Step inside Osklo’s Cordell Drive Home — a refined retreat where laid-back and luxe collide

Architecture & Interiors — Osklo
Photography — Douglas Friedman, Sam Frost & Tyler Hogan

Hollywood Hills living often calls to mind sleek modernism and expansive glass walls. Yet Studio Osklo’s Cordell Drive Home offers something different — a quietly luxurious reinterpretation of Hollywood Regency, blending timeless elegance with inviting warmth.

Built in 1948 and rumored to be an original John Elgin Woolf, this 5,000-square-foot residence presents itself as a modern classic, its creamy white blocks edged in black composing a refined, understated façade.

Inside, light floods in through oversized casement windows, framing dual views east to downtown LA and west to Century City and the ocean beyond, a rare architectural gift in the Hills. Osklo’s design breathes through rift oak panelling, wide plank floors, and soft matte plaster walls that feel both tactile and timeless. Think old world Hollywood glamour meeting Scandinavian calm.

The palette is a masterclass in warmth and restraint: earthy taupes, creams, and soft browns set the stage for layers of velvet, boucle, and mohair, alongside natural stone with expressive marbling. Spaces feel curated but effortless, a delicate balance between bespoke Osklo furnishings and heirloom antiques that honour the home’s storied past.

Bedrooms offer sanctuary with plush textures and serene tones, while the primary suite is a beacon of luxury, with a dressing room, an indoor/outdoor shower, sweeping bathroom, and a terrace made for slow mornings.

The kitchen, robust and welcoming, is built for entertaining with an ease that belies its elegance. Living spaces unfold with openness and intimacy in perfect tandem, including a media room, pool table, and a bar primed for gatherings that linger.

Outside, the home’s outdoor living spaces are as thoughtfully designed as the interiors. A sleek pool commands attention. Adjacent to it, layered terraces create moments for both lively entertaining and peaceful retreat, framed by citrus trees and a few quintessential LA palms. The cobbled limestone motor court grounds the property with textural charm, balancing the home’s clean-lined architecture.

In all, Studio Osklo’s Cordell Drive residence is a masterclass in timeless design, a home that honours its storied past while embracing a modern, relaxed sophistication. It’s a place where classic Hollywood elegance meets thoughtful, considered living, creating a sanctuary that feels both utterly chic and welcomingly warm.

Design

The art of giving well starts with arriving well
In a fitting end to the year that was, Pantone’s colour of the year is… nothing
Savour balmy evenings and sunlit days with our refined outdoor furniture edit
Left to right: Kikiam of pāua and squid, Carlo & Coconut & spiced whisky

Bar Magda’s new approach is all about community, culture, and considered hospitality

Carlo Buenaventura, contemporary Filipino eatery Bar Magda’s co-owner, has long been passionate about food and the connective quality it holds. “Food was a big part of my culture growing up in the Philippines,” he tells me. “It’s a means for us to gather and celebrate, whether it’s harvest season or Christmas, there’s always an excuse to have a fiesta of some sort, so that is where my love for hosting people and cooking for others started.”

Left to right: Ora king salmon molo dumplings & Rinquinquin with sparkling feijoa

Upon opening Bar Madga, Buenaventura set out to bring this same sense of celebration and community to Auckland’s hospitality scene, and the dining destination has quietly solidified itself as a go-to for everything from convivial gatherings to date nights and corporate dinners in a laid-back setting.

At Bar Madga, a hard-to-achieve balance of warm and personal hospitality (Carlo himself is often on the floor, greeting diners and guiding guests through the inventive yet approachable menu), excellent food, pitch-perfect drinks, and a laid-back yet elevated ambience has resulted in those who step through the doors instantly adding it to their list of go-to eateries. This, according to Buenaventura, is what has kept Bar Magda ticking over during the past few years when the industry has been anything but buoyant. “We all still have to live and socialise, and I think there’s a heavy focus on supporting local. We’re an owner-operated venue, and it’s great to see our loyal patrons choosing to come back frequently, choosing us for functions, and sending their networks to us too.”

Barbecue artichokes with chives, parsley sauce & black truffle

No stranger to hard work, and unafraid of moving with the times, Buenaventura has reimagined the eatery’s new wave Filipino offering to place a heavier emphasis on small plates for sharing. “Filipino cuisine is still quite niche and new to the majority in our local community, so these little bites give people a opportunity to try something different without having to commit to a full dish. It also works perfectly as snacks for guests just coming in for drinks.”

These dishes still showcase the best of Buenaventura and his clever culinary team’s creativity, with a host of things you may not have tried before but still feel familiar. “The lumpia of crab and prawn (spring roll) and the pork & duck albondigas (meatballs) were both new to the menu earlier this year, and have quickly become crowd-pleasers — they’re both a riff on my grandmas recipes,” he tells me. “Here at Bar Magda, the food is not just contemporary Filipino, its rooted in childhood nostalgia, family traditions, and recipes that champion the best of New Zealand’s local produce, making us the perfect blend of Kiwi and Filipino cuisine.”

With a host of must-try new dishes and creative cocktails, and Carlo and his team always on-hand to cater to each and every guest’s unique requirements, Bar Magda is the ultimate inner-city eatery that delivers both an exceptional meal and an exceptional experience, every time.

barmagda.co.nz

Gastronomy

Staying in Auckland this New Year’s? Secure your spot at these unmissable events and see out the year in style
Ayrburn is the place to be this summer, here’s every event you need on your radar
The Denizen’s ultimate guide to the best restaurants, wine bars and all day eateries that opened in 2025

Forget everything you thought you knew about Frankenstein

Dark, defiant, and deliciously unhinged, Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein is the gothic feminist fever dream you didn’t know you needed. Set in 1816 — the infamous storm-lashed summer that spawned Mary Shelley’s masterpiece — this bold new production by Auckland Theatre Company lifts the lid on the young writer’s psyche, reimagining the night she gave life to one of literature’s most enduring monsters.

Award-winning playwright Jess Sayer (with co-creator/director Oliver Driver of Amadeus fame) takes us deep into the shadows of a Swiss villa, where Mary (played by Olivia Tennet) stands over a bloodied corpse, her words turned dangerous. What begins as a classic period drama quickly unravels into a drug-fuelled, lust-drenched spiral of horror, as Mary sheds the men who try to control her and reclaims the terrifying, brilliant force of her own imagination.

It’s clever. It’s unrelenting. And it’s a rare look at the internal world of one of history’s most misunderstood literary geniuses. More than just a retelling, Mary is a celebration of the darker sides of womanhood, of creativity unbound — and a reminder that the original mad scientist was just a teenage girl with a pen.

This is not your average night at the theatre — and that’s exactly why you should go. Mary: The Birth of Frankenstein runs at the ASB Waterfront Theatre from Thursday 21st August to Sunday 7th September — book your tickets here.

atc.co.nz

Culture

From the driveway to the bach: How to tackle the summer roads with ease
From captivating novels to moving memoirs and alluring anthologies, these are the new releases worthy of a place in your beach bag this summer
Summer Upgraded: 25 ways to make your season unforgettable

This month, Amano is hosting a one-night-only collaborative event with Wet Jacket Wines — secure your spot now

Those unfamiliar with Wet Jacket Wines — the Central Otago winery helmed by storied winemaker Greg Hay (of Chard Farm and Peregrine pedigree) — should quickly acquaint themselves, with the wines, the waterfront cellar door, and the winery’s exceptional conservation efforts.

Producing some of the country’s most deliciously drinkable drops, Wet Jacket has carved out a niche in sourcing grapes from various vineyards in the region (all of which Hay has either had a hand in planting across the past 30 years in the industry, or worked with the owners on). And this month, on August 20th, the Wet Jacket team are joining forces with the culinary experts at Amano for an unforgettable, one-night-only celebration of food, wine, craftsmanship, and collaboration.

On the menu, you’ll find the unfussy yet exceptional quality fare Amano is know for, all South-Island sourced and seasonally-considered, paired perfectly with Wet Jacket wines.

Across five courses, guests will indulge in Southland pot-caught crayfish alongside an aromatic pinot gris, Golden Bay line-caught kingfish crudo with orange, pistachio, and buttermilk paired with crisp rosé, Fiordland wild Wapiti venison-filled pasta parcels with pickled green walnut and macadamia served alongside Wet Jacket’s fragrant 2019 pinot noir, Hawke’s Bay beef short rib with pickles, flatbread, baby gem and parmesan paired perfectly with Wet Jacket’s “Aurora Legacy” Syrah 2021, and a delightful Golden Bay granny smith apple maritozzi to finish, with a glass of Wet Jacket’s ‘Sticky Savy’.

Tickets are $145 per person, and we suggest securing your’s now, here, before they’re gone.

savor.co.nz

Gastronomy

Staying in Auckland this New Year’s? Secure your spot at these unmissable events and see out the year in style
Ayrburn is the place to be this summer, here’s every event you need on your radar
The Denizen’s ultimate guide to the best restaurants, wine bars and all day eateries that opened in 2025

Shop the season’s hottest accessory — the luxe hand fan

We’re hardly experiencing a heatwave, but in the name of future planning (and accommodating for those who are Europe-based or bound), we’re reporting on the fashion fix of the moment: a chic hand fan.

Equal parts practical and statement-making, the luxe hand fan is stepping into the spotlight, and some of the world’s most covetable brands are taking note. From Hermès to Louis Vuitton, luxury houses are turning out stunning fans in elevated materials and exquisite designs, and we can’t help but think it’s a need not want situation (despite the current dreariness outside the office window). After all, fashionable doesn’t always have to mean practical, does it?

Hermès

A kaleidoscope of love and considered craftsmanship, this calfskin leather fan features eight heart-shaped panels — each uniquely hued by reclaimed materials. The colour is of each is a joyful surprise, making each beautifully one of a kind.

Gucci

A romantic nod to Gucci’s storied heritage, this silk-satin fan showcases the iconic Flora print in vivid hues. Finished with a Double G charm and Rosso Ancora leather pouch, it’s a perfectly petit luxe touch for spring.

Cartier

Feline elegance takes flight with the Panthère de Cartier fan — a stunning silk and bamboo hand fan adorned with hand-painted spots, a golden tassel, and that iconic panther head with tsavorite-green eyes.

Prada

A playful yet polished accent, this Prada fan features a vibrant print, signature triangle logo, and removable braided leather strap. Available in both white and red stripe or a yellow and red iteration, it’s the perfect piece to perfect for add flair to a springtime ensemble.

Christian Dior

Part of the Dioriviera collection, this sycamore and cotton fan pairs the iconic Toile de Jouy Palms motif with sun-soaked elegance — bringing a breezy, escapist charm to any setting.

Louis Vuitton

Playful and collectible, this Louis Vuitton fan features a whimsical Parisian scene by Pharrell and Nigo, set against pink Monogram denim. A wooden handle engraved in Japanese adds a hint of nostalgic reverie.

Coveted

Swarovski Turns 130: Inside the Star-Studded Masters of Light Hollywood Celebration
We sit down with Lydia Peckham to talk Hollywood, homeschooling, honouring her dad, and how she navigates the highs and lows of life on screen.
From one-pieces to swim shorts: The swimwear edit defining the season

We explore the life, work, and storied career of revered designer Pierre Paulin

There are few design luminaries whose influence is as ubiquitous as that of Pierre Paulin. Known for his innovative work that revolutionised everyday furniture, Paulin’s hand has crafted some of the most iconic furniture designs in history. Many of his works, despite being released over half a century ago, remain as coveted today as they were then — a signifier of his unbridled vision.

Born in Paris in 1927, Pierre Paulin drew early inspiration from his two uncles, a vehicle designer and a sculptor, who instilled in him an early appreciation for the beauty of objects. 

Initially studying ceramics in Vallauris, followed by stone carving in Burgundy, Paulin set out to become a sculptor, following in his uncle’s footsteps. After an injury derailed his plans, he enrolled at the École Camondo in Paris, where he joined the brilliant post-war furniture designer Marcel Gascoin’s workshop. Initially serving as an apprentice, he honed his craft and discovered an early interest in Scandinavian and Japanese design, before travelling to Scandinavia and the United States to begin a career in furniture design.

Pumpkin Armchair (left) from Ligne Roset and Mushroom Chair (right) both by Pierre Paulin

Eventually going on to become one of the most known masters of his field, Paulin’s early career saw him join the team at Dutch manufacturers Artifort, where he shot to global fame following the release of his Mushroom chair in 1960. His work, characterised by the prioritisation of comfort over aesthetics, stood out for its organic form and sculptural shape, changing the face of seating forever. 

During the 70s and 80s, Paulin was invited to decorate and furnish several places of significance. Notably, the designer redecorated the living, dining, smoking, and exhibition rooms of the Elysée’s private apartments for Pompidou in 1971, conceiving, as part of the project, one of his most widely revered and iconic collections — his Pumpkin seating. Reissued in 2008 in collaboration with Ligne Roset, Paulin’s Pumpkin seating evokes, as the name suggests, an oversized pumpkin — drawing on its organic form to welcome the user with a protectively voluptuous shell. 

Pumpkin armchair by Pierre Paulin from Ligne Roset

In a similar style, the Alpha sofa is a masterpiece of modern design originally conceived in 1970, defined by its sculptural silhouette and deep, enveloping comfort.

10 years after first joining forces with Ligne Roset (and nine after the designer’s death), the family-run company which seeks to preserve Paulin’s great legacy reissued three designs in 2018 with Roset: Bonnie, Gavrinis 3, and CM 131. The designer’s Bonnie seating was dreamt up in 1975 — a cocoon-like sculptural seat made of foam that hugs the body just so.

Pumpkin armchair, Pumpkin Loveseat & Gavrinis 3 rug by Pierre Paulin from Ligne Roset

Another iconic design — only released following the designer’s death, the Dune Ensemble modular sofa is more a landscape than a piece of furniture, its undulating peaks and valleys adaptable to any space and lifestyle, empowering a home’s inhabitants to be the architects of their own space.

Dune Ensemble by Pierre Paulin

Paulin’s Groovy armchair epitomises Space Age design, its fluid, legless form — sculptural yet ergonomic, remains a coveted icon of mid-century avant-garde design. While his series of rugs explores organic abstraction, taking on a fluid, sculptural form, echoing the contours of a hand-drawn sketch.

Groovy Armchair by Pierre Paulin

Despite always shying away from the spotlight, today, Paulin’s legacy stretches far and wide. His work stands in the homes of some of the world’s foremost collectors, and his designs can be found in contemporary art and design collections around the world, from MOMA to the V&A and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, solidifying his standing as one of history’s most influential designers.

Pierre Paulin’s most iconic designs are stocked locally at Ligne Roset.

ligne.nz

Design

The art of giving well starts with arriving well
In a fitting end to the year that was, Pantone’s colour of the year is… nothing
Savour balmy evenings and sunlit days with our refined outdoor furniture edit

The Booker Prize Longlist has been announced — consider this your essential reading for the months ahead

A marker of literary excellence and cultural pulse, the Booker Prize has long championed fiction that both challenges and captivates. With its newly announced longlist, this year’s selection offers a compelling cross-section of voices and stories — each as worthy as the last of your attention. From bold debuts to masterful returns, these are the books poised to shape our reading (and thinking) in the months to come.

Love Forms

by Claire Adams

In this moving novel of love and reckoning, Dawn is contacted by a woman who might be the daughter she gave up 40 years ago. From Trinidad to England, motherhood to memory, it’s a story of what’s lost, what remains, and the fragile hope of finding your way back.

Buy now

The South

by Tash Aw

Under a searing sun, two boys forge a quiet connection that neither fully understands — or can ignore. Set on a drought-stricken farm in the wake of loss, The South is a charged, atmospheric tale of family fracture, slow-burning desire, and the weight of inheritance in an unravelling world.

Buy now

Universality

by Natasha Brown

Darkly clever and razor-sharp, Universality is a whodunnit turned inside out — a forensic, voyeuristic dive into language, ideology, and the spectacle of truth-telling. Natasha Brown’s follow-up to Assembly is part satire, part thriller, and wholly provocative.

Buy now

One Boat

by Jonathan Buckley

One Boat follows Teresa as she returns to a coastal Greek town in the wake of loss. As past and present blur, and familiar faces reappear, questions of identity, free will, grief, and memory surface — revealing the quiet, tangled truths that shape who we are and why.

Buy now

Flashlight

by Susan Choi

When ten-year-old Louisa’s father disappears one night in Japan, her life fractures. Years later, the mystery resurfaces, pulling her across borders and decades. Flashlight is a gripping, elegantly told story of one family’s search for truth, set against an ever-shifting backdrop.

Buy now

The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny

by Kiran Desai

When Sonia and Sunny meet on an overnight train, a spark is lit — but family history and personal ghosts threaten to interfere. The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny is a sweeping, yet intimate portrait of two young people navigating love, legacy, and complicated familial bonds.

Buy now

Audition

by Katie Kitamura

In a Manhattan restaurant, an acclaimed actress and a mysterious young man cross paths, their relationship uncertain and charged. True Roles is a thrilling, layered novel, exploring the fragile performances behind our closest bonds — partner, parent, muse — and reveals the hidden truths that even love can’t always uncover.

Buy now

The Rest of Our Lives

by Ben Markovits

The Rest of Our Lives is a quietly powerful novel about marriage, memory, and the unspoken struggles beneath the surface. When Tom drives his daughter to college, he embarks on a restless road trip, facing past loves, family fractures, and his own health, unearthing the moments that quietly shape a lifetime.

Buy now

The Land in Winter

by Andrew Miller

A masterful exploration of life’s quiet moments and the complexities of the heart, set against a harsh West Country winter. In December 1962, two couples confront buried secrets and faltering dreams as blizzards close in — forcing them to face what’s breaking, and what might still be saved.

Buy now

Endling

by Maria Reva

An unforgettable debut weaving the lives of three women and an endangered snail amid the turmoil of contemporary Ukraine. As Yeva fights to save a rare species, and Nastia and Solomiya search for their missing mother, their paths converge in a fierce, poignant journey through a country on the edge of conflict.

Buy now

Flesh

by David Szalay

István’s life begins quietly in a small Hungarian town, but a clandestine relationship and a series of uncontrollable events set him on a dangerous path. Flesh is a spare, gripping exploration of ambition, intimacy, and the invisible forces that shape — and perhaps undo — a man’s existence.

Buy now

Seascraper

by Benjamin Wood

Thomas, bound by class and family ghosts, leads a quiet life scraping a living on a bleak shore while dreaming of music and love. When a mysterious visitor appears, his world shifts — offering hope, glamour, and uncertainty in this haunting, timeless portrait of yearning and escape.

Buy now

Misinterpretation

by Ledia Xhoga

Ledia Xhoga’s ruminative debut follows an Albanian interpreter in New York whose work with trauma survivors blurs the line between empathy and self-destruction. As past and present collide, she’s forced to confront the toll of memory and identity as she revisits her past and questions her future.

Buy now

Culture

From the driveway to the bach: How to tackle the summer roads with ease
From captivating novels to moving memoirs and alluring anthologies, these are the new releases worthy of a place in your beach bag this summer
Summer Upgraded: 25 ways to make your season unforgettable

Shop the Look: These are the handbags defining the season

From the structured allure of the baguette bag to the tantalising tactility of carry-alls or clutches rendered in suede and woven leather, these are the handbag trends are taking over this spring. Here, we round up the pieces well worthy of a place in your collection.

01. Baguette Bag

Shop the edit
JIL SANDER Cannolov shoulder bag from Net-a-Porter
Jacquemus The Salon Croc-Embossed Clutch from Moda Operandi
Khaite Simona Shoulder Bag from Moda Operandi
ALAÏA Le Teckel Canvas Bag from Moda Operandi

02. Suede Bag

Shop the edit
Gucci Jackie Giorno shoulder bag from Gucci
KHAITE Lotus tote bag from Farfetch
The Row Bindle Suede Bag from Moda Operandi
Prada Bonnie tote bag from Farfetch

03. Braided Leather Bag

Shop the edit
BOTTEGA VENETA Concert Pouch intrecciato shoulder bag from Net-a-porter
LOEWE Hammock woven tote bag from Net-a-porter
BOTTEGA VENETA Long Andiamo intrecciato clutch from Net-a-porter
DRAGON DIFFUSION Rosanna woven tote from Net-a-Porter

Coveted

Swarovski Turns 130: Inside the Star-Studded Masters of Light Hollywood Celebration
We sit down with Lydia Peckham to talk Hollywood, homeschooling, honouring her dad, and how she navigates the highs and lows of life on screen.
From one-pieces to swim shorts: The swimwear edit defining the season
Tokoriki Island Resort

Craving an adventure? These are the best spots to book in Fiji right now

Craving sun, sea, and a little something extraordinary? Whether you’re dreaming of private islands, a romantic escape, or a lush jungle retreat, Fiji delivers adventure with a side of luxury, with something to suit any type of vacation. From off-grid escapes to immersive cultural stays and family-friendly havens, these are the places worth booking now — each offering their own take on paradise.

Kokomo Private Island

Best For: The ultimate barefoot-luxury escape

Paradise is found at Fiji’s Kokomo Private Island, the ultimate barefoot-luxury escape. Here, relaxation abounds, with sundeck infinity pools, stunning waterfront villas, and meals straight from its five-acre garden, paired with seafood fresh from the surrounding waters.

Arrive by seaplane or chopper, unpack into ocean‑front bliss, then set out for a snorkel the Great Astrolabe Reef by day, or unwind at Yaukuve Spa by evening. With kids’ clubs, unmatched service, and endless ways to spend a day, Kokomo is Fiji at its most effortlessly sublime.

Book your stay here.

Dolphin Island

Best For: An romantic private island getaway

Known for its impeccable hospitality and stunningly secluded setting, Dolphin Island is the ultimate escape for those looking to get away from it all. This14-acre private retreat caters to a maximum of just eight guests, making for the ultimate luxury private island experience.

A stay here is totally unique — book into the open-air hilltop sleepout for a novel experience, or opt for one of the suites or lodges and take advantage of everything the island has to offer, from diving, fishing and water sports to cultural immersion and relaxation.

Book your stay here.

Tokoriki Island Resort

Best For: A relaxing, adults-only getaway

Tucked in Fiji’s Mamanuca Islands, Tokoriki Island Resort is an adults-only sanctuary where romance abounds. With just 36 freestanding beachfront bures and villas — each with private plunge pool and open-air showers — it’s designed for intimate, slow living.

Arrive by helicopter or boat, then spend your days snorkelling vibrant reefs, sailing the coast, or unwinding with unlimited massages in a volcanic-stone spa bure. Come evening, dine under the stars with fresh South Pacific flavours, or book the teppanyaki deck for a private chef’s table moment. Quiet, considered, and endlessly serene, this is the perfect possie for those who want to switch off completely.

Book your stay here.

Vomo

Best For: An unforgettable family holiday

When it comes to finding the ideal tropical escape, there’s one island that delivers the trifecta: private, pristine, and perfect. Nestled in the Yasawa Islands, Vomo Island Resort offers an elite blend of luxury, tranquillity, and adventure — set across 255 acres of lush landscape fringed by white-sand beaches and warm, clear waters.

Villas and beachfront residences are spacious and secluded, perfect for families looking to get away from it all. Days unfold with snorkelling, paddleboarding, or hiking to the island’s summit for sunset (or whiled away at the spa) while little ones are entertained at the award-winning kids’ village. With exceptional dining, a serene spa, and staff who remember your name, Vomo is that rare island getaway that feels both like an escape and coming home.

Book your stay here.

Nanuku Resort

Best For: A luxurious yet culture-rich family escape

On Fiji’s southern coast, Nanuku Resort feels worlds away — an expansive beachfront hideaway where luxury meets deep cultural connection. Set on 500 private acres, its newly renovated villas and residences are designed for indoor-outdoor flow, with private pools, open-air showers, and sweeping ocean views.

Here, guests are met with a traditional warrior welcome. Days might start with sunrise yoga followed by snorkelling, reef walks, or guided treks to hidden waterfalls. Kids have their own action-packed programme, while adults can dive with sharks, book a massage, or escape to Nanuku’s private island for the afternoon. Soulful, serene, and staying true to Fiji’s inimitable spirit, Nanuku is everything a resort should be.

Book your stay here.

Royal Davui Island

Best For: A secluded romantic escape

Royal Davui Island Resort is a secluded, adults-only retreat with an offering steeped in serenity and soulful hospitality. Just 16 private villas — each with plunge pool, open‑air shower, and lagoon views — are nestled in lush tropical gardens amid a marine sanctuary brimming with vibrant coral life.

Days here are unhurried. Kayak or paddleboard over coral gardens, dive with sharks, or lounge under the banyan‑tree restaurant before a sunset champagne picnic on a drifting sand cay. Dining is included; expect Pacific‑rim seafood delights served poolside, beachside, or in‑room, and a dedicated spa is on-hand to refresh your senses. Designed for romance seekers and honeymooners, this island gem blends barefoot luxury with ultra‑personal service, warmed by owners who greet every guest by name.

Book your stay here.

Vatuvara Private Islands

Best For: A once-in-a-lifetime (celebrity-favoured) getaway

In Fiji’s remote Northern Lau Group, Vatuvara Private Islands offers the kind of seclusion few places on Earth can match. Accessible only by private plane, this ultra-luxe eco retreat has just three expansive villas — each with its own beach, infinity pool, personal masseuse, and sweeping views over the South Pacific.

Days here are completely bespoke and personally tailored. Snorkel untouched reefs, explore Vatuvara — the single most exotic island natural reserve in the world, hike to ancient village sites, or linger over garden-to-table meals crafted just for you. Powered entirely by solar and backed by its own conservation foundation, Vatuvara is as sustainable as it is spectacular — a true once-in-a-lifetime escape.

Book your stay here.

Six Senses Fiji

Best For: A restorative retreat

Set on Malolo Island, Six Senses Fiji is a sanctuary of barefoot luxury with a deeply rooted ethos of sustainability and wellness. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters and dense rainforest, the resort’s spacious villas — designed by Kiwi architect Richard Priest — blend sleek interiors with thoughtful touches, and private pools to boot.

Here, you’ll wake to birdsong and possibly glimpse one of the rare Fijian crested iguanas that call the resort home. Spa rituals, outdoor adventures, and zero-waste dining define the pace, while solar power and reef conservation quietly underpin it all. It’s a restorative retreat with real purpose.

Book your stay here.

Escape

For exclusive, elegant celebrations of any scale, Kinloch Manor & Villas is the benchmark
Discover why Fiji is the ultimate escape for marking a milestone celebration, no matter the occasion
Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley is where celebrations come to play

Studio Jane reimagines New Delhi living with a refined, gallery-like apartment that whispers rather than shouts

In the heart of bustling New Delhi, Studio Jane has created something rare — a tranquil, gallery-inspired apartment that feels more like a modern sanctuary than a typical urban home. Designed for a couple returning from the UK, the space is a seamless blend of minimalism, craftsmanship, and soulful expression, shaped by the clients’ appreciation for art and design.

The 3,000-square-foot residence was originally fragmented and dark, but Studio Jane’s founder, Jane Aamir, saw potential. By gutting the layout and starting fresh, she introduced a flowing, light-filled plan that prioritises openness and calm. Walls were repositioned to create better sight-lines, while large windows now flood the space with soft northern light — perfect for showcasing the couple’s growing art collection.

Every element feels curated yet organic. Sculptural lighting by New Delhi-based designers Klove Studio and Anjali Mody sits alongside bespoke furniture crafted by local artisans, including carved wooden stools, marble-topped tables, and raw linen-upholstered seating. The palette is muted but warm — dusty beige, chalky white, and sandy tones are grounded by warm wood and stone, adding tactile richness without overwhelming the senses.

A standout feature is the hand-plastered walls that lend the apartment a lived-in softness, contrasting with crisp steel-framed doors and elegant brass fixtures. Custom cabinetry and archways add a layer of architectural grace, while open shelving allows art and ceramics to be styled and restyled, much like a gallery in flux.

Studio Jane’s design philosophy — centred on light, texture, and restraint — is evident in every corner of the home. Despite the minimalist approach, nothing feels stark. Instead, the apartment breathes; it encourages slowness and reflection.

This New Delhi apartment is more than a well-designed space — it’s a gentle assertion of how urban homes can feel: tactile, intimate, and attuned to personal rhythms. Studio Jane hasn’t just created a home, they’ve choreographed an experience — one of quiet luxury, artful detail, and enduring calm.

Design

The art of giving well starts with arriving well
In a fitting end to the year that was, Pantone’s colour of the year is… nothing
Savour balmy evenings and sunlit days with our refined outdoor furniture edit