Aspire Lifestyle Spring 2023

Murdocks established in 1897 holds a rich jewellery history and expertise grounded in Cape Town. Murdocks is committed to offering a lifetime of service and premium quality jewellery and finest timepieces. Murdocks is situated in the heart of the bustling V&A Waterfront purveyors of world class gems and the finest prestigious brands makes Murdocks the premium jeweller of choice.

Olympéa & the new Olympéa Flora

52 THE SWEETEST THING South Africa’s fave high tea destinations

60 MONASTERY OF THE MOON décor inspo in a Tulbagh home

76 UNSHACKLING FROM THE SHOULDS it is time to unshackle from fears and shoulds

84 THE STORY OF THE PANTHER Cartier’s new collection of scarves, wraps and headbands

88 RETINOL RULEBOOK everything you need to know about this powerhouse ingredient

92 SCENTSATIONAL wrap yourself in a beautiful, new fragrance

94 CRUSHING ON CROCS this season’s new releases 96 SIMPLE PLEASURES 5 Ingredients Mediterranean by Jamie Oliver

After thousands of meticulous sketches and clay models, our obsessive nature led us to the perfect grille for the all-new Lexus RX. Crafted to flow seamlessly into the RX’s dynamic shape, the spindle grille was transformed into an audacious spindle body. This architecture-inspired design feature is just one of many unparalleled details you’ll uncover in the all-new Lexus RX.

GUSTAV MAHLER

EDITOR’S NOTE

It’s hard to choose which season is my favourite. I keep bouncing around with my choice. Summer for the energy it brings, but then it is too hot; autumn for the symbolism of change; winter for the cosy fireside reading sessions with a glass of wine in hand; and now back to spring, a season that breathes new life into, quite literally, everything. Since the inception of this magazine, I have been through many seasons of my own, and now, finally, I find myself slightly more settled than I was last month, last season, and last year… It could be because I recently reached a new milestone in age. Yikes! Or perhaps because right now society is focused so much on mental health, self-care and acceptance that I have been pushed into a more self-serving phase where I’ve been trying my best to figure out what serves me and what does not and letting go of the latter, or at least trying to.

Whichever it is, there is one thing that hasn’t changed, and that is a very welcome distraction this magazine lends me every time I put these beautiful pages together.

This issue’s luxury lifestyle features talk about the powerhouse skincare ingredient retinol; it welcomes the true essence of spring in style – food, drinks and events – and urges you to start planning a trip to Portugal, and so much more.

Here’s to change, self-acceptance and new beginnings. Enjoy the read.

@laurenzuidema

SPRING WON’T LET ME STAY IN THIS HOUSE ANY LONGER! I MUST GET OUT AND BREATHE THE AIR DEEPLY AGAIN.

–

Embrace your inner wanderlust and the warmer weather. Get out there and explore ... from local sweet spots to European holidays.

THE TEAM

MANAGING EDITOR

Lauren Zuidema

ART DIRECTOR

Bianca-Leigh Nagel

PROOFREADER

Margy Beves-Gibson

COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITIES

vann@aspirelifestyle.co.za

CONTRIBUTORS

Emile Joubert

Graham Wood

Jared Ruttenberg

Jennifer Campbell

Marius Boonzaier

IMAGES

Supplied, Unsplash, DepositPhotos, FreePik, Pexels

COVER

Nicol Purkiss & Anika Lotter

DISTRIBUTION

Distribution: Community Life Media, On The Dot

PUBLISHED BY

Aspire Lifestyle (Pty) Ltd 021 712 3842

www.aspirelifestyle.co.za

Aspire Lifestyle supports Greenpop, a non-profit organisation, on a mission to (re)connect people with our planet. We are committed to plant 50 trees with every issue.

www.greenpop.org

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent and permission of the publisher and copyright owners as featured. DISCLAIMER All information, dates and prices were correct at the time of print. We cannot be held liable for any changes thereafter.

Style edit

Burberry Gloucester | Sunglass Hut | R3 260

Gisel blouse | Guess | R1 499

Hannah diamante strap satin dress | Forever New | R1 899

Isla crossbody bag | Poetry | R599

Jimmy Choo Rose Passion | 100 ml EDP | R1 150

Jungle bird button tank | Witchery | R599

Lee crew neck knit tank top | Forever New | R699

pants

“ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE WITH SUNSHINE AND A LITTLE PINK.” – LILY PULITZER

Printed Claudia shorts | Guess | R1 299

Style edit

FOR HIM

“YOU DON’T WEAR YELLOW WHEN YOU’RE IN DOUBT. IT’S A DELIBERATE CHOICE. A BOLD STATEMENT.” – SHILPA AHUJA

denim jacket

Nicol wears a Kirka Lurex dress, Blank, R2 995

(Opposite page) Elle kinky fuschia knit, Millenium, R1 195 Wendy ruffle spice gold hem shorts, Indian Summer, R995 Orange vine print shirt Orange, Gordon Smith, R1 599 Christian Dior sunglasses, POR

Anika wears Ferlina handwoven dress, Conditions Apply, R5 395

Jenivia dress, Blank, R6 495 Christian Dior sunglasses, POR

(Opposite page) Bella blue green dress, Noa Noa, R2 895

TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300, 36 mm steel case with a fresh dial in bold pink and accented with VS diamond diameter hour markers, R78 500

TAG Heuer Carrera Date, 36 mm steel case with a vivid pink sunray brushed dial, R65 750

Maggie flower shadow pink dress, Primrose Park, R4 995 Christian Dior sunglasses, POR

(Opposite page) Sarah Jane dress Bloom 03, Primrose Park, R3 995

*that combines hot air and heated stying plates. **no thermal hair damage detected after 100 cycles of 4 passes in wet to style mode vs naturally dried hair. ***consumer testing, 142 women, June 2021. ****vs naturally dried hair, dependent on consumer use.

NEW GHD DUET STYLE

THE FIRST 2-IN-1 HOT AIR STYLER* THAT TRANSFORMS ALL HAIR TYPES FROM WET TO STYLED WITH NO HEAT DAMAGE**

Breakthrough Air-Fusion™ technology

Up to 48hr unprecedented softness***

2x more shine****

#ghdduetstyle

& Playfulpersonal

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

Alexia Kanias is the artist behind XOXO Pottery Designs, and for her, creativity is everything.

One of three girls, Alexia has always loved art and could often be found painting or colouring as a child. In 2013, she began weekly ceramic classes for fun, and over time, the hobby grew into a full-time job. In fact, the turning point came when Alexia took a journey along the El Camino de Santiago and found herself at a crossroads. She chose to end her career in real estate and took a leap of faith to pursue her art.

ALL IN A NAME

When Alexia was a child, she couldn’t say her name and dubbed herself XO. The name stuck, and her close friends and family still use this childhood nickname. When she started creating ceramics, she stamped her clay with an X and O, and the playful signature has since evolved into the XOXO Pottery Design brand.

THE WORK

Alexia handcrafts each of her pieces, which are both practical and beautiful. She loves to work with clay and glazes, often creating multifunctional pieces. Every item she makes is one-of-a-kind, as she embraces the unpredictability of working with clay. For her, inspiration comes from her daily life and her travels over the years. She has walked the El Camino in Spain three times, and the villages, vineyards and natural beauty of the area have influenced her work. She has also hiked part of the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, and she says the colour tones of South America have stayed with her. Born into a Greek family, Alexia feels connected to her heritage, and this has impacted many of her sculptures and pottery ranges.

THE COLLECTIONS

Alexia designs and makes all of her pieces at her studio in Cape Town. Each unique piece can be used for home décor or as tableware, and the collections di er in colours, patterns and prints. The Mediterranean range takes inspiration from Alexia’s heritage and reflects the depth of love, beauty and tranquillity of the Med; while the Seascape range was designed to encourage play and mental escape during the national lockdown in 2020. Real conversation pieces, the oversized bowls that form part of the Miraflores Magic collection are inspired by an art and design district in Peru and feature bold and vibrant colours. www.xoxopotterydesigns.co.za

Taste country life

The Robertson Wine Valley is known and loved for its beautiful scenery, fantastic wine and down-to-earth hospitality. If you need an excuse to visit the area, be sure to attend the Taste the Tradition Weekend, which will take place from 22 to 25 September.

All about slow food and wine, the weekend is an excellent opportunity to taste some of Robertson’s finest o erings. Visitors will have a choice of farmto-fork restaurants and unique dining experiences in winemakers’ homes and underground wine cellars.

Those who love the outdoors will enjoy wine tasting in the vineyards, as well as the chance to hike on trails through local farms and valleys. The whole family will be busy with plenty of activities – think horse riding, boat trips on the Breede River, and game drives through gorgeous landscapes.

Each of the organised experiences can be booked individually, so it’s possible to completely tailor your weekend to suit your preference and mood.

FOR THE FULL PROGRAMME, AS WELL AS ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS, VISIT WWW.ROBERTSONWINEVALLEY.COM

The Taste the Tradition Weekend in Robertson promises authentic food, good wine and a welcoming community.

WHERE VITICULTURE AND CREATIVE CULTURE MEET.

WHERE VITICULTURE AND CREATIVE CULTURE MEET.

Iconic natural surroundings and the creative energy of our people come together to create a perfect collection of wines and experiences. Try one of our unique tastings or enjoy the spectacular views and dining at our award-winning restaurant, The Tangram. For more information, or to make a restaurant booking, visit www.durbanvillehills.co.za or call 021 558 1000.

Iconic natural surroundings and the creative energy of our people come together to create a perfect collection of wines and experiences. Try one of our unique tastings or enjoy the spectacular views and dining at our award-winning restaurant, The Tangram. For more information, or to make a restaurant booking, visit www.durbanvillehills.co.za or call 021 558 1000.

@DurbanvilleHills

#DurbanvilleHills

#DurbanvilleHillsWine

@DurbanvilleHills

#DurbanvilleHills

#DurbanvilleHillsWine

A journey of dreams

WGRUV Dance Company, South Africa’s newest contemporary ballet company, will perform a beautiful production this spring.

The creators of Phetogo and Vignettes, WRGUV Dance Company, have revealed their latest production, Beyond Dreams. The performance e ortlessly blends contemporary ballet and Spanish converge to weave an ethereal world and promises to captivate audiences.

With a combination of world-class choreography and carefully compiled music, the production pushes the boundaries of traditional ballet. Audiences can expect an innovative fusion of contemporary dance genres, which really showcases the performers’ talents. Technical ability and emotional depth meet as the dancers tell a story of fantasy and dreams.

The performance will feature original choreographic works by former Paul Taylor principal dancer, Michael Trusnovec. Other international choreographers include Tyler Gilstrap and Dominic Walsh, and the show will include choreography by Holly and Lex Gruver of WGRUV Dance Company. If you are looking for an inspiring night at the theatre where you can be transported momentarily to another realm, you won’t want to miss this!

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PHOTOGRAPHER: LAUGE SORENSEN

shares his story and much-loved recipes in a beautiful new book.

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

culinary A legend

Chef Luke Dale Roberts

culinary legend

Chef Luke Dale Roberts is revered in the culinary world for his ability to tirelessly create some of the country’s finest and most innovative cuisine. With restaurants in Cape Town and Johannesburg, Luke has now released his highly anticipated recipe book, The Test Kitchen.

Born in Britain, Luke spent time in Europe, where he learnt to cook, while his travels in Asia opened his culinary world. He trained at the historic Baur au Lac Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland, whereafter he returned to London to work under the watchful tutelage of chef Kevin Hopgood at Elena’s L’Etoile, a Parisian bistro-style restaurant in the West End. From there, he graduated as

executive sous chef at Soho House Media Club, where he catered for the likes of Oasis, Kevin Spacey and Madonna.

In 2000, Luke was o ered an executive chef position at the international Accor Hotel Group, which put him at the helm of hugely successful restaurants across Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and the Philippines. During this time, the limitations of his classic French training fell away with the influx of exotic ingredients, spices, cooking techniques and food traditions.

Finally, in 2006, he set down roots in his wife’s homeland, South Africa, becoming the executive chef at La Colombe in Constantia Uitsig. Thus began the stratospheric rise to success that most South African foodies are familiar with, winning awards year after year. In 2010, Luke opened the bastion of gastronomy that was The Test Kitchen, which went on to smash a first-place victory at every annual Eat Out Awards for six years.

Luke has an unconventional vision and vigorously throws himself into the unknown; he prioritises creative freedom and experimentation, and pushes diners to the limits of their discomfort, with the pay-o being multisensory enlightenment.

Luke Dale Roberts challenges himself and his team to pursue new, fresh, interesting flavour combinations, striking unforgettable chords on the nose and palate

He relentlessly challenges himself and his team to pursue new, fresh, interesting flavour combinations, striking unforgettable chords on the nose and palate. His portfolio currently includes The Pot Luck Club, The Test Kitchen, and Salon in Cape Town, and The Pot Luck Club and The Shortmarket Club in Johannesburg.

Now, with the release of his new book, foodies will have the chance to explore some of chef Luke’s most beloved and iconic recipes, including snacks, breads, starters, palate cleansers, mains, desserts and cocktails. It includes a foreword by Heston Blumenthal and incredible colour photographs throughout. The Test Kitchen is a stunning visual keepsake as flavourful as Luke’s spectacular dishes and will appeal to his fans and professional and home cooks.

We are sure Luke’s culinary journey is nowhere near complete as we sit with bated breath, waiting for his next move.

The Test Kitchen is published by Penguin Random House.

THE SWEETEST THING

There are few things more pleasant than high tea on a beautiful spring day.

JUST TEDDY

Sandton, Johannesburg

High tea at this Sandton boulangerie and patisserie is nothing short of a luxurious experience. Tea is served with three tiers of treats, including buttermilk scones, Chantilly cream and preserves; Middle Eastern-inspired vegetarian mezze or a meat savoury quiche and pie platter; and the chef’s selection of fine French patisserie. The high tea is also available as vegan or gluten-free on request.

Fresh-baked treats, a gorgeous setting, and a hot cup of tea… these are the makings of a perfect afternoon. When it comes to high tea, we are spoilt for choice, with many of the best hotels serving up a luxurious spread. Here are some of our favourites across the country.

THE CELLARS-HOHENHORT

Constantia, Cape Town

This historic hotel is a beautiful spot to enjoy an indulgent high tea spread, and guests have a choice of locations from which to choose, including the greenhouse, terrace or charming Palm Arch. The fourcourse spread is designed by executive chef Tronette Dippenaar and is inspired by high teas at the best hotels worldwide. Treats include finger sandwiches, quiches, scones and a selection of cakes.

THE OYSTER BOX

Umhlanga, Durban

Hosted in the Umhlanga hotel’s stunning Palm Court, this high tea is served with a backdrop of dulcet piano music, lush palms and antique chandeliers. A buffet table is laid with platters of sweet and savoury eats, many of which celebrate local culinary traditions. Don’t miss a chance to taste the crisp samosas, fragrant chilli bites, and the delicate buttermilk apple crumble.

THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Camps Bay, Cape Town

The Tea by the Sea at this iconic Cape Town hotel is a modern take on an old tradition. Tea is served at the table and comes with a three-tier stand of sweet and savoury treats – think finger sandwiches, macarons, cream puffs and, of course, classic scones. Guests are offered a bottomless selection of loose-leaf teas and speciality coffee, or they can indulge in the Moët & Chandon High Tea, served with a glass of Brut Imperial champagne.

MOUNT NELSON

Gardens, Cape Town

The Mount Nelson has welcomed back legendary pastry chef Vicky Gurovich after an eight-year hiatus. Now, their afternoon tea menu has reached new levels of indulgence. We are talking seasonal cakes and savoury classics like cucumber, fennel and cream cheese finger sandwiches. When it comes to tea, guests are offered a choice of over 60 premium loose-leaf and flowering teas, as well as local infusions like buchu, rooibos and honeybush. The hotel’s signature tea is a sublime blend of Darjeeling, Kenya, Assam, Keemun, Yunnan and Ceylon, along with pink rose petals for a beautiful blush shade.

GRANDE ROCHE

Paarl, Cape Town

This gorgeous afternoon tea offers something a little different, as new-world cuisine meets oldworld sophistication. The Grande Roche Grande Tea includes cold-cut bruschetta, smoked salmon and sticky rice with cucumber rolls and pickled red onion. Sweet treats include vanilla custard slices, lemon meringue and chocolate cake.

Monastery of the MOON

An 18th century monastery in the Cape Winelands has been converted into a spiritual retreat for a young family.

It was about six years ago that Abigail Rands was exploring a “potential art project” in the small Western Cape town of Tulbagh when she stumbled on this remarkable building. Her family owns a wine farm nearby, so she feels a strong connection to the area. Besides, she says, “I like beautiful architecture, raw materials and good art.” And this house had all three in bucketloads.

In the lounge, as in most of the rest of the house, restored vintage furniture predominates, with a bias towards mid-century design. But, as Maybe Corpaci, interior curator and THE FOURTH’s co-founder, says, the overarching idea was to merge vintage and contemporary design and art in the deep historical setting of the home to create a sense of timelessness.

The poolside lounge has a slightly more tropical feel, with vintage cane furniture, a chrome coffee table and decorative tiger mat.

The kitchen, as interior designer Maybe Corpaci points out, is surprisingly modern in its openness and position. Its stone floor and vast woodburning oven are clearly traditional Cape features.

The house features two front bedrooms on either side of the central lounge: one with bluish walls, and the other a warm neutral beige colour. The doorway of the blue room frames a “reflective sheet” sculpture by Rodan Kane Hart. “We specifically chose this piece to juxtapose some powerful, metallics with the predominance of restored wooden furniture,” says Maybe. Vintage pieces include a 1960’s Harp Chair by Jørgen Høvelskov, while the bed is a contemporary piece from Weylandts. The artworks include a painting by Christo Coetzee.

The bathroom (bottom right) includes a customdesigned shower specially made by THE FOURTH with a cast concrete base, and a brass ring with hundreds of ball chains cascading to the floor. The beaded chair armchair also has metallic details, which complements the shower design.

A covered deck on one end of the courtyard has an al fresco dining area with a long wooden table and cane chairs. Pictured are Abigail Rands with her partner Alessandro Gigli and their two children Alexander and Leonard.

The house, in the small Winelands town of Tulbagh, dated back to 1797, and was a monastery and mission school in its earliest incarnations. The exterior has been beautifully restored, preserving its historic character when seen from the street.

Unshackling from the shoulds

Unshackling shoulds

BY NICKY ROWBOTHAM

As far back as I can remember, I was told stories as a young girl. Often ones that delighted and amazed me, that awakened my long-held sense of adventure and desire to explore. Stories that kept me awake and invoked my imagination and dreams. But, along with Nancy Drew, and Jonah and the Whale, stories of a different kind were told, ones not necessarily in a book or written down. Stories were told, shared and woven into everyday artefacts and anecdotes. Comments, observations, stereotypes and questions reinforced societal expectations and perceived norms. The shoulds. How things were supposed to be. Stories are something we are told or tell ourselves and others to explain why we are the way we are. Or how we ought to be. They create a narrative in our lives and can be misconstrued as the truth when they are just someone’s subjective truth, often perpetuating these shoulds. Society has its own set of stories, often unwritten. ‘It’s just how it is’ or ‘It’s always been this way’ was the standard response when these stories or implied standards were questioned. Some were woven into expected rites of passage, given life through the unquestioned repeat cycle, passed down through generations. The lived experience reinforcing them, creating implicit or explicit expectations. In telling these stories that no longer serve us and permeate them within our environments, we continue to create the perceived safety of sameness and often live in the shadow of the shame

of non-conformity. Fitting in feels easier, as standing out seems like going against the flow. This is why these stories, these shoulds, have existed for so long. It is a key part of the construct. Fear keeps us tamed. But it is time to unshackle from those fears and those shoulds and chart a more authentic path. We need to start asking if these stories still serve you. Ask yourself if your story is causing you peace, joy, fulfilment and happiness. Or is it creating drama, friction or resistance in your life? Some stories create easefulness in our lives, a key condition for success. The others create dis-ease and really go against our own individual flow. Be aware of expectations, agreements, beliefs and shoulds that do not or no longer serve you. Take note of how many times you say should during your day. The shoulds of society are insidious, and they are kept alive if we continue to tell these stories. They creep into every facet of our lives, emanating deep from within the conditioning of our youth. Not formalised as black-andwhite rules per se, the shoulds exist more in the greyness of life. How we define success, what makes us happy or the picture in our heads around what life must look like. Being

fully human, we must celebrate our di erentiation, regardless of the weight of society’s expectations. We are all di erent and must celebrate this rather than shame it.

Name your shoulds to shame them; this is all about consciously choosing. When you see how some of these constructs and paradigms are showing up in your life, several will immediately stand out as a should that no longer serves you. Others you will continue to justify as it serves you in some way (but does it really?), and there are those you will fully embrace as ones that serve you in your life. This is all about what works for you, not what you are supposed to or ought to do. Shoulds are sneaky as they can be so covertly suggestable by ourselves and others. Rather, this is all about consciously choosing. Language may just be semantics, but words have power in our lives. Restrictive and limiting language and how you use it in your life, consciously or unconsciously, must always be considered carefully, and where you use it about yourself and others and how others talk to you. As soon as you are aware of it, you will start to see how often it shows up, especially in how we talk about ourselves to ourselves. As Bruce Lee said, “Don’t speak negatively about yourself, even as a joke. Your body doesn’t know the di erence. Words are energy and cast spells, that’s why it’s called spelling.” Our words and how we speak about ourselves set the tone for us. They can keep us shackled in the shoulds of our lives, or they can set us free.

And where you step away from the legacy stories in your life that no longer serve you, we must remember that change isn’t always easy. Many around you will still ascribe to the should and may feel confronted at your choosing a di erent path. What is the elephant in the room besides the person holding the judgement on you? It often says more about the person holding the judgement rather than you and how you’re showing up. The key here is to show up authentically as yourself as we reframe change as growth. Don’t dim your natural light or shrink to make others happy. Be yourself, you are beautiful that way.

Powerful people have the strongest connection to their internal sense of self, their inner knowing and what truly serves them. As you become more grounded in yourself and your sense of elegant power, your natural light will shine through. We only get one wild and precious life; what will you do with it? Who will you be once you have unshackled from all the shoulds that no longer serve you?

Nicky Rowbotham

Nicky Rowbotham is the author of Embrace Your Elegant Power – Your Path to Success with Ease and Steps to Finding Flow – Flip the Script on Stress

Embrace Your Elegant Power is available in all good book stores, Amazon, Kindle, most audio formats and at www.nickyrowbotham.com

Being fully human, we must celebrate our differentiation, regardless of the weight of society’s expectations. We are all different and must celebrate this ...

Two lucky Aspire Lifestyle readers can win a copy of each of Nicky Rowbotham’s Two Books: 7 Steps To Finding Flow and Embrace Your Elegant Power, as well as two Inspired Change journals, The Finding Flow Journal and The Gratitude Attitude Journal. Plus a Namaste (grounded in gratitude blend) essential oil roller.

THE FINDING FLOW JOURNAL is an undated daily journal designed to help support you in manging stress and creating more ease, resilience and flow in your day to day life. THE GRATITUDE ATTITUDE JOURNAL is perfect for anyone who wishes to be more present, and focus their attention on the positive things in their lives

INTRODUCES

THE LUXURIOUS

NEUTRAL COLOURWAYS

sloom.co.za to shop your bedroom essentials. Free delivery and 100-Night trial included

Sign the petition

Let’s get anti-genderbased violence education into our schools nationally.

Empowering a generation of changemakers!

(for all our futures’ sake)

We L ve

FASHION / SKINCARE / FRAGRANCES AND MORE

pg 92

Spoil yourself in this season’s latest, must-have fragrances.

The story of the panther

Cartier has launched a new collection of scarves, wraps and headbands – and the emblematic panther takes centre stage.

panther

Cartier has revealed its latest collection of scarves and other accessories, in which the panther features in all its iconic glory. The design element is a nod to the Maison’s silk squares, launched in 1979 and inaugurated in a series of paintings inspired by Cartier’s creative spaces today.

The collection, which comprises scarves, wraps and headbands, reflects the Maison’s artisan tradition. Made from silk, the accessories are manufactured in the Italian Lake District or in Lyon. Each part of the process – from the engraving to the printing – takes place layer by layer, from the darkest to the lightest colour and from the largest to the smallest motif.

The Panthère was the inspiration for the three prints that feature in the new collection. Each of the prints – Place Vendôme, Japanese cherry blossoms, and a jungle full of life – sees the magnetic and powerful feline as its heroine. Each of these themes pays tribute to the world of Cartier, signifying the Maison’s birth on Rue de la Paix, its distant cultural influences, and the Maison’s primary stylistic trend for which it is well known and loved.

Retinol rulebook

Retinol is a highly sought-after ingredient, but what is it exactly? Although it has become something of a buzzword in the world of beauty, retinol is an umbrella term for retinoids. There are numerous types of retinoids in varying strengths; those with a high concentration are typically found in prescription products, while lower concentrations can be found in over-the-counter treatments. When used correctly, the ingredient is a skincare all-rounder, addressing dullness and the signs of ageing and boosting the production of elastin and collagen.

WHAT IS RETINOL?

Retinol is a derivative of vitamin A, a nutrient that contributes to cell turnover in the body. When used in topical skincare products, the ingredient helps to promote the natural production of collagen, boosts the skin’s ability to renew, and enhances overall skin tone. In addition to improving the appearance of the skin, retinol works much like an antioxidant. This means it protects against damage caused by free radicals and can go a long way in preventing some visible signs of ageing.

When it comes to skincare ingredients, retinol stands out for its ability to reduce the signs of ageing. Here’s everything you need to know about this powerhouse skincare ingredient.

BY JENNIFER CAMPBELL

WHEN SHOULD I START USING IT?

Most experts suggest introducing retinol into your skincare regime in your mid-twenties or early thirties because it addresses issues like breakouts, pigmentation and fine lines. That said, it is always advisable to consult with a dermatologist before using retinol because it can irritate if the formula is not quite right for your skin. It is important to understand that retinol should be introduced to your skincare routine gradually, slowly increasing the concentration as your skin becomes more tolerant.

HOW AND WHEN SHOULD I USE IT?

When introducing retinol to your regime, it is best to use it once or twice a week. Apply a pea-sized amount at night, ensuring your skin is clean and dry. Make sure you avoid your eye area, but don’t forget about your neck and decolletage, as these areas are also susceptible to the visible signs of ageing. If you find this skin is too sensitive to the formula you use on your face, it is possible to use a separate product that has been specifically formulated for these areas.

Once you have applied retinol to the skin, wait around half an hour before using any other skincare products, as this will optimise its benefits. Over time, you’ll be able to apply the product more frequently as your skin adjusts.

When using retinol, there is no need to use other exfoliators. In fact, too much exfoliation can cause damage to your skin barrier and lead to irritation. It is imperative that you wear an SPF every day, as retinol can increase photosensitivity.

If you are planning a cosmetic treatment like microneedling, microdermabrasion or laser therapy, stop using retinol beforehand so you don’t increase your skin’s sensitivity.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Although retinol can do amazing things for the skin, it can a ect people di erently. Those struggling with skin conditions like rosacea, eczema or psoriasis may find it too strong and it can increase issues like sensitivity, dryness and inflammation. If you use too much retinol, you might notice your skin appears red, dry and irritated. These issues generally resolve as your skin adjusts to your new product. If, however, you find your skin does not react well to the product, chat with your dermatologist about an alternative better suited to your particular skin type.

OUR FAVE RETINOL GO-TO ENDOCARE RENEWAL STEP BY STEP

1

CLEANSE: Start your routine by thoroughly cleansing your face to remove impurities and prepare your skin for maximum product absorption.

2

APPLY: Gently massage a small amount of the Endocare Renewal Retinol Serum onto your face and neck, focusing on areas prone to wrinkles and uneven texture.

3

ENHANCE: Follow with the Endocare Renewal Retinol Intensive Serum for intensified results. Apply a few drops to your skin and gently pat it in for optimal absorption.

4

PROTECT: Finish off with a broad-spectrum sunscreen to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, as retinol can increase sun sensitivity.

tip: If you are new to retinol, start o by using the 0.2 strength once a week for three weeks. After this period, introduce it twice a week for two months. At this point, your skin should be used to retinol and you can use the Intense Serum once every two weeks. It’s suggested to use retinol for a three-month period, and then break for three months and start the process again for optimal results.

Scentsational

Spoil yourself in this season’s latest, must-have fragrances.

NUXE

This fragrance is the epitome of fresh, sensual fragrance: it’s light and sensual on the nose, encompassing aromas of bergamot and exotic verbena with an infusion of lavandin and orange blossom floral notes.

50 ml | R1 135

ACQUA

Joyful, luminous and embracing in style, this limitededition fragrance is fresh with sparkling citrus notes and soft with notes of bitter almond and black pepper.

100 ml EDT | R2 799

CHANEL CHANCE EAU FRAÎCHE

Chanel has reinterpreted Chance Eau Fraîche Eau de Toilette creating a more intense eau de parfum. The citron notes are more exhilarating while the jasmine is richer and more intense.

100 ml EDP | R2 790

RABANNE FAME

An expression of sensuality, Fame exudes the scent of jasmine and creamy incense. Mineral musk and fruity pear are in the mix of this hypnotic scent.

80 ml EDP | R3 100

100

MONTALE

This complex fragrance exudes the scent of peony, and its emphasized by a combination of jasmine, rose, peach and coconut, which is intertwined with the richness of coffee, clove and vanilla.

100 ml EDP | R2 930

PRODIGIEUX NÉROLI

DI PARMA ARANCIA LA SPUGNATURA

SWEET PEONY

JIMMY CHOO ROSE PASSION

This fragrance opens with the freshness of coconut water and the rich exotic bloom of the frangipani flower. This is followed by the luxurious aromas of orchids and the seductive jasmine flower.

ml EDP | R1 150

RABANNE PHANTOM

Inspired by a dream-like night in Paris, this masculine fragrance brings an aromatic floral note that is energising and seductive. Vanilla brings an addictive appeal, and vetiver and mineral musk add earthiness.

100 ml EDP | R3 100

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE THIS IS HER! UNDRESSED

This is her! Undressed is sensual and delicate with sunny orange blossom, ylang-ylang and sandalwood tones. Notes of ginger have been added, which brings the fragrance to life with brightness.

100 ml EDP | R1 890

BULGARI OMNIA COLLECTION

Omnia is a pioneering expression of creativity brought to life around three unique gemstones: crystal, amethyst and red coral, and all three now express a new design through the Reveal Your Light campaign. Bulgari Omnia Amethyste expresses soft shine and refinement with scents of iris gardens dappled with morning dew. Bulgari Omnia Crystalline evokes the purity of crystal with notes of lotus flower and white peony. Bulgari Omnia Coral is inspired by the solar vitality of red coral and captures a floral-fruity liveness of hibiscus.

65 ml EDT | R2 000

MAISON FRANCIS KURKDJIAN PARIS AQUA MEDIA COLOGNE FORTE

Aqua Media Cologne forte is a joyful gender-neutral eau de parfum with tangy, sparkling and almost mouth-watering fresh notes of bergamot from Italy, sweet fennel and patchouli. The aniseed accents Francis Kurkdjian holds so dear are centre stage, shining through in this garden of citrus notes.

70 ml EDP | R4 225

KATE SPADE CHÉRIE

This playful fragrance exudes sweet and tangy notes of redcurrant and raspberry, which is followed by notes of sweet pea and jasmine.

100 ml EDP | R1 325

YVES

SAINT LAURENT Y INTENSE

YSL, synonymous with luxury, has introduced a woody, masculine cologne with notes of blue juniper berries, patchouli from Bali, and vibrant lavender from France.

100 ml EDP | R2 400

CRUSHING ON CROCS

We never thought we’d say it, but Crocs is here to stay… and we might have fallen truly, madly, deeply in love. Crocs has shattered its preconceived stereotype and perceptions. In recent years, the brand has repeatedly hit the nail on the head with new releases suited so well for each of our four seasons that we could not help ourselves from grabbing a style or two.

Our fave new releases for the season are the Classic Mega Crush Sandal and the Echo Slide.

Check

The

is

The Classic Mega Crush Sandal has a rubber tread with updated detailing around the outsole and a platform ready to take any outfit to the next level.

Echo Slide

anything but conformist, with bold sculpting and sport inspiration that keeps streetwear at its core.

•Evens tone

•Brightens skin

•24

•Perfecting primer

•SPF

Simple pleasures

Jamie Oliver’s new cookbook is all about Mediterranean flavours.

ISLAND SALAD

Sticky peaches, halloumi web and pickled cucumber

Whenever I’ve visited the Greek islands, I’ve been inspired by wonderful fresh and fruity halloumi salads, so I’ve had some fun here creating little webs of golden crispy halloumi that just eat so well.

Serves: 2 • Total time: 15 minutes

1 cucumber

2 pittas

1 x 415g tin of sliced peaches in juice

120g mixed salad leaves

60g halloumi cheese

Speed-peel the cucumber lengthways into long ribbons, discarding the seedy core, and place in a bowl with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper, and 1 tablespoon each of red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Toast the pittas, then slice into strips and arrange around the edges of two plates.

5 Ingredients Mediterranean: Simple Incredible Food is a follow-up to Jamie Oliver’s first book. This time, the recipes take inspiration from Jamie’s travels around the Med. The book is packed with over 125 delicious recipes, each easy to follow. Most recipes are either meat-free or meat-reduced, and dishes include salads, soups, pasta and sweet treats. With minimal fuss and ingredients, it’s possible to try something new and delicious every day of the week.

Place a large non-stick frying pan on a high heat. Drain and roughly chop the peaches (reserving the juice), then place in the pan with a good splash of the reserved juice, and season with pepper. Warm through for a few minutes while you toss the salad leaves with the dressed cucumber, and plate up. Remove the peaches to a bowl, give the pan a quick wipe with a ball of kitchen paper, then use the fine side of a box grater to grate half the halloumi over the surface of the pan (like a lacy doily). Leave on the heat for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden on one side, then tip directly over one of the plates, using a spatula to ease it away from the pan, if needed. Repeat with the remaining halloumi for the second plate. Spoon over the peaches, and tuck straight in.

5 Ingredients Mediterranean by Jamie Oliver is published by Penguin Michael Joseph © Jamie Oliver Enterprises Limited (2023 5 Ingredients Mediterranean). Recipe photography: © David Loftus, 2023.

GARLIC CHICKEN

Creamy chickpeas, spinach and sumac

Inspired by some of the wonderful flavours of Lebanon, this quick dish is perfect for an easy meal. Hunting out nice fat jarred chickpeas is game-changing when it comes to both flavour and texture.

Serves: 2 • Total time: 18 minutes

4 cloves of garlic

2 x 150g skinless chicken breasts

½ x 700g jar of chickpeas

250g baby spinach

1 heaped teaspoon sumac

Peel the garlic cloves and slice lengthways, then place in a large non-stick frying pan on a high heat with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, stirring regularly. Slice each chicken breast lengthways into 3 strips, then toss with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper. Once the garlic is nicely golden, quickly remove from the pan with a slotted spoon, leaving the flavoured oil behind. Go in with the chicken and cook for 5 minutes, or until golden and cooked through, turning regularly.

Remove the chicken from the pan and tip in the chickpeas (juices and all). Add the spinach, along with most of the garlic and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar, then toss over the heat until the spinach has wilted and the chickpeas are hot through. Season to perfection with salt and pepper, then return the chicken to the pan and finish with the reserved garlic and a generous dusting of sumac.

EASY FIG TART

Fruit and nut base, vanilla yoghurt and honey

Take the fuss out of creating a show-stopping dessert with this super-quick no-cook fig tart – a delicate base of crushed fruit and nuts, topped with yoghurt, figs and a drizzle of honey.

Serves: 8 • Total time: 10 minutes, plus chilling

300g luxury fruit and nut mix 500g Greek yoghurt

1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

1 teaspoon runny honey, plus extra to serve 4 perfectly ripe figs

Line a 20cm springform cake tin with greaseproof paper. Tip the fruit and nuts into a food processor and blitz until fine and tacky (it should be easy to mould with your hands), then push and press it into the base of the lined tin, and 2.5cm up the sides.

Leave to firm up in the freezer for 1 hour. When the time’s up, mix the yoghurt with the vanilla and 1 teaspoon of honey, then spoon into the chilled tart case. Freeze for 1 further hour, or until slightly set. Release the tart from the tin, halve or quarter the figs and arrange nicely on top, then drizzle generously with honey, to finish.

COCKTAIL CHRONICLES

Warmer weather calls for refreshing drinks.

BY EMILE JOUBERT

Even during the depths of an icy Cape winter, I was fervently preparing for summer by ensuring my list of warmweather drinks was up to speed. Barring one or two exceptions, the upcoming festive season will see the imbibing of a few trusty and spirited coolers. I don’t use the word cocktail much, for this implies I would require flashy mixing skills, donning a floral Hawaiian shirt and walking around with a stainless-steel shaker. My mixed drinks are tres ordinaire and have never failed my personal wants and those of my guests.

A GIN CLASSIC

Few things beat the trusty gin-and-tonic for a daytime summer drink. And with the stupendous number of flashy gins on the market, one is spoilt for choice. I don’t much like the floral scented and fruity gins that are so in fashion. Gordon’s is pretty much my go-to. However, the straight-up Musgrave Botanical Gin perfectly balances a juniperdriven gin with a bit of woema and some refreshing botanical flavours.

As one should always do when selecting a gin, try a neat sip to determine its suitability for strength and flavour. And here, Musgrave is on point. I have even taken to drinking it neat with ice and a slice of lemon.

However, the G&T is this gin’s perfect home. One-third Musgrave Botanical, twothirds tonic water and a slice of lemon… joy comes in simplicity. There is the hearty hit of gin spirit soothed by the reverberating freshness of the tonic with a citrussy lemon cut. A lovely drink. Do not believe in all the press about the crafted tonic waters being

superior; Schweppes is just fine, my dear.

Despite its mature age, the bitterness of the Negroni had never done it for me until this winter past when I joined some fashionable ladies before a fireplace in sipping these gin drinks. One part gin, one part dry Vermouth, one part Campari, and lots of ice. This crunchy bitter hit has something going for it and sure does sharpen the appetite. Once again, making my own Negronis at Casa Joubert, I found Musgrave totally ideal as those manly big-branded gins force the bitterness just a bit.

BLOODY DELICIOUS

Having done some long-haul flying over winter, I had plenty of opportunity to indulge in my favourite airport drink, namely the Bloody Mary. Vodka, tomato cocktail, ice, Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco. Why this drink appeals to me in airport lounges, I cannot say, but I get a craving for a Bloody Mary just seeing an airline commercial on television.

Like the G&T, I am picky about the vodka used in this bloody marvellous drink, and of late, I have decided that I am a Stolichnaya fan. This once-Russian vodka is now distilled in Latvia and is the perfect mixing vodka, although a few neat shots of ice-cold Stoli has its charms.

I mix one-third of Stoli to two parts tomato cocktail with a few ice cubes in the glass. Worcestershire sauce and Tabasco, of course. But here’s the kicker – a Swedish bartender recently lifted my Bloody Mary to new heights by serving it with a strip of crispy bacon. Yes, a lengthy line of goldenbrown grilled bacon in the glass of Bloody M. Sipping the tomato-and-vodka drink between nibbles of crunchy bacon made this the most satisfying drink of the year so far, the only trouble is that you may really be tempted to have a Bloody Mary for breakfast.

DON’T FORGET THE BUBBLES

Cap Classique and other sparkling wines are terrific bases for mixed drinks, with – talking of breakfast – the mimosa a case in point. Orange juice – freshly squeezed, naturally – is the traditional mimosa ingredient, with one-third juice to two-thirds fizz. However, after watching the second series of White Lotus set in Sicily, where the characters were breakfasting over pineapple mimosas, I had to try this. Gorgeously fruity with the Cap Classique’s sparkly wine-flavoured fizz elevating the pineapple to new levels of cheerful, cheeky morning-drinking enjoyment.

While on the matter of sparkling wine, do not forget the Black Velvet, a mighty mixed drink especially worshipped by those of us with Irish roots. For this, take a beer glass and fill halfway up with Guinness or any other stout –Castle Milk Stout is great – and top up with a Cap Classique or Champagne. The quality of the fizz matters here. One sip and the name comes to life, a dark velvety curtain of creamy black stout complemented by the zingy freshness of good sparkling wine.

Her Wine Collection

As a close-knit sisterhood, the HER wines team are unapologetically feminine, unashamedly tenacious and enthusiastically generous.

The HER Wine Collection was initially launched in 2020 and is represented by a team of young black women who have previously worked in the wine industry.

General manager and winemaker Praisy Dlamini (below) believes that having each spent several years working in the wine industry, they saw a gap in the market for an all-female, all-black business that could combine their skillsets to o er a unique proposition.

The name was chosen to represent the sisters, mothers, daughters and grandmothers striving to make the world a better place and retire to an intricate, modestly priced bottle of HER wine with family and friends.

“We pride ourselves on sourcing the best grapes from local vineyards as it gives us control over the complexity and depth in flavour in each collection, satisfying the avid local wine buyer.

The distinct quality and design of HER wines have a flare of opulence infused with a feminine African style that reflects the confidence and beauty of the ‘sheroes’ who nurture the grape vines. The collection includes Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc and Shiraz. High-quality grapes are locally sourced from the di erent outskirts of the Cape Winelands, picked at optimum ripeness and maturity, producing delicious, fragrant, easy-drinking wines.

Supporting the local economy has been a core part of HER wines’ mission to give back to the community. The company pledged to contribute 2% of its profits to a scholarship fund that enables young, talented and driven individuals to achieve their dreams through the HER Wine Collection Bursary.

“We are a group of trailblazers, growing a business in unchartered territory. We’re passionate about investing in more young women who will be pioneers in their own fields while they inspire others to reach higher and wider,” says Praisy. www.herwinecollection.co.za

THE COLLECTION

From left: Chenin Blanc, Pinotage, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz

There are few things better than a glass of good wine. Enjoy our selection over spring season.

sippingSpring

NUY INSPIRATION

CHENIN BLANC 2023

Nuy Winery, Worcester

Fresh and fruity with peaches and guava at the forefront. R62 p/bottle

LA MOTTE SAUVIGNON BLANC 2023

La Motte, Franschhoek

With intense gooseberry and lime on the nose, this white wine is the perfect addition to your spring tipple. The palate is vibrant with refreshing lemon and winter melon. R99 p/bottle

GLENWOOD GRAND DUC CHARDONNAY 2021

Glenwood Vineyards, Franschhoek

Light straw in colour. Refined citrus and orange peel nose. Creamy vanilla and very subdued orange peel on the palate with a buttery finish. R650 p/bottle

MARGUERITE CAP CLASSIQUE BRUT 2019

Stellenview, Stellenbosch

Named after Stellenview founder Reino Kruger’s daughter, this bubbly shines with white pear aromas and moreish biscotti flavours on the palate. R300 p/bottle

LAURENCE GRAFF RESERVE 2018

Delaire

Graff Estate, Stellenbosch

The nose is characterised by freshness, spice, vanilla pod, dark chocolate and hay aromas. The profile is dominated by tangy, ripe, concentrated red berries, brambles and cassis flavours. R4 800 p/bottle

VERDICT 2018 BORDEAUX STYLE BLEND

La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek

With 82% Cabernet Franc and 18% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine titillates with a violet and cherry perfume that leads into a palate of lively cassis fruit and chalky tannins full of energy and flavour. R368 p/bottle

AMAZING GRACE

CABERNET

SAUVIGNON 2018

Black Elephant Vintners, Franschhoek

The 2018 Amazing Grace sees the introduction of their vines planted in 2013. The wine has notes of blackcurrant, violets and dried herbs, with a bold and rich mouthful of dark fruits, liquorice and chocolate. R365 p/bottle

BONNIEVALE RIVER COLLECTION LIMITED RELEASE CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021

Bonnievale Wines, Bonnievale

Juicy raspberry and liquorice on the nose with a touch of spice that lends poise and a velvet finish. R171 p/bottle

LA

GRANACHE NOIR

ROSÉ 2023

La Petite Ferme, Franschhoek

A wine that shows beautiful aromas of strawberry candyfloss and a palate of fresh and lively acidity with citrus and grapefruit notes. R148 p/bottle

DE GRENDEL ROSÉ 2023

De Grendel, Durbanville

Bursting with aromas of watermelon, raspberry and passion fruit on the note, this wine is paired perfectly with lighter meals. R95 p/bottle

DIEMERSFONTEIN ROSÉ 2023

Diemersfontein, Wellington

This fragrant Rosé is a pale peach colour with raspberry, strawberry and candyfloss on the nose. R90 p/bottle

GROOT CONSTANTIA ROSÉ 2023

Groot Constantia, Constantia

You will find notes of strawberries, melons and a hint of citrus on the nose, with the same resonating on the palate with a clean, dry finish. R130 p/bottle

PETITE FERME

daysin Portugal 3

A taste of Portugal. by Jared Ruttenberg

When a friend responded to my spontaneous “Let’s go to Portugal” with an immediate yes, I took it as a sign. A few short weeks later, we were embarking on a northto-south journey, spending three nights in three different locations, taking in as much of Portugal as we could.

Porto

With my penchant for Port, starting our journey in the town named after the fortified wine was fine by me.

Porto is a city that wears its history on its steep hills. All descending to the Douro River below, the historic suburbs are painted with red-tiled roofs and bluetiled facades, with magnificent spires regularly rising in between. Largely thanks to Portugal’s powerful maritime empire from the 1500s–1800s, palatial buildings adorn nearly every corner; both confronting and enticing with unexpected hues and ornate concrete details of rococo, gothic and Renaissance architecture.

Gazing across the Doura River and its iconic bridges, you will see the names of the various Port producers boldly blazoned across their cellars in the adjacent town of Gaia. Owing to strict papal control in Porto, wine storage was moved to Gaia, where the crown didn’t demand as high a tax for the tipple. We opted for a tour at Taylor’s and spent an hour meandering through the ‘lodge’ as the cellars are called. All tours end with a tasting and, in our case, sampling both their barrel-aged and bottleaged Ports.

To truly appreciate the wine, however, a journey to its source is in order: the beautiful Douro Valley, only one hour away. These hills carry their history on their vines, established here as early as Roman times. Fast forward two millennia and, in 1756, the valley was designated as the world’s first appellation d’origine contrôlée (o cially demarcated wine region). Today the valley has 60 000 hectares of riverbanks under vine – some of the steepest in the world – with a large portion growing on land over 30 degrees. Tours last 8–9 hours and generally include two or three wineries.

It is this perfect combination of soil and climate –matched with expert winemaking – that produces the world-famous Port wines. Miguel Torga, Portuguese poet and Nobel Prize nominee from the region refers to his native land as “an excess of a geological poem” and its wine as “bottled sun drunk [through] the four corners of the world”.

Back in Porto, the Livraria Lello is an unmissable literary treat, regarded as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Afterwards, walk up an appetite en route to the Majestic Café for a Belle Epoque-era a air of note.

Lisbon

Well satiated on Port, it was time for a threehour bus journey south to the capital. After depositing our bags at the hotel, it seemed only appropriate to visit Pastéis de Belém, the original home of the Pasteis de Nata. These iconic Portuguese pastries are a national staple and will quickly become a daily accompaniment to your morning co ee.

From here, the walk along the Belem promenade takes in several monuments that pay homage to the country’s staggering nautical history. From this very spot, in August 1487, Portuguese Mariner Bartolomeu Dias left his homeland to become the first European to circumnavigate the Cape. With, I imagine, a decent amount of many barrels of Port were safely stored on board.

Heading towards the city, the LX factory reminisces Johannesburg’s Victoria Yards, an urban fringe experience with artisanal producers and quirky bars. After a visit to São

Jorge Castle, retire to Miradouro das Portas do Sol for unsurpassable views of the city, best enjoyed with an Aperol Spritz in hand.

After walking around 20 000 steps a day, your hotel becomes a welcomed sanctuary. In Lisbon, I chose the relatively new five-star Wine and Books Hotel. Its name caught my attention even before its location and style. A stone’s throw from some of the key sites, the hotel sports several swanky spaces, including a cleverly designed sunken dining space, which allows in a flood of light and views of the towering Igreja da Memória next door.

Wine and Books Lisbon reminded me why I love smaller boutique hotels with a licence to push boundaries and create something unique. Boasting the finest local amenities, automated curtains – and on the bottom storey, a full gym, sauna, Turkish bath, and shower circuit – it’s a place worthy of turning a page, pouring a glass and spending the night. lisboa.winebookshotels.com

Algarve

After all the urban exploring, it was time to slip into a lilting sultriness – usually synonymous with tropical escapes – and the famed beaches of the Algarve would provide just the scene. The Ponta da Piedade, located in the Western Algarve town of Lagos, is a picturesque headland that dramatically tumbles into the ocean, leaving an impressive line of cli s. Dotted around this peninsula are unique freestanding rock formations in the ocean, creating caves, bays and rather sexy secluded beaches.

In addition to soaking up the sunshine on the various Lagos beaches, the dramatic scenery is equally explored by boat. Tempting as kayaking was, I opted to languish on the net of a catamaran while the rock formations ambled by. Our fourhour excursion included a stop for swimming and watersports and, later, killer Mojitos on board.

Since Portugal almost tops the list of a ordable European destinations, those travelling on the su ering rand can expect an a ordable land of Port, pastries and picturesque beaches.

DROP-TOP

GORGEOUS

Don’t blink. The new-generation SL is drop-dead gorgeous and offers jaw-dropping performance.

BY MARIUS BOONZAIER

The SL’s exterior styling balances the sporty genes typical of AMG and the Three-pointed Star brand’s ‘Sensual Purity’ design philosophy. “The enlarged dimensional concept with 2+2 seats o ered the designers more freedom in their design possibilities,” maintains Mercedes-AMG.

Invoking the spirit of the 300 SL, the ancestor of all SL models, the latest generation’s model-specific radiator grille characterises the dramatic front facia. Sharpedged headlamp clusters housing LED lighting units, and striking LED daytime running lights flank the Panamericana grille. Sited opposite sides of the grille, the ‘jet wing’ front apron’s large outer air intakes taper towards the centre of the lower bumper, with three fins channelling airflow to the radiator and the front splitter, which enhances aerodynamics. The latter is increased by

a seamlessly integrated (into the boot lid) active spoiler, engineered to extend to one of four positions depending on your travelling speed. According to Mercedes, the SL’s ‘Z-fold’ roof enabled its designers to produce a powerful rear end accentuated by slim LED taillamps.

Stepping inside, the hyper analogue, driver-focused cockpit features several aviation-inspired design elements, most notably the SL-specific instrument binnacle — which houses a 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, replete with AMG graphics — and a quartet of newly developed, galvanised turbine-like air vents, sited on the dashboard. A contemporary AMG staple, two roundels – used to select the driving mode and adjust the suspension set-up – are fixed to the multifunction steering wheel, featuring capacitive controls. Infotainment is taken care of by Mercedes’ now-familiar

11.9-inch, portrait-orientated touchscreen, incorporating the firm’s latest MBUX software. Mercedes claims the 2+2-seater has a luggage capacity of 335 litres.

The SL is available in three formats, with only the SL 43 currently (at the time of writing) available in South Africa. This variant employs a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine with an electric exhaust gas turbocharger. According to chairman of the board of management of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, Philipp Schiemer, with this technology, the entry-level SL has an outstanding performance range. Coupled with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT, the turbo-petrol unit sends 280 kW and 480 Nm exclusively to the rear wheels. Mercedes states the SL 43 completes the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds before topping out at 275 km/h. The average fuel consumption is 9.0 L/100 km. The SL 43 is priced from R2 493 846. Pricing includes a five year/ 100 000 km maintenance plan and a two-year/unlimited kilometre warranty.

Second from the top is the SL 55, a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 version endowed with 350 kW and 700 Nm for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 295 km/h.

Spearheading the global line-up, the SL 63 makes do with the same powertrain, tuned to deliver 430 kW and 800 Nm, figures allowing the pinnacle, all-wheel-drive SL to sprint to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 315 km/h. Not enough performance? Not to worry. Mercedes says an E-Performance derivative will be introduced in the future.

BOOK CLUB

Start the new season with an inspiring read.

CHARACTER SCAN

A thriller by bestselling writer and international speaker Douglas Kruger, this is the story of Katrina Hunt, a woman with the ability to sense moral corruption in others. Her strange ability affects all her relationships, but she harnesses her gift and sets it to work, sniffing out evil in positions of privilege and power. Soon, however, she realises she is not the only one who can do it.

Cover price: R290

PAGEBOY: A MEMOIR

The Oscar-nominated star who captivated the world with his performance in Juno finally shares his truth. This debut from Elliot Page is packed with intimate stories, from secret love affairs and battling with body image to dealing with familial strife. The memoir is evocative and lyrical as Page captures the universal human experience of searching for ourselves and finding our place in this complicated world.

Cover price: R410

IKIGAI: THE JAPANESE SECRET TO A LONG AND HAPPY LIFE

This bestseller by Hector Garcia and Francesc Miralles encourages readers to find purpose, meaning and joy in both their work and life. The Japanese word ikigai means ‘a reason to live’ or ‘a reason to jump out of bed in the morning’. The book aims to unlock the reader’s own ikigai to achieve balance and overall happiness.

Cover price: R350

GIRL, GODDESS, QUEEN

A novel by growing TikTok superstar Bea Fitzgerald, this is the YA fantasy retelling of the age-old myth of Persephone. In this new take on an ancient story, Persephone wasn’t taken to hell – she jumped.

Unwilling to be married off to a smug god, she now has to convince Hades, the arrogant (and sexy) ruler of the underworld, to listen to her bold plan. Expect writing that is fresh and fun.

Cover price: R305

THE COLLECTED REGRETS OF CLOVER

This beautiful, uplifting novel by Mikki Brammer is the tale of unexpected friendship, a decadesold love story, and finding the courage to live your best life. When Clover, a death doula living in New York City, meets Claudia, a feisty old woman with one last wish, she is forced to begin a brand-new adventure.

Cover price: R305

HOW TO HIDE INSIDE A THREE

Written by Jane van der Riet, this novel is based in Cape Town in 2017. The dams are empty, there is a gangster in charge of the country, and Leigh-Anne might look like she’s keeping it together, but really, she is unravelling. She has a secret of her own, and in a personal quest for answers, she will have to betray everyone she loves.

This is is an honest story packed with dark humour.

Cover price: R290

THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB: THE

BULLET THAT MISSED

A multimillion-copy bestseller by Richard Osman, this book is the third in the Thursday Murder Club series. A decade-old cold case leads the Thursday Murder Club to a local news legend and a murder with no body or answers. Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience while the rest of the club chases down clues. Enjoy plenty of mystery, charm and intelligence in this funny read.

Cover price: R235

STOCKISTS

Style

CHRISTIAN DIOR www.bhhboutique.co.za

FOREVER NEW www.forevernew.co.za

FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT www.freedomofmovement.co.za

G-STAR RAW www.g-star.com

GUESS www.guess.co.za

INDIAN SUMMER www.shopindiansummer.co.za

Bash.com, Clicks, Dis-Chem, Edgars, Truworths, Woolworths

POETRY www.poetrystores.co.za

SUNGLASS HUT www.sunglasshut.com

TAG HEUER www.tagheuer.com

WITCHERY www.woolworths.co.za

We love fragrances

ACQUA DI PARMA Skins Cosmetics, Woolworths V&A, Gateway, Sandton

BULGARI ARC, Bash.com, Woolworths

Chanel Fragrance + Beauty Boutiques Sandton City, V&A Waterfront, Menlyn, Gateway

JIMMY CHOO Bash.com, Clicks, Dis-Chem, Edgars, Truworths, Woolworths

KATE SPADE Dis-Chem

MAISON FRANCIS Kurkdjian Skins Cosmetics

MONTALE Skins Cosmetics

NUXE Bash.com, Truworths, Woolworths

PACO RABANNE ARC, Dis-Chem, Edgars, Woolworths

YVES SAINT LAURENT ARC, Bash.com, Edgars, Truworths, Woolworths

ZADIG & VOLTAIRE ARC, Bash.com, Edgars, Truworths, Woolworths