Connections

The upcycle revolution

Cape Town-based Sealand has established itself as a top producer of high-end apparel, bags and accessories sustainably crafted from waste materials such as tents, yacht sails, banners and advertising billboards. Diverting around five tons of waste from landfills per year, their first walk-in retail store recently opened at the entrance to the V&A Waterfront precinct.

Change it up

The latest urban hotel from the fast-expanding Newmark group is called Stock Exchange. The 33 studios and apartment-style suites are located in the mixed-use WEX1 building with the Woodstock Exchange across the road, and the train station around the corner.

Coffee table adventures

Gerald Hinde, one of South Africa’s most prolific wildlife photographers, has once again teamed up with safari specialist and game ranger Will Taylor to produce a book of captivating animal pictures and stories about the adventures undertaken to create the work. It’s called The Big Seven – Adventures in search of Africa’s iconic species and you can buy it directly from the publisher using the code ‘MalaMala’ for a 20% discount. hphpublishing.co.za.

Mother city beaut

Interior designer Tristan du Plessis has overseen the transformation of a pair of Cape Town heritage buildings into an eye-catching design-centric hotel. Gorgeous George is a 32-room beauty done out with furniture and fittings, artworks and statement pieces by some of South Africa’s most gifted designers, artists and artisans.

Sub-surface suppers

After walking from the shore along a 16-metre bridge, there’s a grand staircase leading to Under, Europe’s first underwater restaurant. The statement-making concrete structure in Lindesnes on Norway’s southern coast features a vast panoramic window so diners can watch undersea activity while seated five-and-a-half metres below the surface.

‘Evolved luggage

One of the world’s premium luggage brands has launched its first hard-shell collection. The Thule Revolve range of lightweight suitcases incorporates an easy-to-move resilient spinner wheel system, telescoping handles, and such impact resistant features as internal corner protectors, a rigid frame and reinforced front panels.

Beyond lekker

Overlooking a pure, unspoiled coast with an endless white beach, magnificent dunes, rock pools and incredible whale-watching, Lekkerwater Beach Lodge has opened at a privileged spot within De Hoop Nature Reserve. Off-grid and guided by strict sustainability policies, it’s likely to become the country’s ultimate beachside escape. naturalselection.travel.