the car as the assortment of journalists at the launch proved at the launch.

As for those allimportant figures, well, figure that the new AMGMercedes C63 will accelerate to 100 km/h in 4,1 seconds in “base form, thanks to its endowment of 350 kW and 650 Nm of troque, produced over a wide, typically turbocharged range of

1 750 to 4 500 rpm.

However, if you have to be the Top Dog in your neighbourhood, there is also the S version with 375 kW and 700 Nm (these figures are substantially up on the out-going 6,2-litre naturally aspirated engine) Then you will shave a tenth of a second off your 0-100 km/h time bringing it to 4,0 seconds, and

roar to the officially limited top speed of 250 km/h substantially quicker. And of course, for those who somehow manage to find roads where they can operate at these sorts of speeds, AMG offers a “Driver’s Pack” on the car which will increase the top speed to the region of 290 km/h.

Amazingly, all this extra performance has been achieved with an officiallymeasured reduction in fuel consumption of some 32 per cent! Still, figure on consumption in the 12,0 to 15,0 litres/100 league if you drive this car anywhere near how it demands to be driven!

Apart from brake upgrades and the option of the extra special ceramic brake

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kit, which enabled a sequence of flying laps at Zwartkops to be undertaken with no brake issues, the new car also enjoys much more precise upshifting and downshifting from the latest version of the seven speed MCT 7, multi-clutch Automatic transmission . Mercedes feels that this is better suited to the big torque characteristics of the twin turbo V8 than a dual-clutch system, and the up and down changes now offer much more precise setting up of the car in the right gear under braking and accelerating out of a corner.

As for the rest of the car, fit and finish is beautiful inside, driving position can be perfectly tailored via electrical adjustment of both sports seats and steering wheel, and I enjoyed the long travel of the throttle pedal to enable precise power inputs for the situation at hand.

There is an optional variable exhaust note pack on hand for those who love to back a big blatt of sound past their favourite coffee shop. And there are Edition 1 trim packs available too to install different grille surrounds, grille-like motifs for the flanks if so desired ( a bit chintzy in my opinion) and special wheels and tyres. These option packs are not cheap, in fact they cost the price of a small car!

Talking of prices, the Mercedes AMG C63 is obviously not cheap but it is competitive with its natural rivals in this ultra-sedan division.

The basic C63 sells for R1 00 700, while the S version sells for R1 163 800.

Serious money, but then with this latest version you are getting a very serious car, a four-door supercar indeed.

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Stuart Johnston climbs into Mario Puzo’s Godfather character in the Supercharged 300C by RGM.

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ike it or not, the Chrysler 300 C is always going to be known as a gangstermobile. Offhand I can’t recall any particular movie where the car features specifically, but the way it eases into the roadhouse parking lot in Boksburg makes me glance over my shoulder towards the deck area, to see if perhaps Tony Soprano is enjoying an early evening espresso with some moll sheathed in a little black dress.

There is an aura of menace about the 300 C as it seems to squat on the tarmac like some creature from a time that pre-dates us all on the Lonely Planet.

It’s probably also down to the fact that relative to the skulking sheet-metal there is precious little glass area, and to notch the anonymity factor up a few degrees, what glass there is happens to be of the smoked variety.

That mean-streets machismo is more than merely visual. Out the box the Chrysler 300 C in SRT8 guise is good for 347 kW. Enabling it to reel off five-second zero to 100 times all day with merely a

grunt from its 6,4-litre hemi-headed V8.

Now that’s fast in anyone’s language. And so is the 280 km/h top speed on tap. Yes, Chrysler, back in its pre-Fiat ownership days, decreed to hell with limiting the top whack (err, excuse the expression) to mere 250 like all the squeaky-Euro-clean boys agreed to do. What’s the point of rushing up to an imposed top speed on the autobahn and sitting there going poppity-pop against the rev-limiter while lightweights in their prissy supercars go rushing past in the ultra-fast lane?

So, apart from being a performance bargain for the money – the stock SRT 8

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BMWs and Mercs and Audis and, later on, Chevy Luminas go faster than they had any right to do.

For the past decade or so, Rob Green and his brother Steve, who head up RGM, have been refining their bolt-on supercharged kits for all manner of cars.

And what better material to work their magic on, than a brawler of a sedan in base form, such as the Chrysler 300 C SRT 8?

The beauty of the supercharging alternative is that they easy-to-install, and with modern chip-tuning capabilities possessed by the best tuning houses,

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still sells at a shade under R800 000 – it has real clout when it comes to putting its money where its mouth is, large though that is from both a stylistic point of view and the sound that emanates from beneath the sulking bonnet line and the big-bad tailpipes. But for some people, a good flat-hander doesn’t get the message across clearly enough, in street-duelling terms. What is needed is a baseball bat, or something equally heavy-handed.

This is where RGM comes in. For the past two decades, starting out when Tony Soprano was making his bones with the Jersey Mob, RGM was making the likes of

the extra boost is more than manageable without having to resort to expensive internal changes such as lower compression pistons, fitting special conrods, beefing up the crank. Just so long as you don’t run ridiculous amounts of boost.

With a stock output of 347 kW and 631 Nm of torque, the hemi-head Chrysler motor is already built strongly and by no means is it stressed, displacing 6 417 cc. RGM has at its disposal various superchargers and for this motor they import a Whipple blower, which is of the twin-screw design, and considered to offer a good of response, power and refinement.

This is known as the Stage one version.

But as on the car I tested, to this can be added a free-flow induction kit, ceramiccoated branch exhaust manifold and an RGM Techniflow stainless steel exhaust system.

This package is undoubtedly not cheap, but it adds a huge amount of horsepower to the mix. The RGM SRT8 peaks out at 530 kW, well in excess of anything being offered off the showroom floor from any major dealer of any make!

I had but an afternoon of rumbling around in the so-kitted 300 C, and I was amazed at how little throttle pressure was needed to make this grumpy giant surge forward. It is fitted with a conventional five-speed automatic gearbox with torque convertor, and you can play nice “slippage” tunes as you cruise lowly and then blip it so that the torque convertor slips and emits a lovely growl without jerking your passengers around.

Hard on the gas this car builds speed in a ludicrous fashion. It will run 0-100 km/h in the 4,0 second region and do 400 metre (quarter mile) times in the mid-12second region. We have little doubt that you will see top speeds in the 330 km/h region with this car, because the tall top gear is actually theoretically good for 370 at the 6 100 rev power peak. Who knows just how fast you could go, given a nice cool windless day on some deserted region of the high country?

Priced at just on R200 000 the kit makes the 300 C SRT 8 a million-buck motor car, but one that should humiliate anything around on the road. And you could do it all incognito. Merely drop that smoked glass side window a smidgeon as you meet up at the off-ramp traffic light. Lower your sunglasses, fix your vanquished contender with a pitying stare, point your index finger at him with the thumb raised and make a soft popping sound with your lips. He’ll get the message.

PRESTIGE

last word

That light at the end of the tunnel is definitely an

oncoming train…

112

w w w. p r e st i g e m ag .c o. z a

I

t seems that for many governments worldwide, the chickens are coming home to roost. Poor long term planning and even worse short term decision-making have resulted in many countries painting themselves into a corner – with the poor getting poorer and middle-class becoming increasingly obsolete with technology, increasingly frustrated labour environments and their decreasing disposable income.

South Africa has not escaped this conundrum of economic disasters and I fear that instead of focussing on what’s needing to be fixed, we are rather choosing to pin-point blame and attack one another. It should be of concern when the former stalwarts of the ruling party in the country are voicing their dissent around the state of the nation.

A tipping point is fast-approaching.

However, the lack of intervention by the current political leaders means that they either know something we don’t know or they are ignorant of the consequences of doing nothing or very little to rectify the situation. The time for change has arrived.

The social media feeds are inundated with stories of increased violent crime, unbelievable human

tragedies, tongue-in-cheek critiques of some of the ridiculous actions by government officials – so much so, that it appears that we have all but given up on the country correcting itself. What used to be apathy is now converted to hopelessness as emotions and tensions are running high and tolerance and understanding disappears into the sunset.

How do we overcome this? I honestly am at a loss myself. I once learned that to shift beliefs one has to convince two percent of the population that the change is necessary and validated. The problem with South Africa is that there is such a dichotomy of culture and diversity that no one individual leader or party rises above these differences like our beloved Nelson Mandela did. Politics has resorted to people pointing out other’s weaknesses rather than looking to their own mandates, policies and promises.

To get out of this mess we need to stand as one country and one people.

We have to remove all elements from power that cause this country to go backwards. A dream, perhaps, but I believe we are close to that point where “enough is really enough” to stimulate the changes that are needed. It’s that, or be run over by the oncoming train.

Vivien Natasen

PRESTIGE: in the lap of luxury

Earrings by Dominic Jones

Mila Kunis wears Zambian emeralds from Gemfields, the world’s leading producer of ethically-sourced coloured gemstones.

Beauty, set in stone. www.gemfields.co.uk +27 (0)21 794 2488