No two homes tell the same story.

One family rises at dawn for school runs. Another works night shifts. Some households cook sumptuous weekend feasts. Others rely on quick weekday meals between activities. Yet for years, appliances were built with a one-size-fits-all mind-set.

Samsung is changing that narrative by building appliances that can learn your family’s habits.

Through its Bespoke AI ecosystem, Samsung is pioneering personalisation at scale, where technology adapts continuously to the rhythms, preferences and energy patterns of each household. This is the evolution of the AI Home Companion.

Built-in Intelligence

Personalisation is not an add-on feature. It is embedded within the appliance itself.

AI Wash¹ refines performance over time, learning how frequently laundry is done, what fabrics dominate and how much detergent is needed. It improves efficiency without requiring reprogramming. AI EcoBubble² uses intelligent fabric sensing and bubble technology to deliver up to 70% energy savings³ while removing 24% more soil⁴, even in cold water. They use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to analyse fabric types and load weight, optimising detergent, water and bubble usage for high quality care and efficiency.

In climate control, AI Fast and Comfort Cooling⁵ ensures rapid temperature adjustments without an unexpected draft. The system learns occupancy patterns, adjusting cooling performance to deliver comfort only when and where it is needed.

This is personalisation that evolves. The more you live, the more your appliances understand.

An Ecosystem with a Bird’s Eye View

True personalisation happens when devices communicate. Through SmartThings⁶, Samsung connects refrigerators, washing machines, ovens, air conditioners, TVs and mobile devices into a unified ecosystem with contextual awareness.

SmartThings⁶ Energy provides visibility into household consumption patterns, helping families make informed decisions and encouraging more sustainable living. Over time, the system learns preferences and automatically optimises operations to reduce unnecessary consumption without sacrificing comfort.⁷

Secure, Reliable and Built for the Long Term

As homes become more intelligent, security becomes foundational. Samsung Knox⁸ safeguards connected appliances at both hardware and software levels, protecting data, access controls, and personal information. Personalisation should never mean a compromise on privacy.

Reliability also defines the AI Home Companion. Samsung appliances undergo rigorous durability testing and receive long-term software updates to remain secure and capable. With extended warranties, families invest in intelligence that lasts.

Why Personalisation Matters

Personalisation is not about novelty but about relevance. In a country as diverse as South Africa, homes vary widely in size, energy access and needs, climate conditions and lifestyle patterns. An adaptive AI ecosystem takes these differences into account and balances across apartments, suburban homes and all other household types in between.

When appliances respond to real-life behaviour, families spend less time configuring technology and more time benefiting from it. The technology fades into the background, allowing life to take centre stage.

The Future of the AI Living Companion

Samsung’s vision extends beyond smart appliances. It is about shaping a home that grows with you. Work patterns shift. Energy demands fluctuate. Through continuous learning and software updates, the Samsung AI ecosystem evolves with these transitions. More than connected, the home becomes attentive.

In this future, your refrigerator anticipates your weekly habits. Your washing machine aligns with your schedule. Your air conditioning understands seasonal nuances. Your energy consumption adapts automatically. And it’s all coordinated through one secure ecosystem. With this kind of personalisation happening at scale, it is not technology that demands attention, but technology that pays attention.

Samsung is not simply building appliances. It is building AI Living Companions designed to enrich life, strengthen families, and transform houses into responsive, intelligent homes that truly understand⁹ the people inside them.

Samsung is your companion in this new era, making the “home of the future” the reality of your today. For more details, visit samsung.com/za/

¹ Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.

² AI Ecobubble is only activated when specific courses are selected, including Cotton, Synthetics and AI Wash with loads less than 2kg.

³ Compared to washing in warm water. Tested in accordance with IEC 60456-2010 / 4kg Wash Load / Super Eco Wash cold (WF80F5E5U4W) vs. Cotton 40°C without Ecobubble (WF0702WKU). Individual results may vary.

⁴ Based on the Performance Lab Test report by Springboard Engineering on EMPA strips, comparing a normal detergent solution and bubble technology without mechanical action. Individual results may vary.

⁵ To use AI Fast & Comfort Cooling a Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account SmartThings are required. SmartThings server stores user data, preferences and usage patterns to suggest the most useful options

⁶ To use SmartThings, download the App from the Galaxy Store, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. The supported OS specification, required storage space, and other usage environment for the SmartThings app can be found on the app download page in each app store. SmartThings has compatibility constraints, and the compatible environment may be updated periodically.  Supported OS specifications and app screen configuration may change with app updates.

⁷ Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions and patterns.

⁸ Applied to all appliances that have an Internet connection.

⁹ AI-based features are available on certain appliances, and based on our deep learning model, which is trained using a predefined set of data and may yield incomplete or incorrect information. New data sets maybe introduced to our learning model from time to time to enhance its accuracy.

The post The Era of the Living Companion: How Samsung is personalising AI in the Home appeared first on Visi.

WORDS Steve Smith PHOTOS Supplied

With all the nations vying for global supremacy at the moment, I’m a bit disappointed the Swedes have not thrown their hat in the ring. They’d definitely get my vote. Visit this Scandinavian country and you’ll witness hordes of happy people (Sweden is consistently in the top five of the World Happiness Report) who are well off , well cared for and, oddly, not at all smug. I’d be smug as hell if I were Swedish.

The reason for this good cheer? You may think it’s because Swedes enjoy the benefits of a government whose excellent fiscal management makes proper use of all those highly taxed kronas. In part, that is true, but it’s not the fundamental reason. Sweden’s good fortune has actually been shaped by good design – and here’s how.

Scandi for the win

Around the turn of the 19th century, two Swedes penned two influential essays. First up was noted philosopher and critic Ellen Key, whose 1899 manifesto “Beauty in the Home” argued for the transformation of the domestic environment as a means of social reform. This, in turn, inspired influential art historian Gregor Paulsson to write “Better Things for Everyday Life”, adding weight to a growing movement that believed that when the aesthetic realm is attuned to contemporary realities, an environment will be a catalyst for social, cultural and economic improvement.

People listened, designers designed… And just look where Sweden is today.

This philosophy provided the fundamentals of Swedish design as we’d describe it now – a minimalist, functional and simple aesthetic, characterised by clean lines, a neutral colour palette and, wherever possible, natural materials such as wood. It’s an aesthetic – and a design philosophy – that’s been embraced by many Swedish brands, from Volvo, IKEA and H&M to Spotify and the one you’re looking at here: Thule. You’ll know Thule from its 13 stores across South Africa, where iconic roof racks, boxes and tents, bike racks, luggage and backpacks have gained a reputation as the apex examples of what you can buy in these categories.

Malmö and THEX 2025

Thule invited us to Malmö, Sweden’s third-largest city aft er Stockholm and Gothenburg – home to Thule’s HQ, and the place where the brand’s annual THEX is held. This Thule Experience event is as much a showcase of Thule’s current and upcoming products as it is a celebration of the brand. And Thule really is loved – both by the people who purchase its products and the people who make them.

Having toured Thule’s waterfront HQ and the test centre in nearby Hillerstorp, it’s clear the company is peopled not just with happy Swedes, but very proud ones. It’s a heart-warmingly feel-good experience to witness a workspace in which humans are genuinely happy, and proud of the products they’re designing, prototyping, testing and manufacturing.

It was here that I also discovered the correct pronunciation of the word “Thule”. It is, in fact, tool-eh, delivered with the requisite singsong Swedish accent, and not my Madonsela-flavoured thuli.

The Hillerstorp facility is particularly interesting – it’s here that the brand was founded in 1942, and it remains the global development and testing centre. Various ingenious machines have been built to tumble, bounce, roll, drop and bump everything from strollers to luggage and bike racks. They even have a car-crash test facility with actual crash test dummies, where products are impact-tested to pass Sweden’s stringent safety laws.

The results of all these endeavours were on show at THEX. Held inside an industrial warehouse, the event combined a fashion runway-style product reveal (featuring the brand’s global ambassadors) with touch- and-feel displays where you could engage with the various ranges. It was also an opportunity to see how Thule’s design DNA threads through everything they make, and is clearly evident in items as varied as a kid’s car seat and a towbar-mounted bike rack. Both, for example, boast materials and manufacturing quality that will see them last for decades. And both carry design cues that so strongly signal Thule, you’d pick them out in any police lineup without seeing the logo. Purposely created for people with an active lifestyle, Thule’s aesthetic softens necessarily robust materials and fit-for-purpose functionality with organic forms. You can most obviously see it on the luggage, but a closer look at the products made of hard-wearing alloys and plastics reveals the signature curves even there.

After the show, I caught up with two of Thule’s design gurus to find out more about what underpins this celebrated aesthetic. Meet global design director Henrik Eriksson, and global chief designer for colour and material finish Ellen Frisch.

Tell us more about the recognisable Thule design DNA, and how you pull it through the different design categories.

Henrik: “It’s challenging when you need to work with the same attributes across different product categories, but we have things that we believe emphasise the familiarity even if you take the labels off a Thule product. Colour is a big part of it. It’s visual; you instantly capture it. But it’s also about other things built into a shape.

“We talk about accentuated edges and lines, emphasising shapes in the products. We talk about tension and restraint, getting energy into the shape, but also contradicting the shape, and giving it additional energy by angling. We talk about integration – making it as visually well put-together as we can.

“We also talk about our world as being tailored. We keep it simple, not adding things for the sake of adding them, but ensuring fitness for purpose – adding things when they are needed. In a way, our aesthetic is clean and honest.”

Thule’s design philosophy appears to be one of gradual evolution. Is that a conscious approach?

Henrik: “It’s about constantly evolving with new products, new categories and new ways of doing things – but we want to do it slowly. Thule products are built to last – so if you own one, it will remain useful and relevant over a long period of time. That means we won’t design anything that makes our other products look dated. We want to add that refined, gradual newness into the aesthetic. Sometimes, one category in our range can push the others a bit, especially the ones that have more freedom in their aesthetic possibilities. For example, children’s car seats were a new category that allowed us take a few steps forward in other, more established categories.”

How would you describe the Thule colour palette?

Ellen: “For the past few years, we’ve been working to use colour to unify the brand across all the different categories, because they really can speak to different consumers. Someone buying a kid’s stroller might be a very different user from someone buying a roof box – so how can we use colour to unify our storytelling as a brand?

“We have a few main goals in the colour palette. We definitely want to make sure it’s rooted in Scandinavian heritage, so we always look back to the traditions of Scandinavian design. From an aesthetic relevance perspective, we also want our colours to last as long as our products do, which means we tend to stay away from brighter, fast-trend colours, and look instead to nature to inspire our palette. Colours from nature feel a lot more dependable and reassuring. So people choosing a Thule product that’s going to last in terms of its quality have the assurance that the colour will stay fresh and up-to-date for just as long.”

Does that determine your choice It’s also about using fewer resources, of materials?

Ellen: “It guides us, yes. We definitely want to choose materials that have good long-term quality, and that will continue to perform year aft er year during the rigorous outdoor activities they’re being asked to take part in. Therefore, we tend to choose more robust materials in the majority of our products.”

What is Thule’s sustainability approach?

Ellen: “We’re very much focused on sustainability, and use many recycled materials in our manufacturing. But we also know the industry is evolving beyond just recycled PET plastic bottles. There’s eagerness for additional, more thorough sustainability stories and materials; there’s more research, and various materials are being developed, so we’re looking at what’s most feasible in terms of both availability and meeting our standards. We’re also using more solution dye in our colours, which utilises less CO2 and water than traditional dyeing methods – so it’s not just material choices that are influencing our sustainability drive.”

Henrik: “For every project we work on, we set ourselves targets to reduce our environmental footprint, always measuring and striving for a smaller footprint than previous projects. This relates to all materials, regardless of whether we’re using textiles or steel or aluminium or plastics. The footprint is always measured, and always carries great weight in our decision-making. It’s also about using fewer resources,
and trying to become more efficient.”

What inspires you as a designer?

Ellen: “I draw inspiration from many places. Nature is number one for me, but I also love museums, and I love trend research in street fashion. It’s really a mix – a blend across a wide spectrum. And sometimes different things call to you at different times… But nature is always my top inspiration. I live in Sweden now, but before that, I lived in Colorado in the US, which is obviously quite different. Sweden’s very green; Colorado is very red. It’s rocks versus moss… And all of it is wonderful. I think the diversity that we can find in nature is really what inspires me, more than a particular landscape.”

Henrik: “I’m inspired by people and the everyday challenges they face. Recently I watched a father take his child to kindergarten, in a child bike seat, observing the challenges that he seemed to be handling right at that moment. It’s those everyday behaviours of people, I think, that are inspiring in every context. Sure, that’s more from a usage perspective, but you’re always surrounded by it. A lot of our products are about meeting a wide range of needs for parents.

“So yes, that’s one of my key drivers – but aesthetically, there’s so much more that inspires me: gadgets, architecture, nature, musical instruments. I like stuff that showcases quality craftsmanship, like people doing intricate woodwork. I think that’s fascinating.”

And that would pretty much describe my fascinating three days in Sweden. It was an “Okay, now I get it” moment for me. I have a bunch of Thule products, from roof racks to bicycle carriers and luggage, some of them at least a decade old. All have been used extensively on various holidays and adventures – and all have decades of life left , both from a materials and an aesthetic point of view. I like to think of it as a validation of my own excellent purchasing decisions. I’m not Swedish… But I am smug. | thule.com

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WORDS Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Alex Upton/Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

The opening of the temporary pop-up experience in London continues Louis Vuitton’s celebration of 130 years of the Monogram, with a series of immersive rooms dedicated to the Speedy, Keepall, Noé, Alma and Neverfull – all masterpieces of craftsmanship that have accompanied generations of travellers, creatives and collectors.

Every corner of the reimagined townhouse is designed to bring the Monogram and Art of Travel to life in unexpected ways.

Step into the Louis Vuitton Hotel through the Keepall Lobby, a space dedicated to the Keepall style, first introduced in 1930. The Keepall’s ingenious foldable design signalled a new chapter in the Art of Travel, ensuring every adventure, from check-in to souvenir-filled return, is effortlessly elegant.

A dedicated Care Services area enables visitors to bring their beloved Louis Vuitton pieces for a restorative “short stay” at the Hotel. Here, they can take advantage of the exclusive personalisation services, including the hot-stamping of distinctive patches available solely at the Louis Vuitton Hotel, allowing each piece to become truly one of a kind.

Here visitors can also browse a selection of travel accessories before making their way up the winding staircase to the first-floor where Café Alma waits.

Introduced in 1992 and named after the Place de l’Alma in Paris, the Alma became a symbol of the city’s refined modernity. Its gracefully structured silhouette and bold, architectural lines drew inspiration from the Art Deco movement, echoing the geometric precision and decorative purity that defined 1930s design. Open Monday to Sunday, Café Alma presents two veritable culinary experiences – a two-course signature luncheon and an afternoon tea.

The second floor is dedicated to the Speedy. Designed in the early 1930s, the Speedy was conceived as an expression of modernity, reflecting the era’s growing fascination with speed, movement and the freedom of travel. Designed as a luxurious guest suite, the Speedy Room is a cosy, light-filled space adorned with iconic Speedy bags, while the adjoining Speedy P9 Safe Room is drenched in metallic gold.

Dedicated to the classic carry-all through a playful lens, the Neverfull Gym completes the top floor of the Hotel. Introduced in 2007, the Neverfull quickly became an emblem of contemporary elegance. Weighing just 800 grams yet capable of carrying up to 100 kilograms, it is the perfect synthesis of resilience and refinement. In a nod to the bag’s origins, the Neverfull Gym features a whimsical, mirrored weight rack area.

Bar Noé sits on the lower-ground floor. The intimate champagne and cocktail bar pays tribute to the origins of the bag’s design. Created in 1932 at the request of a champagne producer, the Noé began as a simple yet brilliant idea: a bag to carry five bottles of bubbles – four upright and one inverted in the centre. By day, guests are invited to enjoy a crisp flute of champagne. As evening falls, Bar Noé transforms into a vibrant Mayfair destination, with curated DJs on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The Louis Vuitton Hotel London pop-up experience will remain open until 21 June 2026. | eu.louisvuitton.com

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WORDS Steve Smith and Josie Huges PHOTOS Supplied

Very few vehicles can claim the kind of cult following enjoyed by the original Land Rover Defender – or the Series I, II and III, as it was originally called before the Defender nameplate was adopted in 1990. Especially impressive is the fact that it’s been prized and zealously defended despite a rep for breaking down, acting unreliably, gulping fuel, being slow, leaking, rusting, and a host of other equally condemning issues.

But since the first hand-built Series I rolled out of the Solihull factory in the UK’s West Midlands, no other utility vehicle has come close to the unique mix of form and function found in the Defender. And here we’re defining “function” to include the ability to temporarily jimmy a snapped accelerator pedal by stringing a shoelace from the engine bay to the driver’s window to rev the engine. Or popping an egg in the coolant reservoir to stop a leak…

Although there’s plenty under the hood and inside the cabin of the Defender, we’re most interested in the design elements – especially its shape and colour. The fit-for- purpose, boxy, utilitarian profile is nothing short of legendary, and the range of official Defender colours over the years seems to be a kind of accidental palette prophecy for the 20th and 21st centuries.

Back in 1983, the Defender came in red, white, beige, blue, green, or grey. In 1990, the County Edition came out in black and the first metallics – metallic red and metallic green. The colours were always rich. Fast-forward to today, and the list of official Land Rover colours is upwards of 50. Put them in a hat, pick one at random and chances are you’ll love it now… and even more in a few decades.

Take, for example, the recent boom of browns that have made something of an unexpected comeback. It was the 2025 Pantone Color of the Year – 17-1230 Mocha Mousse, which isn’t that far off the Nara Bronze Defender colour on a sunny day.

At Journeymen Works, a Land Rover Defender restoration workshop in Cape Town, the main thing is the main thing: rebuild Defenders to factory spec, adding as little modern interference as possible. When it comes to colour, the same applies: select from the palette of original shades, or even better, respray in the original colour to preserve the vehicle exactly as it came off the factory floor.

Adam Hughes, one of the partners, who is responsible for the builds, reveals the colours their customers are opting for in 2026: “Since we only rebuild four to six vehicles a year, the range of colours we’re seeing is pretty tight. Whites, muted greens and greys (or ‘greeny-greys’) are in. While we’re hoping for a customer brave enough for Sahara Dust, Portofino Red, or my favourite Arles Blue, in South Africa the market is definitely more conservative. Which is another way of saying, it’s easy to stand out if you go bold in colour…”

If you’re interested in a sympathetically restored original Land Rover Defender, it’s definitely worth having a conversation with Adam and his crew. The process (inevitably) starts with a lengthy and passionate discussion about Defenders. Then, it’s time to figure out what the customer’s needs are. Will it be a daily drive, or a holiday beach runner? Are theynlooking for something with a bit of growl and punch, or something smoother and more comfortable? Once the use-case is clear, Journeymen will source the donor vehicle (this is the most common option) or get to work on the client’s vehicle, taking it down to the chassis and rebuilding each component piece by piece. All rust is removed and steel replaced or repaired, and almost every part is replaced with a new part – except in instances where the original is in great condition.

You’ll also be able to view their pared- down Defender palette, among other build options, in the Build Configurator Room, where the swatches are displayed. No doubt Adam will try to convince you to go with their favourites – Arles Blue, Zermatt Silver, Sahara Dust, Keswick Green, Davas White, Bahama Gold. And given how appropriately authentic those hues look on a Defender, it’s very likely that you’ll be persuaded… journeymenworks.com | journeymen_

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This Easter, Samsung is inviting South Africans to embark on a Smart Treasure Hunt¹ as the company launches the Easter promotion with limited-time deals across its range of innovative home technologies. Running until 20 April 2026, the promotion offers consumers exciting deals across selected Samsung product categories that can help upgrade their homes with smarter, connected technology.

Created to bring value and innovation together during the Easter season, the promotion encourages shoppers to explore Samsung’s ecosystem of devices and discover deals across TVs, sound devices home appliances and monitors. Each category offers the chance to unlock smart living solutions that enhance entertainment, comfort, and everyday convenience.

During the promotional period, consumers can enjoy special offers across selected products, making it easier to transform their homes with technology designed to simplify modern life. From immersive home entertainment experiences and intelligent home appliances to productivity-enhancing monitors and climate control solutions, Samsung’s portfolio is built to support a smarter lifestyle.

Some of the deals include these;

• 98 Inch DU9000 Chrystal UHD TV UA98DU9000 – Now R39 999^*, save R10 000
• 85 Inch QN70F 4K Neo QLED Mini LED TV – Now R32 999^*, save R7 000
• Bespoke AI Side-by-side 21.5-inch Family Hub Screen, Black 594L – Now R39 999^*, save R10 000
• AI Wash Ecobubble AI Energy Mode Top Loader – Now R7 999^*, save R1 500
• Q- Series Soundbar HW-Q800F 5.1.2ch Subwoofer – Now R8 999^*, save R2 000

The Smart Treasure Hunt idea reflects the excitement of discovering hidden gems, with shoppers encouraged to explore Samsung’s innovations that bring connectivity into the home. By integrating cutting-edge technologies across its product range, Samsung continues to deliver solutions that work seamlessly together to create a more connected living environment.

Whether upgrading your living room entertainment setup, refreshing the kitchen with intelligent appliances, enhancing your home office with a high-performance monitor, or improving your indoor comfort with energy-efficient air conditioning, the Easter promotion offers consumers the chance to invest in technology that enhances everyday life.

Samsung’s broader vision of a connected home ecosystem means that its devices are designed to work together intuitively, enabling users to enjoy greater control, convenience and efficiency in their households.

The Samsung Easter Smart Treasure Hunt promotion will offer these great deals for only a limited time (23 March to 20 April 2026), at selected retailers and online platforms.

¹Terms and Conditions Apply shop.samsung.com/za/promotion-terms-and-conditions

*Recommended Resale Price. Prices may vary per participating retailer.

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WORDS Danielle Weakley PHOTOS Max Bohme/Unsplash; Supplied

Voaara, Madagascar

This is barefoot luxury at its finest and most toes-in-the-sand, with tropical-style thatched bungalows scattered along the northern tip of the island of Sainte-Marie off the coast of Madagascar. The island is renowned for its swashbuckling pirate past (Captain Kidd’s loot was said to have been buried here), and is one of the best spots in the world to view the humpback whale migration. With just seven stripped-back but quietly luxurious bungalows and one stunner of a three-bedroom villa, Voaara – designed by South African-Chilean architect Luis Mira – boasts a rustic, unbuttoned style thanks to the inclusion of local artisanal furniture and a wholly unpretentious energy. Do not miss the private dining experience of Bird’s Nest – it offers 360-degree views from its elevated top deck, making it perfect for sundowners and a romantic night of stargazing, telescope included – or a pizza while catching a movie at the outdoor cinema. | voaara.com

Cheval Blanc, Seychelles

This is the first Cheval Blanc maison in Africa, and LVMH’s newest property in its uber-luxury hotel portfolio. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy’s sculptural buildings curve around Mahé’s rugged Anse Intendance in the south, with villas ensconced in sunny eyries or perched atop the ridge, surveying the sprawling blue bay. The design is a sublime blend of modern and Creole – a dialogue between the tropical island and contemporary architecture. Expect floor-to-ceiling glass-fronted spaces with clotted-cream interiors offset by intricate latticing and African art – like the works of Madagascan textile artist Joël Andrianomearisoa. Slide back the glass doors to a private infinity pool and wraparound wooden deck. No luxury has been spared by parent company LVMH – the interiors are designer, the spa is by Guerlain, and the public spaces are utterly swoon-worthy. | chevalblanc.com

Waldorf Astoria Platte Island, Seychelles

Think the Seychelles, think private island – and this particular secluded escape integrates nature and conservation with architecturally airy beachfront villas that snake along the ivory sands of remote Platte Island. Inspired by the largely untouched lagoon, palm tree forest and coral reef of the island, the resort’s design echoes its natural surrounds. The main buildings take cues from the patterned shell of the native hawksbill turtles, forming faceted shapes that create canopies of dancing light; while the villa interiors surrender to nature’s palette of sage-green and off-white. The resort is not just eco-conscious in design, but in sensibility too – sustainable with its own solar field and produce gardens, respectful of the local ecology, and minimally intrusive towards the turtles nesting in the lush gardens. That said, you do need to arrive by plane… | hilton.com

Four Seasons Resort, Mauritius

Sustainability and luxury are the beating heart of this freshly renovated property at Anahita, on the lush east coast of Mauritius. From the seagrass meadow nursery that encourages marine biodiversity (you should be able to spot turtles, fish, stingrays and even seahorses in the newly planted underwater meadows) to an on-site seahorse conservation initiative, the biophilic resort is dedicated to preserving the natural splendour of the island. This same natural splendour is echoed in the contemporised interiors, where golden, beachy-toned colour palettes and natural finishes offer seamless integration between indoors and out, complete with basalt- encrusted private infinity pools. There’s a wellness spa that hugs the lagoon, as well as a spectacularly verdant oceanfront golf course designed by Ernie Els – both are not to be missed. | fourseasons.com

Soneva Secret, Maldives

There are just 14 villas tucked away at Soneva Secret, in the startling aquamarine waters of the Maldives’ Makunudhoo Atoll – a hyper-exclusive, super-private island enclave that includes a much-talked-about floating villa. Yes: the floating Castaway Villa can be dragged to different anchor points around the island to catch both the sunrise and the sunset as you live out your best Robinson Crusoe fantasy. Quirky Soneva touches are everywhere, from the reclaimed driftwood decks and rustic-chic upcycled decor to the pops of signature sunshine yellow, the retractable ceilings for stargazing, and the curvy water slides that deposit you straight from your deck into the water below. The villas are completely self-contained, so you’re off the grid in the best way possible – with endless unobstructed views, and your own so-called barefoot guardian and chef to cater to your every desire. | soneva.com

Jaz Amaluna, Zanzibar

Situated along the unspoiled shores of Uroa Beach on the east coast of Zanzibar, Amaluna is pure relaxation. Yes, there’s a mix of garden and ocean-facing suites – but there are also private swim-up terraces, a vibrant beach bar set along the powdery white sand, the sanctuary of an island spa, and three sprawling pools. The property pulls its exterior inspiration from Zanzibar’s diverse cultural heritage, with softly spoken interiors that are designed to take full advantage of the seemingly endless azure-toned vistas. | jazhotels.com

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With a profound respect for its past and a clear vision for its future, Vergenoegd Löw stands as a meticulously restored tribute to 18th-century Cape heritage. As one of the oldest working wine farms in Stellenbosch is home to two wine-driven, seasonally inspired restaurants, as well as an intimate boutique hotel and spa. Together, they offer an experience that feels deeply authentic yet effortlessly refined.

For those seeking a quietly luxurious Winelands escape, the Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa provides the perfect base from which to explore the estate’s rhythms – from art walks and duck-watching to wine tastings and lingering seasonal lunches. At its heart lies the reimagined 1773 Homestead, once the working centre of the farm and now reserved exclusively for hotel guests, offering a deeply immersive and private stay experience. Breakfast, however, is available to the public by pre-booking, allowing day visitors a rare glimpse inside this historic space.

Among the estate’s accommodation offerings are the four vineyard suites which serve as private retreats, combining sweeping vineyard and mountain views with refined, contemporary luxury. Set just a short stroll from the historic 1773 homestead, the suites pays homage to the estate’s Cape Dutch heritage, echoing the whitewashed clay-and-lime walls of the original homestead, while contemporary lines and modern finishes bring them firmly into the present. Inside, the design is quietly sophisticated – a considered blend of clean-lined furnishings, natural textures and warm, earthy tones that reflect the surrounding landscape.

Beyond the accommodation, the estate’s culinary offering expresses its terroir at the table. At the heart of this are Clara’s Barn – one of the oldest surviving barns in the Cape, currently under renovation – and Geuwels. Geuwels’ refreshed interiors are quietly sophisticated, with warm timber tones, natural textures and contemporary furnishings that mirror the estate’s surroundings, creating a setting as inviting as the cuisine itself. The menu is thoughtfully composed, and with gastronomist Michelle Theron at the helm, the food draws confidently on local flavours, underpinned by a considered approach that is at one with the estate’s wines.

On the plate, dishes champion produce from the estate and its surrounds – think traditional werf chicken pie scented with fynbos; nostalgic Merino lamb frikkadelle; and carefully composed bites that let farm-picked vegetables shine. On Sundays, Geuwels extends its farm-led philosophy with harvest lunches served family-style –generous, seasonal feasts designed for convivial gathering and shared at the table, in keeping with the estate’s warm, communal spirit.

The wine list is, unsurprisingly, a focal point, and those keen to explore can settle in for a guided tasting or pairing at Geuwels’ Wine Lounge. A highlight among the curated wine flights and artisanal platters is the Indigenous Tasting. Celebrating South Africa’s rich culinary heritage, it brings together often overlooked local ingredients such as Kei apple, spekboom and kaiings, complemented by a selection of estate wines.

For those wishing to linger after a lunch and savour the estate’s natural beauty, the art walk provides the perfect way to spend the afternoon exploring the grounds on foot. Along the route, sculptures by local artists Manuela Holzer and Dylan Lewis punctuate the landscape, while flora- and fauna-inspired paintings and thoughtfully landscaped garden scenes invite discovery at every turn.

And of course, no stay at Vergenoegd Löw Boutique Hotel & Spa is complete without watching the estate’s famous Indian Runner ducks waddle across the lawns while you eat breakfast. These charming residents are more than a playful presence; they are an integral part of the estate’s regenerative farming practices – a gentle reminder slow down, hit pause and appreciate the harmony that exists between the land and vineyards at Vergenoegd Löw. | vergenoegd.co.za

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Colour is more than a visual accent – it’s an atmosphere, a destination, and a way of living. Le Creuset’s newest shade, Riviera, embodies this philosophy with a luminous blue-green tone that evokes the shimmering waters and golden sunsets of the Mediterranean coast.

More Than a Colour. It’s a Destination.

Riviera is not simply a hue; it’s a lifestyle. Its glossy surface recalls sunlit seas, while the refined gold knob reflects the timeless elegance of Mediterranean evenings. This shade invites you to bring the rhythm of coastal living into your home. Think breezy afternoons in seaside cafés, open-air dinners under fading light, and interiors that balance sophistication with ease.

The Art of Living Well

Le Creuset has always been synonymous with craftsmanship and enduring design. Riviera refreshes this legacy with a trend-forward palette that integrates seamlessly into contemporary spaces. Styled against minimalist neutrals, it offers understated elegance; paired with bold tones, it becomes a vibrant focal point. Riviera is versatile enough to complement modern kitchens, yet timeless enough to echo the artistry of Mediterranean architecture.

Discover the Riviera Collection

From the Cast Iron Round Casserole – perfect for slow-cooked meals that carry the warmth of coastal gatherings – to Stoneware London Mugs that shimmer like the sea, Riviera transforms everyday rituals into moments of escape. The Oval Casserole recalls the grandeur of shared roasts, while the Square Skillet Grill brings golden results indoors, echoing the spirit of al fresco dining. Even accessories like the Salt & Pepper Mills carry Riviera’s breezy elegance, elevating the art of the table.

Explore the full collection here: lecreuset.co.za/riviera-collection

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Designed for the different seasons, Samsung’s innovative WindFree Air Conditioners offer not only cooling relief in summer but also warmth in winter, cleaner air and smart, energy-efficient¹ comfort all year long.

Samsung’s WindFree Air Conditioners redefine what comfort means – offering heating, dehumidifying and air purification capabilities that adapt seamlessly to your life, your habits and your home.

Warmth When It’s Cold, Cool When It’s Hot

Thanks to Heat Pump Technology, Samsung ACs provide efficient, even warmth – no dry air³, no energy waste³, no separate heating system required³. And when the seasons shift again? Just a tap on your phone, using SmartThings², switches things back to crisp, refreshing cooling. It’s the definition of effortless comfort.

Clean Air, Every Day

Beyond temperature control, Samsung air conditioners help you breathe cleaner³ air. Many models feature advanced filtration systems that capture ultrafine dust and allergens. That means cleaner, healthier indoor air – especially valuable during allergy season or winter, when homes are sealed tight and fresh air is hard to come by.

Smart Comfort, Wherever You Are

Because comfort isn’t one-size-fits-all, Samsung ACs use SmartThings⁴ to adjust automatically. Going from your work-from-home desk to the couch? Your air conditioner knows when to dial things down or dehumidify. Heading out for the day? It powers down to save energy, and your wallet.

You can even control everything from your smartphone, meaning comfort literally follows you from room to room, and from season to season.

Efficient. Quiet. Effortless. All Year

Running your air conditioner all year might sound costly, but Samsung’s Digital Inverter Technology ensures every watt of power is used wisely. It maintains your desired temperature without constant on-off cycling, using less energy¹ and reducing noise⁵. And with WindFree Cooling, you stay comfortable without the draft⁶ – 23,000 micro air holes gently disperse air for a quieter, even flow that feels natural, not harsh.

Comfort, Redefined for Every Season

Between the height of summer and the chilly winter, Samsung air conditioners are designed for your comfort. This range of air conditioners is about keeping control of your environment.

¹Tested on the AR07T9170HA3 model, based on the power consumption of Fast Cooling mode vs. WindFree Cooling mode.

²SmartThings is available only on the AR9500 model.

³Tested in Korea test lab (FITI). Data has been measured under specific testing conditions and may vary depending on environmental factors and individual use.

⁴To use SmartThings, download the App from the Galaxy Store, Google Play Store, or Apple App Store. The SmartThings App requires Android OS 10↑ with a minimum of 3GB RAM space or iOS 15↑. Supported OS specifications and app screen configuration may change with app updates.

⁵Tested on the AR12TXCAAWKNEU model. WindFree mode generates only 23dB of noise, compared to 26dB with the Samsung conventional model.

⁶ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) defines “Still Air” as air currents at speeds below 0.15m/s that lack the presence of cold drafts.

The post Samsung Air Conditioners Show that Comfort Never Takes a Season Off appeared first on Visi.

Quiet, energy‑wise and beautifully unobtrusive, Samsung’s WindFree air conditioners deliver soft, still‑air cooling that keeps every corner comfortable.

With the hot summer season approaching in South Africa, Samsung’s WindFree Air Conditioners will make a great addition to your home. They are engineered to deliver a comfortable climate, energy efficient and quiet¹, draft-free² cooling, whether you’re trying to fall asleep or be productive in your home office. With intelligent airflow, adaptive cooling and a sleek design, Samsung’s WindFree Air Conditioners offer fresh still-air³ in your living space.

Small Rooms: Cooling That Lets You Rest Easy

Using WindFree Cooling Technology, Samsung Air Conditioners disperses air through thousands of micro-holes, creating a soft, steady cool breeze that feels natural, not harsh. Its reduced-noise⁴ performance makes it suitable for bedrooms, nurseries and home studies. While the compact, modern design fits neatly into smaller spaces without compromising power or style.

Open-Plan Living: One Temperature, Every Corner

Open-plan homes look great, but keeping them evenly cool? That could be a challenge. With high ceilings, sun-facing windows and wide layouts, you need an effective air conditioning system.

Samsung has air conditioning units that are built for different spaces. Their wide-angle airflowand AI Auto Cooling technology learn your environment, automatically adjusting settings to match your comfort needs. The result? A room that stays evenly cool.

Designed with sleek, minimalist finishes, they look stunning, blending easily into your living space, providing both form and function equally.

Apartments and Shared Spaces: Quiet Comfort That Uses Less Energy⁵

The Samsung WindFree Technology rangebrings calm and control with energy-efficient⁶ inverter technology that reduces power use while keeping temperatures steady.

Its sleek, uncluttered design complements modern interiors, while its near-silent⁷ operation ensures your neighbours, and your wallet, will thank you. It’s proof that smart living doesn’t need to mean compromise.

^1,4,7 _{Tested on the AR12TXCAAWKNEU model. WindFree mode generates only 23dB of noise, compared to 26dB with the Samsung conventional model.}

^2-3 _{ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) defines “Still Air” as air currents at speeds below 0.15m/s that lack the presence of cold drafts}

^3-4 _{Tested on the AR12TXCAAWKNEU model. WindFree mode generates only 23dB of noise, compared to 26dB with the Samsung conventional model.}

^5-6 _{Tested on the AR07T9170HA3 model, based on the power consumption of Fast Cooling mode vs. WindFree Cooling mode.}

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