Africa’s Last Eden

The Okavango Delta is an enchanting rarity. One of the great wonders of the world, it is the largest inland delta on the planet. Half the year, the Okavango River rises and a rift in the Earth’s crust causes it to flood 6000 square miles of northern Botswana land, creating a maze of sparkling waterways, channels and lagoons, and islands teeming with wildlife.

Of all the scores of safaris I have enjoyed across Africa, the Okavango holds a special fascination. My wife and I recently returned to the Delta and it was better than ever. We stayed at two fantastic camps run by Great Plains, experts who believe in combining enjoyment, luxury and conservation. The co-founders, Dereck and Beverly Joubert, are National Geographic filmmakers, conservationists, and explorers. We could not have been in better hands.

To call their accommodations camps is to rather undersell them. From every tent and terrace there are stunning views of the floodplain with its endless parade of wildlife. Both Zarafa Camp and Duba Plains are accredited by Relais & Chateaux. The tents are 1000 square feet of sheer style with luxury amenities such as private plunge pools, spa treatments, and the latest Canon camera and Swarovski binoculars in every room. Dining is five-star. There is even a walk-in wine cellar. This place is seriously exclusive with a guest maximum of five couples.

I could spend an eternity exploring this place. Though it is known as the Jewel of the Kalahari because the desert is transformed into a vast water garden, for me, the description that best captures the spirit of this magical place, its lush habitat and boundless wildlife is Africa’s last Eden.

Notre Dame The Rebuilding “A Nation’s Effort”

France stands behind its beloved Notre Dame Cathedral after the massive April 15, 2019 fire, urging the landmark’s quick resurrection. The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, has promised to have it rebuilt in five years.

Prominent people from France and across the world have pledged the funds to get it done. The iconic spire in flames was a heart-wrenching moment for many. Donations were immediately pledged by: Francois Henri-Pinault, the chairman of Kering, Bernard Arnault of LVMH, L’Oreal’s Bettencourt Meyers family, IBM, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook, Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of Total, Fondation du Patrimoine, Disney and the University of Notre Dame, among others, to a total sources indicate, of over one billion U.S. dollars.

The cathedral, located in the geographical center of Paris, receives 14 million visitors per year. Previously the site of a Romanesque church and a Pagan temple, “Our Lady in Paris” was built at this site 800 years ago. Its existence iconic, not only as a house of worship, but witness, participant and survivor in the tapestry of French history as it has unfolded since then.

Victor Hugo brought attention to the disrepair of Notre Dame, instituting the cathedral as a monument to French identity, and influencing its future, in his now classic book, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, published in 1831. Notre Dame was saved by a fire brigade during the Paris Commune, in 1871. Though Paris was heavily attacked in both World Wars, the cathedral received only minor roof damage during the First World War.

Donations continue to pour in. The building is being secured, and an international competition to design a new spire to replace the Eugène Viollet-le-Duc 19th-century replacement of its original spire was launched. Craftspeople are sharpening their skills and tools as the nation’s efforts prepare to bring “Our Lady in Paris,” back to her former status.

LONG LIVE (THE) QUEEN!

Since the 1970s, rock band Queen has given concert-going crowds a reason to stomp-stomp-clap in rousing unison. Queen’s distinctive sound combines progressive rock and heavy metal with a substantial dash of camp and bombast. Their innovative guitar effects and multi-tracking in a mock-operatic style has everyone joining in a spirited rock-along. “We Are the Champions” and “We Will Rock You” remain public anthems and symbols of social unity. “Don’t Stop Me Now” tops Dr Jacob Jolij’s list of most uplifting songs from the last 50 years.

In 1975 “Bohemian Rhapsody” remained at No. 1 in the UK chart for nine weeks. The single gave its name to the recent movie Bohemian Rhapsody which has inspired a resurgence of Queen-appreciators, many too young to have enjoyed the band’s phenomenal early hits. The biographical film highlights the build-up to one of the most significant events in the history of rock music, as Freddie Mercury led the band in their show-stealing performance at Live Aid in 1985.

With record sales estimated at between 170 million and 300 million, Queen has been honoured with various industry awards including Outstanding Contribution to British Music, Outstanding Song Collection, and Hall of Fame inductions.

Even after Mercury’s death in 1991, Queen has continued playing to a dedicated following of enthusiasts. More recently, band members May and Taylor have toured with vocalists Paul Rodgers and Adam Lambert under the “Queen +” banner.

Discover Earth’s Subliminal Beauty on this Epic Six-Month Cruise

Intrepid travelers take note. The first Expedition World Cruise in history sets sail in January 2021. Globetrotters yearning for escape and rejuvenation will find solace in Silversea Cruises, “Uncharted World Tour – a six-month exploration of Earth’s “raw and unfiltered” beauty where the ship’s featured lecturers bring to life the sublime landscapes visited.

What’s on the itinerary? On January 30, the ship departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, the world’s southernmost city, then continues through Antarctica’s Drake Passage to the Chilean Fjords. After stops in Chile, passengers will enjoy Robinson Crusoe Island, Alexander Selkirk Island, and the remote volcanic Easter Island, before venturing into French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Samoa, and the Fiji through March 23.

From there, the ship will skim the shorelines of the Vanuatu and Solomon Islands, making its way to Papua New Guinea and finally, Australia. After much exploration and a day at sea, Indonesia comes into view, with subsequent stops in Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, and Oman until May 22.

Trading in the Indian Ocean for the Red Sea, the cruise navigates to Egypt and then the Greek Islands. A brief stop in Tunisia leads the way to Italy, where full-bellied passengers eventually leave for Spain, Portugal, France, and London. With Europe melting into the horizon, the climate cools as the ship approaches Iceland, making numerous stops before completing its epic journey to the Paris of the North – Tromso, Norway.

Those interested should jump on this once-in-a-lifetime voyage now, as many of the ship’s suites already have waitlists. Cost is upwards of $100,000, with the two-bedroom Owner’s Suite maxing out at $404,000. Luckily, exploring Earth’s “uncharted wonders” is priceless.

Matteo’s – Annabel’s New Restaurant

In keeping with true Annabel’s style, Matteo’s, the new restaurant at London’s members-only club, exudes opulence with its decadent interiors by Martin Brudnizki, and pays homage to the original legendary London club. The purple floral carpet of the old Annabel’s is back, as is the giant gilded Buddha in the dining room. The walls are painted in the distinctive marigold that long-time patrons will recognize — along with a preponderance of tasseled furniture.

Matteo’s offers an extensive selection of Italian wines, showcasing unique collections from individual Barolo and Tuscany vineyards. Members and their guests can enjoy an array of the finest Italian dishes from Linguine Alle Vongole Veraci to Sicilian Pistachio Gelato in the exceptionally appointed dining room. In addition, the venue’s private dining rooms offer exquisite menus, an unrivalled atmosphere, and peerless service.

46 Berkeley Square, Mayfair, London

annabels.co.uk

Coco!

Strong, solid, smart and fast: this is how the latest phenomenon in tennis is described by the media and other top-ranking players. ESPN’s most watched match was her Wimbledon debut, where the youngest player ever to qualify defeated one of her own personal heroines, Venus Williams.

The American tennis player and former number one World Junior, Cori “Coco” Gauff, was born in 2004. By age 10, she won a scholarship at the Mouratoglou Tennis Academy in France and proceeded, as the youngest finalist at the event in the tournament’s history, to become runner-up in Singles at the 2017 US Open.

Gauff made her debut as a professional on the International Tennis Federation Women’s Circuit in 2018. She earned $233, 500 in prize money at Wimbledon and has obtained sponsorship deals with New Balance, Barilla and Head, which says Forbes, will earn her over a million dollars in endorsements.

Gauff got a chance for an encore after her magical run at Wimbledon after receiving a wild-card entry for the 2019 U.S. Open.

“I hope they learned about me – that I’m a fighter and I’ll never give up.” – Coco Gauff

Calm

In early 2019, Calm, one of Apple’s top app picks, raised $88 million dollars giving it a total valuation of $ 1 billion. CNBC reported that the app has “well over one million paying subscribers.”

“There’s a societal shift of people taking care of their minds and being more interested in sleep and self-care,” said Michael Acton Smith, a Calm founder and co-CEO. Busy Hollywood certainly agrees, with Ashton Kutcher-run Sound Ventures, which is one of Calm’s top financiers.

Calm, launched in 2012, is a meditation app geared at helping people relax, making them “healthier and happier,” according to Ashton Kutcher. The price is accessible and Calm subscribers’ reports state the quality and selection is top-notch.

Calm offers a selection of guided meditations from three to 25 minutes long. There are a variety of natural sounds and scenes, and mindfulness programs such as forgiveness, commuting, walking meditations and gratitude, as well as session history, breathing exercises, and sleep stories.

“The Ashton Kutcher-Backed Calm App Just Meditated Its Way to $1 Billion.”

Jennifer Aniston

Jenaissance: Hollywood’s Golden Girl is Having (Another) Banner Year

Take a bow, Jennifer Aniston, you’ve earned it.

Nearly a quarter-century since Aniston first arrived on the scene, the beloved actress is poised to enjoy her best year ever and fans and audiences can’t wait to see what lies next for one of the world’s brightest stars.

Perennially sexy, savvy, and refreshingly down-to-earth, Aniston started off 2020 with a media trifecta.

In January there was her Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Female Actor in A Drama Series for her much-acclaimed work on “The Morning Show.”

Aniston celebrated her 51st birthday, on February 11, the same day Interview magazine released a jaw-dropping photo shoot of an incredibly fit Aniston posing in clothing designed to highlight her yoga-toned abs, arms and legs.

A scant 10 days later came the announcement that a “Friends” reunion special was in the works and Aniston’s Instagram followers have since jumped to more than 30 million. When Aniston first joined Instagram in October 2019, she broke the site — and a Guinness World Record — amassing one million followers in just five hours and 16 minutes, beating the previous record set by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Aniston is once again reminding us she’s a force to be reckoned with, combining that same sweet spunk we fell in love with when we first met her as “Rachel” with the added confidence of a woman supremely comfortable in her own skin.

But it’s her natural style and effortless beauty that have made her America’s sweetheart, and Aniston is consistently named to lists of the world’s most beautiful women. In 2011 Men’s Health magazine named Aniston the “Sexiest Woman of All Time,” beating out top five contenders Raquel Welch, Marilyn Monroe, Madonna and Britney Spears.

One of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood, Aniston has been in the public eye for more than two decades. Hounded by paparazzi, we’ve watched her triumphs and challenges play out in the pages of magazines, and endless speculation on who she’s dating and whether she’s pregnant has become an international tabloid obsession.

It’s her vulnerability, quick comic timing, and strong acting chops that have endeared her to worldwide audiences over the years. Apart from her decade on “Friends,” Aniston has starred in a string of box office hits, including Office Space (1999), Bruce Almighty (2003), Marley & Me (2008), Horrible Bosses (2011), We’re the Millers (2013), and Dumplin’ (2018).

While adept at romantic comedies, Aniston’s range is broad. One of her most critically acclaimed roles, that of chronic pain sufferer Claire Simmons in 2015’s Cake has the style icon eschewing her trademark little black dress and make-up in a dramatic turn lauded as the performance of her lifetime. The dark role saw Aniston plumb the depths of desperation, and earned her Best Actress nominations for both the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

But there is much more to this actor, producer, director, businesswoman and style icon. Aniston is also known for her philanthropical contributions and has quietly donated millions to causes such as St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Habitat for Humanity, and disaster relief in Haiti and Puerto Rico.

Whether opening her heart to the less fortunate, or to her tight-knit group of friends, Aniston’s approachability and likeableness are some of the qualities that makes her so intriguing. Regular guests at holiday parties and other celebrations held at her sprawling Beverly Hills home include Courtney Cox, Reese Witherspoon, Sandra Bullock, Jason Bateman, and other A-listers.

She’s also fond of taking friends with her on vacations to luxury resorts in Los Cabos, which has become somewhat of a second home for the sun-loving star and a place to recharge away from the spotlight.

One would think that decades of constant media scrutiny would wear her down, but there’s a purposefulness to how Aniston lives her life, a deep devotion to caring for mind, body and soul. The resulting inner glow and flawless beauty have never burned brighter as Aniston eases into a new chapter in life with her typical down-to-earth grace, infectious smile and effortless glam.

Just Released! Ocean Blue’s 2020 Spring Issue Jennifer Anniston

Ocean Blue Magazine Celebrates 24th Edition with Interactive Launch

Taking Both Luxury AND Virtual to New Heights
Ocean Blue Magazine Celebrates 24^th Edition
with Launch of Interactive Magazine

Ocean Blue World, the luxury brand renowned for offering its signature services including the magazine, events and experiences, sponsorship, productions, and more, continues to fast-track its way into the digital world. Ocean Blue Magazine, the heart of the Ocean Blue World platform, celebrates its 24th edition with the launch on the May 24th as an interactive and enhanced magazine. A move that provides tremendous added value in best serving their growing list of clients, luxury brands, advertisers, and discerning readers, it is also one that takes both luxury and virtual to new heights.

Each visually striking quarterly edition of Ocean Blue Magazine is a collection of must-read stories of fashion, art, entertainment, travel, health, dining, real estate, and more. Readers are taken around the globe on a journey to discover modern-day luxuries and the inspirational moments and people of the time. The incorporation of an interactive component using responsive design in their latest edition marks an upgrade of the already successful digital publication, further bringing to life the stunning pages that flow within. This digital expansion combined with the magazine´s strong visual identity and forward-looking vision is set to maximize readership and drive the user experience on an immersive level. A virtual showcase of the season’s defining trends bounded by ageless style, readers are instantly invited to explore photo galleries, play videos, and get closer to the action, a product, or an experience through sounds, animation, and direct click throughs. Read the latest interactive edition and subscribe to Ocean Blue Magazine.

Harnessing the power of interactive technologies seamlessly connects their audience with digital content that is leading edge and on point with the emerging luxury market. As an extension of the luxury brand, this innovative solution actively engages and communicates the key lifestyle messages that Ocean Blue World represents. Tapping into influence and insight, the global, luxury networking platform welcomes all users to experience a world where truly, The Options Are Endless.

A limited collection of printed copies of this 24th edition will be available by request only.

For more information please contact:

Tania Ashby
Public Relations
Tania@localhost
www.oceanblueworld.com

The Sculptureum Experience New Zealand

Enter a unique world of art, food and wine at Sculptureum.

Currently ranked the No.2 Best Thing to do in Auckland on TripAdvisor, Sculptureum promises to keep you busy for several pleasurable hours of viewing, reflecting and being inspired. Filled with original and enriching experiences, there is an intriguing surprise around every corner.

Located an hour north of Auckland and just outside Matakana, Sculptureum is a delightful mix of art galleries, gardens and sculpture walks connected in a world class tourist attraction that honors New Zealand’s uniqueness. Over 1.5km of flat paths meander through and connect the three sculpture gardens and six art galleries.

The Galleries

Sculptureum’s private collection highlights more than seven hundred works of art by both local and international artists. Visiting this immaculately kept attraction you are certain to find inspiration around every corner … from cautiously curious live rabbits to the grand Chihuly glass chandelier and everything in between.

Owners Anthony and Sandra Grant spent ten years creating a destination designed to unlock the imagination, fuel creativity and ignite the mind. The displayed works are the result of many years collecting from around the world. These are brought together for an internationally unique art experience. Each piece is chosen to amuse, inspire, and stimulate.

The indoor galleries, which display works from around the world, are individually themed: glass art, figurative works, works from recycled materials, works of animals, modern abstract works in plastic and other materials. The final room of The Sculptureum Experience displays a grand, glass chandelier by the famous American artist Dale Chihuly.

Throughout the indoor galleries, matt black walls offer a perfect contrast to highlight the brightly colored works of art. In this unique collection you can find a Picasso, Chagall, Cezanne and Matisse all on one wall. Look out for work by such well-known names as Andy Warhol, Jeff Koons and Jean-Michel Basquiet.

The Gardens

The Sculptureum gardens are alive with colorful plantings that transform with the seasons. Commanding prehistoric rocks, their patterns and shapes formed over millennia, stand beside panels that display written musings on topics as diverse as Gardens, Inspiration, Wisdom, Art and Music. Much of the pathways are flat and level, suitable for energetic children and visitors in wheelchairs. The gardens are flamboyant with colorful sculptures – giant pink snails, abstract blossoms, and animal figures – with a chorus of buzzing Cicadas in the air.

Visible from almost anywhere in the garden, a huge puffball flower composed of yellow buckets towers over the shrubbery. A humpback whale constructed from driftwood leaps from a wave of crushed azure glass, while an angular metal polar bear stares menacingly from his rocky pool.

Sculptureum is a must-visit, no matter the weather. Rain umbrellas, and parasols for sunny days, are available to borrow while you explore the outdoor exhibits. The estate is also available for private functions, corporate events and weddings.

Follow Sculptureum on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to catch a preview and share your experiences.

Food & Wine

Rothko Restaurant on the Sculptureum grounds was voted a Metro Top 50 Restaurant in Auckland in 2019 and highlighted as ‘One to Watch’ in the Cuisine Good Food Awards 2019.

The culinary style at Rothko Restaurant is inspired by the sea and fertile land that surrounds the property. Rothko’s team craft each menu to present the fresh flavors of the region and the season, with the support of local producers and suppliers.

Sculptureum’s award-winning wines flow from the 11-acre vineyard which overlooks the sculpture gardens. Sculptureum wines are best enjoyed with a meal at Rothko Restaurant or savor the experience and take a bottle home.

Skip the queues and get your tickets online before your visit. Annual and Family passes guarantee an affordable visit. Enquire about discounted group and tour bookings.

Karolina Kijak-Dziko and H&M Collaboration

“I can still remember when I was a kid myself, and what I felt when I looked at illustrations of animals in atlases. It was a priceless experience! I wanted the patterns on the clothes not only to have a decorative function, but also to cause a reaction.” Karolina Kijak

H&M’s Spring Collection for kids features a wild and fantastic adventure into the natural world, a collaboration with Polish Nature Illustrator, Karolina Kijak-Dzikonska. Known for her exquisite watercolour paintings, Karolina’s first love is birds, in all their bright-feathered glory. When H&M approached her to create illustrations for their young fashion range, she had to learn new techniques for capturing fur, fins, and foliage in this notoriously difficult medium.

Painting in water colours needs detailed planning – a light pencil sketch to capture the essence of the illustration, and then the decision about which parts need to remain unpainted white paper, for example. Karolina presented H&M with a set of realistic watercolour depictions which include baby animals – cheetahs, giraffes, elephants, and zebras; bright tropical foliage as a backdrop for flamboyant flamingos; beautiful underwater creatures; and a collection of not-so-scary sharks. Her aim was to portray the natural world as realistically as possible, rather than overly cute stylised animals we usually see on children’s wear. H&M were delighted, of course. Karolina’s illustrations have made their way onto kid-friendly soft fabrics in a fun collection of playwear and accessories which include sunglasses, handbags and headbands.

Key pieces in the collection are easy-to-wear dresses, jump-suits, hoodies, jackets, and t-shirts, complemented by sandals, caps and sneakers. Colours bounce from jungle-brights to bushveld pastels and underwater ombres, highlighted with gold trim and glittery sequins in just the right places.

“My dream is to observe as many species of birds and animals in their natural environment as possible, to be able to show people how valuable and beautiful they are, and how much they need our protection.” Karolina Kijak

Karolina hopes this collection will inspire children to be inquisitive about animals in the wild and in the ocean, to discover a sense of awe for the natural world, and to become excited about the world they live in. Sofia Lofstedt, Head of Kidswear Design at H&M believes the collection will help children discover adventure wherever they are. This bright and happy collection unites the worlds of land and sea in a playful way, just in time for the Spring Season.

The Karolina Kijak x H&M collection is available in selected stores worldwide, as well as at hm.com.

Jenaissance: Hollywood’s Golden Girl is Having (Another) Banner Year

Taking Both Luxury AND Virtual to New Heights Ocean Blue Magazine Celebrates 24th Edition with Launch of Interactive Magazine

Taking Both Luxury AND Virtual to New Heights
Ocean Blue Magazine Celebrates 24^th Edition
with Launch of Interactive Magazine