Issue 1
Hello, Looking ahead it’s set to be a great year across the Virgin Limited Edition collection, and we hope you get the chance to visit one of our properties, and take advantage of some of the great offers we have this year. Last October we welcomed our first guests back to Necker Island, a year on since the hurricanes. It’s been incredible to see the progress in the British Virgin Islands and we are working closely with Unite BVI and the community as the whole area continues to recover. Why not look out for Hotel Weeks at The Lodge for last minute ski breaks. But if powdery white snow doesn’t take your fancy Son Balagueret and Sa Terra Rotja, over at Son Bunyola in Mallorca, are now available to book on a self-catering basis. I recently visited the new Safari Suite at Ulusaba, which is stunning (even if I am slightly biased), I love that it has it’s very own boma firepit and plunge pool. Sticking with Africa I’m pleased to say that Mont Rochelle and Mahali Mzuri, are now proud members of Pack for a Purpose, a fantastic initiative that brings together guests and the local communities they are travelling to. Happy reading and I hope to bump into you at one of our properties soon. Best wishes,
Jon Brown Managing Director, Virgin Limited Edition
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One year on since Hurricane Irma and Maria we’re delighted to be welcoming back guests to the newly restored Great House 2
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NECKER ISLAND
WELCOME BACK
to Paradise
With 11 stunning bedrooms in the Great House, Leha Lo and three standalone Balinese style houses – Necker Island is back. From sandy white beaches to crystal clear water, there is an endless list of activities to keep you busy. Land-lovers can enjoy everything from yoga to tennis, or take to the waters and learn to kitesurf with our team of instructors. And when the sun goes down...sit back and relax with a glass of bubbles in hand! Necker Island is available for exclusive hire, and on certain weeks throughout the year guests can book individual rooms, we call these Celebration Weeks! Book online at neckerisland.virgin.com or telephone +44 (0) 208 600 0430.
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NECKER ISLAND
a lot canin happeenar! ay
HURRICANE IRMA
... one year on
We look back at all the incredible
So far Unite BVI, Virgin Unite and
relief efforts that have been taking
Virgin Limited Edition along with the
place across the British Virgin Islands.
BVI Community Support Appeal have
Almost immediately after the event
committed over US $2.9million which
the community pulled together, not
goes towards supporting the work
only to rebuild their homes but to
of charitable projects and initiatives
make the BVI’s stronger, smarter and
across the region.
greener than before. Read our latest update from Unite BVI at virginlimitededition.com/blog
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ULUSABA
safari Getting to know‌
LODGE
We recently unveiled our brand new Safari Suite and Safari Room at Safari Lodge... Not only are the two rooms connected by a secret door but guests have their very own boma fire pit, decking area with Jacuzzi plunge pool, outdoor shower, and a dining table for up to 8 guests. Just picture yourself sipping your morning coffee looking out at the wildlife passing by. Bliss! The interiors take inspiration from the local residents; you’ll spot birds, monkeys and elephants throughout, from the fabrics to the lighting, artwork and photography. When booked exclusively the Safari Suite is perfect for friends or families (with children over 12 years old) as the two rooms interconnect to create a two bedroom suite. All rates include accommodation, twice daily game drives, all meals and drinks, high quality wines and champagne, as well as our team of fabulous staff. If you have any questions or enquiries for Ulusaba chat to our reservations team on +27 (0) 11 325 4405 or email enquiries@ulusaba.virgin.com.
just picture g n i p p i s f l e s r you e e f f o c g n i n r o your m looking out at the wildlife passing by Kids Go Free Did you know that Cubs (also known as Kids) up to the age of 11 stay for free at Ulusaba Rock Lodge? We tailor fantastic programmes for the little ones at our Cub’s Club... like keeping them out of trouble for a start, and we have rooms especially designed for families. Cubs over the age of 6 can even join the rest of their pride on game drives! What can cubs get up to? There’s plenty to keep them entertained, from a welcome treasure hunt to arts and crafts, traditional South African kids’ games, bush Olympics through to a mini Ranger’s course…and many more fun activities! To book go to ulusaba.virgin.com or call us on +27 (0) 11 325 4405.
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MAHALI MZURI
KEN-YA
feel the love?
It’s hard to beat your wedding day…but what better way to start married life than heading off on safari? Victoria and her husband Josh headed to Mahali Mzuri for the ultimate honeymoon. From the excitement of waking up at the crack of dawn in your luxury tent to waiting patiently for that first Big 5 sighting, it’s hard to find a more exhilarating place! The wildlife in the Maasai Mara are certainly not shy, from the local residents (that’s the elephants, giraffes, buffalo, gazelles, impalas, topis and antelopes) through to those that hunt them (lions, cheetah, leopards, hyenas and many more) we were not short of game viewing! We were lucky enough to see some expert hunting tactics from “The Fast Five”, an impressive coalition of male cheetahs who took down a wildebeest, as well as a lioness teaching her cubs how to fend for themselves. For us the leopard was high on our bucket list viewing. Our first sighting was on day two, we were looking for a notorious male leopard that had reportedly taken an
On top of that we witnessed elephants bathing in the Mara river whilst nearby herds of zebra and wildebeest deliberated whether to cross or not.
antelope up into a tree and we found him climbing down the tree and he brushed right past the wheel of our game vehicle. On our last day we spotted another, Figlet (the daughter of Fig who is well known by the guides), who was enjoying an afternoon of sunbathing up a tree and happily watched as we took her picture from below (that’s her in the picture). Honeymoon safaris are perfect for combining with a relaxing beach break and there’s no shortage of beautiful places to head to from the Mara. We chose the Seychelles but there’s the lovely local coastline such as Mombasa or slightly further afield is Zanzibar and Madagascar (the list goes on). Enquire at mahalimzuri.virgin.com or call us on +44 (0) 208 600 0430.
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s i y t i n u m m o c l a c o l e h T e c n a t r o p m i t n u o m a r a p of 10
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Make a
LASTING IMPACT Virgin Limited Edition proudly supports PACK FOR A PURPOSE, an initiative that allows travellers to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families living in the local community. Guests travelling to Kasbah Tamadot, Mahali
helped to fund essential items such as solar
Mzuri, Ulusaba, Mont Rochelle and Necker
lights, computers and printers, while local
Island can support the local community
communities and guests have provided
by saving just a few kilos of space in their
stationery including; books, pens and pencils,
suitcases by packing much-needed supplies
beads for bead-making, maps and Dictionaries.
for local schools or medical clinics in need.
All contributions are a big help towards encouraging young children to go to school for
Mahali Mzuri joins!
a formal education.
The local community is of paramount importance at Mahali Mzuri and informing and educating our guests is a big part of the experience. On game drives your guide will talk about the local community which guests can also go and visit (like Victoria and Josh
gap between the communities in Franschhoek
and ultimately enable them to make better
by organising community and social projects.
planning decisions for the future of their homes and families.
If you’d like to get involved and donate items to help this worthy cause we’ll be happy to
Mahali Mzuri are currently supporting the
provide a list of supplies. Whether its clothing,
Enkenju - Enkoirien Primary School, located about 4kms from the camp in Narok county,
Donations from local businesses have
for a Purpose in the collection, and have organisation which focuses on bridging the
to protect the wider Maasai Mara System,
120 students, aged between 4-14 years.
Mont Rochelle is the latest member of Pack chosen to support FRANCO, a local
did) and explain how they work together
Aitong town. The school currently houses
New member Mont Rochelle
school supplies or non-perishable food items, your donations will make a priceless impact to the lives of local children and families. If you’d prefer, we’re also happy to purchase the items needed on your behalf too.
To find out more, visit packforapurpose.org to support.
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Marrakech SHOPPING IN
Whether you’re in need of some inspiration or just a secret shopaholic, why not swap the local department store for the bustling souks and boutiques of Marrakech?
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KASBAH TAMADOT
Set off from Kasbah Tamadot in the morning, with a personal guide and driver, and shop until you drop in the shops and souks of Marrakech! From the traditional boutiques to the modern stores, there’s plenty for everyone.
Browse the shops 33 Rue Majorelle: Marrakech’s most fashion-forward concept store is a stunning, light-filled emporium opposite the Jardin Majorelle. Here you’ll find the very best fashion, food, shoes, jewellery, and accessories from over 60 top Moroccan designers and producers. Intensité Nomade: the brainchild of designer Frédérique Birkemeyer whose eye-catching East-meetsWest couture and wild designs take their inspiration from Moroccan
Michèle Baconnier: Known
traditions and European trends.
for her interpretations of that
Fadila El Gadi: The fashion
quintessential Moroccan slipper, the babouche. Her store in the new
designer Fadila El Gadi has opened a
town of Marrakech, Gueliz, also sells
second boutique in the beautiful city
women’s and children’s clothing,
of Marrakech, located in the district
jewellery and household accessories
of Gueliz. The collection features
such as gorgeous blankets and
Moroccan and Manoush traditional
throws.
garments for both men and women. All visits are by appointment only. Max & Jan: In the heart of the
El Abidi Nasser Eddine: In the south end of rue Semmarine in the medina souk, this boutique is known
medina you will find this beautiful
for its eye-catching and antique
boutique. The mix of fashion is
jewellery.
associated with other concepts you won’t find elsewhere in Marrakech and the shop has a great atmosphere.
Book a stay at kasbahtamadot.virgin.com or email enquiries@virginlimitededition.com.
Supporting the
BERBER COMMUNITIES For a truly unique gift look no further than the Eve Branson Foundation Shop. From knitted slippers and fluffy bathmats,
With at least 40% of the price going directly
to colourful woven rugs and carved wooden
to the artisans, and the remaining amount
ornaments, every item is handmade by the
going directly into sustaining the costs of
local Berber community at one of the three
the centre, the Eve Branson Foundation
craft centres.
encourages the production and selling of these goods so that the young people are able to generate a small income for themselves and their families.
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Parties and
WEDDINGS We love hosting a party and especially a wedding!
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WEDDINGS
Let your toes sink into the sand on Necker
perfect location for you, or perhaps
Island in the Caribbean and listen to the
you prefer the magic of Morocco at
waves lap against the shore as you say
Kasbah Tamadot nestled in between
‘I do’, or let the awe-inspiring splendour of
the Atlas Mountains.
the South African bush be the backdrop for your vows at Ulusaba Private Game
Why not jet off to Mahali Mzuri in Kenya
Reserve. Sip on some wine and fall in love
which means “beautiful place” in Swahili
all over again at Mont Rochelle’s stunning
for an intimate ceremony.
hotel and vineyard in Franschhoek, South Africa.
The retreats in our collection are small and intimate, but that’s never stopped us from
If you fancy the Swiss Alps for your
hosting weddings, parties and occasions
wedding celebrations The Lodge is the
for up to 200 people.
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with love from Mallorca... Son Balagueret and Sa Terra Rotja are now available for self-catering stays. Each villa
What’s included?
sleeps 8 adults in 4 bedrooms, so you can treat it like your home away from home.
• Welcome basket
Take advantage of the local markets to get
• Daily housekeeping
the freshest ingredients to create your own
• Towels and linen throughout the week
menus during your stay and have breakfast,
• Pool towels
lunch and dinner when you feel like it. If you
• Pool and garden attendant (to set-up
want a night off from the cooking we can organise for a private chef to come in and cook for you one night, we can also do all of
furniture and pool for the day) • Concierge assistance to book taxis and restaurant reservations
your food shopping and stock your fridge, just give us some notice! Rates start from
Sa Terra Rotja is only available on an
EUR 11,000 for a 7 night stay.
all-inclusive basis in July and August. enquiries@virginlimitededition.com or call +44 (0) 208 600 0430
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SON BUNYOLA
SELF CATERING
in style
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SON BUNYOLA
A TASTE OF THE
Mediterranean Take a little piece of Son Bunyola home with you and recreate our chef’s favourite authentic dish!
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INGREDIENTS
(serves 6)
1 large onion, diced 5 tbsp of olive oil 2 garlic cloves, crushed to a paste or finely chopped 1 tin of peeled tomatoes ½ tsp sugar 1 tsp pimiento dulce (or sweet paprika) 1 good pinch of saffron threads
4 cleaned small squids, bodies sliced into ¼ inch wide rings, tentacles left whole 2 cups of medium grain Spanish paella rice or risotto rice, such as Arborio or Carnaroli 3 cups of fish or chicken stock, plus more if needed 1 cup of dry white wine 20 prawns in their shells 16 mussels, scrubbed and de-bearded
Method
1
In a 16” paella pan, fry the diced onion with the olive oil until soft, stirring often. Stir in the garlic.
2
Before the onions begin to brown, add the tomatoes, sugar, salt to taste, pimiento dulce (or sweet paprika) and saffron.
3
Stir well and cook until the tomatoes are reduced to a jam like consistency and the oil is sizzling.
4 5
Add the squid and cook, stirring for a
further minute. Add the rice and stir well until all the grains are coated (you can prepare the dish to this point up to an hour in advance).
Salt to taste
6
10
In a separate pan bring the stock and wine to the boil. Once boiled pour the liquid over the rice in the paella dish, bring to the
Add a little more hot stock towards the end if the rice seems too dry and you hear crackly frying noises
boil and add salt to taste.
before it is done.
CHEF’S TIP: even if the broth tastes a bit salty, it will not be salty when it is absorbed by the rice.
When the rice is done, turn off the heat and cover the pan with a tea towel or tin foil.
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Stir well and spread the rice out evenly in the pan (making sure not to stir again once it has been
In a separate pan steam the mussels with a finger of water and a tight fitting lid. As soon as they open, they are cooked. Throw away any
spread out).
that have not opened.
Cook the rice over a low heat for 18-20 minutes, rotating the pan so that the
Arrange the mussels on top of the paella.
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rice cooks evenly.
9
10 minutes into cooking the rice, lay the prawns on top and turn them when they have become pink on the first side.
Let us do it If you’d prefer we’ll cook it for you instead! Book your stay with us today at sonbunyola.virgin.com
GET A PISTE
of the action r a e y g n i z a am n o i t a n i t s e d round Verbier offers world-class skiing, and everything you could wish for in a summer escape
Hotel Weeks During the ski season we open up Hotel Weeks on selected dates. What does this mean? You can book individual rooms, perfect for couples, friends, families or even small groups! The Lodge is perfectly located to the slopes, with ski-in access and a driver service to take you to the lifts. When not on the slopes take a dip in the indoor pool or the outdoor Jacuzzi, relax in the steam room or indulge in a spa treatment. What’s included? Your accommodation, breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, drinks (plenty of bubbles!), a dedicated team, complimentary shuttle service around Verbier, taxes and prearrival help to organise all your ski hire needs!
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T H E LO D G E
Exclusively yours Make The Lodge all yours in both winter and summer, with 9 cosy bedrooms and a bunk room for up to 6 children, as well as an indoor pool and spa, a party room and an amazing chef, you may not want to leave! Our friendly chalet team are your personal concierge during your stay, they’ll advise on the best activities from paragliding to something out of the ordinary – husky sleigh ride anyone?
take the t e l a h c e l o wh Enquire with our reservations team on +44 (0) 208 600 0430 or email enquiries@virginlimitededition.com
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I have found a real passion for cooking with local ingredients
T H E LO D G E
Head Chef
ADAM BATEMAN He now leads the day-to-day running of the kitchen, having worked as the property’s Sous Chef for two and a half years.
Verbier’s famous slopes on his days off in the winter
How different is it to cook at 1500m in the Swiss Alps? Technically, the altitude makes the
season and in the summer if he’s not firing
water boil slightly less than 100°c. For example,
up the BBQ grills for guests you might find him biking,
to make a runny boiled egg takes 7 minutes up
rock climbing or hiking (with a picnic basket filled to
here rather than say 3 or 4 minutes at sea level.
As a keen snowboarder he enjoys making the most of
the brim with fresh bread and Swiss cheese of course!).
What’s your first food memory? This has to be baking cakes with my mum on a Sunday, and more importantly licking the bowl for any leftover mix! We would always have a traditional British tea on Sunday evening, a cake and cucumber
Sugar work, baking cakes and tempering chocolate are all trickier here too because of the change in air pressure.
The kitchen is known as the “heart of the Being perched high on a mountain can home” and that couldn’t also be tricky logistically, as our food deliveries might not be as frequent, be truer than at therefore we need to stay organised The Lodge
sandwiches while watching Antiques Roadshow!
with our dry store, meat and fish orders days in advance so we don’t run out!
Why did you become a chef ? Because of the
What’s the best breakfast to have before a day on the slopes? For me it’s got to be a cup of black
above really. I loved cooking with my mum at home
tea, a fried egg sandwich or The Lodge’s special
and I learnt a lot from seeing some of the dinners
French toast with banana and bacon. Don’t forget
she created out of next to nothing. I also seemed
to stuff a load of mini Toblerones in your ski jacket
to do pretty well in food technology at school, so I
pockets before walking out the front door – they’re
thought it was the natural route to take.
the perfect mountain snack!
What has influenced your cooking the most? I’m very lucky to have worked under some amazing
What makes The Lodge such a great place to stay (and eat!)? I think it’s the team of staff
chefs, Raymond Blanc, Des Artiss & Chris Pope, to
who are not only trained and dedicated to giving
name a few, who have guided me in my career and
you the holiday of a lifetime, but who are all great
shaped my food style. Since working at The Lodge
friends in and out of work. I like to think this positive
I have found a real passion for cooking with local
atmosphere really comes across in the service we
ingredients from the region as well as foraging. I
provide and makes the whole chalet a beautiful,
feel connected to the mountain here and I’m really
fun place to be.
enjoying serving our guests dishes that are focused entirely around our location. There’s definitely more to the Alps than just fondue!
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Heard it through
THE GRAPEVINE This year we announced the news of an exciting replanting project at the vineyard, this is the first time the vineyard, which covers over 100 acres, has been replanted since 1994.
MONT ROCHELLE
e n i w k n i r d . . . r e t a w Save A vine time to visit The project will see a completely new approach to planting and wine-maker, Dustin Osborne, has used GIS technology to establish which soils are best suited to certain grape varietals. The first new vines were planted in July 2018 and consist of Cabernet Sauvignon varieties which will be harvested in 2022. Guests staying at Mont Rochelle encounter grapes in many ways from meeting Dustin to daily wine tastings and cellar visits through to picnicking in the grounds. Even the spa treatments have been specially developed to make use of the restorative properties of grapes from the estate! There’s no better time to visit, check our offers at montrochelle.virgin.com
Caring for our vineyards is at the heart of the operation to ensure our harvest continues to produce top quality Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon
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MONT ROCHELLE
Manor HOUSE Your very own private house in the heart of South Africa’s wineries is yours exclusively...
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e p a c s e e v i s u l c ex the winelands in Just a short walk from the main hotel and a stone’s throw from our winery, the Manor House is our beautiful four-bedroom villa which can accommodate eight adults and up to six children in an additional bunkroom. The Manor House comes with your very own private kitchen, living room, two swimming pools, a gym and games room complete with a pool table – score! Enjoy games on the lawn as you soak up the views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains from the garden with a glass of chilled Chardonnay in hand – bliss! It’s ideal for families or small groups looking to escape to the winelands for two nights or more. Enquire with our reservations team on +27 (0) 11 325 4405 or email enquiries@virginlimitededition.co.za.
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www.virginlimitededition.com
UK Sales & Reservations The Metro Building 1 Butterwick London W6 8DL United Kingdom T: 0800 716 919 (toll-free) T: + 44 (0) 208 600 0430 E: enquiries@virginlimitededition.com
virginlimitededition
USA Regional Sales Office 65 Bleecker Street, 6th Floor New York, NY 10012 United States of America T: 877 577 8777 (toll-free) T: + (1) 212 994 3070 E: enquiriesusa@virginlimitededition.com
@virginlimiteded
Design & production www.conkerdesign.co.uk
South Africa Sales & Reservations T: 0800 056 343 (toll-free) T: + 27 (0) 11 325 4405 E: enquiries@ulusaba.virgin.com
virginlimitededition
#vletravels