Scene in the City - Summer 2022

SETTING THE STANDARD IN MEDICAL AESTHETICS.

DERMAHEAL

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Defy time with Dermaheal. AGE FEARLESSLY.

FIRST-CLASS BEAUTY

Turn on holiday mode with these brand-new essentials

Wax appointment? Booked. Statement swimwear and party dresses? Secured. Beauty essentials to keep you looking gorgeous from the beach to the bar? Consider this your go-to shopping list for the summer holiday season. Each of these beauty world newcomers, tried and beloved by our editor, are worth checking in a bag for. However, we’ve also included a few travel-sized minis to avoid any hiccups. Trust us when we tell you that you’re going to want all of these ahead of your next out of office. Start your wish list and fill your shopping cart now!

BEAURAZE BIODEGRADABLE RAZOR

Soft, smooth skin shouldn’t hurt the world. If you’ve ever hesitated before buying an eco-friendly disposable razor, this one from The Laser Beautique might just change your mind. You don’t have to sacrifice a good shave – or the way it looks, either. The handle of this sleek razor is made with biodegradable wheat straw instead of plastic. Another cool feature: It has three durable blades for a more cushioned shave. However, the fixed head might make it a little tricky to use on your legs. For a close, comfortable shave sans irritation, make sure to prep your skin with a shaving cream to create slip and stop friction. Each earth-friendly razor comes with three replacement heads, so it’s more affordable than non-degradable single-use razors.

R25 each, R300 for a pack of 12 or R600 for a pack of 24 from www.thelaserbeautique.co.za, The Laser Beautique and The Refillery

PRAI BEAUTY AGELESS EYE D-CREASE

Now available in South Africa, one of PRAI Beauty’s best-selling anti-ageing neck creams are sold every 60 seconds across the world. But if you’re simply looking to target fine lines on your delicate eye area, the PRAI Beauty Ageless Eye D-Crease promises to address crow’s feet and sagging skin. Enriched with amino acid chains (also known as peptides) and precious oils, the indulgent cream keeps under-eyes looking supple throughout the day – and then some. These ingredients work alongside line-targeting Matrixyl, Biopeptide EL, Nulastic Silk, vitamin A and PRAI Oil to noticeably illuminate and tighten. Not to mention – PRAI Beauty’s eye cream might be rooted in science, but the avocado and marula oil fragrance makes it a joy to use, too.

R1,150 from www.praibeautysa.co.za, www.woolworths.co.za, www.superbalist.com, www.takealot.com and select Edgars stores

HELIOCARE 360º AGE ACTIVE FLUID SPF 50

No matter where you’re jetting off to, packing a facial sunscreen with a barely-there feeling is essential. We’ve long been fans of Heliocare, and the hits keep coming – the latest being this super-lightweight, water-resistant SPF that works on all skin types. While wearing SPF in the first place is the best defence against signs of ageing, Heliocare went one step further to incorporate a triple anti-ageing complex into their formula. This sunscreen takes the crown –it’s completely non-tacky, perfect for sensitive skin, good at protecting from UVA and UBA rays and contains a tint suited to skin Fitzpatrick I to IV for a subtle-but-noticeable instant glow. Your face has never been so safe. Plus, we love anything that packs a whopping SPF 50!

R612.38 from select spas, salons and dermatology offices

LAMELLE CLARITY CLEAR MASK

Our face mask obsession just hit new heights. The Lamelle Clarity Clear Mask really doesn’t mess around when it comes to offering instant results! This clay mask combines kaolinite and montmorillonite clays to unclog pores, tighten skin and bring down inflammation. It’s also boosted with zinc to reduce excess oil and keep acne at bay. In short, it’s a true powerhouse for skin that’s playing up – it effortlessly removes grime, blackheads and dead cells, and its texture doesn’t pull even as the mask dries up. For best results, don’t let the mask dry out completely – keep it on for 15 minutes or less and use it once a week. Once you’re converted (you will be), there’s a matching gel cleanser, day cream and night cream waiting for you, too.

R380 from www.dermastore.co.za

GATINEAU HYDRA AURA ÉCLAT DE SOIE SLEEPING MASK

The effects of recycled, dehydrating airplane air can leave once-balanced skin feeling tender. Cue this new overnight face mask from Gatineau, also known as our hack for perfect post-flight skin. It contains an impressive blend of delicate and reparative ingredients: Barbary fig extract, velvet seaweed extract, red seaweed extract, alpine skullcap, vitamin E, coconut oil and shea butter. Although most overnight masks mostly work to hydrate, this gel-cream is also formulated to fight fine lines and wrinkles. What we love the most, however, is the pillowproof texture which absorbs like a dream. Top tip: Gently massage the Gatineau Hydra Aura Éclat de Soie Sleeping Mask in circular motions for skin that feels relaxed and refreshed by morning.

R710 from select Woolworths, Truworths and Dis-Chem stores

NUXE CRÈME FRAÎCHE DE BEAUTÉ 3-IN-1 MAGIC CREAM

Most of us won’t be travelling with our complete skincare collection. So, you’ll want at least one multitasking beauty product to downsize and free up space. We’d reach for NUXE’s Crème Fraîche de Beauté 3-in-1 Magic Cream to weightlessly restore skin moisture and remove makeup with hardly any effort. The crème de la cream, if you will. Spiked with natural-origin active ingredients – vegetable milk, sweet almond oil, red seaweed extract and shea butter – it has a very bouncy texture that feels lightweight and breathable on the skin. What’s more, you can leave a thick layer of the cream on your skin for five minutes and it’ll work to revitalise your complexion – seriously. Whether you’re recovering from jet lag or just lack of sleep, it’s a must.

R560 from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths stores

DERMALOGICA DAILY MILKFOLIANT

Just as many of us have swapped the cow’s milk in our coffee for almond, oat or soy, plant milks are very de rigeur in the skincare world. Following on from the success of the award-winning Daily Microfoliant, Dermalogica’s latest exfoliant powder – the vegan Daily Milkfoliant –features coconut milk and oat bran extracts. The dual exfoliating and skin-soothing product ushers in a more even-toned visage as well as provides a decadent sensorial experience. As the name suggests, it’s designed to be gentle enough for daily use and is suitable for all skin types. You can easily customise how ‘scrubby’ you want the formula to be based on how much water you add. Massage into the skin using circular motions before rinsing thoroughly.

R299 for 13g or R1,329 for 74g from www.dermalogica.co.za, Dermalogica Concept Stores, Sorbet salons, Woolworths and ARC Store

KIEHL’S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY OMEGARICH CLOUD CREAM

It’s no secret that we’re a big fan of Kiehl’s. So, when we heard that the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery OmegaRich Cloud Cream had been released, we knew we had to have this nighttime miracle beauty product in our life. The whipped, cloud-like night cream is infused with omega 3 and 6 fatty acids as well as the Kiehl’s botanical blend of seed, plant and flower oils. It feeds your skin hour by hour and includes a mixture of ingredients such as squalane, lavender essential oil and evening primrose oil. Just massage the rich formula into your face and neck before you go to bed. It quickly melts into your skin, leaving it radiant and luminous the next morning. Plus, it smells like lavender, so you’ll be so relaxed, sleep will come easy!

R780 from www.edgars.co.za and select Edgars stores

INSTITUT ESTHEDERM SUN KISSED SELFTANNING FACE CARE

Shimmery radiance in the summertime is always a good look. So, there’s no better time to equip yourself with the best self-tanner for your face. Channel your inner bronze goddess with the Institut Esthederm Sun Kissed Self-Tanning Face Care – no sunshine required! This self-tanning face cream’s formula has been created specifically to take your face’s wants and needs into account. Not only does it provide a flattering glow, but it also delivers a few skincare benefits thanks to nourishing ingredients (which isn’t something you’ll get from the residue left on your tanning mitt). Better yet: There’s a pampering self-tanning lotion for the body, too. For optimal application, pop a small amount of Vaseline around your hairline.

R690 from www.skinmiles.com, www.superbalist.com as well as select Woolworths and Dis-Chem stores

INOAR BOTANIC SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

If you’re not on the gender-neutral bandwagon yet, allow us to introduce you to the brand that started it all. INOAR’s Botanic Shampoo and Conditioner gives broken hair a little pick-me-up while working to repair those frayed ends, protect against further damage and potentially even encourage new growth. Pumped full of castor oil, the all-star formula makes hair feel softer and silkier because it’s rich in fatty acids. The addition of soy oil, hydrolysed soy protein and oatmeal extract creates a non-stripping lather. With daily use, you can expect your damaged, delicate and over-processed hair to look and feel stronger with an overall more lustrous appearance. We love that the entire line is vegan, cruelty-free, paraben-free and sulphate-free.

R385 each from www.inoar.co.za and select salons

GHD GLIDE

HOT

BRUSHCHAMPAGNE GOLD

Holiday hair, don’t care? We hate to say it, but ‘holiday hair’ – including frizzy lengths, flaky scalps, colour fade and brassy blonde – is definitely a thing. But GHD doesn’t want you to leave good hair days at home, even when you’re miles away. Sitting somewhere between a hairbrush and a heated styler, the limited-edition GHD Glide Hot Brush in champagne gold will ensure you have a holiday entirely filled with good hair days. Ionic technology instantly wards off frizz-inducing moisture, while the pearl ceramic coating ensures a snag-free brushing experience for a sleek look. Lastly, whether you’re checking in a bag or simply travelling with a carry-on, because of its sleek design, you can stash the Glide in your luggage with no drama.

R3,100 from www.ghdhair.com and select salons

REN MINFUL MINIS - EVERCALM GENTLE CLEANSING GEL AND REDNESS RELIEF SERUM

Bon voyage! Pack lightly with REN’s new travel-sized products. Formulated with beta-glucan, prebiotic oligosaccharides and inulin as well as neroli, the REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Gel serves as the cleanser for those looking for a gentle-yet-powerful face wash. The jelly texture is easy to spread across your skin and just so happens to be capable of removing makeup without the need for rubbing. Looking for something to calm and camouflage inflamed skin while you’re away? The Redness Relief Serum contains white mushroom extract, which reduces redness, irritation and sensitivity. We love that the serum has a milky texture that leaves dry skin feeling relieved with just one application. We’ve never had a product give us visible results so fast.

R245 and R615 from www.rencleanskincare.co.za

WOMEN’SECRET INTIMATE DAYDREAM EAU DE PARFUM

Top notes, base notes and the prettiest of bottles –we’re such suckers for soleil scents. The latest fragrance from Women’secret is a fruity-floral, but not as you know it. Hyper-feminine while remaining completely modern, the opening offers sunny mandarin orange, blackberry, tangerine and petitgrain. Jasmine, orange blossom and plum blossom come and go quick, before the scent warms down into a haze of musk, cedar, dark chocolate and tonka bean. How heavenly. Brilliantly versatile, it’ll work just as well for date night as it will on a long-haul holiday. And, if one of the requirements for your summer perfume is that it has to be pretty enough to display, you can’t go wrong with the blue-bottled presentation that evokes turquoise waters.

R599 from Edgars, Foschini and Clicks

The word ‘peel’ can be scary – we hear you. But phew, there are safe, gentle home versions that have a lower concentration of active ingredients. For lazy and/or busy people, it doesn’t get much simpler than the ultra-effective Filorga Sleep & Peel 4.5. While the numbers might scare you off a little, it’s the formulation that’s the real winner. The complex of hydroxy acids (AHA and BHA) concentrated at an ideal 4.5% is gentle enough to linger on your skin and keep working overnight. It’s a particularly well-tolerated formulation thanks to the addition of brown algae, which soothes the skin. In a nutshell, it helps shrink pores, refine skin texture and boost cell turnover without the redness. Large pores and dead skin cells? We don’t know them.

R830 from www.skinmiles.com and www.absoluteskin.co.za

MARIO BADESCU BRIGHTENING EYE SERUM

Dark circles and under-eye bags show evidence of a well-kept skincare routine – or a desperate need for one. If you’re in the latter group, an eye serum is where it’s at. Because appearing well-rested is a start! Mario Badescu is a tried-and-true skincare brand that delivers on its promises: As brightening as it is nourishing, this creamy serum works to hydrate, smooth and depuff your eye area. It calls on powerhouse caffeine to banish under-eye bloat, then moisturises and plumps with squalane, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. With a clean finger, tap one pump of product all around your under eyes, eyelids and up to the brow bone. You can apply the serum up to two times per day and layer with an eye cream for added treatment.

R525 from www.mariobadescu.co.za

LITCHI & TITCH CREAM WHIP EXFOLIATOR

This summer, cool and clear relaxed skin requires two things – a daily sunscreen and a really good exfoliator. But this becomes way trickier when you have sensitive skin. Enter Litchi & Titch’s Cream Whip Exfoliator to save you from a risky game of trial-and-error. It uses ultra-fine bentonite clay particles to gently dissolve dead skin cells for a mild exfoliation that’s perfectly safe for irritated skin types. Green tea and rosehip support healthy skin barrier function. It’s also natural, vegan, cruelty-free and housed in recyclable packaging. For a bright and dewy glow, we recommend adding this creamy, whipped exfoliator into your routine twice per week. To improve skin texture and fade dark spots, the frequency can be increased if the skin isn’t too irritated.

R370 from www.litchiandtitchnaturals.com

SUMMER’S STAR FACIALS

Holiday-ready skin starts here

It takes more than warmer temperatures to create a pre-summer glow. Whether you’re after a facial that calms, hydrates, rejuvenates or makes your skin glow as if it’s exuding the very essence of summer, the downside of having so many types is working out which will best suit your skin. From sessions that include steams, extractions and masks to shots of probiotics and lifting gua sha massages – we’ve done the hard (okay fine, very enjoyable) work for you. In the name of research, here are our top treatments to jumpstart your best skin yet this season.

THE REHAB

Between social events and an endless to-do list, it’s no secret that summer can be stress-inducing. For sensitive and sensitised skin, the 60-minute Dermalogica Pro Calm is made to immediately soothe distressed skin. It’s become the industry standard for maintaining a healthy complexion – and for good reason. The session starts with Dermalogica’s Face Mapping skin analysis, which allows your therapist to understand your skin’s condition. They’ll then treat your skin accordingly and offer tailored advice for at-home maintenance. After cleansing with cold water, the therapist resurfaces your skin with the Dermalogica Daily Milkfoliant – a milky powder exfoliant – leaving it baby-smooth and super-supple. Next, they clear out the pores with a combination of steam and the gentlest, can-barely-feel-them extractions. For an added boost, an ultrasonic facial machine is used to infuse the Dermalogica UltraCalming Serum Concentrate deep below the surface of the skin. The high-level sound wave technology breaks the serum into nanoparticles to help it penetrate the skin deeper. Finally, it ends with a calming mask and a moisturiser that strengthens the skin barrier and offers a

plush layer of hydration. The results go beyond calming inflammation and imparting glow, though your skin will demonstrate both right away. Treating rosacea, dry skin, acne scars and fine lines, it’s truly an impressive all-rounder.

Cost: R875

Book: Dermalogica inside Woolworths Sandton City or your nearest Dermalogica Concept Store.

THE PROBIOTIC FIX

There are good facials, and then there are beyondbrilliant treatments like the Esse Live Probiotic Experience. For skin, probiotics work in a similar way as miracle tonic kombucha does for the digestive system. They’re beneficial for the skin microbiome and can aid all skin types, but especially those with acne, rosacea and eczema. This totally seasonappropriate facial is designed as a full mind and body experience. It starts after your facialist quizzes you on your skin history, current skincare routine and what you’re trying to achieve in your appointment. From there, they prep your skin with a thorough double cleanse and gentle exfoliation. You’re then treated to a slow anti-inflammatory facial massage before a spot of live probiotics (the Esse Probiotic Ampoule contains five billion live lactobacillus probiotics) and the Esse Exclusion Mask that creates an anaerobic environment, so that there’s no oxygen between the mask and the skin. While the mask works its magic, you get a scalp, hand or foot massage. That’s capped off with aromatherapy, clearing breathing exercises and a healing jade stone that’s gently glided over the skin. What’s more, your facialist will employ your most-loved Esse products in your bespoke treatment, making at-home upkeep significantly easier. The remedy is perfect for all skin types and uses only organic, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients – as is the brand’s ethos.

Cost: R950

Book: Visit www.esseskincare.com to find your nearest Esse-affiliated salon or spa.

THE PHOTO FINISH

Your ticket to red carpet skin! Combine poolside sunbathing with freeflow champagne and late nights, and you may have noticed that your skin has taken quite a beating over the past few weeks. Fret not – the addictive Lamelle Lacti-Firm Peel will nourish your skin back into luminous shape. As intimidating as the name seems, your skin doesn’t physically peel the way it would if you booked a traditional chemical peel. In fact, with this lactic acid-based peel – a type of alpha-hydroxy acid (fruit acid) derived from lactose (milk) – the skin remains hydrated while the top layer of dead skin cells is sloughed away. The gentle peel is left on for five minutes (any tingles are hardly noticeable thanks to a wonderfully soothing massage while you wait) before the Lamelle Dermaheal Growth Factor Sheet Mask soothes and hydrates the skin within 10 minutes. Post-facial, expect to emerge immensely relaxed. A glance in the mirror confirms what you already suspect: Skin feels incredibly soft to the touch with a noticeable reduction in fine lines and blemishes. The lasting benefits of clearer, plumper skin and a mega-watt glow keep developing over time. The dream. Whether you’re new to the brand or are a loyal fan looking for a treat, this is a must-try. A session takes 60 minutes and includes Lamelle’s Cathepzyme exfoliation system, a facial pressure points massage as well as an optional brow shape and tint.

Cost: R750

Book: SCINMed in Hyde Park Corner or Wembley Square, or contact info@lamelle.co.za to find your nearest Lamelle-affiliated salon or clinic.

Sweet-talk YOUR SKIN

Almost-edible sweet beauty treats you’ll love

Looking to add a dash of deliciousness to your beauty arsenal? Macarons and cupcakes … oh my! We’ve got just the collection of beauty products for you – with formulas infused with the likes of chocolate, vanilla and honey. Indulge your hair, skin, nails and body from morning till night with these mouthwatering products inspired by the sugary delights of your dreams. Best part: They’re totally calorie-free – dive in for the best indulgence you’ll try all season!

NUXE RÊVE DE MIEL DELECTABLE FRAGRANT WATER

The feels: Love at first spritz. For fans of NUXE’s honey-infused Rêve de Miel range – one of the cornerstones of the brand – this eau de toilette evokes a sense of something yummy and indulgent. Who said that you had to choose between sweet and warm when it comes to fragrances? When applied, sweet notes of orange blossom will exhibit a citrus scent, while the sandalwood and tonka bean add a bit of warmth. Both a head-turner and a familiar feeling when it enters a room, this gourmand will be our go-to casual fragrance all the way through summer.

R750 for 100ml from www.orleanscosmetics.co.za as well as select Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths stores

PANIER DES SENS REGENERATING HONEY SHOWER NECTAR

The feels: The ultimate cleansing, hydrating and fragrant experience. If there’s anything that can convince you to wake up a little quicker, it’s this rich shower gel enriched with organic honey from Provence and propolis (a waxy substance made by bees). The yellowtinged, uniquely-textured formula looks like honey and smells like dessert. When lathered onto wet skin, it builds up to a luxurious lather, leaving you deep-cleaned while skin is still soft and supple. Top tip: Layer with the matching Regenerating Honey Body Butter for a more long-lasting scent.

R279 from www.panierdessens.com and www.takealot.com

REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS NAIL ENAMEL - CRÈME BRÛLÉE

The feels: A jolly union of luscious crèmes and metallic lacquers make up Revlon’s lineup of Super Lustrous Nail Enamels, available in 64 new shades. Lean into the holiday season with our nail polish shade of choice, Crème Brulée – a brown-bronze with a pearlescent finish that looks just like a perfectly caramelised crème brûlée. Thanks to a high-shine, full-coverage finish that rivals a professional job, it ensures that all eyes are on you and your manicure. And because it’s a quick-dry formula, no one has to know you slapped it on haphazardly!

R125.95 from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Clicks, Dis Chem, www.superbalist.com and www.takealot.com

LUSH AMERICAN CREAM CONDITIONER

The feels: This is the post-shampoo nourishment your mane deserves. If you’re looking to envelop your hair in the scent of sweet vanilla, then the bestselling LUSH American Cream Conditioner is for you. It’s almost as rich as the drink that inspired it – creamy vanilla milkshakes from the 1950s, topped with fresh strawberries and drizzled with golden honey. This lavish product’s formula boasts vanilla absolute, clary sage oil, lavender oil and benzoin to moisturise the hair while leaving it blissfully perfumed. It’s suitable for both natural and coloured hair.

R115 for 100g, R195 for 240g or R325 for 475g from LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics and www.lush.com

HEY GORGEOUS CHOCOLATE CHIP BODY SCRUB BLISS

The feels: For your next spa day, we suggest this body scrub that smells like chocolate for a pampering treatment (and a cute #shelfie prop). Brown sugar grains and crushed apricot kernels are enveloped between cocoa powder, orange zest and grapeseed, which legitimately smells like a freshly-baked chocolate chip cookie and works nicely on rough spots. To balance things out, an olive, jojoba and essential oil glaze puts moisture back into skin, so that it doesn’t feel dry after you scrub. One small scoop will leave your skin looking silky and oh-so-lustrous.

R200 from Hey Gorgeous and www.hey-gorgeous.co.za

HAND CREAM

The feels: There are few sensations more annoying than tight, dry hands. We guarantee this little wonder will make a welcome addition to your daily routine. It’s so much more than a crisis-point replenisher that leaves rough hands and weak nails feeling smooth. It also has a nutty, marzipan-like scent that reminds us of almond croissants. Sweet almond oil, beeswax and vitamin E are all blended to pamper even the flakiest of balms. If you’re the type who isn’t keen on the feeling of a thick hand cream all over your paws, we’d recommend giving this one a skip.

R200 from Dis-Chem and www.takealot.com

LANCÔME LA VIE EST BELLE EAU DE PARFUM

The feels: Every fragrance lineup should include one bottle of Lancôme’s signature pretty-in-pink scent – the epitome of a gourmand perfume. The iconic La Vie Est Belle (which translates to ‘life is beautiful’) Eau de Parfum is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. It opens with an instantly recognisable olfactory treat – pear and blackcurrant – which settles to reveal a middle layer of iris, jasmine and orange blossom notes. However, it’s the happiness-inducing spun sugar and warm vanilla base that continues to spark inspiration in wearers new and old.

R1,390 for 30ml, R1,930 for 50ml, R2,370 for 75ml or R2,780 for 100ml from Woolworths, Edgars, Foschini, Truworths and www.superbalist.com

KATE SUNLEY MINT LIP POLISH

The feels: Although you’ve probably heard of (and love) Kate Sunley’s Body Polishes, their lip variant is just as good – if not better. For the perfect juicy lip, try this yummy mint and citrus scrub loaded with tiny grains of sugar as well as natural oils and butters that help smooth and soften your lips without stripping them dry. Apply it in a circular motion to buff away dead skin cells, leaving lips renewed, pillowy and ready for lipstick application. Did we mention that it’s made to be wiped or licked off? The bracing peppermint scent is amazing – bon appétit!

R120 from www.katesunley.com

KATE SPADE SPARKLE EAU DE PARFUM INTENSE

The feels: Floral gourmand magic – that’s what Kate Spade’s mysterious Sparkle Eau de Parfum Intense is. Truly an appropriate name, if you’re looking for a fun addition to your fragrance collection, look no further. The quirky olfactory profile – think notes of blackcurrant cosmopolitan, pink peppercorn, purple peony, hawthorn, smooth vanilla crème brûlée and cedarwood – is especially cheerful during the warmer months. And although we try not to judge a fragrance by its bottle, this dark blue one with pearlescent swirls is too stunning to be ignored.

R899 for 40ml, R1,099 for 60ml or R1,399 for 100ml from Clicks, Dis-Chem and www.takealot.com

NIVEA OIL IN CREAM - COCONUT & MONOI OIL

The feels: Scaly skin? Just the excuse to slather yourself in coconut. Or at least in NIVEA’s creamy coconut body butter that smells like heaven. On top of its affordability, we’re especially impressed that it works around the clock to treat the driest of dry skin. A fabulous preparation for the inevitable baring of our legs. With coconut and exotic monoi oil, its indulgent whipped texture gives rich hydration and suits all skin types. It’s like a tropical daydream – so yummy that you’ll want to binge-apply, yet also so rich that a little goes a long way for 24-hour moisture.

R72.99 from Clicks and Dis-Chem

MARIO BADESCU FACIAL SPRAY WITH ALOE, ADAPTOGENS AND COCONUT WATER

The feels: Soothing and scrumptious. Giving new meaning to sweet cheeks, this face mist

THE BODY SHOP STRAWBERRY

BODY YOGHURT

The feels: A new take on an old fave. The Body Shop’s sweet-smelling Strawberry Body Butter will always be one of our favourites, thanks to its effective formula and accessible price point – and it just got even better. You can use its 100% vegan Body Yoghurt version all year round, especially once summer hits! With strawberry juice and Community Trade organic almond milk being the main ingredients, it’s the perfect body product to use on really hot days. The lightweight gel-cream absorbs fairly quickly and won’t leave a greasy film over your skin.

R190 from The Body Shop, www.thebodyshop.co.za and Clicks

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.”

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!

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT

Wine, vine and food at Tryn

Prime summertime outdoor dining season is sizzling. Tryn’s newly renovated terrace – nestled in 340-year-old Steenberg Farm’s vineyards – is shining in its annual turn in the sun. Catharina’s Restaurant, which used to occupy this site, closed in 2019, leaving big shoes to fill. Happily, executive chef Kerry Kilpin has more than risen to the challenge. We find it hard to believe there’s anyone that won’t be won over by this inventive and flavour-packed menu.

Tryn’s true scale is hidden until the final moment. You’ll enjoy floating through the meticulous gardens before arriving at the restaurant – an elegant enclave with a bold colour palette of burnt orange, mustard, ruby and jade. Cape Town-based Bone Interior Design Studio has crafted the restaurant with lots of panache. The devotion to detail is exquisite, from the cushy velvet seating through to the finishes in solid wood, stone and copper. When the sun goes down, it’s gorgeously romantic in here. But at lunchtime, it’s especially intoxicating to sip wine on the inviting terrace with jewel tone colours casting their sophisticated sparkle across every corner. On the tidy menu of starters, main courses and desserts, there’s plenty of meat and humble vegetables. But it’s chef Kerry Kilpin’s elevation of fish to hero status that steals the limelight. The menu changes every few months to guarantee the freshest in-season plates. Your journey starts with sparklingly fresh oysters – a palate-awakening mix of lime and ponzu granita, coriander and chilli – and every step of the three-course expedition gets increasingly exciting from there. Starters include plump and tender scallops with creamy cauliflower, peas and vanilla-infused velouté; delicate tuna crudo paired with pan-fried prawns, avocado, wasabi and a well-balanced nori and ginger vinaigrette; and tempura prawns atop smashed avocado, diced pineapple, coriander, mint and crushed peanuts with jalapeño syrup and miso mayo.

For the main event, don’t expect a robust main course. This is a refined restaurant that serves up elegant dishes without being stuffy. The mushroom risotto with Parmesan, sundried tomato pesto and broccolini is sensational, while the ethically sourced fish with prawn bisque comes with flourishes such as butter-fried fennel, asparagus, tomato salsa and Pommes Anna that turn it into something you’ll want to order again and again.

Effortless, but also staggeringly considered. The herb and Dijon mustardcrusted lamb rack, served delicately pink, has a mix of flavours you’d never put together on your own – pumpkin purée, spinach and shimeji mushrooms with lemon and rosemary jus – but will want to when you leave. There’s also star anise and orange glazed pork belly, confit springbok neck with gooseberry gastrique, veal escalope with mushroom arancini and pankocrusted aubergine steak on a bed of black rice. Don’t skip a side of the truffle and Parmesan fries – they’re exceptionally crunchy and moreish. Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, finish with the dark chocolate mousse. The light mousse and the pistachio and white chocolate ice cream are simply delicious. Or go for the tonka bean baked cheesecake – with a sweet burst of clementine salsa and guava, served with an intense tangy and citrusy sea buckthorn frozen yoghurt – which is perfect for cleansing the palate.

As with many memorable restaurants, it’s the service that really sets Tryn apart from its competitors. The staff, flitting back and forth pouring awardwinning wines, are plentiful and delightful. To that end, don’t be shy when it comes to asking for recommendations on what to order. Few restaurants in Cape Town, let alone the whole country, are quite as difficult to leave.

Steenberg Farm, Steenberg Road, Tokai 021 713 7178

www.steenbergfarm.com

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

Summer FOOD OF

The best new restaurants in Cape Town

While we remain devoted to restaurants that have stood the test of time, sometimes only something shiny and new will do. We’re always the first in line to try the buzzy new spot on the block – and then tell you about it. Lately, Cape Town has seen an emergence of new restaurants attuned to cosmopolitan crowds with a penchant for contemporary cuisine and design. The industry’s most pioneering individuals are debuting new concepts and reimagining the old. Ready to dig in? Here, a selection of standout spots in a city dense with incredible food.

OUZERI

Mentored by restaurateur Natasha Sideris of Tashas fame, chef Nic Charalambous is regarded as a rising star of Cape Town’s food scene – and he’s in full creative flight at Ouzeri. He succeeds, completely and beautifully. Named after a type of Greek tavern which serves ouzo and mezedes, this eatery fittingly focuses on a collection of small plates usually paired with booze (and there’s plenty of it). The décor has a distinct whiff of Cyprus’s irresistible promise of sea, sand and sun all year round. A whole palette of ochre tones can be admired. Every detail – from the plastered white walls and the brass light fittings, to the cosy corners dressed with embroidered cushions and the textured bar fringe under the wooden stairs – breathes refinement. It’s one of those restaurants that have a welcoming feeling and always feel right, no matter the occasion. A lively playlist and subtle, engaged service perfectly match the laidback elegance. Ouzeri serves Greek-Cypriot cuisine taken up a notch with modern flourishes and organic and artisanal produce. The

menu is a superbly balanced mash-up: Start with the precisely plated taramasalata and chickpea fries as well as the green olives – served warm to accentuate the paprika oil, spicy citrus and coriander marinade’s lemony flavour. Savour it with a Caperitif vermouth spritz, or the ultimate bittersweet negroni with equal parts Campari, gin, and sweet vermouth. Then, work your way up to their famed anari and spinach dumplings, Cream of the Crop halloumi, warm, just-baked potato bread topped with pork neck kalamaki, and sweet and sour whitebait savoro – lightly fried fish with blackcurrants, fennel salt and hibiscus vinegar; an experience that will make all seafood enthusiasts yearn to return. Evenings are for meat aficionados with fine cuts from the best origins. Book ahead for dinner, where the ante is upped with a parade of road-less-travelled flavour and texture combinations. Regional dishes are made with flair … the likes of lahanodolmades (cabbage leaves stuffed with ground meat and rice) and fennel broth, say, and lamb ribs with skordalia (a rich and hearty Greek potato dip) and ladolemono (like a supercharged vinaigrette). It’s all good, often sublime, including the finely tuned wine list. Get the mahalepi, a refreshing summer pudding featuring pomegranate, Campari and clementine sorbet for dessert – you saved room, didn’t you?

58 Wale Street, Cape Town 061 533 9071 www.ouzeri.co.za

HACIENDA

You absolutely can’t leave Cape Town without trying this new coastal Mexican restaurant. Those who love to be surprised and experiment with new flavours will adore Hacienda on the Bree Street strip. It’s a dark and stylish culinary temple with exposed brick walls, natural wood touches, a variety of earthy tints, gold accents and one of the best high-end menus in town. Energy pulsates through this restaurant headed by executive chef Justin Barker and sous chef Michael Badenhorst all seven days of the week. It’s as great a spot to snack and sip margaritas as it is for a multi-course meal. The team turns out pricey, pristine and market-fresh Baja California fare, bolstered by from-scratch ingredients, such as homemade totopos, mole sauce and tortillas made with masa harina. Crispy beef brisket, frijol negro, sea bass ceviche, chorizo prawns, a few tacos, marinated lamb chops – the cooking style here beautifully melds coastal Mexican tropes and ingredients. Warm tortillas beg to be dipped in authentic mole sauce featuring spicy, smoky and earthy-sweet notes. Must-have dishes include the guacamole prepared tableside; freshly shucked drunken oysters with Los Danzantes Espadín Joven Mezcal salsa verde, salmon roe caviar, burnt corn and cholula; chorizo chicken with embutido, tiger’s milk aioli and a garlic, onion and oregano crumb; and the signature flame-licked wagyu denver steak with truffle, blackened onion purée and papas a la cono. Whatever you do, don’t miss the

Baja-style lobster tacos, a pitch-perfect sensory experience that revels in exciting flavours. Succulent tempura lobster, spiked with fennel salsa, pomegranate aioli and dried grapefruit, pops with colour. The tortilla-to-meat ratio is perfectly balanced and the black tortillas are thin and springy. The cool kids aren’t just here to dine, however. They’re also here to drink and improve their understanding of tequila. Inspired cocktails – like a paloma, an añejo old fashioned or a michelada flavoured with Clamato tomato juice – are always a good idea, as are the churros with burnt banana dulce and a moreish chocolate guajillo ice cream. The carefully curated set menu for two and tequila flight certainly shouldn’t be missed, but is best saved for a ravenous moment. It’s also worth noting that the service really stands out here. The result of the floor team’s winning blend of knowledge and charm is a truly memorable meal. Straight fire!

92 Bree Street, Cape Town 021 422 0128

www.hacienda.co.za

One thing about Cape Town – there’s a great view wherever you look. Nowhere will you feel more in love with the Mother City than at the V&A Waterfront, where you can stroll along the swing bridge at the Clock Tower or gaze across the water. In summer tourists can be a little overpowering, but at The Waterside you’ll miss all the hustle and bustle. The latest restaurant in the La Colombe Group’s stable is an absolute cracker – vibrant, exciting and alive with creativity. The modern dining space found in the Pierhead Building has all the trimmings of fine dining, but without the unnecessary pomp. Natural light spills across the spacious interior, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, light natural wood and glistening bar. You’ll be forgiven for wanting to wallow in the beauty of the harbour views. Yet for all the laidback charm, it’s clear that head chef Roxy Mudie – along with an all-star lineup of floor staff – brings exceptional talent to the equation. Make the most of the warm weather and dine waterside.

A beef tartare, oat and jalapeño tartlet and a meltingly soft, almost buttery milk bun with a cloud-like texture set the tone for the nine-course Chef’s Menu. It’s served with two dips – roasted garlic, smoked pine nut and rosemary as well as chicken liver parfait and rhubarb. Next, prawns arrive grilled to perfection, reclining in Cape Malay apricots, sweet potato and an intense slick of green asparagus espuma. Punchy Thai broth enlivens fresh salmon, shimeji mushrooms and avocado; celeriac risotto is a silken base for sage and goat’s cheese; and Szechuanspiced pork belly is chicly accessorised with a caramelised scallop, sunshine-hued corn and peanuts. Grass-fed beef is anything but prosaic teamed with smoked garlic and a Madagascan green peppercorn sauce, while raspberry sorbet, peaches, vanilla and prosecco loaded up with coarsely torn croissant provides a tasty excuse to linger. Coffee bonbons from the bonbon chest send diners sweetly on their way. Wine is sourced from near and far – B Vinters Haarlem to Hope from Stellenbosch rubs shoulders with The Wine Thief Costa del Swart from the Swartland and Hermanuspietersfontein Kleinboet from the Hemel-en-Aarde wine area. However, like the relaxed dining room, the wine pairing plays a supporting role to the food. Whether you’re celebrating life’s milestones or simply treating yourself, dining at The Waterside is a must-do. The perfect expression of self-care.

Pierhead Building (between the NSRI and Life Grand Café), V&A Waterfront, Dock Road, Cape Town 021 879 6329 www.thewaterside.restaurant

2022 FESTIVE SEASON EVENTS AND

The 5-star Turbine Boutique Hotel and Spa - that funky boutique hotel housed in an old power station - situated on Thesen Islands, Knysna offers luxury and standard hotel rooms, also a honeymoon suite and self-catering suites. Delicious food is a given at both the Island Café Restaurant and the Gastro Pub, the Turbine Water Club offers various water-based activities and the Turbine Spa a wide range of body and beauty treatments. Great Festive season specials include the ‘valid to 11 December 2022’ Accommodation Packages: 2 Nights Pamper Package - per couple R4 800 per room, Bed & Breakfast, Spa treatment per couple and complimentary bottle of House Wine for Dinner; 2 nights Activity Package - per couple R4 300 per room, Bed & Breakfast, Couples Sunset Cruise, complimentary bottle of House Wine for Dinner and the 3 Night Pamper Package - per couple R6 300 per room, Bed & Breakfast, Spa treatment per couple. The ‘valid to 11 December 2022’ Turbine Spa Special - choose any TWO 30 min treatments for R599 pp – back, neck & shoulder massage/appetiser Theravine facial/ foot & leg massage/express pedicure. The Gastro Pub’s December line-up on Fridays from 18h30, includes Johnny Wolf on the 2nd, William on the 9th, Suzi on the 16th, Fat Alice on the 23rd and Daan-Louie on the 30th. And at the Island Café celebrate with your family and friends on 24 December, Christmas Eve Dinner from 19h00 at R395 (kids u/12 half price); on 25 December, Christmas Day Lunch from 12h30 for 13h00 at R495 (kids u/12 R250) with music by Graham on the piano and Christmas Day Dinner from 18h30 for 19h00 with Minx on the violin from 18h30 to 21h30 at R395 (kids u/12 R250) and bring in the new year on 31 December at the New Year’s Eve Dinner Party from 19h30 (for 20h00) with live music by Marike from 19h30 pm to 12h30 - R750. All bookings are subject to availability. Ts & Cs apply.

To book call Reservations on 044 050 3500 or email reservations@ turbinehotel.co.za, for further information visit www.turbinehotel.co.za

Raw Africa Boutique Collection’s ‘perched-on-ahilltop-overlooking-the-bay’ Sky Villa Boutique Hotel for luxury accommodation and The ‘toes-inthe-sand…sipping cocktails on the deck’ Bungalow for a more informal style have great music and events lined-up for December and the new year: 16 and 17 December - the Plett Wine & Adventure Festival, 23 December - Watershed, 25 December - Christmas Lunch from 12h00 until 17h00 - R790 per person (kids half price), 29 December the ‘ We Love Summer Festival’, and on 31 December bring in the New Year in style at a party-in-the-sky at the Sky Bar with live music, on 4 January 2023 rock on with Springbok Nude Girls, and Ross Learmonth from Prime Circle on 6 January. Bookings are essential. Ts & Cs apply.

Email: enquiries@rawafricaboutiquecollection.co.za www.rawafricaboutiquecollection.com

WALKERSONS HOTEL & SPA ADVERTORIAL

The 5-star Walkersons Hotel & Spa, set in the rolling hills of the Mpumalanga highlands just beyond the picturesque hamlet of Dullstroom, with its endless vistas, well stocked trout dams, private hotel rooms and self-catering family and luxury cottages and spa is renowned for its stylish country charm. And it is the perfect place to relax and unwind and to indulge in a superb Christmas Day luncheon - the delicious three-course set Christmas Day lunch menu with various choices – R 440 per adult, with a kids menu for younger children (with accompanying adults) is from 12h30 to 15h30. Ts & Cs apply.

Booking is essential - 013 253 7000, reservations@walkersons.co.za, www.walkersons.co.za

A member of Cape Country Routes, De Hoop Collection in De Hoop Nature Reserve, a World Heritage site and a short three hours’ drive from Cape Town is the perfect destination to wind down the year. It offers - aside from world-class whale-watching and a bird enthusiasts’ paradise with more than 260 species of birds including the endangered Cape Vultures - pristine beaches, incredible food and wine, stunning views and a wide range of accommodation options. These accommodations - the Opstal Manor House, the Cloete & the Otter Suites (all dinner, bed and breakfast), the self-catering Equipped Cottages and Melkkamer Manor House plus five Campsite Rondawels, are available over the Christmas period 24 to 26 December 2022, on a ‘first come - first served’ basis. in-house guests can look forward to a delicious Christmas Eve Dinner, Christmas Day Lunch and on New Year’s Eve, a lovely evening with dinner and music. To enhance your festive stay you can book guided activities for the whole family – from boat cruises on the 19 km wetland to nature drives or marine walks at the Marine Protected Coastline or order a delectable picnic basket and explore the reserve on foot or bicycle. Book your stay for the upcoming festive season. Ts & Cs apply. Phone 021-422 4522 or email res@dehoopcollection.co.za, www.dehoopcollection.com

SPA HOTEL

The Cape Country Routes’ luxurious 4-star Arniston Spa Hotel is internationally known as one of the world’s great getaways - a leisurely two-hour drive from Cape Town it is where you can relax, rejuvenate and enjoy excellent cuisine. Celebrate the year end with a Christmas Day lunch buffet at R760 (R660 excl vat) per head (R380 per child u/12), and the start of the new year with the New Year’s Eve Dinner Dance, 5-course set menu and a Midnight Fireworks display and a glass of MCC Sparkling Wine - R1 095 per person.

The hotel’s ‘Kids Club’ runs from the start of the school holidays until schools reopen in January. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

EENDRACHT HOTEL & APARTMENTS

A member of Cape Country Routes, the elegant award-winning 4-star Eendracht Hotel & Apartments situated in the heart of Stellenbosch and an excellent base from which to explore Cape Town, the Cape Winelands, the Whale Route and the beautiful West Coast. It is that time of the year! Time to prepare for Christmas. Senobia’s Christmas Lunch from R 375 per person - a glass of bubbly welcomes you and then indulge in a slow cooked venison & cherry pie, and roast leg of lamb, sliced glazed Gammon and Beef Tongue and end this superb meal with a traditional Christmas pudding served with Nobi’s homemade ice-cream; you can come back for more on Boxing Day for the two-course Lunch at R250 per person, with a choice of traditional Lamb Pie, Bacon & Smoked Pork ‘Oepsies’, Lemon & Herb Chicken Fillets followed by the grand finale - Malva pudding with homemade custard or Fruit Salad and Nobi’s homemade ice cream. New Year’s three-course Lunch features Lamb Bredie and Pulled Pork Pie and Milk Tart with Nobi’s home-made ice-cream for dessert at R189 per person. All lunches from 13h00 – 16h00. Ts & Cs apply. Tel: +27 21 883 8843 | Email: reservations@eendracht-hotel.com | www.eendracht-hotel.com

MONTAGU COUNTRY HOTEL

Cape Country Routes’ charming 4-star Montagu Country Hotel in Montagu, nestled between the Langeberg mountain ranges of and within a comfortable driving distance from Cape Town is the perfect destination for a getaway. An original Art Deco hotel - the only one in the country it offers comfortable accommodation, excellent facilities, and warm hospitality and is gearing up for and two end-of the-year celebrations. On Christmas Day, a Christmas Buffet Lunch with a selection of starters that include Venison Pie served with Pear & Date Chutney & Balsamic Roasted Baby Beetroot and Malay Spiced Duck Consommé served with Fondant Potato, Cured Duck Breast & Carrot Puree; Mains - Roasted Lamb Loin served with Pommes Anna, Garlic Sauteed Green Beans & Red Wine Rosemary Jus OR Pork Duette: Smoked Pork Belly & Sweet Spiced Pork Fillet served with Pommes Anna, Cinnamon Pumpkin Tart & Spiced Apple Sauce, and the delicious dessert, Brandy & Date Pudding served with Malt Ice Cream, “Honeycomb” & Brandied Cranberry at R435 per person. The New Year’s Eve Dinner and Dance on 31 December is R395 per person. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

KAROO ART HOTEL

The Cape Country Routes’ 4-star Karoo Art Hotel in Barrydale, just off Route 62 and close to the Tradouw Pass will be celebrating the Christmas season in a classically decorated vintage Christmas style. It will be hosting a few events in its Belanti Ballroom - on 11 December - Barrydale Fight Night - a fun celebrity boxing fundraiser for local charities with one of the headline bouts being between the Mayor of Swellendam, Francoise Du Rand and the ‘Mayor’ of Barrydale, wine maker and owner of Joubert Tradouw wine estate Meier Joubert. Tickets: R500; and on 17 December - a treat for music fans with the reuniting of the 80s SA rock sensation Ella Mental - Ella Mental Live at 18h00 - Tickets from R250 / VIP R300 (only 40 VIP seats). Taking place at the same time - 16 to 18 December - just up the road, within a taxi ride of the hotel is the iconic Karoo Saloon’s ‘Under Karoovian Skies’ Rock Festival, and 16 December also sees the opening of the new Barrydale Cycling Loop - 80kms of awesome jeep track riding through a combination of lush fruit farms and the endless Karoo horizons. And to bring in the new year 31 December will see the return of last year’s sensational New Year’s eve street party - the hotel and neighbour Bistro Blues will close off the street for a party of note. With the theme ‘You are the light’, revellers are requested to come draped in LED lights - as a guarantee that load shedding will definitely not disrupt the spirit of Barrydale! The hotel hosts a weekly movie night in its bioscope on Fridays – with featured films all 50 years and older Classics, a weekly Open Mic night in the bar paired with a Happy Hour from 18h00 to 20h00 (free of charge and open to the public) and it co-ordinates a ‘Barrydale To Do’ list - over 30 fun adventures in and around Barrydale ranging from a ’spirited’ alcohol orientated tour of local distilleries, the local brewery and top wine producer, to a meditation walk, history walks, various runs, visits to artists’ homes, cycles and visits to an eclectic selection of local emporiums. It is also an ideal base for anyone attending the Barrydale Analogue Festival (the art and work of South Africa’s top analogue photographers) from 9 -19 December (www.bapf.co.za) Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

ROGGE CLOOF PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE

Roughly 325 kms from Cape Town, Cape Country Routes’ newest member, Rogge Cloof Private Nature Reserve is situated - travelling by car from Matjiesfontein on the R354 - 15 kms before Sutherland in the Roggeveld, in the South African Great Karoo region. Its inclusive, fully catered accommodation, situated within the Rogge Cloof Eco-Village (12 kms from the Rogge Cloof main entrance) comprises eight luxurious, open plan Orion Suites and the unique and cosy ‘ideal -for-couples’ Heike’s Cottage and its self-catering accommodation comprises Cedar Cottage, Oryx House, The Stables 1 & 2, The Waenhuis Homestead and Wolskuur Cottage (the original shearing barn). Celebrate Christmas at Rogge Cloof - inhouse guests and ‘outside’ guests Christmas Eve Dinner - 24 December - at R400 (adults), R185 (kids 4 -12) and kids u/4 free. Appetisers – selection including Smoked Haddock Salad, Biltong & Cheese Platters, assorted Vegetable quiches, Breads – cocktail rolls, garlic bread, cheese and onion loaf with assorted spreads. Entrees include gammon, leg of lamb, spinach & feta ravioli and the desserts – trifle, mocha sticky toffee pudding, lemon meringue pie, lamingtons and creme anglaise will have you asking for seconds. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com, www.capecountryroutes.com

CAPE COUNTRY ROUTES’ MARINE DYNAMICS/DYER ISLAND CRUISES

For something completely different - celebrate December at Cape Country Routes’ Marine Dynamics/Dyer Island Cruises – a shark cage diving and viewing and boat-based whale watching Company based in Kleinbaai, Western Cape. Marine Dynamics Whale Tours has a fantastic Christmas gift for loyal South African supporters. Instead of a 30% discount there is now a 45% discount on the standard rate. Book a Marine Big 5 Adventure - a 2.5 hour long life changing marine adventure for all ages and you’ll get to see seals, sharks, whales, penguins and dolphins in their natural habitat around the world-famous Dyer Island Ecosystem. SA Locals can book from 1 December 2022 to 10 January 2023 at a 45% discount on full rates - this only applies to the adult rates – children rates remain the same as the current SA Special rate.

• Rack Rate: Adult: R1450 p/p + R30 CF | Children: R1040 P/P + R30 p/p

• Current SA Special Rate: Adult: R950 p/p + R30 CF | Children: R300 P/P + R30 p/p

• December Special Rate: Adult: R800 p/p + R30 CF | Children: R300 P/P + R30 p/p Free entrance to the African Penguin and Seabird Sanctuary. Ts & Cs apply.

Enquiries: bookings@capecountryroutes.com | www.capecountryroutes.com

The finer

things

The best luxury hotels to unwind at in Joburg and Cape Town

Who needs long-haul places and distant destinations when you can have world-class staycations right here at home? There’s never been a better time to treat yourself by booking into a well-heeled establishment and reminding yourself of all that Joburg or Cape Town has to offer. To guide you in your search, we’ve road-tested these high-end hotels that provide proximity to the city’s finest restaurants, a wild night on the town and great shopping. Head to our favourite five-star luxury hotels when only Egyptian cotton sheets and 24-hour room service will do.

JOBURG

GET YOUR GLAM ON FOR AN EVENING OR TWO AT FOUR SEASONS HOTEL THE WESTCLIFF JOHANNESBURG

Seeking a stay with the sense of a hush-hush retreat, but with landmark views of Joburg? Look no further than Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg to tick that box. In the ritzy northern suburb of Westcliff, you’ll feel the glittering pedigree of Four Seasons hotels, but the distinctive South African character is all its own. With the class and glamour of an international institution, The Westcliff will have you feeling like a royal with its flawless service – and that’s before you set your sights on the extravagantly upholstered bedrooms. Some spill out onto the tree-lined pathways (Garden-View Premier Rooms), while the premium suites have terraces overlooking the Hillbrow Tower. The category to choose is a Panoramic View One-Bedroom Suite. Calm, beautiful and so thoughtfully designed, the sheer comfort of the state-of-the-art suites is what sets this hotel apart from the rest. Aside from the top-of-the-line bed, the marble bathrooms stashed with Bulgari minis were a standout. The only downside? We didn’t want to leave its confines. On-demand dining is the order of the day: Italian burrata with heirloom tomatoes and basil pesto, gnocchi swimming in crème fraîche and black truffle cream sauce, and a Klein Karoo lamb burger topped with fried halloumi are delicious odes to locally sourced produce. The fine-dining View Restaurant is where a limited but first-class breakfast menu is served each morning. An afternoon at the spa or leisurely swims in turquoise waters is a holiday in itself. Golf carts can be summoned at all hours, though refreshingly, the walk is pleasant.

Top tip: Make sure you book in for the Signature Brunch at the hotel’s open-fire cooking restaurant, Flames. It’s a celebration of all things luxury, pleasure and party.

67 Jan Smuts Avenue, Westcliff 011 481 6000 reservations.johannesburg@fourseasons.com www.fourseasons.com

INDULGE IN CITY LIFE HIGH ABOVE SANDTON’S BUSY STREETS AT THE MICHELANGELO TOWERS

For a taste of inner-city luxury, you can’t beat the Michelangelo Towers. It may be one of the most historic buildings in the Sandton skyline, but that doesn’t mean the glamorous city escape can’t keep up with the demands of modern travellers. For grandeur, plush rooms and suites, an excellent spa experience and a relaxed street-level restaurant that champions African cuisine, you can’t beat it. You’ll instantly feel at home, while service is friendly, capable and breezy. For a really opulent stay – suggestive of a well-travelled way of life –reserve one of the One-Bedroom Executive Apartments or the super-deluxe Presidential Suite. The fundamentals are unimpeachable: An earthy palette with characterful furnishings and lots of blonde wood. Our One-Bedroom Executive Apartment was done up in creams and browns with original artworks, vivid blue accents, a fabulously comfortable bed, a fully equipped kitchen and a big bathroom with a proper tub. Legacy Hotels & Resorts’ brandnew ROAR Bistro & Bar is a notable addition to a city already blessed with more than its share of terrific restaurants and bars. First of all, the name will give you an idea of this restaurant’s playful vibe. Ideal for a hearty lunch or group feast, ROAR serves up a fun, creative menu, including popular African foods, slow-braised meat, seafood, fire-roasted vegetables and tempura. Go

on a summer evening and enjoy sundowners with your sharing plates. We loved the flame-grilled octopus, tempura prawns with lime mayo, slow-braised chuck and lamb al asador with pomegranate and yoghurt.

Top tip: Stop in for a splash at the otherworldly Roman bathhouse-style indoor pool that’s waiting for you next to the gym on the first floor.

8 Maude Street, Sandton 011 245 4000 michelangelo@legacyhotels.co.za www.legacyhotels.co.za

CAPE TOWN

ENJOY

OCEAN

BREEZES

AND

CRASHING WAVES AT RADISSON BLU HOTEL WATERFRONT

It’s often said that you can’t buy happiness. But when you can book a night’s stay at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront – a hop, skip and a shimmy away from the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town’s best attractions – we’d argue that bliss isn’t far off. It’s fancy, but it doesn’t need to prove itself. The views, service and amenities – a restaurant and bar, a heated rim-flow pool, an Amani Spa, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and meeting spaces for events – all say quite enough. During your stay, be sure to make time for a relaxing treatment at the spa, like a classic Swedish massage or the signature Babor Classic Moisturising Facial. The hotel gives major seaside-chic vibes, starting with champagne at check-in. In each of the 177 individualised rooms, the luxury is low-key – but it’s luxury all the same. Our Junior Suite inspired instant calm with coastal blues and lots of nautical details. It had a relaxed but decidedly upscale style – think streamlined interiors with uncluttered finishes, lovely hardwood floors

and the hotel’s signature white shutters. You can’t stay at Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront without partaking in the dining at Tobago’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace – offering diners everything from seafood curry, a tender sirloin steak, grilled prawns and sauvignon blanc-steamed mussels to a dish of seared tuna with sesame fried rice, edamame-wasabi mousse and ponzu dressing. Tobago’s also creates some of our favourite desserts, including the namelaka chocolate tortellini (paired with salted caramel, vanilla ice cream and bananas brûlée, which is lip-smackingly good).

Top tip: If you like space to stretch out and enjoy the fresh air, then splash out and book yourself a 110m2 Suite. The ocean-view room comes complete with a kitchenette as well as a dining room and lounge, all leading onto a central balcony.

100 Beach Road, Granger Bay Boulevard, Cape Town 021 441 3000 capetown.reservations@radissonblu.com www.radissonhotels.com

SOOTHE BOTH

BODY AND MIND

AT THE QUEEN VICTORIA HOTEL

You’d be forgiven for walking straight past the Victorian-era Portswood Ridge and not blinking an eye. But behind its entrance is one of the most utterly delightful harbourfront hotels we’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting. The gloriously grand Queen Victoria Hotel has everything you want from a luxury getaway to Cape Town – quiet seclusion, decadent rooms, personalised attention and high-end seasonal dining. It’s a paradisiac getaway. Guests can choose between staying in a Deluxe Room, Premium Mountain-Facing Room, Junior Mountain Suite or Executive Suite – all of which have been recently refurbished. The result is marvellous. Should you want a few extra bells and whistles, you can upgrade to the Presidential Suite, a comfy retreat with a private, wraparound balcony paired with stunning views. Our Premium Mountain-Facing Room looking out onto Table Mountain was airy and spacious. Its luxe interiors had been carefully outfitted with velvet sofas and drapes, ornate glass chandeliers and a powerful pop of purple. Luxury touches were spotted in thick fur throws, the marble bathroom and the treats left beside our bed – fudge, brownies, macaroons and Turkish delight. Comfort personified. Breakfast is delicious, room service is prompt and the friendly staff are ready to attend to all whims. The Sanctuary Spa ensconced in beautifully manicured gardens is a major draw. The two-and-a-half-hour Sanctuary Escape – featuring an anti-ageing facial, hot-stone massage and lunch at the hotel – is a sensory journey to help you unwind and destress.

Top tip: Just downstairs from the Queen Victoria Hotel, on the Pierhead you’ll find GINJA Restaurant, which makes some of the best cocktails you can find by the water – and definitely the best flapping-fresh fish.

Moorings 5 & Portswood Ridge, 5 Portswood Road, Cape Town 021 418 1466 res@queenvictoriahotel.co.za www.newmarkhotels.com

Secret FRANSCHHOEK

Where to eat, drink and stay in style

With its generous concentration of world-class hotels and award-winning restaurants, touristy hotspots are in abundant supply in Franschhoek. But it’s the hidden gems that really add depth and excitement to a wine-tasting holiday in South Africa’s culinary capital. With that in mind, here are our editor’s secret spots away from the crowds that fly elegantly under the radar. These unexpected finds focus on local experiences and embracing their neighbours and community – a sure bet for a perfect December or late summer holiday. Ready, set, relax.

WHERE TO STAY

SOAK UP ALL THE SOLEIL AT FLEUR DU SOLEIL LUXURY GUESTHOUSE

Like a fine South African wine, the iconic Fleur du Soleil Luxury Guesthouse gets better with age. Located just off the main road, it’s slightly removed from the action that passes through the village – but that’s part of the charm. Stepping into the guesthouse, travellers will find that the lobby is designed to feel like an intimate living room. There’s no front desk – only a seating area, a bar and plenty of staff on hand to handle any luggage or offer complimentary bubbly. The easy check-in process bolsters the overall feeling that you’re in owners Anton and Victoria’s home instead of a hotel. It’s a sanctuary where you can revel in the pleasures of luxury, with stunning grounds and intuitive service. They don’t call it

soleil for nothing, either – the five rooms and suites are sun-drenched, and the sunsets from the perfectly blue swimming pool are nothing short of magical. Whether you book the 24m2 Cabane Room (that’s still spacious enough for your morning yoga routine) or the foursleeper Le Coucher Suite, you’ll find comfortably elegant furnishings, including a flat-screen TV and a cushy bed with high-end linens. All the five-star trimmings are here, too: Port wine and a box of Amarula chocolates on arrival, air-conditioning for when the days are hot, a Nespresso machine with a selection of Terbodore coffee capsules as well as upscale snacks and some

local artisanal brands in the mini bar. You’ll want to take advantage of exploring Franschhoek while you’re here, but there’s also nothing wrong with staying put and luxuriating all day. The colours of the surrounding landscape – from olive to indigo, caramel to pistachio – have been tastefully transplanted into the pared-back rooms. Every interior design element has been carefully thought out to nail the property’s modern ease. Believe it or not, there isn’t anything we’d change. There’s no on-site restaurant per se, but guests of all room categories enjoy breakfast served by the pool. Because who could say no to bacon and eggs with tomatoes, mushrooms and zesty avocado to start the day? The hallmark of Fleur du Soleil Luxury Guesthouse is the staff, who basically anticipate your every move. Foodies and oenophiles barely have to ask, “Which restaurants or wineries are worth visiting?” and Victoria will have a handwritten list of perfectly curated suggestions ready to go. The service is faultless from check-in to check-out, making it a top-level stay.

7A Van Riebeeck Street, Franschhoek 060 808 8905 bookings@fleur-du-soleil.com www.fleur-du-soleil.com

KICK YOUR SHOES OFF AND MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME AT MAISON CHABLIS

The immaculately maintained Maison Chablis marries tradition and low-key modern luxury. With just eight individually designed rooms, this exclusive spot in Franschhoek’s sought-after village feels more like your friend’s grand home than a hotel. However, that only makes the inside all the more of a well-kept secret. Enviably located and central to everything, the lively Huguenot Street might be right on your doorstep – but just a few paces through the property is the hotel’s tree-shaded courtyard with dove grey pots overflowing with flowers; one of the loveliest spots to snatch some peace and quiet. Le Quartier Français is directly in front of the hotel – pop in for lunch or dinner at the sumptuous Protégé. Within two minutes of strolling, you’re on Franschhoek Main Road. It’s an easy walk to Tuk Tuk Microbrewery, Everard Read, Ōku Asian Eatery, Yama Eatery, Huguenot Fine Chocolates and The Hoek Espresso Bar. It would be a stretch to find anywhere more central than this. Plus, general manager Elsje is always around to answer your questions or point you in the direction of a

lunch spot or wine farm. Inside the black-and-white Georgian-style country house, all the historic Gallic charm has been maintained, but with every five-star touch you could hope for. Protected features sit alongside comfort and convenience to beautiful effect: The considered bedrooms are full of warm colours, bright pieces of art, mahogany side tables, stacks of magazines and freshly cut flowers. It’s rather idyllic! There’s a distinct lack of clean lines and slick minimalism, but that’s sort of the point. Other impressive elements include Netflix and a flat-screen smart TV. Our glamorous garden-inspired room, Room 5, was blossoming with floral fabrics and furnishings. The aroma of yuzu, bergamot and lemon refreshed the bathroom thanks to Charlotte Rhys toiletries. In any of the rooms, you’ll be guaranteed a heavenly night’s sleep – a four-poster bed topped with cloud-like pillows, a wood-burning fireplace and crisp mountain air instantly helps you picture how cosy this place is for a weekend break. Breakfast, served inside the dining room decorated with bold prints, shouldn’t be missed. There are freshly baked croissants, French cheeses, cold meats, homemade muesli and yoghurt, freshly squeezed juices and good coffee. Maison Chablis is the perfect Franschhoek guesthouse – with everything you need and nothing you don’t.

15 Berg Street, Franschhoek 021 876 2366

bookings@maisonchablis.co.za www.maisonchablis.co.za

WHERE TO EAT

SPICE UP YOUR NIGHTS WITH CHARACTER-PACKED FINE DINING AT EPICE

Meander along Franschhoek’s Huguenot Street and eventually you’ll stumble across Le Quartier Français – the home of dining sensation Epice. The hushed feeling of the design-destination hotel’s entrance belies the accomplished theatrics inside. The collaboration between Leeu Collection and the La Colombe Group was never going to disappoint, but Epice’s offering is somewhat sublime as well as category-redefining. With an impressive CV that includes La Colombe Restaurant, The Test Kitchen, The Restaurant at Waterkloof and Myoga, head chef Charné Sampson has been making a name for herself on the starry Cape Town food scene. Along with Marion Willemse, who leads front-ofhouse, she’s turned Epice into one of the most soughtafter bookings in Franschhoek. Service is charming and seamless – this close-knit team works flawlessly together – and dishes are equally precise. Chef Charné’s influences may be eclectic, but her ingredients are whole-heartedly South African. What’s more, much of her produce has travelled only a few kilometres to reach the kitchen. They’re best experienced through The Full Spice Journey, a curated 12-course tasting menu for only 45 privileged guests, which can be paired with an exemplary wine list. Focused on modernising Indian cuisine, the menu showcases fresh (sometimes raw) ingredients to memorable effect – especially when it comes to the bread course, sorbet trolley and spice test. Get your umami juices flowing with rye bread with caraway seeds dipped in warm beef drippings, hawaij spice blend (ground in a pestle and mortar at the table) and cinnamon. The switched-on staff will appear with extra bread so you can mop it all up at your leisure.

Our favourite spot might be the chef’s table that’s up next, where you stand at a counter for a close-up on the performance that’s as polished and carefully choreographed as the menu. Diners might encounter a Saldanha Bay oyster satisfyingly sharpened with sour apple, chilli and turmeric; a korma poussin roti that has a hearty pumpkin leaf masala and kashmiri spice; and the signature dish, a delicate tuna, avocado, mustard and cumin hit worth returning for again and again. A gorgeous collection of custom-made ceramic tableware captures the vibrancy. Other dishes include immaculate pork and shellfish studded with corn, ginger and fennel; line fish served with squid, mussel, coriander and fenugreek; and grass-fed beef with broccoli, artichoke and black cardamom – their thrill complemented by the waiters’ knowledge and chef Charné’s reverence for their ingredients. For us, a highlight is the cheese course – varying degrees of well-balanced Langbaken Karoo Cheese with lashings of walnut and mustard – and the dessert; a sensational heap of vanilla sponge, strawberry, almond and five spice. Just joyful. Take it from us: Epice is one of Cape Town’s most understated fine-dining dinner spots, yet is no less imaginative in outlook than its showier counterparts.

Cost: R1,295 per person for The Full Spice Journey (excluding the optional wine pairing)

Le Quartier Français, corner of Berg & Wilhelmina Streets, Franschhoek 021 492 4044 www.epice.restaurant

SPLURGE ON AN EXQUISITE PRIX-FIXE MEAL AT

LE COIN FRANÇAIS

Love fine French fare? Le coin Français is a blink-andyou’ll-miss-it fine-dining restaurant on Huguenot Street. Don’t pass it by. This part of Franschhoek has a homey neighbourhood feel, and the simplicity of the restaurant – with its aesthetically pleasing dining room, crisp white linen tablecloths as well as high-quality, exceptional and sometimes theatrical food – is a winning fusion indeed. It also boasts a terrace that makes for a wonderful place to enjoy a meal in more clement weather. If tasting menus are your thing, dinner at Le coin Français is an event to prepare for and make last as long as possible. Diners can choose from two menus – a six or eight-course – with a ‘classic’ or ‘premium’ wine-pairing add-on. While the Chef’s Journey menu may be pricy at R1,145 per person (R1,695 with the local wine pairing), chef-owner Darren Badenhorst’s staple dishes are always overwhelmingly excellent, so you shouldn’t feel too guilty. He’s a master at using finely foraged goods and French techniques paired with myriad influences. Since 2017, chef Darren’s butterpoached and BBQ North Coast langoustine – sauced with aerated Gruberg and West Coast snoek brandad velouté, then scattered with wild vineyard shoots, garden peas and pancetta risotto – has been delighting discerning palates.

He’s clearly in love with the endless possibilities of hedonistic dining, and it shows. Every plate that head chef Marcus Gericke and team send out are winsome and indulge all the senses immediately. The three-hour cured and one-hour cold-smoked sustainable trout – with carrot and horseradish emulsion, toasted wild yeast and fennel pollen – may not be big, but it’s brilliantly conceived and beautifully composed. The dry-aged, eight-hour confit duck with tomato and tamarind confitura, toasted quinoa and orange jus hits all the high notes and swerves any pretension associated with French food. Finish with the ‘chocolate mushroom’ – a spectacle of a dessert, immaculately crafted with dark chocolate crémeux, dulce mousse, textured brownies and matcha moss. Trust us, you’ll reminisce over it long after date night. Sommelier Themba runs the wine programme, offering spot-on pairings. The star of the show? You might be surprised to hear it’s the seven-day cured wagyu tartare with porcini Catalan, fynbos pickled beetroot, dehydrated biltong and rosemary leaf, which works well with a light, peppery red.

17 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek 074 126 0022

www.lecoinfrancais.co.za

DIVE INTO A LATIN AMERICAN FEAST AT

COSECHA RESTAURANT

Franschhoek is popular for farm-to-table dining. Cosecha Restaurant, an alfresco restaurant on Noble Hill Wine Estate, is a standout example. With their divine take on fresh, seasonal flavours with a local, eco-friendly flair – hence the name, which means “harvest” in Spanish – it’s a celebration of creative and delicious dining. It’s all made possible by the close connection head chef Riana Robertson has with local farmers, fishermen and other producers. This sustainable approach makes for a great way to uncover the true depth of flavours on offer in Latin American cooking. Whether you’re looking for a sharing type of situation or a filling dish all to yourself, Cosecha Restaurant has bocaditos (literally translating to “little bites”), platos (main dishes) and postres (desserts) to satisfy all cravings. Have lunch paired with outstanding organic wines on the front veranda. You’ll stroll up a stone path surrounded by lush greenery before coming to an open dining space with views of the centuries-old dam. Welcoming and attentive staff cultivate an entirely unpretentious ambience. Be warned, however – you’ll need to book in advance, particularly for tables of four or more. The restaurant’s signature dish is the guacamole, a textural extravaganza served with tortilla tips and your choice of bacon, jalapeños or blue cheese. The famed guac is made tableside in a stone molcajete – from a trolley laden with baskets of avocados and bowls of diced tomato, spring onion, garlic cloves and homemade spices. Cosecha Restaurant’s food philosophy is that

they like a lot of flavour. It’s as simple as that. Then, dive into lamb barbacoa topped off with mint-jalapeño salsa and goat’s cheese, or a chicken burrito made with ample spicy chipotle gravy. From course to course, the food is deftly executed, ingredients delineated with lines of heat and citrus. Likewise, vegetarian chickpea and red pepper enchiladas as well as a substantial jalapeño black bean salad are also available – so there’s no reason for anyone to skip out on the joy at this restaurant. Be sure to try a tacos dish, too. The beer-battered kingklip tacos with cabbage slaw and citrus salsa beautifully showcase the freshness of the fish. The slow-cooked pulled pork tacos – which come with a punchy avocado smash and green apple salsa – are also up there. It’s all so consistently excellent and reasonably priced. Pair with the Noble Hill Mourvèdre Rosé 2021 and you’re in for a real treat.

Noble Hill Wine Estate, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Simondium 021 874 3844 www.cosecharestaurant.com

EXPLORE THE PRISTINE FLAVOURS OF LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS AT LA PETITE COLOMBE

No bon viveur’s Cape Winelands itinerary is complete these days without La Petite Colombe. A gastronomic beacon between dining trends and Franschhoek’s glam status quo, the Constantia restaurant’s little sister is a beloved spot that continues to endure as one of the best restaurants in South Africa. Three hors d’oeuvres inspired by the bounty of the day, served as you take your seat in the lounge, is a little piece of magic to precede the 12-course Chef’s Experience menu. We started with a paper-thin shell filled with salmon, miso and ponzu and then finely chopped raw beef with chipotle and smoked aioli. This was followed by the deftly prepared Leeu Estates ‘olives’. Set in the shadows of a blossomy garden, the dreamlike dining room is harmonious – no music, just the joyful hum of diners being well looked after. It’s softer and far less buttoned up than many other fine-dining restaurants in Cape Town, dressed down for a Winelands crowd who want stellar menus without stiff service. At lunchtimes, sunlight slants across the tables and the vibe is relaxed. The ensuing appetisers – a bagel bun with Cape Malay smoked snoek pâté served in a caviar tin and a Saldanha Bay oyster featuring textures of jalapeño and tomato – are inventions of edgy brilliance. Next, tattooed head chef Peter Duncan creates surprisingly delicate dishes that are like abstract-expressionist edible artworks. A dab of gel … a smear of purée … a

slick of espuma. Descriptions are fashionably short, but hint a coconut and parsnip, say, or quail, langoustine, cauliflower and combined with quince and chestnut may be more divisive, but taste reliably delicious. The ever-evolving menus are seasonal, with some of the ingredients plucked from Leeu Estates’ edible gardens. The memorable main course, which our server proudly touted at the table, comes beautifully plated – Karoo lamb with celeriac and kapokbos. Masterful. For elegant verbena panna cotta with gooseberry and tonka, decorated with flowers. The icing on the cake, so to speak, is the rooibos cake with pear sorbet and Dulcey – a pudding with presence that’s instantly the talk of the table. And while La Petite Colombe is serious about food, it has a fun side. We love a ‘tonka bar’ of fudge and a cherry chocolate mousse cone from the Willy Wonkainspired sweets trolley.

Cost: R1,295 per person for The Chef’s Experience lunch menu or R1,695 per person for The Chef’s Experience dinner menu (excluding the optional wine pairing)

Leeu Estates, Dassenberg Road, Franschhoek 021 202 3395

www.lapetitecolombe.restaurant

TASTE WINE AND LAZE ON THE LAWN AT LEOPARD’S LEAP

ROTISSERIE

RESTAURANT

‘Tis the season for outdoor dining! If you’re looking for a secluded spot while still being able to get a breath of fresh air, Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie Restaurant should be at the top of your list. Something about Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards makes it feel like you’re on holiday – it’s a place you’ll want to return to, again and again. In the summer when it’s 28 degrees outside and the grape vines are in leaf? There’s nowhere we’d rather be in Franschhoek to linger over a cheese platter, pork bitterballen and an ice-cold bottle of bubbly. Featuring secret gardens and comfortable seating, the indoor-outdoor space is an ideal venue for casual get-togethers with friends and family. There are no gimmicks here – just exceptionally good food and equally good wines at a pleasant price point. The focus is on the rotisserie, which offers a wide selection of meats from free-range chicken to Laingsburg lamb and rolled pork belly, accompanied by sides and salads from the harvest table. The impeccably seasoned poultry has just the right amount of aromatic spices, finished off with a zingy squeeze of lemon. However, the slow-roasted pork belly – the ultimate combination of rich, meltingly tender meat and crisp crackled skin – is worth it alone. You’ll also have access to mouthwateringly good mini desserts to end your meal on a sweet note. For a simple but satisfying meal, Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie Restaurant just happens to be knocking out some of Franschhoek’s best pizzas – all washed down with Leopard’s Leap Sauvignon Blanc or Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir. They do regular-style pizzas, sure (inhale the mozzarella, chorizo, red onion and basil), but it’s their flatbread pizzas you need to pay attention to. Among marinated mushrooms and olives is melty camembert, big dollops of crème fraîche, garlic and parsley. Want to prove that you can still manage a meal out even with kids in tow? Leopard’s Leap Rotisserie Restaurant has something for everyone. The Little Leopards menu allows little ones to choose from kid-size pizzas, free-range chicken nuggets or chips and homemade tomato sauce. If the weekend has taken its toll, what better than a boozy brunch to cleanse the system and see you right? We’ve yet to go wrong with the croque madame sandwich – sourdough laden with smoked ham, Emmental cheese, wholegrain mustard, béchamel and two perfectly appointed poached eggs. Now that’s a hangover cure!

Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, R45 Main Road, Franschhoek 021 876 8002 www.leopardsleap.co.za

VISIT PLAISIR WINE ESTATE

FOR THE FINEST SELECTION OF CHEESES AND CHARCUTERIE

A summer’s day in Franschhoek isn’t complete without a delectable cheese board. There’s a case to be made for considering cheese and charcuterie an actual meal, don’t you think? You’ll find plenty of such perfectly-Instagrammable options at Plaisir Wine Estate. There’s a lot to love about this place – the Cape Dutch architecture, the wine-tasting cellar, the unbelievable mountain views, The Tempest Gin selection – but the cheese and charcuterie is worthy of a trip itself. Snuggled directly beside the rows of grapevines, the outdoor seating area under the shaded tree canopy is the perfect place to sit back and relax. Méthode Cap Classique, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, cabernet sauvignon and a red blend are for sale by the bottle and the glass, but you’ll want to do more than drink here. The cheese and charcuterie sharing platter is pure wonder. The size alone is impressive – an expansive board filled to the brim with varying cheeses, cured meats, fresh baguette, biltong, olives, seasonal fruit, spreads and preserves. A small helping of salad sits on the side for prime nibbling. Eat the heavenly slices of prosciutto plain, or top with brie and layer over thin slices of toasted French bread brushed with olive oil. And with cheese, there must be wine. Opt for something different with the new Plaisir Sauvignon Blanc 2022, which delivers a combination of vibrant tropical fruits and noticeable acidity. Summertime in a glass! The simple and elegant cheese platter for two is enough to tide you over until a larger dinner – and a steal at only R280. For those with a sweet tooth, the artisanal nougat or artisanal fudge and wine pairings are well worth checking out.

Plaisir Wine Estate, R45, Simondium 021 488 9977 www.plaisir.co.za

01.

Why did you become a chef?

I’m still looking for that answer. During the school holidays in 2011, I worked at Reubens to get a sense of the culinary world and decide if it was a path I wanted to take after school. I experienced a significant rush every day at the start of service, even though I didn’t fully understand what was going on. I could only compare it to being on a rugby field, as the practice and preparation come together when the first whistle blows.

02.

What do you call your style of cooking?

Contemporary cuisine fusing local ingredients with French flair.

03.

We were impressed at the attention to detail when eating at La Petite Colombe recently. Nothing was left to chance. That’s exactly what the team strives for. We push every day not to be perfect, but to get as close as possible to our image of perfection.

QUESTIONS 14

with PETER DUNCAN

LA PETITE COLOMBE’S NEW HEAD CHEF

04.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

Inspiration comes from different places – travelling the world, previous experiences and even dreams. For example, I used to have a palate cleanser on the menu that reminded me of an Apple Munch, or a ‘bompie’ as we call it in my culture. It’s a popsicle enjoyed in the summer months to cool down and rehydrate.

05.

Do you ever turn over the menu all at once?

No. Before a new dish goes on the menu, there’s a lot of planning, testing and retesting involved. Therefore, throughout the year we rather change the menu based on seasonality, where the core idea of the dish remains the same.

06.

What inspires a particular dish, such as the Leeu Estates olives or Karoo lamb?

The Leeu Estates olives come from our travels to Barcelona, where we had the most amazing pintxos. One specific pintxo is called the La Gilda, which is basically olives, anchovies and pickled green chilli. It’s strong and salty, and the pickled flavours create an explosion in your mouth. We wanted more when we got back home and decided to make our own with what we have. The modernised Karoo lamb, on the other hand, is inspired by an old-school lamb tail and green bean stew that my grandma used to make.

07.

I think art is subjective and that anyone in their respective field can consider themselves an artist. We take diners on a culinary journey – if you look at the colours, flavours and textures, every moment is thoroughly planned out. So, yes, I guess I can call myself an artist.

08.

Majority of the time, chefs cook based on memories. It’s like fulfilling homesickness through certain dishes to keep a memory alive. I do this with my bread course that’s served with snoek pâté. It’s something I grew up eating, so to have it so close to me makes a new environment feel like home.

09. Can the appearance of food affect how we feel about it?

Absolutely. Before you even start eating, together your five senses decide if you’ll like the dish or not. Sometimes you might find an element of surprise, which you’ll either like or dislike. That’s why appearance is so important in our industry.

10.

Favourite regular dish?

When it comes to personal eating, I’m a very simple guy. I prefer slow-cooked meals like green bean stew or a braai.

11.

Yes, 100%!

12.

Most memorable cooking disaster?

It was back in 2014. I was in charge of making restaurant-quality mashed potato for a special tasting and I made home-quality mashed potato. I messed it up – to say the least – right before the tasting. After that, I made a promise to myself to always triple-check everything I do (up till this day).

13.

Yes and no. Yes to see if there’s a deeper development of food in the industry. But also no because I’m trying to push boundaries at La Petite Colombe and only focus on what we’re doing.

14.

When I cook for guests, the pressure is always on. When I’m the guest, I simply appreciate the effort that went in to the dish I’m enjoying.

Do you ever indulge in a burger or a pizza?

Is it important for you to know what other chefs are doing?

Is the pressure greater on you when you cook for guests, or on them when they cook for you?

Do you consider yourself an artist?

How can nostalgia affect the way we perceive a dish?

Breathtakingly beautiful, in the heart of the winelands

Offering 180-degree panoramic views of magnificent vineyards and mountains, Banhoek Lodge, situated just outside of Stellenbosch, is the perfect location to relax in the heart of South Africa’s Winelands Region. This beautiful boutique guest house accommodates a maximum off 14 people in its luxury rooms and suites. Here the views are forever, the breakfasts are hearty and the service is warm and personal.

BREAKS WEEKEND

An extraordinary elephant adventure at Camp Figtree

Few places on earth are as wild or dramatic as the Addo Elephant National Park – the third largest national park in South Africa. A one-and-a-half-hour drive north of Gqeberha is Camp Figtree, the most sophisticated outfit in this part of the country. It’s a bit like flying first class – once you’ve tried it, anything else feels slightly second rate. However, the superior accommodations aren’t the only reason to love this lodge. With excellent excursions and unparalleled game viewing, guests don’t have to scrounge for ways to wile away the hours.

In the heart of elephant country, tucked away on the Zuurberg Pass, Camp Figtree is outdoor luxury at its best. The levels of friendly and functional service are hard to find elsewhere in Addo, if not the Eastern Cape. Activities, both on and off-site, are equally impressive – choose from bush walks, bush picnics, giraffe walking safaris as well as game drives into Addo Elephant National Park and Schotia Safaris Private Game Reserve. The individual residences built into the mountain, ranging from Superior Suites to Luxury Tents and The Outpost (half suit, half tent), are certainly impressive and generously sized. With panoramic views over the Zuurberg Mountains, it all feels elemental and ethereal. Our high-ceilinged Luxury Suite was a staggering 180m2 and filled with enough clever storage to keep a week’s worth of packing out of sight. Cool, creamy and contemporary in aesthetic, with lovely touches such as mint-green walls, plush carpets, a colonial four-poster bed, linen bedding, a sectioned seating area, a vast outdoor area and swathes of heavy curtaining that allow you to sleep in. It’s easy to lose all sense of time in this level of comfort. The bathroom, furnished with greenery, was equipped with a sizable bath and a very good rainfall shower. Locally produced Healing Earth toiletries were a charming touch. Head chef Marshall Petla oversees the

restaurant, the beating heart of Camp Figtree. Pared-back elegance is the name of the game – expect wraparound verandahs overlooking trees and lawns, leading down to a shaded sundeck and an infinity pool. We recommend that you beeline for seats on the patio and ask one of the waitresses to lead you through the extensive gin collection. There’s also an exceptional wine list and Camp Figtree’s own craft beer on tap. In summer, candle-lit suppers are warmed by the breeze from the Algoa Bay coast. The ever-changing three-course menu is short but impeccable, from countrystyle vegetable soup to roasted lamb rib eye and local cheese to finish. We particularly enjoyed the white wine garlic mussels, spring vegetable fettuccine Alfredo and sublime blueberry panna cotta. Contemporary glassware and cutlery match the lodge’s modernist tilt. Breakfast – included in the room rate, with lunch and dinner billed separately – is accompanied by frothy cappuccinos and freshly squeezed orange juice. We liked lingering over the poached eggs on a potato rosti with smoked salmon and avocado, along with seasonal fruit, granola with yoghurt and honey, croissants, soft cheeses and cured meats. Needless to say, you will not want for anything during your stay at Camp Figtree. It’s an oasis of luxury in an unforgiving landscape.

R335, Addo, Gqeberha 082 611 3603 www.campfigtree.com

THE MARC NEW DESIGN 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.

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Instagram: @elegante_za

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.

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Instagram: @_deco_bloom_

MARC DPS DESIGN

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.

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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.

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Instagram: @levisonsza