Wanted November 2022 | The Holiday Issue

Alot of passive aggression can happen between “I trust you are well” and “kind regards”. This, after all, has been the year of the great resignation — and, perhaps, greater regret, if we are to believe the data. The year has also seen workers go from what I’d call “extended hybridity” right up to quiet quitting, as bosses of all genders clutched their pearls, yearning for full offices buzzing with “spontaneous interactions”.

Away from matters of employment, this has been the year that completed the transformation of inverters into instruments of magic, and the one that finally made us understand that water doesn’t come from taps but from reservoirs, requiring that elusive electricity to work properly. Most frustratingly, we still can’t understand load-shedding schedules, even as “Eskom Se Push” tries its best to make sense of it all.

More recently, 2022 has also become the year of talk of revolving leadership doors; a chaotic parliament; and wealthy, out-of-touch political heads treading murky financial waters — and you wouldn’t necessarily be talking about South Africa. Most crucially, though, it has been the year that we’ve desperately had to and finally were able to travel again. Properly.

In late March — poetically, in my estimation, as it was my birthday month — I travelled overseas for the first time in two years and it felt, hyperbole aside, like I had been born anew. The flying experience alone was a delight: the legroom was decent (even for those of us who turned right as we entered the plane), the on-board films eclectic and arresting, and the FFP2 mask — mandatory on both legs of my trip — didn’t behave like its

usual self, intent on suffocating every bit of life from me. I was even charmed by the unshowered teenage exuberance of the Indian U/17 cricket team seated all around me at some point. My destination, Milan, was a blast, as you may well know, given how I have not shut up about it. It was the ultimate revenge after the Omicron nightmare that prevented a whirl around the world to Design Miami last year.

Talking about revenge, after Justice Malala — who, in this issue, breaks with tradition and spills all about a surreal and altogether awful Vegas trip that was enough to end all fantasies about Sin City (p.14) — had written earlier this year

about not being ready for revenge travel (that lusty travel one indulges in after a long period of enforced isolation), the term seemed to be everywhere, and is one of the trends Dion Chang, our country’s most prominent trends analyst, has been tracking (and indulging in).

For Chang, revenge looked like a villa in Corfu with a group of friends (p.16). If Greece is a little out of your reach right now, you needn’t trek too far for the villa life, and Steve Steinfeld selects some of the best in the Western Cape winelands (p.32). Incidentally, as one of South Africa’s leading food critics — with a restaurant never quite open until he says so — Steinfeld also gives us the year’s best restaurants (p.28). His list of sumptuous local culinary destinations is bound to be met with resounding approval and, perhaps, a dash of surprise.

This is our second-last shot at this for the year, and next month we give you the apparently world-famous Gifting issue. Until then, we wish you — and your luggage — safe transit (do not read “A number’s game” on p. 40 if you don’t want to jinx this one) and no extra charge for the excess weight.

A year of too much, too little, and just enough

My everyday revenge view

“In late March... I travelled overseas for the first time in two years and it felt, hyperbole aside, like I had been born anew”

DESTINATION UNKNOWN

Drawing inspiration from its iconic trunks, Louis Vuitton’s latest offering pays homage to the perennial love of travel

Petite Malle Monogram bag, R92 000, Louis Vuitton

production Sahil Harilal

STOCKIST LOUIS VUITTON LOUISVUITTON.COM

photographer Judd van Rensburg

Tudor Ranger M79950

the dial by replacing the iconic painted Arabic numerals and markers with crisper applied versions like those on the Black Bay Fifty-Eight Bronze, but I’d be entirely missing the point and no doubt be taken out by an anorak. I do, however, love the Ranger as is and, speaking as a modest collector of no-nonsense, unpretentious classic machines, the vintage-hued Super-

bold painted numerals, and the unique hour and minute hands. I’ve cherished an incredibly reliable mid-1960s “rose” logoed piece with a smoky-grey dial for nearly 20 years. If I ever had to replace my Prince, it would be with the Ranger. Incidentally, the same rose design is engraved on the crown of every new Tudor watch to remind us of its origins.

Gary Cotterell is Wanted’s Watch Editor

QUALITY TIME.

Out of office, out of range

To quote two of the world’s more famous explorers: “‘Where are we going?” asked Pooh. ‘No-where,’ said Piglet. So they all started going.”

If you see yourself as a carefree explorer, living every moment as though it’s your last, then the new Tudor Ranger M79950 is the perfect inspiration to wander off the grid and discover the many delights of “no-where”.

While I should probably be talking about the new downsized Tudor Pelagos 39 or any of the other lovely industry releases this year, I keep returning to the Ranger

for its absolute sincerity of purpose. This is arguably the quintessential tool watch, so eloquently expressed in its purest form.

Much like a child’s drawing of a house reduced to rudimentary geometric shapes, the Ranger captures the universal image of a clock or watch. Over at Rolex, the Explorer is lovely and refined, but its new 36mm case is possibly a little on the small side to be everyone’s expedition partner.

At 39mm, and with a revised profile, the Ranger plays its role with clarity, fitting comfortably on even the skinniest of wrists. And at a fraction of the price. For this contemporary edition, I may have refined

LumiNova only adds to its retro appeal.

This looker with its 39mm satinbrushed 316L steel case is inspired by the Ref. 7995 from the 1960s and celebrates the 70th anniversary this year of the British North Greenland expeditions. This scientific mission to study the ice sheets of Greenland was the “destructive trials” testing ground for the first automatic and waterproof Tudor Oyster Prince watches that would inform the Ranger design with its focus on all-condition robustness and legibility. This was expressed through the incredible quality of the 34mm Oyster steel case design supplied by Rolex, the

Various references of the Ranger have included a date window with a cyclops lens, and automatic or manual winding movements. The Ranger II, with its exaggerated flan-dish fluted bezel and integrated bracelet, launched in 1973. The Ranger collection was retired from the catalogue in 1988, but revived in 2014 through a 41mm model that took inspiration from the Tudor Oyster Prince Ref. 7995, which is echoed in the new Ref. M79950. With the North Flag and this 41mm Ranger being discontinued in 2019 and 2020 respectively, and the launch of the Rolex Explorer last year, we suspected that Tudor had something planned.

Brought up to date for contemporary living, the COSC-certified in-house MT5402 automatic movement has 70 hours of power reserve. The case is waterproof to 100m and available on NATOstyle Jacquard or hybrid leather-rubber straps, as well as a steel bracelet featuring Tudor’s life-changing T-Fit rapid adjustment system.

Solidly built, practical, precise, and accessibly priced, this is the instrument for your next expedition. It’s Ranger or go home! From R46 350, tudorwatch.com or Rolex Watch Co SA 011 784 9230

NEXT STOP

Featuring analogue hands and a digital display, the Omega Speedmaster x-33 Marstimer is the latest of the commercially available editions of the quartz watch originally created for the exclusive use of international space programmes from the late 1990s to the early 2000s. Anticipating the “next giant leap”, Omega’s 45mm titanium-on-titanium chronograph keeps track of our world and the sol date and time on Mars, with the Mission Elapsed Time function accounting for the 2.7% longer days on the red planet. A solar compass will find true north wherever you are. R119 000, omegawatches.com

FEELER GAUGE

At Richard Mille, size counts. This is usually expressed through large but lightweight pieces innovatively executed in exotic materials. But the ultra-flat Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari , at a mere 1.75mm thick, is a radical shift that also steals the title of the world’s thinnest mechanical watch from Bulgari and celebrates the partnership with Ferrari signed last year. Limited to 150 pieces — at three times the price of an SF90. richardmille.com

03RENNSPORT

Expressing shared history and values, the limitededition TAG Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 timepieces are a tribute to an iconic Porsche and the first 911 to carry the Carrera badge, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Available in blue-and-white steel or red-and-white rosegold editions, these 42mm chronographs capture the two-tone aesthetic and design codes of the classic sportscar in the tricompax dial layout. Powered by the Calibre Heuer 02. POA, tagheuer.com or Picot & Moss 011 669 0500

Tudor promts us to wander off the grid

Stephanie Gilmore –Sally Fitzgibbons –Kelly Slater

1. Dolce & Gabbana

Diamond-studded DG emblems surrounded by a full spectrum of coloured stones? There’s nothing subtle about these babies, but, gosh darn, they’ll make a statement with just a simple tan and a white swimsuit. POR. dolcegabbana.com

2. Bulgari

This Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace, R111 000, is a real beauty in 18kt pink gold, diamonds, and carnelian. The design is modern and sophisticated, making it the perfect addition to both more classic and contemporary summer looks. picotandmoss.co.za

3.

Pomellato

The Pomellato Nudo bracelet, R198 000, is a streamlined gold cuff adorned with blue topaz and diamonds. Keep it on your wrist all holiday long to add glamour to white tees and dresses. bhhboutique.co.za

Messika

Nothing says summer holiday quite like the colour turquoise, so you’ll definitely want the Lucky Move bracelet, R48 000, to accompany you on your travels. The pink-gold and natural-turquoise inlay surrounded by diamonds creates the best possible version of beachside style. bhhboutique.co.za

TRUE COLOUR

Embolden your neutral and monochrome wardrobe palette with this multicoloured offering

text Nokubonga Thusi

If your perfect summer involves chasing waves, make sure you’re kitted out in the coolest African surf brand around — Mami Wata. The brand’s latest lookbook, SS22 NeoAnimism Luck Is Alive , in collaboration with renowned South African photographer and part-time surfer Pieter Hugo, is a striking opus that is as visually unsettling as it is breathtaking. Exploring the concept of distortion and reflection, mirrors and digital manipulation are used to convey the spiritual connection between African surfers and the ocean. Mami Wata’s signature eye and dice motifs feature throughout the collection of relaxed-fit cotton shirts and surf trunks, inspired by the concept of luck and the effect of animism on West African graphic design.

mamiwatasurf.co.za

01.

Surf’s Up

Leaving on a jet plane anytime soon? Then the bags you should be packing are some of the luxury leather pieces from the covetable Montblanc Meisterstück Collection. Inspired by the house’s iconic Meisterstück pen, the capsule collection is fashioned from crocodileembossed leather in matte black, grey, and Britishgreen colourways. Staying true to Montblanc’s writing heritage, the designs incorporate Meisterstückpen-inspired elements such as nib-shaped zip pulls. Any one of these pieces will elevate your travel experiences. Choose from duffle bags in three sizes, a document case, messenger bag, pouches, and card holders — or really spoil yourself and grab the whole set. montblanc.com

Wouldn’t it be nice if travelling to far-flung island destinations were as easy as closing your eyes and wishing it so? Luckily, House of Gozdawa’s dreamy scent Guilty Pleasures is a oneway ticket to idyllic Nosy Be Island off the coast of Madagascar. Calling to mind sunny days on the beach, this scent is an olfactory teleportation device with notes of vetiver, patchouli, coffee bean, violet leaf, and ylang ylang. Respecting the Earth and taking inspiration from the plants specific to Nosy Be, the scent is made from the finest natural botanical ingredients, while the glass bottle is topped with a polymer-clay cap for playful and plastic-free packaging. House of Gozdawa Guilty Pleasures Extrait De Parfum 50ml, R2 300, houseofgozdawa.com

Happy

Days

Don`t Worry, Be Good(leaf)

Slather stress away with Goodleaf’s fully certified, locally formulated, antistress skincare range made to treat the effects of high levels of stress and the over-production of cortisol on the skin. With luxurious “a-little-goes-a-long-way” textures, the 12-piece range combines CBD, devil’s claw, and hemp seed, and is scented with Exhale, an essential-oil blend of clary sage, petitgrain, patchouli, and rose geranium. Goodleaf Glow Soothing Face Oil 30ml, R395; Goodleaf Rise Hydrating Day Moisturiser 50ml, R345; Goodleaf Revive Purifying Face Cleanser 300ml, R295. goodleaf.co.za

the new feminine fragrance

while chugging along on a leisurely seven-day road trip?

So, we pack up the trusty Volvo and head for the first destination on our adventure: Las Vegas, Nevada, the world’s gambling capital. Now, we are non-gamblers. Our idea of gambling is James Bond in Casino Royale. Say “gamble” to us and we imagine handsome men in tuxedos drawing on their cigars, and dropdead-gorgeous femmes fatales sipping cocktails and clutching mink stoles. We imagine glitz and glamour.

With that image in mind, we had lassoed a friend into tutoring us on the basics of blackjack. I should have realised that everything wasn’t quite right when he gave us pitiful looks before starting on his spiel.

Vegas kicks the bucket list

Don’t do it. The bucket list, I mean. Just let it remain what it is: a wish list. The whole thing is a bloody scam.

When one imagines an item on one’s bucket list it always seems such an amazing, tantalising possibility. But the reality, I have found, can be quite something else. I know. I have the scars to show for this tidbit of wisdom I’ve just shared with you.

Driving across the vast United States of America has always been on my lovely wife’s bucket list. Why not? We were in Los Angeles, California, on the west coast of the continent, and were headed for New York. Instead of a boring six-hour flight, why not catch the sights and sounds of America

So, after five hours driving through the desert, we see the bright lights of Las Vegas looming on the horizon. Our excitement is palpable. The thing about Vegas is that, if you are a product of American film culture, as most of us are, you almost know the place: there’s the Bellagio hotel with its iconic fountains, as seen in a thousand films. There’s the New York-New York Hotel and Casino, and of course The Venetian Resort (which cost a cool $1.5 billion to build), and the unmistakable Caesars Palace.

With the temperature hovering at 33 degrees C at 8pm and Elvis Presley wailing Viva Las Vegas (“All you need’s a strong heart and a nerve of steel / Viva Las Vegas, Viva Las Vegas”) on the car radio, we roll into Sin City.

We are not prepared. Thirty years after reading Hunter S Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, I understand why the man had to take so many drugs and drink so much alcohol to get the hang of the place. It can only be enjoyed through a drug-soaked, alcohol-addled lens.

To get into our hotel, and most hotels in Vegas, you must walk through the casino. They are not

subtle about this. They want you to gamble, and gamble you will, by hook, crook, or immersion.

Only, it isn’t the kind of suave, gentlemanly gambling we’re expecting. Red-eyed, desperatelooking, sweat-soaked punters (in attire that looks like it came straight from their local thrift shop) are hunched over slot machines, punching tokens into their maws, and swearing as the house does what the house always does — win. We hurry on towards reception. Every step of the way, we are offered free drinks. All gamblers get free drinks. I am not one to turn down a free drink, but I look at those desperate punters at the slot machines and I decline.

After unwinding in our huge room (it’s a measly $40 for a four-star room — they make the rooms cheap so you can gamble), we head out for dinner. To get out, you must go through the gambling den again. It’s pure torture.

We make it out onto the famous Las Vegas Strip, the almost 7kmlong concentration of hotels and casinos. I look up and a massive billboard stares back at me. It carries an advert for a shooting range: “Shoot a .50 calibre (for) only $29.”

I’m still staring at it when a man, seemingly high and wasted all at the same time, asks me for a dollar. We quicken our step and make it to the casino restaurant where we have a booking. Our fellow diners have not made an effort. They slouch in their chairs in mismatched sportswear, shove their burgers down their gobs, gulp down their sugary drinks, and rush back to their slot machines.

We’ve seen enough. We run through the casino, get into our room, lock the door, and sleep. We’re out of there first thing the next morning.

And this is just the first stop in what’s to be a seven-day trek. Bucket list? Mmm, it’s not always what it is cut out to be.

GUEST COLUMN.

Justice Malala is a journalist and political commentator

Remember to be careful what you wish for, is what I’m saying

“Red-eyed, desperate-looking, sweat-soaked punters (in attire that looks like it came straight from their local thrift shop) are hunched over slot machines, punching tokens into their maws, and swearing as the house does what the house always does — win”

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FROM THE MAKERS OF THE ORIGINAL SWISS ARMY KNIFE ™ ESTABLISHED 1884 For further information please contact Picot & Moss 011 669 0500. www.picotandmoss.co.za

REVENGE

Pumpkin installation by Yayoi Kusama on the “art island” of Naoshima (with the addition of a slightly burdened revenge traveller)

Two years of accumulated cabin fever have unleashed the desire for “revenge” travel.

Of late, my Facebook feed has started to resemble the Travel Channel. One friend is eating her way through the best restaurants in Abu Dhabi, another is dipping her toes in the turquoise waters of the Italian Riviera, from a yacht, while yet another has taken her family to the small French seaside town of Arcachon (this, after a pilgrimage to the Zapotec ruins in Mexico).

Much to the delight of the editor, I’m submitting this piece ahead of deadline because some friends have rented a villa in Corfu and have invited my hubby and me to join them. It would have been bad form to decline.

Revenge travel is in full swing. The term — and trend — was spawned when there were signs that the pandemic was finally abating, and travel restrictions were being eased.

It created a surge of travel bookings from people suffering from cabin fever and aching to travel. Making up for the time and experiences we’ve all lost out on during lockdown has become an uncontrollable urge.

Whether revenge travellers have the means to travel matters not. It’s a postpandemic, YOLO (you only live once) attitude. Dealing with credit-card damage can be handled so much better when you have a new stamp in your passport.

The travel gods, however, have a cruel sense of humour. Travellers in the northern hemisphere, who kick-started the first wave of revenge travel in June, were met with chaos. No one expected

illustration Carike de Jager

another pandemic-related trend — the Great Resignation — to collide with their escape to elsewhere.

The travel industry was one of the hardest hit by lockdowns: workers were either retrenched or furloughed, while others simply quit the sector for better-paid jobs in completely different industries. This, like the tsunami of revenge travellers, was not factored in when borders reopened.

Exposure to a surge of travellers, with Covid-19 still in circulation, resulted in the existing air crew and ground staff falling ill and being forced to isolate, increasing the shortage of workers. This felt very much like the pandemic’s swan song: almost gone but not quite.

The result? Unheard-of check-in queues at airports around the world, cancelled flights, airports placing daily caps on passenger numbers, and mountains of lost luggage owing to a shortage of baggage handlers. The added stress on the remaining workers proved to be too much, sparking a new wave of resignations.

Revenge travel for many was far from sweet.

I’m hoping that as I head for Greece, out of peak season, the travel chaos will have abated, although there are on-going warning bells, such as British Airways’ announcement of cancelling another 10 000 flights until March 2023. The aviation industry’s recalibration, it seems, will take a while.

But that’s not going to deter me and the hordes of other travellers from fulfilling their revenge-travel pledge. Advice and some clever hacks have been shared by travellers who had flown

into the travel-chaos storm. Fly direct if possible or avoid connecting flights with short layovers. If you can, travel with hand luggage only, and if you can’t, throw an Apple AirTag into your suitcase so you can track it if it goes missing. Get to the airport early — much earlier than you think is safe. And when you do run into trouble, be nice to frontline workers. They are bearing the brunt, not only of revenge-travel chaos but also the two years of accumulated “worry burnout” we’re all carrying. A refresher course in “re-entry etiquette” would not go amiss.

So why, despite the potential risks of travelling now, are we so determined to unleash our wanderlust? Mark Twain’s thoughts on how travel can change your perspective are what regular travellers know inherently. He wrote: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrowmindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one’s lifetime.”

It’s a sentiment that’s always driven my wanderlust, but not everyone has the opportunity to travel — opportunity and desire to travel are two different things. Revenge travel is also touching a nerve with people who previously didn’t prioritise travel. So, what’s changed?

I call it the “lockdown life audit”: introspection and the re-evaluation of our priorities during the pandemic. Whether you lost loved ones to the pandemic or battled with anticipatory grief, we’ve all come to realise that we’ve been taking this precious and fragile thing called life for granted.

On Instagram I follow the account @beautifuldestinations (naturally) and they posted these wise words: “Let this be your reminder that money comes back, but time does not, so when your circumstances and resources allow you to, make sure to spend your precious time doing things that you love, like traveling to places you’ve been dreaming of.”

flight attendant

One place I have been dreaming of is Japan’s lesser-known “art islands”, which are filled with surreal art installations, amazing museums, and architectural gems.

In Mark Lawrence’s book, Prince of Thorns, his main character asks, “Is revenge a science, or an art?”

Best I book a trip to Japan to find out. Dion Chang is the founder of Flux Trends fluxtrends.com

Everyone seems to have wanderlust postpandemic, butchaosairport can be a serious crimp in your style by a

MARVELS IN MOTION

Looking for the ultimate experience? Here are some very Wanted choices that can take you from the roads of Provence to the skies above

text Mark Smyth

01. SAILING WITH HISTORY

When it comes to exclusive yachting experiences, there are plenty of superyachts, even mega yachts, from which to choose, with charters costing anything up to $4-million a week, but it’s hard to beat the experience of travelling on the yacht once owned by Christina Onassis.

Called the Christina O, it was built in 1943 and underwent its most recent refit in 2015. It is 99m long and can accommodate 34 guests in 17 staterooms. There’s also enough space for up to 157 on board if you want to throw an extravagant party. The vessel spends summer in the Atlantic Ocean and winter in central America, with rates from $604 100 a week.

There’s a mosaic-floored swimming pool, a 42-person dining room, a spa with full-time therapists, loads of jet skis, kayaks, and other toys, and a vast master bedroom with a fireplace.

And while all of that is great, the real attraction is being on the yacht that once hosted not just Onassis but also big names in the world of politics such as Sir Winston Churchill, who once shared a drink or two with John F Kennedy in the yacht’s main bar.

02. JETTING OFF IN STYLE

If you think a Gulfstream or Bombardier is the ultimate in private jets, think again. At the top end of the market it’s all about commercial aircraft fitted out for private use by the very wealthy. These jets are rented out not by the day but by the hour, with prices starting at around $16 000 an hour.

One of the most luxurious is the Boeing Business Jet 787, which has a starting price of $325-million to buy or which can be chartered for $70 000 an hour. For that price, you get a jet that has a master bedroom with en-suite bathroom as well as a dining room, luxurious sofas, space to relax and watch TV, and a cruising range that will easily take you to most parts of the world. It’s the ultimate jet-set way to travel.

1. The Christina O 2. Boeing Business Jet 787 3. The jet’s dining room

04. TOUR IN A CLASSIC

It’s easy enough to rent a supercar in Dubai, a sports car in Stuttgart, a muscle car in the US, or a Rolls-Royce in the UK, but what if you want to go touring in Europe in something that’s all about emotion, nostalgia, and luxury, the

03. LUXURY ON RAILS

Whenever anyone mentions luxury train travel, two names usually spring to mind — the Blue Train and the Orient Express. But why not experience something different and take in the wonderful culture, natural beauty, and incredible hospitality of Japan? That’s what’s in store for travellers on the Seven Stars in Kyushu, a train described as a cruise on rails, providing memories that will last long after your journey across the seven prefectures of the island of Kyushu.

This is a bucket-list experience, with carriages that feature different themes, including the classic romance and luxurious décor of the early 20th century. If you want to relax in opulent splendour you can do so in the Blue Moon lounge car, or you can make new friends in the Jupiter salon car and take in the view from your own sumptuously appointed private suite.

There’s just one thing — you have to apply to travel on the Seven Stars, with prices starting at $4 375 per person (based on two sharing). If there are too many applications, places are auctioned off to the highest bidder in a lottery process. Now, that’s exclusivity.

kind of car with which memories are made? Well, Colcorsa offers exactly that. You can still rent a new Aston Martin, Ferrari, or Lamborghini, but how about exploring Italy in an original BMW M3 or an iconic Porsche 356 Speedster, or cruising along the coast of the French Riviera in a Citroën DS convertible?

The company offers a range of tours, starting at around €11 000 for a tour of about eight days, through wonderful areas such as Provence and the famous Furka Pass in the Swiss Alps, or you can self-drive, with rental prices from €450 a day. They can also tailormake itineraries to suit you, meaning you can enjoy luxurious hotels and the best locations, travelling between them in a Jaguar E-Type, a Mercedes 190SL Pagoda, or an Aston Martin V8 Volante. It definitely beats the usual airport rental — even a luxury one.

The Mercedes-Benz V-Class. A way of life.

Never compromise on the life you want. The Mercedes-Benz V-Class gives you access to more of life’s finer moments. Its luxurious design and advanced driver-assistance features make the journey as pleasurable as the destination. The interior space sets a new bar for superior comfort, ensuring that friends and family will love every second of the journey.

For more information search V-Class online.

Experience the luxury of a life well lived.

ALL THE LUXURY WITHOUT THE THIRST

text Denis Droppa

Owning a luxury family SUV needn’t mean high running costs, and you can have all the lavish luxury you desire while keeping the fuel bills down. Here are five premium but parsimonious SUVs that save you money at the pumps.

Porsche Cayenne E Hybrid | R2 066 000

The Cayenne started the highperformance SUV trend 20 years ago and has become one of Porsche’s best-selling models.

In its third generation, this allwheel-drive Porsche has evolved into a vehicle with a sportier ride and better ride comfort while maintaining offroad capabilities. This is made possible by three-chamber air suspension, rear-axle steering, and a weight-saving aluminium bodyshell.

The Cayenne has bidden farewell to diesel engines in favour of petrol and plug-in E hybrids, the latter combining sportscar-like performance with amazing fuel thrift. Packing 340kW of power, the Cayenne E hybrid can scorch the 0-100km/h sprint in five seconds, but when driven more moderately it sips a claimed 3.4l/100km — made possible by being able to drive up to 44km solely on electric power at speeds of up to 135km/h.

BMW M50d | R1 944 573

The X5 was one of the early pioneers in the premium SUV segment when it was launched in 1999, and the fourth-generation model retains the comfort and off-roading ability of its predecessors, with xDrive all-wheel drive across the range.

Climb aboard and you’ll find a business-class cabin perked up with playful décor, such as a gear lever made of Swarovski crystal.

The pick of the line-up in terms of economical high performance is the M50d, with its 3.0l six-cylinder quadturbo diesel engine supplying a hearty 294kW power output while averaging just 7.2l/100km.

Despite weighing over two tonnes, this Bavarian heavyweight delivers some of BMW’s famed driving pleasure, assisted by adaptive sports suspension that prevents it from leaning excessively through corners.

Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d

4Matic | R1 958 893

This S-Class of SUVs is an all-terrain limousine with height-adjustable air suspension that covers rough roads in soft-riding luxury.

Blending plushness with practicality, the seven-seat Benz has two rows of rear seats that electrically fold down to provide a panel-van-like luggage area.

To make this supersized SUV handle like a smaller vehicle, it can be ordered with optional E-Active body control, which uses active suspension to compensate for pitch, roll, and shocks. It includes a Curve function to make the vehicle lean into bends in a similar way that motorcyclists do, to minimise centrifugal force.

Behind the grille’s three-pointed star is a 3.0 l six-cylinder turbo diesel that makes a spirited 243kW without prematurely draining your fuel budget, burning through a claimed 7.9 l per 100km.

1. FRange Rover D350 Autobiography L 7 seats

2. Kia Sorento 2.2 C RDi SXL 3. Porsche Cayenne E Hybrid 4. BMW M50d 5. MercedesBenz GLS 400d 4Matic

Range Rover D350 Autobiography

L 7 seats | R3 509 332

To cruise around in maximum SUV opulence is to be in the new-generation Range Rover.

Bristling with technology, it has headrest-mounted speakers that transmit white noise to counter unwanted external sounds, creating a near-silent driving experience. Flushfitting door handles pop out when the vehicle is unlocked and the sidestep slides out from underneath when the door is opened. All four passenger doors are power assisted.

Rear-wheel steering gives this extralarge seven-seater a tighter turning circle, while electronic air suspension makes it glide comfortably on tar and off the beaten track.

The D350 brings fast but frugal 3.0l diesel power to the equation, with a useful 258kW and a consumption of 7.4l/100km.

Kia Sorento 2.2

CRDi SXL | R998 995

A Kia in a premium lineup? Yup. It may not have the badge prestige of others in this list, but it is included to demonstrate that high-living luxury is attainable for under R1-million — if only just.

The Korean brand has earned its place at the premium table with a family SUV that is crammed with technology and comfort.

The all-wheel-drive Sorento is available in four variants offering seven seats, with bountiful interior space and impressive driving refinement.

The range-topping SXL lays on high-end features such as USB charging points for all seven passengers, electric front seats, 12-speaker Bose surround sound, head-up display, and smart cruise control. A live view of the blind spot is projected in the instrument cluster when you activate the turn signal, meaning you don’t have to peer over your shoulder.

The 2.2l turbo-diesel engine has a punchy 148kW of urge and uses just 6.8l/100km.

24 HOURS IN LUXE DELHI

With a population of over 32-million, Delhi is a sprawl of people. Here, the very rich live side by side with the very poor, the former enjoying the high life and the latter jostling for an acceptable existence. Long perceived as a city of interminable traffic, poverty, dirt, and, quite frankly, an execrable smell, Delhi has changed post-Covid thanks to a massive clean-up that took place during lockdown and a substantial growth in UHNWI (ultra-high-net-worth individuals).

The city is now clean and reflects a sophisticated, moneyed economy. In fact, according to The Wealth Report for 2022, India has seen the sixth-highest growth in the number of self-made UHNWIs under the age of 40. Plus, its billionaire population grew by 24% to 145 dollar billionaires during 2020-21. With this comes bars, restaurants, and shops that rival those in London, New York, and Dubai.

WHERE TO STAY

The Imperial Hotel

Some people go to Delhi and don’t leave The Imperial. Although it has a deep colonial past, it was once the home of Mahatma Gandhi and is now quietly undergoing a sophisticated refurb. Immediately soothing, the grand old dame, situated in the centre of the city, is approached via a lane of palm trees, with ushers greeting guests amid the scent of jasmine. The rooms, resplendent with fine linen and rosewood furniture, provide a spotless sanctuary. The pool is heated in winter and chilled in summer, while the spa is an underground labyrinth that smells of roses and offers an array of treatments. Ultimately, The Imperial is a brilliant point from which to explore the bustle of Delhi — or a haven in which to spend indulgent days. theimperialindia.com

The Lodhi

On the opposite side of the spectrum, the Lodhi is a gleaming ode to modernism, with most rooms boasting private plunge pools and spacious layouts. Identifiable by its distinct honey-coloured stone cladding, this slick, contemporary hotel

text Emma Jordan

feels super feng-shui-ed and has the echo of an urban spa, with stone screens, reflecting pools, and courtyards around every corner. In summer, the pool is a real pull — surrounded by white-curtained daybeds, this is an easy place in which to while away afternoons sipping delicious watermelon juice. lhw.com/ hotel/Lodhi-New-Delhi-India

WHERE TO EAT

Besides family homes, the best food in Delhi can be found in hotel restaurants. Expect prices in the dollar range and be aware that tax on alcohol comes in at 25%, often adding a substantial extra to bills.

Indian Accent

Located in the Lodhi, this sophisticated restaurant is a game changer when it comes to Indian cuisine. Indian Accent is a global award winner, and for good reason. The innovative menu takes staples such as samosas and fills them with apricot and goat cheese. Masala roti is served with green jackfruit and burrata, while an absolute favourite is the wild-mushroom kulcha served with truffle butter and black dal. Portions are small and full of surprises. With two seatings a night and a waiting list for drop-ins, expect fellow diners to be only the bestheeled, Gucci-wearing Delhi-ites. indianaccent.com/newdelhi/index.php

The Spice Route

Situated in The Imperial, The Spice Route is a recreation of a southern Indian temple — seven years in the making, it is completely hand painted by artisans brought in especially from a temple in Guruvayur, Kerala. The menu complements this southern-Indian heritage with delicious fish curries, fragrant rice dishes, and unfamiliar lamb curries. The chef’s tasting menu is pricey, but presents a core selection of key dishes. If a lot of it sounds um, foreign, don’t be shy to ask the waiters, who are not only experts at explaining the dishes but can also easily recount the origins of the menu. theimperialindia.com/ restaurant-menu/the-spice-route/

Megu

It may seem an anomaly to eat Japanese food in India, but Megu, in The Leela hotel, is the best of its kind in the city. Fish is imported from Tokyo’s Tsukiji market, and, like all good Japanese restaurants, Megu is not just about sushi and sashimi. Further offerings include 24hr braised pork

belly, yakitori, and delicious zaru soba. The wine list is also excellent, plus there’s a selection of over 60 sakes to sample. theleela.com/the-leela-palace-new-delhi/restaurants/megu

WHERE TO DRINK

Indians love to party and while there is an array of bars dotted across the city, it’s good to know exactly which is the one to go to — at the moment, that’s hands-down the recently opened Miso Sexy in the Mehrauli district.

Miso Sexy

Located on the top floor of the chic Ambawatta One complex, Miso Sexy lives up to its name: super sexy and gloriously opulent. On a terrace overlooking the 12th-century Qutub Minar complex, the bar serves innovative cocktails while the interior has beautiful Fornasetti-inspired walls and Venetianglass chandeliers. But the cocktails are the real pull, with a menu divided into four sections: sweet, sour, savoury, and umami. Moshi is a keen favourite, made with white rum infused with dried apricot and a kaffir-lime liqueur. misosexy.in/

WHERE TO SHOP

The Dhan Mill

Think of 44 Stanley on steroids. The Dhan Mill compound in the affluent Chhatarpur neighbourhood is a bit of a drive from central Delhi, but well worth the trip. In the pedestrian-only complex, artisanal fashion, home, and food outlets sit alongside specialty cafés such as Cocoloca, a chocolate emporium. Napa Dori is exquisite, offering hand-made luxury leather goods to rival big-name brands such as Valextra and Connolly. There’s also a New York-style café serving brunch and excellent coffee. Alongside these offerings are some of India’s top-notch fashion designers, such as Sureena Chowdhri and Astha Narang, as well as a gallery showcasing contemporary art. thedhanmill.com/

HOW TO GET THERE

The best way to get to Delhi, with a short change-over in Dubai, is with the Emirates flight that arrives mid-morning. Along with an easy check-in, personal service, crisp champagne and, of course, the flat beds, there are delicious food and lounge access in transit. Plus, on arrival in Delhi, there’s no need to manoeuvre through the taxi rank as a lovely, liveried driver is waiting to whisk you away in a five-star air-conditioned motor. As the old adage goes, “Start as you mean to go on!” emirates.com/za/

text Bridget Hilton-Barber

Oase by 7 Star Lodges is a new self-described “ultra-luxury” lodge just outside Hoedspruit, the safari capital of South Africa. The seven stars refer not only to the level of service you can expect but also to the seven major stars in the Southern Cross.

An escape to Oase is nothing like the traditional African safari. You get a very cheerful-looking welcome cocktail on arrival, but you’re not expected to get up at dawn for a gruelling khaki-clad game drive, bush walk or expedition to the bird hide. In fact, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to. And whatever you do want to do, someone will sort it out — leopard tracking on foot, a picnic on the riverbank, fine dining under the stars… it’s all bespoke and utterly decadent.

SAFARI’S SEVEN-STAR TREATMENT

SAFARI’S SEVEN-STAR TREATMENT

Set on a private nature reserve near Hoedspruit, one of the most luxurious things about Oase is that it brings you state-of-the-art technology deep in the heart of the Limpopo wilderness. Which may sound weird, since for most people the bush is a place to disconnect and turn off all devices, but once you get your head around it, it’s fabulous.

At first, I think I should be gearing down into bush mode, but then I’m like, “Hello, strong WiFi, big flat-screen TV, little iPad for turning on and off lights. Hello, power bank, hello, Alexaplayer home assistant next to my bed, hey there, cellphone docking station, electronic alarm clock, indoor climatecontrol thingy.”

And the most amazing thing is that the whole place is completely off-thegrid. One-hundred-percent solar. Oase is the brainchild of Australian-born David and Audra Tucker, who made their

money in IT and really just wanted to share their love of the bush and of solar power and technology.

David designed everything on the property from the ground up. Water, power, networks, roads, buildings. When they bought the property in 2020, there was nothing but an old, crumbling-down building riddled with termites. They built the entire thing from scratch during the pandemic.

My bush villa is like a spacious apartment under a Bedouin stretch tent. Wooden floors, canvas windows that roll up and down, a generous chilllounge area, a writing desk, the most extravagant bathroom, and a bed the size of a small meadow. The porch looks out across the bush and from the pool area (yes) there is the comforting sound of a cocktail shaker being put to work.

As I sit down to have a little technofest in the bush a waiter arrives with a

cocktail, and then I hear other guests laughing and go off to play. Oase takes its guests around on an electric vehicle that looks like a camouflaged golf cart on steroids. It can’t do 4x4, but it’s quiet and unobtrusive. We glide along to see the Sleep Out Deck, designed for a romantic night under the stars. This involves giant “gintails” (that’s what the people around here call gin cocktails), a delicious snack platter, and gorgeous sunset views. The Sleep Out Deck offers Oase guests the chance to spend the night under the stars in total privacy and luxury (there’s even an electric blanket for chilly evenings) after enjoying sundowners and a private meal.

And eating out at Oase is a moveable feast. Every night there’s a different place to dine and tables and lamps are set up in the bush, with guests served by a private chef and waiter.

“We are building up slowly towards what I call the ‘New Safari Traveller’,” David tell us over a delicious bush dinner. “Someone who wants the remoteness and feel of the African bush but at the same time wants all of the conveniences of a high-end modern resort without the crowds. We have a laser focus on service and the guest experience.”

While this is not a Big Five reserve, its speciality is leopards, and Oase can arrange leopard tracking, photographic safaris, signature trips to nearby attractions such as the Blyde River Canyon, and whatever else takes your fancy. Every day is an unscripted delight.

We have breakfast the next morning at the Lavender Bistro, a French-café-style bistro outside in the shade, adjoining a small movie theatre. Yes — in the middle of the bush, there’s a 14-seater, solar-powered movie theatre. “I love movies,” says David, “and mainly built it for myself. When we finished it, I felt that it should be shared in a community where there isn’t a great deal of things to do.”

Oase is a wonderful new addition to the luxury-lodge market in the Hoedspruit area. It is out of the box and bending the rules, with no pleasure spared. As actress Mae West said, “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”

087 250 2031, 7starlodges.com

Hi-tech has a happy encounter with luxe living in the Limpopo wilderness

NAVIGATOR

travel culture gifted books

Wineland villas that offer the finest of both worlds

Some of the best art, festivals and theatre this month

���� 's Great Restaurant Report

The eternal quest for word-of-mouth success

It’s been (another) year of ups and downs for South Africa’s culinary scene. We’ve seen the last vestiges of the pandemic deal the final blow to some restaurants, while a host of new ones have popped up in their place. And we’ve also had the season of the “revenge spend”, with ingredients such as truffle, langoustine, wagyu, and caviar adorning many a menu.

On the flipside, duties imposed by the International Trade Administration Commission have seen frozen French fries become a hot commodity, while a local outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, coupled with the increased cost of petrol, has led to rising meat prices.

At the same time, the vegan trend has shown no sign of slowing down, despite the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development’s swing at vegetable

Warren Wheatley, co-founder of Altvest and Lebashe CIO

text Steve Steinfeld

THE HOT SEAT /

01.

RESTAURANTOF THE YEAR: FYN, Cape town

I have to agree with the World’s 50 Best team on this one. Chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Ashley Moss, together with co-owner Jennifer Hugé, have created a seamless dining experience that sees fine Japanese technique and beautiful South African produce collide to magnificent effect. From the intricacy of abalone cooked in kelp to the simplicity of robata-grilled pineapple with shichimi and rice ice cream, Fyn delivers an incredibly refined experience. The team have honed their offering over the four years since opening, creating something quite remarkable.

You’ll find The LivingRoom at Summerhill Guest Estate in the quiet Pinetown neighbourhood of Cowies Hill, Durban — and this is where some of the most exciting cooking is happening in the country right now. Chef Johannes Richter pairs his dedication to endemic ingredients with his Michelinstar training and passion for Japanese techniques to create a multi-course tasting menu that celebrates the bounty of KwaZulu-Natal’s produce — all of which is either grown on the estate’s own grounds, foraged from the surrounding area, or carefully sourced from smallscale farmers and producers. Expect fermented truffle served alongside foraged porcini and locally reared venison tartare, or coffee blossoms paired with prickly pear for a sublime petit four. It’s clever, considered cooking every step of the way.

02. RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR: THE LIVINGROOM AT SUMMERHILL GUEST ESTATE, durban

substitutes with names “prescribed for processed meat products”. And those with a pescatarian-leaning palate must be thrilled at the abundance of fish that has appeared on pretty much every fine-dining menu.

When it comes to cities, Cape Town restaurants are set to see a much-needed recovery, while Durban has begun growing a rather lovely food scene. Though Joburg seemed on the up with a slew of exciting openings early in the year, the city’s focus on “going out” rather than “eating out” has seen punters opting for glitz over gourmet. The biggest surprise has been Stellenbosch, which is positively booming with an array of exceptionally fine eateries.

In terms of awards, Cape Town’s Fyn nabbed top spot in Africa, making it to No. 37 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurant list. Speaking of which, I thought I’d round up the best of the restaurants I visited this year.

03.

RESTAURANTOF THE YEAR: ZIOUX, JOBURG

The Marble group’s luxurious champagne lounge and cocktail bar has been the place to be and be seen since opening its doors late last year. The stunning space merges Joburg’s love of nightlife and glamour with the delectable small plates created by chef Besele Moses Moloi. Drawing on the flavours of Latin

America along with some homegrown influences, Moloi serves up the likes of oxtail vetkoek with a tamarind bite, salmon ceviche, and lamb-shoulder tacos. A top-notch wine list and cocktail menu complete the experience. It’s a restaurant that cleverly understands what the city is looking for — and delivers it aplenty.

06.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT:

CLARA'S BARN, stellenbosch

04.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT: PIER, Cape town

Opening just after Christmas last year, the La Colombe group’s ultra-fine V&A Waterfront property serves up a magnificent display of the team’s signature culinary theatrics and flair for globally inspired flavours, here showcasing remarkable restraint through the prodigious skill of executive chef John Norris-Rogers. Inspired by the pier-front locale, the multi-course tasting menu is an ode to the ocean, be it through the use of ingredients — the poached oyster in an MCC velouté is mouth-watering — or the crockery, custom-made in the shape of seashells. Pier offers a stellar, ofteninteractive (by way of tableside trolley service) dining experience against the backdrop of the operational pier.

05.

BEST NEW RESTAURANT:

THE TEST KITCHEN CARBON, joburg

Set in one of the oldest barns on one of the oldest working farms in SA, Vergenoegd Löw The Wine Estate, is Clara’s Barn. This farm-meets-fine addition to formidable chef Bertus Basson’s restaurant stable is helmed by chef Drikus Brink. The two worked together to create a menu filled with nostalgic nods (such as a take on fishpaste served on a Lucky Star

tin) and comforting flavours (see the rumpserved oxtail croquettes). It’s fine without being fussy, the less-is-more approach to plating allows each ingredient to shine, and the menu plays with the contrast between old and new, traditional and modern. This theme also runs through the renovated space — part preserved heritage, part modern design.

Luke Dale-Roberts’s venture northwards has seen the opening of The Test Kitchen Carbon. In this evolution of his now-closed Cape Town establishment, the chef straddles the line between his customary fine-dining, multi-sensorial offerings and the energy of Joburg, with the option of either a sample of Cape Town’s best in a tasting menu of dishes from the original The Test Kitchen and his remaining Woodstock restaurants, or a tapas menu that allows guests to enjoy a more casual dining experience. Adding edge to the experience is the inclusion of a music element by resident DJ Sir LSG.

Revealing our new 2020 Series C vilafonte.com

IT TAKES A VILLA…

The Cape winelands host an assortment of showstopping properties that provide a hotel experience with all the comfort, privacy, and freedom of home

THE OWNER'S VILLA, STELLENBOSCH

Delaire Graff’s The Owner’s Villa is the epitome of exclusive luxury. Situated on the grounds of the renowned Stellenbosch estate, the sprawling, fourbedroom property spans two levels and is surrounded by the estate’s grand gardens and vineyards.

Upon entering, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in an art gallery — in a sense, you are. The walls and floors of this sensational property are used to exhibit over 70 artworks from estate and villa owner Laurence Graff’s private collection. And in the few instances where there is no art, there are views. The space is brilliantly designed to offer residents the utmost privacy while still showcasing sweeping views of Stellenbosch, the vineyards, and the surrounding mountains.

The entertainment areas are located on the upper floor. Here, a spectacular living room and dining room with high, oak-beamed ceilings are divided by a double-aspect fireplace standing sentinel in the middle. This space opens out onto an arresting pergola-shaded terrace with a 14m-long infinity pool running the length of it, together with a jacuzzi. The villa also boasts a fully equipped Assirelli Design kitchen, a family room with a state-of-the-art home-theatre system, a wine store, and a home gym.

The four bedrooms, all with private terraces and those same breathtaking, uninterrupted views, come with walk-in wardrobes, marble-clad bathrooms, and the most luxurious of finishes — here every detail has been thought through.

A villa of this stature deserves a culinary and service offering to match, and Delaire ensures this with a personal butler, housekeeping service, personal concierge service, and a private chef on hand for the duration of your stay. delaire.co.za/stay/lodges/owners-villa/

Acountry retreat in the heart of Paarl’s winelands, this manor house is an oasis of fine art, food, and wine set among the vineyards of Brookdale Estate, with the Klein Drakenstein mountains as its impressive backdrop.

The homestead, designed by architect Michael Dall, features six suites (five in the manor house and one a vineyard suite) and can be booked by room or in its entirety.

It is a place of tranquillity and creativity — the interiors, designed by owner Tim Rudd with the help of his mother Lesley, are breathtaking, from the solid-oak floors by Pierre Cronje (who also designed the diningroom table) to the functional art that is James Mudge’s “pick-up sticks” server. It is clear that every step of this creative process has been one of thought, care, and passion.

FARSIGHT VILLA, STELLENBOSCH

This spectacular property is perched on the slopes of the Helderberg, above the critically acclaimed Taaibosch wine cellar and vineyards. Concrete, exposed brick and steel, ultra-high volumes, and sharp, clean lines are used to remarkable effect, creating a breathtakingly modern space, while natural wood and earth tones, enlivened with the occasional pop of colour, ground it in an environment of vine and fynbos.

As the name “Farsight” suggests, the floor-to-ceiling windows offer an arguably unrivalled view of the Cape peninsula. Inside, the hilltop house boasts an impressive open-plan dining room and kitchen complete with state-of-the-art appliances and a woodfired indoor braai. A double-sided, enclosed fireplace bookends the dining-room table and separates it from the plush lounge.

Each of the four en-suite bedrooms boasts a view of mountain, vineyard or bay. Configured to sleep eight, the rooms include two king-size and two sets of twin-size beds, while both bed- and bathrooms are kitted out with all one could want. With thoughtful touches such as a turn-down service, beautiful Wild Olive toiletries, handmade snacks always within arm’s reach, and fluffy robes, it’s a hotel experience in a place that feels like home. The villa also comes with a dedicated butler and concierge service, breakfasts prepared by the estate’s chef, and a wine tasting of the acclaimed Taaibosch Crescendo in the estate’s sensational cellar.

It’s a space as impressive in structure as it is in its comfort, stunning in every way — from décor to service — yet utterly welcoming. taaiboschwines.com/stay/farsight-villa/

The rooms, likewise, are exquisite in their simplicity — at Brookdale a TV is so out of place that it gets tucked away into the foot of the bed, from where it can be automatically raised when required. White, bright, and airy, each suite is accented in muted tones of mint, blue, and burnt orange, as well as gorgeously embroidered statement fabrics.

The sprawling manor also features a gym, private study, two living rooms, a swimming pool and pool house, outside seating areas and, for those who prefer to arrive in style, a helipad.

While a self-catering option is available, those who opt for the full service will be in the capable hands of executive chef Gary Coetzee, whose résumé includes luxury safari lodge Singita and a stint as a private chef for the late property tycoon Sol Kerzner.

At Brookdale it’s all about tailored experiences, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of the sprawling estate in whatever way they choose. For some, that may simply be lounging by the pool or receiving a wellness treatment in the comfort of their own suite. Others may prefer a private tasting of talented winemaker Kiara Scott’s latest Brookdale vintages or to take a horse ride around the farm, vineyards, and stunning gardens. brookdale-estate.com/manor-house/

1. & 2. Delaire Graff’s The Owner’s Villa 3. & 4. Farsight Villa

5. & 6. Brookdale Manor House

Sugarbird has again captured the flavours of the Cape floral kingdom.

A truly African product, steeped in two strains of fynbos tea, its Honeybush and Moringa gin was initially created as a limited-edition gin mini. However, it was flooded with requests for a full-size bottle, and the result is this exceptional offering. Floral-driven amber gin is trickle-filtered through honeybush and rooibos leaves, with added warm-toffee and woody notes. Available online at Smous and Takealot at the recommended price of R375 a bottle.

BOTTOMS

UP!

U niting the two staple ingredients of Mexico (corn and agave) into one sublime blend, the Vago Elote mezcal has a velvety mouthfeel with an oh-so-subtle corn infusion that only adds to the sense of fiesta. Distilled in copper pots by real artisans in a generations-long tradition, this is an excellent “gateway” mezcal for the whisky connoisseurs among us. R1 425 a bottle.

3.

THE WADE BALES REGIONAL SERIES

Created to showcase the diversity of the Cape winelands, each wine in this range pays tribute to a region’s signature style. The project brings together leading winemakers who contribute their best wines to create the ultimate expression of their region. Whether you choose the complex Constantia White 2021 (a fivestar sauvignon blanc/ semillon blend), the golden-delicious Breedekloof Chenin 2021, the serious Franschhoek Semillon 2021, the opulent Swartland Syrah 2020, or the celebrated Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, this range offers aspirational luxury that’s well worth toasting. R1 650 for the set.

wadebales.co.za

Wade Bales is a wellknown wine négociant and merchant

As the holiday season finally approaches, may you stay as chilled and distilled as these drinks

Having spent 22 months in French oak, the Vilafonté Series C 2020 is a sumptuous blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, and cabernet franc. Rich layers of blackcurrant pastille, liquorice, juniper berry, and charred cedar lead to a beautifully integrated palate, with a core of satin-textured tannins and youthful energy. While alluring in its youth, the 2020 Series C promises a decade or more of cellaring to realise its full potential. Retails at R1 950 a bottle. 04.

5. A FORMIDABLE TRIO

The only single malt produced in Scotland that’s still made in the traditional way, Highland Park Whisky continues to pay tribute to the proud, adventurous, and fiercely independent Viking spirit and roots.

18 Year Old Viking Pride

This aptly named single malt owes everything to the five keystones of production that have been honoured for over 220 years. The high ratio of first-fill sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks selected to create the 18 Year Old gives it a unique flavour profile bursting with overripe cherries, bitter dark chocolate, sweet marzipan, heather honey, and aromatic peat smoke. Retails at R2 900 a bottle.

12 Year Old

Viking Honour

Predominantly aged in sherryseasoned European and American oak casks, the 12 Year Old boasts warm wintery spices and is the perfect balance of smoky sweetness, heather honey, rich fruitcake, spice, orange, and peat flavours. R749 a bottle.

10 Year Old

Viking Scars

Also matured in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks, the 10 Year Old is a fistful of fallen oranges, dollops of vanilla cream, and smoky heather peat. Sip it neat, on ice, or with a dash of water (still or sparkling). R449 a bottle.

“LIFE IS GOING ON”

text Yamkela Mdaka

ART

The Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation presents: Kahlo, Sher-Gil, Stern: Modernist Identities in the Global South

It’s an exciting time for art lovers this month as the Joburg Contemporary Art Foundation (JCAF) presents the third and final exhibition in its research theme “Female Identities in the Global South”. In this instalment, the works of three seminal women artists — Frida Kahlo, Amrita Sher-Gil, and Irma Stern — are featured together for the first time on the continent.

“The show tells their stories and explores the contexts in which they practised through objects, journals, and a significant painting from each artist. For example, visitors will be able to see one of Frida’s original attires, a blouse and a skirt,” says Clive Kellner, JCAF executive director. “With this exhibtion, we hope to contribute to the rewriting of art history from the South.”

25 October 2022 - 22 February 2023

BOOKINGS: jcaf.org.za (by appointment only)

ADDRESS: 1 Durris Rd, Forest Town, Joburg

FESTIVAL

/

CAPE TOWN GIN FESTIVAL

The SA Gin Society and Schweppes Gin Festival is coming to Cape Town towards the end of this month. South Africa has an abundant offering of herbs and botanicals, with local distillers creating some of the finest gins in the world, and the gin festival is the perfect opportunity to experience as many of these as possible in one day with family and friends. Delicious food and live music are also on offer.

26 November

VENUES: GrandWest Casino, Goodwood, Cape Town

TICKETS: howler.co.za

TICKET PRICE: R220

THEATRE: /

THE SOUTH AFRICAN STATE

PRESENTS

From top: Amrita Sher-Gil in her studio, a gin cocktail, Mandisi Dyantyis at the Joy of Jazz festival & Shaka Zulu: The Gaping Wound

MUSIC / FESTIVAL: THE JOY OF JAZZ

The Joy of Jazz music festival is back for its 23rd instalment this month with a lineup that features, among others, singing sensation Gloria Bosman, who will lead a tribute to the musical legacy of singer/ songwriter Sibongile Khumalo; pianist and composer Bokani Dyer; and saxophonist and composer Linda Sikhakhane.

“In keeping with our focus on recovery, we made a decision to programme the ultimate African jazz lineup — it’s a way of partnering with local musicians. This year is about celebrating the unique contributions made by our local musicians to the shared world of jazz,” says festival producer Mantwa Chinoamadi-Mutsinya. This year’s festival will also present the inaugural 2022 Joy of Jazz Music and Lifestyle Expo in partnership with Synergy Business Events, to connect brands and businesses.

Meshack Mavuso Magabane, the director, says it’s believed that Shaka cursed his assassins by telling them that their rule would be characterised by bloodshed and mayhem.

“The show is an emotional plea by present generations to the spirit of Shaka to forgive us and bring an end to the bloodshed that has engulfed our daily lives despite the attainment of political emancipation,” says Magabane.

25-26 November

VENUE: Sandton Convention Centre, Joburg

TICKETS: joyofjazz.co.za

TICKET PRICE: R750 (R870 for music festival + expo)

8-27 November

BOOKINGS: statetheatre.co.za

TICKET PRICE: R150

ADDRESS: 320 Pretorius St, Pretoria Central

This month, celebrate women artists, from Sibongile Khumalo to Frida Kahlo (or just dunk yourself in gin: no judgment)

THEATRE

Shaka Zulu: The Gaping Wound I n Shaka Zulu: The Gaping Wound, audiences can expect a rich history lesson about the Zulu kingdom and its renowned warrior king, uShaka kaSenzangakhona, relayed in song, praise poetry, dance, and powerful storytelling. The show is returning to the State Theatre after winning six Naledi Theatre Awards.

text Michele Magwood

sure-fire word-of-mouth hit”, but they’re fibbing. There’s a graveyard of books that got hyped and went nowhere. Readers aren’t fools.

One way of fanning word-of-mouth sales is the increasingly rare notion of “hand-selling”. This is the practice where knowledgeable booksellers, who are familiar with the taste of their customers and have read the books on offer, personally recommend them to particular buyers. Large book chains tend to be understaffed these days in their efforts to stay afloat, and booksellers are too busy to read deeply

the tsunami of books that flow into the store. It is in the independent stores that you will find staff who know their smaller range better and can match you with the right one.

And so it was that Kate Rogan, the estimable owner of Love Books in Joburg, pressed a book on me, one which I would not normally have chosen. I’ve subsequently heard several people talking about it: a mention at a dinner, a discussion in a group of walkers, rave reviews in a couple of online book clubs that I keep an eye on. It seems the wordof-mouth contagion is spreading.

READ ALERT.

Word-ofmouth buzz is a will-o’the-wisp (btw,

In the book trade, word-ofmouth success is a maddeningly elusive thing. Nothing sells a book better than a personal recommendation. Good reviews are all very well; eye-catching in-store displays, too. But books that get a word-of-mouth wind in their sails streak ahead out of nowhere: think Dan Brown, Fifty Shades of Grey (shudder) or, last year, The Girl with the Louding Voice and this year’s Lessons in Chemistry. All were routinely launched in bookstores and then steadily ignited as readers started pressing them into the hands of friends, telling them, “You must read this.”

Because there is so much noise in the popular culture that surrounds us, threatening to overwhelm us, we seek out the opinion of people we trust as a valuable filter.

Publishers, paid bloggers, and big bookstores try to manufacture word-ofmouth buzz, usually in vain. Because it can’t be anticipated or created. Some even advertise books that will be “a

The name of the book is Horse and it is written by Pulitzer Prizewinning author Geraldine Brooks. I’m not usually drawn to the antebellum South of the US, or its civil war, but in this captivating book it makes for a fascinating background.

Horse is ostensibly the true story of Lexington, the greatest racehorse in history, “a horse so fast that the massproduced stopwatch was manufactured so his fans could clock times in races that regularly drew more than twenty thousand spectators. A horse so handsome that the best equestrian artists vied to paint him.”

Brooks braids together several stories in different eras that turn around the central figure of the horse. In 2019’s Washington DC we meet Jesse, an Australian scientist reassembling the bones of the animal at the Smithsonian Institute and Theo, an African-American academic who is uncovering the lost history of the Black horsemen who were critical to his success. There are the artists who painted him, whose pictures of him still survive, and the 20th-century dealers who collected and sold equine portraits. There are plantation owners, suffragettes, and abolitionists.

Brooks crosses backwards and forwards to the mid-1800s and to young and enslaved Jarret, who has a preternatural relationship with Lexington and becomes his groom and trainer. Throughout the book he is known by the name of the masters to whom he is sold: “Warfield’s Jarret”, then “Ten Broeck’s Jarret”, “Alexander’s Jarret”, until, finally, he becomes his own free man, Jarret Lewis.

Through Jarret and the descriptions of life on plantations, Brooks creates a searing portrait of slavery and the violence of the most powerful over the least powerful in American society before, during and after the civil war, a violence to the Black body that plays out still in contemporary America.

Horse has all the elements of a sleeper hit: it surprises, absorbs, and transforms the reader. It is good, old-fashioned epic storytelling that lingers long afterwards.

Now, word of mouth has changed gears with the advent of BookTok: quick, short, lively videos of people talking about the books they are reading. The books range in genre, but generally feature young-adult books, fantasy, and romance. It’s moving mountains of books, some out-of-print titles that publishers race to get back onto the shelves and some new authors who have rocketed in popularity, such as Colleen Hoover. Her wildly emotional stories have earned her millions of readers (who call her CoHo). In any given week she has several books on the bestseller lists the world over, including South Africa.

Publishers and booksellers are scrambling to get into the flow and influence the BookTok influencers, but readers are leery of marketing and will find their way around it to genuine, authentic opinions.

BookTok is a crammed, busy space. To cut out the noise, build a relationship with your bookseller.

Michele Magwood is an awardwinning literary critic

read Horse, it’s great)

Geraldine Brooks

CAPTURE THE MAGIC

HEADPHONES

3. Sony WH-1000XM5

OF SUMMER

Warm weather and sunny skies mean spending more days outside and more travelling. While I love all of this, what I don’t like is the fact that everyone else is having the same thought and therefore filling up the same spaces, which results in way more background noise than I’d like. Sony’s latestgeneration over-ear headphones, the WH-1000XM5, are a musthave when you’re out and about, travelling, or stuck at the office. Not only

Being away from home doesn’t mean you have to

CAMERA

1. Fujifilm X-H2

While the latest iPhone and Android phones deliver some impressive camera capabilities (especially the 200MP sensor on the Xiaomi 12T Pro), nothing beats a mirrorless camera. Fujifilm’s new X-H2 mirrorless camera, which joins the X-H2S in its flagship X Series, features the back-illuminated 40.2MP XTrans CMOS 5 HR sensor and the high-speed X-Processor 5.

Capable of capturing up to 160MP high-resolution stills plus high-definition 8K/30P video, the X-H2 offers a shutter speed of 1/180000 sec alongside ISO125 as standard sensitivity.

Complementing this is subject-detection autofocus, which uses AI to detect a variety of subjects. The system can auto matically track a subject while maintaining focus, so you can concentrate on framing that perfect shot. The X-H2 comes with a high-magnification and high-definition 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder with 0.8x magnification, a 1.28-inch LCD display on the top panel for checking settings, and dual memory-card slots supporting CFexpress Type B and SD cards. From R32 495, ormsdirect.co.za

SMARTWATCH 2. Apple Watch Ultra

I recently spent some time in the Pilanesberg and was convinced that the lack of proper in ternet connectivity was going to be the death of me. Thankfully, that wasn’t the case, but while on safari picturing all the ways in which I could be stranded or trapped by a wild animal, I found myself longing for the unique features of the Apple Watch Ultra.

The new entrant in the Apple Watch lineup sports a 49mm ti tanium case and flat sapphire front crystal display, up to 36 hours’ battery life, and dualfrequency GPS that integrates L1 and L5. It has a completely re designed Compass app in watchOS 9, which provides more in-depth information and shows three distinct views, including a new hybrid view that simultaneous ly shows an ana-logue compass dial and a digital view.

There are also Com pass Waypoints to mark a specific point or place

of interest; Backtrack, which uses GPS data to create a path show ing where you’ve been (useful if you need to retrace your steps); and an 86-decibel siren for emergencies.

If aquatic activities are more your thing, you’ll be happy to know that the Apple Watch Ultra is great for kite surfing, wakeboarding, and recreational scuba diving up to 40m. The watch is certified to WR100 and EN 13319 and features the new Crash Detection func tionality. It also packs in the functionalities that we all love about Apple Watch, including heartrate monitoring, the ECG and Blood Oxy gen apps, and Activ ity rings. From R18 999, istore.co.za

are these even better than their industry-leading predecessors but, thanks to a new design, they look sleeker and more modern, much like the Bose 700.

The new headphones feature improved noise cancellation, a more balanced sound profile, 30mm drivers, Bluetooth 5.2, and up to 40 hours’ music playback (with nose cancellation turned off). Compatible with both Android and iOS, they bring Sony’s highresolution wireless audio codec to your ears.

They are extremely comfortable for extended periods of time and are incredibly practical, thanks to the Speak-to-Chat feature, which pauses audio playback when you start speaking, allowing you to have a conversation with someone without having to take them off.

Available in either Platinum Silver or Black, the XM5s are bound to stand out while deliver ing the best personal audio ex perience you’ve ever had. R8 599, takealot.com

text Brendon Petersen

01. What is your personal definition of luxury? Luxury to me can be encapsulated in one word — convenience. Avoiding queues, avoiding waiting times, direct access, unfettered access… 02. The one indulgence you would never forgo? A hectic workout, followed by an intense sauna and steam session. It’s a rare (daily) occasion where I am alone with my thoughts, fears, hopes, and ambitions. It is administered sans phone or access to any medium of entertainment, except your raw emotions… It’s primal.

03. What are your essential grooming and treatment lotions and potions? I cut my own hair. Once a week, every Wednesday, for as long as I can remember. It’s a ritual. Grooming products are easy and compact: Kevin Murphy hair gel; Aramis, Kouros, or Tom Ford cologne for black-tie events; and whatever the gym has in its soap dispenser… or Tatum’s [wife Tatum Keshwar] body wash. And sunblock, always. 04. What tech gadget couldn’t you live without? My Apple MacBook.

05. If you had to choose, what is the single most sentimental object to you? A file I keep in my home office. It started as a way to keep tax records, [but] has developed into an archive of documentary evidence of my life path.

06. What is your drink of choice? Red wine (Kanonkop Kadette Cape Blend is our “house wine”), Scotch whisky (Glenfiddich 12 Year Old), and water. And for celebrations, Louis XIII cognac. 07. When you eat out, where do you go? I have

a number of favourite restaurants — all are owner run, use simple, traditional flavours and fresh ingredients, and offer relaxed family dining. These include Stelle (Sandton), 1920 (Hyde Park), Tang (Sandton), Sundoo (Cape Town), The Bailey (Cape Town), Cipriani (New York); Annabel’s (London), Les Graniers (SaintTropez), and Joe’s Stone Crab (Miami Beach). 08. What is your favourite (personal) piece of furniture? An antique oak cabinet that was passed on to me for safekeeping by my late grandmother. 09. The element in your wardrobe that signifies your individual sense of style? A navy-blue Dolce & Gabbana blazer. 10. What were the last objects that you picked up on a shopping expedition that you instantly fell in love with? Black moccasins by Tod’s, which seem to have been removed from stores with military precision since, and Travis Scott Nike Air Max 1’s, which are available almost nowhere and I bought on our trip to Cannes this year. 11. A watch brand that you love? Rolex, for the history, exclusivity, simplicity, and style. I own one, even after having been relieved of one by the Rolex gang. 12. The last place you travelled to that captured your heart? Saint-Tropez. Cobblestone paths, pavement cafes, art galleries, restaurants, libraries, and other sensory delights, all seemingly sea-facing (notwithstanding the geographical impossibility of the proposition). 13. What books are on your bedside table? The Content Trap by Bharat Anand. Next are The Fiat Standard by Saifedean Ammous, then Stop Me If You Can by Paul O’Sullivan. (What will probably happen, though, given the current fatigue and time of year, is that I’ll dig out the Lord of the Rings trilogy and read that on the beach.) 14. What’s next on your list of must-have items? Right now, either a second passport that allows instantaneous travel decisions or 10-year visas from all major travel destinations. 15. A gift that you’ve recently bought for someone? Shares. The gift that keeps on giving. Ownership of shares triggers a change in behaviour that starts people on a path of attaining financial education. I learnt more about finance after buying my first share than from reading numerous finance texts. 16. An event that’s recently caught your attention? The Cannes Film Festival. It’s the start of the European summer season, where the fabulous gather and glamour and business deliberately collide. 17. The last item of clothing that you added to your wardrobe? I recently discovered the Orlebar Brown brand (confession — the discovery was courtesy of the fine gentleman editor of this publication). Bond-esque shorts, T-shirts, shades, floppies, and slops… all largely aesthetic in utility, as most of our beaches have been rendered unusable given the current concentration of E. coli bacteria.

1. The Content Trap by Bharat Anand 2. Dolce & Gabbana blazer 3. Tom Ford cologne 4. Louis XIII cognac 5. Travis Scott Nike Air Max 1’s 6. Tang

The co-founder of Altvest and Lebashe CIO on good gifts, better workouts, and great cognac

Warren Wheatley

ECLECTIBLES.

Life (and lizards) through a

lens

text Sarah Buitendach

An artfully dishevelled bed and your pedicured toes protruding from beneath a corner of Frette linen — and what is that in the background? Why, if it isn’t Piazza San Marco!

Congratulations, you’re on holiday in Venice and all 2 600 of your closest Instagram followers and that guy you went to junior school with who likes all your Facebook posts now know it.

I applaud you for skilfully getting up at 5.55am to miss the square’s surging crowds buying R400 coffees at Café Florian — otherwise they’d have been in your beautiful boudoir shot too. Likewise, that you’ve managed to keep the posts of your hedonistic Venetian vacances going all day. You eating a plate of cuttlefish risotto, you whizzing about in a Serenella water taxi again, you on a private tour of the Arsenale spaces at the Biennale.

Indeed, we are living in the age of maniacal travel documentation by way of social media. Snap a southern eland on the Serengeti and bam — it becomes an Instagram story. Sip tea in Tangiers

and TikTok knows. Has the age of tech turned us into monster braggers? Was the urge to be the type of person who holds gatherings to show friends slide shows of holiday snaps just dormant, and iPhones our intuitive enablers?

“Pics or it didn’t happen,” went the mid-2010s mantra. The world, it seems, is chanting that in unison.

As I write this, there are 654-million Instagram posts with the hashtag “travel”. That’s a lot of potentially poor photos of Positano. The endless stream

of travel influencers who make money off this stuff proves that it’s big business, but studies and surveys on the topic show that social media has completely changed how we travel too.

Take, for example, 2019 research by travel behemoth Booking.com, which revealed that one in five global travellers admitted that they chose places to stay that they could style in holiday photos to look more expensive than they were. And 28% of these travellers said that staying in “attractive properties” that they

could photograph and use on their socialmedia accounts was a consideration when choosing where to stay.

A colleague says that seeing all the posts by her friends on travel trips makes her feel disgruntled about her own life. My takeout is that a) I know a couple of people who don’t do much work, b) marrying rich is underrated, and c) I am a total hypocrite — I lambast the travel boasters and then upload an image of a macchiato snapped in Machadodorp that not even my mother would find interesting.

Recently, LA copywriter Emily Bernstein did a skewering series of posts on Instagram captions that she’d like to see the back of, for digital brand Overheard LA. One of them was the trend to caption holiday posts with the phrase “woke up in…”. The descriptor is, I guess, meant to be charming and quirky. Bernstein begs to differ.

“Between 46 Mykonos boomerangs and the literal geotag, everyone knows you’re on vacation. Let go of redundancy and tell the people something they don’t know, like a fun fact about lizards,” she wrote.

It made me think that this holiday season I’m going to have to up my Instagram game. I’m not going to go all holier than thou and proclaim I shall henceforth forgo posts of sea vistas or sunsets. Pu-leez! I definitely want you to think my life is vastly cooler than it actually is. But I am going to endeavour to be smarter and less gratuitous on the Gram. Fewer close-ups of caffeinated drinks, for example.

Now, to that point, did you know that the impossibly rare Mexican bearded lizard is thought to be able to survive on only three meals a year?

The number of passengers who passed through the HartsfieldJackson Atlanta International airport in 2021, a drop from the record 110 million passengers in 2019.

in change that is thrown in Rome’s 18th-century Trevi Fountain every year. All of it goes to a Catholic charity.

The number of pieces of luggage that go missing every minute. This is 70% less than what went missing a decade ago, thanks to improvements in tracking.

ONE FOR THE ROAD

The percentage of foreign tourists visiting South Africa in 2020 who were Zimbabwean. The largest overseas contributor to tourism in the same year was the United Kingdom, with 2%.

200-255

The percentage of men who haven’t taken a vacation for several years who are more likely to suffer a heart attack than those who took time off, according to the Framingham Heart Study.

The number of foreign visitors who travelled to France in 2019, making it the most visited country in the world.

The percentage of the global population who take 70% of all flights.

The number of international visitors who went to Bangkok in 2019, making it the world’s most visited city. They stayed an average of 4.7 nights and spent $173 daily.

1

The number of known pyramids in Sudan — its neighbour, Egypt, has only 138.

The number of passengers who ride trains in India daily.

The number of time zones in China, despite its five distinct geographical zones.

Sarah Buitendach is contributing editor to the Financial Mail.