IKON have kicked this year off with a bang and we could not be more excited to see what the rest of 2018 brings. Firstly, IKON is proud to announce that we are a proud supporter of CAPA – Cultural and Performing Arts Center. CAPA aims to provide the community of East/South Naples with a state-of-the-art center with affordable, cultural, educational and performance opportunities for musicians and visual artists. This past month our team in America were pleased to be invited to CAPA’s “Hitting the Right Note” annual gala. As honoured guests, IKON sponsored a prize in their silent auction which will include an exclusive premium Spanish wine tasting. The wine tasting and tapas pairing will be hosted by Tony Bryant who is not only IKON’s Co-Founder but is also a qualified WSET wine expert and former vintner.
We are also proud to announce that Tony and Maria will be at Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery on the 10th and 17th of February for a special introduction to our iconic destinations – Africa and Spain. View Here. With that being said, February is also the month of love and we could not be more excited. IKON’s featured destination is South Africa, a top recommended travel destination suited for newlyweds, travelers renewing their vows or those looking for a memorable escape. For travelers that are looking for a destination wedding, South Africa has some of the most luxurious and authentic lodges combined with unforgettable safari opportunities. From gazing upon South Africa’s iconic cityscapes to enjoying romantic sundowners after an exhilarating safari experience; South Africa will leave you longing for your next return.
SOUTH AFRICA
It’s the month of love and our featured destination is the romantic and unforgettable South Africa; a destination appealing to all the senses. South Africa offers travelers a diverse cultural offering, phenomenal landscapes, iconic landmarks and an abundance of wildlife, namely the Big Five – Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo and Rhino or the Magnificent Seven – the Big Five with the addition of Wild Dog and Cheetah. South Africa exudes luxury and is a dream destination for travelers who enjoy the finer experiences. Indulge in some of the Cape Winelands award-winning wines, stay at opulent hotels and lodges and purchase rare artworks by renowned South African artists.
Take a look at IKON’s top recommended destination: South Africa
THE JEWEL OF SOUTH AFRICA
Just like the sparkle of a diamond, join us on a journey that includes only the most luxurious experiences in South Africa. Taste some of the world’s best food and wine, enjoy beautiful coastlines, journey through the open plains of the Kalahari and discover the Greater Kruger’s iconic wildlife. Our Signature Journeys are tailor made to suit your interests.
BABYLONSTOREN
Recently voted on Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold List 2018 for being one of the best hotels in the world, Babylonstoren is a highlight not to be missed when traveling to Cape Town. Located along the renowned Franschhoek Valley Wine Route, Babylonstoren is an iconic turning point of days gone by.
LOS BERMEJOS
I will never forget the first time I visited the Island of Lanzarote Spain (Canary Islands) which lies around 80 miles off Africa’s western coast. You immediately feel transported to another time, another place and maybe even another planet. A volcanic eruption on the 18th century reshaped the entire island, covering it in some places with up to 15 feet of ash. Making wine in this environment is not a straightforward task as each vine must be planted deep in a hole that breaks through the petrified lava to reach the nutrients stored in the rich organic matter underneath this thick “crust”. The vines are in a type of “bunker” with a visible rock barrier which protects them from high winds. All vines are low yield bush vines harvested by hand and are truly unique both in terms of esthetics but also in terms of terroir and genetics. I often think of Lanzarote as a type of garden of Eden, as the soil has been reborn from the depths. Bar none, the best tomatoes I have ever tasted came from a small co-op farmers market in the middle of the island. They were so good I filled my suitcase on my way back to Madrid with several pounds, and of course a few bottles of the Bermejos Malvasia Seco white.
Although Bermejos winery has been around for more than 2 centuries the focus on terroir started in 2001. Several factors contribute to the unique profiles of these exquisite wines which are rare and hard to find anywhere outside the islands due to limited production. These factors include pre-phylloxera vines that escaped the devastating plague of the 19th century, truly indigenous grape varieties including the Malvasía Volcanica which is a combination of Marmajuelo (an indigenous peach-skinned white grape) and Malvasía Aromatic, unique to the Canary Islands.
IKON invite you to discover the Canary Islands natural beauty, history and culture, enjoy its savory and sweet treats, warm climate and jaw dropping landscapes.
Contact Maria who is a native and can assist you in creating your special journey to this amazing corner of the world.
