Scene in the City - Winter 2021

Celebrating the best of life in Joburg

F O O D & D R I N K | S T Y L E & B E AU T Y | T R AV E L & L E I S U R E

WINTER 2021

DECADENT

beauty

SPLURGES

The most luxurious

safari getaway

in South Africa

Food

meets fashion at

TANG

Pan-Asian decorative exoticism on Nelson Mandela Square

The MARC is a hidden gem and central point within the heart of Sandton that is being utilised to bring you a shopper’s delight, not withholding the existing culinary and retail experience available to our shoppers. We have embarked on a new and exciting strategy to use this amazingly positioned building to create an indoor Pop-Up & Market platform for our South African designers, crafters, artists and entrepreneurs to showcase their talents.

The MARC houses 15 000sqm of shops and restaurants and 88 000sqm of offices. Hip restaurants and cafés, the excellent value Food Lover’s Eatery as well as a handy supermarket, pharmacy and beauty salons are situated bang in the middle of all of the Sandton action – with many big hotels including the Hilton, Radisson Blu, Holiday Inn and Protea Hotel Balalaika just a two-minute walk away. Among the dining options are the ever-popular Tashas, the fun and friendly Wok n Roll and casual burger restaurant, Ribs & Burgers. For something more glamorous book a table at Saint, which attracts a fashionable crowd and serves fantastic Italian food in glitzy surroundings.

Health and beauty has no measure at The MARC. The fitness-first, healthconscious shopper can continue working towards their body goals at the 2500sqm Planet Fitness gym. Boasting world-class high-tech facilities, the club offers a unique fitness experience. Meanwhile, Clicks promises its customers the best in all things health and beauty, offering shoppers a wide range of Clicks exclusivities. For a new ’do, head straight to Flow Hair Designs – experts in cuts, colour, hair extensions and hairstyling – which also offers a private room for new moms or anyone needing a little privacy.

IF SUCCESS HAD AN ADDRESS, IT WOULD BE AT THE MARC – A RETAIL CENTRE EMBEDDED AT THE BOTTOM OF A 5-STAR AND 4-STAR OFFICE PARK BUILDING, WHERE LEISURE AND WORK COMES TOGETHER.

Fancy a spot of retail therapy? Check out Willberrys for luxury accessories, Cape Union Mart for essential camping and hiking gear or Frond and Filigree for the most beautiful gifts and bespoke flower bouquets.

010 001 3881

129 RIVONIA ROAD, SANDOWN, SANDTON

WWW.THEMARC .CO. ZA

IF YOU HAVEN’T VISITED THE MARC SANDTON YET, IT’S A GOOD IDEA TO GO CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN THE HEART OF SANDTON

Medical Suites at The MARC offers patients a new dimension of exclusivity and relaxation. Ideally located in The MARC precinct in Sandton CBD, on the corner of Maude and Rivonia Road, our blend of personal attention and superior amenities provides guests with a refined atmosphere of comfort, privacy and serenity. This is coupled with the services of our highly skilled medical practitioners, who provide the finest in healthcare.

Featuring a real-time online booking platform, Medical Suites at The MARC is committed to enhancing the outstanding medical care provided by our network of doctors in order to ensure an unparalleled experience for our valued guests.

Whether you’re in need of a check-up or a COVID-19 test, travel vaccine or gynecological and obstetric services, our goal is to do everything possible to foster a convenient and comfortable environment.

127 Rivonia Road, Sandton 010 443 6012 WWW.MARCMEDICALSUITES.CO.ZA

ARE YOU A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER? We have a spot for you! Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to become a part of The Marc Medical Suites Team. The space is fully equipped and furnished; all you have to do is move in.

CONTENTS ON THE COVER

Tang has opened on Nelson Mandela Square, and it’s already one of the city’s hottest hangouts; a magnet for famous faces and serious sushi lovers.

Flip to page 10 to read more.

FOOD & DRINK 10 See and be seen at the brand-new Tang on Nelson Mandela Square 14 Restaurant spotlight: Mezepoli - Melrose Arch

STYLE & BEAUTY 18 Brilliant beauty treats for the ultimate self-care season 24 Fabulous ways to reboot in Joburg 28 10 holy grail products that are bound to become your

10 34

cold-weather saviours

34 3 tips for shopping at the brand-new ARC Store 36 5 new fragrances to usher in winter with serious chic 38 Our top 4 products for dry, dehydrated skin from SkinMiles

TRAVEL & LEISURE 42 48 52

Reviewed: South Africa’s most luxurious safari Chic stays: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel A foodie travel guide to South Africa’s best-kept secret

MANAGING DIRECTOR Deborah Bailey deborah@hotwiremarketing.co.za

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EDITOR Candice May candice@hotwiremarketing.co.za

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Daniela Tsakiris info@graphixdani.co.za

For sales queries, contact Deborah Bailey at deborah@hotwiremarketing.co.za

From the finest croissants and baguettes to hearty country loaves and boundary-shifting pastries, you can enjoy it all at the beautiful L’atelier Bakery; a patisserie, café and bakery in the trendy Keyes Art Mile district in Rosebank. Everything is made fresh using natural ingredients – with no additives or preservatives – that are guaranteed to make your taste buds dance.

Whether you’re after exquisite viennoiseries, pastries and desserts, a sandwich to accompany a perfect cup of coffee or a gorgeous cake for a special occasion, L’atelier Bakery is the answer. Their executive chef is readily available to discuss any special dietary requirements and prides himself on sourcing the best local and international ingredients to bring you a truly Parisian menu of handcrafted delicacies out of the world-class certified pastry kitchen.

L’atelier Bakery has also introduced a new tapas menu, which offers something for everyone – beef short rib tacos, pickled octopus, potato and herb croquettes, deep-fried cauliflower as well as beef and chicken sliders on brioche buns. For dessert, try the popular chocolate tart with chocolate sable, chocolate mousse and chocolate ganache, the cheesecake with berry jelly and white chocolate or the ‘Financier’ – brown butter cake with vanilla cream. There are also a number of vegan options on offer, including rice pudding made with coconut milk and moist orange cake with edible golf leaf.

Welcome to a space where confectionery excellence meets fine art. L’atelier Bakery brings you a taste of Paris and will satisfy every type of sweet tooth!

Level 1, Trumpet Building, 21 Keyes Avenue, Rosebank 010 110 7467 www.latelierbakery.com info@latelierbakery.com

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& MINGLE EAT, DRINK

See and be seen at the brand-new Tang on Nelson Mandela Square Businessman and hospitality entrepreneur Nicky Van Der Walt has put luxury Asian cuisine on the map with the opening of Tang, and it’s already one of the city’s hottest hangouts; a magnet for famous faces and serious sushi lovers. Occupying one of the iconic Nelson Mandela Square’s handsomest patches, this sexy new arrival spills out onto a cool, cosmopolitan terrace – one more reminiscent of New York or London than Joburg.

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A design lover’s dream, the 650m² cutting-edge space has been conceptualised by award-winning interior architect Tristan du Plessis of Studio A. It’s all smooth urban energy – a thrilling mash-up of Japanese zen and cosmopolitan cool with sleek tables and design-led chairs plus traditional Japanese aesthetics and designs interlaced with contemporary minimalism. The light-filled reception space flows naturally into a darker, moodier dimension – the high-ceilinged dining room cast with amber lighting with its glamorous crowd, pierced by a floor-to-ceiling wine cellar, Moët & Chandon champagne bar and a cherry blossom tree with breathtaking pink and ivory blooms.

While for brunch you can order some of the greatest hits like fresh oysters, miso soup, spring rolls, chicken wings, dim sum, sushi and tuna tacos with Asian slaw, chilli and mayo, it’s the main menu that gives head chef Lai Kuan Geo – nominated at the Eat Out Awards for Best Asian Restaurant and the American Express Platinum Fine Dining Award – along with seasoned chef de cuisine Wesley Chen and executive chef Vixa Kalenga the opportunity to shine. The dream-team partnership’s confident exploration of flavours, textures and cooking styles come in traditional izakaya (a type of informal Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and snacks) style. Our advice is to come for dinner and max out on the heavenly small plates, including light and flavourful tuna tartare as well as gorgeous yellowtail ceviche that’s bursting with flavour. Kick things off by dabbling with a cocktail aperitivo, which have been thoughtfully curated by mixologist Pat Rowson, previously of Gaia in Dubai. Then, we strongly recommend concentrating on the comprehensive wine list, which can be paired to your dishes by top sommelier Tinashe Nyamudoka, previously of Test Kitchen in Cape Town.

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Flicking through the rich, playful menu, you’re spoilt for choice page after page, and the dishes are brought in succession throughout the meal. Seafood is a standout, particularly the delicate rock shrimp tempura – utter decadence fried in a barelythere batter that’s crispy on the outside, tossed in a creamy sauce with a spicy kick. Another highlight is the Peking duck; the fat crisp and salty, the pink interior still soft as satin. Presentation is equally considered – even the simplest rainbow reloaded rolls, made with salmon, tuna, prawn and a scattering of caviar, look so beautiful they ought to be framed on a wall. A number of South Africa’s best restaurants serve the infamous black cod and miso, but in our opinion, Tang’s is second to none. The miso marinade adds a sweetness to the silky, buttery white flesh that slips apart in perfect chunks to dip into a lavish hit of umami. You’ll spend a week’s salary in here, yet Tang’s cuisine feels almost underpriced – easy on the eye, uncompromisingly seasonal and ambitiously out-there in terms of flavours. It’s also worth it for the lingering taste of salted caramel chocolate fondant with a molten middle, served with vanilla bean ice cream. So good you’d be excused for ordering two. Tang is style and substance in equal measure.

Shop 120, Nelson Mandela Square, 5th Street, Sandton 071 379 2161 www.tanghospitality.com W i nt e r 2021 | www. sc e n e i n th e c i ty . c o . z a | 13

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RESTAURANT

SPOTLIGHT Remembering the classic Joburg tapas restaurant at Mezepoli - Melrose Arch In the mood for fresh hummus and a big, drippy falafel pita sandwich in a warm pita slathered with tzatziki? Hungry for a meze smorgasbord and juicy, slow-cooked lamb?

Fortunately, when it comes to deeply satisfying Mediterranean and fine Greek fare, not to mention sticky-sweet baklava drenched in a lemon zest and cinnamon syrup, the casually elegant Mezepoli in Melrose Arch will satisfy all your cravings with some of the most delicious options.

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It’s clear that Mezepoli - Melrose Arch trusts in the value of minimal but exceptional ingredients, so as to elevate its straightforward fare. Simple small plates like grilled halloumi, spanakopita, pickled octopus and souvlaki are executed so sublimely you might have to return a second time to venture onto the pita side of the menu (although the chicken and halloumi schwarma is well worth your first visit). The extensive meze menu, which translates to traditional, noshortcuts cooking, offers delicately-prepared and perfectlyspiced options for all palates. There are few surprises here, only delicious stalwarts: You’ll find authentic soutzoukakia – Greek baked meatballs in a tomato sauce – loads of dishes spiced with oregano, mint, garlic, onion, dill and bay leaf plus all kinds of nutty desserts.

Meat eaters will be assuaged by the spicy chorizo, bifteki topped with grilled tomato and fresh onion as well as the lamb chops seasoned with salt and oregano. We also recommend the gyros with thick and freshly griddled pita bread overflowing with piping-hot meat. Then there’s the seafood: Dreamy offerings such as cod goujons, calamari tubes stuffed with feta and peppers or grilled octopus doused in an olive oil and lemon dressing will have you wanting more. Vegetarians have a bounty of meatless

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options to choose from too, including marinated peppers, grilled exotic mushrooms, crispy fried baby marrows and an addictive Greek salad that comes with plenty of feta. The food will open up your eyes to the fragrant flavours and seasonal ingredients of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern and Asian cooking.

Even if you haven’t saved room, dessert is a must here.

The extra-thick Greek-style yoghurt topped with honey and crushed nuts is heavenly, and the Macedonian halva – a sweet indulgence grilled in foil with fresh apple slices – is a must. The conviviality doesn’t stop at the food, either: Cocktails like the Aegean Breeze, made with Tanqueray, Blue Curaçao, elderflower, lime juice and fresh mint, boast eclectic ingredients and are as inventive as the food. After dinner, stick around for a glass of wine and gaze at the Melrose Arch Piazza to mentally transport yourself to Santorini.

The Piazza, Melrose Arch, Whiteley Road, Birnam 011 684 1162 www.mezepoli.co.za

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TIME FOR

YOU! Brilliant beauty treats for the ultimate self-care season

Pass the face masks! You know the drill. As the evenings get darker and pandemicrelated curfews loom – with work, family and social media on repeat – the only plausible solution is a little you-time and an I-need-this-to-feel-good purchase. While there’s no magic bullet to avoiding stress completely, blocking out some dedicated moments in your diary for indulgent self-care picks can help you look after both your mental and physical health. Here, we offer a selection of splurge-worthy ways to spoil yourself for winter and beyond. From fine fragrances to luxe skin serums, these are the products that spark joy in our (extensive) beauty routines. Relaxation incoming.

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A TWO-MINUTE GLOWING SKIN SMOOTHIE When it comes to skincare, what we put in our bodies affects our skin as much as the topical lotions and potions we put on it. Your body is a temple and all that. So, sometimes the key to clear, beautiful and blemish-free skin is treating the problem from the inside out. Nothing makes our heart (and Instagram feed) sing like a beautifully-crafted smoothie – especially the new SKOON. Skin Elasticity Skinside Out All-in-One Beauty Smoothie with over 50 ingredients including MSM, vitamin C and marine collagen for soft, smooth and glowing skin. We love using the raspberry and mango-flavoured daily sachets in an ultra-creamy mango smoothie that contributes to a better complexion, made with chopped kale, mango chunks, pineapple chunks, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, ground flaxseeds and almond milk. The superfoods also have vitamin C, which can help enhance the effectiveness of your sunscreen.

R549.95 for 30 7.5g sachets from www.skoonskin.com

A FOUNDATION AND PRIMER FOR A FILTER-FREE GLOW ON YOUR NEXT ZOOM CALL In the winter months, skin tends to crack, break and itch more than usual. Still want your skin to look natural and dewy? Quench your complexion with the new Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Skincaring Foundation. Thanks to a concoction of hyaluronic acid as well as vitamins C and E, this long-wearing foundation gives the skin a moisturising boost while offering light coverage, an enhanced glow and a plump feel. It’s the perfect choice to zap those winter flakes, but the most gorgeous glam starts with a good canvas. Apply it after the secret to your glow-up – the hyaluronic acid-filled Elizabeth Arden Flawless Start Hydrating Serum Primer with serum-like texture – let it set for a few minutes and you’ll see how perfect your skin looks … but you won’t see the foundation. We can personally attest to the dewy sheen and pillow-soft finish that these products, which double as skincare staples, give dry skin.

R585 and R475 from Woolworths, Edgars and Foschini

A HAND CREAM THAT WILL MAKE YOUR DESK FEEL A LITTLE MORE SCENIC A New York holiday might not be on the cards, but the Glasshouse Fragrances I’ll Take Manhattan Hand Cream can at least inject a little glamour into your day. It’s all about the scent with this luxe, highly ‘grammable hand cream that’s enriched with shea butter and apricot kernel oil. Inspired by the buzz from the City That Never Sleeps with notes of exotic orchid, blood orange, black rose and musk, the blend leaves hands – or arms, or anywhere else you might dot some on – smelling addictively good. There’s a lot to love in this ultra-chic tube: The brand’s signature scent that will keep the luxury going for hours, the rich formula that working hands will appreciate (and put you on the path to better manis) and how damn good it’s going to look on your bedside table. There’s no hand cream quite as irresistible!

The fragrance is also available in a triple-scented soy candle, reed diffuser, hand wash and body bar.

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A TRANSPORTING FRAGRANCE THAT’S ALMOST AS GOOD AS REAL TRAVEL Consider Mugler Angel Nova your secret weapon for fullon glam in seconds. Wearable and worth your attention, this Mugler offering takes a detour from its signature gourmand notes and ventures into the amber-floral zone. Top notes of raspberry and litchi give way to a heart of Damask rose, while the base of Akigalawood (reminiscent of patchouli with a hint of pepper and fine agarwood) and vanilla-like benzoin provides an unforgettable trail. It’s a concoction that embodies glamour and bombshell beauty – perfect for those who like to announce their arrival and leave a trail that lingers long after they depart. If this doesn’t excite you, do take a look at the bright, raspberry-pink star-shaped bottle (which is now ‘standing’) that it comes cased in. It’s a new type of feminine and we’re here for it. When your precious perfume dwindles away, you can have it refilled with fresh juice at a Thierry Mugler beauty counter.

R1,230 for 30ml, R1,500 for 50ml, R2,250 for 100ml or R2,080 for the 100ml eco refill from Edgars, Foschini and Truworths

A WARM CANDLE FOR WHEN THE DAYS START TO TURN COLD Gone are the days when fancy candles remained unlit and were used to make windowsills look pretty. Now, more than ever, our homes need some TLC. The Amanda-Jayne Candles Ginger Cake Natural Scented Soy Candle hasn’t only become Instagram’s bread and butter, but it’s ideal for burning in your home office to stay intensely focused – yet relaxed – throughout the day. The sweet smell of its natural, hand-poured and crueltyfree mixture is also destined to be the hero of your next night in (AKA every night) with a boozy cocktail. With rich, seductive notes of sticky vanilla and ginger pudding as well as soft mandarin undertones, this warming candle is the ultimate pick-me-up. We recommend pairing it with the matching Amanda-Jayne Candles Ginger Cake Scented Reed Diffuser, which contains 50ml pure essential oils and naturally harvested rattan reeds, to elevate your entire apartment aroma-wise.

R350 and R579 from www.amandajaynecandles.com and Poetry

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BATH TABLETS FOR AN OPULENT SOAK Chanel No 5 lovers, rejoice! It’s now possible for you to bathe in the iconic fragrance that turns 100 this year. In honour of that milestone, the brand has released a 17-piece collection of limited-edition (in other words, stampede-inducing) No 5-scented bath and body products, including a shower gel, body lotion, body cream and body oil. In our opinion, the real star of this release is the Chanel Factory 5 Collection The Bath Tablets, which dissolve in water. Housed in a reusable white tea tin with a simple Chanel logo, they’re the beauty product equivalent of a plush robe: Luxurious, très chic and just a little bit extra.

Elevate your nighttime routine by lighting some candles, putting on peaceful music and tossing a tablet into a bathtub filled with warm water. The delicate, forever-intoxicating floral scent will transform your bathroom into a fragrant oasis and cling to your skin long after your bath is over.

R1,335 for a tin of 10 from Chanel fragrance and beauty boutiques

A BODY SCRUB AND OIL FOR ALL-OVER PERFECT SKIN A first port of call for healthy-looking limbs is the REN Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish to slough away dead cells, which make skin look dull and lifeless. This viral body scrub made of scrumptious-smelling rose oil, tea extract and cane sugar feels indulgent and, as Instagram will tell you, makes a good #shelfie prop. It smells like a lush bouquet of delicious, expensive roses (but in a clean, modern way), while chunky grains leave every inch of you glowing and thoroughly exfoliated. A few pumps of the REN Moroccan Rose Otto Ultra-Moisture Body Oil – a supercharged hydrator and radiance booster – on damp skin right after your bath or shower is the perfect choice for an at-home treat. Formulated with ceramide-like carthame oil and lipid-replenishing macadamia oil, the luscious formula will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a five-star spa, even if you’re applying it in your bathroom. Heaven.

R850 each from www.rencleanskincare.co.za and Woolworths

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AN INSTAGRAMMABLE SERUM THAT YOU NEED ON YOUR SHELF A SCRUB THAT INVIGORATES NOT ONLY YOUR SCALP, BUT YOUR MIND, TOO One of the best-loved scalp scrubs in the business, the Davines Solu Sea Salt Scrub Cleanser makes a fab weekly treatment. It promises to improve scalp health in a flash without being too harsh, so it’s ideal if you’re a sensitive soul. The purifying scrub utilises salt crystals sourced from a local farmer in Italy, which act as a natural exfoliant, to revitalise the scalp and eliminate product buildup for refreshed, squeaky-clean hair. Massage into a lather on wet hair, then rinse until the salts dissolve – the whipped sea salt blend lathers up wonderfully and, of course, there’s a very sophisticated botanical scent to lure you in, too (we especially like that it isn’t overwhelming). You’ll notice the way it leaves your scalp feeling clear and flake-free, roots incredibly clean and lengths full of movement.

PS: It’s free of sulphates and parabens, so if you’re looking for a product without any of those, you’ll want to click ‘add to cart’.

Don’t be deterred by this serum’s marital name. The new Smooch Skin Honeymoon Glow is so much more than a one-time-wear treatment. While the mesmerising holographic packaging is tempting, it’s more of a bonus than an end goal. This fresh, clean brightening serum lifts dark spots like magic and is a fantastic way to introduce the power of skin-perfecting vitamin C to your skin. The ingredients pack a very powerful punch: With vitamins C and E as well as hyaluronic acid, this product also gives the skin a boost of moisture that helps improve radiance for an overall fresh appearance. It also takes the guesswork out of how to layer these actives. Our skin literally sucks this product up, creating a supple, vibrant look that’s perfect for the new normal of no-makeup look. Putting it on is an absolute delight!

Applied in the morning, you’ll notice the skin looking supremely plump and dewy after only a few uses.

R499 from www.smooch.store and ARC Store

R425 from www.completehairdressingsupplies.co.za and Carlton Hair

A SWOON-WORTHY LIP SCRUB FOR THE SWEETEST BISOU While gentle cleansers, moisture-boosting serums and shine-enhancing oils are must-haves in any winter beauty arsenal, dot your i’s and cross your t’s with one final step this year – the By Terry Baume de Rose Lip Scrub. The price tag may be more in line with what you’d want to spend on a lipstick, but trust us … By Terry’s fail-proof creamy formula has achieved cult status for a reason. This OG beauty product is legitimately a miracle moisture worker that’s sure to leave you (and your special someone) nothing short of smitten! Containing rose butter, rose wax, rosehip oil, black rose extract and pastel rose extract – mixed with buffing sugar crystals – it will leave lips not only soft, but sweet, too. As for that gorgeous pink colour and so-good-you-want-to-eat-it rose flavour? Consider it the cherry on top.

Simply massage the scrub onto your lips in a circular motion, then wipe away with a cotton pad soaked in toner.

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Breezy

DOES IT

Fabulous ways to reboot in Joburg

Finding escapism over the last year has been a challenge, so we can’t blame you for wanting to indulge a little bit. Perhaps you’re uptight, stressed, lacking sleep and low in spirits? Maybe you simply need a change of scenery. Whatever you’re seeking, and whether or not you deserve it, we’ve handpicked the best beauty spots and most glamorous spas in the City of Gold with treatments that are guaranteed to refresh and rejuvenate, leaving you fret-free.

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EDITOR’S PICK: BALANCING ROSE CRYSTAL FACIAL

Beauty enthusiasts travelling to Joburg would be remiss not to experience Africology Spa at The Maslow. Like that friend who can always pull off a red lipstick and knows how to mix a proper martini, this shiny, monochrome labyrinth of treatment rooms is thoroughly modern, lavish and discreet.

Plus, it’s cosy and candlelit, creating a sultry 22h00 vibe, which makes it our BFF. The treatment menu’s masterpiece: The 80-minute Balancing Rose Crystal Facial (R900), a premium scalp-to-shoulders facial combining Africology’s beautiful Absolute Rose Serum and a massage with warmed rose quartz stones. This indulgent deep cleansing and hydrating treatment helps to relax muscle tension, reduce the appearance of fine lines, fight the signs of photoageing as well as increase hydration and cell renewal. Our therapist had a heavenly healing touch and delivered the most remarkable results-driven facial that left us feeling luxe and elicited a gasp of joy when we looked in the mirror. We can also confirm that this treatment has the ability to erase the effects of too many champagne-fueled late nights. While you’re there, munch on some cookies (sorry, we mean cleansing fruit) in the relaxation area or dip in the new jacuzzi – you’re likely to have it to yourself, so splash away! Africology Spa at The Maslow, where you can truly unwind, makes booking your next self-love retreat effortless. You know you deserve it.

The Maslow Hotel, 146 Rivonia Road, Sandton 010 226 4688 www.africologyspa.com

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COCO CHAMPAGNE MANICURE AND PEDICURE COMBO Life Lux Spa is a super-slick setup, but it’s not just down to the terrifically pretty interiors – marble flooring, aquamarine sofas and gleaming gold finishes that you’ve probably already seen on your Instagram feed. One of our editor’s nail studios of choice is also famed for its Coco Champagne Manicure and Pedicure Combo (from R750), ultra-chic, minimalist nail art and long-lasting Gelish. The therapists are never, ever late; they’re always immaculate and their work is too. Sip champagne while your regular or gel mani-pedi is applied at your leisure. Or, those tight on time, you can book two therapists to work in tandem … job done! Each treatment includes a champagne soak, exfoliation, gold mask (it makes for the silkiest soles), hot stone foot massage and a spritz of Life Lux Spa’s fastabsorbing, thoroughly addictive gold shimmer spray. The manicure is glossy, but the pedicure is in a class of its own. With some of the most vigorous buffing that we’ve encountered and a soporific, firm-but-friendly leg and ankle massage while your feet are encased in the most luxe foot treatment ever, you’ll skip out with brand-new feet that are positively glowing from all the attention.

And, the retail section of the spa is magical. Stocked with products from brands including Babor, Elemis and La Praire plus Motherkind collagen, eye pillows and soy massage candles, don’t expect to leave empty-handed.

Embassy Towers, 175 Empire Place, Sandhurst 010 594 5393 www.lifelux.co.za

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WINTER SURVIVAL PLAN 10 holy grail products that are bound to become your cold-weather saviours

THE CLEANSER:

Ah yes, it’s winter again – but don’t think that the beauty routine you preferred over the summer will carry you through as the crisp and icy grasp embraces us. As you find joy in pulling out your most chic coats and cosiest jumpers for the chilly season, your attention should also be headed north of your fashion, to the best winter beauty products and skin savers for skin, body and hair.

With temperatures plummeting, heat blasting and biting frosts causing everything to dry up and crack, we’ve done the hard work for you by selecting holy grail products to dial down the exfoliation, keep your skin barrier strong, load up on antioxidants and nail your nighttime routine.

Prepare to be blown away!

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ELIZABETH ARDEN CERAMIDE PURIFYING CREAM CLEANSER Prone to dry, flaky skin or a sluggish, lacklustre and congested complexion? This gentle but hardworking cream cleanser with a little lather could be the ultimate antidote. Add it to your cart and you’ll never look back! Although the creamy, peach-toned cleansing lotion feels indulgent to use, it also blitzes makeup and grime as well as delivers some serious antiirritation and redness magic, with the Elizabeth Arden’s go-to Ceramide 3. Fabulous for your first and second cleanse, we advise massaging it into dry skin and removing it with a cloth, but it can also be massaged into damp skin. It’s forever our fave.

R465 from Woolworths, Edgars and Foschini

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THE ESSENCE:

FILORGA NCEF-ESSENCE If your aim each day is to drench your skin with hydration, an essence can help you out.

While traditionally, toners are thought of as a pH balancing, clarifying step, essences infuse the skin with hydration and anti-ageing actives.

We’re big fans of Filorga, so it’s no surprise that this essence is our top pick. This velvety concentrate infused with hyaluronic acid refines the skin’s look and texture as well as soothes and brightens even the most sensitive skin. We’re always impressed with its skinresurfacing ability, but what we love even more is how quickly we see a difference – even after a few days of use.

THE MOISTURISER:

SKINCEUTICALS TRIPLE LIPID RESTORE 2:4:2 Craving nourished, healthier-looking skin? We can’t talk about moisturisers without naming a cult classic praised by the skin-obsessed and experts alike. This lipid-packed anti-ageing cream, filled with 2% pure ceramides, 4% natural cholesterol and 2% fatty acids, will deliver your best skin yet. The slippery white cream is as sumptuously soft as butter, has a very faint fresh scent and quickly melts into skin while helping to moisturise, repair, protect and plump lines. A little goes a long way, so savour every last drop of this spendy medicalgrade cream. We love using it at night to wake up to the skin of our dreams.

R710 from www.skinmiles.com and www.absoluteskin.co.za

R2,869 from www.skinmiles.com

THE NIGHT SERUM:

ENVIRON FOCUS CARE YOUTH+ SERIÉNCE NIGHT SERUM Our bodies – and skin – work the night shift when we’ve drifted off to sleep and while we’re dreaming. That’s why switching up your nighttime skincare routine can be well worth it. The best place to get your souped-up nightly skin hit is through this brand-new night serum that proves beauty sleep isn’t a myth. The advanced overnight booster’s genius formula contains malachite-neuropeptide complex, which goes deep into the skin to protect, reset, relax and reconnect – cell by cell, night by night. It expertly tackles the negative long-term effects of stress to boost your complexion, leaving you with a radiant glow.

R995 from select salons

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THE FACE OIL: THE EYE CREAM:

ZERO EYE CREAM

SOTHYS ESSENTIAL LIPID ELIXIR

Especially in winter, an eye cream is a beauty cabinet necessity to keep your under-eye area looking and feeling great. Smoother eyes are just a (gentle) tap away with this 100% natural, vegan and sustainably packaged eye cream.

Imagine the sagging, tired skin around your eyes could have a double shot (or a matcha latte … or almond milk Americano) every morning – well, it kind of can with this plantbased wonder. Slathered under the eye, the satisfying texture deeply hydrates and plumps without slipping into your eyes, which is ideal if you’re sensitive. You might be tempted to skip concealer altogether!

This regenerative face oil is a no-brainer for plumping up parched skin. Alongside the nutri-omega 3.6.9 complex, jojoba and rice bran oils prevent moisture from escaping, so skin feels pillowy and looks glowing. If you’ve found a moisturiser you love, there’s no need to switch it out for a heavier-hitter just because it’s winter. Instead, blend a drop of this ultra-luxurious oil into your cream to give it an extra hit of moisture. Quickly absorbed, it’s great for day under makeup, but we also like using this oil on its own at night (three drops is ample) to feed all the goodness into our skin and wake up to a moisturised face.

R299 from www.superbalist.com, Dis-Chem and Foschini

R925 from select spas and salons

THE EXFOLIATOR:

LAMELLE CATHEPZYME 1 To scrub, slough or chemically dissolve?

As much as using a good scrub on your complexion feels like it has to be working, the not-so-apparent damage it could be doing to your skin is rather frightening.

The answer to this beauty conundrum is to skip scrubs and opt for this gentle, three-minute home exfoliation system that’s easy on the skin and will give you that dewy glow you’re always yearning for. Not only do you get a radiant glow after using this chemical exfoliator, it also alleviates those common beauty blunders like uneven skin texture, fine lines and age spots. It’s truly a five-star product.

R600 from www.dermastore.co.za

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THE SHOWER OIL:

SKIN CREAMERY SHOWER OIL Dry air, don’t care! If you can’t stand the greasy aftermath of typical moisturisers, you’ll sing the praises of this brand-new in-shower body oil for a hydrated, glaze-y glow. We’ve tried every shower oil under the sun, including the most blissful and bougie, but this one is undefeated. The blend of organic essential oils does the immediate hydrating job, while its heavenly, 100% natural aroma of baobab, cypress, basil and fennel smells like the forest.

Plus, the antioxidant-rich formula leaves skin feeling smoother than smooth – we can’t help but give it the headlining spot in our daily shower lineup.

R299 from www.skincreamery.co.za, www.faithful-to-nature.co.za, www.superbalist.com, Wellness Warehouse and select Woolworths stores

THE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER: THE HAND CREAM:

EUCERIN HYALURONFILLER + ELASTICITY AGE SPOT CORRECTING HAND CREAM SPF 30 Now that winter is here, our hands are taking a real beating with the dry air along with the routine sanitising and washing. So much more than a daily indulgence, this brand-new agespot correcting hand cream contains patented Thiamidol which rivals the renewing powers of pure retinol (so goodbye dark spots). Deeply replenishing and satisfyingly rich, it will help improve elasticity and keep the surface of your skin strong, resilient and hydrated, no matter how often you’re washing your hands.

Also, few things can restore a Shellac-ravaged nail bed quite like this affordable hand cream – later, dry cuticles!

INOAR ARGAN OIL SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER Argan oil is packed (and we mean packed) with a slew of vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids that can work wonders for your hair. Curly, straight, fine, frizzy – no matter your hair type or texture, it could benefit from this shampoo and conditioner enriched with precious argan oil from Morocco along with cocoa butter and jojoba oil. The lathery shampoo gets your strands and scalp just the right amount of clean, while 9% pure argan oil fortifies so the hair stays hydrated and shiny.

The thick conditioner can be used as your daily conditioner or as a mask for super-smooth, gorgeous-smelling and soft hair.

R340 each or R660 for the duo pack from www.inoar.co.za, Sorbet Drybar and select salons

R199.99 from Clicks, Dis-Chem and select pharmacies

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skin behaves as if it were 10 years younger*

*In vitro Test. **Vegan formula without ingredients or derivatives of animal origin.

new

Call Orleans Cosmetics on (021) 701 2900 for your nearest stockist, or to become a stockist.

ENLIGHTEN

21917

POWER TRIO Complete daily skincare regimen targeting visible discolouration, uneven skin tone and dark spots

POWER TRIO

STEP UP & TARGET

CLEANSER AM/PM

SERUM AM/PM

MOISTURISER AM/PM

TARGET AM/PM

ULTRA BRIGHTENING CLEANSER

ILLUMINATING SERUM

PIGMENT CONTROLLER

DARK SPOT CORRECTOR

Genop Healthcare (Pty) Ltd. PO Box 3911, Halfway House, 1685, South Africa.

Co. Reg. No.: 1984/011575/07. Tel: +27 (0)11 545 9300. www.genop.co.za. 04/2021/PROMO/108.

neostrata.co.za

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Beauty

S T Y L E & BE A UT Y

INSIDE

HEAVEN

3 tips for shopping at the brand-new ARC Store Luxury beauty destination, ARC has opened its first flagship store in Sandton City – and yes, OMG, it’s what most beauty junkies believe the afterlife will look like.

The hallowed halls of beauty heaven are our new happy place; where we go to find inner peace, calm … and about a million new skin potions, lipsticks and perfumes.

The beauty retailer’s self-service store is approximately 500 square metres and offers a variety of interactive and experiential tools and services. With the return of in-store shopping, it needs to be on your to-go list. Here’s our advice on how best to shop at the brand-new ARC Store.

1.

GET HD-READY SKIN AT THE SANCTUARY

ARC Store’s skincare section, The Sanctuary, is often the quietest place in the store, so its ‘skin specialists’ are happy and available to demonstrate products on you.

Basically, everything on display is tried-and-true skincare favourites from international brands such as La Mer, Elemis and Dermalogica as well as equally covetable local brands including SKOON., Skin Creamery, Lulu & Marula, Suki Suki Naturals and THE SKIN CO. We recommend picking whichever products you’d like to try – cleansers, toners, moisturisers and treatments – to give yourself (and your skin) a quick pick-me-up. There’s ample opportunity to try exclusive brands like Wishful Skincare

by Huda Kattan before you buy, too. If you have time to spare, have a complimentary Dermalogica Face Mapping skin analysis done. For a quickie facial that will get you in and out in under 30 minutes, book an express treatment in the privacy of The Pod. 34 | w w w.s c en ein t h ec it y.c o.za | Winter 2 0 2 1

2.

CHECK OUT THE LAB

The Lab is the heart of the store, where customers can sit, play and learn. Complete with mirrors, makeup remover and cotton pads, in this interactive space you can either test newlylaunched products or take an expert-hosted masterclass (which you have to sign up for – keep an eye on ARC Store’s social media pages for further information). Thanks to a friendly crew of makeup artists trained to school you in the art of makeup application, you can take a seat and listen to your pro dispense tips using your choice of products. Those willing to drop serious cash will find the latest products from luxury cosmetics brands – think Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and Guerlain. There are also plenty of staples by well-known brands like MAC, Benefit, Smashbox, Clinique, Lancôme and Estée Lauder. Most exciting of all, there’s an impressive collection of Huda Beauty and Beauty Blender makeup, exclusive to ARC Store.

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3.

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DISCOVER A NEW FRAGRANCE

At ARC Store, there are no overeager salespeople dousing you with the latest fragrance launches or shoving samples in your hand. So, there’s no better time to swap out that tired body mist you’ve been spritzing every morning for one that’s new, fresh and special to you. We’ll warn you though: After exploring the store’s artisanal selection, you’ll never again be able to stomach a synthetic spritz. Tantalising fragrances by the likes of Atelier Versace, Gucci, Tom Ford, Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors and Molton Brown – plus lesser-known brands that have just launched locally, Ellis Brooklyn and Floral Street – will keep you coming back for more. You’ll also meet Kayali (which means ‘my imagination’ in Arabic), a fragrance brand from #perfumeprincess Mona and Huda Kattan that you won’t find anywhere else locally. We’re partial to the decadent, dessert-like Kayali Vanilla and the gloriously musky Kayali Musk.

Another reason to love ARC Store? Rather than requesting that customers purchase shopper bags, they’re donating R5 to local environmental organisation, Greenpop on your behalf if you don’t take one of their locally made, 100% recycled and reusable bags. We love a good shopping spree as much as the next girl, and those ‘take all my money’ memes are way too real when it comes to this brand-new store!

Find the ARC Store in Sandton City on Level 6 next to Bulgari (close to the Diamond Walk). If you don’t want to leave your house – let alone look up from your phone – to get your hands on the best new beauty launches, the online store makes stocking up on your favourite products easy.

Shop U29 & U30, Sandton City Shopping Centre, 83 Rivonia Road, Sandton 087 330 4947 www.arcstore.co.za

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Warm &WONDERFUL 5 new fragrances to usher in winter with serious chic

We’re neck-deep in a cashmere sweatsuit and snuggled up under a blanket. But there’s nothing like a fragrance – with woodsy, earthy or smoky notes – that can give you that warm fuzzy feeling to make you forget just how cold it really is. Whether you favour just-out-of-the-oven gourmand scents or prefer the cooler version of a floral favourite, we’ve rounded up our five favourite new fragrances that are warm, sensual and pack enough of a long-wearing punch that they linger on your favourite sweater. Happy spritzing!

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GIORGIO ARMANI SÌ INTENSE

MICHAEL KORS GORGEOUS!

Can a cult classic get any better? The answer is yes, especially if it packs an additional amberfloral punch with a touch of darkness. Meet your new signature scent: Giorgio Armani Sì Intense is one of those fragrances that instantly makes you feel physically powerful and sexy.

Starting bright and surprising with whiffs of blackcurrant nectar, this perfume soon turns seductive with traces of Isparta rose, liquorous davana, patchouli and benzoin resin for a perfect winter night. It lingers for hours on end, so wear it for late-night drinks and pair it with a fruity cocktail to really set the ambiance.

We’ll admit: The millennial in us is immediately drawn to the minimalistic pastel pink packaging featuring black and rose gold accents, and the light peach juice inside. But we stay for the bold floral-woody fragrance. The unexpected white flowers scent is equal parts soft and masculine, thanks to a top floral bouquet that blends into a heart of smoky tobacco accord, with a dry down finish of comforting woods. This has the same comforting qualities as wrapping yourself up in a cashmere shawl, or transporting you to a sophisticated jazz club. It’s a lovely accompaniment to a winter cocktail evening.

R1,350 for 30ml, R2,090 for 50ml or R2,970 for 100ml from select Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores

GUESS BELLA VITA To start, can’t you just imagine this gorgeous bottle – with the iconic Guess peony medallion in the centre and an opulent gold cap – making a statement on your vanity? But this fruity-floral gourmand fragrance goes far beyond appearances. An instant pick-me-up for those gloomy winter mornings, Guess Bella Vita is a bright scent that will wake up your senses like a shot of espresso.

It infuses almost-fruity tuberose and sparkling black cherry notes with a vanilla base note for a hint of sweet self-restraint. Beautifully intoxicating but brilliantly wearable, it calls to be worn with a power suit at all times.

R799 for 30ml, R899 for 50ml or R1,099 for 100ml from Clicks, Dis-Chem, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths

R1,095 for 30ml, R1,495 for 50ml or R1,890 for 100ml from select Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores

AZZARO WANTED GIRL BY NIGHT Warm and cosy doesn’t always translate to smoky and woodsy. If you’re looking for something more on the chypre-floral and gourmand side, Azzaro Wanted Girl by Night is a well-balanced mix of whipped cream and rum. Imagine a milky dessert topped with bourbon vanilla … yum! There’s nothing subtle about this delicious concoction, however, you’ll either love it or hate it. When you spritz this on, you’ll enjoy hints of night-blooming cereus and patchouli, which keeps all the sweet smells from becoming overpowering. This is a good one to wear on date night because it packs a passionate punch.

R1,200 for 30ml, R1,760 for 50ml or R2,200 for 80ml from select Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini and Truworths stores

GLASSHOUSE FRAGRANCES FLOWER SYMPHONY As you might expect from a fragrance called Flower Symphony, this travel-size miniature scent from Glasshouse Fragrances is a celebration of a trio of blooms. The flowers – dewy white roses, freesias and jasmine – are pretty, but its light airy freshness of bergamot, lemon and sweet pear blossoms make this a standout. These notes are warmed up by dry amber, patchouli and musk, giving it a fabulous balance. It’s the kind of golden, mellow signature scent that sits just as well on a cosy jumper as it does on an evening dress. Perfect for on-the-go touchups, we carry one in each of our favourite handbags.

R499 for 14ml from select Woolworths stores

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Skin DEEPER

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Our top 4 products for dry, dehydrated skin from SkinMiles

It wouldn’t be surprising if finding hydrating and super-soothing skincare products has become more of a priority for you lately. Winter skin woes are very real, especially when the dry and bitter temperatures come into play, and the desire to put your best face forward is understandable.

Just because the days are dull and dreary, your skin needn’t be. These clever beauty buys from SkinMiles – your personal skincare destination offering digital shelves of the best skincare and now makeup, too – can make a lacklustre complexion glow … overnight or in an instant. Project illumination starts with these picks that take the current climate into account.

1

SK.IN MARVEL HYDRO SHOT Best for anyone who wants to boost moisture content Dry skin and fine lines are no match for the cocktail of hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E and ceramides found in leading South African medical practitioner, Dr Alek Nikolic’s hardworking hydrating serum. Powered by a 5% hyaluronic acid complex, the milky water-gel hybrid ensures well-rounded hydration for every layer of your skin. This hydrating powerhouse is great for all skin types and will revive even the most dehydrated skin so that it can thrive amid harsh weather changes.

There’s magic in here, alright! We like that this product leaves your face completely soft and matte, unlike some hyaluronic products that can leave skin a bit tacky. As an added perk, a little goes a long way: Layer one full pump beneath a simple moisturiser each morning and evening for plumper, smoother, softer and better-looking skin.

R1,120 from www.skinmiles.com

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ESTHEDERM INTENSIVE HYALURONIC MASK Best for dosing your skin up with a fresh drink of water

2

To us, there’s no better fix for dry winter skin than this cushiony cream mask. It’s plumping, deeply hydrating, wonderfully reparative and, with regular use, softens the look and feel of fine lines and wrinkles. Basically, this comforting mask does it all … we’re smitten!

Formulated with a patented complex of three hyaluronic acid forms to restore and protect the skin, even under cold-weather conditions, it replenishes lost moisture in minutes and leaves the skin feeling absurdly soft. You only need 15 to 20 minutes, but since it’s such a treat, we recommend applying a healthy coating all over your face (especially along your under eyes) and going for as long as you can before removing it with a warm washcloth. Or, apply it on the weekend, sleep in and discover quenched skin come morning.

R651 from www.skinmiles.com

LAMELLE SERRA BODY LOTION Best for when traditional body lotions just won’t cut it Since we’ve already announced our devotion to Lamelle’s Serra Restore Cream on numerous occasions, you better believe we can get down with the cloud-like body lotion by the same name. Consider it your daily multivitamin for your skin: The cleanly formulated cream is jampacked with good-for-you ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, panthenol and the brand’s patented Ceramide-P, which is an exact replica of the lipids that make up your skin barrier.

The lightweight, highly concentrated formula slides on like butter and instantly melts into a silky oil upon skin contact. This powerhouse concoction swiftly replenishes moisture to your dehydrated and stressed skin, leaving you feeling like a million (moisturised) bucks. You can count on it to truly soothe – and never irritate – red, itchy or cracked skin.

3

R340 from www.skinmiles.com

SVR TOPIALYSE BARRIERE Best for for soothing and conditioning skin

4

When it comes to offering lasting hydration to even the driest of dry skin, nothing beats this thick, hydrolysed rice protein-laced cream for the face, hands and body. After slathering it on several times a day for the first few days, you’ll notice a major improvement in your hands – redness will fade, itchiness will subside and painful cracks will begin to heal. By the third day, they’ll look and feel as good as new. For anyone suffering from aggressively dry skin this winter – or any time of year, for that matter – we can’t recommend this barrier cream enough for boosting skin elasticity and protecting against irritation. We recommend using it anywhere that your skin needs some extra TLC, such as your under eyes, neck and feet. For an intensive hydration session, use it last in your nighttime routine (over your serum).

R202 from www.skinmiles.com W i nt e r 2021 | www. sc e n e i n th e c i ty . c o . z a | 39

THE PERFECT TOUCH

EGYPT

CAIRO TO LUXOR EXPLORER

5 night tour from

LAND OF THE PHARAOHS PACKAGE 1

R10 450* LAND ONLY

OVERVIEW This tour encompasses the major highlights of Egypt. Uncover the treasures of Egypt at the Egyptian museum, explore the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings, take in the sights & smells wandering through the Khan el Khalili Bazaar, gaze in awe at the mighty pyramids & sphinx & discover the Temples of Hathor, Queen Hatshepsut & Karnak in 6 incredible days.

PACKAGE INFORMATION • Airport arrival and departure transfer on day one and day six • Four nights’ accommodation at four and five star hotels

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS • Cairo: Marvel at the legendary Pyramids of Giza and explore the Necropolis of Saqqara • Luxor: Roam around the colossal Temple of Karnak and take an optional tour of the beautifully illuminated Luxor Temple at night • Dendera: Explore the beautifully preserved Temple of Hathor with its exquisitely decorated ceiling • Cairo: Uncover the treasures of King Tutankhamun at the Grand Egyptian Museum and see the ancient mummies of powerful pharaohs at the National Museum of Civilization • Luxor West Bank: Discover exquisite tombs at the Valley of the Kings, see the towering Colossi of Memnon and explore the beautiful Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

• Daily breakfast • One overnight train accommodation in a private two berth sleeper cabin from Cairo to Luxor

** Excludes flights, transfers, visas, meals and drinks not specified, travel insurance, entrance fees (USD70-90 pp), paid in local currency, tipping kitty (USD40-50 pp, paid in local currency), and anything not mentioned above. Please contact us for flights.

• All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

• Services of an Egyptian tour guide • Touring Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Luxor and Dendera

Prices start from the advertised price and are based on a per person rate, sharing a double room, unless otherwise stated.

Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency fluctuations and availability. Terms & conditions apply.

TRAVEL DATES: Selected departures: 25 to 30 July 2021 and 08 to 13 August 2021. Alternative dates available on request.

8 night tour from

FOOTSTEPS OF THE PHARAOHS

R30 600 PPS - LAND ONLY

PACKAGE 2 OVERVIEW

PACKAGE INFORMATION

Great Pharaohs, gods and goddesses once walked these ancient lands and you will too when you embark on this mesmerising 9-day journey from Cairo to Aswan, to the temples of Luxor and the seaside splendour of Hurghada. Get lost in the legends of ancient civilisations, the stories of great battles and tributes to powerful men and women who once revealed their might through man-made wonders which followed them into the afterlife.

• Eight nights’ accommodation throughout • Eight breakfasts, three cruise lunches and five dinners • Audio headsets provided for optimal sightseeing • Transport by luxury air-conditioned coach • Three night luxury Nile cruise • Flight from Cairo to Aswan • City orientation tours • Services of an expert travel director and driver • All hotel service charges, tips, baggage handling fees and local taxes • Visit Cairo, Aswan, Kom-Ombo, Edfu, Luxor and Hurghada ** Excludes flights, transfers not mentioned, visas. travel insurance, meals and drinks not specified and anything not mentioned above. All tours and services are subject to a minimum number of visitors, weather conditions, force majeure or other unforeseen circumstances. Advance purchase, peak season surcharges, block out periods and minimum stay conditions may apply. Please contact us for flights.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Prices start from the advertised price and are based on a per person rate, sharing a double room, unless otherwise stated.

Prices are subject to change due to airfare increases, currency fluctuations and availability. Terms & conditions apply.

TRAVEL DATES: 05 June 2021 to 29 October 2022

GET IN TOUCH! Email: yourdestination@hanieltravel.co.za Call: 087 012 5663/ 011 783 9202

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T R A VE L & L E I S UR E

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T R A VE L & L E I S UR E

COLONIAL GRANDEUR Reviewed: South Africa’s most luxurious safari The blissfully remote Owner’s House, set amidst the indigenous tamboti (morukuru) trees along the banks of the Marico River on Madikwe Game Reserve, has become the diamond in the Morukuru Family’s tiara. An unforgettable destination and adventure to top your wish list with silver service all the way, this is a truly passionate place – both in the way it’s run and the way guests keep coming back over and over again. No travel bucket list is complete without this lavish reinvention of a much-loved location that’s just a four-hour drive from Joburg.

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The family-friendly Owner’s House, part of the Morukuru Family’s collection of stylish exclusive-use safari houses and understated boutique lodges, welcomes children of all ages – even on safari. The two-bedroom house, alongside the camp’s other two equally spectacular accommodations – the three-bedroom River House and five-bedroom Farm House – has been recently renovated with lashings of elegant East African colonial-era style. Check-in is an informal chat with your team of eight dedicated staff, including your own private host, guide, tracker, chef, butler and housekeeping. You’ll get the feeling that everyone is extremely proud to work here.

Each of the three free-standing luxury villas are uniquely designed. Gazing out over what appear to more abundant animals and plains than anywhere else, at Owner’s House, boundaries between outside and inside are blurred thanks to large sliding doors. Expect a classic safari vibe with inspiration from the famous wild dogs of the area, Tswana basket weave and dense riverine forest: Clean-lined, minimalist wooden floors; bookshelf-lined walls; mustard accents in throws and cushions; a mix of 44 | w w w.s c en ein t h ec it y.c o.za | Winter 2 0 2 1

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African collectibles and European antiques; gallery-quality artworks; the best of South African-designed pieces; as well as a custom-made mustard leather and bead chandelier above the dining table that makes a strong contrast against the enormous stone fireplace and the natural texture of the thatch roof. The house flows effortlessly from one exquisite space to the next – there are two spacious en-suite bedrooms with a charging station of device-friendly plugs and connections plus a living room with books and boardgames, dining room, wine cellar, library, complimentary Wi-Fi and a digital entertainment system. Step off the wraparound outside deck, which connects you to the Marico River, onto the treetop sala, built-in firepit, outdoor bath or private pool that’s big enough – and deep enough – to swim short lengths in.

The best feature is the main bedroom. It channels the comforts of home, though the thatched roof and views will remind you how far away home is.

Filled with contemporary furniture and art, and lavishly layered with a handwoven headboard, plump cushions, rich, textured fabrics and hand-blown glass bedside lamps sourced from a young local artist – it’s hard to believe you’re in the bush. In a cosy, classy room this size, with masses of functional storage space for everything including travel bags, you could easily hole up all day. There’s a woodburning fireplace for stormy days and a sliding door opening up onto the outside deck, which means panoramic sweeps of the Madikwe plains merging with the horizon from the bed or bathtub. Although, really, the best feature is the walk-in en-suite bathroom with black steel accents, mottled marble vanities, locally produced Africology bath potions and vases of statuesque botanical beauties – proteas. It leads past a deep tub out onto the deck to an outdoor shower that feels super-private.

What we love the most is that days unfold as leisurely or energetically as you want, with surprises orchestrated with meticulous attention to detail in the background by the fabulous staff. The house’s designer interiors are wonderfully distracting, but it’s the game viewing that demands attention and exploration. The Big Five is the big draw in the bush, but here you’ll spot the Magnificent Seven – adding cheetah and African wild dog to lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo. Beyond game drives, your host is also happy to arrange loads of activities tailormade to your preference with no fixed time schedules – birdwatching, fishing, starlit sleep-outs in an open-air bed, mountaintop or riverside braais and guided Big Five bush walks (or nature W i nt e r 2021 | www. sc e n e i n th e c i ty . c o . z a | 45

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walks in a safe and enclosed area for guests under 16). Definitely book a skinquenching facial or full-body massage using Africology products enriched with African plant extracts and essential oils, too.

Ingenuity and variety spring from the kitchen controlled by chef Thabiso Letshwenyo. Everything is included except vintage wines, and it feels like you’re eating in a different restaurant every time. Fresh, wholesome meals, of up to three courses if you fancy, are kicked off with local gin cocktails and served in unique, last-minute surprise locations such as sundowner snacks under a tree in the middle of the reserve or romantic plated dinners fireside on your private deck with sherry and port in crystal decanters. Think pan-fried baby sole in a lemon-butter sauce, perfectly roasted lamb shanks atop a bed of mash, simple seared salmon paired with summer vegetables or a tagliatelle pasta salad packed with duck breast, crisp vegetables and bocconcini mozzarella balls. Regardless of what you’re served for dessert – dark chocolate brownies or pistachio parfait – end the night with your choice from the wine cellar, which includes some stellar South African labels and one of the best whisky selections in the bush.

A special mention should be made of the bush dinners at Morukuru Family owners Ed and Anka’s special places, which are part of the experience. They’re arranged at the discretion of your host who tends to work out very quickly if you like surprise meals away from the comfort of the house or not. Always with a surprise element like cooking stokbrood over a fire or a beautiful showpiece bar for interesting cocktails, it’s magic over the savannah – you’ll even spot elephants. Like with the 46 | w w w.s c en ein t h ec it y.c o.za | Winter 2 0 2 1

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rest of the staff, chef Thabiso is extremely kind and has a can-do approach to everything, so it’s also easy to stick to gluten-or dairy-free or vegan diets. He loves nothing more than inviting guests into the kitchen, and will even set time aside to teach you how to make your favourite dish – sushi or patisserie-worthy macaroons perhaps, or pizza for the little ones.

If there’s anything we’d change, it would be the rough access road beyond the gates of Madikwe Game Reserve. A 4x4 SUV is best for getting there, or you can take it very slow in a car. The reserve is also accessible via Federal Airlines’ daily shuttle service from OR Tambo International Airport.

There are two landing strips within the reserve – you’ll land on the one closest to Morukuru Family and a game vehicle and ranger will transport you directly to Owner’s House. So, is it worth it? Absolutely – not only is it fully inclusive, it’s also as if owners Ed and Anka Zeeman have taken the best of everything they’ve learnt over the past 15-odd years and distilled it into the refreshed and updated house.

Madikwe Game Reserve 011 615 4303 www.morukuru.com

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Chic STAYS Reviewed: Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel

Let’s face it: There’s so much to see and do (not to mention eat) in Joburg, that one visit just wouldn’t cut it. So, fans of this world-class city need to be armed with a solid hotel to return to … again and again. Or, why not take a staycation with five-star amenities? Smack-bang in the heart of swanky Sandton, just across the street from the Gautrain Station, function meets friendliness at the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel.

With a reputation for design and a penchant for hospitality, it’s one of our favourite picks – and one of the City of Gold’s finest addresses.

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Part of the fun and funky Radisson Hotels family, the Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel has fabulous value for style and location. The fresh urban crash pad is discretion embodied, with design-led chill-out spaces, rooms that are unfussy but inviting, and an intimate lobby bar that makes for a great escape from the crowds with frosty cocktails. Come for the bold, the business-like and the beautiful design, and stay for the convenient location and amenities. Guests here have the chance to inhabit a landmark of the Sandton skyline and take advantage of its views.

The one-bedroom suites are preferable to the smaller rooms – spacious enough to spread out and accommodate your stuff as well as more practical.

The skyline-framing floor-to-ceiling windows make a stunning first impression, while dark wood paneling and a slightly masculine colour scheme contributes to a sense of ease. In addition to high thread counts and ultra-soft mattresses, the absurdly, abundantly comfortable suites feature a standing rain shower and a separate bath tub. Notable luxuries include fast free Wi-Fi, a Nespresso machine, individual climate control plus plush bath robes and slippers. You’ll feel embedded in the City of Gold in the best of ways at this energetic hotel.

The Radisson Blu Gautrain Hotel proves that staying local has never been more appealing.

In a city where there are so many fantastic restaurants, it’s difficult to recommend staying put in the hotel, although Central One Restaurant & Bar has an easygoing bistro vibe and a quirky, globetrotting menu. With a new dusty pink interior, the restaurant incorporates earth tones, raw natural materials and gold accents to marry haute décor and fine dining.

The ambitious offering ranges across cultures and includes dishes such as grilled beef rib eye, Cape Malay lamb curry, grilled salmon and potato croquettes as well as roasted butternut and sundried tomato penne. The roasted chicken breast on a colourful cushion of Swiss chard with textures of cauliflower is worth trying, as is the South African cheese selection including fig preserve and roasted nuts. Even if you’re not here to stay, you’ll want to pop in for a frozen margarita on the starlit pool deck – one of the biggest draws of this hotel. With talented mixologists in charge of the bar, cocktail lovers are in for a treat.

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The breakfast, however, is fantastic – polished and delicious. Whether you want a filling meal before a busy day or a beautiful breakfast-in-bed spread to post to your Instagram, you can’t go wrong with the all-round flawless standard order of eggs, pastries and juice … but we’ll take ours topped with crispy bacon and a side of yoghurt parfait with chunky granola. Staff couldn’t be more efficient and attentive too, tending to their customers like family members to keep this star-studded show on the road. Locals and in-the-know tourists also seek out the restaurant for specials like the Full Flavour Board for Two, priced at R460. If full flavours and unapologetic spicing are your bag, this sharing board consisting of deeply seasoned beef rump and half a peri peri chicken will get your pulse – and your taste buds – racing. It’s served with two complimentary glasses of Van Loveren Bayede! The Prince Merlot with ripe fruit, cherry, blackberry and pear aromas, which makes it ludicrously good value.

Corner of Rivonia Road & West Street, Sandton 011 286 1000 www.radissonhotels.com

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Winter IN THE

WINELANDS A foodie travel guide to South Africa’s best-kept secret

The air is crisp and clean; the pungent, peppery smell of the fynbos shrubs is strong; the sharp sun gives the whitewashed walls of the Cape Dutch buildings an almost golden hue; and the winemakers, fresh off a busy harvest, are eager to give you insider access to their newest releases. The Cape Winelands in winter is every bit as magical … and may just steal a piece of your heart. We delved into the valleys deep and hillsides high, and snuggled up in our cosiest cashmere scarves near a crackling fire, to root out the foodie secrets in this delicious region this season. These are the dining experiences and dishes that made us swoon – and we couldn’t stop dreaming about thereafter.

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WHERE TO STAY EDITOR’S PICK: ANGALA BOUTIQUE HOTEL (FRANSCHHOEK)

Best for: Getting swept away at the most picturesque place to stay Dreaming of a getaway to relax and recharge? Angala Boutique Hotel, nestled in the hills above the vineyard-studded Simonsberg wine region, ticks all the boxes. With its striking architecture designed with those looking to say goodbye to stress in mind – and its equally jaw-dropping location overlooking the postcard-perfect mountains that rise between Franschhoek and Paarl – this reposeful retreat is the quintessential Cape wine country hideaway. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a glass of bubbly and then personally escorted to their room.

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A compound of 11 modern whitewashed bungalows is surrounded by seasonal blooms, fragrant foliage, vivid dark purple-blue lavender hedges and vines of green-skinned sauvignon blanc grapes. Our Luxury Room – in a muted palette of olive, taupe and cream – had a minimalist aesthetic and a make-yourself-at-home ease at play. It was outfitted with a super king-size bed, fireplace, outdoor shower, deep-soak tub, air-conditioning and underfloor heating as well as a private terrace where you can sip coffee while gazing out at the morning mist rolling in; an only-in-the-low-season experience. Those that can’t tear themselves away from the grounds can look forward to a vineyardfacing ozonated pool, heated plunge pool, infrared sauna, steam room, private yoga sessions, locallyinspired therapies, shiatsu, reflexology and the hotel’s pièce de résistance – a revitalising, naturally filtered eco pool featuring a living ecosystem of water plants to purify the water. You’ll leave feeling nurtured, purified, pampered and relaxed. But what you’re really here for is the wine: As part of the package, guests get vouchers for wine tasting at Vrede en Lust Wine Estate and Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, which are just 100m and 280m down the road respectively. The Vrede en Lust Sarah W i nt e r 2021 | www. sc e n e i n th e c i ty . c o . z a | 55

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Bubbly by Nature sparkling wine with aromas of green apple, pear and stone fruit and the Rupert & Rothschild Classique – a Cape Bordeaux with nuances of fresh cranberry and wild black cherry – are as unforgettable as the places themselves.

At the hotel’s bright, contemporary restaurant (exclusively for in-house guests), the menu is printed with the day’s date, proving that, yes … everything is indeed ultra-fresh and seasonal. It’s just the sort of setting for a long, lazy Sunday lunch, especially on a grey, drizzly day. The tasteful and unfussy food – pumpkin spicescented soup, beef fillet with a crispy onion crust, a full English breakfast with all the trimmings and plenty more – is connected to the place, the season and the heart of the chefs. Wander into the dining room flecked with gorgeous pieces of furniture and you’d be forgiven for feeling like you’ve wandered into someone’s (truly amazing) home, or have your meal served on the sun-drenched outdoor terrace with generous pours of rosé. Either way, diners can expect conscious cuisine crafted with hyper-local, sustainable ingredients.

Corner of R45 & Klapmuts Road (through Vrede en Lust Wine Estate), Simondium, Franschhoek 021 874 1366 www.angala.co.za

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SPANISH FARM GUEST LODGE (SOMERSET WEST) Best for: A treehouse hotel that takes design to new heights For visitors looking for an authentic, picture-perfect Somerset West villa, Spanish Farm Guest Lodge (part of Cape Summer Villas Boutique Collection) brings glamour and originality to this must-stay destination.

Hidden away on the grounds of a four-hectare estate on the slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, the luxury guesthouse and self-catering villas are surrounded by fynbos vegetation, indigenous gardens and the Hottentots Holland Mountains, but they’re still in the heart of the Helderberg Wine Route. We recommend booking the sun-filled twobedroom villa, which is set above a canopy of trees and makes the most of its natural surroundings. Its gorgeously minimalist interiors are a mix of the rustic and modern, with hand-plastered walls, matte charcoal floor tiles, exposed beams, décor in various shades of black, grey and blue as well as art, rugs and textiles that create an urban loft feel. The perfect spot for a multi-generational getaway, the villa has two en-suite bedrooms – one with an oversized rain shower and the other with an enormous bathtub (where you can soak away the day with luxury Healing Earth bath products) and a beyond breathtaking outdoor shower – plus a private nature pool, wooden deck, fully-equipped kitchen, dining room, wood-burning fireplace, air-conditioning and heating, DStv, terrace and wraparound windows that give spectacular views over False Bay and Somerset West. Climb down from your perch to the explore the grounds and use the villa’s fragrant garden, or snuggle up in bed under a fur throw and watch nature do its thing – with never-ending skies studded with the brightest stars, this is what childhood dreams are made of!

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Our favourite space is the sleek and modern kitchen, which we couldn’t stop swooning over. You can totally imagine cooking up an indulgent breakfast – think chocolate chip pancakes with cinnamon honey syrup or Italian eggs Benedict with pesto hollandaise – with a food-obsessed group of friends here, with its stunning kitchen island, Le Creuset cookware, SMEG appliances and Nespresso machine. Or, you can dial up the cook who works the kitchen for the guesthouse.

40 Silverboom Kloof Road, Spanish Farm, Somerset West 021 852 7352 www.capesummervillas.co.za www.spanishfarmestate.co.za info@spanishfarm.co.za

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EENDRACHT HOTEL & APARTMENTS (STELLENBOSCH) Best for: Those with a passion for antiques and curiosities There’s a lovely Danish and Norwegian word, hygge, for a mood of cosiness and comfortable conviviality. And Cape Country Routes’ Eendracht Hotel & Apartments, located in the heart of the oldest part of Stellenbosch, is very hyggelig indeed.

With the original building – a small two-bedroom cottage – built in 1710, it’s hard to imagine a place more steeped in history. Although this hotel, which has 13 elegant, cosseting en-suite bedrooms and three newly refurbished self-catering units, wears its heritage lightly … and with flair. Among the eye-popping mosaics, painted wood, hand-carved plaster, old prints and bric-à-brac, the furniture is made from richly varnished wood that gleams in the sun coming through the windows. Wherever your eyes fall, there’s something to discover. But a museum it is not: Beyond the unique décor, the bedrooms are also deeply comfortable. Most romantic is the Honeymoon Suite, with its queen-size bed, corner bath and balcony for cocktail hour. In the mornings, you’ll awaken to cheeky sparrows squabbling outside or the thump-thump of coffee grounds being emptied from the espresso machine downstairs, before tucking into a full-house breakfast – mini pastries with cheese and cold meats, cereal, yoghurt and your choice of a hot plated dish with a coffee or fruit juice. For lunch, grab something light like a salad or toasted sandwich at the sunlit Senobia’s Restaurant, a new addition to the hotel which also 60 | w w w.s c en ein t h ec it y.c o.za | Winter 2 0 2 1

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whips up superb traditional South African dishes with local seasonal ingredients. Highlights include Cape Malay bobotie, cottage pie, green bean bredie, homemade roast chicken and mushroom pie as well as milk tart with homemade ice cream. Off days can be spent sipping wine on the garden patio or at the outdoor splash pool, though for the restless, the affiliated Adventure Shop (a three-minute walk from the hotel) offers guided hikes, guided bike tours and 4x4 wine tours. The popular half-day e-bike tour from Stellenbosch to Boschendal in Franschhoek trails through town and up into Idas Valley and the Banhoek Conservancy. It includes transport back to Stellenbosch by bus in the early afternoon.

161 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch 021 883 8843 www.capecountryroutes.com www.eendracht-hotel.com info@eendracht-hotel.com

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WHERE TO EAT GÅTE – QUOIN ROCK WINE ESTATE Best for: Top-notch fine dining with polished silverware for foodies in the know Home to some of the most adventurous eating in the Winelands, the sophisticated, glass-walled interiors of Gåte is where youthful head chef Jack Coetzee (formerly executive chef at Urbanologi in Joburg) spins out artfully plated South African food crafted with local ingredients … and whatever else strikes his fancy. Situated on the slopes of the Simonsberg Mountain, it’s a transportive environment that’s cleverly cosy in winter, with its tree and foliage-inspired elements and food that’s as striking as the design. However, tables are well-spaced, all the better to focus on the beautifully presented food. For lunch, there are three menu options: We strongly recommend the three-course rather than the two- or five-course (which includes a vegan option), as a succession of amuse-bouches and pre-desserts will push up the plate count in any case. You can expect dishes like a selection of tomato varieties on a pine nut crumb, topped with Phantom Forest goat cheese; deliciously colourful and flavourful beet steak with beetroot dauphinoise, baby beetroot and halzenuts; as well as a fresh, zesty pineapple and lime dessert with coconut sorbet, salted caramel and pineapple confit. Chef Jack doesn’t shy away from crowd-pleasers – hello, quail liver parfait and beef fillet – yet he still gives himself room to be creative with seasonal specials. Just as his talent is for showcasing unusual ingredients without showboating, the fashionable servers’ is for putting guests at ease with the ever-changing menu. The most photographed dish – and certainly the most ordered – is the langoustines, prized for their delicate sweetness, served with a ball of sweet corn mielie pap, pancetta and sweet pea vierge plus a velvety, full-of-flavour langoustine velouté. Desserts are spectacular, especially the Not Your Ouma’s Milk Tart that dazzles not only the eye, but the palate, too. Once you break it, the coconut shortbread, cinnamon curd and dehydrated cinnamon mousse contents are refreshingly untricky on the tongue; a delicious nutty, earthy walk in the woods. Wine is the restaurant’s other forte: Those who opt for the wine pairing will sample a selection of wines from Quoin Rock and neighbouring Knorhoek. Book at least three to four days ahead.

Quoin Rock Wine Estate, 7600 Knorhoek Road, Stellenbosch 021 888 4750 www.quoinrock.co.za

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SALT – WATERFORD ESTATE Best for: Assertive dishes that are strong on flavour … with subtle twists The word is out: Local gourmets and visitors (many of them guests at nearby four- and five-star hotels) have been flocking to SALT – a stellar addition to the Winelands’ culinary scene – since it opened earlier this year. Set on the terracotta, Tuscaninspired Waterford Estate, looking out onto the iconic fountain courtyard, the restaurant emanates a calm elegance and has a hushed, luxe feel that’s evident from the moment you walk in. With Craig Cormack and Beau du Toit, who previously helmed the restaurant at Paul Cluver, running the show, local and foraged ingredients form the basis of deceptively simple dishes. The chef duo rises to another level through modern techniques, and underlying it all is a passionate farm-to-table philosophy. Well-honed techniques and a large dose of creativity turn ingredients such as humble red bunching onions into stars in a French onion soup starter with sourdough and gratinated Gruyère. Mains, all deeply inspired and exquisitely presented, include the braised Boesmanland lamb shank, grilled veld-raised beef and brisket bacon, Thai green curry of single line-caught fish and black sesame-crusted tofu with confit fennel. They each come with a glass of selected wine: Choose from Waterford Elgin Sauvignon Blanc 2020, Waterford Elgin Pinot Noir 2018, Waterford Heatherleigh, Kevin Arnold Shiraz 2016 and our top pick, Waterford RoseMary 2020; a light and fruity rosé with a lovely transparent pink colour and delicate raspberry undertones. Speaking of that lamb shank, served with cured, dried and fried pork belly plus pepino melon, Japanese mayo, radish and mebos chutney – it’s melt-in-your-mouth, so snap it up with a glass of well-oaked Waterford Estate Chardonnay 2018 when you see it. On the other hand, the line fish in a Thai green curry, with corn, peas, coriander and pickled ginger, reveals itself to be beautifully balanced; substance and not just flashy presentation. Dessert is worth leaving room for – say, nutty almond biscotti and a chilled glass of subtle, layered dessert wine to dip it into, or an unusual pear tart fin served with creamy-cool ice cream with the zing of fiery black pepper. As you’d expect, the service is smooth as silk, but happily, it’s also far from being pompous.

Waterford Estate, Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch 021 880 5300 www.waterfordestate.co.za

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THE JORDAN RESTAURANT – JORDAN WINE ESTATE Best for: A parade of polished plates What is there to say about The Jordan Restaurant and celebrated chef George Jardine that hasn’t already been said?

We’ll just say this … if you’re lucky enough to get a reservation, be sure to arrive at the restaurant on Jordan Wine Estate on time. This is where you come to sample some of the Winelands’ finest haute cuisine. You won’t want to miss a second of the entire experience – it’s fancy, fussy and oh-so-good.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll want to take in every tiny moment: The sophisticated, light-filled dining room rich with artisanal furniture; the panoramic vista out front that encompasses the undulating vineyards; the generous bread platter of focaccia, seed loaf, charcoal buns and luscious garlic aioli; and the trip to the Cheese Room, which features South African

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cheeses made by small producers from all over the country. There’s also an open kitchen, so you can watch the skilled chefs in action as they masterfully whip up exceptional food. The short, sharp seasonal menu (your choice of two, three or five courses with or without wine pairing) focuses on local flavours and features creative dish after creative dish, all presented on bespoke ceramics. A top starter is the steamed Saldanha Bay mussels papillote (French for ‘in parchment’) – succulent mussels presented wrapped in the pocket that releases an aromatic steam when you open it. The mussels’ natural salty brininess is balanced with sweet coconut milk, aromatic lemongrass, tart lime juice and a generous hit of fresh ginger, garlic and chilli. You’ll argue over the stars of the mains with your lunch date, but take it from us: The aged Chalmar sirloin cooked medium rare – accompanied by a soft herb crust, black lentils, roasted garlic, and a mushroom and pancetta dressing – is next level. The pan-roasted line-caught hake served with a zucchini and olive salad and fried zucchini flowers is also a knockout. Drenched in a buttery hollandaise sauce, the fish is so fresh that it barely needs to be cooked. Finish things off with a suite of decadent desserts, such as the showstopping honey and poppy seed soufflé drizzled with crème anglaise and vanilla ice cream. It’s a delicate work of art with a light-as-air texture – you won’t be disappointed.

Jordan Wine Estate, Stellenbosch Kloof Road, Vlottenburg, Stellenbosch 021 881 3612 www.jordanwines.com

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PAULINA’S RESTAURANT – RICKETY BRIDGE WINERY Best for: Indulging in your love of food and drink Tucked inside the busy Rickety Bridge Winery, the sun-filled Paulina’s Restaurant – named in honour of the original owner of the property – is a true oasis. Here, bartenders shake up cocktails like the Rickety River Gin, chefs slide freshly prepared pizzas into the wood-fired oven and groups of friends chat the day away over casual cuisine. It’s the kind of place you could spend hours working your way through classic comfort food and intriguing bottles of wine, much as you would at a friend’s home. Don’t be fooled by the restaurant’s cosy, easygoing décor and no-frills à la carte menus. Despite its minimalistic design, the restaurant still has loads of character, and the food is outrageously good – expect big, rich flavours perfect for a chilly climate. The only thing you need to figure out is whether to dine in the farmhouse-like dining room with a toasty fireplace, or on the wood-clad year-round outdoor terrace surrounded by towering trees and vineyards. The weekend menu changes regularly, but could include anything from homemade mushroom gnocchi with a hint of garlic and chilli to slowroasted pork belly with sweet potato purée, buttered greens and sweet chilli jus. The problem (if there is one)

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is that there’s too much choice – from signature dishes to mix and match meals, it’s all so good that you really need several repeat visits to sample everything here. Our advice? Ask your waiter for recommendations, order a bunch of plates (but make sure the sticky chicken wings, deep-fried pork ribs and tempura onion rings are on the list) and work your way through the smorgasbord of flavours. We recommend the al dente homemade tagliatelle tossed with a gorgeous medley of seafood in a heavenly white wine sauce, paired with a glass of Paulina’s Reserve Chenin Blanc – a rich, mouth-filling wine with dominant pineapple, peach and ripe pear aromas plus notes of spicy oak. It’s simple but superb. Omnivores will delight in the gloriously hearty slow-braised beef oxtail loaded with seasonal vegetables and creamy herbed polenta, and a glass of red fruit-forward Rickety Bridge Pinotage with blackberry and blueberry flavours in the background. Whenever you come – and whatever you order – rest assured that you won’t leave hungry.

Rickety Bridge Winery, R45, Franschhoek 021 876 2129 www.ricketybridge.com

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A high-rise restaurant fit for an artful city. This 165-seater, Infinity Restaurant is everything a glamorous escape atop Cape Town should be, complete with panoramic views and an interior playfully themed, afro-chic, according to the tropical wallpaper with exotic birds, mixed textures, animal print dining chairs, chic and shimmering chandeliers as well as splashes of cream, lilac and emerald green.

Combining 360-degree mountain and sea views with ‘skystronomy’ – the concept of gastronomy in the sky, courtesy of our Olympian chef, Infinity Restaurant boasts a stylish scene with a smorgasbord of celebratory drinks and on-trend dishes made from fresh, top-quality ingredients.

It’s a spot for casual comfort food – think dishes like alcohol-free beerbattered hake, a BBQ pulled pork burger on a brioche bun, prawn tagliatelle in a spicy tomato bisque sauce or smoked chicken breast with green beans, charred bell peppers, salty capers, coriander and an orange dressing. Infinity is also a beacon of breezy indulgence; the perfect space to take in cosmopolitan views with laid-back Mother City ease where one cocktail from our superb cocktail list, which celebrates all the classics, can quickly spiral into two or three … or more. Not to be missed is the namesake drink, the Infinity Cocktail – shaken with Bacardi, mango, strawberry and curaçao, it’s bursting with the flavours of the tropics.

Lively, romantic, cosy – whatever you’re looking for when making lunch or dinner plans, you can have it all at Infinity Restaurant while taking in the natural beauty of Cape Town.

Choose from popular internationally inspired dishes, such as a Sparta beef sirloin with smoked tomato sauce, grilled onion and fried potato, as you feel transported to simpler times; a point in space and time that seems infinitely distant. Or, test your palette on specialties like sous vide rolled pork neck and Thai fish curry with cauliflower purée and a citrus butter sauce that packs a powerful flavour punch, paired with a wine from our stellar, wide-ranging wine list. If you fancy something a bit more extravagant with your meal, there’s also a fabulous selection of French champagnes plus some lovely MCCs and Proseccos. Adding doses of over-the-top eclecticism, the Afro-chic décor sets the mood itself.

Dining at Infinity Restaurant is a crash course in Africa’s melting pot culture and history, vividly retold by dishes that make the most of local seasonal food underpinned by bold flavours and international flair. Book in advance to avoid disappointment – the 10-seater Captain’s Table seats 10 and offers the best views in the house.

CONTACT DETAILS 9 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8000 021 879 5043 info@infinityrestaurant.capetown WWW.INFINITYRESTAURANT.CAPETOWN

Available at selected Foschini and Truworths stores