Hello Lifestyle Magazine Easter 2024

THE MAGIC OF MOSI-OA -TUNYA DRINKS SA'S TIME TO SHINE IN WINE

MONEY TALK

The Piggy Bank is back, baby!

FACE YOGA

IS IT REALLY A THING? TRAVEL

Iwas recently awarded the privilege of taking my family on a media visit with me. Our destination was TAU Game Lodge in the Madikwe Game Reserve right on the Botswana border (read all about our experience on page 62) and over two days, we got to relish in the realness of family. This reminded me of how important it is to spend quality time with loved ones and reaffirmed what I had so loudly been preaching at a Moms’ Meetup just the week before.

I had been asked to talk to a group of mommies by the founder of Moms’ Meetup, Katrien Pienaar (follow them on Instagram: @momsmeetupsa) and my brief was to talk about how I juggle my work and family life. Working on my speech, I was once again amazed at how much we as moms can achieve if we prioritise and if we’re willing to let the less important balls fall to the ground while we focus on what is really important in that specific moment. Yes, we often drop some balls, but like Michelle Obama once said: “Failure is an important part of your growth and developing resilience. Don’t be afraid to fail.” While we all have many balls to juggle

EDITOR'S CHOICE

– including work and family life – it’s the way you prioritise those balls and juggle them that counts. In fact, sometimes I deliberately let a ball or two fall, in order to catch the most important one. Life is a juggle, but I am increasingly starting to see the joy in juggling. It keeps life interesting.

Easter time is family time. Let it remind you to prioritise the ball marked family and if you feel you have too many balls in the air, perhaps drop one or two – even if it’s just for a few days – and spend some quality time with the ones you hold dearest. As our cover star, Dan Patlansky rightly states: “Life’s not long.” (Read all about the inspiration behind his latest album and how his family are his biggest fans on page 8).

Wishing you and yours a blessed Easter and lots of quality time with loved ones. And, with Mother’s Day coming up, I’d like to also salute all the mothers out there. It takes courage to be a mom in a world that demands so much. You rock!

Rietvallei Wine Estate’s JMB

Cabernet Franc

2019

R450 per bottle or R2 700 per 6-bottle case

Weylandts Bronzette

Cocktail

Glassware R575 for a set of 4

Editor

Images: Hanneri de Wet Photography; supplied

Chocolate Hen’s Eggs, Babylonstoren R100

CONTENTS

Publisher: Justyn Spinner justyn@hellolifestyle.co.za

Editor: Renate Engelbrecht renate@hellolifestyle.co.za

Magazine Design: Debbie Farrell

Contributors: Al Clapper; Anne Schauffer; Allison Broster

Contributing Photographers: Blyde Smit

Printing: Lebone Letho Printers (Pty) Ltd. www.lebonelitho.co.za

Distribution:

Media Support

CONTACT US www.hellolifestyle.co.za info@hellolifestyle.co.za

Head Office: MESH Club, Keys Avenue, Rosebank, 2196

Hello Lifestyle Magazine supports press and media freedom and the freedom of expression for all South Africans.

Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied and stored in a retrievable system by any form, or by any means electronic, photocopied, or otherwise without prior permission from the publishers and owners.

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers at the time of printing this publication, its

THINGS TO SEE PLACES TO BE

Durban Dessert Festival 29-31

APRIL MARCH

Where: Oceans Mall, uMhlanga

What to expect: Satisfy your sweet tooth and indulge in dessert lovers’ paradise at this year’s Durban Dessert Festival, taking place over Easter weekend. It promises to be a delectable celebration of all things sugary and sweet and has quickly become an annual highlight on the city’s culinary calendar. Expect to experience an array of mouthwatering desserts – from innovative creations to firm favourites.

Price: From R30 per person

www.quicket.co.za

Capital Art Fair Tshwane 5-7 5-12

Where: Menlyn Maine, Pretoria

What to expect: The first-ever Capital Art Fair Tshwane (CAFT) aims to bring the nation’s capital to the forefront of the global art conversation. CAFT promises a unique blend of artistic innovation and cultural expression, uniting art connoisseurs and the public at an event themed Intersections It’s a convergence of narratives, a collision of perspectives and an exploration of uncharted artistic territories.

Price: From R100

www.webtickets.co.za

Fun things to do in April and May to keep the boredom at bay

World Travel Market Africa 2024

Where: CTICC, Cape Town

What to expect: With Africa Travel Week 2024 scheduled for 7 – 12 April in the City of Cape Town, this event is a good start to the annual celebration of Africa’s tourism products, with a special focus on responsible choices ensuring the sector’s longevity and lasting impact on the world. “This year, we’re bringing it to the forefront, with heightened efforts in reducing our carbon footprint, minnimising waste and promoting accessible eco-friendly practices businesses at all levels can implement,” says Portfolio Director – Travel, Tourism at RX Africa, Megan De Jager.

www.wtm.com/africa

Abdullah Ibrahim 12 14 APRIL (CT) APRIL (JHB)

Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

What to expect: The South African Jazz icon, Abdullah Ibrahim returns home after a five-year absence to give his fans a series of landmark concerts in April. He says: “To be launching my M7 Foundation in Johannesburg, playing concerts in Pretoria’s new state-of-the-art arena and uniquely returning to performing inside City Hall – an illustrious venue I first played at aged sixteen for a segregated audience – is something that at one time was unimaginable. I am honoured and thrilled to have the opportunity.”

Price: From R750

www.ticketpros.co.za

Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards 13

Where: Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City, Johannesburg

What to expect: Pull out your best pants for this year’s Savanna Comics’ Choice Comedy Awards – a Black Tie event with a touch of African flair. Themed ‘You Think You Know South Africa,’ the 11th edition of the awards is disguised as a comedy show and it will be hosted by none other than Mpho ‘Popps’ Modikoane. Expect a glamorous night filled with trophies, sketches, punchlines and satire.

Price: From R195

www.computicket-boxoffice.com

26-1

APRIL-MAY

Tierlantynkies Kuier en Koopfees

Where: 3Ci Church, Zwavelpoort, Pretoria

What to expect: Pretoria’s favourite design and food fair is back and if you’re one for browsing between pretty stalls while sipping on some of the best coffee (or G&Ts) in town, this is where you should be come 26 April. It’s a festival for those who enjoy the finer things in life and if it’s anything like last year’s event, you’re definitely in for a treat. Bring the whole family, as there is ample entertainment for both young and old. Price: R45 per person online, or R50 per person at the door

www.tierlantynkies.co.za

27-1

APRIL-MAY

KidsCon at Comic Con Cape Town

Where: CTICC 2, Cape Town

Durban International Marathon 28

Where: From Prospecton Road to Moses Mabhida People’s Tunnel (42.2km) or Suncoast Casino to Moses Mabhida People’s Tunnel (10km)

What to expect: It’s quite a thing when Joma Sport launches a limited-edition shoe for a specific event. Serving as the official technical sponsor of the prestigious Durban International Marathon, one could only expect the best, though. Taking place on Sunday, 28 April, the marathon will see numerous runners in the official #WeRunDurban event shoe, solidifying the Durban International Marathon’s place as one of seven major road runs with this distinctive feature.

Price: R400 (Early Bird); R450 (Late Entry)

www.webtickets.co.za

12

MAY

Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K

Where: Marine Drive, Milnerton to Lower Long Street, opposite the Absa Building

What to expect: The Mother City will be painted in red come Sunday, 12 May when thousands of runners and walkers will line the streets to take part in the 9th edition of the annual Absa RUN YOUR CITY CAPE TOWN 10K road race. The route showcases the city’s landmarks beautifully, providing participants with a breathtaking view of Cape Town’s incredible beauty.

Price: R245 for licenced runners; R50 temp licence

www.runyourcityseries.com

17-19

MAY

Franschhoek Literary Festival

Where: Franschhoek

What to expect: Mark your calendar for the literary event of the year, with the highly anticipated Franschhoek Literary Festival taking place between 17 and 19 May. The event promises a proper celebration of words, ideas and culture. David Walliams, world-famous actor, comedian and children’s book author will also be there, bringing his storytelling prowess to both the main festival, as well as the Schools Festival taking place in different schools in the Franschhoek Valley.

Price: Ticket sales weren’t live upon publishing yet

www.flf.co.za

31-2

MAY-JUNE

The Good Life Show

Where: CTICC, Cape Town

What to expect: Incorporating the already established and highly successful Plant Powered Show, as well as three new dynamic, complimentary pavilions, The Good Life Show is setting the bar high this year when it comes to sustainable living. The three complimentary pavilions will include Natural and Organic, Free-From and Sustainex. Hence there will technically be four shows under one roof, taking place at Cape Town’s CTICC between 31 May and 2 June, and later at the Kyalami Internatioinal Convention Centre in Joburg, from 26 to 28 July.

Price: From R187 per adult www.quicket.co.za

What to expect: A dedicated area featuring activities and unparalleled toy shopping, KidsCon forms part of the popular Comic Con Cape Town, set to make for the ultimate family day out. Here, families will have the opportunity to embrace their inner superhero and explore the creative world of play. Toys “R” Us will be the presenting partner at the event, bringing kids and adults alike a range of top toys from popular, well-known brands. KidsCon is a definite highlight of Comic Con Africa, having been launched at Comic Con Johannesburg in 2019, and this would be the first year of it being part of Comic Con Cape Town.

Price: From R190

www.comiccon.howler.co.za

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht

Images: Supplied

Our editor’s pick for the hottest, trendiest things to elevate your lifestyle

This edition is filled with themes around family, with Easter and Mother’s Day boasting ample opportunities to celebrate togetherness. Here are some items that might help you elevate those family visits, table settings, Mother’s Day lunches and more.

UGG Golden Star Clogs for those comfy Easter days, often serving as an indication that winter has arrived.

R2 999

Elevate your Easter décor – whether it’s the coffee table or the Sunday lunch table setting – with this striking gold, big-eared ceramic bunny from elevenpast.

R449.99

Louis Vuitton

Taigarama Gaston Wearable Wallet for your lunch date with Mom.

R33 500

Since Easter marks the start of winter, this Baoli Throw from Cielo, which is woven from 100% cotton is perfect to add some cosiness to any living space, creating a homely atmosphere instantly.

R1 999

Get the guest room sorted with this Dome Mushroom Lamp from Woolworths.

R999

There’s never been a more elegant Easter hunt than with a Bucket Tote from Baskiti. This one is brand-new to the brand’s offering.

R499 (small)

Ombre gold dinner candles from @home on bash.com. R129 for a set of four

Ardmore

Monkey Bean

Tanzanite Outdoor

Cushion Cover – the perfect add-on for a comfy couch on the terrace. (50cm x 50cm, 100% Polyester, double sided).

R1 400

Don’t dare to travel without your sunglasses this Easter. It’s a necessity that goes a long way, for sure. CHIMI is worn by numerous celebs, including Beyoncé, Kendall Jenner and Hailey Bieber and is dubbed the eyewear for a fearless style.

R3 699

Make it a special Easter by setting the table with the brandnew Sketchbook 76-piece Cutlery Canteen from Carrol Boyes – a luxury flatware set that boasts a sculptural aspect.

R14 999

Celebrating nature at its best, the Sarie Mooi collection includes this stunning collectors’ Rabbit & Carrot porcelain gift set. It includes a cup, saucer and side plate. R209.10

Woolies. R169 each

Treat your guests to tea this Easter with Grace Tea’s collection of natural herbal teas rooted in ancient science designed to rejuvenate mind, body and soul. It’s also rather fitting for World Health Day, happening on 7 April. R180 per pack of 20 teabags

Romanticise your Easter with textured glass candles, available in four colours, from

“I think it’s just now, getting older, being in my forties - you realise what’s important and that life’s not long."

A GOLDEN STRING THAT GROUNDS YOU

Family is the golden string - life’s tonal texture, so to speak - that keeps everything together for Bluesman, Dan Patlansky. Even during four-weeklong tours he keeps them close in song. Touring locally or abroad, it’s them he will always come home to. They ground him, he says, which links in well with his latest album’s title, Movin’ On, and its general theme of going back to his roots; remembering what is important to him.

DRIVING DOWN MEMORY LANE

Dan started playing guitar at the age of nine. His parents’ record collection - much of it Blues - was what he grew up listening to on road trips when they went on holiday. “Most of the music was guitar-driven,” he says. He played guitar all through high school, but really only started playing professionally in Matric. “I was getting paid to play in like a little cover band around Joburg,” Dan explains. After that, he took to Blues and in 2004, he booked a national tour in South Africa, playing in small towns and big cities alike. “I have pretty much been doing that in South Africa since then. I feel very blessed that I get to do this. It’s something you love, you know. Not everyone gets to do that.”

ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH BLUES FROM A YOUNG AGE

Dan’s parents’ love for the Blues had a huge impact on him from a young age and saw him fall in love with the genre even Dan

amidst the pop and rock culture of the 90s. “Obviously as a teenager, you don’t ever want to admit that you like the music your parents listen to. But, you know, if you listen to it enough, it kind of seeps into you.” It was only when he started playing that he really started liking the Blues. “I realised it was one of the simplest forms of music in the world. 99% of what you hear today – apart from classical music – stems from the Blues. The Blues is the original thing… Because it’s a three-chord form of music – traditionally –and it’s an improvising thing, it was a massive challenge to make it interesting and to get people to listen to it.” He says it’s easy to bore people with Blues, which is why he saw it as an exciting challenge, finding improvisation exhilarating. “With Blues and Jazz, certain elements are the same – melody, words, chord structure. Otherwise, all the soloing stuff you do, is completely out of thin air every night and you kind of just see where it goes. That’s the alluring thing for me.” He admits that if

you’re not feeling it, it shows too. “It comes through in your playing.”

FAMILY SUPPORT IN A FICKLE INDUSTRY

“A big part of being able to become a musician, was because of the support my parents gave me,” he says. “Obviously, becoming a musician, there are many months; years that you don’t earn anything, which is a scary thing for a parent. And, it’s a scary industry to let your child go into. It’s very fickle and all over the place. But, my parents saw my passion, and so did my whole family and they supported that. It was a big help.”

Theirs has always been a closeknit family. While Dan doesn’t get to see them as much these days, they still have family gatherings at least every month. “I just think it’s so important. It was a big part of my youth and growing up and I want my kids to have the

YOU APPRECIATE EACH OTHER WHEN YOU’RE AWAY, AND WHEN YOU GET BACK.

same thing with my parents and my wife’s family. It grounds you as a human. No matter where you’ve been, what happened in the month or the week, when you get together with family, it’s just family… It’s a truly grounding experience.”

Dan has a good relationship with his parents, who live in Joburg. They are a big part of his life and often still come to his shows, “if it’s within a certain radius of their house,” he jokes. “If there is a show close to where they live, they’re always there. Always.”

He lights up when he talks about his mom. “My mom had a very different sense of humour to the moms of all the other people I grew up with. That would be the thing I’d always remember – her sense of humour.” Now, there is another mom he’s clearly proud to talk about too. His wife, Gisela is an interior architect, and together they have two kids - Sophie (9) and Jack (6). “She is a fantastic mom,” he says, adding that she brings balance to their little family. “She’s a very involved mom in the kids’ activities. Sports, drama, whatever they’re up to, she pushes them, which is great.”

JUGGLING A MUSO’S LIFE AND THE MODERN FAMILY

Travelling so often while he has a family at home, Dan says: “It’s tough, man!” Yet, he also believes it’s very good for a marriage. “There’s that saying, absence makes the heart grow fonder. When you tour – and I try never to be away for more than four weeks at a time because of the kids and family and all that – on my marriage front it’s really good. Yes, you can speak every day, but you’re not in each other’s faces all day long. It’s really good for a relationship. You appreciate each other when you’re away, and when you get back.” Technology like Facetime and Whatsapp calls make his travels easier. Still, he says it feels like he misses out on big parts of his kids’ lives. “What I really try and do when I am back from a month-long tour, is not to book much for the month thereafter and to put in extra time with the family and the kids.”

FAMILY PUSHES YOU

Just like Gisela pushes their kids to be persevere, having a family to support has often pushed Dan to do things differently too. He says it was that which initially led things to go in the opposite direction of

finding himself. “Going back to your roots doesn’t necessarily pay the bills. You’re working for yourself, which is awesome, but it can be scary, especially when you’ve got kids.”

Primarily, Dan decided to create music he was sure would do well or make money. But, he soon realised that it didn’t align with the vision of what he wanted to do. “I think it’s just now, getting older, being in my forties - you realise what’s important and that life’s not long.”

FINDING HIMSELF AND FIGURING THINGS OUT

Dan’s latest album’s first single, Who I Am was very well received. “The whole album generally follows the basic theme of rediscovering who I am,” he says. The song is about a long car drive on your own, through the night, and being able to figure stuff out. “Figuring out what’s important to me,” he adds. “Also, what’s important to me career-wise and the direction of my songs and music and what I want to be remembered as.” Dan wants to make music that means something and this latest album revolves around making the music he loves. “Who I am is literally the discovery; the realisation of what I want to be and that is going back to my roots and doing what I love the most.”

Driving through the night solo is something Dan does quite often. He says he has had many realisations on the road. “You’re giving yourself the brain time to figure things out.”

The album is a step back to where he comes from and he believes that many people in the audience will be able to appreciate that. Still, “it’s not too far a step back that I will lose newer fans,” he adds.

BLUES BEYOND THE THEME OF WHISKEY AND WOMEN

Dan says Blues musicians can so easily fall into the trap of writing cliché Blues lyrics. “There was a way of writing the Blues we grew up listening to. It was all about whiskey and women. That was the thing. I’ll still maybe write in that style as a tonguein-cheek thing, but I feel it’s a little bit ingenuine as I didn’t grow up on a cotton plantation, picking cotton in slavery. As a songwriter, those stories don’t mean anything to me, because I never experienced it. I tend to try and write about things I’ve experienced;

I weave it into the Blues.” He also writes about social topics that he has something to say about - whether he agrees or disagrees. “Never trying to be offensive to people,” he adds. “It’s just a way of putting your thoughts out there… I try to keep everything as real as possible.”

His inspiration comes from various aspects of life. In fact, our country has – in a social commentary way – served as inspiration for many of Dan’s songs. “It’s certainly affected my lyric writing and song writing. Even on this new album, there is a song called Humbled, and that is pretty much about being a musician in South Africa, the challenges that it can bring and the daily things… With a lot of the nonsense that’s happening with the government, being a Blues musician is a good thing. There’s a bottomless well of content to write about. If you wish to do so,” he jokes. Being South African and feeling the effects of many of the socio-political happenings, he often can’t help but interweave it into a song in a not-soobvious way.

KEEPING THINGS TOGETHER WITH TONAL TEXTURE

His latest album features an array of songs, some of which will remind you of Jimi Hendrix and the likes – a big part of his influences as a guitar player and musician. He dubs it vintage Blues rock and says, because of the nature of the album, it’s nice to touch on all the different influences; all the stuff he loves. Evidently, it also features some ballades and slow Blues. “I love the song writing aspects of certain things that might be a little more country-esque. I just think it’s great to have a little bit of a variety on an album. I’ve got many different influences and I just try and package it in a way where it’s all recorded in a similar way – it’s got a similar kind of tonal texture to it. While one might be a little louder and in-your-face and another a little more gentle, it sounds like it’s been recorded by the same band, in the same room.”

Ultimately, the tonal texture is the golden string that ties everything together on Dan Patlansky’s new album, just like family seems to tie everything together in life. “If you don’t have that, you can ruin it,” he continues explaining the importance of a consistent tonal texture. “You

want variety, but you don’t want it to be that varied that you lose identity.”

While Blues is a niche market and always will be, Dan says it’s a growing market in South Africa. “I think the challenge comes in to try and expose younger people – our generation and younger – to the Blues that the genre doesn’t die and that you have an audience in ten years’ time. Someone who is actually going to buy tickets and come to watch the shows.”

EXPLORING THE WORLD ONE STAGE AT A TIME

Dan's performed across the globe and says it’s not the size of a performance venue that draws him in. “It’s always the natural sound of the room.” If the room gives him something, it makes him perform better. Outside of South Africa, he loves the Netherlands where there is a good Blues scene. “It’s a great country. Good people. I feel strangely more relaxed when I am on tour there than anywhere else in the world.” He loves playing in the UK too – a big touring destination for him – but admits that he experiences far more anxiety touring there.

Luckily, there is a golden string - life’s tonal texture - that will continue to pull him back to where he comes from: His family. H

SEE DAN PATLANSKY LIVE

Dan has just finalised the South African leg of his album launch, which will be followed by an international tour this April:

5 April: The Deaf Institute, Manchester, UK

6 April: The Cluny, Newcastle, UK

7 April: Òran Mór, Glasgow, UK

10 April: The Globe Cardiff, UK

11 April: The Robin, Wolverhampton, UK

12 April: The Arch, righton, UK

13 April: Nells, London, UK

16 April: The 1865, Southampton, UK

20 April: Analog Music Hall, Hungary, Europe

FACE YOGA

Could face yoga really be the answer to tightening and toning your face?

BBC News describes it as the new, natural, anti-ageing trend, while Vogue has dubbed it the solution to a healthy, sculpted glow. A-list celebs like Gwyneth Paltrow, Madonna and Megan Markle have been swearing by it and it has taken TikTok by storm. According to Allison Mitchell, a certified face yoga maven with more than ten years of training, face yoga is everything but a fleeting trend.

Other African cultures have been known to use traditional double chin remedies, stretching their necks with brass coils to minimise the appearance of a double chin (which is often considered a sign of ageing or weight gain). Asian communities have been using herbal wraps to tighten the skin and reduce sagging, while many older manuscripts have recommended certain facial postures and repetitive facial movements as part of their traditional beauty guides.

Today, numerous beauty experts have jumped on the bandwagon. Mzansi’s Laser Beautique’s FaceFit is one example, combining ancient beauty techniques, deep tissue massages, acupressure and technology to tone and tighten your face. “It’s not a facial. It’s a workout,” they say.

Pia Airaskorpi, a certified face yoga teacher and skincare specialist who has worked in medical aesthetics for over fifteen years, says there is a difference between facial massages and face yoga. “While in facial massage your muscles are virtually inactive and relaxed, face yoga is all about activating them and

using your hands to help in the exercises. This boosts muscle mass, speeds up blood circulation and releases tension, leaving your appearance energetic and toned.”

While some – like The Guardian contributor, Madeleine Aggeler – are not convinced that face yoga really works, others believe it’s one of the most natural ways to improve blood flow and make your skin glow. From exercises that activate your skin and facial muscles, movements that smoothen your frown lines and release tensions, and daily reps that boost the liquid flow around the eye area, to rituals that lift your facial profile, correct your posture and reduce your double chin, there are ample guides online to choose from. Check out Face Yoga Aesthetica’s virtual classes by visiting www.faceyogaaesthetica.com. H

Facial exercises have come a long way, dating back to ancient India, China and Egypt. Some of the earliest mentions of face yoga can be traced back to the holistic Indian medical system, Ayurveda - a system that emphasised the importance of facial exercises and massage to maintain skin health and reduce the signs of ageing. Traditional Chinese medicine also included facial exercises. In fact, the skin scraping technique, Gua Sha, as well as facial acupressure were believed to rejuvenate the skin and improve blood circulation. Egyptians set the trend in motion too, with various luxurious skin rituals that included facial exercises and massage, using special tools made of jade and other stones. #HelloLifestyle

WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY

The Melrose Arch precinct has recently gained yet another unique offering – this time setting the trend when it comes to wellness and well-being.

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht

Images: Renate Engelbrecht

Cryo by Coco has launched their second Whole Body Cryotherapy Chamber in the country – the first being based in Cape Town. Located opposite Daytona, the wellness centre offers an array of treatments, with the Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) Chamber bringing clients a whole new level of rejuvenation in a matter of minutes. WBC has proven to stimulate the body’s natural healing abilities through the use of extreme cold that induces responses on three levels: The circulatory system, the energy meridians and the nervous system.

There are many benefits to this state-of-theart therapy, which comprises the application of extremely cold, dry air (between -85°C and -110°C) for up to three minutes. Various clinical studies have been done on cryotherapy, focusing especially on the treatment of pain and inflammation, diseases and disorders like fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. It is also used as treatment for post-op patients, sports injuries and the treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis, dermatitis and general ageing. Not to mention weight management and mental health.

WHAT DOES THE PROCESS ENTAIL?

After completing a short medical history form, we were escorted to a tranquil dressing room. Cryo by Coco provides everything you might need – from warm gloves, socks, branded Crocs, headbands (complete with Bluetooth earphones) and masks, to comfortable shorts and sports bras for those first-timers (like us) who did not bring their own.

All kitted up, we stepped into the cryotherapy chamber, which uses dry, cold air – a superficial temperature change that allows your internal body temperature to remain constant throughout the treatment. This was probably our favourite part of the treatment, as clouds of ice-cold air enveloped us as we opened the door. We almost started singing Frozen’s theme song!

AN HONEST REVIEW

The chamber comes with a number of safety features, with the door never locking, ensuring that you are always in control of your environment. A trained staff member will also always be present to ensure your maximum safety.

A maximum of three minutes is the recommended treatment time for Cryotherapy. However, treatment schedules will vary depending on your athletic activity, the severity of soft tissue ailments and other factors. Some professional athletes can have this treatment up to twice a day if needed.

Your nose will burn, you’ll get goosebumps all over (who needs ASMR?) and you’ll be hopping about under a flurry of fine ice. After three minutes, you’ll be released into warm air and instantly feel refreshed and revived. H

What

THINGS WORTH KEEPING IN MIND

The chamber is not a holding cell. You can get out at any time. Bring your own comfortable shorts (and a sports bra for the ladies) to wear in the chamber.

Keep your mind busy with music or a podcast by connecting your phone to the Bluetooth headphones embedded in Cryo by Coco’s headbands.

Keep moving while you’re in the chamber. -87°C is no joke, let alone -110°C!

If you’re wearing mascara, bring Vaseline along and put some under your eyes to reduce smudging. Or, just arrive without makeup.

The chamber can take two people at the same time, so if you feel like having company while freezing and simultaneously saving a couple of bucks, go for it. At the time of our visit, a session cost R750 for one person, while it was R1200 for two. They also have packages of five and ten sessions available. Be sure to drink water afterwards and stay hydrated.

Dermalogica’s new Pro-Collagen Banking Serum is packed with amino acids – the building blocks of collagen – going beyond plumping to help preserve the collagen your skin has now. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and makes your skin more resilient, visibly plumper and more luminous.

R2 199

SUNPAC’s dual-ended wet n wild Megalast Lock ‘n’

Shine Lip Color + Gloss, which comes with ingredients like vitamin E, acetate, jojoba oil and antioxidant-rich passionfruit seed oil. (A recent Glamour Beauty Awards winner)

R199.95, Clicks

Prep your lips for autumn with Fundamentals Skincare’s brand-new lip duo - a scrub and mask. A lip scrub is a great, therapeutic way to help lock in moisture overnight and allow your lips to heal. Use it twice a week to help your lips recover and renew themselves.

R175

BEAUTY BUYS

Dermatologically and ophthalmologically tested, RefectoCil’s Lash & Brow Booster Serum prolongs the growth phase in the hair roots and promotes healthy hair growth, which results in longer, luscious brows and lashes in a matter of six weeks.

R925

BE BOLDLY BEAUTIFUL

Lip colours, lash tricks and lots of other beauty buys we can’t go without.

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht

Images: Supplied

Winter is coming and with that comes dryer air and dryer hair. Did you know that the only part of our hair that is not dead, is the bit within our scalp? Maintain healthy hair follicles and hair growth with Naturally Africa Hair & Scalp Oil. It’s light-weight and non-greasy and contains castor oil, tea tree oil, sweet almond oil and vitamin E, promoting shiny, strong hair. R99.95

SUNPAC’s wet n wild

Bare Focus Tinted Hydrator, which includes hyaluronic acid and vegan squalane – your one-way ticket to the most dewy, glowing skin. It features buildable, sheer-to-medium coverage with a light-weight and multipurpose formula that delivers a radiant and hydrated complexion. R159.95

IMPACT DESIGN

FROM TRASH TO TREASURE

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

With April being Earth Month, an exploration of South Africa’s groundbreaking creatives who step in and make a change, champion circular economic thinking and adopt regenerative practices, is inevitable. Here are just a few creatives who think out of the box and pave the way to a more sustainable future in South Africa and beyond:

CIRCULAR SQUARED

We love how Circular Squared is all about being designers of their world and not merely the consumers of it. Circular Squared’s Head of Sustainable Design, as well as veteran artist and designer, Heath Nash, is dedicated to turning one man’s trash into another’s treasure. Working with the local furniture brand, Wunders, they find solutions to the heaps of scraps produced on a day-to-day basis as a result of manufacturing. Wunders, which is a family-owned company, partnered with Decorex Africa’s Future Talks series in 2023, supplying brightly coloured seating that was made by using their own waste materials. But, it’s Circular Squad and Wunders’ everyday doings that really impress. Circular Squared’s vision is to create a future where design-led thinking addresses environmental challenges. “Together, we can build a better future amid uncertainties,” their website states. Ultimately, they are committed to the circular economy, emphasising the extension of product lifecycles and minimising waste through sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling.

Q @circular_squared_collective

PEDERSEN + LENNARD

Another local furniture brand, Pedersen + Lennard – which recently unveiled its Umpire range at 100% Design Joburg 2023 – works toward reducing the environmental impact of plastic waste. Using unrecyclable plastics like toothpaste tubes and cling film, they have pioneered furniture that incorporates recycled board.

The brand might have had humble beginnings in a back room in Woodstock in 2008, but industrial designers, Luke Pedersen and James Lennard’s combined love for simple lines and a timeless aesthetic could only go from strength to strength. Their considered design is evident in

every furniture piece they create, with no veneers, no shortcuts and no unnecessary adornments.

Pedersen says it is important to build community in design and business to facilitate broader conversations of impact. They do it through honest, pared-down, well-built pieces, designed to last a lifetime while also improving the lives of those who had a hand in making them.

Q @pedersenlennard

URBAN THINK TANK EMPOWER

This non-profit organisation emerged from Urban Think Tank Design Group, an international collective that uses the power of architecture and design to uplift the lives of marginalised communities worldwide. They employ a unique collaborative research-led design approach to provide decent, affordable housing. Ultimately, they have come up with modular housing units that allow the owner to adapt the layout to suit their specific needs. “…Our Empower Model is set to define what public housing will look like in post-RDP South Africa,” they say. “Providing residents of informal settlements in Cape Town and beyond decent and dignified homes along with economic opportunities.”

Q @utt_empower

THE MAAK

Another company making a social impact through architecture is the award-winning architectural practice, The MAAK. Located in Cape Town, they focus on public buildings and public space making, yielding a positive outcome for communities. They say: “The less we engage in the social issues of our time, the more we breed a public apathy towards architecture and in turn dilute the urgency of our craft.”

Their New Rest Valley Crèche – an early childhood development (ECD) centre for The Vuya Foundation – was the first completed formal public infrastructure in the New Rest Valley near Riebeek-Kasteel in the Western Cape.

Q @the.maak

THE RAMP

Also based in Cape Town, The Ramp brings creative practitioners together. It is a multidisciplinary space that challenges conventional means of institutional access and has an overarching goal of sharing collective knowledge and resources. In fact, it invites the public to get involved too, ultimately creating a space where more impactful work can be produced.

Here, ceramicists work with carpenters; welders work with sculptors and architects build with web developers. It’s an integrated space where magic happens. “These ‘interference patterns’ inform the nature of our space,” they claim, “and are the backbone of our public programming.”

Q @the.ramp_

Bump into cleverminded, futureforward creatives like these at Decorex Africa, which will be taking place at Cape Town’s CTICC between 6 and 9 June, and at the Sandton Convention Centre in Joburg between 1 and 4 August this year.

PAINT THE PERFECT EASTER EGG

It’s that time of the year where family activities revolve around blowing out eggs and painting them with all kinds of patterns and colours.

What you’ll need:

Real eggs (properly hollowed out by using a pin and the blow-out technique), foam eggs, wooden eggs or white chocolate eggs

Food colouring, water colour paint or acrylic paint

Paint brushes

Other items like stickers, sequins or moss

Rice

Ziploc bags

Glue

Mod Podge

A paint pen

1. Cover it in monochrome or rainbow sequins.

There are numerous ways in which you can decorate an Easter egg and this year, we’d like to see you try!

2. Make patterns on the eggs with white crayon and then dye them with a combination of ¼ cup water, 2 Tbsp white vinegar and a few drops of food colouring.

3 If you don’t want to make too much of a mess, stick pretty vinyl stickers on white or brown eggs.

4. Let the kids put their thumb prints on the eggs with soft pink or light gray acrylic paint and change the thumb prints into little rabbits by using a paint pen to draw on the eyes, nose, ears and tail.

5. Another fun kiddies’ activity is to fill a Ziploc bag with uncooked rice, food dye and hard-boiled eggs. Then, mix it all up until the eggs have a speckled egg look and finally, enjoy the eggs for breakfast or dinner.

BOOKS & PODCASTS ON OUR RADAR

Willing & Abel

Mike Abel, one of South Africa’s leading marketing, advertising and communications specialists and founder of the award-winning agency, M&C Saatchi Abel, engages in candid conversations on the new podcast, Willing & Abel. He talks to some of the nation’s top minds in business, entertainment, branding and social entrepreneurship, exploring subjects of leadership, intuition, how to contribute meaningfully to this uncertain world, and who to take with you on the journey. Mike says: “Democratising these invaluable insights gives listeners a ‘fly on the wall’ opportunity to glean wisdom, learnings and lessons from brilliant and accomplished minds across sectors and industries.” Find these podcast episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and most other popular podcast platforms.

Q @willingandabel_book

Reading in the clouds

LIFT Airline’s passengers were recently surprised with a spontaneous book launch in the sky, with awardwinning South African author, Jo Watson launching her new book, Love at First Flight on a flight from Joburg to Cape Town. The book involves the story of an air-traffic controller who meets a pilot, culminating in a fake dating pact, resulting in the unexpected. Watson’s book, Love To Hate You reached #9 on the Amazon UK charts and this new book promises to be quite the popular read too.

Q @jowatsonwrites

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied; Josh Wantie

TURN UP THE MUSIC

COLD ON ME

Written specifically for a friend of his many years ago, Richard Stirton’s single, Cold On Me, fell into place when he revisited the song in 2023. It’s about a lover who was excited by the idea of a relationship, but who only showed their true colours after all the celebrations of the big day had finished and the ‘honeymoon phase’ had passed. “I hope this song unites a bunch of people who have experienced the same thing with past lovers,” the singer-songwriter says. “It’s a song to sing along to, scream your lungs out to and a reminder of your self-worth.”

Q @richardstirton

MOVIE MADNESS

Come November this year, Disney’s Moana 2 – an all-new feature-length sequel to 2016’s Oscar-nominated film –will be released in cinemas nationwide. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical will take you on an expansive new voyage with Moana, Maui and a brand-new crew of unlikely seafarers.

Q @disneystudiosafrica

TAKE THAT

It was recently announced that Take That – the award-winning and smash hit makers – will be bringing their This Life On Tour to Pretoria and Cape Town in October 2024, in collaboration with Big Concerts. Tickets went on sale on 1 March 2024, and while you think you might still have some time to buy them, keep in mind that Take That’s 2011’s Progress Tour broke box office records by selling over 1 million tickets in less than 24 hours. The band is constantly evolving and the future certainly looks bright for this trio.

Q @takethat | @bigconcerts

RUNAWAY

Inspired by the feeling experienced in a relationship when you love someone, but you are not sure it will work, Pedro Barbosa’s new song, Runaway, is a sad love song about trying to find the good in something that went wrong. “We tend to get quite negative in relationships when something goes wrong,” he says, “and I wanted to reflect and evoke those feelings in the song.”

Q @pedrobarbosamusician

TO SHINE IN WINE SA'S TIME

There are many reasons why 2024 seems to be one of the most exciting years in wine, especially with environmental, social and technological changes catalysing big shifts in the South African wine industry.

VALUES OF TRADITION AND TERROIR

Matt Manning, owner of the award-winning Culture Wine Bar, as well as Culture at TimeOut Market Cape Town, says one of the biggest shifts we’re bound to see in the wine industry, is that wine consumers are increasingly prioritising both quality and value. He says:

(Pinot Noir) remains perpetually in demand. Locally, we’ve seen a simultaneous rise in the demand for lighter red styles such as Cinsault and South Africa’s own Pinotage, a crossing of Cinsault and Pinot Noir grapes. These styles are best served chilled and are really refreshing in the warmer months.”

WINEMAKERS WHO DARE MORE

“Ostentatious displays of wealth and prestige are becoming scorned – no doubt driven by a growing sense of community and kinship with those who are suffering the world over. As a result, there’s increased demand for quality wines by smaller producers – but at great value.” He adds that when it comes to bubblies, people are learning what constitutes real quality, and are moving away from commercial producers, favouring grower Champagnes and South Africa’s own fantastic MCCs.

With a large focus on sustainability and social responsibility worldwide, consumers are also returning to the values of traditional winemaking, with an emphasis on terroir. “They want to know what the producer of their chosen bottle stands for,” Manning says.

AN ALL-YEAR-ROUND RED

As we transition from summer to winter, it’s worth noting that even during the warmer days, red wine still gets the green light. Traditionally seen as a beverage for cooler weather and one to enjoy with heavier foods, refreshing, light red styles are becoming more and more popular. In fact, Manning says: “Internationally, the popularity of varietals like Gamay Noir and Grenache has grown, thanks to the rise of territories such as Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley in France, while Red Burgundy

Further to it being red wine’s time to shine, Manning also says that with South African winemakers having more opportunities to travel, they are exposed to different winemaking techniques globally. “They’re bolder, braver and open to experimenting with different styles and varietals,” he says. “Thanks to this ‘new generation’ winemaker, we’re seeing some really interesting grape crossbreeds and non-traditional matches, such as Chardonnay grapes added to Beaujolais (traditionally purely Gamay Noir).”

At the same time, consumers are also much more travelled than before. The luxury travel company, Virtuoso, recently found that there was a 70% increase in people booking food and wine-focused trips, hence it’s inevitable that they would want to experience the same wines they’ve had on their travels, at home. Consumers should therefore expect a greater focus on international wines on many restaurants’ wine lists, with more choice across the board. It’s not a matter of eschewing local wines in favour of international wines, though. South Africans are loyal to local producers. “We know how good we have it here!” Manning says. “It’s not eitheror; it’s a case of giving South Africans more access and choice, so that they can put one of South Africa’s best wines on a table alongside a comparable French vintage, providing them with the opportunity to see just how well South African wines stack up against the world’s best.” H

1 www.culturewinebar.com Q @culturewinebar

"The Heineken® Green Zones represent an important partnership between the company and the communities we serve. We’re going one step further than only clearing glass; we’re replacing that glass with fields of grass.”

- Bhavna Mistry - Heineken® Senior Brand Manager

A ONE-OF-A-KIND GETS A ONE-OF-A-KIND

BEER BOTTLE

HEINEKEN LAUNCHES NEW 650ML RETURNABLE BOTTLE

Heineken® - a beer which has the same design in 190 countries worldwide - has broken with tradition by unveiling a bold new design for its new returnable bottle in South Africa. This is a change that will not be made anywhere else in the world. The 650ml returnable bottle - dubbed the ‘Star Bottle’ - features the brand’s iconic star on its body with the Heineken® name deep-etched directly into the glass.

The new design is not only unique in looks; it is also the first returnable Heineken® bottle to be sold on South African soil.

AN AMBITIOUS DRIVE TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

This move underscores the company’s continued ambition towards sustainability. In 2022, Heineken® invested in a cutting-edge water reclamation facility and a state-of-theart solar power plant with over 14 000 panels for its Sedibeng brewery. This helped them achieve an energy generation capacity of 6.5 megawatts, reducing the brewery’s carbon emissions by approximately 30%.

Senior Brand Manager for Heineken®, Bhavna Mistry, asserts that the new bottle is about much more than design. In 2023, 29% of the brand’s beer portfolio was in returnable bottles. This new move will result in 65% of Heineken®’s total beer portfolio moving out of single-use glass in 2024.

Among its ambitions, the company aims to reach net zero carbon emissions across its value chain by 2040, which would position Heineken® ten years ahead of the 2050 Paris Climate Agreement target. This will make the company the first global brewer to commit to such an ambitious timeline.

PROMOTING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH HEINEKEN® GREEN ZONES

Alongside the new returnable bottle, the brand is pleased to announce the rollout of Heineken® Green Zones, a collaboration with The Greenpop Foundation. The Heineken® Green Zones aim to promote sustainabilityfocused behaviours within communities, effectively creating open parks and meadows complemented by food gardens and inspiring art installations. This investment in the Heineken® Green Zones stands as one of the brand’s most significant community development projects for 2024. These Green Zones will be implemented in Phillipi in Cape Town, as well as Eldorado Park and Lawley in Johannesburg. The company aims to complete five Heineken® Green Zones in the first half of 2024, covering over 30 000 square meters of indigenous plants.

Map: Google MapsMap data © 2023 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd

EMBARC

A SURPRISING, SENSORY DELIGHT

#HelloJoburg by Renate Engelbrecht

Images: Renate Engelbrecht

On a hot late summer’s day, the award-winning Embarc Restaurant’s stack doors were thrown open for the breeze to flow into the light and airy culinary gem on the corner of 4th and 13th Streets in Parkhurst. It’s become known for the unique gastronomic experiences it offers, with Chef Patron, Darren O’Donovan at the steer.

We arrived early, having been invited to the official launch of a brand-new wine brand, called Thamnus Wines. Welcoming us at the door, two gentlemenneatly dressed in light blue shirts and stone-coloured trousers - offered each guest a glass of bubbly. Embarc often hosts these kinds of daytime events and we could not wait to see what the menu would bring. This time, the menu was planned around Thamnus Wines’ expertly made Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs, complementing the notes on the palate beautifully.

Lunch commenced with a delectable plated canape, including Mozzerella, Sundried Tomato, Parmigiano Reggiano and Apricot Gastrique, artfully placed on the plate and wonderfully paired with Thamnus Wines’ Chardonnay.

Starters were served family style, with guests dishing up Arancini with Tomato and Ginger Soup, Caramalized Yoghurt and Basil Oil; Seared Tuna with Harissa, Sesame, Radish, Green Olive and Asparagus; and Beef Tartar with Caper Berries, Pickled Onion,

Aerated Mayo and Nacho Chips. This was followed by a selection of mains we found terribly hard to choose between. We settled for the Parmigiano Reggiano Risotto – a dish that was elegantly elevated with onion, truffle and pine nut. The other options included Confit Duck Leg with Polenta, Dukkah, Roasted Garlic Mayo and Jus, or Deboned Chicken Thigh with Porcini Duxelle, King Oyster and Pastry Tuille.

While Thamnus Wines’ winemaker, PJ Geyer would recommend that one enjoy his Pinot Noir with a Free State lamb chop, these mains were complemented just as well by the two vintages – 2021 and 2022 –on offer.

Finally, guests had a choice between two desserts. Embarc’s ‘Not Your Tannie’s Malva,’ which is served with chocolate, caramel, vanilla and orange is currently a firm favourite among locals and visitors alike and we’ve spotted it on their menu before. Hence, we opted for the Caramalized Onion, Salted Caramel Onion Custard and Blue Cheese dessert, which was a savoury surprise to the senses and a welcome contrast definitely ending the meal on a high note.

Embarc’s simple, yet elegant design allows for the senses to be submerged in what is served on your plate and in your glass. It’s a humble space with the power to transport your tastebuds with tactfully planned dishes everyone wants to dare trying. H

JOBURG

A CULTURAL MELTING POT FOR FAMILIES TO EXPLORE

The City of Gold has many golden nuggets to discover. Gather the family and explore the city with those your hold dear.

#HelloJoburg

by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

AMAZING MUNCH SPOTS

KFC PLAY BRAAM

Keen on a twist to the usual KFC takeaway meal? Well, the brand - which happens to be the largest quick-service restaurant on the continent - recently launched a groundbreaking concept store in Johannesburg’s renowned Play Braamfontein precinct. KFC Play Braam at 73 Juta Street now serves as both a unique retail space and an innovation hub. In fact, it is set to pioneer new concepts in real time and innovate in all areas. Think food, fashion, customer service, team member experience, tech, operations, development, sustainability and design. Says KFC Chief Marketing Officer, Grant Macpherson: “KFC at Play Braam is about never-before-tasted flavours and never-before-seen fashion, digital experiences and gaming. This is the new original.” The concept store’s brand-new menu features options like Cola Dunked Wings, a Chilli Lime Burger, Hot and Spicy Chachos (like nachos) and various new Krushers, including the Pineapple Mojito Sparkling Krusher. You can also buy KFC’s famous Colonel and Zinger bottled sauces here.

1 www.order.kfc.co.za

Q @kfcsouthafrica

THE LIBRARY CAFÉ

Located on 13 Fredman Drive in Sandton, The Library Café is one of the latest additions to Joburg’s exciting food scene. It boasts an extensive bookshelf filled with all kinds of reads, while the space has been beautifully designed with exceptional finishes. Pop in for breakfast, brunch, lunch or sundowners, or let Manaka Coffee fill your cup. Foodies will be delighted to know that their food offering also doesn’t disappoint. From delightful Banana Pancakes drizzled with golden maple syrup and a dollop of fresh cream to keep the cravings at bay, to their bound to be famous Shakshouka – poached eggs with a saucy blend of tomatoes, peppers and spices. The Library Café’s doors open at 07:00 in the mornings and they have plug points for those who need to get some work done.

Q @library_cafe_sandton

KANPAI

MARBLE JOHANNESBURG

Although an institution in Joburg, Marble is known for reinventing the wheel, which is why their latest menu addition comes as no surprise. They’ve recently introduced USDA Prime Selection from Snake River Farms in Idaho to their menu – a nod to their commitment to offering customers premium cuts of meat; the best of both local and international. Snake River Farms is renowned for producing some of the best quality American meats, with the USDA Prime designation signifying the highest grade of beef available, known for its exceptional marbling, tenderness and flavour. Whether you’re looking for the familiar comfort of local favourites or the indulgent experience of internationally sourced delicacies, Marble Johannesburg remains a favourite, dedicated to delivering excellence in every dish.

1 www.marble.restaurant

Q @marble_jhb

Another new dining spot to try out, is Kanpai, located on 21 Keyes Avenue in Rosebank. Ultimately, this Asian Tapas and Champagne Bar is where gastronomic creativity meets bubbling brilliance. Come dressed cool and casual and indulge in exotic Japanese culinary influences that will let your tastebuds dance. Kanpai boasts a simple, yet curated menu fit for both the traditional diner and the experimental foodie, celebrating diverse and delectable flavours. P.S. Their sushi is also a must-try!

1 www.kanpai.co.za Q @kanpai_sa

FOR A TIPPLE

THE ROYALE

Based on Jan Smuts Avenue, The Royale calls for a royal time. The vibrant restaurant serves delicious cocktails fit for an eclectic vibe, with drinks like the Mango Storm, Espresso Martini calling your name. Their wine list is limited, but offers decent options including Kleine Zalze Chenin, Groote Post Unoaked Chardonnay, Jordan Chameleon Cab Merlot and Martin Prosecco.

1 www.theroyale.co.za

Q @theroyalesa

NEIGHBARHOOD

The newly opened Neighbarhood is a vinyl listening bar and eatery offering a laidback setting with an impressive music lineup. Here, it’s good vibes only, with interesting wines, signature cocktails and Open Decks events where they open their doors to the public who collect records but don’t get to share them with the general public. Located on 7th Avenue in Parktown North, Neighbarhood offers a different experience to the norm. Order a tipple and swing to the beats of rare grooves, good old classics, kwaito, boogie, funk, disco and more.

Q @we_are_neighbarhood

MAMAKASHAKA & FRIENDS

Located at 5 De Beer Street, Mamakashaka & Friends has saved you a seat. This is the space where creatives meet and where new creative friends are made over a glass of wine. The venue is also home to Pantone Sundays, Women in Bloom Johannesburg and the Feel Good Series, with Mamakashaka & Friends being centred around the idea of creative collaboration in order to build community. The space has evolved from Great Dane to Spotify’s Greasy Tunes Café to Mamakashaka & Friends. Now, it boasts a curated program filled with bespoke experiences. On Fridays, you can ‘wine’ down with them from 16:00 to 22:00 and on Saturdays, you can join in for some cute cocktails in a cute location, with a communal Spotify playlist serving as soundtrack from 13:00 to 22:00.

Q @mamakashakaandfriends

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

THE BODY SHOP

Yup, there is another vegan in town. The Body Shop has just announced that they have achieved 100% vegan product formulations across all ranges of skincare, body care, haircare, make-up and fragrance. This makes the first global beauty brand with 100% vegan product formulations with their portfolio having been certified by The Vegan Society. Brand Manager for The Body Shop South Africa, Refilwe Mashego says: “We’ve worked consistently to achieve this huge milestone, an ambition that has been our guiding light, our North star since The Body Shop was founded in 1976. We were the first beauty company to fight against animal testing in cosmetics. We were the first major global beauty brand to use cruelty-free musk in our fragrances and we have now achieved another global first.” With veganism being one of the fastest growing lifestyle movements worldwide and ‘vegan beauty’ on the rise, this has surely come at the best possible time.

1 www.thebodyshop.co.za

Q @thebodyshopsouthafrica

I LOVE UJU

Available at various Joburg-based retailers, including Nutribalance at Sandton City, this new sweet brand is taking the market by storm with its innovative, health-conscious approach. I Love Uju specialises in pure honey sweets, catering to consumers seeking delicious treats without compromising their health. It’s the go-to for healthy indulgence, with the sweets being crafted using only the finest ingredients. The sweets are vegetarian, halal and free from refined sugar, gelatine, gluten, dairy and artificial preservatives, colourants and flavourings. It’s available in various flavours, including Original Honey, Ginger, Toasted Almond, Rooibos, Rose Geranium, Chai, Liquorice Root, Expresso and Coco Nibs.

1 www.iloveuju.com

Q @iloveujuhoney

VANS

If you’re a Vans fan and you like the vintage fashion trends doing the rounds, the brand’s archival model from the Fall 1998 women’s skate line’s comeback might just have you jumping for joy. The Speed LS embodies the street skating aesthetics of the late 90s and with a slight upgrade, these are the shoes you need to shop for. It’s a reimagined version featuring classic colourways that utilise fast paneling for a layered look and merges suede and mesh uppers that reflect the original design. The cupsole has been modernised and it comes with moulded tongue branding. In addition, the exaggerated Sidestripe further elevates the authentic skate silhouette.

1 www.vans.co.za

Q @vansskate

GALXBOY

The popular fashion and lifestyle brand, GALXBOY is loved for its unique urban aesthetic and recently announced its official retail debut in Joburg North, including outlets in Mall of Africa and The Zone @ Rosebank. The brand resonates well with the vibrant energy of South Africa’s urban culture, with an innovative approach to streetwear and a distinct fusion of style that has become a symbol of authenticity and self-expression for fashion enthusiasts globally.

GALXBOY’s founder and creative visionary, Thatiso Dube says: “The opening of our new stores in the Mall of Africa and at The Zone @ Rosebank represents an exciting milestone for us. We can not wait to showcase our vision for urban fashion at these dynamic locations, in addition to all our other stores across the country.”

1 www.galxboy.co.za

Q @galxboy_sa

FUN, FUN, FUN

WONDERCAVE

Having recently reopened to the public, the WonderCave - nestled within the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve – is the perfect escape from the bustling streets of Joburg. It forms part of the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich fossil record that offers a window into the past of especially humankind. The cave was discovered by Italian miners in 1898 and remains the third largest cave chamber in South Africa, following the Cango Caves and the Sudwala Caves. The massive chamber is accessible via a staircase and an elevator, boasting various formations, including rimstone pools, cave pearls and stalagmites of up to 15m high. It boasts the perfect opportunity to explore the natural underground beauty, as well as ancient fossils, estimated to be between five to ten million years old. Entrance fees to the WonderCave, which include access to the Bothongo Rhino & Lion Nature Reserve, are R320 per person.

1 www.rhinolion.co.za

Q @rhinoandlion

THE BOY AND THE HERON

Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and Toshio Suzuki, The Boy and The Heron was the winner of this year’s Academy Award for Best Animated Feature Film. It will be released in select Ster-Kinekor cinemas from 19 April and revolves around the psychological and emotional growth of a young man, Mahito Maki. It’s a semi-autobiographical adventure fantasy about life, death and creation from the mind of Miyazaki and will most certainly have you glued to your seat. After losing his mother during the war, the young Mahito moves to his family estate in the countryside where a series of mysterious events lead him to a secluded, ancient tower, which happens to be home to a mischievous, gray heron. Catch the film at Ster-Kinekor over the Easter Holiday by booking your tickets today.

1 www.sterkinekor.com

Q @sterkinekor

THE PLAYGROUND

Joburg’s famed Neighbourgoods Market is back, just with a new name. Now called the Playground, this considered space by Play Braam plays host to regular entertainment every Saturday from 15:00. Think various gourmet street food options, cocktails and live music performances and DJs. That’s not all, though. Play Braam is a Braamfontein’s very own #PlayPrecinct bursting with activity, including The City Beach Club, The Rooftop Basketball Court and LOCO too. P.S. Be sure to book your tickets to The Playground’s Roller Rink, where you can roller skate to your heart’s content. The roller skate sessions are one hour each and all you need to bring is a pair of socks.

1 www.playbraamfontein.co.za

Q @play_braam

ELEVATE MOVEMENT

A brand-new yoga, sculpt and dance cardio fitness studio has just gone up in Parkhurst and you’d be a fool if you didn’t explore the fitness studio’s options. Their aim is to reshape the way people perceive and integrate fitness into their lives and they are committed to blending health and vitality into your daily routine. Elevate Movement’s classes are designed to elevate your current fitness routine, or to assist you in starting a new one, with each class deliberately designed to be short, which allows you to fit it into your busy schedule. Lisa Mundell, founder of Elevate Movement and qualified yoga instructor says: “I want to encourage a mindset shift towards fitness as a daily movement practice that not only benefits the body, but also the mind – exercise is meant to make you feel good, not tired and sore.”

1 www.elevatemovement.studio Q @elevatemovement_studio

A Lavish Escape at Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa

WHERE OPULENCE AND LUXURY COLLIDE WITH SERENITY AND TRANQUILLITY

In the embrace of a historic 1920s mansion, crafted by one of Herbert Baker's proteges, Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa emerged unscathed from the brink of an abrupt transformation into residential cluster houses, all thanks to the unwavering support of its loyal neighbours. Surrounded by lush, tropical-style gardens, the hotel beckons guests into an enchanting escape where the threads of history are effortlessly interwoven with modern luxury. The expansive property boasts panoramic views of legendary landmarks like the Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain, offering a breath-taking backdrop.

The hotel's main house features ten large, contemporary-designed suites, each a testament to exquisite taste and attention to detail. The opulent presidential suite, fit for royalty, beckons guests with its regal allure. For those seeking a more intimate retreat, a threebed pool-side cottage and four additional garden cottages offer tranquillity amidst the expansive grounds.

The sheer size of the property also makes it the ideal venue for weddings and events, with rolling lawns providing a canvas for memorable moments. The attentive and welltrained staff contribute to the hotel's allure,

ensuring guests are enveloped in warmth and hospitality from the moment they arrive. Two culinary havens - both overseen by the renowned Chef Gerard van Staden - elevate the gastronomic experience. De Tafel, a fine-dining restaurant, mesmerises with carefully crafted displays of culinary excellence that redefine the art of gourmet dining. Meanwhile, La Carte restaurant - the main dining venue - serves breakfast, lunch and dinner on a serene patio overlooking the manicured gardens.

Beyond the epicurean delights, the hotel boasts a massive swimming pool, a wellequipped gym and a 5-star spa and wellness centre. The spa, which is a haven of tranquillity, celebrates the beauty of wellness through bespoke treatments crafted by internationally qualified therapists. Utilising premium natural products from the esteemed holistic wellness brand, Healing Earth, the spa harnesses Africa's rich natural resources to nurture both body and soul. The dedicated sauna and hot-tub area stands out as one-of-akind, adding a touch of adorable uniqueness to the overall experience.

Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa transcends the ordinary, inviting guests into a realm where luxury, history and natural beauty converge to create an unforgettable stay.

MEET EXECUTIVE CHEF

GERARD VAN STADEN

A true culinary visionary, Chef Gerard - the mastermind behind the renowned Urchin Restaurant - boasts an illustrious career adorned with award-winning achievements and decades of expertise gained from multiple 4 and 5-star hotels across South Africa.

In his kitchen, Chef Gerard is a constant innovator, dedicated to reshaping the culinary landscape. With a commitment to sourcing locally, the menu undergoes frequent changes to reflect seasonal variations and ingredient availability. Chef Gerard views dining as an immersive experience and skilfully weaves narratives through his culinary creations, taking diners on a journey of discovery and excellence.

Guests at Palm House Boutique Hotel & Spa can anticipate a dynamic culinary adventure with each visit, where Chef Gerard's commitment to freshness and creativity ensures delightful surprises in every bite. #HelloCapeTown

CAPE TOWN

SOAK IN ALL THE CAPE HAS TO OFFER

Easter is a special time of the year. A time in which you get to spend quality time with loved ones. Get together and soak in all the Mother City (and beyond) has to offer.

#HelloCapeTown by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Renate Engelbrecht; Supplied

FAVOURITE MUNCH SPOTS

SAVORA

A new addition to the Camps Bay strip, Savora is a unique dining destination boasting a menu with a twist. The restaurant’s décor is simplistic, but beautiful with soft tones and basket lights adding to the scenic seaside views. Each menu item has been carefully considered, with small plate options that have been placed under out-of-the-ordinary menu sections like sweet, salty and umami. We can highly recommend the Burrata with Charred Dhania Apricots, which comes with sourdough bread sticks, as well as the Spicy Lamb Rib and Flatbread, served with a side of tzatziki. If you’re keen on cocktails, be sure to try The Blush – a sweet cocktail consisting of Juniper gin, cranberry, elderflower and citrus. The cocktail menu has also been planned around your palate, with cocktails fitting into categories like dry, refreshing, fruity, sweet, complex, strong, salty and bitter. Perhaps try the Picasso, a paintbrush cocktail customised according to your preferences, with the main ingredients including gin, lemongrass, orange and soda.

1 www.restaurantcampsbaysavora.capetown

Q @savora_campsbay

MINT, TAJ HOTEL

The Taj Hotel’s Mint Restaurant spills out into St George’s Mall and offers both in-house guests and visitors various all-day dining options. From delightful breakfasts in a beautifully decorated dining room, to cocktails on the terrace with its bistro-inspired feel, you’ll be taken care of. Chef Surendra Kumar recently treated us to one of his breakfast specialities – a truly authentic Indian Masala Dosa with Sambar and Chutney that brings the taste of India to the heart of Cape Town. He moved to the Mother City from Mumbai not too long ago and during our visit he was busy reworking the Taj Hotel’s menus. His culinary journey spans more than two decades and with his wealth of international experience, he also brings his passion for simplicity, tastefulness and the timeless Sanskrit philosophy of Atithi Devo Bhava – meaning guest is god - to the Taj Hotel Cape Town.

1

FICKS RESTAURANT

Located in Hermanus, this scenic restaurant - carved into the cliffs of a historic tidal pool - is an absolute must when you’re in the area. In fact, while you might be seated in the Western Cape, it will instantly transport you to an eatery on the Croatian coast, or even Italy, and see you celebrate life to the full. Perfect for more intimate parties (they don’t take bookings) this spot lends itself to last-minute summer bathing on the rocks while sharing Spanish-inspired pinchos (perhaps better known as tapas) and flammkuchen.

1 www.ficks.co.za

Q @ficksrestaurant

FOR A TIPPLE

THE QUEENS

Hidden away behind a small wooden door, up the stairs, is Cape Town’s The Queens – a speakeasy with vintage flair and mystery attached to its offering. This by-invite-only whiskey and cocktail lounge’s wooden floors and elegant décor transports you to an era where the film noir aesthetic was at the order of the day. The limited, but impressive drinks menu will see you sip on a Sidecar long after dark. While there is no official food menu, the drinks are accompanied by complementary bar snacks served on a silver snack stand. Our go-to will always be the Sidecar, but we also tried a cocktail dubbed The Suffering Bastard, which apparently serves as a great hangover cure. At The Queens, it’s all about who you know. That’s what will get you in.

Q @queens_cpt

GORGEOUS GEORGE

While they do offer an array of alcoholic cocktails and other refreshments, we were utterly impressed with Gorgeous George’s stunning rooftop bar’s mocktail offering. There are a generous number of non-alcoholic cocktail options on their drinks menu, and the waiter was not only attentive, but also clued up and instantly knew what to suggest. We sipped on our mocktails as the sun was setting over Cape Town and the live music from the band playing saw us swaying to much more than just the notes. There, in the heart of the CBD, we swayed to the Mother City’s beat and we loved it.

1 www.gorgeousgeorge.co.za

Q @gorgeousgeorgecpt

HALO

Probably one of the country’s most talked about nightlife venues of late, the previously derelict HALO Nightclub has been transformed into a two-storey, technology advanced haven of glamour and immersion. The transition of the Loop Street-based nightclub was conducted by Conduit Interior – a visionary design firm known for its innovative and immersive concepts. HALO’s owner, Trevor McleanAnderson described the space as “Lady Gaga in a Lamborghini,” and that is exactly what clubgoers can expect: A chance to “step into a world beyond.” According to Grant Johnson, founder and director of Conduit Interior, the club features the Groove Lounge on the upper level – a premium cocktail and social lounge – and the Main Room on the lower level, which is a world-class clubbing venue. “To avoid clichés in the bar counter design, we searched far and wide to source glass insulation disks from electricity pylons. We fitted each of these with individually programmed LEDs and clad them onto the bar counter. These LEDs interface with media units on the ceilings, providing a complete immersive sight and sound experience. The use of pylon hardware in this way is a first for a nightclub in the world,” he adds. HALO is certainly a premier nightlife destination for those keen on staying up dancing until the wee hours of the morning.

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

LE|RU EXPERIENCE

Shop for the most exquisite soaps, candles, sunglasses and accessories at LE|RU in Paarl. Located on Main Road, the shop was aptly inspired by the Capetonian lifestyle. Their carefully curated clothing, lifestyle items and accessories are meant for modern ladies and the overall look and feel is very much beige and simplistic. “We love the city and the people roaming the streets,” they claim. With Mother’s Day coming up, this would be the perfect go-to if you’re looking for something special to spoil your mom with.

1 www.le-ru.co.za

Q @leru.experience

HARLOW & SUMMER

If you’re into sustainable fashion, this Cape Town-based womenswear shop should be on your list for when you go shopping next. Driven by sustainability, Harlow & Summer creates fashion consciously with a light footprint and all their products are made in Cape Town. In fact, they confirm that the sustainability of our planet is at the forefront of their decision making and it sits deeply within the very fibre of their makeup. “We are eco warriors focused on living gently, but darling, let’s do it fashionably,” their website states. Their clothes come with an exotic, toes-in-the-sand vibe that allow you to carry magical holiday memories with you wherever you go.

1 www.harlowandsummer.com

Q @harlowandsummer

EBBING BY PATRICK BONGOY

FUN, FUN, FUN

INUWELL

The world’s very first immersive health and wellness experience has landed in Cape Town and we’re super excited! While you can’t predict the future, you can control the actions that improve your everyday wellness, adding more joy to your life. InUWell – The Institute of Universal Wellcare – recently opened its doors at the V&A Waterfront Mall. Here, you can discover more on health and well-being while exploring and having fun. They offer an engaging, euphoric, multi-sensory environment where you can connect and share memorable moments with friends and family, all while learning more about your health and wellness. Enter their pop-up immersive rooms where you will feel inspired and empowered to take your health in your own hands. According to research, immersive rooms contribute to improved health and well-being. InUWell’s personalised wellcare programmes are grounded in science and its technological innovation empower individuals of all ages to take precise, proactive and preventative measures to live well and to live longer. Bookings include 60-minute experiences and you can tailor your visit to your liking, adding additional experiences to your wellness journey.

1 www.inuwell.global Q @In.UWell

CLIFTON TO CAMPS BAY

If you’re keen on a proper long walk along the Atlantic Seaboard, park your car along the prom and walk from Clifton to Camps Bay. You can either walk back again, stop in Camps Bay for a coffee from Vida e Café, or grab an Uber for the way back. It’s a brisk walk and you will never feel as if you’re walking alone as there are always people on the move. Plus, the views are breathtakingly beautiful, allowing for some great shots. This will certainly sort you out with steps for the day, that’s for sure!

If you’re an art lover, you might be happy to know that Patrick Bongoy – an artist whose work is making waves in addressing environmental challenges – has an exhibition running at Spier Wine Farm in Stellenbosch. His exhibition, called Ebbing, offers a unique perspective on our planet’s dilemma, as well as the potential for positive change. Through his transformative work, he not only addresses pressing issues of waste and pollution, but he also redefines the role of art in promoting sustainability. Bongoy repurposes discarded materials and brings attention to the urgency of environmental challenges while showcasing innovative solutions. His ability to turn waste into thought-provoking masterpieces serves as a beacon of hope, inspiring communities to re-evaluate their relationship with their environment. He says: “In my understanding as an artist, in my understanding of the world, Earth is a blank canvas that has been given to human beings to imagine and to create – and to make it better for us to live on,” Bongoy says. “We’ve been given the power to shape this world and protect it. But we’ve created a monster. It’s dangerous and we don’t know what to do with it.” See his exhibition at Spier Wine Farm’s Old Wine Cellar daily between 09:00 and 17:00. Entrance is free and the exhibition runs until 12 May.

Map: Google MapsMap data © 2023 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd

BADINAGE

BRINGING LUXURY HOME

The flagship restaurant of the new hospitality brand, Badinage, has been piquing Pretorians’ interest with trendy stemware and a popular local chef, luring foodies from all over the city to try out its offering.

The up-market eatery recently opened its doors in Equestria’s Silverstream Shopping Centre in Stellenberg Road. Founded by Rikus de Beer from the Hennie’s Restaurant Group, it’s a welcome addition to Pretoria East, offering discerning diners a sophisticated space where they can indulge in a unique culinary offering.

The name, Badinage was derived from the noun, bad-n-ahzh, which means humorous or witty conversation and while the restaurant’s atmosphere is elegant, there is an air of light-heartedness that lingers as patrons meet up for delightful, long dinners.

We made ourselves comfortable in one of Badinage’s booth seats – beautifully designed with bottle green leather couches. Dark, wooden tables are stylishly set with unique crockery, quality cutlery and carefully curated stemware. Our bubbly came in vintage-looking champagne glasses, wellsuited to the restaurant’s atmosphere and the cocktail and drinks menu offers an array of choices. Their Whiskey Sours and Dirty Margaritas came in glasses just as elegant and served as additional conversation starters.

“I believe there is something special about physically sharing a conversation or idea with others at a special place,” says de Beer. “Every place or venue has an energy and vibe that vibrates within its walls. It has a soul and personality of its own. There is something magical about connecting with someone at a special place, intimately reminiscing about the old days, learning from our mistakes and creating new memories and stories for the future.”

Badinage is the epitome of such a special place – nostalgia reflecting from its décor and design, while its food offering brings in

an opportunity to experience and build new memories.

The restaurant’s décor is London brown bar inspired with a 14m-long bar. Ultimately, there is an element of elegant drinks that form an integral part of the experience. The culinary journey is certainly not left unattended, though, with Chef Monaheng – former Executive Chef from 57 Waterberg –sharing his creative masterpieces with curious diners. Dishes like Harissa Pork Belly (a special chef’s offering on the night of our visit) and a delicious and very generous cut of T-bone, served on a mushroom chutney, are but two of the dishes on offer. While the menu is limited to a mere ten mains, each dish is technique-driven and stripped back to its essential ingredients. Chef Monaheng also put much thought into plating, with the dishes being presented in a minimalistic manner. The desserts are also beautifully plated, complementing its rich and decadent flavours perfectly.

The restaurant might be new, but its nostalgic atmosphere adds a touch of familiarity that will surely see diners return time and again. H

1 www.badinage.co.za

Q @badinagerestaurant

PRETORIA

The Jacaranda City invites you to get comfortable as we step into a new season

Spend some quality time with loved ones at these Pretoria places

#HelloPretoria by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

FAVOURITE MUNCH SPOTS

PASTA BARRA

Referred to as one of Pretoria’s top dining destinations that lean toward fine dining, the Brooklyn-based, pasta-inspired restaurant should undoubtedly be on any foodie’s list. This is where you are bound to find some of the finest fettuccini in town. Also try their Risotto al Polpo – octopus risotto with black olives. Here, it’s all about art on a plate – the kitchen constantly alive with creativity and the plate a perfect canvas.

Q @pasta_barra

THE WILD CAFÉ

PUZZLES RESTAURANT

Having just opened its doors, Puzzles is a family restaurant based at the Pretoria Rugby Club that encourages loved ones to celebrate life over a plate of good food. During the initial planning phases, homeboy and local chef, Pellie Grobler served as the team’s mentor, guiding them in the right direction when it comes to restaurant and kitchen flow, as well as menu planning. For the curious diners, this is definitely one of the latest additions to Pretoria’s dining scene and one definitely worth exploring.

MOOMOO, BROOKLYN MALL

A popular spot for families and those who enjoy a live show late on a Sunday afternoon, MooMoo at Brooklyn Mall is undergoing a revamp and we’re first in line to see the transformation. Brooklyn Square has become a favourite for many, with the mall’s official kiddies’ playground being located in the one corner where MooMoo is based. For parents who like to have their toast buttered on both sides, this is probably one of your best bets in town. A scrumptious lunch or dinner, with live music on Sundays, while the kids play their hearts out. What more could one ask for?

Q @moomooherd

If you’re looking for a brand-new, jungle-inspired café in the heart of the Jacaranda City, look no further than the Faerie Glen-based The Wild café, which recently opened its doors to the public. Apart from serving a great cup of coffee, they are also there for a scrumptious culinary feast, with the added bonus of a grand, wild aesthetic for those Instagram foodies among us. Here, it is not only love at first sight, but also love at first bite.

Q @the.wild.cafe

FOR A TIPPLE

LUCKY RODRIGO

The perfect bar for burgers and cocktails, Lucky Rodrigo is an institution in Pretoria and one that you need to visit at least once. They often have live entertainment and the greenery hanging from the ceilings coupled with blue bar stools and interesting plates serving as wall décor make for a quirky, fun drinks spot.

Q @lucky_rodrigo

MACHICS RESTAURANT AND ALEHOUSE

While they claim to be the home of the best chicken in town, for many, it’s a great time and Machics’ wide selection of drinks that lure them in. The alehouse offers both local and international beers, with twenty of them being on tap. They also have a variety of craft beers on offer. Check out their social media for the latest specials as they often align with certain happenings or events.

Q @machicsalehouse

SKYLINE ROOFTOP RESTAURANT, BAR AND LOUNGE

The Protea Hotel by Marriott in Loftus, Pretoria is another must-visit destination for drinks, with its Skyline Rooftop Restaurant, Bar and Lounge offering the perfect views across the city. Order yourself some pizzas to share and enjoy a tipple while indulging in Pretoria’s lovely weather and cityscapes from the rooftop.

Q @proteahotels

CULTURE CLUB BAR DE TAPAS

Prepare yourself for a brandnew look and feel at Culture Club de Tapas, currently closed for a well-deserved revamp. The fan favourite for G&Ts and tapas announced on their social media that they will be closing for a “quick nip and tuck” and it’s clear that they are busy making some impressive changes to the popular space. While they have yet to announce their reopening dates at the time of this edition’s publication, one thing is for certain: It’s going to look much different to before and perhaps even feel like a whole new Culture Club!

Q @cultureclubtapas

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP FUN, FUN, FUN

ORCHARD FOOD SA

If you prefer to live more organically, Pretoria’s Orchard Food – a company that sells organic and healthy alternatives – is probably the way to go. They deliver produce to your door, which is super convenient and you can be sure to receive only the best quality of fresh fruit, veggies and even meat. It’s all about conscious living for them.

Q @orchardfoodza

CHECKERS CASTLE GATE

Checkers Castle Gate is expanding and we’re super excited to see its new look. With the expansion taking place between March and July, the grocery store is bound to surprise its regulars with an even bigger selection of their favourite grocery items. Keep an eye out for updates on the expansion on Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre’s social media channels.

Q @castlegatelifestyle | @checkers_sa

ATTERBURY VALUE MART

If there is one shopping centre we don’t mind driving across town for, it’s Atterbury Value Mart. Many a time, we’ve come across unbelievable bargains here – from fashion to bedroom linen. The convenience of this centre also lies in it mainly being an open-air centre, while it also offers an array of shops for you to run most of your weekly errands. There is a Checkers, many fashion factory outlets, some restaurants and fast-food outlets, as well as a Builders Warehouse. Atterbury Value Mart can easily be your weekly onestop shop, with the bonus of a couple of bargains in between.

Q @atterbury_value_mart

FEMME PÉTALE FLOWER FARM

Based on a game farm in the Dinokeng region, Femme Pétale Flower Farm is a beautiful flower farm with wildlife and a biodiverse environment. Walk through their flower fields and feel rejuvenated and exuberant. Also keep an eye on their socials for special flower picking events.

Q @femmepetaleflowerfarm

FAERIE GLEN NATURE RESERVE

As the seasons start changing, a hike is all we can think about! Faerie Glen Nature Reserve is without a doubt one of our favourite hiking spots – one that is not only easily accessible, but also one that boasts beautiful views from two wooden lookout points and informal picnic spots. Permits can be obtained at the gate, with entrance fees starting at R16 per adult. Interestingly enough, the reserve used to be part of the farm Hartbeespoort, which was presented to the City Council of Pretoria in 1973 as a public open space. Pack a slackpack and enjoy some healthy fresh air before winter hits hard.

GLENWOOD BAKERY

RETURN TO THE GOOD TIMES

Do you remember Glenwood Restaurant in Bulwer Road, with its delicious food of unmatched quality and lazy evenings in the lantern-lit garden? Well, good times are back with the opening of the new Glenwood Bakery in Morningside. No need to rush in - it’s open for lunch and supper with a special menu from midday to 21:00, Monday to Friday. And, don’t worry. The breakfast we know and love is still on offer from 06:00.

WEEKS OF ANTICIPATION

For weeks, we’d been peering through the doors as the new café took shape. Finally, there it was and we got to experience the first service at the soft opening early in March. It was all we had hoped it would be. The bagel café around the corner had given way to the now much larger space, divided into an indoor and pavement seating area with a separate deli section offering its famous breads, pastries, homemade pasta and fresh condiments.

CHOICES, CHOICES

We were slightly confused by the array of menus in the elegant sleeve. It was around 12:30, so we assumed the lunch menu would be the one to go with. After spending far too long scanning the lunch offeringstorn between mussels and chips, the homemade pasta and a Kassler chop with warm potato salad - our first-day waitress advised us that we were meant to be looking at the breakfast menu. With it being a day of firsts for all, a hasty rearrangement of tastebuds followed as we chose between an array of egg dishes and vegan options. Eventually, we fell back on a favourite: The Egg, which came with ciabatta topped with coppa ham and roasted tomatoes. Delicious as it

was, we later regretted not taking the plunge to order the most surprising breakfast item on the menu. The Onsen Tamago - a Japanese breakfast soup with a slow-cooked egg - is what we’ll be returning for next time.

Our late breakfast included a glass of white wine, with the Glenwood Bakery’s liquor licence allowing them to offer a small selection of alcoholic beverages.

You are, however, encouraged to bring your own wine at a minimal corkage charge.

CLEARING THE AIR

It turns out that the lunch and supper menu is actually available from midday through to 21:00 from Mondays through to Fridays. While we didn’t get a chance to try those tastebudtempting dishes, our pavementcafé breakfast was still superb.

The friendly, relaxed atmosphere meant we stayed on long enough to have tried the lunch menu too, but as friends are raving and returning, we’re saving the treat of lunch or dinner for another time.

One thing is certain: The Glenwood Bakery reputation is still wonderfully intact! H

1 www.glenwoodbakery.co.za

Q @the_glenwood_bakery

DURBAN

KZN’s best spots for dining, drinks and exploring

#HelloDurban byAnne Schauffer Images: Supplied

FAVOURITE MUNCH SPOTS

SPOON EATERY, ASSAGAY

Accomplished chef, Jenna Hayes has been cooking up a storm in the light and bright Spoon Eatery up in the natural beauty of Assagay. Those in the know are regularsbusiness and pleasure - and bookings are essential on weekends.

Little doubt, the wide-open glass doors which allow everybody to spill out into the glorious garden with its breathtaking views, contribute to the occasion. You can breathe deeply here. The menu is described as Modern Bistro, with Italian, Asian and European influences. There’s a wide array of truly great pizzas – “half being white-based, so no Neapolitan sauce,” says Jenna – and the real-deal homemade gnocchi and pasta sauces are firm favourites. Salads, quiche, toasties and wraps are the perfect, light bites for lunch and the ribs with a sticky Asian marinade are a great dinner choice.

Spoon Eatery adjoins Greg Hayes’ wellknown Stepping Stone Studios and the recently added gallery. It’s a real joy to amble around in there, uninterrupted. Get your art well framed, enjoy the current exhibition and relish in the collection of superb (predominantly Durban) art. Spoon Eatery is open Wednesdays to Sundays for lunch and dinner and closes after Sunday lunch.

1 www.spooneatery.co.za

Q @spoon_eatery

STONEHOUSE KITCHEN, HIMEVILLE

When you’re heading to the southern Drakensberg, Stonehouse Kitchen is a must stop. In a country garden setting, this lovely old house is the home of an allwomen team of passionate cooks who serve slow food packed with flavour, do their utmost to source meat, vegetables and dairy locally and make all the food and heavenly cakes in-house.

Don’t drive by – it’s a firm favourite in the community of Himeville, Underberg and surrounds and equally, travellers from everywhere are fast learning their name. Their reviews say it all – it really is the quintessential country eatery where, if you’re early enough, you might be lucky to take away some sensational bread or farm-fresh, full cream milk and cream.

In addition, they’ve also developed a name for exceptional catering for big or small weddings, events and special occasions. Their food, displays and plating are innovative, fresh and fabulous.

Stop at Stonehouse Kitchen for a truly hearty brunch en route to wherever. They’re open from 11:00 to 21:00, Wednesdays to Saturdays, and Sundays from 08:00 until 15:00.

Q @stonehousekitchen_himeville

FOR A TIPPLE

SUNSETS & MERMAIDS

Biaggo Pelliccia and super-chef, Brendon Newport are Sunsets & Mermaids in uMhlanga. Pelliccia says: “Sunsets & Mermaids talks to our origins or rootssurfing, casual vibe and the beach. It’s a metaphor for our Durban culture and the way we do things. The name also references the tempo of our restaurant hours... From early morning (for breakfast), to late in the evening (for sundowners and dinner).

“The focus is on seafood - another reference to our name and location - as is the décor. The blue floor represents water and there are other little elements which seem ‘ordinary’ but have their own backstory and place. The retro 70s-80s, MiamiDurban vibe, a Caribbean beach-bar look and feel and the Tiki Bar reinforce this.”

Every Wednesday is Mermaids’ Night, also referred to as Ladies’ Night, which means half-price cocktails and 30% off sushi. They have regular DJs and live music with well-known bands and musicians making surprise appearances at the restaurant. There’s also Margarita Monday, Taco Tuesday, Mermaid Razzle Wednesday, the famous First Thursdays and Sunsets Sundaze, as well as Aparol Weekdays.

La Dolce Vita - the good life - is the mantra for Sunsets & Mermaids. Everybody wants that.

Q @sunsets_mermaids

OYSTER BOX LIGHTHOUSE BAR

If you haven’t tasted their signature uMhlanga Schling cocktail - think Durban, think cane sugar and cane spirit – it’s high time you did. The Oyster Box Lighthouse Bar is famous for a heap of things, not least of all that you can see the uMhlanga Lighthouse from whichever way you sit in there. Decked out in dark wood, leather, crimson and gold, the Lighthouse Bar is as plush as its quirky. You can sit inside at the long bar, in one of the intimate conversation areas, or outside on the gloriously wide terrace, where 180-degree views are guaranteed. From up here, life always feels good.

The Lighthouse Bar is a sociable go-to destination when the rugby is on (or when it’s off and it’s just you and your friends). This is the place for sunsets and sundowners, accompanied by live music, cool snacks and cooler cocktails.

1 www.oysterboxhotel.com

Q @theoysterbox

SHOP ' TIL YOU DROP

FUNKY PANTS

Tracy and Billy Harker have chosen to fight boredom one pair at a time as the payoff line for their Funky Pants and they’ve been hugely successful. Funky Pants is run out of their (large) garage in Durban North and you’ll find their stretchy, uber comfy, spandex Lycra shorts in sizes from babies to grannies. They describe the sizes as: “Classic shorts for running, paddling, walking and, well, anything else in between; three quarter length pants and full length.” Most have the high waist option (the girls love those) or standard and the pants are all unisex. They also make costumes and jammers (a Speedo with legs) for swimming, and they’ll happily customise designs for your club or school.

Tracy says that Funky Pants are quick-dry, stop you from chafing and don’t ride up. Kids apparently rage in them and literally wear them ’til they’re holey. You’re bound to braai in them, swim in them and then go home in them.

Funky Pants has the biggest, widest range of colours and designs - sedate to sexy to scream-out-loud. Everything about it is local - the designs, the fabric, the manufacture and the sales. Even the photoshoots feature the Harker kids and other fans.

1 www.funkypants.co.za

WANDERLUST COLLECTABLES

Ethical, earth-friendly products are what owner, Haseena set out to include in her uMhlanga Ridge store and she’s stayed true to her vision. When she began Wanderlust Collectables, it was off the back of her own travels and her quest to find beautiful and unusual things from around the world. “In a sense, it stemmed from a personal philosophy that creativity and the quest for beauty have no borders despite what maps and stereotypes would have us believe,” she says. Her most recent trip was to India and for textiles, India is hard to beat. “Their boldness in terms of colour and technique leaves me awestruck every single time,” she says. “I travelled to villages in West Bengal to meet the artisans who make the most exquisite and unusual silk scarves for the shop, and to Kashmir to meet the weavers who make our pashminas. The products are the thread that connect our customers with the makers who put heart and soul into what they do.”

From unique jackets (only one of each ever made) and Turkish towels, to exquisite little handbags and pure cotton kimonos, this is a treasure trove of exceptional work. It’s also the perfect space to shop in for special gifts for yourself or others. Haseena says: “I have nurtured and loved [Wanderlust Collectables] and in return it has been a safe and joyful space for me and so many others.” Best you get there.

1 www.wanderlustcollectables.com/shop Q @wanderlust.collectables

FUN, FUN, FUN

BEACHWOOD MANGROVES AND UMHLANGA NATURE RESERVE

Every third Saturday of the month, Beachwood Mangroves is the place to be. Basil Pather is the Conservation Manager for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and his response about Beachwood Mangroves is: “So many drive past here and don’t even know we exist.” That’s all changing, though, as on the third Saturda of the month, you have a range of activities to choose from. At 08:00, there is a guided bird walk and thereafter, you can take part in guided or self-guided walks along the boardwalk through the Mangroves. All you have to do, is to approach an Honorary Officer and ask to be taken on a walk.

Partners include community-based initiatives like Adopt a River and Keep Blue Lagoon Clean, and from 09:00 until 11:00, it’s a family outing with parents and children playing their part in cleaning up debris. This forms part of a plastic recycling project. As Pather says, it’s interesting to clean up plastic on the one side, and look across to the result on the other – a plastic recycled boardwalk.

Beachwood Mangroves has a very active Facebook page, which provides all the information, as well as booking details for the popular birding walk. We recommend you book early as it fills up fast.

Furthermore, the Honorary Rangers also run an indigenous nursery on the third Saturday of every month, which serves as a fundraising initiative.

The sister reserve, uMhlanga Nature Reserve - based at the northern end of the uMhlanga promenade - also has a recycled plastic boardwalk, an initiative by the local UIP. Bookings for a local guide to accompany you are made through uMhlanga Tourism (local hotels also take bookings). The Forest Café, with artwork by legendary Giffy, is a top coffee spot before or after a stroll.

1 www.kznwildlife.com

Q @beachwoodmangroves @ezemvelokznwildlife

THE WINDERMERE (AND KLOOF) ANTIQUE FAIRS

Whether you’re a collector, lover of old quirky things, or want to find that solid silver picture frame as a gift, you’ll love the antique fairs held at Windermere Centre, as well as the Fields Hill Shopping Centre in Kloof. Dealers set up their tables with a glorious array of antiques and collectables, including silver, linen, books, records, DVDs, porcelain, beautiful Murano glass, jewellery and so much more.

The Windermere Antique Fair is held on the lower level of the Windermere Centre on the first Saturday of every month, with the next one taking place on 4 May. The (new) Kloof Antique Fair is held on the last Saturday of every month. For more information, contact Helen Clementz on 084 241 0241.

1 www.windermerecentre.co.za | www.fieldshillcentre.co.za

Q @windermere.centre | @fieldshillcentre

FOND FAMILY MEMORIES AT TAU GAME LODGE

The veld was dotted with Wild Hibiscus everywhere and here and there, Zinnias’ pretty little red flowers stood tall in the grassland. TAU Game Lodge was showing off its most beautiful colours, all the while praying for rain. The waterholes were running low on drinking water and late afternoons, dark rain clouds would tease its inhabitants, performing beautifully on the horizon only to disappear again. Still, the veld was beautiful – its golden hues highlighting the blue skies above.

A return to TAU had been a dream of ours for the past three years – partly because of its stunning scenery, but also because of how accommodating they are toward families wanting to experience a safari.

COMING HOME TO TAU

Returning to TAU, meaning ‘place of the lion’ was very much like coming home. The drive from Pretoria to TAU Game Lodge took less than four hours and since we drove through on a Thursday morning, it wasn’t bad at all. Following the N4, we passed Rustenburg and Swartruggens and took a turn towards the Botswana border when we reached Zeerust. Those who like to make regular pitstops on their road trips would be happy to know that Swartruggens’ Wimpy is a safe bet, as is the Shell Ultra City in Zeerust (where we would recommend you fill up on petrol or diesel before continuing the journey).

As we arrived at TAU, our vehicle was unpacked and moved to the parking area, while we indulged in delightful, cool lemonade – a welcome treat that hid the heat, even if it was only for a moment. We’d arrived just in time for the afternoon game drive and after having a quick salad for lunch and let the kids cool off in the pool, we geared up for the game drive. As we quickly popped into our room to grab jackets and hats, the view across the waterhole in front of the room once again left us speechless. Elephants - big and small - were walking on the waterhole’s edge; our very own welcoming committee parading promptly and proudly on their very own promenade. Down below, ducklings were quacking incessantly in the shallow water and to our

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Renate Engelbrecht; Wikus Engelbrecht

right, a young croc was slowly making its way through the reeds. We could have sat on the deck for hours, looking out over one of the reserve’s most popular waterholes, ticking off the different birds and other animals we saw, but Herman - our ranger - was waiting, and so was a whole 75 000 hectares of bush, which we were dying to explore.

Since we were a family of four with two small kids in tow, we’d been given our own

ranger and game vehicle for the two days. Herman was professional and patient –exactly what one needs with two toddlers on a game drive. The benefit of having a dedicated ranger during a safari, is that they know the ins and outs of the reserve, as well as when last which animals had been spotted where. In a matter of an hour, we had seen six lions, two rhinos and one buffalo – three of the Big 5. Not to mention a brown hyena, a lot of plains game and more. That’s the

thing about TAU… You can visit for two days with the possibility of spotting the Big 5 before you leave.

CUISINE FOR KINGS

Since the name suggests that it is the place of the lion - the king of the jungle - it’s only apt that TAU’s offering should align with the best. The meals at TAU are beyond generous and we had to pace ourselves at breakfast and lunch in order to still be able to enjoy the spread at dinner. While the lunch menu is limited, it still boasts ample options for both young and old. We would have liked to see some more healthy options for children over lunch, though. While the kids’ menu mainly stays the same, breakfast was served from a set menu the first morning, and the second morning saw us indulging in a delightful continental and hot buffet. Dinners were also different each night, with the first night seeing us select options from a set menu, while we dined in the boma on the second night, relishing in the chef’s local cuisine under a beautiful, starry sky. The lavish buffet at romantically lit tables was undoubtedly the perfect finale to our family safari.

WHAT IS THERE FOR KIDS?

Apart from two swimming pools, kids are entertained in many other ways too. The swimming pools are bound to keep them entertained for hours, though, with both boasting proper waterhole vistas where one can see elephants, zebra, Eland, baboons and other animals bathe and quench their thirst.

The game drives – of which the times and length can be customised according to your family’s needs – serve as a wonderful, educational activity for the whole family.

There is also a Cubs’ Club where kids can do all kinds of activities while parents relax by the pool or at the spa. The Cubs’ Club is based in a wooden house next to the lodge’s impressive jungle gym, and it is a treasure chest of colouring books, sand art, story books and more, ready to be explored.

TAU Game Lodge is a rare find and although we wouldn’t dub it ultra-luxurious, it’s perfect for families wanting to spend quality time together in nature with the added bonus of comforts like generous meals, rooms with everything you might need, all-day game viewing beside the waterhole and more. 1

THE MAGIC OF MOSI-OA-TUNYA

A WORLD WONDER THAT CAPTURES YOUR HEART AND KEEPS IT

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Renate Engelbrecht; Wikus Engelbrecht

Glimmering droplets oddly floated upward as the force of the falls in front of us caused air pockets that carried them up, up and away. The magnificence of the Victoria Falls instantly had us spellbound.

We had just arrived at Minor Hotels’ AVANI Victoria Falls Resort. The earlyish Safair flighta short hour and forty minutes from Joburg's OR Tambo International Airport - allowed for us to still have a bit of the afternoon and we could barely wait to see the Victoria Falls in real life. The resort was a quick twenty minutes away from the Livingstone-based Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, and after dropping our bags in our room, we followed the trail to the falls’ entrance. The Victoria Falls - locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya - had been on our bucket list for ages and there we were, at a resort with unlimited access to one of the world’s largest waterfalls.

A short stroll among tall trees, outstretched lawns and interesting sculptures took us to the falls’ gate and from there, we could opt for any direction we chose. Since it was after 16:00, the Boiling Pot trail had already been closed for the day and therefore we headed for the Knife Edge Bridge instead. The humidity was high and even the spray from the falls felt warm. The majestic falls lay to our right and we could not see the end of it. As the massive amounts of water from the Zambezi River gracefully flows over the Zambian edge and then catches momentum, it tumbles down, crashes into rocks halfway down and then transforms into hypnotising patterns that finally end in a grand finale of smoking thunder down below.

KNIFE EDGE BRIDGE

A LARGE SWIMMING POOL LURED GUESTS FROM THEIR ROOMS, INVITING THEM TO RELAX ON POOLSIDE LOUNGERS.

We crossed the 40m-long Knife Edge Bridge (which connects the main land with the head land) with relatively dry clothes and bravado and reached the end drenched and beyond excitement. "Again!" we wanted to exclaim. "Again, again, again!" While possibly not as exciting to those scared of heights, we could not get enough of the views from the bridge. As we walked across, rainbows romantically played between bright yellow Gladiolus daleniis, palm trees and misty falls, forming full circles from top to bottom. Continuing on the pathway, we stopped at every view point, engraving every paint-worthy picture into our minds to be able to recall the memories of these moments as vividly and accurately as possible in future.

VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE

Having not had enough yet, we returned to the entrance via a detour, where we stumbled upon brilliant views of the historic Victoria Falls Bridge. It is here where those braver than us get their adrenaline fix, bungy jumping from the 128m-high bridge. The Victoria Falls Bridge was constructed between 1904 and 1905 and serves as one of the highest bungy jumping spots in the world. It was officially opened by Professor George Darwin, Sir Charles Darwin's grandson, and had apparently been part of John Cecil Rhodes' vision of connecting a railway line from Cape Town in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt.

A PHOTOGRAPHIC TRAIL

Then, instead of heading back into the resort, we decided to take the photographic trail while we’re at it. We'd been so in awe of the falls, that nothing could stop us. As we entered the trail, we nervously noticed how many baboons had made it their home. We treaded lightly as we did not want to intrude, but quite frankly, the Victoria Falls' baboons did not seem bothered in the least by our presence. We found that by ignoring them and merely walking past, they continued to mind their own business and we could respectfully pass through. We sneakily snapped a picture or two of the mommies with their big-eared babies and then escaped their gaze to rather snap pictures of the fairytale falls in the distance. The photographic trail gives you a good vantage point to see the falls from, with dark rocks and glorious greenery framing it beautifully.

THE BOILING POT

The next day, we returned to The Boiling Pot. This trail – a little more challenging than the others - takes those keen on some exercise down to where the falls' final splashes unite into a twirling river stream akin to a pot of boiling water. It is above this bubbling mass of water that adventurers get into their bungy jumping gear and this section of river is also perfect for adrenaline junkies who enjoy white river rafting.

These activities, as well as helicopter trips, microlight flights and more can be booked through local travel companies, or the hotel you’re staying at. We opted for a less adventurous, yet rather romantic activity instead, which we booked through Chris Travel & Tours.

SUNSET RIVER CRUISE

After considering the different activities (which can cost an arm and a leg if you want

mix of regal Moroccan and humble African details displayed through their designs and interiors. A large swimming pool lured guests from their rooms, inviting them to relax on poolside loungers. The tented bar and restaurant served delightful drinks and light meals to guests, with some guests spending most of the day around the pool. We also appreciated the fact that the resort pool was perfect for families, with a large section being shallow enough for toddlers to splash around and gain their swimming confidence in.

The resort’s lunch and dinner menus were rather limited. Still, we got to taste whole Bream - a local, freshwater fish that the locals either deep fry or cook in the pizza oven. Our stay included breakfast, which came in the form of a large continental buffet, a similarly impressive hot breakfast buffet and an array of pastries and breads. Their African brewed coffee was definitely a highlight every morning.

Mosi-oa-Tunya and its magical allure has certainly captured many a heart. It now also has ours. H

1 www.avanihotels.com

to do it all) we opted for a blissful Sunset River Cruise. Our hope was to experience the vastness of the Zambezi River and perhaps spot some hippos, or even elephants. The newly built Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oaTunya, which is located 6km upstream from the Victoria Falls, boasts its own river cruiser, perfect for sunset cruises and looking back, it was one of the highlights of our visit to Zambia. The two-hour cruise included snacks and drinks amidst incredibly scenic views and in the end, although from afar, we did get to spot a hippo or two. After disembarking, we lingered a little longer and had dinner at the hotel's trendy restaurant – a space that boasts modern touches that blend in with its riverside environment effortlessly.

A STAY NEXT TO THE FALLS

Our stay at AVANI Victoria Falls Resort was tranquil and convenient, especially with it being located right next to the falls. While our room seemed a little dated, we loved the

Q avani_victoriafalls

Easy access from Cape Town

A couple of months ago, Proflight launched two weekly direct flights from Cape Town, South Africa to Lusaka, Zambia. Following increased demand, they’ve now added a third flight per week. They also have connecting flights from Lusaka to Livingstone, making travelling to the Victoria Falls seamless and stress-free.

Read more about

Proflight’s Cape Town –Zambia flights on our website by scanning this QR code.

1 www.proflight-zambia.com

Q @proflightzambia

TOP 10 TRAVEL ACCESSORIES

We’ve been out and about lately, travelling both locally and abroad, with family, but also solo. Evidently, we’ve come across a whole bunch of must-have travel accessories and how can we then not share them with our #travelholic readers? So, without further ado, here are the travel accessories we’re currently crushing on:

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht

Images: Supplied

THULE AION SLING BAG

This sling bag makes life on the move a whole lot easier, allowing you to keep all your personal necessities like passports, IDs, travel authorisations and more at hand. It’s versatile and it’s made from 100% recycled fabrics, and can also double up as a hip belt for Thule Aion backpacks.

R1 600

WIN an Aion Sling Bag with Hello Lifestyle Magazine and THULE by scanning this QR code and entering the online competition.

WIRELESS EARPHONES

Quick-charging, noise-cancelling and topquality wireless earphones come in handy on any trip. These Bowers & Wilkins Pi7 S2 in-ear headphones from Homemation come with 24-bit connection, Qualcomm aptX™ Adaptive and dual-driver audio.

R8 499

FOR PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

SPINNER SUITCASES

After trying numerous types of travel bags, we’ve come to realise that the one suitcase that is truly the easiest to manoeuvre around at the airport, is a spinner suitcase. This one from Sansonite comes highly recommended.

R6 999 (55cm)

HAT

Honestly, any hat will do. It all depends on the purpose of your travels. For the fashionistas out there, actress Leandie du Randt’s L-Hat, available through Arné Accessories, will most certainly make heads turn wherever you travel. One size fits all, as it is adjustable on the inside.

R449

COMFORTABLE, LONGLASTING SNEAKERS

There’s nothing worse than sore feet while you travel. Choose shoes that can loosen and tighten easily on a plane, to allow your feet some breathing space. These leather sneakers from Jekyll and Hide are not only stunning to wear, but will also last a couple of years.

R2 499

LAPTOP COVER

PILLOW FOR THE PLANE

For long-haul flights, a travel pillow is a must. This Go Travel Memory Dreamer travel pillow from Dis-Chem is a dream on a plane, designed with high-density memory foam that instantly moulds to the contours of your neck for a custom fit.

R409.95

POWER BANK

Loadshedding is real in South Africa and can make travelling between cities frustrating as you’re not always aware of the different regions’ schedules. Therefore, keeping a charged powerbank with you will allow you to stay connected. The Volkano Omega Series 20 000mAh Powerbank is the perfect companion, ensuring you never run out of battery when you need it most and is available on Takealot.com.

R509

Whether you’re travelling for business or pleasure, a laptop cover has become a travel necessity either way. The Core Laptop Cover (15 inch) from Typo comes with a zip and it is available in various colours and styles.

R449.99

WHERE BUSINESS MEETS SPLENDOUR

A spotlight on Cape Town’s premier business accommodation

In the heart of Africa's tech capital, Cape Town, where startups thrive and businesses flourish against the backdrop of advanced digital infrastructure and outstanding governance, two exceptional hotels stand out as the go-to havens for discerning business travellers. Our recent stay at the Pullman Cape Town City Centre and Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront revealed not just a commitment to meeting the demands of a bustling work schedule, but also an embrace of the city's vibrant culture and breath-taking landscapes.

RADISSON BLU HOTEL WATERFRONT

A Coastal Retreat for the Discerning Business Traveller

Perched at the water's edge, the Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront offers a unique blend of business and relaxation. Centred within walking distance to the V&A Waterfront and the Mouille Point promenade, this hotel provides a distinct sense of being on a cruise ship, thanks to its proximity to the water. The majestic rim-flow pool, ideal for post-work drinks or unwinding after a busy day, complements the stunning sea-facing suites.

Business amenities at the Radisson Blu include a business centre plus four meeting venues that span over 300 square meters, equipped with the latest technology. True to the hotel’s ethos, Tobago's Restaurant serves a wide selection of dishes created in a sustainable manner by Chef Norman Heath. The commitment to sustainability through the Radisson Hotels sustainability stays program, coupled with their net positive hospitality approach, aligns the hotel with responsible business practices.

For those in need of relaxation, the Amani Spa at Radisson Blu offers a haven of tranquillity with its trendy wellness facilities and a diverse range of bespoke spa treatments. Open 365 days a year, the spa provides accessible rejuvenation for business travellers seeking balance in their demanding schedules.

1 www.radissonhotels.com

Q @radissonblu_waterfrontcpt

PULLMAN CAPE TOWN CITY CENTRE

Where Modernity Meets Playful Elegance

Nestled within walking distance of South Africa's top restaurants in Bree and Long Streets, the Pullman Cape Town City Centre offers more than just proximity to business districts. Its modern aesthetic, complemented by an art deco style reminiscent of the 1920s, creates a dynamic and inviting atmosphere. For those with a penchant for exquisite dining, the hotel offers a trio of on-site restaurants, each promising a distinct culinary experience. Indulge in the refined ambiance of The Piano Room, where fine dining takes centre stage. Alternatively, bask in the laid-back poolside charm of Ghibli Bar and Pool Terrace, offering a delightful setting for everything - from gourmet pizzas to leisurely light lunches. For a more relaxed affair, the Sea Street Coffee Lounge beckons, providing a casual yet inviting atmosphere to savour delectable cuisine.

Business facilities at the Pullman are top-notch, featuring six meeting rooms and a dedicated business centre. The 214 stylishly decorated roomsequipped with luxury amenities and boasting stunning city, mountain and sea views - cater to the needs of digital nomads and busy executives alike. The hotel's affiliation with the All-Accor Live Limitless rewards program adds an extra layer of allure for frequent travellers, offering savings and benefits across a global network of over 3000 hotels. H

1 www.all.accor.com

Q @pullmanhotels

Both the Pullman Cape Town City Centre and Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront offer business travellers more than just accommodation. They provide a seamless blend of functionality, luxury and local charm. Whether it's the playful elegance of Pullman or the coastal retreat ambiance at Radisson Blu, these iconic hotels exemplify Cape Town's status as the preferred destination for business travellers in South Africa and beyond.

INVESTING IN (B)LEISURE

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

#HelloLifestyle

by Renate Engelbrecht

Images: Supplied

Many of us grew up with holiday points and sectional titles, allowing us to visit exciting destinations over vacation periods. While some people don’t mind the stress of planning and budgeting for every holiday, others prefer investing in a holiday home for that much-needed leisurely escape.

Of course, as with any investment, there are risks to investing in leisure, but The Beekman Group says by investing in a holiday home, elements like planning and budgeting can be alleviated. Hence, the option of investing in less stress and more time instantly had us interested. And, if you could invest in a fraction of an island, why not?

CONSIDER THE HOLIDAY RESORT AND UNIT SIZE

Depending on the type of holiday home and the management company you invest in, you’re bound to receive monthly returns. According to The Beekman Group, these returns are linked to the resort’s occupancy and the size of the unit, with up to 12% annual net returns. In addition to that, you will also get up to fourteen weeks of personal holiday use when purchasing a sectional title unit from The Beekman Group, for instance, as well as the bonus of being able to exchange weeks at their other resorts. This means that you don’t necessarily have to go to the same place every holiday – something that keeps many people from investing in sectional titles.

RESORT RATINGS AND ACCOLADES

Graded as a 4-star destination by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, Cayley Mountain Resort in the Drakensberg is a lifestyle-orientated mountain resort. It boasts hiking trails, guided quad bike adventures, an inflatable waterpark and a rejuvenating Body Bliss Day Spa. The Cayley Mountain Resort won the prize as South Africa’s Leading Lifestyle Resort 2023 at last year’s World Travel Awards, serving as proof that it is an unexpected treasure for any traveller (and perhaps, investor).

Growing up travelling across the country with Holiday Club points, we also can’t help but wonder what it would be like to spend an annual family holiday at a resort like The Kingdom Resort, set against the backdrop of the Pilanesberg. Also 4-star graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, it allows for a unique game experience and exhilarating adventures, as well as open air movie nights and more. This resort was crowned South Africa’s Premier Family

Resort for 2023 – a welcome endorsement for anyone contemplating investment.

BEYOND SOUTH AFRICAN BORDERS

If we were to invest in one thing this year, it would be memories. For us, leisure travel is about so much more than lazing around by the pool. It’s an experience; an opportunity to make memories of a lifetime.

Located in Bilene, Mozambique, San Martinho Beach Club beckons with spacious accommodation, perfect for a family escape. The Mozambique Instituto Macional do Turismo (INATUR) has dubbed the resort 4-star, and this, in combination with its private villas currently under construction on the marina, make for quite an intriguing leisure investment opportunity.

Here, you can sunbathe on pristine beaches until sunset, engage in fishing excursions and more.

BLEISURE BRINGS BUSINESSFOCUSED INVESTMENTS TO THE FOREFRONT

A rather new development, Menlyn Mix offers an array of sectional title opportunities – from one-bedroom through to threebedroom apartments meeting the high demand for investment in the popular Pretoria-based Menlyn Maine precinct. While travelling for business, leisure elements like the pool and communal outdoor area will add to the apartments’ features, currently in the off-plan phase.

Investing in bleisure destinations like Menlyn Mix’s apartments would be more of a business-focused investment, with the option of personal enjoyment in addition to monthly returns throughout the year. These apartments will offer convenient access to ample amenities, boasting the ideal setting for business travellers and those seeking weekend getaways alike. Menlyn Mix represents a forward-looking investment opportunity, right in what many have dubbed the new city centre of Pretoria.

Whichever strategic investment you’ve got up your sleeve, perhaps it might be worth considering an investment that affords you a little more family time and less planning and budgeting stress.

For more information on these investment opportunities, visit www.investinleisure.co.za H

VOLVO REDEFINES ELECTRIC ELEGANCE

WITH THE NEW EX30

Rev your engines, folks, because Volvo is shaking up the South African roads with the launch of their latest electric marvel, the EX30. This baby isn't just any run-of-the-mill eco-friendly vehicle; it's a game-changer, designed to make luxury electric cars more accessible than ever before.

Pioneering Volvo's charge into the electrified future, the EX30 boasts sleek lines and a carbon footprint so tiny, it puts its predecessors to shame. Unveiled amidst the vibrant energy of Johannesburg's Victoria Yards last month, this beast is as much about sustainability as it is about style.

But let's talk numbers, shall we? Starting at just R775 900, Volvo's making electric dreams a reality for South Africans who've longed for premium SUVs without breaking the bank.

And, don't be fooled by its eco-friendly demeanour; the EX30 packs a punch. With powertrains that vary from a modest 200kW to a jaw-dropping 315kW, this bad boy can go from 0 to 100km/h in a blistering 3.6 seconds. When you're itching for a road trip, fear not, because it can cover up to 476km on a single charge, with DC charging speeds that will have you back on the road in no time.

Step inside, and you're greeted with a futuristic cabin that screams sophistication. Also, say goodbye to traditional screens as the EX30 rocks a single-screen UX infused with Google goodness, making every journey a tech-savvy one.

With Volvo's solid reputation for safety, performance and now, sustainability, the EX30's arrival cements their spot as leaders in the electric vehicle game. So, if you're ready to ditch the gas guzzlers and join the electric revolution, head over to MyVolvo.co.za and secure your piece of the future. H

1 www.volvocarza.com

Q @radissonblu_waterfrontcpt

#HelloLifestyle by Justyn Spinner Images: Supplied

The new EX30 comes with a 5-year/100 000km Volvo Warranty and Maintenance Plan, as well as 5-year/unlimited mileage Roadside Assistance, DataDot and Volvo On Call (SOS Roadside Assistance and 24/7 365 Personal Concierge). The battery pack is further covered by an 8-year warranty.

CARS CRAFTING THE FUTURE

JEEP CELEBRATES ANOTHER FIRST WITH ITS WAGONEER S

As part of the Jeep brand’s ongoing global electrification initiative - which is all about transforming 4xe into the new 4x4 in pursuit of the brand’s vision of accomplishing Zero Emission Freedom – it won’t be too long before you will spot the all-new Jeep Wagoneer S on the road.

Jeep has been delving into the past, looking back into its legendary history as part of the process to craft its electrified future. The iconic 1963 Jeep Wagoneer featured a luxurious interior, upscale materials and premium appointments. The allnew version will most certainly

live up to its predecessor, with the brand having recently shared the initial glimpses of the allnew, all-electric Jeep Wagoneer S’ interiors. The vehicle is set to be sold in the US in the fall of 2024, followed by key markets around the globe.

The premium Jeep Wagoneer S will be the brand’s first global battery-electric vehicle (BEV), adding significantly to its already impressive lineup of SUVs. It is built on the innovative, highly flexible BEV-native STLA-Large platform, boasting remarkable performance numbers. To top it off, the tech-focused interior is just as striking, with

TEAM ST

Acar is not just a car. It’s passion manifested in metal, rubber and horsepower. For members of Team ST - a community for Ford ST/RS owners and enthusiasts in South Africa and surrounding countries - this sentiment couldn’t ring more true. Membership requirements for Team ST are firm and simple: You have to be the proud owner of a Ford ST or a Ford RS.

Their slogan reads Fuelled by Family and it couldn’t be more genuine and apt. Especially considering the welcoming members. From charity runs and team braais to cross-country car shows, they take every opportunity to gather and celebrate their love for their flashy Ford fleet.

a a seamless integration of technology and art. It features premium technology, blended with artisan details, complete with mindful materials and design-focused features. These include a tailored driver control centre with a unique Jeep brand-exclusive Selec-Terrain toggle and dynamic, colourselectable ambient lighting. There is also the standard dual-pane panoramic sunroof that adds to its inspired interior. Plus, building on the brand’s exclusive collaboration with McIntosh, the Jeep Wagoneer S will feature a top-notch, discerningly tuned, segmentexclusive, nineteen-speaker

Taking excellent care of their cars is top priority and for that, many Team ST members prefer the fine folks at Eagle Ford, Corlett Drive Johannesburg. Team ST will accept nothing but the best service for their cars, the sort of service that the award-winning team at Eagle Ford - one that’s become like familyconsistently delivers with a smile.

Eagle Ford is one of the top Ford dealerships in South Africa and, with a track record of over four decades of excellent service delivery, they guarantee the most pleasant one-stopshop experience you could possibly ask for. H

#HelloLifestyle

McIntosh audio system.

In addition to its unique interiors, the Jeep Wagoneer S’ sleek exterior design is rather distinctive with a reimagined LED-lit class-exclusive sevenslot Jeep brand grille, mostly motivated by aerodynamic efficiency. Furthermore, it offers standard 4xe capability with allterrain management, advanced Jeep brand-focused technology and impressive performance credentials, including 600 horsepower and a lighting fast 0-60 mph time of around 3.5 seconds. To stay in the loop of the Jeep Wagoneer S’ arrival, its price and its availability, visit www.jeep.com. H

PIGGYBANKS ARE BACK, BABY!

TIPS TO TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SAVE

Searches for ‘ceramic piggy bank,’ ‘aesthetic piggy bank’ and ‘piggy bank design’ are on the rise, with Pinterest Predicts saying that soon, it will be all about making your money a little cuter. Yup, it seems that piggy banks are back, and with that a whole lot of stickers. “Big money, bigger personality,” according to Pinterest’s 2024 money-themed predictions. We’re definitely here for the piggy bank (or the teddy bank, which also saw a 75% rise in searches), and very keen on teaching the littles about saving.

TIPS TO TEACH YOUR KIDS TO SAVE

Since saving is such a difficult task even for us as adults, perhaps starting early with the young ones will get them to grasp it quicker. While there are many tips and tricks out there to assist you in teaching your child about saving, there are a few ones we thought we’d highlight:

Needs and Wants

Kids need to understand the difference between what they need and what they want. This will guide them as to whether they need to spend their money or whether they can save it.

Open a savings account (or get a piggy bank)

For the little ones, a piggy bank would do the trick in showing them how their ‘bank account’ grows when they save. The same goes for kids in school, for whom you can

open a savings account and spend time explaining the growth to them on a weekly or monthly basis.

Pocket money

Let your kids learn to work with money by giving them pocket money. This way, they will learn that when they spend everything, there will be no savings to build on.

Saving goals

Help your child to set a savings goal. Whether it’s for the next best LEGO set or a fun experience, help them learn to save.

Talk about money

Many older generations rarely spoke about money in the house. Let the Piggy Bank’s return be a sign for you to be open and real about money with your kids.

Lead by example

Kids do what their parents do. If you want you kids to save their money, you need to show them that you can do it too. H

THE MOST AESTHETIC PIGGY BANKS TO BUY