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Top Gear
01-07-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Vive La Renaulution: what makes the Renault 4 our 2025 EV of the year?
Renault did a magnificent job with its revival of the 5 hatchback... turns out it was just getting warmed up Dateline Morocco, sometime in the mid 1990s. A white Renault 4 is ascending the 2,200m Tizi n'Tichka pass over the Atlas, gateway to the Sahara. I'm taking liberties with the primitive engine and brakes, using short straights between the hairpins for sneaky overtakes of all the other white Renault 4s. 'It's like being on a car launch,' says my passenger, who knows the things we young and stupid road testers got up to when let loose in a fleet of identical new cars. But these aren't new. They're bashed up renters. For many years, the white Renault 4 was the standard issue cheap hire car in Marrakech. For decades that original R4, launched in 1961, did faithful service on many other thankless tasks in French-influenced parts of the world. It was cheap, versatile – the world's first hatchback – simple, tough and utterly unpretentious. Renault sold a staggering 8.1 million. Yet most us have forgotten how successful the 4 was, doubtless because they've mostly decomposed now, much like our memory of them. So the new one has to stand on its own four wheels, rather than bask in reflected glory. Especially as in spirit this new 4 isn't a 4 at all. Not because it is electric, but because it isn't especially cheap. If you want a modern Renault 4, a car designed with a gimlet eye to every conceivable means of saving a centime, Renault will soon have one. The electric Twingo. Photography: Huckleberry Mountain That first 4 was a crossover decades before crossovers became a thing. If you want to find a survivor these days, go find an apparently deserted French farm at the top of a rough steep track. So Renault is being eminently sensible in selling the new 4 that way. As a crossover for the small family, it's nicely sized, with an extra 80mm in the wheelbase versus the new 5. So, provided the driver raises their seat a little, there's enough room for the extremities (toes, kneecaps, scalps) of an adult behind them. The boot is a deep 420 litres and the front passenger seat folds forward to take your DIY planks or cello. A section of the bumper lifts with the tailgate, deepening the aperture. It'll even tow a 750kg trailer. The R4 is just 1.8m across the body, and feels handy down narrow streets and lanes. It hardly takes an automotive Inspector Clouseau to figure out this car is a close relative of today's R5. Indeed pretty well everything under the bodywork is the same, except for the longer wheelbase, 50kg of extra weight – still very light for an EV this size – and slightly recalibrated springs and steering. So that brings a 148bhp motor and 52kWh battery in all UK specs. Renault's excellent screen and control system is here, with its satisfyingly abundant physical controls. On the outside through, it's wholly other. It repeatedly riffs off the OG 1961 ancestor. For those keeping score... The face was once a single chromed frame with the round lamps at the end and grille in the middle, now the chrome is substituted by an LED perimeter track. A cut line between this and the wings follows a gap between the original's wings and forward opening bonnet/grille assembly. On the sides, tall and flattish, you've ridged door panels, like the R4 GTL had. The reverse raked rear door window and trapezoid rearmost side window keep the faith with the characteristic rhythm of the old car's fenestration. An upright tailgate and tall narrow little lamp clusters complete the picture.
Forbes
16-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Beauty ROI Is Driven By Social Conscience And Sustainability
When it comes to their beauty brand of choice, Gen Z especially favors a value driven approach but you'd better make sure it's authentic or they'll spot it a mile off. Timed to coincide with World Refill Day on 16 June, L'Oréal Group is launching multi-brand campaign #JoinTheRefillMovement to educate customers on available refill options and encourage their adoption. Participating brands include Lancôme, YSL Beauty, Prada, and Kérastase. According to the Group, while 78% of consumers express interest in buying more sustainable products, many still remain unaware of such options and their lower environmental imprint. Refilling YSL Beauty's recently launched Libre L'Eau Nue for example, reduces glass use by 50% says International Sustainability and Scientific Director Caroline Nègre. 'That's a huge impact.' As her title might suggest, sustainability figures highly in her remit. A decade ago in 2014, she was instrumental in initiating her brand's flagship botanical project, the Ourika Community Gardens in the foothills of Morocco's Atlas Mountains. Its genesis, she says, came out of a research trip to the Ourika Valley to source saffron for a skincare range. She learned that the threads were handpicked by women during just two weeks a year so the initial objective was to give them more work to increase their revenue and afford them financial independence. Having consulted with local NGOs, her team began looking for plots of land to create new supply chains. Construction began on the two hectare Ourika Community Gardens themselves in 2019. Today, Nègre describes it as a laboratory, 'an emblematic place for the whole program that happens in the Ourika Valley.' In addition to more immediate employment for the local community, the Gardens provide wider communities with cuttings from which to cultivate crops they can sell back to the brand. "It's a place of inspiration, of creation and of experimentation that combines cultivation, botanical research and, of course, human empowerment,' she says. 'When you give trees to a village that's huge. it means money, food and independence.' The Ourika Community Gardens are now home to some 300 species including iris, jasmine, cacti, pomegranate and figs. All the brand's axes—fragrance, make-up and skincare from the Loveshine lipsticks to All Hours foundations—contain at least one ingredient from the Gardens. This amounts to over 35 million products. Speaking to the laboratory aspect, Négre explains how the learnings generated are also pushing the business forward both in terms of sustainable practice and science. The Gardens' specific microclimate enables them to foster a variety of different species. 'We can grow plants and see how they react to the environment, do a pilot, a small production and once it's validated and proven efficient we can scale it to the other communities,' she says. 'We apply regenerative techniques, planting one thing for one season to nourish the soil or mixing different species where one benefits the other if its roots retain water for example. We look at the impact and then we can share the results with the other programs.' The stress to the plants from the extreme environmental conditions afforded by the microclimate also causes them to produce particular molecules to defend themselves, she adds. 'These make for a stronger concentration of the components we need for our active ingredients.' When it comes to scent creation, the brand's master perfumers like IFF's Carlos Benaim behind YSL Beauty's Libre franchise, apply 'headspace" extraction technology on site to capture fragrance molecules like those from jasmine which can differ according to the time of day or tuberose which blooms only at night. Such technology was integral to the creation of Libre L'Eau Nue, YSL Beauty's first oil-based and alcohol-free perfume. According to Benaim, alcohol enhances diffusion so in its absence, he needed to enhance the heart note of orange blossom 'to get that burst of fragrance.' Headspace extraction allows for the analysis and isolation of specific molecules so they can be dialled up or down accordingly. YSL Beauty global ambassador and Gen Z favorite Dua Lipa who has long been the face of the Libre fragrance franchise also stars in the campaign for L'Eau Nue. The Gen Z beauty marketplace is a competitive one, successfully courted by e.l.f. beauty and Hailey Bieber's Rhode which it recently acquired so there's everything to play for. While Nèvre acknowledges that the beauty consumer, and Gen Z in particular is looking for brands whose values resonate with their own, she emphasises that concerns with women's empowerment (most recently exemplified in their Abuse Is Not Love campaign) and sustainability were already deeply infused in the brand" long before the start of the Ourika Gardens journey. Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent, founder of sister brand Saint Laurent, created Le Smoking, a female take on the Tuxedo in 1966, affording women the same freedom of movement previously reserved for men. YSL Beauty has evolved this heritage applying such values to the world of beauty.
Daily Mail
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
I visited the location of the original Gladiator movie - here's why this Moroccan city is the new Hollywood
Gazing across the parched earth to the village of Ait Ben-Haddou, it was easy to imagine hearing the clash of swords of days long past. Ait Ben-Haddou sits at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains in southern Morocco. Many travellers make the four hour drive here from Marrakesh but I'd flown direct from Stansted to the nearby city of Ouarzazate, just a 30-minute drive away. This was my first stop on a week long trip across the South of Morocco and back again, following the traditional caravan route to the Sahara. Just on the outskirts of Ait Ben-Haddou, our hotel Riad Caravane offered a unique blend of Moroccan architecture and modern comfort with exceptional food and service. Ait Ben-Haddou, now a Unesco World Heritage Site, once made its money by trading salt. But these days Ait Ben-Haddou and nearby Ouarzazate are famed for something quite different. Known locally as Ouarzawood in homage to its movie credentials, this region has provided the backdrop for many blockbuster films and TV series, including Ridley Scott's Gladiator and it's sequel Gladiator 2 out on November 15th. The region has provided the backdrop for many blockbuster films and TV series, including Ridley Scott's Gladiator (pictured) and it's sequel Gladiator 2 out on November 15th In the original Gladiator movie, Maximus is sold into slavery and forced to train as a gladiator. Ait Ben-Haddou was the scene of his first fight. An arena was constructed for the film using traditional mud bricks so it blended in with the existing architecture. It's not just Gladiator that was filmed here. Scenes from Lawrence of Arabia, Game of Thrones and The Mummy also feature its earthen buildings and streets. The August sun was fierce as I entered the village, yet it was easy to find shade behind its high walls. An intricate warren of alleyways house a number of shops selling many of the same wares you'd expect in the souks of Marrakesh. These sit side-by-side with traditional homes and stalls housing animals. Like many of the locals, my village guide Mohammed also works as an extra when the movie crews arrive. On a quick tour of his house, he proudly showed off the sword and shield he brandished in Game of Thrones. Thirty minutes drive from Ait Ben-Haddou, on the outskirts of Ouarzazate, lies the Atlas film studios, one of the biggest in the world, opened in 1983. The great and good of Hollywood have filmed here including Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Pitt, Nicole Kidman, Leonardo Di Caprio and, most recently, the cast of Gladiator 2. Leaving the movie world behind, I headed out of the city to Fint Oasis. Even in the height of the summer drought, this tranquil, lush place had large pools of water in its tree-lined riverbed. Local women washed their clothes, drying them here and there on the bushes. I was thrilled to spot turtles and frogs in the water. Over the next few days, our trip took me gradually eastwards, inching ever closer to the Sahara. There were some memorable stops on the way. The Dades region, know as the Valley of the Roses, is dotted with pink-coloured villages. The scent of the roses that are grown here hangs in the air. Women from this area, many working together in co-operatives, pick 700 tonnes of rose petals each year which are made into rosewater, used in beauty products, cooking and aromatherapy. Continuing on, we reached the impressive Todra Gorge, a series of limestone river canyons with sheer cliffs rising up to 300 metres. That evening, I arrived in Merzouga, the gateway to the Sahara, just before sunset. Our stunning hotel - Riad Serai - was quite literally, on the edge of a part of the desert called Erg Chebbi. This large sea of dunes formed by wind-blown sand stretched as far as I could see. I walked a little way and sat down. All I could hear was the sound of the wind which had just started to pick up. In the distance, I could make out the silhouette of camels bearing riders across the peaks of the dunes. The next day, a 4x4 took me deeper into the desert. I was staying the night in a Luxury Desert Camp. The driver navigated his way across the deep orange sand as if he was following some unseen highway. We stopped to look for fossils. The heat was searing as we walked, eyes down scanning the rocky sand. Within minutes I'd found an ammonite. Just seconds later, there were more. Arriving at the camp, I was greeted with traditional Moroccan mint tea.. The tents were something else - with air conditioning, a stand-alone bath and a very comfy bed, this was glamping at its finest. But the best was yet to come. As the sun began to dip, I climbed awkwardly onto a camel and was led out to the dunes to watch the sunset. In those few minutes as the light faded, the sand seemed to shift in colour from orange, to pink and then red. Back at camp, all the guests sat around the fire pit chatting and listening to traditional live music. When all was quiet, I lay on my back staring at the crystal-clear night sky. I'd been told the chance of seeing a meteor that night was high. Minutes later, a shooting star traced a path directly above. A fitting end to a truly star-studded trip.
The Independent
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The Oberoi Marrakech hotel review
Location Just a 25-minute drive from Marrakech Medina, the historic old city, the Oberoi is close to the foothills of the Atlas Mountains and set in 28 acres of gardens including fragrant olive groves and citrus orchards. It is half an hour from Marrakech Menara Airport, which is a three-hour and 40-minute flight from London. The vibe The hotel's design takes inspiration from Moroccan and Andalusian palaces and a palatial feel prevails throughout, from the open courtyard at the centre of the hotel to its 'grand canal', set against the stunning backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas peaks. Villas come with their own private pool, meaning you can relax without being troubled by other guests. Great care has been taken to cultivate a serene environment with flourishing native gardens creating a home for local birds, and on a clear night, the stargazing is unmatched. Service Service is impeccable at every turn, from check-in to the restaurants and spa. Guests are always greeted warmly, and can expect friendly, helpful staff to be on hand throughout the day, without feeling like they are being hassled. Each room has a 24-hour concierge line, who can help book trips and experiences, from a tour of the city to breakfast in a hot-air balloon and even a flight into the desert, if given the right amount of notice. Bed and bath Some 72 of the 84 rooms and suites are deluxe villas, which have a bedroom with a king-size bed and a large bathroom, both with large windows looking out onto the private pool and garden, with sun loungers. There is a standalone bath as well as a large shower that has a door out to the garden, meaning you can head straight in from the pool. The main suite is open plan and spacious with tasteful decorations in rich jewel tones. It includes a lounge area, as well as a dining table with a door leading out to the pool and garden. There is a separate walk-in closet that has ample room, as well as a desk if needed. Upon arrival, a thoughtfully arranged tray of complimentary cakes, snacks and local wine is laid out. Food and drink The Oberoi has two main restaurants. Rivayat, with a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Rohit Ghai, offers Indian cuisine that the hotel says is an 'ode to the country's many culinary traditions and delights'. A highlight is the five-course 'Expedition' tasting menu, though there is also an à la carte option. Tamimt, next door in the main building, has food from around the world, including more traditional Moroccan tagines. The desserts were a particular standout, including a tiramisu constructed at the table. Diners can also eat on the terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains. Chefs use olive oil from the grounds' 3,000 olive trees, pressed specially to be used in the hotel's restaurants. There is another restaurant, Azur, by the main swimming pool, for light meals during the day, and also a hotel bar. Facilities As well as a large main pool, there is a spa built over a small lake within the grounds. It has an indoor, temperature-controlled pool, as well as a gym and five spa treatment rooms, plus two traditional Moroccan hammams. There is a range of complimentary fitness and wellness classes available, which can be booked through the concierge, including sunrise yoga, a morning run with the hotel's fitness trainer and high-intensity cross training. There is also a tennis court and bikes are available to use around the grounds. Disability access The hotel caters for disabled guests with facilities including wheelchair-accessible routes, grab rails, raised toilets, and lowered sinks. Pet policy Pets are not allowed. Check in/check out? Check-in is at 3pm, and check-out at 12pm. Family friendly? Children are welcome and the Oberoi has a kids' club with a programme including cooking classes, art workshops and treasure hunts. They can also be shown the secrets of falconry by the indigenous Kwassem tribe, or visit the hotel's donkeys, Brownie and Sugar, who are very friendly and happy to have visitors pop by to say hello. At a glance Best thing: Tranquillity – great service and privacy mean your peace is never interrupted. Perfect for: Mixing rest with an invigorating city break. Not right for: Anyone not looking to leave behind the hustle and bustle of central Marrakech. Instagram from: The hotel terrace at sunset, capturing the hotel's 'grand canal' and Atlas Mountains in the distance.
Times
26-05-2025
- Times
La Mamounia hotel review: Marrakesh's grande dame with Moroccan styling and beautiful gardens
There may be hotels in Marrakesh that are more opulent, but none can match this grande dame for its elegance, grace and one of the most beautiful hotel gardens in the world. The rose-hued walls feel knitted into the very fabric of the city. The vast, low-lit lobby leads to room upon room of soft, earthy colours, jewelled zellige tiling and intricate latticework, each filled with brushed velvet ottomans and studded-leather lounge chairs. It's all so effortlessly old school you half expect Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor to swing out of the Churchill Bar. Bars and restaurants blaze with Moroccan artistry at its most exquisite, courtyards glitter with hand-lain mosaics and the quietly charming staff ensure everyone — from young families to American millionaires — feels equally welcome. A masterclass in luxury without excess, Mamounia is a glorious oasis, right in the centre of this most chaotically charming of cities. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue Score 8/10All of Mamounia's elegant bedrooms are pretty spiffy but, if budget allows, it's worth splashing out on a Deluxe room or above for their private balconies (specify one that overlooks the gardens or Koutoubia, rather than the street). All rooms have a crisp, clean feel with arched headboards, mosaic tiling and sepia-tinged photos of Marrakesh that give a real sense of place — even before you open the curtains to see the Atlas Mountains looming in the distance. Marble bathrooms tend towards the compact in lower room categories, and only larger rooms have a bath, while suites come with spacious balconies and opulent lounges. Score 9/10The perennial complaint about Moroccan food — tagine, tagine and more tagine — has no relevance here. Four restaurants dish up almost every cuisine you might fancy, from Jean-Georges Vongerichten's trademark Asian-fusion at L'Asiatique — perhaps dim sum, followed by a Vietnamese curry or musky, miso cod — to pizzas and pasta at L'Italien. Le Marocain, housed in its own riad with three floors overlooking leafy gardens, serves up classic dishes — crispy briouates, salads with the city's signature flavours of orange, almond and preserved lemons — and an elegant breakfast and lunch buffet is laid out in Le Pavillon de la Piscine. It could take all day to to do justice to the spectacular breakfast — fresh patisserie, handmade breads, jams, eggs a dozen different ways — but leave room for afternoon tea, taken beneath shady palms at the Pierre Hermé salon. It's an indulgence not to be missed. • Discover our full guide to Marrakesh• Best hotels in Marrakesh Score 9/10If you can raise yourself from a shady hammock (or a lounger by the glittering pool) there's tennis, boules and table tennis, with yoga and Pilates classes and personal training sessions at the gym. Kids of all ages will love the Salle de Jeux — a retro games room with pinball machines, pool tables and board games, while gifts can be picked up at the clutch of small boutiques, selling jewellery, clothes and gifts by local designers and famous names. The spa — where pools shimmer beneath scallop-edged archways and exquisite tilework gleams in flickering candlelight — is one of the city's best. There's a private hammam and, with two of the ten treatment rooms set up for couples, it's a wonderfully romantic retreat. Score 9/10Many of Marrakesh's luxury hotels are a taxi journey away from the medina. La Mamounia's location, just in front of the city's Koutoubia mosque, is a major plus. The storytellers, snake-charmers and smoke-tinged food stalls of the extraordinary Djemaa el-Fna are just a few minutes' stroll away, with the labyrinthine medina unfolding beyond it. For something a little less hectic, the calmer streets of the Ville Nouvelle are a ten-minute taxi ride away. Price room-only doubles from £380Restaurant mains from £23Family-friendly YAccessible N • Best riads in Marrakesh• Best restaurants in Marrakesh
