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Paserene is a boutique winery owned by Martin Smith and Ndabe Mareda situated in the picturesque Franschhoek wine region of South Africa. The winery is not only beautiful with a modern glass tasting room in the heart of rich green lawns, but focuses on luxury wine that will leave a delicious mark on your palate. I was privileged to be a guest at the vineyard for a tasting and to meet Martin, who was not only kind but down-to-earth and excited to explain his process. The name Paserene is derived from the Latin word Passeriformes, which is the order of “traveling and free” bids containing swifts and swallows. This is reflected on bottle artwork and guides the ethos of the brand. Martin considers himself a precision winemaker, but is not afraid to experiment. He will take weeks to decide on changes or additions to his wines and doesn’t take these actions lightly. He is someone that approaches each process holistically and connected – this is why everything seems to flow on his property and work synergistically. He works not for volume but for taste and style and this is why his wines have received so many accolades. Paserene offers two ranges of wines to try – the Elements range and the Paserene range. The Elements range source grapes from three different vineyards and include fun and experimental wines that offer everything from a rosé, called Rosie, and sauvignon blanc, called Emerald. One of my absolute favorites was called “Dark” – a rich berry-heavy syrah that offers notes of juicy fruit and Christmas Spice. The Paserene tasting room is very welcoming and casual. It looks like a piece of art in some ways itself with its glass, wood and steel structure – yet is not formal. It seems that the winemaker wants his guests to feel relaxed here and focus on the product. The Paserene Range offers three varieties – Marathon, Union and Chardonnay. Each one being incredibly different and special. Chardonnay is bright with hints of lemon zest, white peach and oatmeal. Union is stunning, a delicious syrah with notes of blueberries, charcoal and violets. Marathon hits your tongue with black currants, black cherry and fig. This range is my favorite for its heavy reds. While in the tasting room sipping these glorious wines you will notice your surroundings because of the beauty. None of it is by accident, as it all nods to the nature around and the theme of swallows. The dam in front is a nod to the swallow’s swoop over water, the slate accents representing the mud used by swallows in their nests and the wood the trees around. Of course the food menu at Paerene’s tasting room is delicious with locally made cheeses, breads and dried meat. All of this pairs phenomenally with the wines and allows you to munch on a little something while enjoying yourself. Even the wooden boards used to serve the snacks are made from recycled barrels – perfection. For anyone seeking a truly unique wine experience and to try some of the best luxury South African wines, Paserene is it.

Pierneef à La Motte is a hidden gem in the Franschhoek Wine Valley. Located a mere 45 minutes from Cape Town and a world away, this stunning restaurant is positioned in the middle of the famed La Motte winery and has earned a reputation as being one of the best. I was a guest recently for lunch and fell in love with the phenomenal food, local produce and sounds of birds overhead. The cuisine impressed me so much that I wrapped-up the leftovers and took them with me. La Motte produces delicious wines and is known for their superior reds, whites and experimental varieties. Of course the ideal situation is to arrive a bit early and experience a wine tasting in the stately tasting room, and then dip out to lunch where you can sit indoors or outdoors in the garden area. The beautiful green and white fabrics juxtaposed with natural woods and glass make for an impressive atmosphere. The lunch offers a multi-course menu with local specialties and international specialties as well. Each dish is cooked well, hearty and not too fussy. The wines I preferred were the estate’s syrah and chardonnay. The service is excellent and you won’t be able to leave without stopping by the farm shop for fresh provisions. Don’t miss Pierneef à La Motte or La Motte while in Franschhoek.

In celebration of a woman-led spirits company, one that began with an idea in England and evolved into a full-fledged powerhouse alcohol brand, Musgrave is our choice for the top South African gin of 2021. Simone Musgrave is the guardian of the recipes and proprietor of Musgrave’s incredible gin varieties. We were lucky enough to try her small batches while in town and fell madly in love with each and every flavor. Since 2015 the brand has impressed connoisseurs throughout the world and has brought them to Africa to see what all the hype is about. Cape Town is like a second home to me, a city that I love through and through. Being that the city has so many influences, there is a bevy of local products that are particular of the area and not found many other places. Before traveling to South Africa for the first time in 2005, I wasn’t a gin fan. It was too herbal for me and often tasted too much like pine. It wasn’t until I began sampling gins in South Africa that I realized they do it better and some really stand out above the rest. Musgrave makes all their gin in small batches. This is not a spirits company that finds itself trying to maximize volume but, instead, quality as each bottle is made. They also make brandies, which are incredibly unique and specialized. I tasted each variety offered of gin and brandy and was truly blown away. Musgrave offers two gins, the Original 11 – which is composed of 11 unique botanicals that reference the ancient African spice route. This gin is so delicate, so aromatic it is absolutely incredible. It is perfect for your classic gin and tonic with a large slice of lime, orange or grapefruit – and a sprig of rosemary. The Original 11 is a true masterpiece. The second gin is the absolutely fabulous Pink gin. This gin takes a gin and tonic and kicks it up a notch. A rose gin with 12 botanicals and notes of pink peppercorn and kefir lime – I can’t get enough. This gin is perfect for serving a beautiful cocktail to guests with a sprig of thyme. You can even infuse it with muddled berries if you wish. Musgrave’s brandies are very special. They offer two, the Copper Black Honey and Copper Vanilla. The Copper Black Honey is deep and rich, with added flavor from honey found in the forests of Zambia. The Copper Vanilla is delicate and flavored with African vanilla – perfect with a touch of sparkling water and lemon. Musgrave is an impressive brand – unlike any other. I really love the woman-led aspect and see Simone as a true trailblazer on the continent of Africa. For anyone looking for incredible gins and brandies with an inspiring story and quality ingredients, Musgrave is it.

Last Word Constantia , one of the exclusive properties in the Last Word Collection, is a boutique gem surrounded by green and gardens in Cape Town’s exclusive Constantia neighborhood. The hotel, which feels more like a private luxury home, has just 9 large and beautiful suites – making a stay here an incredibly exclusive experience. I was a guest recently, and fell in love with the personalized service, beauty and serenity that seems to permeate every corner of this property. I checked-in during the evening and appreciated the speedy nature of it. A friendly smile and warm welcome greeted me at the front desk, and I was led quickly to my room. Upon entering, I was blown away with the size and comfort before me – a beautiful set-up of bedroom, living area and glorious bathroom all with views of the mountains and gardens. Last Word Constantia feels instantly like home. There is no pretense here, no formality, just pure comfort and ease. What I loved about my room was not only its size, but details. The welcome amenity – a small dessert on my bed – charging stations, robes, slippers, bathroom products and massive showers that one could easily spend an hour in luxuriating. There was a welcome bottle of wine and a personalized note, which I always appreciate. The beauty of detail at this property left an impression. I absolutely loved the mosaic on my shower wall, all done by hand. The full-size bathroom products, again, made this feel like a home experience instead of a hotel. Even te floating bathtub was beautiful and set in an area of the room that was private, yet the views beautiful from every angle. After checking-in I quickly dipped into my custard tarts and prepared for dinner in the dining room. The dining room at Last Word Constantia is small and tailored to you. While on property all beverages and premium spirits are complimentary and lunches or dinners can be pre-arranged. The hotel offered a delicious traditional Cape Malay-style dinner, which is a local cuisine with flavors from Africa and India. Absolutely phenomenal. Cape Malay dishes include samosas, curries and citrus-glazed vegetables. It’s difficult to find this cuisine outside of South Africa and the dining room at Last Word Constantia did not disappoint. I delved into a multi-course sensory experience paired with wines from the nearby wine region of Stellenbosch. Although Constantia itself is the oldest wine valley, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch take the cake in terms of variety. After dinner, I went back to my room and turned-in for the evening and a sound sleep with the sounds of pure quiet around me. Last Word Constantia is a sweet and individualized experience. You come here to relax, to lay by the pool or to base yourself somewhere beautiful while exploring the Cape Town region. This property is for anyone who appreciates detail and exclusivity – it’s the definition of pure peace.

Chef Scott showed-up to our beautiful holiday home, Villa Verte, in Hout Bay, Cape Town ready to take-on the day’s dinner – deployed by Seasoned , the city’s top private chef service. Known for their extreme attention to detail and willingness to turn each meal into an event, Seasoned is known around the city and country as one of the best private chef services providing in-house chefs that are trained in the art of skillful cooking and meal planning. We had heard of Seasoned through a friend and had to try them out for a private dinner we had in the stunning home in which we were staying. The chef that was chosen by Seasoned, for our particular requirements, was Scott and he had cooked for everyone from celebrities to members of the Saudi royal family all around the world. His resumé was impressive but his personality and technique even more so. Seasoned knew he’d make an impression and Scott got right to work after introductions. The meal was multi-course, fresh oysters from the Western Cape with citrus and salt. A myriad of flavors and textures mixed into the plate with pickled vegetables, jellies and crunchy quinoa. Scott plated everything so beautifully with fried concoctions, smoked fish and more. Seasoned encourages all their chefs to use the freshest ingredients that are locally sourced and it shows. The ingredients make everything pop and the chef’s techniques marry ingredients together in a way that makes the experience truly something to remember. Scott introduced every dish beautifully and made sure each guest’s allergies and dietary requirements were accounted for. Dessert, in all its chocolate glory, was my favorite dish. Seasoned made the task of hiring a private chef easy and comfortable, taking the hassle out of it. Everything is handled and easy – all you have to focus on is what you’re eating and enjoying that day or evening. In fact, aside from private chefs, Seasoned also provides waiters, bartenders, nannies and other hospitality-related staff to make your stay in Cape Town, Johannesburg or Durban better. Don’t miss the opportunity to take your stay to another level.

Table Mountain is not a new site in Cape Town, but seeing it like this is. Normally a national park with swarms of people waiting to get to the top via cable car to take-in the splendor, now is the best time to feel as if you have the entire place to yourself. Table Mountain offers panoramic views of Cape Town and the coast, and you can sit at sunset and watch the sun dip below the surface of the horizon before heading back to ground level. Aside from Table Mountain in Cape Town, it’s essential to see Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden , Cape Point and the nearby Constantia Wine Route . Cape Town’s glory is easily traversed now and will only remain this way for a short while. On a recent visit, I was able to see all of these sites again in a new way – though I had experienced them all before. I recommend the same for anyone looking to have a moment to yourself in some of South Africa’s most famous corners.

Marataba Luxury Lodges , a child of the esteemed MORE Family Collection, is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets and it’s luxurious glory is waiting to be discovered. Tucked away in the country’s lesser-traveled Marakele National Park, Marataba sits just a four hour drive or 45-minute private flight from Johannesburg. Most tourists and travelers tend to focus their game-viewing itineraries on Kruger National Park and its surrounding area, but those in the know head to Marakele. A comfortably luxurious and immersive experience, Marataba shines as an example of peace, relaxation and a place where you can get up close and personal with some of South Africa’s most iconic creatures. I had heard about Marataba for a long time, but had never visited. MORE Family Collection also owns and operates the beautiful Lion Sands near Kruger National Park, but I was interested in something new. I decided to drive from Johannesburg, which was easier than I had imagined. The roads are good and easy to traverse – so off I went. The camp gave me easy-to-follow directions and, in a snap, I was there. Marataba offers two lodges, Safari Lodge and Mountain Lodge. Safari Lodge is where I stayed and it offers 15 luxury tented suites. Both lodges are beautiful and chic, but Mountain Lodge is a bit smaller and caters to adults-only or groups that choose to book the entire venue. They are both phenomenally designed and architecturally interesting, but Safari Lodge offers a bit more of everything in terms of being easy-to-access and casual. I was greeted at the gate of Marataba by my guide, Kim, who I immediately knew would be fabulous. Not only was she kind, but she was so confidant and knowledgeable about the area, the roads, wildlife and more. I arrived to the stunning welcome area and was led through the glass, wood and metal entry and onto the back veranda where I was offered a cocktail with views of the surrounding Waterberg Mountains. I was instantly in love with the red and pink sunsets bouncing off the mountain face and really was left with my jaw on the ground just from the sheer beauty of it all. I was checked-in immediately and led to my tented suite. Marataba is not fenced so it was of utmost importance that the staff remind both myself and guests that having an escort in the evening hours is critical for safety purposes. This was not my first safari, so I understood the rule immediately and adhered to it throughout my three-night stay. Marataba is set-up to make things very easy. I was impressed that, even in the bush, the staff and property set strict COVID-19 guidelines by separating tables, offering sanitizing products at nearly every corner and implemented temperature checks every morning before game drives. Masks were encouraged around others not in your party and staff made sure guests followed these instructions to ensure everyone’s safety. I was very impressed with my tented room by not only its design and beauty, but by the small details that make a luxury experience luxury. There were USB plug-ins by the bedsides, robes, slippers, converters and large suite-like bathrooms with full-sized products to use. The mini bar is offered complementary and includes wine openers, knives to cut lemons for gin and tonics and a beautiful coffee station. In fact, the coffee that is offered is branded from the MORE Family Collection in their elegant font, and a fresh press awaits your morning use. There were even homemade cookies to nibble on before breakfast while getting ready for a morning game drive. My first game drive at Marataba was enchanting – oh how lucky I was. I was offered a private vehicle, which is always a plus on safari, and Kim led the charge with sightings of impala, warthogs, zebra, giraffe and the incredible rhino. In fact, Marataba is known for their rhino population and what a thrill it is each time to see these endangered creatures. We were led through ravines, into open plains and over hills – all in search of that morning’s game. Snacks are offered before the drive as well as coffee, but breakfast comes upon return from the first game drive around 10:00 am. And, breakfast is quite the event at Safari Lodge. Elephant and lion sightings are usual and phenomenal. Three sister lions made an appearance twice. The rhino in the area are majestic and seeing them is something I equate to a religious experience. Cuisine at Marataba is, quite literally, phenomenal. Over three days, I don’t think I had one bad meal. Breakfast is an affair with offerings like avocado toast, pancakes, waffles, eggs and bacon and much, much more. I was usually too full after breakfast to indulge in lunch, but, when I did, it was incredible. The kitchen team here will modify anything based on your likes, allergies or preferences – so don’t be shy. Dinner is usually on the terrace by candlelight and elegant lanterns hanging in the nearby trees. Expect menus to be gourmet in concept, but satisfying and hearty in delivery – which is perfect in my opinion. The wine selection is intense and, of course, you can indulge in some of South Africa’s most famous blends. Marataba offers several special experiences for its guests. The camp is one of the only camps in South Africa that offer one of your game drives by water. Their aptly named, “Miss Mara” is a beautiful boat that is usually set-up for a morning or afternoon game viewing experience with drinks and homemade snacks to welcome you. As the boat leaves the shore, expect to spot hippo, birds, lizards, snakes and elephant along the shoreline. I had never had an experience like this and it is unique to Marataba. It added a completely different dimension to my time in Marakele National Park and I absolutely loved it. Marataba also offers the ability for guests to sleep overnight in their treehouse. This is truly special. I did not sleep there as I needed to depart very early in the morning, but the team set-up a stunning dinner in the space after a game drive. I was driven to the elegant spot which was lit with lanterns and candles, and a set table was waiting for me. Some might think a treehouse sounds rustic, but not at Marataba. Oh no. There is a glassed-in bathroom outfitted with every convenience, the king-sized bed is like a cloud and USB chargers flank the sides. Here, you can indulge in a private dinner and watch the sunset, using a downloaded app to stargaze at night. Three days at Marataba flew by too quickly. The staff here is a key component of the stay – as they are genuine, friendly and truly service-oriented. I found each and every one of them a delight and enjoyed evening conversations around the fire before dinner. They listen to your goals while at the property, and try their very best to make your dreams a reality. I have been fortunate enough to stay at countless camps throughout Africa, all unique and beautiful in their own right. But, Marataba is special. It feels like only you know about it and that there aren’t many who know to travel to this part of the country. I believe that with the bush at your doorstep, the mountains in the distance and the river being such a critical bloodline of this place – you get the best of everything. I truly cannot wait to return as, quite frankly, the experience left an imprint on my heart that I know won’t soon go away.

Charley’s Bakery , an icon of Cape Town, is the city’s top custom cake maker – by far. Though they offer so, so much more than cakes, their cakes are bold, sexy, fun and delicious. The story of Charly’s is fabulous, and reached back to Namibia where Charly himself learned the baking ways perfected by Germans who resided in the country. But, this was not the end of the dream as it was evident that Charly and his wife wanted to expand and bring their ethos and talents to South Africa. Since 1989, this bakery has been beloved by Cape Town residents and international visitors. Their zest for life, passion for what they do and true innovation has made them a treasure in the community. We contacted them when traveling to Cape Town over my birthday to see if they’d be willing to share their delectable talents with me and my team, and that’s exactly what happened. Working with Charly’s was fun. Immediately, they began talking to us about how they could create a cake that would integrate Inspired Citizen as well as my love of travel. Daniella began drawing and conceptualized a cake that integrated the brand, my passion and our current location – Cape Town with fun elements like a gold silhouette of Table Mountain and a green South African passport with my initials. We chose their well-known Wicked Chocolate cake iced with black chocolate ganache. Charly’s executed the cake beautifully and they weren’t afraid to take risks – which we love. Being a family-run operation, you can feel the love and heart put into everything they produce. The cake was delivered safely to the home we stayed-in and was ready to be lit. The details of the cake were stunning, with gold drippings, cold candles and even a little gold airplane perched atop. When the cake was cut, I cannot even begin to tell you, how the smell and flavor instantly took over. This was probably one of the most delicious, if not the most delicious cake we’ve ever tasted. The rich chocolate layers, not too sweet, the density and the icing were all gloriously perfect and blew everyone out of the water – truly. The cake was enjoyed by many and even eaten for breakfast with coffee the next morning. Charly’s Bakery is special, you can feel this immediately when communicating with them. They are cheeky, fun and not afraid to be who they are. I am so very happy we discovered them and can’t wait to work with them again on future trips to South Africa.

Located high in the hills of the Constantia neighborhood of Cape Town on the Silvermist estate, La Colombe continues to impress and outdo themselves in culinary innovation. A world-renowned restaurant headed by Scot Kirton and led by Executive Chef James Gaag, La Colombe brings guests into an experience that touches on all five senses from the moment you walk in the door. I have been lucky to dine here year after year and it never fails to impress. The beauty of the space, the views of nature, the sounds of the birds and the flavors – all marry together to make an experience you’ll never forget. Lunch and dinner is available at La Colombe and both are equally wonderful. Plan on staying a while and the point of this place is to help you slow down, take-in what’s around you and indulge in special dishes that are all composed of locally sourced ingredients. On any given day you can be surprised with dishes like salmon with burnt lime and ponzu, bbq pork belly with scallop and spiced coconut or gnocchi with spiced apple and blue cheese. Every dish arrives in a choreographed sequence with servers who are incredibly kind, informed and ready to make your time there unforgettable. My time over lunch was a trip for the eyes and mouth. One of my absolute favorite dishes were “cherries” made of foie gras and coated with a cherry gelee. Each presentation of one of 9 or 12 courses adds elements of art and much of the dish is finished off right at your table, inevitable making you a part of the experience. Being that South Africa has an incredible array of wines and wine regions, as well as craft ciders and beers – La Colombe does a fabulous job when a pairing is ordered to introduce unique labels from specialty producers that maybe less known. Each choice of beverage is on point and makes sense for the dish at hand. The course size is ample, but not too much as not to make you full before you’ve been able to work your way through everything. One of the chef’s signature dishes is the can of tuna, which is a playful take on canned tunafish – but replaced with ahi tuna garnished with herbs and flowers. Of course a cheese course will follow the meal and the cheeses are all local as well. Sweet endings at La Colombe are expected yet the bitter part is having to leave. This is a special place for lovers of food and art, a place that takes its job seriously but makes the guests feel perfectly at home. You just can’t miss it while in Cape Town.

The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff Johannesburg , located atop a hill in Johannesburg’s prominent Westcliff neighborhood, is a stunning example of what an urban resort can be. I was a recent guest at the property when South Africa reopened to American travelers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and was thrilled to finally stay here. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, this hotel will serve you and base you in the heart of the thriving metropolis. I arrived to the property after a long flight from New York, and was ready for rest. The front desk already had my check-in completed and I was welcomed in a very COVID-19-friendly way. Four Seasons as a hotel brand has implemented “Lead With Care” as their initiative to keep guests safe, and the Johannesburg property was no different. Plexiglass barriers were installed at the front desk and sanitizing stations are also everywhere in sight. Soon, after a quick introduction to Four Seasons convenient app, I was being led to my room. Four Seasons put me in a beautiful suite overlooking the city in the distance. The room was welcoming with a delicious fruit and chocolate spread, cozy bed, ample closets, luxurious bathroom and amenities like robes, slippers and converters. The minibar had been removed for pandemic-related safety reasons and all menus converted to a comfortable QR code where guests can easily enjoy room service, breakfast, etc with the touch of a screen. In fact, for those who choose to dine in room, you can message the front desk through the app and place your order to be delivered at the time of your choosing. I did this as I had a lovely terrace in which I could enjoy my meal in my bathrobe, in private. The Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff offers guests many amenities. One that I think most would enjoy, is the spa. Here you can book a massage, facial or scrub – pretty much any spa-related service one can think of is available here. I booked a massage for late afternoon as my muscles were a bit sore from 21 hours of flying. The experience was safe, luxurious and one of the best massages I have ever had. It started with a food scrub and bath with light leg and calf massage – followed by 60 minutes of pure bliss. I tried not to allow my jet lag to get the best of me and fall asleep mid-treatment. While on property, I enjoyed a casual and delicious dinner at Flames Restaurant. This is where breakfast and most meals are served and their dinners are hearty and well-presented. The mountaintop location affords guests lovely views over the city and the outdoor terrace is perfect for a safe and relaxing meal. The menus were diverse and offered a selection of international fare. I opted for Italian, choosing homemade pasta along with a South African Cabernet Sauvignon. The staff were friendly and the meal hit the spot – sending me right off to bed for a ten-hour post-travel snooze. What I truly love about the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff is not only the rooms and service, but the beauty of the place. It seems that everywhere you look there is a courtyard shrouded in flowers, a bubbling fountain or a pool to relax at. Though in the middle of Johannesburg, the property feels a world away – taking you somewhere aside from the hustle and bustle. For anyone traveling to or through Johannesburg, South Africa – make the Four Seasons Hotel The Westcliff your home away from home.

There are places in the world that impress you with their architecture, seduce you with their location, or charm you with their service—but it is rare to find a home that blends all of these elements so perfectly that it becomes an emotional experience. Villa Verte , perched above the emerald valley of Hout Bay in Cape Town, South Africa, is one of these extraordinary finds. When the owners, Ed Gray and Jim Brett, invited me and my team at Inspired Citizen to experience their creation, I expected something beautiful. What we discovered instead was one of the most unforgettable, design-forward, hospitality-rich homes I have stayed in anywhere across the globe. From the moment you arrive at Villa Verte, you understand that this is not simply a villa—it is a vision made tangible. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Hout Bay’s mountains with glimpses of the Atlantic shimmering in the distance, the home feels as though it has grown out of the landscape itself. Its contemporary architecture is bold yet harmonious, defined by sweeping glass panels, geometric precision, soaring ceilings, and open, fluid interiors that breathe with natural light. Every corner reveals an intentional relationship between structure and setting: polished concrete meets warm timber, smooth stone meets sunlight, and indoor living spaces dissolve gently into nature. What makes Villa Verte truly extraordinary is not only its world-class design but also the spectacular art that lives within it. Ed and Jim have curated a deeply personal, museum-worthy collection featuring remarkable works from South African artists as well as creators from around the world. Walking through the home feels like moving through a private gallery—thought-provoking sculptures greet you upon entry, arresting canvases draw the eye in living spaces, and mixed-media pieces punctuate hallways with color, texture, and emotion. The art doesn’t overpower; it enhances, elevating each room and reflecting the owners’ immense respect for creativity. It is rare to find a home where design and art coexist in such perfect equilibrium, but here, every piece feels like part of the property’s soul. Despite the expansiveness of the architecture, Villa Verte offers privacy at every turn. The home is positioned carefully on the hillside, shielded by its own lush gardens and topography, ensuring that guests feel cocooned without ever feeling isolated. This tranquility is a luxury in itself, allowing visitors to sunbathe by the pool, enjoy intimate dinners on the terrace, or simply wander the property’s beautifully landscaped paths without a single interruption. It is a sanctuary that invites you to breathe deeply, slow down, and experience life at a different rhythm. The gardens surrounding the home are a masterpiece of their own. Layered with indigenous plantings and sculptural foliage, they mirror the surrounding mountains while adding softness and serenity to the property. From shaded corners perfect for morning meditation to sunlit terraces ideal for cocktails at dusk, the outdoors feels like a natural extension of the living spaces. The pool area, one of the home’s most inviting focal points, is elegant and serene—a place where you can lounge under the African sun, dip into crystal-clear water, or enjoy a long, languid lunch prepared by the villa’s culinary team. Just down the hill is another home in the couple's collection, that is also an option for accommodation, Maison Noir. The hospitality at Villa Verte sets a standard rarely achieved at private homes. Guests enjoy the care of an attentive staff, including a private chef, a breakfast team, meticulous housekeeping, and a highly capable concierge. Breakfasts are a daily pleasure—freshly baked pastries, vibrant fruit, eggs cooked perfectly to order, and South African touches that make each morning feel special. Beyond breakfast, the culinary possibilities are endless, whether you’re seeking a refined multi-course dinner, a relaxed family-style meal, or a healthy, wellness-driven menu. Every dish we enjoyed was beautifully prepared, thoughtfully plated, and presented with warmth and pride. You can work with their team to hire a private chef from their curated list to create menus of your dreams. Yet even among such beauty, it is the people who elevate Villa Verte to greatness. The staff’s attentiveness is intuitive rather than intrusive. This gracious balance speaks to the spirit cultivated by Ed and Jim, who are among the most generous, thoughtful, and passionate hosts I have encountered. Their love for this home and their desire to share its magic with guests is evident everywhere—from the inspired design choices to the meticulously maintained grounds to the culture of care upheld by their team. Villa Verte is as versatile as it is breathtaking. Its spacious layout, multiple lounge areas, tranquil bedrooms, and abundant outdoor space make it ideal not only for luxury vacations but also for family gatherings, milestone celebrations, wellness retreats, creative workshops, and corporate strategy summits. Privacy, beauty, and comfort converge here in a way that fosters connection, creativity, and a sense of ease among groups. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational holiday, or a productive team retreat, the home adapts gracefully to the needs of every guest. What struck me most during our stay was how effortlessly Villa Verte stays with you. There are places you leave and immediately miss; this is one of them. It is that perfect blend of immersive design, enveloping nature, thoughtful service, and emotional resonance that makes it unforgettable. I have traveled the world extensively—visiting over a hundred countries, reviewing some of the finest hotels and private homes, and curating countless journeys for clients. Yet, Villa Verte stands out as one of the most beautiful, inspiring, and seamlessly executed hospitality experiences I have encountered anywhere. Whether you are seeking serenity, inspiration, celebration, or simply a breathtaking place to call home for a while, Villa Verte offers it with style, soul, and generosity. It is a masterpiece in every sense—a home built not only with exquisite taste but with an open heart.

Dr. Christopher Varona is known in the industry as the top doctor for hair restoration – and it’s easy to see why. I underwent a twelve-hour surgery, one that was much easier than I expected, to correct a receding hair line which was prematurely aging me. I flew from New York to Dr. Varona’s beautiful offices in Newport Beach, California to undergo the procedure. He and his team were not only friendly and professional, but took all the time needed to be sure I was comfortable. What is special about Dr. Varona is his breadth of experience, but also his humbleness. Being a big name in the industry, he doesn’t follow in many other doctor’s footsteps by outsourcing the hair follicle placement to other practitioners. Instead, he painstakingly designs and implements a combined vision to make your hair goals a reality. One by one, Dr. Varona removed and replaced over 4,000 individual hair follicles in my FUE hair restoration procedure – all while I watched Netflix and dosed off to sleep. The healing process that followed was a cinch. Dr. Varona gave me specific instructions for ten days of post-operative care that I followed closely. This included antibiotics, pain medicine (which I didn’t need after day two) and specialty foam shampoo to clean the delicate follicles which had just been replanted in the front of my head. The ten days that follow the hair restoration are most crucial in terms of ensuring the survival of the follicles – so adhering to instructions is of utmost importance. I shampooed the follicles daily as instructed, which slowly loosened any scabbing or dried blood left over from the healing. I gently massaged my forehead and neck to ease swelling and kept the area out of the sun. Typically the hairs that are implanted go through what is known as a dormant stage after the restoration surgery. The actual hair that was removed from elsewhere on your scalp attached to the follicle falls out. But the follicle remains in tact. The follicle sleeps for nearly four months, and then reawakens ready to grow fresh hair. This happened to some of my hairs, but some continued to grow and never fell out. I look at this as a testament at how gentle and careful Dr. Varona is with each follicle – alleviating the shock of these delicate follicles he had transplanted. After my ten days of post-operative care, I lived life normally – but chose to wear a hat to cover and protect the freshly planted hairline. It’s important to keep the area out of the sun and be sure it’s treated well. Many people are afraid of undergoing hair restoration surgery because they feel they might look…well…crazy during the regrowth period. And, it’s no lie that, yes, it does look a little odd. But, keeping your hair short around the area will help with that and I learned to love hats during this period. No one in my life would have ever known I had anything done had I not pointed it out. In these photos, my hair is longer than the transplanted hairline, but I trimmed it soon after the pictures were taken. Patience is key during your hair’s regrowth as it can take up to a year before seeing the final result. This sounds like a long time, but I assure you it’s not. With each passing month I noticed my hair getting thicker, bolder and filling-in nicely. Dr. Varona and his team were there every step of the way to answer any question I had. We made virtual follow-ups and the rest was just about time. I cannot express how easy this was for me and how my fears were really all in my head. I was able to get through this healing and regrowth period as easily as one can imagine and just couldn’t wait for the final results. My final article will show befores and afters – and the final results are astounding.