InteriorDesigner — Lamarc Studio Photography — Mateo Soto
Miami’s signature style is elusive, yet instantly recognisable. Lamarc Studio’s latest project, located just ten minutes from the pulse of South Beach, distils the city’s essence, weaving chrome accents, Nero Marquina marble, and classic travertine into a bold new vision. Located in Key Biscayne, this expansive three-bedroom, four-bath retreat strikes a harmonious balance between peaceful seclusion and city convenience. Reimagined as a living gallery, the home serves as a tapestry of art, stone, and light, each element telling part of a unified story. Drawing inspiration from the shimmering coastline, the design transforms this second home into a curated sanctuary where modern luxury feels both purposeful and tranquil.
When Marcela Restrepo, designer and founder of Lamarc Studio, took on the project, she embraced the chance to collaborate with clients who truly loved design, albeit with totally different styles.
“They truly appreciate design. They respond to new and unexpected ideas, which made the creative dialogue inspiring and rewarding,” explains Restrepo. “The apartment we found, however, looked nothing like what you see today. What began as a leap of faith became a transformation built on trust. For me, the true anecdote lies in that moment: when clients see a designer’s vision before they can see it themselves. It’s proof that design is about architecture and finishes, but also about safeguarding heritage, creating beauty, and investing in a future they can call home.”
Today, the home’s expansive rooms echo a dialogue between the owners’ unique sensibilities. One gravitates toward classical styling — think crystal, intricate mouldings, and enduring art. The other is captivated by the clean lines of contemporary design. The outcome is a harmonious blend, a home where tradition and innovation live side by side, ornament and simplicity, history and now, merging effortlessly.
A private elevator glides open to reveal an entryway wrapped in panoramic views of the ocean and Miami’s unmistakable skyline. It’s a breathtaking welcome to this 264-square-metre sanctuary. Conceived as both a tranquil hideaway and a lively stage for entertaining, the home unfolds across a single level. The open-plan living, dining, and bar areas are awash in a muted ecru paint. Sophisticated textures, statement art, and handpicked designer touches elevate the space, bringing a welcome dash of colour.
One main challenge was reshaping the living area to create a dedicated laundry zone and a larger kitchen. The answer lay in transforming a narrow powder room with surprising elements: an antiqued floor mirror and a floating travertine sink. These features play with proportion and link the space to the foyer. As Restrepo shares, the aim was to infuse the home with striking, unforgettable details while preserving a sense of airiness and coastal calm.
Symmetry, clean lines, and bright, bold art are defining elements. Light-toned materials, textures, and natural light convey warmth, freshness, and a sense of ease while serving as a blank canvas. “We drew inspiration from the sand tones of the beach, using very light ecru walls contrasted subtly with crisp white mouldings,” Restrepo explains. “We kept the floors and veneers in soft, natural shades. This allowed the stones — particularly the Viola and Hermitage — to stand out as sculptural statements.”
Thoughtful contrast shapes the private spaces. The bedrooms are serene retreats, layered with natural textures and muted colours. These choices encourage calm and promote rest. The same restraint allows the artworks and furniture to shine. Neutral, taupe tones create an atmosphere that feels calm and quietly sophisticated.
Every detail, from the Poliform sectional to the Tom Dixon light fixtures and the Lalique sculpture, was chosen with purpose. The result is a living story, layered in design. A curated gallery of life, where art, stone, and light unite to form a space that speaks to its surroundings.
Auckland’s outdoor dining scene has truly blossomed in recent years, transforming the city into a haven for open-air feasting. As the days stretch longer and the weather turns inviting, why not treat yourself to a leisurely long lunch under the sky or an ‘en terrasse’ experience at one of the city’s top al fresco venues? To help narrow it down, we’ve curated Auckland’s most irresistible outdoor dining spots. Think balmy air, immaculate vibes, balanced cocktails, and a delicious meal to match.
A stalwart of the Jervois Road dining scene for over 30 years, the ever-popular Andiamo is that beloved local trattoria where tradition meets gentle evolution. The warm, bifold doorway spills into a bustling yet relaxed dining room where house‑made pastas, Neapolitan pizzas and fresh market fish grace the menus, all paired with an estate-led wine list and spritzes at the bar. Tables fill up fast, so get there early and indulge in a refreshing spritz to kick off what is sure to be a long and convivial afternoon.
The Wine Room by David Nash boasts over 350 expertly curated wines, served by the glass or bottle, best enjoyed on the sprawling, sun-soaked deck alongside chef Ryan Moore’s European-inspired shared plates. The ultimate retreat for lovers of fine wine and food, this is the perfect place to whittle away a sunny afternoon.
Fancy a fun-filled lunch or dinner with family and friends? Head into Prego and request one of its outdoor tables for a consistent and delicious dining experience. Enjoy this stalwart’s tried-and-true, casual Italian dishes with an expertly made martini or a glass of wine, sit back and relax in the restaurant’s always-busy, vibrant atmosphere.
The jewel in Onetangi’s crown, Ki Māha, is an artfully designed restaurant with a front deck boasting sweeping, panoramic views. Here, there truly are views from every angle, with the destination’s uniqueness lying in its design, which cleverly harnesses the panoramic outlook to offer striking vistas from every table. The menu is equally as impressive — think innovative dishes, a bountiful raw bar, creative cocktails, and shared plates to savour.
Nestled in Ponsonby’s Three Lamps, Beau wine bar enlivens the area with its tasty bites, exceptional drinks menu, and discreet, sunny courtyard. The menu is perfect for grazing, the expansive wine list is ever-changing, and the courtyard tables are some of the most coveted in town. If you miss out, there are also a few tables out front to perch and watch the world go by.
A popular Viaduct Harbour spot for soaking in the sun while enjoying some stellar hospitality is Bivacco. With a large interior deck and wraparound outdoor tables, the setting here is second to none, and the vibes are always lively. Sit back with a crisp cocktail in hand and take in Bivacco’s unparalleled vantage point of the Harbour — this is sure to be one of the most sought-after seats this festive season.
The ideal location for family get-togethers, San Ray serves as an elevated all-day eatery that caters to all, with a myriad of options for drinking, dining, stopping by, staying all day, and anything (and everything) in between. Out back, the covered patio is the perfect spot for convivial drinks and snacks, coming alive in the afternoon and amping up as the sun goes down.
Holding prime position with tables overlooking the sparkling Viaduct Harbour and festooned with florals from above, there is no better place to lunch outdoors than Soul Bar & Bistro. Synonymous with outdoor dining, there is something almost religious about our pull toward Soul during the spring and summer months. Order a round of signature cocktails and a plate or two of delicious appetisers from their brand new seasonal menu, and settle in for a memorable experience at this seaside stalwart.
Parade’s epic burgers are the perfect complement to its casual outdoor dining offering. With beer-garden vibes and a menu of cocktail jugs designed to be shared, we’re all for finding any excuse to tuck into one of these burgers in the sun.
Piqued as one of Ponsonby’s most popular gastropubs, Hotel Ponsonby, with its light-filled courtyard and electric atmosphere, is the dream location for laid-back sundowners, followed by convivial socialising when the temperature drops and the sun eventually slips from view. Enjoy the venue’s satiating small plates and world-class cocktails with a group of friends.
Another great option for delicious food with kids in tow, Auckland Fish Market boasts a range of flavourful eateries that offer something for everyone — from Lobster & Tap to Oji Sushi and more — all of the food here can be enjoyed onsite, at one of the Fish Market’s many outdoor tables.
Beloved SkyCity eatery (and Auckland institution) The Grill boasts an endlessly impressive dining menu — and a sprawling courtyard. Here, enjoy a refined take on New Zealand’s best steak and seafood, approached through a contemporary lens, alongside great drinks, and a perfect outdoor dining area to settle in for a springtime meal.
For workdays that call for a long, out-of-office lunch, Odettes’ glorious courtyard offers the ideal setting. Open, cosy, and refreshingly green, Odettes feels like a breath of air amid the busyness of City Works Depot.
Nestled in a prime position within Princes Wharf, Somm Wine Bar & Bistro not only affords its guests incredible, waterfront views — both from inside the eatery and the coveted harbourside tables, but is also home to what is perhaps the city’s most impressive collection of wine. Couple this with consistently tasty food and a laid-back vibe, and you’ve got a more than perfect place to spend a relaxed few hours at any time of day.
Known for being one of the best places to go with kids on Waiheke Island, The Heke in Onetangi is a must-visit springtime destination. Pull up to one of the many outdoor tables (there are under-cover and open-air options), and tuck into something from the wood-fired grill while the little ones amuse themselves on the vast front lawn.
One of the best spots in the Eastern Bays, Azabu Mission Bay and its Gin Garden offer the ideal setting in which to savour a long lunch or dinner. There, you can enjoy the restaurant’s renowned Japanese-Peruvian cuisine while looking out to the waters of Mission Bay and luxuriating in the season’s long, languid afternoons.
Bodgea has quickly solidified itself as a laid-back go-to for city-siders, so sought-after (and delicious) is their New York-style deli fare. With only a small number of tables out front, you’ve got to get in quick to nab an outdoor spot, but the juice is worth the squeeze, affording diners a front row seat to the hustle and bustle of Ponsonby Road.
Boasting a sprawling, sun-soaked terrace (the largest in Central Auckland, in fact), rotating DJs, a stunning fit-out, and a meticulously crafted food and drink menu (with hospitality maestro Fraser Kirby at the helm), Darling on Drake is the place to be for post-work sundowners.
Nestled on Parnell’s main strip, Non Solo Pizza is one of our favourite go-to spots during the warmer months for its mouthwatering menu and exceptional, convivial atmosphere. There, park up at one of the long tables in NSP’s verdant courtyard and be transported to Italy for a long lunch or early dinner.
Well worth veering off the mainland, Waiheke Island’s Cable Bay offers sweeping, uninterrupted views across the water and an unmatched food and wine list. Light floods through the Fearon Hay-designed space, blurring the line between indoors and out, creating an atmosphere that feels open and airy. Step outside and enjoy Cable Bay’s extensive wine list and robust menu options, while looking out across rolling lawns and beyond to the Hauraki Gulf. Throughout the summer, roam the grounds and enjoy site-specific sculptural art installations by leading New Zealand artists. This is destination dining at its very best.
Taking up one of the city’s most coveted positions, First Mates, Last Laugh is a delightful place to drink and dine, with a number of outdoor seating options, a tasty menu with both grazing options and hearty meals on offer, alongside great drinks. Nab one of the cosy booths under shade tents, or, if you want to soak up the day’s rays, settle in on the front deck overlooking Westhaven Marina.
For a classic feed and some drinks by the water, nowhere does casual, laid-back vibes and tasty, easy food like Swashbucklers. Gather some friends, bring the kids, park up at an outside table and tuck into one of Swashies’ famous seafood platters. The perfect way to while away a sunny afternoon.
Should you find yourself on Waiheke Island, seeking something substantial to eat after a long day sailing the seas, pull up a perch on Man O’ War’s beloved lawn. With a simple food offering of sharing plates and pizzas, alongside the famous oyster food truck, this is the epitome of springtime dining.
Neighbourhood café by day, wine bar by night, Blue on Franklin has fast become a favourite among the Ponsonby community — and for good reason. Here, the warm brick interior spills into a sun-drenched courtyard, ideal for small get-togethers and easy entertaining. The menu evolves with the seasons, bolstered by a substantial wine list that heralds boutique producers from near and far.
With 270-degree views of the Waitematā Harbour, Queens Rooftop is the pinnacle of al fresco dining, affording diners views east to the Coromandel, to the north, and west to the Waitakere Ranges. Grab a table as the sun goes down, order a selection of tasty bites and a satiating cocktail, and see where the night takes you.
On a coveted corner in Remuera, Knead on Benson turns out epic brunch and lunch fare, with a number of outdoor tables lining the street — adding to the neighbourhood eatery’s vibrant ambience. Here, you’re greeted like an old friend by staff and diners alike, and can count on always-perfect coffee and food sure to satisfy even the most discerning of diners.
Nestled in Victoria Park is a hidden gem serving delicious Argentinian-inspired, wood-fired food. On a sunny day, Milenta’s retractable roof will be pulled right back to offer diners a full, al fresco experience, with the sun spilling through the tree-lined surroundings for a beautiful, memorable experience.
For those slightly further afield, Helensville’s The Butcher Baker instantly transports you to al fresco dining in faraway climes. Paying homage to the rich history of its building (formerly both a baker and a butcher — hence the name), The Butcher Baker juxtaposes new and old. Fronted by an expansive courtyard — a delightful spot to sit and soak in the sun — the brick building has undergone a fresh, modern refit. Expect refined menu classics designed for sharing, along with a master list of local and international wines.
In a move that underlines its reputation as much more than a luxury jeweller, Bvlgari has opened Kaleidos: Colors, Cultures and Crafts. The Maison’s largest exhibition ever in Japan — at The National Art Centre, Tokyo (NACT). From September 17th to December 15th, the exhibition offers an immersive exploration of colour, craftsmanship and creative exchange, and represents Bvlgari’s first major exhibition in the country in ten years.
“Kaleidos” from the Greek kalos (beautiful) and eidos (form), is not just a retrospective of jewellery, it is a three‑chapter voyage through Bvlgari’s legacy of colour, from its formative years to its most daring contemporary creations.
The staging is generous, with nearly 350 chromatic masterpieces drawn from Bvlgari’s Heritage Collection and prestigious private lenders. The venue spans 2,000 square meters, with architecture and scenography that harmonise Roman boldness with Japanese refinement.
Collaborators include SANAA (Japan) and Formafantasma (Italy), whose design work threads curves, translucency, light, mosaics and structural references to both Roman and Japanese culture, guiding visitors through a series of chambers shaped in the motif of the ginkgo leaf.
Bvlgari bangle in gold and platinum with rubies, sapphire and diamonds, Bvlgari Heritage Collection
Bvlgari “Bib” necklace in gold and platinum with emeralds, amethysts, turquoises and diamonds, Bvlgari Heritage Collection
At the heart of Kaleidos is a curatorial reverence for colour, not just as decoration, but as design language. The exhibition opens with archival works like a 1940s citrine and diamond bracelet that radiates with amber warmth, never previously shown outside Italy. From there, visitors move through a historical arc of daring experimentation: a mid-century bangle where sapphires and rubies sit boldly in yellow gold, or Serpenti necklaces that pulse with chromatic tension, from white enamel and rubies to black enamel and diamonds. These pieces are not just technically exquisite; they are emotionally articulate, each chosen for the story it tells through tone.
Bvlgari “seven wonders” necklace in platinum with emeralds and diamonds, 1961, Bvlgari Heritage Collection
Among the most iconic pieces on display is the “Seven Wonders” emerald necklace from 1961, a masterpiece once worn by Monica Vitti and Gina Lollobrigida. Its lush green stones and regal weight carry the gravitas of cinema’s golden era and the finesse of Roman craftsmanship. In another room, a convertible sautoir‑bracelet from 1969 stuns with its versatility and saturated gem tones — amethysts, citrines, turquoises, rubies, and emeralds moving like light across metal. These works are theatrical in scale but never excessive; their drama lies in precision and proportion.
Bvlgari convertible sautoir‑bracelet in gold with amethysts, citrines, turquoises, rubies, emeralds and diamonds, Bvlgari Heritag Collection
Beyond the jewellery, three contemporary artists, Lara Favaretto, Mariko Mori, and Akiko Nakayama, contribute installations that punctuate each chapter. Favaretto’s kinetic work, Mori’s mythic, light‑prismatic installations, and Nakayama’s immersive “alive paintings” in the final chapter give pause between displays of gems.
LARA FAVARETTO
The opening night set the tone: a sit‑down dinner celebrating not just jewellery, but the shared artistic culture between Italy and Japan. Tokyo, especially in Roppongi at NACT, serves as a suitably atmospheric stage. The modern architectural shell of the National Art Center, paired with the exhibition’s flowing spatial design, allows lights and colours to bounce, shadows to shift, and viewers to engage both intimately and expansively. It feels very intentional: heritage pieces under soft light, modern interpretations under immersive projections.
What this exhibition does well is affirm Bvlgari’s role not merely as a jeweller but as a storyteller through gems. It’s rare to see such bold curation rooted in archival rigour but presented with the theatricality that colour demands. It’s also a celebration of craft in its many forms: gem cutting (cabochon notably), enamelling, inventive combinations of stones, even sculptural interplay with light.
For those with a taste for luxury, design, or simply beautiful things, Kaleidos is a reminder that jewellery can do more than adorn; it can communicate culture, memory, and identity, and act as a bridge between the past and the present.
With just five weeks remaining until Christmas, that festive feeling is back. As spring menus fade into memory and we start plotting ahead for the big day, we watch our favourite eateries transform into glittering havens of holiday cheer. Bivacco, a perennial go-to, is among the first to embrace the season.
This November, Bivacco’s Sunday Feast becomes the Sunday Christmas Feast, timed to usher in the festive months. Expect a parade of nostalgic, seasonal delights, including the holiday hero — the glistening free-range Christmas ham. Glazed with maple and orange and surrounded by sides and nostalgic appetisers like pigs in blankets, honey-glazed carrots, and colourful antipasti; expect an afternoon of pure indulgence.
Dive into all the tried-and-true Feast classics: roasted meats, a bounty of fresh seafood and juicy prawns, seared tuna, green-lipped mussels, and smoked salmon, plus every imaginable trimming. The dessert station overflows with festive treats — we suggest you grab a spoon — from summer berry trifles to mini pavlovas crowned with berry compote. If a Sunday well spent sets the tone for the week, this festive feast promises to make your days shine a whole lot brighter.
Bivacco’s Sunday Christmas Feast will be available until Sunday, December 21st. Secure your booking here.
High contrast, monochromatic polka dots are back, and we couldn’t be happier. An unfailing fashion formula, whether in micro dots or oversized spots, floaty silk or draped chiffon, this iconic print brings whimsy and classic charm to traditional silhouettes and ultra-feminine fits. Think Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman or Claudia Schiffer circa ’95. Connect the dots and don top to toe.
Under the creative direction of Mary Katrantzou, Bvlgari’s Serpenti in Conversation ushers in a new chapter of collaboration and artistry. The debut edition invites Géraldine Guyot, founder and Creative Director of DESTREE, to reinterpret the iconic Serpentine Top-Handle bag.
Left: Mary Katrantzou. Right: Géraldine Guyot
Renowned for her sculptural, art-driven aesthetic, Guyot brings a refined playfulness to the piece, weaving intricate metal passementerie through its serpentine curves. The result is a masterful dialogue between Bvlgari’s storied jewellery heritage and Parisian modernism. A celebration of sensual form, bold craftsmanship and timeless creative evolution.
Shop The Collection
Serpentine Top Handle in ivory calf leather from Bvlgari
Wine is a rare passion that weaves itself through every corner of our lives. Whether at work or at play, a love for wine is not just a pursuit but a way of living. David Nash and the experts at The Wine Room embrace this philosophy with genuine enthusiasm. As the year ends, it’s time to celebrate the business relationships built over shared experiences. The Wine Room excels in creating refined, personal occasions — offering exclusive food and cellar experiences designed for meaningful client hosting.
Members at The Wine Room curate a tailored cellar to share rare bottles in an intimate setting. This level of personal detail transforms professional events, making each occasion distinctive in Auckland’s hospitality landscape. Guests are welcomed with unique selections that blend private cellar exclusivity, chef-driven dining, and memorable service, creating lasting impressions that linger long after the final toast.
Here, wine connoisseur and founder David Nash shares his advice for entertaining clients at The Wine Room.
Allow for an icebreaker
“When creating an experience for a lunch or fully hosted private event, we always orchestrate the service to be the piece that first breaks the ice, then ensures the conversation flows in the right direction,” Nash explains. “Our hosting is not the main event; it’s there to foster an entertaining, emotive atmosphere that encourages great discussion. We always plan for the space in between our hosting as much as we do for our hosting itself. Nothing is left to chance.”
Take your time
“What should you invest in? Time,” he says. “Time with our venue, time with our layout, and taking the time to meet our team. Discuss the outcome you want to achieve, and you’ll have the entire service team behind you, supporting you to seal the deal.”
Go bespoke
“In the corporate world, once you’re at a celebratory level, everyone’s been taken to lunch 100 times — it does get tiresome,” admits Nash. “It’s a large investment for someone to take an afternoon off, so you need to respect that time. Every experience at The Wine Room is bespoke; for that reason, we don’t offer any set piece experiences,” he says. “We tailor every lunch, dinner, and full venue event to be 100 per cent about the guests — and making the experience relevant to them. We research the guests, their firm, or their family background, to ensure that we have the stories to tell that will resonate and create a sense of nostalgia, which I believe is the heart of great hospitality.”
Escape the everyday
“The most consistent feedback we get is that The Wine Room is an ‘international experience’, you’re five minutes from Auckland’s city centre, and yet you feel like you’re in another country,” explains Nash. “It’s the feeling of escaping the day-to-day, when you walk through our doors, you’re not next to the office at the same old bistro — you’re in our world now, you’ve got a private chef who changes the menu on a daily basis (much to the delight of our front of house team), and quite possibly the most extensive wine list your clients and guests have ever seen. Not to mention the best hosts, sommeliers, and service team in the country.”
Westmere’s West End Road continues its quiet transformation into a local dining destination, now welcoming Hōchō Eathouse, an intimate new Japanese eatery that’s already drawing in curious locals. Helmed by chef and knife specialist Kenta Kawano, Hōchō brings its own authenticity to Westmere’s neighbourhood dining scene. Here, culinary craft and community meet over a bowl of ramen or a unique scoop of matcha ice cream.
Iberico Pork Gyoza
Having spent years leading kitchens around New Zealand, most recently as head chef at Soho Thai Kitchen, Kawano is also one of the country’s few professional knife sharpeners. “I use traditional Japanese natural whetstones,” he says. “I restore broken knives and even turn gyuto chef’s knives into sashimi knives.” The restaurant’s name, Hōchō, takes its cue from the Japanese word for “knife,” a nod to the precision and respect for craft that defines Kawano’s philosophy.
Hōchō’s food philosophy stems from a collective of chefs with fine-dining pedigrees who sought to strip things back. “Rather than doing another high-end concept with fancy garnishes and $40 plates with tiny portions, we wanted to create something homely, approachable, and affordable,” says Kawano. “A place where anyone can walk in and enjoy genuinely good Japanese food.”
Hōchō Paitan Ramen
The menu reflects that ethos with refined yet comforting dishes. The clear chicken-broth ramen, topped with oyster mushrooms, is a nourishing example of simplicity done well, rich in depth yet light enough to enjoy any day of the week. While matcha daifuku ice cream, infused with salted sakura blossoms, is delicate and quietly surprising, offering a subtle floral sweetness that lingers. “We use our fine-dining experience to make simple ingredients shine,” explains Kawano. “Real Japanese food should be delicious, beautiful, and nourishing. We don’t rely too much on salt; it’s all about balance and the natural flavour of the ingredients.”
Beef tataki with Yuzu Ponzu
A simple drinks menu will soon give way to an impressive sake selection once the liquor licence comes through, including a collaboration with a new local sake brewery serving sake on tap. He hints at a collaboration with a new local sake brewery serving on tap from kegs, in another first for Auckland. “Once that happens,” Kawano laughs, “it’s going to be sake, sake, and more sake.”
Matcha Daifuku Icecream
The space itself mirrors the food: minimal, clean, and relaxed, with an atmosphere that invites regular visits. Soon, Hōchō will introduce Japanese rice imported by Wakka Japan, the same supplier used by top restaurants globally. “We’ll mill it fresh the day before cooking and prepare it in a traditional hagama pot,” says Kawano. “The pot lets the rice absorb heat evenly, giving it a delicate aroma and chewy texture. Even in Japan, most people don’t get to eat rice like this.”
For Kawano, it all comes back to simplicity and sincerity. “We don’t expect anything fancy,” he says. “We just want people to come, eat, and leave saying, ‘That was really good.”
We’ve become a generation fluent in fatigue. Ask anyone how they are these days, and the answers rarely stray from “busy” or “tired.” It’s the quiet chorus of post-pandemic life, the lingering burnout, the sleepless nights, the brain fog we’ve learned to dismiss as normal. We push through, caffeine in hand, convinced that if the doctor says we’re fine, we must be. But what if fine is the problem?
That’s the question at the heart of Autonomy, a new kind of health practice built for those who’ve outgrown surface-level wellness. For many, the standard approach to healthcare has become reactive and impersonal — a cycle of annual blood tests, generic advice, and supplement routines that fail to deliver true vitality. Autonomy fills that gap in a way that feels both deeply scientific and profoundly human.
photo: Jake Terrey
Here, medicine meets meaning. It begins with a Discovery Consultation, a one-hour session that feels more like an investigation than an appointment. Led by qualified doctors, the Autonomy team, which also includes health coaches and nurses, takes the time to truly listen before performing five key biomarker tests. These initial insights form the foundation for understanding each client’s unique biology and identifying areas where further investigation may be necessary.
“ What makes Autonomy compelling isn’t just the data; it’s what they do with it. Each client leaves with a bespoke, medically-led plan that translates complex science into something actionable.”
Those who wish to go further move into the Early Wins program, a medically led protocol that explores more than 100 advanced biomarkers. From insulin sensitivity and inflammation to thyroid balance, cortisol rhythms and nutrient status, the testing creates a detailed picture of how the body is performing beneath the surface and what it needs to function optimally.
It’s astonishing what emerges when you look closer. Someone who “eats well and exercises” might discover they are insulin resistant, a silent precursor to diabetes that routine tests often miss. Another may learn their cortisol curve is inverted, too high at night and too low in the morning, explaining wired evenings and foggy starts. Elevated homocysteine might reveal early vascular strain, while nutrient deficiencies can expose the biochemical roots of fatigue, anxiety or cognitive decline. These small, invisible imbalances quietly undermine longevity until now.
What makes Autonomy compelling is not just the science but the strategy. Each client receives a bespoke, ongoing plan led by a personal doctor, supported by a dedicated health coach and nurse. This is not about quick fixes but measurable transformation. Recommendations are precision-tailored: nutrition designed to stabilise blood sugar and reduce inflammation, movement programmed to strengthen mitochondria and preserve muscle mass, and stress recovery guided by measurable data such as sleep quality, heart rate variability and cortisol patterns. Every plan evolves as the body does, ensuring long-term sustainability over short-term gains.
For those who want to go even deeper, Autonomy now offers DNA testing, GLP-1 support, and Whole Body MRI Wellness Scans, the next frontier in proactive health. Already adopted by leading longevity clinics worldwide, these tools help clients understand their genetic predispositions, metabolic pathways, and early risk indicators. The MRI scan, for instance, provides a radiation-free view of most organs and systems, revealing inflammation or early changes before symptoms appear. Autonomy’s medical team interprets each result to ensure context, clarity, and care —never fear or confusion.
“It’s not a detox or a diet, it’s a recalibration. One that empowers you to make decisions about your body from a place of knowledge rather than noise.”
Importantly, Autonomy does not only cater to those chasing peak performance. Many clients arrive seeking relief from chronic pain, fatigue or recurring symptoms that conventional medicine has failed to resolve. By identifying root causes, whether metabolic, hormonal or neurological, the team helps patients reduce pain, restore energy and change their trajectory away from chronic disease.
Autonomy’s 30-day Early Wins program remains the foundation where transformation begins. Within weeks, energy steadies, focus sharpens, and sleep becomes truly restorative. It is not a detox or a diet; it is a recalibration, one that empowers people to make decisions about their bodies from a place of knowledge rather than noise.
What stands out most is how grounded the process feels. There is no evangelising and no unattainable perfectionism. Just an intelligent, medically guided structure for living better in real time, proof that science and self-care can coexist meaningfully.
Because ultimately, longevity is not about chasing youth; it is about sustaining vitality. In an age where our devices track everything except how we actually feel, Autonomy offers something radical: a return to understanding ourselves. For those juggling business, family and the relentless pace of modern life, this is not just about adding years; it is about making those years count.
Few efforts deserve a bigger celebration than an initiative that nourishes an entire community. We have long believed that everyone, no matter their circumstances, deserves a seat at the table with fresh, wholesome bread. The Bread Project Charitable Trust and Bread & Butter Bakery share this philosophy. Together, they have filled homes across New Zealand with the comforting aroma of more than 100,000 sourdough loaves and fruit buns, delivered in partnership with the New Zealand Food Network, Auckland City Mission, and local food banks.
This heartening effort is philanthropy with purpose at its core, woven into the very fabric of their business. Each day, Bread & Butter sets aside a generous share of its oven-fresh, naturally fermented sourdough for NZFN and Auckland City Mission, who ensure these loaves reach families who need them most. This is not day-old bread languishing on the shelves; it is the same golden, crusty bread you would find at any Bread & Butter cafe, fresh from the oven.
“The Bread Project was established to expand on a commitment to making real bread accessible to more people — regardless of circumstance,” says Bread & Butter’s co-owner, Simon Henis. Launched in early November, the initiative has already soared past its goal of 1,000 loaves a day, delivering an astonishing 80,000 kilograms of fresh bread to those who need it most. These beautifully crafted loaves have found their way to 33 food hubs, brightening tables in 23 cities and across eight regions.
“It looks (and tastes) like something you’d get from a top-notch bakery, definitely something people would choose themselves if they had the option,” said a staff representative at Auckland’s Kindness Collective. “It definitely adds a sense of value to the food parcels we provide, and recipients have been genuinely surprised and delighted to receive such high-quality bread.”
Chief Executive of NZFN, Gavin Findlay
“It’s incredibly meaningful to receive intentional donations like this, where the food is made exclusively for the purpose of helping people,” explains the chief executive of NZFN, Gavin Findlay.
“We, alongside so many organisations, are working hard to rescue excess kai from food businesses to help address our country’s concerning food waste levels. The Bread Project is a heartening example of how businesses can play a critical role in supporting Kiwis doing it tough, ensuring food support isn’t just an afterthought, but is intentionally baked into their operations.”
“Demand for food support continues to rise, and this kind of intentional donation is an inspiration to the whole corporate sector,” Findlay adds. “We know times are tough for everyone, but if business leaders could take a moment to think about how we could work together to give back to the community, the collective impact would be huge.”
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