All-things conscious, care-focused, and considerately crafted. From beauty, wellness, and interiors—to the most discerning African travel destinations—escape the everyday with the Motherland’s most inspired and inspiring.
Tucked away in Sandhurst’s leafy embrace, the Saxon Hotel offers an air of refined exclusivity, a world apart from the hum of Johannesburg. Here, luxury is neither loud nor ostentatious but expressed through immaculate attention to detail and a quiet sense of serenity. The lush, expansive gardens envelop the property, creating a haven of calm where time seems to slow.
The suites strike a perfect balance between indulgence and comfort, with understated African influences woven into a contemporary design. Whether in the main hotel or the secluded villas, each space feels thoughtfully crafted, from the fine linens to the beautifully curated décor. Service is effortlessly intuitive—always attentive but never intrusive, anticipating your needs before you’re even aware of them.
Dining is a highlight of the Saxon experience. Qunu’s menu combines bold, locally sourced flavours with an inventive touch, while the Olive Bar’s relaxed yet polished atmosphere makes it ideal for an evening drink overlooking the gardens. Breakfast in the Piano Lounge is an indulgence of its own, featuring freshly brewed coffee, seasonal ingredients, and a setting as inviting as the meal itself.
The spa, a jewel in the Saxon’s crown, offers a tranquil escape where award-winning treatments are delivered with an unrivalled focus on relaxation and rejuvenation. Surrounded by calming design and soothing gardens, every visit feels like an immersive reset for the senses.
Morocco is a land where your senses go into overdrive, from the heady scent of spices to the vivid colours that light up every souk (market). This is a country that takes you by the hand and pulls you deep into its ancient rhythms, where modern-day life and ancient traditions swirl together.
Whether you’re sipping mint tea on a riad rooftop (traditional house) or watching the sun dip behind the Sahara dunes, Morocco leaves its mark long after you’ve said goodbye.
Ready to lose yourself in the magic? Here’s where to go, stay and eat in this enchanting land.
Picture this: a private helicopter sweeps you across the turquoise waters of Tanzania’s coast, and below, the remote paradise of Thanda Island comes into view—a secret escape nestled in the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve. Voted the World’s Leading Exclusive Private Island, this isn’t just a luxurious retreat; it’s your very own slice of heaven. With only one villa on the island, it’s a place of total privacy and indulgence, designed exclusively for you, your family, and friends. The five air-conditioned suites are moments from the soft, white sands, with two traditional Tanzanian bandas adding even more space for those looking to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty.
Inside the villa, coastal whites and calming blues mirror the Indian Ocean outside, with a glass-edged infinity pool wrapping around the property. Whether you’re relaxing in the air-conditioned library, working out in the private gym, or simply enjoying a glass from the impressive wine collection, every detail is in place to make your stay effortless. It’s a setting where even the sound of the waves seems curated for tranquillity.
Dining on Thanda Island is anything but ordinary. Before you arrive, the Executive Chef reaches out to craft a menu that perfectly matches your preferences—whether it’s a seafood banquet under the stars or a wood-fired pizza fresh from the outdoor oven. Every meal is prepared with the freshest local ingredients, served wherever you wish: on the beach, by the pool, or in the villa’s expansive dining area. Cocktails are poured as the sun dips below the horizon, and every bite feels like part of the island’s rhythm.
Adventure is always on the horizon here. With exclusive access to the Shungimbili Island Marine Reserve, you’ll find a stunning underwater world waiting for you. Snorkel through vibrant coral reefs, or dive deeper to discover the treasures hidden beneath the surface. Thanda’s private yacht, Sazi, is ready to take you on a deep-sea fishing adventure, while the 28-foot Real Magic catamaran offers a day of excitement on the open water. If your idea of adventure leans towards relaxation, the beachside spa treatments, delivered by expert therapists, are an ideal way to unwind.
Privacy is the island’s most precious luxury. With no other guests, the island is yours to explore at your leisure. The staff, from the butlers to the spa therapists, are on hand to cater to your every need, whether it’s arranging a romantic dinner under the stars or preparing your boat for a day on the water. Despite the remote location, you’re never far from modern comforts: Wi-Fi and mobile reception are available, should you need to reconnect with the outside world.
At Thanda Island, every detail is designed for indulgence. Days flow from long, leisurely breakfasts to afternoons spent snorkelling or simply lounging by the pool. The moments are yours to savour. Whether you’re soaking in the copper beach baths or enjoying sunset cocktails, there’s an intimacy here that’s hard to find anywhere else. The world outside may continue, but here, on your own private island, it feels as though you’ve found something timeless.
Nature’s patterns have always been our greatest campus. When leaves begin to change colour and the fields are no longer dotted in colourful blooms, we know that Winter is coming. When daylight seems longer and the evenings feel warmer, we know to start looking forward to Summer. Currently, this is the situation no matter where you are in the world.
Consider your skin’s needs during this time. A good facial to buff off any dead skin cells is a good idea because whether you’re going into Autumn or Spring, healthy glowing skin is always the goal. Getting rid of dead skin also means you get the best performance from your products as they will penetrate better. If a facial is a little far fetched for you, get your hands on a good exfoliant and the results will be similar.
May we also suggest that you invest in a treatment product to address a specific issue (e.g. pigmentation/acne/wrinkles/dehydration, etc). The trick here is to know your skin’s language and get familiar with the ingredients’ deliveries so that you are picking the correct serum for the correct ailment.
An all-rounder that will serve your skin well no matter the type is one packed with Hyaluronic Acid, which is a great aid for your skin’s hydration and collagen production. When skin is hydrated, it is more resilient.
Tip: Add a good face oil into your routine to lock in hydration. The oil goes over the moisturiser (always apply your skin products starting with the thinnest texture to the thickest.)
Here are 3 products we love for all skins at all seasons:
LeLive Save our Skin (SOS) Exfoliate + Control Serum
Constance Lemuria, located on Praslin Island in the Seychelles, offers a balance of luxury and natural beauty. Surrounded by tropical landscapes and beaches, this five-star resort features a range of activities, including the only 18-hole golf course in the Seychelles and access to vibrant marine life at nearby diving sites. Guests visiting between October and February can even observe turtles nesting on the resort’s beaches.
For families, the Constance Kids Club provides engaging activities such as island excursions and cooking classes. Adults can unwind at the resort’s spa or relax by the beachside pools, designed to complement the natural surroundings.
Dining is a key highlight, with four restaurants catering to various tastes. Legend Restaurant offers extensive buffet choices, while Diva focuses on contemporary dishes. Seafood lovers will enjoy Creole-style dishes at The Nest, which overlooks the ocean. The resort also features several bars with scenic settings, perfect for evening drinks.
Accommodation options include junior and senior suites, along with private villas for those seeking more space and privacy. Each room is thoughtfully designed with modern amenities such as air conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, and 24-hour room service, ensuring a comfortable stay.
Constance Lemuria combines elegant facilities with its stunning location, making it ideal for travellers seeking relaxation, family-friendly activities, or a bit of both.
I’m Thando Moleketi-Williams – a mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunty, friend and community builder. I’m also a serial entrepreneur, an investor and a natural problem solver.
I’m calling this chapter of my life Sowing Seeds for the Rich Harvest. Currently my primary work is nurturing my family. I’m a mother to a four- and six-year-old so I spend a lot of time focused on their wellbeing. I’m also the soundboard for my husband who’s an investor in the creative industries. So maybe this chapter could also be called Support.
On Wellbeing
Things I do regularly are movement and hydration. I drink at least two litres of water daily. On most days I get in close to 10000 steps daily, mostly by walking outdoors, which means a good dose of Joburg air and sunshine. I’ve started reformer pilates again and it’s been amazing being able to find a woman of colour with a relatable body shape to lead the practice.
I’m exploring the idea of mindfulness as a regular wellbeing practice. I’m trying to commit to positive self talk and staying in the present. I struggle with a negative internal narrative that includes a dose of self berating and replaying cringey scenarios from a decade ago.
Food as Medicine
I make chicken soup with a good dose of garlic and ginger whenever someone gets sick so I’m a believer of food as medicine! My daughter has a dairy and peanut allergy. We are a label reading household that’s very conscious of what we eat. We’ve felt the effects of reducing dairy in our diets; less nasal congestion and bloating. I appreciate the fact that not all foods are for all people based on where we come from and what our forefathers ate.
My practical interpretation of this (food as medicine) is that, I make sure that our family is mostly eating whole foods and a variety of foods. I’m not dogmatic about anything so we still eat meat, but are heavy on plants on the plate. I am extremely conscious of where I source our meat and eggs from.
On Beauty and Life’s Indulgences
I believe sleep can cure most things. I also realise that this is rich coming from someone who’s had almost six years of interrupted sleep. My greatest indulgences are travel and food. I now also deeply appreciate being in adult company, spending time with family and friends.
Here are 5 beauty products I refuse to part with:
Eucerin dermato clean face wash
Eucerin Q10 Active day cream
Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream
Charlotte Tilbury lipstick & lip liner combo in Pillow Talk
Inoar afro Vegan multipurpose hair mask for it’s versatility.
Another One&Only treasure, Gorilla’s Nest provides a front-row-seat to the Mountain Gorilla Sanctuary.
Swathed in Eucalyptus trees, this modern haven features 21 lodges and suites. It’s the closest resort to Volcanoes National Park where 340 gorillas, golden mountain monkeys and 300 bird species make their home.
Styled meticulously with African artefacts and geometric patterns, each room pulls you right into the essence of Rwanda. At the Nest restaurant and bar, you’ll enjoy seasonal cuisine sourced from local farms and beautifully presented by passionate chefs. Mixologists will invite you to select from the lodge’s vast wine list or signature cocktails. And you can enjoy a guided taste tour of Rwandan coffee to learn what really sets it apart.
In the Swahili language, Mahali Mzuri means ‘beautiful place’. Owned by Sir Richard Branson, this beautiful safari camp boasts 12 luxury tents on the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy within the Maasai Mara National Reserve, which is a globally-renowned game reserve. It’s also an incredible honeymoon destination or bucket-list experience with a front-row seat to The Great Migration.
At this safari camp, the main tent features a lounge, open fireplace, library, iPads for guest use and a dining area for breakfast and lunch. Connected by a walkaway, all 12 tents are easily accessible to the main lounge. Each luxury tent features an ensuite bathroom, authentic African decor, an abundance oflarge windows with scenic views and a private deck. Enjoy a sundowner picnic engulfed in lantern light
and the afterglow of an African sunset or sit around an open fire pit and watch the sun go down from the comfort of the camp deck.
Situated among Dakhla Bay’s awe-inspiring landscape, La Tour d’Eole luxury ecolodge harmonises with its surroundings, using the natural bounty of the desert dunes, turquoise waters and rugged cliffs as its building blocks.
Crafted primarily from Douglas wood, chosen for its sustainability and durability, the ecolodge blends into the sandy terrain, evoking a sense of unity with the environment. Stone, travertine and traditional Moroccan tiles adorn the interiors, further celebrating the local landscape.
With a range of rooms, suites and villas, including the four-bedroom villa for families or friends,
La Tour d’Eole offers a tailored experience for every guest. With all the makings of a legendary holiday experience, La Tour d’Eole is making a scene.
At Jack’s Camp, the only thing dry is the desert and even then, it quenches you in a way we can’t quite explain. Bedouin-style canvas tents blend into the bush yet burst with dramatic interiors and Persian flair that awakens everything artistic, unconventional and a bit wild within.
Located in the Great Kalahari Desert and a relic of what was once one of theworld’s largest lakes, this prehistoric setting provides an incredible experience.
The camp features ten luxury tents with electricity, ensuite bathrooms and all-inclusive meals and drinks, including traditional afternoon tea.
Jack’s Camp puts a high priority on conservation, community and sustainability, ensuring that tourism is both eco-friendly for the animals and local people.
Sundy Praia, Príncipe Island’s symbol of refinement and sustainability, stands in playful contrast to its natural surroundings, offering a combination of modern elegance and tropical charm.
Each of the 15 tented villas, blend locally crafted treasures with modern comforts and promises an enchanting retreat. Surrounded by majestic trees and the rolling Atlantic, these villas boast breathtaking views and private plunge pools, ensuring holiday snaps in every direction. At the wall-less restaurant, indulge in culinary delights sourced from the island’s organic produce. Sundy Praia invites guests to fall head over heels for its tranquil ambiance and conservation-minded ethos.
Framed by the majestic Moroccan desert, Dar Ahlam emerges like a mirage, a vision realised by Thierry Teyssier. Affectionately known to its guests as the Maison des Rêves or the House of Dreams, Dar Ahlam was born from a reverie, which, we suspect, is the only way such a place could come into being.
Located in the heart of the palm grove near Ouarzazate, it offers 14 suites each with its own tale to tell. Each moment here is staged to perfection, offering an experience where no day is the same. With interiors styled with plenty of Moroccan flair and a Garden of Eden with a swimming pool at your fingertips, this is where fantasies intertwine with reality.
For more info on Dar Ahlam, visit Small Luxury Hotels of the World at www.slh.com
La Maison Bleue
Experience the faultless blend of old-world sophistication and modern luxury at La Maison Bleue, a lavish 19th-century Mediterranean mansion in El Gouna. Embodying the grandeur of a splendid estate, this boutique hotel boasts ten charming suites, an exclusive beach, and a luxury spa that nods to timeless glamour.
Designed by antiques collector Amr Khalil, the opulent interiors feature antique European furniture from the 18th to 20th centuries. Stays here are guaranteed to be tasty with exquisite dining options, and you’re in good company, as celebrities and couples flock to this resort that strives to satisfy every wish and whim.
For more info on La Maison Bleue, visit Small Luxury Hotels of the World at www.slh.com
Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel
If Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel was a moodboard, it would lean heavily towards a potent hit of tranquillity and luxury, where moments that lose track of time are interspersed with the interiors influenced by exotic traditions. But step inside and you’re in a realm where classical splendour meets contemporary chic, curated with an eagle eye for detail.
Part of the considerable charm of this adults-only sanctuary in Mauritius lies in its secluded love nests by the new swimming pool and on the picturesque peninsula,
offering intimate spaces for couples to relax amid coconut trees and bougainvillea framing stunning infinity views. The hotel also offers a Dine Around experience, allowing guests to savour culinary delights at three out of four restaurants and ensuring each stay is truly special.
Located in the western part of the Zambezi National Park and only an hour’s drive from the world-famous Victoria Falls, the Batoka Zambezi Sands River Lodge offers guests the chance to luxuriate in the glorious African bush where they can take in the exquisite waters of the mighty Zambezi or marvel at elephant, buffalo, lion, hippo and abundant birdlife.
In 2020, Batoka Africa acquired 100% ownership of the former Zambezi Sands River Camp and its sister attraction, the Gorges Lodge. The acquisition set the foundation for co-founder Vimbai Masiyiwa’s vision for developing a social impact model for their properties, which empower communities while providing a superior luxury experience. The 11 suites have been reconceptualised by contemporary furniture and décor firm The Private House Company, under the astute eye of South African interior designer Yvonne O’Brien.
Zuri means ‘beautiful’ in Swahili, and everything you encounter at this resort is beautiful. Whether you’re planning a celebration with close friends and relatives, you’ll have your pick of stunning bungalows, suites and villas filled with beautiful accents and lavish splurges.
The resort has started several long-term initiatives to promote sustainability, community upliftment and education, including a ‘pack to give’ initiative where guests
can save room in their suitcases to gift everything from laptops to educational toys to books, clothing and more to the neighbourhood communities. Here, you can travel with a purpose.
You’ll have the opportunity to experience everything from cultural excursions to culinary masterpieces and water adventures, offering memories that last a lifetime.
Inside the Mind of Sabrina Elba and her Quest to Lead A-Beauty
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Keeping up with Sabrina Elba, one of the most dynamic beauty founders I know, requires I tap into reserves of energy I didn’t know that I had. In a whirlwind 18 hours in London, I get an inside look at what drives her work, how she’s built her team, and why everyone we come across seems to adore her.
Sabrina, who founded her skincare label S’Able Labs with her husband Idris Elba in 2022, is also a model, actress and Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations. She’s not one to shy away from hard work.
Initially, she was set to practice law, and she approaches her work as an entrepreneur with dedication, focus and grace. But this grace shouldn’t be confused with a lack of ambition because while she’s humble and incredibly kind, something she attributes to her Canadian upbringing, she’s gunning for a major role on skincare’s global stage: bringing A-beauty, and the ingredients from her native Somalia front and centre – baobab, rooibos, qasil, blackseed and various African botanicals.
