SAUDI ARABIA

Habitas Alula

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is on an aggressive tourism drive as it seeks to wean its economy from oil and follow in the footsteps of Dubai – and with a direct flight to Johannesburg in the pipeline, there’s never been a better time to visit the Kingdom.

Amid the ambitious development plans, Saudi Arabia is focusing firmly on its cultural heritage to draw in curious travellers, with destinations like AlUla in the northwest evoking the rich history of the region. Once the ancient kingdoms of Dadan and Lihyan, AlUla was a crossroads on the incense routes across Arabia and Egypt. The Nabataean kingdom was centred on the city of Hegra; Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site that is as famous for its labyrinthine streets as its ancient tombs and rich oases. And it’s into this cultural and natural wonderland that Habitas AlUla recently ventured, opening its latest ‘Habitas home’ in a striking amphitheatre of stone.

Habitas has quickly become a leader in sustainable wellnessfocused resorts worldwide, and Habitas AlUla is no different. Here each stay is founded on a deeply experiential stay, encouraging guests to explore both the natural setting as well as their own wellness goals. Days can be filled with canyon trekking – a desert alternative to Japanese ‘forest bathing’ – or in meditation sessions surrounded by the fortress-like canyon walls. At the Thuraya Wellness centre, outdoor massage treatments take place in secluded alcoves of stone while days often begin with yoga and breathwork sessions. Outdoor cinema screenings and opendiscussion lectures take a deep dive into local history and culture.

Your home for this immersive journey of discovery will be one of the 96 guest villas, which range from premium Celestial Villas, Alcove Villas and Canyon Villas. Each is decorated in a palette of desert tones and textures, with private outdoor lounge decks, king-sized beds and indoor/outdoor showers.

Beyond your villa, you’ll find ample opportunity to mingle with fellow guests at the Ashar Deck Lounge or around the sweeping infinity pool. But perhaps the best bonding is over food, and at Tama – the word for “here and now” in Aramaic – the focus is on being present in the moment. The Tama menu is also a celebration of the unique location, tapping into the spice heritage of the incense route to create a marriage of Middle Eastern and international cuisine. True to the Habitas philosophy, it’s a discovery on many levels. This is a destination that shouldn’t be rushed, so allow time and space to journey properly.

Flying time from Johannesburg: 19h15m. ourhabitas.com/alula

Greece Cosme Paros

It’s summertime in Europe and, trust me on this, there’s nowhere you’d rather be than the Cyclades. Far from the madding crowds of the Spanish or French coastlines, these islands of the Aegean are nothing short of paradise, a riot of fine living and pastel blues. Whether it’s the painted roofs above shimmering white walls or the seas the colour of a postcard cliché, the islands of the Cyclades group overdeliver on every front.

And while there’s certainly no shortage of quaint villages and small coastal hotels, Cosme Paros offers the perfect balance between resort-style service and comfort, and the low-key charm of a boutique hotel.

You could fly in from Athens, but there’s also the high-speed ferry (less than three hours from Piraeus) that arrives at the island port. From there a taxi will whisk you to the charming little village of Naousa, filled with cosmopolitan boutiques and charming seafront bars, for your check-in at Cosme Paros.

First, you’ll notice the sea: it’s just metres from the hotel with private sun loungers strung out along the shoreline. From there, let your eyes rest on the half-moon rim-flow pool just above the high-tide mark. Feel that smile spread across your face at the prospect of lazy days to come.

Cosme Paros has just 40 rooms, making it ideal for a low-key resort stay. The rooms take their cue from the Aegean beyond, all decorated in a palette of neutral tones that thankfully never resort to that Greek island cliché. Most suites offer private terraces, but the Astro Suites are a true delight with a private plunge pool, daybed and private dining area set just back from the beach.

Speaking of dining. The restaurants of Naousa are just a short stroll from Cosme Paros and are definitely worth exploring, but what if you can’t be bothered to get dressed up? At Cosme, the Parostia Restaurant is curated by celebrated Greek chef Yiannis Kioroglou, and he delivers a menu that speaks to the culinary traditions of both the island tavernas and authentic Grecian kitchens. Breakfast is served at the second restaurant, Volta, until a very respectable 11:30am. Lie-in, anyone?

Once you’ve eased into your holiday, it might be time to consider exploring a little further afield. There’s the busy port town of Parikia to wander around or the hilltop settlement of Lefkes. Unsurprisingly, the island has numerous great beaches, so hire a car and head out in search of a secluded stretch of sand to call your own.

Flying time from Johannesburg: 15h. cosmehotelparos.com ■

“MY EARLIEST FASHION MEMORY is going through my mom’s collection of saris,” says Sumendra Chetty, buyer for Cape Town’s popular Merchants on Long store. “I remember just staring at all the beautiful silks and embroidery, and even at that young age appreciating all the craftsmanship that went into making a garment,” she continues.

It’s apt then, that Sumendra has made a career and fostered a passion around beautiful clothes – more specifically those made in South Africa and on the wider African continent. Born in East London, which she fondly refers to as “a really small city with lots of heart”, she studied social sciences at Rhodes University. This academic grounding, as well as her own South African Indian upbringing, gave her a real understanding of the importance of culture.

Her first job was as a sales intern for legendary design duo Marion & Lindie. Here, she bought her first locally produced purchase – a sleek black dress. “It’s still in my closet on rotation,” she says, “I loved the story behind it and how people in South Africa were being employed to make these garments, which meant so much to the economy.”

But it’s working at Merchants on Long, a concept store that celebrates the best of what the continent has to offer, that has really impacted Sumendra’s ethos of what she says is “preserving wonderful and unique techniques, crafts and cultures and growing our creative communities.” And while she had always had an interest in these notions, being surrounded by so many ethically produced local brands has been inspiring and educational.

“I am fond of every brand that is stocked at Merchants on Long, so much so that