ZAR: where big dreams and big money meet

Cape Town has a new word for 'WOW'

Kenny Kunene makes no secret of his love of partying. Most high-rollers have heard about the club tycoon and self-made millionaire's exclusive, adult playground for Joburg's elite. So, it came as no surprise when a convoy of ZAR branded vehicles drove through Cape Town and caused massive intrigue. His pre-launch party counted John Legend, Swizz Beats and Prince Albert of Monaco among its guests, but the media pounced when ‘naked sushi ‘ (a naked model used as a platter to eat sushi off) caused controversy. Did Kunene intend to ruffle Cape Town’s tail feathers?

"We’ve got nothing to do with politics," insists manager, Wayne Buckley. "We’re here to introduce the Joburg party scene to Cape Town."

The king of the nightlife

When I arrive at the opening of ZAR, the old Camil's at the Cape Royale Hotel, it’s undergone quite a transformation. My friends and I find ourselves on a red carpet; a live runway illuminated by the flash of cameras, stunning models and major businessmen. It's clear from the outset that Kunene wants to make his mark as the king of the nightlife in Cape Town.

On this balmy evening, we choose an outside table and our glasses are topped up with G.H Mumm Champagne. There is a commotion as the media flock around Kunene with their cameras and microphones. Dressed in a stand-out pink suit and dark sunglasses, he certainly looks the part.

"We wanted to create something that has never been seen before" - designer Reinhard Kretzen

As I walk into the opulent main room, the house music is pumping.  The back wall has arches “like a finger print,” says designer Reinhard Kretzen.  “There’s something in everyone's genetic finger print that calls out for exclusivity.”

A glass screen, which features a waterfall flanked by a curved sofa, creates a beautiful divide between the main and the smoking rooms. I notice a regal throne, reminiscent of Russian Tsars, that’s providing a photo opportunity for the guests.

It's the perfect setting for a crowd that reads like a who's who of Cape Town's social elite. Kunene may be a successful black South African, but I notice a crowd of designer-clad socialites who are black, white, coloured, gay and straight. Like Kunene, they see past controversy and racial lines.

Plush, sexy and intimate ZAR is all about VIP treatment. The silver and metallic blue LED lights make for my seamless transition into The Chocolate Chilli Room—deep, dark and intriguing, with gold, velvet couches and beds.  Next is, The Champagne Room, which  is soft, white, plush and I imagine myself swimming in an overflowing glass of bubbly. Even the smoking room is luxurious, with subtle, oriental dragons, gold flint, classic furniture and warm chocolate tones.

"I followed the American dream and turned it into a South African one" – Kenny Kunene.

Kunene flaunts his party lifestyle and he's unapologetic about his wealth, but he hasn’t forgotten his roots. After thanking us for our attendance, he tells us of his plans to help turn disadvantaged children into world-class stars.  As if to illustrate this his latest protégée, singer, Collilecia Hawka, commands the audience with a Dream Girl's song.

"I’ve been involved with a campaign for luxury champagne Armand de Brignac," explains Kunene, "And this is also where I want to take these artists."

ZAR is a brand, a lifestyle and an opulent home-away-from-home for Cape Town's social elite. Kunene wants his party to be different and, trust us, when this man throws a party it’s got that ‘wow factor’.

By Lisa Nevitt

ZAR is open to the public from 11:00am and offers an à la carte menu, top of the range whiskies, and French champagnes including Armand de Brignac (R7 000 per bottle). It’s a lounge bar by day and an upmarket party scene by night.We recommend the signature cocktail ZAR Absolut (R40).

ZAR
Cape Royale Hotel | 47 Main Road | Cape Town |+27 (0)79 496 4239

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