We discover the luxurious bespoke facial combining utmost relaxation with visible results

19 Mar 2021

A one-size-fits-all approach to beauty has long been outdated, which makes perfect sense, given we all have different concerns, goals and preferences. This considered, individualised philosophy is what underpins the Sothys Bespoke Facial, a luxurious one hour and fifteen minute treatment designed to offer each recipient exactly the kind of attention their skin needs.

From the moment of arrival, donning a plush robe and slippers, to the in-depth consultation and facial itself, each touchpoint of this treatment is considered for both utmost relaxation, and effectiveness. Taking into account my concerns of slight oiliness and congestion, my therapist Jenny Natividad administered a combination of products to address them, and restore moisture while preserving my skin’s youthfulness.

Starting with the Sothys Comfort milk cleanser and toner, she followed with a slew of products including the Enzymatic Exfoliating Gel, Restructuring Serum, Peel-off Plumping Mask and Smoothing Serum. Finishing with the Multi-Action Eye Contour and Vitality Youth Cream, my skin felt plump and moisturised, with a smooth and even complexion.

I’m sure I dozed off throughout thanks to Natividad’s divine massage prowess, so it’s undeniable that this facial brings new meaning to the term “beauty sleep.”

Sothys Bespoke Facial, 1 hour 15 minutes at Sofitel Spa, Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour.

www.sofitel-auckland.com/sofitel-spa

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This gallery celebrates the illuminated beauty of light-based art

19 Mar 2021

We could all do with some uplifting in these uncertain times, and a new gallery dedicated to exhibiting light-based artworks is aiming to do just that. Illuminating a prime corner spot overlooking the Viaduct Harbour, Lightworx Gallery is the brainchild of Pauline Bianchi.

Left: Gliese by Max Patté. Right: A detail of Monsoon by Max Patté.

The new venture comes just months after she launched her first gallery concept of the same name in Queenstown last September, to much acclaim, not far from her other Artbay Gallery.

“The way people responded was phenomenal — I’d never seen anything like it before,” says Bianchi, “Everyone was commenting on how uplifted and inspired the light works made them feel”. It’s scientifically-proven that light can heal, she says, and certain colours are mood-enhancing, so creating a space dedicated to these positive qualities made perfect sense.

Left: Work by Tim Christie. Right: Work by Shannon Novak.

After seeing the idea work so well in Queenstown, the obvious choice for another location was Auckland — just in time for the America’s Cup. Bianchi is thrilled to bring New Zealand-based artists Max Patté, Tim Christie and Trish Campbell to the fore, all of whom specialise in light-based artworks. As many illuminated art pieces are intended to be displayed in a darkened environment, having a space designed especially to do so, allows them to be seen at their best.

From light sticks that create a meditative, diffused glow to hypnotically geometric shapes that draw in the viewer’s eye, there is huge variation within the world of light-based art, and it has found a fitting home within Lightworx.

Lightworx Gallery Auckland
Shop 1/110 Customs Street West

https://lightworxgallery.co.nz

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We’re holding onto summer a little longer thanks to Louis Vuitton’s exquisite new capsule collection

17 Mar 2021

Nicolas Ghesquière’s latest Louis Vuitton capsule collection is touching down at the fashion house’s Queen Street boutique this Friday 19th of March, and it’s conjuring late-summer sunsets and a sunny disposition thanks to joyfully sorbet-tinged prints and fabrics.

Within the ready-to-wear, relaxed silhouettes reign supreme, with this release embracing a polished spin on leisurewear, resulting in pieces that are both versatile and effortless. A monogram ombré silk sleeveless shirt dress lends a chic yet practical air to daytime dressing, while breezy silk straight-cut trousers are an instant wardrobe staple.

From left: LV Archlight Sneaker; Onethego MM tote

We’re also eyeing up the monogram ombré silk pajama shirt — although, quite frankly, we can see ourselves wearing it more out of bed than in. Trans-seasonal days are easily weathered with the grapefruit gradient bomber jacket, also rendered in 100 percent silk, or the Damier Azur Radzimir hooded parker for fans of a more monochromatic look.

An accessories update will surely be in order thanks to Louis Vuitton’s irresistible new styles of the iconic LV Archlight sneaker — available in special edition pink or blue, these instantly-recognisable shoes are now even more covetable. Fresh pastel shades of the Onthego MM bring a lighter touch to the emblematic tote bag, while

From left: Swarovski Neckline A-Line Mini Dress; Shiny Monogram Floor-Length Skirt

Also available from Friday are select pieces from Ghesquière’s unforgettable Spring/Summer 2021 runway show, which took us back to the future with eighties-inspired silhouettes and technicolour prints. Pieces like the Swarovski neckline A-line mini dress and the shiny monogram floor-length skirt demand a suitably glamorous occasion for their first outing, so we suggest you find one to attend, stat.

www.louisvuitton.com

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Goldfin is the neighbourhood eatery serving up seriously tasty Japanese fare in Remuera

17 Mar 2021

Nestled in a quiet patch of shops near Upland Road in Remuera, Goldfin is a sweet neighbourhood restaurant cooking up tasty, approachable Japanese fare six nights a week. Owned by Jane Kim and Suyoung Jin (known to all as Jin), locals might have seen a few incarnations of Goldfin over the years — initially starting life as Soi restaurant, Goldfin was taken over by the couple in 2018. Earlier this year, Goldfin underwent a rebrand in an effort from its owners to breathe new life into the space, now leaning more towards tastefully elegant rather than overly traditional.

Originally from South Korea, both Jane and Jin have a background working in hospitality and management (including Japanese restaurants) in New Zealand, and the couple has an abiding love for the beautiful simplicity of Japanese cuisine.

“We try to demonstrate our respect for Japanese food, and make it as authentic as possible,” says Jane. Jin’s domain is the kitchen where he creates and oversees the execution of the menu, and Jane looks after diners front of house.

On the menu, you’ll find a range of shareable entrées, salads and sushi rolls, plus sashimi platters, noodle soups and a substantial mains offering. There is also usually a selection of off-menu specials created by Jin — when we visited, these included a tasty soy-glazed confit duck leg, and honey-tender braised pork belly in a savoury broth with vegetables.

Even the small sashimi platter is quite generous, and was superbly fresh when we tried it. Comprising several different types of raw fish (dependent on what’s available), we had snapper, trevally, salmon, tuna, scallops and prawns. The fish is served on a bed of fresh shredded daikon and with freshly grated wasabi — a crucial component, as the stuff from a tube simply doesn’t compare when it comes to this dish.

From the sushi selection, we enjoyed the California Roll; again, it was very fresh, and didn’t taste overly complicated despite its filling of raw salmon, prawn tempura, avocado and tempura green bean, plus a dusting of flying fish roe all around the outside.

Come wintertime, the Goldfin team will also be offering ramen as another off-menu special, and while they’ve thus far avoided doing too much in the way of fusion, they’re open to experimenting with bringing in flavours from their home country here and there, after regulars have encouraged them to do so.

So, should you find yourself in Remuera (or if you’re a local) and are craving some tasty Japanese food made with love, we suggest you get yourself to Goldfin where Jane and Jin will look after you.

Goldfin Japanese Cuisine
596 Remuera Road,
Remuera

www.goldfinremuera.business.site/

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Craving hot cross buns? Created by a dedicated pastry chef, these gourmet treats are seriously hitting the spot

12 Mar 2021

‘Tis the season for some of our favourite treats of the entire year. We’re talking, of course, about hot cross buns; those delectably spicy, fruit-filled, bread-centric delights that ferry a generous spreading of butter most deliciously into our mouths.

Not all hot cross buns are created equal, but luckily the competition is stiff in Auckland with many bakeries and restaurants turning out topnotch buns annually.

New to the hot cross bun landscape are these from The Pantry at Park Hyatt Auckland, and we can vouch that they are scrumptious indeed. Created by Callum Liddicoat (Executive Chef, Pastry), there are two options on offer — one to appeal to those who prefer something more mild and savoury, and one that is more sweet and decadent.

Traditional hot cross buns from The Pantry at Park Hyatt Auckland

“Across my 21-year career as a pastry chef, I’ve tried and baked many different hot cross buns around the world at Easter,” says Liddicoat. “Using the very best ideas from these recipes and tastings, I’ve curated my own signature hot cross buns.”

His recipe combines the best aspects of a brioche and a milk bun to result in a bread that is marvellously light and not too dense. The traditional flavour contains raisins and all spice of course, however they have a lower fruit ratio than some others we’ve seen which makes them perfect for those who love the taste of hot cross buns but aren’t huge fans of dried fruit. They do also feature added lemon zest and citrus peel, plus Liddicoat adds freshly ground tonka beans which imparts a marzipan kick. The final delicious touch is The Pantry’s house-made butter, whipped with mānuka honey and sea salt.

After meeting the founder of Mahurangi-based chocolatier Foundry Chocolate, Liddicoat knew he wanted to work with the company and Easter provided the perfect opportunity. The Pantry’s chocolate hot cross buns are just the right amount of rich thanks to The Foundry’s Vanuatu signature chocolate, plus orange zest and tonka beans. They are flecked with crystallised ginger and Liddicoat says this bun is best served toasted with Lewis Road Creamery’s Artisan Sea Salt Butter — we happen to agree.

Baked fresh daily, these buns are available to purchase individually at The Pantry, or can be bought by the half-dozen in person or online at The Pantry’s online cake shop. While Easter might still be a couple of weeks away, we’re of the mind that it just gives us more time to toast and eat as many of these delicious buns as we can get our hands on.

www.parkhyattauckland.com

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Here are five dishes we simply can’t resist from one of Auckland’s most delectable destinations

12 Mar 2021

Since it opened last year, Commercial Bay has fast become a firm favourite dining destination thanks to its formidable selection of both casual and refined bars and eateries. From ingenious snacks to plant-based burgers, here are the dishes we just can’t get enough of.

Dry aged Peking duck breast, carrot, cherry and pomegranate from The Lodge Bar & Dining
This delicious duck is aged for 21 days, and flavoured with sweet fruity accents for a dish that lends a moreish and delectable depth of flavour.

Tahr tartare, summer flower and fermented hot sauce from Ahi
A snack we keep returning to time after time, these morsels are the perfect way to kick off a meal at Ahi, comprising finely diced tahr and fermented hot sauce on small, undulating choux pastries.

Soft shell crab, XO vinaigrette, buttermilk and leek oil from Gochu
This dish centres on tasty soft shell crab with a crispy outer and tender, sweet meat inside. Drizzled in a spicy Korean XO pork, balanced with the richness and acidity of buttermilk and pickled onions, it’s a flavour bomb we’d gladly gobble any night of the week.

Handmade sauced pork buns from Sunnytown
Sunnytown’s sauced pork buns are something special. Made fresh daily, these buns have a rich, deeply savoury pork filling that oozes from the centre when they’re pulled apart, pillowy and steaming.

Crispy fried chick burger from Wise Boys
Containing no actual chicken, you won’t know this is actually a plant-based beauty thanks to Wise Boys’ original recipe crispy fried ‘chicken’. It’s paired with tangy slaw, vegan cheese, pickles, their signature vegan aioli and sriracha mayo, all inside a toasted bun.

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The latest product from this cult New Zealand beauty brand is adding much-needed glow to our daytime beauty routine

12 Mar 2021

Continuing in its (very successful) mission to offer incredible products for each aspect of our skincare routines, cult New Zealand beauty brand Emma Lewisham has proudly added a daytime moisturiser to its repertoire. The Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème is both luxurious and lightweight, formulated with brightening properties front and centre in order to impart an unparalleled glow, hydration and plumpness to the skin’s complexion.

It joins the ranks of the high-performance Illuminating range, acting as the perfect following step from the Illuminating Oil Cleanser and the Illuminating Exfoliant. “We believe in creating fewer products that have a plethora of skin health benefits,” explains founder Emma Lewisham. “It’s pivotal to us that each new product has a specific purpose.”

Having been inundated with requests from many ardent fans of the brand for a day cream formulated without SPF, the team commenced rigorous research, development and consumer study regimes, and the result is nothing short of excellent.

In-keeping with Emma Lewisham’s ethos of 100 percent natural yet scientifically-backed skincare, the Day Crème is shown through in vitro testing to rebuild the skin’s natural collagen production synthesis — at a cellular level. This is crucial, given collagen is what gives our skin its bounce, strength and elasticity, the production of which naturally decreases as we age.

The first thing to notice on application is the Day Crème’s rich and almost iridescent particles, which impart a light-catching glow to the skin. This is thanks to the brightening synergy of Acerola (Barbados Cherry) and Kakadu plum; both of which are potent natural vitamin C extracts.

A blend of AHAs, including caviar lime and lime pearl, and BHA willow bark, work to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, revealing a radiant and healthy complexion. Additionally, to bolster all of these high-performance ingredients, Brighten Your Day Crème contains Saccharide Isomerate, which replenishes and maintains the skin barrier’s moisture reserves for up to 72-hours — no dry patches here.

In-keeping with Emma Lewisham’s eco-friendly ethos, the Day Crème is also available in a new circular-designed refillable jar. Customers have the option to buy refillable Day Crème pods, and send back empty pods for sterilisation and repurposing, or recycling, at no expense through the Emma Lewisham Beauty Circle.

After a six-week consumer study led by the brand, comprising 50 participants of all ages, ethnicities and skin types, 90 percent said the Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème enhanced their skin’s glow, and 86 percent said it improved their skin’s hydration.

When applied daily after cleansing and before SPF, it’s easy to see why Emma Lewisham is one of our most sought-after beauty brands. From the first swipe of radiance-bestowing formula, we’re sure you’ll be just as hooked on this new product as we are.

www.emmalewisham.com

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Etiquette 101: How to apply sunscreen to someone you don’t know well

12 Mar 2021

The sun is shining and you’re set to soak up all the sailing action, be it on the water or on land. You’ve picked a regatta-worthy outfit and even brushed up on boat etiquette to ensure you’re the perfect guest on board — so you’re feeling pretty prepared. That is until your mate’s uncle asks for some help applying some SPF. Sun safety is important, so who are you to refuse? Find below four golden rules to navigate the often awkward task of slathering a stranger in sunscreen.

1. Wait until you’re asked. Don’t stand around with sunscreen on your hands waiting awkwardly to find willing participants.

2. Do not apply the sunscreen directly to their back. Instead, put it on your hands before rubbing it in. Be sure not to miss any spots.

3. Keep talking while you do it. There’s nothing creepier than someone silently rubbing your back. Ask politely if they would like anywhere else covered.

4. Leave the front of their body to them — unless, of course, they request it.

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12 Mar 2021

No one likes a bore, especially if they’re stuck on a boat with them for four hours. It’s time to up your game and leave a decent, lasting impression with these simple tips for upping the interest factor.

1. Listen more than you talk.

2. If you notice yourself getting bored with your own conversation, stop talking. Just smile and move on.

3. To make sure small talk isn’t snore-worthy, try to stray from the path of conventional conversation topics (but not too far). Have you discovered anything fascinating recently, or read an interesting news story? Make a mental note and you could spark an intriguing discussion.

4. Practice active listening. Without going too overboard, active listening involves staying engaged with your conversation partner by nodding, making eye contact, using verbal cues like “I see”, and “really?”, and resisting interrupting or stating your opinion until they’ve finished speaking.

5. Don’t make assumptions. When asking questions, try to leave them open-ended rather than following up with a comment too quickly. People’s answers might surprise you.

6. Let people talk over you. Rather than thinking of it as rude, think of it as a valuable assist.

7. Whatever you do, don’t mention you’re an influencer.

8. If all else fails, limit stories to the last five minutes of your life — the weather, the sailing, the quality of the boat, the fact you’re not paying for the day.

For more tips, tricks and must-know information about the Cup, discover our Sailing Regatta section.

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Find spritzes, snacks and stunning views at Lobster & Wagyu’s Aperol Afternoons

10 Mar 2021

After a week at home, we’re more than ready to get out and about once more, supporting our favourite local venues and enjoying the privilege of drinking and dining somewhere outside those same four walls.

Perfect timing then, for an event such as this: In the spirit of keeping the summer mood humming for as long as possible, Lobster & Wagyu has joined forces with everyone’s favourite drink mixer, Aperol, for a five week DJ series, featuring Aperol Spritzes galore and delicious Lobster & Wagyu bites, all soundtracked by some of the best beat-maestros in town.

Starting this Thursday 11th March, Aperol Afternoons at Lobster & Wagyu will take place every Thursday and Friday from 4pm until 8pm (with complimentary aperitivo bites from 4pm until 5:50pm). On the food menu, expect the likes of lobster croquettes with citrus mayonnaise; tomato bruschetta bites with salsa verde; cheeseburger sliders and a tiered platter featuring a selection of all the tasty aperitivo snacks.

This event is bound to be popular, so if you’d like to soak in the iconic harbour views from the Seafarers rooftop, and let DJ Frank Booker and friends provide upbeat ambience while you sip on a Spritz and indulge in scrumptious bites Lobster & Wagyu, we suggest you make a booking.

Book a table for Aperol Afternoons at Lobster & Wagyu on the Seafarers website here.

www.seafarers.co.nz/lobster-wagyu/

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