The brand spanking new Porsche Cayenne was unveiled recently at Porsche Centre Leicester at a special preview evening ahead of it going on sale to the public. Well, now it’s out there waiting to be purchased; here’s a little bit about what you can expect from this mean machine.

The new five model line up – Cayenne, Cayenne Diesel, Cayenne S, Cayenne S Hybrid and Cayenne Turbo – delivers an unrivalled spread of abilities.  For the first time the range includes the Cayenne S Hybrid which applies hybrid technology previously used in the Porsche 911 Hybrid. This Cayenne road car lowers fuel consumption and emissions but retains typical Porsche performance. Fabulous! Now we can save the world while looking extremely cool. In fact, for you technical bods, this car features a 333hp 3.0-litre V6 supercharged engine combined with a 47hp electric motor, delivering 0-62mph in 6.5 seconds yet 34.4mpg.

All Cayenne models share significant weight savings, improvements in fuel economy, a striking exterior design, a completely redesigned interior and a new, lighter, four wheel drive system. You’ll also be pleased to know that the reduction in weight has also positively impacted on fuel consumption across the model range. The Cayenne range also feature an Auto Start-Stop system which in urban driving situation can mean fuel savings of up to 10%.

The decision to save weight but improve agility and practicality led to a complete revision of the Cayenne interior.  Inspired by the Carrera GT, the centre console now rises on an incline to meet the dashboard which gives drivers a clearer and more detailed view of the road. All Cayenne models have more space in the rear, with passengers benefiting from an additional 40mm of legroom as well as split folding rear seats with sophisticated adjustments which tailor comfort levels to the needs of individual passengers. The overall luggage capacity has increased, and a new through loading feature means that long items, such as ski bags, can be easily and securely transported. Excellent news for those of us who always manage to fill the car up with a combination of far too many suitcases, overnight bags, bottles and the dog.

The Cayenne range is priced from:

Cayenne            £41,404 (inc. VAT)

Cayenne Diesel            £44,178 (inc. VAT)

Cayenne S            £53,692 (inc. VAT)

Cayenne S Hybrid            £57,609 (inc. VAT)

Cayenne Turbo             £81,589 (inc. VAT)

For more information regarding the new Cayenne models and the Porsche range, please contact Porsche Centre Leicester on 0116 276 4488 or visit www.porsche.co.uk/leicester.

Porsche Centre Leicester, Fletton Close, Thurmaston Lane, Leicester LE4 9LP.

Now, if you fancy a trip to Faro where Julia stayed or other exotic foreign climes (I know I do) and you’re heading to East Midlands Airport why not save yourself the hassle of driving and go by bus? It’s greener and very convenient; they drop you right outside the door you know. Skylink runs up to every 30 minutes from Nottingham, Leicester, Loughborough and Derby (24/7) to East Midlands Airport. It’s just £10 return for a family of five (max two adults) BUT we can save you even that piffly cost!

The lovely folk at East Midlands Airport are giving away 10 tickets, each for a group of five. Hurrah!

To be in with a chance of winning a Skylink group ticket please fill in the boxes below:

Small print:

Each family ticket is for 2 adults maximum. The ticket covers your journeys to and from the East Midlands Airport and is valid for one month. The bus driver may ask you to present your flight confirmation when travelling.

Closing Date: 30th June

From time to time we may send you information about fabulous products, services and brands that may interest you. If you mind terribly, email claire@69-247.com otherwise keep your eyes peeled.

Check out how Julia’s trip to Portugal went at:

69-247.com/2010/05/pret-a-portugal/

What’s an enjoyable way to spend the Bank Holiday, or any weekend for that matter? Down the park, in the pub, or sunning yourself in Portugal?

That’s how I spent last weekend (smug, moi?) and it really revitalises you. Well it did me and my other half. After just 48 hours we feel like we’ve had a proper holiday. We even got a bit of a tan. It probably helped that the drive to East Midlands Airport is only 20 minutes, and our flight with BMI Baby to Faro less than three hours.

Faro is a bustling city and if you’re in the area for longer than a weekend, definitely worth a visit. Head over to Rue de Santo Antonio for some serious shopping action, and while you’re there check out the goodies at Pastelaria Gardy. These are cakes worth breaking the diet for.

We stayed about half an hour’s drive from Faro, in Albufeira. It’s a beautiful coastal town with just the right combination of culture and entertainment. The main square and its surrounding meandering paths are chokka full of bars and restaurants. I’d recommend trying the Ruina at least once- it’s definitely not cheap, but it’s definitely worth it. Elsewhere you can grab dinner for around 15 euros a head, and the atmosphere around the square is very chilled, with lots of live music and lazy dining until around 11pm when the louder, more partycentric vibe kicks in. If you fancy a bit of that all night, you’re better off heading to The Strip. This area of downtown is so heaving in peak season they pedestrianise it. If it’s summer loving you’re after, here’s where you’ll have a blast.

While you’re releasing your inner Sandy or Danny, the beaches here are beautiful to get down in the sand. Albufeira has the most blue flags in all the Algarve-so the sand and water quality here is champion. Cliffs surround most of the beaches, which means a lot of them are small and private. We spent some time at the Sao Rafael beach and didn’t see another soul. Heavenly.

There’s the usual accommodation to choose from, apartments; camping, hotels. We stayed just outside the town at The Sheraton Algarve. This (Portuguese) Five Star hotel was set in lush immaculate gardens on the Pine Cliffs. Our room had a huge (very comfortable) bed and lounge area, with a sea view. Going for a stroll to the beach, we were rather over excited to discover the means of transport to it – a glass lift down the cliffs. Very James Bond. Makes you wanna have a martini at the Beach Club restaurant, but it was early so we stuck to water and a tuna sandwich. For dinner we tried the Il Giardino Italian and the food was amazing. There are a variety of restaurants to choose from, and breakfast on the terrace surrounded by birds was quite lovely. Talking of lovely, did I mention our massage? The hotel has a well-equipped gym and Spa too. That’s an enjoyable way to spend the weekend.

JS.

Julia Sherwood travelled courtesy of BMI Baby and The Sheraton Luxury Collection (see pics below)

BMI Baby flies to Faro form East Midlands Airport Daily and from Birmingham three times a week.

“A new study by the UK’s fastest growing online independent travel agent has revealed that tourists are least likely to trust a pilot with a Birmingham accent and are put most at ease if the voice that comes over the tannoy speaks in Queen’s English. Less than 1 in 5 said they would feel at ease with a female pilot.

Latest findings from research commissioned by sunshine.co.uk have revealed the UK accents people most and least trust when it comes to the person flying them to their holiday destination. 2,043 people were polled and it was revealed that pilots with a RP accent, or those who speak in Queens English, are the most likely to put their passengers at ease. Those with a Birmingham or Liverpudlian accent are the most likely to make their passengers anxious.”

So there you go, please leave your thoughts below.

Just two and a half hours away from the UK, and a mere hop skip and ski jump away by complimentary transfer shuttle from Zurich Airport, LAAX is situated on the Swiss side of the Alps and is one of three tiny villages that together offer some of the best snow conditions in Europe. With over 220km of on-piste action to keep all levels of boarders, free stylers and skiers happy, LAAX is ready to take on the big boys and show the snow-world how to really do it in style.

Ever the consummate professionals, the 69 team gave up some of their Christmas break to scope out the slopes on your behalf… Life is hard…

As you’d expect from us hard-hitting journalists (don’t laugh), we arrived at the luxury, hostel-style hotel, Riders Palace, and promptly booked into one of the penthouse suites rather than the shared dormitory style rooms that make up the hotel’s main accommodation.

That said; don’t let the idea of dormitory style accommodation put you off: if Calvin Klein made Bunk Beds they’d be in the rooms at Riders. All rooms, even the dorms, feature panoramic views, plasma TVs and X-box 360s. Everyone gets secure storage, so there are no issues around sharing and, as any sort of ski / boarding holiday is best served with a bunch of mates, then this style of accommodation is great, especially if you’re saving your Swiss francs for the après ski.

But, we say leave that to the kids.  Get yourself an upgrade to the card-access penthouse floor and live like a King. It’s a different world; expect floor to ceiling glass walls, reindeer skin on the polished oak floor (Sorry, Rudolph), a Philippe Starck freestanding bath and colour changing L.E.D lighting everywhere.  It all adds up to create an amazingly sexy loft style space with stunning views over snowy peaks, fir trees and ski-lift gondolas making their way silently up cotton covered mountains.  It’s seriously like something out of MTV Cribs.

When not gawping out of the picture-perfect window, or whilst recovering from an exhausting day on the piste (or off piste – ask our Editor), you’re beautifully catered for with 50-inch plasma TV and an X-box with full entertainment system and surround sound.  The only thing lacking was an i-Pod dock and a kettle.  It should also be noted that Riders does not have an on-site restaurant, so no foodie room service.  Residents will either eat at the adjoining hotel, or at one of the many luxe resort restaurants.

This is quite a spendy option, so LAAX has recently launched the Rocks Resort – a collection of five gorgeously minimalist self catering apartment blocks that rise out of the frozen ground like modernist works of art.  Hewn from glistening, locally sourced granite with oddly angled windows carved into its form, Rocks Resort resembles a spectacular Bond set – and the interiors of the apartments are just as exciting (though unfortunately don’t feature Daniel Craig): the bedroom walls are made from untreated gnarled oak, while age slaked lime and concrete have been used for the walls and floors in the living room. Each apartment incorporates a mini spa with steam bath and steam shower and the bathroom is finished in the same palette of materials, ensuring the design is cohesive, refined and contemporary.

This attention to detail, coupled with a similar choice of materials, can be equally found at any of the hip bars, restaurants and stores.  It all adds up to create a resort that is an incredibly stylish winter paradise where life is as cool off the slopes as it is on.

Want more?  Try this baby on for size: the BRITS at LAAX.  Bring it on.  Kicking off the BRITS music week in true British Hip Hop style and christening one LAAX’s hottest club venue will be top DJ collective, Scratch.  Over the week, you can also expect sets from the Godfather of British Hip Hop, Rodney P and a DJ demi-god against mere DJ mortals, DJ Woody.

As the week progresses DJ Adam Freeland will be tearing up the dance floor with his iconic electro beats and, for those who enjoy their nights out a bit more hands on, there’s everything from the 7” Throwdown night, which delivers a twist (of the vinyl variety) on the much loved Stick-It-On night, to the Guitar Hero antics of the Animal Rock Night where Kerrang DJ, Christian Stevenson, will be throwing rock hammer after rock hammer and conducting the Air Guitar symphony. Spandex at the ready, apparently rock dress is compulsory!  But better make it Thermal.

There’s also an International Headlining Act who (at time of going to press) is a closely guarded secret. To be kept up to date, head over to the BRITS website.

For the more hardened board freaks amongst you there are loads of opportunities to register to compete in any of the British Snowboard and Freeski Championship events including the Animal Slopestyle, SNO!zone Halfpipe and Trespass Snowboard/Skiercross. Think we’ll just watch…;-)

So, you’re thinking: an achingly hip design resort (think bigger than a ‘design hotel’), amazing slopes (suitable for all abilities), incredible après ski and a world-class music festival will cost a bomb?  Wrong.  There are some package deals still available for the BRITS and they start from as little as £230 per person, which includes seven nights’ accommodation, seven days lift pass, an event pack containing exclusive goodies and a BRITS festival wristband giving access to the Club Nights and discounts.

69 Flew to Zurich from Manchester courtesy of Swiss Air.  swiss.com

Swiss Air also fly from Birmingham.

For more information on LAAX, visit rocksresort.com or riderspalace.com

The Snow and Music Festival runs from the 21^st – 28^th March. brits10.com

britishsnowtour.com/brits/championships

If you feel you need to brush up on your snowboarding skills we have a competition to win time at SNO!zone just click here.

bmibaby has recently announced several new routes for this spring so we thought we’d check out what they have to offer.

Sardinia

A beautiful Island off the coast off Italy, why not head to glitzy Forte Village and channel your inner A-Lister with visits to the Thærmae Del Forte spa, with its extensive treatment list and series of saltwater pools, or flex the plastic at the array of designer shops – Fendi, D&G, Cartier and Ralph Lauren, for starters – in the resort’s retail hub, Piazza Maria Luigia. That’ll do nicely.

Venice

Venice isn’t just canals and Popes you know, it’s also one of the main cities for shopping in Italy, a real shopper’s paradise. Brand lovers need to take a stroll to Mercerie: this is Venice’s main shopping street that connects Piazza San Marco to Rialto. Here you’ll find boutiques such as Max Mara, Sergio Rossi, Cartier, Krizia, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and many others. The surroundings are gorgeous as you walk downtown for some serious Venice shopping.  There are also an incredible number of restaurants, bars, and best of all osterie (wine bars) Bellisimo.

Dubrovnik (Croatia)

Think ‘small is beautiful’; as exclusive jewellers, fashion boutiques and artisans shops in the old town are the best place for shopping in Dubrovnik. Some international brands have outlets in Dubrovnik- hurrah for cut-price goodies. There’s also plenty of handmade accessories-for truly extravagant hats pop into Ronchi on Lucarica.  During the evening enjoy live performances at Troubadorr Jazz café, which stays open until 3am.

If these don’t take your fancy you’re obviously quite mad but fear not, bmibaby fly from East Midlands Airport to 23 destinations throughout UK and Europe with fares starting from only £14.99 one-way incl. Taxes.

They also fly from Birmingham Airport to 14 destinations throughout UK and Europe with fares starting from only £21.99 one-way incl. Taxes.

New routes for summer 2010 include Jersey-Bournemouth, East Midlands to Alghero (Sardinia), Barcelona, Bastia, Dubrovnik, Newquay and Venice.

bmibaby.com

fortevillageresort.com

una-volta.org

veniceworld.com

dubrovnik365.com

WIN!

To celebrate their new routes, and well, just because they’re nice like that, the special folk at bmibaby are offering one jammy, sorry, lucky reader the chance to win a trip for two. The winner will be able to take their pick from bmibaby’s routes from either East Midlands or Birmingham Airports. Smashing.

All you need to do is fill in your details below.

Closing date 20th April

T’s & C’s

From time to time we may send you information about fabulous products, services and brands that may interest you. If you mind terribly, email david@69-247.com otherwise keep your eyes peeled.

Taking place in the jewel of the Austrian Alps, The Yeti Festival is a five-day extravaganza on the slopes, in the Alpine lodges and terrace bars and in one of the most incredible nightclub venues in Austria under Yeti HQ, The Cube. Creating all the nonsense and musical mayhem will be some of the most recognisable and influential party and festival brands in the UK, namely The Secret Garden Party, Secretsundaze, The Remix, Lost and Found and East Village as well as some of the hottest DJ talent offered up for your serious dancefloor pleasure. Already the future looks very bright for this burgeoning alpine party.

Nassfeld has been a firm favourite and closely guarded secret amongst Austrian snow aficionados for many years. The pistes are big, wide, steep and swoopy – perfect for speed queens looking to get some serious carving in.Non skiers are catered for with many varied and interesting snow pursuits available from hiking and tubing to sledging and even snow biking. Lost and Found will also be hosting magical alpine parties where you can expect Sauna Speed Dating, The Mad Hatters Schnapps Party, Pen-Quin Bowling and loads more snow based skulduggery

The Cube Club is a 1000 capacity venue split into three intimate club-rooms under the main Cube Hotel. Costs to stay at the hotel half board start from £399.

www.yetifestival.com

Why did you decide to start your own architecture and design practice rather than seeking conventional employment

I always wanted to be an architect form a very young age. I’ve always loved drawing and I’ve also loved buildings as they have such a huge effect on our lives. I was never going to be anything else other than an architect.

How did you bring your love and passion of homes to our screens?

Someone in TV spotted my love and passion for buildings and design and it went from there.  Build A New Life in the Country was my fist successful series but I’m now making The Home Show and Restoration Man for Channel 4. I’m very lucky to have the opportunity to show the public how to create beautiful homes.

What do you consider to be the most beautiful piece of architecture?

Your own Home is the most important piece of architecture in our lives.  It has a profound effect on us every single day and that’s why I feel it’s so important that our homes are well designed and suit the way we live 

What inspired you to become an architect?

My grandfather was a builder and I spent a lot of time on building sites. From a very young age I knew I wanted to be involved with buildings. Architecture is the most amazing creative profession, but its not a job for me, it’s a way of life 

What are your top tips for home improvements?

Employ a good architect who really understands how you live and what opportunities your home has.

Have a go yourself at redesigning your home.

Find a well-established and highly recommended builder.

Get a fixed price from your builder before he starts work.

Don’t overstretch yourself financially.

Small change can make a big difference, but manage your own expectations. Really try to understand your budget and be realistic about what you can afford.

Manage your budget properly and keep on top of your costs throughout the build, and don’t forget to include fees and VAT to the bottom line.

Try and make all of your design and styling decisions before the build begins so you don’t hold up the build process. Changing your mind takes up time and is costly.

If it’s a big project employ a good project manager. Don’t kid yourself that you can do it if you have no experience of it.

The building game is stressful. Try and stay calm and communicate with your team the best you can. Clear, concise and recorded communication is everything.

What are you top tips to add value to your property?

Making your existing layout and space work better and more efficiently will add value.

Adding space through loft conversions, extensions and basement confusions adds value. 3. Make your house look good from the outside as well as the inside.

If your home is well maintained and looked after it will maintain its value.

Refurbishing kitchens will always add value.

Refurbishing bathrooms will always add value.

Upgrading your plumbing and electrical systems will add value.

A beautiful garden design will add value.

Reconfiguring your home to create dramatic architectural spaces will give the house a wow factor and will add value.

Sensible ecological design technology will add value too. 

How would you advice people to save money on home renovation?

Save money by reducing the running costs of your home and at the same time helping to save the environment. Install energy efficient boilers, double/triple glazing and as much insulation as you can afford. Go way beyond the building regulations to make your home energy efficient 

How important is it to make green home improvements, and what are the most effective ways to reduce your homes’ emissions through structure and design?

Same as above. You don’t need to spend lots of money on eco technology to have a big effect on your home.  Lots of high quality insulation would be the best start as you will recoup your investment on energy bills very quickly

Are you excited about your new series?  Can you tell us a bit about what you have in store?

Restoration Man is my new series running alongside The Home Show.  Where The Home Show is me taking control and transforming people’s everyday homes on a budget, Restoration Man is a campaign for the public to save some of the hidden historic gems we have across Britain.  I help people who have bought some of the most unusual and unique buildings and want to save them by converting them into homes. We really get under the skin of the history of these buildings and the red tape you will come up against if you want to be a Restoration Warrior.

With the recession affecting the property market what trends are emerging in home improvements?

Thankfully people are staying where they are and making their existing houses into the home of their dreams. They are adding value to what they already have rather than wasting money trying to climb up the property ladder.

Why have you chosen to be involved in the Ideal Home Show?

For me the Ideal Home Show is a truly British Institution that has been part of our heritage for over 102 years.  I’m very proud to be associated with such an important event that puts British Homes on the global map.

What does the Ideal Home Show mean to you?

It been around for 102 years! It is part of our heritage and tradition.  Its not only an exciting event for families and kids, but it’s rightly back where it should be; at the forefront of home technology

What are you looking to do as an Ambassador for the event?

Raise awareness that the Ideal Home is such an exciting and important historic event for Britain and I want to help people create beautiful homes

What kind of house do you live in and where?

I live in a 1910 Edwardian House in West London

What are your home comforts?

My Eames Lounge Chair, My Saarinen Oval Dining Table and My Conmoto Fireplace designed by Peter Maly, Fine Wine and Good Food!

Do you have an essential item in your house you that simply can’t live without?

Sadly, my big TV and DVD player. We’re addicted to DVD box sets!

What’s your favourite room in your house and why?

My Study. I like working from home and being surrounded by my books

What role do you play in your home?

Architect!

What does your home mean to you?

Everything! It’s the centre of my world!

What makes an Ideal Home for you?

Comfort combined with beautiful modern design

George Clarke is the Ambassador for the Ideal Improvements section at this year’s Ideal Home Show 2010. George will be at the show in person offering a series of demonstrations and seminars offering practical advice on many home improvement projects. The Ideal Home Show, London will open its doors for 17 days from 20th March – 5th April 2009, at London’s Earls Court. Tickets can be either booked online or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 415 4144. or to purchase tickets online visit the website www.idealhomeshow.co.uk

Or you can enter out competition to win one of ten tickets by clicking here.

20^th March – 5^th April 2010 at London’s Earls Court.

It’s the famous, trend-setting show that made home-making a national passion; The Ideal Home Show is returning for its 102^nd year, with a brand new look and 17 day format from 20^th March  to the 5^th April 2010 and we here at 69 have 10 pairs of tickets for our lucky readers to win!

The new-look Ideal Home Show will take visitors through an exciting and spectacular showcase of inspirational living that combines eight different sections into one show, including Ideal Home Improvements, Ideal Village,Ideal Food, Ideal Gardens, Ideal Shopping, Ideal Woman, Ideal Gadgets and Ideal Interiors, creating the UK’s biggest Home Show.

This year’s show explores the world of home interiors and style, unveils a series of industry firsts and UK product launches, and offers more interactive features than ever before.  There’s everything from DIY to fine dining, gadgets and pampering, as well as a host of celebrity guests across the 17 day event; a great day out with something for the whole family, all rolled into one.

This year’s celebrity experts include TV Presenter and home improvement expert George Clarke, Masterchef star Gregg Wallace, Interior Designer Linda Barker, TV Presenter Fiona Phillips, and expert Gardener Monty Don, among many more, who will host a series of workshops and seminars to help visitors achieve the ultimate Ideal Home.

With over 500 exhibitors offering an unrivalled range of products, visitors to this year’s show will find everything from the smallest simple tricks to invigorate the home to inspiration and advice for complete renovation, extension and new build projects.

The Ideal Home Show is giving 69’s readers the chance to WIN one of 10 pairs of tickets.

All you need to do is fill in your details below.

Tickets can be either booked online or by calling the Ticket Hotline on 0844 415 4144. Group bookings can be made by calling the Groups Hotline on 0844 412 4650, or for further information about the show and to purchase tickets online visit the website www.idealhomeshow.co.uk

Follow the Ideal Home Show on Twitter http://twitter.com/ideal_home_show

Ticket Information:

On Door         In Advance

Weekday Adult                                                         £15                                      £10

Weekend Adult                                                         £17                                      £12

Weekday Concession (Over 60′s)                     £11                                      £9

Weekend Concession (Over 60′s)                     £13                                      £11

Children under 16                             Free (ticket is required)

Late Night Thursday Open until 9pm                     £5 after 5pm                     £5 after 5pm

Transaction fee                                                            n/a                                      £1.50

*Children under 16 do require a ticket which should be requested at the time of booking.  Must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Please note that Free of Charge tickets do not qualify for a free showguide.

Opening times:

Opening Day – 20^th March                                    10am – 6pm

Weekdays & Weekends                                              10am – 6pm

Thursday – late night                                                10am – 9pm

Final Monday – 5^th April (Bank Holiday)                10am – 6pm

*Terms and conditions

1. This offer is only open to UK residents

2. Complimentary tickets are valid for one day only, on any one day of the show between the  20^th March – 5^th April 2010 at London’s Earls Court

3. Tickets are non transferable

4. Complimentary tickets obtained through this offer may not be duplicated.

5. All tickets will be scanned on entry to the show

6. The closing date for this offer is 15th March

A partially-sighted footballer and a former recruitment consultant have been crowned the joint winners of Britain’s Next Top Interior Designer competition.

Danny Gauden, 21, from Liverpool and Alexandra Jensen-Humphreys, 30, from London, beat off stiff competition to be named the best new talent in the country in the competition organised by international property group Grosvenor.

Leading the judging panel was designer to the stars Ben de Lisi, Kate Kingston from Kingston Shaw and Alex Proby, inhouse interiors expert at Grosvenor.

De Lisi, who was a mentor on Sky One’s Project Catwalk and a favourite of stars such as Kate Winslet, said: “We were met with some excellent work but Danny and Alexandra’s designs were polished and represented the project brief perfectly.

“Alexandra’s had a timeless elegance to it and Danny’s bold choice of colours and cultural references reflected a great sense of humour.

“This competition was an unrivalled opportunity for interiors students and these two performed exceptionally.”

The competitors were made up of students from two of the country’s top interior design schools, KLC School of Interior Design in London and Liverpool John Moores University. They were tasked with designing two studio apartments for an urban professional and a retired couple at Grosvenor’s flagship One Park West building, in Liverpool.

The winning designs will be implemented in the landmark building, which was designed by world renowned architect, Cesar Pelli, famous for the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpar and Canary Wharf Tower in London.

Thee winning designs will take 6- 8 weeks to implement at One Park West and will be available for viewing from INSERT.