24 minute read
EMPORIDERM AESTHETICS & MEDICAL
from The Ridge 136
Step inside EmporiDerm and breathe a little easier, as you hand over your personal skin, weight or wellness challenges to Dr Maxine. Her practice has established a fine balance between an inviting, elegant and calm space, and a professional, medically driven aesthetic treatment clinic. You’ll feel comfortably at home, pampered too, yet safe and secure in highly competent medical hands.
This is no spa or salon. Here, medical knowledge underpins everything. From the latest technology and skills in aesthetics like anti-wrinkle injections, fillers and IV vitamin drips, to chronic acne, pigmentation, hormonal imbalances and weight gain. At EmporiDerm, you and your wellness journey are paramount, and it begins in this superbly calming setting. Contrary to the clinical, often intimidating aura of a medical practice, EmporiDerm is a cool, spacious and stylish penthouse, has coffee on tap, and an outdoor covered veranda with comfy seating and glorious sea views.
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At Emporiderm, you might consult Dr Maxine for a single aspect of your wellness, but she’ll provide an holistic patient diagnosis and experience. If you want an aesthetic or medical treatment, but have doubts – book a consult, and you’ll be fully assessed and given a comprehensive treatment plan.
At Emporiderm, you’re pampered in medical hands by a qualified team of women who understand and empathise with women’s concerns: “When you leave here, it’s not where your journey ends,” assures Dr Maxine. “I’m always there for my
where wellness, beauty & medicine CONNECT
AT EMPORIDERM AESTHETICS & MEDICAL IN RIDGESIDE UMHLANGA, FOUNDER, OWNER AND MEDICAL DOCTOR, DR MAXINE BOOYSEN IS TAKING WOMEN OF ALL AGES ON A WONDERFUL WELLNESS JOURNEY
patients, happy to answer any questions and walk with them on their journey. Premium quality underpins everything we do, whether it’s advice on the perfectly targeted skincare products for you, antiageing treatments, a GP consult or basic women’s health. At Emporiderm, you’re unique, so after a thorough assessment, you’ll always receive individualised treatment.”
Dr Maxine offers more than a medical practice, more even than an aesthetics one. From head to toe, teenager to retiree, her passion is female wellness, and she’s there to ensure you become the best version of yourself.
Emporiderm is the brainchild of Dr Maxine Booysen, a GP with a special interest in wellness, anti-ageing and aesthetic medicine.
Her vision? To create an inspired space for women and men who want to maintain longevity and health, and to become the best version of themselves.
Face Body Medical
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR FACE, BODY AND MEDICAL
sip into SUMMER
ANT ELLIS SHARES HIS BEST-EVER COCKTAILS TO GET THE SUMMER PARTY ROCKIN’
Let’s keep this short, simple and very happy, because this is about summer boozing. Cocktails shouldn’t be reserved for glamorous nights out, nor require a bow-tied professional to shake like a lunatic. Pouring a perfectly balanced, classic cocktail is one of life’s lovely little pleasures, one we can all get
Hawaiian Sea Breeze
Sweet, tart and tropical.
• good quality vodka • pineapple juice • cranberry juice • lime wedges • ice-cubes
Mix 2 measures of vodka with 2 measures of pineapple juice in a tall, cold glass. Fill with ice-cubes, top up gently with cranberry juice to keep the layers and garnish with a wedge of lime.
behind … after all, we’re here for a good time, not a long time.
A quick triple-shot of basic rules for ya: Buy good quality hooch, always have ice, and make your drinks look beautiful with a frosted glass, a salted rim, a twist of citrus zest or a fresh cherry here or there. Try these swingin’ recipes that’ll make your breezy summer days last forever.
Lynchburg Lemonade
You donÕt know Jack until youÕve tried this.
• Jack Daniel’s Tennessee whiskey • orange liqueur • fresh lemon juice • ice-cubes • Sprite • lemon slice and cherry for garnishing
Mix 2 measures of Jack Daniel’s, 1 measure each of orange liqueur and lemon juice in a glass or jar, fill with ice-cubes and top off with Sprite. Garnish with a lemon slice and a fresh cherry.
Classic Margarita
Yes, tequila isnÕt only for nasty shots.
• coarse salt • fresh lime juice, keep a squeezed wedge • proper tequila • orange liqueur • ice-cubes Sprinkle salt into a shallow dish and rub the reserved lime wedge around the rim of a glass, then dip in the salt to cover the rim. Add 1 measure of lime juice, 2 measures of tequila and 1 measure of orange liqueur into a cocktail shaker with ice-cubes, and shake well.
ABOVE: Durban lover of good food, wine and company, Ant Ellis.
Serve in a short glass with or without ice.
Until next time: Here’s to nights we’ll never remember, with friends we’ll never forget. Bottoms up! *
FOR MORE INFO Talk to me at ant@rockthekitchen.co.za
SECURELY SECURELY STORE YOUR STORE YOUR VALUABLES VALUABLES
Safe Deposit Boxes Safe Deposit Boxes Starting from R200* pm Starting from R200* pm
THE TRAIN
on the Bridge
THE KRUGER SHALATI TRAIN ON THE BRIDGE IS A GLORIOUS TRIUMPH OF DETERMINATION OVER IMAGINATION, A WORLDCLASS, AUTHENTICALLY SOUTH AFRICAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL EXPERIENCE, IN THE HEART OF KRUGER NATIONAL PARK. FOR SOUTH AFRICANS, BY SOUTH AFRICANS, WRITES ANNE SCHAUFFER
“Like a poem,” Sal exhaled reverently, gazing at the spot where only moments before, had lain a perfectly curated platter of deliciousness. It was dinner at the Bridge House – the Shalati
Train Restaurant – not only faultless in every culinary way, but in every other possible way too – sitting outdoors on the deck, candlelight flickering, moon over the waters of the Sabie
River, soft rugs for the chill, service unobtrusive yet totally attentive, we sighed more than we spoke. It was such a gentle evening in a wholly wild environment, and the first of many contradictions which captivate.
We’re Kruger devotees. We visit annually and joyfully, content to live slightly rougher for the time we’re there, just for the wonder of being in this magically wild landscape. Nothing compares. Well nothing until we crossed over
to the flipside of rough, and spent 48 hours inhaling the Kruger Shalati Train experience. It’s so much more than a glorious treat, it’s extraordinary in a way that’s brave and innovative.
As South Africans, it’s hard to describe the unbelievable pride we felt as we experienced this bat-crazy idea of a stationary train on a bridge, brought to life so perfectly as a boutique hotel, then capped by the five-star level of warm, professional service provided by a deeply committed staff. To say the staff “owned” the train and the hospitality experience, is an understatement. It’s seen and felt by everyone who visits.
The train itself is remarkable. Extraordinary. No other words for it, although Shalati’s interior designer Andrea Kleinloog had a few. She described her journey with her client, Jerry Mabena, CEO of Motsamayi Tourism Group, owners and operators of Kruger Shalati – and the adventures from the warehouse to this station, as “a
captivating, multi-layered story”.
She recalls her first glimpse of the carriages in 2018: “I travelled forever to a massive warehouse in the middle of nowhere, full of burnt-out train carriages with their traditional colours just discernible beneath the rust,” she grins. Actually, they were 1950 relics from a train scrap yard. The Mech Mobility crew had a massive task ahead of them. They stripped the carriages entirely, lined the interiors with blackout waterproofed steel frames, and layered a birch-ply frame on top of that.
“A carriage sample was created, which was constantly tested for its flow and functionality. Andrea says: “We probably changed that about five times, changing and swopping elements until it worked perfectly.” The entire team was fired up by the idea of recycling and reengineering scrap to create world-class accommodation – it fed into the “good intention” psyche which underpinned the entire project, right from authentic community-based involvement on a »
number of levels including of course, staffing and world-standard training, through to the integration of exceptional art and craftwork commissioned out to talented South Africans.
The Kruger Shalati Train is stationary on a bridge suspended 15m above the Sabie River, the bridge built in 1893 and an integral part of SA history and indeed that of Kruger Park. With 24 carriage rooms on the train tracks – and another seven Bridge House rooms (one honeymoon) on land – Kruger Shalati also has decks, three swimming pools, a vast shed-like reception/shop/restaurant area (Bridge House), plus fire pits and indoor-outdoor dining.
Nothing is ordinary. Nothing. Every little thing, or large, has a quirk, a charm, a something to capture your attention. Your carriage room has fully glassed walls – and that includes from your bath – with wide open views of the Sabie River, where you’ll game watch
Your carriage room has fully glassed walls with wide open views of the Sabie River, where you’ll game watch from your bed or your little outdoor deck
from your bed or your little outdoor deck. It’s an extraordinary feeling, being elevated above the river, watching a herd of elephant or endless birdlife, lying in bed listening to the grunt of hippos from this vantage point. Every detail has been exquisitely curated – nothing left to chance.
As Andrea said, “Our brief was twofold – an international standard for sure, but very focused on an experience for South Africans. It was designed around traditional train language, but never oldfashioned or staid. There’s a constant pull between new and old.” So, traditional cabinetry, but contemporary rugs, mirrors and more. Sometimes traditional methods were employed … but upped into a more modern aesthetic.
It went beyond simply exquisite interiors, for there were numerous practical considerations. The carriages would be transported by crane, then by truck, so great care had to be taken that the interior elements could flex, hence vinyl flooring and the adjustability of the cabinetry. The mosaics, too, were chosen because a train’s structure is designed to compress in the event of a crash, so if, in transit, grouting cracked, it would be easier to fix than other rigid materials. When the carriages were ready for
Skukuza, each one was used as storage/ transport for elements like mattresses.
Designed for South Africans, by South Africans was a key part of the brief, and Andrea is proud to say that around 90% of the furnishings and decor were made locally: “We designed the pattern for the mosaics – Penny Round – and although it looks like rainfall in the showers, it’s actually the Shalati logo – all produced locally by Douglas Jones.”
One of the great joys for the design team was the integration of South African art- and craftwork, right from the linen you sleep in (a black women-owned company), to the Seana Marena blanket on the bed, created in collaboration with designer Bonolo and Lulasclan, a new-African creative consultancy studio. Sakhile Cebekhulu’s wall art embroidery – he embroidered on old photographs of the Shalati train tracks – hangs on the Bridge House walls. The list of South African artistry is long and deep – Kruger Shalati is a true celebration of South African creativity.
One of the Shalati gems is found in a central train carriage. A deck and pool overhanging the river, complemented by a contemporary cocktail bar with killer cocktails conjured up by a charming pro. It’s daring and delightful to sip an outlandish cocktail while perched in the sky. It’s the look-out from where you can see forever down the river, and it’s certainly one of the many places you can lose yourself.
The Shalati Train on the Bridge was subject to stringent environmental strictures, whether it was lighting or colour “pollution”: “The light specs were stringent,” said Andrea, “you won’t find a single exposed bulb.” The gardens – laid out by the design team – are a stylish, muted mosaic of stones, rocks, wood and sculptural plants indigenous to the region.
Everything works. Visually, functionally, environmentally. Everything fits into the landscape – astonishing really, when it’s a large immovable train on a massive track which spans a vast river … but it doesn’t dominate the landscape, and it feels as if it has always been there. That’s a tribute to the visionaries, artists, designers, engineers and, yes, the big dreamers who pursued the (almost) unthinkable. *
FOR MORE INFO www.krugershalati.com
affordable LUXURY
PROTON HAVE TAKEN SOUTH AFRICA BY STORM WITH THE LAUNCH OF THEIR X50 AND X70 MODELS – QUALITY SUV’S OFFERING DISCERNING DRIVERS COMFORT, LUXURY AND AFFORDABILITY
“This is not just the launch of the Proton X50 and Proton X70 – this is the launch of a brand you have heard of, but not met in its partnership with Geely,” says
Jebb McIntosh, CEO of CMH (Combined
Motor Holdings). With 40 years of success in motor retail, CMH are well equipped to provide a stable platform from which to launch this brand, which will be supported in the market by dedicated Proton dealerships.
The new Proton models are right-hand drive versions of Geely vehicles sold in lefthand markets around the world. However, the new Proton X50 and X70 will benefit from shared group engineering expertise, including technology solutions also found in Volvo models. With Geely providing resources and support for Proton, the runway for vehicles being released in the near future is bound to be exciting.
CMH are thrilled to announce that when buying a Proton X50 or X70, customers will receive a five-year unlimited warranty which is transferable – a move that backs up the quality promise of the product, and reinforces the used-car value on trade-ins.
On purchase, buyers will receive a five-year roadside assistance as well as a service and maintenance plan.
The 2022 Proton X50 and X70 offer a host of intelligent and connected features that make driving a pleasure. For enjoyment and convenience, the multiple speakers with power amplifier and subwoofer enhances the music experience while the six USB ports provide ample charging solutions. Additionally, saying “Hi Proton” allows the driver to operate the windows, sunroof and air-conditioning.
Beyond this, the Proton models offer enhanced features for the driver and passengers’ comfort, as well as a
sophisticated look. Some of these features (depending on the variant and class) include key activated engine starting to foot sensor boot systems, chrome finishing on the front and rear bumpers, alloy wheels, power tailgate with foot sensor, and Nappa leather seats with black headlining.
The Proton X70 comes with a Proton
The Proton
X70 comes with a Proton Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) – a combination of a N95 cabin filter and air purifier system
Intelligent Air Purification System (P-IAPS) – a combination of a N95 cabin filter (incorporated into the air-conditioning) and air purifier system. Combined they work twice as efficiently to improve the air quality inside the cabin.
“We are excited to introduce these fuelefficient vehicles to consumers across the country. With this significant milestone achieved by Proton this year, it is now possible for consumers to step up and step into, what we are calling, ‘Affordable Luxury’,” says Marius Smal, MD for Proton SA.
Considering the need for fuel efficiency, Proton have created this product that fulfils the desire for a SUV that is not only outstanding in performance, features and aesthetic appeal, but is also affordable to own and run. “The fuel consumption of the Proton X50 is 6,5-litres/100km, while the fuel consumption of the Proton X70 is 7,8-litres/100km,” continues Marius.
Based on current market demand, the new Proton models are quality SUV vehicles set within an affordable pricing bracket. The Proton X50 starts from R449 900, and the Proton X70 from R529 900. *
FOR MORE INFO Visit one of the CMH Proton dealerships at Ballito, uMhlanga, Durban or Pietermaritzburg and discover Affordable Luxury.
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5 COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE
The Pencil Club and Art Foundation partnered with the House of Love and Hope for “Cocktails for a Cause”, a fundraising event for their baby home in Crestholme which cares for abandoned special needs children and babies in crises.
Guests enjoyed the best view of Durban while bidding on an array of exquisite art pieces, and the heart of HOLAH was shared by founders Kim and Leanne Brown.
For more information visit www.likhonithemba.co.za
1. Aaron McIlroy and Lisa Bobbert. 2. The Scott family. 3 Renzo Scribante, Roy Kater and Kevin Deana. 4. Jean Cherry, Simone Faber, and Liza Moroney. 5. Candice Davies, Kim Brown, Liza Moroney, Jodie Torlage, Vasthi Toms, Monique Davies, Leanne Brown, Dominque Deana, and Colleen Wilson.
Francois Botha – the White Buffalo – has been involved with professional boxing, kickboxing and MMA, and has fought the likes of Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko and Evander Holyfield. Now a trainer and promoter, Francois is back and ready to revive the boxing industry. The White Buffalo Boxing & Fitness has opened in uMhlanga, and will be the home of soldiers, the stomping ground of the toughest and most skilled. A place to cultivate your fighting spirit and test your limits. More than a gym, but a respite against the challenges of the world, where the only battle is between you and the version of you that you want to create. A way of life, the lifestyle of champions.
CONTACT DETAILS
email: info@whitebuffalo.co.za or marketing@whitebuffalo.co.za w @whitebuffaloboxing wbboxing
housing market STILL ROBUST
DESPITE INTEREST RATE HEADWINDS, THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET REMAINS RESILIENT, SAYS GARETH BAILEY
The further increase of 75bps in the repo rate announced by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) on September 22, 2022 is disappointing for aspirant homeowners requiring credit and existing homeowners with mortgages, all of whom are already having to contend with the economic impact of severe load shedding, high fuel and rising food costs, and increasing electricity and other municipal tariffs, according to Dr Andrew Golding, chief executive of the Pam Golding Property group.
Although this is the sixth consecutive hike in the repo rate (taking it to 6,25%), as the Reserve Bank attempts to bolster the weakening rand and dampen inflation expectations, this still remains below pre-Covid repo rate levels of 6,5%, while the prime interest rate now stands at 9,75%.
Consumers in general are feeling the strain on household income, with the food and energy price shocks earlier this year creating an inflationary ripple effect
across the economy. That said, the Bank has highlighted the fact that the key challenges facing the local economy are not the current level of interest rates and the cost of borrowing, but rather the ongoing infrastructure bottlenecks such as electricity and transport, as well as education.
The Reserve Bank’s deputy governor, Dr Rashad Cassim, recently suggested that the bank is attempting to move towards a more “neutral” interest rate setting and would be attempting to avoid dampening economic activity as much as possible.
The MPC’s recent decision was ultimately guided by the inflation outlook and its assessment of the risks of wage inflation emerging, coupled with global trends of significant interest rate hikes. While higher local interest rates will help to protect the rand, when combined with rising price pressures they will temper domestic spending at a time when the economy is already struggling to grow, particularly given the recent return of Stage 6 load shedding.
While inflation eased to 7,6% in August from a 13-year high of 7,8% in July, raising hopes that inflation has in fact peaked, the Reserve Bank’s role is to contain inflation, by bringing inflation and inflation expectations back to the 4,5% inflation target mid-point
ABOVE: Gareth Bailey, Pam Golding Properties.
(within the target range of 3-6%) as a precondition for sustainable economic growth.
The MPC is particularly concerned about anchoring inflation expectations to avoid external price shocks – such as recent food and energy prices – from becoming entrenched and filtering through to price setting in the broader economy.
Once it is clear that price pressures are subsiding again, it will be possible for the Bank to shift gear to a slower pace of interest rate hikes. The SA Reserve Bank has hiked rates by 275bps since November 2021 and it is hoped that we may only see two further smaller rate increases, bringing the prime rate to 10,5% and an end to the current tightening cycle.
Despite the rising trend in interest rates since late-2021, activity in the housing market has remained remarkably resilient thus far – with recent data from Lightstone showing that while unit sales during the first half of 2022 were marginally below those recorded during the same period last year, the value of those sales was higher.
While the current rising interest rate environment and the pressure on household disposable income from renewed price pressures are headwinds for the housing market, the fact that banks retain their appetite to extend mortgages provides the market with a solid underpinning. It is also worth bearing in mind that we are hopefully nearing the end of the repo rate upward cycle, and that over decades, residential property has retained its appeal as a sound medium- to long-term investment. *
Durban North office · 031 573 6000 Umhlanga office · 031 561 5300 Umdloti office · 031 568 1299
Umhlanga Rocks / R3.950 million Ref# 1ND1577049
Bedrooms 3 / Bathrooms 2 / Parkings 2 / Delightful penthouse apartment with breath-taking sea views located in the heart of Umhlanga overlooking the renowned Oyster Box Hotel and a few meters from the Umhlanga Promenade. Sharon Westcott 083 565 54432
Glenashley / R6.8 million
Ref# 1ND1586387 Bedrooms 5 / Bathrooms 5 / Garages 2 / Watch the sun rise over the ocean from this stunning home with a separate flatlet, only a few steps away from the beach. This home offers easy living with great security, close to all amenities.
Lara Suttle 071 230 0853
Umhlanga Rocks / R3.050 million Ref# 1ND1587834
Bedrooms 2 / Bathrooms 2 / Garages 1 / This trendy, designer newly renovated apartment offers utmost convenience for a sophisticated lifestyle. The perfect spot to unwind and enjoy beautiful sea views. Brett Kallides 083 258 9631
La Lucia / R14.995 million
Ref# 1ND1579418 Bedrooms 9 / Bathrooms 9 / Garages 2 / Covered Parkings 8 / This impressive property is currently operating as a successful boutique hotel offering 9 generously sized bedrooms, all with en-suite bathrooms. Cleverly designed to maximize privacy and most rooms lead onto private balconies. Nico Swart 082 446 0008 / Justyn Ebben 061 486 0757
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
I’M NOT THE BEST AT LOOKING AFTER “PLASTIC MONEY” BUT THE “OTHER ME” HAS NO PROBLEM SPLURGING OUT AT MY EXPENSE, WRITES DARREL BRISTOW-BOVEY
“Ooh,” I said to my partner the other day. “You can buy things by swiping with your cellphone now.”
“You can’t,” she said pointedly. “The more new ways you have to pay for things,” she said, “the richer the criminals get.”
It’s true that I can be a little careless with my wallet, although I have improved. When
I was younger I had my own dedicated teller at the bank because I was back so often for a replacement card. Once I picked up a new card and the teller said jokingly, “I don’t want to see you back here for at least a week!”
“Ha ha,” I laughed obligingly, although I didn’t really see what was so damn funny.
I walked out of the bank, drew cash at the
ATM, then strolled off, leaving the card behind. One hour later the teller looked up to see me standing there, gnashing my teeth.
“Ha ha,” I said bitterly.
Just recently I lost my debit card again, but it was a Friday and I didn’t notice until Monday, and then it took me till
Wednesday to check all my pants pockets, then till Thursday to look down the sides of the couch, and then I found my credit card in my sock drawer so I forgot about my debit card until the next Monday. By that time some gentleman had been using it to purchase items and services all around my neighbourhood. This gentleman was not me, but he was doing a better job of being me than I was.
First, he indulged himself to the 90-minute deluxe special at the House of Silk massage parlour on Main Road, then he had a nice lunch at the gourmet burger joint with a pint of craft beer, then popped into the spa on Regent Road for two sets of moisturisers and had them giftwrapped. One was for fair skin, the other for darker skin.
I asked the cashier at the beauty salon about him. She said he was tall, bald, handsome and black.
“Does Darrel Bristow-Bovey sound like the name of a tall, bald, handsome black man?” I asked.
“I don’t judge,” she said.
Then she looked me up and down, and said pointedly: “He was dressed better than you,” which somewhat gave the lie to her claims of non-judgement. I had the strong impression of all the Darrel BristowBoveys she had encountered that week – I was by no means her favourite version.
After buying moisturiser, my other self went to the movies and bought three tickets for Where The Crawdads Sing. I became obsessed with the thought that I was living two lives – one as a snappily attired, smooth-talking Lothario who knows his way around skincare products and has terrible taste in movies but two ladies to watch them with; and another, far more disappointing life, as me.
I started wondering what I would be doing this weekend. Did I have a surprise planned for my two special ladies? A helicopter flip? An elephant ride? An orgy?
“Have you cancelled your card yet?” demanded my partner suspiciously. If I was the other me, I thought resentfully, she wouldn’t talk to me in that tone of voice.
“I just want to see what he does next.”
“WHAT?!”
“I’m learning things. Hey, if I was to get you moisturiser, would you want darker skin or lighter skin?”
“Cancel that card RIGHT NOW!”
Maybe she’s right and it’s just as well I don’t have SnapScan or whatever it’s called. I have enough trouble trying to keep control of one life at a time. *
