Kelmarna Farm Dinners are back this February, with a full rota of unmissable dining experiences

This February, Kelmarna Farm Dinners return for 2026, bringing a tightly curated series of four summer evenings of outdoor dining to one of Auckland’s most treasured green spaces. For those unfamiliar with the destination, Kelmarna Organic Gardens were established in 1981 and have long served as a working model of sustainability in an urban setting.

Across four nights, some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most thoughtful chefs will create produce-led, multi-course menus inspired by what is growing in the gardens at peak summer. Guests will dine communally, al fresco, surrounded by the beds, trees and flowers that supply the kitchen — turning food miles into food metres, and anchoring each meal firmly in place.

The 2026 series opens with Elie Assaf of Lebanese Grocer, whose generous mezze-style menu draws on family recipes and the vibrant flavours of his Lebanese heritage. Kane Wilson of Someplace Somewhere follows with a fire-led, fermentation-driven menu shaped by both farmed and foraged produce, and informed by modern Japanese influences. Joe O’Connell, executive chef of Newmarket favourite MAMA, brings a family-style Italian feast celebrating Kelmarna’s summer harvest through bold, comforting flavours and a low-waste philosophy. Closing the series, Georgia van Prehn presents a fully vegetarian, grazing-style dinner — a playful, Mediterranean-inspired expression of peak produce that reflects her long-standing commitment to seasonal, minimal-waste cooking.

Proceeds from the series directly support Kelmarna’s community-focused educational and therapeutic initiatives, with 50% of Farm Dinner profits returning to the charitable trust.

Kelmarna Farm Dinners 2026 will run across four nights in February on the following dates:
Wednesday 11 February: Elie Assaf, Lebanese Grocer (6–9pm, shared mezze-style menu)
Friday 13 February: Kane Wilson, Someplace Somewhere (6–9pm, four-courses)
Wednesday 18 February: Joe O’Connell, MAMA (6–9pm, four-course Italian feast)
Friday 20 February: Georgia van Prehn (6–9pm, three-course vegetarian grazing menu)

A quietly powerful reminder that some of the city’s most memorable meals still begin in the soil.

kelmarna.co.nz

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RAKxa Wellness, Bangkok

I spent five days at the integrative wellness retreat Rakxa, and here’s what I learned.

Contrary to what many might assume, I had never stayed at a health retreat until recently. Not because I was avoiding introspection or terrified of lying still while someone read my aura. If anything, the idea has always appealed. The truth is, time has always been my rarest currency. Between the demands of running a business and raising a family, I simply couldn’t justify taking a week purely for myself. The guilt would have been overwhelming.

I’ve always maintained a fairly robust wellness routine. I exercise regularly, eat well, practice contrast therapy, and consume my fair share of supplements that promise everything from improved sleep to enhanced emotional resilience. And yet, the fatigue has begun to take hold. My mind never truly switches off, even when my body begs for it. My spirit, once resilient, feels weighed down by the relentlessness of modern life. I needed a reset. Not a holiday, not a pool lounger with a margarita, but something more profound.

Rakxa is located in Bangkok’s serene ‘green lung’

A business trip to Bangkok created the opening. If I were already travelling, perhaps I could take five days for myself without the familiar wave of guilt. I had heard murmurs about Rakxa Wellness, a retreat combining medical precision with traditional healing in an environment designed to restore rather than merely distract. It sounded like exactly the intervention I needed.

Rakxa is set within Bang Krachao, Bangkok’s famed green lung. Only a short drive from the city, yet worlds removed. The retreat sits among lush vegetation where the loudest sounds are birdsong and the occasional hum of longtail boats on the river. Arriving feels like stepping into a softer dimension. At the entrance pavilion, a singing bowl chimes to mark the start of my stay. It is subtle but symbolic, a cue to exhale.

My villa, framed by leafy palms, created a sense of quiet luxury that felt restorative from the outset. It took only a few moments to realise how long I had been operating at a pace that left no room for stillness.

My first meeting was with my Wellness Advisor, who asked me quite bravely about my lifestyle, stress levels, sleep patterns, and emotional state. The sort of questions that make you realise you cannot remember, or just refuse to acknowledge the current state of your wellbeing. After a series of medical tests, including blood tests and body-composition scans, I was given a personalised programme that combined traditional healing with modern longevity medicine. The findings were insightful, but what impressed me most was the integrative approach. Rakxa treats the whole person, not the isolated symptoms, and every practitioner works collaboratively to create a programme that addresses both the physical and the emotional.

Modern longevity practices, including hyperbaric and red light therapy, are available

My schedule for the week was full, but each treatment had a distinct purpose. Appointments with Thai, Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine doctors, fitness assessments, holistic treatments, massages, cryotherapy, infrared light sessions and sound therapy. It sounds busy, but the pace left no time to think about anything outside myself or to be present, which quickly became something I leaned into. I’m used to busy schedules, focusing on everything and everyone else; this time, the schedule was to focus inward, on me.

The first major emotional breakthrough arrived courtesy of Rakxa’s Ayurvedic doctor. A serene woman with a disarming intuition, she began our pranayama session with simple breathwork. Her presence alone was grounding. As she guided me through breathwork, she spoke gently about how emotions become lodged in the body. The simplicity of her observation struck something deep. Tears came before I had time to resist them. It was unexpected but hugely relieving. It felt as though someone had finally tapped a valve I had held tightly shut.

Traditional Thai therapy Ya Pao

The next day, the Thai doctor introduced me to Ya Pao. In this traditional therapy, a herbal paste is applied to the abdomen and briefly ignited to stimulate circulation and support digestion. Flames flickered in the dim room as she worked with calm precision. It sounds dramatic, yet the sensation was warm and comforting. My stomach gurgled approvingly, as if releasing something long held. I immediately booked a second session.

“Rakxa reminded me that healing does not mean escaping your life… It requires an appreciation for the nervous system that carries us through the world.”

The Chinese medicine doctor examined my tongue before performing acupuncture, using moxibustion to heat the needles and strengthen my energy. At the Gaya fitness centre, I underwent a functional assessment that revealed an unexpected imbalance in the strength of my right and left legs. It was a small discovery that I will take back home to my Pilates instructor.

Sound bowl therapy

Sound bowl therapy quickly became a highlight of my week. In the first session, the vibrations felt intrusive, as though every layer of tension was resisting the invitation to soften. By the fifth session, the sounds were almost silent, as they resonated more deeply. Finally I had learned to settle into the calmness, and in turn had let the vibrations work their magic within me.

Hydrotherapy facilities

Between treatments, I travelled by bicycle along shaded paths through the property. Rakxa’s three wellness zones each hold a distinct energy. Jai is a serene retreat offering traditional therapies and hydrothermal facilities. Gaya is a modern fitness facility that focuses on movement and rehabilitation. VitalLife offers longevity-focused medicine in partnership with Bumrungrad International Hospital. Together, they create a seamless ecosystem of care where every practitioner communicates, shares notes, and updates your schedule to accommodate new or to repeat treatment protocols.

The gastromonic offerings were delicious

The cuisine is a pivotal part of the experience. Guided by both doctors and the chef nutritionist, the menu is tailored to support your needs. I requested only Thai dishes, and the kitchen exceeded every expectation. Each meal was a beautifully composed three-course sequence, free from sugar and dairy yet full of vibrancy and flavour. Prebiotic kombucha arrived before every meal, a signature ritual that became something I looked forward to. 

By the third day, something shifted. My sleep deepened. My mind quietened. The constant background buzz of tension began to loosen. I felt a lightness I had not realised I was missing. It wasn’t dramatic, but quietly powerful.

One afternoon, after acupuncture, I sat beside the lake while the sun moved across the sky. For the first time in months, I wasn’t thinking ahead or problem-solving. I was simply present. It was such a gentle feeling, and yet one that felt revolutionary.

Rakxa reminded me that healing does not require escaping your life. It requires returning to it differently with more compassion, more boundaries, and an appreciation for the nervous system that carries us through the world. Strength, I realised, is not found in constantly pushing forward. Sometimes it is found in stepping back.

When I left, I knew I would return. Not as an indulgence, but as maintenance. A way to recalibrate each year before life becomes too loud again.

I arrived depleted and left restored. Lighter, clearer, more anchored. Five days at Rakxa did what I had not managed to do for myself in years. It reminded me how to begin again.

rakxawellness.com

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Show your significant other some love with our definitive Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Forgo the usual roses and chocolates this Valentine’s Day in favour of a token of love that shows your other half you know them best. From non-conventional jewellery for her to thoughtful homewares for him (and plenty to inspire self-gifting, too), here, we present our definitive Valentine’s Day gift guide.

Gifts For
Her
Sulky Ring from Celine
Heart Organic Cotton Socks from Papinelle
Saint Laurent SL 832 001 Black sunglasses from Sunglass Bar
Large Gin in White from Exhibit A
Red ‘Drop’ Napkin Set from Fourth Street
Valentine’s Day bouquet from La Femme Fleur
Astier de Villatte
Heart Ring Cup from Tessuti
Pink Leather Heart Bag Charm from Gucci
Vintage Alhambra bracelet rose gold from Van Cleef & Arpels
Tom Dixon Puck Balloon Glasses from ECC
Smooth, Repair, and Firm Retinol Gift Set from Elizabeth Arden
Jessica McCormac Signature 0.50ct Ruby Heart Shaped Gypsets from Simon James
Tekla Cotton Towels from Simon James
Saint Laurent Amalia crêpe satin pump from MyTheresa
Serpenti Viper Earrings from Bvlgari
Throwing Doubles
Playing Card Set from Moda Operandi
Serpenti Cuoricino Mini top handle bag from Bvlgari
Slip Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask from Mecca
Christofle Premiere edition scented candle from Studio of Tableware
2 Bordeaux Wine Glasses from Maison Balzac
Tronque Firming Butter from Simon James


Service or Amount Gift Voucher from Clinic 42
Judith Leiber Couture
Miniature Got a Light? Crystal Clutch from Moda Operandi
Uni Round Box from Studio of Tableware
Dyson Supersonic Nural Intelligent Hair Dryer from Mecca
GG Marmont mini shoulder bag from Gucci
Gift voucher from Cora
Alaïa Le Coeur earrings from MyTheresa
CHOCOLATE HEART from Kcake
Hearts-a-flutter
Diamond ring from Sutcliffe
rhode
Peptide Lip Tint from Mecca
Tiffany Lock Earrings from Tiffany & Co.
Tom Ford Electric Cherry from Mecca
Dioramour Freesia Card Holder from Dior
Valentine’s Day Collection – Box of 6 from J’Aime
Claw Clip Mini from Maggie Marilyn
Enchanted Masquerade perfume from Floral Street
Pink Mother-of-pearl hardware watch from Tiffany & Co
Kiki de Montparnase camisole from Farfetch
Gold Medium Bone Cuff from Tiffany & Co
Saffiano leather keychain from Prada
Moët & Chandon Rose 2015 from the Wine Room
La Panthère Eau de Toilette from Cartier
Sacred Heart large velvet jewellery box from Net-A-Porter
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Palette from Mecca
Prada suede mules from Mytheresa


Roberto Coin Yellow Gold Princess Flower Stud Earrings from Partridge
Amore Hand-Blown Murano Glass Portable Table Light from Green Wolf Lighting
Allegra Baciami Eau de Parfum from BVLGARI
Moda Domus
Trompe l’Oeil Ceramic Heart Dish from Moda Operandi
Eternity bracelet from Swarovski
Perlée secret pendant watch from Van Cleef & Arpels
NOUR HAMMOUR Leather gloves from Net-a-porter
Mario Testino. I Love You. A celebration of weddings book from Taschen
Gifts For
Him

Playing Cards with Jessalyn Brooks from Fourth Street
Bocci 118T table light from ECC
The Old Fashioned Ice Sphere Gift Box from Bariletto
Gift Card from Savor Group
Full Body Red Light Mat from Higher Dose
Octagon Cut Millenia Cufflinks From Swarovski
Burgundy Calfskin 6-credit Card Wallet from Cartier
Cabin Essential from Rimowa
Stone Bookends by Tom Dixon from ECC
Fope Vendôme Men’s Flex’it Bracelet from Partridge
Au Départ argyle cigar case from Farfetch
Missoni zigzag-print bathrobe from Farfetch
Christofle Concorde Variations Gold Case from Studio of Tableware
T1 Narrow Hinged Bangle from Tiffany & Co.
Ace High-Top Golf Sneaker from J.Lindeberg
Gucci x HEAD tennis racket from Gucci
Rolex Sky-Dweller from Partridge
Luxe Café Premier Espresso Machine from Ninja
A Man & His Kitchen cookbook from The Nile
Malbon M Wood Cover from Superette
Assouline Rolex collection book from Ligne Roset
Lorne vanity case from R.M. Williams
Ralph Lauren Brennan Clock from Trenzseater
Rose Gold Ring AIR from Ultrahuman
Intrecciato Soft Briefcase from Bottega Veneta
Maison Balzac gobelets from Superette
Reversible belt with rectangular buckle from Gucci
KYOSHO COLLECTION aviator sunglasses from Jacques Marie Mage
Brunello Cucinelli Watch Roll from Mr Porter
Ami De Cœur virgin wool cardigan from Mytheresa
Stoneware Set of 2 Heart Mugs with Saucers from Le Creuset
Matrix bangle from Swarovski
Victorinox Huntsman X Drake Street pocket knife from Superette
Christofle Graphik Silver Cocktail Shaker from Studio of tableware

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Sfera is Northcote’s new modern Italian

There’s a certain clarity that comes through when a restaurant is built by people who already share camaraderie, who aren’t trying to overcomplicate the brief. Sfera, the new Italian bistro now open at Northcote Point, is exactly that: a friends-and-whānau-led project grounded in community, consistency and food that’s meant to be enjoyed often, not over-analysed.

Sfera is the collaboration of childhood friends Matt Ross and Jack Reinsfield, alongside Jack’s mother, Loraine Reinsfield, who previously ran the much-loved Clarence Road Eatery for three years. What began as a conversation about refreshing that space evolved into something more ambitious but still deeply familiar. A long-held dream of opening an Italian restaurant that felt welcoming, reliable and rooted in its neighbourhood.

left to right: Matt Ross, Loraine Reinsfield, Jack Reinsfield, Camille

Jack leads the business as general manager, bringing recent experience from London back home to the family venture. Matt Ross, following the sale of Candela in 2025, takes charge of the kitchen and food direction, joined by Jack’s partner Camille, a recent Le Cordon Bleu graduate. Earlier this year, the core team travelled through Italy on an extended research and development trip, not chasing trends, but absorbing everyday dining culture and letting it quietly inform what Sfera would become.

left: Casarecce Pizza with pork and fennel ragout and fresh chilli. Right: Black tiger prawns with fennel butter and lemon

The menu is intentionally straightforward. Food is brought back to basics, with a focus on seafood, modern Italian sharing plates and fresh handmade pasta, each shape crafted daily from recipes designed for long lunches and generous tables. Pizza is a cornerstone, cooked in a Valoriani wood-fired oven shipped from Florence, striking a balance between Neapolitan softness and Roman structure. With dedicated pizza chef Vinnie producing more than 80 pizzas a day, care and consistency sit at the heart of the offering. Familiar favourites from Candela make a return, reimagined with a lighter, more refined touch.

Left: peach spritz and Limoncello spritz. Right: Te Kouma oysters with orange mignonette

The drinks programme mirrors the same philosophy. Italian-leaning wines inspired by regions such as Umbria and Puglia sit alongside standout New Zealand selections, supported by a short list of classic cocktails done well: limoncello spritz, peach spritz, or a perfectly chilled martini. Nothing fussy. Nothing forced.

The space itself is open, bright, and relaxed, with the pizza oven at the heart of the room. Located on a corner site with sea views and next to the Bridgeway Cinema, Sfera is designed to function as a true neighbourhood staple. Somewhere to bring kids, dogs, friends, family, or simply grab a takeaway pizza on the way home from the beach.

At its core, Sfera is about familiarity and ease. A place people can rely on, return to, and feel part of.

Opening hours:
Wednesday – Sunday
Breakfast 8am – 11.30am
Lunch & Dinner 11.30am – Late

sfera.co.nz

Sfera

124 Queen St
Northcote Point
Auckland

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Andiamo’s Sunday Service is taking care of the back-to-work blues

With our weekly routines returning and the sun finally showing signs of summer, make the most of your weekends by heading to Andiamo for ‘Sunday Service’. Reviving their popular end-of-the-weekend gig, Andiamo presents a very good reason to gather a group for several hours of relaxed revelry, with drink offers, including selected beers and wine for only $10, a regular rotation of DJs each week, and the delicious dining the eatery has long been known for.

Say goodbye to the Monday blues and stretch the weekend to its social limits by having a drink or two, enjoying the tunes — each week brings a new DJ to soundtrack your sunset session with LV this Sunday, followed by Massimo and KTA in the following weeks. As the team at Andiamo suggest, “Light a candle, rally the crew, and say a little prayer… that your Mondays start late.”

Book your spot and join the congregation here.

andiamoeatery.co.nz

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Van Cleef & Arpels Zodiaque medal Aquarii

Signs of the Times/ Celestial Codes

As a child, I would religiously consult the daily newspaper before school to find my horoscope. It was a ritual I relied upon to keep me grounded. Astrology, even then, offered a symbolic language rather than a scientific one, a way of making sense of life’s contradictions, patterns, and moods. By linking human experience to a broader cosmic rhythm, it suggested we were part of something larger, more connected, and perhaps a little more considered.

That fascination never really goes away. It simply matures. Astrology has always been there, quietly advising from the courts of Roman emperors through to our Instagram feeds today. Its modern resurgence feels less about prediction and more about reflection. A framework people increasingly use to understand emotional patterns, relationship dynamics, career instincts, and personal psychology, often alongside therapy rather than instead of it.

Zodiaque necklace Capricorni from Van Cleef & Arpels
Zodiaque medal Piscium from Van Cleef & Arpels
Zodiaque medal Arietis from Van Cleef & Arpels
Zodiaque necklace Virginis from Van Cleef & Arpels

Which is why the return of Zodiaque at Van Cleef & Arpels bracelets and necklaces taps directly into this moment, offering jewellery that feels intimate rather than ornamental. These are not trend pieces, but subtle expressions of identity, worn close to the skin. Astrology has slipped from niche fascination to cultural shorthand. Birth charts are dinner table conversation, zodiac signs a language of self-understanding. These are not pieces designed to declare belief. They sit firmly in the realm of personal codes, jewellery chosen with intention, worn quietly, noticed only by those who understand, translating astrology into modern heirlooms designed to be worn every day.

Zodiaque bracelet Cancri from Van Cleef & Arpels
Zodiaque bracelet Virginis from Van Cleef & Arpels

What makes these pieces feel so relevant now is their restraint. Crafted in a variety of golds, some featuring unique stones, each is refined and quietly luminous. One side depicts the Western zodiac sign in sculptural relief; the other shows its symbol and dates in Roman numerals. Decorative yet discreet, symbolic without being overt, they speak to a desire for jewellery that feels considered rather than performative.

The craftsmanship only deepens that appeal. Each medal is produced using the age-old technique of stamping, requiring up to eight strikes depending on the complexity of the sign. After shaping, the gold is meticulously reworked by hand to achieve a delicate patina, allowing polished three-dimensional motifs to glow against a subtly textured surface. It is a reminder that true luxury is rarely loud. Instead, it reveals itself through touch, movement, and the quiet assurance of something exceptionally well crafted.

Layered beneath it all is history. Zodiac jewellery has appeared in the Maison’s collections since the 1950s, first as gold medals and charms designed to bring good fortune. Over the decades, these celestial symbols have evolved through jewellery and watchmaking, from the bold silhouettes of the 1970s to the poetic astronomy timepieces of more recent years. The new Zodiaque collection feels like a distillation of that lineage, refined for modern life, wearable, personal, and timeless.

Seen through that lens, the Zodiaque pieces become more than jewellery. They feel like a curated lifestyle signal; thoughtful, personal, quietly expressive.  If the stars really do shape who we are, could a zodiac medal be the most elegant way to honour that story, and perhaps the most subtle personal endorsement of your own unique personality?

vancleefarpels.com

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Bar Ziti has the back-to-business welcome we all need

Weather aside, the summer break delivers the sort of indulgent, unscheduled freedom we all need. But now it’s back to the regularly scheduled program, and Bar Ziti is doing what it does best: by making the return to routine more pleasure, less penance. This is the place you regroup with your office family, swap holiday bravado for selective truth, and remember why a great city bar at the right hour is civilisation in liquid form.

Bar Ziti

The Golden Hour hits differently here: with Aperitivo Hour running Monday to Friday, 4–6 pm, it’s perfectly aligned with the after-work drift. Complimentary bites appear without fuss. Ice-cold beers behave. Cocktails take you back to the holidays past, and the wines are chosen with intent. The brief is simple: arrive for one, linger for two, leave feeling human again.

Wagyu cheeseburger and fries
steak frites

By day, Bar Ziti quietly wins the value argument. The $25 Members Lunch is the sort of offer that makes nearby offices stoically loyal. A Wagyu cheeseburger and fries, chicken cotoletta, Margherita pizza, and a proper chicken Caesar. On Fridays, steak frites steps in, and the week concedes defeat. Members pay $25. Everyone else pays more. Which is why becoming a member is an excellent idea.

Chicken Cotoletta

Bar Ziti Club is refreshingly straightforward. It is free. It unlocks drink offers. It quietly racks up points you can redeem without needing a spreadsheet. Download the app, take the win.

Call it a reset. Call it a return. Call it a very good reason to be back at your desk, knowing there is somewhere worth walking to at five. Bar Ziti has the city covered.

savor.co.nz/bar-ziti

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Gucci ambassador Jannik Sinner, Reine & La Rue

Our dinner with Gucci ambassador, Jannik Sinner on the eve of the Australian Open

My husband is a rare human; it takes a lot for me to rattle him, but somehow, this year, I’ve already managed to annoy him just a little. In the middle of our summer family holiday, an invitation arrived from Gucci to an intimate dinner in Melbourne with their Global Brand Ambassador and World No. 2 tennis player, Jannik Sinner, on the eve of the Australian Open. My husband’s love for tennis runs deep, and his admiration for the ‘new guard’ is even deeper, so negotiating my extraction from the family holiday was likely to provoke some hostility.

After a series of logistical gymnastics and marital promises, I arrived in Melbourne, still very much in a holiday state of mind. An hour later, walking into the beautiful heritage building that houses the bar and eatery, Reine & La Rue, on Melbourne’s Collins Street, I was quickly reminded of how lucky I am to be afforded such incredible opportunities.

Claire Sullivan-Kraus and Jannik Sinner

Within 10 minutes of arriving, I was introduced to the man of the evening. Sinner is tall, though not quite as towering as he appears on court, smooth and utterly charming. For a 24-year-old, he’s incredibly comfortable conversing; our discussions went far and wide, from his tennis rivalries and his friendship with World No. 1, c. Rivalries and respect, and how the two coexist. Carlos, he said, is absolutely still an opponent, friendship notwithstanding. It has to be that way. Having just got off a long-haul flight from the northern hemisphere, we moved on to travel, the universal misery of airports, regardless of where you are sitting on the plane, and, for Sinner, his increasing recognisability, creating chaos with eager fans. The upside, it turns out, is that when tournament schedules overlap, he and Carlos now share a private jet. A practical solution, if ever there was one. 

Claire Sullivan-Kraus and Melissa Leong

With a life of constant travel, I was curious whether he had a girlfriend — yes, he does — but he admitted to the challenges of maintaining a relationship while competing at his level of tennis. I offered some unsolicited advice about relationships being all about timing, and him having plenty of time on his side.

Jannik Sinner and models dressed in Demna’s new La Familia Collection for Gucci

We then discussed the uniqueness of tennis, the mental load of the sport, and how much of it is about reading people rather than simply hitting balls. Patterns, habits, instincts. “It’s like chess,” I said. He agreed.

The draw for the Australian Open was being announced the following morning, so I asked if he felt nervous. In what I was beginning to recognise as classic Sinner behaviour, he shrugged it off. “It’s not nerves”, he said, “it’s information”. Once you know who you’re playing, you can work out your strategy. Each opponent brings a different style, a different nuance. The key is outsmarting them while staying true to your own game. I asked about the risk of an early exit, because tennis has a habit of humbling even the best. He laughed. “No problemo.” And with only the semi-finals remaining, things are looking great for an Australian Open final match against his friend and foe, Carlos Alcaraz.

For dinner, Sinner had swapped his tournament uniform for a head-to-toe Gucci look that felt perfectly aligned with him: crisp, controlled, and quietly bold. The kind of elegance that doesn’t announce itself. Fashion is its own discipline, after all; another form of preparation. And this season, Gucci’s mood is unmistakably shifting under Demna, sharper, more referential, more charged, as was apparent upon the bright talent that also joined us for dinner; all wearing the newly released La Familia Collection, now available in boutiques. It’s most definitely a bright new chapter for Gucci, and seeing Sinner wear it, you could feel the point being made: performance and style don’t have to live in different rooms.

Then came the delicious postscript. The announcement that World No. 1 women’s tennis player Aryna Sabalenka, too, is joining the Gucci family is a power move that’s a perfect alignment. Gucci has officially arrived at centre court.

gucci.com

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Savour balmy evenings and sunlit days with our refined outdoor furniture edit

Designed to brave the elements and embrace the spirit of the great outdoors, thoughtfully chosen outdoor furniture has the capacity to transform any space into a sanctuary. From purpose-built modulars to statement-making dining tables that command attention — our outdoor edit invites you to savour balmy summer nights and sunlit days, blending comfort, style, and sophistication for effortless alfresco living.

Saparella outdoor sofa and chair from Ligne Roset

Bringing mid-century modern shapes into the 21st century, Ligne Roset’s Saparella collection echoes back to a groundbreaking design first released in 1965. Clean, curving lines, ergonomic shaping, and modular for versatility, this outdoor set can expand or shrink to fit your space. Key to each collection of chairs is the diavolo, which draws inspiration from the nominal yo-yo, with a conclave design that makes this jigsaw-style sofa slot together seamlessly.

Insula outdoor daybed and sofa by Kettal

Taking inspiration from Arab majlis where low-to-the-ground furniture inspires gathering and a sense of communal communication, the Insula outdoor daybed and sofa by Kettal draws on these elements to create an outdoor set that encourages conviviality. Its architectural structure and roll backrests serve as visual touchpoints, while the versatile design and pieces allow the set to be adapted to your space, from entryways to sprawling terraces.

ION floor lamp and pendant by Rakumba

Outdoor lighting is key to creating a warm and welcoming area that extends your living space long after the sun has set. These ION floor lamps and pendants are the perfect balance between illumination and intrigue. Inspired by Ionic design in classic Greek architecture, each piece features fluted glass colonnades that project warm, ambient light, and serve as an inherent design element, whether illuminated or not.

Regaliz table by Royal Botania

Its slender yet commanding presence transforms any outdoor setting into a scene of quiet sophistication. The Regaliz table pairs a graceful aluminium base with a lustrous flat-ring tabletop, conjuring visual lightness and effortless refinement. Thanks to its modular nature, it accommodates both intimate gatherings and expansive alfresco occasions, while its refined finishes ensure durability against the elements. This sculptural centrepiece bridges functionality witah high design, offering a serene, stylish anchor for contemporary outdoor entertaining.

Bézier Cord outdoor sofa by Minotti

With its flowing silhouette and distinctive cord detailing, the Bézier Cord outdoor sofa by Minotti introduces a sculptural elegance to exterior living. Generous cushions create a sense of ease and indulgence, while the refined craftsmanship and weather-resistant materials ensure durability without compromising on style. Balancing comfort and sophistication, it transforms terraces or garden spaces into luxurious retreats, offering a seamless extension of the home’s interior aesthetic into the outdoors.

Outdoor Collection by Paola Lenti

A masterclass in outdoor elegance, Paola Lenti’s outdoor collection merges sculptural presence with functional luxury. The Sciara table features a glazed lava-stone top, each one unique, set on a sleek stainless-steel frame for a striking yet natural appeal. Complementing the set, the Alma sofa introduces architectural poise with its tonal mesh weave and fluid, open form. Together, they embody the brand’s signature balance of colour, texture, and comfort, creating outdoor settings that feel both serene and unmistakably sophisticated.

Ketch outdoor sofa by Poliform

Defined by nautical-inspired lines and masterful craftsmanship, the Ketch outdoor sofa by Poliform brings refined ease to open-air living. Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, its solid iroko frame and flexible backrest evoke the graceful tension of a sail in motion. Weather-resistant fabrics, recycled padding, and precise stitching ensure durability without compromising on elegance. 

Senja sofa and Lucca lounge chair by Tribù

Soft, modular comfort meets poetic finesse in this outdoor duo by Tribù. The Senja sofa beckons with its deep, cushioning modules and adaptable layout, enhanced by inserts in lava-stone or teak that elegantly anchor relaxed social moments. Complementing it, the Lucca lounge chair boasts serene curves and a woven backrest inspired by calligraphy and craft, delivering an enveloping embrace. Together, they elevate any exterior setting with tranquil sophistication, blending versatility, sculptural grace, and enduring allure.

Obi sofa and armchair by Expormim

With its generous proportions and enveloping curves, the Obi collection by Expormim offers a contemporary take on Mediterranean ease. The sofa and armchair share a sculptural silhouette softened by plush cushioning, balancing artisanal craft with refined comfort. Both pieces invite relaxed living, effortlessly elevating interiors with understated sophistication.

Shop Exterior Essentials
Ottoman outdoor armchair from Ligne Roset
The Others lantern 
by Dedon
from Dawson & Co.
Groove Obround table by Tom Dixon
from ECC
Cesta swivel
lounge chair by Tribù
from Dawson & Co.
Welcome sofa by Paola Lenti from ECC
Oasis round sofa by Flexform from Studio Italia
Saparella outdoor chair from Ligne Roset
ION floor lamp and pendant by Rakumba from ECC
Palma parasol by Royal Botania from ECC
Madame cachet by Tribù from Dawson & Co.
Hampton outdoor daybed by Flexform from Studio Italia
Lettino Sun Lounge by Claudio Dondoli & Marco Pocci from Ligne Roset

Design

This multi-generational home delivers a sense of quiet drama
Arflex’s cult Marenco armchair takes its rightful place outdoors
Sculptural and inherently architectural, Claybrook’s basins and bathtubs set the benchmark

The groundbreaking Oxygen Treatment proven to slow ageing — now available in New Zealand

A long-standing secret weapon of professional athletes, divers and high-performance medical specialists, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is now entering the mainstream, and it may well be one of the most effective longevity tools available today. Auckland Hyperbarics, one of the first dedicated clinics of its kind in the country, is introducing this globally recognised treatment to anyone ready to take a more proactive, data-driven approach to their wellbeing.

At its core, the protocol is elegantly simple: you sit comfortably in a spacious, pressurised chamber for about an hour, breathing 100 per cent oxygen. The experience is calm, not clinical, a moment to pause while your body undertakes a deep biological reset. Under these conditions, oxygen dissolves directly into your blood plasma, allowing it to reach areas of the body that are often undersupplied in everyday life. This enhanced oxygenation triggers a series of regenerative processes, including tissue repair, stimulation of collagen and stem cell production, improved circulation, and reduced inflammation at the cellular level.

While hospitals have used hyperbaric therapy for decades to treat serious wounds and decompression illness, its benefits for everyday health are now backed by impressive scientific evidence. Studies have shown that consistent exposure to hyperbaric oxygen can increase the length of telomeres (the protective ends of our DNA and a biomarker strongly associated with slowing the ageing process) by over twenty per cent. It can also reduce senescent or ‘zombie’ cells, which accumulate as we age and contribute to inflammation, fatigue and disease risk. In simpler terms, it helps the body behave as if it’s younger, allowing it to repair itself more efficiently and perform with greater vitality.

The long-term effects are significant: sharper cognitive function, deeper sleep, faster recovery from exercise, improved skin tone and elasticity, and a general lift in energy and focus that feels both immediate and sustained. By saturating the bloodstream with oxygen, the therapy enhances mitochondrial performance (the energy powerhouses within our cells), meaning every organ, muscle, and system operates with more efficiency. For anyone looking to extend their health span, not just their lifespan, the implications are remarkable.

“ What makes Auckland Hyperbarics particularly exciting is how accessible it has made this once-exclusive treatment available to anyone looking to feel sharper, stronger and more resilient.”

A typical program involves regular sessions, ideally three to five per week over several weeks, to build momentum and activate lasting physiological change. Each session lasts around sixty to ninety minutes, during which you can read, meditate or simply rest. It’s restorative in every sense, offering both measurable biological benefits and an almost meditative escape from the relentless pace of daily life.

What makes Auckland Hyperbarics particularly exciting is how accessible it has made this once-exclusive treatment. This is no longer the domain of Olympic teams or longevity labs in Los Angeles. It’s here, available to anyone looking to feel sharper, stronger and more resilient.

There’s something profoundly satisfying about a therapy that asks so little of you, yet delivers so much. It doesn’t rely on supplements, restrictive diets or willpower, just oxygen, time, and a willingness to invest in the future of your own biology. In an age where we often feel overextended and under-recovered, this might just be the most intelligent form of self-care there is.

auckland-hyperbarics.co.nz

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