Two weeks ago I went to go and sip some champagne at Cape Town's One&Only hotel and to meet Jenny Powell, the presenter of the brand-new show Luxury Uncovered which will start on Thursday 24 October on Travel (DStv 179) at 20:00.
In Luxury Uncovered - 10 half hour episodes which include two shot in South Africa (episodes 4 and 8) - Jenny Powell experience some of the most luxurious hospitality places in the world - but in an interesting twist she has to work at it behind the scenes.
In Luxury Uncovered Jenny Powell discovers first-hand what it takes to deliver that five star service at the world's best places, where the wealthy waltzes in and have their every whim catered to. Because behind the scenes its not always that pretty and easy.
Luxury Uncovered will reveal the inner secrets of the service specialists, from the gourmet chef of the Delaire Graff Estate, to the bespoke butler at The Wellesley. Jenny Powell will be checking the golf leaf decoration and that it's absolutely perfect at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi and help to trim the greens with nail scissors at Gleneagles in Scotland. There's further lessons in etiquette on the Trans-Siberian Express in Russia and a beach reserve in South Africa.
"It's been an important focus for Travel Channel this year to bring not only bring fresh, new programming on-air, but also to localise content specifically for South Africa," says Nick Thorogood, the senior vice president for content and marketing at Scripps for the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.
"We are pleased that Luxury Uncovered now includes episodes filmed here which uncover two of South Africa's typical luxury destinations," says Nick Thorogood.
Episode 1
The Emirates Palace, following the hotel's gold leaf specialist. Helping the Ladies in Red, the ultimate front of house team who has to anticipate the needs of the hotel's guests. Maintaining the water sports arena and maintaining every grain of sand, and diving to remove sea urchins from the water.
Episode 2
Head butler at The Wellesley in England teaches how to unpack and to laying out the room in the penthouse suite. A guide to chauffeuring in a Rolls Royce. Tea connoisseur and pastry team. A lesson in the world of humidor and how to trim cigars.
Episode 3
On the steam-powered luxury Trans-Siberian Express. Cleaning carriages, shovelling coal, preparing cabis,preparing five course meals and silver service.
Episode 4
Gourmet food at wine farm in South Africa.
Episode 5
The six star Crystal Symphony cruising on the Ionian Seas. "Turning down" the penthouse suite, helping the onboard florist, helping to host a glamorous cocktail party.
Episode 6
The art of golf caddying and tending to the Kings Course greens at Gleneagles in Scotland. How to lay the perfect table in the restaurant. The art of Falconry and learning whiskey.
Episode 7
Russian's Ritz Carlton hotel, helping with housekeeping and concierge. The art of sabrage at the hotel's rooftop bar.
Episode 8
Beach reserve in South Africa, tending to sick animals as a ranger, fishing for a beach braai.
Episode 9
In Stoke Park country club, England to run an exercise class, massage therapy, and maintaining the tennis courts.
Episode 10
On The Aurelia, a super yacht in the Mediterranean. Helping the chef, preparing drinks on deck, serving dinner, swabbing the decks.
