When imagining the design of our bedrooms, the devil is in the detail when it comes to turning a room into a sanctuary. Luxurious illumination, considered tactility, and personal touches combine to calming effect in a thoughtful boudoir, resulting in a sumptuous spot for rest and relaxation.
Somehow it’s almost July, and the Northern Hemisphere summer has officially kicked off, calling us to leave our dreary winter behind in search of greener (and warmer) pastures. As such, we thought it an opportune time to round up some of the newer luxury hotels in Europe in six of our favourite destinations, from France and Italy to The Netherlands, with concise packing edits to accompany each spot. If you’ve been considering adding a luxurious stay to your vacation hit list this year, consider this a sign.
In Kalafati, Mykonos, lies the Cali Mykonos Hotel, a luxurious resort that pays homage to nature and hospitality. The resort’s suites and villas are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding natural landscape. Guests can bask in the ancient stream beds, take in the breathtaking sea views, and unwind on the beach, lost in the tranquil beauty of the ocean. The resort provides an exclusive hideaway where luxury feels innate and inescapable, and acts as a gateway to the beauty of the Greek Islands with exclusive access to yacht cruises and wellness experiences.
The grandeur of this hotel is evident from the moment you step into its luxurious lobby. The interiors exude elegance and sophistication, with the designer’s respect for the former owners apparent in every nook and cranny of the 5-star hotel in Amsterdam’s Oosterpark. Rooms are a harmonious blend of contemporary and opulence, and the exclusive living area is the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the surrounds. Here, culinary delights are aplenty, with fine dining at VanOost Restaurant, contemporary dishes inspired by French and Italian cuisine at Spring Cafe Brasserie, and a mixology experience at Fitz’s Bar. A luxurious haven in Amsterdam, offering an otherwise serene stay in this sometimes sordid city.
Purporting to help guests ‘experience Milan at its most authentic’, Portrait Milano exemplifies everything we adore about this chic Italian city. In Milan’s fashion district, the luxurious hotel stands out for its quintessential Italian hospitality, meticulous attention to detail and personalised service for each guest. Housed in one of Europe’s oldest seminaries, the hotel offers an intimate and tranquil oasis with exclusive boutiques and gourmet experiences. The 73 suites and rooms feature classic Italian design with sumptuous materials. Overlooking the city’s largest public square in the fashion district, the former seminary’s wellness area offers a spa, gym, and swimming pool, making this historic structure a hub of hospitality, entertainment and culture.
Nestled in the heart of Puligny-Montrachet, Como Le Montrachet boasts inimitable hospitality, elegant dining and excellent service. The 19th-century inn, situated in the prestigious Côte-d’Or wine region of Burgundy, features restful and luxurious suites named after various traditional French village homes. At the hotel restaurant, the esteemed chef creates authentic French cuisine from the finest local produce, while the sommeliers recommend wine pairings from an extensive list befitting of the region.
Home to Britain’s grand Old War Office, the Whitehall building has hosted some of the great leaders and espionage missions in the country’s history. Yet with a new lease of life, Raffles London is a destination that is worthy of the building’s history. Sporting 120 new rooms and suites, alongside nine world-class dining destinations, Raffles offers the ultimate authentic London experience.
In the foothills of the Tramuntana Mountains, the newly restored 5-star hotel, Son Net, awaits. Its private Majorcan estate dates back to 1672 and is just a 15-minute drive from Palma. The creators of the award-winning Andalusian hideaway, Finca Cortesin, are behind this project. With only 31 suites, Son Net offers elegant, palatial architecture paired with tastefully transformed interiors. Preserving many original features, including rustic beams, stone floors, and antique fireplaces, the property spans 57,000m2 and includes multiple pools, an ecological vegetable and herb garden, small farm, private vineyard and curated private art collection. The dramatic backdrop of the Tramuntana Mountains is perfect for walkers and hikers, and the food here is all locally sourced.
With a wintery long weekend on the horizon, we are faced with the question of what to watch. From captivating and comedic series to thrilling new movies, these are the latest releases that should be on your radar.
Coming soon to cinemas
This action-packed sequel to the 1996 disaster epic promises a roller-coaster ride of twists and turns, as a stellar ensemble cast (starting Daisy Edgar-Jones, Golden Globe nominee Anthony Ramos, and Glen Powell), each with disparate objectives, find themselves squarely in the paths of multiple storm systems converging over central Oklahoma, in the fight of their lives.
Watch now on Netflix
The Hit Man tale gets a reimaging in this new noir comedy take from director Richard Linklater, co-written by and starring Glen Powell (Set It Up, Top Gun: Maverick). Loosely inspired by an unbelievable true story, Hit Man sees a straight-laced professor adopting a killer alter ego (and alternate life) as a fake hit man, leading him down a murky path. He meets his match in a client who steals his heart and weaves a tangled web of deception and delight.
Watch now on Apple TV+
With a star-studded ensemble cast led by Jake Gyllenhaal (who also executive produces), Presumed Innocent is based on the New York Times bestselling novel of the same name by Scott Turow. Gyllenhaal dazzles in the lead role of chief deputy prosecutor Rusty Sabich, as the eight-part series takes viewers on a suspenseful journey as a horrific murder upends the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s office, with one of its own suspected of the crime. Exploring themes of obsession, sex and politics with gripping intensity, Presumed Innocent calls into questions the power and limits of love.
Watch now on Netflix
Oscar-nominee Benedict Cumberbatch stars in Eric, a propulsive thriller set against the intoxicating backdrop of 1980s New York. Vincent (Cumberbatch), a renowned puppeteer, faces his worst nightmare when his son disappears on the way to school and, blinded by grief, is driven to the depths of despair and darkness. As he battles inconceivable demons, his only hope lies in his son’s drawings of Eric the puppet. Created by Abi Morgan, this six-part series promises a gripping journey of desperation and determination.
Watch now on Disney+
The long-awaited TV adaptation of Candice Carty-Williams’s bestselling book of the same name, Queenie brings the furiously funny, moving, and at times devastating tale to life, set against the vibrant backdrop of south London. Queenie’s central character, a 25-year-old Jamaican-British woman whose life starts to unravel when she takes a break from her long-term boyfriend, navigates life as an under-represented millennial in the present day, explored through themes of identity and politics, love and friendship, family and community, and, at its heart, how our values shape our lives.
Watch now on Netflix
Fear not, loyal watchers, the second part of Bridgerton‘s third season continues this winter, as Penelope’s growing presence in the ‘ton’ (a result of Colin’s lessons) makes it all the more difficult to keep her Lady Whistledown alter ego a secret.
Watch now on Neon
Set to dominate screens and cultural chatter for a second year running, Game of Thrones’ successor, House of Dragon is back with the shocking intensity we’ve come to know and love. As the Targaryen civil war rages on, the conflict known as the Dance of the Dragons takes on new life, with old and new cast members (and dragons) ushering in the gripping second chapter of this atmospheric thrill-ride.
The rising of the Pleiades (or Matariki) star cluster above Aotearoa’s winter sky marks the beginning of the Māori lunar new year — a time to gather with community to celebrate new beginnings while honouring the past. Matariki is an opportunity for fresh inspiration, creativity, a shift in perspective, and a chance to start anew.
As has become tradition, once again, the vibrant Viaduct Harbour has unveiled an immersive lighting installation in acknowledgement of this year’s Matariki ki te Manawa celebrations. Conceived by London-based Kiwi creative director Tuhirangi Blair (Ngāti Whātua, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa) in collaboration with lauded local installation artist Angus Muir, the immersive display offers a creative exploration of the Māori concept of timekeeping through celestial navigation.
Dubbed Puanga, the installation sits as a simple but captivating cube structure within Viaduct Harbour’s Market Square, catching refractions of light as it bounces directly off a dichroic render in a stunning interplay of movement and colour. Once inside, viewers are taken on a kaleidoscopic journey of sight and sound, transported to the depths of the cosmos as internal mirrors distort time and space while multitudes of light reflect off every surface — the experience heightened by a luscious soundscape to evoke the essence of Puanga’s narrative.
The story behind the creative work is one of magnitude and meaning, delving into the nuances of celestial storytelling in a captivating and informative way. “While Matariki (Pleiades) is widely recognised as the signifier of the new year, Puanga (Rigel) held significance for certain iwi (tribes) in the far north, Chatham Islands, parts of the west coast, and much of the South Island,” Blair tells us, “This wasn’t a rejection of Matariki, but rather a nuanced system where stars like Puanga, Tautoru (Orion’s Belt), and Pipiri (Canopus) worked together. For Ngāti Whātua (mana whenua of the Tāmaki Makaurau and Kaipara area), Puanga held particular importance.”
“Known as Puanga Kakaho (Puanga the Fair Haired), this star embodies a captivating yet contentious narrative,” Blair continues, “She desires to be the sole herald of the new year, constantly adorning herself to attract Tama-nui-te-rā (the Sun) and rise beside him in the month of Pipiri.”
Captured to striking effect within the cube’s four walls, the tale is given life via the shell which mimics the star’s colourful spectrum, the mirrored walls evoking themes of vanity, and the expansive LED light illuminating the narrative as it sits as a dazzling display vying for attention, mirroring Puanga’s efforts to outshine Matariki.
Viaduct Harbour stands as a beacon of creativity at the heart of Auckland’s urban landscape — the unveiling of Puanga only further solidifying the precinct as one of the city’s most important hubs of cultural connection.
Have a hankering for hand-pulled noodles? Craving juicy dumplings? Here in Auckland, a world-class Chinese food scene awaits to satisfy any and all cravings. Spanning a vast range of sub-cuisines, these eateries offer a delicious portal to a plethora of China’s regions and the delicious dishes that distinguish them. From hidden gems to beloved haunts, these are the best Chinese eateries in Auckland — in no particular order.
Location: Viaduct Harbour, Auckland CBD
When it comes to Auckland’s yum cha scene, Viaduct Harbour’s Grand Harbour is an institution that has been a firm favourite among our Chinese community for two decades. It has cultivated a loyal following of customers and a strong reputation for being home to some of the best dim sums in town, with over 80 different varieties to choose from. For more delicious yum cha inspiration, discover our definitive guide to the best in town.
Location: Dominion Road, Mount Eden
This place is one of Dominion Road’s hidden gems and one that hasn’t failed us yet. Wang Wang Spring Pancake specialises in pancake wraps, similar to the ones used for Peking duck. But here, diners are given the freedom to order whatever meats and vegetables they want to fill their pancakes with. We recommend the cumin lamb and shredded potato as well as the chicken and corn dumplings.
Location: Jervois Road, Herne Bay
Since we’re on the topic of Peking duck, we couldn’t forget to mention Empress Garden. There’s no place that serves this delicacy quite like the Herne Bay favourite, starting from the heavenly crispy skin to the succulent, rich and fatty duck meat. The Yeung Chow fried rice is another Empress Garden staple that sees a medley of pork and shrimp woven into a bed of deliciously fluffy rice.
Location: Britomart, Auckland CBD
From the clever team behind Cafe Hanoi, located in the old 1885 Basement, Ghost Street has fast become a firm favourite for its menu of rustic, seasonal Chinese dishes from throughout the country, with a particular emphasis on those from the western cities of Chengdu, the provincial capital of Sichuan, and Xi’an. Following Krishna Botica and Tony McGeorge’s formula of combining Asian cuisine with a Western-style beverage offering, Ghost Street is an elevated yet approachable eatery that we can’t get enough of.
Locations: Auckland CBD, Rosedale, Northcote, Balmoral, Howick and Panmure
You have hand-pulled noodles and then you have Xi’An Food Bar’s hand-pulled noodles. Boasting a texture that’s chewier and bouncier than any other noodles we have ever come across, Xi’An is our go-to spot when we’re craving a bowl of comfort. The hand-pulled noodles with Xi-An style braised pork, otherwise known as the number 37, sees saucy, spicy pork alongside thick noodles, a match made in heaven.
Location: Dominion Road, Mount Eden
Renowned for its spicy chicken casserole (Xinjiang Style Chicken) with hand-pulled noodles, served as a portion size that is large enough to feed a village, GoGo Music Cafe makes for a perfect dinner spot for a large group. Not to mention, the skewers go down an absolute treat with a bottle of refreshing Tsingtao beer.
Location: SkyCity, Auckland CBD
The brainchild of well-known chef Nic Watt, Huami is SkyCity’s sophisticated Chinese restaurant that bridges the traditional and the modern. Go with the family for one of the best yum cha offerings in town, or take advantage of Huami’s a la carte menu for lunch or dinner.
Locations: Auckland CBD, Mt Eden, Albany and Somerville
Although Shaolin Kung Fu gained its popularity for its noodles and dumplings which are undoubtedly delicious, it’s the sautéed eggplant in spicy garlic that has us returning time and time again. The eggplant is so tender that it melts in the mouth and is glazed in a delectable sticky sauce that boasts rich notes of garlic and a subtle sweetness that tastes even better when mixed into a bowl of fluffy steamed rice.
Location: Teed Street, Newmarket
With 45 years of experience up their sleeve, Newmarket stalwart Pearl Garden never fails to deliver the goods. While you can count on the prawn toast, prawn and chive dumplings and steamed pork buns to satisfy your savoury cravings, it’s the golden custard buns that have been crowned Pearl Garden’s must-try dish. Gooey yet not overly sweet, the custard filling is sure to have you coming back for more.
Location: Sandringham Road, Sandringham
Tucked in a small pocket of shops at the far end of Sandringham Road, Tianze might be no-frills but we come back time and time again for its food. Go with a group, so you can try the mapo tofu, green beans (both available vegetarian on request), fried dumplings, cucumber salad, and crispy fried chicken in hot chilli sauce. Another favourite if you’re feeling more adventurous is the jellyfish and Chinese cabbage salad — a deliciously cooling and vinegary contrast to any hotter, saltier dishes.
Location: Lake Road, Takapuna
Taking dan dan noodles to brand new heights is the North Shore’s Basu Lounge. What makes Basu’s dan dan noodles so special is the inclusion of thick and creamy peanut sauce which mixes into the chilli and lends a harmonious balance to the spice. Dumplings are also a speciality of Basu’s.
Location: New North Road, Kingsland
You can’t call yourself an Aucklander if you haven’t been to a BYO at Kingsland’s Canton Cafe. The ambience is fun and lively and most importantly, the food is on point. Showcasing a huge variety of meat, seafood, vegetables, rice and noodles, there’s something for everyone at Canton, but make sure to order the iconic black chilli prawns.
Locations: Commercial Bay, Mt Eden, Newmarket, Albany, Henderson and Eastridge
With outposts in Commercial Bay and at the city end of Dominion Road, Eden Noddles is the definition of an institution and a stalwart of Auckland’s dining scene. The 2022 Hospo Heroes winner of the Cheap & Cheerful category is a household name across Auckland, adored by those who appreciate the authentic art of hand-pulled noodles and the crafting of their famous and undeniably delectable dumplings. If you are yet to try the wonder of Eden Noodles, consider this a sign to do so now.
Location: Queen Street, Central Auckland
Home to the sauciest, most scrumptious BBQ pork bun in the city, Sunny Town could not go unmentioned in this list. You can see the chefs kneading and rolling the dough for the buns and their efforts sure do translate in flavour. Steamed only seconds before arriving at your table, although it’s hard to refrain, we suggest you take it slow to avoid any mouth burns from the juicy pork filling.
Location: Dominion Road, Mount Eden
The boneless chilli chicken from Spicy House is arguably the most addictive dish on our dining scene. The lightly battered pieces of tender chicken are seasoned with a special mixture of different spices, as well as a light touch of sugar that makes the palate dance from sweet and savoury and keeps you going back for more.
Locations: Viaduct Harbour and Newmarket
Serving an epic fusion of Western and Asian cuisine, White + Wongs is renowned for its Chinese roast duck and selection of baos and dumplings, becoming a quick favourite of Aucklanders as well as garnering a strong South Island following for its Queenstown outpost. With two Auckland locations — one in Newmarket’s Westfield dining precinct and one in Viaduct Harbour, this institution never fails to deliver on flavour, and has all of the bases covered for a family-friendly meal.
Location: Saint Johns Road, St Johns
Bamboo Kitchen is the creation of Norman Ah Num and his family who had always dreamed of being able to serve freshly crafted ‘Kiwi’ Chinese food to the surrounding community. With 40 years’ experience in cooking, and a menu made up largely of ‘mum’s’ recipes, Bamboo Kitchen serves up some of the best Chinese in town. Alongside the classics, you’ll find a fusion of Asian cuisines on offer — from Malaysian to Thai and Indonesian, all of which are delicious, but it’s the foo yoong, traditional chow mein, and sweet and sour pork that we can’t go past.
Location: Ponsonby Central, Ponsonby
Modern Chinese with an Island Breeze is what you’ll find at Ponsonby Central institution, The Blue Breeze Inn. Known for their exceptional dumplings, exceptional baos, and traditional Peking duck, here, you’ll find an elevated, modern take on the Chinese food we all know and love, served alongside some of the best drinks in town.
Locations: Mount Eden and Milford
Another Auckland institution when it comes to delicious, entirely satisfying Chinese fare, Barilla Dumpling serves up some of the juiciest, most moreish dumplings in town, alongside a comprehensive menu of traditional and inventive dishes that are sure to satisfy your Chinese cravings. From wonton soup to delicious shao-mai, sizzling black pepper beef, fried noodles and more, Barilla ticks all of the boxes and more, making a strong case for branching out from your go-to.
Location: Auckland CBD and Mount Wellington
Biang Biang noodles are a Northwestern Chinese specialty, hailing from Shaanxi Province. The Xi’an province is known for its particular food preparation style which sees simple ingredients prepared in elaborate ways, creating interesting and novel flavour combinations and dishes. At Biang Biang’s two outposts (one on Queen Street, one in Mount Wellington), you’ll find flavourful, hand-pulled noodles in all manner of variations, served alongside hot and sour soups, specialty dumplings, and ‘rougamo’ — a pasty stuffed with spiced meats and vegetables.
Locations: Auckland CBD and Newmarket
Offering a novel dining experience, Guangzhou Hotpot invites guests to embrace the Cantonese hot pot style of eating and prepare their own meal at the table in a simmering pot of soup. In this shared eating experience, you’ll cook raw ingredients like meat, seafood, and vegetables in a boiling broth at the centre of the table, with the option to customise the broth and accompanying sauces to your particular tastes.
Location: Mount Eden Road, Mount Eden
Showcasing the rich tapestry of regional Chinese flavours, from the fiery spices of Sichuan to the delicate subtleties of Northern cuisine, each dish at this Mount Eden go-to is crafted with passion, using only the finest and freshest ingredients — offering a modern take on traditional Chinese fare in a setting that blends X.
Practical and chic, a cosy coat is an enduring luxe look, and as we look to our wardrobes for cold-weather solutions that don’t compromise a well-considered outfit, a plush jacket stands above the rest for its timeless style and textural quality. So why not unleash your inner animal?
With a range of health benefits, the ancient practice of yoga has long been an essential part of our exercise routines. Whether it’s a sweat session you’re seeking, or a moment of soulful solitude, our city offers an abundance of studios that cater to a range of needs. And as we settle into winter with health top of mind, there has never been a better time to trial Auckland’s best yoga studios.
Location: Newmarket
Encouraging mindful movement even as the heart rate soars, Sweat Yoga’s offering is loved city-wide, with both yoga and pilates working in tandem to give its dedicated disciples a varied schedule. Founded by teacher and Bikram convert Bruce Simons, this studio has been built on the belief that yoga can change your life. Sweat’s classes, including vinyasa and HIIT pilates, promise to bring the heat this season.
Location: Grey Lynn
The Scrap Yard’s beloved Basecamp has built itself a dedicated following, not just because of its architecturally designed fit-out or close proximity to Ozone Coffee Roasters (for a post-session brunch), but because of its unique approach to many styles of yoga. We particularly love the Thursday evening Yin and Nidra class for the ultimate zen movement, and Friday’s post-work restore session with the addition of Reiki. Bliss,
Location: Grey Lynn
Connecting body to breath, and beyond, Eastwest Yoga celebrates a variety of modern and traditional yoga, from vinyasa and ashtanga to kirtan and meditation. Founded by mother-daughter duo, Sheryn Gieck and Amelia McCombie, the goal of every welcoming, well-balanced class is to find inner calm.
Location: Ponsonby
While Ponsonby’s Sala prides itself on being more than simply a yoga studio — and it truly is — yoga forms the core of its offering, and it truly is second to none. Sarah’s highly sought-after classes combine challenging poses with profound mindfulness to push you to better your body and soul, and the Reformer Flow classes offer the perfect balance of strengthening and lengthening. You can also book in a sauna for an extra health boost pre- or post-class.
Location: Takapuna
For those seeking solace on the North Shore, Takapuna’s Flourish Yoga is an uplifting destination with the intention to work out mind, body and spirit. Each teacher has been carefully selected for their contribution to Flourish’s ethos, where an intimate space for connection is held in the highest regard. What we love about this space is the short walk to nearby Slöwe Studio, where you can continue your wellbeing practices with a restorative sauna.
Location: Queen Street
Located smack bang in the heart of the city, Hot Yoga Works is a dedicated space devoted to hot yoga and pilates, offering city-dwellers a place to find sanctuary amid the hustle and bustle of city life. The purpose-built studio has a sophisticated temperature-controlled heating system to keep the room at optimal heat, with fresh air circulation and a consistent temperature to give you the best possible workout. The heat fast-tracks all the benefits of your practice, increasing strength and flexibility.
Location: Newmarket
Centred on community, Begin Wellness offers a number of unique classes that inspire meditative movement. From Tibetan sound healing to solo Latin dance-inspired classes, to more traditional practices, here, there truly is something for everyone — offering a novel experience.
Location: Takapuna
Those dwelling on the shore would do well to add a class at the newly reopened Golden Yogi to your weekly wellness routine. Celebrating the fact that everyone is unique and in a different place or space in their life, this welcoming spot offers a wide range of styles — from more traditional Vinyasa and Hatha practices to Pilates fusion, pregnancy-specific classes, and even a bespoke class crafted with teenagers in mind.
Location: Remuera
Not your typical yoga studio, OYF offers a unique variety of 45 and 60-minute group yoga and fitness fusion classes with intense cardio and core workouts, balance training, flexibility and strengthening, complimented by deep breathing, relaxation and a calming of the mind all in state of the art FAR Infrared heat therapy.
Location: Hobsonville
For those wanting to practice yoga out west, Hobsonville’s Kanuka Yoga Space is a welcoming, light-filled studio offering classes influenced by Vinyasa, Hatha and Yin. Here, alongside all of the regular classes, teachers offer a unique fusion of yogalates, bringing together both the strength of pilates and the relaxation of yoga — a perfect pairing for fitness enthusiasts.
Location: Grey Lynn
This suburban studio offers all the makings of a blissful yoga experience. Here, classes draw from traditional Hatha and Vinyasa practices — offering a moment of reprieve from many of the sweat-styled classes found around the city. What we truly adore, however, is the Kundalini yoga sessions, that bring together elements of mantra, breath and meditation alongside movement.
Location: Remuera
This yoga space in Remuera offers a refined schedule that considers all the needs of its students. Contemporary Yoga classes merge the Eastern and Western schools of thought, to offer a highly individualised approach to the practice that meets our modern needs.
Location: Matakana
While The Space may be a little further afield, this Matakana studio is the perfect place to drop into for a class over the weekend or while you’re away at the bach. Bringing together the foundations of yoga, meditation, and pilates, the approach to movement is unique, but one that has garnered a dedicated following.
The Royal New Zealand Ballet is presenting a spectacular trio of ballets for its 2024 winter season showcase. Solace: Dance to feed your soul, in association with Ryman Healthcare, will light up stages in Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch from the 1st to the 17th of August, with work by three of the world’s most innovative and celebrated artists, Wayne McGregor (Britain), Sarah Foster-Sproull (Aotearoa New Zealand) and Alice Topp (Australia).
RNZB Artistic Director Ty King-Wall says, “I’m looking forward with such anticipation to our Solace season, in which our dancers and audiences alike will experience the incredible capacity of dance as a language for diversity of expression, and the unbelievable physical capacity of the human body for movement.”
Wayne McGregor’s Infra, from the Latin word for ‘below’, delivers an illuminating portrait of city life. This abstract ballet delves beneath the surface to present a moving mediation on human interactions. Infra, which premiered at the Royal Opera House in London in 2008, features twelve dancers moving through solos, duets, and ensembles, accompanied by Max Richter’s elegiac score, which mixes melancholy string melodies with electronic sounds.
Sarah Foster-Sproull’s To Hold is her fifth original work for the RNZB. It explores the intricate wonders of the human form: shape shifting, endlessly inventive. Eden Mulholland’s score adds a powerful sense of primal transformation, pushing and pulling the dancers through the space. The work is enhanced by costumes designed by Donna Jefferis, whose pieces draw inspiration from the high-fashion tailoring and pleated designs of Issey Miyake, elegantly framing the body while supporting the complex choreographic structures.
Completing the programme is High Tide, a poignant new creation by a favourite in New Zealand, RNZB alumna Alice Topp. Inspired by the music of Ólafur Arnalds, this ballet reflects on the cycles of life, touching upon themes of growth, fear, and reconciliation. High Tide examines the shadows and lights of existence, represented through the unique stage design by Jon Buswell, which transforms the space into a living sculpture, emphasising the fluid and ever-changing nature of life itself.
Solace: Dance to feed your soul delivers a nourishing, cup-filling experience this winter, combining the creative genius of leading choreographers, composers, and designers. This season of reflection, beauty, and profound human connection, showcased through the artistry of dance, will be a highlight of the cultural calendar in 2024.
Tickets are available now at rnzb.org.nz.
In an ode to its longstanding relationship with ballet, Van Cleef & Arpels unveils its new Extraordinary Dials collection, where the poetry of dance and the march of time come together in breathtaking harmony.
Van Cleef & Arpels’ connection with the ballet can trace its origins to Paris in the 1920s, when the renowned jewellery Maison’s Founder, Louis Arpels, would frequently visit the Opéra Garnier, located a short walk from Van Cleef & Arpels’ Place Vendôme boutique. This passion for ballet was something he passed on to his nephew Claude, and so began the Maison’s generational affiliation with the art of classical dance.
Fast forward to now, and the enchanting world of ballet has continued to be a significant influence on Van Cleef & Arpels, in both its jewellery collections and notably, in its timepiece creations too. And now, as part of its haute horology offering, the Maison is unveiling its Extraordinary Dials collection, comprising two incredible watches inspired by the rich tapestry of ballet and finished with the Maison’s unparalleled craftsmanship. So intricate and exceptional are these timepieces, in fact, that they truly transcend the realm of mere accessories, becoming veritable works of art that dance upon the wrist.
“With the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us to dance through time, embracing the magic of the ballet and the poetry of the human spirit.”
Drawing from the ethereal grace of dance, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us into a pas de deux with two watches that draw on iconic 19th-Century ballets: Casse-Noisette and La Belle au bois dormant. With meticulous attention to detail, the Lady Arpels Casse-Noisette and Lady Arpels Belle au Bois Dormant watches weave tales of romance and enchantment, capturing the essence of these timeless performances in miniature tableaux.
The Lady Arpels Casse-Noisette pays homage to Marius Petipa’s beloved ballet, first performed in 1892, through a symphony of colour and movement. Against a backdrop of winter hues, the ballerina and her prince, each with a rose-cut diamond face, come to life in a spectacle of painted costumes that appear in graceful motion. Here, the dial has become a canvas where 70 different colours, finishes and enamelling techniques (some of which were only developed in 2023) converge, culminating in Van Cleef & Arpels’ richest creation to date. Each element, from the shimmering diamonds to the coloured sapphires, blue tourmalines, onyx, sugilite and lapis lazuli contributes to a mesmerising ballet of light and shadow.
Meanwhile, the Lady Arpels Belle au Bois Dormant transports us to the magical realm of Princess Aurora and her century-long sleep. Against a rose gold castle backdrop, the princess and her prince charm us with their tender embrace, while ribbons of white gold, diamonds and champlevé enamel unfurl like delicate tendrils of ivy. Lilac flowers bloom in a celebration of the awakening, their matte vallonné enamel petals juxtaposed with the brilliance of sapphires. With each passing moment, the dial becomes a more vibrant tableau, capturing the timeless allure of Tchaikovsky’s score and Petipa’s choreography in a single glance.
At the heart of these extraordinary timepieces lies Van Cleef & Arpels’ unwavering commitment to craftsmanship and innovation. In its Geneva workshops, the Maison’s artisans employ ancient métiers d’art techniques alongside cutting-edge developments to bring each dial to life. From the intricate sculpting of shaped enamel to the meticulous fusion of sealed enamel, every step of the process is a testament to Van Cleef & Arpels’ dedication to excellence. To marvel at these exquisite creations is to be reminded that time itself is a precious gift — one to be cherished and celebrated in every moment. With the Extraordinary Dials collection, Van Cleef & Arpels invites us to dance through time, embracing the magic of the ballet and the poetry of the human spirit. And in a world where time feels more fleeting than ever, these watches remind us that beauty, like ballet, is eternal.
With winter well and truly upon us (meaning more time spent at home than elsewhere), there’s no better time than now to update your favourite playlists with some recently-released tunes, from DJ and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou’s highly anticipated debut album to Bon Jovi’s joyful return and Maya Hawke’s indie folk compilation. And if long walks or road trips are on the agenda, we have also lined up a selection of addictive podcasts to subscribe to for some entertaining and informative listening.
Embark on a sonic journey with artist, producer, DJ and cultural trailblazer Peggy Gou as she unveils her highly anticipated debut album, I Hear You. One of the most hotly-awaited debut records in recent years, this ten track LP is the culmination of years of work for the Korean-born artist, who’s uniquely revered as both an underground icon and global sensation. Featuring previous successful singles including the 2023 chart-topping global hit (It Goes Like) Nanana and I Believe in Love Again (a collaboration with Lenny Kravitz), the work sees Gou stepping into the next level of her artistry and boldly claiming her voice through the kaleidoscopic lens of ‘90s house music. A timeless debut.
Song to start with:
1+1=11
Music legends Bon Jovi released their new album Forever this June — the group’s 16th studio effort. As the band celebrates their 40th anniversary, Forever sits as an ode to joy, exploring the depths of the journey to get there. Bon Jovi once again teams up with his two remaining founding bandmates in a masterpiece of timeless, quintessential rock.
Song to start with:
Legendary
Actress-musician (and daughter of Ethan Hawke & Uma Thurman) Maya Hawke has released her third studio album which promises to further sharpen her storytelling prowess. The indie folk compilation weaves a tapestry of teasing electronics, muscular guitars and heavy reverb, and is her most progressive, telling work yet.
Song to start with:
Missing Out
Eight years since their collaborative debut — a highly acclaimed LP titled Yes Lawd!, NxWorries (the dynamic duo of Anderson. Paak and Knxwledge) are releasing a soulful sequel. Why Lawd? features the likes of Dave Chappelle, Thundercat, and H.E.R., taking the pair’s genre-bending musical talents to stunning new heights.
Song to start with:
86Sentra
From what Taylor Swift and The Wiggles have in common to modern-day Mad Men, iconic ad guru Russel Howcroft and industry up-and-comer Freddie Young tell the uncensored stories behind the world’s most talked about brands, ideas, campaigns, and industry transgressions, offering insight into some of the greatest creative ideas and businesses along the way.
Sharing practical advice from incredible women in leadership positions, CEO Yourself, hosted by lauded businesswoman Hermoine Olivia, deep dives into a slew of inspirational guests’ CEO prowesses, allowing us to connect the dots, adopt their humbly shared learnings and, ultimately, take charge of not just our careers, but lives.
Now in its 10th season, Revisionist History is multi-bestselling author and journalist Malcom Gladwell’s journey through the overlooked and often misunderstood corners of history. Every episode re-examines something from the past — spanning events, people, ideas and more, offering the past a second chance at a future.
Local and international
directors, actors, creatives,
and designers pull back the curtain on New Zealand’s vibrant theatre scene, sharing insights and inspiration, juicy anecdotes from the rehearsal room, and laying out what it takes to bring plays to life — from ideation to writing, casting, directing and, ultimately, putting on a good show.
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