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DECEMBER 2021
THE RISE OF SEMIGRATION
INVESTING IN ESTATE LIVING CELEBRATING CAP CLASSIQUE
THULI MADONSELA
Shares why resting is not only good for your soul, but also for the people with whom you will interact
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LEISURE EXPERIENCES AND GETAWAYS I EXTRAORDINARY GARDENS TO VISIT I IN SEARCH OF OLIVE OILS I AND MORE
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A HEALTHIER YOU
CONTENTS
19 Whether you’re a one-square, after-dinner nibbler or an out of control consumer of all things Willy Wonka, South African chocolatiers have got you covered
www.businessmediamags.co.za
22 In praise of South Africa’s finest extra virgin olive oil
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AT HOME 24 Turn your floors into works of art with a well-placed statement rug A proud division of Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd Hill on Empire, 16 Empire Road (cnr Hillside Road), Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193 PO Box 12500, Mill Street, Cape Town, 8010 www.businessmediamags.co.za EDITORIAL Content Manager: Raina Julies rainaj@picasso.co.za Contributors: Keith Bain, Delia du Toit, Ryland Fisher, Caryn Gootkin, Nia Magoulianiti-McGregor, Jared Rutenberg, Anna Trapido, Bertus Visser Copy Editor: Brenda Bryden Content Co-ordinator: Vanessa Payne Digital Editor: Stacey Visser vissers@businessmediamags.co.za DESIGN Head of Design: Jayne Macé-Ferguson Senior Design: Mfundo Archie Ndzo Advert Designer: Bulelwa Sotashe Cover Image: Courtesy Thuli Madonsela
LEISURE EXPERIENCES
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COVER STORY 5
Professor Thuli Madonsela shares important life lessons
FINANCIAL FITNESS 8
Careful planning can reduce the amount of tax you pay, our experts offer some advice; five tips on how to structure your personal finances and make your money work for you; and why you should review your insurance needs
27 This year, South Africa celebrates 50 years of producing sparkling wine in the French tradition. We round up seven notable Cap Classique offerings 31 A pick of some of the most beautiful and extraordinary gardens countrywide. Although different in their offerings, each will delight your senses and feed your soul 35 Five luxurious getaways for those seeking something different
PROPERTY INVESTMENT 11 Senior lifestyle estates are a good investment, here’s why; how lifestyle choices are leading to a rise in semigration; and insider tips on what to consider when purchasing an investment property
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SALES Project Manager: Merryl Klein merrylk@picasso.co.za | +27 21 469 2446 PRODUCTION Production Editor: Shamiela Brenner Advertising Co-ordinator: Fatima Dramat Subscriptions and Distribution: Fatima Dramat, fatimad@picasso.co.za Printing: CTP Printers, Cape Town MANAGEMENT Management Accountant: Deidre Musha Business Manager: Lodewyk van der Walt General Manager, Magazines: Jocelyne Bayer
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COPYRIGHT: No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent of the publisher. The publisher is not responsible for unsolicited material. Business Day Prime is published by Picasso Headline. The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of Picasso Headline. All advertisements/advertorials have been paid for and therefore do not carry any endorsement by the publisher.
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COV ER S T ORY
LIFE LESSONS
THAT MOTIVATE ME Professor Thuli Madonsela shares important life lessons as she builds a legacy for her children and the country. By RYLAND FISHER
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rofessor Thuli Madonsela lives a very active, high-profile life, having been South Africa’s Public Protector, currently serving as a professor in the law department of Stellenbosch University, and running the Thuma Foundation, which she co-established with her two children. But, when she is home, she switches off and just becomes “mom” to her grown children. “My children keep me grounded. Even though we started the foundation together, they make sure that I draw a line between discussing the foundation and discussing home matters. It is important to separate the public and the personal,” she said in an interview.
“Meditation helps you to pull out and reflect, detoxify, reframe and move on with forgiveness, tolerance and understanding.”
“I refuse to engage with the media about my personal life. Some magazines have been trying for years to do a story about my relationship with my partner, but I have refused. Initially, the reason was because I don’t like that when you have what some people call a multiracial, multicultural or multi-ethnic relationship, people think you have to account for yourself and your relationship. I have been open about the fact that I am a mother of two and that I have a partner, but beyond that I try not to bring too much of my family stuff into the public.” Madonsela said that the COVID-19 pandemic has blurred the line between the personal and the public. “I now live at my workplace and it has become difficult to draw that distinction between home and work. I often only stop working just before it is time to go to bed. “I have said that from next year I am going to have normal working hours. I will stop at 5pm, even if only for a little while. It boils down to mental health. If God rested for one day, on the seventh day, who are we to not rest when need be? Resting is not just good for you; resting is good for the people you’re going to interact with because if you don’t detoxify and reset, you then carry all that baggage with you.”
IMAGE: ESA ALEXANDER
COPING STRATEGIES Madonsela said that she manages her headspace by climbing mountains every couple of weeks. “It is amazing in terms of resetting my headspace through nature and the amazing human beings with whom I climb.”
Madonsela said she also meditates, even if only for 10 minutes on some days. “It helps to detoxify my mind and reset some things. Meditation helps you to pull out and reflect, detoxify, reframe and move on with forgiveness, tolerance and understanding. “I try to smile as much as possible, even if there’s nothing to smile about, because I found that that too helps to detoxify my mind. I also read a lot of spiritual books and neuroscience books. I have found amazing stuff in neuroscience. I feel that basic neuroscience and managing your headspace should be taught to kids from preschool. A lot of the suffering that comes to people in the world, happens in our headspace.” It is important that people are beginning to speak more openly about mental health issues, she says. “We suffered plenty of trauma during the apartheid days. Being told you are not good enough, being stigmatised as subhuman by law and by conduct, has a trauma. That trauma gets passed to your children. We never dealt with that and now we also have to deal with the trauma caused by COVID-19.” She says she keeps fit by “walking around the estate, but I am more mentally than physically fit. My morning meditation is important because I meditate while doing stationary walking. I call it ‘medi-cise’, which is some sort of meditative exercise. It is meant to wake me up and get the blood flowing. I also try to walk twice a week with a friend.” All of this is important, she says, to balance her work at Stellenbosch University, the Thuma Foundation and her other pet project, Trek-4-Mandela, which mobilises public resources to fund sanitary pads for girls.
“RESTING IS NOT JUST GOOD FOR YOU; RESTING IS GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE YOU’RE GOING TO INTERACT WITH BECAUSE IF YOU DON’T DETOXIFY AND RESET, YOU THEN CARRY ALL THAT BAGGAGE WITH YOU.” Professor Thuli Madonsela
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Achieving a life of choice in the face of market uncertainty and volatility. As the CEO of wealth management specialist company, Citadel, I recently wrote a letter to our clients to share a message of audacious hope with them. A message that, despite the global challenges we all face, it is possible to invest wisely and live a life that is Beyond Remarkable. Today I share the same message with you. A world of uncertainty The historic era we are currently living through certainly seems to be characterised by heightened uncertainty and volatility. The financial markets have taken an unprecedented knock during the pandemic and global recession, world politics is in a precarious place, and recovery is proving tricky even for the most advanced economies. The world is facing supply chain chaos, soaring coal and alternative energy prices amid growing fuel shortages, increasingly frequent natural disasters as a result of the climate crisis, rising cybercrime in the shadow of accelerating digital migration around the world, and new threats of war and political instability in the Eurasia region. Unemployment may be easing in the United States and European Union this quarter, but in South Africa the youth unemployment rate is sitting at almost 75%. Not becoming a financial victim of unpredictable external circumstances such as pandemics, recessions, market crashes, political and natural events, is easier said than done. Many good and responsible people around the world have been hard hit by recent events that they have had little or no control over.
Creating a life Beyond Remarkable How do you ensure that you and your family not only survive economic upheaval, but in fact, despite it all, get to live beyond remarkable lives? At Citadel, we understand the risks in the financial markets, however, we keep in-the-moment emotions out of our investment decision-making process.
Our investment philosophy is simple: deep research, patience and discipline pay off. Everything we do is geared to securing and then growing the wealth of our clients, for them, their loved ones and their descendants. Inter-generational financial security and freedom cannot be achieved without wisely and patiently investing what you have worked so hard for. At Citadel, we have a solid 28-year track record of providing holistic wealth management services which include investment advice, asset management, risk management, foreign exchange and treasury solutions, estate and legacy planning (fiduciary), and philanthropy.
What is a remarkable life made of ? Perhaps the greatest achievement one can aim for after years of hard work and sacrifice, is the ability to choose. To choose the content of your next chapters. To choose the size of your dreams. To experience the freedom to roam, to relinquish, to do everything, or even to do nothing. To retire when you’re ready, or to carry on working as long as you wish. We believe the meaning of true wealth is to live a life of infinite possibilities. Especially in times like these, when it feels like so many life choices are being dictated to us by circumstances beyond our control. We hope these words inspire you to choose freedom through foresight. Warm regards, Andrew Möller - Citadel CEO
B E Y O N D
R E M A R K A B L E
Citadel Investment Services Proprietary Limited is licensed as a financial services provider in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002. Kindly note that this article does not constitute financial advice. All information and opinions provided are of a general nature and are not intended to address the circumstances of any individual.
HOW 2021’S ECONOMY WILL IMPACT INVESTMENT IN 2022 George Herman, director and chief investment officer at Citadel, discusses the influence of the 2021 economy on potential 2022 investment factors
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lobal economic cycles, commodity prices and interest rates have had a favourable impact on the South African economy, despite certain negative repercussions from the pandemic. Domestic consumer demand and restrained inflation increases are further factors resulting in a record year for the country from a macroeconomic perspective.
GLOBAL INFLATION ON THE RADAR The global demand for commodities works in favour of the rand, also increasing export earnings, while oil imports plummeted during lockdown. Global inflation, however, should be kept top of mind as it appears global growth has peaked and will likely start to decline, while the energy crisis in Europe and global supply-chain bottlenecks are already promoting global inflation. Global trade is also decelerating, and global monetary policy will consequently lead to higher interest rates.
ECONOMIC GROWTH TARGETS UNLIKELY TO BE ACHIEVED Taking population and productivity growth into consideration, South Africa should be able to achieve a real economic growth of 2.5 per cent, but certain factors working against this target are likely to result in 2022’s economic growth being less than half of that in 2021. Realistically, we can expect an average real growth of about 1.5 per cent. This will impact employment negatively and could increase the risk of social and political unrest.
POLICY CERTAINTY IS KEY TO RECOVERY IMAGES: SUPPLIED
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
CI TA DEL A DV ER T ORI A L
Policy certainty is critical for South Africa. Ideally, South Africa requires a significant overhaul of the current inflexible labour laws; realistic strategies for alternative versus carbon-based energy; stable and reliable energy supplies; and an end to
the uncertainty surrounding land ownership with a definitive spectrum auction.
George Herman
INVESTMENTS, RISK MARKETS AND EQUITIES In the investment arena, global infl ation remains in the spotlight. If central banks resort to tighter monetary policy because of infl ation, rates might need to be increased earlier or faster than currently anticipated, resulting in a risk-free rate shock for risk markets. It is uncertain whether quantitative easing can be removed from the system without causing a collapse in global growth or asset valuations. Central bank balance sheets have reached unprecedented levels and need to be capped and reduced. Equities have reached new heights, and equity valuations have been re-rated lower: good news for the central bank refl ationary strategy, although further earnings growth is needed to prevent risk-reversals. The pandemic significantly hindered any solid investment or new business opportunities. Investors have tended to stick to listed markets, also preferring well-structured, long-term investment solutions.
LOOKING AHEAD Looking at the rand’s prospects for 2022, we can expect marked fluctuations related to the prices of specific commodities. Industrial metals are considered as drivers of global growth, and South Africa, as a commodity exporting country, is subject to global growth dynamics. Strength in base metals will lead to a stronger rand that is relatively unaffected by the macro fundamentals of the country, or the economy. However, any deceleration of global growth will lead to concomitant weakness of the rand as demand for commodities declines.
ABOUT CITADEL Citadel is a specialist wealth management company with over 28 years’ experience in providing holistic financial solutions. Citadel specialist advisors forge and maintain authentic trustworthy relationships with clients enabling them to understand each individual’s unique goals and develop the best, tailor-made financial roadmap. For more information about Citadel and its services, visit www.citadel.co.za. @Citadel SA
Disclaimer: Citadel Investment Services Proprietary Limited is a licensed financial services provider in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002. This article does not constitute financial advice; all information and opinions provided are of a general nature.
➔ Scan this QR code to go directly to the Citadel website.
For more information: 012 470 2500 citadel@citadel.co.za www.citadel.co.za
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spouse can use the combined exemption of R7-million, so only that portion of the inheritance over R7-million will be subject to estate duty,” explains Dudley. “Bequests made to spouses or permanent life partners are also exempt from estate duty, as are bequests to Public Benefit Organisations, charities registered with SARS as tax-exempt.” An RA can also help reduce estate duty. “Saving money in an RA is very tax-efficient as the proceeds of the RA pass directly to your named beneficiaries without forming part of your estate for the calculation of estate duty,” says van Zyl.
CAPITAL GAINS TAX
TAX PLANNING Paying tax is inevitable, but careful planning can reduce the amount we pay. CARYN GOOTKIN asks the experts for some tips
SAVING MONEY A tax-efficient way to save money is to open a tax-free investment account, which allows you to contribute up to R36 000 per year and a total of R500 000 over your lifetime. “You won’t pay any tax on the interest, dividends or capital gains earned if you stay within these limits,” says Hilary Dudley, managing director at Citadel Fiduciary Proprietary Limited. “Make sure you preserve the funds in this account to enable them to grow. The earlier you start and the more you save, the longer you will enjoy the power of compounding, which means you will earn interest on your previously accrued interest, growing your savings.” Another attractive option is a retirement annuity (RA). “RAs allow you to invest 27.5 per cent of your taxable income (up to a maximum of R350 000) – all of which is Hilary Dudley
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tax-deductible,” says Grant van Zyl, certified financial planner at The Wealth Room. “Once the funds are in the retirement annuity, you benefit further by not having to pay capital gains tax, dividend tax or tax on interest.”
ESTATE DUTY Estate duty is the tax calculated on the value of your estate when you die. “We are each entitled to an estate duty exempt amount of R3.5-million (called the S4A abatement),” says Dudley. “If your estate is worth more than this, your bequests will be taxed at 20 per cent up to R30-million and at 25 per cent on the portion above R30-million. “There are ways to minimise the amount of estate duty payable. “If the first dying spouse does not use their abatement, the surviving
Capital gains tax (CGT), which is triggered when you sell an asset for a profit, is one of the more complex taxes to understand. “There are various strategies to minimise your CGT liability,” says Dudley. “Use your annual CGT allowance of R40 000 to reduce the gain, and keep records of any losses you have previously realised to offset against gains.”
INCOME TAX The first R23 800 of interest income a South African under 65 earns annually is also not included in their taxable income, even if not invested in a tax-free savings account. “Structure your portfolio to take advantage of this simple tax saving,” says Dudley.
LIVING ANNUITIES “Before retirement, all contributions to pension and provident funds and retirement annuities – up to 27.5 per cent of taxable income – are tax-deductible, subject to an annual maximum of R350 000,” says Dudley. When you retire, you cease to be a member of your retirement fund and must use at least two-thirds of your capital to purchase an annuity. “A living annuity is set up after you retire, and you must draw a monthly income from the investment of 2.5 per cent (minimum) to 17.5 per cent (maximum) annually,” says van Zyl. “The income you receive from this annuity will be taxed at your marginal income tax rate. To keep your taxes as low as possible, keep Grant your withdrawals as low van Zyl you can.”
“THE EARLIER YOU START AND THE MORE YOU SAVE, THE LONGER YOU WILL ENJOY THE POWER OF COMPOUNDING, WHICH MEANS YOU WILL EARN INTEREST ON YOUR PREVIOUSLY ACCRUED INTEREST, GROWING YOUR SAVINGS.” – HILARY DUDLEY
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FIVE TIPS FOR FINANCIAL PLANNING 1. Know your money story. Your money story is the belief system that influences your behaviour around spending money and controlling finances. “Understanding your money story helps you to see what corrective measures should be taken,” says Farzana Botha, segment solutions manager at Sanlam Savings. “People who grew up in poverty tend either to overspend to compensate for what they never had as a child or to be very cautious with money.” 2. Know your financial position. Consider your personal financial situation as you would a business. “Businesses have balance sheets and income statements to show them what money is coming in and how it is being spent,” says Botha. “Do a budgeting exercise that shows you what your expenses and income are, and where the holes in the bucket, through which money flows out, are. Once you have a good picture, you can manage your finances better.”
CARYN GOOTKIN asked an expert for ways to structure your personal finances and make your money work more efficiently
3. Basic financial know-how. “A large portion of South Africans from all LSMs are not financially literate,” says Botha. “It is important to learn how to differentiate good debt from bad debt. For example, if you buy an asset like a home, which has the potential to increase in value, it can be rewarding to go into short-term debt. But paying high credit card interest rates to buy everyday items can get you into a negative cycle of bad debt.” Financial know-how includes understanding interest rates and basic banking principles. “Read the small print – the terms and conditions – on your new credit card agreement, cellphone contract or insurance policy, and always ask questions to deepen your understanding,” says Botha.
4. Partner with a professional. Once you know your money story, have a clear view of your financial position and a working understanding of debt, look for someone who can help you find the most suitable solutions for your financial goals. “We use a product called Goal Manager to help our clients materialise their goals more quickly,” says Botha. 5. Stick to your plan. “Have some level of discipline: stick to your plan, monitor it from time to time and adapt it accordingly when things change,” says Botha.
FINANCIAL KNOW-HOW INCLUDES UNDERSTANDING INTEREST RATES AND BASIC BANKING PRINCIPLES. Farzana Botha
MATCH YOUR PREMIUM TO YOUR LIFE STAGE
IMAGES: ISTOCK.COM, SUPPLIED
Bertus Visser, chief executive of distribution at PSG Insure, advises people in their senior years to reassess their insurance requirements
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s you enter your senior years it is not only your lifestyle that changes, but also your risk profile and insurance requirements. Around age 65 or 70 is when you should start taking stock of changes in your vehicle usage, the possible shrinking of your asset base, your medical needs and life insurance requirements, among others. It is advisable to consult your financial adviser
about structuring an insurance portfolio to match your current needs and suit your pocket. Revisit your insurance portfolio and adjust your cover as you downscale because this will impact your risk profile. For instance, if you move to a retirement village or old age home, your risk is less so you should pay a smaller premium. You might also scale down on your possessions, which can impact the amount of cover you need.
The same applies to vehicle insurance: as you drive less, your risk reduces and it may be a good idea to increase your excess to pay a smaller monthly premium. Some insurers waive the excess entirely for people over the age of 55. Many insurers now also provide the option to pay only for the mileage you drive. Lastly, value-added services can be a great addition to your portfolio. Add-ons such as 24-hour emergency assistance, road cover including licence renewal services, free assessments, tyre and excess solutions can make life a little easier and help to save a little money. Entering into your next life stage has its benefits and presents a great opportunity to better manage your risks while scaling down your spend on insurance products.
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PROPER T Y IN V ES T MEN T
Auria Senior Living – Woodside Village, Western Cape
WHY INVESTING IN MATURE LIFESTYLE ESTATES MAKES SENSE As baby boomers head into retirement, they’re seeking estates that offer a fabulous lifestyle – and the market is thriving, writes DELIA DU TOIT
T
he vilified “retirement home” that conjures up images of watery dinners and strict resident curfews is quickly becoming a thing of the past. In its place, “senior lifestyle estates” with rolling lawns, golf cart shuttle services and daily excursions are mushrooming. Barry Kaganson, CEO of Auria Senior Living, which develops and manages senior living communities across the country, says though some people still have a misconception that moving into these communities means a slow decline, that’s not the case today. “Today’s senior communities are vibrant places offering wellness activities, coffee shops, bridge clubs, art classes and cinemas. Maintenance is taken care of, and there are world-class care facilities should you need them. What used to be a reluctant move has become a choice.” Tim Gibson, director of Herdsmore, a developer that focuses on senior living, says today’s retirement villages offer seniors the opportunity to live out their golden years in happiness and style. “They’re specifically designed with the evolving needs of seniors in mind. Security and 24-hour care and support offer peace of mind, while amenities and facilities ensure wellbeing. At Amber Glades, for example, our focus is on community and wellbeing, on living and not on ageing – though there is excellent care should it be necessary.” Such estates are becoming especially popular in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). “The KZN Midlands stands out for its healthy climate, idyllic country lifestyle and proximity to destinations and establishments that seniors and their families can enjoy,” says Gibson.
Kaganson agrees: “King Shaka airport changed things, as the commute to Johannesburg or Cape Town to visit family or friends is now easy. The region also offers a fantastic climate, beaches and outdoor living. Our latest development, within Zululami Luxury Coastal Estate in KZN, will be unrivalled in terms of its lifestyle offering.”
BEWARE THE PITFALLS Unfortunately, where there’s demand, there are chancers. Gibson says potential buyers should ensure a community is well managed before investing. “Managing a senior community is different from any other – it’s a full-time commitment that requires experience. Buyers should beware of villages that promise care facilities ‘still in development’, for example, as some never see the light. Make sure the
operators, developers and owners are financially secure and vested in the scheme.” Kaganson says the best way to determine this is to visit the community and speak to residents. “Ask whether they would move there again if given the choice. If a developer doesn’t allow this, that’s a warning sign.” When investing, decide whether you prefer a life rights or sectional title model, as this affects future costs. Life rights offer a higher standard of living, no transfer and related fees, and fixed future costs, says Gibson, while ownership of sectional titles could contribute to the estate. Life rights are becoming more popular, he says: “At this age, considerations are different – most people aren’t looking for capital growth, but for security and fixed future costs. The investment is not so much financial as it is in one’s peace of mind, security and health.” ›
Zululami Lifestyle Coastal Estate, KwaZulu-Natal
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Allesverloren Village, Western Cape
of housing and planning, which is happening extensively across Europe and the US. “Phase one of our development will see sectional title units – all architecturally designed – and available to people over 50, along with amenities such as a clubhouse with concierge services, a 24 hr clinic and onsite pharmacy. “The next phase opens to families who are looking for a secure living. The idea is that families could live in the same place but in their own homes in separate parts of the Village. Younger families can plan to stay here for the rest of their lives because we have built all they need in one place, the same goes for active retirees whose needs may change as they get older. Allesverloren Village offers people the opportunity to take this long-term view.” Allesverloren Village offers hotel-resort style luxury living.
A LONG-TERM SOLUTION Allesverloren Village, a new billion-rand multi-generational estate launched its first phase of unit sales in October this year. Built on 15 hectares of land adjacent to the iconic Allesverloren Wine Estate, the Village sets a unique standard for retirement living that supports a luxury lifestyle, sociability and allows its community to flourish. Residents are
set to experience the best of contemporary life with hotel-resort like amenities, integrative health programme and on-site medical and care services. And all within the picture-perfect Riebeek West countryside village in the Western Cape. Herman Pretorius, developer and CEO of Nobel Resorts explains: “Allesverloren Village embraces a new fundamental rethink
images: SUPPLIED
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PROPER T Y IN V ES T MEN T Springvale Country Estate in KwaZulu-Natal
“Historically, Cape Town was the place to go, but KZN is more affordable and integrated with better weather and traffic.” – Murray Collins
THE NEW EXODUS Semigration has boomed during the pandemic, and it’s causing a shift in property demand and developments across the country. By DELIA DU TOIT
IMAGES: SUPPLIED
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fter staring at their four walls for months on end during various levels of lockdown these past 18 months, it’s no surprise that people are craving fresh air and views. But they’re not just opting for seaside holidays; experts say there’s a marked increase in semigraters moving out of large metropolitan areas to coastal or smaller towns. “Semigration is when people move between provinces within the same country, rather than emigrating to another country,” explains Stuart Graham, a director at Springvale Country Estate in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). “In KZN, we are seeing a huge migration of families of mixed ages moving from Johannesburg. We’re also seeing families from Kloof, Hillcrest and even Durban moving further north. At Springvale, there’s an uptick of new residents from Johannesburg and the inner-highway Durban area.” KZN is gaining traction, says Murray Collins, founder and owner of Collins Residential, a developer specialising in integrated estate living. “KZN offers fantastic weather, a good quality of life and several lifestyle amenities – the Drakensberg, an airport and Big Five reserves. Historically, Cape Town was the place to go, but KZN is more affordable and integrated with better weather and traffic.”
DRIVEN BY BETTER LIFESTYLE CHOICES Graham believes the pandemic had a major influence on this trend. “Corporations realise that employees can work just as efficiently remotely. Secondly, people are placing more emphasis on the family lifestyle. They’re moving to towns or provinces where the focus is more family-orientated, with good schools, secure estates, less traffic and space for the whole family.” But the trend started long before the pandemic shows research by data
analytics group Lightstone. The group said that nearly 15 per cent of South African homeowners who sold and bought homes in the three years leading up to 2020 moved from cities to smaller towns. Most of these purchases were in the Western Cape and KZN. Graham says the development and uptake of mixed-use/lifestyle estates are booming. “These lifestyle estates allow homeowners the benefit of both worlds – offering space and security for the family while still providing modern facilities such as highspeed fibre, proximity to airports, shops and schools, and value for money.” In addition, people are now investing more in their wellbeing and are craving community experiences, says Collins, all of which are found in estates. Graham says that when looking to invest, location is paramount. “Look at similar estates and determine the average square metre rate and what the development offers that sets it apart.” Collins adds that you should also look into the history of the developer. “Never invest with a group that has not performed. Buy into the best brand and partners you can afford.”
Mount Edgecombe Retirement Village
“Semigration is when people move between provinces within the same country, rather than emigrating to another country.” – Stuart Graham PRIME
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WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE SIGNING ON THE DOTTED LINE Five insider tips on how to choose an investment property
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roperty remains one of the safest long-term investments you can make – if you do it right. From the obvious to the complex, two experts provide insight into what to consider when making your decision.
4. Research such trends when making your decision.” Jean Ehlers, residential director at Devmark Property Group, agrees that location is paramount. “If you’re buying a property to rent it out, its success will be highly dependent on the area – you need good rental demand. The main metropolitan areas in South Africa remain a solid choice in this regard.”
2.
Security. Security is the prime concern for most buyers and tenants in the country and should be part of your planning. “While location can ameliorate crime concerns to some extent, consider well managed gated estates with modern, top-class security features,” suggests Barker.
3.
Affordability. Ehlers says property prices have escalated significantly over the past 10 years in some of South Africa’s major metros, making affordable investments harder to find. “While searching for value is important, do not buy a cheap property simply for
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5.
Investment goals. Real estate is not a get-rich-quick investment, says Ehlers. “Property investment should be done with a 5–10-year outlook, at least. Consider both capital growth and yield when making a decision, both factors are important.”
the sake of transacting. These properties are usually cheap for a reason. Search for quality properties in the upper end of your budget.” Barker adds that you should also consider your target renter market. “Understand their needs and select a property that they will consider excellent value for money.”
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Location. People reassessed their priorities during the pandemic, resulting in a marked trend towards a more balanced lifestyle, says Phil Barker from Renishaw Property Developments, developers of Renishaw Hills’ mature-lifestyle village on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast. “As an example, coastal properties with good views and a sense of surrounding space are attracting increased attention.
Services and management. Local government structures have significant challenges in meeting basic service provision needs, says Barker. “So, consider developments that are selfsufficient in the provision of power, water and waste removal services.” Ehlers says property management will also be crucial. If you don’t have the time or means to manage it, outsource this to a professional.
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LIFE’S A HOLIDAY AT RENISHAW HILLS, SCOTTBURGH
At Renishaw Hills, our residents live the holiday all year round through an ideal balance of lifestyle, facilities and community. Our unwavering commitment to all three makes a home in our village on the Mid-South Coast the height of investment potential and above all, happy living. The best of Mother Nature in our back yard means spectacular indigenous gardens, walking trails, sea views, and coastal forest expanses that provide a coveted feeling of unrestricted living. World-class security, home-based care, a community centre, pool, comprehensive levy and more, make Renishaw Hills a well-rounded offering for those who value convenience and priceless peace of mind, the makings of any unforgettable holiday. Experience the magic of Renishaw Hills with a private tour before the year is over. Email sales@renishawhills.co.za or take our virtual tours on our website.
Sharyn 079 853 8946 | Kelly 087 135 5555 | sales@renishawhills.co.za | www.renishawhills.co.za
THE WILDSIDE OF REFINED
Ingwe Estate is a 100 hectare, off-grid residential estate development in the heart of The Crag’s just twelve kilometres from Plettenberg Bay.A natural wonderland of wild-life where your morning alarm is the chirping of birds in the echoes of silence. A place where what you see and what you hear come together to create a tone of life that is so lacking today. Ingwe has all the attributes to cleanse the soul with 50 hectares of indigenous forests supplying abundance of clean air; numerous natural water dams, reservoirs and an array of wildlife on your doorstep. Ingwe Estate seamlessly integrates natural beauty with the comforts of urban living and places emphasis on sustainability, offering a truly unique opportunity to live completely off the grid. Solar energy is the primary source of energy supply for daily energy requirements. The development has its own water storage and treatment facility and each stand is equipped with 30 000l of water storage capacity for rainwater harvesting, an internal sewerage infrastructure and treatment system. Ingwe has been meticulously planned with the primary goal of protecting and preserving the precious surrounding natural environment. Owners can enjoy trail runs, hikes, kayaking, fishing, bird watching or mountain biking right on your doorstep. Ingwe features a variety of freeroaming game such as impala and fallow deer, promoting a lifestyle of living in balance with nature. A portion of the site has been designated for the sole purpose of permaculture. This facility will be professionally managed and available for all to share. Just for good measure, leaving nothing to chance, we added a golfing facility to practice chipping and putting as well as a sports facility featuring a tennis court, squash court, yoga/pilates studio, lap pool, kids play area and a gymnasium. Ingwe Estate offers you a work from home opportunity with full wifi and fast fibre connection in all homes. Should a home-owner want to engage with more than a few business delegates then the business lounge is the perfect place to book and hold meetings. The business centre may also be used to facilitate training of staff for maintenance, farming our vegetables and herbs and other services we offer such as an on site cleaning service for all the homeowners who want their homes cleaned and serviced for their return from a holiday or business trip. Ingwe Estate's concierge service provides transportation to the airport or a drop & collect service should you want a night out with friends.
Ingwe Estate, The Wildside of Refined. A sustainable lifestyle is possible at Ingwe. Agents, William 083 440 1966 william@choicenet.co.za, Lucinda: lucinda@farmerschoice.co.za 082 448 7953
www.ingweestate.co.za
A He a lt hier You
RAISING THE BAR In recent years, South African chocolatiers have significantly raised the bar on bonbons. By ANNA TRAPIDO
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one are the days when icky sweet, waxy chocolate reigned supreme. Now the tastes and textures in Mzansi’s artisan confectionery are expertly prepared and exquisitely complex. Jack Rabbit Chocolate Expeditions into the ecstatic are the name of the game at Pretoria’s Jack Rabbit Chocolate Studio (www.jackrabbitchocolate.co.za) where a cult following has grown up around chef Stephanie van Vuuren’s milk tart art bar. This candied naartjie peel and cinnamon biscuit pearl-studded treat took top honours at The same pairing works well with London’s 2017 International Chocolate Awards. Cocoa Africa’s hand-painted, beautiful Iconic movie star Mae West once said, “too rooibos and honey mousse milk chocolate much of a good thing can be wonderful”, and orbs. These KwaZulu-Natal-crafted treasures a pairing of the magnificent milk tart bar with are almost (but not quite) too pretty to eat Clemgold gin proves her point. The spirit’s (www.cocoaafrica.com). citrus and juniper notes add delicious depth to Not a gin fan? Try partnering Van Loveren’s light, creamy chocolate. zesty, fruity Perle de Jean Pinot Grigio with
Honest Chocolate’s organic 70% dark (www.honestchocolate.co.za), studded with pieces of pineapple and buchu. Speaking of harmonious flavour marriages, Cape Town’s Chocolate by Tomes makes a magnificent semi-sweet bar with a salted caramel centre that is achingly wonderful washed down with Villiera’s Rosé Brut MCC (www.chocolatesbytomes.co.za). The salt stands up to the wine’s acidity, creating a layered, luxurious understanding of life and the universe. Or at least it will feel that way while there is bubbly in the bottle. Tomes also exquisitely enrobes bite-sized chewy caramels with a sprinkling of sea salt. ›
Chocolates by Tomes
CAPE TOWN’S CHOCOLATE BY TOMES MAKES A MAGNIFICENT SEMI-SWEET BAR WITH A SALTED CARAMEL CENTRE THAT IS ACHINGLY WONDERFUL WASHED DOWN WITH VILLIERA’S ROSÉ BRUT MCC.
Chocolates by Tomes, chocolate made with ingredients sourced from Africa, a combination of the sweet, sun drenched sugar cane and richly decadent cocoa beans from West Africa. Chocolate with a unique African twist.
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021 425 2237
Shop 6198, Victoria Wharf, V&A Waterfront www.chocolatesbytomes.co.za PRIME
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THE BENEFITS OF DARK CHOCOLATE The secret to Nova’s chocolates is that they only use ethically sourced cacao beans and a non-nutritive diabetic sweetener with no aftertaste in their seven differently flavoured chocolates.
Nova Dark Chocolate
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Sugar-free, gluten-free, vegan and simply delish … Who would have thought that you could enjoy chocolate guilt-free? Artisinal chocolatiers at Nova Chocolate share that enjoying a slab of your favourite treat need not be unhealthy. Dark chocolate, with no added refined white sugar, trans fats, and dairy, is loaded with nutrients that can positively affect your health. Dark chocolate … • is a powerful source of antioxidants • is rich in minerals and nutrients • reduces cholesterol • improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure • reduces heart disease risk • improves brain function • protects your skin from the sun • contains phenylethylamine (PEA) – the same chemical that your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release feel-good endorphins.
Get your gluten-free treats FROM NOVA CHOCOLATE
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Monate’s 70% dark chocolate chilli bar heats already intense tastes of cacao to create a thermogenic taste sensation (www.monatechocolate.co.za). Balance the heat with some sugar by pairing it with fortified red ruby port. The creamy consistency of stout will also soften the burn. Those seeking a gentler buzz on the tongue adore deliciously dark dipped glacé ginger slivers from Huguenot Fine Chocolates, Franschhoek (www.huguenotchocolates.com). While consumers like to feel varying degrees of burn, chocolate hates heat. While dark chocolate tolerates increased temperature better than milk or white chocolate, they can all turn into a sticky, liquid mess if left out in our soaring summer heat. Alaskan-born, Ficksburg-based chocolatier Calen Thomas says, “getting used to working with chocolate in South Africa’s hot climate was my biggest challenge. We don’t have that problem in Alaska! “When I started Mckinley Chocolates I struggled but anything is possible if you learn to hear the chocolate when it speaks to you and tells you what it needs.” When most people listen to the Mckinley cherry liqueur-filled chocolates they hear “eat us” (www.mckinleychocolates.co.za).
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FINDING THE RIGHT OILS Tokara Olive oil
CHOOSING THE GOOD OILS
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lmost everything is improved by adding extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). In the medical milieu, EVOO (natural and unrefined with no defects, fruity characteristics and free acidity below 0.8 per cent) has been linked to better cardiovascular health, immune function, sexual stamina, fertility, digestion, weight management, mood and mental clarity. In the skin and haircare realm, every iconic beauty since Cleopatra seems to swear by its restorative, moisturising powers. Medical and beauty benefits aside, South African EVOO tastes terrific. Glynis Van Rooyen from The Guide to Extra Virgin Olive Oil in South Africa, says: “The South African industry is small but quality is consistently top-notch. We win awards worldwide.” A bottle laden with stickers announcing honours is obviously an indication of quality, but entering competitions is an expensive exercise. Not all producers send their oils for judging locally, let alone internationally, so a lack of stickers is not necessarily an indication of an inferior product. Van Rooyen advises confused local consumers to check for the SA Olive Association Commitment To Compliance (CTC) seal, which shows that the producer conforms to strict quality standards. Even then it’s important to engage with the age and conditions under which an oil has been stored. EVOO starts to deteriorate from the moment it’s pressed. Faced with a supermarket selection, check the dates on the back of the bottles. EVOO must also be protected from air, heat and light – left all day on a sunny restaurant table and it is irreparably damaged. So, what is the best way to consume South Africa’s premium products? As a rule of thumb, pair like with like. Robust oils work well with strongly flavoured foods. Mild oils suit delicate ingredients. Remember that what grows together often goes together so adding local EVOO to Mzansi heritage ingredients brings exciting twists on traditional tastes. Those favouring bold, spicy oils adore Nuy Valley’s Willow Creek Directors Reserve 2021, which recently won gold at the New York International Olive Oil Competition. Robust with
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De Rustica Olive Oil
Kleinbergshof Olive Oil
aromas of artichokes and tomato vines, it is perfect on pasta with porcini, but also beautifully accentuates hearty earthy flavours in Venda-style bean, samp and groundnut tshidzimba. Rio Largo (on the southern banks of the Breede River) makes an EVOO blend of Leccino, Frantoio and Coratina varieties with herbal notes on the nose and a fruity, peppery palate. It also took top honours in New York and is exquisite drizzled over carpaccio – sprinkle with Parmesan and pinenuts for intense, umami pleasure. It also works well in garlicky braaivleis marinades. It’s not necessary to be a carnivore to enjoy EVOO. The restaurant at Tokara uses the estate’s Premium Blend EVOO in glorious, gluten-free, vegan olive oil almond cakes. Authoritative international olive oil guide, Flos Olei 2020, placed Tokara, along with Morgenster, Rio Largo, Willow Creek and Greenleaf, among the 500 best in the world. Every bite of Tokara’s delicious dessert underscores the rectitude of the rankings.
How does one choose an oil off a supermarket shelf laden with choice, when there is no way of smelling or tasting it, especially tricky now with COVID-19? Help is at hand thanks to an amazing initiative from the SA Olive Association based in Stellenbosch. The best advice we can give anyone looking for oils in South Africa is to look for the SA Olive Association sticker of approval. A real win for consumers as invariably the imported oils are rancid having no harvest date and spending many weeks at the harbour door or being shipped across the continent – when the real deal is produced right here in our beautiful country, many parts of which have a Mediterranean-type climate that is perfect for growing olives and producing world-class extra virgin olive oil. The CTC seal of compliance reveals an extra virgin olive oil of the highest quality; tasted by a panel of professional judges and chemically analysed by an independent laboratory. This is to protect you, the consumer, from paying good money to purchase an oil you think is the healthy option, but in reality you are buying something that could be old and long past its best before status in regards to taste, quality and health benefits. The oil of choice for heart health is fresh extra virgin olive oil, locally grown and produced.
ROBUST OILS WORK WELL WITH STRONGLY FLAVOURED FOODS. MILD OILS SUIT DELICATE INGREDIENTS.
Rio Largo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
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ANNA TRAPIDO goes in search of the best quality olive oils to accompany a great meal
De Rustica Estate, De Rust makes medium-bodied EVOO that is wonderful blended into garlic, tahini and chickpea purée. Heritage food enthusiasts adore it as a dipping oil for dombolo steamed dumplings. It’s lovely baked into banana bread and carrot cake too. South Africa’s warm weather means that even our lightest oils are edging towards a gentle medium. Kleinbergskloof recently won gold at the SA Olive Awards with a relatively delicate EVOO with melon and herbal hints – ideal for dressing tender salad greens and as a frying medium for sautéed morogo wa thepe. Superb (if somewhat surprising) over ice cream. So, what are you waiting for? Move to EVOO and your life will be lubricated in all the right ways.
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GROWN, EXTRACTED & BOTTLED AT RIO LARGO ESTATE, BREEDE VALLEY, WESTERN CAPE www.roilargo.co.za I info@riolargo.co.za I +27 826880578
Morelli Rugs
AT HOME
LUND Rug
TURN YOUR FLOORS INTO WORKS OF ART You can walk all over them, but don’t imagine rugs are a submissive decor piece. They can singlehandedly pull a room together, writes NIA MAGOULIANITI-MCGREGOR
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ou may want to warm up a room or give it some texture, or even pull the whole look of the room together with one item. That’s where rugs come into their own. Leah Sequeira of Zoya Rugs says understanding the tone and atmosphere of a room is key to turning your floors into works of art. “Look at symmetry, lighting and size, which all affect a rug’s aesthetic. Something really bold can work in the right setting. Feel free to mix colours, patterns and textures. Putting down an oversized – or undersized – rug can make a statement. Placing it at angles will create visual interest.” Rugs pull a room together, says Sequeira because they’re “dynamic”. “At an oblique angle, a rug may not give itself fully away as a wall piece would. When you walk closer, it starts to reveal itself, slowly catching your attention and becoming the centrepiece of a room. It moves into frame as you are also taking in the rest of the room.”
“RUGS ARE VERY MUCH THE DECOR PIECE THAT GROUNDS THE SPACE IN A HOME.” – LORYN VAN DE WOUW 24
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Lund Rug Gallery’s Loryn van de Wouw says if its warmth you want in a room, “a rug will provide it”. She adds that “a rug can be a focal point or draw your attention to a statement piece.”
WHERE TO START “We work with designers with mood boards, colour schemes and the look and feel of the space,” Van de Wouw says, “either starting with the rug or tying the last elements together.” She says people should ask: “What space am I looking at? How much traffic is in the space?” She says you might want different moods for different rooms. “In a child’s playroom, you could choose a fun rug full of energy and colour. Rugs are very much the decor piece that grounds the space in a home.” Carlo Morelli of Morelli Rugs is taking “floor art” to a literal level. “We specialise in turning original art into rugs,” he says. “Contemporary pieces can make a statement. Choose something striking that works with your furniture or the colours of your walls. Ask yourself, are you more of a grey, neutral person or do you prefer pops of colour?” He suggests avoiding a rug that looks too small or “like it’s floating”. Instead,
“place some of the rug under your sofa or bed to help anchor the space.” Says Sequeira: “You don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Take inspiration from what’s been done. That’s usually a good starting point for homeowners. Think of the statement you want to make and buy the rug that speaks to that statement.”
RUG ROUNDUP Lund Rug Gallery offers high-quality modern, contemporary and traditional rugs at affordable prices as well as a hand-knotted selection that is labour-intensive and takes months to manufacture. “They are handmade overseas from 100 per cent natural fibre in India or Pakistan with artistry and craftsmanship that has been handed down from generation to generation,” says Lund Gallery’s Van de Wouw. Zoya Rugs is a South African rug brand that creates contemporary, unique rugs using traditional techniques, and offers a bespoke service. “Our approach to design is forever evolving as we adapt to the wants and needs of local and international designers and homeowners. All our rugs are handwoven using natural and sustainable fibres,” says owner Leah Sequeira. Carlo Morelli started Morelli Rugs over 10 years ago after learning the business at the coalface at expos and then taking a leap of faith. Now, specialising in modern and contemporary rugs, the business has four physical outlets and sells online too. “Our rugs are made in Turkey, well-known for the quality of its rugs, and are made to withstand high foot traffic. They’re also stain-resistant,” says Morelli. Though not made by hand, they use high-quality machinery, “some the size of a soccer field”.
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Zoya Rugs
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ZOYA Rugs is a Proudly South African brand specializing in designing and creating handwoven bespoke rugs that are personal, practical and beautiful. Headquartered in the leafy Southern Suburbs of Claremont, Cape Town our double story showroom holds roughly 1000 unique rugs as well as Design Studio with many samples to choose from. For a luxury & relaxed experience in sourcing or designing your perfect rug, visit Zoya Rugs
(021) 683-6364
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info@zoya.co.za
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www.zoya.co.za
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31 Vineyard Road, Claremont, Cape Town
L EISURE
SEVEN CAPTIVATING PICKS 1. Kleine Zalze Méthode Cap Classique Vintage Brut 2015
CELEBRATING CAP CLASSIQUE This year wine lovers are raising a toast to celebrate the golden anniversary of naturally fermented sparkling wines in South Africa, writes JARED RUTENERG
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n the early 1970s the late Frans Malan was captivated by his visit to France’s Champagne region – particularly the near-magical way that the sparkling wine was produced. Returning home to Simonsig Estate in Stellenbosch he set about producing South Africa’s first sparkling wine in the traditional French method, now known as Méthode Cap Classique (MCC). His first release, made from Chenin Blanc, was in 1971. Today, the country boasts over 100 Cap Classique producers, with festivals, wine routes and tastings dedicated to sparkling wine. John Loubser, the winemaker at Silverthorn Wines, has spent decades working at several of the top sparkling wine producers in the country. He discusses the exponential growth of the Cap Classique market over the past years. “The secret to Cap Classique’s success, in my opinion, is that, historically, consumers treated it as something you only drank for a significant celebration or on New Year’s Eve. With people becoming more
health-conscious, wine drinkers are becoming aware that Cap Classique is a wonderful lifestyle option – being lower in alcohol and sulphur. Cap Classique also makes a status statement, which means younger consumers love being seen with it.” This year also marked the 20 th celebration of the annual Amorim Cap Classique Challenge – spearheaded by the cork producer Amorim. Every year, a bevvy of bottles compete for the coveted title of Best Producer, Brut, Rosé, Blanc de Blanc, Museum Class, and Nectar Class. The awards have helped elevate the position of Cap Classique both locally and internationally. This year’s winner RJ Botha of Kleine Zalze says: “With our diversity in styles and the amazing quality on offer, we’re able to produce some of the best sparkling wine in the world. Although we do it in the traditional French method, we do it with our unique South African flair. The world has noticed this, RJ Botha and they love it.”
“WITH OUR DIVERSITY IN STYLES AND THE AMAZING QUALITY ON OFFER, WE’RE ABLE TO PRODUCE SOME OF THE BEST SPARKLING WINE IN THE WORLD.” – RJ BOTHA
This year’s Amorim winner in the Brut category is Kleine Zalze’s 2015 Vintage. The award comes fresh off the bat from winning the prestigious Platter’s Top Performing Winery of the Year in 2020. RJ Botha, still brimming with pride, recounts: “It is such a big honour for us to be part of the top MCC producers. We only started producing MCC in 2009, and the award just shows that we are on the right track. It was an amazing function and the venue was out of this world … of course, all thanks to Amorim and the Cap Classique Association. What made it even more special was that we won the award on Kleine Zalze’s exact 25th birthday.” kleinezalze.co.za
2. Villiera Monro Brut 2014 Staying in Stellenbosh, the next pick is from Villiera where the Grier family have been making and perfecting Cap Classique for over 30 years. The Monro, Villiera’s flagship offering, also trailed by a host of awards, is undoubtedly my favourite in the line-up of sparkling wines. This blend of all three classic Champagne varieties (58 per cent Chardonnay, 30 per cent Pinot Noir, 12 per cent Pinot Meunier) boasts an extended lees contact of over five years, developing a seductive yeasty and almost creamy nose that follows through to a delicate palate. In 2006, the family also acquired a 22ha vineyard in the Agly Valley in Southern France, and a tasting of the Domaine Grier wines – also made by winemaker Jeff Grier – is available when visiting the Stellenbosch tasting room. villiera.com ›
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L EISURE
3. Newstead Cap Classique Blanc de Blanc 2016
6. Graham Beck Yin & Yang 2016
One of the newest kids on the Cap Classique block, but firmly demonstrating that small is by no means insignificant, is Plettenberg Bay’s Newstead, which collected last year’s Amorim awards for Best Blanc de Blanc and Best Producer. While Plettenberg Bay is not often associated with wine production, Newstead is one of a handful of estates turning both heads and glasses with their range of wines. The estate has garnered numerous awards of which the owner and her husband, Doug, are suitably proud. She says: “From a personal perspective, it’s been really encouraging and affirming. Building something from nothing, you start off with lots of research, some calculated guesswork, a bit of intuition and loads of hope. The awards have shown us that we’re doing a lot right and that we should keep on doing what we have been.” newsteadwines.com
Over a hill or two lies the vineyards of formidable producer Graham Beck, whose sparkling wines have been celebrated all over the world. Most notably, of course, by President Barack Obama, who followed suit from Nelson Mandela, serving Graham Beck Cap Classique at his inauguration dinner. While most South Africans are very familiar with Graham Beck sparkling wines, many don’t know that the dynamic duo of cellarmaster Pieter Ferreira and winemaker Pierre de Klerk produce a limited edition Artisan Collection of premium blends. Yin and Yang pays homage to the two headlining Cap Classique varietals, with Yin’s blend of 60 per cent Pinot Noir and 40 per cent Chardonnay, and Yang’s 60 per cent Chardonnay and 40 per cent Pinot Noir blend. The range is available exclusively from the Graham Beck Tasting Room in Robertson in limited quantities or directly from the Society Wine Club. grahambeck.com
From the picturesque Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge comes an award-winning sparkling wine that blends the two Burgundian varieties the region produces so perfectly: Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Domaine Des Dieux’s philosophy has always been to demonstrate the ageability of South African wines – particularly white wines. Of course, the crisp acidity of the region adds to the ageing potential of the wines, and combined with the four to five years that the wine lays on the lees, the resulting flavour profile is an enticing and elegant French-styled sparkling wine. Expect creamy citrus notes from the Chardonnay, complemented with subtle red berries from the Pinot Noir. domainedesdieux.co.za
5. Silverthorn Jewel Box This roundup would hardly be complete without an offering from the Robertson Valley and its famed Chardonnay. Winemaker John Loubser joins the ranks of several other Robertson producers who have earned the nickname of the Limestone Cowboys – after the famed limestone that contributes to the area’s outstanding Chardonnay. As Loubser says: “The secret is in the soil”. New World wine commentator Tim Atkins certainly agrees, with all four Silverthorn wines receiving scores in the 90s – the highest being the Jewel Box at 96. It’s named after the Kappa Crucis constellation, which was affectionately dubbed “Jewel Box” by English astronomer Sir John Herschel. The celestial cluster features around 100 stars, and in this terrestrial offering, you can expect a tasty celebration of around 20 million bubbles (now there’s a fact for your next dinner table quiz). Do include a visit to Silverthorn’s modest new tasting room when next in the region. silverthornwines.co.za
7. Boschendal Jean Le Long CUVÉE Prestige 2009 This year’s Amorim Cap Classique Challenge winner for Best Museum Class is Boschendal’s flagship MCC. The Jean Le Long Cuvée Prestige is another firm nod to the ageing potential of South African Cap Classiques: the wine spent an almost inconceivable 10 years on lees followed by a further minimum period of 12 months on the cork. This helps convey exceptional complexity with tantalising tertiary notes. The combination of 60 per cent grapes sourced from the cooler Elgin region and 40 per cent from warmer Stellenbosch adds to the flavour profile. The wine is a fitting tribute to the estate’s first proprietor – Jean Le Long – at South Africa’s second oldest estate. Part of the spoil of this Cap Classique is the seductive velvet box that it arrives in, making it an excellent gifting option. boschendalwines.com
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4. Domaine Des Dieux Claudia Brut MCC 2014
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Not for persons under the age of 18 years. Enjoy responsibly.
AN AWARD–WINNING SELECTION at a fraction of the price DISCOVER THE SECRE T Limited quantities of vintage releases from famous wine brands Relabelled with a unique bin number and sold at a fraction of the price Exclusive to Checkers!
CELEBRATING MORE THAN 10 GOLD MEDALS AT THE MICHELANGELO AWARDS ALSO AVAILABLE AT
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L EISURE E XPERIENCES
HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW? BREATHING ROOM Within the Cradle of Humankind, spanning 15 hectares of private nature reserve – immaculately landscaped – the Nirox Foundation Sculpture Park offers plenty to see, experience, and taste. A collection of large-scale open-air artworks – displayed between the pretty groves and well-established trees, and sited upon hills and alongside lakes – will captivate, enrich and delight.
There’s also the very special open-to-the-elements restaurant, “And then there was fire…”, a culinary triumph from an Argentinean chef who oversees a range of flame-grilled dishes on the tapas-style menu. They bake awesome breads and possibly the world’s best carrot cake. Wear practical shoes as you will walk on springy lawns and need to dodge duck poo. niroxarts.com
BEAUTIFUL BOSJES Known for the undulating white roof of its award-winning Steyn Studio-designed chapel, Bosjes – a family-owned 18thcentury wine-and-fruit farm in the Breede River Valley – is on track to possessing some of the Cape’s most covetable gardens, too. The latest landscaped additions saw the transformation of a patch of barren land into a lush paradise comprising
alternating indigenous biomes designed to withstand the harsh wind and hot sun. Its literal high point is the Boombrug, a kind of lookout promenade from where you can survey the entire valley. There are gardens celebrating a kind of natural wildness: a woodland zone transitions into grasses and bulbs, and then there’s a renosterveld rehabilitation zone. There’s also a cool, well-equipped children’s playground. For grown-ups, there are other hidden surprises, such as the chic, glass-fronted deli-style café that’s been half-buried below a landscaped hillock and sheltered by an immense, shell-shaped hood that curves around the front façade. And there’s the similarly camouflaged shop (Die Winkel) that sells quality crafts curated by Liam Mooney, who designed the interiors of Bosjes’s spa in the repurposed stables. bosjes.co.za
Some are jungly, others more cultivated. Some supply food, others are decorative. Some you explore, others you feast in, and all will restore your soul. By KEITH BAIN
BOTANICAL DELIGHTS After a long closure due to the pandemic, Makaranga and its magnificent 30 acres of botanical gardens have reopened. Situated in Kloof, just 25 minutes from Durban, it’s a great venue, especially for families with children, who inevitably make a beeline for the jungle gym. Wandering through the indigenous forest and Japanese gardens is enchanting; plus you will find sculptures (including one of the largest collections of Zimbabwean stone artworks in the world), meandering streams, ponds, and a waterfall. You can picnic on the sprawling grounds, or check-in for the weekend. makaranga.com
GOLDEN OLDIE Somerset West’s Vergelegen dates back to 1700, although its extensively pimped grounds are essentially a contemporary reincarnation of antique gardens that had gone to seed. In 1987, the estate’s new owners commissioned horticulturalists to restore 300 years of botanical heritage. From dedicated rose gardens, reflection ponds and sundials, a bamboo garden, a vine
maze, and some 14 000 agapanthuses to a garden of hydrangeas (aka “Christmas roses”), a camphor forest, and a collection of ginkgo trees including saplings grown from seeds of a tree that survived the 1945 Hiroshima bombing. There’s a play area for children adjacent to the Stables restaurant. vergelegen.co.za ›
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L EISURE E XPERIENCES UNA’S LEGACY
GARDEN OF INFINITE DELIGHTS Set in the verdant Drakenstein Valley between bewitching, craggy mountains near Paarl, Babylonstoren is a vast working farm with vineyards, white stucco guest cottages, a chic spa, and easily the most imaginative produce garden on the continent – an astonishing eight-acre expanse embodying utopian simplicity, order within the chaos. Over 300 edible and medicinal plants are grown – pruned fruit trees and cultivated vegetables grow alongside nuts and berries, herbs, ponds with edible lotuses and waterblommetjies, a maze of prickly pears, a chamomile lawn, cycad collection, cultivated succulents, a citrus grove, and mulberries, figs and persimmons. Plus one-off curiosities – one
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BIBLICAL PROPORTIONS
THE SCULPTED GARDEN It might be a garden made to display artworks, but the Dylan Lewis Sculpture Garden is in many ways itself a large-scale sculpture. To create it, the artist engaged a pair of gigantic earthmovers that he used to shape-shifting effect, sculpting the terrain to create a seven-hectare open-air gallery with hills and valleys and water features magnificently laid out alongside Stellenbosch’s suburbs. Thanks to interventions by botanists and experts with an affinity for rare fynbos, there’s plentiful floral abundance: pelargoniums, silkypuffs, and – along one edge of the lake – a trove of Ericas that are extinct in the wild. On display between the flowers and footpaths, hills and water bodies are over 60 of Lewis’s sculptures ranging from wild animals to headless and limbless humans and other figures. You’ll also find Lewis’s original working studio and bronze foundry – now a gallery – here. There’s also an old storeroom that’s been turned into a café. From the terraces above the contemporary steel pavilion you can see Table Mountain, Cape Point and False Bay. dylanlewis.com
apple tree was grown from a cutting of the one under which Sir Isaac Newton was struck (literally) by the concept of gravity. There are beehives, indoor tropical gardens and inscrutable views. You can join wine tastings, or enrich your understanding of balsamic vinegar and learn about how olive oil is produced on one of the dedicated, informative tours. There’s also an essential oils distillery where all manner of wondrous scents are distilled from botanicals and coaxed into bathroom products available for purchase. There’s a choice of places to eat: Babel is more formal, while the Greenhouse is almost like a sophisticated picnic. And there’s a bakery where bread enthusiasts will lose their minds. They have some of the most wondrous deli shelves and fridges and loads of fresh produce to take home, too. Plus donkeys and turkeys and working ducks – and an atmosphere that makes you want to stay forever. babylonstoren.com
In Paarl, the Salem Biblical Garden literalises ancient tales via specific plantings, emotive sculptures, symbolic elements and a guided “Journey through the Bible”. As an art garden, it’s quite heavily embellished with artefacts, from sculptures and mosaics to pebble art. But, there’s also a strong focus on creating a kind of spiritual Israel-in-miniature with an open-air archaeology museum under construction. There are also trails on Paarl Mountain to hike or bike, plus picnic and braai facilities and camping. It’s not an over-manicured garden, either – there’s over-boulder walking and scraggly grasses, and an undeniable sense of where much of the Bible played out – in a hot, desert region. Take sunglasses and drink lots of water. salemgarden.co.za
SIZE MATTERS With over 400 trees within its five hectares of romantic glades and shaded nooks, The Arderne Gardens in Claremont is for the pop stars of the tree world. The country’s most valuable and diverse collection of exotic trees includes several “Champion Trees”, a protected category established to preserve the most enormous of their kind – what you might call a Mighty Oak or Ferocious Fig. Champions are ambassadors of the tree world because their heroic stature tends to inspire awe. Some of South Africa’s biggest trees are here, including a massive Moreton Bay fig (aka the Wedding Tree) and possibly the world’s largest Aleppo pine. There’s also a giant rubber tree (whose girth requires eight people to encircle it in a group hug). ardernegardens.org.za
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Old Nectar is an 18th century Cape Dutch manor house with sprawling gardens in a tranquil valley below Stellenbosch’s Jonkershoek mountains. When Una van der Spuy and her husband bought a dilapidated piece of wine farm in 1941, the woman who became South Africa’s horticultural doyenne with 15 gardening books to her credit, knew nothing about plants. Early on, she had Italian POWs working her garden; they first tried sabotaging it, for example, planting the roses upside-down, but soon warmed to Una and helped create a garden paradise, transforming Old Nectar into a major supplier of roses and shrubs across Southern Africa. There’s a rose garden going back to 1944, a Victorian-tiled ornamental pond with Lombardy poplars, mature Japanese maples, camellias, and a red-flowering rhododendron. There are newer parts, too, such as an indigenous garden, added after Una’s death in 2012. Look out for the Una rose, hybridised by Ludwig Tachner in 1998; it produces large pink blooms and an old-fashioned scent. oldnectar.com
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Unearth the wilderness within.
DYLAN LEWIS SCULPTURE GARDEN
V I S I T S B Y A P P O I N T M E N T: T U E S - S AT 0 9 H 0 0 - 1 7 H 0 0 STELLENBOSCH DYLANLEWISSCULPTUREGARDEN
I N F O @ D Y L A N A R T. C O . Z A +27 (0)21 880 0054 W W W. D Y L A N L E W I S . C O M
L EISURE E XPERIENCES
THE GREAT GETAWAY Downtime is what we’ve been craving, and the options are limitless. KEITH BAIN suggests five places where you can check-in, but might never want to leave
GARDEN ROUTE IDYLL Despite its international reputation as the home of three legendary championship golf courses, Fancourt is not only for golfers. There are spoils galore at this expansive resort occupying 613 hectares of immaculately groomed Garden Route real estate. Add to its refined atmosphere that backdrop of looming Outeniqua Mountains, plus access to coastal or inland adventures, and it makes for an idyllic retreat. Golf carts zip around the estate, transporting guests and golfers between the fairways and flowerbeds and various accommodations. For those who prefer to amble and explore, the meandering pathways are great for long meditative walks. Apart from the main hotel’s assortment of rooms and suites in small blocks scattered across the grounds and between the
ROMANCING THE STARS greens, there is The Manor House – a boutique-sized hotel-within-a-hotel with 18 distinctive, individually decorated suites in a refurbished mid-19th-century mansion. The time-capsule architecture and yesteryear refinement are paired with contemporary add-ons, including a library, bar and pool. When you want to mingle, a golf cart can transfer you across the estate to indulge at the spa or find a seat at one of the restaurants. If you wish to get in on the golfing action, but don’t yet possess a full set of skills, there’s the Wanna Be A Champion Golf & Fitness Academy, where PGA professionals provide structured golf lessons – one-on-one or group sessions are available – and a host of programmes to either kick-start your golfing journey or tweak your existing proficiency. fancourt.com
FOR THE CURIOUS Goats that like to roam, paragliding above the vineyards, wine tasting at some of the country’s oldest estates, and hiking across the Klein Drakenstein mountains … Paarl is buzzing with activity these days. Among the newest places to lay your head is Brookdale Estate. Not to be confused with the hydro-spa of the same name, Brookdale is a recently revived wine farm on Paarl’s hidden-away rural outskirts. Following the personalised directions will lead you up the meandering farm road and once you’ve laid eyes on the thatched manor house at its centre and behold the gigantic mountain backdrop, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere very special. Built as a home for the family that own it, the villa can be rented in its entirety for a wonderful home-from-home respite with friends or family, or you can check into a room and enjoy all the benefits of an ultra-luxurious guesthouse – there’s loads of space, heaps of in-room spoils and plenty of lounges to linger in with a book from the library. Explore the estate’s 67 hectares of fynbos, vineyards, gardens, and steep mountainsides – much of it is landscaped, while some has been left slightly wild and marvellously rugged. There’s a kitchen for self-catering purposes, but a major highlight is having every meal imaginatively prepared by Gary Coetzee, former personal chef to Sol Kerzner; his food will tantalise your tastebuds, starting with the most glorious breakfast buffet. Gary and his wife, Yvonne, manage the house together with a small, devoted team, who go out of their way to ensure you have a joyous time. They’ll line up all sorts of experiences for you – from a visiting masseuse to adventuresome outings, and you can sample the prodigious talents of winemaker Kiara Scott who is garnering critical attention with her vintages produced from resuscitated vine stock. Kiara is experimenting with growing techniques and natural fermentation methods that are worth hearing about during her educational tasting sessions – her Brookdale Chenin Blanc is almost shockingly excellent. brookdale-estate.com
“Ours is a space to transcend,” say the owners of Bliss and Stars, a wilderness retreat that has grabbed the attention of seekers of the kind of escape that’s beyond the physical experience of taking yourself off to a beautiful place. Their focus is exclusively on retreats – getaways and engaging experiences that fulfil certain aims: restoring vitality, clearing the head and healing the body. The formula is pretty simple: mindful immersion in experiences that help fine-tune the connection between mind and body, and a setting that draws focus up towards the heavens – more specifically, the canopy of stars that seems to shine so much brighter here, where there’s minimal light pollution. The off-grid “retreats only” hideaway occupies a blissful 1 350 hectare expanse in an exquisite valley along the banks of the Doring River in the Cederberg mountains. Here, you have the opportunity to reconnect – with yourself, with loved ones, with the universe. You might sign up for a “silent retreat” or one focused on food that nourishes and restores health. The idea is to be afforded the space and environment to slow down and re-evaluate, to recharge and tap into the healing power of nature. Your hosts offer four-day or week-long programmes that typically combine meditation, stargazing, movement, and nourishing food. Accommodations are in a choice of chic, minimalist chalets with showstopper views or in tented chalets cleverly integrated into the surrounding rockscape. Whichever you choose, you will depart refreshed, energised, and in love with life. blissandstars.com ›
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L EISURE E XPERIENCES
In ever-charming Franschhoek, Akademie Street Boutique Hotel is a showcase of historic ambience mixed with genuinely warm hospitality. Aside from the time-trip architecture and antiques, there are some wonderful luxuries too, including private plunge pools, Jacuzzis and wood-fired hot tubs. The owners have carved out accommodations in a collection of four different Cape Dutch cottages – including one of the oldest houses in town, going back to around the middle of the 19 th century. There are nine suites, each one tied together with historic details – handwoven rugs, period
TROPICAL DAZE Ah, the Wild Coast. Blissful stretches of empty beach, cows chewing the cud at the water’s edge, remote villages of traditional rondavels, and untamed dirt roads leading you through a patchwork of subtropical forests and rolling hills. To sample the pleasures of this gorgeous stretch of coast without roughing it much at all, Umngazi Hotel and Spa is a family resort that successfully combines laidback sophistication with a glorious location. Umngazi occupies its own nature reserve overlooking a beach and an estuary and is flanked by dense coastal vegetation, making you can feel as though you’re in a private
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furnishings, reed ceilings, and lots of little details that add character while imparting the kind of individuality you don’t typically find in modern luxury hotels. And even though you’re steeped in tranquil surrounds, you’ll be within walking distance to the town centre, so it’s great for discovering Franschhoek’s boutiques, galleries and restaurants. While here, you’ll be plied with lavish breakfasts, and have plenty of reasons to simply stay in – the scented gardens are immaculately landscaped, and those hot tubs are super-alluring. And, your hosts will have anticipated just about everything you could require. aka.co.za
paradise. The spirit of the Wild Coast is celebrated here in the setting, which compels you to get horizontal or set forth on long beach strolls or climb into some sort of floating contraption to enjoy the gentle ebb and flow of the river that spills into the Indian Ocean. Hedonists will love the spa, which serves up blissful massages coupled with sea views – even the rhythm of the waves lashing against the shore will coax you into a peaceful reverie. The thatched bungalows all have outdoor showers and the best ones have sea views – better still, cough up for one of the more luxe hillside suites, which also give you a view of the river.
Activities include fishing, canoeing, exploring the mangroves, or guided walks. Or just lay low at one of the swimming pools. You can fly in from Virginia airport in Durban North, landing at Port St Johns’ hilltop airstrip for a quick transfer to the hotel, and instant immersion in this charming location. umngazi.co.za
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FRENCH QUARTERS
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Barefoot
LUXURY UMNGAZI HOTEL & SPA
Umngazi Hotel & Spa, a unique beach resort on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape, is the ultimate refuge for those wanting to refresh and reconnect with the natural harmony that makes up this exceptional corner of South Africa. Umngazi boasts a uniquely relaxed sophistication and is an ideal playground for couples and families. Self-drive, fly-in from Johannesburg to Mthatha or enquire about our seven night fly-in packages available every Friday from Virginia Airport, Durban.
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e: requests@umngazi.co.za | t: +27 (0)47 564 1115/6/8/9 w w w. u m n g a z i . c o . z a