Hello Lifestyle Magazine Holiday Edition 2024

Sir Juice's new Focus Shot, for that last bit of oomph for the year.

Q @sirfruit_

Eco Diva’s mini products, perfect for travelling.

Q @ecodivanatural

H

ave you seen Disney’s original four-minute Holiday short, The Boy and the Octopus, directed by Oscar winner, Taika Waititi yet? It’s a heartwarming story that brings home a powerful message: Every journey starts with a dream. The film is unusual, with an octopus not necessarily being the first thing you think about when you think Christmas. But, it brings that same warmth, joy and magic that the Festive Season holds and it is definitely worth searching for online.

For me, 2024 was certainly a journey that started with a dream. My business partner, Justyn Spinner and I had a vision for the year. We wanted to see Hello Lifestyle Magazine grow and offer you, our reader, more authentic, honest and interesting content. We wanted to continue building strong relationships with existing and new clients. In the end, we have grown – as individuals and as a company – and we’re incredibly grateful to each and every reader and client, as well as every word of encouragement. While Hello Lifestyle Magazine was not initially the exact dream when the Spinner family launched it, it’s become the new dream –one that I am happy to say has led to a wonderful and fulfilling journey in 2024.

I’d like to thank you for reading our magazine, whether it’s in print or digital form. Thank you for every follow, every like, every comment and every share on social media and for engaging with us as a brand. I’d like to wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year. May your dreams for 2025 be filled with warmth, joy and magic and may they soon turn into a journey worth writing books (or films) about.

P.S. You’re bound to find some warmth, joy and magic in this edition too as well. From a Christmas-inspired H-list to the best beaches for a summer holiday, it’s all there. We even have some fun giveaways you wouldn’t want to miss. So, pour that glass of wine and enjoy the read!

Photography: Hanneri de Wett

Dress: Milk and Honey Makeup & Hair: Eve

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Renate

Bonnie Bio’s bags for ecofriendly travels (or sustainable staycations).

Q @bonnie biodegradable

Musgrave Gin for those summer afternoons.

Q @musgravespirits

Scan the QR Code for a recipe of their Fruit Cake Martini.

Publisher: Justyn Spinner justyn@hellolifestyle.co.za

Editor: Renate Engelbrecht renate@hellolifestyle.co.za

Magazine Design: Debbie Farrell

Contributors: Sharon Waugh; Tessa Buhrmann; Victoria Hill; Justyn Spinner

Contributing Photographers: Ryan Enslin; Tegan Smith

Printing: Lebone Litho

Distribution: Media Support

CONTACT US www.hellolifestyle.co.za info@hellolifestyle.co.za

Head Office: 36 Bolton Road Parkwood, Johannesburg

Hello Lifestyle Magazine supports press and media freedom and the freedom of expression for all South Africans.

Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, copied and stored in a retrievable system by any form, or by any means electronic, photocopied, or otherwise without prior permission from the publishers and owners.

While every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of advice and information given to readers at the time of printing this publication, its publisher and editors cannot be held responsible for damages or inconvenience caused due to the publication of incorrect information.

Grab life

THINGS TO SEE PLACES TO BE

Mzansi

#HelloLifestyle by Victoria Hill Images: Supplied

Festival of Lights

Where: Johannesburg Zoo

What to expect: Joburg Theatre in collaboration with Joburg Zoo and Joburg City Parks lights up the city with their annual Festival of Lights. Bring the family for a stroll amidst enchanting, life-sized animal characters while enjoying an evening of entertainment, food and refreshments, as well as crafts.

Price: R175 (Adults), R75 (Children 3-12), R100 (Pensioners) www.webtickets.co.za

Christmas Village

Where: Emperors Palace, Johannesburg

What to expect: This annual event brings holiday magic to life with a village filled with characters, Christmas lights, shops and games that promise to keep young and old entertained. In this village, the holiday spirit is bound to come alive, offering Joburgers the opportunity to dive into the holiday season headfirst!

Price: R75 (Adults), R45 (Children 3-12), R65 (Pensioners) www.ticketpros.co.za

Spar Carols by Candlelight

Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

1 DECEMBER5 JANUARY 5 DECEMBER 6 - 7 DECEMBER 1 - 31 DECEMBER

What to expect: Join Spar and Jacaranda FM for an unforgettable evening filled with carols and candlelight. Hosted at the SunBet Arena at Time Square Casino in Menlyn, Pretoria, it promises to be a magical event filled with musical wonders and festive delights. No under 3s without earplugs. Children over the age of three will require their own seats.

Price: R75 per person www.jacarandafm.com

Where: Theatre on the Bay, Cape Town

What to expect: Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol - an enchanting story for the festive season - takes to the stage in Camps Bay this December. Ultimately, this nostalgic Christmas play celebrates humanity, family and generosity of spirit and we believe there’s no better time than this time of the year to spread this message. Starring Zak Hendrikz and Angela Sparks, the show promises to be timeless and unforgettable. Price: From R150 www.webtickets.co.za

Where: Homecoming Centre, Cape Town

What to expect: With something for everyone, this fun event has international speakers from all over the world. It includes an immersive arts section, delicious food and ample options to keep gamers occupied. Here, everything comes together to create an African celebration of gaming and the digital arts industry.

Price: From R250 www.quicket.co.za

Where: The Playhouse Company, Durban

What to expect: Featuring the The Playhouse Chorale and Juan Burgers as accompanist, the theme of the concert is to spread the joy and excitement of the festive season. Audiences are invited to sing along to all the traditional Christmas songs and more. Price: R50 www.webtickets.co.za

A Swingin’ Christmas: A Festive Concert Spectacular 14 - 15 DECEMBER

Where: Carnival City Big Top Area, Johannesburg

What to expect: Watch as the stage lights up in holiday spirit with the Johannesburg Big Band, Kurt Darren, Kwai Bala, Harry Sideropoulos, Monique Steyn and the Mzansi Youth Choir. This show promises to capture the magic of the season in December, leaving you feeling merry and bright. There will only be four performances, so be sure to book your tickets soon!

Price: From R280 www.webtickets.co.za

25 DECEMBER

Christmas Day Lunch

Where: The Oyster Box, Durban

What to expect: Each of The Oyster Box’s beautiful dining venues will be offering delicious lunch feasts on Christmas Day. The afternoon (from 12:00 to 16:00) will include live music, a welcome drink on arrival and a range of menus to tantalise the taste buds.

Price: R3 200 per adult and R2 200 for children under 12 www.reservations.oysterbox hotel.com

26 DECEMBER - 18 JANUARY

Mzansi Ballet’s ABBA Show

Where: Montecasino, Johannesburg

What to expect: Mzansi Ballet’s highly anticipated return of The ABBA Show: A Cinderella Story is not to be missed. Choreographed by Angela Revie and featuring costume designs by David Hutt, the production innovatively blends the music of ABBA with the timeless classic of Cinderella. Guest stars include Javier Monier Jouve Jr. and Ariel Mejica, alongside the Mzansi Ballet Company.

Price: From R200 www.webtickets.co.za

31 DECEMBER

Ballito New Year’s Eve Street Party

Where: Sandra Road & Crush Nightclub

What to expect: One of South Africa’s most popular street parties is back in Durban for New Year’s Eve. They are celebrating with people from all over the country for the fifteenth year in a row this year. Your body will be beating to the drums of over 40 DJs at this event - one not to be missed.

Price: R350 - R550 (No under 18s) www.webtickets.co.za

31 DECEMBER

Free New Year’s Eve Party

Where: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town

What to expect: Celebrity artists like Blackbryd, Dr Victor, Matthew Mole and Mi Casa will be leading the line-up at the V&A Waterfront’s free New Year’s party this year. Attendees are invited to have dinner at one of the surrounding restaurants or hotels before watching fireworks light up the sky. The evening promises to be filled with music, dancing and celebrations as the clock ticks over to 2025.

Price: Free

5 JANUARY | 11 JANUARY

Milk + Cookies Festival, featuring Kaytranada

Where: CPT: Cape Town Ostrich Ranch

| JHB: Old Park Station

What to expect: The first-ever Milk + Cookies Festival in South Africa welcomes world renowned Kaytrandada, set to headline both the Cape Town and Johannesburg events. The international event offers a dynamic fusion of music, art, fashion, culture and technology. Yes, South Africans are being celebrated for their dedication to immersive cultural experiences, including global sounds.

Price: From R1 050 www.howler.co.za

25 JANUARY

Robbie Williams

Where: SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria

What to expect: One of the world’s most famed musicians is coming to South Africa and Robbie Williams will be performing in Pretoria on 25 and 26 January 2025! He will be taking to the stage at the SunBet Arena, Time Square, but he will also be performing in Cape Town on 22 January. Doors will be opening at 19:00.

Price: From R1195 per person www.ticketmaster.co.za

It’s that time of year and the season of giving is finally here! However, we know finding the perfect gift for the perfect person can be overwhelming, so we’ve come up with a few recommendations. Here are some of our favourites for women, men, children, families and around the home this holiday season:

VOGUE EYEWEAR

These rose tortoise frames will make her feel like a million dollars when basking in the sun. Let her feel stylish and fashionable all day every day. R1 640, www.vogue-eyewear.com

STEVE MADDEN’S FABULOUS FLATS

Give the gift of walking on Cloud 9 with Steve Madden’s must-have flats this summer. Our favourites are the Marli and Grail designs, available in assorted colours. R1 499, www.stevemadden.co.za

KAYALI VANILLA CANDY ROCK SUGAR PERFUME

This light and youthful scented Eau de Parfum is perfect for the sweetest woman in your life. The bottle can be personalised and it’s available in 10ml, 50ml and 100ml.

R535 (10ml) R1 935 (50ml) R2 555 (100ml), ARC stores

SWAROVSKI MATRIX TENNIS BRACELET

Jewellery is always a must-have, so treat a lucky lady to this crystal tennis bracelet and leave her feeling priceless. R1 990, www.swarovski.com

Gifts for her

G-STAR RAW TECH SKIRT

This mini skirt is a straight fit with the option of styling it either high-waisted or low-waisted. With a hidden button and an adjustable belt, it’s functional fashion for sure. R3 299, www.g-star.com

#HelloLifestyle by Victoria Hill Images: Supplied

OAKLEY’S EXTRATERRESTRIAL FOOTWEAR

The Oakley Factory Team has launched the Flesh Sandal, Chop Saw, Edge Boot and Orbital Flesh footwear to push the boundaries of men’s fashion, challenging the norm of hyper-functionality.

R4 500, www.oakley.com

PERSOL EYEWEAR

Gifts for him

These gold-framed sunglasses will leave any man feeling extra confident in his day-to-day activities. To make things even more fashionable and interesting, the lenses even have a green tint.

R4 570, za.sunglasshut.com

GOLD BAR WHISKEY

With a sophisticated design that communicates its likeness to gold, the liquid inside is nothing short of it. This award-winning spirit launched in South Africa just months ago, so it's sure to be a trendy find.

R1 699, leading retailers nationwide or www.takealot.com

G-STAR RAW JAK OVERSHIRT

With a concealed button closure, and pleated waistband, this jacket combines casual, yet masculine flap pockets on the side seams and chest with a sophisticated collar and cuff finish.

R3 799, www.g-star.com

STEVE MADDEN’S FLATS FOR MEN

The stylish and comfortable Grayson Black and Grayson Cognac sliders are the perfect gift for any man. Simplistic and understated has never looked so good.

R1 699, www.stevemadden.co.za

LEGO CREATOR RETRO ROLLER SKATE

This 3-in-1 creator set is perfect for your daughter, niece or goddaughter. It will keep her entertained for hours and might just inspire her to start rollerskating. R549, www.greatyellowbrick.co.za

EMPORIO ARMANI KIDS

If your little one is already pushing boundaries in the fashion scene, these sunglasses with their shiny, transparent lilac frame and pink gradient grey lens might be the perfect gift. R1 310, www.armani.com or www.eyewearsa.co.za

Gifts for kids

HI-TEC SUMMER SHOES

For children with daring adventures in mind, the Fuse Trail Nerf is designed for energetic kids who are always on the move. With these shoes, kids can leap, run and jump confidently. R899, www.hi-tec.co.za

LEGO TECHNIC MERCEDES AMG

As a performance LEGO set, it’s perfect for boys dreaming of having a Mercedes one day. With a pullback function, the fun of building it rolls over into playing with it afterwards.

R500, www.greatyellowbrick.co.za

MARS PETCARE

This festive season, make your furry friends feel extra special with MARS Petcare’s delightful treats! Celebrate by pampering your pets with tasty options from beloved brands like PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS® and DREAMIES™. Make this season a treat for everyone, including your furry friends. After all, a house is not a home without them. Price is product dependant, www.mars.com

Looking for the perfect, affordable stocking fillers for Christmas? Scan here to find some exciting ideas, all under R200.

CARROL BOYES’ LUXURY CHRISTMAS CRACKERS

Add a luxurious twist to gifting this festive season with Carrol Boyes’ Cracker Gift Sets. The three types include: Festive Indigo Girls, Jolly Sketchbook and Merry Kaleidoscope. Each cracker contains a luxury pen, key ring and a butter spreader or teaspoon.

R829, Carrol Boyes stores nationwide

Gifts for the home

RELAXOUND SOUND BOXES

Give the gift of harmony with one of five Relaxound’s soundscapes. These include a Zwitcherbox, Birdybox, Oceanbox, Lakesidebox and Junglebox.

From R1 099, www.takealot.com or www.luxehub.co.za

MAYU SWIRL STRUCTURED WATER CARAFE

This specially designed carafe restructures regular water into a healthier version to fully hydrate your body. A stylish luxe item which will serve as a treat for the whole household.

R4 999, www.luxehub.co.za

Full

circle

Chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Jameson Stocks meet again after more than twenty years, reminiscing, preparing Ramen and still rooting for each other.

Q

@petertempelhoff Q @worldofjameson

Nostalgia lingered in the air as chefs Peter Tempelhoff and Jameson Stocks sat next to each other at a table in Tempelhoff’s famous FYN Restaurant on Parliament Street, Cape Town. Stocks had just arrived in South Africa, excited to be doing restaurant takeovers and cooking with long-lost friends like Tempelhoff. Apart from a brief gettogether the day before, this was their first time seeing each other again after more than twenty years. And, following the interview, we got them to cook together once more. This time, at Tempelhoff’s other restaurant, Ramenhead.

Contrast was the theme from the start. From the ways in which the two chefs grew up, to their personal styles and their cooking methods. Yet, some things - call it the golden thread if you like - have stood the test of time: Kinship. Respect. Gratefulness. Compassion. Heart. Things worth celebrating this time of the year.

DESTINY & DETERMINATION

DETERMINED TO SUCCEED

Stocks originally grew up in Leeds, but left home at the vulnerable age of thirteen. He lived on the streets before finally landing next to Tempelhoff at a cooking station in British Chef, Marco Pierre White’s historic Soho restaurant, Quo Vadis. Today, he has a

home to go to; a set life and he doesn’t worry about money and paying the bills so much anymore. The hunger to work, make money and continually be active is still there, though. “For me it’s not just about making money and being a success; it’s actually more about self-worth and getting up every morning and doing what I do, because that’s what I enjoy,” Stocks said.

What Stocks knows about food did not come from reading recipes and deciphering books. “I’ve never read a book in my life,” he admitted. “I couldn’t read until I was about twenty, twenty-one.” He learned to cook by tasting, so his education was “handed down by oral tradition,” as Tempelhoff put it.

THE KITCHEN THAT BROUGHT CHANGE

Few people know the story, but Stocks grew up in the same area as Marco Pierre White. In fact, he knew Marco’s brother, Graham - also a chef - from a young age. “I grew up seeing him breaking down rabbits and making rabbit pies - the very basic stuff. So, I always had a very keen interest in food. My grandma was quite a good cook as well. I always knew what I wanted to do.”

Being quite tall, Stocks was able to get himself into Marco Pierre White’s kitchen at the age of fifteen. “If I was shorter, I don’t think I would have been able to fake it, really. I don’t think I would have gotten away with it,” he

laughed at the bittersweet memories trickling through. To this day, Stocks is convinced that if he hadn’t landed alongside Tempelhoff, he wouldn’t have made it. As a fifteen-yearold, he knew the basics, but he didn’t know much about cooking. “In the beginning, Peter protected me,” he said.

BUILDING ON BASICS

Trained in modern European cuisine, Stocks feels most comfortable with broader European cuisine and Italian food today. His travels are his main influence and while he believes in having a strong foundation when it comes to cooking, he’s all for being his own person and cooking his own food.

Having travelled extensively, Stocks believes that Europe is a decade ahead of London when it comes to creativity in cuisine. “I’m in Milan most weekends and it’s just so far ahead of England.”

ON THE RUNWAY

Stocks’ social media is not only filled with food, but also with fashion. Once, while cooking for Amazon founder, Jeff Bezos in New York, Tommy Hilfiger - one of the guests - asked if he wanted to do something with the brand. “I thought, ‘not really’ but ended up doing Fashion Week.” He’s since done London Fashion Week two or three times, as well as New York, Paris and Milan. Stocks quite enjoys being part of the fashion industry and said that food and fashion blend well.

Renate Engelbrecht

Images: Tegan Smith

“Prada has opened up cafés across the world; Dolce & Gabbana has got loads of restaurants in Italy; Armani has opened up restaurants all over the world; Chanel is starting to open cafés around the world.”

As we sat under the impressive ceiling installation at FYN restaurant, we could not help but imagine a runway underneath it. While Tempelhoff admits to always having many new ideas, this fusion of food and fashion was not one he seemed too keen on exploring. “I think you should carry on with the interview,” he laughed.

CUISINE, CULTURE & COMPASSION

THE BOSTON BOY’S COME HOME

Peter Tempelhoff is no stranger to South Africans. His entrepreneurial, food-forward mastermind is unparalleled. Born in Boston in the States, his parents moved to South Africa when he was one year old. He moved back to Canada as a teenager, but it wasn’t until his late twenties that he decided to cook.

Tempelhoff moved up to England when he was twenty-eight, where Marco Pierre White’s was the first European kitchen he’d worked in. Stocks arrived in the same kitchen a few months later. After a year and a half in London and another four years in the Midlands of England, Tempelhoff returned to London and opened his own business, which landed him a few awards. His wife, Angela then gave birth to their first child and they decided to move back to South Africa.

BOREDOM INSPIRES BOLDNESS

World’s 50 best Restaurants 2022, listing FYN at No. 37. It’s Africa’s first stand-alone Relais & Chateaux restaurant and last year it also got awarded the World’s Best Sustainable Restaurant Award. That’s only to name a few.

In addition to FYN, Tempelhoff also opened Ramenhead on the same premises, as well as Sushiya at the V&A Waterfront, and most recently, Beyond. The latter is located in the Constantia Winelands and serves as a nod to Tempelhoff’s classic European style.

A RELATIONSHIP WORTH CELEBRATING

“I only found out yesterday that he had children,” Stocks’ comment came from the side. “From the same woman!” Tempelhoff joked and they burst out laughing. More than twenty years down the line and we could still spot the mischief twinkling in their eyes.

CHRISTMAS IS COMING

Speaking of family, the holiday season is now in full swing and we couldn’t help but wonder what these two talented chefs have planned for Christmas.

Tempelhoff cooks turkey every year. “I grew up with it and now my kids love it.” Stocks, on the other hand, doesn’t like Turkey. “My kids don’t like it either. I find it quite bland.” He’d much rather cook goose or duck. “But we have whatever, really. We’re not traditionalists when it comes to Christmas dinner.”

According to Tempelhoff, they used to put so many things on the table, but over the years, it got less and less. Now, they just do turkey or lamb, with sage, onion and cranberries being the key ingredients of the season.

Classic French European, Italian and German cuisines are engrained in Tempelhoff’s being. But, he admitted to getting a bit bored over the years. “I think I have ADHD. I went to Japan in 2008 and like Jameson’s travels, that trip was genuinely profound.” He explained that the cultural aspect of the Japanese - the food they ate, their outlook on food and on life in general - stirred emotions within and put him on a new path. He’d always had some umami flavours in his cuisine, but it was only after he’d visited Japan that he realised how much he liked it. Ten years later - together with his business partners, Jennifer Hugé and Chef Ashley Moss - he opened FYN, knowing that there was a gap in the market for a Japanese-influenced South African restaurant.

GRABBING OPPORTUNITIES (AND AWARDS)

It was just after the Covid-19 lockdown that Tempelhoff got a notification from The

Jokes aside, there were few people who had a profound impact on Stocks’ life and Peter was one of them. Not only because he is a great chef, but also because of the compassion he’d shown. At the start of their careers, they did not have many days off. For Tempelhoff and his wife - whom Stocks had come to know dearly - it would have been normal to want to spend time together as a couple when they weren’t working. “But we did quite a lot of stuff together, didn’t we?” Stocks intuitively turned to Tempelhoff, clearly emotional. “Almost like out with mom and dad for the day,” he joked to keep it light.

Tempelhoff humbly added: “He went out with us a couple of nights. He was fifteen, remember. We took him under our wing a little bit…”

Although not related, they became family.

Back home, roasted chestnuts, cranberries and fruit are quite a big thing for Stocks. But, he loves a warmer Christmas with raw vegetables and barbeques too and he’s all for the “simple stuff.” In fact, he said: “Simplicity is the best way. I think Christmas and festive and seasonal food is actually more about the people around the table than what’s on the table. As long as everyone likes it, you’re in good company.”

MAKING MEMORIES

In contrast to Stocks, Tempelhoff is a traditionalist when it comes to Christmas. “When we first got here in South Africa in the 80s, we were in Durban and there was no turkey available. It was roasting hot. We got a bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken on Christmas Day and we went to go sit on the beach.” If his mom couldn’t get turkey for Christmas, KFC was the next best thing. Interestingly, KFC is a popular Christmas dinner in Japan. “We’re actually going to be there over Christmas this year, so we’ll get Kentucky in Tokyo!” Tempelhoff exclaimed, clearly excited about new memories to be made.

Stocks’ early Christmas memories are few, having left home at such a young age. He’s been making many special memories with his two boys, though. “Because I didn’t have a great childhood, I make sure that my children have a great childhood.”

As the two chefs got to catch up while making Ramen, we simply watched while memories, ideas and surprises rolled over them and lit up their faces. It was magic. The memories were raw and real; their laughs were contagious and filled with emotion and somehow, we were happy to have been part of something that felt a bit like a full-circle moment in the culinary space. H

INYALA SPA

PEACE AND HARMONY FOR THE SOUL AT THE CRADLE BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Driving along the outskirts of Joburg, discovering a sanctuary a stone’s throw away from the city’s madness seems bizarre. Yet, the winding road and tall trees that lead to the Cradle Boutique Hotel’s Inyala Spa emulate a feeling of peace - one that seeps into your soul. Driving there has proven to be key in creating the harmonious atmosphere the recently launched haven has swiftly become known for.

Nestled within the heart of the Cradle of Humankind - a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the boutique hotel adds great value to eco-tourism in the region. Anyone visiting will instantly notice the hotel’s seamless integration within the Greater Cradle Nature Reserve, with its roaming plains game and general nature conservation.

Just as you’ve parked your car in the shade of a leafy tree, a golf cart awaits to transport you to where you need to be. Explorers that we are, we decided to take the road less travelled and rather walked down to the spa on a footpath, neatly laid out with natural rocks.

The sweet scent of the surrounding Acacias hovered in the air and our eyes lit up at the holistic view of the reserve as monkeys swung in the trees next to us.

Natural incense and aromatherapy oils hit our senses as we pushed the glass door leading to Inyala Spa open. Greeted by friendly faces, we couldn’t help but gleefully dance our way in. We pranced around in the pink gown and slippers provided, whilst marvelling at the different elements the spa offered.

Opting for an aromatherapy massage, we were guided to the treatment rooms outside. After walking past the inviting manicure, pedicure and facial stations, we settled into a cozy room located at the natural pool and

look-out deck. All we could hear was Inyala’s low-fi atmospheric tunes and natural melodies as we slowly sank deeper and deeper into relaxation mode.

After one of the best massages we’ve had in a long time, our therapist, Nkazimulo led us to a lounging chair where we made ourselves comfortable for some quiet amongst nature. Here, we simply soaked in the sun, breathed in deeply and listened to the sound of trickling water and birdsong.

When the time came to return to reality, we leisurely hopped onto the back of a golf cart and started contemplating our next visit. H

Q @cradleboutiquehotel

Hello, Good Stuff 48 Hour Hydro

#HelloLifestyle by Victoria Hill Images: Victoria Hill

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

WIN with Inyala Spa. Scan the QR Code to learn more.

F45 TRAINING

An honest review of our three-month fitness journey with F45 Training.

If you asked us to come up with a reason why we shouldn’t hit the gym today, we’d probably hit you with our best shot. Lack of time, fatigue, the fear of injury, no wingman… Many people refrain from going to the gym because they lack confidence when it comes to skills and equipment. And yes, some of us are just plain lazy. There, we said it.

F45 Training’s fitness offering pretty much solves each and every one of these predicaments. In fact, it’s been our saving grace when it comes to exercise for the past three months. Apart from reconnecting with old friends and making some new friends, we’ve also become much more confident in the way we train and the way we think about fitness.

F45 WATERKLOOF

F45 Training has numerous studios across the country. Pretoria’s F45 Training Waterkloof is conveniently located and even boasts relatively easy access to the highway. Based on the second floor of the Cherry Lane Shopping Centre, the space is packed with all the latest fitness equipment. It even has screens which you can link up with your smart watch to keep an eye on your heart rate while breaking a sweat! Not to mention the screens on which you can track your training stations and get an idea of specific exercises and the equipment required. If you feel overwhelmed or uncertain, there are always two expert trainers at your beck and call throughout the workout.

MAKE TIME

While we might have failed at the quest of training six days a week for three months, we’ve still come out stronger physically and mentally from training once or twice per week. In all honesty, when your fitness centre is not exactly on your daily drop off route and the session times you can book via the app don’t gel with your calendar, exercise often takes a back seat. But, it shouldn’t.

Through our recent journey with F45 Training, we’ve come to realise (again) that exercise is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. You need to make time for it, no matter what.

TAKE-AWAYS FROM TRAINING WITH F45:

- It helps to have a community - people who train with you and keep you accountable.

- Don’t expect to lose weight instantly. The training sessions are balanced between strength and cardio and initially, you might even pick up some weight. Just keep at it.

- Plan your week, book your training slots on the F45 app and commit.

- To truly see results, be sure to keep an eye on your diet. You are what you eat.

In the end, fitness isn’t an end goal. It’s a journey. While it will have its ups and downs, it’s about continuously moving forward. H

#HelloPretoria by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Renate Engelbrecht, Supplied

HOBBIES, BOOKS, PODCASTS, SONGS AND FILMS TO KEEP

HOBBIES & HABITS

STARTANEWHOBBY:JOURNALING

We’ve been looking for a hobby that will allow us to slow down during the Festive Season and we thought we might attempt journaling. But, getting started might not be as easy as you think… The first lesson we learned when we started researching the topic, was that there is a difference between keeping a diary and journaling.

1

A journal is more than just keeping a diary. It’s about painting the full picture of your experiences. A good way to kick off your journaling hobby, is to start with a travel journal. That way, you can use it as a canvas to draw a picture of where you were, with words.

2

Speaking of painting pictures, you can also do that by means of adjectives and metaphors, detailing the tastes of exotic food, the sounds of bustling markets, the interesting conversations you had with locals, the feel of the beach’s sand under your feet.

3

A journal can also serve as a repository for what you’ve learned - whether it’s tips and tricks from a recent trip or lessons from a challenging time in your life.

4

A reading journal can be just as transformative! Jot down quotes, key points and takeaways, or write about how the book you’re currently reading, makes you feel, which characters you are drawn to or how you can relate.

5

Who said journals are only for words? You can also have a creativity journal. In essence, it’s a treasure trove of inspiration and reflection. In an article on duncanandstone.com Garrett Peters says: “Whether you knit, scrapbook, or woodwork, journaling can enrich your crafting experience.”

Don’t let these limit you. You can also take up fitness journaling, jot down reflections around mindfulness and motivation, set goals and track progress, create visual collections and plan new projects. There are also many journaling tools online, with various journaling prompts to get you started.

MOVIE MADNESS

If you’re a fan of the opera, the new season of The Met: Live in HD features stunning opera productions from the stage to the big screen. Peter Gelb, the Met’s Maria Manetti Shrem General Manager, says: “What began as an experiment seventeen years ago, has become a staple experience for opera lovers all over the world. Our 2024-2025 season in cinemas reflects how opera is changing at the Met, where we’re balancing timeless classics with accessible new work that is advancing the art form and attracting younger and more diverse audiences.”

Keen to explore the world of opera? You can watch these world-class productions at Bedford and Rosebank Nouveau in Johannesburg, Brooklyn Mall in Tshwane, Gateway in Durban, Garden Route Mall in George, Somerset Mall in Somerset West and Blue Route and V&A Waterfront (livestream) in Cape Town.

22 and 24 December 2024: TOSCA (Puccini) 16 and 18 February 2025: AIDA (Verdi)

Tickets are available online: www.sterkinekor.com

Q @sterkinekor

BOOKS ON OUR RADAR

SPUD – THE REUNION: AN IN-DEPTH INTERVIEW WITH JOHN VAN DE RUIT

While many Spud readers initially thought it was a nasty prank, we’ve heard it from the horse’s mouth. It’s true. Spud is returning! This time, ten years down the line. With it comes a lot of twists and turns and we acquired some nifty details from the author himself: John van de Ruit. In an in-depth interview, he talks about how the idea of Spud – The Reunion came about, how he relates to the character, Spud, what life lessons one can expect from the book and more.

You might be wondering whether Spud has really moved on after ten years… Well, van de Ruit says: “Yes, he has. Or at least he believes he has. The problem for Spud is answering the question: ‘What exactly has he moved on to?’ The reunion only complicates matters – according to Spud, that is.”

TURN UP THE MUSIC

MAJOZI’S REASON, FT EARLY B

Recently released, Majozi’s deeply personal single - in collaboration with the acclaimed rapper, Early B - touches on themes of mental health, vulnerability and self-acceptance. Majozi says the song, called REASON, is a reminder to everyone – including himself – that it’s okay to feel how you feel and to share those emotions. “Ultimately, you are loved and enough.” He hopes this final single from his widely praised album ‘A Great Exchange’ leaves a lasting impact. Early B adds to the sentiment, saying: “We are all here for a reason – we aren’t here by chance or luck and the reason for REASON is to help everyone believe it.”

UP AT NIGHT WITH DANIEL BARON

Daniel Baron’s latest single is set to keep you up at night, designed to ignite dance floors worldwide with a blend of genres. UP AT NIGHT is a sultry, high-energy pop-club banger that brings the artist back to his dance anthem roots and serves as a hypnotic love letter wrapped in irresistible beats. The chart-topping, triple SAMA nominated pop sensation has also been making waves behind the scenes, achieving five number-one hits as producer, working on various projects for other artists. About his latest single, he says: “I wanted to write about how the euphoria of being addicted to someone’s love can literally keep you up at night – the rush, the intensity, the love-drunk obsession, and how music can magnify every emotion. UP AT NIGHT is all about that energy you can’t shake off.”

Q

@danielbaronsa

Scan the QR Code here to read the full interview.

CAROLINE LEISEGANG

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: supplied

It was early on a summer’s morning when we phoned the composer, Caroline Leisegang. The interview had been set up a week before and we couldn’t wait to learn more about her new album, Comes the Night. Her voice was friendly and every now and then, we could hear a toddler’s voice in the background. Suddenly, we wished life had allowed us to meet up for coffee instead that we could get a glimpse of that which inspires Leisegang’s resonating musical compositions.

It’s been ten years since the release of her debut album and her 2.2 million streams on Apple Music proves that her music is well received globally. She affirms, though, that working on the albums following her first (which was a great hit), definitely served as a learning curve. She learned “how to write and still keep the same level of integrity of the first album, and [to] let it grow and evolve and let the compositions speak for themselves.”

consuming the universe,” she says, “and from what you see and hear, you get to take it, absorb it and make it into something.”

Her inspiration for Comes the Night largely came from a book, though. A coming-of-age story about a 21-year-old girl in Paris. “I think of the album as a coming of age in terms of my music too,” Leisegang says. “A reintroduction to Caroline, the composer.” In fact, she says the final piece on her new album gives the listener the impression that there is unfinished business. “It’s asking people to stick around to hear what comes next,” she explains.

THE FREEDOM OF BEING YOURSELF

It took her a while to get past her first release and to allow herself to unravel and give herself more freedom to be a composer. The journey toward finding this freedom is not always an easy one.

YOU NEVER HAVE ANY RESOLUTION WITH YOUR CHILDREN. THEY WILL HUMBLE YOU.

Leisegang describes herself as “not extremely classical, traditionally.” In fact, she says her works are normally the “weird in-between pop-songs of classical music.” Ultimately, her aim is to release music that people want to listen to; music she is proud of. “To navigate that and the market in South Africa was a challenge,” she admits. “But then, I am always pleasantly surprised at the positive feedback.”

INSPIRED BY LIFE

As a musician and composer, Leisegang lives with her heart and her ears close to things that capture emotion and draw one in. That includes the simple acts of watching series, as much as it does listening to birdsong. “You’re constantly

Leisegang was a ‘pandemic mom,’ with her daughter being born during the Covid-19 pandemic, which evidently also influenced the works on her latest album. Hence, she describes Comes the Night as a rather selfish album, as much of the compositions were inspired by everything that happened to her personally at the time. “There’s been such a contrast of light and dark and that’s what I wanted to capture in the music,” she says. “Something unsettling in the world. Becoming a mom and my relationship with my child. That little personality with her own dreams and requirements.” The album captures the essence of the world, unable to keep still. “Everything was moving, but I was stuck,” she says. “Opinions and fights on socials;

LIFE AND MUSIC INTERTWINED

me just trying to find my own voice amidst everything.”

Luckily, Leisegang did not have to put her frustrations into words and navigate the cancel culture online. Instead, she poured her frustrations into her compositions and what came of it, is an album that the ear can follow like one would read a book. Her new album displays honesty, self-discovery and the freedom of being herself in every staccato, every crescendo and every ‘unfinished’ bar.

THE MUSICAL METAPHOR OF MOTHERHOOD

One of Leisegang’s favourite pieces on her latest album is called Victorine. “I took a piece from the first album and rearranged it with strings. Really, it’s about motherhood, and that 90% of the time, you’re at a constant friction with your toddler. There is no resolution in this piece - it just goes on and on for six minutes and then it just stops. It’s the perfect musical metaphor for motherhood. You never have any resolution with your children. They will humble you; tell you what they think and want. There is no way to reason with them.” She describes the piece as uncomfortable, tense, but beautiful.

MUSIC WITH MEANING FOR ALL

While this album is ultimately an iteration of her own story, she would love to see listeners take it and make it the soundtrack to their own lives. “That’s the only thing you can really hope for - for people to make the music their own.”

Since she’s used more strings in her latest compositions, Leisegang hopes that listeners will enjoy the contrast and that the slower tempo and new sound will resonate with them.

Keep an eye on Leisegang’s social media for concert dates - both locally and internationally - in the new year. H

CELEBRATE WITH THE FINEST

A guide to this Festive Season’s must-have whiskies

Looking for a standout holiday gift? Treat the whiskey lover in your life to something exceptional with our curated selection of premium whiskies for the Festive Season. From rich and complex single malts to unique, flavour-infused blends, each bottle offers a journey of taste that goes beyond the ordinary.

SAMUEL GELSTON’S IRISH WHISKEY

Samuel Gelston’s Blended Irish Whiskey, crafted with a blend of 10% Irish malted barley and 90% grain, delivers a smooth, flavour-rich experience. Founded in 1830 by Belfast merchant, Samuel Gelston, this whiskey is triple distilled and aged in premium ex-bourbon oak casks, offering a refined natural sweetness. The aroma hints at fruit, candied sweets and dry spice, which evolves into a palate of honey, grain and nuts, finishing with a long, elegant warmth. Introduced to South Africa in 2021, it’s already celebrated, winning silver at both the 2021 San Francisco and 2022 London Spirits Competitions. R282, www.liquordrop.co.za

#HelloLifestyle by Justyn Spinner Images: Supplied

GRANT’S SUMMER FLAVOURS

Grant’s Whisky’s vibrant Summer Flavours range arrived just in time for the Festive Season. The exciting range features two refreshing expressions: Summer Orange and Tropical Fiesta, perfect for warm-weather gatherings. Grant’s Summer Orange blends their classic Scotch with natural orange flavours and Sicilian orange extract, delivering a lively, citrus-forward taste that’s ideal for summer cocktails. Their Tropical Fiesta brings a tropical twist, with hints of pineapple, mango and citrus, woven into the smooth character of their blended Scotch. R229, www.grantswhisky.com/za

POGUES IRISH WHISKEY

Pogues Irish Whiskey is a bold blend that embodies the rebellious spirit of its namesake, an Anglo-Irish Celtic punk band. Crafted in collaboration with renowned distillers Barry Walsh and Frank McHardy, this 50/50 blend of grain and single malt whiskey appeals to a younger crowd, particularly those aged 25 - 35. Produced by West Cork Distillers, one of Ireland’s few independent distilleries, it’s handmade in small batches using traditional copper stills. With its roots in Irish poetry and punk, The Pogues Whiskey is celebrated as the only premium Irish spirit that captures the soul and fire of Ireland’s rebellious heart.

R348, www.liquordrop.co.za

PEAKY BLINDER IRISH WHISKEY

Peaky Blinder Irish Whiskey carries the legacy of Birmingham’s historic Black Country, where the Sadler family has been brewing and distilling since 1861. The brand’s story intertwines with the infamous Peaky Blinder gang, who frequented Sadler’s pubs in the early 1900s. Paying homage to this heritage, the label features Stephen McHickie, a well-known gang member. Launched in South Africa in 2021, this whiskey blends grain and single malt Irish whiskeys, aged for three years in bourbon casks, offering a smooth, rich flavour that appeals to whiskey lovers with a taste for history and intrigue.

R330, www.liquordrop.co.za

MANSAS WHISKY

Mansas is a premium African whisky, crafted in a bourbon style with a distinctive regional touch. Sourced from local grains like yellow maize from Mpumalanga and ancient African sorghum, Mansas celebrates tradition while pushing boundaries. It’s aged in reconditioned ex-red wine barrels in KwaZulu-Natal’s tropical climate, accelerating the maturation process. The whisky opens with warm notes of caramel and vanilla, transitioning to a rich, full-bodied palate of roasted nuts and brown sugar. Spices like cinnamon and black pepper add depth, leading to a long, toasty finish with hints of chocolate and subtle smokiness - perfect for bourbon fans seeking a unique experience.

R469, www.ngf.co.za

JAMESON TRIPLE TRIPLE

Jameson’s newest premium addition - the Triple Triple Chestnut Edition - has been exclusively launched in South Africa. Crafted at Midleton Distillery in County Cork, this unique whiskey is triple distilled and expertly blended from ex-Bourbon and Oloroso sherry casks, along with specially selected sweet chestnut casks. The chestnut influence imparts luxurious notes of toffee, cacao and toasted almonds, delivering a smooth, velvety profile, characteristic of Jameson’s renowned quality.

R449, www.ngf.co.za

THE PERFECT FESTIVE GIFT FOR THE MAVERICK

This Festive Season, give the gift of distinction with Glenfiddich, the world's most awarded single malt Scotch whisky. With its rich heritage and innovative spirit, Glenfiddich is the perfect choice for those who defy convention and appreciate luxury, craftsmanship and bold flavours. Our top picks include the approachable Glenfiddich 12-Year-Old, a harmonious blend of fruity sweetness and delicate oak, ideal for whisky novices (R679). For a more adventurous palate, the Glenfiddich 15-Year-Old Solera Reserve offers rich layers of sherry oak and spices (R979). At the same time, whisky connoisseurs might enjoy the Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old Small Batch Reserve, which boasts complex dried fruit and oak notes, perfect for refined tastes (R1999). Those who truly seek luxury will appreciate the Glenfiddich Grand Château 31-Year-Old Limited Release - a rare masterpiece aged in Bordeaux casks and a treasure for the discerning maverick (R40 000). www.glenfiddich.com

COMO CLUB

AN ESCAPIST CULINARY EXPERIENCE ALWAYS LEAVING YOU WANTING MORE

AMediterranean atmosphere enveloped us as we stepped inside. It did not matter that we were standing in the middle of Morningside Shopping Centre in the forever chaotic city of Johannesburg, as Club Como instantly transported us elsewhere. Shell-lined curtains and deconstructed statues donning the walls contributed to a feeling of peace, with inviting hues and an intriguing sense of wander luring us in.

The one-of-a-kind bar had a hypnotic effect with a glistening onyx backdrop. This feature was reminiscent of captured sunshine and displayed rows upon rows of delectable spirits. A glimpse into the kitchen revealed the masterminds behind perfectly curated plates floating around the restaurant, each garnished with an edible flower too pretty to consume.

Nestled into a booth in the centre of the vibrant space, we scanned the expansive menu. Spotting cuisine from Greece, Portugal, Italy and Spain, there was something to satisfy every craving. Like with its magical power of transporting one to another place, Club Como also miraculously turns traditional dishes into fashionable feasts.

Sipping on a delightfully refreshing frozen Aperol Spritz, we glanced around the neighbouring tables. A business meeting had been elevated with seafood platters and crystal-like glasses with tequila on ice, scattered across the table. Two friends had just received their signature mains, gleefully squealing. The Lamb Chop Tomahawk looked delicious whilst the grilled prawns seemed just as delectable. Like a goddess on

#HelloJoburg by Victoria Hill

Images: Simone Dorfman

her thrown, a woman seated at a table in front of us was sipping on a cocktail complete with smoke plumes spiralling in every direction. Come to think of it, everyone looked powerful and pristine as they dined at Club Como.

Table stewards, managers and the gentlemanly owners all ensured that their patrons were informed. In fact, recommendations came in all forms, depending on your preference. Whether it is meat, fish or vegetarian you’re after, Club Como has a thorough list of options for each. We decided on a collection of small plates instead of a main course, because we couldn’t stand the thought of not trying more than one dish.

Soon, our table was filled with small plates - Halloumi, drizzled with a hot honey butter, as well as Short Rib Arancini topped with grated Parmesan. The enticing Fillet Hummus was divine whilst the signature mussels were drenched in a delicious, zesty limoncello broth. In addition, the revolutionary deep-fried Tempura Prawn

Sushi had us flying high and our sense of quality was redefined permanently by the homemade Greek Baklava which was simply out of this world.

Apart from the extraordinary food and imaginative cocktails that danced around the dining space, it’s the intangible aspects of the experience that truly differentiate this restaurant from others. Like a magnet, it draws you in and before you know it, you’re hooked. Even on this random Tuesday afternoon, Club Como was packed and an underlying current had everyone buzzing with an all-consuming energy. Most fascinatingly, this intense sensation lingered even long after we’d departed from Club Como, giving new meaning to a dining experience that leaves lasting impressions.

Club Como is where the ancient has become the modern. Here, one dining experience will never be enough. H

JOBURG

A TRULY COSMOPOLITAN CITY

Discover the best of Joburg’s dining, nightlife, shopping and unique experiences with our curated guide to the city’s hottest spots. From luxury Italian dining and steampunk-inspired spaces to elevated sushi and vibrant cocktail bars, Joburg has something for every taste and style.

FAVOURITE MUNCH SPOTS

SINN RESTAURANT

SINN at the LXX Sandhurst Centre is redefining Italian dining with a bold, steampunk-inspired ambiance that blends intimacy and intrigue. Led by Chef Enrico Persegani, who recently moved from Italy to bring his unique culinary vision to Joburg, SINN’s menu is an exciting mix of local ingredients and daring flavours. This isn’t just a meal - it’s an immersive experience, with dishes that playfully combine tradition and innovation. Creative cocktails round out the experience, making SINN the go-to spot for diners seeking luxury with a twist. If you’re in Sandton, prepare to indulge your adventurous side at SINN.

1 www.sinn.restaurant Q @sinn.restaurant

#HelloJoburg by Justyn Spinner Images: Supplied

TRADEWINDS RESTAURANT AT NH SANDTON

Tradewinds Restaurant at NH Sandton has redefined luxury dining by offering a fivecourse menu that balances gourmet flavours with accessible pricing. This culinary journey is both refined and approachable, crafted to appeal to diners seeking rich textures and flavours without the high-end price tag. The standout dishes include Crusted Venison with Apricot Chutney, Mushroom Risotto infused with Truffle Essence, Tamarindglazed Eggplant with Turmeric Popcorn, and Pan-seared Salmon accompanied by Passionfruit Beurre Blanc. The finale?

Vanilla Crème Brûlée, elevated with Mango Pearls and a Medley of Berries. Tradewinds is the perfect choice for an unforgettable dining experience in Sandton.

1 www.nhhotels.com Q @nhjohannesburgsandton

KANPAI

Raise a glass to good times at Kanpai, the Asian tapas and bubbles bar on Rosebank’s Keyes Art Mile. Celebrating South Africa’s rich Cap Classique heritage, Kanpai serves up a selection of fine sparkling wines paired with Asian-inspired tapas for a oneof-a-kind tasting experience. Whether you're a connoisseur of bubbles or simply love vibrant settings, Kanpai offers a festive atmosphere perfect for gatherings with friends. Each dish is crafted to elevate the tasting experience, making Kanpai the go-to spot for anyone looking to add a touch of sparkle to their evening.

1 www.kanpaisa.co.za Q @kanpai_sa

FOR A TIPPLE

OKIO AND THE BELLUCCI LUXURY LOUNGE

At OKIO and Bellucci Luxury Lounge in Sandton, nights are anything but ordinary. This luxe nightlife destination offers two distinct experiences under one roof: OKIO Nightclub, complete with private seating, a marble bar and VIP champagne lounges, and the intimate Bellucci Lounge, perfect for private celebrations and cocktails with friends. Both spaces exude sophistication, inviting guests to immerse themselves in unparalleled luxury. From meticulously crafted cocktails to an ambiance that’s both energetic and refined, OKIO and Bellucci deliver an upscale night out for Joburg’s socialites.

1 www.okio.co.za Q @okio_sandton

PIGALLE BY VILLAMOURA

Pigalle by Villamoura, a cherished name in Sandton’s dining scene, has reopened under new ownership, now fully Halaal certified. Known for its premium cuisine and exceptional service, Pigalle is bringing fresh energy to the table, with a new sushi bar offering innovative takes on Japanese favourites. A stylish shisha and cigar lounge has also been added, providing patrons with a chic space to unwind. The menu continues to reflect the restaurant’s high standards, blending international and local flavours for a memorable dining experience.

1 www.pigalle.co.za Q @pigallevillamoura

FEAST BY THE LAKE, TOAST BY THE BEACH

BEACH BAR

NEW ORLEANS, COCKTAIL

BAR & GRILL AT CARNIVAL CITY

New Orleans Cocktail Bar & Grill at Carnival City brings a taste of jazz-infused glamour to Joburg’s East Rand. Inspired by the jazz greats, this cocktail bar and grill combines all-day gourmet dining with creative cocktails in a stylish setting. Live jazz on Friday and Saturday evenings and DJ sets late into the night make New Orleans a new go-to for music-lovers who also enjoy good food and having fun. With a relaxed, yet sophisticated vibe, this venue is perfect for unwinding, celebrating or simply enjoying a soulful night out.

1 www.neworleans.co.za Q @new_orleans_za

LA PARADA EMPERORS PALACE

At La Parada in Emperors Palace, the spirit of festivity is alive with vibrant tapas and expertly crafted cocktails. This upscale bar and restaurant is all about living well, gathering with friends and savouring life’s little pleasures in style. With a menu that emphasises small-plate dining and a lively atmosphere, La Parada is the perfect place for an evening of shared plates, laughs and unforgettable moments. It’s a spot where food and atmosphere come together to create an experience that’s both luxurious and full of heart.

1 www.laparada.co.za Q @laparadaza

FESTIVE SEASON AT EASTGATE SHOPPING CENTRE

This December, Eastgate Shopping Centre is ready to bring the festive cheer with its “Be Present for the Fun” holiday experience. From 1 to 24 December, the centre transforms into a holiday wonderland, complete with Santa’s postbox, gift-wrapping stations and a festive parade that’ll entertain both the young and the youngat-heart. Families can enjoy photos with Santa and take part in activities that add a magical touch to the holiday season. It’s the ideal spot for festive shopping and holiday memories, with plenty of fun around every corner.

1 www.eastgateshops.com

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

PSYCHO BUNNY

Known for its vibrant designs and iconic neon bunny logo, Psycho Bunny has opened its first South African store in Sandton, bringing a bold new style to Joburg’s fashion scene. This menswear brand stands out for its adventurous and unapologetic approach to fashion, blending quality craftsmanship with striking colours and patterns. The Sandton store reflects Psycho Bunny’s ethos of living life audaciously, offering everything from classic polo shirts to edgy statement pieces. For fashionforward men with a taste for the extraordinary, Psycho Bunny is the go-to destination.

1 www.psychobunny.com Q @psychobunnyza

SWAROVSKI WONDERLUX

CONCEPT STORE

Swarovski’s new Wonderlux concept store at The Mall of Africa is a glittering paradise designed to mesmerise shoppers with sights, sounds and textures that celebrate the beauty of crystal. Inspired by Swarovski’s octagonal logo, the store features octagonal frames that showcase dazzling pieces - from jewellery to home décor and personal accessories. Each display feels like stepping into a dream, with crystal creations that embody elegance and enchantment. This immersive space is a treat for the senses, redefining luxury shopping as an art form, making Swarovski a mustvisit for anyone with a taste for the extraordinary.

1 www.swarovski.com Q @swarovski_ besparkle_sa

RING IN THE SEASON AT

COUNTRY HOTEL & RESTAURANT

Visit Thanda Manzi Country Hotel & Restaurant and ring in the Festive Season with a Family Fun Day Picnic, a Social Sunday Picnic or a Sip & Paint event.

FAMILY FUN DAY PICNIC

14 December 2024 | 1 January 2025

10:00 – 16:00

Includes face painting, a water slide, games, music, a special picnic-style menu and beverages.

SOCIAL SUNDAY PICNICS

Every Sunday

From 11:00

Set-up, snacks and special à la carte picnic menu available. Bookings essential.

SIP & PAINT

R375 per person | www.webtickets.co.za

All materials, including a complimentary glass of wine included. Make the most of our facilities and book a massage, enjoy a nature walk or dine at our riverside restaurant.

PICK ‘N PAY CLOTHING

Pick ‘n Pay Clothing’s flagship store at the Mall of Africa is a vibrant homage to African heritage, blending modern design with cultural elements. Golden ceiling panels honour Johannesburg’s title as the City of Gold, while tribal patterns and murals celebrate local artistry. This immersive space is as much about honouring tradition as it is about showcasing stylish, affordable fashion for everyone. With an expansive layout and design details that reflect Africa’s rich tapestry, the store promises a shopping experience that feels both unique and welcoming.

1 www.picknpayclothing.co.za Q @pick_n_pay_clothing

BIRKENSTOCK LAUNCHES ART&SOLE

If there is one brand that emulates the heart and soul of fashion, it’s BIRKENSTOCK. In celebration of 250 years of the tradition of shoemaking, the brand has launched their Art&Sole concept store at 44 on Stanley - the heartbeat of Joburg’s creative community. The experiential space commemorates the unique history of the brand, while also celebrating the work of local artists and designers, including the likes of Mpho Vackier, Naledi Modupi and Mandla Thabethe. The timeless craftmanship of BIRKENSTOCK’s original footbed design is showcased in this stunning space, where visitors can immerse themselves in the BIRKENSTOCK world and ‘put their feet in it’ until 16 December 2024.

1 www.birkenstock-group.com www.bashafrica.com Q @birkenstockza

FUN, FUN, FUN

FOOD JAMS AT EMPERORS PALACE

Food Jams at Emperors Palace is where cooking becomes a party! This interactive experience lets you and your friends dive into the culinary arts, with guidance that’s both fun and beginner-friendly. Located in the Feastivity Cooking Studio, Food Jams is perfect for groups looking to try something different. Whether you’re a budding chef or just want to chop and chat, Food Jams offers a lively, creative environment that’s all about having a good time. It’s a memorable way to bond, laugh and leave with some exciting new skills.

1 www.foodjam.co.za

Q @foodjamsofficial

FIND YOUR JAM AT EMPERORS PALACE

Food Jams has come to Johannesburg and it’s starting to sizzle!

Located at the Feastivity Cooking Studio at Emperors Palace, Food Jams is an exciting new cooking experience for foodies and the cookingimpaired alike.

Food Jams is a great alternative activity for those looking to unwind, socialise or simply learn a trick or two in the kitchen. It’s ideal for groups of friends or families looking to find something different to do and have fun in an environment that is often out of their comfort zone. More importantly, Food Jams is ideal for team building outings or company year-end functions. Think of Food Jams as your own private MasterChef Masterclass, where you get to have fun putting together a series of exotic dishes and then share the results.

The interactive cooking experiences are not just about savouring delicious flavours, but combining the power of cooking with a deep commitment to sustainability. It redefines what it means to indulge in your own unique creations while caring for our planet.

Food Jams at Feastivity hosts various signature events, with two taking place in December. These events are ideal for companies and corporates looking for something different, fun and interactive for a year-end event.

CHOOSE YOUR FOOD JAM FROM THE CALENDAR:

4 Dec: Journey to Japan Cooking Class

7 Dec: Hibachi Griller Cooking Class

For more information or to book, visit www.foodjams.co.za.

Food Jams is located at Emperors Palace, next to OR Tambo International Airport. Emperors Palace. The Palace of Dreams.

1 EmperorsPalace.com

For bookings and enquiries, contact: reservations@newmarkhotels.com www.newmarkhotels.com

SYRINGA PARK AT AVIANTO ESTATE

Syringa Park at Avianto Estate is a paradise for families and thrill-seekers alike, offering a range of activities that make it perfect for a day out or a corporate event. With a dedicated 4x4 track, 450-meter outdoor go-karting track and Gauteng’s largest kids’ play park, there’s something for everyone. Syringa Park’s fourteen restaurants and two bars ensure you’re well fed, while the family-friendly setup guarantees a safe, enjoyable experience for all ages. It’s the ideal venue for everything from vehicle launches to weekend outings, blending fun with a touch of luxury.

1 www.syringapark.co.za

Q @syringapark.co.za

GRILL AND CHILL:

DIY BRAAI AND BOND!

R595PP BRAAI BUFFET

For just R1200pp, elevate your Year End bash and go BIG!

What you get:

• Treats and eats stalls: spiral chips, donuts, waffles on a stick, slush puppies, popcorn, candy floss, soft serve, Amarula soft serve & iced coffee—indulge in all your faves!

• Team building fun: enjoy two exciting activities that’ll have you bonding and laughing all day.

• Don’t just wrap up the year—grill and chill your way with a celebration that’s nothing short of spectacular!

Ts & Cs apply. Bookings and enquiries email: lacuna.bistro@suninternational.com

THE LION & SAFARI PARK

The Lion & Safari Park in the Cradle of Humankind is a must-visit for anyone looking to get up close with South Africa’s wildlife. This iconic destination offers everything from guided and self-drive tours to giraffe feedings and antelope encounters. The park’s upgraded facilities include the Wetlands Restaurant, where you can dine with a view of roaming wildlife. For animal lovers and adventure seekers alike, the Lion & Safari Park provides an unforgettable experience, blending conservation with unique encounters in one of South Africa’s most beloved wildlife spots.

1 www.lionandsafaripark.com Q

AFFORDABLE SUMMER HOLIDAY PACKAGE!

This summer, Hotel Sky Cape Town & Sandton is breaking new ground with the launch of the city’s first-ever all-inclusive family escape packages, perfect for families looking to make the most of the holiday season without the usual high price tag.

SANDTON

Available from 12 December 2024 to 20 January 2025, families can now enjoy the best that Cape Town and Sandton has to offer. Hotel Sky’s 5-day and 7-day family packages offer unbeatable value and convenience for families of four, with dinner, bed, and breakfast included for 2 adults and 2 children—and kids under 14 stay and eat for FREE.

CAPE TOWN

Exclusive All-Inclusive Family Packages

• 5-day family package: R15 000 | 7-day family package: R20 000

• Package includes dinner, bed & breakfast for 2 adults & 2 children.

• Kids under 14 eat and stay for FREE.

• Includes a R500 fuel voucher for every booking.

• 5-day package: R9 700 | 7-day package: R13 500

• (Includes dinner, bed & breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children)

• Kids under 14 stay and eat FREE.

• R500 fuel voucher per family

TERRARIUM

Nature meets gourmet at the V&A Waterfront’s new fine-dining restaurant

#HelloCapeTown by Sharon Waugh Images: Supplied

As you enter the new restaurant at Newmark’s five-star Queen Victoria Hotel at the V&A Waterfront, there is no signage to indicate the name of the restaurant. Instead, in the entrance stands a large glass cube with a bonsai tree growing inside it – signage enough to prove that you’re at the right place. Meet Terrarium, the new venture led by renowned chef, Chris Erasmus as Chef Patron - previously responsible for the famed restaurant, Foliage in Franschhoek.

The interior blends contemporary elegance with natural elements, with numerous artworks by up-and-coming South African artists contributing to the theme while also being available for purchase. Carved wooden

sculptures, paper and wooden mobiles and abstract images painted with natural African pigments bring the outdoors indoors, tying in with the restaurant’s theme: A creative homage to nature.

A DINING EXPERIENCE ROOTED IN NATURE

After an expertly crafted cocktail in the lounge, we were led to our table where two rolled menus awaited, both eight courses in length. The Flora menu, consisting of vegetarian dishes, stands in an upright wooden container while the Fauna menu, consisting of ethically sourced meat and seafood dishes, emerges horizontally from a bone. Each menu highlights Chef Chris’ commitment to zero waste, with creative

presentations that play with textures, flavours and the unexpected.

After opting for the Fauna menu, dinner commenced with a West Coast oyster. This was complemented by a Pickle Juice Mignonette, made with recycled pickle juice instead of vinegar, which added a refreshing tang to the creamy oyster. In line with Chef Chris’ love of foraging, this was topped off with crispy sea lettuce. A parfait made from hake roe and panfried to mimic French toast completed the course. Both were perfectly paired with the Domaine Des Dieux Claudia Brut MCC, with its crisp acidity and delicate bubbles.

The next dish featured Fire-Roasted Beef Bone Marrow Butter with Parmesan Corn Flakes, served with chewy sourdough. The bone marrow butter provided a rich depth, offering a simple, but comforting and indulgent bite.

Then came the Tomato Tartare, a seemingly simple dish packed with surprises. Featuring layers of different tomato textures - pickled, confit, fresh and even tomato gummies (tomatoes, skinned and cooked at a low temperature) – this dish was served on a base of atchar, caramelised over fire. Topped with a whey vinaigrette derived from the

kitchen’s own cheesecakemaking process, this dish was a symphony of pungent, sweet and smoky flavours. This is one of a few examples where Chef Chris prepared the same ingredient in a number of different ways to really explore flavours and textures. The Delaire Graff Rosé, with its crisp acidity, balanced this course beautifully.

The Ceviche, a vibrant and refreshing dish, showcased the freshest Linefish, Herbed Tom Yum, Daikon Radish and Bonito Emulsion. It was light, bright, tender and delicious.

Florets from the Flora menu followed - a vegan creation of Broccoli and Charred Cauliflower Parfait. This dish was elevated by an innovative BBQ sauce crafted from watermelon juice and a burnt oak log, lending a sweet, smoky complexity that was unlike anything we’d tasted before. It was paired with Neethlingshof's Owl Post Pinotage.

A nostalgic nod to Chef Chris’ Foliage days, the BBQ Beef Brisket with Pomme Purée, Bone Broth and Burnt Shallot was soul-warming. The brisket, smoked for twelve hours, was tender and rich, accented by textures of charred and pickled onions and caramelised onion puree. The Vilafonté Seriously Old Dirt Red Blend complemented the dish’s rustic charm and refined flavours.

The warm Salted Oak Smoked Cheesecake caught us slightly off guard during the cheese course. But, once we got our heads around it being a savoury version, we enjoyed it for what it was. It was served with a Tomato Chutney Semifreddo and Sunflower Salad, presenting a medley of textures, temperatures and flavours.

The grand finale, Nougatine, was a delicate dessert of Rose Geranium and Honey Parfait, balanced by a Salted Mushroom

and Cocoa Custard. Topped with orange peel, honeycomb and burnt white chocolate, it offered a delightful crunch and natural sweetness. Group Sommelier, Marvin Gwese’s final pairing for the eveningthe Dak Wijn Fortified, known for its notes of dried apricot, peach and candied orangecomplemented the flavours well.

THE VISIONARY BEHIND TERRARIUM

Chef Chris Erasmus’ commitment to sustainable, nature-driven cuisine is palpable at Terrarium. Known as a nose-to-tail enthusiast, he sources from ethical farms, partners with small-scale fisheries to support sustainable practices and embraces lesserused cuts of meat to reduce waste and promote responsible farming. Together with Head Chef Anlou Erasmus, he has raised the bar for sustainable fine dining in Cape Town, positioning Terrarium as a destination for those seeking an elevated, eco-conscious culinary experience.

As a self-proclaimed country boy, relatively new to the city, Chef Chris has brought a slice of nature with him and it’s found flourishing at Terrarium. This special restaurant offers a feast for the senses - one that will linger long after the last bite. H

1 www.theterrarium.co.za Q @theterrarium_ restaurant

WIN,

WIN, WIN!

You can win a tasting menu (including wine) for two, valued at R3 590. To enter, scan the QR Code. Applicable to Capetonians only.

CAPE TOWN

#HelloCapeTown by Sharon Waugh Images: Supplied YOUR ULTIMATE FESTIVE GETAWAY –EVEN IF YOU LIVE

Over the holiday season, beaches, vineyards and mountains form the backdrop to endless summer days and incredible memories made!

FAVOURITE MUNCH SPOTS

MARBLE

Marble, the renowned live-fire eatery from Joburg, has just arrived in Cape Town, bringing its signature flair to the V&A Waterfront. This new rooftop venue, encased in glass, will treat diners to sweeping views of Table Mountain and the harbour. Interior director, Irene Kyriacou has designed a stylish, ultraluxe space where meat lovers can expect Marble’s distinct flame-grilled experience, featuring prime cuts and seasonal produce cooked to perfection. The Cape Town menu also sees the addition of lighter Mediterranean options like Paella and showcases an impressive selection of fresh, local seafood. With a Grillworks at its heart and a wraparound patio, Marble Cape Town promises an unforgettable dining experience, blending culinary excellence with unmatched views and ambience.

1 www.capetown.marble.restaurant

Q @marble_capetown

THE BEACH HOUSE, YZERFONTEIN

The Beach House at Yzerfontein is a new coastal gem from acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs, Darren Badenhorst and Callan Austin. Redesigned by Hayley Breytenbach, the space blends rustic charm with seaside elegance. With a commitment to sustainability and community, Chef Jacques Grove crafts a menu that’s both approachable and sophisticated. He celebrates the region’s unique flavours with wood-fired fish, freshly foraged herbs and mussels, as well as various options for meat lovers. Perched along the seemingly endless sixteen-mile beach, The Beach House captures the raw beauty and rich heritage of the West Coast with a refined touch.

1 www.beachhouserestaurant.co.za

Q @the_beach_house_yzerfontein

ROOI

One&Only has a new restaurant - a modern eatery that brings the essence of South Africa’s land and sea to the table with fire as its central theme - and they’ve fittingly dubbed it ROOI. This grillroom celebrates local heritage with sustainably sourced ingredients and inspired dishes, from aged mutton and Kalahari venison to flame-grilled rock lobster and masala-spiced kingklip. Led by Resort Chef Terrance Ford, the menu elevates the classic braai with creative flair. Like the food, the décor is locally inspired, blending artistry with natural elements. ROOI is where modern elegance meets our unique traditions for an experience of distinctly South African cuisine.

1 www.oneandonlyresorts.com/cape-town/ dining/rooi Q @rooi_capetown

GROOT PHESANTEKRAAL’S NEW RESTAURANT

Groot Phesantekraal’s new restaurant is a charming addition to the Durbanville winelands. The fourth-generation owners of one of the oldest wine farms in the region, André and Ronelle Brink, have relaunched their eatery to evoke a sense of hospitality that’s rich in local flavour, community and heart. Diners are welcomed into the beautifully restored 1767 mule stables, where original features like cobblestone floors blend seamlessly with contemporary décor. Here, Chef Germaine Esau crafts seasonal menus showcasing fresh, local produce with a focus on ingredients grown on the farm itself, paired with Groot Phesantekraal’s acclaimed wines, of course.

1 www.grootphesantekraal.co.za Q @grootphesantekraal

DE VIER

Nominated as one of Africa’s best new restaurants for 2024, De Vier (which means ‘The Four’) is an elegant, casual eatery that knows how to impress. Their menu is based on the simple idea of covering the bases of beef, chicken, seafood and vegan – the four elements the name originated from –well, with one dish that wows the crowds. Small plates, stoep snacks and thoughtful desserts round out the culinary journey. Sommelier, Charles Pohl curates the impressive wine list, while private chef, Wynand Van Rooyen's culinary skills elevate the dishes. It’s hard to define what makes this restaurant so irresistible, but it is a must-try for a relaxed, yet sophisticated Stellenbosch dining experience.

1 www.visitstellenbosch.org/ listing/de-vier-restaurant Q @devier_stellenbosch

FOR A TIPPLE

QUÉ LINDA

From the creators of Una Más, Qué Linda invites you to savour the flavours of Spain in the heart of Cape Town. The wine list consists of a curated selection of fine wines and locally produced Spanish varietals using Spanish grapes. They also specialise in Sangria and other grape-based cocktails with a proper selection of virgin options. Pair your beverage of choice with a selection of Spanish-inspired tapas and pinchos or other innovative dishes. Qué Linda offers a warm space to relish the spirit of Spain, one sip at a time.

1 www.quelinda.co.za Q @quelinda_restaurante

L’AVENIR

L’Avenir in Stellenbosch is an exceptionally beautiful wine estate that offers a serene escape with breathtaking views of rolling vineyards and a tranquil lake. The estate’s elegant tasting room pays homage to French bistro culture, blending French elegance with South African charm. The scenic gardens and lakeside setting invite you to relax with a crisp Chenin Blanc on a warm summer day, but it is their renowned Single Block Pinotage - crafted from the prized Block 2 vineyard - that is a must-try. With options for wine tastings, food pairings and platters, this wine farm is a feast for the senses.

Read our full review, here:

1 www.visitstellenbosch org/listing/lavenir country-lodge Q @lavenir_wine_estate

PICNICS AT CHARDONNAY DELI, UITSIG

Chardonnay Deli is a place that has earned a spot in the hearts of many Capetonians for its lovingly crafted deli cuisine and its three charming locations. What many don’t know is that you can now have a picnic at its latest location, Constantia Uitsig. Choose your spot on a carpet of sponge-like green grass and have a glass of wine against the backdrop of the Constantiaberg. Umbrellas and picnic blankets are provided. To complement the wine, three delicious picnic options are available, including a selection of meat, cheese or vegan options. Visitors are also welcome to order from the deli’s menu. If you’re lucky, you may even get a visit from the resident peacock!

1 www.chardonnaydeli.co.za/uitsig Q @chardonnay_deli

OBLIVION BAR & KITCHEN

Oblivion, a Cape Town institution, offers a vibrant rooftop experience with breathtaking mountain views. This European-style bar and eatery is the perfect spot to unwind with friends over handcrafted cocktails, a glass of fine wine or a refreshing craft beer from their in-house Barking Dog brewery. Signature cocktails like the Tulum at Noon and a Perfect-Serve Gin menu elevate the drinks experience, while the Aperitivo culture brings Italian-inspired after-work bites and sips to the table. With its lively atmosphere, stunning views and diverse drink offerings, Oblivion is a must-visit sundowner destination.

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

LITTLE HOUSE BOUTIQUE

Little House Boutique, with branches in Constantia Village and Cavendish Square, is a haven for discerning shoppers seeking unique, locally crafted treasures. This charming boutique curates a selection of homeware, jewellery, accessories, clothing, luxurious gifts and more, showcasing the talents of South African artisans. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, Little House Boutique offers a distinctive shopping experience where you can discover meaningful gifts for loved ones or a special treat for yourself.

1 www.littlehouseboutique.co.za Q @littlehouseboutiques

OKAPI

Okapi is a luxury lifestyle brand known for its exquisite leather goods, knitwear, gifts and accessories. Inspired by the Ubuntu philosophy, Okapi is committed to ethical practices and social impact. Not only does it empower communities through collaboration with local artisans, but it also promotes the sustainable sourcing of materials. As part of ‘The Art of Collaboration’ initiative, Okapi recently launched a new range of products, including evening bags with beadwork, felted handbags and super-luxurious Merino knitwear. Their products blend timeless elegance with contemporary design while celebrating creativity, diversity and the power of a collective vision.

1 www.okapi.com Q @okapi.africa

BRAAI BROEKIES

Summer in South Africa is braai season. If you’re wondering what to do when your hands get dirty from handling those mutton chops, this Cape Town-based company has come up with the solution. Now you can wipe your hands on your pants, guilt-free. The Braai Broekie brand’s pants are made from dishcloth fabric and have become so popular that they’ve now branched out into a whole range of dishcloth clothing items. These include shirts, hats, aprons and even socks! Not only do these make for excellent gifts, but they come with a side order of South African gees

1 www.braaibroekies.co.za | Q @braaibroekies

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TOKARA

CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF UNFORGETTABLE WINE TOURISM EXPERIENCES

Perched on the foothills of the Simonsberg Mountains, Tokara stands as one of the most picturesque destinations along the Stellenbosch Wine Route. This family-owned estate, celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024, offers a blend of world-class wines, exceptional cuisine and a deep connection to the landscape.

A LEGACY ROOTED IN PASSION

Tokara is the realisation of the vision of GT and Anne-Marie Ferreira, who embarked on a journey to create a space that embodies both beauty and excellence. Over the past quarter of a century, Tokara has grown into more than just a winery - it has become a reflection of the Ferreira family’s dedication to the craft of winemaking, respect for the land and an unwavering pursuit of perfection.

The estate’s sense of place is deeply tied to the terroir of the Simonsberg, where cool sea breezes meet the warmth of the valley, creating ideal conditions for producing exceptional wines.

WINE AND OLIVE OIL TASTINGS

At the heart of the Tokara experience is its tasting lounge where visitors are invited to embark on a curated journey through the estate’s portfolio of wines. From the vibrant whites and aromatic Sauvignon Blancs grown in the cool-climate Elgin region to the structured and refined reds of the Simonsberg, there is a wine for every palate.

Beyond the wines, Tokara is also celebrated for its premium olive oils. The estate’s thriving olive groves produce awardwinning extra virgin olive oil, which guests can explore during an olive oil tasting.

THE RESTAURANT AT TOKARA: WHERE CULINARY ART MEETS NATURE

A visit would be incomplete without a dining experience at The Restaurant, where acclaimed chef Carolize Coetzee creates dishes inspired by the natural bounty of the local countryside. Drawing from the estate’s own farm produce, Chef Carolize delivers an evolving menu that highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients. Her culinary philosophy is rooted in showcasing the flavours of the region, combining traditional techniques with a modern sensibility.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY DELIGHTS AT THE DELICATESSEN

For a more relaxed culinary offering, The Delicatessen provides a delightful escape for families and food lovers alike. Located within Tokara’s picturesque olive groves, this charming spot offers a wide selection of farm-fresh goods - from artisanal breads and local cheeses to delicious pastries and preserves. With its child-friendly environment, outdoor play area and an inviting atmosphere, The Delicatessen is perfect for a laid-back meal or a quick bite while enjoying the estate’s beautiful scenery.

A DESTINATION OF TIMELESS APPEAL

As Tokara celebrates 25 years of excellence, the estate continues to invite guests into its world of sophistication, natural beauty and innovation. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of its award-winning wines, the culinary masterpieces of The Restaurant or the relaxed charm of The Delicatessen, a visit to Tokara offers an unforgettable journey through the best that South Africa’s Cape Winelands has to offer. The Ferreira family’s dedication to creating an authentic sense of place ensures that every moment spent at Tokara is imbued with a sense of wonder, elegance and warmth.

FUN, FUN, FUN

STEENBERG

TAKES FLIGHT

For an unforgettable luxury adventure, Steenberg in the Constantia Valley has introduced the ‘Steenberg Takes Flight’ package. This unique offering includes a breathtaking helicopter tour over Cape Town’s iconic landmarks, from the V&A Waterfront to the scenic valleys of Noordhoek, departing directly from the Steenberg Hotel & Spa. Also included is a two-night stay, gourmet dining, indulgent spa treatments, a wine tasting, a complimentary bottle of Steenberg Lady R Cap Classique and the use of mountain bikes for exploring the estate’s 300-hectare grounds. This luxury package combines adventure, excitement and some pampering for a memorable mini break.

1 www.steenbergfarm.com Q @steenbergfarm

UBERSAFARI

Thanks to a unique partnership between Uber and Aquila Private Game Reserve, riders can now access an unforgettable half-day safari experience with just a tap. Booked through the Uber app, the UberSafari begins with a pick-up anywhere in Cape Town, leading you straight to Aquila’s reserve. Once there, you’ll switch to a classic safari vehicle and embark on an adventure guided by seasoned rangers, exploring the wild landscapes in search of the majestic Big Five. It's the perfect way to experience the thrill of a safari without the hassle of planning or having to drive yourself.

1 www.aquilacollection.com/uber-and-aquila-collectionlaunch-ubersafari

Q @aquilasafaris | Q @uber

STELLENBOSCH ART MILE

Stellenbosch has a new and exciting outdoor art gallery that is freely accessible to the public. The enchanting 1.6km route of the Stellenbosch Art Mile meanders along the Eerste River, featuring installations from renowned artists. Each piece has been selected for its creativity, sensory engagement and thematic connection to the theme ‘Tapestry of Time.’ As you meander along the route, you have the opportunity to explore and engage with the various installations. Each artwork tells a story, inviting you to slow down, reflect and connect with the environment. Visitors can dive deeper into the artworks via signage, information on the website or a guided tour.

1 www.artmile.co.za | Q @stellenbosch_artmile

THE MUSEUM OF DOGS

Cape Town has a new museum and it’s devoted entirely to man’s best friend. The Museum of Dogs may not be the biggest as far as museums go, but it’s big enough to teach you something, make you laugh and possibly shed a tear too. There are exhibits on the history of dogs in South Africa, dogs in pop culture and dogs in the White House, among others. The heart of the museum is on the upper level where a series of pedestals display various items and the real-life stories of the dogs connected to them. You can also record your own story in a memory book for possible inclusion in the displays. This is the only museum of its kind in the world and it’s a must-see for dog lovers.

1 www.museumofdogs.co | Q @museumofdogs_

DURBANVILLE WINE SAFARI

The Durbanville Wine Safari offers a fresh way to explore the picturesque Durbanville Wine Valley. With two dedicated routes and safari-style vehicles, guests can enjoy tastings, vineyard tours and stunning scenery, all while travelling safely and conveniently through Cape Town’s northern vineyards. This unique hop-on-hop-off experience invites visitors to craft their own journey, hopping between celebrated wine estates at their own pace. This is a great way to discover the region's renowned cool-climate wines and immerse oneself in Durbanville’s beauty.

1 www.durbanvillewinesafari.com Q @durbanville_wine_safari_

OSTRA OYSTER & CHAMPAGNE BAR COMFORTABLE ELEGANCE

Summer was in the air as we sipped on our Moët & Chandon. Eager to explore the neat new space that has made Pretoria’s The Club Retail its home, we were instantly consumed by the humble tones and textures that make for an almost Bohemian, yet sophisticated atmosphere. There aren’t many restaurants of Ostra Oyster & Champagne Bar’s caliber in Pretoria, let alone eateries where their fishmonger is literally next door!

Ramon Gouws - a culinary entrepreneur and visionary - and his partners, Riaan Smit and Henno van Wyk, bring some of the best seafood to Pretoria through their latest two ventures: Ostra Oyster & Champagne Bar, and its sister-deli, Pescheria Fishmonger. They fall under The FNDRY Social Co umbrella’s hospitality wing, which also includes The Goat in Hazelwood, Goat Parkhurst (opening in December), Bootlegger Coffee Co at the new Moreleta Corner and BAH (opening at Hazelwood’s The Village soon). While he is a wholesaler and supplies to many other dining destinations in the city (and beyond), you’re bound to get the best of the best right here.

Drifting through the space toward our table, live music by Cathy Del May served as backtrack for our arrival and later, tenor,

Stephan Louw, together with a string quartet, elevated the experience even further. The gentle notes - not only of the music, but also the cuisine - had our taste buds dancing gleefully to the beat.

Ponzu Oysters were served as canapés, stylishly plated with cucumber, mint and red onion. The first course followed with a Nobu Salad - paying homage to Chef Nobu Matsuhisa - with Sweet Prawns, Miso, Grana Padano, Baby Spinach and Truffled Yuzu Dressing. Delicate slices of Beef Carpaccio were gently placed on our

plates for the second course, accompanied by Arugula, Mushroom, Grana Padano, Ailoi, Lemon, EVO and Capers. Then, for the third course, we indulged in the Bouillabaisse - Line Fish, Crayfish, Bisque, Noilly Prat Liquor and Crusty Bread. The set menu’s fourth course came in the form of Lamb Rump, paired with Parsnip, Pomme Pave, Broccoli, Garlic, Parsley and Jus. Finally, a unique Tiramisu surprised our palates with its amalgamation of Dark Chocolate, Whipped Citrus Mascarpone, Espresso Ice Cream, Almond Biscotti and Brandy Caramel. As a take-home gift, we each also received a little black box with exquisitely made Jack Rabbit Chocolates.

Whilst we were served a set menu on opening night, the menu offers an array of choices, including sushi, poke bowls, fresh oysters and more. The meal complemented the restaurant’s interiors beautifully, echoing the seagrass-like greenery and neutrals; its stylish simplicity leaving lasting impressions. Those with an eye for detail might also spot influences of the ocean in the pillars’ tilework and Malawi Cane Chairs that speak to sustainability.

As one of Pretoria’s latest dining destinations, we recommend you add Ostra Oyster & Champagne Bar to the top of your list. H

#HelloPretoria

by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied

PRETORIA

We love how the holiday season drapes a blanket of calm across the city of Jacarandas every year. As its inhabitants migrate to the coast for Christmas and New Year, we often enjoy staying behind and exploring Pretoria’s hidden gems.

FAVOURITE MUNCH SPOTS

From quaint corners to glorious gathering spots, here’s what to explore in Pretoria this holiday season.

#HelloPretoria by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied; Renate Engelbrecht

APPETITE

If you happen to be visiting Pretoria over the festive season and staying at Time Square’s Maslow Hotel (or just passing through), Appetite, the new hotel restaurant offers an array of delightful dining options for hotel guests and patrons alike. With a menu that’s been curated by Time Square Complex Executive Chef, Adrian Vaughn, you’re bound to find something that tickles your tastebuds. It combines traditional flavours and modern cooking techniques with culinary creativity and surprises diners with innovative dishes that will make you feel right at home. “From our interactive breakfast buffets to sophisticated à la carte options for lunch and dinner, we aim to create memorable moments with every dish,” says Vaughn. Before attending one of the big concerts at the SunBet Arena, why not gather at Appetite for some tapas? The Crispy Duck Bao Buns are definitely worth a try!

1 www.suninternational.com/ time-square Q @sun_timesquare

DIE KWEEKHUIS

Another new hotspot which was launched just in time for the holiday season, is Die Kweekhuis. Located on the Inside Out Campus on Old Johannesburg Road, it’s not only the ideal midway meeting spot between Joburg and Pretoria, but also most definitely a dining destination worthy of visiting at any time. With various events happening through the month, it’s a venue built for community and a space where people can come together to connect, grow and thrive. Essentially, Die Kweekhuis embodies the essence of a greenhouse - where life begins, where it’s nurtured and where you can find rejuvenation. Think freshly baked bread, family food nights, kids’ play areas, quiz nights, Pilates on the grass, free movie nights, pizzas in the park, lamb on the braai and even a proper Afrikaans sokkie in the square.

1 www.diekweekhuis.co.za Q @diekweekhuis_restaurant

ELVIS BREW

Singer-songwriter, Elvis Blue has launched his coffee shop, Elvis Brew in Pretoria too! Located at the popular Hazelwood foodie hub, The Village, this is Pretorians’ latest spot for their daily coffee fix. With its bright yellow signage, you can’t miss it, so be sure to pop in for that strong Americano or a creamy cappuccino. There’s even a little gift shop inside for those who need to get a gift on the go.

1 www.elvisbrew.co.za Q @elvisbrewco

UPPER EAST SIDE

Brand-new to Pretoria’s culinary scene, Upper East Side – located at the Forest Walk Shopping Centre – aims to bring foodies an experience that reaches beyond just dining. With checkered floors, twirling lights hanging from the ceiling and city silhouettes decorating the walls, it’s a space bound to surprise much more than just your palate. New York and Cape Town seem to be two main influencers of the space, blending the high life of the Big Apple with the laidback vibe of our very own Mother City and plating it beautifully in the heart of Pretoria. P.S. On Mondays and Tuesdays, Upper East Side has a Date Night special you need to know about. Get two starters, two mains and a bottle of wine for only R550, or add dessert for two and pay R650.

1 www.dineplan.com/restaurants/ upper-east-side Q @uppereastside_hazelwood_

FOR A TIPPLE

LOLITA’S SIDE CHICK

Officially launched early in November, Lolita’s Side Chick is the latest addition to Sean Barber’s Rockets family – this one, located at Time Square in Menlyn. The premium, after-hours club promises a luxurious nightlife experience, extending Rockets’ magic into the wee hours of the morning. Rockets Menlyn was launched in 2020 and soon became a leader in the competitive nightlife scene of the city, leveraging the expertise honed from their flagship in Bryanston and other locations.

Now, Lolita’s Side Chick, open between 02:00 and 06:00, allow those who aren’t ready to go home to enjoy an additional, exclusive afterhours vibe. The name means ‘Little Layla’ and reflects Rockets’ famous playful, yet elegant ambiance while adhering to its ethos: Combining top-tier service and experience with a vibrant atmosphere. This elite drinks destination is perfect for those who want to escape into a collision of style and indulgence.

HAZELDEAN BREWING COMPANY

Open Thursdays through to Sundays, Hazeldean Brewing Company’s Brewery Taproom is where you can taste true locally crafted beers. It’s also where you can expect some out of the ordinary beers and beerinspired tipples, like their Apricot Sour – a wonderfully fruity and sour craft beer – as well as their Bicicleta (which means Bicycle in Italian). The latter is a recently introduced cocktail, named after the elderly men who swerved all over the road while riding home after a few afternoon drinks. The team at Hazeldean Brewing explains: “In traditional aperitivo style, the cocktail mixes Campari (delightfully bitter complexity) with dry white wine, while a splash of club soda turns the combination into a refreshing spritz for all the Hazeldean Valley Trails patrons.” 1

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

MO’S CRIB

While their handmade baskets and other proudly South African home accents are available at shops like @home, Woolworths, Mr Price Home, Crate & Barrel and Target, Mo’s Crib is actually located just outside of Pretoria. The brand’s co-founder, Morongwe (Mo) Mokone was presented with the prestigious Veuve Clicquot Bold Woman Award 2024 this year – an award that recognises her relentless determination and boldness in the face of adversity. She co-founded Mo’s Crib with her sister, Michelle and says: “This recognition by Veuve Clicquot is not just a personal achievement, but a testament to the resilience and determination required to navigate and succeed in the entrepreneurial world. Cheers to creating sustainable products and jobs in South Africa!” We highly recommend supporting Mo’s Crib this holiday season and to keep an eye on their Instagram page as they often host factory sales. In fact, they have one at their factory on Graham Road from 6 to 10 December, between 09:00 and 16:00 daily.

1 www.moscrib.co.za

Q @mos.crib

MORELETA CORNER

Previously known as Moreleta Plaza, the recently launched Moreleta Corner on the corner of Garsfontein Road and Rubenstein Drive is a re-imagined centre with a strong mix of tenants. While the location has always served as an integral part of the Pretoria community, it’s now been elevated with a variety of shops. These include Checkers Fresh X, a Medi-rite pharmacy, Volpes, Spur, The Crazy Store, SkinPhD, Incredible Clothing, NeoVision and more. Be sure to swing by.

1 www.moreletacorner.co.za

Q @moreletacorner

ESKORT

The brand recently turned 107 years old and with that, the antibiotic-free pork producer turned it into one big celebration with various stunts. From 107 cakes made entirely from sausages and bacon and a 107-second bacon ASMR video, to 107 gift drops across the country and more, it was sure a birthday celebration of note. Eskort started in 1917 in the small KwaZulu-Natal town, Estcourt. Today, they employ 2200 people and they have shops all over South Africa, including Pretoria’s own at the recently launched Castle Gate Lifestyle Centre. With such a rich history in pork chops, ribs, eisbein and gammon, Eskort is way more than just bacon. Still, what is breakfast without their streaky bacon, right?

1 www.eskort.com Q @eskortfood

PRETORIA BOEREMARK

It’s been an institution for years and there are still some Saturday fun to be had for 2024. The Pretoria Boeremark’s Christmas Night Market will be taking place on 18 December from 14:00 until 21:00. Thereafter, there will also be the usual market on 21 December from 05:30 to 09:30 and the last market for the year will take place on 28 December. They will be back again on 4 January 2025, kicking off the new year farm style! Located at 665 Moreleta Street in Silverton, it’s the perfect get-together spot, while also boasting loads of fresh produce at affordable prices. And, if you still need to do that last-minute Christmas shopping, you might just find something unique and special here – from plants and fruit trees to vellies, handbags and sheep wool slippers.

1 www.pretoriaboeremark.co.za Q @pretoriaboeremark

FUN, FUN, FUN

HAZELDEAN VALLEY TRAILS

If you’re looking for a beautiful mountain biking or running trail, the Hazeldean Valley Trails are simply stunning and open seven days a week. In summer, they are open from 06:00 to 18:00, which allows adventurers to explore nature on the scenic trails of what used to be a dairy farm in the 1800s. All skill levels and ages welcome. Buy a day pass from the ticket office at Hazeldean Brewing Company, which also happens to be where the trail starts and finishes.

1 www.hazeldeanvalley.co.za Q @hazeldeanvalleytrails

MELROSE HOUSE MUSEUM

If you are a keen explorer of culture, don’t miss out on a visit to Melrose House, a historic Pretoria mansion based in Burgers Park. Built in 1886, the house was used as military headquarters during the Second Boer War and it’s also where the Peace Treaty of Vereeniging was signed in 1902. In fact, the table at which the treaty was signed is still housed here. With stunning wooden floors and beautiful gables, this is a house to witness, for sure.

1 www.tshwane.gov.za Q @melrosemuseum

DITSONG NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CULTURAL

HISTORY

The Ditsong National Museum of Cultural History is also worth a visit. Often referred to as a centre of living culture, it features South Africa’s history and the lives of its people, exhibiting various objects, documents, manuscripts, records, publications and photographs. They offer guided tours during the day and at night.

1 www.ditsong.org.za Q @ditsongmuseumssa

GOO GOO DOLLS

This is probably the event of the year for Pretoria! Taking place on 7 December, the multiplatinum rock legends, Goo Goo Dolls will be performing live at the iconic Voortrekker Monument. In collaboration with Absa, they will be bringing their world tour to Pretoria for the very first time and serve up some electrifying classics like Iris, Slide, Here Is Gone and more. In addition, there is also an incredible line-up to kick off the show. Ross Learmonth - the ex-frontman of Prime Circle, Matthew Mole and Roan Ash will be heating things up at the South African heritage site, known for its incredible architecture and rich history. Tickets are available through webtickets.co.za and at Pick n Pay stores nationwide. The Voortrekker Monument sure makes for the perfect backdrop with events like this. In fact, it’s one of the best live entertainment venues in the country, so be sure to keep an eye out for other upcoming events too.

1 www.vtm.org.za | www.absa.co.za | www.googoodolls.com Q @voortrekkermonument_ @absa.southafrica @googoodollsofficial

Join Renate Engelbrecht—mother, wife, and seasoned freelance writer and editor—for an inspiring talk on embracing the art of slow living to raise resilient, emotionally intelligent children.

In a world that’s always rushing, this unique talk uncovers how slowing down can nurture creativity, patience, empathy and problem-solving - soft skills that are crucial for children to succeed not only in school, but in life.

Ideal for parents, teachers, and families dedicated to raising balanced, compassionate and future-ready children.

AN EASY YES IN UMHLANGA RIDGE MONAKKO

#HelloDurban by Tessa Buhrmann Images: Supplied

Monakko Restaurant in uMhlanga's Park Square offers a fresh, contemporary take on seafood, sushi and grilled favourites. Located on the corner of Twilight Drive and Park Way, it provides a refined, yet comfortable setting, ideal for both casual meals and special occasions. Its proximity to uMhlanga Rocks’ business parks also makes it the ideal spot for business lunches and after-work dinners. Plus, it’s a fabulous space for functions and special events.

While sipping on a chilled Rosé, waiting for our starters to arrive, we couldn’t help but ponder the name. Why Monakko? Every corner in Monaco seems to have a story, just as each turn in the Monaco Grand Prix holds its own legend. Known for its glitz, glamour and rich history, Monaco is the ultimate destination on the French Riviera. That charm is what inspires Monakko's corner location and its rising reputation as the go-to spot in uMhlanga Ridge.

Monakko’s menu is packed with tempting choices. We started with their signature Tempura Roses - thin salmon slices wrapped around rice and tempura prawn, finished with mayo, crumbs and caviar. The Avo Ritz, a modern twist on the well-known classic, included seasoned prawns over avocado with micro herbs and a tangy dressing. The moreish Tempura Prawns, served with sweet chili sauce, were perfectly crispy.

For mains, we chose the Seared Salmon with Black Pepper and Cherry Tomatoes. The salmon was perfectly seared and seasoned to enhance its natural flavours. Served on a bed of baby broccoli and accompanied by a tangy tartare sauce, resulting in a delightful balance of flavours, it was the perfect choice.

We also indulged in the Steak and Prawn Combo - a contemporary take on the traditional surf and turf. The tender fillet and butterflied king prawns were grilled to perfection, served with chips and tartare sauce - a delightful treat for meat and seafood lovers alike.

Monakko uses a Josper charcoal oven, blending the intense heat and flavour of a charcoal grill with the precision of an oven. It is especially suited for perfectly prepared meat. While the liquor license was still pending during our visit, the restaurant offered guests the option of bringing their own wine. So, be sure to check with them when making your reservation.

When contemplating where to dine, a place that caters to all tastes makes the choice effortless. Monakko is an easy yes with an extensive menu, delightful ambiance and fresh, contemporary décor. H

DURBAN

BEACH TIME, DRINKS AND YEAR-END GETTOGETHERS

Summer is the best time to visit Durban and its surrounds - think beach time, delightful drinks and year-end get-togethers. From the most scrumptious cuisine and Instagram-worthy cocktails to quirky shopping spots and outdoor exploits, this is what #HelloRecommends.

#HelloDurban by Tessa Buhrmann Images:Supplied; DUrbanTV

FAVOURITE MUNCH SPOTS

THE GRAND EXOTIC

Nestled in Salt Rock, The Grand Exotic offers a nostalgic escape with its lush gardens and vibrant colours. Inside, visitors get to admire the hand-painted glass and the artwork beneath a soaring dome, or merely relax on the covered veranda which overlooks a serene garden with ferns, flowers and a charming water feature. Enjoy singleorigin coffee and tea served from silver tea pots and vintage porcelain, alongside a simple, yet delightful all-day menu. Our breakfast favourite is the Grand Benedict Exotic - corn fritters with crispy bacon, avocado, sautéed mushrooms, poached eggs and Hollandaise. Don’t miss the vintage shop brimming with treasures - from beautifully carved doors and French country décor to delightful collectables, vintage jewellery, wonderful gift ideas and a large collection of magnificent vintage silk saris.

1 www.thegrandexotic.com Q @the_grand_exotic

THE WINDMILLS

If you’re planning a road trip to Durban and you’re tired of the same old pit stops and predictable fast-food options, the quality fare at Windmills is the perfect solution to your predicament. They offer farm kitchen-style meals with freshly baked bread and pastries made from imported Italian or stoneground flour and free-range eggs. Their pies feature grass-fed beef and free-range chicken, with no fillers. Enjoy handmade burgers - the Windmills Smash Burger is our fave - and pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven. Satisfy your taste buds with a French Toast Croissant, a hearty sliced beef bagel with homemade chive cream cheese, Windmills salad or a vegetarian pizza. An authentic Durban curry is always a favourite too, or since you’re heading to Durbs, why not opt for a traditional ‘Bunny Chow’? Complete your food stop with a delicious gelato and a Fair-trade coffee or super juice and you’ll be set for safe travels!

1 www.thewindmills.co.za Q @thewindmillskitchen

THE BIERFASSL RESTAURANT

Established in the scenic KwaZulu-Natal Midlands in 1999, this charming Austrian-themed pub offers hearty Bavarian, Austrian and KZN Midlands fare. The must-try dish is their famous Eisbein (Schweinshaxe/Stelze) - a mouth-watering salted pork hock grilled to crisp perfection and served with vegetables and sides like chips or potato rösti. Don’t miss the Apfelstrudel, a delightful, caramelised apple pastry topped with toffee rum sauce and served with cream or ice cream. Yum!

SUNSETS AND MERMAIDS

FOR A TIPPLE

SUGAR BARON CRAFT DISTILLERY

DUKKAH RESTAURANT & BAR

Discover a vibrant oasis on Florida Road at Dukkah Restaurant & Bar, where exceptional cocktails take centre stage. Our menu features a stunning array of drinks, perfect for any occasion. Sip on the Tropical Spice, a tantalising mix of cardamom-infused Espolon Blanco and pineapple juice, or indulge in the Dukkah Martini, a sophisticated blend of Tanqueray London Dry gin and Dry Vermouth. For something unique, try the Chai-Knees, with Chai-infused Bulldog Gin and honey syrup. Dukkah is not just a bar; it’s a restaurant and event space that celebrates Durban’s rich cultural tapestry.

1 www.dukkah.co.za

Q @dukkahdurban

Located in the heart of uMhlanga Village, Sunsets and Mermaids is the perfect spot to sip and savour. Known for its vibrant energy and laid-back charm, this 100-seater restaurant offers more than just great food. The drinks menu is a highlight, featuring creative cocktails like the Golden Hour (a glittering blend of vodka, pineapple juice and vanilla syrup), the refreshing Blue Marlin (with apple and lemon juice) or an Espresso Martini. Whether you're meeting for an evening cocktail or enjoying a romantic dinner, Sunsets and Mermaids promises a delightful experience in a tropical setting.

1 www.sunsetsandmermaids.co.za

Q @sunsets_mermaids

CATHEDRAL PEAK WINES

On a sugarcane farm on the outskirts of Richmond in the KZN Midlands is where you’ll find Sugar Baron Craft Distillery. Run by Brad and Marisa O’Neill, this experience blends passion with tradition. Brad’s roots in sugarcane farming and Marisa’s hospitality expertise create a warm, family-focused setting. Enjoy a private tour of their micro-distillery, followed by a curated rum tasting experience in The Barrel Room. Sip on a Sugar Baron cocktail and savour a shared meal with a group of friends - a fun holiday experience. Be sure to book in advance, though.

1 www.sugarbaron.co.za Q @sugarbaroncraftdistillery

Did you know that you can experience wine tasting in the KZN Drakensberg? Head to Cathedral Peak Wine Estate where, with 25 hectares of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot and Sauvignon Blanc, visitors can sip, swirl and savour their way through a wine tasting paired with a delicious cheese platter.

1 www.cathpeakwines.com Q @cathpeakwines

DRAKENSBERG BREWERY

Discover the Drakensberg Brewery's craft beer tasting experience, led by Brewmaster, Nick Roberts. Nestled in Cathkin Park with breathtaking mountain views, the brewpub offers a selection of Drakensberg Brewery's finest beers, including Champagne Castle Blonde Ale and Giant's Castle Stout. Enjoy a tasting featuring four beer varieties and a DIY platter with cold meats, cheeses and pickles.

1 www.drakbrew.co.za

Q @drakensbergbrewery

SHOP 'TIL YOU DROP

I HEART MARKET

The I Heart Market is a vibrant, artisanal market that has become a must-visit in Durban and it is popular with residents and tourists alike. The market is a showcase of KwaZulu-Natal’s creative talent, featuring unique, handmade goods, artisanal crafts and delicious food and it boasts a fun, friendly space to shop local and support the community whilst enjoying the great Durban vibe. Operating from the Northlands Primary School in Durban North, the I Heart Market takes place on the first Saturday of every month from 09:00 to 14:00, except in December when they’re open for their Christmas Market on 7, 14 and 21 December. Be sure to pop in for oneof-a-kind creations, from clothing and collectibles to organic, upcycled items. This is where we encourage you to say yes to local, handmade goods and no to imports and mass production. With great food, coffee and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect way to shop small, yet still find those last-minute Christmas gifts this season.

VITTORIA & CO

This delightful lifestyle boutique store in Watercrest Mall, Hillcrest is the perfect place to shop all things local from clothing and shoes to belts, handbags and jewellery, as well as décor, gifts and more. Owner Roxy Geldenhuys says: “Vittoria & Co was born out of a necessity to survive Covid, which shut down income streams for so many of us. An opportunity at Watercrest Mall presented itself, making a space for us and other local makers and creators to showcase their goods and make a bit of money to survive the pandemic. Now, four years later, we are so proud to have a space that celebrates the many cultures of South Africa through fashion and gifting.” In addition to this inspiring space, they have a store at Horseshoe Bend, a new bespoke retail experience in the Midlands.

1 www.vittoria-designs.co.za Q @vittoria_and_co

THE FIFTH

Fashion fundis will love The Fifth 031, a high-end fashion store in Glenwood Village Shopping Centre, Durban. Co-owned by fashion designer Sibu Msimang, the store features gorgeous garments from various local designers. They have stylish clothing options for all occasions, proudly showcasing South African fashion talent. Pick a garment and perfect for your New Year celebrations!

1 www.thefifth031.co.za Q @thefifth031

1 www.iheartmarket.com Q @iheartmarket

THE AVENUES CENTRE

The Avenues Centre in Hilton offers a family-friendly shopping experience. Located on the Midlands Meander route, near Hilton College and popular estates, it features a variety of retail and lifestyle stores, providing convenience for shoppers in the area. Looking for gear and apparel to kit yourself out for your next outdoor adventure? The new Summit Outdoors shop is your go-to for everything outdoorsy - from hiking and camping essentials to trail running and fly-fishing gear. With their range of trusted brands, you can be sure that every adventure will be seamless, comfortable and unforgettable. In fact, you’re bound to find the perfect kit to set you up for those ‘I need to exercise more’ New Year resolutions!

1 www.theavenuecentre.co.za Q @summit_outdoors_co

DURBAN WALKING TOURS

Explore Durban’s rich history by joining passionate local guides on a walking tour through the city. Durban Point, which had once been rundown, has been beautifully transformed and is a mustsee tourist attraction. Of course, it's a photographer's dream, featuring a mix of stunning Victorian and modern architecture. It has always been the preferred walking tour. A recent addition - and likely to become the new favouriteis a walk to the Old Whaling Station on The Bluff, once one of the world’s largest land-based whaling stations. This iconic site, established in 1907, processed thousands of whales and continued operations until 1975.. The Bluff became the world’s first certified Whale Heritage Site in October 2019. Don't miss out on this unforgettable experience!

1 www.durban walkingtours.co.za Q @durbanwalkingtours

FUN, FUN, FUN

NIGHT SNORKELLING IN BALLITO

Experience the thrill of a Night Snorkelling Safari with Tidal Tao Snorkelling Safaris in Ballito. Explore safe tidal pools after dark and discover an underwater world like never before. Spot octopuses, Moray eels, crabs and vibrant nudibranchs. The real magic? Witness corals glowing under UV light and, if you're lucky, enjoy the enchanting glow of phosphorescence. They provide all the necessary gear, including bright underwater torches. Perfect for adventurous snorkelers aged fifteen and up, this two-hour safari offers a truly unforgettable and safe experience.

1 www.tidaltao.com Q @tidal_tao

THE SHONGWENI FARMERS & CRAFT MARKET

The Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market near Hillcrest runs every Saturday from 07:00 to 13:00. Enjoy local traders, live music, train rides, ziplines, a nature trail and a craft beer and gin bar for adults. Pets are welcome too - perfect for a fun family outing!

1 www.shongweni market.co.za Q @shongweni_farmers_ market

CANOPY TOURS

The Karkloof Canopy Tour, set in the misty Karkloof Forest Reserve of KwaZulu-Natal, offers an exhilarating zipline adventure for the whole family. After a safety briefing and gear check, enjoy a scenic 4x4 ride to the top of the valley. From there, glide between twelve treetop platforms with breathtaking views of the forest, a 20m waterfall and the Karkloof valley below. Spot birds like the Emerald Cuckoo and Knysna Turaco and enjoy the sounds of Samango monkeys. The tour, lasting about two hours, features ten ziplines, with the longest at 200m, and is suitable for ages six and up. Bookings are essential.

In addition, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour offers an exhilarating adventure through an indigenous forest, with Africa's first elevated rock face walkway and thrilling 60-meterhigh ziplines. Set beneath Cathkin Peak, this unforgettable experience features treetop platforms, waterfalls and stunning views of the majestic Drakensberg.

1 www.canopytour.co.za Q @canopytoursa

THE BEST BEACHES

FOR THE ULTIMATE SUMMER HOLIDAY

If there is one country where a summer holiday is synonymous with the Festive Season, it’s South Africa. With so many beautiful beaches to choose from for the ultimate summer getaway, celebrating Christmas and New Year’s by the coast is a no-brainer. The key is to book your accommodation way in advance and to know where to go. So, if not for this year, let this serve as guideline for next year’s ultimate summer holiday:

DURBAN

The Durban coastline has proved time and again that its beaches, with their warmer waters, are simply irresistible. While December and January might be too crowded for many, it’s good to know that these beaches are just as irresistible during the shoulder seasons as Durban’s moderate temperatures allow you to celebrate summer all year round.

With uMhlanga being a popular resort town just north of Durban, uMhlanga Rocks Beach is the ideal spot for a summer holiday, boasting clean and safe surroundings. The public spaces on and around the beach are well maintained, the beach is lifeguard-patrolled and the area is known for its strong sense of community.

In addition, uMhlanga Beach and other pristine north coast

CAPE TOWN

While the water is freezing all year round, the renowned Cape Town vibe won’t let the icy Atlantic get you down. Especially in summer.

Camps Bay Beach is probably Cape Town’s most popular sundowner spot, with a strip of cafés all along Victoria Road, parallel to the beach. The Camps Bay Tidal Pool - on the southern side of Camps Bay - is one of the best tidal pools along the Atlantic Seaboard, offering fabulous swims with marvellous views. Over weekends, this stretch of beach livens up further with people surfing, kayaking and stand-up paddling.

The four Clifton Beaches are also worth putting your feet in the sand at, with Clifton Beach 4 probably being the most frequented among the four. This is in part due the posh neighbourhood’s stylish and Instagrammable villas overlooking the beach. Here, you can be posh too by renting beach loungers and umbrellas for those hot summer days.

Bloubergstrand is also one of the Cape’s most famous beaches and for many reasons. One being that the view of Table Mountain, Signal Hill and Lion’s Head from this beach is simply spectacular. This beach can often be quite windy, which makes it the perfect spot for kitesurfing.

beaches are easily accessible from hotels like the 60s surfinspired Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! By Marriott uMhlanga Ridge. Known for its iconic lighthouse and long promenade, uMhlanga Beach boasts the ideal setting for those wanting to embrace the beach lifestyle.

There’s also the uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, where outdoor enthusiasts can explore hiking trails through a coastal

forest and past ancient dune formations. Or, if you’re looking for a peaceful beach retreat, book a stay at Protea Hotel by Marriott Karridene Beach, where you’ll have private access to Karridene Beach – a hidden gem on the South Coast. This beach’s golden sand and inviting waters is perfect for a secluded holiday and boasts the perfect setting for leisurely beach walks or some early morning fishing.

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: unsplash.com

PLETTENBERG BAY

Plett has been awarded eight international Blue Flag Awards for the 2024/2025 season, which means it’s a must for your summer bucket list. They’ve also received a Green Coast Award for Nature’s Valley at the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) Blue Flag and Green Coast Awards. According to Patty Butterworth, CEO of Plett Tourism, the beautiful surroundings – the ocean, the beaches, the forests and the mountains – are what life revolves around in Plett. “That’s why we fight so fiercely to protect them. This vision is shared with our local Bitou Municipality, our marine activities and conservation initiatives.”

Plett’s Blue Flag beaches include: Robberg 5, The Waves, Nature’s Valley, Lookout, The Dunes and Singing Kettle. In addition, they also received Blue Flag status for seal-swimming operator, Offshore Adventures’ two boats. Both Robberg 5 and Lookout Beach received special awards, celebrating fifteen and ten years in the Blue Flag programme respectively.

In addition to these awards, Plett was also nominated as the World’s Leading Beach Destination in the World Travel Awards. While the destination has been nominated as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination for fifteen years in a row, this year marks its first global nomination, placing it alongside renowned beach destinations like Thailand, Hawaii and the Maldives.

JEFFREYS BAY

Known by locals as J Bay, Jeffreys Bay is the surfing capital of South Africa. In fact, it hosts the J Bay Open annually and has one of the best right-hand point breaks in the world. These Supertubes are found at Dolphin Beach and that’s where surfers and surfing enthusiasts can expect some great beach entertainment. While Dolphin Beach is perfect for the more seasoned surfers, the Point offers some smaller waves for novice surfers.

Of course, there are many other beaches worth exploring on the South African coast. Perhaps this serves as a reminder to plan ahead and dream about journeying along the country’s coastline, one beach at a time. H

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: unsplash.com

Planning a family holiday is an amazing, yet daunting task and if you’re like us, you like to slip some educational outings into the itinerary too. Walt Disney once said: “I prefer to amuse people in the hope that they will learn, than to teach them in the hope that they will have fun.” Anyone who’s earned their badge in parenting would know how important (and satisfying) it is to give your child an experience that will teach them something and leave a lasting impression. With that in mind, these South African UNESCO World Heritage Sites are bound to broaden the horizons of both young and old.

THE CRADLE OF HUMANKIND

Just 50km northwest of Joburg lies one of the world’s most important paleontological sites, dubbed The Cradle of Humankind. In fact, in 1999, this site - spanning over 47 000 hectares - was labelled a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses a network of limestone caves that have yielded some of the oldest and most important hominid fossils ever discovered, which makes it quite profound. The world’s understanding of the human evolution was reshaped here, with notable finds like the well-preserved Australopithecus skull, Mrs. Ples, as well as the nearly complete 3.6-million-yearold skeleton, Little Foot. It is said that over a third of the world’s early hominid fossils have been uncovered in one of the Cradle of Humankind’s key sites - the Sterkfontein Caves.

At the Cradle of Humankind, where the Palaeontological Scientific Trust (PAST) has been involved in excavations for the past 30 years, there are many, many lessons to be learned. Apart from witnessing groundbreaking science at the Maropeng Visitor Centre, with engaging, interactive exhibits, you can also learn more about biodiversity, adaptation and the environment. The Cradle’s dedication to education, conservation and community involvement is encouraging and will most certainly leave a lasting impression with lessons that are bound to inspire future generations.

1 www.past.org.za | www.maropeng.co.za

THE CRADLE OF HUMAN CULTURE

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024, The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa traces the origins and development of human culture over the past 160 000 years. It showcases humanity’s first steps toward abstract thought, symbolic expression and complex innovation. At the sites within the Cradle of Human Culture, you’ll find evidence of how our ancestors started to manifest abstract and complex thinking. Among others, the key sites include Pinnacle Point Site Complex in Mossel Bay, Blombos Cave in Stilbaai and Diepkloof Rock Shelter on the West Coast. Some of the first evidence of the use of bow-and-arrow technology and the consistent use of shellfish are evident at The Cradle of Human Culture’s sites. Discoveries of engraved ostrich eggshell and bone tools, shell beads and the extensive use of ochre for functional and symbolic uses have also been made here.

1 www.cradleofhumanculture.co.za

Together, these two cradles serve as a reminder that South Africa is so much more than a beautiful country to visit. In fact, it’s where our collective human story begins and the perfect destination for educational tourism, considering its sites of historical importance. Like Merry Poppins rightly said: “There’s the whole world at your feet.” Now, go and explore and be sure to learn something along the way! H

TOP PROPERTY TRENDS

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: unsplash.com

“I would give a thousand furlongs of sea for an acre of barren ground.”Shakespeare

When it comes to the real estate market, experts are saying that investors and buyers can be optimistic about the year ahead.

Dr Andrew Golding says: “South Africa’s housing market is showing promising signs of recovery, driven by several key economic and political developments. As of 2024, the country has seen improved sentiment, with significant milestones such as the suspension of loadshedding in March, fuel price cuts, lower inflation and the formation of a Government of National Unity (GNU) following the May elections. These factors, coupled with the prospect of continued interest rate cuts, have fostered an optimistic outlook for the residential property market heading into 2025.”

FACTORS DRIVING THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

Three fundamental factors currently drive the housing market according to him. Firstly, South Africa’s young population guarantees a steady demand for housing, supported by growing economic stability and easing inflation. Business and consumer confidence at a five-year high is also driving increased homebuying, reinforced by political and economic recovery. Last, but not least, declining interest rates and improved household finances make property more affordable, resulting in a higher demand.

An additional five key trends were recently highlighted by Find & Country Sub-Saharan Africa CEO, John Herbst. According to him, “the real estate market is set to be shaped by both practical and aspirational needs, balancing affordability with sustainability and technological innovation.” The five key trends he believes will shape the property market in 2025 include: Efficient living, technology, sustainable and impact investing, high-end and lifestyle properties and economic resilience through diversified investment opportunities.

According to Herbst, young professionals are looking for properties that balance location, affordability and accessibility. He also says that the adoption of technology is becoming critical for real estate growth. In addition, more and more “South African properties are being designed with energy-efficient solutions, such as solar power and green building practices.” While the affordable property segment is gaining traction, Herbst says there is still demand for premium lifestyle properties. “These high-end developments are increasingly aimed at meeting both local and international buyers’ expectations for exclusive, lifestyle-oriented properties.” Lastly, Herbst adds that key economic areas like Joburg and Cape Town are expected to see sustained demand in both residential and commercial properties. “As investors aim to diversify, South African real estate presents a favourable option due to its robust market foundations and potential for longterm returns.”

Craig Mott, Business Development Manager for the Rawson Property Group says some of the world’s wealthiest individuals founded their empires on property investment. Perhaps 2025 is the year for savvy investors to fill the gaps in their portfolios with some strategic expansions in the property market. H

PRO TRAIN LIKE A

A personal perspective on how the ISUZU X-RIDER supported our publisher’s endurance journey

#HelloLifestyle by Justyn Spinner Images: Ryan Enslin

OUR PUBLISHER, JUSTYN SPINNER TOOK ON THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CHALLENGE OF TRAINING FOR AN ENDURANCE EVENT WITH THE NEW ISUZU X-RIDER AS HIS TRAINING COMPANION. THIS IS HIS PERSONAL TAKE ON THE JOURNEY.

For athletes training for endurance events like the IRONMAN 70.3, where the mental and physical demands are high, having a reliable partner makes all the difference. As someone who recently signed up for IRONMAN 70.3 in Mossel Bay, I’ve experienced first-hand how the new ISUZU X-RIDER is the perfect training companion. It comes as no surprise that ISUZU is the headline sponsor of this triathlon then, as the ISUZU X-RIDER seamlessly integrates into the rigorous routine of swim, bike and run training.

The IRONMAN 70.3 is a formidable challenge with a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.2km run. Training for it involves a mix of long rides, open-water swims and endurance runs that demand not just commitment, but also the right gear. That’s where the ISUZU X-RIDER shines. Whether it's early morning drives to the Cradle of Humankind for long bike rides or heading to a country lake for open-water swim training, the X-RIDER is up for the task. Its unmatched reliability and capability ensure that every drive is smooth, no matter the terrain or weather conditions.

A DESIGN INSPIRED BY JAPANESE CULTURE

The first thing that strikes you about the X-RIDER is its bold and dynamic design, heavily influenced by Japanese aesthetics. The front grille, with its dragon-like appearance, represents both power and elegance - a hallmark of Japanese symbolism. This aggressive styling gives the X-RIDER a dominant road presence, while the gloss black finish and the vibrant red ISUZU badge reinforce its cool, edgy look.

The side door panels further amplify the vehicle’s striking design with a sleek, angular cut reminiscent of a Samurai sword. This Samurai-inspired element not only adds visual flair but also speaks to the craftsmanship and precision with which this vehicle was built. It is design features like these that give the X-RIDER a unique and powerful aesthetic, setting it apart from the more utilitarian look of traditional bakkies.

FUNCTION MEETS STYLE

In addition to its stunning design, the X-RIDER offers unrivalled functionality. Roof rack integration and ample load capacity mean you can easily transport all your training gear - whether it's your bike, wetsuit or other essentials. The spacious interior continues the striking design ethos, with bold red stitching on the seats and the iconic ISUZU logo and X mark embroidered on the headrests. It’s a look that speaks to those who like to go the ‘X-tra’ mile.

Under the hood, the X-RIDER is just as impressive. With a 1.9L turbo diesel engine, this bakkie delivers an impressive fuel economy of 6 litres per 100km. The 4x4 model features a Terrain Command dial that makes it easy to switch between 2WDhigh and 4WD-high modes, ensuring you can tackle any terrain during your training sessions. Whether you're on a rocky trail or a smooth road, the X-RIDER provides a comfortable, efficient ride.

Let’s not forget the entertainment factor! Whether you’re blasting a high-energy playlist or catching up on the latest Joe Rogan podcast, the six-speaker audio system, integrated with Apple CarPlay and

Android Auto, keeps you entertained and connected. With Wi-Fi capability, you’ll always have the tools you need to stay motivated on those long drives.

At R750 200, the ISUZU X-RIDER RHD 4x4 offers exceptional value in the double cab market, particularly when you consider all the features included as standard. It’s more than just a bakkieit’s an athlete’s training partner, designed to deliver on performance, load capacity and fuel efficiency. All that, while letting you show up and stand out.

Whether you’re in training or just living an active lifestyle, the ISUZU X-RIDER ensures you’re always ready to take on your next adventure. H

1 www.isuzu.co.za Q @isuzusa

Sadly, I had to pull out of my IRONMAN challenge less than a month before the event due to a bike accident. I shattered my clavicle and broke three ribs, making it impossible for me to continue training. I have, however, moved my entry to Durban 2025 and I am looking forward to completing this awesome challenge.

MONEY TALK

TRANSFORMING AFRICA’S FINANCIAL WELLBEING

With an ambition to continuously democratise financial topics, Old Mutual is making money matters and talk around the topic more accessible with Moneyversity+, its financial edutainment platform, guided by consumer needs.

Much thought has gone into building Old Mutual’s Moneyversity+, with a dedicated team developing a learning management system – a sub-set of AI – which learns behaviours and recommends content accordingly. Apart from showing those who tailor and tweak it what works and what doesn’t, this backend system also gives users a more personalised experience, whether you’re a tween, teen or adult. With no plans to monetise the purely educational platform, Old Mutual is giving South Africans (and Africans) a means by which they can learn more about money, budgeting, financial planning and more.

According to Old Mutual’s annual research, there is reason to be concerned about the lack

of financial literacy in South Africa. And, with financial wellness being a core element to what Old Mutual stands for, they encourage people to seek help on their Moneyversity+ platform. One of the short-term goals includes offering customers an AI-powered estate planning option – something that was in the testing phase when this article was published. In addition, Old Mutual also plans to roll out two new games: Capital Gambit (essentially Chess, mirroring how you should be planning financially) and Net Gains (a soccer game in which you answer moneyrelated questions and score goals according to how you answer, the speed at which you answer and the accuracy of your answers).

Further to this, there are many ideas and concrete plans in motion. Think AI-enabled career planning, education around application and claims processes, webinars and live events focused on economic content, partner and user content from the stories users share regarding their financial wellness and personal improvement, competency-based courses that are packaged to be more challenging and

interesting, and education in general financial planning.

According to Head of Innovation at Old Mutual Personal Finance, Ajen Mothee, the engagement rate on the platform is about 85.9%, “which shows that there is a definite need for what the platform offers.”

Moneyversity+ is not just for adults, but also teaches children about money from a young age in a fun and engaging way. With different profiles (one for 6-10-year-olds, one for 11-17-year-olds and one for adults), it’s easy for the whole family to become clued up about money. Of course, parents are still in control, with a pin for the kids’ and their own profiles, each with its own custom content.

“Built on Old Mutual’s foundational commitment to transforming financial wellness in Africa, Moneyversity+ is a strategic investment into people’s future financial wellbeing,” says Mothee. H

#HelloLifestyle by Renate Engelbrecht Images: Supplied