This travel company with tailor-made tours in Africa brings the mighty continent to your home with its ‘Bringing Africa Home’ program. As the wild calls, take your fill of the safari with andBeyond’s WildWatch. Made in collaboration with wildlife broadcasting experts atWildEarth, viewers get free access to live streaming three-hour-long drives within the private game reserves of Ngala and Djuma -an unscripted and unpredictable real-time programme. With three to four live feeds from the control room, the camera pans into a seamless live game drive, giving the viewers the best vistas. These live safaris are available for viewing twice a day on YouTube; first, the sunrise-dependent trip from 6 am to 9 am Central Africa Time (CAT), and the sunset-dependent trip from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm CAT. www.andbeyond.com

During WildWatch streams, viewers can send questions and interact with the guides via Twitter using the hashtag #wildearth, and on YouTube by accessing the chatbox. Kids have their own WildChild channels, where safari trips are scheduled in the first 45 minutes of the afternoon tour.

Apart from these visual trips, andBeyond’s curated series also features the region’s multi-sensory experiences. For example, African comfort food becomes the star of Taste Africa, where downloadable recipes bring African Antipasto and Masai Mara dips to one’s table. The sound of Africa sings through a glorious playlist of grassroots artists, from Paul Simon’s Graceland to Disney’s well-loved Lion King. Readers can immerse themselves through a curated library of recommended reads that feature an African setting, from the ‘Cry of the Kalahari’ to Trevor Noah’s ‘Born a Crime’. Virtual experiences like these keep the continent at the top of one’s bucket list, reminding one of the many reasons why Africa remains to be one of the most intense realms in the world.

When travelling across the globe restarts, yearning to discover the Earth’s untouched marvels is essential. There will always be that curiosity, the desire to experience what’s happening on the other side of the world. In the middle of the pandemic, our restriction versus the freedom in the wild become striking contrasts. Surprisingly, it is nature’s profound saying that prevails – ‘life goes on’ whether one is indoors, or outdoors.

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© This article was first published online in Apr 2020 – World Travel Magazine.

Theatrical and classy, nostalgia reigns in the grand ballroom as the well-heeled swing to the jazz of the 50s. There is an overflow of wine and sumptuous food in this wedding party; crystals fervently shining under the amber lights. An elegant charm lingers around the intricate ornaments, from the grand brocade of roses to the Art Deco aesthetic, ringing in the vibrant vintage era that creates a perfect backdrop for a dream wedding.

Brushed with illusions of clouds, the rooftop hall of St. Regis New York is heavenly baroque, with vaulted ceilings that set the vintage tone for the grand event. A spread of gold French Moselle chairs completes the banquet, chandeliers glimmer against the soft timbre of lights. The ceremony is solemn, but the soiree is ecstatic. This iconic location overlooks Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and accommodates 220 guests (www.marriott.com). Grand brocades of flowers dress the ballroom of Claridge’s in London where the royals and rebels found their way, from Queen Victoria to the rock band U2. Lights illuminate the carpet as the entourage makes their exit, beckoned by the sound of tango coming from the reception. A glorious dance, a festive meal, and then, a royal repose. This Mayfair gem is almost two centuries old, but there are no grey hairs under its crown, only old-fashioned luxury the Brits are known for. The Ballroom can accommodate up to 400 guests. www.claridges.co.uk

The almost-effortless French charisma shines in Salon Vendôme in Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris a short walk from the Champs-Élysées. French interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon, who masterfully designed the interiors of Savoy Hotel and Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, graced the atmosphere with gold-leaf details and vivid paintings of Parisian gardens. The draped windows offer the best view of the Eiffel at the backdrop. With a pre-function area that receives guests, the ballroom generously accommodates a crowd of 350 people. www.fourseasons.com

Bridal Bollywood

Hands decorated with henna, fingers laden with jewels, elegant dresses gorgeously crafted with fine threads and sequins draped from head to toe, this must be a Bollywood dream. The wedding banquet is surrounded by colourful drapes, with the familiar faces of friends and families, all dressed in the gorgeous saris and looking up with love and warmth – welcome to the big fat Indian wedding.

The manicured courtyard of The Oberoi Udaivilas in Udaipur becomes the sweeping stage to the swankiest of Bollywood’s weddings. 200 guests are generously accommodated in front of the blush-coloured palace. Reception is served by Suryamahal. The crowd is invited to Lake Pichola, where photographic numbers are taken at sunset, and the royal couple can escape into a short boating trip before heading straight into the resort’s royal suite. www.oberoihotels.com

Rajasthani musicians take their cue as the mighty doors of Umaid Bhawan Palace swing open. Still home to the royal family, the majestic yellow sandstone fortress is a symphony of both exclusivity and extravagance. The ceremony is held under the amber-lit pavilion showcasing hints of European inspirations. Food is served in the swanky Risala.

The Sunken Lawn of Rambagh Palace, a sprawling stretch of lush botany and fountains, becomes a breath-taking venue to an outdoor wedding. Peacocks prance around and add colour to the crowd of 200. During the reception, Suvarna Mahal unleashes the many gastronomic palettes of royal India while traditional music engulfs the hotel’s historic walls. www.tajhotels.com

Alpine Affair

The soft sensation of snow has graceful magic, from the vision of the powdered landscapes to the opportunities of striking wedding photographs for the album. In this alpine paradise, quaint towns are set whimsically aglow by amber lamps and with the marvellous mountains as a backdrop, one cannot hesitate to make a promise of true love. All frost and cold are vanished by the powerful romance sealed on these wonderful white wedding destinations.

The Rothschilds’ refined taste is evident in the sexy Alpine cottage tucked amongst Megeve’s pines. During the snow season, Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois , Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel transforms into a haven of white, making the moody textures of the chalet’s clubhouse prominent. The congenial gathering follows a reception at La Taverne du Mont d’Arbois for a feast, wrapped in the glorious simplicity of the Alps’ charm. www.fourseasons.com/megeve

Tucked between three Alpine passes, The Chedi Andermatt woos the winter romantics from its high-altitude perch. Nuptials are held in Gottard & Oberalp, two expansive rooms in wood and stone, creating a 250-seater hall that charms with the spirit of hygge while dressed in vibrant floral archs. Luncheons are made perfect in The Courtyard, where the glassy pools reflect the tepid beauty of the Alps. www.thechediandermatt.com

On brighter days, the summer terrace of Gstaad’s Le Grand Bellevue makes a grand celebration centrepiece, giving a peek of the alpines in the milieu. The expansive Garden Lounge, combined with the outdoor deck of Michelin-starred Leonards’ indulges 500 guests and surrounds with lush botany. The reception is a treat, serving decadent menu from Chef Francesco de Bartolomei’s best. bellevue-gstaad.ch 

Royal Romance

Dreams of a fairy-tale whimsy come to life at the sprawling courtyard, overlooking the grand turrets where kings and queens once resided. Just like in the movies, carriages make their way to the entrance, and the bride, like a princess, appears in a cloud of fresh white, captivating every onlookers’ heart, most notably her prince. At this moment, one may realize fairies aren’t real, but their ‘Happy Ever After’ is.

This mini castle, once home to the monarchs, still brims with a commanding air of passionate romance, from Castillo de Viñuelas’ Spanish-Gothic walls to its extensive courtyard, all within Mount Viñuelas, a meadow-oak forest north of Madrid. Out in the garden, the gazebo awaits for the sacred vows with the royal backdrop of the beautiful castle and its turrets standing proudly over the treetops. The new terrace accommodates a dazzling crowd of a thousand, offering a pleasurable view of the forest where graceful dears occasionally make their way. www.castillodevinuelas.es

The sparkling beauty of Lough Corrib and the nostalgic Victorian ambience of Ireland’s 800-year-old Ashford Castle tickles a sense of otherworldly charm. At daytime, the garden blooms with the colours of the fine bouquets, made festive with the woodland backdrop behind it. The Oak Hall sits at the heart of the castle, offering a magnanimous venue for an intimate reception, furnished with antique furniture and Irish cuisine. www.ashfordcastle.com

Surrounded by paintings in an elaborate Gothic ballroom, the wedding begins in the solemn, velvet-draped walls of the Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire. There is no requirement to don an 18th-century ballgown, but there might be a nudge to wear a fancy English hat as the royals do. When the glistening gold rings are exchanged, the crowd spurs a glorious commotion before proceeding to the hearty luncheon in The Great Hall. eastnorcastle.com

Myths of Southeast Asia

The kiss of the tropics marries the folklore of the orient, where celestial folk sets afoot on mortal grounds to spark an otherworldly romance, creating kings out of men. With nostalgic marvel, century-old traditions still exist inside replenished walls, still singing the same wistful tunes and never letting the candle of their culture wane.

The colonial palace of Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor has witnessed remarkable romances from its glassy windows, silently blessing couples since its inception in the early 1930s. Its garden, graciously accommodating a gathering of 250, is a reception favourite, where the lawn becomes gorgeously lit with the soft glow of many candles and white-dressed banquet setting. 15-minutes away from the Grand Dame, one can reach the Cambodian ruins, a magical backdrop for unforgettable wedding photography. www.raffles.com/siem-reap

Art and romance go together in Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery, showcasing the nostalgia of the bygone era with a mix of modern-day Vietnamese sensibilities. Staffs in Ao Dai wait on the guests as the couple exchange their vows inside the exclusive, oriental-inspired walls of Le Ballroom. The reception continues on the 23rd floor where The Social Club restaurant is extended for private parties, indulging 100 guests with Saigon’s skyline paired with exceptional cuisine. www.hoteldesartssaigon.com

Laotian traditions marry the timeless French elegance in the century-old colonial backdrop of Sofitel Luang Prabang. The vibrant botanical garden becomes a whimsical setting to a daytime wedding, offering a glimpse of the Old Town. When the vows are taken, and the rings are in place, whisk away in the legendary Governor’s Residence. Friends and family can be treated to a boat ride at Mekong River for a countryside tour. www.sofitel-luangprabang.com

Seaside Serendipity

Waves ripple back and forth. Clouds spread across the heavens. There is sunlight and there is joy, evident in the blushing crowd gathered at the sandy shore. The world is made up of water, but there are certain places where weddings are made more wonderful, and very much memorable.

Atop the stone-brick stairs of The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort Bahamas stands the Cloister, a 14th-century arch that lends an otherworldly tone to the blissful blue landscape. Rows of chairs accommodating 250 guests is perched across the Versailles Gardens, suited with immaculate drapes and a bounty of flowers. The reception ends with Michelin-starred dining, featuring the glorious Bahamas cuisine by Master Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten. www.fourseasons.com/oceanclub

Wedding songs ring at the sprawling outdoor deck of Laucala Island, an isolated Eden decked with 25 exclusive villas for a Hollywood-inspired privacy. When asked, a Fijian chief, dressed in his local garb, is ready to preside over the ceremony. After tossing the bouquet, both bride and groom get treated to a romantic revelry, from picturesque shoots on horseback to underwater photography for that lasting memory. www.laucala.com

From nuptials to honeymoon, Raffles Maldives Meradhoo enchants with its swoon-worthy beachside backdrop styled with local floral artists and by nature itself. The sunset ceremony ends with a candle-lit dinner under the stars, complemented with a Pol Roger Brut champagne. With rings in place, the grand getaway continues out in the sea of blue before resting in one of the overwater villas. www.raffles.com/maldives

Safari Sanctuary

There are no colossal buildings in sight, only the clear view of the rising sun from the mountain-draped edge. The light glimmers against the painted skin of the bare-faced locals, all dressed in their vivid ceremonial wear, harmonizing a song. Here, the party shrinks to a close group; the greater audience is the vast number of creatures stopping by to witness the romance of mankind.

A Bedouin tent is set up in Shamwari Private Game Reserve, benevolently welcoming 70 guests within its drapes. Instead of a limousine, the bride arrives in a game vehicle. A choir of locals begin the serenade during the walk to the aisle. When the bouquet is thrown, the party proceeds to Long Lee Manor where dinner awaits, a 3-course meal magnanimously set up with South Africa’s finest wines and flavours. www.shamwari.com

The party lands on the sun-bitten grounds of South Africa before proceeding to the woodland ceremony at the Lion Sands lodges in Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve. The campfire, echoing the bright colours of the sunset, light up the bush grounds that temporarily becomes the altar. www.lionsands.com

Above the private realms of Ulusaba, the mountain-scape of Africa creates the most dramatic view against a ceremony for the special two. The entire game reserve is owned by Richard Branson, starring wooden pathways that slither through the hillside, guided by flaming torches that illuminate the evening nuptials. African drumbeats and the Shangaan choir harmonize the heartbeat of the wedding. After the sacred kiss, everyone can stand by the balcony, admiring the view of the wild game sprinting through the distance. www.virginlimitededition.com

Sentimentally Rustic

Nothing is more down-to-earth than a convivial gathering of well-loved faces, all dressed in their best, coming together in the remarkable celebration of two souls joining as one. Surrounded by sprawling vineyards and served with the best wines, the rustic barnyard overflows with food, flowers, and pleasant laughter. At the sound of the quartet, all feet are set to dancing, capping the night with unforgettable joy.

The Blue Ridge Mountains overlook Pippin Hill Farm, gloriously strung with towering trees and lush vegetation. Wide acres of green lawns become the outdoor hall. Wedding weekends begin with rehearsal dinners. Bridal showers are endowed with scrumptious brunches. In the morning of the ceremony, the reception soaks in the cool sunlight where Bill Catena, Executive Chef of the in-house catering team, bestows a grand luncheon of mouth-watering, organic menu. www.pippinhillfarm.com

The oldest winemaker in New Zealand, 1851 Mission Estate lends its chapel for a dreamy wedding landscape set in the pastoral slope of Taradale Hill. All guests exit into the lawn where the white gazebo becomes a stage to the reception, accommodating a convivial crowd starting from 50. Gracefully picturesque, with trees in all kinds of green hues, the estate is a satisfaction to the modern traditionalists. The luncheon is from Chef Ricky Littleton, who indulges with a taste of Kiwi and hearty servings of Mission wines. missionestate.co.nz

The sun-drenched deck of Auberge du Soleil captures the bucolic beauty of a French garden, made more lush with the surrounding olive grove and the distant mountain vistas of the Sonoma Valley. Michelin-starred dining serves the reception with the finest, farm-to-table cuisine, all imbibed with the flavours of Provence. aubergeresorts.com

Marvellously Mediterranean

The atmosphere is balmy, the colours, earthy; there is sublime grace breathing through the cliffside as the bride and groom take their place. It doesn’t have to be grand; the entire place is surrounded by olive and lemon trees that share a whiff of their fragrance. A yacht glides on the blue coast of the Mediterranean. The feast may be on land, but the real party is on the sea’s sapphire surface.

Taormina looks picture-perfect against the balcony of Belmond Grand Hotel Timoteo, where dreamy weddings are hosted on the Aphrodite Terrace. The reception, graciously serving 250 convivial guests, serves the enchanting flavours of Sicily with blissful, local music. For the guests, there are opportunities to visit the rolling vineyard, the sun-kissed beaches, or escape from the crowd on a yacht. www.belmond.com

Whimsies of a glamorous French Riviera wedding becomes true in Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Landscaped gardens set the swanky atmosphere for celebrity-inspired nuptials, before a merry upswing to the terrace for the reception, and the glorious view of the Antibes. Chef Olivier Gaïatto serves with his finest Southern French menu, with a selection of champagnes meant for the party.

The morning-drenched coast of Elounda, Crete becomes a silent spectator to an alfresco celebration arranged in the Blue Palace. The chapel of Saint Titus makes a sentimental venue for an intimate ceremony. After saying the vows, couples are to plant an olive tree, symbolizing eternal love and fertility. After indulging in local cuisine, revel in the island’s finest by taking private cruises around the gulf. bluepalacebeach.gr

Out-of-the-box I Do’s

Marriage, goes an adage, is life’s greatest adventure. Weddings, more so. Some couples are destined for the extraordinary. From the depths of the sea to the peak of the mountains, these destinations share a sheer level of thrill before saying, “I Do.”

Everything is sunk into the deep; Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas’ idea of a wedding adventure is a coral bed for an altar and the minister, a dive-certified expert. A snorkelling photographer dutifully takes the most important snapshots, but the kiss has to wait–faces are hindered with a pair of goggles and a scuba set. A motorboat back on the island, the couple is treated to a scrumptious dinner, all before basking into the spectacle of the Indian Ocean on a yacht. www.anantara.com

The historic Belton Chalet becomes the launchpad to a hot air balloon wedding, where there is no audience other than the snow-peaked mountains of Montana’s Glacier National Park. Vows are exchanged while traversing against gravity. The ceremonial toast is not to be forgotten–glasses and champagne are included in the trip. When the balloon lands, the newlyweds can head back to their cosy suite surrounded by the gorgeous forests of Montana. www.glacierparkcollection.com

Large chunks of blue glaciers swell against the snow-lit chapel set in Sweden’s Arctic Circle. The ceremony hall of the famous Ice Hotel is a cool way to tie the knot, but romance will not turn cold. Private baths and heated Swedish saunas are nearby. Indulge in the Ice Bar for freezing cocktails, but the true gift is a glimpse at the Northern Lights dancing in the night sky. www.icehotel.com

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© This article was first published in Feb-Mar 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

The Table Bay, Cape Town

Set within the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the pulsing heart of this coastal city, and with Table Mountain as an unforgettable backdrop, this historic property with a stately blue roof was opened in May 1997 by former South African president Nelson Mandela. Upon arrival, guests encounter a gold seal statue named Oscar, representing the gregarious cape fur seals found in the oceans nearby. Inside, the property has a relaxing aura with comfortable seating, high ceilings and sophisticated rooms with striking views of the mountains or the Atlantic Ocean.

Among the top picks are the Lion Head Presidential Suite with inspiring vistas of the Lion’s Head, and the Table Mountain suite, that brings the Cape Town icon right into a room that features a baby grand piano and a dining table accommodating eight guests. Guests will also be dazzled by the rich choice of dining that makes full use of the Cape’s exquisite ecosystem and its native plants — the executive chef regularly forages for herbs and plants to use in the kitchen. The hotel even offers a foraging tour for guests that want to learn more.

For diners that would rather dig into the sumptuous plates on offer, Camissa Brasserie offers brasserie style dining and wine room. The Union Bar embraces the nautical theme with shipping memorabilia, wood-panelled walls, leather armchairs, and cocktails galore. One of the most revered treats is the high tea, served daily in the Lounge, where piano tunes accompany the courses, teas like green, and rooibos. The Table Bay also offers the opportunity to unwind, with a pool with views of Robben Island where Mandela spent 18 years as an inmate.

Beyond the property, the city has endless options for the curious visitor, and the hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service within a five-kilometre radius. The Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, directly accessible from the property, is a smorgasbord of entertainment, with shopping, plenty of places to eat and drink, museums that explore diamonds and African contemporary art, and even a comedy club. From here visitors can catch helicopters for scenic rides around the city and environs. Table Mountain is the city’s defining image, with its flat-topped peak, 1500 floral species, and unmatched views of the city.

The neighbourhood Bo Kaap is distinguished by distinctive, colourful, Instagram-primed houses, many that belong to Cape Malays — people of Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Africa brought here to work in the Cape. Robben Island, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is where Nelson Mandela eked out much of his 27-year prison sentence and today is a sobering site where travellers can comprehend the difficult journey of the country’s former leader. In Woodstock, a funky neighbourhood to the east of the waterfront, the Neighbourhoods Market is a hugely popular food market housed in a former biscuit mill; Woodstock is also where to find some spectacular street murals. No visit to the city would be complete without a stop at the District Six Museum, a stark reminder of the heartless regime of apartheid that tore communities apart.

The Palace of the Lost City, Sun City

About a two-hour drive from O.R. Tambo International Airport, Johannesburg, and located in the North West Province, The Palace is a hotel that lives up to its name, with domes and balustrades, columns and corniches. Built to recreate an ancient royal residence for a fabled African King, it features a six-story rotunda which was conceived as the royal entrance chamber overlooking a magnificent palatial lobby. It sits within Sun City Resort, a part of the Pilanesberg landscape, an area of grand, concentric hills, remnants of a 1300-million-year-old extinct volcano.

Numerous celebrities, including Elton John, have stayed at the resort, drawn as much by the exceptional facilities as the rooms and the colour palette is warm and welcoming. Luxurious suites stand out — the African, Royal, King and Desert have their own butler, a sauna and a Jacuzzi, and a baby grand piano. As inviting is the Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, or the Royal Salon wellness spa and beauty salon, a holistic centre of healing and pampering. Guests can tantalise their taste buds at a host of restaurants from Afro-French at the intimate Plume to fine wines and meats at the Grill Room, from traditional African dishes at the Crystal Court to colonial splendour at the safari-themed Tusk Bar and Lounge and not forgetting the delectable high tea. Couples ready to tie the knot can choose wedding options like walking down the aisle in a spectacular romantic setting or taking vows in a hot-air balloon over animal-filled plains.

There is plenty to do near The Palace. Sun City is one of South Africa’s premier golfing destinations, with two 18-hole, par-72 world-famous courses designed by South African legend Gary Player. Sun City’s iconic water park – the Valley of Waves – offers family-friendly activities that lure adventurers of all ages with attractions like the Roaring Lagoon, a 6500-square-metre wave pool that generates waves of two metres high every 90 seconds. The largest permanent maze in the Southern Hemisphere, the Maze of the Lost City recreates an ancient archaeological discover that spreads over one half-acre. And beyond the resort, bordering Sun City, Pilanesberg Game Reserve is a 57000 hectare, malaria-free expanse that marks the largest game re-settlement project in the history of South Africa, with 6000 animals moved here in the early 1980s. The park is known for being a habitat for the Super Seven — the Big Five of elephant, lion, leopard, rhino and buffalo as well as cheetah and wild dogs — and roan, tsessebe, sable antelope and more than 360 species of bird. Guests can admire the wildlife from game drives led by expert guides or while lazily floating up high on a hot-air-balloon ride.

The Maslow Sandton, Johannesburg

One of the city’s financial hubs, Sandton is an affluent district, home to shops, restaurants, corporate headquarters and the angular, modernist Maslow Sandton, only 20 minutes by car from O.R. Tambo International Airport. This 281-room specialist business hotel within the continent’s richest square mile is filled with state-of-the-art technology designed to meet the needs of the fast-paced corporate environment, with a variety of spaces suited for meetings from four people up to grand settings up to 450.

Elegant rooms create an environment equally suited to working and unwinding, simple interiors with high ceilings, natural light, luxurious linens, soundproofed walls, and delicate paintings of flowers hung above the bed; some have private balconies. Blackout curtains and a roomy workstation allow guests to decompress and meet deadlines with ease. Visitors can relieve stress at the outdoor pool bordered by leafy trees or at the Africology Spa, where local ingredients like Marula oil and shea butter are used in massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy treatments. After feeding the soul, guests can attend to their stomachs at Lacuna Bistro, where the locally sourced bistro-style cuisine includes using herbs from the hotel’s onsite garden. The Lacuna Bar, with leather and rattan banquettes and views of the gardens and pool terrace, is the spot for fusion gin and tonics and Cohiba and Montecristo cigars. Meetings facilities are unrivalled, with the carbon-neutral event venue including meeting rooms ranging from 23-54 square metres, dedicated lunch and lounge areas with pretty gardens, and alternative breakaway zones for meeting and dining opportunities.

With its position in the heart of Sandton, the Maslow allows guests to walk to many attractions. The Johannesburg Stock Exchange is a short stroll from the property while just beyond is the Sandton Convention Centre. Nelson Mandela Square, with a towering statue of the great man taking centre stage, welcomes one million visitors each month, and is a dizzying mixture of restaurants, cosmopolitan sidewalk cafes, a theatre, and 88 exclusive luxury stores. Even more shopping is on offer at Sandton City next door, with 300 retailers selling everything imaginable from computers to toys to ice cream to sports apparel. Those looking for locally produced items can stop by the African Cultural Market on Maude Street, brimming with African masks, beadwork, wooden carved animals and scores of other gift items. A short ride from Sandton is Liliesleaf, the heart of the liberation movement during the apartheid era, a farm where Nelson Mandela used to live that today is a heritage site with guided tours that detail the country’s checkered past.

The Maslow Time Square, Pretoria

In the technology advanced In the technology advanced Menlyn Maine precinct of the country’s administrative capital, Time Square houses one of the continent’s largest casinos and the deluxe business hotel The Maslow Time Square. Spread over 18 floors, with a futuristic glass-sheathed exterior, the 238-room specialist business property features the unique attribute of three-to-five-star accommodation all under one roof, split among Foundation, Median and Zenith levels. Accommodations are filled with energy, bold, jazzy carpets paired with patterned wall panels, while at the open-air 15th-floor pool, bird-cage seats offer a relaxing nook ideal for unwinding. Gourmands are spoiled for choice at the property, a vast array of dining options catering to all palettes. Tatso, which means taste in Sesotho, one of 11 official languages in South Africa, is a buffet with a broad choice of freshly cooked dishes. Kung Fu Cowboy unites East and West cuisines, supplying diners with succulent sushi and juicy burgers. At Guy Fieri’s Kitchen & Bar, expect handcrafted signature beers, great cocktails, and the celebrity chef’s American-Italian menu; lovers of classic Italian can head to Forti Grill & Bar, refined dining with intimate pergolas, a wine cellar, and a full butchery that focuses on Wagyu beef. Fans of Asian cuisine can savour Indian dishes at The Raj or traditional Chinese fare at Shun De. Night owls are blessed with a number of options: Globe Bar presents fine wines and premium whiskies, La Rosa, a Mexican Grille Tequileria offers an unforgettable experience, Solis Bar, for Zenith guests, has breathtaking sunset views and bespoke cocktails, and Altitude is a supper club and champagne garden for those yearning for the night to never end.

Menlyn Maine is a district whose guiding ethos is connectivity, with offices, residences and facilities weaved together in South Africa’s first Green City, positioned along the integrated-living principles of New Urbanism. Not surprising given the complex’s name, Time Square is populated with big clock displays and grand timepieces to signify both the passage of time and the quality of timelessness. At the heart of the district is Central Square, a sustainable hub of retail where glazed roofs allow natural light to filter in and shops include home stores, clothing outlets, health, wellness and beauty salons and upmarket grocery stores. Sun Arena, next door to the hotel, is a state-of-the-art, 8500-seat, multi-purpose venue with more than 100 indoor screens, four luxury hospitality suites, and the largest outdoor screen in South Africa. For those looking to see if Lady Luck is on their side, Time Square is one of the country’s largest casinos, with 2000 slot machines, 60 tables, and private gaming all split over two storeys. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the free Moreleta Kloof Nature Reserve, a former dairy farm dating to the early 1800s that is now a reserve managed by the local metropolitan authority. Spread across 100 hectares, the reserve has hiking trails, rich aviary life and mammals such as blesbok, springbok, duiker, impala, ostrich, bushbuck and zebra. Just to the east, the Woodhill Country Club course sits on what also was a working dairy farm, and today is one of the top 100 golf courses in the country, offering yet another reason to hurry to South Africa’s gem and The Sunlux Collection. For more information visit www.suninternational.com/sunlux or email: [email protected]

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© This article was first published in Feb-Mar 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

The crew from The Shortmarket Club, headed up by chef Wesley Randles (in collaboration with Luke-Dale Roberts of the Test Kitchen fame), recently opened The Commissary next door. It’s a no-nonsense casual spot serving gourmet street food like fig-leaf baked ricotta, Korean-fried chicken, and Massaman lamb curry roti. The cocktails are equally tasty.

Like sister restaurant the Test Kitchen, the Pot Luck Club is located in Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill complex, but it’s at the top of a repurposed flour silo which means 180-degree views of the city and harbour. Choose the Pot Luck for exciting food in an edgy, talked-about setting, or if you can’t secure a table at the Test Kitchen. New head chef Jason Kosmas, is staying true to the winning formula – South American and Southeast Asian flavours predominate – but has added Mediterranean too, a nod to his roots.

Next generation of innovative and risk taking chefs meld international cuisine and age old recipes in the original melting pot of the world

Zen yet romantic, minimalist interiors set the scene at Kyoto Garden Sushi for sophisticated sushi, sashimi and Japanese specialities, including sake-teamed mussels, miso with seaweed and tofu, and light-as-air tempura Alaskan scallops. It’s the only Asian restaurant in the city that serves genuine wasabi root, grated on a traditional shark skin grater at the table. Call it Japanese fine dining, without the hype of Nobu. kyotogardensushict.com

Nose-to-tail plates first created the buzz at La Tete, although chef Giles Edwards is equally at home cooking vegetables to perfection. The setting is a 1930’s art-deco corner shop, with no-nonsense interiors and an open kitchen producing the likes of ox heart with chips and horseradish, fish soup, broccoli vinaigrette and roasted heirloom tomatoes served on sourdough with homemade ricotta. Order several plates and share. End with Madeleines, still warm from the oven. latete.co.za

Book at Grub & Vine for fine food without the fuss, by chef Matt Manning. Modern bistro classics include braised rainbow trout with pea and bacon fricassee or smoked impala, baby fennel, parsnip puree. Veg-friendly starters include heritage tomato, fig and burrata salad, or chargrilled broccoli, pear and cheese salad. The restaurant is housed in the same building as Frogitt&Vonkel, an elegant wine bar that stocks lesser known, boutique wine labels. grubandvine.co.za

Part of the ultra-contemporary Norval Foundation, a private art gallery-cum-museum, the Skotnes Restaurant is visually stylish, easily accessible and a showcase for local cuisine – albeit it deconstructed variations and modern twists on the traditional. In other words, everything a museum cafe should be. Side dishes, like fire-roasted sweet potatoes with feta and spring onions, almost steal the show, but opt for the ‘bobotie’ made with succulent slow-cooked lamb shoulder and Cape Malay spices. Picnics can be pre-ordered to enjoy in the sculpture garden. norvalfoundation.org/skotnes-restaurant/

Like the original in the city, Chefs Warehouse at Beau Constantia produces a daily changing set menu of global tapas for two with eight plates served as three courses, designed to be shared. Chef Ivor Jones’s love of all things Asian is evident, but you can also dig into Parmesan risotto, walnut cream, raisin and salted lemon beurre noisette. Chef Liam Tomlin is the silent partner in this Chefs Warehouse, which is co-owned by Ivor (ex-The Test Kitchen). beauconstantia.com/eat

At Upper Bloem, named after a street in Bo-Kaap where the chef grew up, Cape Malay influences are a given, but the menu borrows from other culinary traditions too. Sharing plates may include Saldanha Bay mussels with nasturtium, parsley oil and sea essence. Do try the ‘koesusters’ (Cape Malay doughnuts doused in a spicy syrup and shredded coconut) served with coffee cream. ubrestaurant.co.za

Thali is chef Liam Tomlin’s take on Indian tapas, served (as expected) as a set menu for two of eight small sharing plates graduating from mild to fairly spicy. From the homemade poppadoms and potato and sweetcorn chaat with a curry leaf aioli all the way through to fried fish tacos, given a Cape Malay treatment, your taste buds will sing. Save spaces for the curries – smoky lamb curry and a mint and coriander butter chicken curry. thali.co.za

With up to 20 freshly made, original salads on display, The Kitchen in Woodstock is Cape Town’s answer to London’s Ottolenghi. Offering very good value for money, a plate of your choice of three or five salads with falafel or honey-roasted sausages makes a hearty meal. All-day love sandwiches and sweet treats are the best kind of take-out food. lovethekitchen.co.za

Where to Stay

Tucked away on historic Church Square, Labotessa could be in Amsterdam with its tall, narrow 17th-century facade in heritage blue. The newest addition to the city centre offers six elegant, high-ceilinged, French oak-floored suites furnished with Cape antiques and custom-made velvet sofas in forest and teal green. There is also a three-bedroom penthouse, the Governor Suite, with mountain views from the plunge pool and a sleek kitchen for entertaining. At street level you’ll find South Africa’s first Diptyque boutique as well as Starlings, an all-day organic cafe offering room-service breakfast for in-house guests. labotessa.com

Ellerman House in exclusive Bantry Bay has been delivering the ultimate curation of South African food, wine and art to privacy seeking travellers for 25 years. The ocean views and spacious gardens are a bonus. With a private bar, restaurant, wine cellar and spa, it feels more like staying with posh friends, than checking into a hotel – almost everything is included in the rate, too. Most guests stay in the Cape Edwardian mansion, but there are also two ultra-modern villas. The owner’s South African art collection spans original works from the turn of the last century to current contemporary art, including sculptures. Wine is taken very seriously here, too, and the food is overseen by Peter Templehoff, a Relais& Chateaux grande chef who also heads up Fyn Restaurant in the city. ellerman.co.za

Beaming over the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, The Table Bay enjoys the breath-taking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the majestic Table Mountain from its sun-drenched windows. Parquet floors, chintz and marble decor give it a lush Victorian air, a theme that prevails in its capacious suites, mahogany-pool deck, and its comprehensive spa. The striking sun-gold statue of a Cape Fur Seal marks the entrance to the lobby. Reminiscent of a gentleman’s lounge, its posh brasserie, a haven in leather and cast iron, also cradles a well-stocked wine cellar. Two bars, one set by the poolside, call for sublime libations. Afternoon teas are spent with the mellow serenade from the pianist at the lounge.

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© This article was first published in Dec-Jan 2020 edition of World Travel Magazine.

Rome is a bit of a no-brainer for aficionados of one the best food categories: carbs. Italy’s romantic city isn’t only about spaghetti carbonara, cacio e pepe and by-the-ounce pizza, though. There’s gelato, too. Some of Access Italy’s most popular private experiences include gelato making at Rome’s oldest gelateria, Giolitti (featured in Roman Holiday), and learning to hand-make pasta. Of course after the latter you’ll need to have a Lady and the Tramp moment.

Gastronomes should head to Napa, again not just a place to sip exquisite vinos—although that’s a must, too. The quality of the cuisine currently available in California’s wine country is stunning—from The French Laundry and The Charter Oak to casual staples like Model Bakery and La Luna Taqueria—and with The Culinary Institute of America at Copia in downtown, true foodie nerds can indulge in museum exhibits, classes and talks with famed chefs.

Those in the know can confirm Cape Town, South Africa, is a naturally beautiful city where seriously innovative eats and world-class wine (not to mention artisanal gin) are available at an unbelievable value. Planning in advance is critical to capture bookings at favourites including The Test Kitchen and La Colombe, but weekend days spent exploring the many fresh markets can be just about as delectable—and fun.

Back To Nature

Where you’re immersed in natural beauty

There’s little doubt that, for lovers of the outdoors, being surrounded by nothing but lush green trees, crystalline creeks or seas, blankets of diamond-like stars in the sky, and other natural wonders is the perfect recipe for romance.

Costa Rica’s blessed with an excess of these gifts from Mother Nature: spectacular volcanos creating natural hot springs, cloud forests ripe for hiking, jungle-backed beaches for glamping, plus waterfalls and rivers to explore, verdant tree canopies to zipline through and perfect curls of ocean to surf. With its Nicoya Peninsula deemed a Blue Zone where people have healthy, long lives, you and your partner may even feel blessed by the fountain of youth while in the Central American nation’s clutches.

The Indonesian “Island of Gods,” Bali, is not short on magical environments either, with Ubud’s flawlessly manicured emerald rice terraces and equally green rainforests that prove scintillating, seductive settings for sleep. Those with the inclination can climb Mt. Batur volcano for sunrise, trek to a thundering waterfall to bathe, or simply settle into a daybed—or on a swing—to appreciate the pulse and song of the radiant living, breathing island.

Though not exactly tropical, British Columbia appeals to lovebirds who appreciate the cosiness and cuddles synonymous with a cooler climate. From Vancouver’s seemingly endless forested trails and Tofino’s landscape for foraging and fishing to Whistler’s legendary skiing mountains and the chalet-studded camping destination of Glacier National Park, it’s all clean air and fresh flora.

Expansive and wild, Western Australia’s raw beauty is unprecedented and, to many, unknown. The Australian state takes up one third of the continent, and its coastline is crammed with natural marvels around which to frolic hand in hand: pink lakes, Mars-like landscapes, fields of wildflowers, horizontal falls, otherworldly rock formations, sand dunes and red beaches abutting turquoise waters.

Lazy Days

Where all you need to do is sit back, relax and indulge

By definition a holiday is a day of festivity when no work is done. Certainly there are vacations where you want to do everything—see everything. But others, by necessity, should center around the absence of all that. The classic environment to spend this sort of unscheduled, un-rushed time? A beach, of course! But not any spit of sand. We’re talking the kind of pristine stretch of snowy powder trimmed in sapphire blue—or aquamarine, dealer’s choice!—that deserves to be on a postcard.

Think Bora Bora, one of world’s most consistently spectacular couples’ destinations, known for its turquoise lagoon over which bungalows perch on stilts and lovers embrace. There are activities like snorkelling, diving, or jet skiing around the actual island of Bora Bora, but they’re not the priority. Lovebirds are pursuing relaxation, pure and simple, in each other’s company—aided by an ever-present tropical cocktail.

In the Maldives, a nation of low-lying islands made up of only, seemingly, sugar-white sand and palm trees, there’s a similar agenda of low impact pampering. An outsized population of masseuses is partly to thank for this, since the number of couples’ overwater treatment bungalows is up there, too. The surreal jewel tones of the Indian Ocean here—and in Zanzibar, Tanzania’s little slice of island paradise—seem to lull even the most high-strung types into a peaceful state of amorous bliss. Watching the sun rise and set over still crystalline water doesn’t hurt.

If Africa’s idyll speaks to those who like to get off the beaten path, so will Mustique, a quietly sexy gem in the Caribbean’s island chain of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There, tortoises roam the intimate hilly isle at about the same pace as lovers should, that is at a leisurely snail’s pace, the better to admire the tropical surrounds, beach picnics and epic martini-drenched sunsets.

Wildlife For Lovers

Where the splendors of safari are on full display

Lions, leopards and giraffes—oh my! The mecca for animal lovers is undoubtedly Africa, where one day is never the same as the last. Adventurous spirits will find constant stimulation in Kenya, where destinations like the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy, beside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, are teeming with exotic life, from more gorgeous zebras than one could count to prides of lions half a dozen cubs deep. Even in Nairobi are ways to cosy up to rescued elephants—and adopt them, too— at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

Botswana provides even more personal interactions since its lodges tend to be smaller and ultra luxe—it’s the ultimate honeymoon or anniversary to be sure. Landscapes, especially in the Okavango Delta, are dramatic and lush, giving a whole new perspective by which to view game on photographic drives where anything could happen.

It’s possible to see some of the same fauna in Uganda; there are even tree-climbing lions and a species of giraffe you won’t see elsewhere. But primates are the primary reason to book a trip a deux—endangered mountain gorillas and chimpanzees, specifically. Trekking in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park to be face-to-face (seven meters away) with these incredible cousins of ours is one of the most life-affirming and powerful experiences a couple can have together.

While its volume of fascinating wildlife could provide not only weeks but months and lifetimes of entertainment, Africa’s far from the only place to get up close and personal with creatures rare and impressive. Another bucket-list destination for romantics with a soft spot for the animal kingdom is the Galapagos, the Ecuadorian archipelago famed for inspiring Darwin’s theory of evolution. There, delights come in the

form of dancing sea lions, acrobatic dolphins, adorable penguins, ancient-looking tortoises, swimming sea turtles, and gnarly lizards.

Cities That Sparkle

Where a serious dose of culture is on offer

Picture this: walking hand in hand along cobblestone streets, hopping aboard a boat for a private twilight journey along canals, riding bikes—maybe even a tandem!—over bridges and through parks. Amsterdam is a city with an incredible amount to offer cosmopolitan-minded travellers who seek art, design, music and more. With its collections of homegrown icons, there are must-gos like the Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, Rembrandt House Museum and Anne Frank House, as well as historical World Heritage Sites and architectural feats.

Like New York and Los Angeles, Melbourne always wins battles of cultural superiority with its rival Sydney. Its art-plastered laneways make for beautiful strolls (try a customizable private tour with the likes of Walk Melbourne), while the diversity of museums and galleries host a blend of indigenous Aboriginal, Australian and international art that feel modern and important. Bibliophiles will find the state library especially inspiring.

In Mexico City, some of the most intriguing cultures of the world converge: think Aztec and Mayan with Spanish and more, marked by not only ancient ruins but colonial architecture and ancient artefacts. There are also quite lively modern art, theatre, culinary and music scenes. A few can’t-misses include the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Templo Mayor and Frida Kahlo Museum, but the city, sprawling and electric, is also a place where you might want to just wander, together, and get a bit lost.

A profound sense of history and tradition are also alive in Kyoto, Japan’s most romantic city—not to mention most beautiful, when the cherry blossoms bloom each spring, and the maples change colour each fall. There are temples and shrines aplenty, tempting to anyone fascinated with the country’s Shinto traditions and spiritualism, and a beautiful reverence that elevates the simplest of tasks to art forms. Get a local guide to offer insider perspectives on many of these fascinating elements, like the thriving geisha culture, absolutely worth an evening on the town.

The Journey Is The Destination

Where adventure and exotic environments are the name of the game

If you’re a pair who don’t like to let grass grow underfoot, consider a holiday that takes you on a serious journey. There are a few countries that speak wonderfully to those times you’re amped up to experience something riveting, explore someplace new and exotic and maybe even learn something wonderfully surprising.

Peru is such a place, a country with such compelling history and dramatic landscapes—from the sand dunes and Nazca Lines geoglyphs that line the Atlantic to the Sacred Valley’s picturesque salt mines, villages and mountains, which you can sleep on the side of. And don’t forget Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most impressive archaeological sites.

Making your way around Morocco is no less than an adventure of a lifetime. Marrakech’s buzzing markets are the perfect introduction to a nation with so many intriguing sides—rich tradition and artistry in Fes, camel-backed escapades in the Sahara, seaside stays in Essaouira, treks around the Atlas Mountains, and even surf sessions in Taghazout.

Iceland is another place where you can expect to venture far from the capital city. After all, there are mini horses to ride, lava tubes to explore, geothermal springs to soak in, and even tectonic plates to dive between. In its alien landscapes the mysterious Northern Lights seem right at home.

The spectacular Aurora Borealis light show is not the only reason to visit Norway, but it is an incredible thing to behold beside your favourite person in the world. An appetite for cuddling is essential in the frigid, centuries-old hub of Tromsø, while those with a proclivity for greenery can comfortably enjoy Mother Nature’s work in Oslo, Bergen and beyond—ideally involving some trains and boats—by playing around their majestic fjords, waterfalls, peaks and plateaus.

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© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.

Interiors are lofty, heavily woven with rich brown and natural shades, taken from the wood and stone from their interiors. Frolics happen in the cinema room, or in the private wine-tasting area which is fully air-conditioned. The patio terrace stars a heated outdoor pool, adorned with steel canopies that resemble the local trees, while offering a refreshing shade to the loungers on the day bed. There’s a romantic outdoor dining space, lit by a fireside for colder nights.
Cheetah Plains Lodge is tucked within the districts of Sabi Sand Game Reserve, a part of the more vast Kruger National Park where the big 5, among many other wildlife creatures, thrive and coexist. The luxury game spot has opened its doors to various safari activities, all while indulging its visitors with decadent resorts that feature present-day conveniences. After all, man need not admonish his usual comforts to discover his raw, primal origins. cheetahplains.com

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© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.

For its burgeoning creative output, diverse voices and inspiring natural beauty, the mother city – recently named a UNESCO city of design – has established itself as one of the world’s top design destinations.

Conjuring postcard-perfect images of picturesque beachfronts, majestic Table Mountain and rolling vineyards, Cape Town is famed as the veritable beauty queen of South Africa, flaunting natural assets such as the pristine peninsula that’s primed for a sun-soaked holiday. But in recent years the southernmost region of the country has unveiled an altogether different side as somewhere between the winding valleys, sandy coastlines and rugged trails, a creative energy has been reinvigorating its streets, proving that the Mother City is about substance as much as it’s about style.

To locals, the creative industry has been gaining strength for some time, a slow and steady growth that culminated in it being named World Design Capital 2014, sparking a  year of dedicated programmes and spaces that showed off its untapped talent. Fast forward four years and the city has been named a UNESCO City of Design, joining 31 destinations across the globe in a creative network of locales dedicated to investment and growth in these all-important industries with a mandate to drive social and urban change. Now on the map, Cape Town can hold its own among the world’s design greats – London, Basel, Hong Kong. Next to these icons of industry the Mother City doesn’t just hold a flame, it sets the landscape alight with a multicultural, multifaceted approach to creativity, and the time to discover it has arrived.

ZEITZ MOCAA: A GLOBAL DESIGN ICON

Combining cutting-edge architecture and the richly diverse culture of Africa and its diaspora, this museum is a celebration of modern expression. When Thomas Heatherwick first walked into what is now the Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa 12 years ago, the imposing tower of grain containers was already over eight decades old, vacant only for the pigeon droppings that covered every surface of the 33-metre-high build. The British architect had been tasked with turning the 42 concrete tubes into something uniquely modern that would celebrate the culture of the city, in an up-and-coming area of the V&A Waterfront. The resultant space is a magnificent example of modern architecture. Outside, the façade retains a strong physical presence but feels refreshed by the geometric puffs of distended glass for windows. Inside, Heatherwick’s team looked to a grain of corn as inspiration for the atrium. It’s here, at the heart of the structure, that you really get a sense of the scale of Heatherwick’s design, which sought to deconstruct the old bones of the grain storage and lend the building a cathedral-like quality through soft gentle curves, light and space.

On display you’ll find art from entrepreneur Jochen Zeitz’s personal collection, on a 20-year loan to the museum bearing his name, as well as moving exhibitions put together by the team under chief curator Mark Coetzee. Like London’s Tate Modern or San Francisco’s MOMA, the Zeitz MOCAA is a celebration of contemporary art, and it’s also a dedicated showcase to the creativity of the African continent and its diaspora, with work by acclaimed artists such as William Kentridge, Kudzani Chiuri and Nandipha Mntambo covering the nine floors and walls of gallery space.

DESIGN TRIBUTES: MANDELA’S CENTENARY

On his 100th birth year, Mandela’s legacy remains ingrained in the fabric of Cape Town and creative minds are celebrating his life through design. From stained glass dedications of religious icons to grand-scale oil paintings of royalty and statues of war heroes, since the beginning of time, artists and designers have been paying tribute to the world’s icons through their work. These monuments are meant to honour, sometimes comment, commemorate and remind, subtle and striking tributes to history, and there are few historical figures as recognised as Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, born 100 years ago on 19 July, South Africa’s anti-apartheid revolutionary, president and leader. Throughout the city of Cape Town you will find places of dedication to his struggle and politics.

‘Madiba has had an immense impact in my life,’ shares Ravi Naidoo, founder of Design Indaba, one of three key contributors to the recently erected Arch for Arch, a design dedication to the work of Mandela, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and South Africa’s constitution. ‘We started our business at the dawn of the democracy and wanted to find platforms to articulate and manifest  the  vision of Madiba and the vision of Archbishop Tutu.’ Along with Norway-based studio Snohetta, Ravi and South African architectural firm Local Studio conceptualised the Arch for Arch, a 14-beamed physical manifestation of the 14 chapters of the constitution. The structure demonstrates that South Africa is championing design as key way of commemorating and remembering key moments in history, and challenging traditional statue monuments with innovative creations that respect their environment and the people that interact with it. ‘The reason I love spending time with designers is they lean optimistically forward into a future,’ notes Ravi. ‘They are the most progressive people on the planet. Everything they look at they want to make better. It’s that attitude we need more of. We need a creative army in helping us reimagine South Africa.’

Visit these landmarks of Madiba’s legacy in the city of Cape Town on the centenary of his birth.

⊕ Arch for Arch at St George’s Cathedral  Designed by Norway-based studio Snohetta in conjunction with artists from Local Studio in Joburg and Design Indaba, this structure of 14 interlinking beams represents the history of South Africa and its core values. The design sits unimposingly at the entrance to the leafy Company’s Garden, immersed in its natural surrounds.

⊕ Cape Town City Hall  It’s the place where, just hours after being released from prison, Nelson Mandela gave his first public speech as a free man. The grand Edwardian building breathes history, and it remains an important space for the people to gather. Situated on the Grand Parade, this historical Edwardian building was made for large gatherings and it’s here that the city came together after former president’s death for an emotional vigil, celebrating his life through song, speech and dance.

⊕ Nobel Square  Designed and brought to life by local sculptor Claudette Schreuders, the four sculptures that sit against the V&A Waterfront’s distinctive harbour and mountainside backdrop possess the distinctive characteristics – stocky statures and outsize features – associated with the artist. The works represent each of the country’s Nobel Peace Laureates, with Archbishop Tutu and Mandela alongside Nkosi Albert Luthuli and F.W. de Klerk.

DESIGN MINDS

⊕ Conrad Botes Perhaps best known for his work with fellow artist Anton Kannemeyer at Bitterkomix, Conrad Botes creates art that wryly cuts into the heart of the political minefield in South Africa. ‘As a visual artist, I have always been interested in looking at furniture and design in a different way, and how to merge the borders that restrict the different practices I am involved in.’ Recently, the artist made his first foray into the merged worlds of art and design, collaborating with rugmaker Paco Pakdoust and The Guild Group, a collection of companies dedicated to showcasing the collectable designs of Southern Africa. ‘When The Guild Group first invited me to produce work for one of their shows, I realised it was a fantastic opportunity to create something special,’ he said. Botes, who works out of his studio in Observatory enjoys the district’s edgy energy. ‘I have had my previous studios in Woodstock and Salt River for the last decade and a half. I love the grittiness of those neighbourhoods and the way artists infiltrate and occupy them before they become fashionable. I like walking these streets and I’m inspired by the people, architecture and graffiti that I come across.’ conradbotes.com

⊕ Justine Mahoney Walking into any exhibition by Justine Mahoney, is a little like walking into a fun house Ð if that fun house was straight out of a horror film set. The artist’s quintessential character sculptures in wood, enamel and bronze have a captivating cartoon quality Ð each with a distinctly dark and sinister undertone. For Mahoney, they’re reflections of growing up in a country where tensions bubbled beneath a thinly veiled harmonious facade. Next up, she’ll be tackling another universally seminal period in her upcoming works, ‘but always superimposed onto a South African backdrop,’ she adds, summing up her oeuvre. ‘My new work deals with transformation, budding sexuality, initiation into adulthood. That precarious moment between childhood and adulthood, once reached never to return. In a sense it is also about mourning the loss of childhood.’ While the home and studio Mahoney shares with husband Sean (of architecture firm StudioMAS) is located in Cape Town’s suburbs, she’s inspired by the industrial feel of areas such as Retreat and Woodstock. ‘I have a love for urban decay and regrowth,’ she explains. As a part of Guild’s network of inspiring creatives, she feels a creative unity in the city: ‘The people belonging to the art and design community feed off each other, I find the people to be extremely giving and supportive of each other and feel incredibly honoured to be a part of it during this exciting time of cross-pollination.’ justinemahoney.com

⊕ Andile Dyalvane & Zizipho Poswa ‘Clay is meditation, expression, celebration and education,’ says Andile Dyalvane, one half of Imiso Ceramics and one of South Africa’s most talented and talked-about artisans. Together with equally accomplished business partner Zizipho Poswa, Dyalvane creates a range of resolutely African upmarket ceramics in their studio and gallery situated in Woodstock’s Old Biscuit Mill, a repurposed factory that’s now home to a popular art, design, craft and food market. Inside Imiso – meaning tomorrow in Xhosa – you’ll discover a trove of hand-carved clay pieces, products amassed in their 12 years working in this space, including Poswa’s popular Handpinched collection and  Dyalvane’s Africasso range of vessels inspired by Picasso. ‘Woodstock inspires me,’ he says. ‘I have collections and objects named and influenced by this area.’ Both Poswa and Dyalvane draw inspiration from their heritage for their uniquely crafted objects: Poswa’s Umthwalo series leans on the strength of Xhosa women, while Dyalvane’s output, recently on display at New York gallery Friedman Benda, has been renowned for its treatment of heritage in the context of a Westernised world. ‘It’s very important to me to take pride in my heritage and culture this teaches the younger generation to love who they are and also learn of what they lost due to Western influences.’ Dyalvane attributes South Africa’s vibrant cultural tapestry as a key element in creativity. ‘The diversity the country has resulted in richer, more unique conversational pieces than the world has ever seen,’ Dyalvane explains. imisoceramics.co.za

⊕ Hoi P’loy When husband-and-wife duo Ploy Phiromnam and Guy van der Walt are in search of inspiration, they step into the creative studios belonging to local designers, artists and artisans right on the doorstep of Hoi P’loy, the couple’s lighting studio in the hub of Woodstock. ‘Visiting them, you’re instantly transported into a small world where each creative crafts an environment that caters to their own taste,’ they explain. ‘Seeing these projects come to life really gets one’s own juices flowing and reminds us of what’s possible when people apply themselves and invest in their ideas.’ Having both come from creative backgrounds, Phiromnam and Van der Walt are aesthetes at heart and are excited about the role that lighting plays in determining mood. ‘Artificial light has the ability to orchestrate our emotional state. A well-crafted balance of various warm hues, presented in visually stimulating presentation can elevate one’s sense of self,’ they note. While the pair live in the suitably green suburb of Gardens, they love spending their nine-to-five in the industrial-creative ’hood of Woodstock. ‘It’s exciting to be based in an area that’s experiencing such phenomenal growth from a wealth of different types of people. It feels like one of the more culturally diverse areas which is perhaps a little more reflective of our country’s goals and ideals.’ hoiploy.com

⊕ Atang Tshikare For multidisciplinary artist Atang Tshikare, whose transcendent work has been known to blend form with function, the boundaries between art and design have always been blurred. ‘I have a holistic view of the work that I do – you can’t separate art and design in what I do,’ he explains. ‘Design is seen as creating a product, but I see design as an art that has a product side to it.’ Just take a look at his collaboration with high-end interior brand OKHA, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind coffee table, called Metsing, which demonstrates the beauty in natural, organic forms. It’s the outdoors that truly sparks Tshikare’s creative energy. ‘Nature really has me inspired. Places like Newlands Forest, [beach-side suburb] Muizenberg, or Langa [one of South Africa’s oldest townships]… Anywhere that you find humans interacting with nature.’ When he’s not out exploring the outdoors, Tshikare can be found at his Woodstock studio, where he uses elements of heritage and African mythology to create his showstopping pieces. ‘Woodstock is the biggest creative hub in Cape Town. Artists and designers are on almost every block,’ he says. Tshikare compares Cape Town’s current artistic scene to that of Miami just 10 years ago. ‘I see it getting there,’ he says. ‘Cape Town is becoming the new icon of creativity.’ zabalazaa.com

⊕ Trevyn and Julian McGowan As founders of the Guild Group, a creative superbrand of no less than 10 sub-companies and projects that aim to increase South Africa’s design exposure globally, Trevyn and Julian McGowan have played a major role in fostering the country’s incredible talent. ‘Everything we do is focused on propelling and nurturing our design heroes and future stars,’ says Trevyn, ‘so we have the fulfilling experience of working at the forefront of a movement that is changing the landscape of design, not only in South Africa but in the global industry.’ The pair recently relocated their Guild gallery from Woodstock to the upcoming Silo District. ‘With the far larger space we have been able to mount multiple exhibitions simultaneously, launch a studio line of in-house designed furniture, and a concept store with smaller “take-away” products by our Southern Guild designers and fresh talents,’ Trevyn explains. Later this year, visitors to the district will be treated to a new group show, titled Colourfield, inspired by the art movement from the mid-1900s, House of Bronze, opening in September, retrospective of Bronze Age’s work over two decades and a solo show by Dokter and Misses, ‘the Joburg based design duo who have blazed a global trajectory in limited edition design’, says Trevyn. theguildgroup.co.za

Trevyn and Julian McGowan

Trevyn and Julian’s ideal day in the city  Before starting the day in the city, we’ll enjoy breakfast in our garden with incredible fresh produce from the sublime Olive Branch Deli in the Lifestyle Centre. One coffee spot that can’t be beat is Run Rabbit Run Coffee Roastery at Conrad Hicks’ The Bijou Blacksmith. We love to visit the Zeitz MOCAA for the most incredible architectural reinvention of an important building by Thomas Heatherwick, with work by some of our favourite artists like Nandipha Mntambo, Athi-Patra Ruga and Mohau Modisakeng.Lunchtime calls for sneaking away from work to meet friends at the Yard – a grand foodie emporium by the legendary Abigail Bisogno with fusion Indian and luxurious leather banquette seating; In the evening, when we aren’t at home, you will find us having a sublime cocktail at the Outrage of Modesty; Dinners are always special when we are at the Shortmarket Club – as the atmosphere and service feels like being back at The Ivy in London, but the food is super fresh, inventive and even better; after dinner we might visit the Cape Town Comedy Club or Jazz in the Crypt in Saint George’s Cathedral – both world class venues.

GALLERY GAZING

Make sure you discover the design and art of South Africa in its chic boutique galleries

⊕ Guild Specialising in collectable design, Guild is the space where what you admire isn’t necessarily hung on the walls. Spread across the 450-square-metre space, furniture, rugs, cabinets and lights are given their time in the spotlight, elegantly blurring the lines between design and art. Gracefully forged mild steel tables by Gregor Jenkin, harmonious lighting by David Krynauw, the graphically cool drinks cabinets by husband-and-wife duo Dokter and Misses are some of the haute, locally made design pieces you might find inside, just steps away from the Zeitz MOCAA. Shop 5B, Silo 5, V&A Waterfront southernguild.co.za

⊕ Smith Studio Wedged between a craft shop and The Cape Gallery, Smith Studio is housed within a 250-year-old heritage building that was reinvigorated by local architectural studio Urbain McGee. The gallery is lofty and light and filled with the works of emerging contemporary names such as painter Banele Khoza, David Brits, who works in multi-mediums, and creative studio Hoick. 6 Church St, Cape Town smithstudio.co.za

EATING BY DESIGN

Steal away for a meal at one of these expectation-exceeding restaurants, frequented by the city’s most creative.

⊕ Breakfast at Hemelhuijs

A fixture on the Cape Town breakfast scene, Hemelhuijs’s particularly beautiful combination of high-end homeware, delectable fresh fare, seasonally changing decor and artful plating keeps patrons coming back for more. Chef-proprietor Jacques Erasmus sources local produce to create his seasonal menu of country-inspired cuisine. Everything in the space is considered, and patrons can peruse a range of locally designed homeware on display for purchase. 71 Waterkant St, Cape Town hemelhuijs.co.za

⊕ Brunch at Mulberry & Prince

Decked out in a dusty pink and charcoal palette with accents of marble and copper, this inner-city eatery is primed for Instagram, but what else would you expect from a pair of savvy chefs, trained the Culinary Institute in New York? Co-owners and chefs Cornel Mostert and Cynthia Rivera sought the help of interior designer Adri van Zyl for the utterly chic interior and you can take in the cool faceted artworks by Kurt Pio while enjoying a delicious all-American brunch selection. 12 Pepper St, Cape Town mulberryandprince.co.za

⊕ Lunch at Chefs

This little eatery in the leafy suburb of Gardens, tucked away just down the road from lauded international architectural firm SAOTA and furniture brand OKHA’ is the kind of place that’s always buzzing with cool industry people, who come here for the elevated canteen-style cuisine Ð think buttermilk and za’tar wood-roast lamb leg or Asian BBQ beef ribs Ð all served by the chefs themselves. The setting is simple, unfussy and fresh – a blank canvas for the colourful and artfully plated food coming out of the kitchen. 81 St Johns St, Gardens chefscapetown.co.za

⊕ Dinner at Shortmarket Club Everybody wants to score a table at The Test Kitchen, chef Luke Dale Roberts’ lauded restaurant in the beating heart of Woodstock, but the Shortmarket Club is an equally special place to grab dinner, thanks to the excellent cooking by Dale-Roberts protegée chef Wesley Randals and the moodily hip interior, outfitted by Sandalene Dale Roberts. Look out for the striking paper butterfly frame wall created by artist Mark Rautenbach. 88 Shortmarket St, Cape Town      theshortmarketclub.co.za

DESIGN STAYS

⊕ For cool and contemporary

Pod Hotel, Camps Bay Just a stroll away from the hub of Camps Bay, the Pod Hotel is a modern bolthole full of contemporary creature comforts. Just 17 rooms are geared to coastal living with abounding views of either mountain or sea. Rooms are stylishly decorated with blonde wood walls, natural, earthy touches, and classic pared-back linen. pod.co.za

⊕ For artful city living

Bree Street Loft, Cape Town City Centre If you’re going to opt for a homestay in the city, you’ll want to make sure it’s this one. Draped in layers of grey and black, it’s moody and cool on the inside, and perfectly juxtaposed against Cape Town’s sunny exterior. Camera-ready views of Table Mountain will leave you open-jawed, and the sophisticated interior styling – all done by local design studio Weylandts – is impeccable. airbnb.com/rooms/21435760

⊕ For leafy city bowl style

Garden Cottage at InAweStays, Gardens The historical facade of the 1800s InAweStays homestead Ð comprising a manor house, this two-bedroom garden cottage and a chic loft Ð belies its contemporary interior. The garden cottage is the perfect spot to discover Cape Town’s trendy Kloof Street. inawestays.co.za/garden-cottage/

CHIC BOUTIQUES

⊕ Jewellery: Kirsten Goss

Shop 5A4, Silo 5, South Arm Road, Silo Square, V&A Waterfront

Find high-end, meticulously crafted accessories at this luxury jewellery designer’s store in Cape Town. Designed by HK Studio, this boutique in the V&A Waterfront’s Silo district is a futuristic blank canvas for the beautiful pieces found within. kirstengoss.com

⊕ Lifestyle: Guild Shop

Shop 5B, Silo 5, V&A Waterfront

When Trevyn and Julian McGowan aren’t representing the best of local design in shows across the world and at home, they’re making design pieces of their own, collaborating with and sourcing from artists and designers for fashion, homeware and lifestyle products that fill up their very own concept store, located next to their gallery in the Silo District. southernguild.co.za

⊕ Fashion: Maison Mara

5 Jarvis St, De Waterkant

Fashion meets high design at this curated shopping space in De Waterkant. Owner Kelly Withey is a style sleuth, sourcing items from brands such as Petit Bateau, Acne and Kenzo. Make sure you pop into the marble-clad bathroom, which showcases a range of sought-after skincare products from Malin + Goetz. maisonmara.co.za

Words by Jessica Ross & photographs by Greg Cox.

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© This article was first published in Oct-Nov 2019 edition of World Travel Magazine.

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Strict vehicles limits on the renowned Sabi Sand Game Reserve leads to greater privacy and exclusivity when it comes to game viewing at the lodge – but more than that, it also ensures that minimal ecological impact is left on the reserve to maintain its natural grandeur.

The lodge itself offers up a contemporary twist on the traditional safari aesthetic, so you’re likely to see modern, contrasting terrazzo floors blended with vaulted ceilings that invite beams of natural light into each of the nine sprawling suites.

At 2150 square feet per suite, each of the secluded lodges are tucked deep inside the riverine forest and open up to soothing views of the river. Guests will also feel as close to nature as can be, nestled as they are in the cool, dappled forest shade.

Further touches of sustainability can be found throughout the lodge: from the repurposed stone cladding sourced from a local quarry and the handmade upholstery crafted by artisans in Cape Town, the &Beyond Tengile River Lodge strives to leave behind as small an ecological footprint as possible.

But perhaps the loveliest facility at the lodge is the holistic wellness centre that overlooks the river. Guests can indulge in a selection of natural healing therapies in private rooms that are steeped in nature, after which they can retreat to the sunken deck and soak in the tranquil, undisturbed beauty of the Sand River.

Subscribe to the latest edition now by clicking here.

© This article was first published online in Jan 2019 – World Travel Magazine.