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1 ISSUE LUXURY Country Life Magazine 30TH

2 Über Stock, Stein und Boulevards. Souverän trotzt sie den Naturgewalten, ihr markantes Design zieht die Blicke auf sich. Sie ist so robust und kraftvoll, dass Sie mit ihr auch auf schwierigerem Terrain souverän unterwegs sind, und so aufsehenerregend gestylt, dass Sie auch im Grossstadtdschungel auffallen werden. Als funktionaler und zuverlässiger Partner im Arbeitsalltag ist sie genauso überzeugend wie als Weggefährte für spontane Freizeitabenteuer. Freuen Sie sich auf ein Fahrzeug, das Lebenswelten in vollkommen neuer Weise zusammenbringt: willkommen bei der X-Klasse dem Mercedes-Benz unter den Pickups! Jetzt bei uns Probe fahren SCHLIEREN Zürcherstrasse 109 T ZÜRICH-CITY Badenerstrasse 119 T ZÜRICH-SEEFELD Färberstrasse 6 T ZOLLIKON Rotfl uhstrasse 54 T STÄFA Seestrasse 153 T

3 EDITORIAL Dear Readers, One highlight chases the next. With the Tortuga Open and the Hurlingham Open, the first two tournaments of the Triple Crown are played and the Argentine Open is in full swing. And in the Emirates, there is the anticipation of the season highlights, which are on the program from January. One of the outstanding personalities in the Arabian polo scene is Mohammed Al Habtoor, Vice Chairman and CEO of Al Habtoor Group. In an exclusive interview, the charismatic businessman and internationally highly successful polo player talks about polo sports in Dubai and his visions for the future. In the US, the focus was on the ladies and their seasonal highlights. Follow our review provides information on the finals of the U.S. Women s Polo Open and the U.S. Women s Arena Open. Among other things, Jörg Tobler built the wine cellar for the 2-star chef Andreas Caminada at 2,000 m altitude for the Madrisahof restaurant in Klosters, the largest, highest-altitude wine cellar in the world. Exclusively for our readers, the expert from Malans shows what is possible in the luxury wine cellar construction today. Photo: Kathrin Gralla In terms of knitting nothing is nobler than Qivuit, the Gold of the Arctic, obtained from the undercoat of the Musk Ox, which is 400 times rarer than gold and 8,000 times rarer than cashmere. The impressive history of these noble knitwear arouses wanderlust and desire. The last wild horses in southern Namibia are survivors. However, in order to ensure the continued existence of the severely shrunken population, they need help. Please read our report survival in the desert. Abu Dhabi unites urban flair, an ancient culture, majestic mangrove forests and green oases in the desert. All this and the new Louvre make Abu Dhabi a top-class destination. Discover all about this and much more in our latest issue. Birgit Hügli-Herrmann Publisher & Owner LUXURY Country Life Magazine 3 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

4 CONTENTS Polo Interview with Mohammed Al Habtoor...6 Dubai is now well and truly on the world map of polo and we will continue to raise its profile even further Tortugas Open and Hurlingham Open in Argentina Team La Dolfina wins again the 5 th consecutive Tortugas title Ellerstina dominated Allegria at Hurlingham U.S. Open Women s Polo Championship hosted at Houston Polo Club in Houston, Texas San Saba makes U.S. Open Women s Polo Championship history! U.S. National Women s Arena Open at the Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville, Virginia Ace Sportswear s impressive play earns the title 6 Melissa Ganzi, captain of the Badrutt s Palace Team at the 34 th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Melissa Ganzi, an innovative American lady who has made history several times in the polo sport Interview with Sébastien Le Page, owner of the Hato Restaurants St. Moritz and Zurich Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is an amazing tournament, which is very difficult to beat Cars 12 Mercedes S 350 d 4MATIC L One of the most luxurious options to travel Classic cars The key for the success is to find the right balance between passion investing and a garage portfolio Gourmet Selected wines deserve exquisite home created and built by Jörg Tobler from Malans, Switzerland Do it like the two-star chef Andreas Caminada and treat yourself to a handcrafted unique wine cellar Cover picture: Dorian Blond 4

5 CONTENTS Lifestyle Qiviut the Gold of the Arctic Qiviut 400 times rarer than gold and 8,000 times rarer than cashmere! The Wild Horses of the Southern Namib Survival in the desert 42 LCA Leadership for Conservation in Africa Sabine Plattner s column Dying was not an option in the Odzala Kokoua National Park is still too much to do PROJECT Immobilien Passionate about properties From the heart of the Swiss Alps in the penthouse of Tour Odéon in Monaco The kitchen in the most expensive penthouse of the world bears the signature of Zbären Degussa Goldhandel Group The number one expert in gold and precious metals 50 NEYK made by Ocean Submarine Are you looking for your own luxuriously fitted underwater-craft? Different strokes for different folks a selection of various customs to usher in the New Year around the world With burning viejos, hazardous mochi cakes and yellow underpants into the New Year Art The Louvre Abu Dhabi therefore carries a message of tolerance An extraordinary and unique cultural icon Travel Abu Dhabi when do you start your extraordinary journey? From majestic dunes to mangroves, from islands in the blue of the sea to islands of green in the desert Travel Charme Ifen Hotel in Kleinwalsertal Romantic winter night in an igloo 5 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

6 POLO Interview with Mohammed Al Habtoor Dubai is now well and truly on the world map of polo and we will continue to raise its profile even further 6

7 POLO Interview: Christoph Hügli The Al Habtoor family and the game of the kings have enjoyed winning partnership for many years. The Al Habtoor Polo legacy was established in the year 2000 by a man of polo passion, Mohammed Al Habtoor. Since then, polo has been driven to new heights with Habtoor Polo by its side. In the following exclusive interview, given by Mohammed Al Habtoor to the Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine you will learn more about this successful business man, international polo player and engaged promotor of the polo in the UAE. Mr. Al Habtoor: How did you get involved in polo? I love horses. I have been riding since I was young, so it was easy for me to get into the sport. My passion for riding soon developed into polo. It is a team oriented sport. The partnership is not only between you and your team but also with the horses. I started playing polo in 2000, nine years after my brother Rashid. I started with two horses in 2000 and the Habtoor Polo Organisation now has hundreds of horses just for polo in Dubai. Polo in UAE has been driven to new heights with Habtoor Polo by its side. Would you summarize the manifold activities of Al Habtoor related to polo for our readers? Three years before starting the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series in 2010 I was trying to get all the patrons together, to take part of the tournament. Politics in polo around the world is a bit complicated but by creating the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series I managed to put all the patrons to put politics aside and work together as a team. I am so proud that it is a fair competition. I have to thank all the patrons for supporting me in that. Before we started the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series the patrons only had a few horses and they brought in professionals to play practices and some exhibitions. Today all the patrons and the teams had put their names on the polo map worldwide. Everyone knows Habtoor Polo in the world, everybody now knows Bin Drai Polo, Ghantoot, Abu Dhabi, Zedan, Mahra. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup is well established and now running into its 9 th year. The Dubai Open has earned itself a worldwide reputation thanks to the commitment from the patrons and teams that have participated over the years. The Dubai Polo Gold Cup has achieved so much in such a short space of time. What started out as a handicap game in 2010 is now the highest handicap tournament in the Middle East with a 18-high goal handicap. But that s not all we are currently studying upping the stakes even further to a 20-goal handicap next year! This will without a doubt increase competition even further. I am very proud of our achievements so far, and Dubai is now well and truly on the world map of polo and we will continue to raise its profile even further. Last year, the Al Habtoor Group launched the St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club. How important is the polo sport in your life? Very important The second most important to me after my business. 7 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

8 POLO You are the captain of the Al Habtoor Polo Team. You have participated in numerous polo tournaments both locally and globally. What was the biggest success in your polo career? I have played in numerous tournaments in the UK such as the Polo in the Park where my team won the cup in 2014 and We played the Queens Cup in England and the Royal Windsor, which the Queen also attended. Habtoor Polo also recently reached the semi-final of the Jaeger-LeCoultre Gold Cup for the British Open Polo Championship at Cowdray Park Polo Club, which is one of Europe s most prestigious polo tournaments. As a team we have also played in Soto Grande, Spain and St Tropez, France. We played in Palm Beach and in Melbourne, Australia. Out of the 20 tournaments we entered we won roughly 10, and in a few more we ranked second or third. The McLaren Silver and Julius Baer Gold Cup are among some of the biggest tournaments in the whole region. We won the Gold Cup and the Subsidiary Gold Cup in the first year. The next year we won the Silver Cup and the Subsidiary Silver Cup, and in 2012 we came away with the Dubai Polo Gold Cup. Who are the other players of the Al Habtoor Polo Team? Does the team play in the same line-up every time? The lineup changes depending on the tournament and the handicap of the competition. Two of my sons, Habtoor and Ahmed both play polo at a high level and sometimes are part of the team. Other times we compete against each other. Habtoor is patron of the Wolves Polo Team. Khalaf, my youngest son, who is seven, has started to learn to ride and play polo at the Al Habtoor Polo Academy. Managing the Habtoor Polo Team is a fulltime job. Who is the person who assist you in that matter? If you want to win you cannot delegate the job of managing the team. Being a patron means being committed to the team and the horses, you cannot leave it to others and just turn up on the day. Good results come from hard work and commitment. I speak to my players every single day, to Guillermo, who is my Polo Manager. I go to the stables and ask about every horse and talk to the vet. It is important to me to know all the fine details. Guillermo is doing a great job and I have confidence in his work. 8

9 POLO Many members of the Al Habtoor family are polo players. Would you introduce the most successful players of your family to our readers, please? My brother Rashid also has his own team, Mahra. His son Tariq and Khalaf play polo as well. We are all successful because we are passionate about the sport and are fortunate to have played in some of the world s biggest tournaments. How many matches are you playing per year? I play in as many tournaments as I can. In Dubai we have extended the Polo season to mid- April, and then I play in Europe over the summer months. What are your next tournaments? We have a very busy polo season ahead. We opened the polo season at The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club with a Season Opening celebration at The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club in early October, and the last tournament will be in April. It is the longest polo season anywhere in the world. The McLaren Cup (18-goal handicap) will run from January 26 to February 9. After that we have the Polo Masters Cup (14-goal handicap) from February 714. That s followed by the Julius Baer Gold Cup (18-goal handicap) from February 16 to March 9. Then it is the Dubai Challenge Cup (18-goal handicap) from March We close the season in Dubai with the Dubai Cup (8 10-goal handicap) from April You have turned the Dubai Polo Gold Cup Series into one of the highlights of the Dubai sports calendar, making it one of the region s most prestigious polo events. What visions for the future do you have for particular this tournament and Habtoor Polo? We are always setting our sights on something bigger and better. We are really proud to have caught the world s attention with our Polo tournaments and now a state-of-the-art facility that can host some of the world s best polo events. We will continue to grow on our success. We are a polo family and are committed to the sport, and are proud that we have helped create something good for Dubai and the UAE. How would you describe yourself? Hardworking, committed, sporty and fun. I wear several hats. That of a businessman as Vice Chairman & CEO of a busy, diversified group The Al Habtoor Group. Plus, I am a family man and a sportsman. What do your friends say about you? I don t know! They are my friends for a reason though, so I think they would say nice things. What s your greatest achievement in your life? In business, it is my achievements in the hospitality sector. I have been instrumental in the development of Al Habtoor City, and La Perle, the regions first-ever permanent show of its kind. There is nothing like La Perle from Las Vegas to Macau. It is not only good for us as a group, but it has also helped put Dubai on the world map as an entertainment hub. The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is another business achievement I am personally proud of. It is a six million square foot development devoted entirely to the equestrian world. The centerpiece of the development is the St. Regis first-ever equestrian-inspired resort. The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club is the permanent home ground for the Dubai Gold Cup Series, which is now a 18-goal handicap competition, the highest handicapped event in the Middle East, Africa and Asia. Other well-known tournaments around the world are now coming to Dubai because we have the facilities to accommodate them. As a sportsman, my greatest achievement is playing at renowned polo events around the world, like at the Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup, or more recently advancing to the semifinals of the Cowdray Gold Cup. What do you enjoy the most about working at your company? The Al Habtoor Group is a diversified group, so no two days are the same. Every day there is a new challenge and we rise to it. We are always busy. The Group has expanded significantly in recent years both in Dubai and in other parts of the world. We now have hotels in the US, UK, Europe and Lebanon. 9 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

10 TOP INVESTMENTS IN BERLIN BERLIN-MITTE Energy performance certificate: end energy consumption kwh/(m²a), energy source: district heating, year of construction: 2014, energy efficiency class B Unique location at the Spree river with spectacular views 4-room apartments with balcony and loggia or roof terrace Purchase prices from 783,700 to 1,250, (0) BERLIN-LICHTERFELDE Energy performance certificate: end energy consumption kwh/(m²a), energy source: district heating, year of construction: 2016, energy efficiency class B. Classic city villas on extensive plot in exclusive neighbourhood 2- to 4-room apartments with garden, balcony or roof terrace Purchase prices from 309,000 to 675, (0) BERLIN-SPANDAU Energy performance certificate: end energy consumption 31 kwh/(m²a), energy source: gas, year of construction: 2016, energy efficiency class A. Riverside tower with views of the Havel river 3- and 4-room apartments with balcony, loggia or roof terrace Purchase prices from 373,000 to 725, (0)

11 POLO Is there a specific temptation you cannot resist? For example, fast cars, special food or something completely different? I can t resist polo. It is in my blood. It is something I am passionate about, and through that passion we have created something truly incredible for Dubai The Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club, and the tournaments we play here like the Dubai Gold Cup Series. What is your favorite pastime when you are not on the polo field or in your office? I like to travel and explore new places. I like to ski and often take my sons on skiing trips around the world. What virtue do you admire most in other people? Honesty, hard work and commitment. All these make a person successful What do you think are the most important attributes of successful people? I will use my father as an example. Discipline and determination is what has led him to success. He started with nothing, succumbed to many failures, and is now sitting at the helm of one of the best-known conglomerates in the region. What do you think are the most important attributes of lucky people? Luck! What motivates you to get out of bed each morning? My work and my family. What inspires you? Who do you look up to? In business and life? My father, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor. He has created a diversified company from scratch, and taught me the importance of discipline and hard work. This is the secret of his success. The St. Regis Dubai, Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club Dubai Polo Gold Cup Photos: David Blond 11 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

12 POLO Team Ellerstina with Juan Martín Nero, Pablo Mac Donough, Pelon Stirling and Adolfo Cambiaso wins again the Tortugas Open Tortugas Open and Hurlingham Open in Argentina Team La Dolfina wins again the 5 th consecutive Tortugas title Ellerstina dominated Allegria at Hurlingham The Tortugas Open final took place on a sunny Saturday on Palermo s ground 1. After bad weather cancelled the semifinals, the AAP and the Tortugas organisation agreed to end the tournament on the scheduled date. Around seven thousand people turned up to support the best polo in the world. By David D Hondt, Argentina 12

13 POLO After an even first chukker, La Dolfina outplayed and outscored Ellerstina from the second chukker onwards. They scored at every single opportunity, while Ellerstina failed to do the same. La Dolfina stuck to their game plan, and once again showed that there is great understanding between all four players. As always, Milo Fernández Araujo La Dolfina s fifth player, as Cambiaso calls him was a big part of the success. The final score (12-5) proves that La Dolfina are still on top. But Ellerstina are keeping the memory of their 2016 Hurlingham title alive; they went on to claim the title after losing Tortugas by six goals. This marks the fifth consecutive Tortugas title for La Dolfina, and a very important milestone for Pablo Mac Donough, who lifted the trophy for the tenth time only one title away from Alberto Pedro Heguy s record 11 times. Nicolás Pieres, Adolfo Cambiaso, Gonzalo Pieres The one and only Adolfo Cambiaso on the ball Tortugas Open final teams La Dolfina (+40) Adolfo Cambiaso (+10) Pelon Stirling (+10) Pablo Mac Donough (+10) Juan Martín Nero (+10) Ellerstina (+39) Polito Pieres (+9) Gonzalo Pieres (+10) Facundo Pieres (+10) Nicolás Pieres (+10) Photos: Sergio Llamera 13 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

14 unique and inspiring Zurich & St.Moritz

15 POLO It was an incredibly emocional tournament at Hurlingham Polo Club. On one hand, Alegría had the chance of a life time, playing in a Triple Crown final for the first time in four years. On the other, Ellerstina were set on defending the 2016 title they worked so hard to get. The first half saw Alegría rise to the challenge and dominate the match. They were effective in attack and solid in defence, scoring at almost every chance they got. All four players were showing their best polo, and at two points in the match Alegría managed to claim a four goal advantage over their opponents (6-2 and 9-5). Ellerstina did what they could to surprise Alegría, but they couldn t quite manage it. But in the fifth chukker, Facundo Pieres suffered a hard fall, and everything changed. Lucas James came on, and what seemed like an uphill struggle for Ellerstina became a battle for Alegría. Polito Pieres started to shine, as did Ellerstina as a team. The conversions Alegría had banked on to claim their lead in the first half became missed opportunities. The tension grew until the last chukker of the match. Hilario Ulloa had a few clear shots at goal, but they went just wide. Ellerstina held their ground and managed to claim their second consecutive Hurlingham Open title in an extraordinary turn of events. Facundo Pieres (Ellerstina Johor) and Hilario Ulloa (Alegría Land Rover) Hilario Ulloa (Alegría Land Rover) and Pablo Polito Pieres (Ellerstina Johor) Hurlingham Open final teams Ellerstina (+39) / (+36) Polito Pieres (+9) Gonzalo Pieres (+10) Facundo Pieres (+10) / injured, replaced by Lucas James (+7) Nicolás Pieres (+10) Alegría (+35) Sapo Caset (+9) Hilario Ulloa (+10) Facundo Sola (+8) Fred Mannix (+8) Photos: Gentileza Rodrigo Vergara 15 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

16 POLO U.S. Open Women s Polo Championship hosted at Houston Polo Club in Houston, Texas San Saba makes U.S. Open Women s Polo Championship history! An adrenaline-charged game between two incredibly talented teams, spectators were rewarded with five chukkers of full speed back-and-forth play and a white-knuckled overtime victory for San Saba 6-5. The first title for San Saba with the youngest player in the history of the tournament scoring the golden goal, as well as the first title for Lia Salvo after six years in the competition and three final appearances San Saba left everything on the field and came out on top. By Summer Keeney (United States Polo Association) First chukker action did not disappoint with wide-open polo as both teams made numerous breakaway runs towards goal. Rocking P Lockton scored first, a beautiful angled backshot goal from Hazel Jackson off a wellplaced backshot pass from Kristy Outhier. San Saba would immediately fire back, Lia Salvo capitalizing from the penalty line to equalize the score. A fast-paced and organized chukker for both teams, they would each manage another field goal to end the first tied 2-all. The remainder of the first half would be marked by several fouls from both sides, slowing down the game. Jackson shot a booming 60-yard penalty, high and through the uprights for Rocking P Lockton, countered by a Penalty 1 for San Saba off a dangerous use of the mallet call that landed Wiseman with a self-proclaimed bit of a shiner. A different San Saba Team than the previous matchup, a final goal from Dawn Jones would give San Saba the edge going into the half 4-3. Rocking P Lockton s Hazel Jackson and San Saba s Lia Salvo hook San Saba s celebration shot: Sarah Wiseman, Dawn Jones, Hope Arellano, Lia Salvo (from left to right) 16

17 POLO The winning team San Saba San Saba s Lia Salvo and Hope Arellano Emotions running high, both teams were awarded a Penalty 3 in the third, which they each easily converted to maintain the gap. Rocking P Lockton trailed by one 5-4 entering the final period, but an expert goal by Jackson out of the bowl-in within the first seconds of play equalized the score 5-all. The remainder of the chukker played out much like the first, with excellent runs from each team as spectators anxiously awaited the outcome on the edge of their seats. Neither were able to score however, including missed Penalty 4 opportunities from both teams. Yet, despite San Saba s scoreless chukker, Lia Salvo impressed in the final minutes of play, going into overdrive, racing up and down field in defense grabbing the ball from all angles her desire for the win palpable from the sidelines. A near goal by San Saba s Hope Arellano ended regulation time initiating the overtime chukker. The stakes at an all-time high, San Saba dodged a bullet as a fantastic run by Lottie Lamacraft was picked up by Jackson, but unfortunately kicked out of bounds. The San Saba knock-in would prove the play to take the game, as Wiseman made a pass to Salvo who bolted towards goal. Thwarted by a hook at the last second, Rocking P Lockton backed the ball towards centerfield which was then backed towards goal by Jones and picked up by Arellano for the score a true team play to finish off the game. Most Valuable Player Lia Salvo presented by Vinnie Meyer of Texas Polo 17 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

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19 POLO Photos: Kaylee Wroe Rocking P Lockton s Lottie Lamacraft and San Saba s Dawn Jones Best Playing Pony Professional Picasita ridden by Lia Salvo, owned by Dawn Jones, presented by Gustavo De Cillo, pictured with Hermenegildo Zepeda Dolores Team owner Dawn Jones beamed following the inaugural win for San Saba. It is a real honor to have the win under the San Saba name, said Jones. It is a tiny little town under the X in Texas and I know our neighbors are going to be pretty excited about it. Tommy (Lee Jones) and I are really honored to be here; we love the game of polo. I was happy to be here with Maureen Brennan and Goose Creek a few years ago, but it means so much more under the San Saba name. I have to say again, we all loved Sunny Hale and she was with us last year and would have been on this team today. We all did this for Sunny and it means a lot for San Saba and for Sunny Hale. Rocking P Lockton s Kristy Outhier and San Saba s Sarah Wiseman rideoff 19 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

20 POLO U.S. National Women s Arena Open at the Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville, Virginia Ace Sportswear s impressive play earns the title The champions: Team Ace Sportswear (from left to right) Julia Smith, Anna Winslow and Demitra Hajimihalis The Virginia Polo Center in Charlottesville welcomed eight teams at two separate levels of play to celebrate the reemergence of the Women s Arena Open; this time as a national USPA title. Following a narrow win over Hawaii Polo Life (HPL) in the semifinals, Bad Ass Polo (BAP) entered the arena with Posey Obrecht, Olivia Berube and the previous day s Women s Arena Handicap winner Maddie Grant. By Summer Keeney (United States Polo Association) 20

21 POLO Rested and ready to win, Ace Sportswear came out hard in the first chukker, all three players landing on the scoreboard. Winslow started off the five-goal streak with a quick first goal, followed up by a two-point nearside goal from Smith. Taking advantage of an opportunity, Winslow successfully converted a Penalty 2 and Hajimihalis delivered the final goal of the chukker, resulting in a 5-0 lead. Determined to come back in the second, Grant rose to the challenge, answering with a Penalty 2 conversion and two additional goals for Bad Ass Polo. In a textbook defensive move, Smith took the man and bumped Berube wide leaving the goal mouth open for Winslow to score. We tried to use our teammates effectively and communicate the whole way through, Winslow revealed. We tried to open it up, keep the ball moving and keep a good flow going. That s what made the difference for us today. Still maintaining a large margin, Ace Sportswear was leading 7-3 at halftime. Bad Ass Polo s Maddie Grant carries the ball on the nearside Increasing their lead still further in the third, Ace Sportswear s strategic plays and consistent communication enabled Winslow to earn three consecutive goals for the team. Effective communication is the key, Hajimihalis remarked. The second that we were a little bit quiet in the second chukker, BAP caught up to us. We came out better in the second half and communicated well. Smith and Winslow combined for an impressive team play that resulted in another goal for Ace Sportswear. Despite valiant efforts, Bad Ass Polo s attempts to score were denied at every turn. With only one period remaining, Bad Ass Polo needed to act fast, the scoreboard sitting at Grant was able to secure a Penalty 2 conversion and a pony goal on Ace in the fourth; she was single-handedly responsible for all five of BAP s goals. Smith s final goal ended play with a final score 13-5, as Ace Sportswear celebrated their well-deserved tournament win. Julia Smith was named Most Valuable Player for the second time during the tournament weekend. Best Playing Pony was awarded to Maddie Grant s fourth chukker, 6-year-old chestnut gelding Ace, purchased from Lucas Criado. Photos: Chris Weber Ace Sportswear s Demitra Hajimihalis on the ball Bad Ass Polo s Maddie Grant

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23 POLO Melissa Ganzi, captain of the Badrutt s Palace Team at the 34 th Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz Melissa Ganzi, an innovative American lady who has made history several times in the polo sport Photos: Kathrin Gralla The love for horses lies in her blood. Melissa Ganzi grew up in Philadelphia, riding horses and competing in equestrian events where she was an accomplished horsewoman in dressage, show jumping and cross country. But it wasn t until December, 2000 when her father-in-law and polo player Wally Ganzi bought Melissa her first polo pony for her birthday that she found her true passion. One of the US top woman polo players, she plays professionally with and against men and is team captain of Flexjet, based at Wellington s Grand Champions Club, which she and her husband, Marc, also a top amateur player, own and maintain year-round. Melissa is a popular guest at the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. In 2018 she will perform as a team captain for the third time. Last year Melissa s Team Badrutt s Palace lost the final against Team Cartier. Now Melissa s declared target is to reach the crown of the most prestigious polo on snow tournament in St. Moritz. Melissa Ganzi breeds and trains polo ponies at her Santa Rita Polo Farms in Ocala and Wellington. Among her horse-buying clients is Argentina s Adolfo Cambiaso, the world s No. 1 ranked polo player. When she isn t competing in the high goal, spring, summer and fall seasons and snow polo, Ganzi is all about diversity in polo. Her vision is to promote the sport of polo among the masses including kids, juniors and women. Ganzi would like to see polo embraced by the general public and mainstream sports followers and bring new people to the sport. Melissa was elected the United States Polo Association Florida Circuit Governor, the first woman to be named to the prestigious position in 23 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

24 POLO Pionier der modernen Küche die Lust nach Leben seit 125 Jahren 1023 Crissier Espace Wider SA 1219 Le Lignon (Genève) C.G. Agencements SA 1227 Les Acacias (Genève) Ébénisterie Luthi SA 1227 Carouge (Genève) Poggenpohl Studio Genève 1815 Clarens (Montreux) Dimension Cuisine Sàrl 1920 Martigny Thomas Cuisines SA 3097 Liebefeld/Köniz küchenakzente ag 3250 Lyss ROOS Küchen AG 3800 Unterseen/Interlaken grüneisen küchen ag 3900 Brig-Glis A. Schwestermann SA 4720 Oensingen Hans Eisenring AG 6003 Luzern Poggenpohl Küchenstudio 6343 Rotkreuz linear küchen ag 6616 Losone/Ascona PRISMA 6900 Lugano Selva Via Brentani 7260 Dorf Davos Küchen Studio Davos 8048 Zürich Poggenpohl Küchenstudio 8370 Sirnach Hans Eisenring AG 8604 Volketswil Hans Eisenring AG 125years.poggenpohl.com

25 POLO the Southeast United States. Ganzi is selfless and tireless when it comes to staging polo events including junior tournaments, International Cup, Women s Championship Tournament, fall, winter and spring seasons, which have nurtured several top rising juniors and pros at Grand Champions, and The Polo School, for all players at all levels. The Ganzifamilie s Grand Champions is one of only two clubs in the USA to offer 20-goal tournaments, only club to offer a 12-goal, $50,000 tournament and revived the 20-goal Sterling Cup and 0-26 winner-take-all $100,000 World Cup during the 2017 winter season. Melissa Ganzi is president and top fund raiser for the Museum of Polo and Hall of Fame Board of Directors and Secretary of the Polo Training Foundation. Melissa was honored during the Portrait Of A Woman Luncheon, part of Women s History Month, for her significant long term contributions to individuals and various organizations and the positive impact she has had on the community, not only in polo, but charity work and organizations that specialize in helping the disabled. Grand Champions Polo Club has been a long-time employer of disabled workers. She was also named the Polo Training Foundation s Volunteer of the Year. The wife, mother, athlete, businesswoman and philanthropist s proudest moments are sharing her passion with her children Riley, a senior at St. Andrew s High School, and Grant, a sophomore at Lynn University. Both play polo and hope to carry on the family tradition as third-generation players. Grant Ganzi is a two-time national youth champion and at 17 was the youngest team captain of Casablanca for the 2015 polo season at IPC and Audi-Millarville for the 2016 season. At age 16, his team won the Herbie Pennell Cup season-opening tournament. Riley Ganzi has represented the United States in youth tournaments and won the Polo America Beach Polo Cup where she was named Most Valuable Player. Ganzi hopes to continue to promote polo at the international and national level, particularly in her community and leave a lasting legacy in Wellington and the sport. Countless successes decorate her career Melissa Ganzi has won the Ylvisaker Cup and Butler Handicap Cup, Hall of Fame Cup, Western Badge and Trophy 20-Goal, Mayors Cup, Miami Beach Polo World Cup, Aspen Snow Polo World Championship, North America Cup, U.S. Open Women s Tournament and played with Prince Charles, Prince Phillip and Prince Harry. Ganzi has made history several times in the sport. She was the first woman ever to win the Monty Waterbury Cup at the Saratoga Polo Club in 2001, just one year after she started playing the game full-time. She also was part of a world record for most consecutive chukkers played, competing for 30 chukkers in a Wounded Warriors benefit match in Aiken, S.C. She is one of only a few women in the world to compete in the C.V. Whitney Cup, USPA Gold Cup and U.S. Open. She also made history in St. Moritz, Switzerland in January, 2016 when she became the first woman to compete in the Snow Polo World Cup in its 31-year history and was also the first woman to win the Aspen Valley Polo Club s World Snow Polo Championship in December, She was the first woman to win the coveted Molina Cup at the Bentley Scottsdale Polo Championships, the most attended polo event in the country. She also is the first woman to win the 2017 United States Arena Handicap Tournament. And, she is currently one of only two women to play full-time high goal polo at International Polo Club that attracts most of the top players in Wellington. 25 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

26 POLO Sébastien Le Page, is enthusiastic about the Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz. The passionate polo player and Owner of the Polo & Country Club Zurich is also one of the sponsors of the snow polo tournament in St. Moritz. By Birgit Hügli-Herrmann Mr. Le Page: Do you remember your first time at the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz? Yes, actually it was not long ago. To be honest, I only discovered the Engadine three years ago despite living in Switzerland for over 15 years and only through opening my restaurant Hato St. Moritz. But once having been there, I fell in love with the location, and have been returning often since. I was very much impressed with the organization and the atmosphere of the snow polo and decided last year to participate in the capital of the company that runs the show. So I am now a shareholder of the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz albeit a minority one! St. Moritz is the cradle of the snow polo and has defended its leader position despite numerous other worldwide snow polo events. What makes the tournament in St. Moritz outstanding? I think first and foremost, it is its historical significance. Polo actually started in Switzerland at the end of the 19 th Century in St. Moritz, so St. Moritz has over 125 years of polo history under its belt, which is quite impressive if you think that the first polo club in the world was only founded in The Snow Polo World Cup was founded in 1985 and has been hugely succ essful year after year. The beauty of the Engadine Valley adds to the charm, and the fact that you are playing on a frozen lake puts some element of extra danger to what is already a quite dangerous sport. The village of St Moritz itself is a wonderful place for food, shopping and partying, let alone skiing and other alpine treats. So I believe that this cocktail of reasons, along with a flawless organization, makes for a very successful tournament, which is very difficult to beat. Photo: Kathrin Gralla Sébastien Le Page and his charming wife Morgan van Overbroek with Mister Polo Reto Gaudenzi 26

27 POLO Interview with Sébastien Le Page, owner of the Hato Restaurants in St. Moritz and Zurich Snow Polo World Cup St. Moritz is an amazing tournament, which is very difficult to beat You are business wise very active on many fronts. One of your projects are the for fine Asian cuisine well-known Hato Restaurants in Zurich and St. Moritz. How was the idea born to enter into the restaurant business and what made you focus on Asian cuisine? When I quit my job to focus on playing polo every day, I thought that the polo scene and the gastronomic scene went very well together. People who like polo tend to like a special type of lifestyle, in which good quality of life is essential. And I thought that a high-end restaurant would be a very good crossover with polo. So I started looking around for a potential place to open a high-end restaurant, and once the location was found in the center of Zurich, the question came of what style of food. Along with my gastronomy consultant Wolf Wagschal, we realized that if you compare Zurich with New York, London, Paris or Dubai, a top level Asian restaurant was missing, despite Zurich being a hub of expats and business travellers. On top of which I love Asian cuisine, so it made it even easier to choose! So we hired chef Nathan Dallimore who had Asian gastronomy experience in Novikov in Moscow and London, and set up Hato Zurich. Some months later a wonderful location in the center of St. Moritz was up for grabs so we jumped on the occasion and created Hato St. Moritz, which has a slightly different concept than Zurich but with the same flavor. I am very happy with the decisions taken, and with the outstanding results from the two restaurants. Gault & Millaud has awarded Hato 15 points on our second year of opening, and voted Hato third best Asian restaurant in Switzerland. I am very proud of this achievement. Not only impresses the Hato Restaurant with its outstanding food but also with its interior. Who was the creative brain behind it? The interior was designed by Ralph Kellenberger from company COCC. and coherent AG based in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The design was then nudged by Wolf Wagschal and then approved by myself. I have to say that Ralph did an amazing job of the whole concept. As a result, Hato was awarded the Red Dot Award for best international design, and the German Design Award for best design. The paintings that you can see in the restaurant are from famous Swiss artist Dimitri Horta, and mix wonderfully with the design. The corporate identity was designed by Dave Zangger of ALLINK AG. To what delicacies from the Hato kitchen can guests look forward to? Hato is a little peculiar in Asian gastronomy as it does not focus on one region alone. We have dished from China, Japan, Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, with a zest of Australian, Indian and Western touches mixed. Our most requested dish is the Crispy Aromatic Duck Salad which we can also do in a vegan style. By the way, as I am gluten intolerant, I make sure than we cater for all types of allergies and choices, so if you are coeliac or vegan, you will still find dishes for you in Hato. The sushi and sashimi are excellent, both in traditional and New Style. We also make very tasty hand made Dim Sum, and the Rock Shrimp Tempura is very much liked as well. Another favourite is the Yuzu scented Miso Black Cod. Many different types of fish and fresh seafood are then best enjoyed when the sea is so far away! Also, Chef Nathan Dallimore being a New Zealander, the grilled meats are always an experience. Finally a dessert from our kitchen will amaze you because people rarely eat desserts in Asian restaurants, but the creativity of our pastry chef Patrick Reiterer is truly mind-boggling. Do you picture yourself playing with a team at the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz in the near future? It is a real possibility, and I have been invited already more than once, but I need to train more, my level is not really there yet, as this is quite a high-level tournament. And I need to have some experience of snow polo at a lower level before competing in the World Cup. I always believe you need to learn how to walk before you can try running! Photos: Hato Hato will 2018 be a sponsor of the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz. What made you decide to enter that sponsoring? Hato is a sponsor of the Snow Polo World Cup in St. Moritz since last year. However, we do not cater at the event itself, we are a partner, which means that the polo players and sponsors come to eat and party at the restaurant, so in that sense we cater, but we are not at the event itself. If you want to mix with famous polo players or international stars, come for dinner at Hato St. Moritz! 27 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

28 CARS Mercedes S 350 d 4MATIC L One of the most luxurious options to travel Even at first glance, our test vehicle for the December issue, the entry-level model of the new S-Class the S 350 d 4MATIC in a long version, reveals the segment in which it is at home: Driving comfort at the highest level. By Birgit Hügli-Herrmann Daimler Benz AG Visually, the new S-Class differs only slightly from its predecessor. The most striking innovations are the revised radiator grille and the new LED light signature, which ooze sheer elegance. As expected the interior radiates noblesse. With the newly seamless merging 12.3-inch displays the cockpit presents itself much more elegant than in the previous model. The experience of gliding over the highway with the 5.30-meter ship is exemplary supported by the latest generation of assistants. There is hardly any driving noise in the passenger compartment and the super comfortable multi-contour massage chairs with seat temperature control convey in connection with the Burmester surround sound system almost a holiday feeling. The space in the long version of the car is downright wasteful. The newly developed straight six-cylinder diesel engine 350 d is with 286 hp and a torque of 600 nm no sprinter, but still has enough reserves to accelerate the four-wheel drive sedan with good speed of up to 250 km/h. Anyone who likes to use the gas paddle every now and then will experience that the 2.4-ton saloon easily consumes 8.8 litres, as we experienced in our test. An aspect that can be neglected in light of the comfort. The pleasure to own a Mercedes S 350 d starts in the basic version at CHF 107,000. Our test vehicle reached with numerous extras a price of almost CHF 182,000. Daimler Benz AG 28

29 CARS 29 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

30 CARS The latest issue of Knight Frank suggests investing in the classic car market will be a more focused business for experts and collectors in the near future. Last year, to be fair, the classic car market launched the first warning with a step down in favour of luxury wine at the top of the list, but classic cars still seemed strong with a robust +9% in Classic cars The key for the success is to find the right balance between passion investing and a garage portfolio By Dr. Filippo Pignatti (*) Now with a mere 2% during 2017 the first and the second quarter it s time to be conscious about the market momentum. Classic cars are in the shadows after wine, still at first place in terms of growth with a strong 25%, art, watches, coins and jewellery. So, is it the case to be really worried about car investments? Not at all, after ten years of spectacular results classics are by far the best investment in collectibles with a huge +362%. It s likely the game is changing and after a decade of leadership is no more an easy business for trader or investor. Maybe this is the right time to change investment strategy. Hidden in the KFL report we can find other substantial news, a small decrease in terms of value for top marques like Ferrari, Porsche and Mercedes in the U.S. usually at top of the parade. But this is only one part of the story. Graphics Frank Knight/KNLuxuryIndex (*) Dr. Filippo Pignatti Classic and supercar collector and market analyst 30

31 CARS Photos: The truth is that condition of the models, specific history and marketing are all factors behind strong valuations of a single model: think a while about the recent millionaire auctions at Ferrari 70 years celebration or the special history of Gabriele D Annunzio Alfa Romeo 6C Soffio d Satana. The right cars will always find rich customers ready to buy at a high-level price. Furthermore, reading the pages of the report we can assume that collectors are switching from overrated and overpriced cars in favour of underrated models with more revaluation potential. Last but not least the financial market conditions overall, indicate at the moment investors are switching from classic cars to the more attractive a lucrative financial sector and this is not bad news for collectors and long-term investors. Usually they come back at the first stock or bond market alarm. But assuming that in the near future not all the cars will be a good investment, only a selective approach, with the support of professionals and specialist consultancy, collectors and investors will find the right balance between passion investing and a garage portfolio. Gabriele D Annunzio s Alfa Romeo 6C Soffio d Satana 31 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

32 GOURMET Selected wines deserve exquisite home created and built by Jörg Tobler from Malans, Switzerland Do it like the two-star chef Andreas Caminada and treat yourself to a handcrafted unique wine cellar Andreas Caminada makes gourmet hearts dream of his creations. The two-star chef serves his culinary highlights with selected wines stored in a wine cellar designed and built for him two years ago by Jörg Tobler. Tobler s wine cellars are always a perfect mix of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, as individual as the wine connoisseurs for whose treasures they are built. No wonder that Andreas Caminada raves about his Tobler wine cellar: The love for detail is carefully thought out and perfectly integrated into a wonderful whole. 32

33 GOURMET 33 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

34 GOURMET Jörg Tobler has specialised in the construction of exclusive wine cellars for more than 20 years. There is no such thing as off-the-peg wine cellars for him. All objects are individual and hand-crafted exclusive works of art, which are created in his own factory. With the wine cellars he has built for noble and rare wines, Tobler s objective is to create a depot that is both aesthetically and technically pleasing. One of Jörg Tobler s latest projects is the 40-metre-long wine cellar at the event and mountain restaurant Madrisahof Klosters. At an altitude of more than 2000 metres above sea level, it is the largest and highest wine cellar in the world. Jörg Tobler builds all wine cellars and carries out all the work himself, from the first planning stage all the way to installing the door lock. In order to guarantee the quality of the wine cellar s construction down to the last detail, his work is supported selectively by a recognised air-conditioning technology expert and an artist blacksmith. As one of only a few masons in Switzerland, Tobler has the skills to build the various types of vaults, such as cloister vaults, barrel vaults and cross vaults. Jörg Tobler lives in Malans. Here, in one of Switzerland s best wine regions, he has created an impressive showroom. The atmosphere is exclusive and reflects the fine craftsmanship behind every wine cellar built by Jörg Tobler. Just as a wine can only be found to be excellent or less recommendable after its enjoyment, a wine cellar can best be experienced by touching it. The showroom reveals so many details and quite often, visitors discover things they have never seen before, which are then frequently incorporated into the planning. That s why I always say one should definitely have seen our showroom before we enter the hot planning phase, says Jörg Tobler. Tobler constructs each wine cellar as a unique piece, designed and realized in accordance with the personal preferences of the customers and the local conditions. Be it on the ground floor, in a small room or as a spacious wine-tasting hall, practically everything is possible with regard to implementation. More information about Jörg Tobler s exclusive wine cellars can be found at: 34

35 GOURMET 35 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

36 LIFESTYLE Qiviut the Gold of the Arctic Qiviut 400 times rarer than gold and 8,000 times rarer than cashmere! By Birgit Hügli-Herrmann Your wardrobe is filled with international brands and you are convinced that you know everything about luxurious clothing? Be honest now: do you own jerseys, jackets or scarves made of qiviut? You re raising your eyebrows on the word qiviut? No worries, you re just one of a crowd, because qiviut, reverently called the Gold of the Arctic by textile experts, is 400 times rarer than real gold. Once you have come to know this unique material, you will never forget the soft, fine and incomparably warm feeling on your skin. Qiviut is obtained from the undercoat of arctic muskox. On a global scale, only about 3 or in very good years 5 tonnes of qiviut per year are available for processing. By contrast, global production of cashmere is 32,000 to 35,000 tonnes. Lucky are those who own garments or plaids made from qiviut. Wintercoat made with 100% natural Qiviut fibre (only 50 meters are produced per year) handspun, handwoven scarf in 100% Yangir vegetable dyed with safran Cardigan mixed 50% Qiviut / 50% silk with foxfure collar removable 36

37 LIFESTYLE Qiviut is warmer, softer and lighter than cashmere. Looking at a qiviut fibre under the microscope reveals the secret: 50% of its volume is made up of the finest air ducts that store body heat and do not allow cold from the outside to reach the skin. The collection of qiviut is 8 times more expensive than with comparable fine natural fibres and its processing requires a lot of expertise. There are only a few with the skills to handle this rare material. On of them is Walter Notter, specialist from Aargau (Switzerland), who started his own business 35 years ago and has been working closely with Tibetan and Nepalese spinners, weavers and carpet weavers ever since. Beginning with carpets made to customer specifications, Notter soon found his way to fine garments and scarves made of natural fibres. Unique scarf with handspun Qiviut hut Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

38 LIFESTYLE Qiviut fibre from raw material to finest handspun yarn To ensure that he only obtains the very best of the best, Walter Notter is on site regularly to inspect the raw material. This is machine spun in Germany and Italy ore handspun and handmade in the high lands of Nepal with whom Walter Notter has been working for three decades. Notter sees this sustainable production route as a unifying element bringing joy to as many people as possible. For one, to the spinners and weavers who generate a secure income for their families, then to all those who admire the uniquely beautiful pieces and ultimately, the exclusive clientele who proudly and passionately wear the timeless unique specimens of the highest craftsmanship in spinning and weaving. Dinner jacket blue fine fabric 50% silk / 50% Qiviut Long arm cardigan with leather pocket 38

39 LIFESTYLE Each qiviut garment, plaid or pillow is unique and is made especially for the client according to his or her wishes. Qiviut is as individual as its wearers and has a fascinating background story. In terms of style, the majority of customers choose classic cuts for their qiviut garments. This is understandable given the rarity of the material. Wearing qiviut sets a statement for style and class, as these exclusive pieces survive every fashion trend. Depending on the intensity of the Arctic winter, musk oxen develop up to 25% more or less qiviut. This influences the colour of the raw material, which can fluctuate by several nuances. In order to preserve the precious fibre, qiviut is mainly processed in its natural colour. However, pieces can also be produced in other colours at the customer s request. Shawl made with handspun Qiviut and golden Muga silk Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

40 Ihr Partner für Baufragen Wir projektieren, bauen, erneuern Wohnbauten Bauten für Industrie, Gewerbe und Dienstleistungen Bauphysikalische und energetische Sanierungen Umnutzung und bauliche Erneuerung bestehender, auch historischer Bausubstanz Wir planen, beraten Gestaltungspläne Bebauungsstudien Bauphysik, Energie Gutachten, Expertisen, Schätzungen Hans-Peter Bärtsch Christian Gerber Nadine Gerber-Hunziker Christof Geyer Münchsteig Zürich Telefon Telefax

41 LIFESTYLE World record scarf A master of this craft and winner of international spinning awards worked 820 days on the longest, hand-spun hand-woven scarf in the world: Only the rarest natural fibres, as qiviut, yangir, golden muga silk, baby yak and cashmere were used to produce this shawl. After that, it was made into 71 unique items. There are only a few scarfs let. The winter coat of the Umingmak The people of the Arctic have been insulating their seal boots with warming qiviut for centuries. In the Inuit language, qiviut means fluff and refers to the inner, insulating undercoat of the musk oxen. Of all animals in the world, musk oxen have the longest topcoat and, thanks to the qiviut, even survive Arctic winter storms with wind speeds of up to 140 km/h and temperatures of down to minus 50 C. The Inuit call the musk oxen Umingmak, which translates as the bearded one. At the beginning of the 1920s, there were only 3000 musk oxen left in Canada. In 1913 the musk oxen were therefore put under protection by the Canadian government. The population stabilised over time, with 160,000 musk oxen living in Canada again today. The successful resettlement of 27 musk oxen in East and West Greenland commenced in Since musk oxen have no natural enemies in Greenland, the population has meanwhile grown to 24,000. For some years now, only the Inuit have been allowed to hunt a maximum of 2500 musk oxen per year from the end of January to the end of March. The undercoat of the hunted animals forms the raw material for the noble qiviut knitwear goods. Herringbone cape, double faced 50% Qiviut / 50% silk with foxfure collar removable Cape 100% Qiviut cloth Sources of supply where you can order your unique Qivuit piece of clothing: Photos: Qiviut Europe Via Maistra 158 CH-7504 Pontresina Lamm Cashmere House Via Maistra CH-7500 St. Moritz La Boutique Grand Resort Bad Ragaz CH-7310 Bad Ragaz 41 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

42 LIFESTYLE The Wild Horses of the Southern Namib Survival in the desert 42

43 LIFESTYLE By Namibia Wild Horses Foundation The Wild Horses of the Namib attract thousands of tourists each year. Their mysterious origins and that the horses have gained the freedom to live according to their own natural ways touch us. We are also fascinated by the habitat which the horses have chosen. Between 100 and 250 horses share an area of km 2 in mathematical terms this translates into 2.3 km 2 per horse and the vastness of the desert instead of a paddock or stable. And, we are fascinated because the Wild Horses have conquered an alien world. Life in the desert is harsh. Southern Africa has no native horse populations, so the origins of the Namib Desert Horse trace to imported herds of horses. There are several theories on the ancestors of the Namib Desert Horse, and the true story may never be known. Reports from the time make reference to 10,000 soldiers with 6,000 horses who pitched camp on the dusty expanse at the edge of the Namib Desert. They relied on the water from the borehole that was used to replenish locomotives at the nearby railway line and supplement the water for the town of Lüderitz. The German forces had set up a stronghold in the hills at Aus, 25 km to the east. The last attack was on the 27 March 1915 to mask the Germans retreat, scattering the Union horses. It is thought that the Union forces might not have had sufficient time to catch all the dispersed animals before advancing on the retreating Germans. 43 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

44 LIFESTYLE Another more probable theory appears to be the missing puzzle piece as to the origin of the horses that formed the core of the wild horse population. Emil Kreplin, who was the Mayor of Lüderitz from 1909 to 1914, had a stud farm at Kubub, south of Aus. Here, Kreplin bred workhorses for the mines and racehorses for the town of Lüderitz that had boomed in the diamond rush sparked in In photographic evidence of the Kubub stud horses, unearthed by hobby-historian Walter Rusch, there are remarkable similarities in conformation and characteristic markings between the Kubub horses and the present-day wild horses showing traces of Hackney, Trakehner and Shagya Arab breeds. 44

45 LIFESTYLE Kreplin was interned in the Union of South Africa during the hostilities and later lost his fortune in the depression years in Europe. It is assumed that during or after the war the horses, ownerless and not contained by fences, would have begun to scatter, leaving the overgrazed Kubub area in search of better grazing and following the rainfall. They would have eventually made their way to the permanent water source at Garub, becoming wilder over time and linking up with any remaining Union horses and any other abandoned horses in the area. The horses lived in the protected Sperrgebiet diamond area, which provided safety from hunters and horse capturers. From as early 1908 the German colonial administration had established a restricted area, which extended about 100 km inland, and was strictly controlled. Garub and surrounds were part of Sperrgebiet II. Nobody was allowed access to the area, with the only exception made periodically from the 1950 s until 1983 in times of serious drought to provide emergency grazing for farmers. In 1986, that section of Sperrgebiet II was incorporated into the Namib Naukluft Park. For 100 years the horses were able to develop in almost complete isolation, generation by generation, through seasons of drought and abundance, becoming a pure breed through decades of natural selection. They are now regarded as a breed in their own right, the Namibs. But, these horses are no longer domestic. They are part of nature, uncontrolled by man, and as such, subject to the laws of nature. The death of weak animals at times of drought is the natural cycle taking its course. Other concerns touched on the principles of nature conservation. The horses live mostly in the state-owned Namib Naukluft Park, whose task is to protect the indigenous flora and fauna. The area around Aus is seen as a biological hotspot with more than 500 plant species, some of them endemic. Questions were raised about the possibility of the horses being a disruptive element in their environment and contributing to unique plants becoming extinct. 45 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

46 LIFESTYLE The work of the Namibia Wild Horses Foundation The Namibia Wild Horses Foundation is a non-profit organization, registered in 2012, with several directors from the tourism, veterinary, environmental management and research sectors on the team. The main objective is to operate as an interest group for the conservation and protection of the Wild Horses of Namibia. The foundation is currently providing grass to the wild horses two times per week. The feeding started end of October 2015, when it became apparent that no significant rainfall could be expected. With the exception of scarce rainfall along the eastern border fence, no rain has been received since 2013 and the roughage resources in the Garub area are minimal. The foundation plans to carry on providing fodder to the horses until rains will fall and the grass has recovered. While the horses are not necessarily picking up condition with the supplementary feed, they are being kept alive until green grass will restore their condition to that of the good rainy years. There have always been good rainy and bad years in the Garub area with, in bad periods, horses dying of malnutrition. These days, the foundation is in the fortunate position of being able to avoid mortalities due to malnutrition. Without the financial help of the public and organizations and business in Namibia and internationally, this would have not been possible. For more information: www wild-horses-namibia.com Biologist, Telané Greyling, has dealt with these and other issues in her Doctoral thesis on the Wild Horses and has spent two decades studying the horses and their environment. Her work has been supported by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism, Klein Aus Vista Lodge and the Gondwana. The results of Dr Greyling s extensive research revealed no indication that the horses have displaced or impacted the indigenous flora or fauna in any way. She concluded that the same species and the same numbers found in nearby areas of comparison also occur in the area where the horses live. This answered the many questions and finally put minds at rest. Therefore the death of weak animals in times of drought is the natural cycle taking its course. On the other hand, man cannot simply shrug off all responsibility. Fences block access to natural watering holes and better grazing on farms bordering the area to the east. It is also of concern that in times of drought the number of horses might drop so severely to negatively affect their gene pool and endanger their survival by inbreeding.

47 LIFESTYLE In November 2005, a meeting of experts from diverse fields including representatives from MET, the veterinary sciences, the tourism industry and scientists from Namibia and abroad agreed on possible goals for the preservation of the wild horses: to ensure a stable population of Wild Horses, to keep the costs for their care as low as possible, to utilise them more efficiently as a tourist attraction, to gather more information and to improve public knowledge about them. Photos: Namibia Wild Horses Foundation A prerequisite for controlling the horse population is to monitor rainfall, grazing, numbers and the condition of the animals on a regular basis. The mean population size historically seemed to have been around 130, with shortterm fluctuations between 80 and 250. During the seventies and eighties the number of horses was estimated at 250, but it dropped considerably when fences were put up at the area s eastern boundary in the late eighties. One-hundred-and-four horses were caught in June The population comprised 110 horses in 1993, and increased to 149 in In 1999 the number dropped to just 89, but increased again during the following 12 years of good rains. Just as a capture operation seemed necessary in 2013, drought and predation by spotted hyenas once again reduced the population to below 200. A lot of springbok and oryx have left the area and moved to better grazing in the Namib Naukluft Park or have died due to malnutrition or dehydration while patrolling the border fences. The horses are not able to as move far away since they are more dependent on the Garub waterhole than the game. Thus, predators are currently relying on the horses as a food source and have improved hunting techniques on adult horses. No foals have survived since 2013, presenting a generation gap of 5 years, that can cause a genetic bottle neck soon. The team of experts also recommended that intervention should only occur in the event of a crisis situation and that appropriate steps should always be kept at a minimum. In times of drought, a watering facility could initially be set up in a neighboring grazing area to shorten the horses trip to the water. Should the condition of the horses deteriorate, additional fodder could also be provided. In this case it would be important to spread fodder over a wide area in order to limit competition which causes stress or even fighting. 47 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

48 LIFESTYLE LCA Leadership for Conservation in Africa Sabine Plattner s column Dying was not an option in the Odzala Kokoua National Park is still too much to do Let me share a story of two youngsters who demonstrate the type of tenacity, guts and commitment one would be looking for as part of the personal make-up of an up and coming game ranger. Teske and Schalk are two young people serving as tourist guides in the world s second largest rainforest, Odzala Kokoua National Park pristinely protected by the government of the Republic of Congo. Schalk, being a little more quiet and reserved, is clear about the fact that he wants to become a ranger. He has completed his first year at the well-known Southern African Wildlife College, for game rangers in training. Teske, who has studied nature conservation at the Impala College in South Africa, is more outgoing and loves to interpret nature for the guests. Each of them representing in a different way, this special breed I am talking about, as demonstrated in the incident below. Walking on the edge of the forest in Odzala one Saturday afternoon, the two were suddenly charged by an elephant cow in protection of her calf. It was an unexpected and unusual occurrence as the elephant did not do the normal mock charge. An incredible scene started to play out under the canopy of the forests of Odzala. Trying to hide behind a huge tree, which was impossible to climb, the elephant chased Teske and Schalk in a cat and mouse fashion around the three. She unexpectedly turned the opposite way and got hold of Teske, ramming her face down into the ground. Elephants would typically put their heads on the victim and simply crush them to death, but on this day, Teske had a backpack on and the largest part of the elephant s weight was on the backpack, with the lessor part on her shoulder. The elephant then rolled Teske over, with her tusk between Teske s legs, miraculously not penetrating her pelvis. Recalling the incident, Teske said the only thing she was thinking of was that dying was not an option, there is still too much to do. Teske and Schalk two high committed game rangers Photos: LCA Leadership for Conservation in Africa 48

49 LIFESTYLE Sabine Plattner, Chairman of LCA, with members of the staff It was at this point that the young Schalk, who is still in training, stood his ground, ran towards the elephant, clapping his hands, shouting and screaming. Running into the elephant, he chased her off, saving Teske s life. Teske was flown to Johannesburg, severely injured, where she was taken to the ICU and recovered in hospital. Four months later, Teske has taken up her position in Odzala, albeit on light duty, but she is back to keep on pursuing her life mission, to help protect nature. Schalk on the other hand is more committed than ever to become a game ranger. In two different ways, both of them demonstrated the game ranger spirit, to put their bodies on the line if necessary for the sake of the cause. kursiv.com Sabine Plattner, Chairman LCA Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

50 LIFESTYLE Top view from a height of 50 metres PROJECT Immobilien has established itself as one of the largest property developers and builders in the largest metropolitan regions in Germany. In and around the cities of Berlin, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt on the Main, Hamburg, Munich, Nuremberg and Vienna, we create ambitious and high-quality residential districts in urban locations, from freehold apartments to townhouses. What makes us special? We know exactly what we are doing because, thanks to our decades of experience, we have the all-important expertise that matters in the real estate business. The key to success for the entire Group is independently developing and implementing every project from a single source. From purchasing the plot to selling the freehold apartments, we develop each construction project independently with our own team of property developers and local sales staff for added experience and regional expertise that will benefit you in your apartment search. Just one glance at our references and the freehold apartments currently on offer shows that when it comes to purchasing land, we focus on attractive urban development locations with ideal public transport connections and space for individual living solutions. Thanks to the use of durable materials, carefully thought-out floor plans and barrier-free design options, the apartments will continue to meet the needs of their residents for generations to come, guaranteeing that their value is preserved. We are one of the few companies in the real estate business to exclusively rely on our own capital ensuring maximum security and reliability for you as a customer. Photos: PROJECT Immobilien 50

51 PROJECT Immobilien Passionate about properties High-level living at Frankfurt s Europaviertel Directly by the Spree in Berlin-Mitte The place to be: Berlin PROJECT Immobilien is a well-known name in Berlin. We have developed or are currently developing more than 2,200 apartments in the capital. Berlin is Germany s most sought-after city, it attracts people from all over the world and is becoming more appealing day by day. Owning an apartment in Berlin is one of the most exclusive status symbols on an international level especially when it is located in one of the best areas of the city. Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

52 LIFESTYLE A Bauhaus-style residential district Directly by the Spree in Berlin-Mitte For example, right at the riverside in Mitte, just a stone s throw away from the political, tourist and cultural centre of Berlin. The BE MITTE building offers just that: with a view of the Television Tower, you will be living at one of the best addresses in the city with two roof terraces, a balcony or loggia directly overlooking the Spree and attractive furnishings. The apartments are ready to move in immediately. Exclusive residential area in the southwest of the city Berlin s oldest exclusive residential area Lichterfelde-West represents sophisticated living like no other. Surrounded by extensive parkland with hidden villas, we are building the Schweizer Park: a residential complex of 66 freehold apartments with spacious gardens, sunny balconies and roof terraces on a large park property with mature trees. The sophisticated features include underfloor heating, real wood flooring, electric shutters, an underground car park and lifts. Top view from a height of 50 metres Spandau is located in the very west of Berlin. At a little distance from the centre, Spandau has established itself as the residence of many wealthy Berliners. The enormous abundance of forest and water provides it with an exclusive character. You can thus set out from the marina in Spandau for a scenic cruise through Berlin. Residential towers are currently the biggest trend in the real estate market. That s why we are building the HavelPerle: an extraordinary construction project right on the banks of the Havel River. At a height of 50 metres, you will be able to enjoy an incomparable view of the water, Spandau and all of Berlin. The circular forms of the residential tower create unusual floor plans with wide window façades and incomparable views. Only a few of the 76 apartments are still available. If you re looking for an exclusive residential address, this is the place for you. The exclusive sides of Hamburg Hamburg has become one of the most attractive locations for international investors. With its harbour, the Elbphilharmonie and numerous architectural highlights, Hamburg is an exquisite place to live. This is especially true in the forest districts in the far north, where the largest continuous forest areas in the city create a sophisticated living ambience at the heart of the countryside. Situated in Wohldorf-Ohlstedt, in a neighbourhood characterised by spacious villas, the freehold apartments of the Walddörfer Ensemble are ready to move in immediately. With living spaces of up to 208 m², large terraces, balconies and roof terraces with views of the countryside and a successful combination of features including underfloor heating and real wood parquet flooring, life here is truly prestigious. The lift will take you from the underground car park straight to your apartment. There are also bedrooms with private balconies, en suite bathrooms with natural light and separate dressing rooms with plenty of space for your wardrobe. All apartments have spacious terraces, balconies or roof terraces with views of the countryside. The exclusive sides of Hamburg A Bauhaus-style residential district Situated in the northwest, right on the outskirts of Hamburg, MEIN ASPELOHE creates a sustainable residential district with timeless Bauhaus architecture an attractive investment opportunity within commuting distance of Hamburg s economically strong north! A selection of freehold apartments and townhouses are being built, which offer potential for increasing value thanks to the high-quality fittings and building quality. The exclusive landscape concept incorporating green areas within the district ensures a high recreational value. Another equally attractive feature is the underground car park and sustainable construction with geothermal energy and photovoltaics. Both Hamburg Airport and the motorway are just ten minutes away by car. High-level living at Frankfurt s Europaviertel Frankfurt s Europaviertel is fast expanding. Close to the financial powerhouse, it is one of the elite residential addresses in the city, where you will be living in a sought-after neighbourhood. Situated on the edge of the Europaviertel, in a prominent location just minutes from the Skyline Plaza, we are building The Link: a striking new building offering freehold apartments in a central location. With its striking architecture, the elegant clinker façade and the harmonious colour scheme, the building is a real eye-catcher. Open-plan apartments with inviting gardens, balconies, loggias and roof terraces, as well as numerous full-length windows, create an ambience with an exclusive character. There are only a few apartments still available don t miss your chance! Get to know our whole portfolio: You will find information about PROJECT Immobilien and all of the current construction projects at Exclusive residential area in the southwest of the city 52

53 HAUTE COUTURE IN WOOD EMME PASSION JOINING DREAMS AND LIVING Röthlisberger AG ~ CH-3535 Schüpbach

54 LIFESTYLE From the heart of the Swiss Alps in the penthouse of Tour Odéon in Monaco The kitchen in the most expensive penthouse of the world bears the signature of Zbären 54

55 LIFESTYLE With its mild temperatures, a dreamlike setting and tax benefits, Monaco is a hotspot for super rich from around the world. The prices for luxury apartments reach gigantic heights. A highlight of the top real estate of the sunshine state on the Côte d Azur is the Tour Odéon. The 170-meter-high skyscraper is the first tower block to be built in Monaco since the 1980s. 55 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

56 LIFESTYLE The jewel of the Tour Odéon is the five-storey penthouse that extends over a gigantic living space of more than 3,300 square meters. It has spectacular balconies and a slide that reaches from the top floors into a giant hot tub. This property is the most expensive penthouse in the world. It goes without saying that such a property also impresses with exceptional kitchens. The Swiss kitchen manufacturer Zbären was responsible for their design, conception, and implementation. Designer kitchens of the traditional company from the Bernese Saanenmöser decorate chalets in St. Moritz, as well as houses of Russian oligarchs and now also the penthouse in the Tour Odéon. The architecture of the Tour Odéon presents itself ultramodern, extremely stylish and puristic. The five different kitchens of the penthouse should also reflect this character. A show kitchen for the owners, a semi-professional working kitchen, a breakfast kitchen, as well as a kitchen for the staff and a room for the laundry; all with an independent appearance that fits seamlessly into the spacious room design of the penthouse, was the clients specifications. Photos: Zbären Swiss Kitchen Manufacture 56

57 LIFESTYLE For the Zbären Swiss Kitchen Manufacture team, which is well established in the top luxury segment, this represents a major challenge, which required numerous meetings with the Parisian interior designer and the clients. Zbären set special highlights in the owner s kitchen using exotic precious woods such as Tineo and Ziricote, which is especially known for instrument making, in combination with hand-polished high-gloss surfaces. Wall coverings made of finely marbled light onyx complete the highly elegant overall appearance.the working kitchen is dominated by cool stainless steel in the kitchen cabinet area. This forms an exciting contrast to the work and floor surfaces in black onyx. At times, round shapes used as design objects break through the clear longitudinal lines. From the first talks to the completion of the kitchens in the penthouse of the Tour Odéon, seven years have passed. This is by far the most time-consuming project in our company history, explains Benjamin Zbären, Managing Director of Zbären Kitchen Manufacture. The Tour Odéon project was a mammoth project that was exceptionally demanding in every respect and at the same time highly exciting. The expectations of the owners were extremely high but also gave us the opportunity to use all our know-how to work with the highest quality materials. With this project, we were able to expand our successful company history with an exceptionally attractive reference. Whereby I would like to emphasize that our individual kitchens are very diversified and that we realize all customer objects with the same passion. The installation of the kitchens in the penthouse presented Zbären with challenges of a special kind. Helicopter flights with underload are prohibited in the Principality. Thus, the only possible way of transporting all kitchen elements into the 47 th and the following floors was via the lifts of the Tour Odéon. However, these are designed only for passenger transport. 57 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

58 LIFESTYLE Degussa Goldhandel Group The number one expert in gold and precious metals Europe s largest precious metal trader, Degussa Goldhandel Group, has its showrooms in Zurich and Geneva with the most diverse range of bars and coins made of gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and iridium. Degussa is represented internationally in Germany, London and Madrid. In addition to traditional Degussa bars, numerous international investment gold coins are on offer. All investment and gifts products are also available online at degussa-goldhandel.ch. 58

59 Quality and trust For anyone who decides to invest some of their assets in precious metals, the quality of the products should be given top priority. All Degussa bars have the highest possible degree of fineness and are offered in various weight ranges from 1 gram up to 1 kilogram. The world s most popular investment coins, for example the Krugerrand from South Africa, or the Vreneli from Switzerland, are of course also offered in the Degussa range, as well as a large selection of over 100 investment coins. All of Degussa s investment products are certified by the international trade organisation London Bullion Market Association (LBMA) and bear the Good Delivery seal of quality. In addition, the company is a member of all major international precious metals associations and trade organisations. Secure storage, always available Anyone who owns bars or coins is confronted with the question of storage. For the safe and discreet storage solution for precious metal, important documents or other valuables, Degussa offers numerous safe-deposit boxes at the highest safety standards. In addition, Degussa also offers storage of white metals i.e. silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium and ruthenium in the customs free warehouse. This is where VAT is charged only when the metal is actually physically delivered. More than bars and coins As gold is not exclusively an investment for Degussa, but also a highly emotive issue, the company additionally offers a range of fashionable accessories and lifestyle products with a comparatively high precious metal content. For example, watches, cufflinks or money clips, as well as a chess game made of 3.8 kilograms of silver. The Degussa watches have such a high precious metal equivalent value, which is rarely the case with any other maker. The Krugerrand watch, for example, consists of an original Krugerrand gold coin and contains a total of 70 grams of fine gold, about 2.5 ounces! The unique Degussa animal sculptures made of silver are also a very beautiful gift idea. With the Degussa products, it becomes clear that the gold fascination has always appealed to both the mind and the emotion. Photos: Degussa Goldhandel AG 59 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

60 LIFESTYLE NEYK made by Ocean Submarine Are you looking for your own luxuriously fitted underwater-craft? Photos: Ocean Submarine 60

61 LIFESTYLE This wish can be true now. The NEYK Submarine allows people to explore the ocean world in comfort and in style. Ocean Submarine in the Netherlands realized the construction on the first luxury submarine to feature an interior from the private jet industry. The product of eight years of research & development, Ocean Submarine in the Netherlands is teaming up with leading experts from around the world such as Rolls-Royce, MTU and Bosch to create the NEYK Submarine. Built in a modular construction in high-yield steel to a design optimised by NASA, the submarine will offer an unprecedented degree of luxury and customisation, speeds of up to 15 knots and can carry as many as 20 passengers. The start of construction of the NEYK Submarine is the highlight to date of an eight-year journey for the founder of Ocean Submarine, Martin van Eijk. His career has involved working for many renowned companies such as ASML, Phillips and EASTEC, covering everything from testing satellites in space to the most complex diving boats. As the Ocean Submarine is based on a modular construction approach, owners can have anything from a classic to an ultra-modern interior style, including opting for the same look & feel as the motheryacht and/or its tenders. Three different models are available in 20, 22 and 24 metres respectively, with six and nine-metre tender versions also available. The teardrop shaped design adds to the aesthetic attractions for superyacht owners. It also helps facilitate the high speed and range, which will for instance allow owners to travel anonymously underwater from their berth in Monaco or St Tropez to the helipad at Nice airport. For more Information: 61 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

62 LIFESTYLE Fotolia 62

63 LIFESTYLE 63 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

64 LIFESTYLE Different strokes for different folks a selection of various customs to usher in the New Year around the world With burning viejos, hazardous mochi cakes and yellow underpants into the New Year kursiv.com By Birgit Hügli-Herrmann There are many ways of celebrating the arrival of the New Year in various parts of the globe. The customs are traditional, sometimes funny and, in some countries, even bizarre. While the Greeks, for example, spend the last evening of the old year playing cards, board games or gambling, the people in Buenos Aires tear up all old paperwork they no longer need into little pieces and throw them out of the window. As a result, the streets are covered in a white blanket that looks like snow, despite summery temperatures. 64

65 LIFESTYLE In Ecuador, New Year s Eve is a public festival that is traditionally celebrated with friends and so-called viejos colourful dolls made of papier-mâché or straw. At midnight, the viejos are burnt and with them, according to popular belief, the sorrows of the old year. If you run into people only wearing yellow underwear on New Year s Eve, holding a suitcase in their hand and running around the block, then you are probably in Colombia. Wearing yellow underwear is supposed to bring good luck, the suitcase stands for great travelling in the New Year. In Brazil, many people wear white on New Year s Eve, symbolising their innocence. White candles lit on the beach are meant to give you a life in harmony, red candles stand for getting lucky in love. The Chinese New Year is a clan and family festival that is seen as the main festive day in the Middle Kingdom. It takes place on the second new moon after the winter solstice, that is between 21 January and 21 February. In 2018, the New Year will start on 16 February in China (the year of the dog). In order to drive away evil spirits, the houses are thoroughly cleaned on the 20 th day of the 11 th month, and adorned with red lamps and paper ribbons. On the eve of the New Year festival, the people traditionally eat little dumplings, the shape of which resemble old Chinese coins, symbolising good fortune and wealth. One hour before midnight, the windows are opened wide, allowing good fortune to find its way into the houses. 65 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

66 LIFESTYLE kursiv.com 66

67 LIFESTYLE What is known as spring cleaning in Europe happens in Japan on New Year s Eve. The whole house must be scrubbed sparkling clean. At midnight, the bells ring 108 times to expel the 108 desires of mankind and the 108 evils from the old year then the New Year can come. The next morning, the Japanese start the New Year with a sweet and at the same time dangerous tradition: little rice cakes going by the cute name of mochi are eaten to bring good fortune and long life. However, the chewy and dry rice lumps might occasionally get stuck in a person s throat, and every year a few fortune-seeking people end up losing their life during the mochi ritual. Italians are family-minded people, so they like celebrating New Year s Eve surrounded by their loved ones or with good friends. Whether celebrating at home or in a restaurant, there is always lots of food involved. While seafood and meat are the main dishes, the famous Italian desert specialities and panettone are also a firm part of New Year get-togethers. Traditionally, both ladies and gentlemen wear red underwear to attract good fortune and wealth for the New Year. On the 1 st of January, these garments won t be washed, but are thrown away instead. In Scotland, the 31 st of December marks the start of Hogmanay, a winter festival spanning several days. The food is rather on the hearty side, including traditional haggis, sheep s stomach filled with minced innards. Yet another important part of Hogmanay is visiting friends, torch parades and singing Auld Lang Syne at midnight of the 31 st of December. Young men walk from house to house with whisky, shortbread and a piece of coal. By welcoming them into your home, you also invite good fortune for the New Year into the house. The Austrians celebrate at midnight by dancing Viennese Waltzes into the New Year. The highlight of New Year s Eve festivities are the fish biscuits. These sponge fingers in the shape of a fish are symbols of good luck for the New Year to come. The question whether they should be eaten head or tail first is easily answered: in order to prevent your luck from swimming away, you eat the tail fin first. In Spain, no one celebrates New Year s Eve without grapes 12 of them per person, to be precise. At the stroke of midnight, everyone eats one grape with each of the 12 bell chimes, each grape being associated with one particular wish for the New Year. If you miscount and still have a grape left after the last chime, popular belief has it that you will suffer misfortune in the New Year. But even those unlucky ones get a second chance. If they manage to find the coin that is baked into the so-called St. Basil s bread, they will be blessed with good fortune in the coming year. In Russia, things are done rather differently. Orthodox Russians celebrate Christmas on the 31 st of December and for them, the New Year starts on the 11 th of January. However, on the 31 st of December, many Russians celebrate a combination of Russian-Orthodox Christmas and New Year s Eve. Always part of the festivities is a lucky charm in the form of an animal. This animal changes every year, similar to the Chinese custom will be the year of the dog. Disguised as a dog or at least carrying a small lucky charm in the shape of a dog in their pocket, Russians will raise their glasses and toast 12 times at midnight one toast for each time zone. Following an ancient tradition, children in Bulgaria go from house to house on New Year s Eve and the following day, beating the inhabitants on the back with a colourfully adorned branch of the Cornelian cherry and wishing them a healthy, lucky, prosperous and wealthy New Year. In return, they are given sweets, cake, fruit or small change. Nothing goes out is the motto on New Year s Eve in the land of opportunity. To keep good fortune inside the house, nothing not even a garbage bag must leave the home on the 31 st of December. As another superstition, Americans believe that eating a plate of lentil soup guarantees good luck in the New Year. 67 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

68 ART The Louvre Abu Dhabi therefore carries a message of tolerance An extraordinary and unique cultural icon Louvre Abu Dhabi has opened its doors to the public on 11 November It is the first museum of its kind in the Arab world: Endowed with an innovative scientific and cultural project combining the expertise of 13 French museums and institutions steered by the Agence France-Muséums, the Louvre Abu Dhabi will indeed offer visitors a unique experience: a brand-new journey through major works of art from different civilisations, mirrored to reveal our common humanity. The Louvre Abu Dhabi therefore carries a message of tolerance and peace and stresses the unwavering commitment of Abu Dhabi and France to promote culture and education as a shield against extremism. Located in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pritzker Prize winning French architect Jean Nouvel has designed a museum city (Arab medina) under a vast silvery dome. Visitors can walk through the promenades overlooking the sea beneath the museum s 180-metre dome, comprised of almost 8,000 unique metal stars set in a complex geometric pattern. When sunlight filters through, it creates a moving rain of light beneath the dome, reminiscent of the overlapping palm trees in the UAE s oases. On display will be the museum s important collection of artworks, artefacts and loans from France s top museums. These span the entirety of human existence: from prehistorical objects to commissioned contemporary artworks, highlighting universal themes and ideas and marking a departure from traditional museography that often separates according to origin. In addition to the galleries, the museum will include exhibitions and a Children s Museum. Louvre Abu Dhabi s story will begin in the Great Vestibule, where visitors are introduced to important themes such as maternity and funerary rituals. The dialogue between works from different geographical territories, sometimes far apart, highlights similarities between the canons despite each having its own mode of expression. The galleries will be both chronological and thematic, and subdivided into 12 chapters. Displays include works from the earliest empires, including the first figurative representations, such as the Bactrian Princess created in Central Asia at the end of the 3 rd Millennium BCE, funerary practices of ancient Egypt illustrated by a set sarcophagi of Princess Henuttawy, and the creation of new economies with a Decadrachm coin of Syracuse signed by the artist Euainetos. A gallery dedicated to universal religions will feature sacred texts: a Leaf from the Blue Quran, a Gothic Bible, a Pentateuch and texts from Buddhism and Taoism. The artistic exchanges on the trading routes during the Medieval and Modern periods are brought to the fore through a important number of ceramic works. Between Asia and the Mediterranean and then between Europe and America, guests will appreciate how the world s horizon gradually expanded. A set of screens from the Japanese Namban demonstrate the dialogue between the Far East and Europe. 68

69 ART From left to right: HE Saif Saeed Ghobash, Director-General TCA Abu Dhabi; Jean Nouvel, architect, Ateliers Jean Nouvel (AJN); Jean-Luc Martinez, Presidentdirector, Musée du Louvre and Chairman of the Scientific Board, Agence France-Muséums; HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development; Françoise Nyssen, the French Minister of Culture; HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC); Ludovic Pouille, French Ambassador; Manuel Rabaté, Director, Louvre Abu Dhabi 69 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

70 ART Beauty is indeed the essence of the Louvre Abu Dhabi HE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture and Knowledge Development said about the new museum: The Louvre Abu Dhabi, an extraordinary cultural icon, is a celebration of our common humanity. It represents the latest innovation in a long-standing tradition of cultural awareness and appreciation nurtured by the leaders of the United Arab Emirates. It is, at the same time, a monument to the deep and lasting friendship between France and the United Arab Emirates. Just as the Louvre is the crown jewel of Paris, so the Louvre Abu Dhabi is destined for such distinction in the UAE. The museum will attract millions. Although museums are relatively recent additions to human society, the appreciation of beauty has distinguished human history forever. HE Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC said: Louvre Abu Dhabi embodies our belief that nations thrive on diversity and acceptance, with a curatorial narrative that emphasises how interconnected the world has always been. The museum represents the latest innovation in a long-standing tradition of cultural preservation nurtured by the founding leaders of the UAE. Louvre Abu Dhabi forms one element of Abu Dhabi s cultural strategy, which safeguards our rich heritage and catalyses creativity. Investment in a vibrant cultural ecosystem supports the UAE s economic diversification and development as a modern, dynamic society. Louvre Abu Dhabi will inspire a new generation of cultural leaders and creative thinkers to contribute to our rapidly-changing and tolerant nation. Photos: Courtesy Mohamed Somji 70

71 TRAVEL Interior view of Sheikh Zayed Mosque kursiv.com Abu Dhabi when do you start your extraordinary journey? From majestic dunes to mangroves, from islands in the blue of the sea to islands of green in the desert Abu Dhabi enjoys a subtropical climate with sunshine almost every day. In just over 50 years, Abu Dhabi has been transformed from little more than empty desert inhabited by nomadic tribes into a thriving 21 st century society, which remains strongly attached to its culture and roots. 71 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

72 TRAVEL Abu Dhabi is also steeped in history, with evidence of human settlement in our lands stretching back 7,000 years and UNESCO World Heritage sites of our Oasis City of Al Ain to explore. With an emphasis on conservation and heritage preservation, the culture and traditions of the emirate are an integral chapter in our story. Abu Dhabi is where stunning desert landscapes and traditional Arabian culture merge to create a memorable visitor experience. Abu Dhabi is blessed with distinct diversity of terrain, peoples and traditions and has 700 kilometres of stunning coastline, beautiful natural islands, awe-inspiring deserts, bountiful oases, towering mountains and vibrant cities for you to explore. Sheikh Zayed Mosque Fotolia 72

73 TRAVEL Abu Dhabi is becoming a global cultural centre with the creation of the Cultural District on Saadiyat Island. While preserving the past, this is a place which shapes the future. Saadiyat Island will be home to the world s largest single concentration of premier cultural assets including the impressive Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi. For an authentic taste of Abu Dhabi s heritage, leave the skyscrapers behind and make for the rustic charms of Al Ain. About 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi, the emirate s UNESCO-inscribed heritage heartland is one of the oldest permanently inhabited settlements. Abu Dhabi s symbolic birthplace, Qasr al Hosn is the emirate s first permanent structure, which was home to the emirate s ruling Al Nahyan family. A permanent exhibition at the Qasr al Hosn Centre tells the story of Abu Dhabi and its people through the city s oldest building. Emirates Palace Easily one of the largest and most beautiful religious buildings in the world, the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque second most popular landmark attraction in TripAdvisor s list of the world s top 25 landmarks is able to accommodate more than 40,000 worshippers, many of whom kneel to pray on the world s largest handmade carpet. The mosque sits just across the front lawn from the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi. At least back to the present: There s fast and furious fun for all ages at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. The planet s largest indoor theme park is home to more than 20 exhilarating rides and attractions, including Formula Rossa, the world s fastest rollercoaster, which reaches speeds of up to 240 km/ph. Fotolia kursiv.com Falconry has been an integral part of life in the UAE for centuries. Originally falcons were used for hunting, to supplement the Bedouin diet with meat such as hare or houbara. Today, falconry is practised purely for sport and to honour the traditions of the past. The Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital is the largest and most advanced of its kind in the world. Visitors can tour the wards where the birds are kept and treated, explore the museum, and watch falconry displays in the gardens. Al Dhafra where the desert meets the sea: Al Dhafra is blessed with geographic diversity and Natural desert beach, oasis and island landscapes. Rich in wildlife and safari experience. Sir Bani Yas Island is the emirate s nature destination. On Sir Bani Yas Island the Arabian Wildlife Park is home to more than 10,000 free roaming animals and takes up more than half of the island. Head inland visitors will find some luxury desert resorts nestled between some of the highest dunes in the vast Rub al Khali desert. kursiv.com 73 Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Issue

74 TRAVEL IMPRINT The Travel Charme Ifen Hotel invites you to a special summit experience with panoramic view of 400 peaks by day and a clear view of the Milky Way at night from their igloo lodge. Every year, the igloo lodge, hotel, restaurant and bar are redesigned from one piece of 3,000 cubic meters of frozen water. Travel Charme Ifen Hotel in Kleinwalsertal Romantic winter night in an igloo The showpiece of the complex is the igloo suite. The luxury retreat of snow and ice has two cosy rooms for sleeping and living. The icy adventure starts with an igloo drink and hearty Allgäu cheese fondue at about 2,000 meters above the sea level. Then guests are invited to enjoy the starry night from the hot tub. Once it is bed time, warm and cosy sleeping bags on reindeer skins help you to keep away the freezing temperatures and welcome you into the land of winter dreams that is usually an exclusive experience for Eskimos. The igloo adventure can be booked at: ifen-veranstaltungen@travelcharme.com, detailed information can be found at: Photos: Allgäu Event GmbH Visit our internet portal Impressum Imprint Verlag Publisher: Media Professional GmbH, Rinderberg 11, CH-6166 Hasle / LU, Herausgeberin & Inhaberin Publisher & Owner: Birgit Hügli-Herrmann, CEO: Christoph Hügli, Redaktion Editorial: Birgit Hügli-Herrmann (Leitung Editor-in-Chief ), Christoph Hügli, Helena Kröber, Lillian Waltisberg, Mitwirkende Gastautoren an dieser Ausgabe Guest authors in this issue: David D Hondt, Summer Keeney, Dr. Filippo Pignatti, Anzeigen Adverts: office@polo-luxury.ch, Übersetzungen Deutsch- Englisch Translations German-English: Helge Mayer Translation Services, D Wassenberg, Grafik und Lithos Graphics and lithographs: André Gaille, Werbung I Grafik, CH-8200 Schaffhausen, Layout, Lektorat und Schlussredaktion Layout, proofreading and final editing: Astrid Bachmann, sprachlich-visuelle Kommunikation, CH-8200 Schaffhausen, astrid.bachmann@shinternet.ch HEADQUARTER Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine c/o Media Professional GmbH Rinderberg 11 CH-6166 Hasle / LU Switzerland Phone: office@polo-luxury.com Office Polo Luxury South Africa Office Polo Luxury South Africa Postal address Physical address Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine c/o Albion AG Inc 225 Penguin Close PO Box 609 Grotto Bay Resort Melkbosstrand 7437 South Africa South Africa Phone: office@polo-luxury.com LUXURY Country Life Magazine Nächstes Erscheinungsdatum des Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine AUSGABE 01/2018 ist im März Wiedergabe von Artikeln und Bildern aus dem Magazin oder der Internetplattform, auch auszugsweise oder in Ausschnitten, nur mit schriftlicher Genehmigung des Verlags gestattet. Für unverlangte Zusendungen wird jede Haftung abgelehnt. Date of next issue of the Polo Luxury & Country Life Magazine ISSUE 01/2018 is in March Articles and images from the magazine or the internet platform, including excerpts or in sections, may only be reproduced with the written permission of the publisher. No liability can be accepted for unsolicited submissions. 74

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