Thanda Island - Tanzania's Newest ECO-Luxe Jewel

Situated within southern Tanzania’s newly proclaimed Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, one of Thanda’s initiatives to further the restoration of the local marine life, Thanda Island is one of the few truly private tropical islands in the world.

Providing absolute exclusivity for families and friends to enjoy on a sole-use basis, it features just one expansive five-bedroom villa comprising an impressive glass rim-flow swimming pool, a boat house full of water activities equipment, a tennis court and an outdoor cocktail bar, a yoga sala and a fully equipped gym. It is surrounded by its own private coral reef which can be explored in total seclusion with a snorkel and mask straight from the beach.

 

 

Off-grid and solar-powered, Thanda Island offers guests an environmentally sensitive, fun and restorative Indian Ocean, East African experience infused with the Arabian influence of passing Arab Dhows on the horizon and a spectacular “Arabian Night” experience. Deeply committed to the conservation of the region’s marine life, as well as the preservation and rehabilitation of the Shungimbili coral reef, Thanda Island invites guests to learn about the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles as they nest and their eggs hatch on the island or catch sight of whale sharks that congregate nearby from October to March.

Providing the further insight into the local way of life, they also introduce guests to the Swahili sea-faring culture on nearby Mafia Island and offer the opportunity to explore its ruins, coconut plantations, lakes as well as the underwater sights of Chole Bay in the Mafia Island Marine Park.

Officially opened on Friday 28 October 2016 with marine life and its ecology of upmost importance, working with Sea Sense, the local Tanzanian marine conservation NGO which Thanda Island closely supports.

 

Managing Director, Pierre Delvaux chronicled Thanda Island’s story that began in early 2006 cumulating in its environmental authorization in late 2013, the signing of the lease agreement in March 2014 and the beginning of the villa’s construction in early 2015. He went on to explain the vision and objectives for the development to provide a world-class, 5-star, exclusive private island and villa experience for discerning vacationers, whilst also aligning with the objectives of Marine Parks.

Delvaux went on to say: “Our mission is also to become involved in the education of neighbouring rural communities on Mafia in terms of biodiversity protection and particularly sustainable natural resource utilization. Our vision to create a unique and authentic guest experience within a protected marine reserve, whilst observing and directly participating in the protection and preservation of its natural resources in harmony with the Marine Parks Authority and neighbouring Mafia Island communities, has been very important to us right from the start.” 

Acknowledging this, Dr M.E Machunu, Manager of Marine Parks said: “The luxury villa and island development falls squarely within the Tanzanian agenda of attracting foreign investors to the country. This opening is both momentous and historical, as it is the first time that such an exclusive villa development has been permitted within the boundaries of a Marine Protected Reserve in Tanzania, and possibly within East Africa.”

He thanked Thanda sincerely for their commitment and initiative of investing in such a worthwhile development, explaining that the Government’s agenda to promote tourism was in harmony with conservation through sustainable development that not only assisted them to manage their natural resources, but also created employment and other benefits for neighbouring communities. He went on to explain that the Government was supporting tourism more than ever before, that Marine Parks and the Government were committed to supporting Thanda Tanzania Limited with this venture as it had followed all investment procedures and guidelines, including environmental authorization, and that they saw Thanda as an agent for growth in the region.

Pierre Delvaux wrapped up the day by thanking Dan and Christin Olofsson, who unfortunately were unable to attend the function, for their vision, enthusiasm, investment and commitment to developing such a world-class luxury villa hotel that had the opportunity to make such an enormous difference in the region in so many ways.

 

 

Visit
thandaisland.com

Source: Theprteam.com

Gucci Green Carpet Challenge Handbag Collection

Gucci and the Green Carpet Challenge are pleased to introduce a new line of signature handbags designed by Creative Director Frida Giannini. By introducing the world’s first bags certified as zero deforestation from Amazon leather, the Florentine House furthers its commitment towards ecological consciousness. 

The three exclusive designs of the Gucci for the Green Carpet Challenge Handbag Collection convey Gucci’s mission to interpret the modern desire for sustainable products in a responsible way. Coinciding with the launch, Gucci will donate 50.000 euro to the National Wildlife Federation, funding work to promote deforestation-free Brazilian leather.

“I believe that today more than ever before customers want to be associated with brands that are thoughtful and responsible. Through our sustainability, humanitarian and philanthropic actions we would like Gucci to not just be synonymous with Made in Italy, but also Made with integrity,” said Giannini. “This project with the Green Carpet Challenge was conceived to show how we can be proactive on environmental issues, by raising awareness and demonstrating action on the subject of deforestation.”

Comprising the hobo, top-handle tote with detachable shoulder strap and the iconic New Jackie bag, the versatile and functional accessories all feature hand-selected and natural calfskin originating in Brazil, with craftsmanship respecting important environmental issues such as traceability and anti-deforestation. Gucci’s attention to detail includes lining in organic cotton on each style. The first steps of the production chain follow the requirements of internationally recognized standards, embracing processes that avoid the cutting-down of trees in the Amazon Forest.

Every model mirrors a unique blend of relaxed elegance and modern innovation, characterized by the daubed semi-matte and uneven grain appearance, the extreme softness and the slightly wax feel of eco-certified leather. Each piece features a special label embossed with the “Gucci for Green Carpet Challenge” script and will be accompanied by the Gucci GCC passport, which documents the origin and traceability of the handbag.

Alongside the plush surface in a warm red-wine colour, the bags boast embellishments such as exquisite hand-stitching and woven detailing for a three-dimensional effect on the exterior, paired with antique gold hardware and bamboo tassels.

This project symbolizes an important challenge and commitment for Gucci, maintaining the balance between the timeless values of style and superb quality and the growing understanding of the need to protect life-sustaining resources. www.gucci.com

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Taunina Atelier Launches at Barneys New York

In a modern-day fairytale come true, South African lifestyle brand Taunina is launching its handcrafted soft toy collections at iconic luxury department store Barneys New York.

This legendary specialty retailer located on Manhattan’s prestigious Madison Avenue is every fashionista’s best friend – the ‘go-to’ store for sought after designer brands. Taunina’s exquisite collections will be unveiled in March 2013, taking center-stage in Barney’s show-stopping Easter display - a coup for the Cape-based design house.

Arguably, the coolest department store in the world, with a deftly blended mix of cult-followed designer newbies and established luxury brands, Barneys’ A-list clientele includes chart-topping pop stars, Hollywood actresses – Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon and Halle Berry, fashion celebrities and New York City socialites. 

“It is a 9-story magical castle overflowing with beautiful, timeless and unique pieces of art. The perfect hideaway for our artists’ enchanting creations,”said Tracey Chiappini-Young, co-founder and CEO of Taunina.

Established in 2011 the sustainable luxury brand based in the hip suburb of Woodstock, employs underprivileged women skilled in its signature artistry to handcraft its heirloom-quality collections. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, created by a single artist over a four to seven day period and embellished with exquisite embroidery and appliqué detail.

"We are delighted to offer our one-of-a-kind Taunina treasures to Barneys' discerning clientele, and to provide them with the opportunity to serve as ambassadors of social good and protagonists for a better world,”said co-founder Karen Jansen. They meet the growing needs of disadvantaged communities through employment creation and authentic empowerment.

Besides paying the artists above market-related salaries, Taunina is structured so that 30% of the before tax profits flow to the artists: 20% through the Bear Essentials Fund to pay for housing, healthcare, and education, and 10% in the form of productivity-related bonuses.

Each Taunina creation carries the initials of the artist and is a manifestation of the artist’s inspiration and dreams for the future, providing her with financial security and the ability to transform both her own life and that of her family. 

“The unique beauty of each collection piece lies in how it transforms the life of the women who made it, and establishes a lifetime connection between the artist and the purchaser,” said Chiappini-Young.

Taunina’s soft toy collections made their New York City debut in September 2012 at premier children’s boutique store Bundle where these South African hand-made collectables flew off the shelves within a week. Taunina will be releasing its home décor range in April 2013.

Taunina collections are available for sale online at www.taunina.com and Bundle NYC  and at Barneys New York.

About Taunina

Taunina is a sustainable luxury atelier synonymous with social impact and timeless artistry. The name Taunina is an anagram of the African word “tau”, meaning “lion”, and “NINA”, an acronym for “No Income, No Assets”. Taunina gives women who were once without income and assets the power to become lions of their own destinies. Fashioned out of luxurious heritage fabrics from iconic textile houses. Gifts with soul. Gifts to be passed from one generation to the next. www.taunina.com