Newmark Life Publication

LIFE NEWMARK Experience Authentic

Africa’s diamond and Tanzanite captivate globally with beauty, rarit immense value Diamonds shaped hi economy, while Tanzanite’s unique blue enchant as a sought-after gemstone solely in Tanzania. Symbolizing luxury elegance, these precious stones mesmeri admirers worldwide

Discover ethically sourced diamonds and Tanzanite jewelry at Shimansky in Cape Town. With international certification and a commitment to sustainability, their exquisite pieces embody both beauty and ethical integrity. Enjoy guilt-free shopping and support responsible practices while indulging in the allure of their precious gems.

“Your African legacy for generations to come “

Diamonds from the West Coast of South Africa

Extraordinarily rare and mesmerising, Fancy Yellow Diamonds are beautifully transformed into exclusive Shimansky creations, allowing you to savour the South African sun wherever you go.

The story of Newmark Hotels & Reserves is the story of South Africa itself – one of vision, ingenuity and celebrating the magic of diversity.

An exciting new partnership to develop a hotel with the Thabo Mbeki Foundation.

JOURNAL

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NEWS & TRENDS

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Enjoy boutique luxury in the heart of the vibrant V&A Waterfront at the recently refurbished Victoria & Alfred Hotel

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Inspired by its heritage and a thoroughly modern reinvention, The Hazendal is a unique destination for wine, food, art and relaxation.

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Old world meets new at Stellenbosch icon Blaauwklippen, one of South Africa’s most historic estates.

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See the Big Five and enjoy a luxury safari experience at QWABI Private Game Reserve just a few hours from Johannesburg.

WINE & DINE

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Meet the Tastemakers who are redefining the food and wine scene at all our restaurants.

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In the heart of the bustling V&A Waterfront precinct, the Queen Victoria Hotel offers a tranquil retreat from the rush of the city.

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Why stylish Waterfront hideaway Dock House Boutique Hotel is Cape Town’s best-kept secret.

RELAX & RECHARGE

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Explore Mauritius from La Maison D’Été island resort and you’ll instantly feel like it’s your own beach house on the edge of paradise.

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Enjoy stylish simplicity at Mystik Lifestyle Boutique Hotel a boutique island escape on the lush north shore of Mauritius.

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Take a break from the frenetic pace of Lagos and head to Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate an allencompassing lifestyle destination and golfing paradise.

OUT & ABOUT

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The Sea Point Promenade is one of Cape Town’s best-known urban walks, where locals and visitors gather to exercise, breathe in the sea air and admire its stunning 360-degree views.

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Perfectly positioned for business or pleasure, La Splendida’s prime location makes it a Cape Town gem.

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Come for the views at The Winchester Hotel stay for the incredible hospitality.

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Take in Cape Town’s rapidly expanding skyline at Rockefeller Hotel & Residences

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With sweeping views over Sandton CBD, The Catalyst Hotel offers pristine facilities and modern and luxurious hotel rooms ideal for a business or leisure stay in Johannesburg.

ESCAPE & EXPLORE

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Cruise the best of the Cape coastline aboard the luxurious Hazendal Yacht.

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Enjoy a contemporary adventure in an ancient landscape at Nkomazi Private Game Reserve

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Africa’s ‘Spice Island’ invites you to a personal experience of the isle’s ancient history and remarkable hospitality at Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge

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Discover the abundant plains of the South African Lowveld at Motswari Private Game Reserve, a family-run retreat bordering the famous Kruger National Park.

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In step with the growing demand from guests for more relaxed-luxury safari experiences, Motswari Private Game Reserve offers the intimate Geiger’s Camp.

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Rhino Disharmony has launched the Saviours’ Army, a new initiative to spotlight the plight of the rhinos of the Greater Kruger National Park.

ART & CULTURE

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Take in the Cape’s famous tidal pools from above with local landscape photographer Jay Caboz, whose celebrated images capture the mood of the Mother City.

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The Onyx is the ideal base for exploring downtown Cape Town – or watching it pass you by from its classy interior.

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Survey the wide open space of the Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve from your own private eco-pod!

HEALTH & WELLNESS

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Padel, the world’s fastest-growing sport, might just be the most fun way to exercise on holiday.

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Experience the healing energy of Future Found Sanctuary, a hidden wellness retreat on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park.

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Book this special room with a view at the exclusive BABOHI lodge at QWABI Private Game Reserve

LETTER FROM THE CEO

In an age when so much has become digital and deletable, I often consider how we can create experiences that allow our guests to slow down during their stay with Newmark Hotels & Reserves. Thinking back to the days when we would personally address cards to our guests, I remember the power that lies behind images and words printed indelibly on paper.

It was these thoughts that reminded me of the tactile experience of flicking through a glossy magazine, feeling inspired by stories of adventure. This, and the need to place quality reading material in Newmark’s hotel rooms, inspired the creation of Newmark Life

Distributed across Newmark’s hotel portfolio, Newmark Life will be read by high-end travellers staying in Africa’s top destinations. Here we will be telling stories about luxury travel experiences, incredible wildlife encounters, and the creation of Africa’s finest gastronomic offerings.

NEIL MARKOVITZ Chief Executive Officer at Newmark Hotels & Reserves

TANZANITE Africa’s pride

TANZANITE Africa’s pride

B e n e a t h t h e s u r f a c e o f t h e

B e n e a t h t h e s u r f a c e o f t h e

r i c h Af r i c a n s o i l l i e t h e m o s t

r i c h Af r i c a n s o i l l i e t h e m o s t

s o u g h t a f t e r t r e a s u r e s a n d

s o u g h t a f t e r t r e a s u r e s a n d

g e m s k n o w n t o m a n .

g e m s k n o w n t o m a n .

Fo r ye a rs d i a m o n d s h ave b e e n c ove te d a n d h ave

Fo r ye a rs d i a m o n d s h ave b e e n c ove te d a n d h ave

g a i n e d a r e p u t a t i o n f o r p i o n e e r i n g a n e n t i r e

g a i n e d a r e p u t a t i o n f o r p i o n e e r i n g a n e n t i r e

i n d u s t r y ; p u tt i n g A f r i c a o n t h e m a p fo r t h e h i g h e s t

i n d u s t r y ; p u tt i n g A f r i c a o n t h e m a p fo r t h e h i g h e s t

q u a l i t y d i a m o n d s i n t h e wo r l d B u t i n 19 6 7, t h e g e m

q u a l i t y d i a m o n d s i n t h e wo r l d B u t i n 19 6 7, t h e g e m

i n d u s t r y s aw t h e b i r t h o f s o m e t h i n g n ew - Ta n z a n i te

i n d u s t r y s aw t h e b i r t h o f s o m e t h i n g n ew - Ta n z a n i te

Ta n z a n i te’s o n ly s o u rc e l i e s a t h e fo o t h i l l s o f t h e

m a j e s t i c M o u n t K i l i m a n j a ro i n Ta n z a n i a T h i s l i m i te d

s o u rc e re n d e rs t h e m a g i c a l g e m a t h o u s a n d t i m e s

Ta n z a n i te’s o n ly s o u rc e l i e s a t t h e fo o t h i l l s o f t h e m a j e s t i c M o u n t K i l i m a n j a ro i n Ta n z a n i a T h i s l i m i te d s o u rc e re n d e rs t h e m a g i c a l g em a t h o u s a n d t i m e s

r a r e r t h a d i a m o d s T h e D i a m o d W o r k s

r a r e r t h a n d i a m o n d s T h e D i a m o n d W o r k s

c e l e b ra te s ta n z a n i te’s A f r i c a n h e r i ta g e a n d t r u e

c e l e b ra te s ta n z a n i te’s A f r i c a n h e r i ta g e a n d t r u e b e a u t y w i t h i t s c a p t i va t i n g n a r ra t i ve o f d i s c ove r y by t h e n a t i ve M a s a i p e o p l e o f Ta n z a n i a , to t h e a l l u r i n g d e e p bl u e s a n d v i o l e t s t h i s s to n e p re s e n t s i t s e l f i n , ta n z a n i te i s t r u ly t h e e s s e n c e o f A f r i c a

b e a u t y w i t h i t s c a p t i va t i n g n a r ra t i ve o f d i s c ove r y by t h e n a t i ve M a s a i p e o p l e o f Ta n z a n i a , to t h e a l l u r i n g d e e p bl u e s a n d v i o l e t s t h i s s to n e p re s e n t s i t s e l f i n , ta n z a n i te i s t r u ly t h e e s s e n c e o f A f r i c a T h e g e o l o g i c a l d i s c ove r y o f ta n z a n i te h a s b e e n d e s c r i b e d a s a g e o l o g i c a l p h e n o m e n o n , g i v i n g r i s e to ta n z a n i te’s u n p a ra l l e l e d s c a rc i t y A g e m s o ra re i t

i s l i m i te d to a s i n g l e g e n e ra t i o n

T h e g e o l o g i c a l d i s c ove r y o f ta n z a n i te h a s b e e n d e s c r i b e d a s a g e o l o g i c a l p h e n o m e n o n , g i v i n g r i s e to ta n z a n i te’s u n p a ra l l e l e d s c a rc i t y A g e m s o ra re i t i s l i m i te d to a s i n g l e g e n e ra ti o n

I n a p p r e c i a t i o n o f t h i s c a p t i v a t i n g g e m , T h e

I n a p p r e c i a t i o n o f t h i s c a p t i v a t i n g g e m , T h e

D i a m o n d Wo r k s te l l s t h e h i s to r i c ta l e o f ta n z a n i te, s h o w c a s i n g a fi r s t h a n d c u t t i n g a n d p o l i s h i n g d e m o n s t ra t i o n a n d w i d e ra n g e o f t h e m o s t e l e ga n t ta n z a n i te j ew e l l e r y p i e c e s – o ffe r i n g t h e p p o r t u n i t y to ta ke h o m e a p i e c e o f ra re A f r i c a n b e a u t y

D i a m o n d Wo r k s te l l s t h e h i s to r i c ta l e o f ta n z a n i te, s h o w c a s i n g a fi r s t h a n d c u t t i n g a n d p o l i s h i n g d e m o n s t ra t i o n a n d w i d e ra n g e o f t h e m o s t e l e ga n t ta n z a n i te j ew e l l e r y p i e c e s – o ffe r i n g t h e o p p o r t u n i t y to ta ke h o m e a p i e c e o f ra re A f r i c a n b e a u t y

t h e d i a m o n d w o r k s @ t j d . c o . z a

t h e d i a m o n d w o r k s @ t j d . c o . z a

w w w t h e d i a m o n d w o r k s c o z a

w w w . t h e d i a m o n d w o r k s . c o . z a

T h e D i a m o n d W o r k s

T h e D i a m o n d W o r k s

Made for Adventure

The story of Newmark Hotels & Reserves is the story of South Africa itself – one of vision, ingenuity and celebrating the magic of diversity

BY WANITA NICOL

It’s hard to believe now, but before the 1990s, Cape Town’s worldfamous V&A Waterfront was just a working dockyard – a gritty place that smelled pervasively of diesel engines and fish. But in 1990, a visionary project began to take shape as the first restaurants, shops and entertainment venues opened their doors. Among the properties in this initial stage of development was the precinct’s first hotel – the Victoria & Alfred Hotel, which would later become a founding member of the Newmark Hotels & Reserves portfolio.

BUILT ON OPTIMISM

Newmark Hotels & Reserves CEO Neil Markovitz was the first general manager of the Victoria & Alfred Hotel when it opened its doors during a difficult period in South Africa’s history. The old political regime was crumbling, making way for the country’s first democratic elections. It was a time of uncertainty. The atmosphere was tense, and many were bracing for catastrophe. But with change comes opportunity for those who dare to hope.

Neil believed in South Africa. With stubborn optimism he built a quintessentially South African hotel to welcome visitors to the new, colourful democracy he believed the country would achieve. Today, the Victoria & Alfred Hotel remains an iconic landmark in the heart of one of Cape Town’s most vibrant precincts.

GROWING THE PORTFOLIO

Newmark Hotels & Reserves was founded in 2007 on the belief that a property’s unique character is what makes it special – and that a hotel should not have to sacrifice its personality to enjoy the benefits that come with being part of a bigger group. From the outset, there was an understanding that while standardisation makes life easy, easy is boring – and that kind of thinking doesn’t work in Africa. That celebration of diversity has become a golden thread that makes Newmark not just a hotel chain, but an embodiment of the African continent’s propensity to surprise and delight. It has allowed the group to add unusual properties and family-owned hotels, including Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve in the

Great Karoo and beloved Cape Town establishment The Winchester Hotel.

Over the past 17 years, 30 properties, eight of which are in development, have joined the group, taking the Newmark Hotels & Reserves name not only around the country but across South Africa’s borders. Further expansion is also intended, with the group hoping to add another six properties to its portfolio annually.

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

From the group’s city hotels that offer convenience in busy centres, such as Cape Town and Johannesburg, to its slow-living country estates, exciting safari lodges and idyllic island resorts, each member of the Newmark portfolio has its own unique character, befitting the location and creating an authentic all-round experience.

When you arrive at a Newmark property, you’re not just checking into your accommodation, you’re stepping into an adventure, and we encourage you to make it your own. Whether you’re travelling for business, playing golf, taking the family on holiday or treating yourself to a much-needed wellness break, there is an experience for every traveller.

UPHOLDING VALUES; EMBRACING INGENUITY

While each property is unique, there is a characteristic “Newmarkness” that underscores them all. It may not be something you’ll see, but it’s something you’ll feel.

A Note from the CEO

Welcome to my life’s dream. As far back as I can remember, I’ve always loved the hospitality business. I started working in hotels at the age of 16, as a porter. In the years since, I’ve spent time in almost every job one can do in a hotel.

Even before you set foot in the hotel, you’ll experience the efficiency of the Newmark engine room, where uncompromising standards of excellence and the latest technology work together to give guests a seamless experience from the first enquiry.

On site, it’s reflected in the little touches that might go unnoticed, but which complete the experience – the familiar welcoming smell of a Newmark reception area, the feel of highquality linen after an action-packed day, the commitment to sustainability that ensures every Newmark property exists in harmony with its environment.

Food and beverage is at the heart of the Newmark experience. On any given day, the dining room will be packed with guests enjoying delicious meals prepared by industryleading chefs, using local ingredients – in some cases from the hotel’s own veggie gardens – and paired with wines curated by experienced sommeliers.

In a world where convenience and efficiency are destroying creativity, Newmark Hotels & Reserves is committed to retaining a sense of wonder. And with more properties being added every year (new projects are in the works in the Cape Winelands, Johannesburg, Seychelles, Mauritius, Uganda and more), guests will have even more adventures to choose from.

Food and beverage was my first love. I was fortunate to attend hospitality school in the United States and started my formal career as a breakfast chef, working my way up from there.

However, as enjoyable as it is to work in an industry you love, there’s nothing more fulfilling than creating something new in an industry you love. That’s what we’re doing with Newmark. From a team of two with one property and a vision, we’ve grown this business across the African continent, and it continues to expand.

Africa is a remarkable place. It’s colourful and textured, filled with sights, sounds, flavours and smells that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s my dream to share those experiences with the world.

It's not an easy task, but that’s what makes it meaningful. We’re doing things that are groundbreaking and pioneering, creating routes in places where most people haven’t gone. But even though it’s hard and there are new obstacles to overcome at every turn, it doesn’t feel like work. I love what I do, and I love that I get to work alongside people who love what they do.

Every day is an adventure here at Newmark Hotels & Reserves and I’m excited to share that adventure with you.

Neil Markovitz CEO, Newmark Hotels & Reserves

A Hotel for the African Renaissance

“It is not every day that you enter a partnership with a former president and African Renaissance leader that aims to bring the dream of an African pilgrimage destination to life,” commented Chief Operating Officer of Newmark Hotels & Reserves Mike Vroom on the recent landmark announcement.

Newmark partners with the Thabo Mbeki Foundation to develop a five-star hotel within Joburg’s African Renaissance Precinct hotel will firmly establish our footprint in Johannesburg. This is in line with our African expansion strategy,” said Vroom. “As this project takes shape, we are inspired by the uniquely African architecture style, design and colour that the local teams are infusing it with,” he added.

The statement follows the Foundation’s unveiling of plans to build a five-star hotel within the R1.5 billion African Renaissance Precinct development at the Thabo Mbeki Presidential Centre located in Riviera, Johannesburg.

“It is a great privilege for Newmark to have partnered with the Thabo Mbeki Foundation to bring this ground-breaking project to fruition. This is the first presidential library to be built in Africa and it will become one of Johannesburg’s best-known landmarks,” added Vroom.

“The partnership between Newmark and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation heralds a new chapter in our journey towards the African Renaissance. This collaboration is not just about building a hotel; it’s about creating a shining light for African

excellence and heritage. The precinct will stand as a testament to our rich history and our unwavering commitment to the future. It’ll become a magnet for global tourism, immersing visitors in the true essence of Africa. Together, we’re cultivating a space where the African Renaissance can truly take root,” said the Foundation’s Chief Operating Officer, Lukhanyo Neer.

The new hotel and precinct, to be managed and operated by Newmark Hotels & Reserves, will be upscale and consist of 80 en-suite rooms and a 200-seater conference centre. The facilities will include a breakfast room, destination restaurant, gym, swimming pool, cocktail bar and conference breakaway rooms.

Additionally, an existing Herbert Baker heritage building, already located within the precinct grounds, will be restored and converted into an eight-room luxury residence, which can be booked for exclusive-use stays.

Newmark, which was birthed in the Western Cape, has recently seen significant regional growth. “We were initially drawn to this project as the iconic 80-room

The Thabo Mbeki Presidential Centre, which will be housed within the African Renaissance Precinct development, will drive advances towards a continental renaissance and the unity of Africa. The Centre seeks to serve as a pilgrimage destination where Africans and the world will be educated and inspired to understand the past, contextualise the present and look ahead to a renewed African future.

Designed by a team of award-winning architects, the precinct’s presidential centre will be characterised by eight cylindrical forms. These are intended to reference African granaries as a metaphor for the storage of knowledge-based nourishment. The Centre is expected to open to the public towards the end of 2025, followed thereafter by the new hotel.

Founded in 1881 and situated at the end of a small single-track road, on the shores of the Sound of Islay, Bunnahabhain is known for its spectacular surroundings and delicious signature unpeated Islay Single Malt Whisky.

This is ‘Mouth of the River’ in Scots Gaelic

JOURNAL

NEWS, VIEWS, TRENDS & SPENDS

WELCOME TO PARADISE!

Here’s why global polls continue to rate Cape Town, and South Africa, as a top destination

It’s been a banner year for Cape Town, South Africa’s “Mother City”, which has shaken off the pandemic to boast record numbers of visitors. And no wonder: it’s an urban escape rooted in natural beauty; a city that blends colourful African exuberance, and the world’s warmest hospitality, with cosmopolitan glamour and coastal charm.

BY RICHARD HOLMES

But don’t just take our word for it. In January 2024, Cape Town was ranked number two in the world on Time Out’s respected ranking of the list of 50 Best Cities for 2024.

“It’s not hard to be smitten by Cape Town’s natural beauty,” enthused Time Out. “But spend a few days here and the Mother City’s multicultural soul quickly shines through.”

In Time Out’s survey of thousands of global travellers, Cape Town was beaten only by New York City, and placed well ahead of other landmark European destinations, such as Berlin (third), London (fourth) and Madrid (fifth).

It’s the latest in a string of global awards fêting the city’s charms.

Since the pandemic, Cape Town – and South Africa as a whole – has seen a jump in the number of American visitors, thanks largely to the arrival of direct flights on United and Delta connecting Cape Town to New York, Washington and Atlanta.

So perhaps it’s no surprise that in 2023 more than 500 000 readers of storied American magazine Condé Nast Traveler voted Cape Town among the world’s Best Big Cities in the annual – and influential – Readers’ Choice Awards. Cape Town came in at fourth position,

Clockwise, from left: Cape Town city centre; The golf course at Hazendal; Villa Verte at Future Found Sanctuary.

“IT’S NOT HARD TO BE SMITTEN BY CAPE TOWN’S NATURAL BEAUTY.”

behind Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul. That an African city is the first large city outside of Asia on the list is quite an achievement, and Cape Town placed above Australian rivals Sydney (fifth) and Melbourne (ninth).

Condé Nast’s readers highlighted Cape Town’s iconic skyline, with the Table Mountain National Park at the heart of the city, as well as the city’s vibrant culinary landscape. And Cape Town certainly punches above its weight when it comes to restaurants, from contemporary African cuisine to world-class fine dining.

Condé Nast Traveler readers also remarked on the world-class collection of hotels on offer in Cape Town. Newmark, of course, offers nine unique properties across the city, from the mountainside haven at Future Found Sanctuary to historic urban escapes in the heart of the V&A Waterfront.

While the American market is a welcome new source of visitors, European travellers have long been enchanted by Cape Town. In 2023, nearly 30 000 readers of British newspaper The Telegraph crowned South Africa as the ‘Best Country on Earth’, taking the top spot from New Zealand, who had held it for a decade! And while South Africa shone for its urban charms and unforgettable Big Five safaris, Cape Town also walked away with the title of ‘Best Worldwide City’. Cape Town is also showing itself as a city for all seasons, attracting an increasing number of international cruise ships.

Each summer season, dozens of cruise ships call at the city known as the ‘Tavern of the Seas’, with an increasing number of ships homeporting during the summer months. These ships tie up at Cape Town’s purpose-built cruise terminal, a modern facility in the V&A Waterfront. Newmark’s three landmark hotels are just a short stroll from the terminal, offering the ideal destination to bookend your time at sea. Whether you’re jetting in or stepping ashore, heading straight for the beaches or seeking out culinary experiences, Cape Town – and South Africa – offer a world of new adventures.

Clockwise, from above: a delicious plate at Dash Restaurant; Scenes from The Onyx in the heart of the city; Newmark’s The Victoria & Alfred Hotel views.

HIDDEN GEMS

South Africa is well-known for its fabulous weather, splendid nature and great value, but did you know you can…

BY PIPPA DE BRUYN

1. EXPLORE THE HUMAN JOURNEY

Located less than an hour from Johannesburg’s international airport, OR Tambo, the Cradle of Humankind has long been a drawcard for those interested in the deep origins of our species, with a unique dolomitic geology that has preserved the largest concentration of hominid fossils in the world – and now you can explore it with a great raconteur. Specialist guide Paul Zille, founder of Origin Safaris, provides a morning that is as entertaining as it is edifying, visiting active archaeological digs and covering the finds and complex personalities that have shaped

archaeopalaeontology in Africa. In addition to site visits, Zille can, with prior warning, also arrange private presentations with experts, such as Amanda Esterhuysen, head of the Origins Centre Museum in Johannesburg (in itself well worth a visit), and archaeologist and biological anthropologist Keneiloe Molopyane. A member of the team that excavated a treasure trove of Homo naledi fossils in the Rising Star cave system, Molopyane was part of the crew featured in Unknown: Cave Of Bones, the Netflix documentary offering fascinating new insights into our early ancestors. originsafaris.africa

2. SHOP FOR INCREDIBLE THREADS

“Now more than ever, African designers are taking charge of their own narrative and telling authentic stories, not the imagined utopias.” This is how South African designer Thebe Magugu, 2019 winner of the prestigious LVMH (LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton) Prize, captured the zeitgeist of the Africa Fashion exhibition curated by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum in 2022/2023. The first exhibition to bring together the work of the top designers in Africa, it served to highlight the vibrancy of the pan-African fashion scene – something well underscored by the annual five-day Confections X Collections show. Curated by Twyg and held every November, this intimate salon-style fashion show is one of the most engaging fashion experiences on the continent, and ringmarked in every self-respecting fashionista’s calendar. Cape Town’s Merchant On Long is for year-round browsing and has long been a great showcase for emerging and established designers, such as Sindiso Khumalo (the 2020 LVMH Prize winner), the fabulous MaXhosa Africa (for more, don’t miss designer Laduma Ngxokolo’s standalone store in the V&A Waterfront), Lukhanyo Mdingi, Rich Mnisi and MmusoMaxwell. While here, you might as well check out stefaniamorland.com, katvanduinen.com, wandalephoto.com, viviersstudio.com and mantsho.com

Arrive with an empty suitcase!

PHOTOGRAPHS: CRADLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

3. TASTE

THE HOLY GRAIL

Self-taught South African viticultural pioneer Rosa Kruger has spent decades seeking out and protecting the Cape’s oldest vines, a crusade that has produced some of the world’s most venerated wines. “Usually South African vines are pulled when their productivity starts to decline – more or less after 20 years. But old-vine wines are a more concentrated expression of terroir. Their grapes tend to ripen at lower sugars, with more concentrated flavour and slightly more acidity – the holy grail in a hot climate like ours. They reflect endurance: surviving decades of scorching summers and icy cold rainy Cape winters.” When Kruger took a selection of old-vine wines to a Masters of Wine seminar in London in 2013, international wine critics, like Jancis Robinson, sang their praises. “From this point on, international interest created real momentum.”

With seed money provided by the Rupert Foundation in 2016, Kruger formally established the Old Vine Project (OVP) and launched their Certified Heritage seal a few years later, authenticating wines produced from vines that are 35+ years. The only such scheme in the world, the popularity of the seal has helped encourage the preservation of older vineyards – around 4 200 hectares of vineyards in South Africa are now registered, producing 308 certified heritage wines. As Sarah Abbott, co-founder of the Old Vine Conference (an initiative to protect old vines globally that in turn has spawned the new Old Vine Registry), comments, “South Africans have taken all of the different elements – viticulture, certification, marketing, education and tasting – and tied it all together… This is what the entire sector needs to achieve.” oldvineproject.co.za

4. BE INSPIRED BY AFRICAN ART

Cairo, Lagos, Marrakech… These are African cities with a lively art scene. But even before the opening of the biggest contemporary art museum in Africa – the Zeitz MOCAA, carved out of an abandoned 1920s grain silo by the inventive Thomas Heatherwick in 2017 – Cape Town was the de rigueur destination for collectors, and host to the best art fair on the continent. Held in the Cape Town International Convention Centre every February, the annual Investec Cape Town Art Fair showcases the top African artists, as well as artists in its diasporas, with more than 115 galleries from 24 countries visited by a record-breaking 30 000 visitors in 2024, considered by many to be the best yet. As exhilarating as the art are the people attending – fabulously diverse, marvellously fashionable. A great range of investment opportunities too, from the ethereal otherworldly work of the young Zimbabwean Portia Zvavahera, represented by Stevenson ($175 000), to more affordable punts – look out for the work put out by the Emerging Artists Programme. “Lets keep in touch” – the words on a pink ceramic vessel by Githan Coopoo an air kiss to the collectors and visitors sure to be back in 2025.

5. DISCOVER THE RICHEST KINGDOM

Covering an area of less than 90 000 square kilometres, the Cape Floral Kingdom stretches from Clanwilliam in the Western Cape to Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape – the only floristic region within a single country, South Africa. It is also by far the largest: comprising 8 600 plant species, of which around 70% occur nowhere else but here, making this the richest floral kingdom in the world. It’s easy to miss the restrained beauty of this kingdom in the rush to ogle wildlife, but the extraordinary variation and understanding the complexity of propagation is fascinating. The easiest introduction is a visit to Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where a blend of cultivated lawns lined with indigenous flower beds, groves of gnarled trees and steep indigenous forests that pelt the eastern slopes of Table Mountain make this arguably the most spectacular botanical garden on Earth. Entrance is R220; this includes access to one of the free guided walking tours, starting from Gate One on weekdays at 10am and 2pm. Better still, arrange a guided walk up Table Mountain with Riaan Vorster (hiketablemountain. co.za) or Dominic Chadbon (thefynbosguy.com). Chadbon will tailor a walk anywhere in Table Mountain National Park, opening your eyes to the delicacy and complexity of the fynbos, as the heathland here is known, taking into account the weather, your location, what’s flowering and your fitness level. For more information on Kirstenbosch, visit sanbi.org/ gardens/kirstenbosch

PHOTOGRAPHS: UNSPLASH; ©️PORTIA ZVAVAHERA. COURTESY OF THE ARTIST, STEVENSON, AND DAVID ZWIRNER GALLERY. PHOTO: MARIO TODESCHINI

TAKE THE

PLUNGE

The mind-body-destress low-down on why so many people are into the cold-water-immersion craze. Keen to chill out? Join us for a dip

BY PIPPA DE BRUYN

We wade into the translucent water and gasp, the cold almost searing the skin. Tamsin, already waist-deep in the tidal pool, repeats: “Healing… Oxygenating… Rejuvenating…” She cocks her head. “My Wim Hof mantra.”

The vice grip settles into my toes, wrists, fingers. “Best keep moving,” she says. “It’s quite cold today.” We paddle further out, and after three minutes or so the ache starts receding, blanketed by a pleasant kind of numbness, a spreading calm. With circulation now reduced, my sub-cutaneous fat is apparently becoming a thermal layer, a natural wetsuit of sorts. Looking up at the imposing Apostles’ peaks jutting into the leaden grey sky, a marvellous elation starts to flood through me. A real hoot-out-loud high, as good as any one of the silly narcotics I’ve consumed over the years. Better, in fact. If Wim Hof is to be believed, this is also immune-boosting, stress-relieving, fat-burning. Plus – call me a cheapskate – absolutely free.

AN ICY CONVERT

I paddle over to the breaker wall, where a seagull is foraging for breakfast. Unbelievably, it allows me to get a metre away before it stops to eyeball me. I float, motionless. After a few seconds, it dips its beak back into the seaweed, luminous in the receding tide. Below me, fish flit over boulders, the water so clear I can see sea urchins and anemones. Twenty minutes later, we emerge to fumble-dress with frozen fingers before the “after-drop”: an intense shivering as skin and muscle continue to cool your core.

PHOTOGRAPHS: MATT LENNON

Established in 1798, Tobermory is the only whisky distillery on the Isle of Mull, within Scotland’s Inner Hebrides, and is one of the oldest in Scotland. A unique, artisanal distillery, nestled in the centre of the vibrant community from which we take our name, everything we produce is a clear expression of the inspiration found across our island home.

Tobermory is our unpeated single malt whisky, renowned for its fruity pro le, embracing a robust yet elegant character.   Ledaig (Pronounced 'Letch-ick') is our heavily-peated single malt whisky that's jam packed with avours of smoke, sea salt with a rich and oily mouth feel.

I’m not sure if it was the physiological response to the cold or a spiritual response to the immersion in nature or simply the delight at scoring a mental victory over instinct, but the elation lasted for several hours. The very next day I was back, and every day after, even on the mornings when the water temperature dropped to 9°C. After half a century of indolence and ill-discipline, I had finally found my thing.

THE WIM HOF METHOD

Wim Hof was 17 when he experienced an overwhelming urge to jump into the frozen Beatrixpark canal, and as a result, felt a clarity of mind that was to change his life. With repeated exposure to cold, he also developed an appreciation for breathwork and set about developing a breathing practice very similar to the ancient Tibetan technique known as Tummo, in which monks enter a deep state of meditation, visualising a fire in their core that actually raises their body temperature. The way you breathe regulates how much oxygen you are able to supply your cells, which in turn creates a cascading biochemical chain reaction. Cold water therapy and breathwork helped Hof overcome personal tragedy (his wife committed suicide, leaving him to raise four

children) and achieve extreme feats – setting 26 world records and breaking a Guinness world record 18 times. This turned what became known as the “Iceman” into a global cultural phenomenon, with an enormous following that included the likes of Scott Carney, an investigative journalist who set out to debunk the Wim Hof Method, but ended up an acolyte, writing instead a New York Times bestseller called What Doesn’t Kill Us

FINDING COMMUNITY

Lapped by a frigid Atlantic ocean, Cape Town is the ideal city to experience the benefits of his methods. So it’s hardly surprising the city has seen a proliferation of earlymorning cold-water-immersion clubs with knots of predominantly middle-aged women bobbing about in its tidal pools, treading water as they talk about the day ahead, recent irritations, last-minute deals. The larger circles are usually Whatsapp groups, comprising a loose mix of old friends and new, with names like Water Babies, Tribal Mermaids and the noticeably glamorous Fire Fish.

Regardless of whether you arrive with a group or alone, the atmosphere is always convivial, a sisterhood of sorts. “You’ll see, when it gets too warm in summer, you’ll miss the cold,” one of

WHM and Biohacking

the Mermaids remarked as we changed, removing wet costumes as quickly as frozen hands allowed. “My husband took me to Zanzibar last December. It was terrible. Even the showers weren’t cold enough. I had to order buckets of ice and make myself an ice bath.”

A COLD-WATER ADDICT

With the advent of spring, many of the tidal-pool bobbers slowly disperse into the open ocean. I rotate between treading water at Bakoven in the company of cormorants, sleek as snakes, or swimming the length of Clifton 4th, stopping to watch whelks feast on mussels on my favourite boulder. As the summer wears on, I relish the days on which an off-shore wind causes an upwelling of cold. On days when water temperatures rise, sometimes to as high as 20°C, the water feels lethargic, less life affirming, almost claustrophobic. The Mermaid was right. After decades of avoiding the frigid Atlantic ocean, I am now addicted to its cold embrace, and the clearheaded focus and elation experienced in its wake.

Wim Hof’s ability to exercise control over the autonomic nervous system has made him the subject of several medical assessments, with tests suggesting that he can indeed manipulate his immune system at will. That said, he was dismissed as an aberration of sorts until the method was tested in 2013. A team injected bacterial endotoxins into a group of men; 12 of them randomly selected from a group Hof had spent training in ice water and snow, and 12 with no training (but healthy). Hof’s group measured lower markers of inflammation and had fewer flu-like symptoms than the other group. What wasn’t tested was whether this was due to the breathwork, cold water therapy or a combination of both. To study WHM online, visit wimhofmethod. com

ART FOR AFRICA

10 young African artists whose work should be catching your eye

There is a vibrant art scene on show across the continent that reflects a variety of visual storytelling styles. Discover the emerging artists and “ones to watch” making waves within the contemporary art scene, seen most recently at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair.

1. BOEMO DIALE

KALASHNIKOVV GALLERY, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Boemo Diale, a multi-disciplinary artist based out of Johannesburg, South Africa, recently won the Tomorrows/Today cash prize awarded at Investec Cape Town Art Fair 2024. As a young artist, Diale’s work plays off the liminal space between rural and urban in an exploration of her inner child through African symbolism and scarification. kalashnikovv.com

@boemodiale

2. MARLENE STEYN

SMAC GALLERY, CAPE TOWN, JOHANNESBURG, STELLENBOSCH, SOUTH AFRICA

In pops of colour, Steyn works psychoanalytic theory into her paintings and sculptures. Often seen toying with repetitive figures, such as an androgynous individual, a fried egg and braided blonde hair, Steyn’s work touches on the unconscious mind and makes reference to everyday objects and art history. smacgallery.com

@marlenehettie

BY MILLA PEERUTIN

3. MIA CHAPLIN

WHATIFTHEWORLD, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Mia Chaplin’s evocative pieces are a testament to sexuality, sensuality, intimacy and violence. Chaplin’s visible brush strokes feature in a number of private collections, as well as the public collections of Spier Arts Trust (South Africa), Lam Museum (The Netherlands) and Francesca Lavazza Collection (Italy). miachaplin.com @miachaplin

4. ANDREW SUTHERLAND

131 A GALLERY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The desire to get lost is what inspires artist Andrew Sutherland. In a series of charcoals, acrylics, watercolours and spray paint, Sutherland’s work touches on the human experience within the natural world, exploration and adventure.

andrewsutherland.me

@andrew___sutherland

5. LINDOKUHLE SOBEKWA

GOODMAN GALLERY, CAPE TOWN, JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA | LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM | NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Lindokuhle Sobekwa is a Johannesburg-born documentary-style photographer who came into the medium following an educational programme, Of Soul and Joy, in the Johannesburg township Thokoza. His photographs document life in the township, diving into the details of its people, its landscape and its ecosystem. Sobekwa is an associate member of Magnum Photos and won the FNB Art Prize at FNB Art Joburg in 2023. magnumphotos.com

@lindokuhle.sobekwa

Boemo Diale, A Burning Tapestry

Marlene Steyn, Womanipulator

Lindokuhle Sobekwa, Death of George Floyd

6. TERENCE MALULEKE SOUTHERN GUILD, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA | LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A painter born in Soweto, Johannesburg, Terence Maluleke is the third member of his family to join the creative world. Inspired by both his grandfather and uncle (who were both painters in their own right), Maluleke’s work is a love letter of colour and vibrancy to his township community through the use of profound portraiture of panAfricanist identity. Maluleke has also recently completed the Schütz Art Museum residency in Engelhartszell, Austria. southernguild.com @takouniverse

7. KIRSTEN SIMS

131 A GALLERY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Trained as an illustrator at Stellenbosch University, Kirsten Sims has completed editorial and commercial illustration projects for The New Yorker, Airbnb, AD magazine and Apartamento magazine, but it is her paintings that capture art appreciators’ eyes. Her work connects the audience to her world and her place in it through a series of beautiful and “selfaware” figurations that are easily recognisable. kirstensims.co.za @kirsten.sims

8. ANICO MOSTERT

EBONY/CURATED, CAPE TOWN, FRANSCHHOEK, SOUTH AFRICA

Anico’s world inside the EBONY/CURATED SOLO booth (curated by Sean O’Toole) is a reflection on the everyday, captured in vibrant and figurative oil paintings in a kaleidoscope of feeling. Taking inspiration from the online and the real, Anico pushes figuration to its limits through a reimagining of the ordinary. ebonycurated.com

@anico___another

9. MICHAEL AMERY

131 A GALLERY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Michael Amery is a graphic designer and his work – pieces in oil, ink, acrylic and linocuts – is known to sell out instantaneously. He’s worked fulltime as a graphic designer, but has recently moved to part-time as his art has gained more traction.

michaelamery.com

@michael.amery

10. MMANGALISO NZUZA

THK GALLERY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

Nzuza’s work swamps you in both scale and palette. The flat and impasto cubist earthen tones play off the artist’s figures in a story of “stagnation and intellectual development” (the artist’s words) and one finds oneself lost in the duality of its complexities and simplicity. Nzuza has sold out his booth at the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair in New York.

thkgallery.com

@mmangalisonzuza

Terence Maluleke, Ababi Lêkê Star

Anico Mostert, Calm Before the Storm

Kirsten Sims, No Worries

Michael Amery, Settlers 56

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE

Exploring Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain is a must-do on any visit to the Mother City, and the Pipe Track is an accessible and picturesque way to do it

BY WANITA NICOL

It’s impossible to miss Table Mountain on a visit to Cape Town. The flat-topped landmark is as ubiquitous in conversation as it is visible from nearly anywhere. Capetonians refer to “The Mountain” even in mundane exchanges about the weather (“The clouds are coming over The Mountain; looks like rain”) or when giving directions (“Drive with The Mountain on your left...”).

At roughly a thousand metres up, Table Mountain is not the highest as mountains go. It’s also conveniently located smack in the middle of the city. And it’s an official logo-carrying member of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. So, it’s understandable that many visitors to Cape Town feel inspired to climb it.

Full disclosure though, hiking to the top is not an easy climb for a novice hiker. For starters, it’s steep. Add to

that Cape Town’s unpredictable weather, which can bring on sudden dense fog that eliminates visibility, and the going gets tough and treacherous. Fortunately, there are many routes to explore on Table Mountain – and the Pipe Track is not only an accessible option, the view from this beloved contour path is arguably even more beautiful than the view from the top.

FUN ON THE FLAT

The Pipe Track is a roughly 5km contour path that takes hikers around the mountain, as opposed to climbing to the top. It’s a flat path and well maintained, making it popular with mountain bikers, trail runners and dog walkers. But it’s high enough up the mountain for you to enjoy spectacular views.

As you start your walk, you’ll have a front-row-seat vantage point of Lion’s Head (another popular and enjoyable Cape Town hike – if you don’t mind trekking uphill!) and its iconic rocky peak. But it’s the view over Camps Bay that will linger in your memory for a lifetime.

The Atlantic with its floating kelp forests twinkling beneath the afternoon sun is already postcardworthy, but against the backdrop of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range marching into the distance, it’s the

The views from the contour path are spectacular and make you forget you’re even exercising.

kind of sight that makes you forget you’re exercising as you soak up the spectacle.

BEGINNERS WELCOME

That being said, you don’t need to be super fit to hike the Pipe Track. Even though it’s fairly high on the mountain slope, you can drive to the start – at the junction of Tafelberg Road and Kloof Nek – and park your car there. Turn around and head back at any time, but be careful not to stray off the main track – the many paths leading off the Pipe Track are more strenuous, potentially hazardous and best avoided if you’re not with an experienced guide.

Fitter hikers looking for more of a challenge can start with an uphill climb from the Camps Bay side or access the Kasteelspoort path from the Pipe Track and visit the famous Surf Board outcrop.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be glad you took the scenic route.

1.5 hours

Fit hikers can complete the Pipe Track in under two hours, per the Forge app. At a slow pace, with frequent stops, allow up to four.

HIKE PREPARED STAY SAFE WITH THIS LOCAL INTEL

Beat the heat.

The Pipe Track gets a lot of sun, so avoid hiking in the middle of the day, and wear sunscreen and protective clothing.

Get the app.

Download the Forge app (free in the App Store and Google Play Store) for trail info, maps and details of emergency services.

Pack a bag. Despite being in the middle of the city, the mountain is a wilderness area.

Pack plenty of water, snacks and warm clothes – the weather can change suddenly.

Choose sensible footwear. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip and stability.

Stay safe.

Table Mountain is best explored in a group and always with an experienced local guide. Leave all valuables behind, including cameras, phones, wallets and jewellery.

ELEMENTS OF STYLE

What reminds you more of a trip than a unique, local gift?

1 2

The Untamed Panther Ring by Shimansky

This exquisite ring takes inspiration from the graceful movements of a panther, meticulously crafted with expert precision and attention to detail. It beautifully captures the strength and beauty displayed by this magnificent creature. Whether worn as a bold statement piece or a representation of timeless elegance, it pays homage to impeccable design and unparalleled style.

The Untamed Panther Ring is a must-have for the distinguished and discerning jewellery connoisseur.

From R136 000 shimansky.co.za @shimansky.sa

Simon and Mary Veld Hat

The Katherine classic unisex traveller bush hat honours the past, but is inspired by the contemporary. Heritage brand Simon and Mary was launched in 2014 in Johannesburg by their family of milliners, who’ve been in the business since 1935. Look no further for your perfect hat.

R850

simonandmary.co.za @simonandmary

3

Rekindle Amber Glass Candle

Take home the scent of your travels. Rekindle scented candles are a celebration of the local terroir, and Karoo Garden is the smell of desert storms and Indian summers. A distinctly South African scent, both floral and earthy, it has high notes of jasmine and a base of rooibos and rosemary.

R385

rekindlecandleco.co.za @rekindle_candleco

4

5 Ardmore Animal Planter

Ardmore’s ceramic collections depict vibrant tales and are individual works of art, hand sculpted and painted by local artists. Their animal-themed ceramic planters are not only functional but also decorative, adding a touch of Africa to any space. R11 000 ardmoredesign.com @ardmore

Decorative Egg

The egg is one of nature’s most striking forms, a simple pleasure to behold and a symbol of life and beauty. The Two

In The Bush luxury egg celebrates this shape and the unique size and strength of the ostrich egg by decorating it in entirely hand-crafted ornamental designs for display in the home.

R3 200 avoova.com

@avoovaoriginals

6 Avoova

Sealand Upcycled Swish Tote

Everyone needs a tote. The Swish tote by Sealand is the perfect bag for on-the-go moving, with a secure zip closing the main compartment and a small hanging zip pocket to store smaller items. Upcycled, handmade by local artisans, tough and stylish. What more could you ask for?

R1 250

sealandgear.co.za @sealandgear

7

Pichulik

Satya Necklace

Inspired by ancient traditions and mythology, Pichulik uses the language of African artistry and ornamentation to create eyecatching sculptural accessories. Each piece is handcrafted from re-imagined rope, combined with cast-brass elements, precious stones and unexpected organic materials, to create distinctive and unique forms.

R2 250

pichulik.com

@pichulikafrica

8

Fieldbar Drinks Box

The legendary Fieldbar Drinks Box Mk II is a hard-case cooler box that boasts “50 hours ‘Champagne Cold’ ice performance”. Properly made and perfectly proportioned, the Drinks Box is everything you would expect

10

Praia ‘Cannes’ Sunglasses

You know those local gems you stumble across on your travels? This is one of them. Praia sunglasses have a distinctly classic aesthetic, but a modern edge that uses the finest Italian Mazzucchelli acetate and UV400 TAC polarised lenses. Effortlessly stylish, whatever the occasion.

R1 590

praia-eyewear.com @praiaeyewear

9 from a modern cooler. Durable, versatile and comfortable to carry. Cheers!

R2 099

fieldbar.co.za @fieldbar.co

12

Mungo Folly Beach Towel

11

Proper Shirts (for him and her!)

If you’re looking to fit in around the Mother City, you should meet Paul and browse his Proper shirts at the Oranjezicht City Farm Market in Granger Bay next to the V&A Waterfront. You’ll never have so much fun in a shirt. Trust us.

R850 to R1 200 facebook.com/TheProperStoreCT @theproperstorect

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo Camera

Bold, bright and heavenly soft, this towel reflects the colours and vibe of Africa, and is the queen of beach towels. A product of “weaver’s folly”, the colourful Folly towel (more like a blanket!) is a musthave for any traveller who will be spending time in the sun.

That’s you!

R1 230 mungo.co.za @mungodesign

The hybrid instant camera your phone can’t replace, this little pocket rocket is a camera and a smartphone printer. All in one. You get the analog look and feel, but with high-tech features like 10 lens effects, Bluetooth to your phone for social media or instant prints to share.

R2 995

instaxsa.co.za/mini-evo @instax_za

NEWS & TRENDS

WHAT’S HAPPENING AT NEWMARK HOTELS & RESERVES

A Timeless Classic

Boutique luxury in the heart of the vibrant V&A Waterfront. And probably the best view of Table Mountain from your balcony

BY RICHARD HOLMES

Wander along the quayside of Cape Town’s Victoria & Alfred Waterfront – the V&A, as locals call it – and you’ll find yourself in the lively heart of Africa’s most popular tourist attraction.

Upwards of 24 million visitors stroll through this unique harbourside precinct each year, soaking up the seaside atmosphere and the Waterfront’s hundreds of shops, restaurants and attractions. Whether you’re in search of local design at the Watershed, contemporary art at the Zeitz MOCAA gallery or a taste of the city’s culinary landscape, the V&A Waterfront offers a stunning snapshot of Africa’s abundant flavour, colour and energy.

And at the heart of this cosmopolitan precinct you’ll find The Victoria & Alfred Hotel.

Set on the quayside overlooking the Albert Basin, with remarkable views across the city to Table Mountain, The Victoria & Alfred Hotel was the first hotel to open in the Waterfront. It was a bold move back in 1990, when the V&A Waterfront was little more than a dream championed by a few pioneering spirits. But over more than 30 years, The Victoria & Alfred Hotel has gone from strength to strength, growing a loyal following of international and local guests.

Perhaps that is because it is a hotel that has constantly evolved: updating and upgrading, without losing its essential character, to meet ever-changing tastes and trends in the world of travel.

In 2023 that meant a major refurbishment, imbuing the property with a thoroughly modern aesthetic. It began with the hotel’s public areas, where upgraded lighting and public artworks

create an ambience that immediately sets guests at ease.

In the refurbished Mountain- and Piazzafacing rooms on the first and second floors, you’ll find that the natural textures and calming colour tones – as well as a palette of Scandi-style blonde wood – combine to create a feeling of space and light.

It’s all the work of acclaimed interior designer Francois Du Plessis, who has refreshed this vintage hotel with a more contemporary look and feel. An upgrade of the in-room technology and Wi-Fi connectivity has ensured the rooms are as tailored to corporate travellers as much as they are holidaymakers. While business travellers enjoy the central location, leisure guests can soak up the sun and enjoy the sheltered swimming pool at the Dock House Boutique Hotel, a sister-property in the Newmark portfolio.

Come evening, take a table on the terrace at GINJA, where the views of the city are as mesmerising as the inspired international and Cape cuisine on the menu. In summer, look out for the Sunday Brunch that’s become a hit with savvy locals.

The upgrades within the hotel are matched by changes beyond the doors.

Just steps from the front desk you’ll find the iconic new ‘Cape Town’ sign that has fast become an Instagram magnet, while the revamp of the adjacent Alfred Mall has created a boutique offering celebrating the design, art and craft of the continent.

A timeless classic, The Victoria & Alfred Hotel is today a much-loved fixture of the V&A Waterfront. While the area has changed much in the past 30 years, the iconic shape and unwavering hospitality of The Victoria & Alfred Hotel has remained unchanged.

EleganceContemporary in the Cape Winelands

Inspired by its heritage and a thoroughly modern reinvention, this classic farm is a unique destination for wine, food, art and relaxation

BY RICHARD HOLMES

Just a 30-minute drive from Cape Town, Hazendal Wine Estate lies at the gateway to the world-famous Stellenbosch Winelands. Though the farm was first settled in 1699 – the cellar has been producing world-class wines for more than 200 years – this remarkable estate wears its history lightly, deftly weaving more than 300 years of heritage into a thoroughly contemporary winelands destination.

At the heart of this rejuvenated estate is The Hazendal, a remarkable new boutique hotel where art, wine and culinary adventure come together. Built in a striking aesthetic of whitewashed walls, steel beams and soaring glass windows, this contemporary design is effortlessly balanced by heritage motifs and traditional touches, not least the impressive collection of contemporary South African art on display throughout the hotel.

The Hazendal offers 34 rooms and suites across a range of room categories. Entry-level Superior Rooms look out across the sundrenched central courtyard and offer easy access to the beautiful hotel swimming pool. The spacious Junior Suites, where private terraces gaze across landscaped gardens to the vineyards carpeting the Bottelary Hills, offer additional space and privacy, and the Presidential Suite is ideal for special occasions and an abundance of privacy. While the hotel – which includes a versatile events space – is popular with corporate gatherings, exclusive private events and independent travellers, the option of interleading rooms and suites also makes it a top choice for multi-generational travellers.

There’s no end to the entertainment on offer either. While the private in-house cinema is ideal for after dark, during the day

you can fill the hours with a host of family-friendly activities. Though the hotel boasts a dedicated Padel court (equipment provided), the biggest drawcard is Hazendal’s 18-hole Par-3 golf course. Alongside the course, you’ll find extensive practice facilities, including chipping greens, an In-Range-equipped driving range and dedicated coaching studios. Younger golfers will love the playful putting park with 27 fun-filled holes meandering through indigenous gardens. Youngsters will also be enthralled by Wonderdal, an immersive edutainment experience that fuses learning with play in a unique technology-enabled environment.

Hungry? You won’t be for long with a menu of delicious dining options on offer across the estate. Families will most enjoy The Eatery with its concise menu of casual al fresco fare, while The Deli dishes up elevated bistro-style cuisine with wonderful views across the grassy lawns of the original farm. And if you want to delve deeper into the unique terroir of the Stellenbosch Winelands, as well as Hazendal’s rich winemaking heritage, look no further than the elegant Wine Lounge for guided tastings and exclusive cellar experiences.

But amid days filled with new discoveries, leave time to both recharge and indulge. The Hazendal Spa, hosted in a beautifully restored heritage cottage alongside the hotel, offers an extensive menu of hand, body and facial therapies utilising world-leading wellness products.

Then, toast an unforgettable Cape escape with dinner in The Restaurant, where a seasonal menu of inspired Winelands cuisine offers a memorable gourmet adventure.

Hotel Cigar Lounge

Hazendal Pool Presidential Suite 18-Hole Par-3 Golf Course

A Stellenbosch Icon’s Modern Makeover

Experience the historic Blaauwklippen wine estate, where old world meets new in one of the most dramatic surroundings in Stellenbosch

BY RICHARD HOLMES

South Africa may fall into the so-called ‘New World’ of winemaking, but the Stellenbosch winelands are in fact amongst the oldest in the southern hemisphere. And amid this historic region, framed by soaring mountain peaks and cooled by sea winds blowing in off the Atlantic Ocean, rests one of the oldest estates in the Western Cape.

Since it was first settled in 1682, Blaauwklippen has become synonymous with the world of fine wine, evolving through the centuries into a multifaceted modern estate offering everything from culinary adventures to family-friendly entertainment.

That centuries-long journey reached a new milestone in 2023 when this venerable estate joined the portfolio of Newmark Hotels & Reserves. The estate currently offers luxurious accommodation in the stately four-bedroom Manor House and six-bedroom Jonkershuis Guest House, where the decor and experience take inspiration from the farm’s centuries of history. New luxury boutique accommodation set overlooking the vineyards is under construction and due to open in 2025, the contemporary architecture blending seamlessly with the heritage charm of Blaauwklippen, while infusing a modern aesthetic and cosmopolitan energy into the estate.

Blaauwklippen is an ideal base for exploring the broader Stellenbosch winelands, but the estate has also grown into a mustvisit destination all of its own. Beyond sampling the fruits of the vine – Blaauwklippen is recognised as a pioneer of Zinfandel in South Africa – in the innovative Tasting House, both day visitors and overnight guests can spend the day exploring contemporary art in the IS Art Gallery or settling in for hearty Italian-inspired cuisine at De Blaauwe Kitchen. Weekend mornings see the Blaauwklippen Family Market set up shop under the oak trees, with an array of vendors and food stalls offering local, organic and sustainable produce.

And while parents kick back on the wide lawns of the estate, young travellers will find plenty of entertainment on the estate’s dedicated Bike Park – great for adults too! – which features a Velosolutions Pump Track alongside a state-of-the-art play area boasting its own cycling track, zip lines and jungle gym.

From fine wine to family travel, this historic estate offers a delightful taste of country living. And with remarkable new luxury accommodation on the horizon, Blaauwklippen is set to become one of the most popular destinations in the Cape winelands.

BELIEVE IN BETTER

With your support, we’ve worked towards securing marine protected areas, ensuring that our precious marine life and ecosystems are able to thrive. LEARN MORE AT

The Wilderness of the Waterberg

See the Big Five and enjoy a luxury safari experience at QWABI, just a few hours from Johannesburg

BY RICHARD HOLMES

Hiding in plain sight. Perhaps that is the best way to describe the magical wilderness of the Waterberg region of northern South Africa.

Often overlooked by international visitors – their sights set on the private reserves and Kruger National Park in the ‘Lowveld’ of eastern South Africa – it’s with good reason that savvy locals and experienced safari travellers have fast fallen in love with this remarkable landscape of rugged peaks and pristine bushveld.

For starters, it’s malaria-free, which means no pesky prophylactics required. And, with its convenient location just three hour’s drive north of Johannesburg’s international airport, you could step off your flight in the morning and be on safari in time for brunch. Hop on a helicopter charter and you may even make the morning game drive!

But, why rush? The joy of exploring a landscape like QWABI Private Game Reserve is the rare opportunity to slow down. Then stop. Take a deep breath. Exhale slowly, and let your eyes focus on that far horizon of sun-burnished bushveld.

QWABI – ‘African Wild Cat’ in the local Sesotho language – stretches across 11 000 hectares of Waterberg wilderness, a region proclaimed as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its incredible ecological diversity. It’s also a remarkable conservation success story, a landscape of former farmland rewilded with endemic flora and fauna.

Today, the reserve teems with wildlife, from the cheetahs that have happily settled in on the grassy plains to the lion and leopard that hunt silently in the thickets. You’ll find all of the famous Big Five at QWABI, along with dozens of other rare and sought-after species, from shy nocturnal aardvark to migrant birds that will have twitchers in a flutter as they tick off their life list.

Whatever brings you to QWABI – wildlife or simply the opportunity to unwind – you’ll love this largely undiscovered landscape. And with two unique luxury lodges on offer, you have the freedom to create your perfect wilderness escape.

LETAMO is the larger of the two lodges on QWABI, offering 58 Afro-chic rooms – including 10 spacious suites – surrounded by lush indigenous bushveld. LETAMO is also the most family-friendly option, offering two swimming pools, spacious lawns and a ‘Junior Conservationists Programme’ to introduce children to the natural world. The lodge is also fully fenced, ensuring complete peace of mind. And between

game excursions? Kick back at the pool or get your heart pumping with a game on the padel court. Meals are enjoyed in the elegant main restaurant – with intimate dining nooks for couples – or in the outdoor boma at the fireside. Bush dinners out in the reserve are an unforgettable highlight of longer stays.

“BUSH DINNERS OUT IN THE RESERVE ARE AN UNFORGETTABLE HIGHLIGHT OF LONGER STAYS.”

A more luxurious option is BABOHI, which opened in 2023 to offer an opulent lodge destination that blends intuitive decor – the work of acclaimed designer Francois Du Plessis – with a deep sense of place. From the moment of arrival, descending to the chic lounge and dining area, guests are immersed in a space filled with vibrant African flair, celebrating the colour and creativity of the continent. Beyond the dining area and bar, step out onto the eye-catching pool deck, boasting panoramic views out across the reserve.

Scattered across the hillside around the main lodge are 25 rooms and suites, each offering indulgent amounts

of personal space. The stand-out is the duplex ‘Lion’ presidential suite, which offers a bespoke butler service and exclusive private dining.

Culinary adventure is a signature of BABOHI, where you’ll find a menu of innovative dining experiences – including a ‘Bush Brunch’ enjoyed out in the reserve. Looking to indulge even more? Set aside some time to explore the menu of facial and body treatment journeys at the double-storey wellness spa complex.

WINE & DINE

ENJOY THE FINEST FOOD, WINE AND HOSPITALITY DESTINATIONS IN AFRICA

THE TASTE

Group Head Chef Chris Erasmus and Group Sommelier

Marlvin Gwese have a vision to make Newmark’s restaurants culinary destinations. Take a seat, you’re just in time for the first course

BY RICHARD HOLMES

MAKERS

Agolden thread, with a sense of place. That’s the philosophy Group Head Chef Chris Erasmus brings to the culinary offerings across Newmark’s portfolio of lodges, hotels and island resorts.

While working with the on-site chefs at each property, as Group Head Chef for Newmark, Erasmus brings his keen restaurateur’s eye – honed through years of working in fine-dining kitchens worldwide – to the culinary experience across the group. Behind the bar, Newmark’s Group Sommelier

Marlvin Gwese matches that flair with a wine and mixology offering to remember.

For this talented duo, the magic in the Newmark experience is weaving the flavours and culinary heritage of Southern Africa into a host of unique experiences; whether that’s fynbos-inspired plates in the Cape or marula-infused cocktails on a Waterberg safari.

But where to begin? We asked these two food and wine pioneers for their favourite wining and dining destinations across South Africa…

FUTURE FOUND SANCTUARY

Chris Erasmus: The garden at Future Found Sanctuary is one of my favourite places. It’s really a hidden gem, and the chefs there are so passionate about what they do. For breakfast, it’s a harvest table with cold-pressed juices picked from the garden. For lunch, roast fish from the harbour on the coals, served with incredible fresh salads. They also do a lot of ferments, and they make absolutely everything in-house.

Marlvin Gwese: We have focused the wine list at Future Found Sanctuary to exclusively serve wines made by female South African winemakers, from Sauvignon Blanc to dessert wines. And we’ll match the wines to the food concept each day: if it’s from the ocean, we go for a white wine from the cool-climate vineyards of Constantia. If it’s earthy, we’ll look to Paarl or Simondium and a bold red.

We also try to work in biodynamic and organic wines, and we have a wonderful cocktail on offer, which is a take on an old fashioned but using indigenous rooibos tea and whisky.

DASH RESTAURANT

Chris Erasmus: The tasting menu at Dash Restaurant, by chef Terrence Ford, is just incredible. What will surprise some people is that the vegetarian option is really the standout. It is so inventive. What he’s done with aubergine is just amazing.

Marlvin Gwese: At Dash, we hand-select specific wines to pair with each dish on the tasting menu to create a real food and wine journey. We focus on small, lesser-known producers, which allows us to introduce guests to new wines and unusual varietals.

“THE VIEWS AT QWABI ARE JUST SO BEAUTIFUL, IT MAKES SENSE THAT THE FOOD OFFERING FOLLOWS SUIT.”

QWABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Chris Erasmus: The views at QWABI are just so beautiful, it makes sense that the food offering follows suit. That starts in the morning, when the guides get hands-on serving up a surprise bush breakfast. But I really love the plated dishes at BABOHI, especially the chocolate pot plant: it’s rich, it’s dark, and it’s deep with flavour! It just screams opulence, which is what BABOHI is all about.

Marlvin Gwese: BABOHI has the best sunset in South Africa! So to make that really memorable, we have more than 25 gins on offer at the bar, focused on gins infused with African botanicals. On the wine side, we focus on full-bodied wines, and we offer whisky and wine tastings in the beautiful Vinoteque; an experience that works really well for couples.

KASHEW AT THE CATALYST

Chris Erasmus: I’ve fallen in love with Kashew. The menu caters to an African market, with plates like spicy chicken livers, pap-en-wors and massive tomahawk steaks. It’s just so unpretentious and the vibe is chilled. This is one restaurant where I don’t eat with a knife and fork!

Marlvin Gwese: Kashew has the best Whisky Sour you’ve ever tasted! But the wine list is great too: we were South African finalists in the global Star Wine List Awards. Many are well-known wines, but there’s always something different, like a special older vintage. There’s also an impressive spirits selection, with a good choice of heavily peated Islay malts to end the evening.

MOTSWARI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE & NKOMAZI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

Chris Erasmus: I love being in the bush, where the menus are about beautiful homestyle cooking. Whenever I’m at Nkomazi or Motswari, I often do my kitchen prep in the outside boma, where I’ll have nyala and warthogs walking around! Nkomazi is special to me because there’s a wood-fired oven to play with. We bake all of our ciabatta and roast incredible slow-cooked lamb shanks. We cooked wild boar ribs in the oven and they were incredible!

Marlvin Gwese: At Motswari, we have introduced a special wine tasting in the afternoons, when guests have time to relax between game drives. It’s all about showcasing the incredible wines of South Africa, so we pour Cap Classique, Chenin Blanc and a Pinotage: the signature red grape of South Africa that was created here in 1924.

A Royal Retreat

In the heart of the bustling V&A Waterfront precinct, the Queen Victoria Hotel offers a tranquil retreat from the rush of the city

BY WANITA NICOL

On one side of the always-busy road bringing visitors to Cape Town’s famous V&A Waterfront, there is a stone wall. It’s extremely unremarkable – not ornate enough to be interesting and completely overshadowed by the Waterfront’s amphitheatre and some of its most legendary pubs just across the street. But venture beyond it, and you’ll discover one of the precinct’s best-kept secrets: the Queen Victoria Hotel.

HIDDEN GRANDEUR

Situated in a vibrant neighbourhood, the Queen Victoria is the grande dame with nothing to prove. You won’t see her from the main street or any of the attractions, yet she overlooks them from her secluded perch, offering guests that rare combination of convenience and privacy.

You could picnic by the pool, looking up at Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak, and you’d never guess you were in the middle of one of Cape Town’s most crowded tourist hotspots.

QUIET OPULENCE

Guests at the Queen Victoria enjoy effortless luxury. From the striking spiral staircase that grabs your attention the moment you step inside to the meticulous attention to detail, the boutique hotel has elegance encoded into its DNA.

The colour palette is white for Queen Victoria’s wedding gown, said to have inspired the tradition; black for the colour of mourning that she adopted after her husband’s death; and purple for royalty.

Evenings unfold to the soundtrack of live piano music from the resident pianist on the baby grand. And guests can make use of the nearby Sanctuary Spa.

DINE IN STYLE

The in-house dining experience is a treat you don’t want to miss. Established chef Terrence Ford leads the charge in the kitchen at Dash Restaurant, showcasing local and international flavours featuring fresh, regional ingredients – including those sourced from the hotel’s own veggie boxes.

An homage to Cape Town’s history as a refreshment station for ships travelling between Europe and the East, the veggie boxes also provide fresh ingredients for the hotel’s delicious signature cocktails and mocktails – a practice they’ve dubbed “veggie-box-to-cocktail-glass dining”. Or, if mixed drinks are not your style, toast the sunset with a glass of wine from the collection curated by Group Sommelier Marlvin Gwese.

Equal parts homely and decadent, the Queen Victoria Hotel is a peaceful retreat that will be a highlight on your visit to Cape Town.

Left: The spiral staircase

Middle: Junior Mountain Suite

Right: Dash Restaurant

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QUEEN VICTORIA HOTEL

A Waterfront Hideaway

Is this stylish city oasis

Cape Town’s best-kept secret?

BY RICHARD HOLMES

For most visitors to Cape Town, a trip to the V&A Waterfront is all about the bustle. With more than 20 million visitors a year flocking to the boutiques, restaurants and tourist attractions of the Waterfront, this dynamic harbour precinct is rarely a place of much peace and quiet.

Unless, that is, you’re lucky enough to call the Dock House Boutique Hotel your home-from-home in South Africa’s Mother City.

Set in what was once the Harbour Master’s private residence, alongside the historic Time Ball Tower on a promontory above the Waterfront, the Dock House Boutique Hotel is something of a (jealously guarded) secret among regular visitors to Cape Town. It’s positioned on the Portswood Ridge, along with other historical buildings and heritage sites, where the construction of the harbour began in the early 19th century, and remnants of the historical workings are still visible (a trip to the Portswood Tunnel is well worth the visit). It’s an intimate hotel destination that offers easy access to the myriad attractions of the V&A, along with a quiet haven to escape to at the end of the day.

Indoors, the decor combines classic Victorian architecture with contemporary flourishes to create an atmosphere of understated elegance. Crystal chandeliers, deep-buttoned chairs and plush fabrics offer a subtle celebration of the building’s 200-year history.

Although a boutique hotel with six rooms, the two ground-floor suites, as well as the balcony suites, range in size from 60 to 70m2 Regulars would argue that the best room is the ground-floor Luxury Suite, where French doors open onto a sheltered courtyard garden to create an exclusive hideaway. But upstairs, three frontfacing rooms enjoy private balconies boasting superb sea and harbour views. Which is better? You’ll have to choose.

Or perhaps you’d prefer the ground-floor rooms that open directly onto the wind-protected lawns of the Dock House Boutique Hotel’s private garden. It’s an oasis in the city, with clipped lawns and indigenous gardens framing a sparkling swimming pool surrounded by shady tables and sun loungers.

Here, the chic pool bar offers a compact all-day menu of light bites, alongside signature cocktails (with herbs picked from the hotel’s herb and vegetable garden) and a collection of fine wines from the famous Cape wine estates. Breakfast is served inside the hotel, and with Dash Restaurant at the Queen Victoria Hotel and GINJA Restaurant at The Victoria & Alfred Hotel on your doorstep, you’ll be sure to have numerous lunch and dinner dining options, from speciality menus to live entertainment lunches.

The Sanctuary Spa, steps from the hotel, offers a range of wellness treatments, while access to the adjoining fitness centre is complimentary for all guests.

Ideal for travellers seeking a central location with an abundance of privacy, Dock House Boutique Hotel is also popular for small celebrations, exclusive group bookings and bespoke corporate gatherings. Or simply soaking up the sun on the hotel’s lawns.

RELAX & RECHARGE

YOUR GUIDE TO REINVIGORATE MIND AND BODY

A Small Paradise

Explore Mauritius from this boutique island resort that’ll feel instantly like your own beach house on the edge of paradise

BY PIPPA DE BRUYN

If your word association with ‘Mauritius’ is ‘resorts’ – large and sprawling; corridors with identical rooms; buffet meals and chalkboards announcing the activity of the day – it’s time for a new adventure. Circumnavigate the palm-fringed coast and you will find lush swathes of undeveloped coastline, particularly in the residential north east, where private beachfront villas overlook crescents of white sand strewn with black volcanic boulders. And amidst them, the most gorgeous beachfront boutique hotel.

The creation of Brigitte Baranès Conseil, La Maison D’Été was at the forefront of a trend of what could be called the “house hotel”, or as Conseil defined it: “a small chic hotel with the ambience of a big family house, with good music, good food, and a very nice bar!”

Newmark Hotels took this concept to a new level when they commissioned design agency Fox Browne Creative to revamp the hotel at the end of 2022. According to cofounder Chris Browne, Conseil’s flamboyant character and her Mauritian-French “summer house hotel” were inspiration, as was the style of historic Mauritian sugar-cane barons. “We aimed to channel her irrepressible joie de vivre, as well as the historic plantation homesteads of Mauritius, to create a cool, cosy refuge. We reworked all 16 rooms and guest areas with a mix of contemporary chic and island nostalgia, using muted tropical colours, plenty of cane and wicker, and layering with fabrics and textures. We did not want to waste by scrapping the existing furnishings, so we purchased fabrics on the island and employed local upholsterers, carpenters and joiners, and other specialist artisans, to assist us with the refurbishment, and reinvented La Maison without creating needless wastage. The result is a really fresh take on beachside living.”

La Maison D’Été has been described by guests as “an island within the island”, a small paradise of sorts, intimate and personal without being claustrophobic. On a promontory overlooking turquoise waters, guests can wade directly into the ocean or choose to cool off in one of the pools. The coast-hugging lane that connects the north east to the more developed south is invariably empty of traffic and the protected lagoon it overlooks free from motorised boats, so there’s nothing to detract from the soothing lullaby of a lapping ocean.

Aside from location and atmosphere, dining is stellar and the historical French and Indian influences that make Mauritian cuisine of the best in Africa are wellshowcased at the hotel’s two barefootchic restaurants. The À la carte menu is augmented by a daily special; every dish made with locally sourced ingredients, cooked from scratch and presented with flair by Chef Selven Eeroolappen. Fresh seafood is naturally a speciality – in fact, guests who have spent a day deep-sea fishing can choose to have their catch cooked to succulent perfection that same night.

For return guests, the hotel staff is the perennial draw. From reception to restaurant, this is a team who know how to ensure you get the most from your stay, providing guidance on what to do and where – from suggesting the best shopping markets to arranging kitesurfing or swimming with the dolphins, scuba diving in the protected lagoon or visiting the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden. But lying on your lounger, mesmerised by that striated blue horizon, snorkel kit on standby, you’ll be forgiven for delaying those plans yet another day...

A Boutique Escape on Île Maurice

Enjoy the effortless elegance of a Mauritian resort that reflects the beauty and calm of its lush surroundings

BY RICHARD HOLMES

On an island known for its sprawling holiday resorts hosting hundreds of guests, Mystik Lifestyle Boutique Hotel comes as a breath of fresh tropical air on the north coast of Mauritius.

With an enviable location just steps from the coral sands of the beach at Mont Choisy, Mystik offers a boutique island escape for discerning travellers seeking a tropical idyll in the heart of the island’s fun-filled north coast.

Stylish simplicity is the watchword at Mystik. The hotel’s 32 rooms – across a choice of two categories – embrace an aesthetic of understated minimalism, where you’ll find bespoke decor and fine white linen set against a palette of exuberant splashes of vibrant island-inspired colour. Mystik Lifestyle Boutique Hotel is surrounded by lush tropical gardens, creating a sense of island escapism, while sea views ensure each day begins with the sparkling blues of the Indian Ocean washing through the windows. All rooms boast their own exclusive-use balconies, creating a serene and private space for couples to relax, recharge and reconnect.

Or head for the glamorous pool deck, where a wide infinity pool is set beneath whispering palms to offer unforgettable views out across the Indian Ocean. And, with Mystik’s focus on catering for adult travellers – there is no kids’ club or family activity programme offered here – you can be assured of a peaceful poolside session with your favourite book. Were you looking for the perfect honeymoon destination in a tropical paradise? You’ve found it.

Unlike the island’s larger resorts, a stay at Mystik Lifestyle Boutique Hotel is as much about enjoying the hotel as exploring beyond it.

Mystik is set just a few minutes’ drive from the nightlife, dining and shopping hub of Grand Baie, making it easy for travellers to explore all that this colourful multicultural island has to offer. The island’s capital city, Port Louis, is within easy reach and filled with colourful markets and fascinating historical attractions to discover. A dedicated concierge desk at the hotel is on hand to arrange day tours across the island, whether you want to tee up on the striking links-style course at Mont Choisy Le Golf nearby or head out into the deep blue on snorkelling, fishing or dolphin-spotting excursions.

After a day of discovery, return to Mystik for memorable islandinspired dining at the hotel’s vibrant resto-bar, #36. Here you’ll find an international menu with island flourishes, ensuring there’s a plate for every palate. The Fish Rougaille of line-caught dorado and Mauritian-style pickles taps into the island’s bountiful fresh seafood and diverse culinary heritage, while the Palm Heart Duo offers a taste of more traditional island cuisine. It’s all served up in a glorious seaside setting, with tables set at the ocean edge and the authentic island hospitality that Mauritius is famous for. Of course, the talented mixologists at the bar are ready to introduce you to the island’s famous rum with a collection of bespoke rum-based cocktails. From fine food to island flair, you’ll find it all at Mystik Lifestyle Boutique Hotel.

MYSTIK LIFESTYLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

“STYLISH SIMPLICITY IS THE WATCHWORD AT MYSTIK.”

THave a Swing Near the Big City

Why not take a serene escape close to West Africa’s commercial hub?

BY RICHARD HOLMES

here’s an infectious energy in Lagos , the economic engine of West Africa, but sometimes travellers need a break from the frenetic pace and infamous traffic of Nigeria’s commercial capital. Happily, just 50km outside of Lagos you’ll find the luxurious serenity of Lakowe Lakes Golf & Country Estate.

LIFESTYLE DESTINATION

Stretched across more than 300 hectares of landscaped parkland, Lakowe Lakes is an all-encompassing lifestyle destination catering for travellers, expats and locals, whether it’s for a weekend break or a base for a longer stay close to the city.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

For travellers planning a brief trip to Lagos, The Lodge On 18 is ideal. This boutique hotel offers just 20 stylish rooms, each with contemporary decor and bespoke service. With views across the gardens and golf course, it’s a haven from the city.

For longer stays, the collection of apartments (one to four bedrooms) and Balinese-style cottages (one or two bedrooms) offer spacious living areas and modern self-catering facilities.

EAT OUT

Start with an aperitif at The Winebar, where you’ll find an impressive collection of spirits, cocktails and fine wines. The Restaurant On 18 dishes up a contemporary menu that combines international cuisine with proudly African flavours, all in a stylish space within The Lodge On 18. For more relaxed fare, wander across to the activity centre to Revivo Restaurant & Bar, where you’ll find a collection of delicious dishes focused on dining al fresco. With seating at the restaurant or poolside, it’s the perfect way to wind down after a busy day in the city.

“STRETCHED ACROSS MORE THAN 300 HECTARES OF LANDSCAPED PARKLAND, LAKOWE LAKES IS AN ALLENCOMPASSING LIFESTYLE DESTINATION CATERING FOR TRAVELLERS, EXPATS AND LOCALS.”

But… Why cook for yourself, when Lakowe Lakes is home to three charming bars and restaurants?

OUTSTANDING SPORTS FACILITIES

But there’s no shortage of ways to relax at Lakowe Lakes. The 18-hole championship golf course is laid out in a tropical parkland style and is regarded as one of the best courses in West Africa. With an academy, pro-shop, par-three ‘mashie course’ and dedicated clubhouse on site, you’ll easily while away a weekend here. Don’t play golf? There’s still plenty to keep you busy at Lakowe Lakes. Pedalboating is a fun-filled activity for families, while tennis courts, cycling tracks and instructor-led fitness sessions all ensure you can stay fit and healthy while travelling.

OUT & ABOUT

All Walks of Life

The Promenade is one of Cape Town’s best-known urban walks, where locals and visitors gather to exercise, breathe in the sea air and admire its stunning 360-degree views

BY PIPPA DE BRUYN

One wonders what the Khoi – original inhabitants of the Cape, who grazed their livestock on the wind-free slopes of Signal Hill above the sandy coves and tidal pools that provided rich nutritional pickings – would have made of the stone bulwark built during the 1920s, apparently to protect complaining residents from the stench of decomposing seaweed. Today this broad pedestrian artery – meandering between the ocean and the tapestry of high-rise apartments – is Cape Town’s best urban walk, attracting the most diverse array of locals.

You can start from Saunders’ Rock, where the tidal pool sees cold-waterimmersion devotees in droves at dawn and again in the late afternoon, when granite boulders warmed by the sun provide a great view of passing ships. Or set off south from the 1823 Green Point Lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in South Africa, affectionately known by residents as ‘Moaning Minnie’ due to her lowpitched fog horn. Taken at a brisk pace, the entire walk takes less than an hour, but there is plenty of cause to pause.

When the swell is pumping, surfers clamber over striated rocks at the south end of Queen’s Beach, near Saunders’. Here a plaque commemorates Charles Darwin’s visit during his round-the-world trip on the Beagle, and his fascination with the geology here, the pale granite intruding into darker siltstone thought to have occurred some 540 million years ago. Lycra-clad ladies with ponytails pulled through peak caps stride past wheelchairbound retirees in large sunglasses. Kids perform backflips into the Olympic-sized pool at the Sea Point Pavilion, where you can also hire a bike, or cross the road to La Perla (serving classic Italian since 1959), or practise your salsa when SunKissed Salsa host their summer al fresco Afro-Latin dance events.

“THIS BROAD PEDESTRIAN ARTERY IS CAPE TOWN’S BEST URBAN WALK, ATTRACTING THE MOST DIVERSE ARRAY OF LOCALS.”

Just beyond Milton Beach is Graaff’s Pool – famous for the doubtless apocryphal tale of an elderly Sea Point resident who called the police about (at the time illegal) homosexual activities taking place behind the wall, but which were impossible to see from her apartment, unless standing on a chair.

Further along, buff boys work out on outdoor gyms; in the playground behind, children clutch ice creams on swings and clamber onto iron oxen. Diagonally opposite is the SABC (South African Broadcasting Corporation) designed by architect Jan van Wijk in the ‘Little Brazil’ style in the 1950s, a decade before he designed the rather more elegant Afrikaans Taalmonument in Paarl.

Several outdoor artworks are dotted en route, such as André Carl van der Merwe’s ‘Rhinosaur’, made to raise awareness

for the scourge of rhino poaching, and ‘Perceiving Freedom’, a giant pair of sunglasses installed by Michael Elion in 2014 and co-sponsored by Ray-Ban. Known informally as ‘Mandela’s Glasses’, these frame views of Robben Island –and at the time were controversial and dismissed as “art-vertisement”.

The Promenade is always busiest at sunset, but the end of Ramadan, marked with the sighting of the new moon, turns the evening atmosphere electric when hundreds of jubilant devotees gather with plates of food and picnic blankets to celebrate Eid on the Promenade lawns. Regardless of when you visit, or where you choose to start your walk, you can’t miss the iconic Winchester Hotel. Designed by John Perry in the Cape Dutch Revival style during the 1920s, the elegantly gabled Winchester Mansions was a soughtafter apartment block that was converted into a hotel in the 1950s. Perry won many architectural competitions, including that of the Johannesburg Central Magistrate’s Court in Fox Street, but the gracious Sea Point grande dame is arguably his finest contribution to South Africa’s architectural landscape, and still the perfect base from which to explore the ever-changing human tide that flows along Cape Town’s most welcoming public space.

1823 Green Point Lighthouse Sea Point Pavilion Views from Harvey’s Bar at The Winchester Hotel

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THE WINCHESTER HOTEL

ISTOCK IMAGES; UNSPLASH

Enjoy a Refreshing Seaside Sojourn

Perfectly positioned for business or pleasure, La Splendida’s prime location makes it a Cape Town gem

BY ANDREW THOMPSON

Across the road from the Mouille Point Promenade and its famous red and white lighthouse is La Splendida, a charming little hotel ideally placed for a seaside breakaway or a romantic escape.

La Splendida has 24 spacious, modern rooms. The Superior rooms feature sofa beds to cater for two extra people and baby cots are available for those travelling with young kids. The hotel is metres from the Cape Town Stadium and Green Point Park and within walking distance of the V&A Waterfront. Yet despite its vibrant urban location, it’s a trendy seaside hotel at heart.

Kick-start your day with breakfast in your room (bookable from our room service), or take it downstairs at the bustling pet-friendly Sotano restaurant on the ground floor. If it’s a romantic escape you’re after, hop aboard

a tandem bicycle or lace up your walking shoes to take in the calm, pedestrianised promenade with minimal effort.

But little about a stay at La Splendida says endurance. Instead, take a right turn out of the hotel towards the V&A Waterfront, where minutes later, you can exchange your bicycle for a different mode of transport – a kayak on the Atlantic Ocean. If that sounds like too much work, sunset cruises or helicopter flips departing nearby are an alternative treat. Either way, keep your eyes peeled – dolphins are a regular and thrilling sight along this coastline, and you may be able to spot your room behind the lighthouse.

On weekend mornings (and Wednesday evenings in summer), the Oranjezicht Market has stands laden with fresh fruit

and vegetables, homemade snacks and freshly prepared meals. It’s perfect for people-watching and a good coffee, even if a large meal isn’t on the cards. Or head to the V&A Waterfront. The worldfamous shopping Mecca is ideal for picking up keepsakes in the Watershed or sampling regional fare from a wide variety of restaurants.

La Splendida’s prime location lends itself perfectly to an urban seaside holiday, particularly of the romantic kind. But with the ever-vibrant Sotano on the ground level and your spacious room above with sea, mountain or golf-course views, the pull of an expertly mixed cocktail to salute the sun will be hard to resist.

A GRAND OL’ DAME

Enjoy the timeless charm of the recently refurbished Winchester Hotel, one of Cape Town’s grandest hotels with stunning views of the Atlantic towards Robben Island

BY ANDREW THOMPSON

This classic 1920s Cape Dutch hotel is the icon of the Sea Point Promenade, and its freshly inspired interiors and new restaurant and bar concepts make it an easy win for a holiday stay or the ever-popular G&T sundowner.

No hotel on the Prom is as known and celebrated as The Winchester Hotel – and that was before it saw sweeping renovations that brought it beautifully in line with modern standards.

With roots back to the 1920s, when trams rattled along the main road and steam

trains to its front, the property would always benefit from a slick refurb and slight rethink as it approached its centenary. But this wasn’t at the expense of its iconic heritage status or the famous bougainvillea in the courtyard.

Although the vintage transport has come and gone, replaced by grass fields, a paved walkway and a supercar-studded road, the heart and soul of the property remain. And, in its in-house Shoreditch Restaurant or Harvey’s Bar, it’s a destination for both holidaymakers and Capetonians to reset the clock to a time when a strong G&T

and a good view of the setting sun and the suburb’s evening striders was the perfect antidote to a day’s work or travels.

It’s this mix that still makes it a special place to visit. For decades, you’ve been able to pull up a chair at Harvey’s Bar to find a pleasing mix of rosy-cheeked tourists recounting their day exploring the peninsula, and locals in swish activewear with beaded foreheads, who’ve spontaneously abandoned their workouts.

Harvey’s and Shoreditch Restaurant have received new decor and seating that focuses your attention on the setting sun outside while keeping you comfortable. Shoreditch Restaurant is perfect for a classy dinner for two or to celebrate a special occasion. Next door, Harvey’s serves up great Cape wines by the glass, craft beer on tap, and perhaps the city’s best old fashioned or gin cocktails that go particularly well as sundowners or postdinner drinks.

Despite the upgrades, the classic views and atmosphere remain untouched, but the menus have received reinvigoration thanks to restaurateur Rory Jossel’s openflame touch. Elements of all dishes in the restaurant and bar, from mixed nuts to seared tuna, pass over hot coals, adding a uniquely South African flavour profile. The new Sanctuary Spa, in tranquil oversized ground-floor rooms, is another lavish addition. The treatment menu offers rejuvenating massages and skincare rituals, among others, performed by expert therapists.

Although the beauty, history and relaxation of The Winchester Hotel can be appreciated in the ground-floor facilities as a day visitor, retreating through the courtyard doors and up to one of its characterful heritage rooms is a unique privilege.

With no two rooms exactly alike, owing to the hotel’s history, each visit feels slightly different. And with loft rooms, classic rooms, junior suites and luxury balcony suites – with sea or mountain views to choose from – along with the recent addition of the lavish Arcadia Suites, there’s every reason to make this a permanent base in the Mother City.

The Best View – and Vibe –in Town

Take in Cape Town’s rapidly expanding skyline at this downtown address that even New York would envy

BY ANDREW THOMPSON

Rising above the Foreshore neighbourhood of the Cape Town city centre is Rockefeller Hotel & Residences, perhaps Cape Town’s most vibrant and popular hotel. Location, and height, tell part of the story – its 18 floors offer dramatic views of the harbour, freeways below, the city skyline and Table Mountain.

Head up to the rooftop lounge and bar called STUDIO, and you’ll get eyefuls of all three – and gain a deeper understanding of why this is a legendary downtown destination.

But there’s another, less tangible aspect to Rockefeller Hotel & Residences. Given the property’s popularity among SA’s most eminent DJs, musicians and creatives, rumour has it that it was named not after New York’s Rockefeller Centre, but rather Roc-A-Fella Records, the record company that’s produced albums for Jay-Z and Kanye West.

And walking in through the hotel’s large sliding doors, into a thoroughly Instagrammable world of neon signs, energetic conversations and a soundtrack to match, it’s easy to see the association and appeal.

The ground-floor Plaza restaurant and bar is a dynamic gathering point, day or night. Imagine casual mornings after breakfasts and lazy lunches as record deals are signed over mimosas and sushi.

But if privacy and a little isolation are on the cards, room service is available 24/7 upstairs. Accommodation is diverse, too – it ranges from standard hotel-style suites to one-bedroom apartments, and all exude the modern sophistication you’d expect from the tone set downstairs.

Still, you’ll likely find yourself constantly drawn back to that rooftop. The 18th-floor STUDIO, designed by musician Zakes Bantwini, houses a famous swimming pool beneath a retractable roof. It’s downtown Cape Town’s most noted space for artistic collaborations and laid-back evenings.

This inclusive, welcoming venue, open to the public and frequented by celebrities, is best experienced in the evening – with a cocktail in hand and as the DJ spins tunes to the sun slipping slowly behind Lion’s Head. At that moment, as the neon sign behind reception reads, you’ll likely feel that you’re exactly where you need to be.

At the Heart of the City

With sweeping views over Sandton CBD, The Catalyst Hotel offers pristine apart-hotel facilities and modern and luxurious hotel rooms ideal for a business or leisure stay in Johannesburg

BY ANDREW THOMPSON

Open the floor-to-ceiling sliding door in your room or apart-hotel suite at Joburg’s The Catalyst, and you’ll square up to one of two panoramic views of South Africa’s economic capital: either the distant Johannesburg CBD or the far closer Sandton equivalent.

And yet, despite its proximity – you’re within walking distance of the Gautrain and almost close enough to see through the deep-blue glass of the country’s richest headquarters – directly below are jacaranda-lined streets and a sense of suburban tranquillity.

Perfect juxtapositions like these will follow you throughout your stay. Whether it’s business or pleasure, a quick visit or long stay, or you prefer to eat out or cook for yourself, The Catalyst Hotel ticks all boxes, but without compromise.

If you pick The Catalyst for its self-catering options, you’ll appreciate suites with fully equipped kitchens perfect for preparing a stopgap at the end of a long day. A stove, oven,

microwave, kettle, fridge, and even cleaning supplies more than cover the bases.

Still, don’t overlook the ground floor Kashew Restaurant, where you’ll also have breakfast. Its modern styling and varied cuisine pair perfectly with its award-winning wine list. And with a room service option, too, you can get select items delivered to your room by a friendly waiter.

As comfortable as the rooms are, you’ll want to leave to explore the bustling city nearby. And a short walk or quick shuttle ride away is Sandton City, one of the continent’s premier shopping destinations.

Both international and proudly South African brands can be found at the trend-setting Sandton City mall. And once you’re all shopped out, kick back with a cold beverage and premium people-watching in the shadow of a giant –Nelson Mandela – at the open-air square named in his honour.

TAKE A DIFFERENT PATH AND DISCOVER SOMETHING NEW

Cape Town’s Most Luxurious Yacht

Enjoy the best of the Cape coastline aboard the lavish Hazendal Yacht

BY ANDREW THOMPSON

Moored to an iconic pier at the V&A Waterfront is the Hazendal Yacht, Princess Eve, a stunning 85-foot vessel available for short sojourns along the Atlantic Seaboard or lengthier expeditions up the Cape’s West Coast. Whichever option you choose, this is a luxurious ocean trip to savour.

It’s shortly before noon on a blue-sky weekday afternoon at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront. Tourists with shoppingbag-laden arms and cellphone cameras at full extension walk the cobbled pathways. Some take up seats behind perfect cappuccinos with views across the shimmering water and towards the monolithic Table Mountain.

A more perfect setting in Cape Town may be hard for them to imagine – save, perhaps, for what’s offered on board the magnificent yacht moored metres from the Waterfront’s oldest hotel.

Even before you depart on the Princess Eve, it’s clear this is no ordinary excursion. Upon boarding, a seasoned crew welcomes you with a beverage and smile fit for a pleasure cruise. A crisp, chilled glass of Hazendal CC (Cap Classique) pairs particularly well with the surroundings, as does a vodka cocktail – but softer options are on offer for those preferring to keep their sea legs as we head out beyond the harbour wall.

With a drink in hand, exploring the yacht for the first time, even while moored, feels like walking on hallowed nautical ground. That’s because this ultra-luxurious vessel is the largest resident yacht in South Africa, and no expense has been spared to make every trip aboard special.

The rooftop Jacuzzi and sumptuous leather-clad indoor lounge are obvious focal points. And a covered outdoor dining table for eight on the stern is perfect for meals. If the weather and mood allow, the crew may even fire up a barbecue once you reach your destination, and a swim ladder, jet skis and water sports equipment are also included. Weather, and swell, permitting.

The superyacht is available for short trips, private charters and longer overnight journeys. Four overnight cabins with ensuite bathrooms and lush bedding sleep eight passengers for more adventurous voyages further up the Cape West Coast.

But there’s also magic in the shorter sunset jaunts along the Atlantic Seaboard.

With a glass of bubbly and a constant flow of gourmet snacks, you’ll cruise slowly out through the busy Waterfront and its famous swing bridge, past its iconic Clock Tower and out onto open waters.

Dolphins and seals are common sights below, particularly approaching the Green Point Lighthouse. But your eyes will likely be fixed on the panoramic views shifting from Table Mountain to Signal Hill and Lion’s Head before coming to rest in the sheltered cove of Clifton.

Eventually, the time will come to return. But when you do, you’ll realise that a journey on the Hazendal Yacht is more than just a glimpse into one of the country’s most opulent vessels – but about as perfect a way to experience Cape Town and its coastline as any.

THE HAZENDAL YACHT

PHOTOGRAPHS: BRUCE TUCK PHOTOGRAPHY

CALL OF THE WILD

Enjoy a contemporary adventure in an ancient landscape at Nkomazi

BY RICHARD HOLMES

It’s hard to know which is the more memorable soundtrack to a stay at Nkomazi Private Game Reserve. The rustle of African elephants feeding in the thickets along the banks of the Komati River? Perhaps it’s the melodious dawn chorus of the Red-chested cuckoo, the “Piet-my-vrou” that thrives in the lush bushveld of eastern South Africa. Most would agree that it’s the roar of a lioness shattering the stillness after sunset. And the fact that you may hear it reverberating through the canvas walls of your luxury suite? Well, that only adds to the thrill of being on safari.

And a stay at Nkomazi Private Game Reserve is never short of thrills. Set amid the grassy hills bordering eSwatini, this 14 900-hectare private reserve is both a bushveld idyll and a remarkable story of tourism powering conservation.

What was once degraded farmland has been rejuvenated and restored into a remarkable wilderness. A place where grassy plains are fringed by lush indigenous woodland, the scene punctured by the granite inselbergs of an ancient landscape. Little wonder it forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves a unique geology dating back three billion years.

That geology creates a thriving ecosystem that’s home to four of the famed Big Five: you’ll find lion, leopard, elephant and Cape buffalo here, alongside myriad antelope and smaller game. It’s all brought to life on twice-daily game drives led by expert safari guides, or immersive bush walks that heighten the senses to offer an unforgettable front-row seat to an African safari.

After a day of bush adventure, you’ll return to the intimate Nkomazi lodge, where 14 tented suites are strung out along the banks of the Komati River as it rushes towards Mozambique and the Indian Ocean.

These under-canvas havens were recently revamped, with the addition of a family suite delivering contemporary safari style with glorious wilderness views. The romantic honeymoon suite is equally exquisite, promising a romantic bolthole in the bushveld.

Regardless of which suite you stay in, you’re assured of impressive levels of wilderness luxury. While canvas roofs imbue each suite with a sense of vintage charm, modern comforts – yes, there’s airconditioning! – ensure a thoroughly contemporary stay. But perhaps the real highlight is out on the deck, where a private plunge pool and sun loungers will entice you to laze away the hours between game excursions. Not to mention the romantic outdoor bath and shower... While you’re there, keep a keen eye out for the herds of shy nyala antelope that often come grazing around the lodge.

While the peace and privacy of your riverside suite may tempt you to stay in, Nkomazi’s main lodge area is equally enchanting, cradled in an amphitheatre of forested hills. Beneath a wide sweep of canvas, the contemporary bar and dining area spills onto a broad deck overlooking the Komati River. Enjoy dinner al fresco, or meander a few steps into the traditional boma for a taste of South African fireside cooking beneath the southern skies. But, don’t forget: close your eyes, and listen for the soundtrack of an unforgettable South African safari.

Escape To Zanzibar

A luxury escape on Africa’s ‘Spice Island’ invites you to a personal experience of the isle’s ancient history and remarkable hospitality

BY RICHARD HOLMES

Wandering the streets of Stone Town, the largest settlement on Zanzibar Island, it’s as if the walls – and cobbled streets – could talk. Here, the colourful history of the island is written in the bricks and mortar of the winding alleyways. Through the centuries, merchants made wealthy by the trade winds built stately coral homes framed by ornately carved wooden doors. The air is scented by the peppercorns and cloves laid out to dry on ancient squares, for sale in the markets hiding amid the warren of winding lanes. Come evening, the muezzin’s call to prayer speaks of the Muslim traders that sailed from Oman and settled here over centuries past. It’s a remarkable place that feels little changed since the Omani ruler Said bin Sultan first moved his court to the island, erecting palatial homes for his family.

Perhaps the most opulent was the Chuini Palace, built in 1873 just north of Stone Town. Today the time-weathered ruins of the palace and aqueducts set the scene for one of East Africa’s most remarkable boutique hotels: Chuini Zanzibar Beach Lodge.

While many resorts on Zanzibar are sprawling and impersonal affairs, Chuini stands apart with just 12 luxurious rooms and suites – and one opulent two-bedroom family villa – scattered across a lush private estate. Set on a rocky promontory to offer glorious Indian Ocean views, it’s a destination that promises charm, character and a sense of genuine East African hospitality.

Across a choice of room categories, with views onto gardens or the sea, what’s common is a sense of Zanzibari authenticity. Immersed in the lush tropical landscape, the thatched suites

are open to the natural surroundings, combining the luxury of crisp white linen with organic tones and textures that reflect the island’s beauty beyond the doors. Hand-carved furniture and billowing mosquito nets above king-sized beds add a sense of romantic grandeur, especially in the spacious villa, where private balconies gaze out over the myriad blues of the vast Indian Ocean.

Those warm tropical seas are just a few steps from the lodge, with a small stone staircase leading to Chuini’s private beach set in a sheltered cove.

Lazing on coral sands is just one way to while away your days at Chuini. Zanzibar is famous for its snorkelling and scuba diving, and Chuini partners with one of the island’s leading operators to offer

guided excursions to some of Zanzibar’s pristine marine ecosystems. Guided historical tours of Stone Town, and Zanzibar’s fragrant spice plantations, can also be arranged. Or, stay in and indulge in the island-inspired treatments at the hotel’s on-site Asili Spa.

Come evening, return to the hotel for dinner at Sea Breeze Restaurant & Bar, where the hotel chefs tap into island traditions, local spices and bountiful fresh seafood to create a menu of contemporary Zanzibari cuisine. From the table to the decor, Chuini taps into the rich history of Zanzibar to offer an immersive luxury escape on the shores of Africa’s ‘Spice Island’.

Magical Motswari Brings the Bushveld to Life

Discover the abundant plains of the South African Lowveld at this boutique, family-run game reserve bordering the famous Kruger National Park

BY RICHARD HOLMES

When it comes to Big Five safaris, travellers talk of the South African ‘Lowveld’ in hushed tones. It’s a landscape of lush bushveld and unforgettable leopard sightings, of large breeding herds of elephant and abundant plains game. Lion, hyena and African wild dogs are plentiful here too, while the prolific birdlife brought by summer rains attracts twitchers from across the globe.

Amid the various conservancies that border the famous Kruger National Park, the family-owned Motswari Private Game Reserve stands out for its remarkable combination of authentic hospitality, understated luxury and world-class game-viewing.

The heart of Motswari is the 15-room Main Camp, where thatched suites stand at ease in a landscape of indigenous woodland and bushveld thickets. Step indoors to a space where organic textures of stone and timber blend effortlessly with the bush beyond, while four-poster beds swathed in mosquito nets, and bedecked with indulgent Egyptian cotton linen, create a luxurious haven in the wilderness. Outside, private patios provide peaceful spaces for soaking up the birdsong of the bushveld.

From your suite, wander along a short shady path to reach the main lodge. It’s wonderfully homely and you immediately feel at ease, whether it’s dining on the airy terrace or enjoying the wine-

tasting experience in the bar. Embracing the traditional motifs of a vintage African safari lodge, here bold colours and an abundance of organic natural textures combine to create a space that celebrates the energy of Africa.

But the highlight of any stay at Motswari are the twice-daily game drives led by expert safari guides in search of the wildlife that make their home amid the woodland and bushveld. Guests at Motswari enjoy traversing right over both the Timbavati and Umbabat Private Nature Reserves, ensuring memorable sightings across a diversity of landscapes. Safari walks led by specialised guides are available daily, offering a thrilling wilderness experience.

And if you’re truly looking to immerse yourself in this wilderness, consider booking a night in the utterly unique Giraffe’s Nest Hide. Set in a quiet corner of the reserve, the Hide is a raised wooden platform that allows two guests to enjoy a night out beneath African stars in complete safety and comfort. Guests are escorted to the Giraffe’s Nest Hide just before sunset, allowing ample time for sundowners, and given an exclusive packed dinner to enjoy on the deck overlooking the watering hole as they savour the sunset. In this unique open-air ‘treehouse’, you’ll be lulled to sleep by the sounds of the bushveld.

TO BOOK

The Spirit of Geiger’s Camp

In step with the growing demand from guests for more relaxed-luxury safari experiences, Motswari Private Game Reserve offers the intimate Geiger’s Camp

Perched on a hilltop, overlooking the undulating hills of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, lies the intimate Geiger’s Camp. Stripped of pretention, this relaxed lodge was once the home of the Geiger Family that have owned Motswari Private Game Reserve for generations. It is a cherished place, where families have come together for decades to experience the magic of the untouched bushveld.

The heart of this intimate camp is the communal indoor-outdoor lodge area, deck and crescent-shaped infinity pool that draws the eye out over the pristine savanna below. Dotted with loungers and comfortable seating areas, this is a place where guests can unwind and enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company.

Four spacious suites surround the lodge. These are romantically appointed with mosquito-net-draped beds, colourful occasional chairs and ball-and-claw bathtubs. Owner and artist Marion Geiger-Orengo brings warmth and contrast to the earthy tones and terracotta hues of the stone and thatch structures with her original artworks. Her family’s antiques and her eclectic African artefacts and oddities bring bohemian flair to these beautiful individually appointed spaces.

Step outside onto your private verandah to take in the heady scents and the silence of the bush. This is the perfect spot to

take a moment for yourself – preferably on a well-appointed hammock or nearby swing chair.

INCREDIBLE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

It is difficult to describe the allure of this achingly beautiful part of South Africa. The Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the famed Greater Kruger National Park, is an area of magnificent and varied topography that abounds with game. Guests at Geiger’s Camp enjoy twice-daily game drives across 15 000 hectares of savanna, where incredible wildlife encounters with both the Big Five and lesser-known African wildlife are commonplace.

The camp’s local game rangers are outstanding. Having grown up in the area, they are able to read the bush like a book, intuitively scanning the vegetation for signs of broken twigs or tracks on the ground. Watch families of elephants wander the shady riverbanks, snacking on tree canopies, or follow African wild dogs as they tear through the bush on the hunt. Pause for a gin and tonic and drink in the sunset before setting out again in search of the elusive leopard or Timbavati rare white lion.

To Keep and Conserve

Rhino Disharmony has launched the Saviours’ Army, a new initiative to spotlight the plight of the rhinos of the Greater Kruger National Park

Having witnessed the brutal killing of an innocent rhino on their doorstep, Motswari owners – Marion Geiger-Orengo and Fabrice Orengo de Lamazière – founded Rhino Disharmony in 2014 in a bid to help save the rhinos.

By leveraging art to spotlight the rhino-poaching crisis, we aim to reshape perceptions about rhino-horn use, which is pushing this magnificent species towards extinction.

Through visual awareness campaigns and curated events, our mission is to raise awareness in varying forms and to reach diverse audiences, locally and abroad.

Art overcomes language barriers, supersedes cultural boundaries and communicates in a way words can only dream of. We therefore collaborate with companies, creatives and communities to speak on behalf of our rhinos, to protect them at all costs.

ELIE BENISTANT, THE RHINO DISHARMONY CREATIVE TEAM

We are committed to standing up for the principle that rhinos are not commodities to consume or destroy. We aim to stop the demand by getting to the rhino-horn user.

The Saviours’ Army was launched at the beginning of 2024 and is a movement that calls on people to rise up against rhino poaching.

We are fighting a war against rhino poaching and a war needs an army. But unlike the enemy we face, our army is a peaceful one. One that instead of taking lives, saves them. Will you stand with us?

Follow Rhino Disharmony on Instagram and Facebook at @rhinodisharmony and at rhinodisharmony.com

DISCOVER THE CREATIVE SIDE OF OUR WORLD

OUT OF

Strandfontein Tidal Pool, False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, 2020

THE BLUE

Discover the breathtaking Cape coastline from above with local artist and landscape photographer Jay Caboz, whose celebrated images of tidal pools capture the mood of the Mother City

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a regular traveller to Cape Town, there’s no doubt you’ll spend time at the beach or next to the sea. It’s hard not to be captivated by the endless views of the ocean, whether you’re enjoying sundowners or exploring the beaches, rock pools or myriad coastal walkways.

Chances are you’ve seen one of the city’s famous tidal pools. Hopefully you’ve taken a swim in these multishaped seaside pools that offer a safe and refreshing dip in either the chilly Atlantic or soothing Indian oceans.

Local artist, photographer and storyteller Jay Caboz has been mesmerised by the pools since moving to Cape Town and started building an impressive portfolio of landscapes, which culminated in an ongoing series of all the tidal pools along the rocky coastline surrounding the city.

Featured in local magazines, including Business Insider South Africa, Forbes Africa and Getaway, and winner of several awards, including a prestigious CNN African Journalist of the Year award, his passion for capturing landscapes that show the ocean meeting the coast has become his hallmark.

AS PATIENT AS THE EARTH

“Landscape photography takes a lot of patience. You must learn to deal with what nature throws at you and revisit sites multiple times to really capture something unique. The trick is to be patient and enjoy the process of being outdoors and never really knowing what to expect.”

COLD CONNECTION

“When I moved to Cape Town in 2016, I was blown away by the city’s beauty and scenery. But the

Saunders’ Rock Tidal Pool, Bantry Bay, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town, South Africa, 2023

pools immediately stood out as something special. One day I decided to brave the icy waters and see why the locals love them so much. Despite the cold, I felt a connection. In 2018, after the purchase of my first drone, I unknowingly embarked on my now multi-year journey to collect them all.”

A MESMERISING VIEW

“The pools looked incredible from above and I was amazed by how the change in perspective dramatically changed their appearance and my feelings toward them. Cape Town is home to 24 unique tidal pools dotted along the Atlantic Ocean (West) and False Bay (East) coastline.

“The more I’ve photographed the tidal pools, the more I’ve come to realise that each pool has its own identity and a distinct community that uses it. Capetonians love tidal pools and are very ecologically aware. It was still in the early days of my exploring the tidal pools that I first heard about how local freediver Lisa Beasley had been championing a pilot project to clean the pools using eco-friendly methods, rather than toxic chemicals and aggressive removal of sea life from the pool walls. The city granted permission for Lisa to experiment with ‘green’ cleaning and the methods she came back with were such a success.

“The eco-friendly innovations, like using high-pressure cleaning and white chalk paint, may help transform the way South Africa manages these iconic landmarks. Local authorities announced in 2020 that all tidal pools managed within the broader city metro would be cleaned using these ecofriendly methods.”

Maiden’s Cove Tidal Pool, Atlantic Seaboard, Cape Town, South Africa, 2020

SHIFTING PERSPECTIVES

“The big thing for me is the shift in perspective, both visually and figuratively. I was struck to find the pools held a deeper significance, often located in stigmatised areas symbolic of South Africa’s racial and class divides. My project aims to overcome these prejudices through exposing their value by ‘shifting perspectives’ of those on the ground with aerial images.

“I was fortunate to document the transformation of these pools as local communities drove a shift towards eco-friendly cleaning methods. This journey celebrates Cape Town’s tidal pools as symbols of sustainability and community engagement.

“With the rise in popularity of cold-water immersion, it’s great to see so many new people unafraid to explore the frigid waters of the Atlantic.”

THERE ARE NO FAVOURITES, BUT…

“I find myself revisiting Saunders’ Rock and Dalebrook the most. The swims in the pools are always invigorating and I find I am never getting tired of taking pictures there. The communities that visit these pools are truly unique and I am so glad to be part of them and telling those stories.

“I believe Africa is home to the most unique and under-explored regions of the world and will continue to follow my passion to showcase it. I hope to continue exploring the outdoors and bring the adventure into the homes of more and more people.”

You can find more of Jay’s work at jaycaboz.com and follow his latest imagery on Instagram: @jaycabozlandscapes

Silwerstroom Tidal Pool, West Coast, Cape Town, South Africa, 2023

All Access Downtown

The Onyx, set in an iconic Cape Town building, is the ideal base for exploring the city – or watching it pass you by from its classy interior

BY ANDREW THOMPSON

Set along Cape Town’s oldest thoroughfare, and in a dramatically repurposed building, The Onyx is a hotel that, were it not for its Table Mountain views, could fit into another iconic downtown destination.

Say, New York or London.

Like many of the world’s downtown hotels, the land around The Onyx tells a fascinating story about the city that gave rise to it. It is a property built on land reclaimed from Table Bay in the 1940s, and although the historical building has seen multiple uses over the generations since, it’s found its most notable purpose as a chic downtown hotel.

The bustling thoroughfare outside may set an energetic tone, but the hotel offers a calm respite. You’ll enter between two attractive eateries – a trendy coffee shop and bistro to one side and a contemporary Asian restaurant to the other – and head up to apartment-style rooms. These generously sized units offer five-star amenities, including a lounge area and private

kitchenette with modern appliances, making them idyllic self-contained cocoons above the city.

Still, venturing out is why you’re visiting the city, and many of Cape Town’s most notable attractions are a short distance away. Take in a worldclass production at the Artscape Theatre Centre, catch a boat ride along the canals to the V&A Waterfront, or wander the historic Company’s Garden, initially a farmstead for arriving sailors, now a tranquil park with galleries, museums and coffee shops.

DINING IN

Although rooms at The Onyx are apartment-style and equipped with everything you need to prepare a simple home-cooked meal, it would be a mistake not to surrender to the pull of the two in-house restaurants downstairs.

YU ASIAN TAPAS AND BAR

The foreshore’s most prominent eatery, by restaurateur Rory Jossel, is on The Onyx’s ground floor. It serves contemporary Asian cuisine – think dim sum, bao, crispy rice and poke bowls – in a bustling, cosmopolitan setting.

MRKT

MRKT, where hotel breakfasts are served, is your go-to spot for a quick, tasty meal or to stock up on the freshest and most unique delistyle supplies for a day of exploring the city. Pull up a chair with a pastry and a flat white to get your day started, or pop in at lunch for wraps, toasties, open sandwiches and poke bowls.

But be sure to return to the hotel with some daylight to spare. The Onyx’s fourthfloor Granite Bar, with sophisticated interiors and a pool with spectacular views of Table Mountain and the Cape Town city centre, is the ultimate location to toast the city with a classy sunset cocktail.

AN EYRIE IN THE KAROO

A unique eco-pod immersion at Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve

BY RICHARD HOLMES

“I

t is a country flooded by sun; lonely, sparse, windswept, treeless on the flats for many miles.”

The words of Eve Palmer, whose book The Plains of Camdeboo is perhaps the most evocative history of the Karoo ever written, ring in my ears on an escarpment high in the Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve.

The campfire beside me crackles in the gloaming, and from my eyrie, the world falls away at my feet. The vast Camdeboo plains stretch to the horizon,

while behind me the grassy escarpment gives way to deep valleys and the rugged peaks.

This corner of the Karoo is wide and wild, but it’s certainly not empty. The 13 000 hectares that make up Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve are home to lion and elephant, rhino and cheetah, along with large herds of plains game. Happily, an unobtrusive electric fence keeps the furry residents away from my clifftop Pod.

Mount Camdeboo offers a wonderful range of accommodation, from the vintage

charm of the Camdeboo Manor to the privacy and romance of more intimate cottages. But for travellers looking for a true wilderness immersion, the Pods are set in remote and spectacular locations and offer an unforgettable wilderness escape to guests.

In line with Mount Camdeboo’s sustainable approach, these custom-built units were designed to touch the earth lightly. Resting on steel columns, not permanent foundations, they can be lifted and removed as needed, leaving barely a mark on the landscape.

The Pods have been created to offer an immersion in the landscape without sacrificing creature comforts. Designed with a Scandi-chic look and feel, each Pod offers Wi-Fi, with a double bed, flush toilet and shower. A small kitchenette allows you to prepare the hearty country cuisine provided, or opt for a traditional South African braai experience at the nearby boma, around the communal campfire.

Privacy is what the Mount Camdeboo

Pods are all about. Once your safari guide has dropped you at the Pod and shown you the ropes, they’ll drive off and leave

you to soak up the immense silence of the Karoo. The space is yours to enjoy in perfect solitude, whether it’s watching sparks fly into a star-spangled southern sky or luxuriating in the waters of the wood-fired hot tub. Of course, if you would prefer staff on hand to serve supper or light the fire, they’re only too happy to stay and help.

That’s unlikely, and most guests revel in the rare privilege of spending a night out in the African wilderness in comfort and safety. Happily, you can always make a call to the lodge if you need any assistance.

But the night is peaceful and I don’t see my ranger until the next morning; driving through the grassy plains with breakfast in hand. Before long, the coffee pot is steaming, and the sun has washed the plains in a morning hue. It’s another beautiful day in Africa, and it’s sure to be a good one out exploring the plains of Camdeboo.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AT THESE ACTIVE DESTINATIONS

Court is in Session

Dubbed the world’s fastest-growing sport, padel has come to South Africa – and it may just be the most fun way to exercise on holiday

BY WANITA NICOL

“WHEN YOU’RE ON HOLIDAY, YOU WANT TO DO EXERCISE THAT’S FUN.”

It’s a hot, sunny day in Cape Town when my husband and I step onto the padel court at Hazendal. Around us, golfers are lining up shots on the putting green and I can smell burgers on the grill – a promise of lunch and ice-cold beers to come. But first, there’s business to attend to.

TENNIS-MEETS-SQUASHMEETS-BEACH-BATS

It’s my first time playing padel and, truth be told, I’m a little nervous. Back in high school, I tried my hand at tennis. The coach politely suggested I don’t return. But while there are clear similarities between padel and tennis, it’s immediately evident that they’re very different sports.

For starters, the court is a little smaller than a tennis court. There are solid-glass

walls behind the players and cage-like walls on the sides. This allows you to play the ball off the walls like you would in squash. Unlike squash, though, there’s a doorway on each side for talented players to dart off the court and hit a ball that’s gone over the top, keeping it in play. Spoiler alert: I won’t be using this tactic. The racquets are reminiscent of beach bats – short, chunky handles, big heads, all made from the same rubbery material. The lack of strings means no wayward balls flying off the rim. However, you quickly find that hitting the ball with different parts of the racquet yields different results – and that the ball is less bouncy than a tennis ball, creating plenty of scope for strategic play for those who want to get competitive.

FRIENDLY MEET-CUTES

Padel is designed as a doubles game, making it great for families. And with the smaller, enclosed court, underhand serves (no higher than hip height allowed) and ergonomic racquets, it’s a sport older kids will enjoy as much as adults.

Those travelling as singles or couples, on the other hand, can meet up with other padel players – and meet people in a new city – by booking a game through the free padel app, which connects players at the same level of ability if they don’t have enough people to make up a game.

To avoid having to play with rule book in hand, my hubby and I have brought friends who’ve played padel before. But it turns out the scoring is very similar to tennis, the rules are simple, and within a few minutes, we have a game going.

ACTIVE HOLIDAY FUN

As someone with poor hand-eye coordination and a history of being kicked out of tennis trials, I’m surprised how much I enjoy padel. It achieves a rare balance of being extremely accessible to beginners and easily scaled up for those wanting a challenge.

When you’re on holiday, you want to do exercise that’s fun and doesn’t feel like your regular routine back home – even better if you can be outdoors in beautiful surrounds. Padel ticks both boxes. It doesn’t require travelling with bulky equipment, like, say, golf clubs, and it’s all over in an hour, leaving plenty of time for other adventures.

GAME ON!

BOOK YOUR HOLIDAY PADEL GAME

LETAMO AT QWABI PRIVATE GAME RESERVE newmarkhotels.com Padel in the bush after your morning game drive? Bliss!

THE HAZENDAL HOTEL & SPA hazendal.co.za

Enjoy a game next to the peaceful golf course.

V&A WATERFRONT africapadel.com

Africa Padel is just a short walk from your hotel with views of Table Mountain all the way.

Darting around the court has us moving in multiple planes of motion and it’s not long before we’ve worked up a sweat. In fact, later, our smartwatches will report heartrate spikes of up to 180bpm recorded during the game. And as we sit down to lunch, sweaty and smiling, the beer tastes like reward.

QWABI PADEL COURT

THE PADEL COURT AT HAZENDAL

A Haven of Tranquillity

Discover the healing energy of Future Found Sanctuary, a hidden wellness retreat on the slopes of Table Mountain National Park

BY RICHARD HOLMES

Camissa. The place of sweet waters. Hoerikwaggo. The mountain in the sea. Through the centuries, what we know today as Table Mountain – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of the world’s most diverse plant kingdom – has had many names, celebrating the central role it has played in the lives of those who call the Cape Peninsula home. It is a place that has inspired myth and legend, admiration and awe, as people through time have been drawn to the healing energy of this remarkable place.

It’s this restorative energy that underpins the experience at Future Found Sanctuary, a haven of tranquillity and calm set beneath the indigenous forests of Orange Kloof.

The elegant accommodation extends to three unique options, each effortlessly melding contemporary architecture with the natural environment. Choose between suites in the five-bedroom Maison Noir, two-bedroom Mountain View Villa or the four-bedroom Villa Verte. While individual suites offer the chance to meet like-minded travellers, the villas can also be hired on an exclusive-use basis, and for longer multi-day retreats.

“IT IS A PLACE THAT HAS INSPIRED MYTH AND LEGEND, ADMIRATION AND AWE, AS PEOPLE THROUGH TIME HAVE BEEN DRAWN TO THE HEALING ENERGY OF THIS REMARKABLE PLACE.”

While the Sanctuary offers an idyllic base for exploring the Cape Peninsula and the nearby winelands, it is also a centre for curating holistic wellness experiences. The Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, finds a natural expression here, with guided experiences offered amid the indigenous woodland that carpets these southern slopes of Table Mountain.

It’s just one of the myriad wellness experiences on offer in this unique setting. Future Found is founded on the notion of ‘ecotherapy’. Natural pools are filled with cool spring waters filtered by ancient sandstone, while tai chi, sound healing, breathwork and yoga sessions take advantage of the tranquil fiveelement garden. This focus on creating opportunities for wellness saw Future Found Sanctuary awarded as Cape Town’s first-ever Regenerative Travel destination, accredited for its sustainable future-focused ethos of eco-minded luxury.

That includes the beautiful Sensorium Spa, which features three treatment rooms and a menu of wellness journeys focused on activating all five senses. It’s an experience best begun in the healing embrace of the Rasul chamber, shaped with tinted concrete to create a contemporary departure from the traditional Moroccan aesthetic.

However you choose to spend your days, each guest’s time at Future Found Sanctuary is curated to precisely meet your needs. Bespoke signature scents provide a golden thread – from massage treatments to tea rituals – while colour and sound therapy subtly aid in rest and restoration.

This focus on holistic wellness also finds expression in the culinary experiences on offer. Ever-changing daily menus are informed by seasonality and sourcing local. Extensive on-site gardens – and herbs foraged wild – provide a bountiful pantry for the chefs, who tap into local fishermen and farmers to ensure wholesome, memorable cuisine.

Think fresh-pressed juices on the harvest table at breakfast, or fire-roasted line fish come lunchtime. Dinners are more indulgent, yet forever guided by the Future Found Sanctuary’s passion for holistic wellness. It’s a remarkable haven on the slopes of a majestic mountain. Whether you come for the waters, the forest or the healing energy, you’ll find your sanctuary on the slopes of Hoerikwaggo.

Room with a View

BY RICHARD HOLMES

Whether it’s an up-close encounter with one of Africa’s Big Five, or the guttural call of a lion echoing through the gloaming at your sundowner stop, there is no shortage of thrills on a safari holiday. And yet there is equal magic in the quiet moments. Those stolen hours of mindful relaxation between game drives, or the simple sense of serenity – so often lacking in our otherwise busy lives – that comes with staring out across the bushveld at the break of dawn. These are the moments we truly remember.

The Leopard Luxury Suite at BABOHI, the remarkable adults-only luxury lodge within QWABI Private Game

Reserve in northern South Africa, is a place where effortless luxury and understated opulence combine with truly unforgettable views. It’s a wonderfully indulgent space: a splitlevel suite stretching to 100m2 to include abundant indoor and outdoor living areas. Request a romantic dinner in your private dining area, or light the woodfired hot tub to soak beneath the sweep of southern stars. Upstairs, look forward to king-sized views from the expansive bedroom and en-suite bathroom; a sanctuary of space and seclusion within one of South Africa’s most exciting wilderness destinations.