WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO START YOUR DAY?

I wake up at 4am, and then between 5am and 7am I sit at my computer because no one is around to interrupt me. It’s my way of making sure this little connector is not going to be distracted by another potential human connection! Then at 8am I go for a long walk – for at least an hour. Walking is important as it helps me think. When putting one foot in front of the other with a direct destination in mind, I find things suddenly start unpacking or solving themselves. If I don’t walk in the morning, I won’t sleep well that night.

RECENT MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE?

Last year in Mexico, I met a woman who mentioned that she goes to an urban farm some mornings. She then invited me along to this beautiful farm where a group of us picked vegetables, found newly hatched eggs and made omelettes. It was incredible.

WHAT MAKES AN ESTABLISHMENT WORTH

A REPEAT VISIT? Great service. I’m at a place in my life where I’m no longer dazzled by places that are the coolest or the hippest. For me, what is most luxurious is the experience of walking into a place and being treated like gold regardless of what I’m wearing, what mood I’m in or who I’m with. I love places where I’m always treated well.

SPECIAL DISH YOU LOVE TO COOK? I love some sort of stewed meat, like oxtail, with a delicious gravy. I serve it with rice and green leafy vegetables that have been sautéed lightly with onion, chilli and garlic.

WHETHER TRAVELLING FOR WORK AS THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS DIRECTOR AT BRANSON CENTRE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SOUTH AFRICA OR ENJOYING LIFE IN CAPE TOWN, NWABISA

MAYEMA SAVOURS MAKING CONNECTIONS WITH THOSE AROUND HER

WORDS NORMA YOUNG

DRINK OF CHOICE? A recent discovery I enjoy is a red wine called Die Boskind. I’ll always turn to a Babylonstoren Babel. FICTION OR NON-FICTION BOOKS? I am very much into reading contemporary African fiction because I need that escape. I need that imagination, and it can be anything from hilarious to heart-breaking.

YOUR IDEA OF A FUN EVENING? It really does come down to the company. If I’m with people who are just happy to be around each other and go with the flow, it’s an evening that starts off with an after-work drink and then becomes two suppers with a venue change. And we’ve had deep conversations and made one or two silly decisions. You go home feeling like it was the best night of your life!

TRAVEL WISHLIST? I’m hoping to get to Rwanda towards the end of this year, and then I would love to explore the coast of Kenya, and Morocco as well. And then because I work for Virgin, space! The idea of being able to sit outside of the atmosphere and look at this pale blue dot of planet Earth would be an incredibly profound experience. I think it would open up understanding of both the smallness of who we are and the interconnectedness of everything. I think it might even highlight the urgency to build inclusive economies that enable thriving people and can sustain a healthy planet.

Spot in the house: My banana yellow couch in the lounge. It’s my happy place. Podcast: When I’m in the mood for something light but thought-provoking, Scam Goddess or Maintenance Phase. Bar: The Winchester in Cape Town. They’ve got a fantastic courtyard where you can order a bowl of chips and a glass of wine and have a great time. Homeware brand: Mungo Design for bed linen. I love their natural materials, good craftsmanship, sustainable practices and that they treat their staff well. Hotel: Locally, I love The Dorp Hotel in Cape Town. It’s in the city but is hidden away. ■ FIVE FAVES: yourluxury.africa