Scene in the City - Spring 2022

A high-rise restaurant fit for an artful city. This 165-seater, Infinity Restaurant is everything a glamorous escape atop Cape Town should be, complete with panoramic views and an interior playfully themed, afro-chic, according to the tropical wallpaper with exotic birds, mixed textures, animal print dining chairs, chic and shimmering chandeliers as well as splashes of cream, lilac and emerald green.

Combining 360-degree mountain and sea views with ‘skystronomy’ – the concept of gastronomy in the sky, courtesy of our Olympian chef, Infinity Restaurant boasts a stylish scene with a smorgasbord of celebratory drinks and on-trend dishes made from fresh, topquality ingredients.

It’s a spot for casual comfort food –think dishes like Smoked Chicken with green vegetables, root vegetables, pickle mix and charred pepper, Tikka Chicken with Bo-Kaap style curried butternut squash, chimichurri sauce with pickles.

Infinity is also a beacon of breezy indulgence; the perfect space to take in cosmopolitan views with laid-back Mother City ease where one cocktail from our superb cocktail list, which celebrates all the classics, can quickly spiral into two or three … or more. Not to be missed is the namesake drink, the Infinity Cocktail – shaken with Bacardi, mango, strawberry and curaçao, it’s bursting with the flavours of the tropics.

Lively, romantic, cosy – whatever you’re looking for when making lunch or dinner plans, you can have it all at Infinity Restaurant while taking in the natural beauty of Cape Town. Choose from popular internationally inspired dishes, such as a Sous Vide Rolled Pork Neck with Apple ginger gel, honey wine pear, rich cumin nut mole with polenta rounds & almond crumble, as you feel transported to simpler times; a point in space and time that seems infinitely distant, or test your palette on specialties like Beef Brisket Moroccan spiced braise with smoked carrot cream, sour leek, poor man’s mustard, layered potatoes stack with horse radish, a powerful flavour punch, paired with a wine from our stellar, wideranging wine list. If you fancy something a bit more extravagant with your meal, there’s also a fabulous selection of French champagnes plus some lovely MCCs and Proseccos. Adding doses of over-the-top eclecticism, the Afro-chic décor sets the mood itself.

Dining at Infinity Restaurant is a crash course in Africa’s melting pot culture and history, vividly retold by dishes that make the most of local seasonal food underpinned by bold flavours and international flair. Book in advance to avoid disappointment – the 10-seater Captain’s Table seats 10 and offers the best views in the house.

CONTACT DETAILS

9 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8000 021 879 5043

info@infinityrestaurant.capetown

ON THE COVER

The Shortmarket Club Johannesburg team has managed to pull it off, delivering the same feeling and style as the beloved Cape Town restaurant, but with a glossy upgrade. Flip to page 10 to read more.

FOOD & DRINK

10 Restaurant spotlight: The Shortmarket Club Johannesburg

16 The best boutique winery restaurants to explore in the Cape Winelands

TRAVEL & LEISURE

30 Chic stays: The Winchester Hotel

38 The most astonishing escapes in Southern Africa

&

SCAN TO BUY YOUR JOHN BANNERMANS. CHEERS.

Overlooking the iconic Nelson Mandela Square fountain, brothers Dennis and Allen have brought their vision of an unforgettable dining experience to life with the contemporary Trumps Grillhouse & Butchery.

Diners can enjoy superior quality meat dishes at Trumps Grillhouse, as well as select their perfect cut of meat to take home from the all-new, bespoke Trumps Butchery.

Trumps welcomes locals, tourists, businessmen and women, Sandton Convention Centre delegates, hotel guests, airline pilots and cabin crew alike to join us for a fine food and wine experience like no other!

Established in 2004 by restaurant extraordinaire, Naldo & Victor Goncalves, famous for its seafood, Pigalle Restaurant is situated in Sandton, in the Michelangelo Towers, a prominent structure in the Sandton skyline and Bedfordview, Village View Shopping Centre, in close proximity to Johannesburg’s international airport (OR TAMBO). The menu hits all the right notes comprising of fresh seafood and classic dishes with Portuguese flair. The perfect choice for an intimate dinner, catchup with friends or a special occasion.

PIGALLE BEDFORVIEW has recently undergone an extensive renovation, with the unique character of Pigalle carried through in it’s design in which the concept of “Paris by Night “is expressed. The experience of the space and the interior design is a combination of timeless elegance, marrying old and new with luxurious modern materials and rich colours.

The materialisation of the interior décor and furnishing plays an important role in the design. The interior evokes a moody yet tranquil atmosphere to give the space a classic contemporary feel. The restaurant is divided into three main seating areas which lends itself to areas of intimacy and privacy as well as more relaxed social spaces. The main dining space is openvent bar area and open view into the kitchen adds both energy and movement to the experience. The new external terrace is one of the main features furnished with custom lighting and hanging plants. The energy can be seen from the streets and allows customers to be a part of something interesting creating a true ambience that completes the Restaurant.

CONTACT US

BEDFORDVIEW

Villiage View Shopping Centre, Van Buuren Road, Bedfordview, 2007 011 450 2242 bedfordview@pigalle.joburg

SANDTON

UO9, Michelangelo Towers, Maude Street, Sandton, 2196 011 884 8899 sandton@pigalle.joburg

PIGALLE.JOBURG

RESTAURANT

SPOTLIGHT

Fashion meets flavour at The Shortmarket Club Johannesburg

There are some restaurants that come and go in the blink of an eye, and others that are seemingly immune to fads. The Shortmarket Club, which has moved to Joburg on a permanent basis, falls into the latter category. The team has managed to pull it off, delivering the same feeling and style as the beloved Cape Town restaurant, but with a glossy upgrade. This opening has turned up the heat – glammed-up crowd and the city’s best cocktails included.

At first glimpse, it’s easy to see why The Shortmarket Club Johannesburg was such a hit when it first opened its doors inside Oxford Parks in October last year. When you walk in, you can’t help but be impressed by the atmospheric venue. Crimson walls, moody lighting, vintage-style booth seating, a glitzy bar, verdant greenery and white orchids make it an instant hit for le ‘gram. A gold and copper butterfly ceiling installation is a focal point and brings a touch of fantasy to the sultry, speakeasy-style space. Coo factor aside, head chef Taryn Smith – co-owner and chef Luke Dale-Roberts’ guardian culinary pro behind the gastronomic sorcery –arguably plates up the most inventive and aesthetically pleasing food that the City of Gold has to offer.

World-class ingredients and cutting-edge flavours with a strong Asian game are key to chef Taryn’s winning formula. The à la carte menu is split into starters, mains and desserts – and, naturally, one should order something from each. What to eat? Stick with the famous-for-a-reason signatures. Order the immaculately beer-battered tempura calamari, sheathed in a crisp coating of golden batter with doenjang and sesame relish, pickled red onion and lime Japanese mayo; the pepper-crusted fillet anchored by café au lait sauce and a warm celeriac salad; and the sinful combo of chocolate fondant, French vanilla ice cream, chocolate caramel crunch and berry compote. Do indulge – it’s worth the extra on-trend spin class! Dishes are best washed down with carefully crafted cocktails from the vast and mouthwatering drinks menu. Our tip is to go for the Signature Old Fashioned, the Grapefruit Martini tarted up with lime juice or the Chai Amaretto Sour, a twist on the classic whisky sour using homemade chai tea syrup.

We also highly recommend the tasting menu, priced at R850 per person with your choice of the ‘homegrown’ wine pairing (R1,520), the ‘journey’ wine pairing (R1,750) or cocktail pairing (R1,350). Made up of all sorts of bejewelling delights that shine a light on the brilliance of Asian cuisine, it’s an experience worthy of your hard-earned bucks. A dose of theatrics form the basis of the grand five-course menu. Wild Namibian oysters, oozing with punchy flavours of piña colada dressing and crispy ginger, are matched to a glass of L’Ormarins Private Cuvée 2014. Irresistible. The introduction of still more impeccable ingredients is used to give the palette a zing of epicurean freshness. Pitch-perfect beef tataki with miso broth, lemongrass oil and smoked tofu purée … crisp-skinned line fish of the day with smoked tomato beurre blanc, sweet potato Pommes Anna, grilled asparagus and rocket crème. The most otherworldly Amarula malva pudding with crème anglaise, brûléed naartjies and cinnamon crumb seals the deal.

As with Luke’s other restaurants, eating here is like joining in one big dinner party. And the best bit? The crew know how to have fun, too. Aside from the food, the stellar wines and all the gloriously intricate details, you’re also paying for polished service, thumping beats and live jazz performances. The Shortmarket Club Johannesburg is not to be missed for the overall package. It’s pricey and flashy, but oh-so-worthy of a special evening out for a birthday or other celebration. If you can only get a table for two, don’t despair – you and your date won’t be disappointed.

Oxford Parks, 199 Oxford Road, Rosebank 010 006 2323

jhb@theshortmarketclub.co.za

www.theshortmarketclub.co.za

Marble Group is once again pushing the boundaries of luxury, and everyone’s invited. Get ready to dress up, show up and break free this Summer as Zioux {pronounced Zoo} which has officially opened its stained-glass, over-the-top doors.

“The world has changed, but people still love to go out and have fun,” explains Gary Kyriacou, founder of The Marble Group. “We see people are looking to escape when they’re out – Zioux is the place for them to let go.”

Located next door to Saint in the MARC Sandton, described as a playground for the adventurous, Zioux is creating a buzz in the heart of Sandton –with the high-energy and playful Saint on one side, and Africa’s largest stock exchange on the other.

The 400m2 space is a merger of a bar and a restaurant on an international level – a luxurious lounge where guests can indulge in Champagne, cocktails and a menu featuring an extravagant selection of dishes designed to be shared. Each corner and surface have been carefully thought through and pays homage to the 70’s era. The space is intimate and seductive.

“Zioux brings warm authenticity but also decadent detail to life,” explains Interior Designer, Irene Kyriacou. “Everything in the space is custommade and intricate to create an air of comfort and timelessness in the inside-outside space.”

Marble Group has once again partnered with GRID to design the look and feel for Zioux. The centerpiece to Zioux is the onyx marble back-lit bar. It is flanked by booth seating, a raised VIP

area and outside seating with intricate detailing. Playful prints, bespoke artwork designs and textures brings the space to life. It also features one of the best VOID sound systems in the country – with enough tech and volume to satisfy the fussiest DJ, and under the guidance of Operations Director, Dino Constantinou.

George Hunter, the consulting head barman for Marble and Saint, has joined the group full-time to curate the cocktail experience

The food is not a traditional sit-down offering either. Instead, a classic retro-revival of nostalgic menu items and small, decadent plates. On certain days of the week, Zioux will also feature extravagant brunches and high teas.

“We cater for a diverse but specific crowd,” explains David Higgs, co-founder of The Marble Group and the artistic mind behind the globally-inspired menu. “Food has always brought people together, and we’re going back to that, it’s just going to be really opulent and playful.”

“The world has changed, and we’ve entered a new generation of luxury,” Gary explains. “Customers are no longer seeking stiff and uptight environments to feel a sense of luxury. Zioux is a space that boldly brings together luxury through experience, quality and intuitive service. It’s sure to bring out the wild side in everyone.”

SMALL-IN-SIZE

BIG-ON-WINE

The best boutique winery restaurants to explore in the Cape Winelands

Any trip to Cape Town should include the Cape Winelands’ famed culinary delights and plenty of local wine. There will always be polished and commercial big names that pull us in, but outside of these you can find some real gems – small-scale and often family-owned – that give the wine region a genuine sense of place. A boutique winery offers tailor-made wine tastings with a personal touch as well as other artisan products such as cheeses, oils and estate-grown olives. If you want to spread out the experience, the icing on the cake is – of course – the long, wine-fuelled lunches. Taste local wines in the sun and enjoy gourmet dining experiences at our pick of the best boutique wineries. No two vineyards are alike, but all offer an interesting foodie angle.

EDITOR’S PICK:

LA BOURGOGNE FARM DEUX LIONS

Best for modern small plates with impeccable flavours

What’s better than a perfect pour of vino? Enjoying it on La Bourgogne Farm, a historical working farm set amid regimented vines in Franschhoek – where you’ll feel like you’ve wandered off the path just enough to have been let in on a wonderful secret. A meal at the farm’s brand-new, elegantly luxurious restaurant, Deux Lions, is the big draw. Even if you don’t end up eating here, it’s well worth checking out the arty interiors. The décor is immediately welcoming – vivid orange meets a flawless complement in grassy sage walls, while contemporary artworks pair comfortably with velvet sofas and leaf-inspired chair designs. However, some diners may prefer to skip the cosy corners and choose a favourite spot outside in the bloom-filled garden to a soundtrack of chilled-out music. Either way, your attention will soon be drawn back in by the small but perfectly-formed menu. Informed by its surroundings – the herbs of the countryside, A-grade meats from nearby farms and freshly-caught seafood from the coast – it almost feels like you’ve stumbled upon a local secret. And this little-known secret is one that we’re only too willing to share. Before joining Deux Lions, head chef Nanda Cardoso worked with renowned chef and restaurateur Liam Tomlin. Previously the head chef at Chefs Warehouse & Canteen on Bree Street, she brings a versatile and varied passion for food that’s evident in the beautifully plated world dishes, which are heavily inspired by South American, Japanese, German and, of course, Portuguese cuisines. Our advice is simple: Skip breakfast before you sit down here. The small plates, presented on crockery that will brighten up your meal, are best enjoyed with a group of friends so you can order at least one of everything. Must-eats include the sashimi-style tuna splashed with octo dressing and dotted with lime aioli; the curling grilled squid snuggling cannellini beans and sauce vierge; and the mouth-tingling panko prawns – juicy prawns encrusted with house-made panko breadcrumbs for a light and golden crust, with a heady punch of sweetcorn salsa, garlic emulsion and hot sauce. The fish is buttery, melting and magical with no need for added seasoning. Elsewhere on the menu, the main course offering is flawless, and in the most exceptional way possible. The very posh lamb rump – served with a caper and sultana crumb, pomme purée and jus – has been a hit since day one. The pea risotto, with extremely flavourful preserved lemon beurre noisette and a dash of snap peas, has a home-cooked feel that’s somewhat eerily comforting. No meal is complete, though, without a slice of gâteau opéra; a slightly

sweet and entirely creamy dessert with layers of coffee-soaked sponge cake, fluffy buttercream and rich ganache. So delicious, in fact, we had seconds. Our top tip is to settle in for the afternoon and soak up the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. The staff and young chef will be only too happy to talk passionately about the ingredients in the dishes, or share a wine pairing recommendation. To truly satisfy your wine-fuelled wanderlust, you’ll want to taste La Bourgogne Farm’s own wines. The pick of the bunch is the easy-drinking Progeny Unwooded Chardonnay with citrus, stone fruit and floral notes and the GML Viognier – something you’ll definitely like to swirl if you love to brood over perfumed aromas of peach, tangerine and honeysuckle with a rich, creamy taste and hints of vanilla.

La Bourgogne Farm, Excelsior Road, Franschhoek 021 876 3245

www.deuxlions.za.com

CHAMONIX WINE FARM ARKESTE

Best for long, lazy lunches perched just above the forest canopy

Chef Richard Carstens has been called a ‘revolutionary’, which makes it almost miraculous that he’s still cooking at this sun-dappled oasis peeking out of the forest. Arkeste is ambitious cooking at its best – not too fancy with simple, homegrown ingredients elevated to new heights. Complete with rustic wooden tables, friendly waiters and singing birds, there’s a real air of conviviality and old-school charm. Although afternoons are best for a sense of being one with the surrounding forest, there’s also a vibrant after-dark scene as delightfully French plates are carried along in the warm evening air. In other words, there’s no wrong time to visit – but there’s hot competition for the coveted terrace seats. This is a place to savour. It’s hard to place the cuisine; most of the flavours are borrowed from all over Asia, but the way the ingredients are cooked and served wouldn’t look out of place in France. Start with chef Richard’s Franco-Japanese interpretation that takes you on an oceanic journey with offerings of oyster, prawn, mussel, calamari and line fish that have just leapt from the waves. For the less adventurous, we recommend the silken goat’s cheese cappelletti or the brilliantly well-prepared crispy prawns with prawn ‘chorizo’, heerenboon, edamame, fennel and bouillabaisse sauce. The mains are as delicious as they are pretty – picture a painterly plate of lemon-glazed line fish with greens, flowering Brussels sprouts and curry sauce, or a slab of Chalmar Beef served with eggplant, mushroom, onion and sauce miroir. Chef Richard’s most-coveted dish, the baked trout Alaska, comes sandwiched between meringue and smoked salmon ice cream that’s punctured with the punchiness of ginger, soya and mirin emulsion.

Whatever you decide to order, under no circumstances should you skip dessert. The slightly savoury, slightly sweet gorgonzola ice cream is served with honeycomb and red wine poached pears to cement the indulgent feel.

Chamonix Wine Farm, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek 021

ALLUVIA BOUTIQUE WINERY ALLUVIA RESTAURANT

Best for sustenance and splendour in equal measure

One to consider for your next trip, Alluvia Boutique Winery offers plenty of chances to get outside and enjoy the grapefilled view. Melding unbeatable scenery with a dash of charming family influences, Alluvia Restaurant nails the brief – an easygoing restaurant that slots naturally into its Banhoek Valley surroundings, yet abounds with personality. The wood-clad restaurant is decked out with full floor-toceiling sliding glass doors to create a true indoor-outdoor experience. If you can get a table outside in the summer, go! The buzz is undeniable and the specials (such as tapas and a cocktail or pasta of the day and a glass of wine) change regularly, which is why so many Capetonians from far and wide have become regulars. First-timers should order a few rounds of the ‘small bowls’ – pork belly lollipops with a sprinkle of coriander and sesame seeds; indulgent Korean chicken with sushi rice, pickled ginger and pickled red cabbage; and perfect spring roll parcels of bobotie, served with homemade fruit chutney, banana and coriander yoghurt. Complement the dishes with one of the local wines, which are surprisingly inexpensive. The Alluvia Sauvignon Blanc is loved for its kiwi, papaya and granadilla flavours, and makes a wonderful choice with herb-driven Asian flavours. Next up: Yellowfin tuna steak accompanied by a crushed baby potato and shrimp salad; ostrich fillet with a dollop of sweet potato purée, charred broccoli and onion; or gnocchi with tomato, rocket, bocconcini and Parmesan – all in a pesto sauce so delicious you could eat it by the spoonful. Finish with a selection of local cheeses served with golden, crisp crostini. Added bonus: The Instagram-worthy accommodation, surrounded by vineyards and mountains, is perfect for a romantic break. We’d book a Luxury Room or the Clovelly Honeymoon Suite. After a day spent walking through the vineyard, couples can enjoy lunch outside or take a swim in the pool.

Alluvia Boutique Winery, Glen Arum Road (off Helshoogte Road), Stellenbosch

021 885 1661

www.alluvia.co.za

DIEU DONNÉ VINEYARDS COUNTRY GRAND

Best for dazzling and incomparable views

The brand-new Country Grand provides the perfect excuse to speed out of the city towards the countryside for a day trip. With its stellar spot at Dieu Donné Vineyards – and one of the most elegant and innately romantic dining rooms in the Cape Winelands – it’s easy to see why it’s one of the hottest tables to book in the area. Familiar candy-pink seating blend with exposed brick walls, floor-to-ceiling windows, dramatic candle holders and exuberant red roses in glitzy interiors that match the attention to detail in the food. The outdoor terrace, which pulls in a lively crowd, is a very pleasing place for a relaxed, stretch-out-your-legs alfresco meal. Complete with lip-shaped couches and a giant disco ball, it’s the dream spot for a warm evening, too. The food has the class and sophistication of Country Grand’s big-city sibling, the ever-buzzy Grand Africa Café & Beach in Granger Bay. The seafood and fish-rich menu pairs fresh and vibrant combinations, such as kingklip with an Indo-Indian broth, mussels and

bok choy or grilled line fish with sundried tomato, rocket, Parmesan, olive oil and soy. We suggest trying two of the maritime appetisers – the trio of oysters (fennel and apple, tomato salsa, and wasabi and pickled ginger) and the mussels in a chilli, ginger, lemongrass and coriander-spiked coconut broth. To follow, the menu tempts with a 300g Chalmar Beef fillet with tarragon emulsion, grilled tiger prawns with homemade peri peri sauce as well as a smoked salmon, crème fraîche, spring onion and rocket pizza. And while pizza comes first, the pasta – prawn linguine, chicken and broccoli pappardelle – is also excellent. Everything on the plate is of the utmost quality and as pretty as the surroundings (and really, that’s why you’re here). Don’t skip the caramel and vanilla baked cheesecake! Country Grand is as good for a glass of rosé and a pizza as it is for a full-on feast. Take note: There’s limited seating inside, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

Dieu Donné Vineyards, Uitkyk Street, Franschhoek 021 569 9352

www.grandafrica.com

Eendracht Hotel & Apartments

CAPE COUNTRY ROUTES (CCR) is a leading group of owner operated and managed accommodation and activity establishments, more than 20 privately owned hotels, lodges and guest houses located on the scenic and historic routes in the Western and Eastern Cape. All carefully selected for their character, charm and romance they offer the best accommodation and activity options to suit every taste and budget.

EENDRACHT HOTEL & APARTMENTS is an elegant luxurious establishment situated in the heart of the oldest part of Stellenbosch. It is within walking distance of excellent restaurants and coffee shops, museums, art galleries, theatres, soccer, athletic and rugby sports grounds, and it is an excellent base from which to explore Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Whale Route and the beautiful West Coast with its magnificent wildflower displays. The Cape Town International Airport is a 35-minute drive away. The Eendracht enjoys a rich history. The original building - a small two-roomed cottage - was built in 1710. Now, reconstructed by the Lutz Trust remaining true to the original architectural, it boasts 13 en-suite bedrooms and three newly refurbished self-catering units in a restored 1928 art deco-styled house. Eendracht exudes a warm friendly atmosphere which is enhanced by the new Senobia’s Restaurant where both breakfasts and lunches – with daily specials, seasonal food and traditional South African dishes - can be enjoyed by both hotel guests and the public. There is also a meeting roomThe Huddle Room. Suitable for up to eight people it is equipped with stateof-the-art video conferencing facilities, high-speed internet access and all the other equipment needed for today’s inevitable Zoom-type meetings. Lunch and breakfast at Senobia’s are included in its half or full day package. Sundowners can be enjoyed at the beautiful garden patio which has an outdoor splash pool and for those guests that enjoy a spot of golf, the hotel is 4 kms from the Stellenbosch Golf Club. It is here, at Eendracht Hotel & Apartments a unique and special place, that guests can immerse themselves in true South African hospitality and comfort. A member of Cape Country Routes Eendracht Hotel & Apartments was awarded the 2019 Lilizela Tourism Award for Best Small Hotel in South Africa, is a serial recipient of the Trip Advisor’s Best-of-the-Best Travellers’ Choice Award and in July 2021 was upgraded from a 3 star hotel to a 4 star Boutique Hotel by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa.

Chic STAYS

The Winchester Hotel – a proper old dame with a twinkle in her eye

New hotels are exciting, for sure. But there’s just something magical about the grandest, most iconic hotels with some history. Fresh off a R90 million renovation, The Winchester Hotel is a century-old institution with exceptional neoclassical design and even better service. When visiting Cape Town during a whirlwind weekend, location is key – and this hotel on the ocean-hugging Sea Point Promenade is in a prime culture-hopping position.

WHERE TO STAY

THE WINCHESTER HOTEL

A prime beachfront address in the heart of a celebrated holiday destination –the newly renovated Winchester Hotel, previously known as The Winchester Mansions, is up there as one of the most outstanding locations on this stretch of coast. This faultless grande dame is bringing unrivalled style and legendary service to Cape Town. Muted, glossy and decadent – the style is difficult to characterise, but the overall effect is sensational. Among the hotel’s features are 76 guest rooms including suites, flame-inspired restaurant Shoreditch and a new incarnation of the hotel’s famous Harvey’s Bar. However, the best bit of this old-school favourite is the most unexpected of courtyards – with flourishes of sun-loving bougainvillea showering it with bright pink and purple colour. The hotel still has the bones of the original building, but there’s crisp confidence here that’s rare in somewhere so old. The aesthetic of the hotel extends throughout the generous rooms, which each have a grey, taupe and cream scheme jazzed up with heavily patterned fabrics as well as bathrooms with a rain shower, fabulous-smelling Woodbury & Co products and a Nespresso machine. Rooms are as grand as they were pre-renovation, but they feel less serious with a tremendous amount of panache. The best of the bunch are the signature suites – we stayed in a cocooning Junior Suite with views straight out to sea. Back at Shoreditch, there are more dazzling panoramas from the breakfast table. The lively restaurant, which draws a cool evening crowd with bespoke cocktails, is a destination in its own right. Sitting outside in the courtyard with a glass of something chilled is a joy, or you can go out on the terrace featuring panoramic Atlantic Ocean views. The lusted-after dishes are excellent in an unobtrusive sort of way – from wagyu tataki and braaied corn with garlic butter to a steak roll and lime-andcitrus marinated seared tuna. The foodie highlight has to be the ‘dirty’ rib eye with chimichurri, however, that’s so tender you could slice it with a spoon. If more quintessential heritage hedonism is required, some of Cape Town’s great institutions are dotted around the hotel – La Perla, Mykonos Taverna, Posticino Italian Restaurant and the rest.

221 Beach Road, Sea Point 021 434 2351

www.newmarkhotels.com

reservations@newmarkhotels.com

WHERE TO EAT

FYN RESTAURANT

In hip Cape Town fashion, to get to FYN Restaurant you have to order an Uber, wander through the East City and finally arrive at a nondescript door that could easily lead to an art gallery. The setting may seem a bit odd, but behind that door and up an elevator is this glittering restaurant where the presentation, taste, aroma and dining environment all play an equally important role. Led by chef-patron Peter Tempelhoff, Jennifer Hugé and Ashley Moss – a team whose former kitchens include those of Liz McGrath’s The Collection – FYN Restaurant serves up the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine, grounded in kaiseki traditions and inspired by locality. Thankfully, the friendly service puts you right at ease, so you can truly enjoy the multi-course banquet without getting too hung up about the etiquette. Food on a stick is the best food, and the porcupine quill appetisers –wild mushroom korokke (Japanese croquettes), tebasaki (double fried chicken glazed in a sweet, sour and savoury sauce), tonkatsu (breaded, deep-fried pork cutlet), kakiage (a type of vegetable tempura) and roast beetroot – are fun and approachable, but still manage to hype up your expectations for the rest of the meal. The chefs harness the best ingredients of the season and present them as a gastronomic expression of time and place. You can expect tiny yet mind-blowing courses, such as a Hokkaido milk bun with burnt mushroom

custard; tuna and yellowtail sashimi; an obsiblue prawn hand roll; and a langoustine served with chokka and tsukemono (Japanese preserved vegetables) – each of which is notably amplified by the optional wine pairing. There’s something familiar yet unexpected about the two standout dishes; the kingklip and abalone with intense sun-ripened tomato and sea plants as well as the Outeniqua springbok teamed with kabocha squash, Hokkaido pumpkin, shiitake mushroom and caramelised onion jus. They’ve become so popular that they’re now a staple on the tasting menu, with slight variations in ingredients depending on the season. This is temptation enough to visit, but the robata grilled pineapple served with rice ice cream, shichimi (a seven-spice blend) and ginger syrup – followed by wagashi (traditional Japanese confections) – seals the deal. Beyond the food itself being world-class, the level of detail that goes into every dish is impressive, making FYN Restaurant an ideal place to dazzle a date.

Cost: R1,575 per person for the Experience Dinner Menu or R975 per person for the Lunch Menu (excluding the optional wine pairing)

5th Floor, Speakers’ Corner, 37 Parliament Street, Cape Town 021 286 2733

www.fynrestaurant.com

SAFARI BEYOND

The most astonishing escapes in Southern Africa

Travel is back and better than ever! It’s time to explore the destinations at the top of your Africa bucket list and satisfy your wanderlust. While a safari and spotting the Big Five can be a trip of a lifetime, it’s certainly not the only way to explore Southern Africa. This multifaceted region is home to one of the most diverse landscapes on the planet – the scorched bush, verdant grasslands, local villages, paradise islands and untouched coastlines. Here, we’ve picked out the latest and greatest hotspots we have our eye on. Where are you going first?

CULTURAL ENLIGHTENMENT AT VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE

Where: 4km from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Africa’s most famous conservation areas – the Kruger, the Maasai Mara, the Okavango Delta, the Serengeti and Etosha – deserve to be explored. But you haven’t experienced the truth of Africa if safari and spectacular scenery are your only objectives. Victoria Falls – known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or the “smoke that thunders” – is often cited as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Located on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Vic Falls is dominated by endless bushland and the world’s largest stretch of falling water. As a base for exploration, we’re a great fan of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Why book? Because you want the greatest cultural experience of all. And because it’s surreal to arrive with elephants gracefully passing by the deck. The tasteful, colonial-style 72 bedrooms and suites – all with their own surprises –are white-walled with thatched roofs. Best bet: A Waterhole-Facing Room, which boasts handmade wooden furniture, a soothing medley of pale earth tones, and a big bed draped in white linen and mosquito nets. You might even open your curtains to find a herd of buffalo having breakfast. Our accommodation was charming – a fantastically comfortable place to be with modern comforts like aircon and good Wi-Fi. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is all about adventure by day and indulgence by night. While the sun’s up, book a tour of the falls, white river rafting, a helicopter flight, horse riding, a walking safari or a township tour

through tour operator Wild Horizons. Or, if you’re really brave, a zipline or gorge swing. Should you tire of activities, you can grab a cocktail at Buffalo Bar and lounge on a sunbed by the outdoor pool to the tune of whirring butterflies. The enthusiastic young barman is adept at pouring inventive cocktails (mango daiquiri or cherry mojito, anyone?) and it’s tempting to surrender to long lunches of pepperoni pizza. Then, come back down to earth with a sunset cruise – a bookable experience including unlimited drinks that shouldn’t be missed. Expect hippos wallowing in the river and elephants walking among the trees while the African sun creates an everchanging kaleidoscope of colours. The scenes are surreal. Perched above a watering hole, the lodge’s inviting MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant excels in comfort food that’s both original and reliably tasty. For dinner, we tried starters like their roasted sweet onion soup, octopus carpaccio and duck fritters followed by grilled beef tenderloin, coffee-braised short ribs and a hunk of coconut-crusted Zambezi bream with saffron and sweetcorn velouté – all washed down with a bottle of Springfield Life From Stone Sauvignon Blanc from Robertson. Another way of finding out about the culture is to book a table at The Boma for an unforgettable night of local cuisine and five-star entertainment. There’s nothing in this world that can prepare you for the majesty of Vic Falls.

471 Squire Cummings Road, Victoria Falls www.victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com website@saflodge.co.za

SUBLIME SCENERY AT MOUNT CAMDEBOO PODS

Where: Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve, near Graaff-Reinet in the Eastern Cape

From luxurious off-the-grid hideaways to the dreamiest treehouses and chic cabins – we’ve seen it all in terms of quirky places to stay. But when it comes to finding an unusual address in South Africa, there’s something eternally appealing about retreating to the Mount Camdeboo Pods. Though the Camdeboo Manor is certainly something to shout about, it’s the new series of glass-fronted eco-friendly pods – occupying a frontrow seat to the 13,000-hectare private game reserve and landscape beyond – that are set to enchant.

Your options for game-watching are many these days, but Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve figures you’ll enjoy it best from the comfort of your bed … and you can now do that. There are two pods, each a 35-minute drive from the Manor Houses – the Eagle’s Flight pod, which has incredible views of the surrounding valley, and the Camdeboo Plains pod perched over the hypnotic plains of Camdeboo. While you’ll be out in the wilderness with nothing but a solid steel frame cladded in a combination of wood panelling, corrugate and glass between you and the elements, you won’t exactly be roughing it. Each well-insulated pod comes outfitted with a queen-size bed that can sleep two adults, an en-suite bathroom with a toilet, basin and shower as well as a kitchenette with tea- and coffee-making facilities. Crucially, the

solitude of off-grid living is softened by W-Fi, electricity and piping-hot water. But let’s be real – you’re not sleeping in a wooden bolthole because you’re after amenities. You’re there for the scenery and country air. Our pod, the Camdeboo Plains pod, was light, airy and beautifully furnished with contemporary Scandinavian design. Seamlessly woven into the dramatic, craggy African landscape, it felt entirely otherworldly. The reserve is home to lion, cheetah, elephant, white rhino, Cape buffalo, giraffe and Cape mountain zebra hidden in the golden blades of short grass, but don’t worry – around the pods, there’s a reasonably low fence with electrical strands that will stop one of these from walking through. If the sun is shining, the outdoor living area – including an outdoor lounge and open-air boma – is the place to be. It’s made for dreaming wide and feeling free. The wood-fired hot tub provides an ideal sundowner destination with a bottle of Glenelly The Glass Collection Unoaked Chardonnay and wild skies above. The pod has a

fully-equipped kitchenette with a microwave, gas stove and bar fridge, so you could easily stay put all weekend. However, the Camdeboo Manor serves a farmhouse breakfast consisting of delicious bacon, eggs, sausage, croissants and muffins to pod occupants. We might love the buzz of city life, but the Mount Camdeboo Pods – which embody modern escapism –are a brilliant way to truly switch off. Everything slows down and becomes clear for a moment … and that’s the whole point, isn’t it?

Petersburg Road, Graaff-Reinet 021 427 5900 www.newmarkhotels.com reservations@newmarkhotels.com

GET

DURING YOUR LAYOVER AT

RADISSON HOTEL & CONVENTION CENTRE

JOHANNESBURG

Where: 7.9km from OR Tambo International Airport

Airport hotels are better known for making long, multiflight trips tolerable than they are for luxury. But all that might be changing. Artfully dressed in vibrant hues and playful patterns, the Radisson Hotel & Convention Centre Johannesburg is so luxurious that you’d never guess it was located 10 minutes from OR Tambo International Airport. Despite its imposing exterior, the 248-room hotel couldn’t be more welcoming – from the swirling pool and the knockout spa to Radisson’s brand of inconspicuous but deeply luxurious hospitality. This polished urban oasis really does feel like a place to fully occupy and luxuriate in. Like the rest of the interiors, the rooms are high-tech and ultra-modern, outfitted with ergonomic furniture and business-savvy features. Layouts vary from snug Standard Rooms with the feel of a glamorous apartment, to the penthouse-sized Presidential Suite for affluent, get-away-from-it-all travellers. We recommend booking a Junior Suite that opens to a small balcony – floors are heated underfoot, windows are heavily soundproofed and bedrooms are a mostly monochrome palette with touches of deep grey and sand. But the hidden pop-up TV and walk-in wardrobe fitted with solid oak hangers were perhaps our favourite surprises. There are four restaurants to suit your every whim – on the lower floor, don’t miss The Avenue, headed by executive chef Darshan Chetty who’s known for his Afro-Asian inspired meals. The menu is as health-conscious or indulgent as you please. For lunch, you might choose fried calamari or a Mediterranean salad, then a beef burger or grilled line fish; for dinner garlic butter snails followed by perfectly cooked rib-eye steak with café de Paris butter. They’ll all be delicious, as are the very drinkable South African wines on the list. The curry of the day hits all the right notes – simple, sensational and wonderfully flavoured with the chef’s blend of spices. Best of all, after you tumble out of bed in the morning, it’s only a two-minute walk to the sprawling Amani Spa.

Like an exhale in the middle of Joburg, the decadent respite exudes peace and tranquility from every corner. In addition to traditional services, the spa provides CBD massages, teeth whitening and blow-dries, complete with a sauna, steam room, heated indoor pool, yoga and meditation zone, champagne bar and café. For a full-body chillout, the 60- or 90-minute Himalayan Salt Crystal Ritual is the treatment to try – in which a therapist kneads sore muscles using warm coconut oil and Himalayan salt massage stones. The rubdown is followed by an optional 45-minute session in the salt room. Breathing dry, salt-saturated air is useful in treating a range of respiratory and skin conditions. You’ll walk out of the session and think, “Wow, this is what it’s like to take a full breath!” Insider tip: The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle service available 24 hours.

3rd Avenue, Bredell AH, Kempton Park 011 100 4436

www.radissonhotels.com info.ortambo@radisson.com

IN BLOOM Beauty

Irresistible spring beauty buys

Spring, is that you? You’re so close we can almost feel it. Spring is one of our favourite seasons for a reason – it brings us bold hues, bright prints, maxi skirts, platforms, oversized sunglasses, bucket bags and a rollout of new beauty launches. We couldn’t be more excited to refresh our vanities with a highlighter for radiant skin, a beauty balm laced with potent ingredients and delightful rose beauty products that conjure that special spring joie de vivre. Prepare to be wowed by the dewiest new products on the market that’ve landed on our desk.

TEAOLOGY TEA GLOW EXFOLIATING CLEANSING FOAM

Start your journey to the ideal spring skincare routine with a pore-purifying foam cleanser. For a sensorial wash, lean on Teaology’s vegan, cruelty-free Tea Glow Exfoliating Cleansing Foam with its wonderfully grounding scent. With ingredients like organic green tea, salicylic acid, niacinamide, mango and papaya enzyme complex as well as inulin (a prebiotic fibre that’s found in chicory, a flowering plant in the dandelion family), this cushiony foam penetrates every pore while deeply purging dirt, makeup and breakouts. Plus, it’s packed with antioxidants, so you won’t feel dry like alternative face washes for oily skin and shine. A truly pampering experience.

R415 from www.teaology.co.za

DERMALOGICA HYALURONIC CERAMIDE MIST

Get a glow and maximise skin hydration in a matter of seconds by spritzing your face with Dermalogica’s Hyaluronic Ceramide Mist. As the name suggests, it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid – a potent humectant that helps bind existing water into the skin cells so it can’t evaporate. Not only does it come in a slim, smash-proof bottle, but it’s enriched with soothing rose water, polyphenols and flavonoids to lightly refresh the skin. The extrafine mist will make you look dewy, not drenched and you can use it as many times a day as you like. It’s the best face mist for on-the-go hydration, a quick refresher, post-sun recovery and showing off in the office.

R949 from Dermalogica concept stores and www.dermalogica.co.za

FENTY SKIN FAT WATER PORE-REFINING TONER SERUM WITH NIACINAMID

The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. Rihanna’s Fenty Skin – an inclusive, gender-neutral line of beauty products – is finally available in South Africa! If you’ve never felt like you could relate to Badgal RiRi, you will now. Fat Water, a juicy toner-serum for optimal dew and bounce, is our favourite product in the line. This multi-tasking product works to fade dark spots, minimise the appearance of pores and perfectly prep your skin for moisturiser. It’s got collagen-stimulating niacinamide, vitamin C-rich Barbados cherry and super-hydrating cactus flower. Because of its ‘thick than a Snicka’ gel-like texture, it’s best to pat it in with your fingers.

R585 from ARC Store and select Edgars stores

REN RADIANCE GLOW & PROTECT SERUM

If you’ve ever wanted a more radiant complexion and smoother skin texture over time, then anti-ageing antioxidant vitamin C is calling your name. We opt for vitamin C serums because there’s nothing better for fighting free radical damage and maintaining healthy skin long-term. REN’s clean formula sports kakadu plum and dragon fruit to brighten and improve skin texture, as well as glycogen and hyaluronic acid to add moisture and plumpness to the skin. This powerful serum wants your skin to look as radiant and bright as possible, without compromising a fragile skin barrier. The end result is skin so healthy that people will wonder who your facialist is.

R1,175 from www.rencleanskincare.co.za, www.superbalist. com, www.takealot.com as well as select Woolworths, Foschini, Clicks and Wellness Warehouse stores

FILORGA OXYGEN-GLOW

CC CREAM SPF 30 - PA+++

When it comes to faking smooth and flawless skin, foundation is far from your only option. Filorga’s velvety Oxygen-Glow CC Cream will be your one-and-done product to effortlessly neutralise redness and disguise sun spots. This hardworking CC cream – infused with an oxygenation booster, hyaluronic acid and L-enzyme – goes on like your favourite lightweight moisturiser. With its blendable texture, universal rosy shade and impressive SPF 30 protection, it’s easy to apply and visibly blurs any imperfections. Special ingredients help reflect light particles so you’re left looking lit-from-within, not shiny. This is something of a wonder product.

R590 from www.skinmiles.com and www.absoluteskin.co.za

WET N WILD TAKE YOUR VITAMINS SUPER NUTRIENT FACE MIST

Do yourself a favour and get a product that does both. This vitamin-enriched primer preps and sets your skin for the most seamless application. Each time you spritz the wet n wild Take Your Vitamins Super Nutrient Face Mist, there’s a handful of ingredients that penetrate into your skin. The list includes vitamins C, B3, B5 and F as well as hyaluronic acid, vegetable collagen, fermented rice and bioflavonoids. It also smells absolutely gorgeous, so your mind feels as refreshed as your skin with each spray – all the more reason to keep it stationed at the corner of your desk. Make sure to have this dew-enhancing spritz on hand for minimal makeup days.

R199.95 from Clicks

REVLON PHOTOREADY ROSE GLOW FACE MIST

Refreshing and moisturising? Yes and yes. This familiar pink bottle is perfect for cooling down hot springtime complexions. A bi-phase primer, setting spray, hydrating mist and skin refresher all rolled into one – we appreciate the simplicity of the spray and its beautiful fragrance. It’s definitely one of the best at sealing your look while making skin look glassy. But that doesn’t mean it’ll dry out your skin – the sustainable palm and coconut oils and superfruit complex (apple, watermelon and lentil extract) inside make sure of that. If the occasion calls for it, we’ll wet a sponge with the mist to help makeup glide onto the skin. Hello, foolproof coverage! R249.95 from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Clicks, Dis-Chem, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com

NUXE MERVEILLANCE LIFT FIRMING ACTIVATING OIL-SERUM

For its latest line, NUXE is focusing on one particular active ingredient – micro-algae oil, known for its impressive resistance. The range boasts five products, including an indulgent oil-serum that can be used as a daily moisturiser. That’s just the type of luxury that we can get behind! If you’re stressing about dullness, uneven texture and the look of fine lines, it’s oil good – a few drops of this anti-ageing facial oil will help you see your skin in a much more pleasing light. The advanced results you’d expect from an advanced vegan formula. It’s a fantastic makeup primer for dry skin, however, we also recommend making it the last step in your nighttime routine.

R750 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths stores

PANIER DES SENS RADIANT PEONY MAKE-UP REMOVER

This luxe micellar water is worth the splurge. Fancy-sounding name aside – Panier des Sens’s Radiant Peony Make-Up Remover is a very thorough remover that will make cleansing a breeze. Simply pour it onto a cotton pad, rub it over your face like a toner and carry on with your skincare routine as normal. The emollient formula features French peony extract to provide skin with antioxidant defense, while organic blueberry and rose water send the signal to your skin cells to firm up. It imparts so much softness, you might be tempted to skip moisturiser after using it. The fragrance –which is the epitome of a pretty, spring floral – is the icing on the cake.

R269 from www.panierdessens.com and www.takealot.com

FENTY BEAUTY KILLAWATT FREESTYLE

HIGHLIGHTERAFTERNOON SNACK/MO’ HONEY

Our cheekbones have never been more ready. Get an intergalactic shine like no other with a dusting of Fenty Beauty’s pigmented Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter. Aptly named Afternoon Snack (gold champagne) and Mo’ Honey (bronzed ginger) in a shimmery white compact, these colours are loved by just about every influencer you follow and then some. The buttery powder makes your cheekbones pop and can be built up to a next-level glow. We recommend using it with a fan brush, as it picks up less pigment than a sponge. If you’re travelling and wish to keep your makeup bag light, it also works overtime as an eyeshadow. Trust us … and Rihanna.

R770 from ARC Store and select Edgars stores

ELIZABETH ARDEN FLAWLESS FINISH

SKINCARING CONCEALER

It can be tough to achieve a crease-free finish, but Elizabeth Arden’s skincare-infused concealer is up for the task. Luminous and lightweight, it hydrates as it covers just as well as the brand’s best-selling Skincaring Foundation. There are also some notable skin-loving ingredients in the formula like vitamins C and E. Look to hyaluronic acid, which makes the concealer feel like a second skin, to moisturise the delicate skin around the eyes. Swipe the doe-foot applicator under the eyes and around the nose to mask redness, blemishes and pigmentation before patting it in with your ring finger. It’s buildable with a radiant finish – a big win in our opinion.

R395 from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com

CETAPHIL PRO REDNESS-PRONE SKIN

DAILY FACIAL MOISTURISER

With the temperatures rising, there’s little place for a full face of foundation. That’s why a good tinted moisturiser has become the cornerstone of every spring skincare routine. There are several reasons why we rave about Cetaphil’s tinted moisturiser for redness-prone skin. Firstly, it offers SPF 30 protection from the sun’s damaging rays. Then, there’s the hydrating yet non-greasy do-it-all formula that feels weightless but blurs like a dream. It also plays perfectly with all other textures and never settles into fine lines or pores. And finally, it’s built around caffeine, licorice extract and allantoin to soothe irritation and protect from environmental aggressors.

R250 from Clicks and Dis-Chem

NIVEA EXFOLIATING RICE SCRUB WITH ORGANIC BLUEBERRY

Brighter skin days right this way. If you’re into organic skincare, you’re going to love this budget-friendly face scrub from NIVEA. The clean formula is filled with 100% natural exfoliants, including crushed Japonica rice seeds and blueberry juice, and helps to smooth out the skin. We can’t forget to mention the awesome price point, too! The application process is simple: Gently massage a dollop onto damp skin, focusing on your T-zone, to dislodge pore-clogging dead cells and leave behind gleaming skin. We rub it on in circles just barely with our fingertips so it isn’t too abrasive. Rinse off with warm water and gently pat dry skin with a soft towel.

R74.99 from Clicks and Dis-Chem

COMFORT ZONE RENIGHT CREAM

Did you know that our skin enters a regeneration period while we sleep? Beauty sleep is real! Drench skin in moisture and restore its bounce with genuinely sustainable brand, Comfort Zone’s supercharged blend of organic goji berry and hydrolised tomato extract. It may seem like a simple upgrade, but going to bed with this investment cream working its magic can make a world of difference. It’s a truly sensorial treat in a decadent container – mildly scented and creamy but never suffocating. This is hands down our miracle potion for plump, hydrated skin overnight. Slather it on your face before you hit the sheets for your dreamiest complexion yet.

R1,095 for 60ml from select Woolworths stores, www.takealot.com, www.retailbox.co.za and www.absoluteskin.co.za

MONDAY HAIRCARE VOLUME SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

When we heard about MONDAY Haircare, a popular New Zealand brand that’s just launched in South Africa, we were immediately hooked. The pastel pink bottles look just darling in our bathrooms! But wait, this sulphate-free duo is more than an incredibly chic purchase. From the SLS, paraben and animal-cruelty-free formulas to the results, it delivers on every count. The luxurious but not-too-heavy products are crafted with coconut oil, ginger root extract, shea butter and vitamin E to amp up the volume and bounce, while smoothing frizz and strengthening strands. Better yet, they have the most gorgeous fruity-floral scent and won’t empty your wallet!

R180 each from Clicks, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com

DOSE & CO PURE UNFLAVOURED MARINE COLLAGEN

Collagen – known to improve the skin’s elasticity and slow signs of ageing – makes up 30% of all the protein in our bodies. But natural collagen production levels decrease as we age. Enter Dose & Co’s tasteless and totally absorbable collagen powder. The fountain of youth in powder form, if you will. It’s as pretty as it is powerful: Wild-caught, sustainably sourced marine collagen takes centre stage in this unflavoured powder, which is also chockfull of vitamin C for an extra immunity boost. Best of all? One serving contains 10g of collagen, and it mixes seamlessly into your morning coffee, green juice, smoothie or oats. No wonder fans include Khloé Kardashian.

R755 from www.doseandco.co.za, www.woolworths.co.za as well as select Edgars and Foschini stores

KATE SUNLEY ROSE BATH OIL

Consider Kate Sunley’s scented bath oil the ultimate self-care strategy. Set your PJs out ahead of time, because you’re going to be ready for bed! The calming cocktail of almond, argan and essentials oils – along with fragrant rose – in this silky, non-greasy formula will leave your skin velvety soft. The scent will mentally transport you to a garden and linger on skin for the rest of the evening. Dilute it in your bath under running water and feel it bloom, or slather it onto limbs post-soak. Extra points for the lovely glass bottle that will look so chic perched next to your tub. For a night in with me, myself and I, try it with the Rose or Jasmine Body Polish, too.

R240 for 200ml or R460 for 500ml from www.katesunley.com

LITCHI & TITCH GLOWING BODY POLISHROSE GERANIUM, MINT & LAVENDER

Bring your skin back to life just in time for spring. Pawpaw, baobab, Cape rose geranium, peppermint and lavender are the key ingredients that put the ‘treat’ in this body treatment. A delightfully millennial pink scrub made with long soaks in mind, the sugar scrub itself glides smoothly over your skin without feeling too oily or rough. We love how luxurious the application feels. Also, like all of Litchi & Titch’s products, the post-application radiance and fragrance are out of this world. You can use it for legs that glisten in the sun, or for incredibly soft, hydrated hands. Using coconut and sweet almond oils, your hands will never be more manicure-ready.

R165 from www.litchiandtitchnaturals.com

OLGANI PROBIOM TOOTHPASTE

Oral care is going green. While the slew of new brands joining the market is heartening, Olgani Naturals has been at it for the last 14 years. You already know and love the brand’s tooth powders, but have you tried its probiotic and prebiotic toothpaste? Aimed at keeping your mouth bacteria in balance, the not-so-secret ingredients are bentonite, French green clay, chlorella and green tea. Yes, it’s salty, but that taste is balanced out with lemongrass and peppermint. Adding a tube to your routine is actually a double win, since it also happens to be vegan and cruelty-free. Not to mention the packaging you can feel proud displaying on your bathroom counter.

R139.95 from www.faithful-to-nature.co.za as well as select Dis-Chem and Wellness Warehouse stores

BIODERMA

ATODERM CRÈME ULTRA

Dry skin types, listen up. BIODERMA’s straightforward skincare products are recommended by dermatologists all over the world as they’re effective, fuss-free and gentle on the skin. Dry, flaky and just generally problematic skin is no match for this reformulated cult classic that’s sure to elevate your body moisturising ritual. Its buttery texture and super-rich formula somehow manage to leave no residue. What’s the remedy? Omegas 3, 6 and 9 to nourish, hydrate, restore your skin’s natural glow and block out dryness for up to 24 hours. Keeping a bottle of this on your nightstand is never a bad decision. You’ll see results after just one or two uses.

R395.95 from Woolworths, Clicks, Dis-Chem, www.dermastore.co.za, www.skinmiles.com and www.superbalist.com

REDKEN AMINO MINT SHAMPOO

Detox that scalp! If you’re a dry shampoo devotee – or you’ve noticed that you have an oily scalp or your hair is lacking shine – there’s a good chance you’d benefit from ‘a juice cleanse for your hair’. This clarifying shampoo utilises the powers of Redken’s Amino Acid Strength Complex and mint, allowing hair to maintain its protection while effectively cleansing the scalp. A great early-morning pick-me-up, it works to deep-clean hair and eliminate excess oil. All that, and the minty shampoo produces a rich lather and provides a cool, invigorating sensation for the scalp. Yes, please. We recommend using a clarifying shampoo no more than once a week.

R380 from www.retailbox.co.za, www.salon500.co.za and select salons

LUSH SLEEPY SCENTED CANDLE

LUSH has turned three fan-favourite fragrances into candles as part of a permanent range. Take your pick from Orange Blossom, The Olive Branch and (the most exciting) Sleepy. The Sleepy Scented Candle –composed of a rapeseed wax, coconut oil, coconut wax and castor wax base topped with soft, sleepinducing notes of lavender and ylang ylang – is *chef’s kiss* for when you can’t quite nod off. Even if you happen to be an easy sleeper, there’s nothing better than filling your home with our favourite candle for winding down. Poured into a frosted glass jar, it’s the type of candle that’ll have you coming back for more time and time again.

R245 from LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and www.lush.co.za

WHERE LEISURE & WORK COME TOGETHER

If success had an address, it would be The MARC – where leisure and work come together.

Adding to the Sandton skyline, The MARC boasts two office towers and a double-level retail centre featuring restaurants, cafes, boutiques, beauty salons, a gym and medical suites. An open feel permeates the precinct, as restaurants open up onto the streets, creating a welcoming ambiance.

Our tenants include contemporary, handcrafted jewellery store Elegante, Africa on Thread, Deco Bloom and Levisons to name a few.

ENTER THE WORLD OF MAGNIFICENT SIMPLICITY AT ELEGANTE

“Like a dream that travels within the portals of radiant insurgency, where imagination is limitless and possibilities are infinite. Every jewel is inspired by the connection of a memory; a memory of love, a special moment that is meant to be kept sacred.” Elegante designs handcrafted jewellery, made personally for you. From sterling silver bracelets to custom-made wedding rings, they’ll help you bring your jewellery dreams to life.

Shop LR16 Instagram: @elegante_za

THE MARC NEW DESIGN

DECO BLOOM

The Deco Bloom florist shop is located on the lower retail level, near entrance 1. Their services include on-the-go bouquets, niche gifting, indoor plants, and weekly flower arrangements for corporates or private homes. In addition, they offer turnkey event décor & design concepts, ensuring professionalism and elegance throughout.

Shop LR12

MARC DPS DESIGN

Instagram: @_deco_bloom_

AFRICA ON THREAD

Africa On Thread is a platform that gives young, African designers a space in the retail industry access to the international market as the store is situated in the heart of Sandton; a central business district and a mecca for shoppers who enjoy the finer things.

With surrounding prestigious hotels it is the perfect location for tourists to spend on locally produced fashion – giving African brands the traction they deserve.

Shop LR17

Instagram: @africaonthreadshop

LEVISIONS

Levisons has been at the forefront of the fashion industry for over 120 years. The Levisons name is one indisputably synonymous with luxury and exclusivity. Levisons stores offer the contemporary chic and classic elegance of high-end international brands such as Hugo Boss, HUGO, Lacoste, Michael Kors, Coach, Emporio Armani, Tiger of Sweden, Paul Smith and Levisons (our own label) products.

Shop LR18

Instagram: @levisonsza

IDEALLY LOCATED IN THE MARC PRECINCT IN SANDTON CBD – ON THE CORNER OF MAUDE AND RIVONIA ROAD – DNA CONSULTING SUITES AT THE MARC PROVIDES AFFORDABLE MEDICAL AND DENTAL CARE.

Whether you’re in need of a check-up, travel vaccine, or dentist appointment, our goal is to do everything possible to foster a convenient and comfortable environment. Experience a new dimension of exclusivity and relaxation at DNA Consulting Suites at The MARC.

BOOK YOUR CONSULTATION TODAY!

Linda

both modern and timeless

DR. LELO LATAKGOMO