Added Luxury on Google+ Added Luxury: July 2012

Monday, 30 July 2012

Pure Gold Collectibles


The South African Gold Coin Exchange (SAGCE) have just opened its 30th Scoin Outlet. Scoin stores offer coin collectors and bullion investors the opportunity to buy bullion, collectable silver and gold coins and medallions securely from their online shop, their brokers countrywide or by visiting a Scoin retail store.

 


The former State President and Nobel Peace Prize winner, F W de Klerk and Alan Demby, the South African Gold Coin Exchange’s Executive Chairman opening the new Scoin store at the V&A Waterfront bringing the total number of the retail chain to 30. The Scoin chain is the world’s largest
organisation of its kind with the only retail chain of coin shops in the world with stores located throughout South Africa and the UK in malls and airports.



“We regard Mr de Klerk’s acceptance of our invitation to be guest of honour at the store’s opening as recognition of Scoin’s rapid rise to domestic and international prominence in recent years, as well as our on-going support of the FW de Klerk Foundation,” says Demby, who maintains that Scoin outlets have evolved into the first stop among coin collectors seeking long term value.


He emphasizes that the V&A Waterfront store conforms to the strict standards of all SAGCE’s Scoin outlets – well-situated, light, airy and attractive to existing and prospective customers, and staffed by personnel that invariably go the extra mile. They have 27 in South Africa and three in the United Kingdom. They also have plans to open their first in the USA later this year.


Scoin shops offer coin collectors and bullion investors the opportunity to buy bullion, collectable silver and gold coins and medallions securely from their online shop, their brokers countrywide or by visiting a Scoin retail store. All Scoin outlets offer gold medallions and coins and Krugerrands, countrywide shipping as well as free safe custody services.

Related Post: The Paravanda and Strelitzia Low Mintage Gold Medallions

 

Scoin offers a range of coins that include:

  • British Coins - including the Royal Engagement Gold Proof coin, The Royal Wedding UK Gold Proof Coin, the Manchester United Medallion, the Queen Diamond Jubilee as well as the London Olympic Coins.
  • Mandela Medallions - exclusively minted by the Mint of Norway in silver or gold medallions, approved by the Mandela Foundation and the Nobel institute
  • Kruggerrands - minted in 22 carat gold and available in 1 oz, ½ oz, ¼ oz and 1/10oz coins
  • Natura Coins - introduced in 1986 by the South African Mint, this series of coins depict the natural heritage of South Africa’s indigenous animals.
  • Protea Coins this series of 22 carat gold coins commemorates the history and industry of South Africa
  • International Coins - sporting and commemorative coins minted in tribute to special events including the FIFA and Olympic series.

Friday, 27 July 2012

Luxe Property - Fish Hoek




Fish Hoek · Western Cape · South Africa

  • Bedrooms 4
  • Bathrooms 5
  • House Size Approx 620 m²
  • Stand Size Approx 495 m²
  • Web ID: ENV30369
  • Purchase Price ZAR 9,5 million



http://www.engelvoelkers.com/za/

Contact person: Dawn and Inge · Mobile 0825932028 · dawn.visser@engelvoelkers.com

Wednesday, 25 July 2012

African Luxury at the Twelve Apostles


Poised above the Atlantic Ocean on one of the world’s most scenic routes, offering endless views across the sea, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa has been voted the Top Hotel Spa in Africa and the Middle East in the Travel + Leisure 2012 World’s Best Awards. Celebrating not only its excellence but 10th birthday this November.


Adding to its’ growing list of international accolades not only scooping the coveted 1st position it was also ranked in the Top 100 Hotels overall and awarded third place on the list of Top City Hotels in Africa and the Middle East. Winners were honoured at a ceremony in New York this July, and the results will be published in the August issue of Travel + Leisure magazine.


Well established as the city’s leading boutique hotel, it prides itself in offering guests that ‘personal touch’. Designed by Toni Tollman, the interior design is inspired by the Twelve Apostles mountain range, creating a fresh, calming environment that artfully combines sophistication with simplicity, comfort and elegance. With 70 bedrooms and suites, including the Presidential Suite; two swimming pools perched above the ocean; Azure restaurant, the Café Grill, and the Leopard Room Bar; a 16-seater private cinema; as well as meeting, events and weddings facilities for up to 90 guests.

 
The Spa at The Twelve Apostles ensures and offers the ultimate in style and tranquillity. Natural muted tones of whites, beiges, stones and marble exuding a calming, light and spiritual ambience, where guests can succumb to the hands of expert therapists with treatments that heal, restore and pamper. It features seven superbly-equipped treatment rooms for dual and single treatments with a hydrotherapy bath and rain showers, as well as a Rasul Chamber for traditional cleansing rituals using steam and mud.

 
Other spa facilities include a Perfect Finish Salon for manicures and pedicures, a Tranquillity Lounge and Wild Lanyana Aromatherm Room for hydrotherapy treatments and a Vichy Shower, as well as two outdoor gazebos with panoramic mountain and sea views. Focussing on holistic principles the Spa combines ancient wisdom with modern technology, and its’ range of B|Africa products are inspired by the beautiful natural surroundings of all three Red Carnation Hotel Collection properties in South Africa: The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat and The Oyster Box.



Offering sizzling winter packages to brighten up the cold winter months with fireside dining and pampering spa treatments available until the end of September. Snuggle up and enjoy board games in front of the fire in the Leopard Bar with its panoramic sea views, or choose from a wide selection of DVD’s.


Treat yourself and a partner to an overnight Dinner and Movie. The package includes accommodation, a full English breakfast, a three course dinner prepared by the award winning executive chef, Henrico Grobbelaar from Azure Restaurant, and a movie in the hotel’s 16-seat cinema, with treats such as popcorn and hot chocolate, as well as the complimentary use of the Spa Rock Pools, from only R1 163 per person sharing per night.


Add a glorious 40 minute head, back and shoulder massage to an overnight stay with breakfast and dinner included, and indulge in the Hibernate to Rejuvenate package from R1 415 per person sharing per night, or the Nature’s Gift package at R1 550 per person sharing, to leave guests refreshed and revitalized by the tranquility of Mother Nature at this seaside haven.


Providing a convenient complimentary shuttle service, guests are five minutes from the most beautiful beaches and Camps Bay, 15 minutes from the city centre and V&A Waterfront, and within easy reach of many vineyards. Helicopter transfers are also available to offer an exhilarating experience flying over the spectacular peninsula.



Monday, 23 July 2012

Kirsten Goss Diamond Collection

 

Kirsten Goss launches her precious collection

Abandoning the convention generally associated with “the diamond ring” Kirsten has composed a series of designs each unique in scale, composition, setting and finish to create six totally original designs in her diamond collection.


Varying from sleek and edgy solitaires to bold undulating eternity bands, Kirsten’s subversive edge is apparent throughout and epitomised in the ‘Lisbet’ ring; the crown jewel of the collection. Working with the finest materials including 18kt White, Yellow and Rose Gold and ‘top white’ diamonds, taking the Kirsten Goss ‘Precious’ collection to a new level of luxury. Highly skilled design paired with exceptional craftsmanship and total individuality make each piece a masterful art form to be treasured.

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Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Stenströms of Sweden


ACCESSIBLE EXCLUSIVITY FOR THE DISCERNING

 


The latest consignment from Stenströms in Sweden promises to please even the most discerning of fashion palates. This is where style and exclusivity meet accessibility. Exhibiting their first-class craftsmanship, once again, buyers can expect to bask in the tranquillity of Stenströms’ china blue, indigo, blue jeans and royal blue, complemented by Bohemian chic, playfully coloured shirts.


This year, bold colour schemes have made way for a sober, elegant style with discreet contrasts in the collars and cuffs. A scarf will be a must. These garments have an unmistakeable layer-on-layer style, tastefully punctuated with mixed patterns in perfect balance. Linen suits and cotton blazers promise bleached elegance, while shirts will feature multi-stripes in saturated colours.


So, what sets Stenströms apart from any other fashion house?

  • They’ve been Swedish shirt specialists since 1899
  • They commit to perfection in every detail
  • Their garments boast the finest Egyptian two-fold super cotton
  • Soft collars and cuffs promise superb comfort and strength 
  • Extra fine single-needle stitching provides discreet and durable seams
  • Buttons sewn on in two operations sport a wrapped neck for added strength  


By wearing a Stenströms garment, our male trendsetters embrace a culture of style and exclusivity.
These wardrobe gems can be purchased at Stuttafords stores at Canal Walk, Clearwater, Cresta, Eastgate, Gateway, Menlyn Park, Sandton and The Pavilion. For more information, contact Stenströms SA on (021) 438 7013 or 082 459 6226 or visit Stenstroms

Tuesday, 17 July 2012

Emirates Premium Travel with Boeing 777-300ER

 

Emirates welcomes the arrival of its inaugural Boeing 777-300ER


The new 354-seat aircraft introduces Emirates’ renowned First Class cabin on the Durban route and boosts passenger capacity by close to 30 percent, confirming Emirates’ continuing growth in South Africa.


The Boeing 777 offers the highest standards of passenger comfort, with eight luxurious private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat beds in Business Class and 304 generously-sized Economy Class seats. All classes of the aircraft are equipped with Emirates award-winning ice entertainment system with more than 1,200 channels of on-demand entertainment to choose from. This includes 200 movies from around the world, 100 TV channels, more than 500 audio channels, 100 video games and news, as well as sports and business headlines.


Customers can also look forward to gourmet food in all cabins and seamless transfers to the Emirates’ extensive global network through the airline’s state-of-the-art Terminal 3 hub in Dubai.

Emirates Broadens Its African Network with Lusaka and Harare 



Extending its reach into Africa with the launch of a new linked service to Lusaka and Harare. Now flying to 22 points within Africa, Emirates airlines will connect Zambia and Zimbabwe to key markets across Europe, the Far East, Australasia and the Indian Subcontinent.

To support the linked service, Emirates will promote Zambia and Zimbabwe’s tourism attractions, including Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River, game reserves and safaris, in advertising campaigns executed across the airline’s global network.


“Zambia and Zimbabwe are both important emerging business and industrial centres, with economies that are projected to grow by over five per cent annually during the coming years,” said Nabil Sultan, Divisional Senior Vice President Revenue Optimisation & Distribution. “Emirates’ new service will play a significant role in supporting this growth by connecting Lusaka and Harare to our worldwide network, opening new conduits for trade, investment and tourism.”



Upon arrival at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka, Emirates’ inaugural Flight 713 was greeted by a traditional water cannon salute. "Emirates’ decision to operate to Lusaka represents new economic doors being opened to our country. The fact that this airline, which is successful on all continents, is entering markets like ours as part of its expansion plans is clear evidence of excellent future prospects for Zambia and Zambians,” said the Honourable Given Lubinda, the Zambian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Emirates services to Lusaka will be a huge boost to its tourism industry, helping to support the Zambia Tourism Board’s target for increasing visitor arrivals by 22.5 percent to one million visitors in 2012. The onward connection to Harare, operated by Zimbabwean Captain Ca Busiso Ndlovu, also received a warm welcome at Harare International Airport.

"The arrival of Emirates to Zimbabwe is a very significant development for the market. We welcome the entrance of a truly global airline; with an extensive network, large fleet and great reputation for quality service which will greatly improve choice and connectivity for Zimbabwean travelers," said the Honourable Nicholas Goche, Zimbabwean Minister of Transport, Communications and Infrastructural Development. "Emirates will bring greater capacity and fare competitiveness, which will certainly lead to traffic growth to and from Zimbabwe."


Emirates’ services to Harare will support the Tourism Ministry’s projections that the sector will contribute over US$5 billion to the country’s economy by 2015. Following the launch of Lusaka and Harare, Emirates started services to Dallas, Texas on 2nd February and Seattle on 1st March, Ho Chi Minh City on 4th June and Barcelona on 3rd July. Emirates' 173-strong fleet is one of the youngest in the skies. Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet includes eight freighters (two Boeing 747-400Fs, two 747-400ERF and four 777Fs) that now serves 123 destinations in 73 countries on six continents.

Saturday, 14 July 2012

SANÉ presents... I AM WOMAN


A fashion collection to acknowledge and celebrate femininity.


Save the date - 11 August 2012.

 

It is all systems go for fresh and upcoming designer and former model Sané Ndlovu on the 11 August 2012 as she introduces her top of the range, exclusive clothing collection, at the Peech Hotel in Melrose. To coincide with woman’s month her very first collection entitled ‘I AM WOMAN,’ will include bold designs, colourful dresses, blazers and pencil skirts. “This is the start of many more elite collections and I am extremely excited to finally break into this vibrant industry,” says Sané. This range is about celebrating femininity and the strength of a woman.

Designing and sewing garments has always been a hobby for Sané from a very young age and growing up she made many garments for herself, friends and family for special occasions. She has an innate passion for fashion and aims to provide women with exclusive, trend-setting garments that speak to personalities and the needs of each individual. Sané is inspired by Christian Dior, Vera Wang and Vivienne Westwood internationally. Locally she looks up to Malcolm Kluk, Christian du Toit and Thula Sindi.
The clothing line will range from size 30 to 40, and all items on display on 11 August will be on sale at special launch prizes. If your size is not catered for during the launch, don’t despair as Sané will also be available for private appointments.

*Refreshments will be served all day and the launch begins at 10am.

For more information on this upcoming fashion designer and her exclusive and trend-setting collections visit www.sanendlovu.co.za, website coming soon or contact Sane on 083 495 9127.

Friday, 13 July 2012

Patek Philippe - Ladies First Perpetual Calendar


 Because women love the notion of forever

Patek Philippe released their first Ladies Perpetual Calender Ref. 7140, at Baselworld 2012. Enriching the manufacturers collection of ladies' watches with an attractive newcomer that joins what is probably the world's most comprehensive portfolio of regularly produced complicated watches for women.


This exquisite timepiece is a grand complication that qualifies as an incarnation of eternity with its functionality, lasting value, and reliability across generations, timelessly elegant design, and enduring array of diamonds. It is an uplifting feeling to be able to think about one's great and great-great grandchildren when purchasing a Ref. 7140 Ladies First Perpetual Calendar.

The growing affinity of women with mechanical watches and complicated functions is among the particularly delightful trends in the domain of horology. Featuring an ultrathin split-seconds chronograph and an equally graceful minute repeater launched in very feminine versions. The complications ateliers spared no effort to endow this complicated timepiece with an irresistibly feminine personality.

The objective was accomplished with panache, as evidenced by a glance at the new Ref. 7140 Ladies First Perpetual Calendar. All of the elements of this elegant timepiece reflect feminine poise, from the classic round Calatrava case in 18K rose gold and the gracefully curved lugs to the shimmering creamy white dial, the interchangeable mink gray and royal purple alligator straps, the lovely bezel, and the clasp set with precious diamonds that deserve to be called a girl's best friend.


Despite its compact size, it presents its eight indications – hours, minutes, date, day of the week, month, leap-year cycle, 24-hour subdial, and moon phases – in a very clearly organized and easily legible configuration. This is due not least to the subtle contrast between the white opalescent dial and the hands, the applied Breguet numerals, the minute-marker pearls in 18K rose gold, and the discreetly elegant yet crisply readable calendar indications.

The 68 flawless Top Wesselton diamonds totalling approx. 0.68 ct. embrace the perpetual calendar dial, framing it like a precious treasure with sparkling intensity. But these readily visible assets not only underscore the beauty of this exceptional timepiece, they also bring its inner values to the fore. The watch comes with a solid-gold case back and an exchangeable sapphire-crystal display back that allows its owner to admire the magnificently designed and artistically decorated mechanical caliber.


This extraordinary timepiece designed for eternity is worn on a hand-stitched alligator strap with a prong buckle in 18K rose gold that is adorned with a further complement of 27 flawless Top Wesselton diamonds totalling about 0.20 ct. A snap back in 18K rose gold and interchangeable sapphire-crystal display back that is water-resistant to 30 meters.

It includes Travel Time models for two time zones, the World Time watch with 24 time zones, the famous Annual Calendar, grand complications such as minute repeaters and split-seconds chronographs as well as classic column-wheel chronographs Ladies First Chronograph, and now, finally, the first perpetual calendar for ladies.

In Southern Africa, Patek Philippe watches are exclusively sold through The Watch and Jewellery Gallery located at Shop 33, Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton, Johannesburg. For more information please contact the store on 011-784-259.

Thursday, 12 July 2012

Reuben’s Culinary Weekends in the Franschhoek Valley



Food doesn’t have to be fancy and extravagant to be delicious. If you have a really good peach or apricot, you want to retain that taste, so you should do as little as possible to it. Too much messing about with food makes it lose its identity, its essence. It shows a lack of respect for the items you’re cooking. I believe in looking for new ways to do things, but simplicity is always the key.”
– Reuben Riffel Chef de Cuisine


With a passion for creating fine yet uncomplicated cuisine and a laid back setting to match, you’re invited to experience Reuben’s. The menu offers staunch favourites as well as specials that are updated daily to take advantage of the finest ingredients on the market. With Restraurants located in Roberston and The One & Only Cape Town . The premier venue is in Franschhoek, the heart of South Africa’s winelands, its wine list is the envy of any connoisseur. Reuben’s restaurant and bar combines all the ingredients for the perfect get together.


Cook with the masterchef.

If you’ re a culinary enthusiast, enjoy being wined & dined and want to cook with Chef Reuben Riffel , go ahead and treat a group of friends, family or colleagues. Everyone will be treated as a VIP and no expense is spared. These courses are well planned for the master chefs among us and for anyone wanting to get away from microwave meals. Sign up for Culinary Weekends in the Franschhoek valley.


Meet the New Executive Chef at Reuben’s at The Robertson Small Hotel

A gourmet gem of the Breede River Valley takes pride in lending culinary bliss to this 5-star boutique hotel in the eponymous town of Robertson. Reuben’s at The Robertson sizzles with a newly appointed Executive Chef, Emile Fortuin. Protégé of South Africa’s best-known culinary success stories, Reuben Riffel, Emile stays true to his mentor’s simple food philosophy. Giving adventurous taste to traditional Cape cuisine by inffusing it with his home-grown tastes and produce he experienced while growing up.


Matriculating in 2006, Emile was discovered while working briefly at the Bread and Wine Restaurant in Franschhoek by its owner Susan Huxter, who also owns world-renowned Le Quartier Francais luxury hotel. Without any formal training and culinary qualifications under his belt.

 “I was peeping through a wooden fence to see what the charcuterie chef, Neil Jewell, was doing and Susan saw me and offered me an in-house training job at her 5-star hotel on the spot. During that period I met the likes of world-renowned culinary genius, Margot Janse, Executive Chef of Le Quartier Français and Chef Chris Erasmus of Pierneef á La Motte and this is then when my passion for cooking really ignited,” shares an enthused chef.

In search of an adventurous culinary career, Emile joined Reuben’s Restaurant in Franschhoek in 2008 working his way from barman to assistant chef before filling the shoes of Executive Chef. “I still remember the day when I asked Reuben if I could join his kitchen team. He handed me a chef’s jacket and a 10 kg bag of potatoes and he told me that I have ten minutes to peel all the potatoes and seven days to prove myself worthy in his kitchen. I’m forever grateful for the life-changing opportunity he gave me,” adds Emile.


Today, with the guidance of Reuben as concept chef, Emile is ready to set his own course at the luxurious ten-suite hotel. Fully aware of the latest gastronomic trends, he aims to create a feast of unpretentious dishes with a sustainable conscience by using the finest indigenous and heritage ingredients – and transforming them into contemporary sensations that saturate the senses.

“Today, sustainability is created and supported by having your own vegetable and herb garden or even breeding your own fish, and then serving it in your restaurant. It is the way to go. I explore with new meat cuts and reduce our carbon footprint by relying heavily on local produce,” adds Emile.

Emile’s innovative cuisine enhances the overall Reuben’s dining experience by offering an elegant yet country-style affair with a touch of local flare. Guests dining at the relaxed, bistro-style venue can look forward to a myriad of hearty temptations on his ever-changing Winter Menu. In full view of the chef at work from his open-plan kitchen.


Think rustic Green Bean Stew, Warm Beef Tongue Salad with black pudding or an earthy Mushroom Consommé. Carnivores will love his Braised Oxtail with Mascarpone soft polenta and crispy beacon while his signature Pork Belly aims to please palates all season long. His Potato Spinach Cakes served with a traditional Cape-style tomato smoortjie (a thick smothering-styled sauce) highlights a comforting vegetarian lineup. Mood-uplifting desserts include a Grand Marnier Orange soufflé enriched with Klipdrift gold chocolate foam and a warm Jan Ellis pudding with spiced custard and Bulgarian yoghurt ice cream.


During the winter months, open daily for breakfast and dinner whilst private lunch and dinner parties and group bookings can also be reserved. Bookings are essential. To reserve your table contact the restaurant at Tel: (+27)23 626 7200 or email reservations@therobertsonsmallhotel.com.



The Robertson Small Hotel

Voted Best Country Luxury Hotel in South Africa at the 2011 World Luxury Hotel Awards, chic sophistication meets old-world charm in a gracious 1909 Victorian manor at this luxurious 5-star country retreat. Situated in the heart of the scenic Breede River Valley a mere 90-minute drive from Cape Town. 

With 10 spacious luxury en-suite bedrooms, a gourmet signature restaurant, a wellness room, tranquil gardens and shimmering pools. Offering unsurpassed attention to detail and country hospitality at its most refined, the understated elegance of this boutique hotel is refreshingly unique. A celebration of modern design and fusion of eclectic yet comfortable furnishings reflecting an appreciation for space. These deluxe suites provide solace for the soul, but are also fitted with the latest technology to cater for the needs of the trendy traveller and businessman.