The New Luxury Club Floor and Lounge

New Club Floor adds to five-star business hotel experience at Emperors Palace

Launched last month the deluxe Club Floor and Business Centre Lounge at the award-winning 5-star D’oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace will provide discerning business travellers with an enhanced stay experience. 

 

Located on the quiet, top floor at the Peermont D’oreale Grande, the new luxury Club Floor and Lounge provides for restricted access and offers a superb view over the East Rand. Consisting of plush VIP rooms, meeting rooms, lounge and a host of personal and concierge services for guests.

Club Floor guests will be able to conduct business in the private Business Centre whilst enjoying complimentary refreshments, working stations (equipped with PC’s and Apple products), a meeting room, free Wi-Fi Internet access, local and international newspapers.

Access to a Club Floor Services Manager willing to assist with secretarial services such as typing, scanning, photocopying or faxing. The exclusive hub even houses a boutique library. The design of the Club Lounge and Business Centre elegantly mirrors the inspirational classic Roman décor that defines Emperors Palace and offers the ultimate in corporate luxury.

“We have spared no expense to ensure that international and business leaders take pleasure in an enhanced stay experience enabling peace of mind,” says Wayne Hill, General Manager for Hotels and Resort Operations at Emperors Palace.

Club Floor guests will benefit from a diverse bouquet of personalised services throughout their entire stay, including the unique offer of a Club Floor Services Manager providing all Club Floor guests’ with their every comfort 18 hours of the day. 

Additional Club Floor benefits will include early check-in and late check-out options, 24-hour refreshment in rooms, comfortable robes and slippers, selected complimentary food and beverage offerings, shoe polishing services, complimentary pressing/laundry and casino play vouchers on arrival. In addition, the Club Floor Services Manager and team will be on hand to assist with all entertainment and forward travel arrangements.

“Considering that Emperors Palace is located right next to the O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and conveniently situated on the Gautrain arterial bus route to Rhodesfield Station, we are convinced that the D’oreale Grand Hotel Club Floor is set to become the destination of choice for discerning corporate travellers,” concludes Hill.

Accommodation on the Club Floor will be made available to executive guests at a surcharge. As the impressive Peermont D’oreale Grande hotel at Emperors Palace is now a member of the prestigious Greatest Hotels of the World luxury collection, the new Club Floor and Business Centre Lounge, is a perfect addition to the most popular luxury hotel in the O.R Tambo International Airport precinct.

Emperors Palace is a Peermont resort. For more information and for bookings visit www.emperorspalace.com or call +27 (0)11 928 1000 or like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @emperorspalace.

The Rise Skyy Vodka's Elevated Experience

 

“No lows, just highs. Tonight’s the night we all rise.” This is the chorus from a new single called “The Rise,” released at SKYY Vodka’s highly anticipated “Elevated Experience” in Johannesburg on Friday 17 May. 

 

Although the song is the soundtrack to SKYY Vodka’s latest LIFE IN THE SKYY advertising campaign, it was the first time that the full-length version was heard by partygoers anywhere in the world! 


The song was recorded by Lerix, an up and coming rapper from Brooklyn, and produced by Pulse Music in New York, well known for producing Grammy Award winners, like Mary J Blige, Herbie Hancock, Tim McGraw, Sting and Britney Spears.

Hailed as a contemporary, high-energy party anthem, “The Rise” celebrates people who break the glass ceiling, climb the corporate ladder, lead the way, reach for the stars and rise to the top of their game.

Those who haven’t managed to crack the nod to SKYY Vodka’s exclusive “by invitation only” party are able to lay their hands on the coveted track by going to www.skyyvodka.co.za, where it’s available as a free download. An in-store promotion, which includes specially tagged bottles of SKYY Vodka, flags the opportunity. Can't wait to experience the Cape Town event.

In keeping with the lyrics of the song, which promise to “Take it to the top, where the music never stops,” SKYY Vodka hosted 500 VIPs at a secret venue revealed at a pre-designated meeting point. The stylish revellers enjoyed a bird’s eye view of the beautifully illuminated City of Gold.

There they experienced three SKYY bars, including SKYY 90 and SKYY Infusions, as well as big names from the world of South African music. DJs Fistaz Mixwell, p.H. and SPHEctacula who pumped up the party, while live performers, like Donald and TKZEE, took it to a whole new level. Everyone received a copy of “The Rise” when they headed home in the early hours of Saturday morning.

View more on the event here.

About SKYY Vodka

Conceived in 1992, SKYY Vodka revolutionised the spirits industry with its proprietary quadruple-distillation and triple-filtration process that consistently ensures exceptional quality. Distilled in America from the finest grain and 100% pure filtered water, SKYY Vodka is the leading domestic super-premium vodka in the US and one of the best-selling premium vodkas in the world.

 

 

The White Club presents - A Wine Lovers Dream

The White Club and Parmigiani return to South Africa to host “A Wine Lovers Dream”: An exquisite evening of excellence with Domain de la Romanée-Conti

The White Club, an international wine and champagne private members club are hosting an exquisite journey of oenological excellence in Johannesburg and Cape Town this March.
 
Their presenting partner Parmigiani, the most luxurious watch brand in the world, is preparing to treat an exclusive group of 16 guests to a “once in a lifetime” experience with Domain de la Romanée-Conti, the most expensive wine in the world. Lalique, the worlds most beautifully designed crystal, glass and art, will also be co-hosting these magnificent Events.

Guests who attend the extravagant and extraordinary evenings will experience an unparalleled journey of the rarest and most legendary wines in the world. The events are to be held at “secret locations” to provide additional excitement and mystery for those privileged enough to attend, who will be collected by private car and driven to the location.

The Johannesburg event will be held on Thursday 21 March and the Cape Town event on Saturday 23 March. Principle wines that will be served at these events include Pétrus 1947, Château Cheval Blanc 1947, Château Latour 1958, Château Lafite Rothschild 1959 and Domain de la Romanée-Conti 1989, Le Montrachet 2007 and La Tâche 1962 amongst a total of 20 wines served.

The events will also include a “Culinary Chef's Challenge” that will create a competitive edge to the evening. Celebrated chefs will team up against each other, assisted by revered Sommeliers from the Country, to create their own seven-course gastronomical feast that will be paired with the illustrious wine list.

The Teams include Chef PJ Vadas from “Camphors”, the newly opened restaurant at Vergelegen Estate, assisted by Sommelier Luvo Ntezo from The One & Only Hotel and Christiaan Campbell from Delaire Graff assisted by Sommelier Manuel Cabello from Ellerman House. The Johannesburg teams will consist of Coco Reinharz from Sel et Poivre and Leanne Roberts and Charl Whitlock from De Waterkloof.

Malene Meisner, CEO, The White Club

Malene Meisner, CEO of The White Club, comments, “We wanted to create additional excitement and theatre around the events in South Africa this year. The secret locations and the culinary chefs challenge will create these added elements of enjoyment for our guests.”

Parmigiani, the most luxurious watch brand in the world, originating from Switzerland, partners The White Club events and links in well with the lavish lifestyle that this group has to offer. Guillaume Marx of Parmigiani speaks of their partnership: “Precision work is what lies between us as watch and wine lovers. It is what defines us. These similarities combined with a passion for the lavish and exclusive things in life are what make this partnership flourish.”

The White Club, which began “The World of First Growths” project in South Africa last year, will also be presenting semi-blind flights of Pinot Noirs including Hamilton Russell, Bouchard Finlayson and Creation wines against Domain de la Romanée-Conti. Glenelly Estate wines will also be included alongside Château Pichon-Longueville Comtesse de Lalande.

The chosen charity this year for The White Club and World of First Growth Events is the “Make a Difference” (M.A.D) charity pioneered by Francois Pienaar. A silent auction will be held on both evenings and all proceeds will be donated. This charity, created in 2003 aims to make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged academically talented young South Africans by creating exceptional educational opportunities.

For the chance to purchase one of these golden tickets the price tag is R25,000 (JHB) and R20,000 (CT). For ticket enquiries please contact Shelley Webb on +27 (072) 386 6527 / shelley@whiteroomsa.com

 

The Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile

The gorgeous Nicole Flint at Turffontein Race Course on yesterday where she got the inside track on this year’s Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile. (Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)

The Peermont Emperors Palace Charity Mile one of Gauteng’s most glamorous horse racing events of the year brings together top racehorses, famous people and corporate sponsors in aid of charity.

The race will be run on Saturday, November 3. Flint will join 15 other celebrities in adding some glitz and glamour to this popular annual horse race which brings well-known personalities and horse racing together to benefit charity. Through this event 16 charities, 12 associated with Peermont, will each receive a share of R550 000 – the amount will depend in what position the race horse they are drawn with finishes in the race.

Idols South Africa host ProVerb and former Miss South Africa, Nicole Flint (Photograph by Yolanda van der Stoep)

Idols South Africa host ProVerb and former Miss South Africa, Nicole Flint are just two of the celebrities gracing the racing extravaganza that sees 16 celebrities publically represent 16 horses for the benefit of 16 charitable organizations.

Our celebs with two learners from Reahile Primary School, Ayanda Lekitlane (12) and Lufuno Radabe (12).

The Katlehong school is one of the 16 charitable organizations that will benefit from the Charity Mile. While the charities will share a whopping R550 000 in the field 16 horses will do battle over 1600m for this trophy, held by Ayanda and Lufuno and R600 000 in prize money.

Peermont Corporate Affairs and CSI Executive, Vusi Zwane of Bryanston

Peermont Corporate Affairs and CSI Executive, Vusi Zwane of Bryanston, pictured above, with with our celebs at Turffontein Race Course.  While sixteen of the country’s top race horses battle it out it will be 16 charitable organizations that will be the big winners on the day.

About Peermont Hotels, Resorts and Casino's

“As a company, Peermont approaches Corporate Social Investment and Responsibility (CSIR) as an integral part of the way we do business, and all our initiatives are aligned with the vision and mission of the Group.We have proudly witnessed learners of all ages graduate with honours, we have seen small businesses grow with our help and we have seen communities join hands to partner our initiatives. We commend our trustees and administrative staff on the selfless work they continue to do and are proud to announce that a total of R33 million was disbursed to a wide variety of underserved communities through our Trusts and CSIR Initiatives throughout the year.“

VUSI ZWANE
Group Corporate Affairs and CSI Executive

Timberland® First Women's Store Now in SA

The first exclusive Timberland store for women will début in Johannesburg, Hyde Park Corner tomorrow Friday 25 May. The women’s range is usually sold in conjunction with the main men’s range. An independent  women’s footwear and accessories store from its male range counterpart is now available.

Timberland won the UK award for “The Best Ethical Footwear and Accessories Brand” this month. The overall design of the store has followed the Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design, an integrated sustainable design project covering the whole building and guaranteeing an environmental low impact throughout the planning, construction and maintenance stages. 

The store aims to offer customers a cleaner, less prop driven environment with the main focus being on product. From the Eco label certified tiled flooring to the new technology used in the LED lighting that has been utilised as a means of conserving energy more effectively as well as enhancing the look and feel of the store.

Friday 25 May 2012

Hyde Park Corner

Johannesburg

Shop UM59 (next to the Porsche Design store)

About Timberland

Timberland premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it.  Offer quality workmanship and detailing, built to withstand the elements of nature. The company’s products can be found in leading department, speciality stores and retail stores throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, South America, South Africa and the Middle East.  

Timberland’s dedication to making quality products is matched by the company’s commitment to “doing well and doing good" -- forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work.  To learn more about Timberland.  

Timberland® is passionately committed to reducing global warming and making the outdoor environment better, for all of us to enjoy today and tomorrow. We promise more renewable energy, more recycled and renewable materials, less waste, less chemicals and more trees. What kind of footprint will you leave?

Hackett of London launches at Sandton City

Quintessential British men’s outfitters Hackett London launched its flagship store in Sandton City’s brand new mall space one of two stores in South Africa; the other at OR Tambo International Airport. The luxury British menswear, children’s wear and accessories brand opened its first store on the Kings Road in London selling second hand vintage clothes from Portobello market. 

The store concept takes its inspiration from the famous and typically British exterior of Number 10 Downing Street, creating a residential feel inspired by a traditional London townhouse through the use of wooden panelling and black bricks. The starting point for the design focuses on the British Georgian period, particularly the style of architect Sir John Sloane whose simple and classic yet strong approach to design, reflects the very essence of Hackett. The timeless furniture and furnishings have been updated with a modern twist to provide distinctive focal points around the store.

Jeremy Hackett

Hackett clothing takes its inspiration from the traditions of British dress without being old-fashioned; as such it describes its products as “evolutionary rather than revolutionary.” Hackett clothing is for men who wish to dress stylishly and to whom quality is more important than the vagaries of fashion.

Parts of the range are much the same as they were twenty years ago, but as co-founder Jeremy Hackett says, "our clothes wear in, not out.” Hackett’s aim is to dress men for any occasion whether for the business, formal, country or sporting contexts which are perfectly encapsulated under the strap-line ‘Essential British Kit’. The 'Little Britons' range increasingly caters for the younger "man's" clothing needs.

Awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the highest accolade for business success and honours outstanding UK companies and helps encourage the development of British business at home and internationally. The Awards are presented annually and approved by The Queen, on the recommendation of the UK Prime Minister. The last six years have been a particularly exciting time for the brand as it has expanded its retail and wholesale footprint across the globe including its recent expansion into Africa through its South African stores.

Another key factor is the successful execution of desirable sponsorship deals with leading British and international sporting and social events. Hackett has managed to position itself within the social calendar with events such as The Boat Race, international polo and tennis as well as its long standing association with Aston Martin Racing. The international expansion continues into 2012, with the opening of a 3,500 sq ft flagship store in Milan last month and the local store launch in Johannesburg.

View a video snippet of the event

Gandhi in Africa - Satyagraha House

The Satyagraha House - Gandhi's house, Johannesburg

Now transformed into a museum and guesthouse South Africa’s liberation heritage has been further enriched with the official opening of Mahatma Gandhi’s historical Johannesburg home, for those eager to immerse themselves in the Gandhi life experience.

His concept of passive resistance became known at Satyagraha (Sanskrit for ‘truth force’) – the name chosen for the new tourism destination for those who have not forgotten Gandhi’s South African experience and wish to learn more. The guesthouse component of Satyagraha House comprises nine rooms and a restaurant offering strictly vegetarian fare in accordance with Gandhi’s own dietary preference. 

Jean François Rial noted: “Satyagraha House marks an important passage in a liberation struggle that was later taken up in South Africa by leaders such as Nelson Mandela. “We believe the site will attract both South African and international visitors and will resonate particularly with those with an abiding interest in the struggle to combat racism and ultimately apartheid.' “The house tells its own compelling story, but can also be integrated into a wider visitor experience by combining a visit here with visits to Soweto, Constitution Hill and Johannesburg’s Old Fort Prison, a jail where Gandhi and Nelson Mandela were both held.”

Interior of The Satyagraha House

The Orchards house was built in 1907. The property is revered as the place where the future Mahatma (‘Great Soul’) conceptualised and evolved his philosophy of passive resistance – the pacifist method of protest that he subsequently employed in India when leading the country to independence.

Fabrice Dabouineau, Director Voyageurs du Monde and Mr. Cllr Prema Naidoo - Chief Whip of the JHB City Council

The house is the only place where Gandhi lived in South Africa that has been preserved. Exhibits celebrate Gandhi’s life while reflecting the minimalism and simplicity that characterised his life. The opening of Satyagraha House will also showcase cultural diversity through Indian music performed on traditional instruments by local artists and vegetarian cooking. The guesthouse experience includes morning meditation. Take a trip through this South African heritage site and experience the sparse universe of Gandhi, the rich history of South Africa, authentic architecture and simple, raw interior. 
 

In the middle - Mr. Sonam Tenzing - The Dalai Lama's Representative in SA

The faithfully restored Satyagraha House in Orchards was opened on November 8 by Jean François Rial, CEO of French travel company Voyageurs du Monde and Satyagraha House (Pty) Ltd, at a ceremony attended by senior Indian and French diplomats and representatives of the Department of Tourism, Gauteng Tourism and the international media.

Jean Francoise Rial, CEO Voyageurs du Monde

Voyageurs du Monde, the first French company to invest in ‘liberation tourism’ within South Africa, bought the property two years ago. Since then, with assistance from local historians, the company has re-created an authentic Edwardian home and developed on on-site museum complete with Gandhi memorabilia and period pieces from India that reflect the development of Mahatma Gandhi’s anti-colonial and anti-racism philosophy and his commitment to non-violence.

The team who made The Satyagraha House possible.

Voyageurs du Monde specialises in travel-related services with strong focus on personalised travel itineraries, guided tours and flight and hotel reservation services. It organises international conferences, exhibitions and craft fairs and operates across Africa, South America, Asia, the USA and Europe. Voyageurs du Monde offers accommodation services in Morocco, Brazil, Egypt and now South Africa.

Kirsten Goss Launches In Jozi

“I am thrilled to finally bring my work to Egoli, the Zulu name for Johannesburg which means, the place of gold. A natural home for the brand,” says Kirsten Goss. “The Jozi opening has been timed to coincide with the launch of both a new precious collection and a new branding pattern inspired by the atomic structure of gold.”

The internationally adored brand has officially found a permanent home in Jozi – with a brand new store in the Birdhaven Centre – shop 2a, 66 St Andrews Street in Birdhaven. Globally celebrated the fact that it belongs to a local protégé of precious jewellery makes the Jozi launch all the more exciting for her large local following.

Necklace

Kirsten launched her business in London in 2002 and celebrities and celebrators alike frequent the flagship store in Kensington, which was opened in 2005.  From humble beginnings in a modest studio, Kirsten grew her collection into an internationally sought after brand with a fiercely loyal and diverse fan base – including the royal circle and celebs such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Rosamund Pike. Have a look at the Christmas Wishlist and you'll see why.

Although the brand’s aesthetic is distinctive and instantly recognisable, it is somewhat hard to define.  Each collection’s clean, organic lines reflect Kirsten’s Scandinavian bloodline, while her exuberant use of colour reveals her unique African upbringing. The young designer’s knack for experimenting with form and texture is also visible in every piece.

Kirsten  Goss

For Jozi’s vast community of jewellery aficionados and lovers of all things shiny and new, the arrival of Kirsten Goss is an irresistible invitation to celebrate…in style, of course.  For more information, contact the Jozi shop on 011 447 2234 or visit Kirsten Goss Online
or visit her Facebook page.

Urban Luxury - The Westcliff

 
Think Africa is all safari, grime and danger? A stay at The Westcliff Hotel in Johannesburg will have you reassessing your opinion.

What makes a hotel luxurious? Could it be their billowy thousand-thread-count sheets or their legendary Sunday brunch? Their highly intuitive staff or their dramatic, million-dollar views? Perched high above the endless forested canopy of Jo’burg, The Westcliff Hotel has all of this and more.
   
To let the guests know that they’ve truly arrived, three magical words from the receptionist put things into perspective: “You’ve been upgraded.” Fantastic. The porter and I make our way up the steep winding lane, past lovely gardens and pretty pink villas, to my sanctuary for the next two nights. “There’s where you’ll be staying, right there.”

Can ballrooms get any grander?

We come to a halt in front of a cluster of villas huddled around a courtyard. Since no two rooms in The Westcliff are the same, I shuffle to my junior suite and fling the door open expectantly. I am immediately impressed. My extravagantly-sized bedroom may be Victorian in design but there are little touches of modern-day luxury everywhere. From the free wi-fi to the satellite television that pops up upon command to the soundproofed windows and heavy drapes to the cosy sitting nook in the corner, the management has thought of everything.


However, the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the palatial marble bathroom. Big enough to live in, it boasts an enormous sliding wardrobe, dual sinks, shower stall, heated towel racks, a tub (with bath salts) and toiletries from Africology, South Africa’s numero uno skincare line. Something tells me I shall be spending an awful lot of time in here.

 

The Westcliff’s restaurants and its infinity pool overlook some of the finest vistas in the city. The hotel’s cascading garden is also stunning. It is said that horticultural enthusiasts may, on a stroll from one villa to another, spot a number of unique floral species within the property. That evening, I head to La Belle Terrasse, the hotel’s restaurant, where the service is impeccable and the setting fabulous.
 
Sipping my rooibos tea, I spot someone who looks vaguely familiar across from me. Could it be a makeup-less Felicity Huffman, fresh off season eight of Desperate Housewives? And is that handsome young man her son?  “Yes, we do get a lot of celebrities but a lot of them usually want to be treated like normal people,” says general manager, Andrew Cook, who has joined me for a quick chat.

In a sense, there is no better place in South Africa to go unrecognised or be yourself. The hotel is blissfully quiet, and even the businessmen (and women) possess the graciousness to discuss money and mergers in hushed tones. Sooner or later, every visitor to this hotel will be buoyed by this sensation of calm and restfulness, making the place a terrific respite from downtown Johannesburg.

As the sun sinks below the horizon, the stately homes below me light up like a million shimmering oil lamps, outsparkling the star-filled heavens. Now this, to me, is luxury.

Follow Louisa Lim at www.twitter.com/lolibites 


Full article at The Star Online

THE WESTCLIFF
67, Jan Smuts Avenue
Westcliff, Johannesburg
2193, South Africa
Tel: +27 (0)11 481 6074/6045