




THE SPIRIT OF TRYN
STEENBERG ESTATE’S
NEW RESTAURANT

A SEASON FOR SHARING
Chef Charmaine Lilje’s summer recipes
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STEENBERG ESTATE’S
NEW RESTAURANT

A SEASON FOR SHARING
Chef Charmaine Lilje’s summer recipes






THE BEST BUBBLIES FOR THE SEASON
LIVING KALEIDOSCOPE
Cape Town’s very own Garden of Eden





























































Big Pilot’s Watch. Ref. 5010: The world is like a book you understand better with the knowledge of the well-travelled cosmopolitan. Because the greater your experience, the more likely it is to reveal its complexity within the context of time. Seen from this perspective, it is soon obvious where the watchmaking roots of IWC’s new Big Pilot’s Watch lie: in the glorious early days of the Pilot’s Watch era at IWC. After all, it is the legitimate successor of a genuine original, of the first observer’s watch made by the Schaffhausen-based company: the Big Pilot’s Watch 52 T. S. C. For this was the timepiece that heralded the illustrious decade of the Big Pilot’s Watches at IWC and still stands as a milestone in pilot’s watch history. Following this tradition, the latest model has the same absolute precision and a starkly reduced dial design recalling the clarity of the cockpit instruments in legendary aircraft like the Junkers Ju 52 from the infancy of aviation. All in all, the current Big Pilot’s Watch is the latest original in the history of IWC’s Pilot’s Watches and at the same time a mirror reflecting its illustrious past. IWC. ENGINEERING DREAMS. SINCE 1868.

















































































































































































42 EAT
Four of Cape Town’s hottest new restaurants
46 NATURE PREVAILS
A look inside a Clifton property
58 ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
The home of Spanish designer and creative director, Damian Sanchez


69
74
78
DÉCOR TRENDS
Ocean View & Pop of Colour
THREE NEW HEALTH TRENDS
Trends set to stay
A SEASON FOR SHARING
Chef Charmaine Lilje’s summer recipes



Lexus Hybrids are crafted with ultimate sophistication in mind. Lexus released the world’s first self-charging luxury hybrid vehicle. Since our hybrid journey began, our purpose has been to create premium models that don’t compromise on style or comfort. Lexus Hybrid Drive is an innovative system that adds to the overall performance and efficiency of our cars. During initial take off from a stop, the high-output battery provides power to the electric drive. As speed increases, the potent petrol engine is engaged. And, when extra acceleration is desired, power output from both sources is optimised to deliver an even greater boost. The result is powerful acceleration without the jarring shift points experienced in a conventional vehicle. Thanks to extensive expertise in hybrid technology, Lexus offers an 8 year/195 000km warranty on all Hybrid Drive components (including the battery and inverter).




112
LAP OF LUXURY
Staycation in Cape Town’s best hotels
120 DESTINATION HOUT BAY
128
Enchanting nature, world-famous drives, and more
ALL THE BLUES
Visit the South Pacific island of Bora Bora
136 A LIVING KALEIDOSCOPE
Kirstenbosch Garden, Cape Town’s very own Garden of Eden
140
HIT THE ROAD – CAR REVIEWS
Peugeot 5008 & Volkswagen T-Cross

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Summer — and the season to celebrate — is finally here and the team at Southern Vines couldn’t be happier! With the new season comes a range of fun events in Cape Town and surrounds, so be sure to check out our selection of the best things to do in the next few months.
If summertime has you dreaming of an island getaway, be sure to take a look at our travel feature on the South Pacific island of Bora Bora. And if a staycation is more your style, you won’t want to miss our round-up of the best local hotels — there are some real gems right on our doorstep.
And as the weather heats up and lures us outdoors, why not take the opportunity to enjoy some al fresco dining? We’ve put together some great recipe ideas, plus a feature on everyone’s favourite festive drink — bubbly.
We hope that you find some inspiration in the pages of this issue. Enjoy!

Email me at lauren@southernvines.co.za
We plant 50 trees per edition of Southern Vines.



EDITOR Lauren Zuidema
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Bianca-Leigh Nagel
CONTRIBUTORS Emile Joubert, Jennifer Campbell, Piet Smedy, Robyn Alexander, Thea Beckman, Vann van Staden
IMAGES & ILLUSTRATIONS: Supplied, Shutterstock, DepositPhotos, Flickr Creative Commons, Unsplash.com

ADVERTISING SALES
Vann van Staden
PRINTED BY CTP Printers
DISTRIBUTION Community Life Media, Media Support & RNA Distribution

Greenpop is a non-profit organisation on a mission to (re)connect people with our planet. They plant trees, grow food, educate people and have fun doing it! They work on urban greening, reforestation, and food growing projects, and educate people through practical workshops.
Greenpop was founded in 2010 and has since planted almost 80 000 trees at schools and other urban sites as well as forests and farms across South Africa, Zambia and Tanzania. Visit www.greenpop.org to get involved.
SALES ENQUIRIES 021 712 3842; vann@southernvines.co.za
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.



























































































































































Three artists explore memory, emotion and storytelling with bold colour combinations and daring lines. Each with their own distinct style, these artists create work that is evocative and thought-provoking.

Fadiel Hermans was born in the Bo Kaap, and the memories of the area still remain vivid in his mind. His work has a rich, narrative style, and he often uses a number of mediums, including ribbon, charcoal and found objects, to create his unique pieces. Fadiel describes painting as something that has always been a part of his life — a way to make sense of his experiences and surroundings. In fact, he remembers first drawing at five years old when he started copying cartoon adverts from the newspaper and knew from a very young age that art was something he wanted to create.
Deeply inspired by his own memories of Cape Town and its people, he attempts to capture stories and images on each canvas. Some of the key themes explored in his work include memories of the colours, shapes, feelings and surroundings that he believes to have shaped him as a person.


Michaela Rinaldi is a Cape Town based artist who has exhibited her work all over the country, including galleries in Franschhoek, Riebeek Kasteel, Grahamstown and Johannesburg. Michaela describes painting as ‘an awakening of consciousness’ — a process that compels her to work relentlessly. Her work is never preconceived but inspired by feeling, and she urges viewers to allow her pieces to stir the emotions when looking at her paintings. She uses her art as an opportunity to experiment and enjoys finding new techniques and means of expression through painting. Michaela uses a range of mediums in her works, including acrylic, charcoal, ink and gold leaf to create pieces that are bold in their colour combination. Through her abstract figurative style, she plays with the contrast of light and shadow, incorporating a unique use of lines and shapes.






All artists work can be found at StateoftheART Gallery in Buitenkant Street, Cape Town www.stateoftheartgallery.com

Sarah Danes Jarrett was born in the United Kingdom and grew up in Zimbabwe. She completed her graphic design diploma in 1985, after which she worked in the industry in Johannesburg for some time. In 1998, Sarah left her career in graphic design to become a mother, and a few years later, she embarked on her journey as an artist.
Sarah is well known for her large-format portraits created in a blockwork brush style. Her work has been exhibited nationally, including at galleries in Durban, Cape Town and Franschhoek, as well as internationally in a group exhibition in Belgium. She has also worked on a family portrait commission in Vienna, Austria.
Sarah’s work explores the figure or the face, often portraying strong women with a direct, confrontational stare. She describes her paintings as ‘large, loud and vibrant’ and she chooses to use colours that bear no similarity to skin in an attempt to break down intimacy barriers. SV
















































































DEC 2019
Plenty of fun-filled events and activities to keep you busy! Get out there!
The Rocky Horror Show is so iconic and flamboyant a tale that it has just about achieved cult status amongst those who adore its out-of-this-world characters, costumes, and timeless songs. See it performed in living colour at the Artscape and give yourself over to absolute pleasure!
When: 6 December 2019 – 12 January 2020
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore Entry: R100 – R500 (www.computicket.com)

“OUR FAVOURITE THINGS” MARKET
Gabriëlskloof’s Our Favourite Things Market 2020 features 30+ stalls of the season’s must-have goodies, focusing on stylish, handmade, and collectable treasures, as well as superb food and great estate wines.
When: 13 – 15 December 2019
Where: Gabriëlskloof Wine Estate, R43, Bot River
Entry: Free | R100 to book a table on Friday night
Make the most of the cable car’s half price summer sunset special for locals (must present SA ID) and enjoy spellbinding views of the city and its bordering mountains, farmlands, and oceans.
When: 1 November - 18 December 2019 | 4 January - 29 February 2020
Where: Table Mountain Cable Car Station, Tafelberg Road
Entry: R150 per adult R75 per child


The historic Spier farm in Stellenbosch presents the second edition of dazzling, interactive light installations, a spectrum of artistic performances, and delicious food, picnics, and wines.
When: 8 December 2019 –19 January 2020
Where: Spier Wine Farm, Stellenbosch
Entry: R650 per couple (entry, picnic basket, and wine) R200 per adult (glass of wine) R75 per child on 8 & 9 December. All other nights are free.


SAIL AWAY ON MSC OPERA FOR THE CRUISE OF A LIFETIME

MSC Opera, a ship synonymous with luxury and elegance, will be cruising to South African in December 2020.
A cruise onboard MSC Opera features something for the entire family, from kids clubs and sports gyms to theatre shows and nightclubs to a spa and a casino.
You’ll also get to indulge your taste buds with a wide variety of all-inclusive meal options and explore exotic destinations around the southern tip of the continent.
Book your cruise today and let MSC Opera make your holiday dreams come true. msccruises.co.za , or visit your preferred travel agency


Hosted by a constellation of venues around Cape Town and the winelands, the Galileo Open Air Theatre is a summertime favourite featuring classic movies, thrilling blockbusters, food, and wine under a canopy of stars.
When: Tuesdays to Sundays until April 2020
Where: Various venues (thegalileo.co.za/venues)
Entry: R109 – R360 (www.webtickets.co.za) R130+ at the door
Expect innovative choreography, powerful storytelling, aerial gymnastics, and spectacular fire-on-ice in The Imperial Ice Stars’ new show Peter Pan on Ice. Take a journey to Neverland in this classic tale of magic and make-believe.
When: 15 January2 February 2020
Where: Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore Entry: R115 – R450 (www. computicket.com)


The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are back! Bring a picnic basket and blanket (camping chairs not allowed) and sprawl out on the lawns in front of the stage to enjoy some spectacular local and international music acts. When: Every Sunday, 18 November 2019 - 31 March 2020
Where: Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens Entry: Various (www.webtickets.co.za)
The Maynardville Park in Wynberg has earned a reputation as one of the best-loved outdoor theatre venues in the Cape. Every summer season, the unique 700-seater theatre stages, unforgettable theatrical, comedic, ballet, and musical performances.
When: 16 January – 7 March 2020
Where: Maynardville Park, Piers Road, Wynberg Entry: R180 - R240 (www.computicket.com)










Take part in Gondwana’s new three-night wilderness trail which traverses 11 000 hectares of Big Five terrain on the malaria-free game reserve. A true journey where the trail takes you to three remotely located seasonal tented camps with two full days of hiking. Your expert trail guides will intimately expose you to Gondwana’s unique biodiversity and eco systems while experiencing the Big Five and multiple species of antelope on foot. The luxurious tented camps have been pitched in idyllic locations and are exquisitely appointed, providing a well-deserved sanctuary at the end of the day. Each exclusive camp is comprised of only four guest canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms, as well as a lounge and dining tent and outdoor relaxation areas. Indulge in homemade African inspired meals with cold beverages on tap. Gondwana’s Pioneer Trail is the ultimate slack packing adventure where your belongings are moved daily between the three mobile camps allowing you to experience the dramatic Fynbos landscape with only a light day pack. You literally need to “just bring your boots” and the Pioneer Trail team will do the rest.
Special launch rate of R12 750 per person for the three night fully inclusive package!

Join the Franschhoek Vignerons at Leopards Leap Family Vineyards to celebrate the wines best enjoyed on a hot summer day, from white wines and rosés to MCCs and light style reds, accompanied by delicious food and live music. When: 1 February 2020
Where: Leopards Leap Family Vineyards, R45, Franschhoek Entry: R280 (www.webtickets.co.za)


Ultra South Africa, part of Ultra Music Festival's worldwide expansion, has become the largest annual electronic music festival in Africa. The daylong event features a line-up of local and international DJ talent. When: 28 February 2020
The V&A Silo Concert Series takes place every Friday at 19:00 and showcases the best local artists and performers, such as Don Vino and Friends, Amanda Black (left) and Wandile Mbambeni, This Thing Called Swing, and more.
When: Running until 7 February 2020
Where: Silo District, V&A Waterfront Entry: Free
Where: The Ostrich Farm, Philadelphia Entry: Tier 2 R650 | Tier 3 R750 | VIP Tier 2 R1 250 | VIP Tier 3 R1 500 (www.ultrasouthafrica.com) © Flickr


For the first time since 1994, the legendary Norwegian trio A-Ha returns to South Africa for a tour that celebrates the 35th anniversary of their debut album Hunting High And Low and its classic hit Take On Me.
When: 14 February 2020
Where: Green Point A Track, Green Point Entry: R595 – R895 (www.webtickets.co.za)
This stately lady of Steenberg delivers gutsy personality, timeless elegance, and delicious eco-conscious cuisine.
BY THEA BECKMAN




Three centuries ago, Catherina Ras from Lübeck, Germany braved the loss of her husband, a formidable ocean crossing, and the indigenous dangers of the Cape to establish a new life for herself very far from where she had come. She made the journey alone, which was virtually unheard of for women at the time, and by all accounts did so disguised as a man. In the ensuing decades, Catherina Ras, lovingly known as “Tryn”, settled in the Constantia Valley of the Cape, managed a successful farm, which was established in 1682, and outlived several husbands. Now the Cape’s very oldest farm, Steenberg, stands proud as a wine estate with a hotel, spa, golf course, and housing estate, and is a monumental testament to the indomitable spirit of Tryn. Its flagship restaurant has been named in her honour.
Previously the home of Catherina’s, Tryn was opened on 2nd September 2019 after the hotel underwent a major rejuvenation and redesign to breathe fresh life into its o ering and to better cater to the needs of today’s Cape Town bound travellers. While Tryn is worlds apart from its predecessor in terms of look and feel – being far more youthful, vibrant, and bold with its gutsy ruby and jade walls and rich burnt orange and mustard tones in the soft furnishings - the redesign has done nothing to disturb the beguiling air of history that seeps into the space.
The outcome is that Tryn is charming yet elegant, and contemporary in spirit yet steeped in history. The use of colour, modern textures, moody and smoky surfaces, and an enormous feature wall adds oodles of personality, without being ostentatious. Add to it all a touch of rustic charm with the use of stone and timber, and you’ve got the interior designer’s interpretation of Catherina Ras’ personality!


We began our meal at Tryn with a welcome drink of the Steenberg 1682 MCC Brut Chardonnay NV for me and the Steenberg “Black Swan” Sauvignon Blanc 2018 for my partner. For starters, we both decided on the scallops, sweet and cooked to tender perfection, with pea purée, cumin fritters, tender greens, and toasted almonds swimming in a vanilla bean velouté. For mains, I chose the ABALOBI ethically sourced fish, which was Cape Bream that night, served with crispy aubergine parcels, coriander, butternut nuggets, and rich lashings of harissa and rose petal sauce. I paired this with the rich, peppery, and fruity Steenberg Syrah 2016. My partner opted for the risotto of the day: garden peas, prawns, Sauvignon Blanc, Parmesan cheese, and micro herbs. In other words, the perfect ode to spring.




At the helm of Tryn is Constantia chef Kerry Kilpin, whose stratospheric culinary calibre is yet to be topped in my books. In her approach to cuisine, she honours fresh, local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients with inspiration taken from her worldly travels. Kerry is also the first chef to work with ABALOBI, a non-profit initiative that directly connects small-scale fisherfolk and restaurants in and around the Cape. This cuts out the numerous middlemen, which enables fisherfolk to receive much better compensation for their catch, while also protecting the sensitive marine environment from ruthless overfishing.
Some of the other menu options were lamb rack with pumpkin purée, English spinach, and lemon and rosemary jus; beef fillet with broccolini, potato fondant, and cognac and black pepper jus; and pork belly with courgette purée, snow peas, cabbage and apple salsa, and pineapple and passion fruit jus.
For desserts, we stared down a mouth-watering selection of sweet treats (think burnt passion fruit namelaka, warm chocolate and strawberry sphere, and sa ron poached pineapple carpaccio) but while I’m loath to admit defeat, we simply couldn’t



manage another bite. In any case, morning would bring with it a chance to experience another facet of Tryn’s menu.
If there’s one thing that can hasten the process of peeling yourself out of luxury sheets, it’s the allure of breakfast at an establishment like Tryn. Alas, we awoke to a textbook Cape storm tearing over the peninsula and so we had to sit inside, but there is an outdoor terrace engulfed in summer vineyards, which o ers a gorgeous location for breakfast, lunch, early dinners, and anytime drinks. Breakfast was no less a total spoil than dinner: I had the smoked salmon omelette and my partner, the French toast with crispy bacon, camembert cheese, and honey, washed down with copious amounts of cappuccino.
Steenberg Farm and its new signature eatery Tryn are unforgettable Cape Winelands destinations for locals and tourists alike. The farm has been a bastion of hospitality for centuries, and the latest refurbishment ensures that it will continue to do so hopefully for centuries more. I have no doubt that were Catherina Ras to return from her eternal sleep to take one last look around, she’d be brought to tears by the beautiful endurance of her living accomplishments. SV

Tryn Restaurant is open Monday to Sunday, 07:00 to 10:30 for breakfast | 12:00 to 15:00 for lunch | 18:00 to 21:30 for dinner. For bookings and enquiries, email julia.alleson@tryn.co.za or call +27 (0)21 713 7178




NEW AND REAWAKENED CAPE TOWN RESTAURANTS TO TRY THIS SUMMER.
As we roll into summer, yet another impressive collection of Cape Town restaurants are opening their doors for the very first time, while others that have been delighting patrons for decades, if not centuries in the case of the Lord Nelson Restaurant, are re-opening after a total reawakening and renovation. Here are a few brand new (and revitalised) Cape Town restaurants to try this summer.
Perched on a prime location on Camps Bay’s golden mile, Surfshack is a new contemporary seaside diner that serves up absolutely delicious classics (with a unique twist). Think: Poor Man’s lobster roll, seared ahi tuna bun, barbeque lamb chops, steak and egg, hot honey fried chicken burger, pizzas, salads, and more, all served with a side of vibey buzz in a rustic yet stylishly decorated venue. And with front row seats to one of the best sunset spots in Cape Town, it’s the newest cool kid on the Kove Collection block. A 201 The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay, C +27 (0)21 437 1802 | info@surfshackdiner.co.za




With its ornate ceilings, plush botanical tapestries, woodpanelled walls, and first-class chairs that once belonged to the iconic Union-Castle Line ships, the timelessly elegant Lord Nelson Restaurant at the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel lovingly preserves the old-world romance and glamour of high-end dining. Here, fine food presented tableside, top Cape and international wines, and service perfection are delivered in an establishment that has hosted a constellation of local and international stars, including former President Nelson Mandela.
A Belmond Mount Nelson Restaurant, 76 Orange Street, Gardens C +27 (0)21 483 1000 | reservations.mnh@belmond.com
Inspired by Cape Town’s fynbos, oceans, vineyards, and mountains, Cause|E ect is an experiential cocktail kitchen and brandy bar with a formidable reputation for serving a mean and totally creative cocktail. Now, they’ve opened their second cocktail kitchen, this time at the V&A Waterfront, where guests can indulge in seasonally inspired cocktails accompanied by delicious canapés and small plates. From prawn toast with miso mayo, beef tartar, and cheese and charcuterie boards to Korean chicken tacos, umami beef burgers, and more, there isn’t a palate that Cause|E ect doesn’t cater for.
A The Rocket Shed, 280 Dock Road, V&A Waterfront C +27 (0)21 422 0266 | kurtcocktail@icloud.com







Bombay Brasserie at the historic Taj Cape Town has been transformed after a massive renovation and expansion. Named after the cosmopolitan Indian city, Bombay Brasserie serves a fine dining interpretation of Indian street food with influences borrowed from right across the Indian subcontinent. These, under the stewardship of Executive Chef David Tilly, are blended seamlessly with authentic Cape Town flair and flavour. The décor is sumptuous and heady with exoticism, while the brand-new Bombay Brasserie Bar serves an extensive range of cocktails, beers, wines, and spirits. Refreshed, expanded and refurbished, Bombay Brasserie transports patrons to the heart of India without having to leave Cape Town’s inner city.
A Taj Cape Town, 1 Wale Street, Cape Town C +27 (0)21 819 2000 SV



BY PIET SMEDY.
ARCHITECTS: SAOTA
INTERIOR DESIGNERS: CECILE & BOYD
LANDSCAPING: NICHOLAS WHITEHORN LANDSCAPE DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHER: ADAM LETCH



Accessed from Kloof Road, which winds along the western slopes of Lion’s Head, this site is positioned in the windprotected suburb of Clifton.
Years before any development was introduced, this slope was conceivably covered by indigenous forest and fynbos.
Today, however, the area is developed and enjoys spectacular views over the sandy beaches, boulder outcrops, and Twelve Apostles mountains towards the south and sunset views over the Atlantic Ocean.
The first aspect of the project that required addressing was the steep slope that would have to be excavated to accommodate the structure. The home was
conceived as an arrangement of staggered blocks that rise along the side of the mountain, with the upper, private levels becoming appropriately shielded from both visibility and street-level noise.
‘The conceptual approach to the design was to reinstate the qualities of a natural landscape,’ says architect Phillippe Fouché of South African architectural firm SAOTA, who lead the project. The lower part of the building, an independent apartment, is then expressed as ‘a heavy stone plinth’, its gabion-walled exterior and cocooning interior of dark-stained oak and o shutter concrete reflecting the strata of the mountainside out of which they emerge. On top of this is a transitional space that




is expressed as a green terrace and braai area, representative of what would have been the landscape’s foliage level. All levels of the house are connected via a sculptural timber staircase, like a folded ribbon that, appropriate to the home’s design narrative, gradually lightens in tone as it rises.















A vertically slatted box hovers over the terrace, allowing the forest bushwillow trees below to grow into this level, with screens that can be opened or closed to adjust the amount of natural light filtering into the interior, ‘as if you were sitting in the shade of a large tree’. The structure was engineered from a durable yet lightweight aluminium in a finish that mimics the di erent tones of bark, a durable solution to weathering Cape Town’s unpredictable seasons.
‘Above this, the living level is set back considerably to follow the slope of the mountain, resulting in added privacy and acoustic bu ering while creating the perception that one is on a platform, connected to the surrounding views,’ says Phillippe. ‘The space is visually extended via the introduction of a courtyard towards the mountainside, which allows for ventilation, light and, again, an opportunity for planting.’ The concrete ceiling of this level, shuttered with rough-sawn planks, championing its raw texture. This emphasis on natural materiality






can also be seen in the wooden floors and timber-clad scullery in this space. The scullery also forms the base of a mezzanine-level private study, which is accessed via a bridge that spans the length of the room.
The uppermost level, the master bedroom, sits above the tree-tops and as such the materials – white marble, pale timber – and use of skylights express a feeling of air and openness while fold-away glass walls welcome in the full expanse of the view. SV















































































































































A gorgeously colourful house in Soller, on the island of Mallorca, is the vibrant holiday home of Spanish designer and creative director Damián Sanchez.





Ask designer, decorator and Mango creative director Damián Sánchez about his favourite spot in his vibrant, contemporary holiday home, and the answer comes quickly. ‘Definitely the space where the oak table sits beneath the magnolia,’ he says, ‘although I do spend lots of time in my kitchen when I’m here, preparing my signature dish, los arroces.’

This is the sort of vacation home that’s the complete antithesis of the rustic shack: it’s elegant, exquisitely decorated and appointed, and every aspect of it has been as carefully thought through as the equivalent part of an urban residence. The result is that whether you want to celebrate a special birthday with a group of friends, spend half a day crafting something special in the kitchen, or indeed simply relax under that magnolia tree, this house will come to the party.
The stone-clad, three-storey structure, which is situated just outside Soller on the idyllic island of Mallorca, needed a complete renovation when Damián bought it in 2009. ‘There had to be a total reorganisation of space, as well as the renovation of the bathrooms and paving of some areas – plus a big update was made to the garden too,’ he says. ‘My aim was to create a space that reflected its roots in the


countryside in which it’s set, but also had the comfort of a more modern home.’
Arrive at the house today, and once you have navigated your way through the manicured grounds (filled with fruit trees that were once part of the extensive orchards that long existed on the property), the ground-floor entrance hall provides a warm welcome. Also, on the ground level are the living room – which was reconfigured to lead directly out onto the beautifully laid out and furnished patio and pool areas – as well as the dining room, kitchen and pantry.
Trained as an industrial and interior designer, Damián has been working in this field for 25 years and his design experience is very much in evidence. The entrance hall and living room are spacious and elegant and feature confident splashes of colour – especially red – that add plenty of energy. Boldly embroidered and patterned scatter cushions – from one of Damián’s design ventures, the online decor store A Casa Bianca – are piled on the couches; the living room hearth is accented by a stunning red artwork and a bright red sculpture, and gleaming chandeliers adorn the space too. The work of Mallorcan artisans also features here, with locally sourced objects ranging from a set of red ceramic pomegranates to a range of beautifully simple lead-crystal candleholders.
The state-of-the-art kitchen is somewhat quieter in terms of colour, but a collection of handmade ceramic plates (discovered by Damián at the famous Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen flea market in Paris) adorns one wall, adding a vibrant and artisanal touch to an otherwise sleek, smart space. The plates are, he says, among his favourite items in the house. In the adjacent
dining room, the bold pops of bright red return in the form of a set of classic metal Tolix chairs.
In Damián’s first-floor study, a classic Eames o ce chair (in a shade that’s pretty close to that of MAC’s iconic Ruby Woo lipstick) and artwork by Eduard Arbós add yet more pillar-box-crimson touches to the house. Like many fashion people, he clearly adores this bold and energising hue. ‘My life has always been linked to the decoration of houses,’ Damián says, ‘and this has been intertwined with my experience in the fashion world, which started with my work at Mango [where he was creative director for many years].’
The two guest bedrooms on the first floor, which both have en suite bathrooms, are furnished in a slightly more low-key style. Here, as in the main bedroom upstairs, e ortless elegance is the key phrase. The top floor is a single, restful, open-plan room featuring the sleeping space, a dressing area and bathroom – complete with a luxurious tub from which views of the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains

can be contemplated. Handmade linen and rugs, a rustic brass chandelier and chunky wooden furniture in the sleeping area are o set by sleek, ultracontemporary fittings in the bathing space. Initially attracted to Soller by ‘the tranquillity, the scenery, the friendliness of the people of the area, and especially the light,’ Damián says that he comes here ‘anytime that I have a break in my work, and I always try to spend a few days here over Christmas, Easter and in summer’. Not that he has much spare time – Damián’s latest project, based in Barcelona and launched in August 2015 with business partner and fellow interior designer Alfons Tost, is called Alfons & Damián. It’s an interiors shop, art gallery and interior design studio that, he says, treats every project as ‘a new challenge’ and specialises in giving clients ‘unique solutions’. But no matter how busy his various business ventures become, Damián’s house at Soller will no doubt remain a place to retreat for much-needed rest and relaxation – as well as an ongoing source of inspiration. SV



The prestigious Akasha development occupies a magical space on the west coast of Mauritius with its ocean views and mountainous backdrops. A purchase of one of these outstanding villas secures your spot in the protected reserve.

• Prime location near Tamarina Golf Course
• Modern interiors
• Manicured garden with swimming pool
• Close to the beach and leisure parks
• Sought-after river frontage and sea views
• Ecofriendly living
• World-class amenities on site
• 3 bedroom villa available from EUR 680,000



Left: The living room features two sitting areas: on the left-hand side of the room a pair of Flexform couches sit atop a Turkish rug and are piled with scatter cushions from online store A Casa Bianca, which homeowner Damián Sánchez launched three years ago
Below: On the right-hand side of the living room, the furniture is grouped around a steel fireplace. The rug is Turkish, and the cushions on the couches are also from A Casa Bianca. The wroughtiron chandelier is French, the red metal sculpture is by Carlos Evangelista and the red artwork is by Günther Förg
Below left: In the kitchen, the central island is made of black flamed granite and the fronts of the cabinet units, which were made by Danish manufacturers Dinesen, are Douglas fir. The Nautic glass and metal pendant light are from Tekna. The collection of plates displayed on the wall was found at Marché aux Puces de St-Ouen flea market in Paris; they are among homeowner Damián Sánchez’s favourite items in the house



and
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up the entire second floor
made by



















































































































4 Bedroom house for sale in Plattekloof
Plattekloof / R21.5 million
Bedrooms 4 / Bathrooms 4 / Garages 5 / This magnificent masterpiece offers optimal positioning, being nestled against Tygerberg Nature Reserve with views over the whole of the Cape Peninsula, Table Mountain and the City. Easy access to the airport, City center and beaches as well as the Wine Routes. Elegance personifies this beautiful home. Indoor and outdoor entertainment areas open onto a pool patio, bar, five reception areas and a well-appointed gourmet kitchen. Its many outstanding features include a main bedroom with its own private lounge, a dressing room and bathroom, together with three spacious double en-suite bedrooms and study, a separate one bedroom guest flat automated garaging for 4 to 5 vehicles. Ref# 1PLA1164945
Penny Petersen 083 261 7339 / Gishma Ally 082 784 5808




Baronetcy Estate / POA
Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 5 / Garages 3 / From the moment you enter this contemporary grand design, you are swept away by the simply perfect layout, views and superior quality finishes. Cool, calm and sophisticated with a youthful edge, this functional home is enveloped in nature, natural light and comfort. Warm inviting walls, imported solid oak floors along with high ceilings create a style as elegant as Table Mountain. The calming vista, captured through the extensive use of double glazed European sliding doors and windows, will help you forget your busy working days. The sleek and stylish kitchen is the heart of the home and flows through to the dining room, entertainers lounge, soft lounge and onto the patio’s with sparkling pool. The second level floor plan encompasses four spacious bedrooms, four luxurious bathrooms, a family lounge and a study. The master bedroom, complete with walk-in robe and ensuite, ensures privacy and majestic views, with a private balcony. Perfect for a family or as a holiday retreat for the foreign national.
Pierre Nel 076 967 3766 / Ronald Greentree 061 261 4848

Wellness trends come and go, but these ones look set to stay.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL


Every year, new trends emerge, and the wellness industry is no di erent — we’ve seen fads come and go when it comes to the best exercises, foods and behaviours for optimal health. But as the health and wellness industry continues to grow, so too does the body of research surrounding physical and mental wellbeing. Read on to find out more about three of the trends that look like they’ll be around in the next year.
Here in South Africa, we’ve actually had a number of meat alternatives available to us for years, but the industry continues to grow. Now, some new innovators on the plant-based scene are making an impression with their meat-free products, and it’s a trend that seems to be catching on around the world. One of the most notable of these is Beyond Meat, a company that has been making a name for itself globally for a while. The products, which are free of soy, gluten, cholesterol, GMO, hormones and antibiotics, are now available on our shores and you can get your fix at the Vegan Street Food ZA Stall at the Bay Harbour Market in Hout Bay, the Vegan Protein stand at the Vegan Goods Markets in and around Cape Town, and at selected Hudsons’ branches, to name a few. With the rise of veganism, a number of new brands are set to enter the market in the coming year.














It’s becoming increasingly clear that sleep plays a key role in one’s overall wellbeing, and that it has an important impact on mental wellness, as well as physical health. When the wearable tech trend first took hold some years ago, many of us became familiar with sleep tracking. But, as sleep deprivation remains a concern, the wellness industry has seen some further innovation that’s set to help us get the rest we need. Blue light blocking glasses are gaining popularity — they reportedly work by filtering out the active blue light that promotes wakefulness and which is associated with extended periods of screen time. Other gadgets that are designed to promote sleep (and make waking up easier) include red LED night lights — research shows that the colour red promotes good quality sleep; white noise and sound masking machines; and sleep and wake up lights that essentially replace traditional alarm clocks and work on the concept that our bodies naturally wake up with the sun.




Mindfulness apps have been in high demand for the last few years, and this global interest in attaining calm has now seen a rise in apps that teach breathing techniques specifically. In fact, results generated from Google Trend show that there has been a 219 percent increase in searches related to breathing apps this year. Studies have revealed that breathing techniques can help to calm the mind, while also increasing energy levels and even improving cognitive function, and the value of these findings is gaining mainstream acknowledgement. Some of the most popular and award-winning apps include Calm, which o ers breathing techniques, calming exercises and a mindful walking meditation; The Breathing App, which focuses on breathing and its physiological benefits; and Breathe, which is a mindfulness app that encourages you to breathe in rhythm with an on-screen animation. If you prefer a more personal approach, you might consider enrolling in the Happiness Programme, which is o ered regularly at Art of Living Centres around the country. The course teaches breathing techniques to help reduce stress and raise energy levels, and also includes some easy yoga poses and guided meditations. SV




Ah, summer! Is there any better season to enjoy a meal outdoors with family and friends? Chef Charmaine Lilje has created a menu that’s sure to impress. Start the day with a tasty and nutritious breakfast bowl, and then serve up a deliciously rich grilled salmon dish for lunch or dinner. If you’re hosting a get-together, you’ll definitely want to try the recipe for boozy popsicles — they’re ideal for the warmer weather and are sure to put you in a party mood!


Ingredients
2 handfuls of mixed summer lettuce
1 ripe tomato cubed
½ red onion cubed
1 ripe avocado, sliced
½ cup dried chickpeas soaked in water overnight until soft, drained
2 spring onions
roughly chopped
¼ cup sundried tomatoes
100ml olive oil
20ml balsamic vinegar
20ml soy sauce
½ lemon juiced
Salt and pepper
1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds
½ tsp smoked paprika
2 eggs, fried Toasted ciabatta for the side
Method
1 Prepare the above

ingredients as mentioned
2 Assemble the breakfast bowl covering the base of the bowl with summer lettuce
3 Place the tomato, red onion, avocado, chickpeas, spring onions and sundried tomatoes in a circular pattern on top of the lettuce
4 Mix the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce and lemon juice and lightly drizzle over the salad; season to taste

5 Top the salad with pumpkin seeds and a light sprinkling of smoked paprika
6 Fry 2 eggs (1 per person, or more) to your liking and lay on top of the bowl
7 Serve with toasted ciabatta bread

Ingredients
6 portions of salmon fillet
Salt and pepper
300ml olive oil
2 lemons, juiced
50g dill, chopped
100g radish washed and thinly sliced
100g cherry tomatoes, halve
200g asparagus
60ml soy sauce
60ml balsamic vinegar
Optional: 500g baby potatoes; 175g pomegranate rubies
Method
1 Preheat the oven on convection to 180C
2 Score the skin of the salmon 4 times, cutting a little into the flesh
3 Season generously and rub the olive oil, lemon juice and the dill into the skin and scores
4 Place the fish on a baking tray lined with tin foil
5 Bake for 20 minutes uncovered, remove from the oven
6 While the fish is cooking, slice the radishes into rounds and halve the cherry tomotoes
7 Grill the asparagus over high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, or to desired tenderness
8 Plate the asapargus, tomatoes and radishes and top with the backed salmon
9 Mix the soy sauce and balsamic vinegar together and lightly drizzle over the fish
10 Serve with roasted baby potatoes and a sprinkling of pomegranate rubies
Chef Charmaine Lilje has a passion for food and hospitality, and her two eateries are certainly testament to this. Chardonnay Deli is a firm local favourite in Constantia, while Dalebrook Café is making its mark in Kalk Bay since opening earlier this year.
On the menu at Dalebrook Café, you’ll find plenty of breakfast options, including healthy bowls, omelettes and fresh oysters, but it’s also well worth sticking around to see the lunch menu. Choices include mixed mushroom penne with lemon, cream and mozzarella; falafel bowl with roasted aubergine, brown rice, hummus, slaw and salsa; and a health salad with new potatoes and salmon or free-range chicken. Dalebrook Café is now open for dinner too (Friday and Saturday’s only), relax with live music and a plate (or 3!) of delicious food.
If you find yourself in Constantia, don’t miss the chance to pop into Chardonnay Deli for a slice of cake, all of which are baked fresh on-site — choose between options like vegan coconut cake with espresso; nutty vegan cake with peanut butter and banana icing; baked cheesecakes; sugar-free carrot cake; lemon and yoghurt cake; and chocolate cake with buttercream, caramel and ganache. SV





BOOZY POPSICLES: WATERMELON & GIN

Ingredients
500ml fresh watermelon juice (blend fresh fruit without the pips or skin or juice using a juicer)
100ml gin of your choice
1 lime juiced
2 mint leaves thinly sliced
Method
1 Mix all the ingredients together
2 Pour the mixture evenly between 6 popsicle moulds
3 Freeze overnight
4 Serve and enjoy SERVES 6








Gifting at its best 2019/2020













Designed with essential lines, this piece shows the highest attention to detail with relief numerals and glow-in-thedark details. The strap materials are inspired by a vintage metropolitan lifestyle, which makes for a trendy look.
R5 950




HIM
A great choice for divers, this piece is water-resistant up to a pressure of 30 bar (300 metres) and features a screwdown crown and and case back. Other models also include a ceramic bezel.
R7 900




Inspired by racing sports, this timepiece has full racing chronograph features on a brushed black dial, red flange and details, rhodium plating and SuperLumiNova to enhance readability at top speeds and low light conditions.




R23 500

This hardy o ering from Seiko has a stainless-steel case with an automatic movement, as well as a three-fold clasp with a secure lock, push and button release.
R5 999













Ideal for those who live an active lifestyle, this smartwatch can track it all and help you reach your health and fitness goals. It’s available in several colours, including a stylish white with rose-gold hardware.
R5 799





FOR HER FREDERIQUE CONSTANT
With a leather strap and silver, guilloche decoration and printed Roman numerals on the dial, this timepiece makes an elegant statement.
R9 995











FOR HIM ORIS DIVERS SIXTY-FIVE

The Divers Sixty-Five from Oris takes its inspiration from the brand’s iconic 1965 model. With a vintage aesthetic, the new pieces are engineered using stateof-the-art manufacturing techniques.
R32 000






HER


The Longines Conquest Classic boasts scratchresistant sapphire crystal glass, diamond hour markers and polished silver hands.
R18 000
A gift that never goes out of style.





FOR HIM





The Classic Quartz from Frederique Constant features a silver-coloured dial with Clou de Paris decoration and hand-applied silver-coloured indexes, while the hour and minute hands are all hand-polished.
R11 995



FOR HER
Available in a range of sizes and colour combinations, this striking timepiece features a sparkle of diamonds on the dial, as well as a sapphire crystal for scratch-resistant shine.
R20 200

“A good timepiece is an expression of style and elegance.”



















Presented in a striking bottle, this fragrance is fresh and spicy. Expect notes of allspice, Haitian vetiver and tobacco.
100ml Eau de Parfum | R1 595

Must-have fragrances for the season.








Designed to find a balance between urban life and nature, this fragrance combines woody barks, resins and essences with spicy notes like citrus zest and coriander leaves.
100ml Eau de Parfum | R1 680








A warm and spicy scent, this fragrance features top notes of lavender, chilli pepper and cilantro. Middle notes include anise, geranium and cinnamon, while the base notes are rich leather, clove and patchouli.
75ml Eau de Parfum | R4 515 leather, clove and patchouli.





Intensely woody, this fragrance features a unique combination of notes, including lemon caviar, black pepper, rosewood, grey amber and leather accord.








100ml Eau de Parfum R1 395

Fresh and masculine, this fragrance contains spicy notes like bergamot, pink pepper and sa ron. Inspired by the beauty of the desert, the fragrance also features notes of Arabian oud.
100ml Eau de Parfum R2 995























A beautiful, feminine scent, this fragrance combines floral notes of rose, jasmine and gardenia with earthy base notes like sandalwood, musk and patchouli essence.
90ml Eau de Parfum R1 505

The perfect combination of woody and floral, this fragrance contains notes of pink pepper, chestnut cream, vanilla and sandalwood. It’s an ideal choice for those who want something equally casual and elegant.
100ml Eau de Parfum | R1 615


Inspired by Madagascar’s vanilla, this fragrance includes notes of bergamot, mandarin and neroli. It’s ideal for those who love a sweet and spicy scent.

A sensual and seductive choice, this fragrance is characterised by its rich musk scent and notes of Bulgarian rose and iris.
90ml Eau de Parfum | R2 095

“Perfumes are the feelings of flowers.”



180ml Eau de Parfum R4 680




Beautifully presented in a floral bottle, this fragrance is inspired by the Chinese goddess of flowers and one of the region’s most precious plants, the osmanthus. The scent is floral, fruity and sweet with notes of orange blossom and peach.
100ml Eau de Parfum R1 595
In a world that is increasingly driven by over-mechanization and cheap imports, it is rare to find a company that has maintained its initial vision: to be people-focused, quality-first and to operate responsibly. This is what sets Mungo apart from large-scale manufacturers and retailers - big thinking with a family business ethos.


FROM ITS EARLY one-man beginnings in 1998, Mungo has grown to a team of almost 100. But their commitment to producing quality homeware textiles remains the same. Their natural fibre products are inspired by both traditional pattern cards and contemporary designs, woven with enduring appeal.
All Mungo textiles are woven from natural fibresthey are soft, breathable and last longer - at their mill in Plettenberg Bay. Erected in 2017, the Mungo Mill is an architecturally astounding monument to weaving, open to the public in a nothing-to-hide act of transparency.
Visitors to the mill have first witness to the age-old art of textile making, and the traditional weaving technology in use: in addition to more modern power looms, much of the Mungo range is woven on antique shuttle looms. The charm of these old machines is that the slower weaving speed allows for a loftier handle and, as in the case of the Lisburn Linen or pure linen Selvedge Serviettes, generates a true selvedge - a tightly woven, self-finished edge that requires no extra hemming or finishing.
The Mungo range includes everyday bath, bed, table and kitchen classics with lasting appeal. They are also

proudly one of the few remaining linen weavers in the country, weaving the highest quality bed linen from pure Italian-spun flax. But it is perhaps their unique flat weaves that have made Mungo a household namecharacteristically lightweight and quick-drying towels woven in an array of contemporary and classic designs.
And in keeping with their core values to work symbiotically with people and planet, Mungo continues to rethink and refine their design process - most evident by the recent launch of a 100% organic towel: The Aegean.
Recognising a responsibility to give back to those that enable them to flourish, Mungo opened their CSR program, MOVE, in 2018. Through MOVE they pledge 1% of their annual turnover to projects and causes that reduce environmental impact, and support social development, in the Plettenberg Bay community.
The full Mungo range can be found at mungo.co.za or at one of their three South African stores: Old Nick Village in Plettenberg Bay
78 Hout Street in Cape Town
44 Stanley, Milpark in Joburg



The Huile Prodigieuse Multi-Purpose Dry Oil is enriched with seven precious botanical oils. This iconic dry oil repairs and beautifies the face, body and hair, featuring a nourishing formula made up of a combination of Tsubaki, sweet almond, camellia, borage, hazelnut, macadamia and argan oils.
100ml, R495 per bottle
The Jane Tote, made from premium Timberland leather, comes with a durable zip and an easy access back pocket, while the interior also features an inside zip pocket and two additional jet pockets, ideal for valuables. The Jane comes in two colour variations — Fudge and Kalahari.
R2 295




Beauty and taste combine in the Carmien Gift Box filled with three teas in delicious flavours! Each tea is packed in see-through pyramid teabags showing the various coarse-cut floral, fruity or spicy rooibos blends. This gift box sees flavours including Orange Chamomile, Turkish Delight, and Creamy Mint.
R130 for gift box, excluding the teapot. Cast iron teapots are R440 each; double wall glass cups R40 each








The Trendsetter collection by Nomination is crafted in stainless steel and embellished with precious finishes in yellow and rose gold for her, or sterling silver detailing, brilliant gemstones and enamel for him.
From R999






This range of reusable co ee cups is made with natural and sustainable bamboo fibre. The cups are light and easy to drink from and come in a variety of beautiful designs.

R201 per cup including sleeve


































This beautiful Mundaca necklace features two golden circles that float between vibrant colours and is made with braid rope that has been hand wrapped with wax thread and embellished with gold lurex thread. The necklace comes in three colour variations.

R1 150





This recipe book includes a tempting range of recipes inspired by Rick Stein’s travels through rural France. The focus is on simple fare and fresh ingredients — think raspberry tarts, croque monsieur, and tomato and aubergine tarte tatin.
R495
Created by Charlie Mackesy, this illustrated book includes beautiful images and an inspiring narrative featuring the artist’s quartet of characters. It’s an exploration of friendship and the life lessons the unlikely group learn together.
R365


“Happiness is ... a gift from an unexpected person.”
The beautifully versatile collection of Turkish towels from The Cotton Company is created by a small familyrun team of artisans in the Aegean region of Turkey. Each product is lovingly crafted to perfection and adds a touch of elegance to everyday living.
From R519 each












Starting from R165


KURO-Bō creates products that are used in a natural water filtration technique that originates in ancient Japan. The range includes glass bottles and water purifying sticks and kōins made from activated charcoal as well as a KURO-Bō Gō-Ecō natural cleaning brush. This Starter Pack is the ideal first step to moving away from harmful and expensive single-use plastic bottles.












Produced in Cape Town, this tequila-style spirit is made from organic Mexican agave, which is fermented and distilled on site at Hope Distillery.

500ml | R434 per bottle
Available in Black Honey and Vanilla, Musgrave brandy is crafted to be the ‘bourbon’ of the brandy world. Both options boast subtle flavours and a distinctly African palate.
750ml | R489 per bottle

By poolside or gift-giving, these make a perfect choice.


Aged for 8 years in Barbados and subtly infused with lush natural floral extracts. Suncamino was developed by 3 Capetonian friends who work with a distiller in Barbados to produce this beautifully light and easy-drinking rum that is blended and bottled in Cape Town.
500ml | R299 per bottle
This triple blend whiskey is smooth and gentle, boasting floral flavours and spicy notes. Expect some citrus and biscuit flavours, as well as a vanilla finish.




750ml | R259 per bottle







A mix of three Speyside single malts, Monkey Shoulder whisky, is easy drinking, thanks to its smooth sweetness. Expect a character rich in vanilla, honey, orange and oak. World’s Top Trending and Best Selling Scotch Whisky by Drinks International 2019.
750ml | R349 per bottle


“I want my toes in the sand



Infused with natural flavours, this limited release from Hendrick’s is light and crisp. Expect floral essences ideal for summer cocktails.
750ml | R449 per bottle







Produced on the Blaauwklippen Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, this is South Africa’s first Zinfandel-infused gin. It’s a beautiful crimson red in colour and o ers warm, spicy flavours.
750ml | R425 per bottle















Created on the foothills of a volcano in the Philippines, Don Papa sherry cask rum has a dry, nutty nose with a rich and fruity taste.


750ml | R455 per bottle


















Made using their own organically infused, unique distilled gin, Ginny Fowl gin is surprisingly dry with sweet astringency of hibiscus and naartjie. Serve with frozen naartjie segments, 1:4 ratio gin to tonic, with ice and Indian tonic.



750ml | R380 per bottle















and a cocktail in my hand.”



Spicy and smooth, this rum boasts an aroma of to ee, clove and allspice, while favour notes include vanilla, ginger and peppercorns. The result is smooth and bold.
750ml | R379 per bottle




Matured in first-fill bourbon casks, the Auchentoshan American Oak whisky is fruity and rich with elements of cinnamon, grapefruit and coconut.
750ml | R345 per bottle





This premium distilled nonalcoholic spirit is infused with a range of botanicals and can be enjoyed with soda water or tonic. With no added sweeteners, this drink is truly guilt-free. Cape Spice has an earthy mouthfeel with ingredients including whole peppercorns, buchu leaves, cloves, cardamom seeds, orange and lemon. And their fairly new release, the Cape Citrus, is infused with delicious nartjie, lemon, orange and grapefruit flavours.
750ml | R250 per bottle



This alcohol-free o ering from John Ross is made with virgin distilled botanicals, including the essence of South African Honeybush, juniper, rose, lavender, angelica root, lime and coriander. They have also recently won the Michelangelo Award for best non-alcoholic spirit in South Africa.
750ml | R349 per bottle




Seedlip is a sophisticated nonalcoholic spirit alternative. Seedlip Spice is a blend of aromatic Jamaican allspice, berry and cardamom. Seedlip Garden flavour is made with handpicked peas and homegrown hay for a floral blend. Both can be enjoyed with tonic for a refreshing cocktail.
700ml | R499 per bottle






























These beautifully packaged, premium distilled organic and natural botanical essences captures the true spirit of gin without the hangover. You only need a single shot of the award-winning, pure concentrated flavour to make the perfect guilt-free g&t.
500ml | R380 per bottle












This range of alcohol-free wines includes a rosé, red, white, and sparkling option. Each bottle portrays the complexity and elegance of a premium wine, and the range is crafted using modern techniques.
From R65 per bottle





Frederique Constant: Picot & Moss | 011 669 0500
Garmin: 011 251 9999 | www.garmin.com/en-ZA/
Longines: Tanur Collection | V&A Waterfront | 021 418 5524
Oris: 011 883 2215 | www.bellagiojewellers.co.za
Rado: 011 911 1200 | www.rado.com


Seiko: Watch Works | V&A Waterfront | 021 418 4702
TAG Heuer Boutiques: V&A Waterfront | 021 421 8539 | Sandton City | 011 784 7422
Tissot: 011 911 1200 | www.tissotwatches.com
Wenger: 011 4482210 | www.luxco.co.za
Acqua Di Parma: available in selected Foschini and Skins Cosmetics stores
Bulgari: available at Woolworths, Foschini and Edgars stores
Carmien Tea: 022 921 8900 | www.carmientea.co.za

Eco ee Cup: www.tipto.co.za
Freedom of Movement: www.freedomofmovement.co.za
KURO-Bō: 072 569 5523 | www.kuro-bo.com
Nomination: www.nomination.com








NUXE: Available at select Woolworths, Truworths & Foschini stores
Pichulik: www.pichulik.com
Rick Stein’s Secret France: www.exclusivebooks.co.za

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse: www.exclusivebooks.co.za
The Cotton Company: www.thecottoncompany.co.za
Abstinence: Pick n Pay Liquor stores nationwide


Coach: available at Woolworths, Foschini and Edgars stores
Dunhill: available in selected Edgars, Foschini, Truworths and Woolworths stores
Grands Crus by Berdoues: Exclusive to select Foschini stores
Jimmy Choo: available in Edgars, Foschini, and Truworths stores
Memo: Skins Cosmetics (Sandton and V&A Waterfront)


Narciso: available at Woolworths, Foschini, Edgars and Truworths storess
Zadig & Voltaire: available at selected Woolworths, Foschini and Edgars stores
Auchentoshan: www.bottleshop.co.za
Blaauwklippen: www.blaauwklippen.com
Don Papa: available at premium bottle stores | www.trumanandorange.com
Ginny Fowl: Kommetjie, 078 395 0023 | www.ginnyfowl.com | www.yuppiechef.com
Hendrick’s: Makro | Norman Goodfellows
Hope Esperanza: www.bottleshop.co.za
John Ross: www.yuppiechef.com
Lautus: selected Woolworths stores | www.drinklautus.com
Monkey Shoulder: Makro | Norman Goodfellows

Musgrave Copper: Pick n Pay Liquor stores nationwide
Seedlip: available at premium bottle stores | www.trumanandorange.com
Suncamino: www.yuppiechef.com

The Kraken: available at premium bottle stores | www.trumanandorange.com
Tullamore: Makro | Norman Goodfellows
VerGin: www.verginsa.co.za






























































































































































































































































South Africa’s wine o ering includes over 8 000 di erent units, varying in prices, styles and types of packaging.
BY EMILE JOUBERT
South Africa’s wine industry boasts some serious diversity — particularly in a country that only makes four percent of the world’s wine. This gives one an idea of the plethora of brands available to the local consumer.
Our wine diversity is fantastic, as it underscores the excitement and variety of an industry that is not resting on its laurels. New vineyard sites are still being discovered, broadening the terroirdriven o ering of the country’s wines. Producers are experimenting with relatively newer cultivars, such as Alvarinho, Assyrtiko, Alicante Bouschet and Verdelho — to name a few. And winemakers are pushing the envelope, embracing okilter winemaking techniques such as amphora maturation, skin-contact and carbonic maceration. When it comes to wines in South Africa, there is certainly a lot going on. But when selecting a few wines to represent the greatness the country has to o er, one tends to revert to the classics — wines that have stood the test of time and whose provenance and consistency of quality have earned them recognition in any part of the wine-loving world.




Right on top of the classics list would have to be Vin de Constance from Klein Constantia, one of the world’s most famous wines that happen to originate from the Cape. The story of the sweet wines from Constantia wooing the royal courts of Europe in the 18th and 19th centuries, inspiring authors such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens as well as providing joy to the last days of Napoleon while he was exiled on St Helena, is well-known. These stories have definitely helped play a role in creating a legend around the Vin de Constance that few other wines have privy to. Add the classic 500ml antique bottle in which the wine is presented, and you have a legend in a bottle before the thing is even opened. My interest, however, lies with the stu inside the
bottle, and here the Vin de Constance’s image is complemented by the juice, which happens to be one of the best sweet wines on earth. Made from Muscat de Frontignan, one of the original grape varieties Jan van Riebeeck planted shortly after settling in the Cape in 1652, Vin de Constance has perfected the art of creating a wine that is both decadently sweet and naturally fresh and alluring.
Unlike the sticky fortified Muscadel wines also made from this grape, Vin de Constance’s honeyed opulence comes from harvesting Muscat grapes that are at the overripe, raisin-stage. The wine is fermented and aged in barrel, undergoing a strict process of selection that ensures that quality standards are met.
Vin de Constance 2015 is currently on the market, and while the wine can age for five decades or more, even at such a youthful stage, its greatness is evident. Pale gold with a slight hue of autumn leaf, the wine exudes a perfume of rose-petals, cinnamon and tobacco, all of which are very subtle. The taste is sweet — all dried peach, poached pear and fresh apricot. But the beauty lies in the structure, the lifea rming fresh acidity that breaks through the opulent sweet layer to provide an invigorating, luscious zest. If Napoleon did not survive this wine, nobody would.


The fact that Meerlust Rubicon is another statuesque South African classic has been witnessed by my travels, as well as through conversations with wine buyers and restaurateurs around the world. This Bordeaux-style red blended wine originated in 1980 from the Meerlust Estate in Stellenbosch, which has been in the Myburgh family since 1756 — the kind of historical lineage that plays a role in giving any wine a modicum of respect. Throw in a dramatic black label and a ballsy, confident name such as Rubicon, and this wine too has ‘Big Hitter’ written all over it, before the cork is pulled.
The Rubicon 2016 is blended from Cabernet Sauvignon (49%), Merlot (28%), Cabernet Franc (20%) with a splash of Petit Verdot (3%), and stylistically it is definitely one of the top red wines from South Africa.
When Nico Myburgh, father of current Meerlust-owner Hannes, conceptualised the Rubicon in the late 1970s, the idea of a classic Bordeauxstyled wine was top of mind. And today this is what drives the wine — a pristinely OldWorld purity continues to characterise it and underscores the fact that of all the New World wine countries, South Africa’s umbilical cord to the old European classics remains the firmest.
From the purple-black colour to the aroma of pine needle, graphite and stewed prunes, Rubicon wears a regal crown and a cloak of elegance.
Being a bit young, I decanted the 2016 and left the wine to gasp at some air before drinking. The flavours were a harmonious combination of sour cherry, plums and mulberry with just an edge of fynbos to add a desired touch of the exotic and the adventurous.
But the beauty lies in the long, lean tannins that give the wine a captivating presence of aligned red wine flavours and a memorable finish. The Rubicon 2016 might not be as loud and commanding of presence as the 2015, but it is still a truly formidable wine.
No talk of great South African wine is going to be complete without mentioning the P-word, namely Pinotage. This homegrown grape began in 1924 as a crossing between Pinot Noir and Hermitage (Cinsault), with the first commercial release being the Lanzerac 1959.
For greatness in Pinotage, I am selecting the Diemersdal Pinotage Reserve 2018 . Perhaps not as well known for Pinotage as Kanonkop or Beyerskloof, Diemersdal Estate in Durbanville has proven it’s a class act by winning an Absa Top 10 Pinotage Trophy for the eighth time this year.
Although currently known as primarily a white wine region, Durbanville has a rich history for red wine. The cool air from the Atlantic and the soils of shale and clay are conducive to growing red varieties, allowing for long, cool ripening periods. Diemersdal’s vines are never irrigated, allowing the vines to grow and grapes to ripen under unfettered, natural conditions.
The grapes are fermented in open-top fermenters after which the wine is aged for 16 months in 225l barrels of French oak — 40% new. While the wine will mature with grace, the Diemersdal Pinotage Reserve 2018 shows that the variety has magnificence in youth. The tannins are muscular and broad without being overwhelming and carry an array of black fruit and plums with an intriguing spiciness on the finish. A touch of sunny sweetness brings charm to the wine, and it will shine forever. SV






No one ever needed a reason to pop open a bottle of bubbly – isn’t life meant to be celebrated every day? But rather than defaulting to your regular grocery store choice, how about changing it up with one of these delicious, e ervescent o erings from lauded local and international wineries? It is the festive season, after all; cheers to that!
BY THEA BECKMAN















PHILIP JONKER BRUT
ENTHEOS NV


















From Weltevrede Estate that flanks the Breede River Valley in Robertson comes this 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir Cap Classique. The Philip Jonker Brut Entheos NV, meaning “enthusiasm”, delivers a creamy, biscuity nose with notes of green pear and lemon, and is characterised by fine bubbles, a palate of winter melon, and a slight smokiness.

www.weltevrede.com







Available from: R140












































BLANC DE BLANCS 2016





















PINOT NOIR MCC NV
Having landed the trophy for Best Rosé MCC and Double Gold medal at the Amorim Cap Classique 2019 challenge, Steenberg’s 1682 Pinot Noir MCC NV is a reliably excellent choice. Pale pink in hue, this fresh and fruity bubbly has a very fine mousse, aromas of red berries and toasted brioche, a creamy texture, and bright acidity.
www.steenbergfarm.com
Available from: R235

Handcrafted in small batches on Twee Jonge Gezellen estate in Tulbagh, the Krone Blanc de Blancs 2016 is highly expressive of vintage and terroir. This 100% Chardonnay MCC is pale gold in colour and delivers mandarin peel on the nose, classic white-fruited chardonnay elegance, a full, soft mousse, and a flinty finish.
www.kronemcc.com
Available from: R430





This alluringly pink-hued rosé style MCC delivers on its promise of “nectar” with a seductive sweetness, honeyed tones, and strawberry aromas complemented by hints of spiced peach, creamy raspberry, and subtle floral nuances. The Graham Beck Bliss Nectar Rosé is the perfect bubbly for those who like something a little less dry in style.
www.grahambeck.com
Available from: R165
From the regal estate of Anthonij Rupert Wyne in Franschhoek comes the fresh, citrus-laced, and perfumed L’Ormarins Blanc de Blancs 2013. This MCC delivers a lip-smackingly taut, zesty, and crisp palate that opens up into ripe, fleshy fruits of orange, apple, and stone fruit before a rich creaminess washes over.
www.rupertwines.com
Available from: R220
This approachable and a ordable sparkling rosé from Durbanville Hills wine estate in the cool climate region of Durbanville is a bouquet of citrus, ripe fruit, rose petals, strawberries, and Turkish delight, followed by flavours of grapefruit, ripe berries, and candyfloss.
www.durbanvillehills.co.za
Available from: R90















Ice Impérial from Moët & Chandon is the first and only Champagne specially created to be enjoyed over ice. This new experience combines fun and fresh sensations while remaining true to the Moët & Chandon style of bright fruitiness, seductive palate, and elegant maturity.



www.moet.com

Available from: R695
























One of the world’s most recognised names in Champagne, Dom Pérignon from the house of Moët & Chandon has released its 2006 Rosé, a generous, rounded, and rich wine with a rose gold, coppery hue, a rich, creamy nose, pleasant bitterness, and fine mousse.
www.domperignon.com
Available from: R3 900






















www.ruinart.com
Available from: R995












Established in 1729, Maison Ruinart is the oldest Champagne house, which sources most of its Chardonnay grapes from the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims of the Champagne region in France. The pale golden yellow Champagne shows intense freshness and ripe citrus notes on the nose, followed by a supple, harmonious, and rounded palate.








This award-winning and internationally acclaimed Prosecco DOCG is recognised for its superb flavour, perlage and freshness. The elegance, freshness, and liveliness of its bubbles stem from the beauty and tradition of its territory, where unmistakable panoramas are shaped by vineyards. This Prosecco boasts a clear fruity and floral nose with an elegant, fresh palate.


www.profumi.co.za
Available from: R499






































The Réserve Brut Rosé is the latest spring o ering from Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, the number one selling Champagne brand in France and the third in the world. A blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Pinot Meunier, and 10% Chardonnay, this bubbly is inspired by the famous Sakura (cherry blossom) season in Japan.



Available from: R780
www.nicolas-feuillatte.com













Bottega White Gold is a Venezia DOC wine with great character blended from Glera, Chardonnay, and Pinot grapes. This Brut sparkling wine is fresh, elegant, and wholly expressive of the terroir in which its grapes are grown: the provinces of Treviso and Venice.


www.profumi.co.za

Available from: R499
This rosé sparkling wine from Bottega is characterised by its distinctive sweet taste and sweet, spicy fragrance of rose, raspberry, sage, thyme, and marjoram.

www.profumi.co.za
Available from: R499























































Receive individualised, hands-on instruction and select from a wide curriculum of classes, catering to all levels of aptitude, from beginners to experienced cooks on Seven Seas Explorer®

Featuring a modern French menu, Chartreuse, on both Seven Seas Voyager® and Seven Seas Explorer®, evokes memories of a chic Parisian fine dining restaurant discovered during an evening stroll.

Evenings on board our ships are filled with music and fun. Enjoy a rousing cabaret show, test your luck at the Casino, step onto the stage for karaoke or simply find a quiet place on deck to revel in the symphony of stars.






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Spend your summer in the lap of luxury at these stunning hotels in Cape Town.
BY THEA BECKMAN
With so much on o er right on our doorstep, as well as a vast spectrum of charming, historic towns to explore, Capetonians need not step a foot in the departure lounge of the airport to experience a world-class holiday destination. Treat yourself and your family to a staycation in one of these luxury gems to experience a heady blend of the familiarity of our home city and the pure magic of travel.






Reclining at the foothills of Paarl Rock on the doorstep of a working wine farm, you’ll find a boutique, five-star hotel o ering unique, luxury suites set in landscaped gardens with spectacular views of vineyards and mountains. The Grande Roche Hotel is located within a restored 1717 Cape Dutch manor house and farm buildings, lending every room and suite an air of history and Cape heritage. In fact, it was declared a national monument in 1993. The Grande Roche Hotel is also home to newly opened flagship restaurant Viande, which flies under the stewardship of renowned TV celebrity Chef Pete Go e-Wood, and a cocktail bar that pays special attention to brandy, of which the hotel’s home-town of Paarl is the progenitor of some of the world’s best.
A 1 Plantasie Street, Paarl C info@granderoche.co.za
+27 (0)21 863 5100 W www.granderoche.com



For a spoil of epic proportions, book a stay at the award-winning, five-star Tintswalo Atlantic on Chapman’s Peak Drive outside Hout Bay. Having survived a catastrophic fire that destroyed half of the resort in February 2019, the boutique beach lodge has been rebuilt in time for the summer season and, if possible, is even more spectacular than before. Tucked into the oceanfacing base of the Table Mountain National Park, Tintswalo Atlantic o ers guests luxurious suites, each of which have been uniquely designed to showcase the heritage and cultural aesthetic of some of the world’s most beautiful islands, from Sicily in Italy to Zanzibar o the coast of East Africa. Guests may enjoy fresh, seasonal cuisine and delicious seaside fare along with staggering views of the bay and its surrounding mountains, while inroom massages are available too.
A Chapman’s Peak Drive, Hout Bay
C reception@atlantic.tintswalo. com | +27 (0)21 201 0025
W www.tintswalo.com/atlantic

With accolades that include ‘South Africa’s Leading Spa Resort’ and appearing on the lists for ‘Most Romantic Hotels in Cape Town’ and ‘World’s Best 500 Hotels’, it’s little wonder the Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa has become a favourite homeaway-from-home for luxury travellers. Flanked on either side by the dramatically beautiful Twelve Apostles mountain range, the award-winning hotel o ers 55 deluxe guest rooms and 15 luxurious suites with views of the glittering Atlantic Ocean or fynbos-clad mountain slopes. The hotel o ers a spectrum of dining experiences, from fine dining at The Azure Restaurant and high tea in The Conservatory to sundowner cocktails at The Leopard Bar or a casual meal at The Café Grill. Guests can also luxuriate in the holistic spa or enjoy the outdoor gazebos.
A Victoria Street, Camps Bay C reservations1@12apostles.co.za +27 (0)21 437 9000 W www.12apostleshotel.com




Established in 1682, Steenberg is the Cape’s oldest farm and a monumental testament to the indomitable spirit of its founder, Catherina Ras. Steenberg’s luxury boutique hotel has very recently been refurbished, o ering guests sumptuous accommodation within historic walls and beneath high, wide timber ceilings. There isn’t a vantage point from the hotel’s various suites and rooms that doesn’t a ord guests sweeping views of vineyards, the rugged Constantia Mountains, or the emerald, manicured grounds of the farm or golf course. Diversions on Steenberg Estate include wine tastings and lunch at Bistro Sixteen82; a walk or cycle around the estate; golf; breakfast, lunch, or dinner at the new flagship restaurant Tryn, named after the farm’s founder; or a pamper session at Steenberg Spa.
A Steenberg Road, Tokai C reservations@steenberghotel.com +27 (0)21 713 2222. W www.steenbergfarm.com






With 327 years under its belt, Lanzerac is one of the Cape’s oldest wine estates and lies stretched out on the foothills of the Stellenberg Mountains in the verdant, vineyard carpeted Jonkershoek Valley of Stellenbosch. The five-star Lanzerac Hotel truly epitomizes the exceptional calibre of the Cape as one of the world’s leading tourist destinations. A balance of old-world charm and rich Cape heritage, each hotel room and suite is uniquely decorated with furniture and furnishings that have been purchased from antique stores or from auctions, lending each and every space its very own personality. Lanzerac is also home to the popular Lanzerac Spa, Taphuis

Bar, Craven Lounge, Manor Kitchen restaurant, and Lanzerac Deli, as well as an atmospheric wine tasting centre where the estate’s award-winning wines can be savoured. During the warmer months Lanzerac invites you to stay a little longer – book two nights and you will receive a complimentary stay for the third night. This year, Lanzerac is celebrating their 60th birthday and will be o ering guests a spectacular promotion. Book direct and receive 30% o of the room rate from the 29 November – 22 December 2019.
A 1 Lanzerac Road, Jonkershoek, Stellenbosch
C reservations@lanzerac.co.za | +27 (0)21 887 1132
W www.lanzerac.co.za




Few other places in Cape Town are as synonymous with luxury at the highest end of the spoilage spectrum as the Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel. For over a century, the elegantly appointed suites of this iconic five-star hotel have accommodated both celebrity and royal visitors to our fair shores. Located a stone’s throw from the Company’s Gardens, the Belmond Mount Nelson is a tranquil oasis that o ers ease of access to Cape Town’s most significant historical and cultural attractions. The hotel bears a formidable reputation for its luxury amenities, high-end service, and gastronomic dining spaces, with the contemporary Planet Bar, interactive Chef’s Table, Pan-African and Mediterranean-inspired Oasis Restaurant, and fabulously romantic, old-world Lord Nelson Restaurant at guests’ full disposal. Furthermore, each of the Belmond Mount Nelson’s accommodation wings has its own character, some with private gardens, and facilities for guests.
A 76 Orange Street, Gardens C reservations.mnh@belmond.com
+27 (0)21 483 1000 W www.belmond.com SV



This simplistic freestanding bath is the Omina from Boutique Baths. The Omina combines the elegance of a skirted bath with the durabilty and strength of a solid cast bath.
Our Cian solid-surfacing material’s silky feel will enhance your bathing experience. This bath can be supplied in white or a host of solid-surface colours from our ColourKast range which permeate throughout the materials (colours as seen on the opposite page).

of its kind!


This elegant freestanding bath is the latest design from Boutique Baths. It has ergonomic built-in armrests. These increase comfort while enjoying a favourite part of your day.
Our Cian solid-surfacing material’s silky feel will enhance your bathing experience. This bath can be supplied in white or a host of solidsurface colours from our ColourKast range which permeate throughout the materials.
The Trelliera bath caddy can be used to prop up a book, while your soap, cellphone or favourite glass of wine will be close at hand. The caddy has a built-in towel rail as well as a customised recess for a tablet, so you can lie back, relax and enjoy your movie or listen to music.




Enchanting nature, world-famous drives, unforgettable gastronomy, and colourful markets in this Atlantic Ocean jewel.
BY THEA BECKMAN
Hout Bay is an arrestingly beautiful Atlantic Ocean harbour and (previously) thickly forested valley that, several centuries ago, became coveted for its ample hardwood timber, fertile soils, and fishing. Today, it is a thriving tourist destination for both locals and visitors from abroad, who are keen to experience its nature, beach, harbour, markets, ocean adventures, and world-famous attraction: Chapman’s Peak Drive. Here’s where to stay and eat, and what to drink and explore on a visit to “the 790”.

Hout Bay is home to a cornucopia of restaurants, the crown jewel of which has got to be La Colombe. Considered one of the top restaurants in the world, La Colombe delivers an unforgettable multi-sensory, multi-course fine dining experience. Quentin at Oakhurst serves a mix of traditional and modern cuisine in one of Hout Bay’s original farmsteads, while Cheyne’s specialises in
Pacific Rim dining (Japanese meets South-East Asia) in an artsy, trendy setting. Massimo’s serves pastas and pizzas so delicious and authentic, you’ll be speaking Italian when you leave. For something a little more casual, there’s the perennially popular Bay Harbour Market, with its heady stew of artisanal food and beverage stalls.















Located a stone’s throw from the world-famous Constantia Wine Valley, Hout Bay has a prized terroir for Bordeaux varietal wines, which you can sample during a private tasting (by appointment only) at Hout Bay Vineyards. Just over the neck, you’ll discover a string of gorgeous wine estates, such as Beau Constantia, Constantia Glen, and Silvermist Estate. For lovers of craft booze, there’s the Hout Bay Harbour Distillery and the Urban Brewing Co. located side-by-side and open for craft gin and beer tastings and tours. You can even arrange a combined tour of the two for only R150 per person.




For a spoil of epic proportions, book a stay at the five-star, award-winning Tintswalo Atlantic. This boutique beach lodge is tucked into the oceanfacing base of the Table Mountain National Park, o ering guests staggering views of Hout Bay and its surrounding mountains. Each of the gorgeous suites has been uniquely designed and is inspired by the area’s rich natural heritage. An onsite spa and fine dining restaurant cater to a guest’s full needs.
Then there’s the Hout Bay Manor, the history of which dates back to 1871 when the original manor house was built. The beguiling colonial architecture survives to this day, which, together with its AfroEuropean interiors, gives guests a truly atmospheric Cape experience. There are seventeen en-suite rooms, a contemporary art gallery, a pool, spa, and restaurant.
For a more independent luxury stay, DK Villas has two trendy, modern, and spacious self-catering properties for groups of four or six. The Boardwalk (twobedroom) and the Harbour View (three-bedroom) properties are fully furnished, high-end apartments with full kitchens and open-plan lounges and dining areas. Both are located a short walk from Hout Bay beach and the surrounding restaurants and shops.






Hout Bay has no shortage of exciting diversions. Drumbeat Charters (www.drumbeatcharters.co.za) o ers daily scenic cruises to the nearby Duiker Island Cape fur seal colony. For the adrenalin junkies, sign up for a half-day, eco-friendly adventure with Animal Ocean Seal Snorkeling (www.animalocean.co.za),


where you’ll actually jump into the water (in a wetsuit) and snorkel with the seals.
Left: World of Birds © Flickr/Bernard DuPont
Below: Fish and chips from Mariner’s Wharf

If you prefer terra firma, you can go for a walk on Hout Bay’s beautiful white sand beach culminating in lunch at the historic and charming Mariner’s Wharf (www. marinerswharf.co.za). Nature lovers can embark upon one of the many hikes the embracing, fynbos-clad mountains have to o er or immerse themselves in nature at the World of Birds Wildlife Sanctuary (www. worldofbirds.org.za). And, of course, no visit to Hout Bay is complete without a meander along the staggeringly dramatic Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the world’s most beautiful scenic routes. SV

The South Pacific island of Bora Bora conjures images of turquoise water and white sand beaches.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL
















When it comes to luxury island living, the farflung island of Bora Bora is surely hard to beat. Located northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, the South Pacific island is famous for its clear waters and lavish floating villas and has become a popular honeymoon destination for good reason. The island paradise has, at its centre, a dormant volcano and lush jungle covers much of the landscape. A picture-perfect lagoon leads into coral reefs, making it ideal for snorkelling or simply swimming alongside schools of tropical fish.
The island of Bora Bora has become synonymous with overwater accommodation, which includes bungalows and villas, many of which have glass floors for views into the tropical lagoon below. One of the first of its kind, the Conrad Bora Bora Nui is located on the southwest of Motu To’opua, a small islet around 20 minutes by boat from the main island. The hotel boasts Bora Bora’s largest tiered oceanfront swimming pool, while some of the overwater bungalows have their own infinity pools with decks overlooking the sea.



Another super-luxe choice, The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, is located on an islet on the northeast of the lagoon with striking views of the Bora Bora peaks. The bungalows include an outdoor deck with shower and snorkels, as well as a bathtub for two. There are also plenty of things to keep you busy if you’re feeling active, including stand-up paddleboard yoga and sessions with the hotel’s resident marine biologist.
While all the resorts have onsite restaurants, there are some beautiful spots to enjoy a meal if you feel like venturing away from your hotel. La Villa Mahana is ideal for those looking for an intimate space — in fact, the restaurant only seats six couples a night, making it extra romantic. The five-course menu includes some unique Polynesian dishes and changes often according to the freshest available ingredients and seafood catches.
For something laid-back, Bora Bora Yacht Club makes a good day trip — enjoy some swimming in the lagoon before trying a cocktail at the bar or a meal at the waterfront restaurant. The menu serves up Polynesian cuisine with a French twist and includes options like hot shrimp skewers with honey; raw tuna salad with coconut milk; and mahi-mahi fish with lime and crushed potatoes. Save room for dessert — think sweet rice with coconut milk, strawberry coulis and salted caramel butter or a poé cup, which is made with vanilla ice cream, cinnamon cookies and whipped cream.



© All images The Four










The waters surrounding Bora Bora and its islets are rich in marine life, so a snorkelling trip is well worth it if you feel like exploring the natural environment. It’s possible to arrange shark and ray snorkel safaris, where you’ll have the chance to see (and feed) sharks and stingrays in shallow, crystalclear waters. It’s also possible to take snorkelling trips around some of the most well-preserved and beautiful coral gardens in the lagoon, where you’ll get to see a wide range of creatures, including manta rays, eels and plenty of colourful fish.
If you prefer to stay on top of the water, you might consider a sunset cruise on French Polynesia’s very first solarpowered deluxe catamaran, the Okeanos Pearl. The catamaran is beautifully designed, and with zero emissions, you can enjoy a completely guilt-free cruise as you enjoy the gorgeous views surrounding the island — perhaps with a sundowner in hand. SV


Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town’s very own Garden of Eden.
BY THEA BECKMAN
It is typically my advice to anyone travelling to a foreign country to pay a visit to its national botanical gardens, should it have one. Even though these displays of natural beauty have been carefully landscaped, manicured, and curated, botanical gardens allow visitors to discover that country’s unique, indigenous flora. Through the presence of exotic species, they also reveal its history and the various nations that have settled there over the centuries. This, of course, is aside from the deep sense of tranquillity and wonder that one achieves from being immersed in nature. Cape Town’s very own Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is a living testament to the veracity of this advice.
Located on the eastern slopes of Table Mountain, where rain bands from sweeping cold fronts drop their precious cargo every winter, Kirstenbosch’s verdant gardens are a brave and audacious celebration of life, the scale and colours of which beguile every guest that walks through its turnstiles. Here, Mother Nature paints a picture of vibrant, kaleidoscopic beauty, using broad strokes to apply every colour in the spectrum to the

canvas, from pink proteas, emerald lawns, and fiery orange watsonias to olive reed beds, yellow daisies, and silver leaf trees that shimmer in the sunlight. Set against a regal backdrop of heavily wooded slopes rearing up to meet the grand eastern countenance of Table Mountain, there can be few more arrestingly beautiful sights in the world.


Walking, picnicking, and birdwatching are popular activities at Kirstenbosch (look out for the endemic Cape sugarbird (right) and resident family of spotted eagle owls). Visitors can also go on a stroll along ‘The Boomslang’, a 130 metre-long treetop walkway that snakes through the forest canopy. There are free, guided tours of the various themed gardens, such as the medicinal and endangered plants. For the fitness enthusiasts, the wooded slopes of Kirstenbosch are networked with hiking trails, from the fairly easy Yellowwood Trail, which stops at a permanent waterfall, to the strenuous five-hour Skeleton Gorge hike to the top of Table Mountain. And, finally, a most beloved Kirstenbosch attraction is the Summer Sunset Concert series, held every Sunday, 24 November 2019 to 5 April 2020, and featuring thrilling local and international live music acts. Bring a picnic basket (booze allowed) and sprawl out on the lawns in front of the stage.
If you can’t be bothered to pack a picnic, the casual, light, and airy Kirstenbosch Tea Room (ktr.co.za) can prepare one for you while you wait (no pre-orders). Originally opened in 1924, the Tea Room underwent a revamp in 2003 and has



been serving breakfasts, lunches, platters, high teas, and freshly baked cakes and scones ever since. For something a little more formal, featuring a Pan-African menu and even traditional face painting and performances of African song and dance, there’s Moyo at Kirstenbosch (www.moyo.co.za/moyo-kirstenbosch).
© Flickr/David Stanley
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is open Monday to Sunday, 08:00 to 19:00 during summer. For bookings and enquiries, please email Kirstenboschinfo@sanbi.org.za or call +27 (0) 21 799 8783 or +27 (0) 21 799 8782 (ticket o ce).
It’s little wonder that the Kirstenbosch Gardens have become one of Cape Town’s topmost attractions for tourists, as well as a regular haunt of locals… and perhaps the occasional UCT student who seeks asylum from the demands of academia. I dare say this lush oasis is as close a preview of the Garden of Eden as one can get without having to receive a visit from the Grim Reaper first. SV
The new Peugeot 5008 is an amazing new surprise.
BY VANN VAN STADEN
If you think about Peugeot, the first few models that are likely to come to mind are their compact cars and hatches, but that’s about to change. The brand has recently launched a new SUV with a certain je ne sais quoi.
The new 5008 is a game-changer. The brand has entered the C-segment market with one of the larger SUV’s within the category. This seven-seater is as practical as it is aesthetically pleasing.

From a design point of view, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Despite the size of the 5008, it has an elegant feel. A wide grille that houses the brand’s signature lion emblem is wrapped with a chrome finish trim. All models sport halogen headlamps, while the GT Line has a sharper shine with its full beam LED headlamps. The back of the 5008 carries just as much presence as the front with curves that emphasise the sheer magnitude of the SUV. The LED ‘claw e ect’ rear lights add that last bit of signature Peugeot identity to the package.
Peugeot has managed to capture the essence of the modern world in a stylish and sophisticated manner. The driver is greeted with a state-of-the-art Peugeot i-Cockpit®, which o ers a sensory driving experience. A few features of the i-Cockpit® include a compact steering wheel (one of the smallest in the market), an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen and a

rather grand 12’3-inch hi-res digital head-up instrument panel. This is just the beginning — when hitting the i-Cockpit® Amplify switch that’s located next to the dashboard, the real experience starts. All four senses are amplified here. From a visual point of view, the screen colour and the cabin lighting adjust their intensity. There’s
also a musical ambience setting, a massage setting on the seat through five di erent multi-points, as well as a built-in fragrance di user ready to set the mood.
There are two engines available for the all-new 5008 SUV: the 1.6L THP kicks out 121kW, and the 2.0L

HDI delivers a formidable 110kW. There is not a big di erence in speed with the two engines. The petrol does 0-100km/p in 10.5sec and the diesel in 10.9sec. With a starting price of R534 900.00 including VAT, all of this can be yours. All models come with a five year/100 000km warranty and service plan. SV


The all-new T-Cross from Volkswagen has turned heads ever since the very first teaser was released to the public.
BY VANN VAN STADEN





The initial response to the T-Cross was like reacting to a concept car. We were excited, but not too excited — surely it was highly unlikely to become an actual model available for purchase? Then we got wind that this ‘cool concept car’ was not merely a concept and that one can own it.
The Volkswagen T-Cross has joined the line-up that consists of the Tiguan, Tiguan Allspace and Touareg in the VW family within the compact/ SUV range. The T-Cross comes in as the baby of the family, but there is nothing diminutive about this cool cat. The T-Cross is all about balance. Volkswagen has managed to capture a playful, youthful exterior and combined a classy VW SUV look that means business, e ortlessly.
The compact SUV from Volkswagen instantly puts a smile on your face. From a design point of view, it boasts that well-known Volkswagen family feel, yet also screams individuality. This is a design we have not yet seen from the brand, even though a little bit of the Tiguan aesthetic does come through. The front spoiler is coupled with a large grille to create a powerful stance. Along the side of the doors runs two horizontal character lines, highlighting the dynamic appearance of the compact SUV. They create a muscular shoulder at the rear, rounding the T-Cross o .
The dashboard corresponds in both colour and structure to the rest of the interior, like the seat materials and the painted central console, creating a flow throughout as well as a sportier feel. Electric windows on all four doors and a height-adjustable driver and passenger seat also come standard. In today’s day and age, it’s all

about staying connected, and the T-Cross o ers the best in networking and connection, making sure you are always tapped into the outside world. There are up to four USB ports and optional inductive wireless charging for smartphones. Another optional extra that gets the heart beating quicker is the Beats sound system that packs a 300watt, eight-channel amplifier with a standalone subwoofer stowed away in the luggage compartment.

The T-Cross might not be the biggest in size, but it has a massive heart and soul. This number from Volkswagen is powered by two three-


cylinder petrol engines. The T-Cross will be available with the 1.0 TSI engine, delivering 70kW and 85kW power outputs as well as the more powerful 1.5 TSI engine, delivering 110kW. Currently, only the 85kW engine is available for the South African market, but this will change in the first and second quarter of 2020.
This 85kW engine goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 10.2 seconds with a top speed of 193 km/h. What gets us super excited is the claimed fuel consumption of 4.9 litres/100km. This is all coupled with a seven-speed DSG transmission.
Entering the T-Cross market will cost R334 600 for the 1.0 TSI 85kW Comfortline DSG®. The T-Cross comes standard with a three year/ 120 000km warranty, a three year/ 45 000km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15 000km. SV






















To get the beautiful looks and trends we have showcased in this edition, head on over to the below stores to plan your purchases.






















Billabong: www.billabong.com



Country Road: www.countryroad.com




Picot & Moss: www.picotandmoss.co.za



Poetry: www.poetrystores.co.za


Pringle of Scotland: www.pringlescotland.com


Rare Earth: www.poetrystores.co.za
TAG Heuer: www.tagheuer.com


Trenery: www.trenery.com.au Witchery: www.witchery.com

Block & Chisel: www.blockandchisel.co.za



Roche Bobois: www.roche-bobois.com
SHF: www.shf.co.za
























has joined forces with Kevin Pietersen and
to support the ongoing preservation and protection of the rhinoceros.



