T H E B E S T O F LUXU RY LIVING
Winelands, wilderness and world-class luxury
Ultra-luxe destinations to travel this spring
BEAUTY INNOVATIONS
A new generation of cult favourites
Country CHIC
Dining spots to inspire your next day trip
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G A S T R ON OMY
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SPRING 2026
THE EVOLUTION OF EXCELLENCE AT NH JOHANNESBURG SANDTON HOTEL Sandton has long served as the financial pulse of Johannesburg, a district with a striking skyline where high-stakes deals are brokered within “Africa’s richest square mile.” At its centre, NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel is currently undergoing a property-wide reimagining. The most anticipated chapter of this transformation is the debut of the newly decorated ballroom and meeting spaces, scheduled for unveiling in June 2026.
This project introduces a sleek, contemporary aesthetic characterised by layered textures, natural colour palettes, and dynamic lighting systems. The result is a grand space that feels both modern and sophisticated, which will enhance the experience for large-scale exhibitions, gala banquets, and high-profile product launches. To complement these event upgrades, a refresh of the hotel’s 329 guest rooms and suites is also scheduled to begin soon.
The property’s reputation as a premier destination for the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector is bolstered by its sheer versatility and logistical ease. With 13 adaptable venues, the property can accommodate everything from intimate C-level strategy sessions in the Boardroom to massive assemblies of up to 1,000 delegates in the flagship ballroom. Each meeting room is equipped with integrated audio-visual technology and supported by a dedicated events team that prioritises seamless execution.
Adding a touch of Monte Carlo-inspired glamour, Flush Royale provides an immersive, exciting environment for year-end functions or team celebrations, featuring simulated gaming tables and a private red-carpet entrance. Patrons will feel like they’ve had a big win after a night out in the room. The culinary experience at NH Johannesburg Sandton remains a core draw for both global travellers and local visitors. Tradewinds Restaurant continues to anchor dining, providing an international selection of fine fare with views of the lush gardens, while Faces Lounge and Bar serves as an urban hub for networking and casual light bites. Outdoors, the Gazebo Pool Bar offers a relaxed setting for sunset drinks, watching sports or lounging by the water with a refreshing cocktail. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Donaldson Madubela, the kitchen is currently preparing for the transition of the seasons; a new, warming winter menu will be launched shortly to showcase hearty flavours that keep you coming back for more.
Located just around the corner from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and the Sandton Gautrain Station, NH Johannesburg Sandton Hotel is easily accessible and convenient. Whether visiting for a multiday convention or a weekend of high-end shopping at nearby Nelson Mandela Square, travellers find a professional yet welcoming environment that reflects the innovative philosophy of the global NH portfolio. With its updated facilities and strategic position, the address remains a definitive choice for those who value efficiency and comfort in the heart of the city.
RESERVATIONS & ENQUIRIES: +27(0)11 322 1888 events.nsjb@nhhotels.com nh-hotels.com
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ON THE COVER Among the Cape Winelands’ sweep of designer wineries and glossy restaurants sits a quiet and bucolic alternative – one that’s family-owned, authentically farm-focused and undeterred by hospitality trends. Set at the base of the dramatic Simonsberg mountains against a red clay landscape, Babylonstoren is a place where you can hear the chirping of birds, surrounded by the tranquillity of its 12-acre garden. To call it a garden is an understatement – the property is a natural pantry of citrus, orchard fruit, seasonal vegetables, olives and grapes. Everything on the menu at the signature restaurant, Babel (housed in an old cow shed), is led by the garden and farm. Flip the page 44 to read more.
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10 standout beauty launches you shouldn’t miss
GASTRONOMY 42 44 46
Die Stoep at Vriesenhof Babel at Babylonstoren
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Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia The Restaurant at Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons
Waterford Estate Restaurant
TRAVEL 58 62 66
The Plettenberg Hotel The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara Angala
EDITOR Candice Guest 078 535 6583 18 | S p r in g 2026
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SCENE Magazine South Africa
@scenemagazinesa
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Beauty
BREAKTHROUGHS 10 standout beauty launches you shouldn’t miss In an overstimulated world where it feels like everyone’s trying to sell us something 24/7, it can be hard to tell which new beauty products are truly novel. When it comes to what makes the cut, we like to know that they deliver transformational, tell-all-our-friends-about-it results – because nobody has the time (or spare budget) to waste on anything but the best. From a serum-highlighter hybrid to our favourite lip peptide buy, these beauty innovations have the potential to become your new holy grails.
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SHISEIDO VITAL PERFECTION INTENSIVE SCULPTDEFINE SERUM A lifted, chiselled appearance is well within your grasp thanks to the latest addition to Shiseido’s cult-favourite Vital Perfection line. Inspired by electrical muscle simulation (EMS) therapy, the lightweight Shiseido Vital Perfection Intensive SculptDefine Serum equips your facial muscles to do all the heavy lifting. No literally. A gym in a bottle, dare we say, the creation is designed to whip the facial muscles into shape so they appear more defined than ever, particularly across three key areas of the face: The jawline, marionette lines and the nasolabial folds. A skin-vestment that’s worth every penny. R3,010 for 40ml or R4,300 for 80ml from ARC Store, Woolworths and Edgars
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GATINEAU DEFI LIFT V OLUMISING PEPTIDE LIP TREATMENT - BISOU Fans of Gatineau’s popular Defi Lift Volumising Peptide Lip Treatment will also love the new adorably named berry shade, Bisou. Tripeptide, Swertia chirata extract, menthyl PCA, hyaluronic acid and shorea butter come together in this juicy formula to restore bounce and body to the lips. It feels lightweight and nourishing, without leaving behind that sticky feeling. A swipe or two of this glossy balm is all you need for sheer colour, high shine and a subtle plumping effect. And thanks to its cooling sensation, it’s a treatment heavy on the ‘treat’. We also love the applicator for on-the-go touch-ups. R595 from Orleans Cosmetics and Woolworths
NARS INSATIABLE LIQUID BLUSH It’s no mystery that the new NARS Insatiable Liquid Blush has gone viral on social media. The collection features a mix of 16 new and returning shades, including classic colours like Exhibit A, Sex Appeal and Behave. Of course, the brand’s signature peachy-pink hue, Orgasm, also features in the range, available in both satin and shimmer finishes. The new doe-foot applicator makes it much easier to apply, while the improved formula contains skin-loving ingredients like squalene, ceramides and peptides, helping the product blend effortlessly and wear comfortably throughout the day. R880 from ARC Store and Woolworths
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NUXE PRODIGIEUSE [HYALU] BOOST THE ILLUMINATING CONCENTRATE If your goal is to look lit-from-within, the NUXE Prodigieuse [Hyalu] Boost The Illuminating Concentrate serum-highlighter hybrid can get that done. With low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, high-molecular-weight polyglutamic acid and natural pink light-reflecting pearls, this little bottle packs a serious punch – plus, did we mention that the formula is vegan? It can be worn on its own, mixed in with your favourite products or applied over the top of your makeup look. Dab it on your cupid’s bow, brow bones, collarbones and all the high points of your face to create some extra luminosity. R895 from Orleans Cosmetics, Woolworths, Foschini and Truworths
BEAUTYLASH BY REFECTOCIL PRO BROW COLOUR Eyebrow pencils can give you a daily fix for fuller-looking brows, but if you’re looking for a semi-permanent, more low-maintenance solution, say hi, hello and welcome to your new favourite product: The BeautyLash by RefectoCil Pro Brow Colour. Available in three shades – Light Brown, Dark Brown and Black Brown – the kit provides everything you need to get a salon-style experience at home. It lasts for up to four weeks and couldn’t be easier to use. Pro tip: A little bit of Vaseline around the edges of your brows will prevent any staining on your skin – just make sure you don’t get it on your actual brow. R210 from Takealot
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GHD SLEEK OPERATOR WET & DRY SMOOTHING OIL ELIXIR ghd’s Sleek Operator Wet & Dry Smoothing Oil Elixir is the ultimate indulgence for every hair type. Silky and featherweight, it keeps your hair nourished for up to 100 hours with a cocktail of argan, camellia seed, sweet almond and jojoba oils, squalane and vitamin E, along with the ghd heat protection system. Take that, humidity and heat damage! It also has a subtle bergamot, ylang-ylang and mango scent that leaves hair smelling as luxe as it looks. Apply it to damp or dry strands as needed for instant smoothing, effortless shine and a colour-enhancing boost. This product is definitely worth the hype. R730 from ghd, Retail Box, Splush and Takealot
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AVÈNE ULTRA SERUM GLOW SPF 50+ Vitamin C is a gold-standard skincare ingredient for boosting brightness and tackling signs of sun damage. But without daily SPF, ongoing UV exposure can work against those gains. Avène’s Ultra Serum Glow SPF 50+ offers the best of both worlds, pairing vitamin Cg – a stabilised form of vitamin C – with SPF 50+ protection against UVB, UVA and HEV blue light from our smartphones and laptops. The serum-like formula melts in without a trace, making it ideal if you usually resist sunscreen because of how it feels. And, in true Avène fashion, it’s genuinely enjoyable to apply. An evolution in sun protection. R715.95 from Le Beauty Club, Dermastore, Clicks and Dis-Chem
BIODERMA HYDRABIO LIGHT MOISTURISING WATER CREAM Looking for lightweight hydration that gives a glass skin finish without any greasiness? Look no further than the BIODERMA Hydrabio Light Moisturising Water Cream. True to its name, water creams aim to do one thing and one thing only: Hydrate. Better still, this water-based moisturiser hydrates just as well as its richer, oil-based counterparts. Rather than sealing in hydration with a heavy, occlusive blanket of cream, the virtually weightless formula uses humectants such as hyaluronic acid to draw water to the top layers. It’s cooling, breathable and fast-absorbing – yet still surprisingly hardworking. R565 from Dermastore, Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Clicks and Dis-Chem
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FILORGA DAILY REPAIR MINERAL UV SPF 50 Filorga’s Daily Repair Mineral UV SPF 50 is like the Swiss Army knife of sunscreens – sensitive-skin-friendly, non-greasy and redness-neutralising. For those wanting to correct and conceal irritation, rosacea or other red patches, this green-tinted sunscreen will provide instant and easy-to-apply colour correcting. The combination of soothing Centella asiatica, which works to calm the skin, alongside ceramides that help rebuild a compromised skin barrier is what makes this formula such a great option for redness. It wears well under makeup and feels far more elegant than you’d expect from a high-zinc mineral SPF. R830 from Cosmetology, SkinMiles, Care to Beauty and AbsoluteSkin
DERMALOGICA SMART EYE DENSITY UNDEREYE SERUM Few formulas can rival the Dermalogica Smart Eye Density Undereye Serum when it comes to redensifying sunken eyes and tear troughs. If you struggle with an under-eye area that looks hollow, this active-packed serum can help encourage volume and plump. A host of actives like a growth factor complex, hyaluronic acid, rye seed extract, polyglutamic acid, sweet potato root extract and CoQ10 work in tandem to address several eye concerns at once. As with all eye serums, regular application is key to improving the overall texture and firmness, but the results are well worth the wait. R2,799 from Dermalogica, ARC Store and Woolworths
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In bloom 5 wine country restaurants to celebrate the arrival of spring The days are getting warmer, the nights are getting longer, and the Western Cape’s wine regions are coming alive again. As the season unfolds, so do the opportunities to dine against a backdrop of verdant valleys and hillsides braided in vineyards, or bask in the warmth of golden spring light streaming through the windows. Ready to book? Read on for our favourite restaurants where you can enjoy the unbeatable combination of fresh air, fine food and – fingers crossed – sunshine.
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DIE STOEP AT VRIESENHOF Lunch at Die Stoep at Vriesenhof is like being transported to a charmed country life. This new hidden gem has a way of sparking relocation reveries. The restored Cape Dutch homestead is a noble canvas for the ever-changing menu, where slow food philosophies spring to life in the form of beautifully cooked tomato and red pepper risotto, or yellowtail crudo electrified with yuzu, pickled jalapeño and smoky aubergine. If you wanted, you could make a meal entirely of these plates plus a couple of glasses of Vriesenhof MCC and leave happy. There’s no faulting the grilled sirloin steak paired interestingly with mushroom confit, crispy pancetta and red wine jus, but for us, the real winner is the Neapolitan-style burrata pizza. These emerge soft and pillowy, with dark char spots from the wood-fired oven, and are topped with San Marzano tomato sugo, serrano ham, peppery rocket and finely grated Parmesan. Pierce the burrata’s skin so the cream spills out, creating a milky sauce. There’s also the welter of indecision over a cheese platter or the coal-roasted dark chocolate and orange fondant, served in a potjie pot with milk tart ice cream – but why not embrace the spirit of the place and do both? The rhythm of a lavishly lazy afternoon is punctuated by a walk around the gardens and a visit to the underground wine cellar that’s full of vintages for wine buffs to plunder. Vriesenhof Vineyards, Paradyskloof Road, Stellenbosch 021 007 5591 diestoepmanager@vriesenhof.co.za www.vriesenhof.co.za
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BABEL AT BABYLONSTOREN Among the Cape Winelands’ sweep of designer wineries and glossy restaurants sits a quiet and bucolic alternative – one that’s familyowned, authentically farm-focused and undeterred by hospitality trends. Set at the base of the dramatic Simonsberg mountains against a red clay landscape, Babylonstoren is a place where you can hear the chirping of birds, surrounded by the tranquillity of its 12-acre garden. To call it a garden is an understatement – the property is a natural pantry of citrus, orchard fruit, seasonal vegetables, olives and grapes. Everything on the menu at the signature restaurant, Babel (housed in an old cow shed), is led by the garden and farm. That might be Cape Point tuna in a pool of creamy buffalo yoghurt dressing with fennel and sorrel or a dryaged steak from Babylonstoren’s own Chianina cattle with sweet shallots and mustard jus. A deconstructed version of prosciuttowrapped melon is doused in olive oil and balsamic vinegar; rubyred blood oranges make for a refreshing palate cleanser; fish of the day is served on a bed of waterblommetjie chutney and coconut.
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Soft-centered chocolate fondant with velvety buffalo milk gelato and almond brittle is an indulgent dessert. The team at Babel will tell you all about Babylonstoren’s core principles – regenerative farming, local producers and community – and while all of that is important, feelgood doesn’t always taste good. Here, it really does. Babylonstoren, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Simondium 021 863 3852 enquiries@babylonstoren.com www.babylonstoren.com
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WATERFORD ESTATE RESTAURANT Beauty, comfort and a vibe of breezy ease are axiomatic at Waterford Estate. Think Tuscan architecture, a sunny courtyard and enveloping armchairs – soundtracked by little more than the gentle bubbling of a fountain. Ditto the scent of lavender and rosemary, and delectable food. Simple, seasonal ingredients are essential in head chef Martin de Kock’s kitchen at the brand-spankingnew Waterford Estate Restaurant. Taking over a space formerly occupied by a wine country favourite was always going to be tricky. What stays? What changes? Disappointing a few regulars is inevitable but, if the almost always fully booked terrace is anything to go by, Waterford’s reinvention of the restaurant has been met with unambiguous approval. The chef has assembled a compact menu full of straight-shooting deliciousness.
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A 300g rib-eye with bone marrow butter strikes a beautiful balance between primal and elegant. Its richness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of charred onions and superb skin-on, hand-cut beef-tallow-fried chips. Pan-fried line fish makes an excellent match for Saldanha Bay mussels, leeks, baby spinach, potato dauphinoise, velouté and bay leaf oil. The Basque cheesecake, with its signature scorched top and the flavour of ripe raspberries, is hard to pass up. Wash your feast down with lip-tainting sips of cabernet sauvignon, among other tipples from the estate’s vineyards. Waterford Estate, Upper Blaauwklippen Road, Stellenbosch 021 880 5300 cellardoor@waterfordestate.co.za www.waterfordestate.co.za
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CHEFS WAREHOUSE BEAU CONSTANTIA The modern Beau Constantia grounds provide a fitting backdrop for Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia, a fine-dining spot with a laidback vibe. Warming woods and contemporary furniture place the slick glass-encased restaurant on the cosier end of the minimalist scale. Light floods in through the floor-to-ceiling glass walls, while the panoramic views across the Constantia Valley seize your attention. Indoor and outdoor seating make the most of the high-altitude vineyard setting. Here, head chef and co-owner Ivor Jones’ small-plates menu has all the trimmings of fine dining without unnecessary pomp. The food is forward-looking and clever, threading global influences and lots of Southeast Asian flavours with impressive dexterity. Highlights abound, from coal-fired bread finished with a dusting of popcorn powder and
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Saldanha Bay oysters dressed with nahm jim, to char-grilled yellowfin tuna in coconut naam pla and beef tataki inspired by traditional Thai nam tok. You’d be happy just gazing upon the pretty cherry and rose geranium mousse with its blushing pink tones. But start tucking into the floral, aromatic flavours and silky textures and it’s soon apparent that eating with the mouth trumps eating with the eyes. The discerning diners of Constantia are certainly glad Chefs Warehouse is firm in its place – and look forward to another decade of inspired cuisine. Beau Constantia, 1043 Constantia Main Road, Constantia 021 794 8632 cw@beauconstantia.com www.chefswarehouse.co.za
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THE RESTAURANT AT RUPERT & ROTHSCHILD VIGNERONS French champagne, immaculate table settings and an array of European dishes await beneath dappled sunlight peaking through leafy oak trees at the newly renovated Restaurant at Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons. Secure a coveted spot on the terrace and soak up the rays. The à la carte menu, as you’d expect given Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons’ commitment to luxury, is elegant, well-considered and features the best quality ingredients. Begin with salmon tartare doused in ponzu, partnered with avocado and ponzu mayonnaise and served with sesame lavash. Also worthy of attention is the lightly crumbed squid atop peri-peri, coconut mousse and avocado purée, crowned with a crispy rice cracker. Other certainties remain. There’s exceptional steak au poivre bathed in a sauce of pan drippings and cream (the dainty beef cheek croquette almost steals the show); a vibrantly coloured line-fish dish with bouillabaisse, asparagus and saffron aioli; and well-balanced desserts like a
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Champagne Barons de Rothschild Rosé custard tartlet dotted with berry coulis. It’s the ode to detail – the quietly confident service, the ambient lighting, the premium stemware – that nudges The Restaurant at Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons towards the sublime. Walk-ins are available, so try your luck if you’re local, but definitely secure a booking if you’re coming from further afield. Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, Klapmuts-Simondium Road, Simondium 021 874 1648 tr@rupert-rothschildvignerons.com www.rupert-rothschildvignerons.com S p r i n g 2 0 2 6 | 51
For bookings and enquiries, contact: reservations@newmarkhotels.com +27 21 427 5901 www.newmarkhotels.com
TIMELESS BEAUTY IN THE GREAT KAROO Set within a private reserve in South Africa’s Great Karoo, Mount Camdeboo Private Game Reserve offers an intimate safari experience defined by history, heart, and wide-open beauty where wildlife roam freely. Guests can choose from elegant manor houses, romantic pods beneath the stars, or a historic cottage. All designed to immerse you in the stillness and spirit of the Karoo. It’s a place to reconnect with nature, with heritage, and with yourself.
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itineraries 3 Southern Africa destination hotels that are too luxurious to leave Something that never goes out of season on the travel front? The art of true escapism. Whether you’re seeking a blissful beach holiday or a stellar safari experience – or even a staycation close to home – it’s all about complete and utter relaxation from the moment you arrive. From breathtaking locations to state-of-the-art spas and culinary delights, these destination hotels are the places to go to feel worlds away from reality. Discover our top picks to whet your appetite for travelling Southern Africa this year.
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THE PLETTENBERG HOTEL Best for the epitome of seaside intimacy in the Garden Route There are few places quite as iconic as this grande dame in Plettenberg Bay. Perched high above the frothy ocean waves, The Plettenberg Hotel is set against a backdrop of the craggy Tsitsikamma Mountains, with cascading views to the coastal headlands and Lookout Beach below. Timeless, stately and serene. The hotel has been the go-to spot for those seeking a sophisticated Plett escape for years (it opened in 1988), and it continues to grow from strength to strength. The property is located along the Garden Route, South Africa’s most famous stretch of lush coastline. This 300-kilometre-long journey is a compilation of the Western Cape’s greatest hits, from indigenous forests to deep-blue lagoons to dramatic rock formations and cliff faces. Not to mention, for wildlife aficionados, this is the perfect stretch of coastline from which to spot whales, seals and white sharks, best seen between May and September. At its core, The Plettenberg is still the opulent seaside palace it’s always been, complete with pristine white rooms and affable, discreet service. The turquoise infinity pool is truly incomparable. But guests now have more choices to ensure that their stay features all their personal creature comforts. There are 35 elegantly appointed rooms and suites and two family-style villas to hole up in undisturbed.
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Most are similar in décor, with sandy woods and splashes of blues and greens mirroring the region’s azure waters and vegetated cliff edges. The impeccable taste of the late Liz McGrath, the original owner, is still evident. Expect a king-sized bed, plump cushions and plush carpets, a flat-screen TV, a complimentary minibar, a Nespresso machine, heating and air conditioning, towel warmers and in-room treats. The sea-facing Premier Suites are much sought-after for their private terraces with spectacular views. Waking up to the sound of crashing waves can only be described as mesmerising. Breakfast (included in the room rate) is served in the boldly decorated Amelia’s restaurant, which is also a fabulous choice for lunch with drop-dead gorgeous views. Don’t miss the tempura prawns and stir-fried vegetables, which pack a spicy punch, followed by an impressive seafood platter featuring fried calamari, mussels in a fragrant broth, catch of the day, grilled prawns, a trio of sauces and classic accompaniments. Finish up with the frangipane tart with flavours of toasted almonds, apple and cinnamon compote and vanilla bean ice cream. 40 Church Street, Plettenberg Bay 021 794 5535 reservations@collectionmcgrath.com www.theplettenberghotel.com 60 | S p r in g 2026
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THE ROYAL LIVINGSTONE VICTORIA FALLS ZAMBIA HOTEL BY ANANTARA Best for animal encounters with the falls’ spray in full view Check in to this legendary hotel where wild animals roam free, and you could be sharing your breakfast table with giraffes, lounging poolside with zebras or peering out from your window at a herd of impalas. Located within a stone’s throw of Victoria Falls, The Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara offers guests up close views of the Zambian side of the falls and the wildlife that resides within the surrounding bush. Victoria Falls (known in the local Lozi language as Mosi-oa-Tunya, “The Smoke that Thunders”) is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO-protected site – a bucket-list destination for most visitors to southern Africa. In just 25 minutes, you can leave Livingstone International Airport and be within the tranquil grounds of this hotel, named after Sir David Livingstone, the explorer who gave the falls their name in honour of Queen Victoria. For those seeking a more exhilarating journey, arriving by helicopter and landing on its exclusive helipad is even faster. Offering 173 colonial-style rooms and suites, The Royal Livingstone is more of a luxury resort than a safari lodge, with practised staff and all the advantages that come with its scale. A pool lined with ample thick-cushioned sun loungers?
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A gin cocktail with those thunderous falls crashing within earshot? A romantic table for two on a floating pontoon on the Zambezi? A riverside spa with a menu of massages and an air-conditioned gym overlooking lush vegetation? Check. The 93 newly renovated rooms are brought together by jungle-themed wallpaper, natural materials and an array of blues and greens. Executive Zambezi River Rooms are spacious and well thought out; the enclosed sunroom is a peaceful place from which to listen to the rustles of wildlife and marvel at glittering constellations. Activities range from a sunset cruise, with hippos and crocodiles lurking beneath the river’s surface, to dinner aboard the splendidly vintage Royal Livingstone Express steam train. A must-do is the Zambezi Dining Experience – a multi-course culinary journey that takes guests from the hotel’s herb gardens to the banks of the Zambezi and finally Victoria Falls, celebrating Zambia’s local flavours, traditions and storytelling along the way. The whole bream baked in paper is a standout. But the most anticipated adventure is undoubtedly exploring the falls by foot – a special entrance for unlimited complimentary access means you can come and go as you please. Mosi-oa-Tunya Road, Livingstone, Zambia royallivingstone@anantara.com www.anantara.com 64 | S p r in g 2026
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ANGALA Best for a nurturing, therapeutic wine country retreat On a paradisiacal slice of mountainside in Franschhoek is Angala – a well-being sanctuary surrounded by the Simonsberg Mountains and abundant fynbos gardens. The fresh, earthy smell of fynbos mingles with the minty scent of eucalyptus. Luminous dragonflies buzz, butterflies flit their kaleidoscopic wings and reed frogs croak in the distance – rather than interfering with its environment, this hotel honours it. There are 11 free-standing rooms, including four recently refurbished Luxury Rooms, each equipped with outdoor showers and wood-burning fireplaces. These intensely private rooms have been reimagined through contemporary interiors, use of natural light and stacking doors opening onto private decks, creating a stay that’s both design-forward and connected to nature. A colour palette of beige and duck egg blue feels instantly calming. Every detail has been carefully considered, from the super-king-size beds (exceptionally pillowy, dressed in cloud-soft linens) and generous bathrooms (featuring underfloor heating and deep-soaking tubs) 66 | S p r in g 2026
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to the Healing Earth amenities (fragranced with lemon verbena), drinks (a tea- and coffee-making station plus a complimentary minibar) and snacks (delicious artisanal treats). Particularly delightful is the comfy couch in the lounge area of the room – perfect for lounging at sunset with a book, enjoying the ever-changing light. The walk-in shower also deserves a mention. It would be difficult to leave the rooms, if not for the unmatched beauty of the grounds. Throughout the property, spaces have been set aside for wellness activities. Guests can soak in the ozone-treated outdoor pool or heated plunge pool, take a dip in the natural swimming pool kept clean with purifying aquatic plants rather than chemicals, as well as sweat it out in the infrared sauna and steam room. In addition, there’s a food
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garden designed by internationally acclaimed landscaper Leon Kluge – it’s impossible to wander through here in the late afternoon sun without feeling inspired. In the morning, an in-house chef creates fresh juices, fruit salads, honey-drizzled muesli, baskets of just-made pastries – and, if wanted, richer dishes such as poached eggs on sourdough toast with avocado, smoked trout and hollandaise sauce. Three-course dinners can be arranged. Whether it’s your body, mind or indeed your soul that needs a little tender loving care, Angala will certainly provide it – and much, much more. A repeat visit already feels overdue. Corner of R45 Main Road & Simondium-Klapmuts Road, Simondium 021 300 3395 reservations@angala.co.za www.angala.co.za
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