Private Edition Issue 67

Journey to the Edge

THE ART OF TRANSIT ZOOM IN, BREATHE OUT ZAMBIA, THREE WAYS

FROM THE EDITOR

ISSUE

67 2025

IF THE LONG WEEKS OF WINTER are getting you down, I invite you to keep turning these pages and escape onto the gleaming deck of a luxury yacht, or wander down a cobbled side street to disappear into a taverna serving the freshest seafood you’ve ever tasted.

In this issue, we pay homage to that wondrous of all human activities: travel. In The Art of Travel, Alain de Botton suggests that travel is not only an escape from the monotony of daily life, but also an escape from those strung-out, overwrought versions of ourselves we know we are not. Our travel selves are far more interesting, adventurous, spontaneous and energised as we stand in awe at the unexpected scenes before us.

De Botton says travel puts us in our rightful place and gives us a clearer perspective of our own lives and problems. ‘See how small you are next to the mountains. Accept what is bigger than you and what you do not understand. Our life is not the measure of all things: consider sublime places a reminder of human insignificance and frailty,’ he writes.

For this issue, our award-winning travel writers have been out adventuring, returning with stories to inspire and excite. In ‘The Art of Transit’ (pg 22), we pose the question: how do you make the lost hours of travel as artful, enjoyable and immersive as the destination itself? Why not revisit a bygone era on England’s first luxury sleeper train or step onboard the world’s largest luxury yacht?

If you’re looking for something more experiential, ‘Zoom in, Breathe out’ (page 30) invites you to take a wildlife videography course in the Greater Kruger, redefining the meaning of slow safari.

In ‘Zambia Three Ways’ (page 64), we explore a few of the remotest reserves

in Africa. Watch a pride of lions, satiated after a kill, from the back of an open game vehicle parked a hair’s breath away. Or soak up the sights and sounds nature offers up from your luxury suite on the Zambezi. Further afield, wander the promenade of Portugal’s ‘riviera’ to discover the architectural and historical appeal of the coastal town of Cascais, (‘Cascais Charm’, page 58). Or step inside a bold, colourful and cosmopolitan family home in Singapore in ‘Global Language’ (pg 40).

We hope you enjoy the journey as much as we have!

SUSAN NEWHAM-BLAKE EDITOR

EDITOR SUSAN NEWHAM-BLAKE snewham@tppsa.co.za

ART DIRECTOR TINA REDDELL

COPY EDITOR WENDY MARITZ

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE

BERNICE BLUNDELL bernice@adplacements.co.za 073 618 1882

PUBLISHING DIRECTOR SUSAN NEWHAM-BLAKE

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR JOHN MORKEL

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER LIZ WOLFE

FINANCIAL MANAGER NAEEMA ABRAHAMS

Private Edition is published by The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd, 8th Floor, Tarquin House, 81 Loop Street, Cape Town 8001. Copyright: The Publishing Partnership (Pty) Ltd 2025. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without prior written consent from The Publishing Partnership or the authors. The publishers are not responsible for any unsolicited material. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of The Publishing Partnership or the editor.

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ISSN: 2218-063X

From

An A to Z of bold colours and a playful use of both patterned wallpapers and fabrics creates a cocooning and cosmopolitan mood in this family home in Singapore.

4 8 AP ART FROM THE HERD

As drivers demand ever more from manufacturers, the limited or special edition and the sub-brand have become the go-tos for exclusivity and a modicum of individuality.

5 2 JOURNE Y TO THE EDGE

Vusi Ndlovu is rewriting the narrative around contemporary African food, one menu at a time.

58 C ASCAIS CHARM

A stay in Portugal feels incomplete without days spent along its coastline. Martin Jacobs escapes Lisbon’s urban grit for neighbouring Cascais, capital of the country’s ‘riviera’.

64 ZAMBIA THREE W AYS

Remote and untouched, Zambia’s vast plains and wilderness resound with stillness, beauty and timelessness.

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CAPE TOWN - JOHANNESBURG - MAURITIUS

Preface - modular sofa

Designed by Studio Roche Bobois

THE BRIEFING

COLLECTABLES

| OBJETS D’ART | DESIGN | DEPARTURES | TASTINGS

DESIGN

Art de vivre

AN UNPRECEDENTED COLLABORATION BETWEEN PEDRO ALMODÓVAR AND ROCHE BOBOIS, STANDS OUT NOT ONLY FOR ITS INNOVATIVE NATURE, BUT ALSO ITS SHARED PASSION FOR COLOUR.

Pedro Almodóvar, an iconic filmaker with a flamboyant visual universe, has marked generations with his films, in which vibrant colours, shapes and sets play a central role. From fiery reds to deep blues, each work is staged in such a way that the set design becomes a fully fledged character.

Colour is a common language shared by Almodóvar and Roche Bobois. For the film director and brand alike, it plays a vital role in design and emotion. Roche Bobois has always considered colour an essential component of design, much like the artist, who uses it to structure and enhance his visual narratives.

Almodóvar says: ‘To me, these pieces of furniture are far more than mere objects; they are pieces of life that carry a highly positive energy. The colours and patterns l’ve chosen reflect an intense joie de vivre. I’m convinced that sitting on this sofa, walking on these rugs or just looking at these designs will breathe renewed optimism into everyone.’ rochebobois.com

TASTINGS

Cold bites

WINTER MEANS INNOVATIVE NEW MENUS AT YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS WITHOUT BOOKING MONTHS IN ADVANCE.

The Luke Dale Roberts suite of restaurants once again offers its renowned prix fixe menus across all eateries. This seasonal offering presents outstanding value, allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy a diverse range of multi-course menus, thoughtfully crafted to suit every appetite.

At SALON, Luke Dale Roberts’s latest signature restaurant, guests are invited on a refined six-course journey with the Explorer Menu, a celebration of beautiful, seasonal South African produce paired with European techniques.

The Cape Town and Johannesburg Pot Luck Clubs are offering two prix fixe options: a vibrant six-plate sharing experience for two, ideal for a quick, flavour-packed lunch, as well as Prix Fixe Loade, a more indulgent eight-plate sharing experience for two, perfect for a lingering dining experience.

The Pot Luck Club Cape Town’s Winter Extravaganza Sunday Brunch returns every Sunday. This 10-course feast is accompanied by unlimited bubbly and a DIY Bloody Mary station. A must for brunch lovers and those looking to elevate their winter weekends. Finally, housed in the former Test Kitchen space, TTK Fledgelings is both a restaurant and a training ground for aspiring chefs and service staff with no prior formal experience. The five-course prix fixe lunch menu offers guests an approachable yet refined meal, while supporting the next generation of hospitality professionals. lukedaleroberts.com

Art of the Winelands

THIS WINTER, ENJOY CURATED ART EXPERIENCES FEATURING STELLENBOSCH GALLERIES, PRIVATE COLLECTIONS AND ICONIC ART DESTINATIONS.

In collaboration with specialist art and design tour company Art Route, Le Grand Jardin Villa custodians Bernard and Sue Fontannaz have launched curated art experiences. The signature six-bedroom Le Grand Jardin Villa is set on five acres of Alice in Wonderland-inspired gardens, presenting a unique, magical space of intrigue and wonder for its guests.

The exclusive Le Grand Jardin art experiences, which incorporate the villa’s sister establishment Le Grand Domaine winery, are led by highly qualified guides who possess extensive knowledge of the Stellenbosch region’s fine-art community as well as unique access to the artists themselves. These experiences provide a deeper, more holistic understanding of the local art scene, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in this dynamic artistic community.

With experiences like ‘The Art of the Postcard’, guests can embark on a memorable day visiting the Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, the renowned Rupert Museum, sculpturist Stephen Rautenbach’s studio and the world-renowned Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden to collect artistically themed stamps, and use them later to craft a personalised postcard in a ‘Paint and Sip’ session. This one-of-a-kind, immersive workshop explores the artistic possibilities of using wine as a painting medium; a unique experience that turns tasting into visual creativity. For exclusive-use stays at Le Grand Jardin Villa, as well as a fine arts, wine and cultural experience, email VillaHost@wonderlandescapes.com

ACCELERATE

Like, supercool

PORSCHE HAS RELEASED THE THIRD IN ITS FOUR-CAR HERITAGE SPECIAL-EDITION LINE-UP, THE 911 SPIRIT 70. AND IT’S ALL KINDS OF HIPPIE GROOVY.

The idea behind the Porsche Heritage Design collection is to pay homage to the marque’s cars and ethos of past decades. The first, a 911 Targa, referenced the 1950s, the second, the 911 Sport Classic, harked back to the original 1964 911, and the trippin’ cat, the 911 Spirit, lands squarely in the 1970s, colours and patterns marking it as a child of the time.

The Olive Neo colour shouts early ’70s, as does the bronze contrast detailing, the gold badging and prominent black stripes (commonly used by performance cars in the 1970s to make them more visible on motorways). But it’s inside that the designers have really gone to work. The Pasha pattern was a standard interior treatment back in the day, and in black and Olive Neo, delivers the knockout retro punch.

Underneath the copacetic wardrobe is, of course, a thoroughly modern Porsche, the current 911 Carrera GTS Cabriolet, with its 3.6-litre boxer petrol hybrid engine good for 398kW and a great deal more go than anything the 1970s could manage. Progress. Radical. For more on the special edition trend, see page 48 of this issue. porsche.com

DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE

BUMBLE BEES MOUNTED ON CHALCEDONY ON LOCATION IN THE CEDERBERG

THE CHARDONNAY

The Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay 2024 has been recognised as a ‘Top 10 Chardonnay in The World’ at the esteemed Chardonnay du Monde 2025 competition. Renowned wine maker Richard Kershaw says: ‘The 2024 vintage of the Whalehaven Seascape Reserve Chardonnay is a masterpiece of balance and refinement. Structured, poised, and profoundly elegant, this vintage is a testament to the terroir of the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.’ whalehaven.co.za

THE PINOTAGE

For a versatile, yet satisfying, round-the-fire Pinotage, the Bruce Jack Heritage Flag of Truce Pinotage 2022 will not disappoint. From a certified single vineyard in the Breedekloof area, this award-winning Pinotage honours a grape that is woven into the fabric of South African winemaking. Cheers to that! brucejack.com

TASTINGS

Cellar selects

AS THOUGHTS NATURALLY TURN TO A BOTTLE OF WINE TO WARD OFF THE WINTER CHILLS, NOW IS THE TIME TO STOCK UP THE CELLARS.

THE CAP CLASSIQUE

Hazendal Wine Estate has introduced its inaugural Artist Series label in collaboration with celebrated South African artist Athi-Patra Ruga. In a limitededition of only 1 500 bottles worldwide, the label was created for the Hazendal Prestige Brut Cap Classique of the 2017 harvest. The collectable wine is an elegant blend of 62% Chardonnay and 38% Pinot Noir made from the estate’s grapes, held for seven years on the lees. Five percent of the profits from the Artist Series Limited Edition is dedicated to supporting South Africa’s arts, culture and science sectors and will be donated to the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa. hazendal.co.za

THE RED BLEND

The Spier Frans K Smit Red 2018 is a special blend of 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Petit Verdot and 8% Cabernet Franc. ‘This vintage will go down as one of our most remarkable on record,’ says Smit, Spier managing director and former cellar master. ‘The vines were planted between 2000-2003, and picked in their prime, at 15 to 17 years. A big, impressionable mouthfeel and a long, gripping finish. I’ve never experienced ageing potential like this wine promises.’ Straight from the horse’s mouth. shop.spier.co.za

TASTINGS

Best of the best

PRIVATE TIME

Shiny and new

SHEMER JEWELLERS UNVEILS A LANDMARK JEWELLERY BOUTIQUE IN NELSON MANDELA SQUARE.

Shemer Jewellers, one of South Africa’s most respected luxury watch and jewellery retailers, unveils its newest boutique in the iconic Nelson Mandela Square, Sandton. Building on the reputation established at its flagship Bedfordview location, this new boutique marks a milestone in Shemer’s journey. The space is designed to elevate the retail experience and bring world-class brands closer to Johannesburg’s most discerning watch enthusiasts.

Guests can enjoy a complimentary coffee or drink while browsing or discussing their next investment with Shemer’s expert consultants. The environment reflects both the sophistication of the brands on display and the relaxed elegance that defines the Shemer experience. In addition to beloved and established names already part of Shemer’s brand family such as Zenith, Tudor, Longines and Moraglione 1922, the new boutique introduces exciting brands of the likes of Hublot, Grand Seiko, Rado and Frédérique Constant. shemer.co.za

THREE SOUTH AFRICAN RESTAURANTS NOW GRACE THE TOP 100 WORLD’S BEST RESTAURANT LIST.

Each year, the World’s Best Restaurants list highlights 50 exceptional dining establishments, accompanied by an extended list, ranking restaurants from 51 to 100. This year, three South African restaurants have been included. La Colombe came in for the 6th consecutive year at number 55, FYN at 82 with its 5th appearance, and newcomer Salsify coming in at 88.

‘Being recognised on the extended list of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is an incredible honour,’ says Ryan Cole, executive chef and co-owner of Salsify.

‘At Salsify, we push boundaries, embrace creativity, and craft experiences that reflect the essence of South African ingredients and stories. This achievement is a testament to the relentless passion, innovation and dedication of our team. Our aim is simple: to be better than we were yesterday.’

Ryan and head chef Nina du Toit as well as their team focus the Salsify menu on locally sourced produce, foraged herbs, ancient grains and preserves of ingredients at their peak from previous seasons. The fish served in the restaurant is caught mainly by Ryan or his brother, ensuring not only freshness but also the peace of mind that comes with knowing it has been ethically sourced, which underlines the team’s dedication to sustainability. salsify.co.za

LONGINES SPIRIT

ZULU TIME 1925

PRIVATE TIME

New light on timekeeping

WITH THE RELEASE OF THE PRC 100 SOLAR, TISSOT MARKS A NEW CHAPTER IN ITS PURSUIT OF INNOVATION.

Since 2014, solar energy has powered Tissot’s journey, first illuminating the T-Touch Expert Solar, a bold step combining tradition and technology. Guided by the same force that shapes our days, the brand continues to explore new horizons, transforming light into a force that fuels every moment. At its core, the PRC 100 Solar carries the precision of quartz, reimagined through the Lightmaster Solar Technology. Proof that harnessing the sun can spark transformative change in watchmaking.

PUSHING BOUNDARIES, ONE RAY AT A TIME

Lightmaster Solar Technology is a breakthrough that captures both natural and artificial light to sustain the watch, allowing it to run continuously with minimal exposure. Unlike traditional solar watches that use visible photovoltaic panels beneath the dial, the PRC 100 Solar takes a different approach, integrating its light source beneath the sapphire crystal for a clean, uninterrupted design.

Light passes through the sapphire crystal, reaching microscopic honeycomb-structured solar cells that optimise absorption without compromising the dial’s aesthetics. The energy is then transferred through the zebra connector integrated within the case to the F06.615 quartz Swiss-made

movement, renowned for its precision. Surplus energy is stored in a rechargeable accumulator, ensuring an impressive 14-month autonomy in the dark on a full charge.

Thanks to the low-consumption Swiss-made movement, energy retention is maximised for continuous operation even in minimal light exposure.

Just 10 minutes of daylight provides 24 hours of battery life, meaning a few minutes of daily wear can sustain the watch indefinitely.

NEVER LEFT IN THE DARK

The End of Energy (EOE) indicator signals when the battery is running low, shifting the second hand to four-second intervals as a reminder to recharge. Once exposed to light, the movement restores its rhythm, a testament to Swiss engineering. To ensure visibility in any condition, the hands and indexes are coated with Super-LumiNova®, glowing in low light so time is always within sight. Encased in a 10-bar water-resistant stainless-steel case, the PRC 100 Solar is built for modern explorers: resilient, adaptable, and always charged. Whether under sunlight or artificial light, it recharges continuously, ensuring energy is always within reach. By bridging solar technology with Swiss precision, Tissot ensures Lightmaster is about capturing light and keeping time in motion, wherever life leads. To further guarantee its longevity and reliability, the PRC 100 Solar comes with a three-year warranty, an extra year beyond the standard, reflecting Tissot’s commitment to lasting performance. tissotwatches.com

THE ART OF TRANSIT

Crafting the journey itself makes every moment of travel count.

WORDS JULIA FREEMANTLE

WITH LIFE CONSTANTLY MOVING at what feels like breakneck speed, the most valuable commodities today are the intangible ones. Time. Space. Quiet. These have coloured how we classify luxury. Take travel, for example. Now more than ever, the emphasis is on the conscious and contextual.

But what about the many ‘lost’ hours (on the journey itself, waiting in airports…)? What if the trip was as artful, enjoyable and immersive as the end destination? Smart luxury travel brands, recognising that time is a valuable resource, are weaving services and design details usually found at the destination, into the journey itself, with boats and trains, as well as the elevation of air cabins, creating an art out of transit.

BY SEA

The epitome of adventure, yachts symbolise freedom in a way that other modes of travel can’t. On the open water, with nothing but ocean ahead, this is as close to an escape as it gets. And the luxury hospitality decision-makers clearly agree. With Ritz-Carlton and Aman already in the game, and Orient Express and Four Seasons setting sail next year, the sea is the place to be.

Rail icon Orient Express’s entry into the maritime realm is inspired by the Golden Age of travel. Merging innovation and artistry, Orient Express Sailing Yachts is the product of the partnership between Accor and leading builder of cruise liners Chantiers de l’Atlantique. And in June 2026, 140 years after the launch of its first luxury trains, the maiden voyage of the Orient Express Corinthian, the world’s largest yacht, commences. The first of two Orient Express yachts, it will set sail to cruise the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean seas.

Designed by architect Maxime d’Angeac, Artistic Director of Orient Express, the yacht will boast refined décor and offer exclusive anchorages. Onboard, Michelin-star restaurants, a spa and all kinds of entertainment will keep even the most discerning guest busy. (You can even record music in the onboard studio.)

Four Seasons is also branching into new territory. Together with yachting company Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Four Seasons Yachts launches in 2026. Ten voyages in the Caribbean (launching in January) and the Mediterranean (launching in March) will explore 130 destinations covering 30 countries.

President and Chief Executive Officer of Four Seasons Alejandro Reynal says that the routes will be defined by comfort, elegance and personalisation. Itineraries will be customisable with pre- and post-cruise hotel and overland programmes offered at Four Seasons hotels and resorts. In collaboration with Tillberg Design of Sweden and Four Seasons Yacht’s Creative Director, Prosper Assouline, the goal is to ‘craft an environment that feels both familiar and extraordinary – a home at sea with 50% more living space per guest than currently available from any competitor’.

The Orient Express Corinthian, launching in 2026, is a marvel of refinement and innovation, combining cutting-edge design and a sophisticated programme with exclusive anchorages. Architect Maxime d’Angeac designed the interiors to mirror the serenity of a voyage at sea

BY AIR

Air may be the most direct and seamless way to travel, but that needn’t mean you can’t savour the experience. Increasingly, the top carriers are crafting unique experiences onboard that mitigate the cramped spaces and compromises of standard air travel. With the focus here firmly on comfort, every element is designed so that clients pass the time in superb style.

Aviation pioneers Emirates has a strong track record of innovation and service. Winning the Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for Best First Class for several years running, Emirates First Class continues to pioneer in the space. It was the first airline globally to introduce an onboard lounge for First Class passengers in 2008, and was also the first airline to equip its entire fleet with mobile phone connectivity.

Currently, a host of services while still on the ground gives way to an experience in flight that’s equivalent to a hotel room in the sky. Offering First Class on its A380s and 777s (with private suites and sleeping quarters in varying permutations – some with controlled privacy doors, personal temperature controls and adjustable mood lighting), they all have every tech, comfort and entertainment amenity imaginable.

Standout features include a full-length wardrobe; a video call feature on Gamechanger aircraft, enabling customers to order room service from the comfort of their suite; an electronically controlled personal mini-bar featuring refreshing snacks and drinks on most aircraft; a work space with a keepsake leather notebook and pen; Byredo skincare; and, naturally, an array of superior food and beverage options. Window-seat passengers are given binoculars to take in the view. Miles off the daily commute.

BY RAIL

Leisurely and elegant, the train journey encapsulates the glamour of a bygone era and the current infatuation with slow travel. Hospitality veteran Belmond knows its way around luxury. With a stake in hotels, safaris and river cruises, it’s constantly finding ways to set its experiences apart. By centering its train trips on the tradition

and romance of rail, they’ve created unique journeys. Each train has a distinct identity, design, and culinary and cultural heritage (from the recently reopened Eastern & Oriental Express to the iconic Venice-Simplon Orient Express).

The latest addition to Belmond’s portfolio is the Britannic Explorer, the first luxury sleeper train to travel England and Wales. Debuting in July 2025, it fuses a celebration of timeless rail heritage with contemporary British gastronomy, culture and style. With an onboard wellness suite, and considered cultural programming, the Britannic Explorer departs from London, offering three-night journeys with a choice of three routes through the spectacular natural landscapes of Cornwall, The Lake District and Wales.

Belmond’s iconic Venice Simplon-Orient Express too, has found ways to up the ante with the addition of L’Observatoire, the first carriage to be designed by an artist (world-renowned JR). Described as an ‘artwork in motion’, it pays tribute to the train’s rich legacy, drawing inspiration from astronomical observatories and Renaissance Europe’s cabinets of curiosity, embodying a sense of exploration.

Belmond has even created a way to give back while watching the world go by. In collaboration with Save Wild Tigers, The Tiger Express takes you from Singapore up through the peninsula’s jungles, and into the rainforest of Taman Negara to learn about conservation efforts to protect the Malayan tiger. Followed by a cultural adventure in Penang and culminating in the tropical escape of The Datai Langkawi, it’s a voyage of a lifetime that goes deeper.

TOP LEFT Teaming up with yachting company Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, Four Seasons Yachts will launch in 2026, with 10 voyages in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. LEFT In the air, where space is the most valuable commodity, Emirates First Class aims to inject comfort and enjoyment into every aspect of your time onboard.

THIS PAGE TOP TO BOTTOM The new Britannic Explorer is a modern celebration of British heritage, and encourages the exploration of its charming towns and idyllic countryside; L’Observatoire on Belmond’s Venice-Simplon Orient Express is an ode to the art of observation in the form an entire carriage dedicated to craft; Belmond’s Eastern & Oriental Express offers various itineraries exploring the culture and cuisine of South East Asia as it winds its way through cities and countryside to the coast.

PRIVATE TIME

HOUR GOLDEN

FOR YEARS, the oldest and most timeless precious metal, yellow gold, has been eclipsed by the cooler tones of white gold, platinum and the blush of rose gold, but now, it’s having a powerful resurgence. On runways and wrists, in ateliers and boutiques, yellow gold is back – and it’s brighter than ever.

Yellow gold has always carried a certain weight, evoking sentiments of permanence and tradition – qualities that, in uncertain times, become especially attractive. But beyond symbolism, there’s a growing appreciation for craftsmanship and heritage. People are investing in pieces that mean something, that will last, and that connect them to the artistry of the past while speaking to the style of today.

What sets this current wave apart is how fluidly yellow gold adapts. It can be bold or understated, masculine or feminine, vintage-inspired or ultra-modern. It reflects light differently than its cooler counterparts, offering a richness that flatters a wide range of skin tones and styles.

As the fashion world continues to explore contrast – hard with soft, new with old – yellow gold finds its place as the ultimate balancing act: warm yet structured, radiant yet refined. Whether wrapped around a wrist or glinting at the cuff, yellow gold is once again claiming its place in the spotlight.

FOR HER

CHARLES GREIG

Effortlessly elegant and undeniably luxurious, the Fope Luna bracelet from Charles Greig embodies the modern revival of yellow gold. Crafted entirely in 18ct gold, its flexible design ensures a perfect fit, while a distinctive decorative detail – delicately set diamonds – adds a touch of brilliance. Understated yet opulent, it’s a contemporary classic with timeless appeal.

CARTIER

Few icons are as enduring or as fiercely elegant as the Cartier panther. First introduced in 1914 and immortalised by Jeanne Toussaint, the feline symbol continues to evolve across the Maison’s collections. The Panthère de Cartier small model, half-paved bracelet in yellow gold reveals the animal’s more seductive side. Sleek yet spirited, the design fuses boldness with grace, its partial diamond pavé suggesting the shimmer of movement. It’s a piece that commands attention, not through size, but through style and symbolism.

Lustrous and timeless, yellow gold is making a radiant return to centre stage.

WORDS

JENNIFER CAMPBELL

FROM TOP The Fope Luna bracelet from Charles Greig adds a touch of brilliance to any occassion; Panthère de Cartier in yellow gold commands attention through it’s unique sense of style.

LOUIS VUITTON

In its Awakened Hands, Awakened Minds high-jewellery collection, Louis Vuitton showcases yellow gold in a bold, architectural form. The Dynamisme bracelet is a sculptural triumph, drawing inspiration from the industrial dynamism of 19th-century France and recasting it through a modern lens. Interlocking links in yellow gold and platinum form a rhythmic chevron pattern, echoing motion and innovation. Diamonds are set at precise angles to hint at the iconic Louis Vuitton ‘V’ and, at the centre, a 1.59-carat LV Monogram Star Cut diamond provides the final, luminous flourish.

FRÉDÉRIQUE CONSTANT

The Classic Carrée Ladies watch from Frédérique Constant offers a gentler nod to yellow gold’s return. With its square, polished case and clean white dial adorned with Clous de Paris detailing, it speaks to elegance without extravagance. Roman numerals and slim hands complete the traditional look, while its refined proportions make it a flattering companion for any woman’s wrist. It’s the kind of timepiece that transcends trends, inviting quiet admiration rather than overt attention.

IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

IWC Schaffhausen presents the Ingenieur Automatic 40 in 18-carat 5N gold. The luxurious new automatic model combines a case and bracelet crafted entirely from this precious metal with a black grid dial. It has been fitted with a transparent sapphire-glass case back, showcasing the IWC-manufactured 32111 calibre with a power reserve of 120 hours. The movement is enhanced with circular Geneva stripes, blued screws and a gold-plated oscillating weight. This new Ingenieur Automatic 40 is distinguished by highly detailed finishing with a lustrous combination of satin-finished and polished surfaces.

FROM TOP The Classic Carrée Ladies watch from Frédérique Constant is a timeless and elegant piece inviting quiet admiration; IWC’s luxurious new Ingenieur Automatic combines a case and bracelet crafted entirely from gold; The Dynamisme bracelet is a bold and unapologetic offering from Louis Vuitton –a sculptural triumph.

FROM TOP Omega

Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026 was made to mark the countdown to the next Winter Olympic Games; with its tachymetric scale, three counters and pushers, the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona was designed to be the ultimate timing tool for endurance racing drivers; Patek Philippe’s Golden Ellipse offers elegance in this unisex design; Montblanc’s Meisterstück cufflinks are the embodiment of distinction and refinement.

FOR HIM

OMEGA

Omega honours its Olympic heritage with the Seamaster 37mm Milano Cortina 2026, a nostalgic yet contemporary celebration of next year’s Olympic Winter Games. Crafted in Moonshine Gold, Omega’s proprietary alloy that’s paler than traditional yellow gold, this timepiece offers subtle warmth and longlasting lustre. The enamel dial, dauphine hands and retro case silhouette nod to 1950s design, while the Calibre 8807 ensures 21st-century performance. It’s a quietly opulent blend of sport, history and horological craft.

ROLEX

Bold, iconic and built for performance, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona in 18ct yellow gold is a masterstroke in precision and prestige. Featuring a contrasting blackand-champagne-coloured dial, an engraved tachymeter bezel, and an Oyster bracelet, this chronograph pays homage to its motor-racing heritage.

PATEK PHILIPPE

When it first launched in 1968, Patek Philippe’s Golden Ellipse was a bold deviation from the conventional round or rectangular watch, embracing an elliptical case shape inspired by the ancient Greek principle of the ‘golden section’ – the divine ratio of 1:1.618. The current collection refines this legacy with a slim case and a mesmerising dial, where gold hands and hour markers appear to float. Quietly radical, it remains a study in geometric harmony and timeless unisex design.

MONTBLANC

For men, yellow gold doesn’t have to dominate to make a statement. Montblanc’s Meisterstück cufflinks in a yellowgold finish offer just the right touch of refinement. Their round silhouette and minimalist design pair seamlessly with formalwear, elevating any look with a whisper of sophistication. Discreet yet distinctive, they’re a reminder that true luxury often lies in the details. 

ZOOM IN, BREATHE OUT

From behind the lens of a video camera, you’ll find a profound and unique way to experience the ‘slow safari’.

WORDS RENATE ENGELBRECHT

WE SIT SILENTLY, watching the setting sun play with shades of grey, highlighting every crack in the young elephant bull’s skin. He pulls a patch of grass from the soft earth underneath his feet, then swings it gently, ridding it of excess dirt, creating clouds of dust that swirl in the late afternoon light. He is calm and we are content, taking in every detail of his majestic form. It’s not often that you get to sit with an animal in its natural habitat for that long, yet, here we were, in the middle of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in the Greater Kruger, focusing on the bull’s lashes glistening in the sun. Few safaris afford its guests this type of luxury: the slow kind where you get to zoom in, breathe out and take the time to engage with the bush from a different angle.

At Amaya, a newly opened lodge that prides itself on offering its guests a quiet luxury experience in the Greater Kruger, you get to view your surrounds from behind the lens of one of Too Wild’s impressive video cameras, geared for professional wildlife videography. The lodge is host to Too Wild’s three-week wildlife film course, launched by industry experts, Lauren (Arthur) Eastaugh and David Eastaugh. Lauren (a zoologist and marine biologist by degree, and an experienced television presenter and naturalist) and David (a well-known wildlife videographer) have worked on a variety of television shows. While Lauren has presented live for WildEarth across South Africa as well as being featured on various channels, including Nat Geo, Nat Geo Wild, SABC, CGTN and Disney+, David’s videography skills have landed him gigs with BBC, Disney+, Nat Geo Wild and producing conservation stories for the WWF. These incredible experiences

Even from your suite, you’re enveloped by nature.

RIGHT The concentration and discipline it takes to film wildlife is one of the first lessons one learns on Too Wild’s film course.

are also what brought them together and, now, the recently married couple is creating memories for travellers wanting to try their hand at wildlife videography.

THE FILM COURSE ALLOWS YOU TO IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE MAGIC OF THE AFRICAN BUSH.

While staying in an exquisitely designed tented suite, the all-inclusive film course allows you to immerse yourself in the magic of the African bush. With accommodation, meals and game drives included, Too Wild’s course encourages you to tune into your creative side and let nature decide the story you’ll create by allowing you to capture the zoomed-in moments so often miss on habitual twicedaily safari game drives. On Amaya Lodge’s unique morning and afternoon game drives, Lauren anticipates animal behaviours from behind the wheel, adding valuable insights to novice videographers on their quest to get the best shot. David assists in mounting the cameras, experimenting with angles, understanding camera settings and finding the perfect light. The couple’s combined skills are invaluable when it comes to learning wildlife videography, and the showreels the students walk away with at the end of the course are proof of that.

While the unique wildlife videography course promises to transform your passion for nature into cinematic art, the experience is also a reminder to look harder, deeper. A bird unleashing a chorus of battle cries as it chases an eagle from its nest; a terrapin, eyes half-lidded, surrendering to the golden heat of the sun; and a lilac-breasted roller, the fashionista of the veld, trying to maintain an air of sophistication as its fringe flutters wildly in the wind, reminiscent of a high-end fashion shoot gone awry.  toowild.co

ABOVE Amaya Lodge is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which forms part of the Greater Kruger.

LEFT The videography gear used during the film course is top-notch, making for great footage and an exceptional all-round experience.

BOTTOM LEFT A lilac-breasted roller – the fashionista of the veld – in flight.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON

A bold expression with an aromatic nose of cassis, blue fruit and cedar.

Fine tannins and subtle pencil lead notes bring structure, leading to a long, lingering finish that leaves a lasting impression on the palate.

WOODS OUT OF THE

As furniture and product design becomes increasingly technology driven, evidence of human mark-making in collectible design is resulting in its commodification. While the skills of these designers and craftspeople –for whom woodwork is their profession, their art – may be centuries old, their work is extraordinarily contemporary.

WORDS MARTIN JACOBS

Heritage through modern craftsmanship

BARNABY ASH AND DRU PLUMB

ASH & PLUMB

UNITED

KINGDOM

THE DESIGNERS It’s taken Barnaby Ash and Dru Plumb a while to find their true creative calling. They worked in the UK and Australia (Plumb’s homeland) in fields as diverse as fashion, adventure sports, marketing and financial tech, before settling in Brighton in 2017. It was then that Ash’s passion for woodwork sparked, initially through teaching himself the necessary skills to craft furniture for their home and, thereafter, when introduced to woodturning. In 2020 the couple founded their studio in a rural workshop. ‘We enjoy having different areas of expertise within our partnership, but we do share some responsibilities too,’ says Ash. They work together to conceptualise collections. Ash is largely responsible for the making, from wood-turning and hollowing, to carving and patination, while Plumb contributes delicate waxed stitchwork to vessels that crack whilst drying (‘a celebration of the natural imperfections within the material’). He’s also responsible for photography, marketing and social media. In 2022, Ash was awarded a QEST Scholarship, an opportunity to further hone his skills. The studio’s work

has been exhibited at galleries and art fairs, with a vessel recently acquired by Brighton Museum.

THEIR WORK Ash & Plumb draws inspiration from ancient and classical forms. ‘Some of our earliest pieces have been takes on British Neolithic and old Saxon vessels,’ says Plumb. ‘Recently we studied a selection of Roman pottery (some discovered within a few miles of our house) at Brighton & Hove Museums; this will definitely influence our future work.’ Evidence of similar references is noticeable in existing pieces, which range in scale from the handheld to heights of 80cm. Titles include evocative words like amphora, annulus, psykter and cauldron, nodding to the rituals associated with these reimagined archetypal forms. Each vessel is sculpted from a single piece of sustainably sourced, unseasoned oak.

ON THEIR PROCESS ‘We sketch ideas first to try capture a feeling that excites us before taking it into three dimensions. Things do have a habit of evolving, especially if there’s a particular feature within the wood that we want to include in the piece,’ says Ash. ashandplumb.co.uk

From their rural Brighton workshop, Barnaby Ash (opposite page) and Dru Plumb (above left) hand-carve patinated vessels from sustainablysourced oak. They draw inspiration from classical Roman and ancient British forms. A work of theirs was recently purchased to sit alongside such pieces in Brighton Museum.

‘I enjoy elevating the unexpected in my work. Inspiration doesn’t always have to come from what everyone else finds beautiful – a simple scrap of wavy metal can be inspirational too,’ says South African expat Hanneke Lourens of her Corrugated furniture collection.

Reflections on a homeland

HANNEKE LOURENS USA

THE DESIGNER ‘As a South African designer living abroad, I feel like African design is often under-represented in the industry’s Euro-American-centric design landscape. I’ve noticed there’s a disconnect when people engage with, or talk about, design coming from the African continent,’ says California-based Lourens, who studied fashion design in London before relocating to Los Angeles in 2015. ‘Many people immediately think of traditional craft – valid in its own right – but underestimate the depth and complexity of contemporary African design.’ After attending a woodworking college in Northern California, Lourens founded her eponymous studio before last year launching Corrugated, her first collection. ‘I’m hoping that with these five pieces I can help create a dialogue around design rooted in Africa,’ she says.

THE COLLECTION Her designs for Corrugated’s tables and chairs draw inspiration from the ubiquity of corrugated metal sheets in urban South African landscapes. ‘I enjoy elevating the unexpected, and love that corrugated metal isn’t normally associated with beauty and quality.’ Surfaces in each piece, handcrafted from white oak, mimic waves within corrugated metal, with the interplay between highlights and shadows resulting in aesthetically-pleasing surfaces. But this chiaroscuro-like undulation also nods to the stark contrast between South Africa’s natural beauty and its more troubling issues (like rising unemployment). To this end, Lourens donates a percentage of Corrugated’s sales to Learn to Earn, a Khayelitsha-based skills development organisation.

ON WORKING WITH WOOD ‘Wood is a very contradictory material: it’s strong and reliable, but also wonderfully unpredictable as it naturally changes shape and colour over time. It’s also versatile: it allows me to be considerate and precise if needed, but also loose and sculptural when I want to be. I can carve, bend, steam, sculpt, flatten, shape, stain and mould it into almost anything my heart desires.’

hannekelourens.com

Pioneering colouring wood

HERMAN ØDEGAARD AND MIKKEL JØRAANDSTAD STUDIO SLØYD NORWAY

THE DESIGNERS ‘Our studio takes its name from the Swedish word slöjd, meaning craft or handiwork. It’s a concept taught in Scandinavian elementary schools, and emphasises practical, hands-on skills like woodwork and sewing,’ says Studio Sløyd’s design duo, who met and became friends while studying at the Oslo School of Architecture and Design. ‘Sløyd teaches creativity, problem-solving and the development of fine motor skills through making tangible objects.’ Invention and problem-solving have been the focus of Ødegaard and Jøraandstad’s own studio, launched six years ago, with no project quite as revolutionary for the future of woodwork as Roggbif.

UNDERSTANDING ROGGBIF Roggbif is a collection of 24 playful and, more significantly, colourful stools named after the Norwegian acronym for the colours of the rainbow. ‘Rather than starting with a shape or form, we turned our usual process on its head, experimenting our way to a new material,’ Ødegaard explains of their technique for dyeing (or ‘through-colouring’) entire blocks of wood, here Norwegian birch. The studio believes it has pioneered the process, one that involves placing timber blocks in a vacuum chamber along with pigments and liquids. The outcome is wood that’s coloured through, unlike traditional approaches to colouring wood that see hues applied only to timber’s outer surface. Roggbif offers manufacturing processes that extend furniture’s longevity. ‘This is something we’ve not seen done elsewhere,’ says Jøraandstad. ‘Think of the possibilities (including for repair) that come with being able to sand and work with the material after colouring it, rather than the reverse.’

ON ROGGBIF’S AESTHETICS The stools are evidence of the material’s aesthetic advantages; many artfully combine woods dyed with different pigments. ‘We regard the coloured wood as valuable, and when designing the stools, aim to minimise waste. As a result, the material often dictated their shapes, with many pieces crafted from cut-offs and leftover scraps.’ studio-sloyd.com

The founders of Studio Sløyd, Herman Ødegaard and Mikkel Jøraandstad, believe their process for ‘through-colouring’ wood is a first. The creatives hope it will revolutionise furniture manufacturing, extending each piece’s longevity. Their Roggbif collection illustrates such creative possibilities.

Reviving dying African crafts

OLORUNFEMI ADEWUYI OMI COLLECTIVE NIGERIA

THE DESIGNER To call Lagos-based Olorunfemi Adewuyi only a woodworker is to shortchange his design knowledge and the strength of his eye. Adewuyi, an architecture graduate from Covenant University in Nigeria, founded Omi Collective in 2023. The architectural studio works across the fields of architecture, object and furniture design, urbanism and research, with a specific interest in archiving and reviving dying traditional crafts. He’s also one of Wallpaper’s 10 emerging designers in the publication’s 2025 Next Generation issue.

THE FURNITURE COLLECTION ‘Omi Objects is the vehicle through which our furniture projects are realised. We strive for beauty, but with a sense of heritage, nostalgia, sensuality and tactility,’ explains Adewuyi. By reintegrating dying practices into the design of contemporary furniture, the collective hopes that such humanisation might help define a strong Nigerian aesthetic globally. The collection’s Series 1 – inspired by timber carving and bronze guilds in Benin City – includes an armchair, standing mirror, coffee and side tables, the creation of which seeks to revive such age-old crafts. Series 2 launched this year, with the design of an innovative six-legged stool that can be separated into three individual stools.

CONCEPTUALISING THE OMI SERIES 2 STOOL The collaborative piece, comprising three timber seats connected by a steel rod, was a response to Adewuyi questioning what defines African seating – specifically in terms of global perceptions. Wood was the material of choice for its historic significance in traditional African object-making, and because it allows for tactility in the form of hand-carved textures on the underside of each seat. It’s such artisanal mark-making that Adewuyi, in the face of mass production, regards as a fading skill. The seat’s bold blue colour references an indigo prevalent in West African textile production. Dismantling and reconfiguring the stools to create seating for any number of people not only creates interaction among users, but fosters a sense of community. omi-cv.com

Olorunfemi Adewuyi, pictured centre alongside Abdullah Ogunsetan, a production assistant and researcher with Omi Collective, and Arjun Savalani, who collaborates with Adewuyi, turns to the aesthetics of his African heritage when designing furniture for Omi Objects. The collective endeavours to revive fast-fading craft techniques.

Reimagining the 21st-century domestic goddess

SOPHIE SELLU

GRAIN & KNOT

UNITED

KINGDOM

THE DESIGNER Interviewed by Alexa Chung for British Vogue, invited to be a judge on BBC’s reality series Handmade: Britain’s Best Woodworker as well as for the Dezeen Awards 2023... None of this would have happened if woodworker Sophie Sellu wasn’t made redundant from design jobs twice within a short period, and hadn’t sought a worthwhile distraction from screen time. In 2013, she enrolled in a spoon-carving course that reawakened her passion for the basic woodworking she had learnt at school. Later that year, she launched her studio, Grain & Knot. Over a decade later, her seasonal homeware collections regularly sell out within hours of being posted online.

THE NATURAL HOME ‘I like reimagining mass-produced functional objects to make them more beautiful and personal,’ London-based Sellu says of her creative drive. For her, there’s value in adorning the modern home with handmade pieces rich in narrative, and it’s this intention that

‘Each item is made from reclaimed, storm-fallen or sustainably sourced timber,’ says Sophie Sellu of the household objects she hand-carves from sycamore, cherry, ash and other timbers. Her passion for woodwork was reignited when she attended a day-long spoon-carving course in 2013.

has her carving tabletop brushes, bud vases, dishes and utensils for the sustainabilityminded shopper. ‘Each item is made from reclaimed, storm-fallen or sustainably sourced timber,’ she explains, as environmental awareness is a core value. Initially, an uncle working in renovations was the source of her materials, supplying Sellu with wood salvaged from period homes. Today, Sellu works with a family-run woodland in Kent, where she sources sycamore, hornbeam, cherry, ash, oak and silver birch timber that’s fallen as a result of storm damage or disease, or that may be perilous to the public.

ON HER PROCESS To minimise wood waste, Sellu’s creative process begins with a quick sketch, her inspiration as diverse as natural forms, embroidery and vintage maps. She then creates paper templates of these organic shapes. After pairing them with timber, Sellu cuts the wood with a bandsaw, before whittling away at each piece, primarily with a Swedish carving knife. grainandknot.com

GLOBAL LANGUAGE

An A to Z of bold colours and a playful use of both patterned wallpapers and fabrics creates a cocooning and cosmopolitan mood in this family home in Singapore.

WORDS MARTIN JACOBS

OPPOSITE PAGE In the sitting room, a de Gournay wallpaper was the starting point for much of the apartment’s colour palette. Its tones repeat in a suzani-upholstered ottoman as well as in other pieces and fabrics around the room.

THIS PAGE Beata Heuman’s Palm Drop fabric lines the top half of the dining room walls, its navy blue echoed in the painted ceiling. A chandelier by New York lighting designer Lindsey Adelman hangs above a custom-designed table by project interior designer Elizabeth Hay.

AN APARTMENT BLOCK built in 1985 is considered old by Singaporean standards. It comes with a certain charm no longer found in the city-state’s more contemporary builds, in which apartments are smaller, ceilings lower, layouts less considered, and finishes arguably more economical. Interior designer Elizabeth Hay knows this. Having lived in Singapore for 12 years, she has inside knowledge of the construction industry and is familiar with the variety of homes on offer. The homeowner, an intern of Hay’s who had traded a career in the energy industry for the opportunity to pursue her passion for styling and design, was also familiar with the city’s residential offering. Not long before the Covid-19 pandemic, the homeowner and her husband bought one such ‘old’ apartment for their young family of four.

Chosen by the couple for its sensical flow of spacious rooms and lofty ceilings, there was much about the dated four-bedroomed apartment in a 28-storey building that didn’t appeal to them. Floors throughout had been treated with an orange stain, and combined with feature walls clad in stone, and lowered ceilings, the overall look had an out-of-date Balinese aesthetic. Having lived in cities around the world, the homeowner wished to give the apartment a cosmopolitan facelift inspired by her travels: a light renovation, complete with updated soft furnishings. Who better to conceptualise and execute this new look than her employer, who herself had lived in several countries. British born, Hay was raised in South West England, and

prior to moving to Singapore, had lived in both Kenya and the US. Following her university studies, she worked in interior design in London for Sibyl Colefax and Veere Grenney, icons of the British decorating scene. This invaluable experience – coupled with the first-hand knowledge of global design she gleaned from living abroad – has shaped her aesthetic, a fresh interpretation of modern British decorating imbued with cosmopolitan influences.

One such influence was a wallpaper inspired by late 18thcentury hand-coloured aquatints of India, which caught both Hay and her client’s eye, and which became the starting point for much of the project. ‘The inspiration for the design and colours in the main living areas was taken from de Gournay’s Early Views

TOP Leading off the dining room, the informal family room includes a sofa designed by Hay and upholstered in a ticking fabric. Her client’s global travels inspired Hay to include a bespoke inlaid table, handmade in India, in the room.

OPPOSITE PAGE, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Customdesigned Moghul-arched shelves in the family room are visible from the dining room; blue-and-white crockery is displayed on playful shelving offset against white subway tiles in the kitchen; in the study, Hay draws the eye away from the existing cabinetry by playing with layered pattern, including a pineapple print wallpaper from Hygge & West; wicker wall panels add interest to the sitting room.

THE END RESULT, BOTH AGREE, IS A VISUALLY ARRESTING, CREATIVE JOURNEY THAT REFLECTS BOTH HAY AND HER CLIENT’S GLOBAL TRAVELS.

OPPOSITE The daughters’ bedroom epitomises Hay’s mastery at layering patterns. The colours in a Kalamkari wallpaper repeat in Rajkot fabric from Lisa Fine Textiles, used to upholster the beds.

RIGHT The soft patterns of Veere Grenney’s Folly wallpaper and Lee Jofa’s Althea fabric (used for the blinds and ottoman) offset the stark black of the four-poster bed in a guest bedroom.

BELOW Pastel blues dominate in the library, including in fabrics by French decorator Madeleine Castaing and a lotus pukka print from India.

‘A FUN CHALLENGE IN THE BRIEF WAS MY CLIENT’S WISH TO RECYCLE AS MUCH OF THE PROPERTY’S MATERIALS AS POSSIBLE.’ – ELIZABETH HAY

of India scenic wallpaper, which we used in the sitting room,’ says Hay. ‘The deep blues, oranges and reds are echoed throughout the home.’ They repeat in an Uzbek suzani-covered ottoman and a pair of locallysourced chairs (custom-sprayed in blue) in the sitting room and in Beata Heuman’s Palm Drop fabric and grass cloth wallcovering in the dining room. They reappear in the kitchen’s terracotta joinery and blueand-white crockery, and in the family room, with its Moghul-arched shelving, wraparound blue ‘ribbon’ and reflective ceiling.

Conscious of the excesses of Singapore’s construction industry, Hay’s client sought to reuse what was in good condition in the apartment, as well as to minimise waste by repurposing many of the family’s existing furniture pieces.

‘A fun challenge in the brief was my client’s wish to recycle as much of the property’s materials as possible,’ explains Hay. ‘For instance, wallpapering built-in wardrobe doors rather than having them remade.’ Pattern play being a signature trademark of the designer, this presented Hay with the opportunity to have fun, and her harmonious combinations in the daughters’ bedroom, the couple’s dressing room, and the study particularly reflect her decorating confidence.

The considered introduction of cherished pieces (including a pair of reupholstered mid-century chairs) and décor accessories (like an Indian-made inlaid coffee table) completes the globally-inspired look. Much of the lighting, for example, comes from as far afield as New York and Indonesia, and both designer and client’s appreciation of updated takes on traditional Asian rattan design manifests in compelling ways, including in woven wicker wall panelling in the sitting room.

The end result, both agree, is a visually arresting creative journey that reflects both Hay and her client’s global travels. 

POWER MEETS POISE

The Mercedes-Benz GLC has long been a global favourite, and the elegant new model proves why.

IN A WORLD where excellence is expected but rarely exceeded, the all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC redefines what it means to drive in style. This isn’t just a luxury SUV, it’s a refined statement of modern living, an engineering marvel cloaked in sensual design, and an invitation to explore the extraordinary with effortless confidence. Welcome to the future of the luxury SUV. Welcome to the GLC.

DESIGNED FOR THE DISCERNING: ELEGANCE IN MOTION

From your first glance, the new Mercedes-Benz GLC (X254) seduces with a quiet intensity. A bold front grille trimmed in chrome flanks seamless LED headlamps that stretch into the sculpted body with strokes of artistic intent. The signature AVANTGARDE exterior comes standard, offering chrome window surrounds, 18- to 20-inch aerodynamically optimised wheels, and a design language that effortlessly blends muscle with grace.

Every surface is purposeful, every edge refined. Even the rear lights are sleeker and extra-dimensional, whispering luxury in their gentle illumination. From the AMG Line’s sporty enhancements to the available Night Package that dresses the GLC in moody sophistication, this is a vehicle that commands attention without ever needing to raise its voice.

CRAFTED FROM WITHIN: A CABIN THAT INSPIRES CALM

Step inside the GLC and enter a sanctuary of modern luxury. The interior embraces a flowing, aircraft-inspired design: a wing-like dashboard, turbine-style vents, and a sweeping centre console that seems to float between form and function.

The technology is both intuitive and indulgent. A 12.3-inch digital driver display sits alongside an 11.9-inch central touchscreen, both artfully angled toward the driver, because, when you’re behind the wheel of a Mercedes, the world should respond to you. Upholstery

options include rich leather and open-pored wood, with trim details in real aluminium that echo the craftsmanship of bespoke furniture.

Even the seats have been reimagined. Contoured, layered and visually weightless, they promise the kind of comfort that turns the longest road trip into a personal retreat.

THE POWER OF ELEGANCE: INTELLIGENT PERFORMANCE MEETS EFFICIENCY

Beneath the GLC’s sculpted lines lies a new generation of driving performance. Equipped with a cutting-edge, mild-hybrid system and 48-volt technology, it delivers dynamic power with a conscience. The integrated starter-generator ensures seamless transitions, intelligent energy recovery, and an exhilarating yet fuel-efficient drive.

Whether gliding through the city or commanding the open road, the GLC adapts with athleticism and ease. With a newly tuned suspension and optional AIRMATIC air suspension with rear-axle steering, handling becomes second nature – even when the terrain isn’t.

BEYOND THE CITY: A LUXURY SUV BUILT FOR ADVENTURE

For those who believe luxury and capability should coexist, the GLC delivers. Its off-road driving mode and Downhill Speed Regulation make light work of rugged trails, while the ‘transparent bonnet’ feature, which makes use of a 360-degree camera, allows drivers to see the ground beneath the vehicle – perfect for navigating the unknown with confidence.

The optional Engineering Package adds air suspension and rear-wheel steering, transforming steep climbs and tight turns into thrilling opportunities. With 4MATIC all-wheel drive standard, the GLC is as comfortable on the trail as it is pulling up to a black-tie event.

SENSES, ELEVATED: WELLNESS AT EVERY TURN

Driving the GLC is not just a journey, it’s a sensory experience. With the ENERGIZING Comfort package, air-quality, lighting, music and even seat-massage functions work in harmony to enhance your

mood. Need invigoration? Or relaxation? Simply press a button or use a voice command.

The AIR-BALANCE package brings luxury to your lungs, subtly scenting the cabin while purifying the air with advanced filtration. Panoramic sunroof, acoustic glass, and top-tier insulation ensure every drive feels like a cocoon of calm.

A LEGACY REIMAGINED

The GLC’s pedigree is undeniable. Since Mercedes-Benz introduced its predecessor, the GLK, in 2008, over 2.6 million discerning drivers have chosen this SUV as their vehicle of choice. The 2025 GLC carries forward this legacy: smarter, more sustainable and undeniably more sophisticated.

As Claudius Steinhoff, Co-CEO and Executive Director of Mercedes-Benz South Africa, explains: ‘The GLC thrills in both outdoor and urban environments, and continues to be one of the most sought-after models in our portfolio.’

With the new GLC, Mercedes-Benz has not merely launched a vehicle, they’ve introduced a lifestyle. One defined by innovation, tailored luxury, and a boundless appetite for the road ahead.

THE NEW MERCEDES-BENZ GLC

Live the drive. Experience the elegance. Rewrite the rules. 

Scan to browse GLC models

APART FROM THE HERD

As drivers demand ever more from manufacturers, the limited or special edition and the sub-brand have become the go-tos for exclusivity and a modicum of individuality.

WORDS PETER FROST

Black Badge is, in essence, Rolls-Royce playing to their younger audience. More power, unusual colours and bespoke interiors in the company’s all-electric Spectre signal new markets and influencer-cool attitude.

MANUFACTURERS HAVE ALWAYS TRIED to set their cars apart from the crowd, often celebrating iconic events or milestones. Inevitably motorsport features heavily, celebrating a marque’s triumphs on the track. Contemporary limited and special editions, however, tend to lean towards luxury and rarity for their added value. As any collector will confirm, trying to find a Lamborghini Sián or an Audi R8 Green Hell is an arduous and expensive exercise. For the canny investor or enthusiast, the trick is to identify the special editions that will

capture the zeitgeist rather than disappear into motoring obscurity (remember the Range Rover Evoque Convertible?). Here, then, are a crew of likely candidates for future collector status.

POWER OF THE SILENT ASSASSIN: ROLLS-ROYCE SPECTRE BLACK BADGE

Rolls-Royce’s decision to go electric in 2023 with the Spectre made total sense. The marque is, after all, synonymous with silent, graceful progress. The public agreed; the leviathan twodoor coupé ranks second only to the SUV Cullinan in sales and

has been well received by press and owners alike. On the back of this success comes Black Badge, Rolls-Royce’s special edition, aimed at a wholly younger, more style-conscious market. Black Badge owners tend to be drivers rather than passengers and cars are more powerful than standard models, offering better roadholding. They also reflect the owner’s individual tastes; Black Badge is almost infinitely customisable, from wheels to interiors to colours and detailing. And so it is with Black Badge Spectre.

Power has been raised to 485kW with a mighty 1 075Nm of torque on tap. It is torque that creates the effortless shove-inthe-small-of-the-back feel so beloved of the enthusiast. Those figures make it the most powerful factory-built Rolls-Royce in history. Of equal importance to the Gen X done-wells is the look. In a moment of genius, Rolls-Royce speaks directly to them with a new colour, Vapour Violet, inspired by the neon lights of the 1980’s and 1990’s club culture, the highpoint of many of their salad days. Equally canny is the Infinity Mode, Rolls-Royce’s version of a sport button, which unleashes a burst of extra power. It’s activated by pushing a button on the steering wheel and references the same concept on Spitfire fighter planes during World War II. Pilots could flip a switch and the (Rolls-Royce-

its 4-litre, bi-turbo V8 will see off most of the convertible competition.

made) Merlin engine would deliver extra power to get them out of tricky situations or back into a commanding position in a dog fight. It’s this smart linkage of heritage, power and authority that has seen the Rolls-Royce brand take off, so to speak, and find new markets among the under-60s.

RARE AIR: MERCEDES-MAYBACH SL680 MONOGRAM SERIES

If Rolls-Royce (and Bentley) have chosen to accent their dynamism in recent special editions, Mercedes-Benz’s luxury sub-brand Maybach chooses to emphasise outright luxury. Maybach’s emphasis has for most of its existence been on limousines, but for 2025 they have dropped a special version of Stuttgart’s iconic SL two-door cabriolet, itself something of a superstar in Mercedes-Benz lore. The SL680 Monogram Series Maybach (now wholly owned by Mercedes-Benz) has accented the luxury aspect of open-top touring by adding substantial insulation (acoustic fleeces, aluminium butyl surfaces and acoustic foams) and reworking the exhaust system to be as silent and vibration-free as possible. The suspension is equally cossetting, a hydraulic setup with softer springs and energy-absorbing tyres, putting the emphasis squarely on comfort. Visually, the

The Mercedes-Maybach sub-brand accents ultimate luxury over sportiness. Still, the SL, with

OVERTRAIL IS A GX AIMED AT THE ELEGANT OVERLANDER MARKET THAT WANTED A BESPOKE 4X4 WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF COMFORT AND PEERLESS OFF-ROAD ABILITY.

characteristic two-tone Maybach black-and-a-colour continues, with the addition of a new shade of red in garnet-red metallic. There are two specially curated models, Red Ambience and White Ambience. Both make extensive use of white – the ultimate luxury hue – as an interior colour. Under the long bonnet is the 4-litre bi-turbo V8 engine that sees service in other Mercedes-Benz top-tier models. It’s adaption is superbly done here, electronically mapped to emphasise the torque aspect of the unit for effortless, elegant acceleration and fast, fuss-free touring.

BESPOKE BUSHVELD: LEXUS GX 550 OVERTRAIL

The 4x4 launch of 2023 was undoubtedly Toyota’s Prado, a boxy design triumph with all the off-road ability expected of the world’s largest manufacturer. Its ‘everyman’ element gave the company pause though, and out of the deliberations came the

home off-road. On-road manners haven’t been forgotten though; a sophisticated electronic suspension system means urban sorties will be equally enjoyable.

Lexus GX, an upmarket, luxurious 4x4 behemoth. Lexus then went one better, developing the Overtrail Special Edition, a GX aimed at the elegant overlander market that wanted a bespoke 4x4 with a high degree of comfort paired with peerless off-road ability. Job done! The 18-inch wheels with all-terrain tyres and a 20mm wider tread will appeal to the Karoo lovers, as will the reinforced undercarriage protector and its bouquet of off-road driver aids including an adaptable electronic suspension system. Power is provided by Lexus’s V6 twin-turbocharged, 6-cylinder unit, lauded for its smoothness and seamless delivery. Inside, of course, it’s all Lexus, a digital masterclass wrapped in carefully crafted detailing. Mark Levinson sees to the symphony, and there’s a fridge consol box and moonroof in the mix.

Bulletproof 4x4 underpinnings mean the Lexus GX will be entirely at

JOURNEY TO THE EDGE

Vusi Ndlovu is rewriting the narrative around contemporary African food, one menu at a time.

WORDS KEITH BAIN

ON HIS DAYS OFF, Vusi Ndlovu’s ultimate guilty pleasure is watching true crime, slacking off with fast-food takeaways.

‘It’s true, chefs don’t eat well,’ he says. In the next breath, however, he names some of his favourite restaurants, mostly places where there’s nary a bad meal to be found. Of the dishes he says he’ll always remember was one with mussels, smoked egg yolk and white carrots at Septime, a cult-status Parisian bistro with a Michelin star. ‘I’ll never forget it,’ Ndlovu says, ‘because, together, those ingredients aren’t supposed to make sense.’

Then again, figuring out the mysteries of how flavour works to magically alter the brain’s chemistry and connect with our emotions and memories is part of the job that Ndlovu signed up for.

Most of his waking life, when he’s not indulging his ‘normal guy’ proclivity for junk food and Netflix series, the Zimbabwe-born, Pretoriaraised chef is dreaming up ways of reimagining African cuisine, coming up with ideas to bravely and creatively embolden his menus to offer diners a meal they wouldn’t have had before.

‘I feel that if you’re going to take the time and spend the money to eat out, you should have an experience unlike any other,’ he says. That is precisely what he endeavours to give diners at Edge, an indoor-outdoor rooftop space in a heritage building with well-worn wooden steps, raw brick walls and compelling views, in Cape Town’s city centre.

He established Edge with his wife and business partner Absie Pantshwa, gregarious and warm-hearted (and a generous hugger), who has a background in event management. She fell for Ndlovu after tasting his food at The Marabi Club in Maboneng, where he headed the kitchen before returning to Cape Town.

At Edge in Cape Town, every dish draws on a combination of African ingredients and flavours, plus Vusi Ndlovu’s culinary imagination, evidenced in this dish of charred mackerel, macerated tomatoes and jollof consommé.

Together, they’re determined to alter perceptions South Africans have about restaurants serving food representing this continent. ‘Unfortunately, we Africans first need to succeed overseas. Only then can we come back and say, “Look, my food is delicious!”’

He cites Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen as an example. ‘If our friend Jan didn’t have a restaurant in Nice and a Michelin star, he couldn’t have come home and served South African food to South African diners. But because he’s become a brand associated with success overseas, people figure he must be doing something right.’

Another part of the problem, Ndlovu believes, is the perception people have about food from this continent. He says that most of us tend to think of African cuisine in terms of clichés: usually it’s a very big plate of jollof rice with a large fish on top. Or a heap of pap accompanied by meat.

‘African cuisine definitely deserves a seat at the table,’ says Ndlovu. ‘Because we’ve got so many flavours, such incredible ingredients and such a diversity of dishes from this continent. And flavour profiles and spices and traditions that are crazy.’

Ndlovu is a maverick, doesn’t have a culinary school background and scoffs at the notion that he might have had some sort of rags-to-fame backstory. Food was not the centre of his world growing up. While his working mum brought a kind of efficiency to mealtimes, it was family holidays in Bulawayo, where he was born, that exposed him to the nuances of more traditional cooking. There, he’d get glimpses of the kind of celebratory meals and colourful dishes that are often associated with African food culture. ‘We had all these ceremonies – funerals and weddings –

OPPOSITE PAGE Slow-smoked carrots seasoned with boerewors masala and served with whipped feta and honeyed walnuts. Plated beside it, Edge’s bread course: ujeqe (a steamed bun), served with a delicious beef jus.

ABOVE Vusi Ndlovu (left) and the bar at Edge, where several food-inspired cocktails are made using leftovers from Ndlovu’s no-waste kitchen.

when all the aunts would come with their best chakalaka, the creamiest pap, just the best-ever versions of typical dishes,’ he recalls.

Despite musing that he kind of landed in the restaurant business by accident, he in fact arrived where he is through tremendous hard work, tenacity and ceaselessly striving to innovate. Over the years, he quite literally stalked Peter Tempelhoff until he landed a place in one of his kitchens, and was later championed by celebrity chef David Higgs. Between emailing just about every famous chef on the planet asking for a chance to work in their restaurants and learn from them, to staying late after shifts to glean new knowledge, he has always been curious enough to discover more than what’s at the surface of his profession.

He’s also into competitive cooking, was placed seventh in the 2018 edition of the San Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, and worked in prestigious restaurants in Europe. But it’s his instinct to innovate that’s unshakeable. He turned heads during a stint at the Mount Nelson when he created a mopane-worm soy sauce to season and marinate a beef dish. ‘I grew up with mopane worms and they’re a bit salty and very earthy. So, instead

of salting the steak, which was from Jersey cows – quite rich, with a little bit of sweetness – we used our mopane soy. It was so tender and European diners were crazy about it. Everyone was convinced I’d used sous vide, but I’d simply sprayed it with mopane soy while cooking it over the fire – the flavour just sinks into the meat. We served it with charred lettuce to add a little bit of freshness and some burnt cream – it’s like crack!’

Although he may push the envelope with his ideas and inspiration, Ndlovu isn’t in the business of shocking or perplexing diners, or confronting them with unpalatable flavours. Rather, he makes food that takes you by surprise because it’s likely to alter your perception of what’s possible and show you how unfamiliar ingredients can be used to pull off something imaginative and unexpected.

Still, the finickiness of South Africa’s dining public isn’t lost on Ndlovu who says it takes a thick skin and a degree of stubbornness to have avoided caving to the temptation to just open another burger joint or taco bar, both money spinners.

Pantshwa says every night at Edge they have diners who start out slightly nervous because ‘they’re scared that they’re going to taste something so different’. She says it’s a bit heartbreaking that people are worried that the food might be ‘too African’. ‘It’s the funniest thing,’ she says. ‘Like they’ve forgotten they’re in Africa.’

‘I DON’T WANT TO DO THE SAME THING EVERY DAY. THE FOOD HAS TO EVOLVE, IT HAS TO FEEL ALIVE [...] I LOVE THE CHALLENGE OF UNPREDICTABILITY.’

What Vusi does is win you over one dish at a time with his tasting menu. It inevitably begins with ujeqe, a Zulu bun, steamed and fluffy and so delicious it’s a tough call whether to devour it as is or pull it apart and use it to soak up the intensely flavoursome beef jus that accompanies it. ‘And once they start tasting and experiencing, once they develop trust, they start ordering more and more,’ says Ndlovu. From the creamiest pap you’ve ever tasted to bokkom shavings with kingklip, and morogo-like amaranth alongside less-familiar cuts of meat, each dish mixes a sense of adventure with an attention to detail and process that ensures the flavours are elevated, refined – and definitely unique. ‘Just trust the process, be curious, and know that the last thing we’re trying to do is catch you off guard,’ Ndlovu says. What he will do, though, is transport you.

‘I try to take you somewhere. I want to stir nostalgia. And there must be an emotion.’

He’s aware that nostalgia and flavours work in profound and mysterious ways. He describes an incident at the Mount Nelson when an elderly Swedish woman cried while tucking into the bread course. ‘It was our ujeqe with beef sauce. I asked her if she was okay. And when she gathered herself, she told me that this traditional African dumpling reminded her of something that her mother used to bake.’

That resonated with Ndlovu because he still recalls the aroma of his own grandmother’s beef stew, which she prepared in a big pot and served with dumplings.

Humbling though such moments of universal connection are, it doesn’t stop at emotion and nostalgia. Ndlovu’s menus are admittedly mysterious. Even if you had his braaied broccoli last week, next month it might have been modified, whether because

ABOVE Oysters, but unlike any you’ve tasted before. Ndlovu has dressed and spiced them with a scotch bonnet chilli and ginger paste that beautifully shows off the smokiness of the chilli.

OPPOSITE PAGE Roasted kingklip, onions and bokkoms velouté; the seating at Edge’s indooroutdoor rooftop dining area.

he’s discovered a new ingredient, or because the fire in the kitchen is burning hotter. Or because he’s grown bored with the broccoli and decided to modify, adapt, update and experiment. Variables are good for him, and keep him on his toes, which is where he thrives.

‘I spent time in France working at a hotel where everything was very precise, very military. Each plate was put on a scale, each dish executed in a certain way just so it could have that Michelin star: 12g of yuzu cream, six slices of langoustine, 16 oyster pearls… I thought, well, this is cute, this is pretty, and it’s delicious… But I also felt it was boring. There was no danger.’

He says he likes a challenge, gets bored easily, abhors anything cookie cutter, and prefers an edge when he cooks. It’s why he enjoys doing pop-ups in new locations, or collabs with chefs in unfamiliar settings. All those variables add to the frisson, the modicum of danger that adds an X-factor to what he does.

‘I don’t want to do the same thing every day. The food has to evolve, it has to feel alive. That’s why we work with fire. There are so many variables. If the wood’s wet or the wind’s blowing a certain way, it can change the fire. So the way we cook also becomes a bit innovative. I love the challenge of unpredictability. It can drive me crazy and I lose my mind in the moment, but deep down there’s a thrill, and it’s fun, and that’s why I look forward to doing it again tomorrow.’

Ndlovu calls himself an ‘introverted extrovert’, something that filters into the way he cooks. ‘At Edge our food is very minimalistic’, he says. ‘Not that we’re shy, but we don’t try to make too much noise on the plate in order to make you notice us. Visually, your plate won’t be too loud, but when you eat what’s on it, we hope you’ll find it interesting.’ 

CHARM CASCAIS

A stay in Portugal feels incomplete without days spent along its coastline. Martin Jacobs escapes Lisbon’s urban grit for neighbouring Cascais, capital of the country’s ‘riviera’.

LISTEN CAREFULLY to Cascais’s coastline and, beyond the roar of its often-tempestuous surf, one can hear whispers of ancient maritime warfare from its crumbling seaside forts. The town’s hidden beaches and caves were advantageous to the World War II spies that inspired Ian Fleming to pen James Bond 007 into existence in his first novel, Casino Royale, in 1953. The interiors of O Pescador, a local seafood tavern family-run since 1964, whisper of another Cascais history. Surrounded by reclaimed nautical lanterns, model ships and lobster traps amassed over decades – that speak of the town’s fishing community – are countless framed photographs of pop-culture celebrities including Mick Jagger, Julio Iglesias, Gary Oldman, Helen Hunt and Jamie Cullum snapped whilst dining at the tavern. Such photos offer a glimpse of Cascais’s enduring popularity.

Much has been written about Lisbon, Portugal’s gritty capital, both to encourage its recent tourism boom and in response to it. Less about Cascais, its neighbouring coastal town that dates back 660 years, and into which Christopher Columbus sailed in 1493 to announce his discovery of America. Three centuries later, the town grew in popularity when it became the first Portuguese municipality to have electricity, largely in response to the royal family choosing Cascais’s beaches as their preferred bathing spot.

With its centuries-old history, a climate that boasts almost year-round sunshine, a shoreline that offers not just unspoilt beaches but an abundance of fresh seafood, and easy access from Lisbon, Cascais deserves more press. With this and more on offer, it’s little wonder that Cascais continues to be a popular daytrip for those visiting the capital. But a flash visit offers only a taste of the town; to truly max out on Cascais, staying over for a few nights is recommended.

Few establishments offer the history and architectural charm of The Albatroz Hotel, launched in the 1960s. Housed across three buildings, the oldest of which dates back to the 1870s and

Less than an hour’s journey from Lisbon, Cascais’s coastline is home to many beaches first popularised by Portuguese royals in the 19th century. Both contemporary and historic buildings line these shores, including The Albatroz Hotel, of which the ‘Almond Box’ wing (far right) was built in 1873, and is the former palace of the Duke of Loulé.

DINE

ON SLIPPER LOBSTERS AND JUSTCAUGHT TURBOT, WITH HENRIETTE ARCELIN’S GORGEOUS TILED MURAL AS A BACKDROP.

TOP Alive with holidaymakers in the summer months, the promenade Alameda dos Combatentes da Grande Guerra is flanked on one side by Da Ribeira Beach and on the other by Cascais’s city hall and Museu da Vila.

ABOVE Slipper lobsters and clams – both from Cascais’s coastline – are a staple at chef José Avillez’s Maré.

RIGHT Kappo’s fine-dining omakase menu includes zukuri, seasonal sashimi served with soy sauce made by seven generations of the Mitsuboshi family.

OPPOSITE PAGE The town’s most popular – and iconic – photo op. When snapped from Mirador Casa de Santa Marta, it includes Casa de Santa Maria Museum and the Santa Marta Lighthouse. In warm weather, the inlet is a favourite for beachgoers and swimmers.

was home to several royal families, the hotel sits atop a promontory that overlooks Conceição Beach. Views of the bay and the Atlantic Ocean are breathtaking, rivalled only by a recent refurbishment in nautical-inspired colours and patterns by renowned interior designer Gracinha Viterbo. There’s a jewel-like intimacy to her decorating, and this makes gems of both the common and private spaces. One can sense the hotel’s history in its corridors and restaurant, and repeat clientele are testimony to its unwavering standards.

Rua Frederico Arouca, a popular pedestrianised shopping area filled with clothing and curio stores and casual eateries, is easily accessible on foot from the hotel. A stroll along this street in the summer months drives home Cascais’s resort atmosphere, more so if it’s with a Santini ice cream in hand. The brand originated in 1949, and locals are quick to describe its ice creams as Portugal’s finest, particularly Santini’s fruit flavours. From here it’s a short walk to Mercado da Vila, Cascais’s fresh-produce market. Wednesdays and Saturdays see the space bustle with fruit and vegetable vendors, with wine, organic, holistic and car-boot markets on designated weekends each month.

Across town, adjacent to the museum quarter, the 19-bedroomed Artsy Cascais honours the past while celebrating the present. Founded in 2023, the boutique hotel occupies a restored 19th-century Rococo mansion, with several rooms housed in a contemporary wing cloaked in a stone façade created by Portugal’s best-known urban artist, Vhils. A stay in this wing is much

like living within an artwork, for views are through Vhils’s pierced façade. True to its name, the hotel’s interiors are heavy on art, and a beach-inspired colour and textural palette allow cuttingedge artworks to shine.

Many of the town’s most interesting cultural museums and establishments are a walk away. The Cascais Cultural Centre, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, is across the street. Three floors of exhibition space display an array of local and international art in this former convent. Nearby, is Casa das Histórias de Paula Rego, a building designed by Pritzker Laureate Eduardo Souto de Moura, which boasts façades as engaging as those of Artsy Cascais and pays homage to one of the country’s most respected late 20th-century artists. Its temporary exhibitions and permanent collection are a must for fans of Rego’s oeuvre. While the displays at the adjacent King D. Carlos Sea Museum feel a little tired, they’re vital to the museum’s charm. Most compelling is a presentation about Cascais’s fishing community, as it offers historical insights into lives lived in the town.

Amble across the street and through the tranquil Parque Marechal Carmona. Created in the 1940s, it’s an outdoor space home to much bird life, including several strutting peacocks. On the park’s sea side is Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum, a beautiful example inside and out of late 19th-century holidayhome architecture. Its views of Cascais’s Santa Marta Lighthouse are rivalled by the scenery of Santa Marta Cove, certainly the town’s most iconic and picturesque photo opportunity.

Expect local seafood on almost all Cascais menus, be they at relaxed eateries or fine-dining restaurants (of which there are a lauded handful). On the coastal road to Guincho, Maré by Michelin-starred chef José Avillez – of Belcanto fame – serves traditional fish and shellfish dishes in a seaside setting best enjoyed before dark. Dine on slipper lobsters and just-caught turbot, with Henriette Arcelin’s gorgeous tiled mural as a backdrop. Steps from the town’s ‘yellow street’, local chef Tiago Penão is fast working his way to Michelin-star status. At both Kappo (omakase-style fine dining) and Izakaya (tavern-style small plates), Penão presents diners with interpretations of Japanese cuisine that fuse local and traditional ingredients. Both are intimate spaces that seat diners at counters at which the dishes are plated.

And perhaps it’s these culinary adventures that are one of the biggest drawcards of Cascais. Whether you’re lured by world-class golf courses, sun-drenched beaches, its nearby casino or proximity to Sintra, it’s the taste of the town that you’ll want more of. 

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP Exploring Condes de Castro Guimarães Museum (including its turret) at Parque Marechal Carmona’s seaside perimeter offers insights into the lives lived by Cascais’s nobility in centuries past; the much-photographed façade of Casa das Histórias Paula Rego; Artsy Cascais’s Rococo exterior is offset by artist Vhils’s contemporary stone façade.

VISITING CASCAIS

Getting there

Transfers from Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport take about 40 minutes. António Arsénio (incognitparadise.com) offers professional transfers to and from Cascais. Alternatively, trains depart from Lisbon’s Cais de Sodré station roughly three times an hour, and travel a coastal route of similar duration, with Cascais being the final station.

Getting around

Unlike Lisbon, Cascais’s centre is flat enough to be easily manageable on foot. E-hailing transport is readily available. Knowledgeable local André Rei (shortcutstourism.com) offers customisable guided tours, including Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, 15 minutes from Cascais, and well worth a day’s exploration.

Museum Quarter tickets

Individual museum tickets may be purchased on site. A voucher granting access to 10 museums may be purchased from any of the museums (or from bol.pt/Comprar/ Bilhetes/149560-passe_1_dia_bairro_dos_museus-centro_cultural_cascais/). It costs €15 for a 24-hour pass and €25 for a three-day pass).

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ZAMBIA THREE WAYS

Remote and untouched, Zambia’s vast plains and wilderness resound with stillness, beauty and timelessness.

WORDS KEITH BAIN

The main deck at Shumba, a Wilderness lodge in the Busanga Plains located in the northernmost part of Kafue National Park. The vast grasslands and seasonal floodplains attract a diverse array of wildlife, a delight to behold.

NATURE’S TRIUMPH

In the pitch black of night, an unholy scream, a baboon’s bloodcurdling alarm call. Moments earlier, our tracker’s spotlight had briefly illuminated the source of distress: a leopard zipping through the bush, hot on the hooves of a bolting impala.

Following the baboon’s shriek, the bush was suddenly on high alert, the air alive with unsettled panic as dry leaves rustled, branches snapped, more baboons cried out, and the sudden life-and-death chase causing a furious energy to rip through the darkness.

Earlier in the day we’d spent hours watching a pride of lions at their most domestic: play-fighting, wrestling, rolling and yawning, indulging in games of chase and pouncing on one another’s tails, sharing moments of affection and revelling in the idleness for which sated lions are known.

We were in the most faraway and active part of Lower Zambezi National Park, a world barely touched by time: fish eagles soaring on thermals, marabou storks perching in treetops, hundreds of tiny quelea birds dancing and swirling and tumbling through the sky in a glorious murmuration. Then there’s the almost existential heat, the bright, intense sunlight, and that intoxicating feeling of liberation that comes from being as far from anything familiar as it’s possible to be.

This sense of remoteness and freedom is part of the USP at Anabezi, a lodge built entirely off the ground in part of the park defined by its abundance of winter thorn or ana trees (Faidherbia albida, aka apple-ring acacia) that reach 30m in height and produce pods that elephants love to eat. The other thing elephants do around here is stand on their hind legs like show ponies in order to reach for the tastiest branches of the juciest trees.

Even without leaving the lodge, activity was constant. ‘We have resident leopards that hang out at the camp,’ I was told one night while being escorted to my tent. ‘Sometimes they

kill impala between the rooms. Then they pull them under the tents or into the shadows between the bushes.’

This was after dinner was interrupted first by a pride of lions loping across the floodplain in front of the lodge, and then later by a leopard unsuccessfully hunting impala in the darkness.

If Lower Zambezi feels untouched, it’s thanks to geography. It might be a mere 40 minutes from Lusaka in a four-seater Cessna, but the park feels somehow sequestered from the reach of civilisation. There’s a range of mountains forming an escarpment along the northern flank; the other geographic boundary is the Zambezi River. Across the water is Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a place well known for its wild dog population that was featured in the BBC’s Dynasties series.

On the Zambian side, a genuine sense of wildness has been preserved: there’s no inkling of large-scale tourism, and no easy roads in.

The low-altitude flight in, though, is absolutely dreamy. First there’s the broccoli-like vegetation, then the mountains, and then an overhead view of the Zambezi River where it’s possible to make out crocodiles and hippos, spot elephants trumpeting and flapping their ears on the islands, and the heart-stopping wild emptiness of the park itself, where small planes touch down on the hardscrabble compressed sand of rustic runways.

Linked by raised boardwalks, Anabezi’s 12 voluptuous tented suites open onto wide decks hovering above the floodplain, each with a plunge pool and a view directly towards the river, near enough to hear the stereophonic honks of hippos and see elephants padding through the water between Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Anabezi, now owned by the Dulini safari group, is open from April to November, with prime season kicking off in July, when the long grass and dense vegetation recedes, making game viewing easier. dulini.com/anabezi

A GENUINE SENSE OF WILDNESS HAS BEEN PRESERVED: THERE’S NO INKLING OF LARGESCALE TOURISM, AND NO EASY ROADS IN.

CLOCKWISE FROM OPPOSITE Wild dogs are a regular sIght in the vicinity of Dulini Anabezi; in front of the lodge, elephants cool off in the Zambezi River; one of two pool decks at Anabezi; the décor is decidedly low key so that nothing detracts from the wonder of the surrounding wilderness.

WILDEST PARADISE

From Livingstone, the 90-minute flight in a twin-prop six-seater provides a surreal sense of physical and temporal displacement as you wing north over a rugged landscape with few signs of human habitation. Described by some as Zambia’s Serengeti, the Busanga Plains in northernmost Kafue National Park is an unsullied, bountiful wetland of palm groves, papyrus reed beds and lagoons covered by lilies.

The rarity of the pristine wilderness is heightened by the fact that it’s only accessible from June to October. In summer, rains inundate the land and render the black cotton soil a nightmare for vehicles; the only half-decent way to get around is by mokoro, following hippo-carved channels.

Such a prolonged wet season explains why Shumba, one of two Wilderness lodges here, is entirely raised on stilts, its six tented suites and public areas linked via wooden boardwalks.

Once the water recedes, Shumba begins to look as though it’s floating upon a sea of yellow gossamer. From just about every vantage point – your bed, the pool, the bar, the lounges and even the bathroom – you enjoy exhilarating views across expansive golden grasslands that emerge like shimmering carpets interspersed with wooded islands of sausage trees, palms and pioneering fig trees.

As you drive into Busanga’s vastness, veteran guides, like Shumba’s head ranger, Isaac Kalio, will tell you about the physiognomic nuances distinguishing puku from lechwe, just two of the 21 varieties of antelope found in Kafue, and as common in Busanga as impala are in Kruger.

The array of ungulates explains why the region’s so popular with predators: leopard and cheetah occur in tantalising numbers, while lions are so profuse that Busanga became the main location for National Geographic’s documentary Swamp Lions,

which spawned an entire mythology around Kafue’s famous ‘black-maned’ males with their distinctive coiffure.

You’ll see lions everywhere: on the hunt, lolling in the shade of trees with their bellies distended from feeding, and regularly leaping over water channels, the cubs daintily trying to figure out how to jump over the skinniest puddles to avoid getting their paws wet.

In the aftermath of a lion kill, you might come across a makeshift boneyard where dozens of blood-spattered vultures will be squabbling over bits of carcass, ripping apart guts and sinew with their fierce beaks, behaving like unruly guests at a medieval banquet.

There’ll be countless more indelible scenes: hippos bulging out of the lagoons in muddy piles, a leopard slinking across open grassland, huge lechwe herds dispersing en masse, leaping through the wetlands like African reindeer.

At times, though, you will catch yourself simply staring into the irresistible emptiness, taking stock of a landscape so vast and pure it’s like a visual meditation, a direct link with something raw and primordial and timeless. In those moments, you will know the meaning of true wilderness. wildernessdestinations.com

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Lions, prolific breeders when given half a chance, are the stuff of legends in the Busanga Plains; Shumba is a small lodge with only six rooms, but with a variety of interconnected public areas, including sunken outdoor lounges and a pool with a view; connected by raised walkways and set on stilts, Shumba’s tented suites are completely focused on the enfolding floodplain.

RIVERSIDE BENEDICTION

Languid, dreamy, ideally accompanied by a cooler box full of bubbly, a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is about as lazy and laid-back as life can get.

There’s an instant easing of the soul as the slow-drift of scenery lulls and hypnotises you, its spell enhanced by those startling Zambezi staples: hippos eyeing you with suspicion, crocs playing at being logs, the occasional elephant drinking at the water’s

edge. Plus zippy bee-eaters and thermal-soaring fish eagles, flightless African finfoots and skimmers harvesting insects from the water’s surface as the sun dissolves into the horizon.

Safely on a boat, it’s easy to forget just how wild and ferocious the Zambezi can be and the trouble you can get yourself into. Until you see a canoeist paddling like mad to ‘outrun’ a hippo in a mood. Or you pause to wonder what happens if a boat engine cuts out. There are plenty of tales of people going over

the edge at the Falls, hippos capsizing tiny vessels, people at the river’s edge taken by crocodiles.

And yet, Mukwa River Lodge is an outpost of nourishing calm 20km upstream from the thundering smoke, where the river is mirror-still, its placid surface calmly reflecting back an upside-down interpretation of the shaggy treeline along the Zimbabwean bank of the river. And rather than the roar of the Falls, it’s the gentle sing-song of birds, now and then a duck splashing down, occasionally a bellyflopping hippo.

Mukwa, which sits on the river’s edge, with suites facing the water and the entire boutique-scale resort-style lodge designed around riverine channels and wild gardens, is abundantly green and rolling in shade. You are on the mainland yet feel like you’re on an island, the lodge tumbling down to the jetty, with decks on the river, wooden boardwalks winding between the buildings and pathways leading to a handful of huge rooms that provide an immediate connection with the vastness of this natural sanctuary. It’s all done in such a way that it ultimately doesn’t matter if you are inside or out.

The suites, either river-facing or looking on to the island waterways, are richly designed, filled with every convenience (plus outdoor showers and splash pools and places to soak up the sun), hippo grunts and chattering birdlife a bonus.

There’s a special feeling you get waking up this close to the Zambezi. It has an energy, a mood, and is a soothing balm. I felt it at 5am as birdsong and frog croaks filled the dawn, and as I listened to hippos splashing about somewhere in front of my room. I felt right in the middle of it, steeped in the wildness of Africa.

Mukwa is as far from cookie cutter as you could hope to get, every need and potential desire catered for (including probably the best spa treatments in the country). Still, while the bar is industriously stocked and every meal a triumph, lolling by the river and indulging isn’t all there is to do. You’re encouraged to set forth and explore, to get a glimpse, too, of real Livingstone, which is about 20 minutes down the road. A tour of the local market is a real slice of everyday, non-touristy life, where you can buy flamboyantly patterned chitenge cloth and pick up peanut butter crushed while you wait.

And don’t neglect Victoria Falls. That sound, that thunder, the awe and wonder. The damp air. The startling intensity of the rainbows, the sparkle of sunlight off the glistening rocks, the ozone smell in the air, the vibrant green of the spray forest. The drenching you get that makes you want to dance and sing, to spread your arms out wide and let the force of it take you.

The Falls are a kind of full-body blessing, a message from a higher power. It’s that aliveness, an energy and vitality that accumulates over thousands of kilometres as the Zambezi snakes through the varied landscapes of Africa and arrives at this one geographic point to drench and thrill a bunch of mesmerised humans, most of whom have travelled from the ends of the earth to experience an unforgettable watery benediction.  mukwariverlodge.com

THERE’S A SPECIAL FEELING YOU GET WAKING UP THIS CLOSE TO THE ZAMBEZI. IT HAS AN ENERGY, A MOOD, AND IS A SOOTHING BALM.

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT An aerial view of Mukwa River Lodge on the edge of the Zambezi River; Mukwa’s riverside deck, where meals may be served and drinks enjoyed around the fire, lit up at night; rooms at Mukwa are huge, freestanding, and each has its own garden and plunge pool.

FRESNAYE, CAPE TOWN

FRESNAYE,

Asking: R35 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages | 288 m2

Asking: R35 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms 2 Garages 288 m2

Luxury redefined. This 4-bed, 4-bath architecturally designed home embodies contemporary elegance. Four opulent bedrooms, each ensuite, offer private sanctuaries with designer bathrooms and high-end finishes. The master suite boasts spa-like amenities and garden views. The sleek kitchen features toptier appliances, stone countertops, and custom cabinetry, complemented by a fully equipped scullery. Premium finishes, expansive living spaces, and manicured gardens create a lifestyle of luxury and sophistication. Exclusive location, unparalleled living Carl-Emil Knox: +27 72 984 1831; Office: 021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR114827.

Luxury redefined. This 4-bed, 4-bath architecturally designed home embodies contemporary elegance. Four opulent bedrooms, each ensuite, offer private sanctuaries with designer bathrooms and finishes. The master suite boasts spa-like amenities and garden views. The sleek kitchen features toptier appliances, countertops, and custom cabinetry, complemented by a equipped scullery. Premium finishes, expansive living spaces, and manicured gardens create a lifestyle of luxury sophistication. Exclusive location, unparalleled living Knox: +27 72 984 1831; Office: 021 401 4338; Web SIR114827.

HOUT BAY, CAPE TOWN

HOUT BAY,

Asking: R34.995 million | 7 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages | 4200 m2

Asking: R34.995 million | 7 Bedrooms 6.5 Bathrooms | Garages | m2

Rare lifestyle opportunity in Hout Bay’s exclusive valley area. This stunning 7-bedroom contemporary home boasts modern elegance, generous space, and ultimate privacy. Soaring ceilings, sleek finishes, and expansive glass windows flood interiors with natural light. Seamless flow from indoor to outdoor living spaces creates a warm atmosphere. Ideal for families, entertainers, and those seeking refined living surrounded by nature. Perfect blend of luxury and tranquility, this home is a rare find in Hout Bay’s most sought-after neighbourhood. Steve D’Hooghe: +27 82 654 9707; Office: 021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR115051.

Rare lifestyle opportunity in Hout Bay’s exclusive valley area. This stunning 7-bedroom contemporary home boasts modern elegance, generous and ultimate privacy. Soaring ceilings, sleek finishes, and expansive glass windows flood with natural light. Seamless flow from indoor to outdoor living creates a warm Ideal for families, entertainers, and those seeking refined living surrounded by nature. Perfect blend of luxury and tranquility, this home is a rare find in Hout Bay’s most sought-after neighbourhood. Steve +27 82 654 9707; Office: 021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR115051.

FRESNAYE, CAPE TOWN

FRESNAYE, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R75 million | 6 Bedrooms | 8 Bathrooms | 6 Garages | 1,432 m2

Asking: R75 million | 6 | 8 Bathrooms 6 Garages 1,432 m2

Exclusive Fresnaye estate set against Lion’s Head Reserve. Spanning erven, Darryl Croome’s design offers 6 beds, 8 baths, and breathtaking views. Features include a private cinema, wine tasting room, facility, pools, playroom, and 8-car garage. Self-sufficient living with generator, borehole irrigation, and solar energy.

refined finishes throughout. A legacy Town’s most coveted perfect for entertaining and family living. Grant Bailey: +27 83 5171; Office: 021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR115232.

Exclusive Fresnaye estate set against Lion’s Head Reserve. Spanning 1400sqm over two erven, Darryl Croome’s design offers 6 beds, 8 baths, and breathtaking views. Features include a private cinema, wine tasting room, winemaking facility, and vineyard. Dual pools, playroom, and 8-car garage. Self-sufficient living with generator, borehole irrigation, and solar energy. Understated luxury and refined finishes throughout. A legacy estate in Cape Town’s most coveted enclave, perfect for opulent entertaining and family living. Grant Bailey: +27 83 444 5171; Office: 021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR115232.

Geffen

CAMPS BAY, CAPE TOWN

CAMPS BAY, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R39.999 million | 5 Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms | 4 Garages | 1126 m2

Asking: R39.999 million | Bedrooms | 7 Bathrooms 4 Garages 1126 m2

Camps Bay’s ultimate lifestyle residence seamlessly blends indoor-outdoor living. A gourmet kitchen anchors expansive entertainment zones, flowing into shaded terraces and a crystalclear pool surrounded by manicured greenery. Luxurious features include a private theatre, wine cellar, fitness studio, and sauna. Five bedroom suites offer serene retreats with handcrafted wardrobes, premium floors, and spa-like bathrooms. Crafted by a renowned designer, this bespoke home embodies coastal luxury, where every detail reflects harmony between design and nature. Andrea Glew: +27 79 893 9197; Office:021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR115273.

Camps Bay’s ultimate lifestyle residence seamlessly blends indoor-outdoor living. A gourmet kitchen anchors expansive entertainment zones, flowing terraces and a crystalclear pool surrounded by manicured greenery. features include a theatre, wine fitness studio, and sauna. Five bedroom suites serene with wardrobes, premium floors, spa-like bathrooms. Crafted by a renowned designer, this home embodies coastal luxury, where every detail reflects harmony design and Andrea Glew: +27 79 893 Office:021 401 4338; Web Ref: SIR115273.

PLETTENBERG BAY, GARDEN ROUTE

Asking: R14.89 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Ensuite Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Located in highly sought-after Brackenridge Private Residential Estate with magnificent greenbelt, golf course and sunset views. This immaculate residence has been thoughtfully crafted to maximise natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, cleverly designed to engage all your senses. High-end finishes and sophistication. Features include: solar power system, CCTV, separate utility room, manicured garden with irrigation system, swimming pool, garapa decking, guest and staff toilets. Brackenridge offers a natural, secure, and well-managed environment. A perfect home in a perfect setting.

Sue Harvey: 083 306 7499; Hein Pretorius: 083 701 3159; Office: 044 533 2529.

FAIRHAVEN COUNTRY ESTATE, SOMERSET WEST

Asking: R22 million | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Perched high in the prestigious Fairhaven Country Estate, this elegant 3-bedroom home offers panoramic views of False Bay, Table Mountain, and the majestic Helderberg mountains. The spacious, open-plan living area seamlessly integrates the lounge, dining room, and modern kitchen, ideal for entertaining or simply soaking in the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. All three bedrooms are en-suite, ensuring privacy and comfort, while a versatile TV room can double as a study or home office. This is estate living at its finest. Chantal Botes: 083 702 5460; Office: 021 851 4450; Web Ref: SIR114909.

PLETTENBERG BAY, GARDEN ROUTE

Asking: R8.3 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Beautiful north-facing home with spectacular views of the river, beach, ocean and mountains. Open-plan dining and lounge area leading onto a private patio with sea views and kitchen with pantry and separate scullery on the ground floor. Separate 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom self-contained flat. The architecture offers privacy to the extended family. Walled and alarm system. Five fiveminute drive of Plett’s beautiful beaches and all the amenities of central town. The sea view home has a lot to offer. Paul Jordaan 082 876 0577; Office: 044 533 2529; Web Ref: SIR114392.

BOSKLOOF ECO ESTATE, SOMERSET WEST

Asking: R21 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

This architecturally designed masterpiece sets a new benchmark in elegance, sophistication, and seamless indoor-outdoor living. This expansive doublestory residence boasts impeccable finishes, and exceptional entertainment spaces, making it one of the finest homes in the estate. Every detail has been carefully curated to deliver an unparalleled living experience. The home offers uninterrupted panoramic views over False Bay, with three spacious bedrooms in the main house and a fully self-contained fourth apartment with a private entrance and parking. Chantal Botes: 083 702 5460; Office: 021 851 4450; Web Ref: SIR113920.

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty – Plettenberg is an independently owned and operated franchise business of Bahia

PEARL VALLEY GOLF & COUNTRY ESTATE

PEARL & COUNTRY ESTATE

Asking: R25.950 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Asking: R25.950 million 5 Bedrooms 5.5 Bathrooms 3 Garages

This five bedroom contemporary family home (625 m2) is spacious, timeless and offers a new take on quality country living in the renown Pearl Valley Golf and Country Estate. This property offers the ultimate in location, accommodation, privacy, space and spectacular views! The Acres is part of Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate. Privileged owners are spoilt for choice with the facilities that are offered which include the Jack Nicklaus 18-hole championship golf course and Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate clubhouse. Annette Barnard: 082 820 1888; Office: 021 867 0065; Web Ref: SIR114830.

This five bedroom contemporary family home (625 m2) is spacious, timeless and a new take on country living the renown Pearl Golf and Country Estate. This property offers the ultimate in location, privacy, space and spectacular views! The Acres is part of Pearl Valley Golf & Country owners are spoilt for choice with the facilities that are offered which include Jack Nicklaus 18-hole championship golf course and Pearl Valley Golf & Country Estate Annette Barnard: 082 820 1888; Office: 867 0065; Web Ref: SIR114830.

FRANSCHHOEK

FRANSCHHOEK

Asking: R36.950 million | 11 Bedrooms | 11.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R36.950 million | 11 | 11.5 Bathrooms | Garages

This highly respected Franschhoek Manor House with its grandiose appeal is perfectly positioned in the heart of Franschhoek Village. This exceptional 6111m² property with a gorgeous waterway running through it, is situated alongside some of the most renowned Franschhoek estates. The architecturally designed buildings beautifully showcase Cape Dutch architecture at its best, with all the necessary trimmings and detailing, particularly on the gables. Gary de Valle: 082 464 8038; Office: 021 876 8480; Web Ref: SIR114178.

This highly respected Franschhoek Manor House with its grandiose appeal is positioned in the of Franschhoek This exceptional 6111m² property with a gorgeous waterway running through it, is situated alongside some of most renowned estates. The architecturally designed buildings beautifully showcase Cape Dutch at best, with all necessary trimmings and particularly the Gary de Valle: 082 464 Office: 021 876 Web Ref:

WINELANDS ESTATE, PAARL

WINELANDS ESTATE, PAARL

Asking: R23 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R23 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 | 2

This Dream Home nestled in a beautiful private setting overlooking your own private Olive Grove offers a feeling of serenity with a plethora of birdlife and low maintenance indigenous garden. This Beautifully designed Home Encompasses a blend of luxurious comforts, ample natural light, and exquisite use of imported stone accents surrounded by scenic beauty. Suritha van Tonder: 084 440 4283; Kim Egdes: 072 562 4472; Office: 021 867 0065; Web Ref: SIR114992.

This Dream Home nestled in a private setting overlooking your Grove offers a feeling of serenity with a birdlife low maintenance indigenous garden. This Beautifully designed Home Encompasses a of luxurious comforts, ample light, and exquisite use of imported stone surrounded scenic beauty. Suritha van Tonder: 084 440 Kim Egdes: 072 562 4472; Office: 021 867 0065; Ref: SIR114992.

Lew

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International

FRANSCHHOEK

FRANSCHHOEK

Asking: R29.5 million | 7 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R29.5 million | 7 Bedrooms 5 Bathrooms 2 Garages

On arrival at this charming boutique vineyard in the Franschhoek Valley, one meanders through the vineyard, making one’s way toward the central arrival point for all accommodation. The farm, perfectly positioned along the main road, is within walking distance to the heart of Franschhoek, offering a unique blend of serene country living with access to world-class amenities. This working farm spans 1.5 hectares and produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, crafting both rosé and red wines from the grapes. Gary de Valle: 082 464 8038; Office: 021 876 8480; Web Ref: SIR114483.

arrival at this charming boutique vineyard in Valley, one meanders through the vineyard, making one’s way toward the arrival point for all accommodation. The farm, perfectly positioned along main road, is within walking distance to the heart of Franschhoek, offering a unique blend of serene country living with access to amenities. This working spans 1.5 hectares produces exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, crafting both and red wines from the grapes. Gary de 082 8038; Office: 021 8480; Web Ref: SIR114483.

BUITENVERWAGTING, PAARL

Asking: R11.5 million | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Perfectly positioned in the heart of Paarl, this beautifully laid-out home offers the ultimate in space, comfort, and convenience — all within walking distance of two of South Africa’s most prestigious schools: Paarl Boys’ High and Paarl Girls’ High. In a growing and increasingly congested town like Paarl, this home’s location offers a rare lifestyle advantage. Reghardt Human: 071 554 5056; Office: 021 870 1011; Web Ref: SIR114700.

Geffen Sotheby’s

EXPORT FARM, WELLINGTON

Asking: R46 million

A landmark Export Farm of 123 hectares. Good soil and water. Water rights from the Berg River - registered for 95 hectares. Strategic location on the R45 only 40 minutes from Cape Town Airport. Currently 50 ha planted with different table grape cultivars and opportunity to plant more table grapes or differentiate completely. Danie Hauptfleisch: 083 627 2148; Office: 021 873 0260; Web Ref: 5401106.

Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International

STELLENBOSCH FARMS

Asking: POA |

The farm of approximately 28 ha is ideal for a discerning purchaser who has the desire for space and privacy in a secure environment in one of the most sought-after areas of the Cape Winelands. The Blaauwklippen Valley is well known for its peaceful and romantic landscape with a majestic mountain scenery. The majority of the vineyard of about 10 ha is cultivated with 35 years old vines of Chenin Blanc. In addition to the main house there are six income generating cottages. Detlef Struck; 079 597 1727; Office; 021 809 2760; Web Ref: SIR108551.

DE WIJNLANDEN, STELLENBOSCH

Asking: R8.2 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Perfectly positioned, this north-facing family home is engulfed with mountain views and framed with privacy! This home is situated on a double plot, on the edge of the estate, securing endless unspoilt views. As the main house is built only on one of the plots, you could always subdivide back to two plots and sell off the second. De Wijnlanden is incredibly popular due to its ideal location: 15 minutes’ drive from Cape Town International Airport, 10 minutes from private schools, and 15 minutes into Stellenbosch. Candice Laubscher: 078 721 1013; Office; 021 809 2760; Web Ref: SIR115346.

CONSTANTIA, CAPE TOWN

CONSTANTIA, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R20.9 million | 6 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R20.9 million | 6 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms 2 Garages

Country Style 6 Bedroom Home in secure cluster (in a quiet cul-de-sac), in the heart of Upper Constantia, one of Cape Town’s most sought after suburbs. This lovely 6 bedroom double storey country style home offers the perfect blend of classic elegance and tranquillity. Surrounded by 2000sqm of lush gardens & trees, this attractive property is a sanctuary of peace and privacy. Rouvaun McKirby: 071 671 0821; Jo Thomas: 084 404 4120; Office: 021 701 2446; Web Ref: SIR114713.

Country Style 6 Bedroom Home in secure cluster (in a cul-de-sac), in the heart of Upper Constantia, one of Town’s most sought suburbs. This lovely 6 bedroom double storey country style offers the perfect blend classic elegance tranquillity. by 2000sqm lush gardens & this attractive property is a sanctuary of peace and privacy. Rouvaun 071 0821; Thomas: 084 404 4120; Office: 021 701 2446; Ref: SIR114713.

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ZWAANSWYK, CAPE TOWN

ZWAANSWYK, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R25.950 million | 7 Beds | 5 Baths | 2 Guest Baths | 3 Garages | 10 Parkings

Asking: R25.950 million 7 Beds | 5 Baths | Guest Baths | Garages | 10 Parkings

Nestled at the end of a quiet country lane and surrounded by magnificent mountain views, this well-loved family residence exudes warmth and character. An entertainer’s delight with a formal open plan dining room and sitting room, leading to a substantial conservatory with gorgeous garden views, for all year round informal dining and entertainment. The conservatory also features a built-braai, kitchenette, plus a jacuzzi. Five bedrooms, three upstairs. Four bathrooms, Guest cloakroom. Two studies/studios are located in different wings, both with guest bedrooms, en-suite (or additional reception rooms if required). Invest in and Embrace the Zwaanswyk lifestyle! Dawn Bloch: 072 496 9456; Office: 021 701 2446.

Nestled at the of a quiet country lane surrounded by magnificent mountain views, this well-loved family residence exudes warmth and An entertainer’s delight with a formal open plan dining room and room, leading to a substantial conservatory gorgeous garden views, for all year round informal dining and entertainment. The conservatory also features a built-braai, kitchenette, plus a jacuzzi. Five bedrooms, three upstairs. Four bathrooms, Guest cloakroom. Two studies/studios are located in different wings, both with guest en-suite (or additional reception rooms if required). Invest in and Embrace the Zwaanswyk Dawn Bloch: 072 496 9456; Office: 021 701 2446.

STONEHURST MOUNTAIN ESTATE, CAPE TOWN

STONEHURST MOUNTAIN ESTATE, TOWN

Asking: R38 million | 4 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Asking: R38 million | 4 | 4.5 Bathrooms 2 Garages

From the moment you step inside, you’re immediately enveloped by a sense of grandeur, with towering windows allowing the soft light of dawn to flood the space. Table Mountain looms large in the distance, framed perfectly by your surroundings living masterpiece right outside your door. It’s not just a residence; it’s a sanctuary, where every detail is designed to harmonise with its surroundings, offering the ideal blend of privacy and tranquillity, yet with easy access to Cape Town’s vibrant pulse. David Burger: 083 458 3333; Steve Thomas: 084 471 4722; Office: 021 701 2446; Web Ref: SIR115303.

From the moment step inside, you’re immediately by a grandeur, with towering allowing soft light of dawn to flood space. Table Mountain looms large the perfectly surroundings living masterpiece right outside your door. It’s not a it’s a sanctuary, where every detail is designed to its surroundings, offering the ideal blend of privacy and yet easy access Cape Town’s vibrant pulse. David Burger: 083 458 3333; Steve Thomas: 084 471 4722; Office: 701 Web Ref: SIR115303.

KENILWORTH UPPER, CAPE TOWN

UPPER, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R17.5 million | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Bathrooms | Double Garage

Asking: R17.5 million | 4 Bedrooms | 2 | Double Garage

Standing proud on 1,700 Sqm of exquisite garden, is this gorgeous period property in Upper Kenilworth. Recently renovated, this wonderful family home offers everything a young family could want comprising of 4 large bedrooms with two bathrooms. High-end finishes are evident throughout the house and it is in immaculate move-in condition. Features include: Large Pool; Borehole; Double Garage; Double carport and secure parking for 8 cars; Established garden with mature Trees; Koi Pond; Fire pit; Staff accommodation; Excellent security; Large Inverter. Elaine Dobson: 082 413 7369; Ruth Leach; 082 323 7550; Office: 021 701 2446; Web Ref: SIR106965.

Standing proud on 1,700 Sqm of exquisite garden, is this gorgeous period property in Upper Kenilworth. Recently renovated, this wonderful family home offers everything a young family could comprising of 4 large bedrooms with two bathrooms. High-end finishes are evident house and it is in immaculate move-in condition. Features include: Large Pool; Double Garage; Double carport and secure parking for 8 cars; Established garden mature Trees; Koi Pond; Fire pit; accommodation; Excellent security; Large Elaine Dobson: 082 413 7369; Ruth Leach; 082 323 7550; Office: 021 701 Web Ref: SIR106965.

NEWLANDS, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R15.995 million | 4 Bedrooms |3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Fernwood Masterpiece offers luxurious, fully renovated living against Table Mountain’s slopes. Move-in ready with high-end finishes, it features a modern kitchen, multiple entertainment areas, two fireplaces, and two braai spots. The home includes four stylish bedrooms, a private guest suite, and exquisite bathrooms. Ample parking and top-notch security ensure peace of mind. Perfect for those who appreciate elegant design and effortless living, this residence is a true sanctuary and a lifestyle statement. Jennifer Lee: 082 562 5139; Brigitte Bray: 072 784 7475; Office: 021 673 1280; Web Ref: SIR115060.

NOORDHOEK, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R15.9 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms

Tucked away in Noordhoek’s serene panhandle, this architect-designed home boasts panoramic views of Chapman’s Peak, forest canopies, and ocean glimpses. The upper level features an airy open-plan living area and gourmet kitchen with seamless flow to elevated decks. Downstairs, three en-suite bedrooms open to patios; the master suite leads to a lap pool and outdoor shower. A second lounge with braai, a guest suite, and a versatile studio offer added flexibility. Eco-conscious elements include a solar inverter, borehole, and rain tank. Close to top schools, shopping, and the beach, this modern retreat perfectly blends luxury and natural beauty. Lilian Bron: 076 959 2733; Helen Smith: 084 503 5464;Office 021 783 8260; Web Ref: SIR115140.

RONDEBOSCH, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R9.750 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

This beautifully renovated home combines elegant design with modern comforts, featuring spacious open-plan living, a chef’s kitchen with a central island, and indoor-outdoor flow to a pool and patio. It offers five bedrooms, including a luxurious main suite with a balcony, and versatile living spaces like a family room with a built-in braai. Additional amenities include a guest cloakroom, laundry, staff quarters, double garage, inverter backup, ample water storage, and comprehensive security, making it perfect for comfortable, stylish living and entertaining. Lesley Payne: 082 455 4808: Office: 021 673 1280; Web Ref: SIR115364.

KOMMETJIE, CAPE TOWN

Asking: R11.5 million | 5 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 4 Garages

Just steps from the ocean and village hotspots like “Kom” and Longbeach, this spacious, stylish home offers privacy, charm, and flexibility. The fully enclosed property features a four-car automated garage, open-plan living with a fireplace, a modern kitchen, and an additional living space with kitchenette –perfect for guests, Airbnb, or a home office. Sliding doors open to a lush garden and patio, ideal for entertaining. Upstairs, five unique bedrooms include ocean or mountain views, with the main boasting a tranquil enclosed verandah. This is a rare chance to shape your dream home in a sought-after coastal setting.

Natalie Cooper: 083 630 0911; Office: 021 783 8260; Web Ref: SIR114670.

WILDERNESS, GARDEN ROUTE

Asking: R9.9 million | 3 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 1 Garage

This luxurious, fully furnished double-storey home in the secure Wilderness Garden Estate provides three en-suite bedrooms with private balconies, ocean views, and elegant finishes. The main suite features a private lounge, walk-in wardrobe, and spa-like bathroom. Enjoy open-plan living, a sunken lounge with fireplace, modern kitchen, and expansive deck with pergola. Extras include an inverter, alarm system, garage with storage, and direct beach access. Perfectly positioned for privacy, comfort, and breathtaking coastal living – move in and enjoy the Wilderness lifestyle. Jan Schiebe: 082 562 5064; Office: 044 873 2519; Web Ref: SIR114949.

FEATHERBROOKE ESTATE, KRUGERSDORP

Asking: R14.950 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 8 Garages

This triple-storey masterpiece on Featherbrooke Estate’s Millionaires Row blends luxury with sustainability. Enter via a vast basement garage built for multiple vehicles, including a boat or caravan, with storerooms and a 40 KVA silent generator. The ground floor features open-plan living with SMEG kitchen, formal and TV lounges, guest suite, and a private flatlet. Upstairs, three ensuite bedrooms, including a lavish main suite, open to sweeping views and a rooftop terrace. Solar panels, inverters, and geysers ensure smart, energyefficient living. Bianca Parsons: 083 645 6590; Charmaine von Gordon: 079 882 3360; Office: 010 900 3450; Web Ref: SIR115139.

FOURWAYS

Asking: R38 million | 6 Bedrooms | 6.5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages

Perched on a private hill, this awe-inspiring 6-bedroom, 6.5-bathroom mansion combines elegance, grandeur, and resort-style living. Set on a full hectare of manicured grounds, it presents as a modern-day palace with a dramatic, fountain-lined driveway. Inside, a sweeping staircase welcomes you to expansive reception rooms and 500sqm of entertainment space. Highlights include a 15m indoor pool, bar, gym, sauna, and steam room. Outdoors, find manicured gardens, a private tennis court, and quadruple garage. Sustainable features like backup water, solar power, and an inverter ensure uninterrupted luxury. Adam Brown: 072 026 4571; Web Ref: SIR115275.

CONSTANTIA KLOOF, ROODEPOORT

Asking: R5.950 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Exquisite 3-storey home on the famous Panorama Drive. This architectural gem features open-plan living on the main floor, gourmet kitchen with scullery, built-in gas fireplace and lavish bar with indoor braai area. The versatile ground floor includes a man cave, gym and wine lounge. Five stylish bedrooms all ensuite. Entertain effortlessly with two outdoor areas, overlooking the city skyline. Live off the grid with solar panels, inverter and water containers. Luxury, lifestyle, and location come together in this exceptional home. Heidi Goodburn: 083 633 3467; Jackie Petzer: 083 315 4464; Office: 010 900 3450; Web Ref: SIR115124.

BENMORE GARDENS, SANDTON

Asking: R10.999 million | 4.5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 5 Garages

Designed by Arthur Quinton, this striking contemporary home merges luxury with nature. Floor-to-ceiling glass captures breathtaking views, while expansive open-plan living flows to a sleek Miele kitchen and entertainer’s patio with infinity pool. Four en-suite bedrooms include a grand main suite with private lounge. Extras include staff quarters, solar power, inverter, and JoJo tank. Set in a secure estate with exceptional features throughout, this is modern family living at its finest. Marc: 082 854 7272: Alan: 082 490 0940; Office:011 886 8070; Web Ref: SIR 6956842.

MELROSE, JOHANNESBURG

Asking: R11.5 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Bathrooms | 4 Garages

This immaculate 5-bedroom en-suite home offers generous living and entertaining spaces, a lush garden with pool, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Featuring bamboo floors, a designer kitchen, four reception rooms, and two patios—perfect for a growing family. Solar power and a borehole ensure ease and efficiency. Ideally located near top schools and Rosebank CBD, with excellent security, staff accommodation, and off-street parking. A rare opportunity for refined, secure living in one of Johannesburg’s most coveted suburbs. Di: 082 960 5353; Debbie: 083 326 7739; Office: 011 886 8070; Web Ref: SIR 7027123.

FOREST TOWN, JOHANNESBURG

Asking: R6.950 million | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Architect-renovated, north-facing, double-storey home blends timeless charm with modern luxury. Set on ± 1714m² behind high walls on a gated road - offers expansive open-plan living, a triple-volume dine-in kitchen, and five luxurious bedrooms, including a private guest suite. Entertain in style with lush gardens, fountains, a sparkling pool, and gourmet braai areas. Egoli gas, solar, inverter, borehole, and high-end security. Your move-in-ready sanctuary for family life and effortless entertaining. Beverley Gurwicz: 082 412 0010; Office: 011 886 8070; Web Ref: SIR 6962446. Lew

PARKTOWN NORTH, JOHANNESBURG

Asking: R6.450 million | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Step into light-filled elegance with this fully revitalised home, designed for effortless living and standout entertaining. Featuring panoramic garden, patio, and pool views, the open-plan layout flows from a gourmet Linear Concepts kitchen to generous living spaces. Upstairs, the main suite offers treetop views and luxury. Includes a private cottage, wine cellar, solar power with inverter, and double garage. Seamlessly combining style and practicality, this home is a rare find for the modern executive lifestyle. Elsabe: 082 414 6655; Darrell: 072 227 0992; Office: 011 886 8070: Web Ref: SIR 6990305.

PARKVIEW, JOHANNESBURG

Asking: R6.8 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages

Live the lifestyle in this American-inspired country home on 3501m² in Parkview. With its own tennis court, pool, and expansive garden, it’s perfect for family life and entertaining. Featuring 4 bedrooms (2 en-suite), spacious living areas, a separate entertainment pavilion, and a charming private cottage. The well-equipped kitchen, solar power, and borehole offer comfort and sustainability. Close to top schools and village life, this is your chance to own a rare blend of charm, space, and serenity. Theodora & David: 082 553 8525; Office: 011 886 8070; Web Ref: SIR 6141905.

NORTHCLIFF, RANDBURG

Asking: R5.990 million | 4 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages | Pool

Elegant Family Living in Bird Avenue, Northcliff. This spacious double-storey home blends timeless charm with modern comfort. Featuring multiple living areas, a stylish kitchen, and expansive entertainment space with built-in gas braai flowing to the pool and garden. Includes a luxurious main suite, private guest wing, solar system, excellent security, and ample parking. Nestled in prestigious Bird Avenue, it’s perfect for relaxed family living and entertaining. Some images virtually staged for illustration. Melinda Odendaal: 083 399 4113; Louw Stuart: 082 464 7914; Office: 011 476 8303; Web Ref: 7038746.

BOSKRUIN, RANDBURG

Asking: R6.4 million | 5 Bedrooms | 4.5 Bathrooms | 3 Garages

Set on a private 2700m² stand, this elegant retreat offers full off-grid living with solar, borehole, and water systems. Featuring 5 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, executive study, flatlet, gourmet kitchen, expansive living areas, covered patio, pool, triple garage, and high-end finishes including imported German doors, safety glass, and smart security. With exceptional privacy, style, and sustainability, this is luxury redefined. Rates: ±R4 300 p/m. Grant Macdougall: 079 902 0370; Offfice: 011 476 8303; Web Ref: 7051493.

NORTHCLIFF, RANDBURG

Asking: R4.9 million | 5 Bedrooms | 3.5 Bathrooms | 2 Garages | Pool

Spacious Family Gem with Views and Versatility. Set on a level corner stand, this 5-bedroom home includes a private guest suite or cottage and generous living spaces perfect for entertaining. Enjoy open-plan living areas, a well-equipped kitchen, and a large covered patio with built-in braai. The main suite offers a lounge, dressing room, and garden access. Features include a study, staff quarters, solar backup system, double garage, and landscaped indigenous garden. A true family haven designed for comfort, flexibility, and relaxed living. Melinda Odendaal: 083 399 4113; Louw Stuart: 082 464 7914; Office: 011 476 8303; Web Ref: 7052052.