In this stunning Melbourne apartment, Fisher & Paykel appliances create an utterly seamless finish

19 Jan 2023

Considerations of space and dimension become all the more important when tackling something like an apartment. And often, a return to the idea of ‘less is more’ is called for to create a finish that is striking while still feeling simple and practical (not an easy balance to master). That said, it is something that architect Will Smart of Wolveridge has managed deftly here, redesigning a three-bedroom Melbourne apartment through a more sleek, contemporary lens and using brands like Fisher & Paykel to create spaces that are not only fit for purpose but that have been designed for liveability and comfort.

Set in Melbourne’s leafy St Kilda, and boasting incredible views over Fawkner Park, the Parkside apartment is a study in opulent minimalism. Here, the architects were driven by a desire to open the interiors up to maximise light and views while focusing on strengthening the connections between spaces and optimising their flow. All of the rooms here are connected by a soft grey ‘spine’ of joinery, which moves throughout to accommodate a new bar, walk-in laundry and extra storage. On one side of the spine are the apartment’s shared spaces, on the other are the bedrooms, and the way it has been built immediately draws the eye to the home’s ample windows and extraordinary park views beyond.

Bespoke cabinetry introduces the idea of gentle curvature, with similar shapes repeated in the apartment’s carefully-curated furnishings, art pieces and other significant details like fluted timber and a curved marble kitchen bench. Here, between the undulating marble in the kitchen, the neutral colour palette, lime-washed walls and blonde herringbone flooring, the apartment offers a warm, textural experience, and an overarching sense of calmness that one can only imagine would be heavenly to return home to after a long day.

This idea carries over from the apartment’s aesthetic and into its more practical spaces too, where a sense of simplicity and minimalism dictated which appliances would be best suited to the space. “We’ve been working with Fisher & Paykel for a number of years now,” says Smart. “One of the things we’ve enjoyed as the appliance ranges have evolved, is the ability to be flexible with what we place, where we place it, how we integrate it, and how we group things.” It is thanks to Fisher & Paykel’s innovative approach to appliances (one that considers the look and feel of a space as much as its long-term use) that made this brand the obvious choice for an apartment of this calibre.

In the kitchen, a Fisher & Paykel Column refrigerator, freezer and drop door dishwasher have been carefully integrated into the cabinetry, playing perfectly into its pared-back look. The architects also opted for twin minimal-style ovens with companion push-to-open warming drawers that align with induction and gas cooktops, as well as an integrated range hood.

Ultimately, the Parkside apartment kitchen offers a masterclass in clever design, where the appliances make it as equipped for serious cooking as it is for easy entertaining. Here, the designers have ensured that a compact footprint needn’t require compromise on style or usability by flooding the kitchen with natural light, tucking practical tools and appliances behind cabinets and creating an automated window that opens the serving bench out to the balcony directly.

Elsewhere, Fisher & Paykel appliances have been used in the apartment’s walk-in laundry, where a front loader washing machine and heat pump dryer create an easy-to-use set-up. Hidden behind subtle doors, the laundry was the result of some deft spatial Tetris by the architects, who wanted to ensure that it was its own, separate space without impacting the apartment’s uninterrupted lines. It also boasts a sustainable edge. “In terms of the dryer, we were able to put forward some options to the client around the benefits of the heat pump,” Smart explains, “sustainability and not needing to connect to ducting or an exhaust fan to vent the space made [the Fisher & Paykel dryer] an easy choice.”

The Parkside apartment is an example of thoughtful architecture and the way in which carefully-chosen appliances can be used to maximise the potential of the space. It is an exceptional expression of layered minimalism. It’s easy to see why Smart and the architects at Wolveridge opted for Fisher & Paykel when considering how best to elevate both the apartment’s look and its workflow, too.

www.fisherpaykel.com

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Your ultimate Auckland dining guide for the rest of January

18 Jan 2023

While we all readjust to our daily routines after a few weeks off, there is plenty to get excited about in Auckland with our January dining guide, particularly when it comes to our always-inspiring dining scene.

For those of us who have returned to the City, a raft of our most talented chefs have ensured we’re well and truly taken care of, with a line-up of food festivals, pop-ups and new menu items to add a little something to the rest of our January days. From taco residencies to rooftop Sunday sessions, here is everything you need to check out this month.

Broke Boy Taco Residency at Ante Social Club
If you missed out on Broke Boy Taco’s sought-after morsels at last year’s East Street Hall Residency, this six-month-long pop-up at Ponsonby’s Ante Social Club will give you plenty of time to indulge. Known for creating Mexican-inspired street food inspired by his days in San Francisco’s Mission District, Sean Yarborough is quickly making a name for himself as the purveyor of some of the tastiest tacos in town.
Starting January 26th, Thursday to Saturday, 5pm — 9pm

Matakana Food & Beer Festival
Those in the know are the first to advocate that this Northland-bordering town is home to some of the region’s best beers. In this one-day, not-to-be-missed affair, some of the best craft brewers will join forces with the Food Truck Collective for a day of food, beer and local live music — what summer is all about.
Saturday, January 28th, 2pm — 9pm. Tickets are available here.

Rooftop at QT’s The Sunday Club
Helping us make the most of every hour of our summer weekends is Rooftop at QT with its new Sunday Club. Launched in partnership with Heineken, the Sunday Club is an ongoing summer series designed to offer the ultimate Sunday sesh. Think $2 oysters (and other delicious tapas), icy-cold beers and an often necessary Bloody Mary on the menu, and resident DJs serenading us until sunset.
Sundays, 2pm — 8pm

Date Night Dinners Auckland Zoo
If you are looking for something different to do for date night, why not consider spending the evening in the company of exotic animals? Every Thursday for the foreseeable future, the iconic Old Elephant House restaurant at Auckland Zoo will be offering an exquisite two-course menu, featuring confit chicken, tempura eggplant, and a sumptuous selection of desserts. Diners can also enjoy complimentary entry to late night at the zoo.
Thursdays, 5pm until late. Bookings are essential here.

Mor Bakery’s Ozone Pastry Residency
After their sell-out sessions at this Grey Lynn institution last year, micro-patisserie masters Mor Bakery are filling Ozone’s cabinets once again. Every Saturday until sold out, you can get your hands on some of Mor’s coveted croissants, danishes, and other delicious seasonal viennoiseries. Our advice? Get a few to take away, too.
Saturdays, 8am until sold out

Balmoral Street Food Market
Mount Eden locals are no strangers to these now-famous food markets. And with the organisers heading off to Europe in the autumn, this final series of six markets will see some of the best street food vendors in Auckland unite under one banner. Think delicious woodfired pizzas, biscoff-loaded doughnuts and everything in between— a foodie affair not to be missed.
Friday, January 27th, 5:30pm — 9pm

Left: Mor Bakery. Right: Balmoral Street Food Markets.

Parade’s New Burger Menu
When we’re craving a decidedly decadent dinner, Parade always takes precedence. Since re-opening after the summer break, the burger masters have introduced some new additions to their hugely popular menu. We’re itching to try the Nashville Hot Chicken — a tasty collision of fried chicken thigh, hot Nashville rub, double cheese, and ranch dressing sandwiched into one of their famed pretzel buns. Pair this with a side of fried kumara and mozzarella balls.

Tacoteca Lunches at La Fuente
You’ll likely know inner-city haunt La Fuente for its impressive mescal offering and pared-back but flavoursome Mexican food. The recent introduction of Tacoteca, the bar’s tasty taco pop-up, on from lunchtime on weekdays, is another totally tempting take that we can’t wait to sink our teeth into. We think it’s the perfect way to ease yourself back into office work — a lunchtime reward if you will.
Monday through Friday, from 12pm

Fried Chicken Pop-Up at Ragtag
Although best known for their handmade tacos that amassed a cult-like following in the last year, this weekend Dan Freeman’s new Westmere outpost will host a fried chicken sandwich affair. Fans of Ragtag know the sandwich I’m talking about. It sold out in an unprecedented record at one of Freeman’s pop-ups last year, and we anticipate this Sunday will elicit the same result.
Sunday, January 22nd, 12pm until sold out

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Tiffany & Co. reimagines its iconic lock motif with a bold new collection

Words Margie Riddiford | 17 Jan 2023

You don’t have to be a jewellery collector to understand the significance of Tiffany & Co. As much a cultural icon as it is a leader in its own industry, this heritage brand enjoys the kind of recognition that has allowed it to be identified by nothing more than a distinct shade of blue. And in recent years, Tiffany & Co. has masterfully captured a whole new demographic of loyal fans. Its clever designs speak to its historic prestige while reimagining its motifs to feel modern, relevant and inherently wearable. Now, the brand is taking this idea one step further with its bold and inclusive new Tiffany & Co. Lock collection which, according to the company’s Executive Vice President Alexandre Arnault, is “an elegant interpretation of archival functional design,” and “an exciting new pillar to [Tiffany & Co.’s] diamond and gold jewellery offering.”

Tiffany & Co.’s Lock collection is modern and innovative, effortlessly balancing form and function and capturing the essence of simple, elegant luxury. Comprising a selection of sleek bracelets, designed as bold visual statements on the importance of our personal bonds with others, the collection boasts white gold and 18k yellow gold pieces, many set with exceptional diamonds.

The contemporary shape of the Lock Bangle feels like a departure for the brand, a design that works for both women and men. In fact, the core idea of the Lock collection is one of ‘togetherness’, with Tiffany & Co. encouraging its fans to wear matching bangles with their paramour. Each bracelet also features a hidden closing mechanism that echoes that of a classic padlock — one of Tiffany & Co.’s most iconic motifs.

Proving its evolutionary power, Tiffany & Co. has once again redefined its own visual codes to exquisite effect. And if its Lock campaign (featuring BLACKPINK’s Rosé) is anything to go by, it’s clear that the brand is entering an exciting new chapter.

Georgia Fowler, Hailey Bieber, Caro Daur, Gilda Ambrosio and Giorgia Tordini and Leonie Hanne all wear the new Tiffany & Co. Lock Bangle.

www.tiffany.com

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My Year of Magical Eating: The best casual dining in Auckland

Words Claire Sullivan | 16 Jan 2023

In the final instalment of our Editor-in-Chief’s regular column, she embraces her long-held passion for dining, sharing the unexpected, fascinating and delicious experiences from restaurants, bars, pops-up and cheap and cheerful spots all across the country. Here, she shares the best casual dining outlets in Auckland.

Last year saw a steady, but impressive growth in our casual dining scene. As such, these are the places that I found myself returning to regularly.

De Nada

A much-loved weekend favourite of the Kraus family, Mount Eden establishment De Nada is a casual yet comfortable Mexican eatery. Here, start with some excellent spicy margaritas and micheladas (a drink that’s similar to a Bloody Mary, but includes beer) before launching into the main event. Think tacos, nachos and larger comidas that are true to the Mexican tradition.

Carmel

Originally founded as a pop-up by New Zealand-born, Israel-raised Carmel Davidovitch and her partner Tomer, Israeli street-food spot Carmel found fans at every market it frequented. But earlier this year it put down permanent roots in Eden Terrace, and I couldn’t be happier about it. Serving handmade, fantastically fluffy pita bread with fresh fillings, Carmel’s moreish creations are of exceptional quality and full of flavour. Only open from Thursday to Saturday, 9am until 2:30pm (although keep your eyes on Carmel’s Instagram for any opening-hour updates) I recommend getting in early to avoid the crowds. If you have to wait, I promise it’s more than worth it.

Parade

Having taken up a permanent residence on Ponsonby road, Parade has risen to stratospheric heights in terms of its demand. If you haven’t tried Parade’s burgers I can assure you they’re unlike anything else. The epitome of indulgent eating, each burger is served in a house-made pretzel bun, with decadent fillings that have been known to include fried chicken with macaroni and cheese or a smashed beef patty with nacho chips, cheese sauce and salsa. The Parade team is never afraid to try something new or push the boundaries of what’s expected from a burger.

Swings

Located opposite Albert Park (just a short walk from the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki) Swings is a cool drop-in from the brains behind Ponsonby eatery, Ockhee. Here, you’ll find perfectly-brewed coffee, natural wines and a menu of delicious Korean toasties and flavoursome bites, all to be enjoyed in a light-filled space. Swings offers an escape from the bustling City (despite being in its heart).

Swashbucklers

A decades-old legend of the Auckland dining scene, Swashbucklers simply cannot be passed up on a sunny day. Stop in for a seafood platter or a cold beer on the deck overlooking the marina. It’s a winning place for both young and old when all you want is something simple and good. The stories that have been shared over the decades within the walls of this stalwart establishment are those of the ‘largest fish I’ve ever caught’ category, and an afternoon spent here is the best precursor to a good night out.

Schapiro’s

It’s hardly surprising how popular Schapiro’s has been since opening as a dedicated sports bar in Eden Terrace last year. Now, it is a sought after spot for casual dining (and drinking) in Auckland. Conceived by Otis Schapiro (co-owner of and head chef at Lilian), Schapiro’s has filled a gap in the local hospitality scene by offering a classic, American-style sports bar experience. Inside, find sports memorabilia, large screens that play popular live sports and a delicious, diner-style menu, suited to every taste. Think classic burgers, fried chicken and St. Louis pork ribs alongside radicchio salad, whole flat fish and steamed mussels. There are also 12 regularly-rotating beers on tap as well as a comprehensive wine and cocktail list to boot.

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The CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels talks about balancing roles, stunning jewels and the brand’s beautiful new Auckland store

Words Margie Riddiford | 13 Jan 2023

In his first visit to New Zealand, CEO and Creative Director of Van Cleef & Arpels, Nicolas Bos, spoke to us about his role in the evolution of such an iconic Maison, and what we can expect to see more of in the brand’s recently-opened New Zealand flagship.

As both CEO and Creative Director of Van Cleef & Arpels, how do you balance the demands of these different roles in your work? Well they are actually very connected. Historically, when you look at something like Van Cleef & Arpels, which started as a family run company, family members and founders have always had to manage a similar balance — the business with the creative. Companies that were only creative but with no sense of business don’t exist anymore. Similarly, the ones that were only business-driven but didn’t bring any creativity lost their appeal. I have more of a business background, but I started at Van Cleef & Arpels in a creative role so I can switch easily between the two. The idea of understanding both sides is something I try to maintain with the wider Van Cleef & Arpels team — so making sure that the designers in the studio know how the company is run from a practical perspective. And in the same way, ensuring that those in the office go to the workshops and meet the experts and see the jewellery as it is being made, so that everyone understands the vision. I feel very lucky to have the opportunity to do both, from the creative to the financial, to oversee it all.

Where do you start when creating a new collection? Tell me about your creative process. The first thing that’s very important for us is continuity and staying true to our identity. It’s not a matter of starting with a blank page and creating something that feels different every time. The collections are usually inspired by the Van Cleef & Arpels archive or from past designers or from the long history of the Maison. My role is to decide on the themes and inspirations, but it never comes from just one place. Often, we look at creating collections as though they were a curated exhibition, designed to a theme or an idea (usually from the arts or literature) that speaks to the essence of Van Cleef & Arpels. And while we might explore different ideas, even when we do something entirely new (like when we introduced our poetic watches) all of our collections are deeply connected to the same values and history.

“We look at creating collections as though they were a curated exhibition, designed to a theme or an idea (usually from the arts or literature) that speaks to the essence of Van Cleef & Arpels.”

Tell me about the incredible Legends of Diamonds collection. Was the creative process different considering the starting point was an incredible rough diamond rather than an idea or theme? We have done a series of collections in the past that were based on stones like rubies or emeralds, designed to showcase the diversity in origin, shape and colour of these stones. But diamonds are different because the highest quality demands that you can’t see any differences at all. We had been looking for an excuse to do a collection around white diamonds for a while, so when the diamond dealers told us about the exceptional rough that was mined in Lesotho, South Africa, they actually said that they wanted us to tell a story about it. And because we acquired the diamond in its original form, it was the first time we had the opportunity to create our stones from scratch, which was very different. There was an infinity of possibilities for carving up the rough, and we had experts in Antwerp help us come up with the most spectacular cuts. For us, the point was not only to show the most expensive or the most rare cuts, or to even create the biggest stones, but to forge elegant jewellery that felt connected to the poetic, romantic history of Van Cleef & Arpels. Working from the rough also brought us closer to the source which, as ideas of traceability and sustainability continue to become more and more important, will inevitably change the way we work in the future.

Left: Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond chandelier earrings, which can be transformed into a clip. Right: Van Cleef & Arpels Écho Mystérieux ring.

Speaking of the future, what is coming up for Van Cleef & Arpels? Particularly now you have opened your first store in New Zealand. We have a few beautiful new collections we’re making right now at different stages, both in high jewellery and essential pieces. For us, collections like Alhambra or Perlée that are more associated with everyday wear but still bring an element of preciousness are important for us to keep developing. We’re also starting to work on exceptional mechanical objects automata which is an expansion of our poetic complications but on a larger scale. It takes around five or six years to create just one of these pieces but they are very nice (we just unveiled three in April in Geneva). It’s also exciting to revive traditional craftsmanship like that.

Beyond that, we’re just focusing on our new markets like New Zealand, as well as growing our work in the wider fields of art and culture. We run a number of educational programmes for young designers in craftsmanship and decorative arts via a luxury arts initiative we developed 10 years ago at the school we started in Paris. We also have a lot of collaborative projects in the world of dance and choreography.

www.vancleefarpels.com/nz

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Swim in style with the sleek beach essentials guaranteed to make a splash

12 Jan 2023

Despite this mixed weather, there is still plenty of time left this summer for long, languid afternoons spent on or near the water, which means that (I you haven’t already) now is the best time to ensure you have all the right beach essentials on hand to make any seafaring outing a style triumph.

Those seeking some sleek swimwear (whether a bikini or a one-piece) look no further than our covetable line-up of flattering styles and designer pieces. Or, if it’s a practical tote bag you’re after — something in which to transport all the key accoutrements for a successful day of lounging in the sun — we have you covered. These bags are as useful for a day by the water as they are for everyday necessities. We have even rounded up a selection of chic towels that will not only offer a comfortable place to sprawl, but can be used as a wrap or sarong (given you opt for one with the right print). Without further ado, these are the beach essentials will see any avid sun-seeker through the warm season in style.

From left: Summer Stardust swimsuit from Louis Vuitton. Sparkling jersey swimsuit from Gucci. Bottega Veneta One-shoulder seersucker bikini from Net-a-porter. Minimal Bikini set from Balenciaga. HUNZA G seersucker halterneck swimsuit from Net-a-porter.

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Meet Yvette Adams — the talented Kiwi interior designer responsible for some of the best luxury hotels around the world

Words Margie Riddiford | 10 Jan 2023

Designing interior spaces for large-scale projects like luxury hotels is a fine art. It requires a meticulous eye and a practical mind, and demands that those who take on the challenge are as creative as they are adept at problem-solving — a rare combination. As such, the designers working in this space are masters of their craft, able to take sprawling plans on paper and mould them into private and shared spaces that will suit a high volume of guests, while still feeling comfortable, inviting and sumptuous. Like we said — a fine art.

So when we encountered the work of Yvette Adams, a New Zealand interior architect responsible for the design of some of the most exquisite, luxury hotels around the world (and happily flying under the radar in the process) we had to know more.

Yvette Adams

For more than 20 years, Yvette Adams has cultivated an international career that has seen her take on a raft of impressive projects. From designing interiors for world-renowned Aman resorts in Tokyo, Kyoto, Shanghai, Cambodia and Jordan as well as for the Sheraton in Calcutta and The Chedi in Chiang Mai, to conceiving luxury spas at the likes of Claridges in London and Dedica Hotels globally, to being hired by Anne Bass (one of the world’s wealthiest women, a prolific philanthropist and art collector with a passion for architecture and gardens — she sadly passed away in 2020) to design private homes and businesses in Sri Lanka, the United States and the Caribbean, Adams’ experience has been vast, and has enabled her to cultivate a uniquely international perspective. The spaces she creates are simple but sophisticated and perfectly-appointed, balancing clean, contemporary lines with luxurious finishes and careful, fastidious details. Some would call her work ‘essential,’ Adams herself calls it ‘restrained,’ but I hazard a guess that anyone who experiences it in person would call it ‘perfection’.

“The spaces she creates are simple but sophisticated and perfectly-appointed, balancing clean, contemporary lines with luxurious finishes and careful,fastidious details.”

It is a testament to Adams’ skill that she can breathe life into blueprints — masking complex spaces with simple, elegant façades — but a testament to her personally that she would rather let her work speak for itself. Having operated at such a high level for so many years, it is surprising that Adams isn’t a more widely-known designer in New Zealand, although I get the impression that keeping things quietly excellent is as much Adams’ personal brand as it is her professional one.

Aman Tokyo Lobby

“I wouldn’t say that I have a style per se, because I don’t come at everything in the same way,” the designer tells me. “I also don’t feel the need to leave a distinct mark… I just like to get under the skin of something,” she continues, “to bring it to life in a way that feels authentic and inevitable… and in a way that doesn’t feel too ‘designed.’”

For Adams, balancing the analytical with the creative was something she learned when working as an architect early on in her career, but something she honed in her 14-year tenure at Kerry Hill Architects in Singapore (a role that saw her cut her teeth on major projects like the Aman Tokyo).I have to wonder how, exactly, one approaches a project of that budget and scale. How, I ask, armed with nothing more than an empty site, some one-dimensional plans and a rough concept, does Adams go about carving out such precise interior spaces? “I worked on that project [Aman Tokyo] for seven years,” she tells me, “we were involved very early on when the building was in its earliest phase and were able to help determine the building’s structure to suit its purpose. The footprint of the guest room was established at the beginning rather than being squeezed into a predetermined space. That is what I enjoy, the push and pull process between architecture and interiors.”

Prague Spa

The result is spectacular. Offering a calm, sanctuary-like escape in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling metropolis, Aman Tokyo comprises 84 luxury suites across the top six floors of the Otemachi Tower overlooking the Imperial Palace. Aesthetically, its sense of place is clear, with a strong Japanese influence woven through a minimalistic material palette and purposeful, pared-back spaces filled with everything a guest might need (and nothing more).

According to Adams, success in working with hotels always comes back to the plans. “I refer to the plans constantly,” Adams tells me, “I get a bit obsessed with them, they’re like a puzzle to me.” From there, she explains, she likes to imagine how a space will work according to the behaviour of those who occupy it, a process that strikes me as inherently anthropological — as much a study of people as it is of dimension and form. “I think about how people would mingle and separate themselves within a space,” Adams explains, “where they might want privacy or, on the other hand, where they might want to socialise… and how to make them feel as comfortable as possible in those pursuits.”

Comfort, Adams says, is always front of mind. “I never want anyone to walk into a lobby and not feel happy. There is nothing worse, after a long journey, to have to stand in a line of people to check in. The combination of design and hotel operations is crucial,” she continues, “there is also nothing worse than an uncomfortable chair… what’s the point?” As such, in many of the hotels she designs, Adams will create bespoke furniture to fit the requirements of the spaces as well as engaging local artisans to create details that anchor the design in its location. It’s a similar story in residential projects (all of the furniture in the sprawling private home she is still currently finishing in the Caribbean is bespoke), although she will also often consider pieces from brands that are comfortable and timeless (think the likes of Flexform or Vincent Van Duysen for Molteni&C). “I think we’re moving away from the uber-designed Italian vibe,” Adams tells me, “and there are just so many beautiful options out there at the moment.” She continues, “I love everything from Cassina… in fact I have the Cab chairs in my own home, I just don’t see how you could have a better chair.”

Cafe by Aman Tokyo

Adams’ ability to operate on both a macro and micro level, is what I find most fascinating about the way she works. That her scope of consideration goes from designing individual chairs to the look and feel of huge shared spaces, offers insight into her uniquely creative mind. Although for her, it’s all part of the process. “On the one hand you really have to have that big vision befitting of a multi-million dollar project,” Adams explains, “but you also have to be able to pull it right back to the idea of a ‘bricks-and-mortar’ space, the bare bones, the basics… and then continuously think about both sides of that coin at once.” She continues, “a hotel is a bit like a house, there still needs to be that underlying theme and strong narrative to tie everything together, it’s just on a different scale.”

“For Adams, balancing the analytical with the creative was something she learned when working as an architect early on in her career, but something she honed in her 14-year tenure at Kerry Hill Architects in Singapore.”

Really, the scale is eye-watering. Not only in square-footage or in the millions of dollars being directed into the build, but in the time taken to go from concept to completion — with most hotel projects requiring years of full-time dedication. “They are very all-encompassing,” the designer admits, “and block out huge chunks of my schedule at a time.” And there are inevitable challenges, of course. One of Adams’ more recent projects was a new hotel in Tokyo, which she worked on for two years. Taking cues from the hotel’s proposed facade (designed by Kengo Kuma and taking the form of a twisting tree) Adams dreamt up a spectacular interior that married contemporary lines and a restrained palette with elements of the natural world, and brought traditional Japanese touches from the Meji period into contact with subtle, Victorian-era nods. But despite the work already done, The Tokyo Hotel was eventually put on hold, and still has no opening date in sight. “It can be challenging,” Adams says, “and sometimes you put in an extraordinary amount of time and then the process comes to a halt, but I think I would rather have a few big projects than 20 small ones.”

Nevis Tower Hill

At the moment, it is still only a small team that makes up Adams’ eponymous studio, with the designer still heavily involved in all of her projects. In fact, Adams tells me that she actually enjoys being more hands-on, explaining how her understanding of every aspect of a project is crucial to determining its outcome. “I love the process of evolution in a project,” she says “and chipping away at things to create beautiful spaces.” (Although, she also emphasises that it is never just a one-woman show.) “There are architects and creatives that I collaborate with all over the world,” she explains, “from New York to Asia to Europe… and right now, although my home is in New Zealand, I have a number of clients and partners overseas who just really trust me and trust my vision.” She also travels — a lot.

In fact, she recently returned from a trip to the Saudi Arabian desert where she has been called on as the design lead for an exciting new hotel — the details of which are strictly under wraps. On the same trip, she also managed to stop in the Caribbean to check on the progress of the exquisite, private residence she designed in Nevis — a truly spectacular property.

Concept for The Tokyo Hotel

As for the future, Adams divulges that she has recently sent off proposals for projects in Seattle, Colorado and China, and has been involved in early discussions around something happening in Tanzania. For a designer based in New Zealand, maintaining such an international roster of work must certainly take its toll. “I am open to my team growing a bit but it has to be for the right reasons,” Adams tells me. “And I’d definitely like to do a few more projects at home but they have to be the right ones.”

From my perspective, Adams’ experience is such that she is in a position to pick and choose the projects that most interest her. But for her, it has always come down to whether she fits a particular job. Getting her brand out there in any conventional sense has certainly never been a driving force for this designer, who would rather her work (and not her name) be the determining factor for winning a brief.

For now, Adams tells me that she is happy being back in New Zealand after years living as an expat in Asia. “This is my place now,” she says, and while home is certainly where the heart is, we have no doubt that Adams’ work will continue to impress those far beyond our borders.

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We talk to renowned celebrity trainer Joe Holder about a more holistic approach to health for the new year

Words Margie Riddiford | 4 Jan 2023

One of the world’s most influential coaches in fitness and sports, Joe Holder has built his reputation on helping his clients achieve long-lasting, holistic, health. His coaching goes well beyond ‘fitness’ in the traditional sense. Holder regularly delves into the importance of mental and emotional wellbeing on both his Instagram and in his columns for the likes of GQ.

He is a marathon runner, a Nike Master Trainer and the founder of Ocho System — an innovative platform he developed while recovering from a major college football injury, that lays out the eight most fundamental areas of wellness (and helps its users feel empowered to take control of their health). A voracious reader and researcher, who perpetually remains at the forefront of trends in the wider wellbeing space, Holder is a true pioneer, who is deeply passionate about helping others to reach their full potential. Here, we draw on his expertise to answer our burning questions around how to be healthy, how to implement good habits, and ultimately, how to have fun while doing it.

What are the biggest misconceptions you come across in your line of work?
Common things I notice often stem from the thought that everything has to be perfect. That’s not really how the body works nor will it ever be (no matter how much work you do). Everything doesn’t have to be perfect for you to take care of yourself. The other thing I notice is that a lot of people think that health and fitness is just about working out, which is a huge misconception and is not really the right approach for improving long term health. You have to consider so many components: your work, your love life, your financial situation, your diet. So really, I think one of the biggest misconceptions is how siloed this space is, and thinking about health and fitness as just workouts. You’re not going to overcome your issues just by working out.

How does Ocho System help to remedy those misconceptions?
The Ocho System helps because it looks at it all from a holistic perspective. Not in some esoteric ‘woo woo’ way but simply in a way that helps to create an amoeba-like structure that focuses on eight key areas. So you have your physical health (diet and fitness), but then the emotional side. What are your relationships like? Do you have a spiritual component to that?

Then the mental side. How are you making yourself a little bit tougher? And then things like finances. Are you taking care of your money? Then things like your intellectual pursuits, and your social relationships. Is the environment around you helping you achieve your best results? And so on and so forth. I think if we focus on those areas and apply a more dynamic, integrated wellness strategy in those areas, that is what creates health. Everybody focuses on the gym, but that alone is not going to lead the revolution.

What is something you want people to really understand about how to unlock their potential?
Unlocking potential is just about starting, doing something every day. Stop thinking about some far off goal. But also, take some time to figure out what ‘unlocking your potential’ even means for you and then do small things every day that lead to that. Otherwise, what’s the point? It’s being consistent. And then reviewing your progress at the end of the day to understand what worked, what didn’t work and then trying again tomorrow.

What are the most significant changes you have noticed in the health and wellbeing realm recently? (The good and the bad.)
Some good things about the industry is the fact that it is finally focusing on the importance of recovery, and it is taking a more holistic approach. It isn’t so much a ‘one size fits all’ dynamic anymore. And there’s been an increase in education. Consumers seem to understand that products won’t save them unless they actually know how to use them. The bad is that it’s still a little bit siloed off and product-focused. I also don’t think there has been a deep enough look at men’s wellness. There’s also still no centralised body in health and wellness really. So a lot of things out there are people trying to sell you something. And I don’t think brands are doing enough to open source, or offer access to health and wellness that really elevates the consciousness of the consumer.

“Unlocking potential is just about starting, doing something every day. Stop thinking about some far off goal. But also, take some time to figure out what ‘unlocking your potential’ even means.”

For so long, we have had diet culture push different ideas of eating onto us. What would you say to people looking to navigate away from our culture of deprivation and towards implementing a ‘healthy’ diet in a meaningful, sustainable, enjoyable way?
I would say that diet is about education. So you really have to think about that. Everybody pushes diet culture because there has been no base level education around food. So if somebody wants to approach their diet in a more well-rounded way, step one would be to learn. Go and take a quick class in whatever — biology, health, nutrition (you could do it online, it could be free) — so that you actually understand what a macronutrient is, what a micronutrient is, what a phytonutrient is. If you allow somebody else to always tell you these terms, instead of understanding them, you’re going to be lost.

Step two, is to approach it from a way that you know works for you, right. So maybe go to the doctor, get a blood test, get some base tests done, or just do an elimination diet and pay attention. Pay attention to how food makes you feel, pay attention to what is good for you or what might not be good for you. And don’t stress too much. Because when you eat whole foods, your body typically doesn’t even get all the calories, so don’t even think about it from a calorie-counting approach. So step one, get educated. Step two, use your body and intuition as your test. And then step three, figure out what works for you and your goals and also what you like.

So get versed in recipes, cooking, that type of thing. It’s often called intuitive eating, but you can’t have intuition or what we call ‘unconscious competence’, without building on the other stages of competence first. You have to go from being consciously incompetent, which is ‘I know that there are things I don’t know’, to learning, to trying and possibly failing, to learning more and climbing up again. And then you can move forward in a joyful way that isn’t overwhelming.

What are the daily practices you never skip?
I never skip the basic things like hydrating, moving my body, having a simple gratitude practice, and trying to stay off my phone for the first hour of the day. I don’t think it needs to be complicated.

What are the most underrated, simple health tools that people should be thinking about every day?
The simplest tools include using your phone less, trying to increase your activity (this doesn’t have to be formalised workouts, it can be any movement), eat food that nourishes your body and remember to prioritise sleep. Don’t procrastinate at night, make sure you’re doing what you need to do to get your sleep — it’s honestly super key. Win the morning and win the night. I talk about that a lot, especially how to improve sleep. Get sunlight, reduce your stress levels, if you’re able to, make sure you have a wind down routine. Good sleep goes a long way. It’s one of those foundational practices that should never be overlooked.

What are some easy things people can do to shift their mindset from something that might be holding them back to something that pushes them forward?
That’s a personal question. I don’t know, honestly, everybody has their own demons but I think it helps to remind yourself that you are an imperfect human and you’re trying to do a little bit better. I think once you’re able to get away from the expectation of perfection, and stop ruminating on the past, you can focus on what needs to be done now to naturally move you forward. It’s like running. You’re falling forward consistently in a way that’s beneficial just because you can get into a groove. So, you know, shift your mindset into a growth mindset, and do some mental contrasting. Think about the things that you might run into on the way to your goals and pre-empt how you might overcome them. Have a gratitude practice. Honestly it’s simple, basic things but we just don’t do them enough.

Any words or mottos that you live by?
‘Another day, another chance.’ Every day I wake up it’s another chance to do something. Simple and plain. Another one is ‘if it is to be, it is up to me.’ Yes I have people that I can lean on to help me get things done. But at the end of the day, it starts and ends with me. So I accept that charge and I push myself forward accordingly.

What keeps you motivated?
I don’t know what keeps me motivated. I don’t believe in motivation. I don’t really need that. I mean, of course, I have these brief moments where I find something to read and it keeps me going, or I see interesting work that somebody is doing, or I make up challenges for myself to be able to get things done. But the concept of ‘motivation’ is overrated, right? You just have to have a game plan. Some days you’re motivated, others you’re not. I just think I have a good plan, and I know I just have to figure it out. I don’t want to work for anybody and I don’t want to work in the traditional sense. I know that I want to live this life on my terms. What keeps me motivated is that I have the chance to be able to figure it out. So I do.

We’re coming into summer here in New Zealand. What are the key things we should be thinking about as far as fitness and wellbeing ahead of the warm season?
If you want to make changes in a new year, come up with a game plan and follow it. That’s the easiest way to be able to get things done. And have some accountability partners around you but create a schedule. School only works if it’s on a schedule. Going into the new year, don’t be discouraged by the thought that you can’t get it done. You have the ability to. It’s just that you might not have the structure around you that will help you.

So embark on some trial and error. Build the structure, stick to it and give yourself four weeks. If after four weeks it’s not working and you want to quit, please do. But I guarantee you that if you have a good plan, after four weeks you will see progress. So stick to it. Check in with yourself, keep pushing and believe that you can do it.

What have you been learning about or reading or researching recently that has fascinated you?
At this moment, I’m trying to tear down the concept of Cartesian Dualism and the separation of the mind and body. I’ve been looking into the innate knowledge of the body (as opposed to our tendency to adopt a more cerebral focus) and the importance of listening to the feedback my body gives me when things get hard or when anxiety pops up. Trying to work through those things via the body instead of the mind.

What does the upcoming year look like for you and for Ocho System? What will you be focusing and working on?
The Ocho System is a design philosophy so I’m essentially trying to build out what I like to call a ‘sovereign state.’ I’m focused on building infrastructure for participation by those who actually want to get healthier and to learn. My focus is on bringing things into ‘real life’, the digital into the physical sphere. So whether that’s holding exercise nights with the Young Brain Trust, whether that’s Plant Based Gang, it’s all about building out those structures to help the people who use them flourish and to help individuals find community.

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Book one of these breathtaking, bucket-list destinations for your holiday this year

2 Jan 2023

With the prospect of international travel becoming less complicated in 2023, we have our sights set on far-flung destinations that will satiate our increasing wanderlust. Step outside of your comfort zone and explore our curated list of some of the most enticing resorts and travel experiences in the world, with these must-visit holidays for 2023. From railway journeys through Europe to unparalleled wildlife safaris in Canada, these exquisite, elevated escapes will give you memories to last a lifetime.

Habitas AlUla in Saudi Arabia
Lose yourself in an ancient desert landscape at the breathtaking Habitas AlUla — a stunning new resort set in between the canyons of Saudi Arabia’s remote Ashar Valley (on a site with history that dates back to the first century). Offering utterly luxurious accommodation in one of the region’s most untouched and picturesque locations, Habitas AlUla not only provides its guests all the expected amenities of a hotel of this calibre, but the chance at a spiritual experience too, along with an unprecedented immersion into the region’s fascinating history and culture. The hotel itself comprises a series of luxury villas nestled between the desert’s sandstone cliffs, each boasting scenic canyon views and generous decks, designed to meld seamlessly into the surrounds. Here, the focus is on sustainability and offering sumptuous accommodation without leaving a significant footprint.

The resort is home to an impressive wellbeing programme, with yoga, wellness and fitness centres, meditation and breathwork classes, and a serene pool that seems to appear, like a mirage, out of nowhere. At the on-site restaurant Tama, regenerative agricultural methods have been used to create menus that offer a delicious array of Middle Eastern cuisines, promising exceptional culinary experiences that match the tone set by the rest of the resort.

All that said, it is the cultural and historical elements that are perhaps the biggest drawcards for this particular location. From a curated local concert series, to weekly outdoor cinema screenings (slanted toward cultural films and documentaries), to fascinating discussion sessions that shed light on local initiatives and the rich history of the region, to the fact that Habitas AlUla sits alongside Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra (formerly the principal southern city of the ancient Nabutacun Kingdom and home to 111 carefully preserved, ornate tombs), guests at this resort will leave having had their eyes opened to a whole other world. The ancient sites that border Habitas AlUla have existed almost since the dawn of humanity, telling the stories of great conquests and sacrifices, the tumultuous history of religion, and host a library of some of the oldest written literature — a bucket-list destination indeed.

NEED TO KNOW
When to Visit: During the winter months, when the heat is at a more bearable temperature. November — February is perfect, but you’ll get away with March too.
Weather: It gets cold in the desert at night, so pack layers for stargazing. You’re guaranteed to never see nights so clear again.
Insider’s Tip: It is no longer compulsory for women to cover their hair and wear an abaya in Saudi Arabia, but many still visit prepared to, as a sign of respect for the culture and religion.

Amankora in Bhutan
Among the expansive terrain of the world’s last remaining Bhuddist kingdom, a collection of luxury lodges by globally-renowned chain Aman can be found. Bhutan — often called the happiest place in the world — officially re-opened in September, after more than two years of being closed to the outside world, and is once again offering its inimitable hospitality and awe-inspiring cultural experiences to those intrepid enough to make the journey. Here, Amankora offers five lodges across Bhutan’s central and western valleys, and as the first resort to have taken up residence in this incredible kingdom, has been part of the landscape here for over 20 years (making it uniquely positioned to offer its guests deep insight into the culture). At Amankora, the idea is that each of the five lodges offers a slightly different experience, encouraging guests to undertake a customisable ‘Journey’ to experience all of the resort’s different properties — the best chance to gain a true understanding of Bhutanese life.

If you are travelling all that way, we recommend booking the Ultimate Amankora Journey. This awe-inspiring experience will take 13 nights, and will see you stay at all five of Amankora’s Lodges — Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Gangtey and Bumthang. It includes daily guided excursions exploring the jaw-dropping landscapes by car, foot and air, as well as offering trips to iconic spiritual sights like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and the ancient Buddhist Temple, Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th Century. Of course, between day trips and sight-seeing, you can indulge in Amankora’s signature, hospitality, from exquisite food and wine to sumptuous spa treatments.

NEED TO KNOW
When to Visit: Winter months are almost too cold in the Himalayas for an enjoyable vacation, but March through to May sees the spring blossoms come to life, with crisp clear skies that make the expansive views all the more beautiful.
Weather: Given its vast nature and exposure to the elements, Bhutan can get as hot and humid as it can get extremely cold. Pack light, but prepare for all climates.
Insider’s Tip: International guests visiting Bhutan are required to pay a Sustainable Development Fee as part of their trip. At $200 USD per day, it may be initially off-putting, but it finances the country’s low volume, high value tourism concept. One can rest assured that this contribution will make all the difference to Bhutan’s future, preserving its natural beauty and wildlife, and conserving the rich, ancient culture.

Venice Simplon-Orient-Express
Embark on an enchanting, snow-capped train ride through the picturesque European countryside with the recent introduction of winter travel on the world’s most famous train — Belmond’s iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. Here, the destination is actually the journey itself, with a majestic train made up of 17 original 1920s and 1930s carriages, each utterly charming in its own way. From the Historic Cabins to the Grand Suites, as well as eight new suites set to join the line-up next year, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the ultimate in luxury railway travel, and offers the kind of opulent, extravagant, old-world experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether you travel between Paris and Venice, or seek a journey to Budapest, Istanbul, Prague or Brussels, or even Amsterdam or Florence or Rome, you can gaze out the window as you wind through a winter wonderland of untouched landscapes and spend cosy evenings in a jewel-coloured dining car, indulging in exquisite seasonal menus and imbibing fine Champagne. When dinner is over, you can head to Bar Cart ‘3674’, where you’ll spend unforgettable evenings sipping on cocktails to raucous live piano. And when all the conviviality starts to feel exhausting, you can retreat to the comfort of your own private suite, filled with plush furnishings and finished with hand-crafted details designed to take you back to an era of decorative glamour and unbridled luxury.

NEED TO KNOW
When to Visit: Having run its exquisite train journeys through Europe for decades, it is the newly-released winter journeys that are making the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express more appealing than ever. Just picture winding through a snowy, mountainous landscape and stopping at small, festive towns along the way. Book between December and March and capitalise on this magical time of year.
Weather: The weather is entirely dependent on your route and destination. Now that this historic train is running all year round, you really can choose the climate best suited to you.
Insider’s Tip: On this train, one can never be overdressed, so pack some special pieces. For dinner, opt for formal evening attire. Guests are known to don black tie and wear their finest jewellery for the occasion.

Churchill Wild Polar Bear Safaris
With three serene lodges in Hudson Bay, Canada, on the remote Manitoba coastline, Churchill Wild offers once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters and wilderness adventures, designed to leave its guests with a deeper understanding of the importance of these ecosystems, and a more profound attachment to nature. Set directly in the path of polar bears as they wander up and down the coastline in the summer and fall, the Seal River Heritage Lodge, the Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge and the Dymond Lake Ecolodge offer the perfect bases from which to get up-close-and-personal with these endangered animals, alongside black bears, wolves, Arctic foxes, hares, moose and Beluga whales. With a wide range of safari adventures, Churchill Wild offers something for everyone, whether you’re a nature photographer, an intrepid explorer, an animal enthusiast or even someone who would rather not venture too far from the comfort of the fireplace.

Here, the emphasis is on providing an environmentally conscious, exclusive travel option that offers access to remote landscapes while minimising the footprint left by visitors. This philosophy seeps into every aspect of a stay with Churchill Wild, where even the cuisine served is hyper-seasonal and ‘Tundra-inspired,’ which means that everything is organic and locally-sourced or wildly-harvested. At Churchill Wild, all efforts are made to preserve the future of the region, and those who reside within — both humans and animals alike. The result is both memorable and awe-inspiring.

NEED TO KNOW
When to Visit: Just before the Canadian winter (October — November) is when the polar bears gather en masse, awaiting the big freeze of Hudson Bay.
Weather: Year-round, northern Manitoba has a colder climate, with temperatures ranging from 20°C in the summer, to -15°C in winter.
Insider’s Tip: The beauty of the terrain and its remote nature means that Churchill township is only accessible by train or plane, so take the opportunity to charter a scenic flight and experience the sprawling landscape from above.

Ett Hem Boutique Hotel in Stockholm
Set in the heart of picturesque Stockholm and made up of three private houses, Ett Hem is a boutique accommodation that has been created for people looking for something more personal than a classic, luxury hotel. And while Sweden is largely credited as the birthplace of minimalism, Ett Hem doesn’t scrimp on sumptuous details, instead offering a kind of meticulously-curated maximalism that gives its beautiful interiors a warm, welcoming and homely vibe. In fact ‘Ett Hem’ actually translates to ‘at home,’ which is exactly how you’ll feel staying here. The crown jewel of the three houses is the Attic Suite where, in the renovated rafters, you are greeted by tapestry-plastered ceilings and teak walls, with a working desk underneath one peaked window, and a deep, standalone tub in the ensuite underneath the other.

In its dining room, Ett Hem offers organic, locally-sourced and utterly delicious dishes from a simple menu created daily by the kitchen. Elsewhere, guests can indulge in refreshing cocktails on Ett Hem’s sun-soaked patio, explore the on-site greenhouse or partake in some rejuvenating treatments at the spa.

While it will be hard to leave the hotel’s luxurious surrounds, we suggest taking some time to explore the beautiful Swedish capital, built on four islands and surrounded by rivers. Stockholm is renowned for it’s exquisite dining, so seek out the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Riche, or the iconic Strandvägen 1. For drinks, we suggest heading to the Södermalm cafe or wine bar Tjoget, or do as the locals do and pop into natural wine spot, Savant Bar.

NEED TO KNOW
When to Visit: Summer in Stockholm is paradise. Gorgeous swimming spots are never far away, and the days are very long, giving you more time to take in the surrounds. We recommend booking between July and August, while New Zealand is in the thick of winter.
Weather: Stockholm is on the colder-side year-round, but summer days see it warming up
to 20°C-— 25°C.
Insider’s Tip: Renowned for its minimalist and luxury fashion, Swedish shopping is unparalleled. Hornsgatan is home to a number of chic vintage boutiques for furniture and fashion, while NK Store is like a Swedish Selfridges — offering a curated collection of luxurious wares.

Arijiju Safari in Kenya
Tucked into a rocky hillside in Laikipia, central Kenya, is Arijiju, an ultra-luxurious wellness and wildlife sanctuary offering exquisite, boutique accommodation in the heart of the Borana-Lewa Conservatory, and taking the idea of the African safari to a whole new level.

Ten years in the making, Arijiju was a joint project between London-based Michaelis Boyd and Johannesburg-based Plewman Architects who wanted to create something that felt private and comfortable, and could offer its guests a true immersion into nature. Here, the main house comprises three generous suites, a study, a light-filled dining room, a cinema room, a wellness spa and a cantilevered 65-foot natural swimming pool, from which elephants have been known to drink (even while guests are lounging beside it). The only other accommodation outside the main house is in two separate, self-contained cottages, with the entire property able to accommodate a maximum of 10 guests and only on an exclusive basis, meaning that to stay here is to truly escape the world — a proper getaway in every sense. But aside from all of that, the true beauty of Arijiju is the way in which it melds seamlessly into its vast landscape, astutely designed to look like a building that has been on the land for centuries. This reflects the resort’s thorough approach to conservation and how deeply the team cares about maintaining a small footprint for the sake of the animals who call the surrounding area home. Beyond that, the tourism model employed at Arijiju sees funds diverted to supporting a number of local conservation projects, making every guest here an integral part of the future of this spectacular landscape.

It is an approach that is clearly working, with Laikipia the only region in Kenya where wildlife numbers have flourished in the last two decades. As such, Arijiju offers a range of out-of-this-world wildlife adventures and up-close encounters, including traditional safaris in 4x4s, on foot, or by mountain bike, treks on horseback, guided by local rangers, treetop canopy walks, (allowing a birds eye view of the Ngare Ndare forests), or helicopter fly-fishing in the remote lakes of Mount Kenya.

Of course, on your return to the residence, a raft of rejuvenating spa treatments are available for those seeking relaxation. And by starlight, Arijiju’s food offering is set to fully replenish you for more intrepid adventures the following day, where the resident chefs will create delicious meals from local, farm-reared beef and poultry, with vegetables sourced from the sanctuary’s organic garden.

NEED TO KNOW
When to Visit: Arijiju’s peak season is June — August. Visiting at other times will allow a more accessible rate, but summer is when the environment flourishes.
Weather: The climate is mild, around 25°C— 30°C during the day, but much cooler at night.
Insider’s Tip: Reaching Nairobi calls for 30+ hours of flying (with most routes offering a minimum of two stopovers from Auckland) and to get to Arijiju requires a special charter flight to the conservatory airstrip. If this incredible destination finds its way onto your list next year, we recommend extending your holiday and including some other stops along the way to make all that travel worthwhile.

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