Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Spitfire. Ref. 3879: Only rarely do form and function blend as magically as in the design of the Spitfire. The elliptically shaped wings not only gave the propeller-driven aircraft outstanding flying characteristics, but were also responsible for its perfect silhouette. Like the Spitfire, our eponymous watch line makes no compromises when it comes to engineering and design. For that reason, we equip all our Spitfire models with high-quality in-house movements from Schaffhausen. The puristic instrument-look design was inspired by classic military standard watches such as the Mark XI navigation watch we started producing in 1948 for the British Royal Air Force. More than 80 years after its first flight, we are now sending the Spitfire on its longest-ever journey: Steve Boultbee Brooks and Matt Jones are setting off on an adventurous circumnavigation of the globe in their Silver Spitfire. It will take the British airborne icon on a flight of 43,000 kilometres, touching down in 30 countries. There’s no dream too big to stop us living it.
HAPPY SPORT COLLECTION
40 EAT
Four of Cape Town’s hottest new restaurants
44 THE BOLD & THE BEAUTIFUL
A look inside The Thatch House by Sumari Krige of La Grange Interiors
56 BAREFOOT LUXURY
The Serenity Villas in Mauritius
67 DÉCOR TRENDS
Grandeur, Old & New
72 PLANT LOVE
Plant-based lifestyle alternatives
80 THE ULTIMATE COMFORT
Nourishing & delicious recipes
Photography
Emile
100 OUR VERY OWN EDEN
Visit Ceres
110 CITY IN A GARDEN
118
124
Contrasts and colour in Singapore
LIFE OFF ROAD
4x4 adventures in Cape Town
HIT THE ROAD – CAR REVIEWS
Audi RS4 Avant & Volvo XC90
Winter is here, and with the cold weather comes plenty of reasons to stay cosy. If you’re planning on spending more time at home this season, we hope you’ll try some of the comforting recipes we’ve curated for you. If, however, you’re keen to leave the city for a winter getaway, take inspiration from our local travel features on Ceres, or indulge yourself with a trip on the luxurious Rovos Rail. In this issue, we also take a look at some top new dining spots, our finest local wines, and events that will keep you entertained in the next few months. Don’t miss our selection of gorgeous interiors — a contemporary Mauritian space will have you dreaming of tropical climes, while our look at a bold and beautiful spot in Hermanus will have you packing your bags in no time.
Whatever your plans are this winter, we hope that you find some inspiration tucked between these pages. Enjoy, and stay warm!
Email me at lauren@southernvines.co.za
We plant 50 trees per edition of Southern Vines.
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.
the team
EDITOR Lauren Zuidema
DESIGN & LAYOUT
Bianca-Leigh Nagel
CONTRIBUTORS Debbie Hathway, Emile Joubert, Jennifer Campbell, Thea Beckman, Vann van Staden
FRONT COVER: ‘‘Her Darkness Came, But So Did Her Beauty’ by Heidi Shedlock IMAGES & ILLUSTRATIONS: Supplied, Shutterstock, DepositPhotos, Flickr Creative Commons, Unsplash.com
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.
THE URBAN EDGE ENVIRONMENT X MACHINE
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lexus.co.za
ULTRA
chic
1. Stephanie Crombie coat, Forever New, R1 799; 2. Charlotte gold ball trim blouse, Forever New, R899; 3. Dendritic quartz earrings with black and white diamond accents, KiiRA, R16 000; 4. Coroniti heels, Aldo, R1 299; 5. Denim jeans, Diesel, R5 699; 6. Square neck knit, Witchery, R999; 7. Self-stripe wide pant, Country Road, R1 299; 8. Ebel Ladies Sport Classic watch, R33 995
URBANE
1. Crew sweater, Country Road, R699; 2. Backpack, Diesel, R2 499; 3. Sneakers, Diesel, R1 899; 4. Furnace jacket, Pringle of Scotland, R3 999; 5. Denim jeans, Diesel, R5 699; 6. Burgundy trousers, Pringle of Scotland, R1 999; 7. Ebel Gents Sport Classic watch, R46 995; 8. Navy shawlcollar knit, Pringle of Scotland, R1 550
ArtSCENE
Three South African artists, each unique in their background and thematic concerns, create work that is thought-provoking and complex. From the e ects of urbanisation to the intricate nature of identity and the nuance of social interaction, these artists’ pieces stir up a range of issues relevant to local and global audiences alike.
JO ROETS
Jo Roets is a painter, sculptor and mould maker. Now based in Cape Town, Jo obtained a diploma in Art Direction for Film and Television, as well as an advanced diploma in Motion Picture Production Design before working in the film industry for several years. She then went on to lecture painting, prosthetics, special e ects, props fabrication, sculpting, mould-making and casting at CityVarsity. In 2017, she embarked on her journey as a full-time artist.
Inspired by her own life experiences and a sense of shared humanity, Jo’s delicate, light relief sculptural work explores patterns and shapes derived from various South African cultures. Her pieces include symbolic patterns inspired by a broad range of influences, from Islamic prayer mats and Ndebele paintings to Zulu beer pots and her own Afrikaans grandmother’s crocheted doilies. She is fascinated with sacred geometry as a means of spiritual expression and incorporates patterns into her clay work with the use of some unusual sculpting tools, such as toothpicks and needles.
LAUREL HOLMES
Laurel Holmes studied Textile Design and Fine Art, after which she developed a keen interest in oil painting. After working in the corporate world for some time, Laurel began painting full-time in 2012. She has since exhibited her work at galleries around the country, including spaces in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Nelspruit and Pretoria.
Laurel’s work expresses a love of natural spaces, as well as South Africa’s natural flora and landscapes. She has a particular fascination with indigenous trees and the ways in which nature creates its own patterns. Her pieces reveal moments of shadow and transient light and the way that these elements can change a landscape. Her paintings are an emotional response to the landscapes she observes, and her work seeks to cause the viewer to stop and breath for a moment, and to find a sense of restoration in silence. All artists work can be found at StateoftheART Gallery in Buitenkant Street, Cape Town www.stateoftheartgallery.com
HEIDI SHEDLOCK
Durban-based artist Heidi Shedlock worked in education for many years before deciding to focus on her art. Thanks to her teaching background, Heidi is familiar with a wide variety of painting techniques and applications and that knowledge, along with her passion for experimentation, informs much of her work. Through her work, Heidi seeks beauty, and her love of colour and design is apparent in her floral series. Her work is inspired by the natural world, and her paintings of flowers play with colour, shape, texture and pattern. She describes flowers as her ‘natural muse’, and she hopes to evoke an emotional connection through her pieces. Many of her artworks include textures inspired by stitched patterns and textures from her grandmother’s tablecloths — a reflection of her love of storytelling and history. SV
Women are more likely to be injured in a car crash. Partly because male crash test dummies are the standard.
But at Volvo Cars, we have collected data for more than 40 years to protect all people – regardless of size, gender, or body shape. To help improve gender equality in all cars, we have decided to share this research with the rest of the car industry.
We hope this will lead to safer cars for everyone. Because at Volvo Cars, we always put people first.
WHAT’S ON
JUNE 2019
Plenty of fun-filled events and activities to keep you busy! Get out there!
WACKY WINE WEEKEND
The Wacky Wine Weekend is an exuberant, family-friendly celebration of the region’s o erings with more than 40 participating wine estates, boutique wineries, and tourist establishments from the Robertson Wine Valley including Ashton, Bonnievale, McGregor, and Robertson.
When: 7 - 9 June 2019
KINKY BOOTS AT THE FUGARD THEATRE
The Fugard Theatre presents a brand new, original production of the smash-hit musical Kinky Boots, a tale of transformation and love in the most unlikely of circumstances. The play is inspired by true events and features a Tony-winning score by Cyndi Lauper.
When: 11 June - 1 September 2019
Where: The Fugard, Caledon Street, District Six, Cape Town Entry: R200 - R470 p/p (www.thefugard.com or 021 461 4554)
Where: Various wineries and tourist establishments, Robertson Wine Valley Entry: R200 adults | R150 pensioners | Free for kids U18
THE GREAT SOUTH AFRICAN GIN FESTIVAL
Featuring over 100 di erent gins from around the world, South Africa’s biggest gin festival makes its way to Cape Town for a weekend of gin indulgence, cocktail demonstrations, expert presentations, and live music. Tickets include a free “Book of Gin” and tasting glass.
When: 28 – 29 June 2019
KIDZ SEASON AT TABLE MOUNTAIN
This winter, the Table Mountain Cableway is throwing a generous 3-for-1 promotion with a treasure hunt and shop/café coupons thrown in. For every Kidz Season adult return ticket purchased, two kids travel for free. Valid for South African families only.
When: until 30 September 2019, excluding the annual maintenance period between 8 July – 18 August 2019
Where: Castle of Good Hope, Cape Town Entry: R220 p/p per day
Where: Table Mountain Cableway Entry: R290 for one adult and two children
JIVE CAPE TOWN FUNNY FESTIVAL
The popular Jive Cape Town Funny Festival returns for its 2019 season presenting the best South African comedians and famous international variety acts on the same stage. Generous discounts are o ered on group bookings.
When: 1 – 28 July 2019
Where: Baxter Theatre, Rondebosch
Entry: R190 p/p (www.webtickets.co.za)
DISNEY ON ICE
JULY 2019
Enter a world of enchantment and Disney royalty when Disney On Ice brings its winter wonderland to Cape Town. The show features the most magical moments from massive hit movies such as Frozen, The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, and Beauty and the Beast.
When: 10 – 14 July 2019
Where: Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World Entry: R150 - R495 p/p (www.computicket.com)
TOPS AT SPAR WINE SHOW
Life’s a Cabernet at the 2019 TOPS at SPAR Wine Show when scores of South Africa’s best wineries descend upon GrandWest for a 3-day celebration of wine tasting, winemaking, wine education, gourmet food, and live music.
When: 11 – 13 July 2019
Where: Sun Exhibits, GrandWest Casino and Entertainment World Entry: R185 - R495 p/p (www.quicket.co.za)
FRANSCHHOEK BASTILLE
The annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival takes place at the historic Huguenot Monument with superb Franschhoek wines on o er and a selection of delicious gourmet fare from some of the town’s most adored eateries.
When: 13 – 14 July 2019
Where: Franschhoek Huguenot Monument
Entry: R395 p/p (for the Food & Wine Marquee and includes entry, a complimentary tasting glass, wine tasting coupons and a R20 voucher which is redeemable on the day (www.webtickets.co.za)
The Perfect Safari Break
Ideally located on South Africa’s popular Garden Route, the 11 000 hectare, private game reserve offers a distinctive, malaria-free safari experience. Luxurious accommodation is provided in romantic, stand-alone safari suites or bush villas ideal for families and groups, all with awe inspiring views of the mountainous landscape and passing wildlife. Enjoy exhilarating game drives encountering free roaming Big 5 game species as well as giraffe, cheetah, hippo, and herds of antelope. Additional activities on offer include the fun Junior Ranger program for kids, mountain biking, Africology spa treatments, guided Fynbos walks and conservation activities.
South African Safari Special
only R2475 per person per night including luxury accommodation, three gourmet meals and two game drives daily.
Applies to 2 nights stays from May 1 - August 31 2019. Children’s rates apply. Quote SA special when you book via email of phone.
Every August, the Robertson Wine Valley and its constellation of towns throw a celebration of food and wine whose secret ingredient is time: slowly made, slowly enjoyed. The festival also features outdoor adventures, including river cruises and horse riding.
When: 9 – 11 August 2019
Where: Various wine estates and establishments, Robertson Wine Valley Entry: Various depending on event or food package (www.robertsonslow.com)
JAZZ & FONDUE AT DELHEIM WINE ESTATE
This winter, guests are invited to Delheim’s romantic downstairs wine tasting cellar for lunchtime concerts featuring a symphony of cheese and wine from the celebrated Stellenbosch winery, served alongside a musical programme of the Cape Town Music Academy and Jazz in the Native Yards.
Presented by Cape Town City Ballet, Sleeping Beauty tells the timeless story of Princess Aurora’s 100-year sleep and her magical awakening by a kiss from her Prince Charming. The performance, which features international guest artists and a live orchestra, will leave audiences of all ages entranced.
Come see, feel, and experience the very latest in home, décor, design, and lifestyle trends with Homemakers comprehensive showcasing of Cape Town’s top brands and local craftsmanship. Indoors and out, this is a place to be inspired! This year’s theme is raw comfort.
When: 29 August – 1 September 2019
Where: Cape Town International Convention Centre Entry: R70 – R90 p/p (www.quicket.co.za)
FROM RUSSIA
WITH LOVE
Avant-Garde at Hazendal Wine Estate delivers a harmonious fusion of South African and Russian cuisine.
BY THEA BECKMAN
Before Avant-Garde, the only things I knew about Russia was that it’s the progenitor of vodka, the world’s best caviar, and a rather depressing novelist called Dostoevsky. And so, upon arriving at the sprawling Hazendal heritage farm and wine estate on Stellenbosch’s Bottelary Road, our expectations were a blank canvas with plenty of elbow room for impression.
Mark Voloshin, the owner of Hazendal, is Russian, which explains the colourful percolation of Russian culture and cuisine into the estate’s o ering, from its authentic traditional tea ceremonies to its soon-to-open vodka distillery. That’s right: move aside craft gin. Beneath these charming Russian accents, however, Hazendal is most assuredly South African in heritage with its collection of Cape Dutch homesteads dating back to the late 1700s, right around the time that Catherine the Great was behind the wheel of the Russian empire. And it’s in Hazendal’s beautifully restored and elegantly dressed historic wine cellar that you’ll find the estate’s wine tasting lounge and flagship restaurant, Avant-Garde.
GETTING TO GRIPS WITH RUSSIAN CUISINE
Executive Chef Michélle Theron (left) had little experience with Russian cuisine before her appointment at Hazendal Wine Estate. It was under the gentle guidance and encouragement of owner Mark and his family, and the tutelage of an experienced Russian chef that she dived deep and mastered a diverse cuisine that bears the influence of multiple ethnicities and social classes, from Northern Europe to East Asia and from the austerity of the impoverished peasant class to the exorbitant excess of the tsarist regimes.
Avant-Garde’s menu introduces a subsequent fusion of South African and Russian flavours and ingredients, a musical composition that would have impressed even Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Presented with such a smorgasbord of delicious sounding dishes and perhaps a few words we had to run past Google Translate, we sent our waitron back to the kitchen with a single request: “surprise us.” Chef Michélle responded with a magnificent volley of fusion dishes that both entertained and educated our palates.
MULTI-COURSE DINING AND WINE PAIRING
We eased into our meal with an amuse-bouche of savoury pastry crowned with fennel-laced cream cheese and a generous dollop of black caviar, which we washed down with a golden flute of the Hazendal Scarlet Sails MCC 2014. Next, was a delectable constellation of starters paired with wines from Hazendal and surrounding farms along Stellenbosch’s Bottelary Road. Lightly smoked snoek and potato pampushki, Russia’s answer to croquettes, were served with Cape Malay curried sweet potato, apricots, and parsley purée and paired with the Hartenberg Riesling 2016; octopus terrine
Jazz Club at Hazendal Wine Estate
Asparagus, fennel, pear and pickled cucumber salad, valley blue cheese
with a bright and lively salad of green melon, dehydrated tomato, salsa verde, chorizo, radish, and saltbush sprigs (pairing: Hazendal Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc 2017); and asparagus, fennel, poached pear and pickled cucumber salad with Valley blue cheese from Riebeeck Kasteel (pairing: the Christo el Hazenwinkel Cape blend 2017, a vibrant and fruit-forward, yet velvety Cape blend of Pinotage, Shiraz, and Cabernet Sauvignon).
This inundation of delicious and surprising dishes was followed by a Ramen style bowl of mushroom broth packed with bean sprouts, spring onion, tender slices of pork with crispy skin, a perfectly cooked egg, and springbok pelmeni (Russian-style dumplings). Then, we tried the winterperfect slow-braised lamb on a bed of kasha (a savoury barley porridge) with hazelnuts and mushrooms, which, we were told, is traditional ‘peasant’ food in Russia; and roasted Kei apple-glazed duck breast with an apple and onion tart. I adored the upturned onion halves filled with Chef Michélle’s rich, savoury reduction. These main dishes were paired with the Goede Hoop Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 and Hazendal Chenin Blanc 2017 respectively.
Dessert was no less impressive and just as artistically rendered as every dish before. We had the apple sharlotka, a classic Russian apple sponge cake topped with a flavourful apple and thyme ice cream in a milk chocolate encasing; and Anna Pavlova with cream cheese custard, green tea sablé cookies, matcha coated
milk rocks, strawberries, and cream. And while, by this stage, we were grossly over-filled, we managed to conclude the experience with that classic vodka cocktail: the Moscow Mule. How could we boast about our meal at Avant-Garde without a nip of vodka?
PICTURE PERFECT SETTING
My early ignorant impressions of Russian cuisine –potatoes served with potato and a side of potatoes –has been completely obliterated by Chef Michélle and Avant-Garde’s sumptuous menu. Enjoyed in an elegant, classically attractive setting complete with handpainted mural ceiling and a view of the wine cellar’s impressive stainless-steel tanks, Avant-Garde truly is a picture-perfect venue for long, leisurely lunches framed by Hazendal’s beautifully-crafted wines. SV
Avant-Garde at Hazendal is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 to 15:30. For bookings and enquiries, please email bookings@hazendal.co.za or call +27 (0)21 205 5620 (bookings essential) www.hazendal.co.za
Apple sharlotka
Anna Pavlova
Eat
EAT
FOUR EXCITING NEW RESTAURANTS BRINGING SOMETHING FRESH TO THE CAPE TOWN DINING SCENE.
How do you like your dinner? Do you love Asian-fusion cuisine in a swanky, upmarket hotel restaurant setting? Or Italian-inspired and set against a convivial backdrop of laughter and free-flowing wine? Or perhaps enjoyed in a more intimate, homey environment with a crowd-pleasing menu and great artisanal co ee? Or how about time warping back to the Roaring Twenties when an evening out was as much about the live entertainment and giddy cocktails as the fine dining? Well…why choose when you can do it all?
Here are four new exciting Cape Town restaurants injecting something new and fresh into our cosmopolitan dining scene.
VIVALDI RESTAURANT
Located at the Signature Lux Hotel by Onomo in Cape Town, Vivaldi is an exuberant, yet seductive feast for the eyes. Guests are invited to spend an evening indulging in fine cocktails, a menu that is proudly South African in heritage and influence, and live singing performances by students from the Waterfront Theatre School, Monday to Saturday. All of this takes place in its spectacular Roaring Twenties-themed cocktail lounge/dining room (with a caress of African chic). Vivaldi is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, although shows take place over dinner only.
A 24 Alfred Street, Waterfront, Cape Town C +27 (0)21 811 4970 W www.vivaldirestaurant.co.za
YU RESTAURANT
Having just opened in March 2019 at the four-star Onyx Hotel on Cape Town’s Foreshore, YU Restaurant has barely opened its eyes to the Cape Town dining scene and yet it’s already become the talk of the town. This 100-seater restaurant and swanky lounge and sake bar o er guests an enchanting artistic setting in which to enjoy an Asian dining experience that is a seamless blend of tradition and modernity. The Japanese name YU embodies the spirit of this restaurant – excellence and superiority, gently delivered.
A The ONYX Hotel, 59 Heerengracht Street, Cape Town City Centre
C +27 (0)21 111 0453
W www.newmarkhotels.com/places/restaurants/yu/
LAPO’S KITCHEN
Lapo’s Kitchen delivers a multi-course feast of Italian-inspired dishes crafted from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, which guests enjoy in a social dining setting with friends and fellow foodies.
Chef Lapo Magni, 2013 winner of Italy’s version of Masterchef, plays host alongside a representative from a local wine farm. The menu, which honours local, sustainable, seasonal, and ethically sourced produce, is influenced by Chef Lapo’s upbringing in Florence, Italy and his tutelage at the hands of his mother, a trained chef.
A Josephine Mill, 13 Boundary Road, Newlands
C +27 (0)82 332 1366
W www.laposkitchen.com
BONES KITCHEN & BAR
This Woodstock restaurant, deli, bar, and lounge by restaurateur Rudi Minnaar o ers uncomplicated quality dining in an easy-going home-styled atmosphere. The menu caters for any occasion and every taste with starter options like mussel velouté, beef carpaccio, and salmon trout mousse and mains of wild mushroom risotto, pork belly, and Cioppino mussel, prawn, and linefish stew. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Bones serves superb food, which it compliments with artisanal co ee and cocktails in a comfortable setting.
A Unit A102, Palms Design Centre, 145 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock C +27 (0)21 286 6207
W www.boneskitchenandbar.co.za SV
THE BOLD AND THE beautiful
Sumari Krige of La Grange Interiors has worked her magic again — this time on The Thatch House in Hermanus.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY: ELSA YOUNG
An exclusive boutique hotel, The Thatch House is set in the pretty town of Hermanus. The space is refined and luxurious — the kind of place you escape to for peace and tranquillity, without compromising on comfort.
The hotel has six suites, as well as in and outdoor living areas, and over two hectares of gardens with views over the Cape Fold mountains and the lagoon.
Once decorated in a traditional English country style, the space has recently been refreshed with a new splash of chic. Interior designer Sumari Krige and her design team at La Grange have transformed the suites to embrace a mix of modern elements with patterns, texture and colour, without losing any of the hotel’s natural, classic charm.
KEEPING IT FRESH
La Grange Interiors is a decorators hub, celebrated for its unique furniture designs and decor accessories. In addition, La Grange has a bespoke interior design o ering known for bringing fresh sophistication to any space. The suites at The Thatch House were given
a contemporary overhaul by introducing bold prints — the Milkwood suite, for example, boasts a striking wallpaper of graphic leaves, while the linens and furniture are a celebration of pattern. Geometric bathroom tiles add texture and visual interest, while rich hues are incorporated through the clever use of statement rugs.
PLAYING WITH TEXTURE
The carefully considered mix of textures keeps each of the rooms interesting — think wood elements mixed with metal, natural fabrics, and glass. The Fern suite is a great example of this successful juxtaposition of texture and colour. It’s a perfect blend of raw and refined with layers of green, grey and gold, and a mix of materials. The central living area is monochromatic, with a geometric print wallpaper on the fireplace forming an arresting focal point. Metal lights make for an interesting design element, while the use of wood and neutral fabrics create a beautiful balance, especially as the room opens up onto amazing natural views on both sides.
ALL IN THE DETAIL
Each of the interiors is striking, and the bold use of pattern and print plays a big part in this visual impact. But the small details are carefully thought out too, and it’s impossible to ignore some of the décor elements unique to each room. For the lagoon suite, which is a beautiful open space with plenty of natural light, the La Grange team chose a gold hand replica chair, based on the famous design by Mexican artist Pedro Friedeberg, which features gold leaf over mahogany.
W www.thethatchhouse.net
MEET SUMARI KRIGE
Sumari Krige is a South African interior designer and owner of La Grange Interiors which has showrooms in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. With a passion for the extraordinary, Sumari hand selects or custom designs each of the pieces that she uses in her work. Her style e ortlessly mixes a contemporary aesthetic with eclectic finds and unique items from her travels. To see more of her work, take a look at www.lagrangeinteriors.co.za SV
Once in a lifestyle
Once in a lifestyle
Villas • Penthouses • Apartments
Villas • Penthouses • Apartments
Following the highly successful Mont Choisy Golf & Beach Estate, Mont Choisy La Réserve is the 3rd phase of this premiere development. Comprising of world-class luxury Villas & Apartments set in a lush tropical garden, the design is spearheaded by world-leading masterplanner WATG. Superbly situated in the heart of Grand Baie in Mauritius with easy access to a host of estate facilities and exquisite beaches.
Following the highly successful Mont Choisy Golf & Beach Estate, Mont Choisy La Réserve is the 3rd phase of this premiere development. Comprising of world-class luxury Villas & Apartments set in a lush tropical garden, the design is spearheaded by world-leading masterplanner WATG. Superbly situated in the heart of Grand Baie in Mauritius with easy access to
•
Arabesque, Vintage Collection
BAREFOOT LUXURY
The Serenity Villas architects have captured the essence of the contemporary Mauritian lifestyle to create a timeless and elegant getaway.
BY DEBBIE HATHWAY ARCHITECTURE: SAOTA
Less than five hours direct from Cape Town via Air Mauritius lies the Indian Ocean island that has captured the hearts of thousands of South Africans. The Mauritius attraction is easy to understand. Beyond the undeniable natural beauty, think relaxed island lifestyle with modern infrastructure, welcoming and friendly locals, English as an o cial language, international schools and tertiary institutions, and tax benefits for those who invest in property to secure permanent residency in Mauritius. And that’s just the start of it…
My first visit to Mauritius was in 2012. It was a last-minute decision to burn frequent flyer miles, and we booked into a cheap hotel in Pereybere, within walking distance of the popular neighbouring village of Grand Baie. We were struck by how convenient and safe it was to walk to where we wanted to go, day or night, with public transport on local buses readily available if we wanted to explore further afield. Although it was low season, the weather was warm, and we spent a week sunning ourselves on Pereybere Beach, hunting for bargains at the Grand Baie market, sampling Mauritian cuisine and enjoying the multiple water sports on o er.
A couple of kilometres along, the coastal road separates the two villages, Grand Baie being the favoured destination for visitors and locals who love a lively atmosphere.
Sophisticated international retail, entertainment, restaurants and medical facilities are juxtaposed with local stores selling art, fashion and keepsakes, as well as brightly coloured caravans and vendors selling tasty street food. Everybody walks everywhere, because it’s quicker and easier, occasionally seeking shelter in the shade of palm trees that line the beach to drink a freshly squeezed fruit juice or snack on a delicious roti. A few minutes away, keen golfers gravitate to the Peter Matkovich-designed 18-hole golf course – the only one in this part of the island.
Jonathan Tagg, who works with Pam Golding Properties in Mauritius, moved to the island 13 years ago. He has noticed a large increase in the number of South African families and retired couples who now call the island home. Mauritius o ers a similar cost structure to South Africa while the weather and lifestyle also appeal to South Africans.
Grand Baie La Croisette, the largest mall in the north, gives people moving to Mauritius from the city some reprieve. The mall has everything you need from supermarket to gym to cinema. There is a wide range of local and foreign retail brands, including a Woolies clothing store, restaurants and even a piano bar nightclub. There is also a Fortis Clinique Darné outpatient facility, which incorporates a 24/7 emergency department and Advanced Cardiac Life Support Ambulance (ACLS).
BESPOKE DEVELOPMENT
My point? In the six years since I first visited this part of Mauritius the village feel is reassuringly unchanged. Pereybere and Grand Baie have lost none of their appeal despite more land being developed to meet demand among eager buyers wanting to secure new homes and, in many cases, permanent residency in their desire for a better, more fulfilling, less stressed way of life.
The luxurious Serenity Villas by 2Futures is one example of a high-end residential development that’s just a stone’s throw away from Pereybere Beach and the nearby exclusive Beach Club, which owners and residents gain access to once they purchase a property in the development.
Designed by Cape Town-based architect Stefan Antoni of SAOTA, who also conceptualised the Beach Club, Serenity Villas comprises 11 three- and four-bedroom villas on plots ranging from 1000m2 to 2000m2. Phase 2, launching in July 2019, comprises 70 two- and three-bedroom apartments. More than half the villas are already sold. Buyers are drawn by their sophisticated, stylish interiors, cool colours, clean lines and sweeping verandas overlooking lush gardens and a private swimming pool in a manner that reflects a sense of place. It’s an Antoni trademark.
The award-winning designer collaborated with local architect Eric Chavoix to reflect the Mauritius way of life through a modern interpretation of the existing fabric. Antoni is as skilled at bringing the outside in (reflecting the natural surrounds inside the home) as he is in directing one’s gaze to the view, in this instance one that instantly conveys tranquillity, space and relaxation.
“We have aimed to capture the essence of the contemporary Mauritian lifestyle in the way we believe a sophisticated clientele would expect… a timeless and elegant dream getaway”, says Antoni.
Chavoix’s signature is the creation of natural, elegant spaces
and the precision of aesthetic details. His architecture seeks a unity of simplicity, harmony, serenity and subtle luxury. It’s the ideal artistic pairing, and the result is a seamless transition from outdoors to indoors, where buyers can put their personal stamp on their home by choosing from a variety of finishes. There are parquet or marble options for the floors and white or volcanic rock or wood cladding for the walls.
All the bedrooms are en suite, and they’ve given “soul” to the luxury European kitchen with a level of quality and attention to detail that is second to none. Stainless steel appliances, stone bench tops and splashbacks embody a classic sense of style, while the gleaming fixtures add a hint of glamour.
The Serenity Villas development also incorporates a shared workspace and a gym.
The Beach Club, on pretty Pereybere Beach, o ers auspicious membership to residents of 2Futures developments. The Club is modelled on exclusive destinations in Europe and the US and is rapidly
becoming a social hub for those who relish the opportunity to lounge on the beach, savouring delicious cocktails and indulging in gourmet cuisine.
For more information, visit www.pamgolding.co.za/ international-property/mauritius SV
1. Calibri chaise lounge, Roche Bobois, POR; 2. Why wall art, SHF, R2 290; 3. Fauteuil de Salon, Crema Design, R47 470; 4. Husk avocado vase, SHF, R350; 5. Oak TV unit, LIM, R24 990; 6. Eames house bird, Crema Design, R3 600; 7. Marble co ee table, LIM, POR
Living Matter
your home. Switch o , slow down and embrace the emptiness. Feeling is believing.
Space is the ultimate luxury. Finding beauty in simplicity and o ering comfort through contact, Living Matter is a tactile collection of seven loop pile carpets that will soften
The Texture Collection.
Cape Town Design Centre: Showroom B, The Matrix, 8 Bridgeway, Century City. Johannesburg Showroom: 1 on Jameson Ave, Cnr. Glenhove Rd & Jameson Ave, Ground Floor, Melrose Estate. Durban Showroom: 31 Solstice Road, Umhlanga Ridge.
Baronetcy Estate in Plattekloof,
is the “Atlantic Seaboard” of the Northern Suburbs.
There is a strong demand for luxury living in a secure estate, and buyers are starting to cast their eyes beyond the usual high-end suburbs. Cape Town is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination for high-net worth buyers, from South Africa and overseas. Investors at this end of the market want luxury and security with access to the best the Mother City has to offer. Baronetcy ticks all of the boxes, and more. - Pierre Nel, Pam Golding Properties
Boasting what is arguably Cape Town’s best view of the Cape Peninsula, with contemporary grand designs featuring the latest technology, as well as a nature reserve on its doorstep, there’s no denying that Baronetcy Estate in Plattekloof, is the “Atlantic Seaboard” of the Northern Suburbs.
Residential listings go to market from upwards of R30 million to R40 million, as Baronetcy Estate continues to attract high-end buyers looking to invest in a secure lifestyle away from the bustle of the city. The luxury, lifestyle estate is perfect for family living.
Pierre Nel, Pam Golding Properties area principal for Baronetcy, says the median selling price of homes on the estate has shown strong growth in recent years, increasing by 18% from R8.837 million in 2017 to R10.197 million in 2018. “Baronetcy offers exceptional value for money, given that the average plot size starts from upwards of 800m2, and it is not unusual for some properties to be as large as 1 800m2. For the same price as a compact apartment in other top-end residential areas, one can acquire an expansive property at Baronetcy, complete
with smart-home features, exceptional views and excellent security,” says Nel. “Furthermore, the estate offers a laidback lifestyle with a real sense of community. It is conveniently located just a short commute from Century City and the CBD, and is also within driving distance of the Winelands. Living at Baronetcy is akin to being on a permanent getaway.”
Baronetcy attracts a diverse mix of local and overseas buyers, explains Nel. Those coming from Gauteng and upcountry enjoy the space and size of the homes, the prime location and panoramic view, as well as the freedom of having Tygerberg Nature Reserve on their doorstep. Baronetcy is well-placed near to the various excellent schools in the area, making this the ideal place for families to settle. The N1 makes it easy to travel to Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town as well. Nel says Baronetcy has a stable property market, with owners often selling to upscale or downscale, as their needs evolve, to a new home within the estate. The estate therefore has strong rental market, and homes are let for upwards of R60 000 a month.
Selling price: R29.8 million - Exclusive Mandate
When completed, Baronetcy will comprise 300 homes. There is vacant land available, but the strong demand for a piece of this pristine estate has seen the median price of plots increase steadily in recent years, going up 32% from R3.29 million in 2017 to R4.3 million last year. Homeowners are investing in features that will add value to their homes in the long-term, and many of the new builds include green design elements, such as solar panels, that allow them to operate almost entirely off the grid.
Architectural innovation is evident throughout the estate and many of the multi-storeyed homes have generous living areas, indoor swimming pools and all the mod cons one would expect to see in a luxury home anywhere in the world. Luxury, comfort and convenience
set the tone for this plush estate. Hosting top medical facilities, such as Panorama Mediclinic, the area also offers several shopping centres and plenty of restaurants.
“There is a strong demand for luxury living in a secure estate, and buyers are starting to cast their eyes beyond the usual high-end suburbs. Cape Town is becoming an increasingly sought-after destination for high-net worth buyers, from South Africa and overseas. The Prime Residential Index 100 for 2018 ranked Cape Town’s luxury property market second globally in terms of value and growth. Investors at this end of the market want luxury and security with access to the best the Mother City has to offer. Baronetcy Estate ticks all of the boxes, and more, with its superlative offering,” says Nel.
For more information on Baronetcy Estate, Plattekloof, please contact: Pierre Nel +27 76 967 3766 / pierre.nel@pamgolding.co.za Ronald Greentree +27 61 261 4848 / ronald.greentree@pamgolding.co.za Office 021 558 3438
pamgolding.co.za/plattekloof
PLANT LOVE
From leather alternatives and vegan wine, to strictly plant-based skincare, it’s getting easier to avoid animal-derived ingredients if you choose to do so…
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL
Veganism has proved to be more than a passing trend in recent years, and the lifestyle choice continues to grow in popularity. In fact, The Economist recently published a piece predicting that veganism will go mainstream this year as the movement gains momentum. If you’ve considered veganism yourself, you will know that opting for items that are free from animal products goes beyond the plate, with fashion, make-up, and skincare all becoming considerations. Fortunately for those who prefer to avoid animal-derived ingredients completely, more and more brands are taking on the challenge of producing and using vegan-friendly materials — sometimes in the most unexpected ways.
CONSCIOUS COSMETICS
For years, mainstream make-up has been packed with animal-derived ingredients — lanolin, a common ingredient in lip balms and glosses, is derived from sheep wool; shellac is a resinous product taken from insects and used in nail products; and guanine is made from fish scales and used in products like shiny nail polishes, eyeshadow and bronzers. Now, there are a growing number of local make-up brands that o er vegan products. Lula Fox makes a range of eyeshadows made with plant extracts, as well as a concealer that contains certified organic ingredients like coconut, jojoba seed and castor seed oil. Johannesburg brand, Homespun Apothecary produces a lip polish made with olive oil, sugar and essential oils, as well as some vegan facial serums and bamboo make-up brushes.
KEEP IT CLEAN
When it comes to skincare, vegans need to watch out for ingredients like collagen, which is derived from animal tissue; keratin, which is taken from animal horns and hair; and beeswax, which is sometimes used in emulsions and mascaras. Back 2 Nature is a Cape Town-based company that produces a range of handmade skincare products in small batches. All of their ingredients are vegan, sustainably sourced and free from preservatives, and their range includes a day cream moisturiser, an exfoliator, body butter, toothpaste and sunscreen. An added bonus is that the brand uses glass jars to package their products and avoids plastic whenever possible.
WATCH YOUR WINE
Thanks to increasing awareness of vegan dietary needs, Cape Town now boasts a number of spots where it’s possible to enjoy good quality dishes. But, when it comes to drinking, it’s not always that simple. A lot of wines are clarified with the use of milk protein, egg whites, gelatine, or fish bladder protein to achieve the beautifully clear liquid we know and love. Fortunately, some local winemakers are starting to use veganfriendly ingredients like activated charcoal and claybased agents. Last year, Delheim released a veganfriendly pinotage rosé and sauvignon blanc using a plant-derived protein, while Org de Rac uses the claybased agent bentonite to produce its range of wines.
ANIMAL-FRIENDLY FABRIC
The local fashion industry has also seen some clever innovation recently, particularly in terms of fabrics and fibres. WeAllShareRoots is a small Cape Town-based French-South African company that is the first on the continent to use Piñatex, a PETA-certified leather alternative made from pineapple leaves. The material is made by felting pineapple leaves together — WeAllShareRoots uses it to make bags and purses featuring bold African prints.
Eco GemGem is another company that o ers a cruelty-free alternative to leather — they make a collection of bags with pleather, and recently released a new range made from recycled plastic bottles taken straight from landfills. Some of their designs consist of up to 21 plastic bottles!
For more inspiration and motivation, as well as a host of options on vegan or vegan-friendly lifestyle options and eateries please visit www.capetownvegan.com SV
GRENADIAN CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT
The minimum investment requirement to qualify for Grenada’s Citizenship By Investment program has been reduced from US$350,000 to US$220,000.
Grenada is the only country in the Caribbean with a CBI programme that has an E2-Visa treaty with the US.
Citizens who are tax resident in Grenada are not subject to Grenadian tax on their foreign income, nor do they pay any wealth, gift, inheritance or capital gains tax. Acquiring Grenadian Citizenship takes about 120 days.
KIMPTON KAWANA BAY
Kimpton Kawana Bay o ers deeded real estate at the minimum CBI investment amount, has a highly regarded international brand, a transparent revenue sharing model and hassle free ownership with no additional cash outlay requirements. Its 1-bedroom suites and studios are for sale as freehold condominiums.
Purchasers in this stunning 5-star beachfront resort are eligible to apply for Grenadian citizenship through the country’s Citizenship programme.
PRICES FROM $220,000 WWW.KAWANABAY.COM
Kimpton® Hotels & Restaurants is part of the InterContinental Hotels Group®
We ensure financial peace of mind
Financial fears concern all retirees. At Evergreen, you can cross these off your list and focus on enjoying your retirement. Evergreen uses the Life Right purchase model, providing residents with financial security and fantastic lifestyle benefits.
The Evergreen Life Right offers flexibility, with reduced upfront costs and transparent levies. You can plan ahead knowing that your home is safe in the hands of a reputable developer with many years’ experience in the retirement market.
Evergreen’s promise to you is a Partnership for Life. The best years of your life are still ahead of you.
For more information, please call us on 087 808 7000 or e-mail info@evergreenlifestyle.co.za www.evergreenlifestyle.co.za /EvergreenLifestyles @Evergreen_LV
Retire Secure
at Evergreen Lifestyle villages
THE ultimate COMFORT
Warm, nourishing meals; hot drinks; and wholesome treats — that’s what winter was made for. Chef Charmaine Lilje has curated some of her finest recipes. The versatile coconut makes a star appearance this season — enjoy it in a fragrant curry, or in a decadent chocolate drink. And because there’s always time for cookies, why not try her super-simple oatmeal and raisin version on a rainy day. All of these recipes happen to be deliciously vegan, too.
SERVES 4
BUTTERNUT, CHICKPEA AND COCONUT CURRY
Ingredients
1kg butternut, peeled and cubed
2 Tbsp medium curry powder
100ml olive oil
2 Tbsp crushed garlic
100g diced white onion
50g diced carrots
½ birds eye chilli chopped
20g diced celery
500ml vegetable stock
100g pre-soaked chickpeas
2 x tins coconut milk
20g chopped coriander
20g chopped parsley
Lemon juice to taste
20g fresh coriander - for garnish
4 Tbs toasted flaked coconut – for garnish
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C
2. On an oven tray place the butternut
cubes, curry powder, 50ml of the olive oil and garlic and toss together, cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes at 180C, remove the foil and roast until golden brown and soft for another 15-20 minutes
3. In a medium sized pot over a low heat place remaining olive oil, onions, carrots, chilli and celery and sauté until soft
4. Turn the heat up and add the vegetable stock, chicken peas and coconut milk, cook for 15 minutes
5. Add the pre roasted butternut and cook for further 5 minutes in low heat
6. Season with salt and pepper and add the fresh chopped herbs
7. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice
8. Serve with couscous or rice and garnish with a few springs of fresh coriander and a sprinkle of toasted coconut shavings
COCONUT HOT CHOCOLATE
Ingredients
100ml coconut cream
100ml almond milk
50g 70% or 85% chocolate
2 tsp cocoa powder
50ml agave syrup
A pinch of cinnamon/ cinnamon stick
Method
1. In a sauce pot heat the coconut cream and almond milk until boiling and then reduce heat and add dark chocolate, mix until chocolate melts
2. Separately mix the agave syrup, cocoa and cinnamon until you have smooth paste
3. Add the paste to your mug and slowly add the hot milk mixture while stirring with a cinnamon stick
4. Drink and enjoy!
OATMEAL & RAISIN COOKIES
Ingredients
250g soft butter
1 ½ cups of brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 Tbsp vanilla extract
1 ½ cups self raising flour
3/4 cup of almond flour
1 cup of raisins
1 ¼ cups of rolled oats
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 180C
2. Cream the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and flu y
3. Add one egg and mix,
add the other egg and mix
4. Add the vanilla extract and mix well
5. Add the sifted selfraising and almond flour, raisins and oats and mix until combined
6. Set the mixture in the fridge for 10 minutes to slightly sti en up
7. Using a tablespoon, scoop out the mixture onto a non-stick backing tray
8. Bake for around 15 minutes or until golden brown
Charmaine Lilje is known in Cape Town foodie circles for her two charming eateries — Chardonnay Deli in Constantia and Dalebrook Café near Kalk Bay. Both menus o er a selection of dishes packed with local ingredients and plenty of flavour.
Dalebrook Café is the newer of Charmaine’s spaces and is open daily for breakfast and lunch. If you pop in for breakie, you can enjoy options like freshly baked bread with free-range eggs or a raw energy bowl packed with fruit, seeds and nut butter. Lunch options include fresh seafood like mussels, calamari and line fish, as well as some great veggie options like a falafel bowl with roasted aubergine, brown rice, hummus, slaw and salsa.
Established in 2014, Chardonnay Deli has since become a firm favourite in Constantia. The rustic farmstall-style space serves up artisan breads, cakes and pies. The menu o ers healthy and simple breakfast and lunch items, as well as some nourishing smoothies and juices. The atmosphere is relaxed, with a focus on local, healthy produce. SV
flavours A JOURNEY OF
South African wines continue to shine — both at home and further afield.
BY EMILE JOUBERT
Having recently flown half-way around the world — literally — it was astounding to see the presence of one specific South African wine label at every stop. From Cape Town International to the frenetic bazaar-like space of Dubai Airport, and all the way to Auckland, New Zealand, a bottle bearing a white label with the words ‘The Chocolate Block’ was encountered in all the wine stores. Incidentally, this is what wine-nerds do when they go on long flights. Instead of raiding the duty-free cigar and perfume sections or striking up conversations with equally jet-lagged foreign strangers in the airport television bars, we head for a liquor outlet to check out the wine o erings.
AN ALL-ROUND WINNER
The global footprint of The Chocolate Block , a blended red wine made by Boekenhoutskloof in Franschhoek, became more apparent in the sleepy town of Blenheim in the Marlborough region on New Zealand’s sparsely populated South Island. I popped into a nondescript booze store to pick up a six-pack of beer when the salesperson asked where I was from (they don’t get many foreigners with thick accents down there). When she realised that I was from South Africa, she said she’d kill for ‘some bloody good Chocolate Block’ to sell as ‘everybody I know is craving it’. By now, the commercial success of The Chocolate Block should be apparent, especially when you add the eye-watering volumes of its local South African sales to
the equation. And it is truly one of the country’s great brands. Its catchy name straddles mystery and temptation, promising something tasty. Its label is clean and crisp. And, what matters more than anything is the delectable contents in that bottle, a wine that is consistently pleasing in a luxurious, svelte way.
The wine is made in a red Mediterranean style to o er juiciness, soft tannins and a pleasingly moreish mouth-feel, as the name implies. The blend varies, but you can always bet on Syrah, Grenache and Cinsault playing a part — these southern European varieties are known for providing fleshy purple juice that is more succulent and vivacious than northern grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.
The Chocolate Block 2017, which is currently on the market, is a blend of Syrah (64%), Grenache (14%), Cinsault (11%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), and Viognier (1%), and all the grapes originate from the sunny, dry and very Mediterranean-like Swartland region. The wine is aged in French oak, from first fill to third fill barrels, meticulously blended by Boekenhoutkloof’s Marc Kent, surely one of the country’s best winemakers. The result shows that a wine does not have to be made in volumes of four digits to be of superior quality.
Fans of The Chocolate Block are buying a premium image, which also tastes delicious. The Syrah, Cinsault and Grenache elements are combined seamlessly to o er accessible red wines with nuances of violets, charcuterie, spice and squishy blackberry and red currants. The Cabernet Sauvignon brings firmness and depth, ensuring palate-weight. And if you think hard enough, you can almost taste chocolate, too. It’s dark and intense, and definitely worth the journey.
THE JOY OF PINOTAGE
worth it. The wine’s colour is purple-black with a rim the colour of blood. On the nose I got potpourri and all sorts of sappy, juicy stu — imagine the liquid that runs out of the dish after you’ve baked a plum pie. The wine is sensual on the palate, gentle and coaxing, with a delectable array of tastes ranging from prunes, sour cherry, just-grated nutmeg and a delicious touch of liquorice. At four years of age, this wine is absolutely stunning, vindicating the brilliance of the 2015 vintage and the special quality of Chamonix wines, a broad range truly worth trying.
CLASSIC PLEASURES
Sticking to Pinotage, lovers of fine wine who, like me, don’t have the patience to stash bottles away to enjoy in a mature state, should check out the o erings at Kanonkop wine estate. This eponymous Stellenbosch estate holds back vintages of its famed Pinotage for 10 years before o ering them for sale, allowing one to experience the glories of a well-aged wine without sitting around twiddling your thumbs for a decade until the stu is ready.
Sticking to wines made with a bit of an edge, Chamonix — also in Franschhoek — is well-known for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These are some of the Cape’s best expressions, and perhaps they have dominated the attention Chamonix deservedly receives. Looking a bit broader, there are some great wines in that stable burrowed into the mountain slopes, and during a recent visit, I was particularly taken by its Pinotage.
Chamonix Greywacke
Kanonkop Pinotage 2009 now available at the winery and what splendid things maturity brings to this wine. It is always a brilliant, joyful and confident wine in
Pinotage 2015 is named after one of the soil types found in its vineyards, and I was innocently expecting those fleshy and feral Pinotage notes I have come to enjoy about the variety. But no, the style of winemaking employed for this cultivar creates a di erent animal altogether.
Grapes are picked in batches, beginning in February with the healthy ripe bunches, leaving the rest to get further hang-time and develop a bit of an air-dried concentration. The reason for this is simple: these partly-dried grapes, wrinkly and looking as if they need a course of Botox, have less water and more flavour.
Whole-bunch fermentation of the initial Pinotage picking is complemented with the addition of the later, partly dried grapes. Malolactic fermentation is followed by maturation for a full 18 months in French oak 225s, some 30% of which are new.
The journey is complex and intricate, but it’s truly
its youth, but with some age on its side, it becomes a thing of lofty beauty. The Pinot Noir aspect of Pinotage now comes to the floor, the wonders of time also adding a fleshy mouthfeel and evocative, exotic whi s of cigar box and cardamom to the wine. Classic is worth waiting for. SV
DISCOVER A WORLD
secreted away
The historic and luxurious Jan Harmsgat Country House delivers an unforgettable experience of al fresco dining, handcrafted wines, 4x4 farm tours, and divine country lodging.
BY THEA BECKMAN
On the southernmost periphery of the Robertson Wine Valley, about 20 minutes before Swellendam on the R60 highway, you’ll discover a bucolic haven spread out beneath a thick canopy of tree leaves. Here, the historic homesteads, luxury suites, dappled sunlit pathways, and warbling birdcalls o er visitors a serene respite from “it all”, whether it’s the stresses of the workweek or a demanding tourist itinerary. This is Jan Harmsgat Country House: a world secreted away and a place of cool tranquillity and sensual indulgence.
PICNIC UNDER THE PECANS
The first of many diversions guests can enjoy at Jan Harmsgat (JHG) is a picnic under the pecan trees, featuring a delicious abundance of farm-fresh, locally made treats. Think: whole breads that crackle as you cut into the crust, a selection of charcuterie and cheeses, fresh strawberries and grapes, olives and olive tapenade, biltong, fig preserve, and crunchy garden salad washed down with a bottle of JHG Sauvignon Blanc 2018. Our advice is to arrive hungry
because you aren’t going to want to leave any corner of this indulgent spread untested.
EXPLORING THE WORKING FARM
JHG is a 680-hectare working farm that produces a rich harvest of fruits, including whole pomegranates and pomegranate juice, pecan nuts, and grapes for wine. The farm is spread out on both sides of the R60 highway, providing a pleasing degree of separation between guest accommodations and
trundling tractors. Having said this, some of the JHG’s most alluring attractions are its farming operations, which guests are encouraged to explore by foot, bicycle, or 4x4 safari truck…and there are few better ways to recover from a lavish lunch than going for a walk in nature!
The pecan orchard is a magical place to start with its soft carpeting of lush green grass and resident chestnut-coloured hoopoes. Beyond that, you’ll discover olive groves bedecked in purpling drupes belonging to the neighbouring Mardouw Olive Estate. There are no fences, so meander through the groves and look out for the gravesite of former farm owner and respected local councilman, Hermanus Steyn de Jonge. Another equally charming way to explore and work o all that delicious farm-fresh bread is to jump on a bicycle, of which the estate maintains three for guests to use. Just ask the sta to pump up those tyres!
4X4 TOUR AND SUNSET
With the evening approaching, guests are invited to bundle onto JHG’s steed: a handsome Land Rover safari vehicle with manager and marketer of JHG wine portfolio, Mitch Boy, as tour guide. With a glass of JHG Chardonnay 2016 in hand, guests set o on a rutted track that winds its way through the farm’s vineyards, pomegranate orchards – stopping for a taste of the voluptuous ruby fruit - and up a nearby koppie to watch the sun descend into the mist-swathed mountain ranges bordering the Robertson Valley. Keep an eye out for the resident herd of wildebeest!
GUEST ACCOMMODATION AND RESTAURANT
JHG’s luxury accommodations consist of ten exclusive rooms and a romantic honeymoon suite. The spacious rooms are elegantly dressed and o er all the modern amenities you’d expect; yet still exude the enchantment of rustic, farm-style living with their original metre-thick walls, yellow-wood detailing, and floral touches. Mealtimes are taken at the estate’s
restaurant, Just Amy, which lovingly crafts delicious, homespun dishes, such as ostrich carpaccio, grilled West Coast sole with Mediterranean couscous, slow roasted lamb shank with mashed potato, and, for dessert, pecan pie! The elegant, yet rustic country theme extends beautifully into this space with its hardwood ceiling, warm lighting, gracefully decked tables, large fireplace, and leather sofas. There is also a large outdoor seating area under the shade of the pecan trees, which is perfect for al fresco dining on sunny days.
JAN HARMSGAT WINES
Lunch, dinner, or anytime really, JHG’s sta is ready to deliver a wine tasting of the estate’s boutique range of small-batch, wild-fermented, and vegan-friendly wines. This consists of a Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Chenin Blanc 2018 (sold out) Chardonnay 2016, Pinotage 2016, Cabernet Sauvignon 2017, and Shiraz 2016. Each wine is crafted from a single block of vineyards no more than six hectares in size and with minimal intervention in the cellar so that the resultant wine is a loving and honest expression of its unique terroir.
A RESTORATIVE GETAWAY
For days spent embraced by nature and fruiting trees and nights engulfed in red wine and warm, white sheets, there are few better destinations than Jan Harmsgat Country House. Couple this luxury and indulgence with quintessential Western Cape vistas of vineyard carpeted valleys and rugged mountain peaks, and you’ve got a restorative getaway against which you’ll measure all others. SV
Exclusive discounts to France
15% in Business class : SOUTHERN19
20% in Premium Economy and Economy class: FRANCE2019
Book you flight online with Air France or Joon to France and you could qualify for either a 15% or 20% discount depending on your class of travel. This o er is valid for travel until 31 May 2020.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS CODE: SOUTHERN19 and FRANCE2019
• The discount o ers apply to the price of the ticket before Airport taxes, service charges and surcharges.
• The discount codes Southern19 and France2019 are only valid for online reservations made at www.airfrance.co.za
• Valid on Air France and JOON marketed and operated flights.
• Valid in Economy, Premium Economy or Business class (discounts will vary as per above) departing from Cape Town on Air France or Joon direct flights.
• Valid for new bookings made between 01 June 2019 and 15 September 2019.
• Valid for travel between 01 June 2019 and 31 May 2020, from South Africa.
• Depending on the fare chosen, other conditions may apply.
• Only the credit card option form of payment will allow for the discount.
• Limited to a minimum fare of ZAR 2,000 in Premium Economy and Economy class and minimum of ZAR 20,000 for Business class.
• Valid only once per passenger.
• Limited to 100 users in total.
AIR FRANCE, FRANCE IS IN THE AIR!
Air France is a leading global player in its three main areas of activity: passenger transport, cargo transport and aircraft maintenance. From its hubs at ParisOrly and Paris-Charles de Gaulle airports, the airline operates flights to 195 destinations and 91 countries. Air France is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance, alongside Korean Air, Aeromexico and Delta. With the North American airline Delta Airlines, Air France has also set up a joint venture dedicated to the joint operation of several hundred transatlantic flights every day.
Currently the Cape Town to Paris route is operated with a Joon aircraft. From 27 June, Air France will again resume operating the route with Air France aircraft twice per week. Air France has non stop service to 25 cities within France from either Paris Charles de Gaulle or Orly.
THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME
There’s simply nothing more romantic than train travel, and Rovos Rail takes it to new levels of luxury.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL
Rovos Rail is synonymous with luxury train travel, and this year marks their 30th anniversary in South Africa. Now a super-luxe experience, the company had a fairly humble start. In fact, according to owner and CEO Rohan Vos, it took a decade for them to even break even. It’s hard to believe now — Rovos Rail o ers a number of luxury trips around Southern Africa and will soon be launching a new route, Trail of Two Oceans, from Dar es Salaam to Lobito in Angola, the first passenger train trip to ever venture along the east-to-west copper trail.
THE JOURNEY BEGINS
Rovos Rail was the brainchild of Rohan and Anthea Vos, who started the company three decades ago.
“Little did we know all those years ago that we would expand from o ering one overnight journey to eight trips,” says Rohan. “At its core, Rovos Rail is a story about spirited and determined entrepreneurship with us having to fight many battles in our three decades in the Southern African and global hospitality industry.”
Despite many challenges over the years — volcanic ash cloud, airline strikes, the Ebola outbreak, and a crippling global recession — the company is going strong. In fact, they currently employ 440 sta members at the Rovos Rail Station in Pretoria, some of whom have been with the group since the very beginning, and over 100 of whom have been there for over 20 years — a testament to the family-oriented spirit of the team.
THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT
A sixth train set is currently in production, with plans to launch it in December this year. Once the new train is running, it will be possible to have five Rovos Rail trains out at once on any of the eight journeys it o ers, along with the Shongololo Express running on one of its three trips. The company has also procured their own electric and diesel locomotives in an e ort to be as self-reliant as possible in the future.
A CHOICE OF TRIPS
Rovos Rail o ers eight routes to choose from, with journeys ranging from 48 hours to 15 days. Part of the fleet is the Shongololo Express, which was purchased
and renovated in 2016, and the train travels for over 300 days of the year. Rohan credits the relaxed itineraries for the train’s longevity. “That train just goes and goes with very few issues – it’s quite amazing,” he says.
The routes include Pretoria to Cape Town via Kimberley, De Aar, Beaufort West and Matjiesfontein; Pretoria to Victoria Falls; Pretoria to Durban via the Drakensberg and Nambiti Private Game Reserve; a nine-day golf safari with stops at some of South Africa’s best courses; Pretoria to Walvis Bay in Namibia; Cape Town to Dar es Salaam; and the new route that stretches from Dar es Salaam to Lobito via Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. SV
For reservations and general enquiries, take a look at www.rovos.com or email reservations@rovos.co.za
OUR VERY OWN Eden
The town of Ceres — known a ectionately as the Eden of the Cape — is surrounded by a lush valley and dramatic mountain ranges that are often dusted in snow in the winter months.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL
Named after the Roman goddess of agriculture and fertility, Ceres is well-known for its export-quality fruit production and natural beauty. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the small town is in the heart of one of the country’s most fertile valleys and is loved for its winter snow, pretty cherry farms, and abundance of outdoor activities.
EXPLORE THE AREA
Ceres is a great spot for those who love the outdoors, and the landscape really is striking. The Matroosberg Private Nature Reserve, located around 35 kilometres from town, has some great mountain biking and hiking trails, as well as trail running routes, kloofing and abseiling. In the winter months, it’s possible to go snowboarding and ice climbing when the conditions are right. If that’s not enough adventure for you, Ceres Zipslide Adventures o ers eight zipline slides varying from 100 to 290 metres in length. The Skurweberg mountains and surrounding rock formations form a dramatic backdrop to this fun activity.
If you want to enjoy the landscape but prefer something more relaxed, there are a number of scenic drives in the area surrounding Ceres. Michell’s Pass connects the town to Tulbagh, Worcester and the Breede River Valley, while the Katbakkies
LENNY & ZOË KRAVITZ
Pass traces what was once the old sheep-trekking route over the Skurweberg mountains and connects Ceres with the Tankwa Karoo. Both of these make great day trips, as does the Gydo Pass between Ceres and Citrusdal.
ENJOY THE FOOD
Not far from Ceres, on the road towards Worcester, is Bosjes Kombuis. A beautiful space with glass walls, high ceilings and an outside wall that features a Delft-inspired mural designed by Cape Town artists Lucie de Moyencourt and Michael Chandler, the restaurant is a great spot for lunch if you’re out exploring the surrounding area. The menu features delicious, warming options that are ideal for a winter’s afternoon — expect dishes like slow roast pork neck with braised winter veg and polenta; squash risotto with origanum and gruyere; and warm beetroot, rocket, gorgonzola and walnut salad.
In the town itself, Kole & Deeg started o as a pop-up but has become a local hit. The bakerycafé serves up fresh breads, pastries and roosterkoek along
Inverdoorn Private Game Reserve is situated under 2.5 hours from Cape Town, in the vastness of the majestic Tankwa Karoo. With thick wooded Acacia river beds and magnificent golden mountains on the horizon, Inverdoorn provides the ultimate tranquil Big 5 safari experience.
with some breakfast and lunch dishes. Some wintery favourites include their butternut soup served with toasted roosterbrood and their crispy hot gourmet wa es topped with options like dark chocolate mousse, salted caramel popcorn, and berry compote.
STAY A WHILE
If you’re heading to Ceres to see the snow this winter, you’ll find a number of cosy spots to stay, especially if you’re looking for a farm experience. Located on Koelfontein Farm, Die Kloof is a selfcatering cottage that sleeps six people in three bedrooms. The cottage is a beautiful historic building and comes fully equipped for a comfortable weekend away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The lounge has a free-standing fireplace for snowy evenings, and there’s even a wood-fired hot tub outside if you’re feeling brave. Just six kilometres from town,
Fairfield Mountain Cottages are surrounded by orchards on a working fruit farm at the foot of the Skurweberg mountains. The
three cottages, which range in size, boast beautiful mountain views and are all pet-friendly. The farm has designated hiking routes and is home to wildlife such as duiker, mongoose, meerkat and klipspringer as well as an abundance of birdlife.
For more info on things to do and places to stay visit www.ceres.org.za SV
Grand but inviting, Seven Seas Voyager® is all about the details. Dine at Chartreuse, one of several dining venues and see the chic Parisian decor, and in the comfortable library where you’ll find ample reading material to enjoy. Join us onboard the all-suite, all-balcony ship as she sets sail for Japan in March 2020.
Evenings on board are filled with music and fun. Enjoy a rousing cabaret show, test your luck at the casino or step onto the stage for karaoke.
Every suite on Seven Seas Voyager® has a private balcony along with marble bath accents and roomy closets. Sip a cup of coffee or glass of wine and dine alfresco with room service as you take in the endless views and fresh sea air.
The Observation Lounge is a quiet place to read and relax while watching the spectacular views when entering or leaving ports of call. Musicians entertain daily and it is the perfect spot for pre-dinner cocktails or a nightcap.
From succulent lobster to the perfect burger and shake, you’ll find an array of refined flavours and refreshments from which to choose.
HONG KONG TO TOKYO
JOURNEY TO JAPAN | SEVEN SEAS VOYAGER
DURATIONDEPARTSFARESFROM 12 NIGHTS01 MAR 2020US $8,139 PP
FEATURED OFFER Guests in all suite categories can enjoy a choice of either a 3-Night Jewels of Hong Kong pre-cruise land programme or a 3-Night Sunrise over Tokyo post-cruise land programme on this voyage.
DATEPORT ARRIVEDEPART
Mar 01 SunHONG KONG, CHINA 6:00 PM
Mar 02 MonCRUISING THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Mar 03 TueTAIPEI (KEELUNG), TAIWAN 7:00 AM6:00 PM
Mar 04 WedISHIGAKI (SAKISHIMA ISLANDS), JAPAN 8:00 AM4:00 PM
Mar 05 ThuOKINAWA (NAHA), JAPAN 8:00 AM2:30 PM
Mar 06 FriCRUISING THE PHILIPPINE SEA
Mar 07 SatKAGOSHIMA, JAPAN 7:00 AM6:00 PM
Mar 08 SunMIYAZAKI, JAPAN 7:00 AM6:00 PM
Mar 09 MonOSAKA, JAPAN 1:00 PM
Mar 10 TueOSAKA, JAPAN 5:00 PM
Mar 11 WedSHIMIZU, JAPAN 12:00 PM8:00 PM
Mar 12 ThuTOKYO, JAPAN 8:00 AM
Mar 13 FriTOKYO, JAPAN
Choice of Pre- or Post-Cruise Land Programme Unlimited Shore Excursions Unlimited WiFi* throughout the ship Unlimited Beverages, Including Fine Wines and Spirits, Throughout the Ship Speciality Restaurants Pre-Paid Gratuities
Concierge Suites and Higher include: 1-Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Package* and more Penthouse Suites and Higher include: Personal Butler and more
Established Travel Partner for 22 years Janine Pretorius • Tel: 012 664 0925 • janinep@encorecruises.co.za
CITY IN A garden
Singapore is a place of contrasts and colour — where temples sit alongside futuristic buildings and world-class greenery.
BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL
As a nation-city, Singapore is small and easy to get around, even on a fairly short visit. That said, it is a place rich in diversity, and there is plenty to see, do and taste. It’s a beautiful mix of cultures — a fusion that is reflected in its food, architecture and traditions.
SOAK UP THE FLAVOURS
With influences from Chinese, Indian, Malaysian and Indonesian cuisines, food in Singapore is
an experience in itself. One of my favourite spots in the city is Chinatown. Here, you’ll find the street market, one of the busiest and most popular places to shop and eat. Also known as Chinatown Food Street, the area is perfect for trying a vast array of local flavours — classics include the Singapore fried carrot cake, which is made from eggs and preserved radish; Hong Kong and Shanghai-inspired dim sum; and laksa, a dish made of vermicelli noodles, coconut milk, bean curd, fish and shrimps.
Little India is also a great place for a meal, plus it’s a beautiful area to simply walk around. It’s a colourful mix of old and new, and you’ll see Hindu and Buddhist temples, a mix of European and Chinese architecture, as well as some sweet cafés and restaurants. When it comes to food, there’s a bit of everything available,
Chinatown
Top: Colourful windows and details of House of Tan Teng Niah in Little India
Above: Colourful banners hanging in Little India to celebrate the Indian festival - Deepavali, popularly known as the “festival of lights”
including plenty of authentic Indian dishes like coconut milkbased curries, naan and chapati, and traditional desserts and sweets.
While you’ll want to try at least some of the street food available, it must be noted that Singapore is famed for its fine dining too. In fact, the city is home to a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, so it’s well worth tracking down a few of the hottest chefs in town. If you’re at the Botanic Gardens, try Corner House, a restaurant co-owned by Michelin starredchef Jason Tan. Tan pioneered the concept of ‘gastro-botanica’, a cuisine that applies traditional French cooking techniques to botanical elements, so that fruits and vegetables form a key part
Marina Bay Sands
of the menu, rather than mere sides. Some of his most interesting dishes include Japanese chestnut with stout, blackcurrant and coconut; watermelon with soursop, rambutan and rose; and a whole baked onion hollowed and filled with onion puree and confit egg, sea salt, chives and black tru es.
ENJOY THE GREEN SPACE
Singapore is quickly making a name for itself as a green city, with many of its skyscrapers being transformed into vertical gardens and living ecosystems. Gardens by the Bay is perhaps one of the city’s most famous green spaces — the area spans 101 hectares of reclaimed land. Here, you’ll see the tree-shaped vertical gardens known as the ‘super trees’, which
The Rain Vortex, a 40m-tall indoor waterfall located inside the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. The airport opened in April 2019
Gardens by the Bay
extend between 9 and 16 storeys tall. It’s possible to walk between the man-made trees on a suspended walkway and enjoy views over the impressive park.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is also a must for plant-lovers. It was the country’s first UNESCO Heritage Site and was established back in 1859. It’s a great place for a stroll and a meal. Whatever you do,
don’t miss The National Orchid Garden inside, which hosts the world’s largest orchid display with over 60 000 plants.
If you’re up for a challenge, you can climb Singapore’s highest hill in the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Just 12 kilometres from the city centre, the reserve is one of the few places you can see primary rainforest in the area. SV
DON’T MISS
If you’re planning a trip to Singapore soon, don’t miss these events.
THE GREAT SINGAPORE SALE
Shopaholics will love this one — from 21 June to 28 July, retailers all around the city o er huge discounts, and you’ll find deals on everything from fashion and jewellery to electronics and even hotel and spa rates.
SINGAPORE FOOD FESTIVAL
From 12 - 18 July, this annual festival gives foodies the chance to enjoy innovative dishes, as well as food-inspired art and dance and theatre performances.
SINGAPORE NIGHT FESTIVAL
During the month of August, art and culture spill onto the streets with public performances and installations.
The National Orchid Garden
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
Telok Ayer Market
LIFE OFF ROAD
The Cape and Country’s 4x4 Adventure Tours.
BY THEA BECKMAN
Beating a path into the heart of the Western Cape wilderness, in an eco-conscious way, of course, reveals treasures you could scarcely hope to see from any well-travelled road. There are pristine tracks of indigenous flora, thriving birdlife, vantage points of a breathtaking scale, and new paths that few takkies have trodden before. All it takes to become an intrepid explorer are four wheels with torque and a little horsepower. Let’s see the Cape by 4x4!
THE MUSCLE FOR THE HUSTLE
A 4x4 has a two-axle drivetrain capable of providing torque to all four of its wheels simultaneously. In other words, it’s the kind of vehicle owned by people who need power and people who enjoy power. This, coupled with an engine with more muscle than a Howitzer, enables drivers to tackle any terrain imaginable, save perhaps for boiling fields of lava but that goes without saying. This a ords people rare and privileged perspectives on our country - no wonder 4x4 touring is such a popular tourist activity and local pastime!
4X4 GUIDED AND SELF-DRIVE TOURS
You don’t need to own, buy, or even know how to drive a 4x4 to partake in a little adventure. There is an abundance of 4x4 adventure companies in and around Cape Town that o er guided and self-drive tours. Some even provide training. Dirty Boots O -Road Adventures (+27 21 713 1491, Dirtyboots.co.za) runs single and multi-day trips in the Cape and throughout the country.
Xtreme-Trex Adventours & Transport (081 748 3046, Xtreme-trex.com) does the
same and maintains a fleet of modified Hummer H3s, Land Rover Defender TD5s, and Range Rover HSEs.
Cederberg 4x4 (+27 21 910 1363 Cederberg4x4.co.za) arranges camping trips and overland tours to beautiful, remote locations and even neighbouring countries throughout pretty much all of southern Africa.
The Drakensberg
The Hummer H3
4X4 TRAILS NEAR CAPE TOWN
For those with the necessary tools of the trade and the skills to operate them, you’ll find no shortage of bushwhacking, dune bouncing, and donga diving opportunities nearby. The steep dune systems in Atlantis, 45 km from Cape Town (di culty level 2-5), o er a thrilling romp for 4x4s. You’ll need a permit, though, which you can obtain at the City Council in Wale Street (Capetown.gov.za). Some other coastal trails include Blombosch 4×4 Nature Trail in Yzerfontein (level 1-2) and Bu elsfontein, which is spread out over Yzerfontein, Darling, and Langebaan (level 3-4).
For more mountainous challenges with gorgeous views of vineyards and farmlands, try:
n The Wiesenhof Trail in Stellenbosch
n Two Oceans View Route in Somerset West (level 3-4)
n Takbok 4x4 Trail in Paarl (level 2-3)
n Babylonstoren Trail in Malmesbury (level 4)
n Sir Lowry’s Pass Route (bookings through CapeNature.co.za)
n Sneeukoppie 4×4 in Rawsonville (level 2-3)
n Tierkloof 4×4, also Rawsonville (level 3-4)
WIND IN YOUR HAIR, TORQUE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
A 4x4 adventure allows you to visit the remote, hard-to-reach places where life in all its myriad iterations flourishes. More than that: it o ers the adrenalin rush of zooming about the bush, beach, mountains, and valleys in a car with serious muscle. And it’s in the name of discovery and maybe just a little danger that we veer o the beaten path to experience the Cape’s and country’s secreted away gems. SV
Cedarberg Mountains
LEGEND A BRAND NEW
Practicality meets performance in the new RS4 Avant from Audi.
BY VANN VAN STADEN
The saying ‘never judge a book by its cover’ has never rung truer than with the all-new RS4 Avant from Audi.
Precisely, 20 years ago, the first Audi RS4 Avant was launched. Now making its local debut in its new generation, this vehicle combines high performance with excellent suitability for everyday use. In Audi terms, Avant is their description of a station wagon. Who knows, the name may take its inspiration from the term ‘En Avant’, which means forward, or in front. Leading the battle troops. Front of the pack. The new RS4 Avant is just that — it’s forward thinking and most definitely leading from the front within the wagon group.
HELLO, GOOD LOOKING
As you come face to face with the new model, you are greeted with a signature RS grille. When compared with the last RS4 model, the wheel housings have been widened by 30 millimetres, lending a more quattro feel to the look. Moving to the back, the RS roof spoiler creates a bold talking point for the overall look and feel of the car. The exhaust pipes are refined with oval tips, heightening the mean look for the RS exhaust system.
UNDER THE HOOD
The new Audi RS4 Avant packs a 2.9 TFSI V6 twin turbo engine that delivers 331 kW with
a maximum torque of 600 Nm–170 Nm — significantly more power than its predecessor. This allows for a 0-100km/h target to be hit in just 4.1 seconds. The top speed is limited to 250 km/h. That said, if you opt for the optional RS dynamic package, your top speed will increase to a formidable 280 km/h. Not bad for a ‘station wagon’.
FULLY LOADED
Other than the obvious ample space for a family and their luggage, the RS4 Avant is packed with some awesome standards. From the LED headlights and rear lights to the amazing RS sports suspension, and a whopping 20-inch aluminium forged alloy wheels, the list goes on. The Nappa leather-covered RS sport seats set the mood for the drive. Continuing with a sporty feel, the flat-bottomed multifunction sports steering wheel and stainless-steel pedals make you feel like a modern-day Senna, ready for action. Couple those features (and many more) with a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 3D sound and Audi smartphone interface, and that long-awaited road trip never looked better.
RANDS AND SENSE
The RS4 Avant quattro Tiptronic will set you back around R1.2 million. Money well spent. The Audi RS4 Avant comes standard with the 5 year/100 000km Audi Freeway Plan and the price is inclusive of all taxes. SV
TheBIGOne
Volvo launched the XC90 not too long ago — now they have taken their flagship top-of-the-range model and made it even better.
BY VANN VAN STADEN
Millions of people around the world have had a love a air with Volvo for decades now.
The brand is known for making some of the safest cars on the road, coupled with comfortability and reliability. So, it’s not di cult to see why they are so loved — especially when they keep pushing boundaries, both aesthetically and in terms of innovation.
WHAT’S NEW
On the outside, the refreshed XC90 o ers subtle upgrades to the original award-winning exterior design, such as new wheels, exterior colours and a modern new grille, among other details. You can still expect to see old favourites like Thor’s Hammer headlights.
On the inside, the superlative and award-winning interior design remains in place, but perhaps the most noticeable addition is the fact that it can be ordered with a range of di erent seating configurations. From the four-seat excellence variant and the seven-seat family SUV to the brand new six-seat configuration, the XC90 is available with any number of seats that best fits your needs and lifestyle. New interior materials include a wool blend, with further options for personalisation.
MUSIC TO YOUR EARS
While the XC90 was the first Volvo to o er Apple Carplay integration, it is now also compatible with Android Auto. The Sensus infotainment system has gone through multiple
updates in recent years, all of which have been adopted in the XC90. Where available, the Spotify music streaming service is integrated into the XC90.
IT’S ELECTRIFYING
For the first time, the refreshed XC90 o ers customers Volvo’s advanced kinetic energy recovery braking system, which is coupled with its existing internal combustion engines to create a new integrated electrified powertrain, under its new ‘B’ badge. This new electrified powertrain o ers drivers up to 15 per cent fuel savings and emission reductions in real-world driving.
The introduction of the new XC90 ‘B’ badge cars represents a major step towards Volvo’s electrification ambitions. The cars complement Volvo’s existing T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid electrified option on the new XC90. Going green is looking pretty awesome.
SAFETY FIRST, AS ALWAYS
In terms of active safety technology, the XC90 now o ers drivers help with steering on both the City Safety and the Blind Spot Information System. City Safety with Autobrake is still the only system on the market to recognise pedestrians, cyclists and large animals. The Oncoming Lane Mitigation system first introduced on the XC60 is now also available on XC90, while the Cross Tra c Alert technology now also o ers autobrake. All this, together with the safety cage that forms the core of the passive safety technology, makes the XC90 one of the safest cars on the road and underlines Volvo’s unwavering commitment to developing the safest cars possible.
THE WAIT IS OVER (ALMOST)
You won’t have to wait too long to experience the new XC90 first hand. It will be available for the South African market in the third quarter of the year. Head on over to their website for pricing and availability. SV
STOCKISTS
To get the beautiful looks and trends we have showcased in this edition, head on over to the below stores to plan your purchases.
