Bush retreat

A favourite Cape hideaway for many locals and international visitors, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat offers seclusion and tranquillity at the foothills of the Cederberg mountains. Bushmans Kloof’s popular spa has recently undergone a complete transformation, almost doubling in size with new single and dual treatment rooms and a tranquillity lounge that leads to the serene spa gardens filled with indigenous organic herbs and fynbos. For bookings and to enquire about packages call (021) 481 1860 or visit www.bushmanskloof.co.za

Zesty Italiano

Tucked between The Kove and the popular Paranga in Camps Bay, a new Italian cuisine offering is on the table – Zenzero. The owner of all three establishments, Paul Kovensky, used his wealth of knowledge in the industry to create an Italian restaurant that combines classic and contemporary. Zenzero translates to ‘ginger’ from Italian, and offers exactly that – a place to sit and savour taste with zest. Homemade pastas, ricotta stuffed calamari, steak all to be enjoyed over a few grappas in plush surroundings. For bookings call (021) 438 0007.

Bountiful business lunch

When walking into a restaurant there is nothing better than being greeted and treated like a million bucks – and where money is the street address that comes as no surprise. Wall Street restaurant’s name was inspired by the address of the New York Stock Exchange and is located down the road from the JSE, a powerful label that is backed by the exceptional cuisine and service.  The regal feel of the restaurant is similar to its sister restaurant, Signature, which gives patrons an idea of the quality to expect. Service is impeccable and adds to the vibe of making any meal an experience to savour. The classic New York touches on the interiors, decor and music add to the ambience, perfect for a business power lunch yet converts seamlessly into a romantic evening dining experience. For bookings call (011) 784 6425.

Like mamma made it

Not the biggest fan of spicy food, I decided recently to be adventurous and try the latest Indian restaurant that’s causing a stir, Thava. A first with local Indian restaurants, they also serve tapas portions of their dishes so guests can try an array of different meals. Thava specialises in South Indian cuisine and many of the scrumptious traditional recipes come straight from the owner’s mother. I even found a couple of dishes that my timid palate could embrace and that I will definitely be returning for. Thava is situated at the corner of The Avenue and Plantation Street, Norwood. For bookings call (011) 728 2826.

More and more vehicle manufacturers are launching their latest models in Cape Town now. Interestingly it has little to do with the scenery and everything to do with the quality of the roads. Potholes are conspicuous in their absence and that augurs well for low slung sports cars that come between one and two million a piece.

We’ll start at the top with the Panamera Turbo because this is the first of the three derivatives I drove with my delightful companion, Linda Ransome of Habitat magazine. We had Porsche PR Manager Christo Kruger in the rear introducing us to the features of the car as we made our merry way from Lanzerac in Stellenbosch to Franschoek.

The turbocharged 4.8litre V8 is sublime and in the supercar league of 0-100 in 4.2 seconds (3.8 seconds according to Car magazine). Yet the manners are very refined, the engine growl audible but not deafening and the poise through the twisty Helshoogte pass impeccable. Its seven speed double clutch PDK gearbox means driving in traffic is effortless and when you need to get on the gas, it immediately puts you in the right gear to maximise drive, together with immediate engine response.

We then swopped the Turbo with the Panamera S, the “bottom of the range” 4.8 litre V8 without the turbo, only rear wheel drive and a six speed double clutch PDK gearbox. The Franschoek pass and sweeping bends toward Caledon brought out the best in this car which felt more responsive and a bit edgier than its flashier sibling. There is more engine growl and you feel closer to the road, yet the poise and refinement are still there. The magnificent road between Caledon and Gansbaai with its long cambered bends were made for this responsive derivative and our Porsche chaperone Teengs Snijders looked very comfortable in the rear seats.

Gansbaai to Gordons Bay was spent with the Panamera 4S which had the specifications of the Turbo, including all wheel drive, without the actual turbo. It’s very refined and sits perfectly in between the other two models but lacks the spirit of the S or the performance of the Turbo.

The Panamera design is a bit like a pregnant 911 although this is not a small car at close to five metres long and two metres wide. Porsche designers have retained the distinctive front end aesthetic featuring the side and bottom air intakes, the flush bonnet, high shoulders and slanted headlight cluster. From the rear and in profile it’s definitely related to the 911.

Inside it’s a very comfortable four seater and sports a distinctive centre console where most of the settings are found. You sit low in the front seats and slightly elevated in the rear without your head getting close the ceiling, thanks to the extension of the roofline and the gradual angle across the cabin. If you’re concerned about luggage don’t be. The boot is huge for a car in this category, which takes us to the business end of the conversation. What exactly is the category?

The folk at Porsche talk about the Gran Tourer and luxury sports segment. They will mention the Maserati GranTurismo the Aston Martin Rapide in the same breath as the BMW 760i and the Mercedes Benz S63 AMG. To my mind it’s closer to the sports end of the spectrum, providing superb performance from the S to the Turbo with luxury surrounds. But, having experienced the BMW, I would say performance is the lasting impression with the Panamera, so it would (prefer to) be more at home in the company of the Maserati and the Aston than the more limousine character of the Merc or BMW. This is a four seater sports car in every sense of the term.

At the time of going to press the Panamera was priced thus:

Panamera S R1 040 000.00

Panamera 4S R1 065 000.00

Panamera Turbo R1 665 000

The Gran Tourismo combines elegance, space, comfort and variability in truly unique style. As an attractive, future-oriented extension of the BMW 5 Series, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is quite unparalleled worldwide in the upper middle segment, combining the characteristic features of a prestige saloon, a modern, highly versatile Sports Activity Vehicle, and a classic Gran Turismo in brand-new, unprecedented style.

Through its body design, the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo combines the proportions so typical of a BMW, an elegantly stretched silhouette and a coupé-like roofline, as well as four doors with frameless windows to create one complete, harmonious unit. The front view of the car animates powerful dynamism through the sheer presence of the upright BMW kidney grille, large air intakes and dual round headlights slanted back at an attractive angle. For the first time the daytime driving light function is provided by corona rings with LED technology.

Boasting clear-cut horizontal lines, the rear end comes with that characteristic look of width, power and muscle further enhanced by L-shaped rear light clusters with homogenously illuminated rows of lights in LED technology. The luxurious and, for a car with this kind of coupé-like silhouette, surprisingly generous and variable interior gives both the driver and passengers a spontaneous feeling of comfort and well-being. This superior feeling is further enhanced by comfortable entry to the car, the slightly elevated seating position, the large window areas, the optional panorama glass roof, as well as exquisite materials and supreme quality of finish.

Flexibly adjustable, the interior of the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo enables the driver and passengers to vary the generous space inside the car as they wish to their individual, personal requirements. In their standard position, the rear seats offer the passengers the same kind of legroom as in the BMW 7 Series combined with the same headroom as in the BMW X5. In this configuration, luggage capacity is already an ample 440 litres. Thanks to the partition behind the rear seats, the passenger and luggage compartments are separated acoustically and in terms of climate conditions from one another like in a saloon. When required, the rear seats may be moved individually to the front by up to 100 millimetres, with legroom still remaining the same as in the BMW 5 Series Saloon and an increase in luggage capacity to 590 litres. And after folding down the rear-seat backrests together with the partition, finally, luggage space increases to its maximum capacity of 1,700 litres.

Offering unique functionality, the two-piece tailgate on the BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo provides exceptional variability and maximum comfort in loading the luggage compartment. Opening the small, sedan-like luggage compartment lid beneath the rear window, with the tailgate as such remaining closed, the driver and passengers are able to conveniently load the rear compartment without causing any unpleasant noise, draughts or changes in temperature within the passenger compartment. To load large and bulky objects, on the other hand, all they have to do is open the large tailgate for maximum convenience.

The BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo is also available as an option with the complete range of features including Cruise Control with Stop & Go, a High-Beam Assistant, Lane Change Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Speed Limit Info, BMW Night Vision with detection of individual persons, and Surround-View camera.

The wide range of standard features offered by the BMW 5 Series Gran ¬Turismo includes telecommunication and navigation systems, a USB port, an 80 GB hard disc for navigation data and the user’s private music collection, a multi-channel audio system, a DAB double tuner, a panorama glass roof optimised for noise control and attractive design, automatic air conditioning, an AUX-In connector bush and the Integrated Owner’s Manual. Optional features include four-zone automatic air conditioning (standard in the BMW 550i Gran Turismo), a DVD entertainment system at the rear, a Head-Up Display, as well as an electrically swiveling trailer hook.

• Engine variants:

BMW 535i Gran Turismo: straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC, Capacity: 2,979 cc,

max output: 225 kW at 5,800 rpm,

max torque: 400 Nm from 1,200–5,000 rpm,

Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.3 seconds,

Top speed: 250 km/h,

Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 8.9 Litres/100 kilometres,

CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 209 g/km,

emission standard: EU5

BMW 550i Gran Turismo: V8 petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection

Capacity: 4, 395 cc,

max output: 300 kW from 5, 500–6,400 rpm,

max torque: 600 Nm from 1,750–4,500 rpm

Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 5.5 seconds

Top speed: 250 km/h

Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 11.2 litres/100 kilometres

CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 263 g/km,

emission standard: EU5

BMW 530d Gran Turismo: straight-six diesel engine with aluminium crankcase and third-generation common-rail direct fuel injection (piezo-injectors),

max injection pressure: 1,800 bar

Capacity: 2,993 cc,

max output: 180 kW at 4,000 rpm,

max torque: 540 Nm from 1,750–3,000 rpm

Acceleration 0–100 km/h: 6.9 seconds Top speed: 240 km/h

Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.5 litres/100 kilometres,

CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 173 g/km,

emission standard: EU5

With flared mugs and espresso cups available in new shades of yellow and pink, green and blue as well as brown and black. Maxwell & Williams products are available at leading homeware stores nationally. For stockist information contact MIC on (011) 417 6600 or email marketing@micsa.co.za

The nüvi units offer bright sunlight-readable screens and text-to-speech voice navigation for every turn, which will not only tell you to “turn right” but also add the street name you’ll be turning into. The New Garmin nüvi 1000 series all come preloaded with SA street maps from Garmap. The recommended retail price for the Garmin nüvi 1410 is R4 275.

The Rapide features unrivalled performance – 350kW (470bhp/477PS) at 6 000rpm, together with high levels of craftsmanship and exceptionally elegant design. This is a car to savour and share, an expressive sports car that extends the Aston Martin experience to an entire family.

Price available on request from Aston Martin at www.astonmartin.co.za

With over 100 years of history behind the company, Montblanc is well-recognised as a master of writing instruments. Established in Hamburg in 1906 by a banker, an engineer and a stationer, the company set out to produce impressive fountain pens.  In 1913, the famous Montblanc star became the trademark, representing Europe’s highest snow-capped peak, Mont Blanc, and in 1924, they introduced their Meisterstück fountain pen which has since become a cult object.

Four years later they started engraving the Meisterstück pens with ‘4.810’, the height of the Mont Blanc mountain peak in metres, as measured at that time. In 1983, Montblanc introduced the Meisterstück Solitaire Collection, improving on the original design with solid gold, sterling silver and gold-plated silver versions. The solid gold 149 Solitaire fountain pen was entered into the Guinness Book of World Records as the most expensive fountain pen in the world.

The ‘149’ is still recognised for its outstanding craftsmanship and has even earned a permanent home for itself at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Considering that Montblanc’s first collection is still praised over 80 years later, it stands testament to the calibre of products that have been created since.

In 1935 Montblanc opened a separate division to produce luxury leather goods and has since evolved into a popular fashion label, known now for its fine belts, bags, writing accessories and more. In recent years Montblanc introduced eyewear, watches and exclusive diamond jewellery items to its repertoire.  The distinction and quality of the products on offer has ensured a dedicated following of reputable customers.

Many influential contracts, treaties and marriage certificates have been signed over the decades with a sleek Montblanc pen, including historical documents signed by the well-known Montblanc supporters, presidents John F. Kennedy and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Montblanc has also paid tribute to the classic ‘screen sirens’ of yesteryear, namely the enduring names of Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman and Marlene Dietrich. The Montblanc Marlene Dietrich Commemoration Edition (featured on this month’s cover) is as sexy, timeless and tasteful as the actress herself. The feminine silhouette of the pen is finished with the discreet touch of the handcrafted, platinum-plated 18k gold nib with heart-shaped hole. The clip of the cap is crafted like a tie, set with a dark blue sapphire and six brilliant-cut diamonds – a touch of her own unique fashion style that so many followed. Celebrating the year of her birth, it is strictly limited to only 1 901 pieces. The latest are the three Ingrid Bergman collections which recently became available in South Africa.

In times where our lifestyles demand that we are always working with all guns blazing, meals come in a cup and connectivity is key, it is always worthwhile to take a moment to appreciate a company that insists on sticking to its values of tradition and fine craftsmanship, evident in everything Montblanc produces and puts its name behind.

Two step

British shoe designer, Nicholas Kirkwood, studied Fine Art at Central St. Martins before studying footwear at the world-renowned Cordwainers College. Perfect for summer his shoes are free of excessive decorative elements with the focus always being on innovation of form. Exclusive pairs of Nicholas Kirkwood shoes are now available at NEO at One&Only, Cape Town. This particular pair retails for R7 500.

Cordless conversation

You have the designer home, now you need the designer phone. Living up to its namesake, Italian design legend Joe Colombo designed this phone to be modern, yet functional. It features all the essential elements needed in a household phone, such as a large display, digital answer phone and speakerphone. The Colombo cordless phone, R490, is available in red, white and anthracite. For more information visit www.telkomphones.co.za

Delicious jewellery

As the temperature rises sip the pink tourmaline of a delicious Sex on the Beach cocktail, savour the sculpted citrine of a Caipirinha or inhale the scent of the yellow sapphire frangipani flower gracing a topaz Blue Hawaiian. Piaget has taken world-famous cocktails and with gemstones turned them into must-have jewels for summer which look good enough to… drink. Prices available on request from Piaget. For more information visit www.piaget.com

Clutch control

South African company Cape Cobra have yet another amazing bag to add to their collection. The “Denise” bag, R6700, named after company founding member Denise Schäfer, is crafted as a combination of Safari Nile Crocodile and Ostrich skin. The bag sports 18ct gold plated hardware and suede lining. Also available in a sunburst yellow and beige combination with navy style lines. Available at the Cape Cobra showroom in Cape Town, Hill House in 43 Somerset Road.  Visit www.capecobra.co.za or phone 021 415 3447 for your individual appointment.

Hot new Harley

There is no better way to enjoy summertime than by cruising the coast with your beloved Harley-Davidson. The latest collections which will roar into early 2010 include the Dyna Wide Glide which returns as an all-new Dyna model. With an old-school chopper style, it features black laced wheels, a chopped rear fender, black “wire” sissy bar, 2-1-2 Tommy Gun exhaust and a limited flame paint scheme. For more information call Harley-Davidson Johannesburg, (011) 884 9454 or Harley-Davidson Cape Town, (021) 446 2999.

Time machine

The Hampton’s Baume Mercier icon watch celebrates 15 years of style, authenticity and elegance in watch-making this year. Created in 1994, the Hampton’s first model overturned existing watch-making codes with the rectangular steel case which became an instant bestseller. The Hampton’s Square Ladies watch retails for R73 542.

And what better way to get the bang out of your buck than with a lesson in photography from award-winning, internationally-acclaimed photographer Heinrich van den Berg. The Khwai River Lodge nestled on the edge of a leadwood and fig tree forest, Savute Elephant Camp in the heart of the Chobe National Park, and Eagle Island Camp deep in Botswana’s Okavango Delta is offering eight fortunate guests the opportunity to spend six days (25 October – 31 October) with Heinrich. Guests will spend two days at each camp enjoying luxurious accommodation while learning to capture their wildlife experiences on film.

For bookings and information contact Sandy on  (0… or email reservations@orient-express-safaris.co.za

Creating this unique model, Porsche is bringing back the tradition of exclusive small series built in very small numbers. The 911 Sport Classic will be presented at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and is limited in production to just 250 cars. This very special 911 from Porsche Exclusive has been developed over a project period of about three years, with lots of love for detail, catering especially for the most demanding group of genuine aficionados. Porsche Exclusive is Porsche’s Specialist Department for the most outstanding customised versions of Porsche cars going beyond even the highest standard of the Company’s regular production models. The unique character of this very special 911 comes out at very first sight in the newly developed double-dome roof. A further highlight of this sports car based on the rear-wheel-drive Carrera S is the wider rear body up by 44 millimetres or 1.73″ and the wider track on the rear axle. The striking SportDesign front apron with its unique spoiler lip and the rear spoiler fixed in position like the legendary ducktail on the 1973 Carrera RS 2.7 round off the unmistakable look of the 911 Sport Classic. Power comes from Porsche’s 3.8-litre with Direct Fuel Injection, increased in this case, also through the introduction of a newly developed resonance intake manifold with six vacuum-controlled switching flaps, by 23 bhp to 408 horsepower for even more outstanding performance. The 911 Sport Classic comes exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox. PCCB Porsche Ceramic Composite Brakes ideally reflecting the sporting character of this exclusive 911, PASM sports suspension lowering the entire car by 20 mm or 0.79”, as well as the mechanical rear axle differential and custom-made 19-inch wheels with their rim star painted black all come together to offer a perfect match for the character of this most exclusive car. The very special, highly sophisticated interior of the 911 Sport Classic bears powerful testimony to one of the core competences of Porsche Exclusive and is characterised by new materials never used before even by Porsche. One example is woven leather made up of smooth leather strips and woven yarn featured on the seat centrepieces of the newly designed adaptive sports seats complete with light-grey piping and on the door panels. The dashboard including a wide range of inserts and add-on components is finished in Espresso Nature natural leather, providing a distinctive contrast to the exclusive body paint in Sport Classic Grey. Marking the introduction of this special limited edition model, Porsche Design Driver´s Selection is likewise introducing a range of new and very special products at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The limited edition AluFrame Trolley as well as a polo-shirt, a cap and a personalised lanyard take up the colour concept of the 911 Sport Classic, and in good time for the introduction of the new car a top-quality 1:43 model will also be available.