In celebration of South Africa's anniversary of a decade of democracy and freedom, The Westcliff has unveiled two innovate offerings for locals and visitors alike.

NEW DIRECTIONS MENU

The hotel's La Belle Terrasse has a new menu which is a celebration of new, exciting, light cuisine. As contemporary South Africa collectively re-defines what it means to be 'South African', for Chef Sven Niderbremer it is a rich m�lange of diverse cultures and customs that form a tangible whole that is sometimes challenging yet always interesting.

Recently appointed Executive Chef of La Belle Terrasse, Chef Niederbremer has risen to the challenge with his gastronomic interpretation of the "new" South Africa, resulting in an edgy New Directions menu, a series of dishes that seek to reinterpret the fine-dining experience, with African ingredients used in traditional European methods, and European and Asian ingredients juxtaposed with African flair.

Chef Sven's New Directions explore the endless possibilities of marrying African, European and Asian ingredients and methodologies, resulting in out of the ordinary dishes like Carpaccio of Ostrich with Rosemary Pap Blinis and Cape Gooseberry coulis, Pinotage marinated Namibian Monkfish served with Sesame seed Sauerkraut and Sultana Chili sauce, or Chocolate Amarula mousse with a Naartjie and Coriander compote served with a Van der Hum Cr�me Anglaise.

As is customary with Chef Sven's dishes, the emphasis is on fresh market ingredients in a light - and sometimes playful manner. Consistently redefining the boundaries of modern South African cuisine, Chef Sven was named "Best Newcomer of 2003" by South Africa's prestigious Wine Magazine, while under his direction La Belle Terrasse placed among the "Top 10 South African Restaurants" by the nation's EAT OUT magazine. La Belle Terrasse has recently been awarded five stars by Wine, and named among its list of South Africa's Top 100 Restaurants. Sven's cooking has also been featured in many African publications, including Hotel & Restaurant; Longevity and Hospitality magazines, as well as the Star and Pretoria News.

'IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF FREEDOM' PACKAGE

The Westcliff has also unveiled its "In the Footsteps of Freedom" package, including walks across the Nelson Mandela Bridge, visits to Soweto and the Hector Pieterson Museum, and visits to the new Constitutional Court on Constitution Hill. Designed to allow visitors the opportunity to experience the rich cultural heritage of Johannesburg, the hotel's ideal location allows for easy access to the numerous museums, craft markets, ethnic art exhibitions and diverse temptations that "The City of Gold" has to offer.

Elements of the "Footsteps of Freedom" package includes a full day tour with lunch. Featuring the diverse cultural and historic attractions of the area, the package also includes a three-course dinner in the convivial atmosphere of the hotel's celebrated La Belle Terrasse Restaurant, and full English breakfasts in the Loggia. Included are accommodations in a richly appointed Luxury Room, complete with oversized marble bathrooms and luxurious amenities. Priced at R5580 (approx. US$795) per couple for two nights, "In the Footsteps of Freedom" travel package is available April 1 to December 30, 2004.

Part of the stylish African Collection of Orient-Express Hotels, The Westcliff is Johannesburg's most luxurious hotel. Built on a lush hillside in the style of a Mediterranean village with spectacular views over the city's Zoological Gardens and forested northern suburbs, the Westcliff exudes an air of refinement and splendor. Cascading down through pristine sculpted gardens in a series of picturesque villas surrounded by lush greenery, sparkling fountains and charming cobbled pathways dot the landscape. Guests are transported by club cars to the upper levels, adding to the charm and romance of this romantic escape.

"There is simply no finer city resort in the whole of South Africa than the Westcliff," as recent guest Charlize Theron attests.

For information or reservations, please call The Leading Hotels of the World at (800) 223-6800 or visit www.orient-express.com (which also has a large selection of high-rez images).

# # #

I AM AN AFRICAN - President Thabo Mbeki, Speech in Parliament (abridged).

"I owe my being to the Khoi and the San whose desolate souls haunt the great expanse of the beautiful Cape... I am formed of the migrants who left Europe to find a new home in our native land... In my veins courses the blood of the Malay slaves who came from the East. Their proud dignity informs my bearing; their culture is part of my essence... I am the grandchild of the warrior men and women that Hintsa and Sekhukhune led, the patriots that Cetshwayo and Mphephu took to the battle, the soldiers Moshoeshoe and Ngungunyane taught never to dishonor the course of freedom... I am the grandchild who lays fresh flower on the Boer graves at St Helena and the Bahamas who sees in the mind's eyes and suffers the suffering of a simple peasant folk... I am the grandchild of Nongquase... I come of those who were transported from India and China... who taught me that we could both be at home and be foreign... Being part of all these people, and in the knowledge that none dare contest that assertion I shall claim that I am an African..."

Patricia Harper Director of Public Relations, North America Orient-Express Hotels, Trains, Safaris, Cruises & Private Jet 1155 Avenue of the Americas 30th Floor New York, NY 10036 tel: 212-302-5055 fax: 212-302-5203 patricia.harper@orient-express.com