Discovery Vitality Traveller

GET THE PICTURE MEET A PART-TIME ADVENTURER, GLOBAL TRAVELLER AND SHARP SHOOTER THE LUX LIFE DISCOVER YOUR INDIAN OCEAN IDYLL A NEW YORK MINUTE TAKE A BITE OUT OF THE BIG APPLE

G O

E VE RY WHE R E

WINTER 2022

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Wherever you’re off to, have you covered.

In seconds.

The only Real-Time Forex Accounts are available 24/7 on your banking app. Now. Open forex accounts instantly and convert money between multiple currency accounts in real time. Save in Dollars, Euros and Pounds, and pay securely in over 60 currencies.

The Discovery Forex Account is available now through select Discovery Bank accounts. Visit www.discovery.co.za to view the qualifying accounts.

Discovery Bank is an authorised financial services provider. FSP48657. Limits, terms and conditions apply.

A NOTE FROM DINESH GOVENDER, CEO, DISCOVERY VITALITY

I savoured this edition of Vitality Traveller because it brought back memories of my first-ever international trip to London in my 20s. I was thrilled by everything – from the long-haul flight to the inner workings of the Tube. I was equally astounded by the sights as by the cost of a coffee in pound sterling.

I am also reminded of a magnificent trip to the Maldives (page 26) with my wife, which ended with manic arrangements for the journey back home when flight cancellations kicked in thanks to the Omicron variant of COVID-19. Talk about adventure travel!

The magazine also features beauty and creativity, as shared by our proudly South African yet eminently global designers, authors, photographers and musicians. There are interesting things to see, eat and explore in our country, and journeying beyond our borders to all those places we couldn’t visit until recently. These stories are reminders to take a break and treat ourselves with the rewards of living well.

in one place: flights, accommodation and car hire. The travel booking platform now offers upfront discounts on every domestic airline in South Africa, international flights and accommodation and car hire.

Also new is that our recent partnership with SAA gives Discovery Bank which gives Platinum, Black or Purple cardholders access to SAA’s airport lounges. To kick it off, you and up to four guests get unlimited visits for 2022! We’re working with the SAA team to enhance the lounges. Think premium coffee, healthier food options and world-class facilities.

You would have noticed that we already offer exclusive domestic departures Priority Fast Track lanes at major airports. It means that your flight experience will now be like no other with Vitality Travel.

Finally, we’ve integrated with Booking.com, so you now have the convenience of booking stays at millions of local and international accommodation listings through Vitality Travel.

ENHANCED TRAVEL FROM VITALITY AND DISCOVERY BANK

YOUR TRAVEL INSPIRATION, COVERED

When we launched our Vitality Travel platform earlier this year, we underestimated the longing for new experiences and the concept of ‘revenge travel’ that’s raging across the world as people look to make up for lost time.

It’s against this background that we’ve enhanced Vitality Travel in unprecedented ways (read more about this on page 18). We’ve focused on the end-to-end travel experience, and I’m most excited about this.

First, all Vitality members can now access Vitality Travel through a Discovery Bank account, which gives you access to a secure platform to book all your travel requirements

I love to travel, and it makes me happy to see our Vitality members and Discovery Bank reward themselves with travel, especially now with our enhanced offering. Because apart from being the most rewarding journeying platform out there, Vitality Travel is a uniquely powerful incentive to help people become healthier.

This means that when you get active, drive safely and spend responsibly with Vitality, it also adds up to a more rewarding journey.

So hurry up and get moving... so you can slow down. The huge discounts are on us at Vitality, powered by Discovery Bank.

In this edition

We eat, drink and think in New York, then head home to the Bo-Kaap, our most Instagrammable destination.

And we also see the world courtesy of a Ginger With A GoPro, Chad Nathan.

Go Everywhere with Vitality Travel.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: CHAD NATHAN

Published for Discovery by John Brown Media. www.johnbrownmedia.co.za

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Memorable experiences with Airlink Entebbe

Luanda

Dar es Salaam

Lubumbashi

Nosy Be Pemba

Ndola Lusaka Livingstone Kasane

St Helena

Maun

Walvis Bay

Windhoek

Victoria Falls

Harare

Tete

Bulawayo

Gaborone

Polokwane

Vilanculos Hoedspruit Skukuza Nelspruit Maputo Sikhuphe

Maseru

Richards Bay Pietermaritzburg DUR

Mthatha CPT

East London George Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)

Airlink connects you seamlessly to the widest network in southern Africa, with more than 45 destinations in 13 African countries and St Helena Island.

Airlink’s schedule connects beyond southern Africa to the world with our partner airlines on one ticket.

Discover more destinations, more convenience, more connectivity.

Visit

or contact your travel agent.

Antananarivo

Beira

JNB Sishen Kimberley Upington Bloemfontein

Nampula

C U LT U R E A N D N E W S

T R AV EL

B UREAU

Watch. Read. Listen. Drink. Eat. See

FRENCH FLAIR WITH AN AFRICAN

twist

Chef Wandile Mabaso will take you places you’ve never dreamed of before. Travel has given him – as founder, owner and Executive Chef at Les Créatifs Restaurant in Bryanston – access to the world, where he’s learned from leading culinary creatives, then brought his experiences back to us in SA. “Travel is the best teacher, teaching you things you can’t “TRAVEL IS THE BEST TEACHER, TEACHING YOU learn from a book,” he says. “I was fortunate enough to cook THINGS YOU CAN’T LEARN FROM A BOOK” professionally on three different continents and experience the cultures I was taught about at school.” of the Year at the fourth annual HOSCO Luxe Restaurant Awards, After completing his first internship on a luxury yacht in Wandile has one simple goal – to build a legacy in the industry that Venice, Wandile worked at two French restaurants in New York; represents his African heritage. His restaurant does just that. the three-Michelin-star Le Bernadin and two-star Daniel. From “You will always pick up parts of my life, travels, influence and there he was appointed Executive Sous Chef for French restaurant knowledge in my food. [It] is unique, since only I can tell my story.” group Maison Kayser under world-class Michelin star chef/mentor At Les Créatifs, experience centuries of rooted culinary traditions Olivier Reginensi. which present themselves in an unforgettable sensorial and soulful Despite all the accolades: Culinary Arts Director of Wandile Mabaso fine-dining experience. Chef’s kiss.

Group, Ambassador of French Gastronomy to South Africa, and Chef

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MAVUSO MBUTUMA

When South African fashionista Mavuso Mbutuma was selected to take part in Swedish clothing brand H&M’s 2022 international Pride campaign in Stockholm, he couldn’t help but hit the high street during the festivities.

“Shop until you drop, hunny,” he laughs.

“Shopping in Stockholm got a little bit dangerous; it’s an

expensive city but I couldn’t resist walking into Acne Archive and purchasing a few investment pieces. Weekday is a cute store that won’t break your budget. And COS is a must.”

Mavuso says that the Swedish are known for their easy and effortless style, but if you want to shop like a stylist, you should look for unique pieces that you

“ DON’T OVER-PACK ON THE WAY THERE. YOU’LL NEED THAT EXTRA SPACE”

ATTENTION, SPORTS FANS – CHECK OUT THESE MAJOR SPORTING EVENTS HAPPENING IN 2022 28 Jul – 8 Aug XXII Commonwealth Games Birmingham, England 26 – 28 Aug Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2022 Belgium 28 Aug Comrades Marathon KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa 29 Aug – 11 Sep US Open Flushing Meadows, New York, USA

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2 – 4 Sep Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2022 Netherlands 9 – 11 Sep Rugby World Cup Sevens Cape Town, South Africa

30 Sep – 2 Oct Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore GP Singapore

21 – 23 Oct Formula 1 Aramco United State GP United States

7 – 9 Oct Formula 1 Honda Japanese GP Japan

28 – 30 Oct Formula 1 Gran Premio De La Ciudad De Mexico GP Mexico

9 – 11 Sep Formula 1 Pirelli Gran Premio D’italia 2022 Italy

16 Oct Cape Town Marathon Cape Town, South Africa

19 – 25 Sep Presidents Cup North Carolina, USA

16 Oct – 13 Nov ICC World T20 Various host cities around Australia

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20 Nov Virgin Active 947 Ride Joburg Johannesburg, South Africa 21 Nov – 18 Dec FIFA World Cup Doha, Qatar

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES, UNSPLASH AND SUPPLIED

SHOP LIKE A STYLIST

can mix and match with the existing ones in your wardrobe to elevate those looks.

“Everything must be considered. It’s like introducing a new partner to your family, they all need to get along and work together.”

Returning home with “boots, boots and more boots”, as well as some jackets, good quality T-shirts and amazing jeans, Mavuso’s final tip for those shopping abroad, is…

C U LT U R E A N D N E W S

LETTING THE RHYTHM SPEAK Hosting an inclusive and diverse selection of people, shows and perspectives from across the continent and the world, The Other Radio has created a new wave of music-aligned engagement, curation and appreciation.

“We’re just getting started and have loads of plans in the works,” says co-founder Philippus Johan. “Including radio activations in other cities in South Africa and Africa, the next phase will include video broadcasts and a dedicated editorial section covering local music news.”

The team was kind enough to put together a selection of past radio shows representing a variety of sounds from SA and the African continent. Click the QR code below to hear the contemporary electronic sounds of The Other Radio, and discover how music can take you places.

“Alongside fashion, it’s one of the easiest ways to start learning about and accepting cultures outside of the ones you grew up with,” says Philippus. “Music is transformative.

We’re all connected!”

LISTEN HERE

www.theother.radio/show/ The-Other-Radio:-Bestof-Africa/248

LAUREN BEUKES

Lauded by the likes of Stephen King, Gillian Flynn and George R.R. Martin, South African Lauren Beukes is the award-winning and internationally best-selling author of Zoo City, Afterland and The Shining Girls; the latter now adapted into an Apple TV+ series starring Elisabeth Moss. We caught up with Lauren between book readings to ask her three very quick questions…

Why should we read your book The Shining Girls before watching the TV series adaptation?

You don’t have to, but of course I’d be thrilled if you did. The story, loosely set in a fictional “Johannesburg”, is about a time-travelling serial killer and the survivor who turns the hunt around. The book and the TV show are complementary projects rather than competing ones, which share the same bloody feminist heart and story, but diverge in intriguing ways.

The book has more history, and delves more into the lives of all the women, whereas the series, helmed by Elisabeth Moss and a truly chilling Jamie Bell, mainly follows Kirby’s [one of his victims] story.

You’ve said that you’re missing SA, but are you enjoying London?

It’s incredible being so much a part of the world and culture. I’ve been to see Yayoi Kusama at the Tate Modern,

the immersive theatre project [Punchdrunk’s] The Burned City, tripped on my own brain in the Dream Machine (partly designed by a neuroscientist friend), seen Hamilton and The Ocean at the End of the Lane with my 13-year-old daughter, who loves being here. We’ve been cycling along the canals and exploring street markets, history and a lot of cool art.

How will living there change your creative process?

It’s easy to connect with readers and other writers, to be part of the culture. I popped across to Barcelona for the weekend for a science fiction con, where I was guest of honour, for example.

I’m hungry for the world, and so much of it is here. I’m looking at doing more TV work and I hope to be able to bring projects back home to South Africa, too. *Lauren’s next novel, Bridge, about a daughter searching for her mother across alternate realities, is due in 2023.

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SIPHIWE MPYE THE INTERVIEW

The Business Day Wanted editor talks hybrid clothing, high-flying journalling and dancing to amapiano at a Brooklyn block party

Editor Siphiwe Mpye’s Wanted is a luxury lifestyle and culture magazine that reaches the country’s top businesspeople. An experienced writer, culture maker and media and communications practitioner, some of Siphiwe’s previous positions include founding editor-in-chief of BL!NK magazine, associate editor of GQ South Africa, spokesperson for YFM and director of Digify Africa. And yes, the man knows a thing or two about business travel, so we caught up with him between flights to do a quick Q&A.

Ultimately, as some have noted, it’s about time: consuming quality items crafted over time, and perhaps more importantly, controlling your own time. To do the things you want to do, not what you can’t avoid doing.

WHAT INSPIRED YOUR DECISION TO LIVE IN THE EASTERN CAPE AND WORK IN JO’BURG, AND HOW HAS THAT BEEN GOING FOR YOU SO FAR?

This was initially necessitated by life changes and lockdown, but now it is more of a choice. The late Ray Phiri would lament the drive into Gauteng from his idyllic home in Mpumalanga, and would feel a heaviness every single time. This is similar to what sometimes sets in when I land at OR Tambo, but I never stay long enough for that feeling to settle in. Jo’burg is a necessity for my job and is mostly a vibe – there is always something new to experience, a place to go, and my friends and extended family are all primarily there. But nothing beats being a 3km run away from the beach.

The commute can be challenging, but it’s certainly worth it.

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MUCH MORE THAN A BUSINESSMAN, YOU’RE A FAMILY MAN FIRST. HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE THESE SOMETIMES CONFLICTING WORLDS?

I am lucky that my wife and I have had similar career trajectories and we worked together for many years, so those worlds have not been in conflict as much as they may be for other people. Doing the work I do of course means there have, regrettably, been missed school engagements, deferred holidays and other disappointments, but I cannot be anything but grateful for the time I have had with my family.

IN TERMS OF BUSINESS TRAVEL, WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS?

Invest in hybrid clothing that can take you from the house, into the plane, into the Uber, and into the boardroom. Moma Apparel at 44 Stanley [Jo’burg] has the perfect, versatile, trans-seasonal selection. The ex-DJ in me still loves headphones, but noise-cancelling buds are a handier, more discreet option for the professional on a long haul.

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

WHAT’S YOUR DEFINITION OF LUXURY?

HOW TO LIVE

WHAT CAN YOU TEACH US ABOUT MAKING THE MOST OF ALL THAT COMMUTE TIME?

I constantly have podcasts lined up and save some writing for the commute, even if it’s journalling. I used to read a lot of magazines in transit, but I now save them for my couch or the beach. Lastly, I make sure I have a notebook handy; some of my best ideas have found me thousands of kilometres in the air.

WHICH TECH IS INTEGRAL TO YOUR LIFE?

My MacBook Pro, by a mile. But lately, I am playing with the new Samsung Galaxy Z Flip3 5G, and it has decimated my hankering for another iPhone.

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO ENTERTAIN CLIENTS WHILE IN JO’BURG?

Laptop, phone, buds, sanitiser, hand cream, eye cream, mints, notebook, a good pen and a jersey.

The hospitality at the Saxon [Hotel, Villas & Spa] is always impeccable, Le Parc by Tashas for a more casual, yet excellent meal and the Troyeville Hotel for some cultured grit (and the best sardines this side of Maputo).

WITH THE WORLD OPENING UP AGAIN, WHAT HAVE YOU MOST ENJOYED IN TERMS OF TRAVEL?

AS SOMEONE WITH AN EYE FOR ‘THE NEXT’ WHAT DO YOU THINK THE FUTURE HOLDS?

WHAT’S IN YOUR CARRY-ON?

I got to go to the US for Design Miami, but what I most enjoyed was a post-Covid-19 New York City, and dancing to amapiano at a Brooklyn block party.

The last two years have shown us the folly of such predictions, but what I hope it will yield is more bravery and thoughtfulness, and less mimicry of the things we think people want to hear.

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P H O T O E S S AY

“ The Mnweni Trail in the Drakensberg is my favourite climb in South Africa. It is a three-day hike with steep elevation, and a lot of the time I had no idea where I was going. What was supposed to be 42km ended up as 60km. And I also forgot a hat and sun cream, and my new shoes were a size too small. But we live and learn. Plus, the views made up for it”

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G IN GE R

S NAPS

Meet Chad Nathan, a part-time adventurer and global wanderer with a passion for storytelling, who just happens to be a red-head

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HH P OO WT T O OE S L ISVAEY

With a finance degree under his belt, Chad Nathan (aka Ginger with a GoPro) changed bets and doubled down on his passion. He bought his first GoPro in 2013 and has since used his camera to immerse himself in different cultures around the world.

Having visited 39 countries to date, it all started at La Tomatina, the tomato-throwing festival in Spain, after Chad spotted a man with a tiny camera strapped to his head.

“Hey man, what’s that thing?” Chad asked, as he was staring into the flashing red light.

“Bro, eez GoPro!” was the reply.

It was this “wow” moment that made Chad change course, documenting his experiences – skiing, longboarding, bungeejumping and partying at festivals – then posting them on YouTube and Instagram.

“Ten years later I’m travelling the world and getting paid to do it!”

Chad’s GoPro has since been replaced with what he calls his “business in a bag” – a 20kg set-up that allows him to work remotely from anywhere in the world. Technology has played a massive role in helping Chad turn his passion into a career. Most notably, social media.

“It’s connected me with people all over the world. None of this would have been possible without the power of social media. The best was starting Raising Hope (a charity he started at the beginning of lockdown in 2020, to use his influence to help alleviate hunger in South Africa), which raised over R748 000 [on BackaBuddy] to help people in need during lockdown. That still blows my mind.”

Still in his 20s, Chad’s on a mission to visit every country in the world and inspire others to step out of their comfort zone, too.

“Meet people. Don’t be scared to start a conversation. Smile at a stranger. Be kind. Help out. All that good karma will come back to you. Trust me,” he says.

Enjoy a selection of photographs Chad has curated for us, and discover the story behind each image.

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WHAT’S IN CHAD’S “BUSINESS IN A BAG”?

Sony a7S III in a small rig cage; DJI Mavic Pro 2 with three batteries, as well as a DJI FPV (first-person view) with both remotes; Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 and Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 lenses; 4 x 5TB LaCie mobile drives; MacBook Pro M1 16” with 1TB of space; a bag with every cable you can think of; wireless RØDE mics; Joby GorillaPod; Manfrotto tripod; Nomatic McKinnon camera backpack.

THE STORY BEHIND THE IMAGE (This page, from left) Singita “I got to work with the world-renowned Singita team [known for world-class wildlife photography], and stayed at the Lebombo and Sweni lodges in March this year. I now know why Singita means ‘place of miracles’.”

Island drone “This was a collaboration between clothing brand Cotton On and Sea Shepherd, a non-profit, marine conservation organisation. Taken at a secret location just an hour outside of Cape Town, getting the shot wasn’t easy and getting to the little island was almost the end of me and my drone. The things we do to get the shot!”

(Opposite page, clockwise from top left) Melozhori stargazing “Melozhori Private Game Reserve is just 190km from Cape Town. This is one of my favourite getaways and includes a hot tub and pizza oven.”

Boy through gate “This photo hits you differently.

I was walking in a village in India

near the Bandhavgarh National Park, when I spotted this boy staring at me through the gate.

I’ve taken many portraits before, but this one was difficult to shoot because I felt his emotion.”

Ganges drone “This is one of my favourite drone shots taken of the Ganges River in Varanasi, India. The Ganga Aarti is perhaps the most important event related to the holy river, and involves the chanting of hymns, fire, flowers and more.

The idea is to show gratitude and respect to the Ganges and ask for its blessings. I spent four days in Varanasi and watched the Ganga Aarti every morning and evening.”

Laughing sadhu “A sadhu is a holy person who has renounced the worldly life.

They’re found all over Varanasi but will often ask for money if you take a photo. I caught this sadhu in a good mood, and made him the wallpaper on my phone because it makes me so happy when I see his smile.”

PHOTO: SUPPLIED

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CITY GUIDE

A

N E W

YORK

Fresh from a ‘research and development’ trip to New York, Dane Maharaj shares his hotlist and how he’s bringing home a bite of the Big Apple for his new restaurant, Mother-In-Law

My business partner Muzi Mabuza and I met at a Skepta concert and quickly became close friends over a shared love of ‘nice’ things.

Not necessarily expensive; but well-made, thoughtful, tasteful things. Food and drink have always been key, and we often joked about starting our own place since many eating establishments focus more on interior design than the actual dining experience.

After meeting with restauranteurs Marc and Marcel Cronje – whose establishments Muzi and I had both frequented for years – we decided to launch an institution that would celebrate the South African Indian food – mutton bunny, chops chutney and fried sardines – I grew up with in Durban.

For any Indian South African, food is a vital part of our culture.

We love to cook, eat and feed. Food is woven into the fabric of not only my personal identity, but the identity of my entire community.

Beyond my community, the food that has evolved in SA since 1860 through the South Asian diaspora has become a part of our national food culture. Achar, bunny chow and samoosas can now be found across our proud nation.

So, with a solid origin story in place, proven operational partners, a bit of start-up capital, and an obsession with ‘nice’ things, we’ll open Mother-In-Law in Craighall Park, Jo’burg in October.

Our elevated speakeasy celebrates the South Indian diaspora in a way that you probably haven’t experienced before but will be familiar with – authentic food in a warm yet simple setting and a focus on ‘nice things’.

So why did we have to go to New York as part of the preparation?

Well, as my second favourite city (Jo’burg will always be my first love) and having worked at a very fancy Manhattan steak-house over a decade ago, living in New York was a formative experience of my life and gave me an insight into the most competitive restaurant market in the world. The standard at which the industry operates in New York is the global standard for the casual but elevated dining experience.

With this is mind, Muzi and I decided to go on a ‘research and development’ trip to New York to learn from the best. What follows is a list of the very finest that we experienced and what we look to bring to our own establishment.

CLANDESTINO A Lower East Side cool-guy institution that’s situated in the heart of fabled ‘Dimes Square’. Sit outside at one of the unbalanced tables set up on the pavement, order a delicious gin martini, and watch some of the best-dressed young people in the world go by.  Takeaway: Simple drinks, served well in the correct setting, is sometimes all you need.

SCARR’S PIZZA Scarr’s serves some of the best pizza in Manhattan in an environment that makes you feel immediately cooler just by being there. The space is tiny, but the energy is massive.

Grab a booth in the back or sit at the bar, order a whole pie and a few cans of Presidente beer and enjoy the simple joy of good music, good pizza and an ice-cold pilsner. Before you leave, grab a DJ Clarke Kent lemonade to help that pizza digest.  Takeaway: Be singular in your approach and don’t over-complicate your vision. Get the basics right and the rest will fall into place.

CAFÉ MOGADOR This Moroccan café has been in the East Village since 1983, which in New York restaurant terms is well over a century.

The tables are worn, mismatched and suit each other perfectly. Nothing is curated and the charm of its patina has been earned through the passage of time and regular patronage. Whatever you order, make sure you get a side of the delicious merguez sausage.  Takeaway: Authenticity is everything, but it must be earned. You don’t need a gimmick to keep people coming back; just genuinely great food and good service. >>

“ The standard at which the industry operates in New York is the global standard for the casual but elevated dining experience” 14

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CITY GUIDE

Clockwise from top left: Eat with your eyes at the perfectly mismatched Café Mogador; while fashion fades style is eternal; Clandestino’s achingly hip shopfront; Scarr’s single-minded simplicity

Think hip Manhattan cocktail bar or speakeasy and this place comes to mind. Hidden away down a cobbled Chinatown alley, and with no signage on the door, inside is a sparsely lit, expansive bar with music playing at just the right volume. Stereotypes aside, the place absolutely delivers on the whole mixology experience – just don’t expect to see any dry ice or theatrics. Go there before or after dinner to experience excellent drinks made skillfully using the finest ingredients. Try any cocktail with mezcal in it.  Takeaway: It’s okay to have a lot of style if you have the substance to back it up.

DR CLARK This place is everything an establishment serving ‘elevated’ food from their own culture or community should strive to be. A Hokkaido-style Japanese restaurant in Manhattan where every aspect of the dining experience has been considered. It’s trying very hard, but you don’t really care because it executes everything so well. I asked our server what they thought I should order, and tasted 12 different dishes; all of them great. It’s hard to get those odds right. Try their shochu sour cocktail if the weather is warm (or even if it isn’t).  Takeaway: Consider every detail of your guests’ experience.

Let your staff experience what you want your patrons to so they can give the best possible guidance to everyone they serve.

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The restaurant industry is a volatile one. Someone once told me that if you want to make a small fortune, start with a large one and open a restaurant. But with anything, your success is often dependent on preparation and effort.

Muzi and I had the privilege of preparing in the best possible way – by physically experiencing our aspirations at every bar and restaurant we visited.

What we learnt is that you don’t need complicated food, massive spaces or elaborate décor to be successful. Stick to the basics, do them well, use the best ingredients and don’t try to be something you’re not.

Simply put, people value a dining experience where the determination and authenticity of the establishment is palpable.

And that’s what Mother-In-Law will be. Our history, effort and dedication served fresh, daily.

VITALITY TRAVEL → TIPS AND TRICKS

• Book a flight to New York via one

of our partner airlines (British Airways or Emirates) with discounts up to 75%!

• Then, connect onward in the US with our newly integrated network of 200 more non-discounted global airlines.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED

APOTHEKE

trafalgar.com

The best of Europe unlocked.

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This Christmas holiday season, let us organise your perfect family getaway. Picture yourself amongst gluhwein, twinkling lights and treasures on Christmas Market trips. Or, on our year-round trips enjoy winter sunshine in Spain or Portugal and explore the unmissable sounds and sights in Italy or France when the seasons change.

All this, and so much more. Your best trip starts with Trafalgar.

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Hotels | Private air-conditioned coach transport | An Expert on-road team Breakfast daily | Tickets and entry to key sightseeing | Handcrafted Trafalgar inclusions.

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We love exploring destinations yearround, supporting businesses outside of peak seasons, and embracing destinations when the seasons change, and the crowds disperse.

Tours from R26,000* per person | Call: 011 280 8482 | Email: trafalgartourssa@ttc.com

FROM BOOKING TO THE BEACH – THE VITALITY TRAVEL

experience

ALL DISCOVERY BANK CLIENTS AND VITALITY MEMBERS CAN BOOK DISCOUNTED TRAVEL WITH VITALITY TRAVEL Ever wondered how Discovery Bank clients and Vitality members get to go everywhere?

The answer is Vitality Travel.

Our advanced and comprehensive travel booking platform now offers an end-to-end experience for your journey – from the moment you start planning it to when you arrive at the airport, to when you take off and then land at an amazing destination – we’ve got you covered with access to all domestic airlines as well as international partners: British Airways, Emirates and Qantas. Plus, we give members up to 25% off Vitality holiday accommodation and car hire, and a fully integrated checkout experience – with the ability to pay with Discovery Miles, our rewards currency, for an even more rewarding journey.

TRAVEL ENABLED BY DISCOVERY BANK – THE FUTURE OF BANKING. NOW.

All Vitality members can access Vitality Travel through a new no-fee Ðiscovery Account or credit card accounts, or a full banking suite, which gives you the best benefits and rewards.

Download the Discovery Bank app to activate your account today. Your next adventure awaits! Because when Vitality members get active, drive well and spend responsibly, you earn more rewards – translating into unprecedented travel experiences. That’s how you go everywhere with Vitality Travel.

BO O K

With the Vitality Travel platform, powered by Discovery Bank, you can now book your entire trip (via your desktop) in a single, convenient checkout, access all your Vitality Travel benefits in one place, and compare pricing across airlines, car hire and accommodation.

FLY

You’ll get discounts of up to 75% on all domestic airlines: Airlink, CemAir, FlySafair, LIFT, SAA, and international airlines including: British Airways, Emirates and Qantas.

T R AV E L 1 0 1

INTRODUCING THE LOUNGE BY DISCOVERY BANK & SAA

Discovery has partnered with SAA to give Discovery Bank clients access to The Lounge, an elevated pre-flight experience.

This means Discovery Bank Purple, Black and Platinum card holders can access SAA’s Jo’burg, Cape Town and Durban airport lounges with a tailored Vitality experience – think curated coffee, healthy dining options and state-of-the-art business facilities. As a special introductory offer, qualifying Discovery Bank clients can enjoy unlimited complimentary visits for the rest of 2022!

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Discovery Bank and Vitality Travel makes travelling effortless and convenient. You can open a Discovery Bank Forex Account in seconds in your Discovery Bank app and start saving for your next international trip in British Pounds, Euros or or US Dollars.

You can transfer between your accounts in real time, with no transfer costs. Discovery Bank cards are already preauthorised for international use, so you don't even have to call us and let us know you’re travelling abroad!

Rewards are based on your engagement in Vitality programmes, Discovery products, and monthly qualifying card spend. Discovery Bank Limited. Registration number 2015/408745/06.

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LO C A L T R AV E L

T RUE

COLO URS

Shaazia Ebrahim speaks to South Africa’s leading influencers and discovers that Bo-Kaap is a living story of an eclectic community in the heart of Cape Town

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t the foot of Signal Hill, a stone’s throw from the CBD, is one of the most Instagram-worthy Cape Town spots: Bo-Kaap.

A trip to the Mother City is incomplete without a stop at the Smarties-coloured huurhuisjes (rental houses) that the Dutch colonists leased to the Cape Malay slaves as early as the 1760s.

Built in Cape Dutch and Georgian architectural styles, the houses had to be white while on lease. When this rule was finally binned and the community was allowed to buy the properties, they painted the houses in bright colours in celebration of their freedom.

Most importantly, Bo-Kaap is home to the Cape Malay community, whose fusion culture is made up from the lived experiences of slaves brought from Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Asia and Africa to work in the Cape. Many families who live in Bo-Kaap have lived there for generations, and the community is a fundamental part of the Cape’s cultural heritage. We spoke to content creators about their top tips to help you get the most out of your visit.

African travel blogger Farirai Sanyika (known as Gophari) counts Bo-Kaap among her fave cultural hotspots in SA. “Colours bring joy; Bo-Kaap is a happy place. It’s a showcase of the Cape Malay community’s heritage. I love that visitors are welcomed warmly and that it is free to go there. There’s no place like Bo-Kaap in South Africa. Beyond it being incredibly ‘Instagrammable’, it is a destination of historical significance for its community,” Farirai says.

“There’s so much to learn about this oldest surviving residential neighbourhood in Cape Town,” says travel content creator Tebogo Pin-Pin. “Learning about the area you plan to visit and its

“ B O - K A A P I S A H A P P Y P L A C E . I T ’ S A C O L O U R F U L S H O W C A S E O F T H E C A P E M A L AY C O M M U N I T Y ’ S C U LT U R A L H E R I T A G E ” 22

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aha Hotels and Lodges is now an official network partner on the Vitality Travel booking platform

Shepherd’s Tree Game Lodge – Pilanesberg National Park

Gateway Hotel - Umhlanga

Alpine Heath Resort – Drakensberg

Now just by being a Discovery Bank client and Vitality member, you are entitled to up to 25% discount at any of the aha Hotels and Lodges properties around the country. Yes that’s right. Access to 18 of South Africa’s most loved hotels and lodges at a whopping 25% discount any day of the year.

Makalali River Lodge – Greater Kruger National Park

a for any bookings made at Makalali River Lodge before the end of August. Log into your online banking portal to access Vitality Travel and explore

CONTACT US cro@aha.co.za | 010 442 5888 | www.aha.co.za

LO C A L T R AV E L

FOLLOW THE CONTENT CREATORS WHOSE INSIGHTS YOU HAVE READ IN THIS ARTICLE Farirai Sanyika (Gophari)  @Gophari  gophari.com Yaaseen Barnes  @ya_a_seen_him  yaaseenbarnes.co.za Razeena Palekar  @razeenapalekar  ladolcerosa.com

community gives you a better understanding of the environment and how it should be treated.”

Comedian Yaaseen Barnes has family in Bo-Kaap, and says the community is close to his heart. He encourages visitors to look beyond the postcards. “Bo-Kaap has such a warm community.

You speak to someone, greet them and they will welcome you into their home. They will tell you stories for days about every generation that has lived there and everything they went through to still be there. It’s a tourist destination that brings you to the people of Cape Town,” he says. “When speaking to the locals, we call older men ‘Uncle’ and older women ‘Aunty’ as a sign of respect.”

Bo-Kaap is part of the lineage of Islam in SA, with the first established mosque in South Africa: the Auwal Masjid, built in 1794.

Here, you can learn about the story of Tuan Guru, its first Imam (priest). There are many mosques in the Bo-Kaap, and all of them are well-loved with their own place in history. Hearing the athaan (call to prayer) in Bo-Kaap is a special part of the experience.

“It makes you feel part of the community. You hear it and think, I’m close to home and I’m close to people, I’m not just an outsider,” Yaaseen says.

He encourages visitors to eat in Bo-Kaap because food is part of the culture. There’s Bo-Kaap Kombuis, offering traditional Malay food, which has survived over generations. There’s also Biesmiellah, a fast-food venue, which serves the street food of the community and Cape Town. Against The Grain, Barnes’ friend’s café offering coffee and Cape Malay fusion cuisine, puts a fresh twist on local food.

Food and lifestyle blogger Razeena Palekar also encourages visitors to sink their teeth into the most delicious koeksisters (spiced Cape Malay doughnuts drenched in sticky syrup and rolled in coconut) in

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the city. She swears by the koeksisters served at Rose Café.

The best time to visit and shoot content? The off-peak hours.

“Given the location of Bo-Kaap near the inner city, it’s best to avoid visiting during peak times,” Razeena advises. Tebogo adds to avoid the main street (Wale) because it’s so busy. “Park there, but take a walk to inner small streets to get the best pictures. They are always quieter,” he says.

Razeena’s top outfit tips for Instagram-worthy content?

First, choose comfy shoes because the incline isn’t for the faint-hearted. “Try to stick to neutrals and simple colours when planning your look so you stand out better against your generously bright backdrop!” Razeena says.

Bear in mind, though, the houses around Bo-Kaap are homes.

“If you see people sitting outside, greet them and ask if it’s okay to take pictures,” Tebogo encourages.

Echoing Tebogo, Farirai says, “Though visiting Bo-Kaap comes at no cost, consider giving to the community by taking a paid guided tour or a Bo-Kaap experience like a Cape Malay cooking class. You can find local-run activities through Airbnb Experiences,” she says.

Follow Yaaseen’s advice and connect to the space. “The photos you take will look and feel different because you are different.

When you know about Bo-Kaap and you have a relationship with it, you’ll take pictures that are unique,” he says.

VITALITY TRAVEL → TIPS AND TRICKS Our expanded partner network covers over 40 local and regional destinations from coast-to-coast.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES AND SUPPLIED

Tebogo Pin-Pin  @tebogo_pinpin  westerncapeexperiences.com

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T H E ART OF L E I SU RE With great pleasure, Julia Freemantle discovers breezy island textures, tropical modernism, effortless cool and comfort in a tropical idyll

T

he tropical island archetype holds allure for many reasons.

Representing the ultimate escape, it’s synonymous with warm seas, white sand, swaying palms – an unplugged timeout, the epitome of peace and relaxation. Something I was sorely in need of after two years of cancellations and cabin fever. With a plan in the pipeline sometime in 2021 for an island holiday, Omicron shelved these as I waited out further travel bans. When the opportunity finally rolled around to leave the continent after more than two years, I booked my tickets without a backward glance. Not all islands are created equal though, and if I was going to board a flight to anywhere after such an extended hiatus, I had to choose the most quintessentially ‘holiday’ location on the planet. The Maldives lived up to my expectations and then some, as well as the idyllic Instagram version of itself. The fact that there are places here aligned with my design sensibilities, well, it just made the trip that much sweeter…

ISLAND GUIDE Opposite: Ritz-Carlton Maldives villa luxury.

This page, clockwise from top left: Privacy on the net; scenic spa strolls; a gull’s-eye view second to none; pedal power in paradise.

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Created to offer a ‘nextgeneration’ guest experience, the Fari Islands in the Maldives’ North Malé Atoll is a new Indian Ocean destination driven by a collaborative spirit and creativity. The collective Fari Islands concept foregrounds nature, sustainability and science, while elevating the quintessential Maldivian tropical experience for a discerning, socially conscious and culinary minded guest.

With the Patina Maldives resort and Ritz-Carlton Maldives having opened in mid 2021, and a Capella resort soon to follow, this hub of designforward, cutting-edge escapes will soon form a tropical trifecta only a 50-minute boat ride from Malé. Connected by the communal Fari Marina Village, which serves all three, guests can ferry between the islands, and are welcome to dine at neighbouring resorts (which will offer 30 restaurants between them).

RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES Deviating from the thatched signature of so many Maldivian resorts, the concept created for Ritz-Carlton Maldives by celebrated late Australian architect Kerry Hill, is one centred on the circle, and all that it represents – life, the connection between all things.

This curved motif can be found throughout the resort, from the spherical villas clad in sustainably sourced timber to the teardrop infinity pools and tiered, sunken yoga lawn.

Contemporary and sophisticated but calming, villas are available in overwater or beach, and sunset or sunrise iterations – each with their own appeal. The service experience is just as seamless as the design. Assigned an Aris Meeha (butler), guests are pampered during their sojourn.

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Partly powered by solar and with the different elements running along the islands – connected by bridges – the resort comprises villas and spa at one end, a hub of impressively appointed and positioned restaurants in the centre, and finally the dive base, kids’ and beach club on the other.

It’s not just the design that serves to constantly celebrate the environment in which you find yourself. Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment (eponymously named after the son of the famous Jacques and exclusive to the Ritz-Carlton stable), developed and steered by Cousteau, Dr Richard Murphy and the team at Ocean Futures Society, was founded with the purpose of inspiring young people to take stewardship and responsibility of the future of the planet.

Designed for guests of all ages, the above-and-below water programme spans the ocean and coral reefs, nature ecology, sustainable living and traditional Maldivian culture. Led by Cousteautrained naturalists, you’ll have your pick of activities from the Ocean Drone X activity to witnessing nocturnal sea life on a night snorkel.

PATINA MALDIVES Underpinned by the concept of ‘perpetuality’, the resort is a beautifully balanced haven that straddles sanctuary and stimulation. Designed to blend in rather than stand out (despite its status as a member of Design Hotels), its breezy, low-key take on luxury is courtesy of award-winning Studio MK27’s goal to honour the environment.

The resulting nod to biophilic design foregrounds natural materials and draws on the studio’s affinity for Brazilian Modernism. Achingly cool architecture and interiors are only two aspects, however, of this resort concept that offers

V I TA L I T Y T R AV E L L E R / W I N T E R 2 0 2 2

Above: Fari Islands idyll.

Opposite: Patina art pieces dot the island; the kids’ club delights.

a truly holistic and new-age answer to luxury travel.

Art and craft filter into every element of your stay, from the custom crockery

by Bali’s Kevala Studio to the decorative objects in the common and private spaces, and the art installations that dot the island.

The curation, by Talenia Phua Gajardo (The Artling), is immersive, integrative and designed to engage all the senses – each piece a moment along the journey – and spans a permanent light installation (Amarta by James Turrell), serene landscapepunctuating sculpture by FAHR 021.3, and photographic prints by Brazilian Cássio Vasconcellos.

Similarly, the culinary offering takes guests on

a journey. With 12 dining concepts, ranging from solely plant-based restaurant Roots, to Michelin star chef-run Fari Beach Club. This cognisance of connection and big-picture thinking present throughout the resort is also apparent in the well-being concept, which simultaneously heroes high-tech and ancient philosophies through its comprehensive spa, exercise and health programme.

Children aren’t forgotten either – and families won’t be disappointed. An ingeniously and intuitively designed kids’ wonderland, offering cooking classes, educational spaces, outdoor play areas and even a science ‘lab’ kitted out with 3-D printer and laser cutter, ensures the younger travellers are engaged and entertained.

PHOTOS: PATINA MALDIVES – GEORG ROSKE; RITZ-CARLTON MALDIVES – SUPPLIED

PARADISE 2.0 THE FARI ISLANDS, MALDIVES

ISLAND GUIDE

“ There aren’t many places that live up to the brochure version of themselves. But visiting the Maldives, which has always been near the top of my ultimate tropical island getaway list, lived up to expectation – like walking, if not through the looking glass, into a real-life almost-tooperfect postcard”

THE NEW WAVE Three island alternatives to the Maldives that offer extreme escapism.  Sumba, Indonesia With far fewer tourists than nearby Bali, Sumba is a tropical surfer’s paradise famous for its beachroaming horses, unspoiled natural beauty and barefoot authenticity. While more hoteliers have spotted its potential recently, to date its hospitality offerings are being developed consciously with consideration for the culture and landscapes of this delicate island ecosystem.  Islas Secas, Panama Made up of 14 private islands – 13 of which are untouched – in the Gulf of Chiriquí, off the Pacific coast of Panama, Islas Secas is about as secluded as it gets, and offers whale watching, surfing and scuba diving and a level of intimate, exclusive travel you’ll be hard pressed to find elsewhere.  Nosy Be, Madagascar Located only 8km off the north-west coast of Madagascar, Nosy Be has the white-sand, turquoisewater beauty of the Maldives (think snorkelling, swimming, sailing and scuba diving) with the added appeal of the unique Madagascan wildlife, such as lemurs and chameleons.

Fly to your favourite island with one of our partner airlines (British Airways or Emirates) with discounts of up to 75%. Then, book your accommodation with Discovery Miles on Booking.com

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Follow us on:

"Long Beach is unlike any other hotel on the island."

Harness the energy of the island With its bold island chic and vibrant offer, Long Beach calls out to highspirited guests with a passion for the now and seeking an element of adventure or relaxation. This unique resort faces an extensive seafront along the famous Belle Mare beach, in the delightful coastal village of Belle Mare, and offers a wealth of facilities and activities strewn across the property, allowing guests to ignite their sense of exploration.

Whether you wish to get your body moving or want to relax and surrender to serenity, we have the perfect wellbeing activities for you. Start the day off right with an incredible session of yoga, get your heart pumping with a stimulating session of Tae Bo or find your balance with Qi Gong. Set in some of the most breathtaking areas of our resort, which act as phenomenal backdrops, these wellbeing activities centre on finding balance, practising gratitude and carving out some valuable time for yourself. Embrace the tranquillity of these practices and enjoy the renewed energy they bring.

Active guests eager to stick to their fitness regime can do so in a myriad of ways with our range of fitness activities. We offer exciting group classes; from bum and tum and triceps and trapezius classes to leg and abdominal workouts, we have it all. Take an early morning jog to get the heart pumping, engage in an enjoyable game of archery or tag archery, get a full-body workout the fun way with Zumba or aqua aerobics. You can also try out your wall climbing skills or play a game of tennis or badminton (either on the courts or on the beach). Keeping fit and active at our hotel is not only easy, it’s gratifying.

Revive body and mind The Sugar Beach experience is designed for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Excellent hospitality and attention to detail fuse with some of the best dining offerings on the island to create an unparalleled experience steeped in luxury.

"We want you to be swept away on an exceptional adventure."

When you are not savouring our gastronomic delights, luxuriating in the comfort of our rooms or appreciating the extraordinary surrounds, you have a world of possibilities on your doorstep. Spend the day blissfully lounging at our pool or on our flawless beach, unwind at our sensational spa, join one of our fitness classes, explore our water sports or enjoy a magnificent round of golf. The way you spend your time in paradise is entirely up to you.

Start the day off right with invigorating sunrise activities such as yoga, Bodyblade or Zumba, followed by a healthy detox drink to boost your system and continue the celebration of dawn with an excellent breakfast on the beach. Come dusk, watch the dramatic descent of the sun into the ocean at sunset possibly from the water itself on a stand up paddle board, or while sampling novel cocktails and delicious Mauritian street food to the vibrant sounds of Sega. Don’t let the festivities stop there, especially with the option of an incredible lobster dinner or a romantic night of movies under the stars.

Discovery Clients can earn up to 15% CashBack!

MAURITIUS

MALDIVES

Contact World Leisure Holidays on (011) 285 2500 or enquiries@wlh.co.za ZANZIBAR

SEYCHELLES

A F R I C A N T R AV E L

LUCK IS ALIVE Luck Is Alive is a short film that tells the story of Damme Samb, a young surfer from Dakar, Senegal, who believes that everything is sentient.

This is a case study in animism, the basic premise being that plants, animals and even entities such as the ocean have a spirit or a soul, often in the sense of having ‘personhood’.

Peet Pienaar’s Luck Is Alive demonstrates this animistic sensibility through Damme’s way of relating to the world. By believing in luck, and that it’s ‘alive’, the film depicts how good fortune leads the protagonist to the ocean where he finds his ultimate freedom.

“It’s all about the intention,” Peet explains from his studio in Geneva. “Where if you are open to luck, you will be lucky. In travel, that means to be exposed to things I never imagined experiencing;

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to be surprised by the unexpected.”

Peet’s outlook opens him up to new experiences. He’s confident that things will ultimately work out, which allows him to take more risks. And it’s this risk-taking that has resulted in the former rugby player from Potchefstroom living and working in Argentina, Colombia, Mexico and now Switzerland – without ever losing his African sensibility. In fact, it’s only grown stronger.

“South Africa is the reference, my core and the place I compare everything to. It’s where my work comes from. Being away from home has helped me to understand my country and myself much better. Learning a new language for instance, makes you realise how other people think differently in their language. And it also helps you realise the limitations and greatness of your own.”

PHOTOS: SUPPLIED

Internationally celebrated South African creative Peet Pienaar shares how luck plays a role in travel, and how believing in it brings good fortune

“ I F Y O U A R E O P E N T O L U C K , Y O U W I L L B E L U C K Y.

I N T R A V E L , T H AT M E A N S T O B E E X P O S E D T O T H I N G S

I NEVER IMAGINED EXPERIENCING; TO BE SURPRISED

BY THE UNEXPECTED”

FEELING LUCKY?

Scan the QR code or visit www.youtube.com/ watch?v=2ZDEbAcPD6o

When it comes to travelling in Africa, then, should one factor in needing a bit of luck?

“People who take risks have more chance of success. So you need luck when you travel, period. Whether that’s in America or Africa. Although I do think that taking risks and experiencing the unexpected is easier to do in Africa.”

Case in point, when Peet was scouting for a pop-up location in the States for his African surf clothing brand Mami Wata, it led him to 1 508 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice, Los Angeles.

The universe had connected the dots so that when his American partner Selema Masekela met with the landlady, she asked him if he was in any way related to Hugh Masekela. “Yes, I’m his son,” Selema replied, and the landlady then told him how in the late

60s the space had been a community hall used by a theatre group which the late Hugh Masekela fraternised with.

As luck would have it, the short film was the result of a profile published in Peet’s coffee-table book AFROSURF (the world’s first documentation of African surf culture). After one of the surfers had spoken about animism, Peet researched the concept more, making a link to how he sees the world. Luck Is Alive was born from that thought.

Filmed in Senegal’s Dakar, on the West African coast, luck played a role in finding the film’s main talent, Damme, whose life inspired the direction of the story. But it was how the scenes in Luck Is Alive manifested that was most fortuitous.

“Everything was lucky; the horses under the bridge, the wrestlers on the beach, the BMX guys … they were all there. We just filmed them and then placed it all together to tell Damme’s story,” says Peet.

VITALITY TRAVEL → TIPS AND TRICKS Fly, fly and fly again. Discovery Bank clients and Vitality members get up to 75% off six one-way local flights and two international flight bookings.

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H O W TO T R AV E L SOME TIPS ON HOW TO NAVIGATE TRAVEL IN A POST-COVID WORLD

L E SS O N S

FRO M

JO U RNEY ING

Lying on a train platform in Brussels, one arm reaching under the carriage she’s just stepped off, Shanthini Naidoo is trying to grab her iPhone, which has fallen onto the tracks below I’d rested the device on my overstuffed luggage (I blame Bicester Village, the outlet mall I’d visited in London before arriving in Belgium – rookie shopping error) and it’s duly tipped over, catapulting my iPhone onto the tracks below.

If the train begins to move while I’m beneath it, there are, at least, details on my luggage tag to inform my family of my last moments.

Meanwhile, I’m aware that a friendly (handsome) stranger is watching this spectacle, biting his nails and mumbling muted apologies from inside the carriage. He has accidentally pulled the emergency lock lever and is trapped on the other side of the doors. He’s also one of the reasons I’m lying prostrate on the platform.

The story begins with me and my overstuffed bags leaving my travelling companion – my younger brother – behind at the last station by mistake. Lugging the bags up steep stairs onto the train has taken longer than expected (an undignified travel experience for a European hub, actually). The doors shut behind me and the train starts moving before my gracious travel buddy can board with me.

We’re travelling to Antwerp, about 100km away. With his phone battery at 3%, my brother texts: “You’ve got my charger and the tickets!

Send me a pic of the barcode; I’ll grab the next train and meet you there.”

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And so, I do … but close to tears, panicked and despondent about travelling alone, I listen as the handsome stranger suggests I get off at the next stop just 10 minutes away, and board the following train. I’d then be on the same train as my brother, who I’m not entirely sure wants to see me just yet. But then – the phone drama.

So here I find myself belly down on cold concrete, blindly feeling around in the black gravel (it’s out of eye-shot from this angle). My fingers make contact, and the train starts to move just as I shimmy myself upright. Metal makes momentary contact with my knuckle, but nothing more. I’m in a sweat but wave my thanks-for-nothing to the stranger, who sighs in relief.

I board the next train and of course, don’t find my brother on it – multiple carriages, multiple trains. I close my eyes and feel like a silly sod, not a seasoned traveller who’s decided to brave a receding pandemic to trek around Europe.

Arriving at Centraal Station, and expecting to be disowned, I meet my brother, who asks: “How did you end up being on the train behind me?”

I have no words.

We head to the nearest restaurant for garlicky, tomatoey, steaming pots of moulesfrites (mussels with fries) and cold Belgian weissbier, hairy moments forgotten – for now.

is geared up to get business and leisure travel moving again, and amped to help people travel.  First, get vaxxed so you can relax. Next, load your vaccination card or QR code onto your smartphone.

Get the visas (early), pack surgical masks and sanitisers, rehydrating lotions to combat said sanitisers, rapid-test kits and all the vitamins.  When you get there, people will be dancing in the streets. Europeans, particularly, seem so happy to be free of lockdowns that there are random bursts of dancing and song in town squares. In Brussels and Antwerp, bikers kitted with music systems and loudhailers trawl the city, their only aim to spread joy and Stromae (a popular Belgian music artist).  We’ve become data analysts of sorts, which also makes us more travel savvy than ever.

New regulations guide us; we know that airplanes are safe (filtration systems), the Tube not so much (wear a mask), and open-air restaurants are great (just don’t touch the common areas).  If the pandemic taught us anything, it’s to live in the moment. This is no time to put away your bucket list.  Oh, the shopping! Bargains and indulgences abound, even in pound sterling. Pack light and shop cleverly so your bag doesn’t fall over and cause mayhem.  Listen to your travel buddy if you take one (and ignore handsome strangers).  Buy flexi-tickets. I booked my flights for 2022 in 2021 to maximise my international Vitality flight discounts so I can still travel internationally this year, if someone actually wants to tag along with me.

Discovery Vitality (Pty) Ltd. Registration number: 1999/007736/07. Terms, conditions, and limits apply

WORDS: SHANTHINI NAIDOO ILLUSTRATION: GETTY IMAGES

 Just about everyone involved

ALLURE

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