Cape Town, 12 August 2010. In cooperation with Uwe Koetter and The Idiom Collection, Exclusive Serenity organised a prestigious evening at the premises of Uwe Koetter Jewellers in Cape Town. Under the motto “Diamonds of the Indian Ocean”, Exclusive Serenity presented Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles and Coco Palm Bodu Hithi in Maldives to selected travel trade professionals. The highlight of the evening was the diamond cocktail: everybody got a glass of champagne which included a gem… one of them was the real diamond.
From the moment the guests - by invitation only – entered the prestigious showroom at Uwe Koetter Jewellers, it was clear that they were in for a treat.
With compliments of The Idiom Collection, guests were spoiled with exquisite, award-winning wines: a rare and opulent wooded Viognier from the Rhône and the decadent Cape Blend which has won its own Diamond at the Investec Winemakers Choice, Double Gold at Michelangelo, Gold at Veritas and 4 Stars Wine Magazine.
Uwe Koetter Jewellers have become one of the most renowned jewellery design and manufacturing companies in South Africa. They have also won many awards in recognition of pieces unique both in quality and design. Whilst enjoying their wines, guests could take some time to get inspired by the various jewellery on display prior to a demonstration at the workshop. Johan Louw, the General Manager at Uwe Koetter Jewellers, demonstrated how to make a wedding band which was an interesting and fascinating experience.
Following award-winning wine, the evening progressed with the diamond cocktail. Each guest received a glass of champagne for their enjoyment prior to the presentation of the “Diamonds of the Indian Ocean” by Exclusive Serenity: Coco Palm Bodu Hithi in Maldives introduced by Christiane Rieth, followed by a presentation about Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles by Melanie Floor.
Prior to the diamond testing, Kerry Collins from “here’s my card” won a stay at 15 on Orange, sponsored by Opulent Living, South Africa’s most prestigious coffee table magazine.
Finally guests could take their diamond cocktails to the “diamond testing station” where the competent team of Uwe Koetter checked the stones and found out whether the gem was the real diamond. The lucky winner got to keep the real diamond found in the champagne glass. The diamond cocktail was sponsored with compliments of Uwe Koetter Jewellers and was the highlight of a truly memorable evening.
Coco Palm Bodu Hithi will be exclusively hosting the filming of the prestigious Miss France 2011 beauty pageant in November of this year.
To be broadcasted by French national TV station TFI to an audience of over 8.5 million viewers in December, the 38 contestants from the various regions and overseas territories of France will be filmed at one of the most glamorous and beautiful locations in the world. The contestants will also sample various aspects of Maldivian culture during their visit, which will include a visit to Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu in Baa Atoll as well. The Miss France contest has been held since 1920 and is considered to be one of the biggest TV events in France and indeed Europe.
The Coco Collection is the luxury division of Sunland Hotels, a long established and fully Maldivian owned company and a leader in the tourism industry. Coco Palm Bodu Hithi located in north Male’ atoll is also the recent winner of several international awards such as VIP international, TUI Holly and World Luxury Hotel Awards Best Luxury Hotel.
France has always been one of the most important markets for the Maldivian tourism industry. As such, the tremendous coverage that Maldives as a destination will receive throughout France and central Europe is bound to give a significant boost to the whole nation as well as the Coco Collection.
New for 2010, Coco Palm Bodu Hithi has announced the launch of its very own Japanese restaurant “Tsuki”. Shaped like its namesake, the Japanese word for the crescent moon, Tsuki is located above the Stars restaurant and lounge in the exclusive over water Club Coco Palm wing. Open since May 2010, the restaurant will offer guests an alternative taste of Asia with an appetising menu of fresh Japanese dishes.
Perched above the ocean with mesmerizing views, the sushi bar will offer an extensive menu of delicious dishes including Japanese salads, sushi and fresh fish for lunch and dinner. Using traditional Japanese flavours and ingredients, the menu has been created by Chef Angelo Bunao Bo.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the captivating Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is located just 40 minutes by speedboat from the capital Malé. Oozing barefoot, luxury chic with traditionally Maldivian flashes, the resort is situated on a stunning, lush private island where sandy paths snake between the mangroves and coconut palms along with over-water wooden walkways to connect all the resort’s fabulous offerings. There are just 100 ultra-hip villas, a diverse selection of contemporary restaurants and bars, a totally indulgent Coco Spa, first-class land and water-sport facilities. Guests staying in the Club Coco Palm receive complimentary access to the extensive benefits of the Club including private check-in, a dedicated butler service, a daily luxury bath preparation, private sunset cruise, French Champagne on arrival and in-villa spa treatments among others.
Situated at the new beach overlooking the natural high waves from the ocean, the Fish & Rum Shack features a very rustic setting enhancing the old and traditional fishermen’s gathering for their fishing meal after collecting the daily catches in the evening.
Old and rustic furniture displaying old lanterns, fishing nets, anchors, fishermen’s ropes, glass netted balls which are all displayed on three old fishing boats, enhanced by old tables and chairs for dining. Foods are served on hand made recycled plates as well as beverages in recycled glasses.
To create an exciting and memorable evening, flood light will enhance the ocean whereby it gives guests the opportunity to watch the huge waves while dining and witnessing the “roaring” sound of the mother sea.
In terms of the food concept, traditional salads feature the local cuisine such as mango, papaya salads, and assorted local lettuce leaves are complemented with oil and balsamic vinegar as desired seasonings. All the salads are displayed on recycled glass bowls and plates.
An array of local fishes freshly caught from our ocean which also includes lobster and prawns. To diversify the menu, lamb chops, chicken on the bones, pork & chicken sausages are also available as part of the food concept, whereby the items chosen are freshly charcoal grilled a la minute by Chefs. Crispy garlic bread will be served during the evening and refilled as per request.
To complement the dining, freshly home made sorbets and ice cream are served together with exotic fresh fruits, personally served by our Chefs.
Shanti Ananda Maurice is delighted to have undertaken Mauritius’ first ever underwater Easter Egg Hunt this Easter offering its littlest guests the opportunity to take part in a unique Easter Egg Hunt, complete with a boating search for an underwater Easter bunny and ‘fishing’ for Easter eggs in the resort’s pool.
With faces freshly painted in the style of the Easter bunny, the adventure began on the beach on Easter Sunday. Following clues that led to the swimming pool, fishing rods were waiting to help children pull the colourful eggs out of the water to begin their collection. From there, the treasure hunt continued as more clues led to a boat waiting at the edge of the ocean, which travelled from buoy to buoy until the underwater Easter bunny had been spotted, waiting with a key in hand. Upon return to the shore, the Easter bunny led an excited group to a waiting treasure box which, once opened with the key, revealed the wealth of Easter eggs.
General Manager Paul van Frank was delighted with the result: “Our Underwater Easter Egg Hunt provided a truly one of a kind Easter experience for the children and families at Shanti Ananda. We were thrilled with the feedback received and look forward to welcoming our guests to participate in future unique experiences at the resort.”
The Coco Collection takes great pleasure in announcing the winner of the “Win a Holiday for A Lifetime” competition. Held from 25th January to 4th of March to mark the launch of the new Coco Palm website: www.cocopalm.com, the competition generated a huge level of interest throughout the world with many thousands participating from all corners of the globe.
The Lucky winner is Mr. Giuseppe Lamperti of Faloppio, Italy.
Mr Lamperti collected 10 coco coins for the Pack Your Suitcase game held on the website and is now eligible for a 2 week stay every year at the exclusive Club Coco Palm at Coco Palm Bodu Hithi along with a friend or partner. This grand prize is worth over US$ 28,000 per year!
The Coco Collection heartily congratulates Mr Lamperti and greatly looks forward to welcoming them at Coco Palm Bodu Hithi soon.
New rainwater harvesting system collects 30,000 litres per day
Pioneering luxury eco retreat Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles has successfully completed the installation of the first phase of its new rainwater harvesting system, with average daily rainfall yielding around 30,000 litres of collected rainwater – enough to provide up approximately 60 per cent of the island’s water requirements. Encouraged by the results, Frégate Island Private will now press ahead with phase two, doubling the collection area so that the island need rely on nothing more than the heavens above for its water needs.
Rainwater is currently collected from half of the total roof surface area of the back-of-house buildings via a system of gutters and pipes. The rainwater collects in intermediate tanks before being pumped through a filtration system - making it safe to drink - and into the island’s main water system, which can store over 450,000 litres.
The Seychelles’ rainy season, which runs from November to March, is characterised by sharp, heavy showers which quickly clear, to be replaced by sunshine and blue skies. On completion of phase two, average rainfall should allow Frégate to harvest and store approximately 6 million litres of water over the course of an average year - enough to cover the entire island’s needs.
Because of its natural softness, harvested rainwater produces better results from the quality of cooking through to laundry and other machine operation, whilst also being beneficial for the longevity of the piping system. More importantly, it dramatically reduces the need to pump and desalinate water from the island’s underground sources, reducing energy consumption by 400kwh - equivalent to the amount of energy required to keep a 40W light bulb on continually for 14 months! The collected water (Phase I) is enough to serve a town with 7′900 inhabitants for a day…
The installation of the rainwater harvesting system is just the latest step in Frégate Island Private’s ongoing journey towards increasing sustainability and a harmonious, mutually beneficial co-existence with its natural environment. Last year, Frégate established the Indian Ocean’s largest endemic tree nursery and passed the notable milestone of planting the 100,000th tree since its reforestation programme began in 1998; and in 2008 it introduced the Indian Ocean’s first fully solar-powered fleet of guest buggies. The island is also one of the most important sanctuaries for rare endemic and indigenous animals, setting an inspiring example for others to follow with conservation projects that have seen the Magpie Robin - still the world’s seventh rarest bird - rejuvenated from a global population of just 22 in 1995 to over 180 today; and the critically endangered Seychelles terrapin nurtured back from just eight individuals to over 100 today.
Air Seychelles heading for Cape Town – Flying to Frégate Island has become so much easier!
Starting March 21, Air Seychelles will be flying into Cape Town, via Johannesburg for four months (until July 18). The flight will be an extension of the airline’s existing Sunday flight to Johannesburg. The flight will depart Seychelles on Sundays at 08h10, arriving in Johannesburg at 11h25, departing for Cape Town at 12h40 and arriving in Cape Town at 14h50. The return service will depart Cape Town on Sundays at 20h30, arriving in Johannesburg at 22h40, departing at 23h55 and arriving in Seychelles on Mondays at 06h50.
In line with the flight schedule from Cape Town, Frégate Island Private has a special offer “Stay 6 nights, Pay 5 nights” which is valid from 15 May – 31 July 2010 and from 1-30 September 2010. When staying at least 6 nights, guests can enjoy a breakaway from the soccer madness in South Africa whilst getting one night complimentary.
Four degrees south of the equator, Frégate in the Seychelles is an island of outstanding natural beauty; a uniquely peaceful setting of verdant, tropical interiors and abundant nature fringed by seven dream beaches which are among the most beautiful in the world for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and a variety of other water sports; for enjoying an unforgettable Champagne picnic; or for simple, secluded sun worshipping.
Exclusivity in every respect is the maxim on Frégate as well as the preservation and protection of the unique natural environment of the island which has always been a fundamental raison d’être for Frégate Island Private. With only 16 villas, each positioned to guarantee ultimate privacy, guests are invited to experience the rare luxuries of space, security and seclusion within a tropical island setting of exuberant natural beauty.
Secluded, but not out of this world; precious, but not unattainable; fragile, but not untouchable… the original luxury eco-retreat.
Contact us for booking requests or more information.
The Southern Africa Luxury Association (”SALA”), has been constituted to help establish a solid foundation for the luxury and premium lifestyle industries in South Africa and its neighbouring States.
It is the belief of the Association’s creators and founders that in order to ensure a sustainable economic future for the luxury brand landscape in South Africa, the industry’s stakeholders must begin to collaborate for mutual benefit and to act collectively to strengthen the sector as a whole.
It is SALA’s aim to encourage interaction, to provide industry insight, to foment debate, facilitate networking and to foster collaboration between members, all of which will inspire product and service improvements across industries.
The objective is to support the growth of established, international luxury brands as well as to develop the product quality and raise the brand awareness of younger, local luxury enterprises.
Amongst the members of SALA are luxury brands such as Moët & Chandon, Live Out Loud, Pam Golding Properties, Uwe Koetter Jewellers, The Hall Collection and more. http://www.sa-la.org
Coco Palm Resorts has extended the competition for the “Pack Your Suitcase” game until 4th March 2010. The winner will be announced on the 7th March 2010.
Coco Palm Resorts has launched its new website featuring many additional elements and incredible photography to enhance the customer experience. To mark the launch, Coco Palm Resorts is offering one lucky online visitor and friend the chance to win a two week holiday to Coco Palm Bodu Hithi every year for life.
To keep the game fair to everyone the submission form will take a maximum of 10 Coco Coins. After 10 items your suitcase for the “Pack Your Suitcase” game will be full and ready to go.
This way those who join midway still have a chance of winning the dream holiday of a lifetime.
The suitcases will still appear on the website (Monday – Thursday) and will contain a travel item which participants will simply have to list until 04th March.
The prize includes a stay for 2 persons at Club Coco Palm on Coco Palm Bodu Hithi for 2 weeks (14 nights) on half board, including airport transfers with a speedboat.
Come back and enjoy the endless white beaches, beautiful coral gardens and luxurious villas every year again and again, for your lifetime.
