For a long time, gardening was something we tended to associate with our parents and grandparents: established gardens, inherited knowledge and years spent learning which plants thrived where. Then came the pandemic, a renewed appreciation for nature and the rise of the ‘plant parent’, as a younger generation discovered the joy of filling windowsills, balconies and living spaces with greenery.

Today, the boundaries are far less clear. You don’t need a large garden, years of experience or even a traditional garden to call yourself a gardener.

And as Garden Day returns on Sunday 18 October, the celebration is as much about enjoying the green spaces we have as it is about how we grow in them. This year’s theme, ‘From Garden to Table: Grow, Gather, Celebrate’, embraces the many ways gardens can feed, connect and enrich our lives.

We asked three young South African gardeners what they think the future of gardening looks like and their answers point to a more relaxed, practical and personal approach.

You don’t have to be born a gardener

For Comine Joubert, a horticulturist at Babylonstoren, one of the ideas worth leaving behind is that gardening ability is something you’re either born with or you aren’t.

There may be people who seem to have an instinctive understanding of plants, she says, but gardening knowledge can be developed. The more time you spend observing your plants and understanding their individual needs, the more confident you become.

It is an approach that makes gardening feel much more accessible. You don’t have to know everything before you start, and you certainly don’t have to get everything right.

Comine also believes that gardens don’t need to be perfectly manicured to be successful. Allowing certain areas to grow more naturally can create habitat for insects and other wildlife while taking away some of the pressure to keep every corner immaculate.

For Mosa Seshoene, gardener and founder of Farminist, that sense of individuality is fundamental. A garden should reflect the person who uses it rather than conform to one universal idea of what a ‘good’ garden looks like.

Grow what interests you

That freedom extends to what goes into the garden.

Mosa believes gardeners should experiment rather than automatically return to the same familiar crops every year. If spinach and cabbage are regular staples, why not try Chinese cabbage or different varieties of greens?

It is not only about keeping the growing space interesting. Trying different vegetables can introduce families to new flavours and may even encourage children to become more curious about what they eat.

There is also an opportunity to rethink where the food garden belongs.

Landscape designer Ian Dommisse believes the productive garden deserves to be treated as part of the home’s living space rather than something that has to be tucked away at the back.

A vegetable garden can have attractive pathways, seating, a pergola, a water feature or somewhere to eat. In other words, the place where you grow food can also become one of the places where you spend the most time.

Small spaces can still grow plenty

The younger generation of gardeners is also challenging the idea that you need a large plot of land to grow your own food.

Hydroponics, vertical growing systems and containers all make it possible to produce food in smaller spaces, while microgreens can be grown quickly with very little room.

But growing food doesn’t have to become a complicated project. Mosa points out that a simple container filled with good potting soil can be enough to get started. A bucket, planter or suitable recycled bag can all become growing space. For people living in apartments or homes with limited outdoor areas, movable planters offer another option. They can be moved around as the seasons change or as the gardener’s needs evolve.

The same principle applies to ornamental plants. Containers, rocks and other unconventional spaces can all provide opportunities to grow.

The lawn doesn’t have to disappear

The traditional lawn is another gardening convention being reconsidered.

Neither Ian nor Comine believes lawns need to be eliminated. They have an important role to play when children need somewhere to run around or a family regularly uses the space for recreation.

The question is really about how much lawn you need and what the rest of the garden could be doing.

Ornamental grasses can provide movement and texture without needing to be mown, while groundcovers and other planting can introduce colour and habitat. At Babylonstoren, Comine has experimented with Roman chamomile, creeping thyme and alyssum as alternatives to conventional grass.

The result can be a garden with more variety and more opportunities for plants, insects and people.

Work with your garden, not against it

There is also a growing emphasis on understanding what a garden actually needs before reaching for the hose, fertiliser or secateurs.

Comine suggests checking beneath the surface of the soil before watering. What looks dry on top may still be moist underneath, and getting into the habit of checking can make gardeners much more conscious of how much water their plants really need.

Ian recommends starting with the soil itself. Adding compost and mulch builds organic matter and improves the soil’s ability to retain water. Matching plants to the conditions they naturally prefer can also reduce both water use and maintenance.

And sometimes, doing less can be beneficial.

Instead of automatically removing fallen leaves, gardeners can allow them to decompose naturally or incorporate them into mulch. The organic matter can enrich the soil and help it hold onto moisture, while also supporting the small organisms that form part of a healthy garden ecosystem.

Think beyond the season

The next generation of gardeners is also looking at the garden as something that should support life throughout the year.

Ian would like to see more thought given to what is available for pollinators during autumn and winter, when there may be fewer flowers for bees and other insects. Mosa expects to see increasing interest in indigenous and South African plants, many of which are naturally adapted to local conditions.

There is also growing interest in rain gardens and wetland-style soakaway gardens, which can slow rainwater down and allow more of it to soak into the ground rather than being rapidly channelled away.

It is a shift from simply asking what looks good to considering how the garden functions within its wider environment.

Make the garden work for you

Perhaps the most noticeable difference in the way these young gardeners approach gardening is that none of them seems particularly interested in creating a garden simply because they think they are supposed to.

If you love vegetables, grow vegetables. If you only have space for a few containers, make the most of them. If you have children who need somewhere to play, keep the lawn. If you prefer a slightly wilder garden, allow it to develop that way.

As Mosa puts it, “Your garden should fit into your life, not become another obligation.”

That may be the most useful lesson of all. Gardening doesn’t have to look a certain way, happen in a certain kind of space or belong to a particular generation.

It can be a balcony full of herbs, a collection of houseplants, a productive vegetable garden, a lawn surrounded by planting or a slightly wild corner where insects and plants are allowed to do their thing.

And perhaps that is what makes Garden Day such a fitting celebration. On 18 October, there is no particular kind of garden you need to have and no particular kind of gardener you need to be. The invitation is simply to notice what your green space gives you, share it with others and enjoy it.

Join the Garden Day celebration

On Sunday 18 October, gardens and green spaces across South Africa will become places to grow, gather and celebrate as Garden Day returns for its 11th year.

Its theme, ‘From Garden to Table: Grow, Gather, Celebrate’, invites South Africans to enjoy what their gardens provide – from food and flowers to the simple pleasure of spending time among plants.

For practical inspiration, the new Grow Guide offers month-by-month planting and sowing advice for South Africa’s different rainfall regions. Find it along with more Garden Day inspiration online. | gardenday.co.za

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COMPILED BY Gina Dionisio PHOTOS Supplied

Done by the same folks who select the World’s 50 Best Bars, this ranking features a winner from Hong Kong. The towering Rosewood Hong Kong, in the city’s Victoria Dockside arts and design district, offers stunning views of Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. Designed by New York-based designer Tony Chi, the interiors are a true fusion of East and West, immersing guests in a world of colour and texture. The 413-room hotel also boasts 11 restaurants and bars, including Michelin-starred The Legacy House, which specialises in Shunde cuisine.

Thailand claims the No. 2 spot with Capella Bangkok. It overlooks the capital city’s Chao Phraya River and is surrounded by lush gardens, combining all the elegance of a grande dame property with the intimacy of a boutique hotel. The dramatic, layered architecture ensures all 101 rooms face the water; the riverside villas have their own private pools; the Auriga spa is an enclave of relaxation; and the “Capella Culturalists” – personal butlers with a direct line to the city’s finest activities – are always on hand to help guests get under the skin of their destination. Rounding out the top three is the Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, which lies on the riverfront in Bangkok’s creative district.

Africa made the list with two standout offerings: Mount Nelson in Cape Town is at No. 34 and Royal Mansour in Marrakech is at No. 26. There were also special awards to complement the 50 Best rankings and act as additional accolades, given to best-in-class hotels and individuals.

BEST NEW HOTEL: Patina Osaka

Patina Osaka is a 20-storey hotel with 221 rooms and suites, a one-minute walk from Osaka Castle Park. Its design draws on kisetsukan – the Japanese sense of the changing seasons – positioning it as an urban sanctuary in the heart of the city.

HIGHEST NEW ENTRY: Casa Maria Luigia

Casa Maria Luigia is an invitation into the creative world of Massimo Bottura and Lara Gilmore. Set within a restored 18th-century country estate surrounded by gardens, orchards and the rolling landscapes of Emilia-Romagna, this magical property opened in 2019, blending the warmth of a private home with contemporary art, deeply personal hospitality, and one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary visions.

ECO HOTEL: Chablé Yucatán

Set in the Yucatán jungle, Chablé Yucatán‘s’s philosophy is rooted in a deep commitment to regional heritage, most notably through sustainable gastronomy.

BEST BEACH HOTEL: Atlantis The Royal

Hyped well before it opened, this hotel is big, bold and unapologetically in your face. Home to 795 rooms and suites, 17 restaurants, two storeys of boutiques, a sprawling Art Deco wellness space and swimming pools with unbeatable views, Atlantis The Royal is where to stay if you want an all-out bling Dubai experience.

ART OF DESIGN: Hôtel du Couvent

Hôtel du Couvent is a restored 17th-century convent. Rather than imposing a contemporary concept, architect Louis-Antoine Grégo and Studio Méditerranée treated the building as the author, listening to four centuries of monastic life already present in its walls, gardens, light and daily rhythms.

BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL: Passalacqua

Set in an 18th-century villa built on land once owned by Pope Innocent XI, this Passalacqua – designed by leading Milanese architect Carlo Felice Soave – has played host to an aristocratic roll call of occupants. Set within spectacular terraced gardens and with just 24 rooms, the hotel showcases the finest Italian craftsmanship in a riot of ornate neoclassical elegance.

Other special awards include the One to Watch, awarded to The Fifth Avenue Hotel; the Art of Hospitality, awarded to Badrutt’s Palace; the Most Admired Hotel Group, awarded to Rosewood; the Highest Climber, awarded to Las Ventanas al Paraíso; and the Icon Award, awarded to James McBride. | the50.com

The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 list of winners

The list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 winners, ranked from 50 to 1:

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WORDS Martin Jacobs PHOTOS Grant Durr/Unsplash, Supplied

Birkenhead House

Suburb Voëlklip

Why watch here The quiet suburb has a rocky coastline elevated above sheltered nursery waters. It’s in these waters, close to shore, that southern right mothers and calves often spend extended periods.

The hotel That Birkenhead House enjoys the highest percentage of repeat guests across The Royal Portfolio collection speaks volumes. Positioned on a rocky promontory above Voëlklip Beach, the chic beach house occupies one of the most enviable positions on this stretch of coastline, pairing a breathtaking setting with intuitive hospitality that has guests returning time and again. With just eleven rooms, Birkenhead House is boutique, cultivating the atmosphere of an elegant seaside home – albeit one where every detail has been considered and every comfort anticipated. Hotelier Liz Biden’s eclectic approach to decorating makes for enchanting interiors in which colour, culture and comfort combine. Local art, exotic collectibles and eye-catching hues enchant, evoking a luxurious home-like atmosphere which, given that this was once the private holiday home of The Royal Portfolio’s founding family, is perhaps to be expected. The interconnected buildings today cascade gracefully downhill around a series of courtyards, fish ponds and swimming pools, gently drawing guests towards the communal lounges, dining room and infinity terrace below. Here, uninterrupted views sweep across Walker Bay to a soundtrack of breaking waves. Binoculars are thoughtfully placed throughout these shared spaces, ready for the moment a southern right whale surfaces just beyond the breakers.

Best Rooms for whale watching Rooms 1 and 2, located in the front house directly above the communal living spaces, enjoy both front- and side-facing ocean views. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto compact private balconies, while separate dressing rooms and generously proportioned bathrooms make these Birkenhead House’s most luxurious suites. Room 3 enjoys the same elevated position, with both the bedroom and bathroom framing views across Voëlklip Beach and the coastline beyond. From the comfort of king-size beds with monogramed linen and perfect pillows, each of these three rooms offers exceptional opportunities for whale watching.

Other Options Positioned below Room 3, Room 4 also overlooks Voëlklip Beach, although with less elevation. Upstairs in the rear house, Room 6 similarly enjoys expansive sea views and makes an excellent alternative. What Room 5 lacks in views it makes up for with a private garden complete with Moroccan-inspired plunge pool.

Where to Eat With all meals, an extensive array of beverages – alcoholic and otherwise – as well as a generously stocked minibar filled with snacks and homemade chocolates included in the rate, there’s little reason to venture elsewhere. Breakfast and lunch are served from an à la carte menu featuring dishes such as eggs royal, prawn frittata, a ‘surfers croissant’, smoked sailfish carpaccio and squid ink seafood pasta, while dinner changes nightly to showcase the best seasonal produce. Dining is an integral part of the Birkenhead House experience, with generous, beautifully plated dishes served across several indoor and outdoor spaces, but predominantly in a dining area overlooking the ocean. Guests won’t go hungry, and the kitchen is adept at accommodating dietary requirements, doing so with attention to detail. | theroyalportfolio.com

The Marine

Suburb Central Hermanus

Why watch here The hotel’s elevated cliff-top position provides 180 degree views across Walker Bay, with the added bonus of easy access to Hermanus’s restaurants and cliff path.

The hotel Few hotels occupy such an iconic position along Hermanus’s celebrated Cliff Path as The Marine. Today a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World^©, its story stretches back to 1902, when Walter McFarlane opened what was then a modest seaside hotel with just 21 rooms, two flush toilets per floor, and neither electricity nor running water in its guestrooms. A century later, following its acquisition and meticulous restoration by the late hotelier Liz McGrath in 1998, The Marine has become synonymous with understated five-star luxury. Its forty individually configured rooms ensure that no two stays are quite the same, while even the entry-level accommodation feels notably generous in scale. Recently refreshed by Dawn Dickerson and Carmel Naudé of HotCocoa Interiors, the interiors introduce a lighter, more contemporary palette of aquatic blues and sea greens, layered with classic detailing that acknowledges both the hotel’s heritage and its remarkable coastal setting.

Best Rooms for whale watching Suite 219, positioned midway along the upper floor, offers arguably the hotel’s finest vantage point. Double-volume in height, the suite features three soaring bay windows that frame uninterrupted 180-degree views across Walker Bay, with Gearings Point perfectly positioned within the panorama. A staircase leads to the mezzanine bedroom, where the bed enjoys its own memorable outlook through a distinctive circular oculus window found nowhere else in the hotel.

Other Options For guests seeking the same level of luxury without the staircase, neighbouring Suite 215 is an excellent choice, while Suite 102 offers equally generous accommodation on the ground floor. Those travelling with a more modest budget should consider Room 207, whose spacious layout and private balcony with side ocean views make it exceptional value.

Where to Eat Following HotCocoa Interiors upgrade, the restaurant’s first comprehensive redesign in almost twenty years, The Pavilion Restaurant has emerged refreshed while retaining its unmistakable identity. The signature black-and-white chequered flooring remains, now complemented by an elegant palette inspired by the surrounding fynbos – lush green velvets, metallic accents, marble, grasscloth wallcoverings and hand-painted murals create a space that feels simultaneously timeless and contemporary. The menu similarly balances familiar favourites with thoughtful additions. Longstanding signatures such as the fishcakes now arrive with a bright citrus, avocado and shaved fennel salad, while newer dishes include delicately seared Asian-inspired tuna. Desserts, particularly the passionfruit soufflé and fruit-laden pavlova, provide a suitably memorable finale. | themarinehotel.co.za

One Marine Drive Boutique Hotel

Suburb Westcliff

Why watch here With the New Harbour nearby for boat-based whale-watching excursions, this quiet suburb offers cliff path views over deeper coastal waters.

The hotel Occupying a privileged position between s historic Old Harbour and the working New Harbour, One Marine Drive offers a more contemporary interpretation of the boutique coastal hotel. Crisp architectural lines, polished finishes and understated luxury are softened by playful Californian surf-house influences, expressed through tropical wallpapers, colourful contemporary artworks and wall-mounted surfboards that bring character to both pool areas. The hotel’s two modern buildings are linked by indoor and outdoor walkways and together accommodate just sixteen rooms. Sea-facing rooms enjoy uninterrupted views across Walker Bay, placing guests in prime position throughout whale season.

Best Rooms for whale watching Room 9 is the standout choice. Positioned on the middle of the hotel’s three levels, floor-to-ceiling glass doors open onto a private balcony overlooking Walker Bay, while an additional picture window broadens the panorama, ensuring the ever-changing spectacle of the bay remains constantly in view.

Other Options Rooms 7 and 8, located alongside Room 9, also enjoy sea-facing views. One floor higher, Rooms 16 and 17 benefit from an even more elevated perspective across Walker Bay and provide excellent vantage points during whale season. For those seeking additional space, the Columbine Suite – named after the 1936 lighthouse at Cape Columbine near Paternoster – offers an expansive terrace complete with loungers and an outdoor dining table.

Where to Eat Immediately across the road, Ficks occupies a spectacular setting carved into the rocks beside a tidal pool, making it one of Hermanus’s most atmospheric lunch spots. Its menu of tapas-style small plates and pinchos pairs perfectly with an afternoon spent watching whales offshore. Within easy walking distance, Pure Bistro offers another superb terrace for whale watching. Alongside an accomplished seasonal menu, its frikkadel-style burger has earned a reputation as one of the finest in the Western Cape. | thelivingjourneycollection.co.za

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“The 2025 vintage is one of the great Cape vintages.”

That’s just one of the compelling insights shared by internationally acclaimed wine critic Tim Atkin MW in a recent conversation with Private Clients by Old Mutual.

In partnership with Private Clients by Old Mutual, Old Mutual Wealth are delighted to present this exclusive two-part interview series, in which Tim reflects on South Africa’s emergence as a world-class wine-producing nation. He discusses the grape varieties continuing to excel on the global stage and highlights the producers and regions generating the greatest excitement today.

As Jean Minnaar, Managing Director of Private Clients by Old Mutual, notes: “The success of South African wine is built on generations of craftsmanship, innovation and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We are proud to partner with Tim Atkin in recognising the individuals and producers who continue to raise the bar.” He adds:“We have a deep appreciation for the value of expertise, long-term thinking and building something meaningful that endures. Those same principles underpin both exceptional winemaking and wealth management.”

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a passionate wine enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of South African wine, Tim’s expert perspective offers valuable insight into an industry that continues to evolve, innovate and impress.

Watch Parts 1 and 2 below and discover why the Cape is capturing the attention of wine lovers around the world.

For more information, visit wealthprivateclients.co.za.  

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WORDS Robyn Alexander PHOTOS Supplied

Gardens and Landscapes: 10 Spaces of Beauty

by Anna Scaravella, with photographs by Matteo Carassale and text by Sala Bartolomeo (Rizzoli, 2025)

Driven by breathtaking photography – always the case with titles published by Rizzoli – Gardens and Landscapes takes you on a journey through 10 magnifi cent private Italian gardens. And as author and renowned expert in landscape architecture Anna Scaravella suggests in her text, each one of them has its own unique beauty. There is much for the amateur gardener to be inspired by here, from the lush elegance of Villa Albera in Lombardy to the striking contrasts in the design of a Mediterranean garden on the island of Elba. Varied as they are, all remain oases of peace and beauty – and the book is a window into virtually visiting and admiring them. | rizzoliusa.com

Gardens That Can Save The World

by Lottie Delamain, with a foreword by Isabella Tree (Thames & Hudson, 2026)

One of the key ways urbanised human beings remain in touch with the natural world is via growing and tending plants. And going outside to do so, this inspiring new book argues, is one very good way to counteract feelings of powerlessness in a fractured world. Gardens That Can Save the World brings together 65 projects that revolve around plants, showing how they can have a big impact on people, their loved ones and the environment. It also demonstrates that green spaces can repair damage previously done to soil and water, empower communities struggling with conflict and hardship, and help to heal stress, isolation and trauma. This is an immensely uplift ing book that also encourages everyone to try easy-to-replicate strategies in their own garden, balcony or windowsill plant pot. | thamesandhudson.com

The Coastal Garden

by Phaidon Editors, with an introduction by Nigel Dunnett and texts by Sorrel Everton (Phaidon, 2026)

As anyone who has ever created a garden on the coast learns quickly, this sort of landscape requires working in harmony with the environment rather than attempting to compel it to conform to your will. This is the point made repeatedly by The Coastal Garden, which features landscapes as varied as a Mediterranean cliff side, a sheltered bay on the UK’s south coast, and the edge of a sandy beach in Australia. What all these gardens have in common is a sense of being rooted in their location, as well as beautiful views of the sea, an atmosphere of tranquillity, and an intense connection with nature. With gorgeous imagery and detailed explanatory text about each of the 48 extraordinary private gardens featured, there’s plenty to discover in terms of terrains, climates and garden styles here too. | phaidon.com

The Modern Japanese Garden

by Stephen Mansfield, Kengo Kuma, Mira Locher, Tim Richardson, Masuno Shunmyo and Pico Iyer (Thames & Hudson, 2025)

Japanese garden design has a lengthy history, which this major study of the subject begins by tracing, from pre-Shinto stone arrangements to the 19th century and into the present. The book also includes profiles of some of the most iconic and influential gardens in locations such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Fukuoka, and examines the work of several renowned Japanese garden designers. In addition – and much in the style of Japanese landscape design itself – interspersed throughout are short interludes on topics such as the ancient garden of Ryoan-jiin Kyoto, and essays by high-profile contributors such as architect Kengo Kuma and monk and garden designer Masuno Shunmyo, which consider various themes in Japanese gardening. | thamesandhudson.com

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With a reputation built on innovation, reliability, and a genuine passion for bringing warmth and comfort into homes across the region, Calore Fireplaces has established itself as the leading importer and distributor of world-class fireplaces in Southern Africa.

Thanks to an extensive network of retail showrooms throughout South Africa and Namibia, the fireplace specialists ensure customers have convenient access to premium heating solutions and expert guidance. For those building a new home or renovating an existing space, Calore’s experienced team is committed to helping clients select the ideal fireplace to suit their lifestyle, design preferences, and performance needs.

Quality is the cornerstone of everything Calore does. The brand partners with internationally respected manufacturers who use only the highest-grade materials and subject their products to rigorous quality testing to ensure outstanding durability, efficiency, and safety in every unit. By combining superior craftsmanship with advanced technology, Calore delivers heating solutions that meet the highest global standards.

Engineered for living

In 2013, Calore became the first company to introduce pellet fireplace technology to the South African market. Since then, Calore has remained a leader in this energy-efficient category. Pellet fireplaces represent a modern evolution in home heating – fully automated, programmable systems that burn natural wood pellets, a clean and sustainable fuel source.

Recognising the importance of a reliable fuel supply, Calore also established its own pellet production plant, becoming the first local company to guarantee pellet availability. Calore supplies only premium A1-grade pellets, ensuring optimal performance, low ash content, and maximum efficiency for customers.

Designed with convenience in mind, pellet fireplaces can be switched on or off at the touch of a button. Fuel is automatically fed from an integrated hopper, eliminating constant manual refuelling. Built-in sensors maintain the selected room temperature by adjusting heat output as needed, providing consistent, comfortable warmth with minimal effort.

Calore’s flagship range from Piazzetta further enhances performance with the patented Multifire System®. This innovative system distributes warm air through floor-level vents, ensuring even temperatures from floor to ceiling. Unlike traditional convection systems, which allow heat to rise and create cooler areas below, the Multifire System® delivers balanced, enveloping warmth throughout the room.

This clever system enables heat to be ducted into adjacent rooms, effectively transforming a single fireplace into a central heating solution. Warm air can be distributed up to 16 metres, making it ideal for larger homes and open-plan living spaces.

Modern pellet fireplaces also offer advanced control features. Units can be pre-programmed to operate according to a set schedule, and many models include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for remote operation via smartphone or tablet. This allows homeowners to arrive home to a perfectly warmed environment, effortlessly controlled from anywhere.

Available in a variety of styles, finishes, and colours – including custom options – Calore fireplaces complement any interior aesthetic. For those who prefer the traditional charm of a wood-burning fire, select wood-burning models from Piazzetta also incorporate the Multifire System®, combining timeless ambience with enhanced heat distribution.

Visit calore.co.za to locate you closest store nationwide.

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The way South Africans live at home has changed dramatically over the past decade. Our homes have become more than places to eat and sleep – they’re where we entertain, work, unwind and reconnect with the people who matter most. It’s little wonder that contemporary homes are increasingly designed around shared experiences, with open-plan living, seamless indoor-outdoor flow and thoughtfully curated entertainment spaces taking centre stage.

As winter slowly gives way to spring and summer, many homeowners are thinking beyond seasonal updates and investing in design features that add lasting value throughout the year. Few elements achieve this quite like fire.

Whether it’s the comforting glow of a fireplace on a crisp evening or the unmistakable ritual of gathering around a braai with friends, fire has an enduring ability to transform a space. It creates atmosphere, encourages conversation and turns everyday moments into memorable ones.

Today, fireplaces and braais have evolved far beyond their practical purpose. They have increasingly become defining architectural features that shape the way we experience our homes.

Fire as a design statement

Rather than being added as an afterthought, modern fireplaces are now often considered from the earliest stages of a home’s design. They help anchor living spaces, introduce visual balance and create a natural focal point within a room.

Whether integrated into a striking feature wall, suspended as a sculptural centrepiece or used to subtly divide open-plan spaces, a well-designed fireplace contributes both warmth and architectural interest.

For those who appreciate the authenticity of a real wood fire, closed-combustion fireplaces offer an elegant balance between performance and aesthetics. Unlike traditional open fireplaces, these designs maximise heat efficiency while reducing emissions, making them a smarter solution for modern homes that value both comfort and sustainability.

Extending life outdoors

South Africans have always embraced outdoor living, and today’s homes increasingly blur the line between indoors and out.

A thoughtfully designed braai area has become a natural extension of the home – a place where cooking, conversation and connection happen simultaneously. Whether overlooking a garden, integrated into a covered patio or forming part of an outdoor kitchen, a premium braai area becomes both a functional appliance and a beautifully crafted design feature.

Much like a fireplace indoors, it anchors the space, encouraging people to gather long after the meal has been served

Investing in timeless living

The most successful design choices are those that remain relevant long after trends have passed. Fireplaces and braais offer exactly that: they combine everyday functionality with enduring visual appeal while adding value to the home.

Create a space that feels welcoming in winter, inviting in summer and effortlessly suited to every season in between.

After all, great design isn’t simply about how a home looks – it’s about how it makes people feel. And few features create warmth, connection and a sense of belonging quite like fire.

Whether you’re renovating, building from scratch or simply reimagining your living spaces, designing around the fire is an investment in a home that’s made for gathering, celebrating and creating memories all year round. | infinitifires.co.za 

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WORDS Robyn Alexander PHOTOS Ethan Herrington/Cottagecore, Elliot Sheppard/Life Inside a Cottage, Alex Baxter/Wild Isle Style, Supplied

Cottagecore: New Countryside Living

by Gestalten Editors (Gestalten, 2025)

From a remote, converted goat shelter in Ireland to a 19th-century farmhouse in France and a revived 1842 sandstone dwelling in Tasmania, the cottages featured in this visually driven book carry the imprint of both their rural environs and their inhabitants’ highly cultivated sensibilities. Beguiling in a variety of ways, the spaces range in aesthetic from airy, minimalist and contemporary to more layered and cosy. What they have in common is a similar approach to living in the countryside – one that prioritises mood and atmosphere over a single visual style. gestalten.com

Life Inside a Cottage

by Nell Card and Rachel Vere (Hardie Grant, 2026)

Subtitled “Interior inspiration from today’s cottage dwellers”, this beautiful compendium of cottages from around the world does exactly what it says on the tin – and we’ll be surprised if you don’t immediately wish to depart your urban dwelling for something cottage- like while perusing it. Life Inside a Cottage also delivers on the promise in its title by exploring practical things such as thatching, the making of a cottage garden and the everyday challenges of living in this sort of space. But of course, it’s really all about the spectacular visuals of cottage-style buildings, which run the gamut from award-winning designs in Wales to Japanese woodland escapes. publishing.hardiegrant.com

Wild Isle Style: Resourceful and Sustainable Interior Design Ideas

by Banjo Beale (Quadrille, 2023)

Banjo Beale won the BBC reality show Interior Design Masters in 2021, and lives on the remote Scottish island of Mull. This (his first book) is more of a guide to finding your own interior styling preferences than it is an instruction manual showing you how to recreate his look. That said, fans of the foraged, the second-hand and the upcycled will discover a kindred spirit here, and there’s plenty of inspiration for anyone looking to make their home feel cosier and more cottage-like. Plus, Beale has a wonderful way with texture in interiors and a keen eye for memorable detail, so you’ll find loads of ideas for both those elements too. penguin.co.uk

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WORDS Bianca Coleman

Whether it’s ketchup on chips or a jus that’s taken days to make, poured tableside at a restaurant, the right sauce is intrinsic to food. It enhances and elevates every dish to which it is invited, bringing flair to the flavour.

Sweet, savoury, tangy or spicy; béchamel, velouté, hollandaise or béarnaise; good old gravy, mayonnaise or aioli; crème anglaise, fruit coulis, salad dressing, mint sauce on roast lamb, brown sauces, butter sauces, emulsified sauces, hot sauces, cold sauces… The only limit is imagination. While chefs keep sauces in their arsenal of secrets, if you manage your expectations and skills, there’s no reason not to up your game at home.

For inspiration, we asked Eat Out-starred chefs to tell us about their favourites and how they use them – and the variety they brought to the table (sorry, not sorry) is astounding.

Garlicky goodness

“Favourite sauce? It’s difficult to pinpoint one, but it has to have heat,” says Mathew Armbruster, chef-proprietor at The Chefs’ Table in Umhlanga, which won one star at the 2026 Eat Out Woolworths Restaurant Awards. “Durban life trained me well – chilli’s basically my everyday seasoning now. A simple, well-made peri-peri, the kind I’ve had in Mozambique, is up there. Chilli, garlic, herbs, lemon juice and oil – I can slap that on anything.”

A sauce that stands the test of time has to be an aioli. Kitchens are nothing without it, says Mathew. “You can eat it as it is or use it as a base to create endless sauces – its simplicity and versatility are its magic.”

Big in Japan

Delaire Graff’s Hōseki, winner of two Eat Out stars and named after the Japanese word for jewel, is where Virgil Kahn’s in-house shoyu forms the backbone of the Japanese dining experience the Stellenbosch restaurant offers. “When I began developing this shoyu, the goal was simple – to create a sauce that truly elevates our sushi and honours our vision of showcasing the Cape coast without losing touch with our Japanese roots,” says Virgil. “By introducing local seaweed, most notably Cape kelp, and incorporating West Coast bokkoms, the shoyu developed a depth of salinity and flavour that’s unmistakably ‘Cape’ in character. This unique blend not only enriches the sushi but also ties in with our Koshihikari rice, bringing an added layer of nuance to every bite.”

Better with butter

Julia Hattingh of Eat Out one-starred Reverie Social Table in Cape Town debated for a week while considering savoury sauces. Green vs butter vs gravy… and butter was the winner.

“Beurre blanc is one of my absolute favourite sauces – incredibly versatile and not super-technical to get right,” she says. “It’s basically a vinegary base that’s emulsified with butter into a silky-smooth sauce that complements fish, eggs, shellfish and more, adding richness and acidity at the same time. Probably the biggest draw is that you can flavour a beurre blanc so easily – just infuse your base reduction, or use a flavoured butter. It’s a great wine-pairing sauce!”

From Jozi, with love

At Cyra in Johannesburg, also a one-star winner, sauces made with love matter to chef Candice Philip, because they transform something basic into something memorable. “A sauce isn’t just an addition; it’s the element that brings balance, depth and personality to a dish,” she says. “It adds character, comfort and excitement; richness, freshness and acidity.”

For Candice, sauces are a form of expression. They show intention – how a meal is meant to feel, not just how it tastes. “A good sauce will elevate the most humble of ingredients, but also tie everything together to create a complete experience,” she says. “Without sauce, food can sometimes feel unfinished; with the right sauce or dressing, the dish feels alive and thoughtfully made.”

One of her favourites is her leek-and-sesame crème (delicious with sea bass). Another, which is more of a dressing but remains a firm favourite regardless, is her version of a ceviche dressing.

Au lait!

Roxy Mudie of The Waterside at the V&A Waterfront, which has two Eat Out stars, says one of the best sauces she’s ever had the pleasure of making is café au lait. “It’s a classic I was taught to make at La Colombe, and I’ve loved it ever since,” she says. “We serve it with our wagyu, and the truffle with crushed black pepper is the perfect luxurious pairing for such a special protein. It’s rich and indulgent, slightly sweet and peppery, and it has the most wonderful balance.”

Visit these restaurants to try their secret sauces for yourself:

• The Chefs’ Table: 1st Floor Protea Mall, 1 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga | thechefstable.co.za

• Hōseki: Delaire Graff Estate, Helshoogte Road, Stellenbosch | delaire.co.za

• Reverie Social Table: 226A Lower Main Road, Observatory, Cape Town | reverie.capetown

• Cyra Restaurant: The Houghton Hotel, Lloys Ellis Avenue, Houghton Estate, Johannesburg | cyra.co.za

• The Waterside: Pierhead Building (next to the NSRI), V&A Waterfront, Cape Town | lacolombe.restaurant/waterside

This article first appeared in the 2026 Eat Out Magazine, a sumptuous, collectible coffee-table style book that celebrates South Africa’s vibrant dining scene. Inside you’ll find in-depth profiles of award-winning chefs, sommeliers and mixologists, a guide to the 66 Eat Out star restaurants and big-picture explorations of South African food identity, sustainability and design-led dining spaces. Buy your copy in the Media24 Shop.

This magazine can also be purchased at Woolworths.

The post SA’s Top Chefs Share the Secrets Behind their Signature Sauces appeared first on Visi.

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.