Heritage Pilgrimage: Restored and ordinarily repurposed, Hong Kong’s remaining old buildings prompt trips down memory lane

In Hong Kong, it is not uncommon to demolish buildings that are only 30 years old (or younger) in order to make room for dazzling new office towers or public housing blocks. However, a new trend has evolved – turning grand buildings constructed during the 150 years of British colonial rule into hip places to dine, stay, and oddly enough, take in some culture. Escaping the fate of countless others that were destroyed, some historic buildings have survived to the present day and are prospering with a new life and purpose. While Hong Kong is famous for its contemporary skyscrapers, the city has more to offer.

Privately owned old buildings, on the other hand, might be difficult to preserve since owners may be able to request their demolition or redevelopment regardless of their historical legacy. Unless the property is declared a monument, the owner has the right to demolish it even if it is a graded building or demonstrates exceptional value. The government typically stays out of legal disputes between conservationists who want to preserve Hong Kong’s heritage and owners who can make money by replacing old with new. As a result, protecting these structures requires the help of the public who must stand up to stop heritage buildings from coming down.

Successful preservation projects are those that match the neighbourhood, do not cause an undue disturbance, and help society learn more about the past. The onus is on the government, the courts and the community to act more responsibly, recognise historic structures as a form of publicly owned treasure and take steps to prevent them from being hijacked by developers. We stop by seven restored buildings whose legacies can still be appreciated today.

1881 Heritage

The former Marine Police Headquarters that stood atop a hillock in the centre of Tsim Sha Tsui from 1884 to 1996 has been revitalised and reincorporated into the modern urban fabric of the neighbourhood. After considerable restoration and conservation work, a cultural and shopping landmark called 1881 Heritage, was created. Opened in 2019, it is home to upscale stores and restaurants, trendy bars, a heritage hotel and an exhibition hall where visitors can learn about the site’s history.

Blue House

A historic group of structures distinguished by their vivid colour has withstood the test of time. One cannot miss the Blue House, a four-house, four-storey balcony-type tenement block with a blend of Chinese and Western architectural elements situated in Stone Nullah Lane in the city’s Wan Chai neighbourhood. Built in 1922, this grade-one historic structure is an eye-catching example of a tong lau, or tenement building, commonly constructed in southern China and Southeast Asia in the late 19th century. The stunning blue exterior inspiring its moniker, the Blue House has come to represent a relatively uncommon Hong Kong success story in urban conservation. It received a Unesco Asia-Pacific Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2017.

Court of Final Appeal

One of Central’s most recognisable structures provides a neo-classical visual contrast amid a sea of high-rises. Constructed in 1912, the Court of Final Appeal Building – also known as the Old Supreme Court Building – has been designated as a monument. The two-storey granite structure supported by ionic columns is also noted for the 2.7-metre-tall, blindfolded statue of Themis, the Greek goddess of justice and law, that surmounts its central pediment; below is a semi-circular window topped by a carving of the British Royal Coat of Arms. One may take a tour of the premises and watch court proceedings.

Lui Seng Chun

This magnificent corner tong lau shophouse, designed by architect W.H. Bourne, once housed a bone-setting business and the Lui family’s private dwelling. It is now a Declared Monument. Its architecture is characteristic of the period’s hybrid Chinese-Western design, with large verandahs that made it possible to live indoors and outside in the absence of air conditioning. Even though all of its neighboring structures were renovated, the home managed to endure. In 2012, it underwent restoration and was turned into a Chinese medical center. Don’t overlook the exhibition and herbal tea shop on the ground floor.

Tai Kwun

As one of the most expensive real-estate markets in the world, Hong Kong doesn’t waste any space – which is why finding a location like the Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts is so refreshing. This historic heritage regeneration project, which officially opened in 2018 along Hollywood Road in Central, boasts a sizable courtyard encircled by 16 buildings from the colonial era and lush trees set over six acres. The following year it won the Unesco Award of Excellence for Cultural Heritage Conservation. A unicorn in Hong Kong, it is a free, open and laid-back area that more than lives up to its promise of offering engaging artistic, cultural, culinary and shopping experiences. Arriving at Tai Kwun on any given day, one will find a calendar of events that includes changing exhibitions, art installations, performances, films, concerts and storytelling spaces as well as regular tours.

The Clock Tower

Standing 44 metres high, the Clock Tower was built as part of the Kowloon-Canton Railway terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1915. The once-bustling station is now gone, but this red brick and granite tower is still standing as a graceful relic of the Steam Age. It was declared a monument in 1990, and certainly, the millions of Chinese immigrants who passed through the terminus on their way to start a new life in Hong Kong or another part of the globe would have found it a memorable landmark. The bronze bell that had chimed from 1921 to 1976 was restored to its rightful place in the tower in 2021 in honour of its centennial.

Western Market

The oldest market building still standing in Hong Kong, Western Market occupies a whole block between Connaught Road Central and Des Voeux Road Central in Sheung Wan. The red-brick Edwardian-style structure has a granite entrance and prominent corner towers; it was completed in 1906 and sold produce until 1988. Today, it is home to cafés, restaurants, curio shops and fabric merchants who were relocated from stalls in adjacent lanes after it was refurbished and reopened in 1991. Visitors to this historic site may want to travel here by another still thriving vestige of Hong Kong heritage – Western Market is one of Hong Kong Tramways’ seven terminuses.

Cruise the Mediterranean on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ magnificent new ship – Seven Seas Grandeur

Premium travel agents Miramar Travel are offering the chance to book an unforgettable eight-day cruise on board Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ magnificent new ship –Seven Seas Grandeur– for the 7 Nights Iconic Italy and a Taste of Spain (Cruise Only) voyage.

The 7-night sailing will depart from Rome on 1 May 2024, with disembarkation in Barcelona 7 nights later. Cruising the Mediterranean, the ship will call in Naples, Italy; Taormina (Sicily), Italy; Valletta, Malta; the island of Mallorca; Valencia, Spain, before ending at Barcelona on Day 8.

The all—inclusive package ranges from $58,799 (Deluxe Veranda Suite, 28.6-33.5 sq. m) to $62,299 (Superior Suite, 38.6-43.1 sq. m)per person.

These are some of Europe’s finest tourist hotspots from the Roman splendour of the Eternal City with its coliseum and magnificent vistas, to the historic harbour of Malta’s charming capital, Valletta, full of Baroque palaces, to the beautiful island of Mallorca, and lastly the elegance and visual splendour of Valencia and Barcelona. This is a cruise whose destinations and melting pot of captivating cultures will combine to leave a lasting impression.

Seven Seas Grandeur is the newest luxury liner of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, who have been delivering top-of-the-range cruise experiences for over 30 years. The ship’s maiden voyage is set for November 2023 and promises to feature unrivalled space, unparalleled service, epicurean indulgence, and transformative experiences for guests as soon as they step on board.

It will elevate the cruising experience to a new level of luxury and refined indulgence. With a gross tonnage of 55,500 and only 746 guests, Seven Seas Grandeur provides among the highest space and staff to guest ratios in the industry.

Accommodation categories on offer for the all-inclusive packages include the lovely Deluxe Veranda Suite (28.6-33.5 sq. m) from $58,799 (price per person upon twin sharing), featuring a private balcony, plush sofa, large desk space and a slew of superb amenities, including a Welcome Bottle of Champagne and 24-hour room service.

The stunning Superior Suite (38.6-43.1 sq. m) from $62,299 (price per person upon twin sharing) is beautifully appointed and spacious, featuring a walk-in closet, sitting area to unwind and dual sinks in the bathroom.

Guests may savour the best of world cuisine with Serene Spa & Wellness Selections in the many restaurants on board. These culinary dishes offer an extensive array of innovative options that inspire healthy living, featuring exquisite dishes influenced by a myriad of global fares including delectable plant-based cuisine.

The signature steakhouse aboard Seven Seas Grandeur is Prime 7. Designed by Studio DADO, the fully re-imagined venue takes its cues from the classic New York steakhouse at the turn of the 19th to 20th century. Prime 7 may embrace its roots but this is a restaurant designed to cater directly to Regent’s sophisticated, worldly guests who expect only the finest culinary experiences.

There plenty of other ways guests can be pampered to the hilt. The ship’s Serene Spa & Wellness™ experience will enhance relaxation at sea with an indulgent treatment menu that integrates best-in-class techniques and luxury ingredients from around the world, including new treatments utilizing the restorative power of an amber and quartz crystal bed, and an advanced treatment table for a Zero Gravity Wellness Massage.

Guests could book a Hot Mineral Body Boost to alleviate muscular pain and remove toxins, while the Poultice-Powered Muscle Release works away sore, aching muscles with an invigorating treatment that targets tension and finishes with a restorative facial massage.

For a completely unique experience, the Zero Gravity Wellness Massage is an option. Producing a zero-gravity effect, the body is suspended on an advanced treatment table that allows for ergonomic workflows and a seamless series of sophisticated techniques.

The Serene Spa & Wellness Hydrothermal Suite allows spa-goers to relax before or after spa treatments and enjoy Regent’s multisensory aromatherapy steam room, chill room, infrared sauna and experiential showers.

On land, Serene Spa & Wellness Tours enhance wellness through immersive and restorative shore excursions where guests can, for example, soak in mineral-rich thermal springs in Rome, Italy, or balance themselves in a yoga class overlooking the picturesque seaside town of Taormina, Sicily.

Guests could also admire the ship’s awe-inspiring multi-million-dollar art, including an exquisite Fabergé egg, a meticulously hand-crafted objet d’art known as Journey in Jewels and spawning from Seven Seas Cruises’ partnership with Fabergé, the world-renowned jewellers.

For bookings, click here.

Miramar Travel Website: www.hkmiramartravel.com

Cruise Hotline: 3960 0386

Email: mecruises@miramarexpress.hk

Peri Projectors

Create the prettiest new addition to your jewellery collection using peridot.

The mineral olivine, which naturally has an olive-green colour, is what gives Peridot its gem-quality status; however, it has a distinctive lime-green hue that truly plays up the current dopamine-dressing trend. High-quality resources, which were only recently discovered in China but were originally discovered on an island in the Red Sea, have sparked a peridot-jewellery explosion.

Peridots were the height of fashion in the Victorian era and are said to banish nightmares and bring luck. They were known as the Evening Emerald by the ancient Romans, believed to glow in the dark by the early Egyptians and adored by King Edward VII.

Don’t let the stone’s lime-green colour deter you; modern jewellers have demonstrated how its acidic tones can be tastefully complemented with other stones, especially diamonds and pearls, as shown by Chaumet, Buccellati and Mikimoto, amongst many others.

Taylor to Perfection: Beyond the guitar strum, blonde locks and sold-out concerts, there is plenty of substance to Taylor Swift’s striking silhouette

It was music for Taylor Swift and Taylor Swift for music at the get-go. The country star turned pop star royalty showed a passion for music at a young age and quickly advanced from parts in children’s theatre to performing in front of a large audience. Before a Philadelphia 76ers basketball game at age 11, she sang The Star-Spangled Banner and the following year she picked up the guitar and started writing songs.

Swift created original music that expressed her experiences of tween alienation by drawing inspiration from country-music performers like Shania Twain and the Dixie Chicks. Her parents, supportive of her ambition for a musical career, sold their farm in Pennsylvania when she was 13 and relocated to Hendersonville, Tennessee, so she could attract the attention of country labels in nearby Nashville.

Swift met recording-industry veterans through a development arrangement with RCA Records, and in 2004, when she was 14 years old, she signed with Sony/ ATV as a songwriter. She frequently played her own songs at venues in the Nashville region, and it was during one of these performances that record executive Scott Borchetta took note.

Swift was recruited by Borchetta to his budding Big Machine label, and in the summer of 2006, she released her debut single, Tim McGraw, which was heavily influenced by the teenager’s favourite country musician. And the rest, including her chart-topping discographies, as they say, is history (her story in that case).

Voice for feminism

When the Grammy Award-winning music video – full of strong women kicking ass – for her iconic hit Bad Blood came back to back with her topping Maxim’s 2015 Hot 100 list, she took a moment to speak out about feminism and equality: “A man writing about his feelings from a vulnerable place is brave; a woman writing about her feelings from a vulnerable place is oversharing or whining. Misogyny is ingrained in people from the time they are born. So, to me, feminism is probably the most important movement that you could embrace, because it’s just basically another word for equality.”

At the same time, Swift faced criticism for penning too many songs in the past about her ex-boyfriends and other intimate relationships. She finds this critique anti-feminist and no longer has time for it. “When I was a teenager, I would hear people talk about sexism in the music industry, and I’d be like, I don’t see it. I don’t understand. Then I realised that was because I was a kid,” she explains.

“I didn’t see myself being held back until I was a woman. Or the double standards in headlines, the double standards in the way stories are told, the double standards in the way things are perceived.” She used her 2019 song The Man to emphasise how women and men are treated differently in the industry.

Political pride

Taylor also wants people to know that she supports the LGBTQ community, having received criticism of inaction in this regard. She claims she has consistently supported the movement through her work and charitable contributions. Clarifying her viewpoint, she says: “I didn’t realise until recently that I could advocate for a community that I’m not a part of. It’s hard to know how to do that without being so fearful of making a mistake that you just freeze.”

You Need To Calm Down, the smash-hit single from her 2019 album Lover, highlights her support of the LGBTQ community. The music video features Katy Perry, Ellen DeGeneres and iconic drag queens. The whole Lover catalogue was released at midnight on June 1, the beginning of Pride Month, when Swift introduced a petition in support of the US federal Equality Act. This legislation would amend the Civil Rights Act to outlaw discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Swift also posted a letter to the Republican Lamar Alexander, then the US Senator from Tennessee, asking him to vote yes. The request, on her personal letterhead, denounced President Donald Trump for not supporting the Equality Act. “I personally reject the president’s stance,” Swift wrote. Need she say more?

Unfashionable authenticity

Since breaking into the public eye in 2006 as a 16-year-old wunderkind, Swift has become one of the most commercially successful singers of all time. Last year, her songs received 36.6 billion streams, but her aesthetic has never attracted the same kind of attention. Unlike her contemporaries, she isn’t necessarily a fashion icon. She rarely attends Fashion Week and frequently misses the Met Gala. She favours light-blue wash denim shorts, a faded pink vest and unassuming sneakers.

Despite being quite nondescript, this style is notable for how Taylor Swift really is. Her attire suggests that she may be performing at a local talent show even though she is playing to tens of thousands of fans on a stadium tour. Lots of slogan T-shirts, sparkly bodysuits and prom dresses with meringue skirts. Her current tour, dubbed Eras, is a retrospective of the outfits from each of her 10 studio albums.

However, a lack of fashion cred is not always a terrible thing. She is a sincere and cinematic hitmaker who effortlessly navigates embarrassing confessionals on Lover and small- town stagnation on Midnight (2022). All of this is done with an unfashionable authenticity.

Swift is portrayed in pop culture as the wise best friend that her followers wish they had when they were teenagers (the Swifties actually exchange friendship bracelets). She is someone who may have covered their eyelids in glitter after being rejected by their preferred prom date, a person who would take great satisfaction in creating the ideal ‘heartbreak’ sundae with heaped piles of whipped cream, Oreos and chocolate syrup.

Swift’s songwriting, in contrast to that of so many of her peers, is more likely to make references to her pet cats and a home-for- the-holidays crush than a Hermès bag. And this ordinariness resonates with many more people than perhaps she ever imagined when she first visited Nashville as a child and dreamed of making it big.

Step into peak luxury with membership in Hong Kong’s Most Exclusive Private Clubs

As one of the world’s most bustling and vibrant cities, Hong Kong’s social scene is renowned for its luxurious venues and exclusive clubs. With so many options to choose from, we’ve compiled a list of the most prestigious and affluent private clubs in the city. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and network or a venue for some entertainment, our guide will help you discover the best private clubs that Hong Kong has to offer and how you can become a member of them.

The Hong Kong Country Club

Founded in the early 1960s, the Hong Kong Country Club was created with the sole initiation to create a space where people of different nationalities and races can come without being judged. As a result, the private club continues to host a diverse group of members who can all take advantage of the club’s facilities, including the different sports centres, recreation rooms, video library, restaurants and more. Besides, the club’s view of Deep Water Bay and its serene atmosphere make it the ideal place for people looking to escape from Hong Kong’s otherwise bustling scene.

Membership Requirements: Applicant should have been staying in Hong Kong for a minimum of three months.
Membership Process: A person who has been a member for at least three years should fill in the necessary forms provided by the club and submit them along with reference letters, after which the club will consider the applicant for membership.
Membership Fees: An entrance fee of HK$600,000 and a monthly fee of HK$2800.

Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club

The Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club exclusively welcomes members who are not just passionate about rowing and sailing, but also have participated in one of the sports. In addition to being able to take part in monthly rowing or sailing activities, a member here will also get to enjoy other perks such as getting swimming lessons, personal fitness sessions, taking part in scuba diving, and more.

Membership Requirements: Applicant should be over 18 years and have prior experience in sailing or rowing to apply for an ordinary individual membership.
Membership Process: Once the applicant shows their proof of experience, the club will consider them for membership. However, the club has currently reached its maximum quota so new applicants may have to wait for more than six months unless they are someone who has won trophies, then they will be granted membership without having to wait.
Membership Fee: An entrance fee of HK$109,200 and a monthly fee of about HK$2000.

The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club

Another club which is in a primarily secluded location is The Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club which is known for its 18-hole golf course and other facilities such as the golf simulators, a large swimming pool that can contain up to 300 people, air-conditioned sports rooms and others that make the club a go-to place for golf enthusiasts. The golf course here has even ranked as one of the best in the world, even receiving appreciation from Olympic medalist Justin Rose.

Membership Requirement: Two existing members should recommend the applicant to the club committee.
Membership Process: The prospective member should attend an interview for them to be considered to join the club.
Membership Fee: HK$6 million.

The Dynasty Club

Catering to an audience who strives to have the best of everything – wellness, sports, or gastronomy is The Dynasty Club which accordingly has some of the best sports facilities, including a squash court, an aerobics studio, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and more. For those who love to wine and dine, there is a selection of fine dining cuisines allowing its members to enjoy delectable dishes.

Membership Requirement: An applicant should be over 21 years old.
Membership Process: Applicant should fill in a form provided by the club and provide any other additional information the club may ask before the executive committee reviews the application.
Membership Fee: An entrance fee of HK$900,000 and a monthly fee of HK$2450.

The Aberdeen Marina Club

Whether you want to get the most relaxing massage or break a sweat by participating in sports, The Aberdeen Marina Club is perfect for people of different activity levels. The club hosts regular events, that range from VR zones to ice skating sessions, thus ensuring that its members have something fun to do with their family.

Membership Process: An applicant can only apply if they are invited to do so by the club.
Membership Fee: An entrance fee of HK$4.2 million and a monthly fee of HK$2600.

Hong Kong Aviation Club

If you are interested in taking flying lessons or aims to get a pilot license, then you may want to join this club that caters to aviation enthusiasts. The club has a selection of fleets that range from two-seaters to five-seaters so that its members can get private one-on-one lessons or take a private jet on a round. While other services such as dining, sports and recreation are available on all days, flights are available for flying only on weekends.

Membership Requirement: Two existing members should recommend the applicant to the club committee.
Membership Process: Applicant should fill in the membership form that is available on the club’s official website for the general committee to review.
Membership Fee: An entrance fee of HK$80,000 and a monthly fee of HK$2000.

Also Read: Private jet-setting in elevated style is the hot ticket across a reopened world

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond

In times of challenges, Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide (FEW), together with Gafencu and De Beers, worked together to interview several influential women who can inspire us to shine bright, no matter how dark the shadows sometimes seem. We believe that the strength of a woman’s spirit is as resilient as that of a natural diamond itself, born through hard work and under intense pressure.

Alison Chan El Azar
HK Influencer

Alison didn’t always know what she wanted in life, but she knows that she can do something big, something important. She is always working to be a better version of herself – just like a natural diamond – when it’s polished and incorporated into a piece of jewellery, it will transform into a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Read more here.

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle victoria tang-owen Thirty30 creative — Victoria Tang-Owen wears De Beers Jewellers’ Enchanted Lotus High Jewellery Collection

Victoria Tang-Owen
Founder of Thirty30 Creative & Victoria Tang Studio

Victoria understands that “starting a business is tough, especially being a women-owned business. It takes courage and discipline.” I like the touch and feel of rough diamonds, understated yet powerful. Just like in life, some things do not have to be polished or perfect.

Read more here.

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle ruth chao RCS — Ruth Chao wears De Beers Jewellers’ Ellesmere Treasure High Jewellery Collection

Ruth Chao
Founder of RCS

“We are what we think. We become what we do. Creating for businesses with positive impact and meaningful causes is what fuels my fire of creativity.” The strength of Ruth is like the stunning diamond jewellery she is wearing – rare, finite, and extremely difficult to find.”

Read more here.

Women's Resilience As tough as natural diamond gafencu total circle diana chou — Diana Chou wears De Beers Jewellers’ Portraits of Nature High Jewellery Collection

Diana Chou
Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)

Diana Chou, the founder and Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group, (DGA), has over time been a strong leader and mentor for up and coming female entrepreneurs. “When you see a natural diamond, you don’t know its brilliance until you have to shape it, polish it, before it will shine. This is just like a woman going through life, and they need to be polished before they can shine”.

Read more here.

South african safari- famed for game reserves and the big five

A destination calling for a brave heart and a free spirit, South Africa offers an abundance of raw, wild nature. Ranking third in the world for biodiversity, the country is an animal and plant kingdom packed with more than 95,000 known species. It is undoubtedly the African continent’s most developed and popular place for holidays with more than 600 game reserves and safari parks, clear vast skies and beautiful beaches.
The ideal time to go on safari tours is during South Africa’s winter, between June and October, when it is cooler and drier where barer trees allow you to spot animals roaming for prey. Although the summer offers lusher sights, the thicker bush may hinder your view. The cold nights are perfect for bonfires and the mornings bring spectacular sunrises with the options of finding comfort at a luxury lodge or camping in the wilderness to experience the rugged landscapes.

Famous Five
With more than 600 types of reptiles and mammals and 800 species of birds, the country is most widely known for the Big Five – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, buffalo and elephant – that tourists tick off on their safari must-see list. These South African icons can also be seen on their bank notes, just in case one escapes you in the wild.
The best way to spot these animals in their natural habitat is by booking a safari tour with a seasoned guide. Long safari tours usually cover a wide-ranging area and may prove to be more expensive than planning and booking your own itinerary. Rangers accompanying you on the game drives are skilled at tracking animals in the most unlikely of places. There may be the option to self-drive, but that comes with the risk of losing your way or encountering a herd of large and unfriendly animals.

Park and Drive
Full-day safaris may be suitable for shorter stays at the bigger reserves, although it can get very hot midday – when the animals slink off to sleep too. Sunrise safaris will suit morning people, starting the day early when it is still cold and breezy, birds chirping and the bushes waking up to a new day. However, night game drives or sundowners are the most adventurous, as the sun is setting and nocturnal animals emerge from their cover. The wind blows a bit stronger, so it is advisable to bring layers.
The most popular spot for safaris is the Kruger National Park. Too big to be covered in a week, the park is a five-hour drive from Johannesburg and home to a surprising variety of wildlife beyond the Big Five. It also covers the San (bushman) rock paintings and several archaeological sites. The diverse terrain allows varying safari styles in drylands, wetlands and river tributaries, from walking tours and game drives to horseback, hot-air balloon and boat safaris.

Reserve Luxury
For travellers who do not want to compromise luxury and comfort, five-star lodges at private game reserves offer high-end accommodation, delectable cuisine and exceptional service, as well as exclusive wildlife excursions. One of the most luxurious safari experiences awaits guests at the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, nestled beside the mighty Kruger National Park.
Singita Sabi Sand hosts an array of extravagant lodges and villas, each with a unique experience and distinct setting. Singita Boulders Lodge is built along the boulder-strewn banks of the Sand River, Singita Ebony Lodge rests among giant trees and restores the senses with colours and captivating sounds and Singita Castleton is reminiscent of an African stone-walled farmhouse overlooking the wilderness. These lodges share 45,000 acres of land that is known for frequent leopard sightings – often the most elusive of the Big Five.
Spanning 58,000 hectares, Sanbona Wildlife Reserve is one of South Africa’s largest private game destinations. Offering immersion in a landscape of flora and thriving wildlife, it is renowned for white lions, cheetahs, elephants and zebras. Three and a half-hour drive away from Cape Town in the southwest of the country, Sanbona boasts a variety of accommodation options on the open plain against the glorious backdrop of the Cape Fold mountains.
Aquila Private Game Reserve near the Touws River is even closer – a two-hour drive away to the city attractions of Cape Town, and promises a fair chance of the Big Five. Time can also be spent with rehabilitated wildlife at the on-site Animal Rescue Centre. The 10,000-hectare conservancy offers game drives on traditional vehicles, horseback, quadbikes and even helicopters. Fire pits are lit at night for guests to gather, share stories and stargaze with telescopes where a good view of the Milky Way could be some solace after a day of wild adventure.

Water and Wine
Hermanus, a secluded fishing village and an hour-and-a-half drive away from Cape Town, will appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs. It is also a great spot for whale-watching and spotting dolphins and penguins. Drive north from here into the foothills to reach the fairy-tale valley of Hemel-en-Aarde (‘heaven and earth’ in Afrikaans) famous for its fine Pinot Noir. It certainly is heaven on earth for oenophiles, as acclaimed wine estates cluster along a single road.

Southern Paradise
The majestic Garden Route is among South Africa’s most scenic tourist attractions. Ideal for a long road trip, the 125-mile stretch of coast showcases striking vistas and must-visit spots of the Western and Eastern Capes. Along the way, there are beaches to sunbathe on, forests to explore and rivers to canoe. Among the most adventurous treks for hikers are the Otter Trail along the Indian Ocean coastline and the Tsitsikamma Trail, which cuts through indigenous forest.
The west-to-east route begins at Mossel Bay, a harbour town of botanical gardens, beaches, museums and water parks, and continues as far east as you fancy. Be sure to stopover at Wilderness, which is great for water skiing, paragliding, trail-walking and fishing. A detour inland past myriad ostrich farms is recommended to delve into the underground wonders of the Cango Caves.
Simply put, the South of Africa has it all.

Text: Zaira Abbas ; Photos: Unsplash.com

7 Home Décor Ideas to Follow this Autumn

The -ber months are knocking at the door harbinger the beautiful transition of nature seasonal changes. While evergreens transform from fresh greens to rustic oranges and deep reds, the cooler weather calls for more comfortable spaces to lounge in, prompting our inner creative sides to elevate our abodes to reflect the beautiful autumn landscapes. Here are 5 home décor ideas to spruce up your spaces with a warmer and enchanting ambiance.

1. Light up your home with candles

Candles are a fantastic decorative element, they can complement your existing décor when placed in front or on side of paintings, vases, lamps or sculptures creating magical shadows and silhouettes. Dress up your home by adding a variety of candles on shelves and mantle pieces. You can place them on tall candle stands of different heights or in glass lanterns to give a more vintage vibe. Scented candles with flavours of maple leaves, clove, cinnamon, apple or lavender are perfect to make your home even smell like autumn.

2. Celebrate the changing colors

Adding more warm colors to your space will instantly create an autumnal theme. Fluff up some orange, red and dark brown pillows for your bedroom and cushions for your living room. Choose blankets and throws of similar colors to drape over your sofas, couches or carpets. These will serve as accessories to your existing furniture without you having to make big changes and replacing your current possessions.

3. Follow up the fall foliage

When you think of autumn you can’t help but think of leaves, either fallen or dancing in the breeze. To give the home a touch of fall ambiance, place decorative plants around the room, leaves in bowls or perennial planter boxes in corners on the wall or sitting atop window sills. Common Ivy, Hydrangea, cactus, maple and oxalis and excellent choices are great choices for indoor plants that will last longer through the autumn season.

4. Hang in some vines, wreaths and fairy lights.

If you find plants to be high maintenance, you can use artificial vines and wreathes made up of flowers, leaves, pines and pumpkins to decorate your walls, doors and curtains. You can use them in combination with fairy lights that can light them up giving a festive feel and warmth. Bookshelves look more appealing with fairy lights and vines, making your reading corner into a dreamy cozy space to find comfort in.

5. Adding warmth to outdoor spaces

Just because it’s cooler out, doesn’t mean you have to keep from the outside. Give your outdoor spaces some love by furnishing it will autumn tones and rustic textures to add some warmth and cosiness to your balcony, terraces and patio. Woven textures like rattan are a good choice, such as Barlow Tyrie’s “Cocoon” seating system, from its 2022 outdoor collection. Its strong aluminum frame and soft plush cushions come in a set of 2 deep seated armchairs and a 3-seater sofa, available at Zzue Creation, provides the perfectly comfortable gathering spot on a breezy autumn evening.

6. Pump it up with Pumpkins

Pumpkins often go hand-in-hand with the autumn season. And with Halloween just around the corner, what better way to enrich your living space with the many colours and variety this auburn squash can offer. Real or faux, pumpkins can be used as dining table centerpieces, and decorative ornaments on kitchen. Pumpkin scents also adds a romantic touch to the space thanks to its sweet and spice scent. Scented candles from Diptyque and Maison Francis Kurkdijian perfects these aromas very well.

(Text: Zaira Abbas)

10 Tips to invite successful people to be your mentor

Diana Chou is the founder and chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA) while Anna Wong and Ines Gafi are founders of Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide (FEW). Diana also sits on the board of directors of FEW from the early years and she always shared with them that sometimes we need to experience setbacks in order to learn and grow – it’s like a caterpillar that undergoes a transformational process to become a butterfly.

Anna: “Diana is a wonderful mentor because she shares her life, experiences, and struggles. She let me see how she manages the ups and downs in her life. She invites me to her business meetings and friends gatherings. She let me see how she runs things.”

Ines: “Diana is a great inspiration, as she inspires us to pay it forward and mentor other younger women. And we are constantly looking for more great business and corporate leaders to mentor our members.”

Also read: Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds

10 Tips to invite successful people to be your mentor

Do not look like a helpless and miserable young woman.
Dress “one level up” – if you are just a manager, you could dress like a future director in the office; If you’re an entrepreneur, please dress like a successful entrepreneur.
Show them that you have the talent to do it through your work ethic and achievements.
Sell your passion and bring in positive energy to people’s life.
Demonstrate you’re doing something to drive a positive impact in society, as they want to give back to the society too.
Be genuine. You get to truly love the people you’re with. Try not to make friends with people because of their status or money.
Invite them to a coffee meeting. Tell them sincerely about what you admire about them and want to learn from them.
Join platforms like FEW or other business associations based on your needs.
Say thank you or send a gift for their guidance and trust in you.
No need to rush into any relationship. You also need to know that if you can work and communicate well with the person who’s goingto help guide you.

Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong…

Alison Chan El Azar, Hong Kong Influencer

Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder of Thirty30 Creative & Victoria Tang Studio

Ruth Chao, Founder of RCS

Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamond- Ruth Chao

“I’m fascinated by depth, creativity, love”

The turning points that created the life I have Today:

When I quixotically applied to the art department of British Vogue 13 years
ago that kickstarted my creative career.
When I co-founded my first company with Antonia Li at the age of 25 that
began my entrepreneurial path.
When I founded my second company at the age of 30 to keep building the
creative dream.
Each turning point in my life stemmed from moments of courage.

3 practical ways I improved my confidence:

Choose to believe in the positive.
Trust in the process.
Let myself to just simply be.

Top 3 things I do to motivate myself

Appreciate the past.
Daydream about the future.
Enjoy the present.

Also read: Women’s Resilience: As tough as natural diamonds

Read more from other inspirational female entrepreneurs in Hong Kong…

Alison Chan El Azar, Hong Kong Influencer

Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder of Thirty30 Creative & Victoria Tang Studio

Diana Chou, Chairman of Dragon General Aviation Group (DGA)