OPULENT LIVING Blog

Hôtel & Lodge, a much respected French publication has awarded the “Best Resort” commendation to Long Beach, Mauritius.

For the fourth edition of these awards, Hôtel & Lodge did a preliminary selection of 25 hotels in 2011 for the “Best Resort” category. The selected hotels all presented a very high profile and the list was then submitted to a jury composed of journalists, photographers and important readers.
In the category where Long Beach was a competitor, three hotels were nominated, namely Long Beach; the Six Senses Con Dao, located on an island in the North of Vietnam; and Kenoa, an ultra-design beach hotel in the Nordeste in Brasil.
Alexandre Espitalier Noël, Commercial Manager of Sun Resorts in France, was officially presented this prize at a gala evening at the Park Hyatt Vendôme in Paris on Thursday 12 January 2012. « It is a great honour for us to note that this commendation for Long Beach brings the hotel at the level of other hotels of the like of Amangiri, the Grand Hôtel du Cap Ferrat or still the Seven,” he says.
In September 2011, Long Beach had already been included in the ‘100 Best Hotels in the World’ 2011 list by The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Britain’s leading travel magazine. “Only nine months after its opening, Long Beach wins another world class commendation. This contributes to position Long Beach as an exceptional and unique contemporary hotel in Mauritius and the region. I congratulate the Management and team members of Long Beach in their endeavour to transform the hotel into one of the best resorts in the region,” comments Arnaud Martin, Chief Marketing Officer of Sun Resorts.

Today ‘The World’ is leaving Cape Town again after visiting the Mother City already over Christmas and New Year’s Eve. As the only media, Opulent Living Magazine had an exclusive tour of the ship and was able to get a first-hand insight from some of the residents.

‘The World’ is the only private residential community-at-sea where its residents may travel the globe without ever leaving home. Since it first set sail in 2002, ‘The World’ has visited over 800 ports in approximately 140 countries. With a continuous worldwide itinerary that enables the vessel to span the globe every two-to-three years, the Ship is a complete floating city, equipped with high-end facilities and luxurious amenities that create an intimate, refined atmosphere for resident owners. This strikingly beautiful ship promises gracious and personal service in a warm, inviting ambience much like that of a private yacht, well-staffed private home or exclusive country club.

A lifestyle aboard ‘The World’ allows residents to explore the planet’s most breathtaking destinations with like-minded adventure seekers from the comfort of their own private residence. This exclusive community offers the ultimate combination of luxury travel with world-class dining, custom tours, and enriching cultural events like renowned guest speakers, local dancers or art exhibitions. A myriad of exceptional onboard amenities include a gourmet deli, Banyan Tree Spa, library, cinema, and a sports center offering real and virtual golf excursions to the world’s top-ranked courses. The onboard lifestyle fosters a warm, welcoming atmosphere and encourages the formation of lasting friendships.

Opulent Living Magazine has been handed out to all 130 owners of a residence and is now travelling around ‘The World’!

Luxury resort specialist, Paul van Frank, has been appointed as the new Managing Director of Frégate Island Private, in the Seychelles. The multi-lingual hospitality veteran joins Frégate Island Private after more than two years as General Manager of Shanti Maurice in Mauritius, during which time he successfully repositioned the property as a luxury lifestyle resort and world class spa.

The award-winning private eco retreat Frégate offers honeymoons and weddings fit for a king. “It is an honour to have been given this unmissable opportunity to capture the essence of such a unique, eco-conscious and exclusive island, that is justly regarded as a destination in its own right,” says van Frank. “I am thrilled to have been invited to lead this ultra-luxurious island resort to achieve its full potential, for the enjoyment of the most discerning of world travellers,” he added.

Frégate Island Private is located in the Seychelles, in the midst of the Indian Ocean. Exemplary preservation, protection and nurturing of the island’s unique natural environment, and the utmost in exclusivity for guests, are the central principles: abundant fresh produce from the island’s plantations form the basis of the culinary and spa concepts, while a resident ecologist coordinates ongoing work towards the seamless integration of resort operations into ecological programme. After studying law, Paul van Frank graduated with honours in Business Economics and Public Relations. A Belgian National, van Frank has some 25 years experience running some of the world’s finest resorts.

The Table Bay in the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town has introduced two wines created by winemaker Rikus Neethling of Bizoe Wines and the hotel’s own experts led by F&B manager Joep Schoof. The launch event for The Captain’s Table wines took place aboard a luxury motor yacht, Princess Emma, which is moored at the V&A Waterfront Marina and is available for charter around the Cape Peninsula.
“We see ourselves as the new Garagiste. Small quantities of grapes, excellent wine-making ability and exceptional quality will be our hallmark,” says Schoof.
Head sommelier Dominic Bowers adds: “In order to make the wine exclusive, we decided that both the white and red wine would have to be blended. This would allow us to put an exclusive identity to the wine.” Worth a try – exclusively at the Table Bay Hotel!

Come sun, come rain – Opulent Living Magazine’s celebrations are always special and despite the fact that dark clouds coloured the Mother City in grey, 35 guests made it to the V&A Waterfront to board a lavish yacht for an intimate ‘Party Blanche’.
A touch of gold was not only added because of the required dress code but also by Desiderius, Pongrácz’s flagship bubbly. The highly acclaimed brand supported this opulent event generously and spoiled the guests with a constant flow of world class MCC.
The intended cruise was cut short by majestic strong waves and everyone eagerly agreed to continue the rest of the party near the jetty. As a surprise, Claudia Mohr performed one of her songs a capella and showed her amazing talent.
Well, despite unpleasant weather conditions, when there is sunshine in your heart, beautiful and unforgettable memories can be created!
See all the images of the event on the special gallery page.

Building on the Klein Karoo’s legendary distilling prowess, Barrydale Cellars launches Joseph Barry Husk Spirit, a welcome addition to the region’s rich bounty.

“Husk spirit – or grappa as it’s known in Italy – is gaining ground world-wide as a trendy lifestyle drink,” says Riaan Marais, CEO of Southern Cape Vineyards. “That’s why we are delighted to bring a husk spirit of the highest quality, made in the grappa-style, to the South African drinks market.” (Protected by European Union regulations, only grappa made wholly in Italy can be referred to as grappa).
The tall, elegant bottle with its frosted finish and splash of red of the cap is a fitting interlude to the crystal-clear spirit within. From the first fiery smoothness to the long finish it shows why the Klein Karoo is heralded as the heartland of distilling.
The single cultivar Joseph Barry Husk Spirit is made from the softly pressed skins and husks of Shiraz grapes; the juices slow-distilled to capture the essence of the grape.

This new product sells at R190 per 500 ml bottle and can be ordered directly from the Barrydale Cellar or online at www.barrydalewines.co.za. Get it while you can as only 4 000 bottles have been released. It will also shortly be available at selected fine liquor outlets.

The Cape Town Diamond Museum has opened its doors to the public in the newly upgraded Clock Tower precinct at the Waterfront. It is the only museum of its kind in Cape Town and the first to pay homage to the extraordinary story of the South African diamond industry. The Cape Town Diamond Museum is the latest in Cape Town’s list of must-see attractions and is conveniently located at the gateway to the world-famous Robben Island. The museum features a number of authentic artefacts that tell the amazing story of diamonds, and in particular the story of South Africa’s diamond trade. It tracks the entire journey of diamonds – from mine to finger, how they were shaped deep beneath the earth billions of years ago to how they are cut and polished – making it a one-stop resource for anyone with an interest in the glittering stones.

Right next to the museum South Africa’s leading platinum and diamond jewellery company, Shimansky, has unveiled its stunning new showroom. The circular showroom boasts a beautifully-designed centre display area, with a huge glittering chandelier and hidden lights reflecting off the surfaces of the showroom. Guests can enjoy a drink at the bar and relax in the beautifully decorated lounge area while they wait for the expert advice of the showroom’s knowledgeable staff, or watch one of Shimansky’s jewellers create one of the store’s amazing pieces.

The annual Relais & Châteaux Congress in Lisbon hosted a gathering of some of the world’s most renowned and celebrated chefs. It was here that Peter Tempelhoff, Executive Chef for The Collection by Liz McGrath, was awarded the prestigious status of Grand Chef.  “To receive this award is something I have dreamed about for many, many years and I feel it is the start of a bright and wonderful future for us all,” said Liz McGrath.

Under the Grand Chef banner, you will discover the most celebrated names in the gastronomic world today. These renowned chefs constitute an international culinary benchmark, showcasing their genius, which reflects their own individual cultures.
Their restaurants, with their exquisite settings and service, fine wine cellars, and unrivalled cuisine, present the Grand Chef qualities of creativity and refinement which will delight any epicurean. These chefs can be found in cities all over the world from New York, Geneva, Sydney, Tokyo, Paris, and now The Cellars-Hohenort in Cape Town!

Peter Tempelhoff will join chefs of the calibre of Raymond Blanc of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons, Michel Roux Jr. of Le Gavroche, Michel and Alain Roux of The Waterside Inn, Heston Blumenthal of The Fat Duck, Hélène Darroze in Paris, Thomas Keller from Per Se and French Laundry, Daniel Boulud and Joel Robuchon – to name but a few.  “It is also a very humbling experience for me, as I am aware of the responsibility which comes with the title. I look forward to this challenge and putting Cape Town firmly on the map as a world class gastronomic destination!” said Peter Tempelhoff when he was awarded Grand Chef.

Last week one of the world’s leading luxury goods companies, Cartier, celebrated its most exquisite diamond creations with ‘Cartier Loves Diamonds’ event in Johannesburg.
South Africa’s elite gathered in irreverent style at The Urban Tree in Sandton to venture through a diamond discovery path, showcase adorned with the most ornate diamond encrusted jewellery on display.

Cartier took total possession of the interior of the venue for this luxurious occasion and guests were able to discover, during an inspired walk, the beautiful exhibit recollecting Light diamonds , the bridal collection, the latest contemporary creations as well as high jewellery unique pieces. After the exhibit, Cartier guests enjoyed a show with models wearing the most exceptional creations.

The floating dinner, finest French delicacies and Cartier Cuvée Champagne added a French touch to the ambience of the evening. One of the most memorable pieces of the evening was the exquisite grey and blue sapphires, platinum necklace with two 64.74 cts oval sapphires.

Two DC-9 aircraft that both boast famous former passengers will come up for auction by Auction Alliance at the end of November at Lanseria Airport.

The first aircraft, ZS-MNT has a guest book boasting signatures and comments from numerous dignitaries. In recent years it has transported former president Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki, deputy president Kgalema Mothlanthe and former UN secretary general, Kofi Annan.
This 1966 classic aircraft has a unique provenance and was originally owned by American business icon Lee Iacocca, renowned for engineering the Mustang and reviving the Chrysler Corporation during the 1980s.
The plane was briefly owned by Ken Mizuno, a Japanese golf club developer who was allegedly involved with the Yakuza (organised crime syndicates in Japan) and had a reputation as a Las Vegas ‘heavy’. According to Auction Alliance, the plane changed hands at the roll of a dice during a bet with Steve Wynn, who subsequently ferried Las Vegas high rollers to his world-renowned Golden Nugget casino. Thereafter, generic drug company, Ivax USA took ownership of the aircraft, and in 2008 it was acquired by Elite Jet & Mvelaphanda to charter South African heads of state and ministers.

The second aircraft, ZS-PYB, is part of Minister of Human Settlements Tokyo Sexwale’s family trust, with the trust’s crest clearly detailed on a sandblasted glass partition inside the plane. ‘Its configuration includes a double-bedroom with en-suite bathroom and wood veneer detail.’ Each aircraft has clocked 36,000 hours, and their interiors were stylishly adorned with cream leather throughout. Given their relatively low mileage and excellent condition, both could continue to be flown or used as back-up for spare parts, Auction Alliance added.

According to Auction Alliance Director, Ariella Kuper, ‘demand is expected to come predominantly from charter companies, corporates and even government divisions across Africa. ‘The aircraft configuration of 17-19 seats, generous sleeping accommodation, meeting facilities and even the internal stairway, makes these aircraft ideal as they can carry large contingencies, which is often a problem when attending conventions across Africa.’