Aspire Lifestyle Issue 24 Autumn 2022

ASPIRE L I F E S T Y L E

INTO THE

WILD

EXPLORE

DURBANVILLE WINE VALLEY

FASHION & ADVENTURES FOR THE BRAVE

A LOOK

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aspirelifestyle.co.za ISSUE 24 R69.50 (incl VAT)

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AT THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS

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BUCKET LIST

STAYCATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH ALL ABOUT COLLAGEN

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CONSTELLATION COLLECTION

KAIA GERBER’S CHOICE Surrounded by fashion from a very young age, Kaia Gerber is no stranger to the modelling world. While following her famous mother onto the most exclusive runways and photoshoots, she is now choosing to walk a unique path, bringing her own sense of style and personality to the role. It’s a family passion, with a very bright future.

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CONTENTS/

Issue 24 / 2022

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STYLE latest fashion trends MAGNIFICENCE OF NATURE artist Joni-Leigh Doran INVIGORATING Secret sunrise LEARN YOUR ABCs at First Thursdays CAPE WINELANDS events

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MUST-VISIT new additions to the SA foodie scene PYRAMIDS IN THE SKY décor & design inspo BEDROOM EDIT beautify your boudoir BOUNCE REBOUND Lisa Raleigh’s fitness trend

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Elegance is an attitude Regé-Jean Page

The Longines Master Collection

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CAMELLIA TREASURE N°1 de CHANEL A JOYFUL SPIRIT new fragrance Kate Spade New York Sparkle FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH all about collagen FRESH STYLE new fragrance Acqua di Parma INSPIRED BY NATURE Pandora’s latest Moments Collection THE BEAUTY OF TEA health and beauty BEAT THE DINNER GRIND recipes from

Every Night Of The Week

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ABALOBI rethinking the way we eat fish WHAT’S IN MY GLASS Emile Joubert’s top wine selection NEW VINTAGE WINES for autumn THE STORY OF WINE Babylonstoren’s new wine museum EXPLORE Durbanville Wine Valley FIVE BUCKET LIST STAYCATIONS in South Africa RIVIERA RENDEZVOUS visit the French Riviera HONEY, I SHRUNK THE S-CLASS Mercedes-Benz C-Class

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PEOPLE WHO LOVE TO EAT ARE ALWAYS THE BEST PEOPLE. – JULIA CHILD

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The La Colombe group has another jewel in its crown of sensational restaurants. Turn to page 44 for more places to wine and dine.

CMY

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EDITOR’S NOTE Time is already speeding away from us this year, but as summer fades and autumn approaches, we look forward to enjoying some cooler weather and everything that comes with the new season. In this issue of Aspire Lifestyle, we discover some very exciting new launches. Don’t miss our round-up of not-to-be-missed wines and restaurants, as well as our motoring feature on the highly coveted Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

This season, we are spoilt for choice when it comes to events.

Wine lovers, in particular, are sure to have a packed calendar in the upcoming months with the opening of the new wine museum at Babylonstoren and numerous wine events, including one in the Durbanville Wine Valley.

As the world slowly emerges from the effects of the pandemic, the prospect of travel feels more and more possible. For those

ready to dream of far-off adventures, we take a journey through the beautiful French Riveria. And, we look at some spots closer to home in our selection of top South African staycations.

As always, we have packed this issue with all of the season’s most beautiful bits, from art and jewellery to fashion and fragrances; we have you covered when it comes to the finer things. We hope you enjoy some much-deserved downtime as you soak up our carefully curated pages.

@laurenzuidema

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THE TEAM MANAGING EDITOR Lauren Zuidema ART DIRECTOR Bianca-Leigh Nagel PROOFREADER Margy Beves-Gibson COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES vann@aspirelifestyle.co.za CONTRIBUTORS Emile Joubert Graham Wood Jared Ruttenberg Jennifer Campbell Marius Boonzaier Robyn Alexander Thea Beckman Vann van Staden IMAGES Supplied, Unsplash, Pexel, DepositPhotos COVER Dolce & Gabbana Luna Year Collection PRINT & DISTRIBUTION Printing: CTP Printers Distribution: Community Life Media, On The Dot PUBLISHED BY Aspire Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd 021 712 3842

www.aspirelifestyle.co.za Aspire Lifestyle supports Greenpop, a non-profit organisation, on a mission to (re)connect people with our planet. We are committed to plant 50 trees with every edition. www.greenpop.org ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent and permission of the publisher and copyright owners as featured. DISCLAIMER All information, dates and prices were correct at the time of print. We cannot be held liable for any changes thereafter.

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32581 L

/ STYLE FEATURE /

Ts&Cs apply.

Experience the craft of our cars and the confidence of our class-leading warranty.

Go to lexus.co.za/owners/warranty-maintenance-plan to find out more.

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Style edit FOR HER

Knot detailed linen top | Scotch & Soda | R1 449.50

Ray-Ban Bill sunglasses | Sunglass Hut | R2 140

STYLE IS A WAY TO SAY WHO YOU ARE WITHOUT HAVING TO SPEAK. – RACHEL ZOE

Belted Agata shirt dress GUESS | R1 499

Printed ruffled tank top | Scotch & Soda | R849.50

Circle Sally handbag | Freedom of Movement | R1 495

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High-rise waist tie trousers | Scotch & Soda | R1 649.50

Superga espadrille platform sneaker | Tread+Miller | R1 099

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Style edit FOR HIM

Versace Medusa Focus sunglasses | Sunglass Hut | R4 400

Grey lash T-shirt | G-Star RAW | R599

Converse x Todd Snyder varsity jacket | R2 499.95

Blue slim straight jeans | GUESS | R899

OMEGA Seamaster Diver 300M Beijing 2022 Special Edition

Mineral grey tapered cargo pants G-Star RAW | R 3 999

POR

Classic fit shirt | Levi’s | R899

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Converse Chuck 70 Hi x Come Tees R1 799

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THE KING

EASTS OF

To celebrate the Lunar New Year 2022, the Year of the Tiger, Dolce & Gabbana has launched a special new capsule collection.

The pieces – boasting coats in brocade jacquard, silk blend crew-neck knitwear, and the unmistakable Dolce Box bag – all pay homage to the tiger as a symbol of strength and bravery.

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THE AESTHETIC

The collection centres on the tiger, an animal that has long been regarded as a creature of good fortune and peace. The colour palette sports vivid colours that bring to mind a wild nature, while the iconic Dolce & Gabbana leopard print combines beautifully with a tiger pattern in various shades. Drawings of noble and fierce tigers feature across the collection, which offers looks for both men and women.

THE COLLECTION

The capsule collection is contemporary and dynamic, featuring a selection of brand-new prints. The Women’s Collection includes a range of striking pieces, with charmeuse short sleeves tubino dresses and long-sleeve scuba sweatshirts, as well as beautifully crafted bags.

For men, the collection includes a series of pieces for a sporty look that balances style and comfort – think padded bombers and multi-coloured denim pants.

To see the full Dolce & Gabbana Lunar Capsule Collection, have a look at www.dolcegabbana. com Available at Sandton City and V&A Waterfront stores.

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THE ALPHA AESTHETIC Kendall Jenner sparkles as the new face of the Messika campaign.

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by Jennifer Campbell Messika Paris has launched a brand-new campaign for its Move Collection, a modern, romantic and timeless range in its aesthetic.

And as the face of the campaign, Kendall Jenner shines as the true embodiment of the Messika woman.

THE FACE OF THE CAMPAIGN

Kendall Jenner and Valérie Messika came together to shoot the Maison’s new campaign

by Australian photographer Chris Colls in the beautiful South of France. Messika has always loved the dynamism of fashion, and this can be seen in each of her easy-to-wear collections season after season.

For her latest offering, Messika wanted to find someone with genuine energy and radiance to reflect her jewels, an alpha woman who was able to illustrate a subtle alliance between grace and strength – and her choice of Kendall Jenner as the face of the new campaign feels just right.

Kendall Jenner has been on the modelling scene since she was just 14 years old when she first appeared on the cover of Teen Vogue in 2010. From there, she rose to stardom and was dubbed the ‘fashion icon of the decade’ in 2017. Now, she is in her element as she represents the latest Messika jewellery collection, an embodiment of effortless style, modernity and freedom.

Kendall is thrilled to be part of the campaign. As a long-time fan of the fine jewellery Maison, she had the opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship that goes into each beautiful piece.

fashion photography with moving elements, this multi-degree approach reflects the dual femininity of Messika jewellery. The images bring together Kendall’s elegant figure, the natural landscape, and the exquisite jewellery designs seamlessly.

The signature collection of Maison Messika, the Move Collection, comprises rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces, all of which have an easy-to-wear and timeless aesthetic. The pieces work beautifully alone or together, stacked across the fingers, wrists, décolletage and neck. Each piece features three moving diamonds, which shine according to one’s movements, and is available in pink, white and yellow gold. The pink gold is exceptionally soft and luxurious, while the white gold reflects the light and enhances the purity of the diamonds, and the yellow gold brightens the skin with its striking solar hue.

The style is pared down and graphic with delicate, chic details; the perfect balance of traditional and modern design elements.

THE MOVE COLLECTION

As part of the new campaign for the collection, photographer Chris Colls combined the aesthetics of

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Hublot recently released its first novelty watches for the year at the third edition of LVMH Watch Week. This year’s collections were all about dynamic innovation for the Maison – here are some of our favourites.

BIG BANG ONE CLICK 33S

The Big Bang One Click 33s collection includes 12 silky interchangeable bracelets cut from ‘soft touch’ leather.

The pieces are available in King Gold or steel, and the cases feature black or white polished dials around which the precious hours are arranged. The collection is particularly notable for its sophisticated aesthetic; the style reflects fine jewellery and jewellery craftsmanship, and the timepieces break free from convention in a unique and striking way.

BIG BANG SANG BLEU II

Hublot has again partnered with Swiss tattoo artist Maxime Plescia-Buch to bring us three new Big Bang Bleu II iterations. The pieces are comprised of two highly scratch-resistant materials: Magic Gold and ceramic. Each of the watches is limited edition and features alternating and superimposed hexagons, rhombuses and triangles in perfect visual harmony.

BIG BANG UNICO GOLF

The world’s first mechanical golf watch with aperture display is back. The watch was first launched in 2017 in partnership with golfer Dustin Johnson and was designed to show golfers which hole they were on, how many shots they had taken on that hole, and their cumulative score for the round. The new edition comes in a zesty shade of orange in a beautiful, lightweight carbon.

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/ ART PROFILE /

nature agnificence of

Joni-Leigh Doran creates work deeply inspired by the beauty and fragility of the natural world. BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

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outh African artist Joni-Leigh Doran has exhibited her work as far afield as Singapore, but her heart lies in the natural world, its animals, landscapes and details. Her work explores this delicate space in a style that draws on traditional realism and reflects a very real depth of emotion.

Joni-Leigh trained as a graphic designer at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology and now works as an artist, predominantly in the traditional medium of oil paint on canvas and linen. She has always been drawn to horses, and these beautiful creatures feature in much of her work. Although mostly selftaught, Joni-Leigh did some training with renowned artist Ryno Swart in his later years. She is also significantly influenced by the Classical Masters, and her work brings together realism, deep emotional components, spontaneous brushwork, and nature-inspired subjects.

With a love for animals and the natural world, Joni-Leigh supports a number of NGOs

and non-profits through painting sales.

These include the Nature’s Valley Trust, Lion Recovery Fund, David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation, and the Port Macquarie Animal Hospital, among others.

All of Joni-Leigh’s work is influenced by nature in one form or another, but her latest collection sees horses take centre stage. The body of work, ‘Cognisance’, highlights the enduring and complex relationship between horses and humans. The pieces represent the magnificent creatures in a spectral light, a testament to those who have suffered at the hands of humans, as well as a sanctification of their deep, intuitive powers. The colour palette is muted and soft, but there is a real strength in the images, which raise the horses to the point of holy divinity.

Some consistent themes run through much of Joni-Leigh’s work; animals and natural landscapes have always inspired her and she aims to portray both the beauty and fragility of the non-human world through her art.

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obaku.com

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An invigorating

Secret Sunrise With the world still shrouded in predawn darkness, you’ll arrive at the outdoor venue, collect a pair of wireless headphones and then, as the sun erupts over the eastern horizon, you’ll dance, or you’ll close your eyes and meditate.

This is Secret Sunrise, a global movement in 16 cities worldwide (and counting) that seeks to unite people through music, movement and connection. But it was born right here, beneath African skies, where it’s now hosted in various stunning locations in and around Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape, Garden Route, Johannesburg, and Mpumalanga in the Lowveld.

So, what exactly is Secret Sunrise all about? We don’t need to tell you that there’s a whole lot wrong with life in today’s relentlessly fast-paced, consumer-centric world. Chances are that you are familiar with the incessant burn of the workplace and societal demand, and added to that pressure is a lack of authentic connection, movement and presence.

ENTER SECRET SUNRISE

Held both at sunrise and sunset in outdoor locations chosen for their visual allure — like rooftops, mountains, parks and beaches—Secret Sunrise brings together people for a baptism by sunlight while dancing or meditating their way to a healthier mindset. More than just being fun, it’s an experience that spiritually course-corrects; and a cure for a life lived incarcerated in the past or in anxious anticipation of the future. www.secretsunrise.com

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Learn your ABCs ART, BOOZE AND CULTURE – AT FIRST THURSDAYS.

On the first Thursday of every month, Cape Town and Johannesburg’s cultural hubs, art galleries, shops and museums throw open their doors until late – usually with admission fees waived – so the public can steep itself in a heady stew of art exhibits, cultural performances, retail therapy, a dash of history and good food and wine.

Since 2012 (in Cape Town) and 2015 (in Johannesburg), this monthly event has encouraged locals and visitors to experience these cities’ exceptional art scenes and cultural attractions by foot, singlehandedly smashing the prejudice that these things are reserved for the select few. In fact, anyone with eyeballs and a beating heart can enjoy the kaleidoscope offerings of First Thursdays’ participating establishments.

Alternatively, or additionally, if you also enjoy your art and culture in edible/liquid form, there’s a delectable smorgasbord of participating restaurants and bars to choose from, most of which are within easy walking distance of each other. Just keep an eye on those closing times because most galleries retire between 8 and 9 pm.

So, hop onto First Thursdays’ website www.first-thursdays.co.za, get yourself a quarterly print map or digital programme, and diarise the dates in your calendar for long, lavish evenings of visual, intellectual and culinary hedonism!

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NEW EXHIBITION

IN-MOTION

Art of the Space Age until 27 November 2022 Featuring the Futurist Garden by Giacomo Balla (Italian, 1871-1958)

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Wonders of the

Cape Winelands SPIER FESTIVAL OF LIGHT ART

From 17 March to 18 April 2022, the historic Spier wine farm in Stellenbosch will be transformed into a multi-sensory, crosscultural wonderland, featuring a dazzling array of interactive light and sound artworks, as well as artistic performances. This year marks the fourth edition of the Spier Festival of Light Art, which is free to the public and is best enjoyed at dusk when you can witness both the sunset and the switching on of the lights.

“Some of the works are whimsical and flitting, ironic; some may be glimpsed at from a distance and in passing, some will require more time and interaction,” co-curator Jay Pather explains. “These experiences – of walking and pausing, catching a glimpse or settling down to absorb – invite us to be introspective, adventurous and playful in turn.”

Of course, Spier’s outstanding repertoire of wines and delicious food options is just as alluring as the visual spectacle, including picnics. What better way is there to enjoy an autumnal evening in the Cape than in the embrace of vineyards, good food and wine, and the soft glow of a thousand lights?

STELLENBOSCH STREET SOIRÉES

Celebrate ‘hump day’ the Capetonian way with Stellenbosch Street Soirées, held every Wednesday, from 6 to 8 pm, until 23 March. That’s right, this ever-popular Winelands tradition has returned to the City of Oaks, where revellers can expect ripe opportunities for feasting, tasting some of the best wines the country has to offer, and laidback mingling with fellow food and wine lovers.

(Tickets cost R150 and include a tasting glass and 10 tokens.)

Proudly presented by Stellenbosch Wine Routes, Stellenbosch Street Soirées takes place on Drostdy Street, one of the town’s oldest and becoming thoroughfares, which is cordoned off for the event. As to what one can expect from the evening: a celebration of Stellies’ vibrant street culture, enviable lifestyle, and cosmopolitan charm blended with cool tunes, sizzling street food and superb wines… all in a social, open-air setting.

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Must Visit

How do you prefer your fine dining experiences?

Ocean-side, multi-course and multi-sensory with a view of the harbour’s constellation of lights?

Or ensconced in wild and untamed yet opulent surroundings with a nitro espresso martini in your paw? Or how about in a luxurious poolside cabana, cocktails and tapas plates littering the table in front of you and your friends? Or an ubertrendy supper club, where you can dine, drink and then party in style? Well, whatever your particular preference or mood, there’s a place on the South African food scene to cater to it and here are some of the newbies we’re most excited about.

New additions to the SA foodie scene.

PIER RESTAURANT

Praise be, the La Colombe group has added another jewel to its crown of sensational restaurants; two, in fact!

The first, PIER Restaurant, is located on the first floor of the Pierhead Building at the V&A Waterfront and offers an intimate, multi-course finedining experience in, truly, one of the city’s most beloved destinations. Step away from the chaos of the shopping district for an afternoon or evening of wave-upon-wave of ultra-fine, oceanside dining, accompanied by the iconic views the Cape Town harbour is adored for. Chef John NorrisRogers, previously of La Colombe and La Petite Colombe, is at the helm of the kitchen, so diners can expect genuine haute cuisine. Think oysters poached in local MCC, Thai-style tuna with furikake, and nitrogenpoached citrus fruit to cleanse your palate. PIER Restaurant will send you home reeling with the artistry and table-side theatre of it all.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town www.pier.restaurant

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ZIOUX

“Uncage yourself,” says Zioux. And given this mantra, it’s perfectly unsurprising that there is scarcely a recognisable cocktail or food item on the menu at this new, uber-trendy champagne bar and cocktail lounge in Sandton. And by recognisable, I mean done before. The untethered brainchild of chef David Higgs, Zioux turns away from the rigidity of traditional ideals of luxury and embraces savage creativity, wildness of mind, and intrepid experimentation, encouraging guests to “get in touch with their wild side”. Here, food truly is art, which means rules are thrown completely out the window with the most delicious and enchanting consequences.

The décor is spectacular: a blend of wild print, sultry dark wood and paintings of animals... wearing clothing? And they offer a rather intriguing cocktail and food pairing, like the boerewors Old Fashioned paired with lamb or the caper martini and salmon.

Sandton, Johannesburg | www.zioux.com

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THE WATERSIDE RESTAURANT

And the second addition to the La Colombe crown is The Waterside Restaurant, which resides on the ground floor of the Pierhead Building, right beneath PIER. Here, the vibe is still sophisticated but a touch more casual than upstairs, with a vibrant and eclectic multi-course fine dining menu that guests can enjoy both indoors and on the outdoor sun-drenched deck. Ruling the kitchen is another La Colombe alumnus, head chef Roxy Mudie, who previously worked as sous chef at both La Colombe and Protégé in Franschhoek. Once again, diners can expect dishes like Cape Malay crayfish salad or Asian pork belly with scallops that are multi-sensory works of art that oscillate between delightfully playful and genuinely mind-blowing.

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town www.thewaterside.restaurant

CABO BEACH CLUB

Step aside Shimmy Beach Club, legendary though you may be, because a new era has dawned, and its name is the Cabo Beach Club! Located right on the Atlantic waters of the V&A Waterfront, Cabo promises many things. It’s a contemporary, cosmopolitan beach club, where casual dining and endless cocktails are the order of the day, enjoyed liberally against a backdrop of white beach sand and fathomless sky. It’s a pool complete with luxurious loungers, day beds and poolside cabanas, fully serviced with food, cocktail and wine menus.

And it’s a sophisticated lounge, a peaceful and exclusive location to conduct business or just duck out of the chaos of the working day or weekend revelry. Cabo Beach Club proudly carries forth the traditions of its predecessor, just reimagined and all the more glamorous for it!

V&A Waterfront, Cape Town www.cabobeachclub.co.za

MONARCH SANDTON

Inspired by the luxury and Mediterranean lifestyles of Saint-Tropez, Mykonos and Monaco, Monarch is Sandton’s newest “supper club” and a most trendy addition to Johannesburg’s day and nightlife scene. It’s the kind of place you walk into on a red carpet, spend the day ploughing through delicious tapas-style plates and platters, inventive cocktails, French champagne, ending up with an evening on the dance floor with a Champagne ‘pyrotechnic’ fountain in your hand. Playing on themes of royalty and butterflies, Monarch’s immense space is aesthetically spectacular, offering sumptuously comfortable booths and upscale fine dining seating, catering to a spectrum of tastes and agendas, from a sophisticated lunch or dinner to raunchy dancefloor escapades.

Sandton, Johannesburg www.monarchsandton.co.za

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SKY

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Architect Greg Truen designed his own home, inspired by the optimism of the Californian mid-century modernists but reinterpreted in a contemporary African context.

TEXT GRAHAM WOOD PHOTOGRAPHS GREG COX

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rom busy Kloof Nek Road in Cape Town, architect Greg Truen’s house plays a little game with passersby. The road is one of the city’s (and the country’s) oldest, originally a supply route for soldiers linking Camps Bay and the Atlantic Seaboard with the city. The wall outside his house, facing the street, is made from stone, like the remnants of historical walls you find all across Cape Town.

“Whether it’s the wall down Buitengracht Street that separates the Bokaap from the city, or the walls at the Castle or around the harbour, they all use exactly this kind of construction,” says Greg. They’re part of the fabric of the city, immediately familiar and at home on the winding road between Table Mountain and Lion’s Head. “Kloof Nek Road is a very strong representation of the urban environment,” explains Greg. “The wall tries to set up a dialogue with the history of architecture in Cape Town.”

Beyond the boundary, however, is a tantalising vision: a glass roof that peeps over the top of the wall with a kind of inverted pyramid floating inside it. “It becomes a lightbox at night,” says Greg. This mysterious ‘hat’ on top of the house is part of the building’s response to what Greg calls its “powerful” but complex site. “It’s got a set of almost opposing forces at work,” he muses.

Once you’ve left the road, you find yourself descending a steep slope. The views around you close in but open onto an incredible panoramic vista. “You’ve got a big, expansive view of the city and the bay and the mountains in the distance,” explains Greg. “But, although the mountain surrounds you, you’re not that

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aware of it. You’ve kind of turned your back on it. You’ve got to look up to see it.” And that’s where the roof comes in: its origamilike structure takes the form of an inverted pyramid so that it can create clerestory windows and openings that let in views of Table Mountain and Lion’s Head behind the house.

The home is arranged on three levels, with garages and services at the bottom, bedrooms in the middle and living areas on top. In

and around the rooms, there are planted courtyards – pockets of greenery – that make you feel as if you are surrounded by landscape.

They enhance the effect of that amazing geometric roof, which Greg says is vividly animated by the sky, sun and the moon, and “reinforces the connection to nature and the mountain”. The courtyards and smaller views create a sense of layering.

“I want the building and what’s in it to reflect the cultural space that it comes from, both at

a micro level of Cape Town and a macro level of Africa,” says Greg. Greg’s firm, SAOTA, does a lot of work throughout the African continent. “I have a very contemporary view of the continent as a modern place,” he says.

“It’s exciting, and I wanted the house to reflect that.”

Greg’s new house is a home in the most profound sense, an attempt to create a vision of the future for today: optimistic, sophisticated and of its place.

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From the entrance hall, you ascend a few steps into a lobby area that leads through to the living room, which in turn opens out onto the view beyond the city with the mountains of the Boland and Winelands in the far distance. Its folded geometry not only refers to the inverted pyramid of the roof, but also teases the eye with the connections and contrasts between man-made and natural geometric shapes. A commissioned sculpture by local artist Rodan Kane Hart occupies the wall; its folded geometry references the origami-type roof structure.

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The rim-flow pool appears to extend into the view, blurring the boundary between the architecture and the view beyond. Two pool decks cantilever over the water, creating lounging space around the swimming pool.

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A marble breakfast bar blurs the boundaries between the kitchen and the living room. A galley kitchen and scullery tucked away to the side make it possible for food preparation and social interaction to take place at once, while the scullery keeps the visible areas tidy. Brass countertops and splashbacks create a metallic glint that is picked up in various elements throughout the house.

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The dining room opens onto a beautiful planted courtyard. The dining table is Clay by Marc Krusin for Desalto. The Balducci Carver chairs are from OKHA, as is the Nate Armchair and Hunt Sofa.

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In the main bedroom, the bed was custom-made by OKHA. The bedside lamps are from Trouvé in Mexico City. The en suite bathroom includes a custom vanity with a basin by Maharani Tiles & Sanware, bath and taps by Exquisite Bathrooms, and mirror designed by SAOTA.

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In the guest bedroom is a Nordic Bed from Weylandts. The artworks are

by Edson Chagas’ ‘Found Not Taken’ series exhibited at the 55th Venice Biennale at the Angolan Pavilion. The two-seater sofa and the coffee table are both from Sofa Company.

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Shop online at victorian bathrooms.co.za

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/ DECOR INSPIRATION /

B E D RO O M E D I T While we’re often told that bedroom design should be peacefully sleep-inducing, no one wants a space that looks just plain boring. Fortunately, as these fabulous interiors show, bedrooms can combine a divinely dreamy feel with an inspiring dollop of drama.

TEXT ROBYN ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS GREG COX & ELSA YOUNG

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JUNGLE FEVER

In a small apartment, the confident use of oversized elements – whether these are finishes or furniture pieces – creates a feeling of luxury and generosity that makes the rooms seem much larger than they are and elevates the whole atmosphere into something intrinsically richer than what might have been expected.

A bold, jungle-print linen wallpaper in the bedroom adds a feeling of wild, nature-inspired glamour.

INSIDERS’ INFO The exotic wallpaper is perfectly paired with furniture, including a pair of antique French side tables, crystal hanging bedside lights, and a Persian carpet – all of which up the glamour levels further.

The iconic version of this wallcovering is CW Stockwell’s 1942 design, Martinique, but almost every supplier will have their own similar iterations of banana-leaf and palm-print designs.

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GOLD STANDARD

The spectacular master bedroom of an apartment in a storied Art Deco building was designed around its owner’s passion for the Bauhaus period and is filled with authentic vintage pieces as well as richly contrasting colours and textures. Glowing honey-coloured original parquet flooring is complemented by natural light, while an entire wall dramatically papered in glimmering gold leaf is offset by two large, monochrome artworks.

INSIDERS’ INFO Here, 1950’s drinks trolleys are used as bedside tables – topped with vintage Kaiser Idell lamps designed by the Bauhaus-based silversmith Christian Dell – while the ‘headboard’ is made up of two botanical paintings by artist Frauke Stegmann.

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FLORAL KINGDOM

“A room is never complete. It’s a process,” says the owner of this modern farmhouse on the outskirts of a big city. “As you live in it, you get a better sense of what it needs, and I add layers until I have a space that feels like part of the family,” she adds. It’s clear she’s had a great deal of fun conceiving a unique boudoir for her eldest daughter. The result is a bedroom that combines fabulous wallpaper with a whimsical French rattan bed and plenty of quirky details.

INSIDERS’ INFO The bold floral wallpaper is by Cara Saven, while the bed was unearthed at a vintage store. The Indian Kantha throw is from The Storer, as is the Beni Ourain rug, while the bedside lamps are by Studio 19.

UP THE VOLUME

This three-storey apartment is enveloped in moody shades of grey, layered with beautifully tactile materials such as the double-volume tempered steel plates that form one wall of the bedroom space. Light floods in during the day and the interior designer says she was “cognisant of how the interior relates to the exterior, so I opted to stand the dark in opposition to the brightness of the outdoors”. The resulting spaces are bold, simple and masculine while also very elegant.

INSIDERS’ INFO This master bedroom is all about effortless cool, with double-volume ceilings and sliding doors that open onto a private balcony adding to its luxurious sense of space. “A bed needs to be all-enveloping: big, comfortable with great linen,” says the designer, who sourced all the furniture, rugs and bed linen at Weylandts.

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INSIDE OUT

When designing a new home for himself and his family, an architect turned to the archetype of the internal courtyard wrapped around on all sides by the house. As the master bedroom suite shows, the house is a series of pavilions with vast sliding doors and screens that can be opened and closed to reconfigure its spaces, while the merging of indoors and out is facilitated by a series of secondary courtyards where the pavilions open onto private, peaceful nooks under the trees.

INSIDERS’ INFO The courtyard onto which the master bedroom opens is one of homeowner and architect Anthony Orelowitz’s favourite places. Plants cascade from the top level, creating an atmospheric curtain of greenery that also cleverly conceals the steel beams that enable the open, floating quality of the architecture.

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In a reworked mid-century house, restored modernist items picked up on auction rub shoulders with contemporary pieces, setting up an easygoing dialogue between past and present. The homeowner, a contemporary art dealer, has also turned almost every room into a powerful display space as seen in the master bedroom, where a pair of eye-catching artworks give spectacular views an attractive counterpoint.

INSIDERS’ INFO The artworks above the bed, by Dale Lawrence, stand out beautifully against the black painted walls. The minimalist rocking chair and pendant light are both from Pezula Interiors, the coffee table is from Weylandts, and the rug is from Herringbone.

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ai164439293317_ASPIRE_FULL PAGE_MARCH 2022.pdf 1 2022/02/09 09:48:53

WARMTH / DECOR INSPIRATION /

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/ PROMOTION /

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2022/02/24 08:42

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2022/02/24 08:42

/ WELLNESS /

O B U C REBOUNDN If your fitness regime needs a boost, you might want to consider the latest in fitness trends, rebounding. BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

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I

t’s no secret that regular exercise can go a long way in keeping our bodies strong and healthy. But if you’ve grown bored with your fitness regime, you’re certainly not alone. By the time the first few months of the year are behind us, many of us have simply run out of steam or are tired of doing the same old workout day after day. If you’re looking for some fresh inspiration to get you moving, you might want to give rebounding a try.

WHAT IS REBOUNDING?

Rebounding is a form of aerobic exercise that’s done on a mini-trampoline. There are many ways to use rebounding in your fitness routine, you can choose to jump fast or slowly or mix it up with other actions like aerobic stepping.

Rebounding has grown in popularity thanks to its ability to really work the leg muscles, as well as the fact that it’s a low-

impact cardio workout that is easy on the joints. One of the most appealing aspects of rebounding is that it is so well-suited to people of all ages and fitness levels.

The exercise can be used as part of one’s post-partum recovery, for example, as well as for those who are just beginning their fitness journey.

WHY IS IT WORTH A TRY?

Rebounding has numerous benefits.

It works many of the body’s muscles, including those in the abdomen, legs, buttocks and back, and helps to improve balance, endurance and co-ordination. It’s often a great option for those who need an activity that’s light on the joints, such as individuals who have osteoporosis because it promotes bone strength and density.

Rebounding also helps to promote pelvic floor health and can even help to prevent bladder issues like incontinence as it works the muscles in the deep core.

When you jump on a mini-trampoline, every muscle is engaged, including those that surround the organs.

MEET AN EXPERT

Certified personal trainer, nutrition coach and exercise specialist Lisa Raleigh is a big fan of rebounding and its benefits.

Lisa started her career as a personal trainer before opening her own gym franchise. She was invited to be a trainer on South Africa’s version of The Biggest Loser. Since then, she has co-presented on Doctor’s Orders, worked as the health and wellness consultant on SABC 3’s morning show Expresso, and produced her own shows, including Keep It Real and 101 Exercises to Try Before you Die. An avid health advocate, Lisa loves helping others transform their lives for the better.

Since becoming a mom, Lisa discovered the benefits of rebounding, and she used the exercise to regain her fitness and strength after pregnancy and childbirth. She has created a range of at-home rebounding workouts suited for the whole family, as well as her own brand of rebounders and accessories.

Find out more about Lisa Raleigh’s rebounding journey and workouts at www.lisaraleigh.com

BODY KIND SPORTS BRA Lisa has recently introduced her latest creation, the Body Kind Sports Bra, to her range of premium wellness and fitness products. The bra is suited for women of all ages and sizes and is fully adjustable to fit all individual body shapes. Proudly curated, tested and personalised by Lisa herself, the Body Kind Sports Bra provides relief from the breast discomfort linked to rigorous exercise while aiding with back and neck aches often associated with poor support. Sizes small to 5XL are available.

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We L ve SKINCARE / FASHION / FRAGRANCES / AND MORE

pg 82 N°1 DE CHANEL with unique properties of the red camellia flower extract.

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CAMELLIA TREA SURE The brand-new line N°1 de CHANEL includes skincare, make-up and a fragrance mist.

Formulated with sensorial textures, the range is designed to preserve the radiance of youthful-looking skin while supporting sources of vitality.

The brand has always held steadfast in its conviction that nature’s intelligence cannot be matched, and this new generation of skincare sees a return to this vision.

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

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INSPIRED BY NATURE

CHANEL has taken inspiration from nature for generations and has built up unique expertise in cultivating flowers as the raw materials in its perfumes. This experience led the CHANEL research team to discover the unique properties of the red camellia flower extract.

‘The Czar’ variety of Camellia japonica was named for its imperial beauty in the early 20th century. The flower is highly delicate and odourless and contains a concentration of protocatechuic acid at the heart of its petals, a powerful molecule that was previously unseen in the camellias analysed by the CHANEL scientists.

A true botanical treasure, the flower has extraordinary properties and can help protect the skin’s vitality by addressing the first signs of ageing and enabling the skin to remain healthier for longer. The red camellia extract is naturally rich in antioxidants and helps protect the skin from damage caused by stress and other external aggressors.

PURE INGREDIENTS

Each of the N° 1 de CHANEL formulas is made with natural ingredients and has a reduced environmental impact. The products include up to 76 percent of camellia derivatives, including petals, seeds and yeasts, to ensure that none of the plant is wasted. The red camellia extract provides the collection with its revitalising properties from each of its components; camellia water is refreshing, while the red camellia oil, obtained by pressing the seeds, hydrates the skin.

A yeast extract from the camellia microbiota helps strengthen the formulas’ barrier function, and the seed shells are used for their strength.

The N° 1 de CHANEL skincare range includes a red camellia powder-to-foam cleanser, a revitalising lotion, eye cream and serum. The make-up collection consists of a red camellia revitalising foundation and red camellia revitalising lip and cheek balm, while the revitalising fragrance mist is fresh and delicate.

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A joyful spirit

Kate Spade New York has introduced a gorgeous new fragrance that’s deliciously addictive.

The new fragrance from Kate Spade New York is aptly named Sparkle as the scent was formulated to capture the shimmering magic of New York at night with its electric blend of floral notes. The result is genuinely joyful and heady, a beautiful mix of soft and spicy accords.

Sparkle opens with a note of blackcurrant, which is underlined by Italian lemon for a lovely splash of freshness. Spicy frosted pink peppercorn blends beautifully with the middle notes of purple peony and hawthorn. Lastly, the base notes come through; think vanilla crème brûlée and cedarwood for a lingering seduction.

The fragrance comes beautifully packaged in a graceful blue bottle reminiscent of an evening sky. The bottle is lacquered in a graded shade of navy and pad-printed in gold. The cap features three spades long associated with the brand, which elegantly crown the bottle.

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ntain f youth / BEAUTY /

OUR TOP PICKS SKOON. SKINSIDE OUT ELASTICITY SMOOTHIE

It’s made using over 50+ ingredients, including Marine Collagen, Vitamin C, antioxidants and probiotics.

Keep your skin in shape with collagen supplements, a protein that lends lots of health benefits to our body. BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL Collagen, a long-standing health and wellness trend, is excelling in the market with new and improved products that have already hit our shelves… A ‘trend’ can sometimes imply a short lifespan, but in this case, we’re certain collagen supplements are here to stay, and for good reason.

WHAT ARE COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS?

Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally (and abundantly) in the body. It makes up over 70% of the protein found in our skin and serves a number of functions, including providing the skin with its strength and structure.

Collagen supplements are most widely available in powder form, although capsules are also popular. The protein can be found in specially formulated collagen creams and oils; these products typically contain synthetic collagen that helps to hydrate and plump the skin.

WHERE DOES IT COME FROM?

Collagen can be found in various food sources (especially those that contain gelatine), but there is still insufficient research to indicate just how much these foods actually boost the body’s collagen levels.

Collagen supplements are generally made from animal sources, such as beef, shellfish, fish and eggs, and although there are no strictly vegan collagen supplements, there are a range of plant-based collagen boosters on the market. These boosters contain the

vitamins and minerals the body needs to produce its own collagen — such as vitamin C and zinc, for example — while some products have plant extracts known to boost collagen production.

Some of the ways in which collagen can be boosted include the topical or oral use of aloe vera, a plant well known for its healing and cell-growth stimulating properties; incorporating marine plant ingredients like algae into your skincare routine for its ability to prevent oxidation; and eating foods that are rich in vitamin C and amino acids, as these may increase levels of both collagen and hyaluronic acids in the body.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

■ As we age, the body naturally produces less collagen — this can lead to the visible signs of ageing, like fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. A supplement is perfect to help combat this.

■ It boosts production of other proteins such as elastin and fibrillin that contribute to the structure of the skin.

■ It’s a natural source of amino acids.

■ It may improve gut health.

■ It’s been known to help ease joint aches and pains by supporting connective tissue in the body.

■ Bone mineral density decreases with age, especially after menopause, and collagen can help with this, too, by stimulating bone formation.

■ It can promote strong and healthy nails.

R1 395.95 for 30 × 7.5g raspberry mango flavour sachets

DOSE & CO

We’re obsessed with the latest introduction to the SA market, Khloe Kardashian’s premium Dose & Co collagen and protein powders.

Great to mix with hot and cold drinks, such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate and smoothies.

R559 for 420g

HEY GORGEOUS COLLAGEN BOOSTING SERUM

This serum penetrates deep into the layers of skin to boost and stimulate collagen production of your skin. It contains plantderived collagen and Vitamin C, which plays a vital role in the synthesis of collagen production.

R585 for 30ml

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FRESH STYLE Acqua di Parma has released a new Eau de Cologne for men and women that perfectly embodies contemporary Italian living.

Colonia C.L.U.B. from Acqua di Parma is fresh and stylish. A reinterpretation of classic Italian cologne, it’s both delicate and dynamic in its multi-layered components.

The scent brings together fresh and spicy notes that are easy to wear.

Colonia C.L.U.B. is characterised by top notes of lemon and bergamot and reveals aromatic heart notes of pink berries, black pepper, shiso and rosemary, all of which bring a fresh energy to the Eau de Cologne. Base notes include cedarwood and musk for a special richness and a slightly spicier version of the traditional Colonia.

C for Community, L for Life, U for Unique and B for Bond.

The fragrance comes packaged in a clear glass bottle with shades of bold green in print. Just like the scent, the packaging captures a sense of contemporary masculinity and a modern style inspired by the most exclusive sports clubs in the world.

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INSPIRED BY NATURE

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Pandora’s latest pieces in its Moments Collection are inspired by nature in full bloom.

This season, delicate pansies join Pandora’s collection. Each beautiful flower is handpainted, so no two are quite the same. The collection includes charms, earrings and pendants that combine hand-applied enamel with sparkling pavé stones. The designs, which bring together pansies and butterflies, reflect the freedom of spring and capture the realism of nature. Choose from a rose-gold plated metal blend or sterling silver charms, all of which feature hand-painted enamel with an ombré effect. The new designs pair beautifully with the other Pandora Moments pieces and work well when mixed and matched. The rings also offer fresh stacking opportunities, while the pendants are striking on their own or combined with other designs. Expect a new approach to colour with this collection and the perfect chance to inject a refreshed, bright look into your day-to-day wardrobe.

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THE BEAUTY OF

Did you know that your favourite beverage may boast a range of health and beauty benefits?

Let us tell you more.

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

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s the weather gradually begins to cool, many of us will be turning to tea to warm us up on those chilly autumn days. The good news is that certain types of tea may actually do more than keep us cosy. Varieties such as rooibos, chamomile, matcha and CBD tea have a number of benefits. From relieving stress and promoting good quality sleep to soothing skin and protecting the body’s cells from damage, the perks of drinking tea are countless.

ROOIBOS – A HOMEGROWN FAVOURITE

Naturally free from caffeine and increasingly popular both locally and abroad, rooibos is packed with antioxidants, which provide protection from some of the damaging effects of the environment. The plant is also used widely in skincare for its anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties and is particularly helpful for skin conditions like dermatitis and acne. Made by fermenting the leaves of the Aspalathus linearis shrub, rooibos tea is naturally low in tannins, the compounds found in black tea that can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb certain nutrients.

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CHAMOMILE – THE PERFECT SLEEP AID

Chamomile has been used for generations by those seeking better quality sleep. The herb is caffeine-free and contains an antioxidant called apigenin, which promotes sleepiness and may even reduce the symptoms of insomnia. The tea, made from the plant’s dried flowers, also contains properties that may aid digestion. And when it comes to beauty, this herb packs a punch; many skincare products include chamomile for its antioxidant properties and applying a teabag to the skin helps to soothe irritation, bruises and minor burns.

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GREEN MAGIC

Green tea is well-known for its health benefits and is popular all round the world. Available in various forms and flavour compositions, the tea contains many healthy bioactive compounds, that can reduce inflammation and the formation of free radicals in the body. The antioxidants found in green tea prevent cell damage and may even treat certain health conditions. Although green tea is not caffeine-free, it contains considerably less than black tea and is an excellent hydrating drink. Its hydrating properties, along with the vitamins that it has, reduce some of the visible signs of ageing and promote healthy-looking skin.

Matcha is all the rave right now and for good reason. It’s a concentrated version of green tea and elevates the benefits of drinking it.

BEAUTY TIPS USE AS A FACE SCRUB You can use

loose tea leaves (or cut open a tea bag, new or used, and use the contents) as a nourishing face scrub. It will leave your skin soft and smooth with the added benefit of antioxidants.

TEA TONER? A tea bag is a great

replacement for a toner. It helps remove oily residue from the skin and can soothe the skin from inflammation.

REDUCE PUFFY EYES AND DARK CIRCLES Green tea contains caffeine and tannins, which are the exact ingredients that combat dreaded

puffy eyes and dark circles. Wet two tea bags, one for each eye, place the teabags over your eyes for around 5–10 minutes. Repeat once a week or as needed for a refreshed look.

SOOTHES SUNBURN Caught off

guard with a horrible sunburn? A quick home remedy to combat pain and discomfort can sort that out in no time.

Rooibos or Earl Grey tea is good to use for this. Soak around 8–12 tea bags in a cup of warm water for about 2–3 minutes. Let cool. Use the teabags and liquid (in a spray bottle) on your skin to soothe.

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CBD – A CALMING ELIXIR

The popularity of CBD products is on the rise, and tea is an increasingly appealing option for those interested in the health benefits of the cannabis plant. CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the most beneficial cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant and boasts a range of therapeutic benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD tea is made with an infusion of the cannabinoid and is known for its calming effects and anti-inflammatory properties. The tea is also widely consumed to manage pain, improve sleep and support optimal gut health.

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WE LOVE

TEAOLOGY MATCHA TEA SUPERFOOD MASK

Teaology’s matcha face and neck mask is our top beauty find of the season.

It is made up of matcha and six botanicals. It firms and nourishes the skin and is super rich in antioxidants and ultra-firming peptides.

CARMIEN ORANGE CHAMOMILE PYRAMIDS

This flavour combination has been one of the highlights of our year so far. It’s a blend of rooibos, honeybush and chamomile flavoured with bergamot orange and creamy vanilla.

Perfect as a hot cuppa tea but also as a refreshing cold brew. Delish!

TEAOLOGY BANCHA OIL

Packed with all the goodness of organic green tea, marula and jasmin, this oil brightens, moisturises, tones and revitalises, and is full of antioxidant polyphenols and Vitamin E to help with anti-ageing.

CALM WITH CBD AND PASSIONFLOWER

If you struggle with anxiety or have trouble falling asleep at night, this rooibos and CBD blend is a great tonic. It can calm anxiety, improve mood, relieve stress and improve sleep.

TEAOLOGY TEA BALM TINTED LIP BALM

A nourishing and plumping lip balm like no other. This luscious lip treatment has green tea water, shea butter and sesame oil as ingredients.

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/ FOOD & WINE /

BEAT THE DINNER GRIND We take inspiration from Lucy Tweed’s wildly entertaining book Every Night of The Week to whip up a tasty three-course meal.

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If you dance to your own tune in the kitchen but are short on fresh ideas, you’ll love the brand-new release from food writer, stylist and Instagram personality Lucy Tweed.

Her cookbook Every Night of The Week is both pleasurable and practical; it’s packed with beautiful dishes that are all very doable. Based on recipes from the book, we’ve put together a menu that’s bound to impress; start with ravioli salad, try a fragrant fish curry, and top it all off with decadent coconut meringues. Delish!

RAVIOLI SALAD

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

/2 cup (40 g) pangrattato breadcrumbs (see recipe in the box) 2 tablespoons finely chopped woody herb leaves (oregano, thyme, rosemary) 325 g cheese ravioli big handful of baby rocket 2 cups (270 g) thinly sliced zucchini (courgette) discs, with flowers if you have them 3 tablespoons marinated goat’s curd or rindless chèvre baby fist of mint leaves, larger leaves shredded 3 tablespoons vinaigrette (see recipe in the box) good fist of grated raw halloumi freshly ground black pepper Optional ingredients: Any young fresh herbs or salad leaves are welcome, as is a smattering of frozen baby peas, thawed.

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METHOD

THIS FALLS VERY NEATLY INTO ONE OF THOSE TRICK SALAD CATEGORIES.

This can’t be classed as a pasta dish, or you’d be very annoyed, but it also loiters dangerously close to the line between salad and ‘Are you crazy? That’s just macaroni and cheese made with vinaigrette, you nut bag.’ It also features my favourite style of cheese to grate: halloumi. RAW! The best thing about this is you just layer it. Go as many levels up as you want. It’s a great mid-season dinner but also a perfect put-together lunch that goes particularly well with dappled sunlight and optimism.

1. Combine the pangrattato with the woody herbs in a saucepan over medium heat until just golden and warmed through. Set aside.

2. Boil the ravioli until al dente, as per the packet instructions.

3. Scatter the rocket over a platter.

4. Layer with half the ravioli.

5. Top with half the zucchini, half the goat’s curd or chèvre, half the herby crumb and half the mint. Pour over half the dressing.

6. Repeat.

7. Top with grated raw halloumi and a good grinding of pepper.

PANGRATTATO INGREDIENTS 1 cup (60 g) fresh breadcrumbs 2 anchovies, chopped 1 /2 teaspoon chilli flakes 1 cup (100 g) grated parmesan 1 tablespoon rosemary leaves 1 tablespoon olive oil Method Combine everything and toast in a frying pan or the oven until crisp and golden. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

VINAIGRETTE INGREDIENTS /2 cup (125 ml) lemon juice 1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons sugar 2 teaspoons sea salt 1 /2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan 1 cup (250 ml) extra virgin olive oil 1

Method Combine all ingredients and whisk together.

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FISH CURRY

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

3 tablespoons Indian curry paste (see recipe in the box) 400 g tin crushed tomatoes 1 tablespoon brown sugar 400 ml tin coconut milk 1 tablespoon sea salt 1 /2 cup (50 g) frozen peas 2 handfuls of baby spinach 600 g white fish, skin removed and pin-boned, sliced into 3 cm strips Optional ingredients: Roti (store-bought or make it fresh, recipe in the box), rice, sliced green chilli and fried curry leaves

METHOD

My kids think that Greek yoghurt is akin to ice cream, so it doesn’t take much for us all to have this with ‘ice cream’, and bellies are full.

1. Fry the curry paste in a large frying pan over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, until aromatic and deeper in colour.

2. Add the tomatoes and sugar and simmer for 2 minutes.

3. Pour in the coconut milk and simmer for 3 minutes.

4. Half-fill the tomato tin with water and swish it about, then add to the pan, along with the salt. Simmer for 15 minutes.

5. Add the peas and spinach, and bring back to a simmer.

6. Add the fish and simmer for about 3 minutes until just cooked and tender.

INDIAN CURRY PASTE INGREDIENTS 80 g ghee 1 onion, roughly chopped 5 cm knob of ginger, grated 10 fresh curry leaves 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, ground 1 tablespoon ground turmeric 1 teaspoon coriander seeds, ground 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds 1 tablespoon tamarind paste 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon garam marsala Method Blend all the ingredients until smooth. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for a week or freeze in small portions for up to 4 months. Makes about 1 cup (250 g).

ROTI INGREDIENTS 31/2 cups (500 g) self-raising flour 2 cups (520 g) Greek Style yoghurt 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon sea salt Optional ingredients: 1 sachet dried yeast, and the world is your oyster, although I have not actually had this with oysters.

Method 1. Sift the flour into a bowl, and then combine with all the other ingredients. Add the yeast here, too, if you are after a puffy pizza dough.

2. Once you’ve created a gluey uneven mess, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead it until it is smooth and even.

3. Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a silicone lid. Something airtight. Put it in a warm place to rest for at least 30 minutes so that the glutens in the flour can relax and become one with the yoghurt.

4. Now roll it out and do WTF you want with it.

You can bake or fry it too! Hot from the pan, the flatbreads are delicious with a drizzle of oil, extra salt, chilli flakes and some garlic powder.

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COCONUT MERINGUES INGREDIENTS

1 cup (155 g) raw macadamias, chopped 1 /2 cup (110 g) castor (superfine) sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup (260 g) vanilla-flavoured coconut yoghurt 1 /2 cup (125 ml) store-bought salted caramel sauce, warmed

MERINGUES

4 large egg whites 150 g castor (superfine) sugar 1 teaspoon cornflour (cornstarch) 25 g shredded coconut Optional ingredients: toasted shredded coconut

METHOD

This has all the dessert feels for me. Crispy, airy, sometimes mildly chewy meringue, dollops of silky sweet, softly sour yoghurt, drizzling slicks of caramel and crunchy crystallised sugared nuts. Oooof!

1. Preheat the oven to 100°C (200°F). Line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. To make the meringues, whisk the egg whites in a very clean bowl until stiff peaks form.

Serves 4

3. Gradually add the sugar, tablespoon by tablespoon, whisking well as you go.

4. Gently fold in the cornflour and shredded coconut.

5. Scoop the meringue onto one of the prepared trays in four equal portions. I use a big spoon and aim for a large dollop as the base and a smaller dollop on top. You can push about getting peaks, but given that you will be crushing into the top a bit with yoghurt to serve, you don’t need to be too fussy.

6. Bake for 11/2 hours, then turn off the oven and leave them to cool inside, with the door propped slightly open with a wooden spoon.

(I also find leaving them in the oven overnight with door fully closed works for me, but it totally depends on the weather. Sometimes the humidity in Sydney can destroy a fluffy day’s work in a moment.)

7. Place the macadamias, sugar and vanilla in a frying pan and toast over medium heat, tossing regularly, for 5–6 minutes until golden and crisp.

8. Pour onto the second lined tray to cool.

Don’t worry if the sugar crystallises.

9. Eat the meringues topped with the coconut vanilla yoghurt, warmed salted caramel and sugared macadamias.

THIS MAY HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED AS THE BEST DESSERT I’VE EVER FED SOMEONE.

THE BOOK Written by Donna Hay’s right-hand woman, this cookbook is packed with easy shortcuts and encourages the reader to do things their own way. It’s ideal for those who enjoy cooking but sometimes feel bogged down by the daily dinner grind as it includes recipes for every mood. In fact, you’ll find over 100 delicious and adaptable recipes between the pages, as well as loads of tools and techniques to get you through a full week of meal preparation at a time. As an added bonus, the book is a beauty to look at; expect prettily styled and photographed dishes to keep you inspired.

THE AUTHOR Author of Every Night of The Week Lucy Tweed is also the creator behind the Instagram account of the same name. Here, you’ll find plenty of recipes, especially for people who don’t like hard and fast recipes. Lucy began her career as a food developer and stylist working at Donna Hay magazine. It was here that she learnt about the beauty of simple, fresh food. Since then, she has worked in food styling, menu creation, travel writing and art direction for several international brands.

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LIGHT. & LIVELY.

CHENIN BLANC LIGHT AND SHIRAZ LIGHT, a new range of wines that are full of flavour & light in alcohol.

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DRINK RESPONSIBLY. NOT FOR PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18.

2022/02/24 14:00 09:10 2021/08/13

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/ FOOD & WINE /

RETHINKING THE WAY WE EAT FISH Humans love stories. Proof of this is in the battlefield-depicting panoramas of prehistoric cave paintings, the sweeping sagas written by ancient philosophers and poets, and the past century of cinematic history, from the earliest black-and-white shorts to the modern blockbuster. People will learn anything and heed any advice, so long as it’s plot-driven, and it’s this very human trait that ABALOBI leverages in its effort to protect both South Africa’s smallscale fisherfolk and our coastal ecosystems.

It does this by connecting restaurant diners, via a QR code, with the story behind the seafood on their plate, from what it is

and where it was caught to the name of the fisherfolk who caught it, which adds a most wonderful dimension of appreciation to the dining experience. But there’s a more profound importance to ABALOBI than just story-telling.

This non-profit community initiative eliminates money-sapping middlemen from the food equation, thus allowing restaurants to directly source super-fresh, sustainably caught seafood. This, in turn, returns the vast majority of profit of

the catch to the small-scale fisherfolk, which means they no longer have to catch two or three times the amount just to make ends meet. And this is where ABALOBI’s agenda is truly fulfilled: in protecting both South African marine life and the socio-economic health of the fishing communities it supports.

So, the next time you have a hankering for fresh seafood, dine at a restaurant that supports the ABALOBI initiative. On the other end of your meal will be a story about real humans who responsibly fish to support their families while protecting the plethora of animals that call our coastal waters home. www.abalobi.org

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What’s in my glass?

EMILE JOUBERT

O

ver the past year or so, the Cape’s original wine region – Constantia — has found itself in the wine world’s headlines.

It’s a story we South African’s know (or should know) all too well; the tale of Constantia’s glorious history of making sweet wines that wooed the nobility, the courts and the emperors of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Great history counts, for sure, but it is important to note that the heady days of Constantia continue unabated. This spectacularly beautiful region still produces formidable wines, building on its heritage and continuing the legacy and provenance established by those folks of yore who, under the banner of the Dutch East India Company, pioneered winemaking on the southern tip of Africa.

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Klein Constantia, one of the superfarms here, clings to history in the making of its excellent Vin de Constance sweet wine, an ode to the forefathers. But the estate has also embraced Sauvignon Blanc, the world’s modern-day wine hero that, over the past four decades, has become one of the top white grapes in the world along with Chardonnay.

In the right hands and made from grapes grown on patches of earth suitable to expressing the complete dimension of

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variety, Sauvignon Blanc can be a serious white wine that rivals the multi-pronged complexity of Chardonnay and Riesling.

Matthew Day, winemaker at Klein Constantia, has the right hands and, over the past few years, has taken Klein Constantia into the lofty realm of one of the world’s great Sauvignon Blanc wineries.

The Klein Constantia Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2021 was launched in January this year and in introducing the wine, it is clear Matthew Day is as much a conductor as a winemaker. Ah, that restlessness of youth; 43 parcels of Sauvignon Blanc each bear a fingerprint of individuality that, after being vinified, provide Matthew with a palette of wines from which the final blend is put together.

Despite the complexities in getting to the final product, Klein Constantia Sauvignon Blanc 2021 has a disarming purity about it, the kind of simplicity that makes great artworks stand out. Think the bass-driven introduction to Cream’s epic track ‘Badge’.

Or the sepia landscape photographs of Ansel Adams. This wine, from a 70ha patch of Constantia mountain earth looking east to the ocean, is uncluttered despite the intricate process whereby the different pockets of Sauvignon Blanc are brought together as one. It is wild yeast, grape juice and lees, and that is it. A work of nature, from nature and nature only. It offers a gracious, muscular entrance to the palate, distinctively Sauvignon Blanc with ruffled tropical edges of granadilla, loquat and cantaloupe.

Having mentioned Chardonnay, it is noticeable how rapidly the market for unwooded wines made from the noble grape variety is growing. We South Africans seem to love our white wines cool and bright, and by making Chardonnay without subjecting the wine to oak, these characteristics are delivered with precision and accessible appeal.

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Springfield Estate in Robertson, also very well known for Sauvignon Blanc, makes a cracker of an unwooded Chardonnay under the label Wild Yeast, now offering the 2020 vintage. This name is especially relevant as it describes why this wine has such a specific character, one I find particularly delicious.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

1. Klein Constantia Estate Sauvignon Blanc 2021

2. Springfield Wild Yeast Chardonnay 2020

One must remember Robertson is South Africa’s pre-eminent wine region for Chardonnay. The reason for this is the area’s soils have the highest content of chalk of any other of the country’s regions, and it is this chalk, which allows for Chardonnay grapes to grow with the balanced chemistries that give the wine its fierce varietal expression.

Springfield Wild Yeast allows the juice to ferment with the natural yeasts found drifting around the cellar instead of adding manufactured commercial yeasts, as is the case for most wines. The natural yeasts eat the sugars in the juice, converting these to alcohol and leaving some tantalising flavours behind in the wine. So, although the depth and character that oak barrels offer are not present in the Springfield Wild Yeast, the nature of the fermentation leads to riveting and interesting flavours in a most pleasant rendition of Chardonnay.

Typical notes of citrus and green apple drift on the top layer, underneath which there is a lovely nuttiness with a slight presence of spice, all the result of the individual character of the wild yeast bugs that offset the fermentation. This Chardonnay is not searingly dry and acidic nor cloying in an over-fruited way. It’s just a perfectly balanced white wine that is as quaffable as it is suited

3. Waterkloof Cape Coral Mourvèdre Rosé 2021

to dinners and occasions requiring white wine elegance.

Talking about popularity, rosé wines are in the pink as supply struggles to keep up with demand. Among the plethora of great Cape rosés, the Waterkloof Circumstance Cape Coral Mourvèdre Rosé 2021 is a constant addition to my wine fridge. The punchy Mourvèdre grape from Southern France is known for its meaty juice, which, when given a brief run over its ink-purple skins, is a superb base for a rosé wine. The grapes are whole-bunch pressed — trés gently — without any further skin contact required to give the juice a light salmon hue.

Fermentation occurs through indigenous wild yeasts and takes place in wooden fermenters, allowing just the required degree of oxidation to layer the final wine with character.

It all ends brilliantly with a rosé showing texture on the palate, permitting the playful flavours of berry and potpourri to carry through to a crisp, dry finish. Like all good rosé, this is summer in a glass, no matter which part of the year the wine is consumed. Which, for me, is all round.

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NEW VINTAGE WINES FOR AUTUMN The following selection of new vintage wines all have two things in common: they are wholly unique and covetable and make for the perfect accompaniment to the season, whether it’s those gorgeous, warm autumnal days or delectably cool evenings. Here are some new vintage wines you simply must pair with your autumn. BY THEA BECKMAN

KANU ANGELINA GOLD CAP CLASSIQUE Angelina Gold Cap Classique contains very real (and perfectly edible) 24-carat gold flakes!

Crafted by winemaker and cellar master Johan Grimbeek, this Pinot Noir MCC is a rich salmon in colour, highlighted even further by the fine gold flakes held in suspension.

On the nose, the wine exhibits crisp and refreshing notes of red berry fruit, crunchy red apple, and delicate candyfloss, while the palate delivers persistent red fruit, malted barley, wild strawberries, and toasty undertones with an extended finish. And as if the gold wasn’t glitzy enough, a lightemitting diode has been mounted to the underside of the bottle.

Switch it on and watch the gold flakes light up and sparkle.

R1 200 per bottle

SURVIVOR SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021

JORDAN TIMEPIECE CHENIN BLANC 2019

A cooler start to the harvest season and a delay in slow ripening by three to four weeks has culminated in what is being heralded as an excellent vintage of Survivor Sauvignon Blanc. Made by the Overhex Winery, the grapes for this particular wine were sourced from the cool climate Elgin Valley, known for producing outstanding wines of crisp acidity, subtle minerality and pure fruit flavours. This provenance, combined with an extended ripening period and the wine-making skill at Overhex, has birthed a gorgeous Sauvignon Blanc of lively character, dripping with notes of sun-ripened gooseberry and freshly crushed herbs.

Planted in 1983 by winemaker Ted Jordan, the heritage vines on Jordan Wine Estate have witnessed generations of winemakers and farmhands working the soils upon which they grow. And now the Stellenbosch estate is paying homage to these Old Vine Project-certified vineyards with its Timepiece range; the first release is the 2019 Chenin Blanc. Fermented and matured in older French oak barrels and clay amphorae, which enhances the complexity of flavours from the estate’s older vineyards, this wine exhibits a bright acidity, delightful aromas of wild celery, quince and orchard fruits, and a savoury finish.

R150 per bottle

R360 per bottle

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STEENBERG RUBY ROSÉ 2021 To say that a wine smells like summer in a bottle may be a cliché, but when you have aromatics of strawberry sherbet, rose petals, watermelon, fresh garden herbs and blueberry coulis bursting out your glass, such a cliché can be forgiven; especially since these vivacious aromas are followed by a refreshing palate of juicy summer melon, berries and spiced peaches. This is exactly what Steenberg’s new vintage of dry, fruit-forward Ruby Rosé serves up, wrapped in a new, more elegant label. Crafted from 100% Syrah grapes by cellar master Elunda Basson, this pale coral rosé is, I’m not sorry to say, the epitome of summer!

HAZENDAL CHRISTOFFEL HAZENWINKEL BLANC DE NOIR 2021

From the award-winning cellars of Hazendal comes the 2021 vintage of the voluptuous and deliciously moreish Christoffel Hazenwinkel Blanc de Noir 2021. Epically talented winemaker and viticulturist Clarise Sciocatti-Langeveldt is to blame for this 100% Shiraz Blanc de Noir, made from grapes grown on the flanks of Stellenbosch’s Bottelary Hills. A pale salmon pink in colour, the wine delivers floral notes of rose petal and citrus blossom and, on the palate, a fruit basket of flavours: freshly picked strawberries, raspberries, peach, pear, apple, mango, pineapple, melon and nectarines, all balanced most beautifully by a refreshing acidity and creamy finish.

R125 per bottle

R105 per bottle

SPIER NOBLE SONG SHIRAZ 2018

DE GRENDEL KOETSHUIS SAUVIGNON BLANC 2021

Spier is quite probably one of the most recognised names in the South African wine industry. Its many accessible and premium wines are a staple of countless wine lists. Now, winemakers Johan Jordaan and Heidi Dietstein have added the Noble Song Shiraz 2018 to Spier’s repetoire. With no added sulphur, it is sure to be a welcome option for the conscious consumer or anyone with a sensitivity to sulphur.

Made from 20-year-old vines grown on the sun-beaten outskirts of Paarl, this medium-to-full-bodied wine delivers dark, brooding flavours of mulberry, spicy plum and subtle vanilla underscored by velvety smooth tannin. It’s a fruity, rich and young wine that’s best enjoyed after decanting.

The range includes a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Pinotage.

The De Grendel Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc borrows its name from the Afrikaans word for ‘coach house’ because the vineyard from which its Sémillon grapes were sourced is located right next to an old coach house, where the wagons of bygone centuries were kept. It’s a testament to the sweeping history of De Grendel, which celebrated its 300th anniversary in 2020.

The Koetshuis Sauvignon Blanc 2021 is made predominantly from high-quality vineyards in Lutzville and Darling but includes a small batch of Sémillon from De Grendel’s own vineyards in Durbanville. Pale straw in colour, this multidimensional wine boasts a fresh and invigorating nose of sour pineapple, honeydew cantaloupe, pears, and an underlying creamy richness from extended lees contact.

R150 per bottle

R195 per bottle

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THE

A contemporary narrative about a historic love affair, Babylonstoren’s wine museum. BY THEA BECKMAN

OF WINE For hundreds of years, Babylonstoren has told the story of terroir, winemaking and enjoyment through its delicious repertoire of wines. To sip on a glass in the shadow of the estate’s elegant Dutch, gabled farmhouse overlooking the Franschhoek valley is to be transported back to 1692 when the farm was first established. But now, 330 years later, this story is taking on a more corporeal form with Babylonstoren’s just-opened museum of wine.

The Story of Wine, as the museum is called, spins a contemporary narrative about the historic love affair between humankind and wine. It begins with terroir, represented by an enormous, two-storey sculpture of twisted vines and roots, through which visitors must walk to explore the storehouse of treasures that lies beyond.

“The inspiration behind this elaborate structure was to create a sense of the origin of wine, within its deepest roots and genesis,” explains designer Etienne Hanekom. “We hoped visitors would feel like one of the organisms within the soil, weaving its way through the terroir.”

Beyond this awe-inspiring structure lies a variety of artefacts, artworks and smart tech, from an antique collection of corkscrews, lyrical poems inspired by wine, and an 1821 bottle of Constantia dessert wine – a favourite of Napoleon Bonaparte – to a screening room made in the shape of a wine barrel and immersive virtual reality headsets.

“There’s something for all audiences,” says Babylonstoren museologist Elsa Vogts.

“There is something to delight novices who just want to stroll through, as well as oenophiles eager to learn something new about wine.”

Babylonstoren is, as ever, devoted to telling the story of wine-enjoyment with its award-winning cellars, restaurants, hotel and spa; only now this narrative is told a little more deliberately through its interactive and beguiling wine museum.

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DURBANVILLE WINE VALLEY Country kitchens, award-winning wines, and unique experiences await at the Cape’s northern vineyards. BY THEA BECKMAN

T

ucked behind a series of rolling hills, a short 20-minute drive from the beating heart of Cape Town awaits a verdant oasis of sumptuous wine-and-dining experiences. One minute you’re driving past the cookie-cutter suburb of Burgundy Estate, and the next minute you’re embraced by 360-degree views of vineyards and bucolic countryside. This is the Durbanville Wine Valley, and with vineyards planted as early as 1702, it’s one of the ‘OGs’ of the Cape and a most wonderful way to while away a day, or many days!

The Durbanville Wine Valley is a cool climate region, much like its Cape wine compatriots Constantia, Elgin and Walker Bay. Bathed in the chilly maritime air that flows inland off the Atlantic Ocean, the grapes grown on the flanks of the Tygerberg Hills ripen slowly, developing complex aromatics and flavours. This is why Durbanville holds great repute as Sauvignon Blanc country; so much so that every spring, the route celebrates with a Season of Sauvignon wine festival.

As for variety, well, there are 15 wine estates along this route, each of which offers a unique and rousing repertoire of wines, food and tasting experiences. In fact, one could strike into Durbanville’s rolling hills every day of the month and still manage to unearth new and exciting gems. Let’s go exploring…

1. DURBANVILLE HILLS www.durbanvillehills.co.za

First stop is Durbanville Hills, with a chocolate-and-wine tasting, which is just one of a lengthy menu of food-and-wine pairings on offer here. This particular one features a flight of five single-varietal wines perfectly paired with handmade chocolates from Knysna.

2. CANTO WINES www.cantowines.co.za

For another sweet pairing, try Canto Wines’ MCC and macaron tasting: a sublime marriage of the estate’s four different bubbly wine creations with hazelnut, red velvet, Turkish delight, and salted caramel macarons.

3. MAASTRICHT WINE ESTATE www.maastricht.co.za

Ready for something savoury? Make a beeline for Maastricht’s seasonal cheese platters and traditional Dutch bitterballen, the most delightful accompaniment to the estate’s range of white, red and rosé wines.

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4. KLEIN ROOSBOOM www.kleinroosboom.co.za

For an off-the-beaten-track adventure, duck into one of Klein Roosboom’s themed ‘caves’ – tiny, intimate cellar spaces – to sip your way through their delicious range of boutique wines. After, or perhaps (prudently) before wine tasting, enjoy Jéan Deli’s daily blackboard menu of freshly baked breads, pies, farm-fresh salads and other delicacies in the vineyards.

5. D’ARIA WINERY www.dariawinery.co.za

Alternatively (or additionally), The Terrace at D’Aria serves up the kind of simple yet delicious fare that totally hits the spot after a day of wine tasting. Think wafer-thin pizzas, multichromatic sushi plates, fragrant grilled seafood and indulgent pastas.

6. DIEMERSDAL www.diemersdal.co.za

Then, at Diemersdal, which produces 10 different styles of Sauvignon Blanc, including a sparkling wine, reserve and noble late harvest, there’s The Farm Eatery, which favours shared dining experiences, seasonal ingredients and bold experimentation.

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7. DE GRENDEL WINES www.degrendel.co.za

If it’s fine dining and wine you’re after, De Grendel serves up contemporary local cuisine crafted quite specifically to pair with its repertoire of award-winning wines. Of special note is the flagship Rubaiyat, a rich and velvety Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

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This is, quite honestly, a mere fraction of the food and wine experiences on offer throughout the Durbanville Wine Valley. But what other exciting diversions does this historic wine region have to offer? I’m glad you asked…

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8. MTB AND TRAIL RUNNING AT BLOEMENDAL

www.bloemendaltrailpark.co.za

Start your day with a run or mountain bike through the network of rugged trails that criss-cross Bloemendal Wine Estate’s outback.

There are trails for all fitness levels and, when you’re done, the Bloemendal Trail Park Café and Bar offers some well-deserved libation.

9. SIGNAL GUN WINE SAFARI www.signalgun.com Hop into Signal Gun’s safari truck (wine in hand) for a tour through its vineyards and up to Hoogeberg’s Game Camp for a chance to spot the regal eland antelope, as well as springbuck, zebra, ostrich, and other smaller animals and birds.

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10. SUNDOWN SUNDAYS AT DURBANVILLE HILLS www.durbanvillehills.co.za Finally, coming full circle, there’s Sundown Sundays (3–6pm) at Durbanville Hills, which, as the name promises, is all about seeing out the weekend on a high note with delicious wine, cheese platters and early dinner options from the estate’s bistro, the Olive Grove.

WHERE WILL YOU GO NEXT? www.durbanvillewine.co.za

The Durbanville Wine Valley is the progenitor of some of South Africa’s best wines, from the tried-and-trusted favourites of Durbanville Hills, Nitida, Hillcrest and De Grendel to the hidden gems of Klein Roosboom, Canto Wines, Groot Phesantekraal and Altydgedacht.

So, the next time you’re in the mood for a little spoil, look no further than Cape Town’s northern vineyards and its constellation of fragrant cellars, country kitchens, terroir-driven wines and unique, wine-soaked experiences!

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WindFree Air Conditioner TM

Coolness without the breeze.

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WindFreeTM Benefits SmartThings App You don’t have to be in the room to control airflow. With the SmartThings App, you can set up your heating and cooling schedule, monitor energy consumption, control your air conditioner, accumulate data on your usage plus, keep tabs on your functionalities through the Home Care Wizard App. Energy Efficiency – 77% less electricity use* Enjoy up to 77% less energy usage on WindFree™ mode. So save money every day while maximizing on comfort and complete control.

AI

AI Auto Cooling

Cool your room faster than fast with AI Auto Cooling while maintaining a hygienic space with loads of comfort. Simply set your desired temp with the amount of humidity and it will automatically switch the WindFree™ mode to maintain your desired temperature.

WindFree™ Good Sleep Achieve the perfect temperature for your beauty rest with the Good Sleep mode. Designed with a temperature control function to give you the temperature you need.

Motion Detect Sensor A smart air conditioner that knows when to spare your energy. The Motion Detect Sensor uses a variety of operating options to sense when you’re not in the room, then appropriates the functions using SmartThings. Save up to 43% of energy with this feature.

Once you’re in the room, the Motion Detect Sensor will then allow you to choose whether you want an indirect flow of air that will flood the room you’re in or a direct flow of air that will detect your movement and push air to your direction.

PM 1.0 Filter Enjoy purified air in any room – The PM1.0 Filter feature ensures that you get a breath of fresh air, by cleaning the air around you in both heating or cooling mode.

Freeze Wash With just a single click, you can keep your air conditioner at optimum performance – The Freeze Wash feature washes away dirt and microorganisms by freezing the heat exchanger then defrosting that ice to wash the filter. It dries up any moisture left and will alert you when its due for its next cleaning.

*WindFreeTM mode compared to fast cooling mode.

Visit www.samsungair.co.za

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Create your bliss Imagine a canvas on which to paint your future. A future that is authentic, peaceful, luxurious and filled with the adventure of self-discovery. Heritage Villas Valriche offers you the bold, rich palette to manifest this future. Nestled between the sea and mountains in Mauritius’s pristine southwest coast, this estate presents a spacious collection of residences and a wealth of experiences. Create a living space that reflects who you are, a sanctuary where families grow and friendships are nurtured.

Mingle with loved ones as you enjoy exclusive VIP access to the estate’s award-winning golf courses, two five-star Heritage hotels with their host of entertainment options, the 1 300-hectare private nature reserve and Heritage C Beach Club. At Heritage Villas Valriche, you’re invited to succumb to the charms of the Indian Ocean island so well known for its vibrant atmosphere, welcoming people, eclectic cuisine and preserved natural heritage.

Exceptional villas priced from € 1,000,000

If you’d like to become a part of something special, please contact Richard Haller +27 83 776 0802, Anne-Sophie Paul +230 5924 3301 or email: Valriche@pamgolding.mu | pamgolding.mu

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BUCKET LIST STAYCATIONS

Travel Journalist Jared Ruttenberg invites you to be the first in the know, with five of his favourite

tried-and-tested new staycations

spread across South Africa.

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1. Ludus Magnus, Franschhoek Entering the luxury arena of a five-star hotel, Ludus Magnus makes a brave departure from a classic Winelands stay, offering something that even the word extraordinary fails to do justice.

Just off the R45, a few minutes’ drive before Franschhoek, Ludus Magnus has just turned a year old and offers stays in eight plush rooms in the Manor House and three private villas, each with three en suite bedrooms and two pools.

Named after a Roman gladiator school, Ludus Magnus is every bit the Olympian playground that the name suggests. The 10-acre property features river kayaking and tubing, 100m training lanes immersed in a free-flowing freshwater dam, a rugby and soccer field, horse-riding, trail running, and a bike track. Need I say more?

It is a space where even the word extraordinary hardly does justice. The farm is 100% off-the-grid as it generates its own electricity and water. The Ludus Magnus experience is a firm nod to the French-Italian owned couple’s dream to create something truly remarkable in South Africa. www.ludusmagnus.co.za

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2. Abalone Hotel & Villas, Paternoster The picturesque seaside village of Paternoster in the Western Cape is home to the five-star Abalone Hotel & Villas. The hotel may sound familiar but certainly won’t look it. Late 2021, the hotel was completely refurbished, renovated and has only just reopened its doors. Two pools, a sauna and direct sea views invite a slower life with a cool ocean breeze and kilometres of open beaches.

In addition to the 18 hotel rooms, the hotel also has two separate villas a short drive or walk from the hotel. Both have private pools and outdoor braai areas, two en suite bedrooms and, of course, an outdoor shower.

The villas are self-catering, with dining tables and fully stocked kitchens, both offering exclusive views out over the other side of Paternoster. Guests also have full access to the hotel facilities. www.abalonehotel.co.za

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3. Sasi Bush Lodge, Bergville At first glance, it feels like you’re in the bush with all the staple elements of a luxury bush camp, but with the advantage of the Drakensberg presenting itself in full frontal view. It’s in this blissful mix of berg and bush where just three tents offer an intimate and luxurious bush break. The unique Sasi Bush Lodge is only months old and hides away in a private game reserve in the Northern Drakensberg.

Sasi has several free-roaming game species and since there are no predators, the reserve can be enjoyed on foot in addition to game drives. The growing fauna and flora are courtesy of the lodge’s efforts to re-establish indigenous species on the land. A highlight is a 4x4 drive high up into the mountains to the cave to look at ancient rock art.

Sasi is family-owned and run, and their sense of pride in what they’ve built is tangible. It’s a sanctuary for the soul, surrounded by bird call, brimming bush and the beautiful berg. www.sasiafrica.com

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4. Farmhouse58, Krugersdorp

Barely 30 minutes from Johannesburg, the peaceful Farmhouse58 is quietly but significantly making its mark in the Cradle of Humankind. The Farmhouse58 philosophy creates ecologically restorative spaces and programmes that encourage a more conscious and connected existence by embracing considered travel that doesn’t bombard the local context but rather integrates with it.

It’s a return to basics and an embrace of rustic (but classy) simplicity, with sanctuarylike rooms, communal spaces and acres of wild spaces, all offering an invitation to realignment with nature and ourselves. As the only two Capetonians in the group, we couldn’t resist the urge to jump into the rockpool and swim up to the waterfall. It’s hard to imagine it’s so close to the city.

Look out for the various retreats and workshops hosted on the property. With a philosophy built on collaboration, community, contemplation and regeneration, 58 is both a conscious and compelling Gauteng stay. www.farmhouse58.co

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5. Athina’s Cove, Plettenberg Bay

Plettenberg Bay’s sun-kissed beaches have been a firm favourite for South Africans for many years and I was recently afforded the chance to be the first guest at one of the town’s brand-new villas. Athina’s Cove is an enticing 13-sleeper home tucked away safely in the Whale Rock Estate, one minute’s drive from the town’s award-winning beaches.

Plett is synonymous with laidback luxury, and Athina’s Cove fits right in. This brand new home’s décor merges rustic French flair with chic beach cottage. There are three spacious en suite rooms and then upstairs, a loft room with a further six beds. The house is designed to entertain with large inviting spaces both inside and outside. By day, the seaview pool and loungers are perfect for relaxation and by night, the house comes alive as it lights up with a bar and fire pit.

Since the house is a two-minute drive from some of the country’s most dramatic scenery, make sure to include a visit to Robberg Nature Reserve for a scenic hike. www.athinascove.com

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IVIERA RENDEZVOUS JARED RUTTENBERG

Truth be told, the Riviera – or France for that matter – wasn’t my top choice for my first trip abroad after the pandemic. My wish list included several Mediterranean destinations featuring dreamy islands with tropical temperatures. Since many countries on the continent were still closed to visitors, coupled with my October visit falling in the encroaching European winter, I looked through the list of options and chose the warmest: the French Riviera.

The Côte d’Azur is a dramatic piece of coastline with a string of glitzy resort towns hugging the shores and clinging to the cliffs. It wasn’t always the sought-after summer escape it is today; pre-1920s, a tan was

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less desirable, so the Riviera was a winter resort. Largely thanks to the sun-kissed fancies of Coco Chanel, beach towels replaced umbrellas.

Today the area stretches roughly from Marseille in the south to the French-Italian border town of Menton. The Provence-AlpesCôte d’Azur region of France offers a unique combination of ocean and mountains, making it possible to be skiing down snow-laden mountains in the morning and then sipping sundowners at an exclusive beach club in the evening.

My October visit was in the shoulder season, so the crowds were smaller while the temperatures were cooler. Here’s my unofficial guide to some of the sublime stops for a Riviera rendezvous.

CANNES

Thanks to its famous film festival, Cannes has a lion’s share of the limelight. Tempting beach clubs occupy the dazzling shoreline, and in town, there is no shortage of designer stores. Besides offering a Riviera landscape, art, musical instruments and ethnographical items, the Museum Castre is a 19th-century medieval tower that also offers an excellent vantage point of the city.

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The Five Seas Hotel is the only five-star boutique hotel in Cannes and salutes the city’s love for the film and arts, with design elements tastefully spread throughout the hotel.

I couldn’t have been more at home, replete with a rooftop pool, a spa and elegant dining options. Especially with my near-double volume suite with oversized windows, perfectly framing the ancient Notre Dame church next door. Step back from all the razzmatazz of the promenade into your sanctuary at the hotel, just one block away from all the action.

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ANTIBES

Antibes is a mecca for the luxury boat crew – take a stroll around the harbour, and you can fully admire a myriad of beautiful vessels. Adjacent to the harbour, the old town features a maze of cobblestone streets, which are a delight to explore. A walk up to Fort Carré is a must; the ancient fort served as protection for the French Kingdom until the 1850s when the Italian territory, which is now the Riviera, was included. Lastly, pay a visit to the Provençal market open Tuesday to Sunday mornings and feel at home with the locals doing their daily shop.

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ST PAUL DE VENCE

A mere 10-minute drive inland from the coastline, you’ll discover the utterly picturesque village of St Paul de Vence, where a haven of galleries line the cobblestone streets that wind higher and higher up the hilltop. The village is also famous for being the home and resting place of artist Marc Chagall.

Not wanting to leave the countryside just yet, I was lucky enough to stay at one of the nearby villas for three days. Perched on top of a ridge with overly generous views of the surroundings, the privately owned five-bedroom villa is rented out during the high season and makes for an opulent but still homely base from which to explore both village and Riviera.

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NICE

The largest of the towns on the Riviera, Nice, serves as a fitting central hub. Conveniently using my Marriott Bonvoy points, I booked four nights at the AC Marriott, a stone’s throw from the promenade. The sea-view room, gardens and rooftop pool provided ample space for downtime in between exploring.

In the old town, visit the locals’ favourite Chez Rene Socca for regional cuisine; the flat-breads made of chickpea flour are their speciality. Make sure that as you wander through the medieval lanes you sample the decadent pastries from Patisserie Lac. For a postcard Nice experience, head to the beachfront suburb of Villefranchesur-Mer, which overlooks the fashionable Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat peninsula. Besides the backstreets bursting with bonhomie, the line of cafés on the water’s edge is unbeatable for location and view.

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ÉZE

No Riviera visit would be complete without stopping at Éze. The village clings to the top of a mountain, with no car access. In addition to the village’s bucolic charm, its location provides possibly some of the best Riviera views. Arrive early to miss the crowds or later in the afternoon to watch the sunset from The Exotic Garden of Eze, the village’s highest point. If the budget allows, plan for an overnight stay in the glorious five-star Château de la Chèvre d’Or and be the envy of all your friends with their insta-worthy poolside shots.

MENTON Last but certainly not least was a stop at Menton, the final French town before crossing the border into Italy. It’s quintessentially Italian, and the old quarter’s line of colourful multi-storey houses is beyond picture-perfect. One of a thousand reasons why I fell in love with the Riviera and why millions of others flock here annually to lap up this piece of idyllic coastline.

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HONEY, I THE S-CLASS The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class arrives in South Africa with S-Class-esque style and tech to once again claim its position as the segment leader.

BY MARIUS BOONZAIER. PHOTOGRAPHY: SUPPLIED, TIMOTHY THRONE

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A

famous (and, to some, sometimes infamous) British motor-vehicle television show host once said of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class that, over the years, the technologies found in the German marque’s flagship luxury saloon filters down to its more mainstream, yet premium, vehicles. However, with the latest iteration of the firm’s premium midsize sedan, it seems Mercedes didn’t want to keep the world waiting.

The W206-generation model sports elegant (yet tailored for the C-Class) body lines and interior design and an array of the tech that was first seen on the new Sonderklasse. So, considering all of this, does the box-fresh Benz have the potential to once

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again claim the crown as the leader in the premium midsize-sedan segment? Spoiler alert: undeniably so.

Introduced nearly three decades ago, the C-Class has always been an important car for the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer.

Although its premium midsize-SUV stablemate – the GLC – has garnered great popularity with plenty customers who prefer tall-riding vehicles, the sedan has soldiered on as one of Benz’s best sellers. And it’s no wonder why. The C-Class is beautifully

THE C-CLASS IS BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED OUTSIDE AND IN AND IS EQUIPPED WITH, AHEM, CLASS-LEADING TECH AND DRIVING MANNERS.

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designed outside and in and is equipped with, ahem, class-leading tech and driving manners. The new variant only enhances these attributes that consumers have come to adore of its namesake.

From an exterior point of view, the C-Class sculpted silhouette spans from a star-studded radiator grille, endowed with the illustrious three-pointed star emblem, towards the rear. Flanking the avant-garde nose – as standard, the C-Class ships with the Avantgarde exterior package, though our test unit was equipped with the optional AMG Line package – are a pair of LED headlamps, which incorporate striking LED daytime running lights. The AMG-style alloy wheels add a sense of sophistication and dynamism to the C-Class’ soft contours.

The interior is arguably the highlight of the new C. The exquisitely crafted cabin is

solidly constructed and spacious. There’s ample head- and knee room for passengers and a generous luggage capacity of 455 litres.

A large, portrait-orientated infotainment touchscreen dominates the facia. The latter unit, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is a cinch to operate.

The digital driver’s display is crisp. Adding sportiness to the cabin is the flat-bottomed AMG Line steering wheel. It feels pleasing in the palms, though it does take some time to get used to the touch-enabled controls.

Safety equipment includes, among myriad others, six airbags and Isofix child-seat anchorages.

Two derivatives are currently on offer, the C200 and C220d driven here. The dieselpowered variant is arguably the pick of the duo, with the engine boasting 147 kW and 440 Nm of torque. Thanks to the mild-

hybrid tech, the motor presents additional bursts of 15 kW for short durations. This, together with the smooth-shifting nine-speed automatic transmission, allows for fuss-free overtaking acceleration. The steering is wellweighted. In town, the new C-Class performs commendably. The ride is comfortable, with the suspension soaking up most road imperfections with aplomb.

Priced from R813 490 (a five-year/ 100 000 km maintenance plan is included, as is a two-year/unlimited kilometre warranty), the new C-Class is a near-perfect balance between comfort and dynamism, though leans towards the former. This is, of course, not to its detriment. It’s as a C-Class should be. However, with this model, the experience is yet again only elevated to class-leading standards. It is truly a case of “Honey, I shrunk the S-Class”.

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ADVERTORIAL

SPACED OUT TOYOTA’S ALL-NEW COMPACT MPV

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The Toyota Avanza served as South Africa's first affordable reasonably sized people mover. Featuring compact dimensions, a simple fuel-efficient engine line-up and seven-seat carrying capacity - the Avanza immediately found favour with Mzansi (for both business and leisure use). Now after two generations, the trusted Avanza makes way for the Toyota Rumion. The Toyota Rumion brings with it a host of product improvements - specifically catered to the evolving needs of customers in the smaller MPV segment.

THIRD ALLIANCE MODEL

The Toyota Rumion represents the third product of the Toyota and Suzuki strategic alliance. Following the Starlet and Urban Cruiser, which have achieved significant sales success in just a short space of time, the Toyota Rumion is poised to follow in its siblings’ footsteps.

CONCEPT & DESIGN

The newcomer keeps the same product concept, compact dimensions, a fourcylinder petrol engine, seven-seater layout, and good ground clearance. A noteworthy change is the switch to a front-wheel-drive layout - which brings with it improved fuel economy, better packaging and reduced mechanical componentry.

The front design employs a trapezoidal radiator grille, with the familiar three-horizontal-slat design and centrally mounted Toyota ellipse. These are flanked by large, tapered headlamps with a large lower apron, which houses stylised air vents and fog lamp surrounds (where fitted). The stylised lower bumper mimics the front design, adding a sense of cohesion and width.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

All Toyota Rumion models employ the 1.5-litre K15B engine which delivers 77kW and 138Nm. Both 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmissions are offered (grade-dependant). The fuel consumption figure checks in at

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6.2 l/100 km (a slight improvement over the 1.5 Avanza) for both transmission types.

CO2 emissions register as 146 and 147 g/km, while top speed is quoted as 175 and 170 km/h km, for the manual and auto respectively.

THE LINE-UP

The Toyota Rumion retains the existing three grade line-up; S, SX and TX. The S-grade model is aimed at customers requiring pure functional use at a low price point, the SX offers a balance between affordability and comfort, while the TX grade is aimed at the leisure buyer requiring enhanced comfort and convenience.

WHEELS & TYRES

S-grade models are fitted with steel wheels shod with 185-65 R15 tyres.

SX variants use the same size with stylised hubcaps while the TX models feature 15" alloy wheels. All models have a full-size spare wheel.

SAFETY & SECURITY

All grades feature driver and passenger airbags, ABS, EBD as well as ISOFIX points. An immobiliser and alarm are also included across the board.

PEACE OF MIND

A four-services/60 000 km service plan is standard on all Rumion models, with service intervals pegged at 12-months/ 15 000 km. A 3-year/100 000 km warranty also forms part of the offering.

Customers can also purchase additional service and warranty plan extensions from their nearest Toyota dealer with an impressive 220 outlets nationwide.

2022/02/24 13:25

BOOK CLUB

YOU CAN NEVER GET A CUP OF TEA LARGE ENOUGH OR A BOOK LONG ENOUGH TO SUIT ME.

Our favourite new reads

CS Lewis

THE POWER OF FUN

The Power of Fun by award-winning science journalist Catherine Price explores why fun is the key to a happy and healthy life. Price argues that fun can lead us to the happiness we so desperately seek while giving us more meaning and energy along the way. The book also includes a practical plan for incorporating more fun into our daily lives.

Packed with useful information and advice, this is an eye-opening read.

THURSDAYS AT ORANGE BLOSSOM HOUSE From bestselling author Sophie Green, Thursdays at Orange Blossom House is a brand-new novel about friendship, love and finding one’s self. Set in tropical Queensland, the story explores the lives of a group of women – a former cane farmer, a high school teacher, a café owner – and their yoga teacher who brings them together at Orange Blossom House, located in a perfumed rainforest. Here, the women find courage, strength and a sense of reconnection.

THE LAST BEEKEEPER

This story by Siya Turabi is based in Pakistan in 1974 and tells the tale of Hassan, who is torn between decisions of his heart and head.

He knows he must find the last beekeeper and salvage a precious jar of his mythical black honey to save his mother’s sight, but then he wins a scholarship to study with the state governor in Karachi in the middle of a brewing political storm. His world is further upended when he meets the governor’s niece Maryam. Divided between two worlds, Hassan must choose between Maryam and the beekeeper, England and Pakistan.

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LOVE MARRIAGE

Written by Monica Ali, Love Marriage is set in contemporary London.

Yasmin Ghorami is training to be a doctor like her Indian-born father and engaged to the upper-class Joe Sangster. The story explores the vast differences between the two families, and as the wedding approaches, misunderstandings and secrets threaten to disrupt both Yasmin’s relationship and that of her parents. The novel makes acute observations about class, sexual mores and the mysteries of the heart in a way that is both humorous and moving.

MINDWANDERING

Mindwandering: How It Can Improve Your Mood and Boost Your Creativity

by Moshe Bar reveals a fascinating new theory by one of the world’s leading neuroscientists. The theory looks at why the mind wanders and when and why it’s good for you. While mindwandering, involuntary activities like daydreaming and worrying can contribute to anxiety. Bar suggests there is a method behind this apparent madness. He brings his decades of research together to explain the benefits of mindwandering within the context of psychology, neuroscience, psychiatry and philosophy and provides practical, helpful knowledge.

EM & ME

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of Saving Missy, Beth Morrey, comes Em & Me, a novel about finding and taking second chances. The novel tells the story of Delphine, who has been unable to let go of the past for years. When she finally decides to stand up for herself, she begins to remember what it feels like to want more from life.

Gradually, she rediscovers her singing voice, opens herself up to friendship, and revives the memory of her mother, who she lost suddenly as a teenager.

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BLACK CAKE

This debut novel by Charmaine Wilkerson tells the story of Eleanor Bennett, a woman who won’t let her own death get in the way of the truth. When her estranged children Byron and Benny reunite at her funeral, they are made aware of a confusing inheritance; a voice recording from the mother turns everything they think they know about their family upside down. Author Charmaine Wilkerson is an American writer who has lived in Jamaica and is currently based in Italy. Black Cake is her first novel and is in development as a Hulu original series.

2022/02/24 13:21

STOCKISTS Style CONVERSE www.converse.co.za DOLCE & GABBANA www.dolcegabbana.com FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT www.freedomofmovement.co.za G-STAR RAW www.g-star.com GUESS www.guess.co.za HUBLOT Murdocks Jewellers, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town; The Diamond Works, OR Tambo Int. Airport

LEVI’S www.levi.co.za MESSIKA BHH Boutique V&A Waterfront, Cape Town; BHH Boutique, Hyde Park Corner, Johannesburg

OMEGA www.omegawatches.com RAY-BAN & VERSACE | Sunglass Hut www.sunglasshut.com SCOTCH & SODA www.scotch-soda.co.za TREAD+MILLER www.treadandmiller.co.za WOOLWORTHS www.woolworths.co.za

Beauty & fitness ACQUA DI PARMA Woolworths & SKINS Cosmetics CARMIEN TEA www.carmientea.co.za CHANEL Boutiques Sandton City, Johannesburg & V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

DOSE & CO www.doseandco.com HEY GORGEOUS www.hey-gorgeous.co.za KATE SPADE New York Sparkle Clicks, Dis-chem & Truworths

LISA RALEIGH www.lisaraleigh.com PANDORA www.pandorashop.co.za SKOON. www.skoonskin.com TEAOLOGY www.teaology.co.za

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/ STYLE FEATURE /

Is your medical aid giving you less than expected?

Move to the medical scheme that fits your journey and visit momentummedicalscheme.co.za

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