The weekend is here and while we’re wishing for nice weather, even if it doesn’t eventuate, there are still a number of tasty happenings to keep you entertained and satiated. From Friday-night sundowners to smoothie pop-ups, to an exciting new restaurant on Ponsonby Road and more, here, we round up six things to add to your dining agenda.
Bivacco Sundowner Sessions
1. Bid farewell to the week at Bivacco’s Sundowner Sessions
As summer settles in over the next month, make the most of Bivacco’s Sundown Sessions — running until the end of March next year. The perfect setting for summer satiation, with an ever-rotating lineup of DJs every Friday and Saturday, tasty food and seasonal drinks specials (including a series of summer punches) Bivacco’s delicious and convivial offering is best enjoyed at one of their long tables. Here, as the sun goes down, the volume goes up. To read more about Bivacco’s Sundowner Sessions, see here.
Liquid Lightening
2. Start your week with a smoothie as Liquid Lightening’s health-boosting elixirs return to Annabel’s
So popular was Liquid Lightening’s last smoothie and juice pop-up at Annabel’s that the health-boosting elixirs are coming back to the Three-Lamps spot for a longer residency, starting from today. There, Ursula Griffen will be mixing up a range of Liquid Lightening favourites, from 7am until 1pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 8am until 1pm Saturday and Sunday. The perfect way to kick off your weekend in fine form, Liquid Lightening’s pop-up is guaranteed to be popular, so get in while you can.
Roses Dining Room Pop-Up
3. Pop into Roses Dining Room for tasty baked goods from a soon-to-be-open bakery
Tomorrow morning from 9am, Roses Dining Room on K’ Road will be playing host to a delicious pop-up for soon-to-be-open bakery, Beabea’s. Helmed by two bakers who met (and fell in love) while working at Daily Bread, Beabea’s will be the duo’s first bakery venture together, and promises classic kiwi baked goods executed with traditional European techniques and high-brow precision. Set to be open next month, head along to this one-day-only pop up for a sneak peek of what to expect.
Tobi
4. Try out Ponsonby Road’s newest restaurant, Tobi
You might know Albert Cho from his Instagram accounts (@eatlitfood & @albertcho), through which he has established himself as an outspoken personality in Auckland’s hospitality and food scene. Now, he works as the Operations Manager for David Lee’s Namu Group (the team behind such venues as The Candy Shop, Aigo, Poni and more) and is opening the doors to his very first venue, Tobi, today. Here, with Yutak Son as Executive Head Chef (previously of Sidart, Orphans Kitchen, Black Estate, Daily Bread and Waiheke’s Te Motu) Tobi’s food is a mix of refined European classics with nostalgic, Kiwi elements, each dish presented with unique and sophisticated twists. From steak frites to prawn cocktails, carpaccio, mackerel fettuccine and more, the menu boasts a range of tasty options to choose from and makes Tobi a place you should definitely have on your dining agenda. Read more about Tobi here.
Bar Magda Nightcap Menu
5. Go for a late-night bite & cocktail at Bar Magda
Replacing the traditional, early happy hour with a much later offering, Bar Magda has a menu for those seeking a satiating, late-night bite and a delicious drink (perhaps after a show or event, or an evening with friends). From 9:30pm until midnight, Thursday through Saturday, Bar Magda has introduced a delicious Nightcap Menu, where tasty bites and epic cocktail specials collide, inviting diners to keep the good times rolling in Bar Magda’s cosy, intimate dining room, tucked away off Cross Street near Karangahape Road. To read more about Bar Magda’s Nightcap Menu (and add it to your dining agenda), see here.
The Brit
6. Enjoy Sunday drinks at The Brit
Don’t miss out on supporting The Brit‘s month-long Movember campaign, where the stalwart pub and eatery is working towards an ambitious goal of raising $10k for the worthy charity. $1 from every single beer or wine purchase will be donated to the fund, with the option to easily make additional donations for patrons in the giving spirit. A pub at its core, The Brit is always a popular spot for Sunday drinksnd this month gives patrons multiple extra reasons to park up with an ice-cold pint and selection of elevated pub fare to do just that. At the end of the month, on November 30th, The Brit plans to host their ‘Big Shave’ event, during which, anyone who participated in Movember — whether they’ve managed Tom Selleck-status or a light smattering of fluff (à la Prince) — will receive a complimentary mo shave at the pub’s pop-up barber, accompanied by beer on The Brit. This should definitely be on your dining agenda.
Design industry insiders will know the trials and tribulations of working within a heritage-listed home. In these addresses, creativity is limited, with every decision required to adhere to a certain code. And while many designers will see this as a nuisance, for those with the right vision, restrictions can offer an abundance of opportunity; a brief where creative problem solving is required. Luckily then, it was Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his revered London design studio and property development company Banda, who were tasked with giving this historic townhouse on the cusp of Notting Hill a much-needed facelift. Choosing to see the numerous restrictions as a welcome challenge and creating, as a result, a home that offers contemporary living with old world charm, Mapelli Mozzi proved why his impeccable design prowess has become so widely sought after.
Designed during London’s lockdown for a family who wanted a home in which they could comfortably spend extended periods of time (if necessary) the renovation brief called for comfort as much as it did luxury and finesse. It is for this reason that the bedrooms became retreats, home offices became integrated and a dedicated space for entertainment was added as an essential amenity. But at the core of this reimagining was a desire for calm tactility and spaces that offered some much-needed privacy, where a family could happily coexist in a space that felt as sophisticated as it did practical.
Notting Hill Townhouse has all the makings of a Victorian classic, and still retains the unassuming stucco exterior that would lead you to believe the house had remained otherwise untouched. Located in Leinster Square, the circa-1850 Grade II-listed facade has been meticulously restored to its former glory, and at first glance, a similar treatment has been applied to the interiors. Even the original cornices were fastidiously restored (something that Mapelli Mozzi says he was particularly proud of). In fact, the beauty of this home is in the way that the refurbishment blends so seamlessly with the historic bones, so that it’s only after a double-take that the extent of its re-design becomes so wonderfully obvious.
Consider the kitchen, for instance, where grand slabs of marble form the cantilevered central island and shelving behind it, and intricate floorboards give the allure of a Parisian apartment. These details feel like they belong, but are ultra-modern in their presence — best exemplified by the gilded cabinetry that adds an of-the-moment appeal to the space, and speaks to the eclectic design language that has been used throughout the townhouse.
This idea is perhaps most clearly seen in the home’s colour palette, which is bold and unexpected without being out-of-place or grating. Walls finished in swathes of burnt crimson or steely blue meet those covered in delightfully whimsical wallpaper (in the nursery) or even amaretto-toned suede (in the home cinema). While in the dining space and micro-library (complete with a study-nook), vertical wooden dowelling and LED strip lights add a decidedly modern look, so that any necessary tech doesn’t appear out of place. Perhaps the reason this eclecticism works so well is due to the palette of creamy neutrals (light timber floorboards, white marble and warm walnut) that provides the home a chic foundation.
Synapse aged brass pendant by Apparatus Studio from ECC.
The master suite offers a taste of the London blues, where a dynamic layer of royal colouring is decidedly soothing, offering a sanctuary to which one could quite happily retreat. Bespoke furniture forms the main pieces in this room, with an upholstered wave headboard and bed base sitting cohesively alongside various antique furnishings (like an Italian nightstand) that speak more directly to the home’s 19th Century origins.
In the nursery, the design becomes more playful, with a fun Safari wallpaper to inspire dreams of adventure in young minds. Here, a glass atrium offers views out to the leafy London suburb, while a dedicated reading nook and cosy den provide the perfect place for the kids to spend alone time, lost in their imaginations.
Throughout the home, a cohesiveness between the old and the new has been achieved via a courageous approach to furnishings. Lighting, for example, sees a combination of wall sconces, chandeliers and table lamps that run the gamut of time-periods and styles (some uber-modern, some wonderfully ornate) — all of which make statements in their own ways. Similarly, the furniture used not only offers tactile, warm accents, but stands as an ode to the designers’ commitment to putting exceptional materials at the heart of this home — from curved, bouclé armchairs to shearling and velvet upholstery to rattan-backed chairs.
And lest we forget perhaps the most delightful addition for days spent indoors; the primary bathroom, complete with an undulating marble-slab-clad bathtub and brandished brass fixtures — a nod to the home’s history. It is here that the idea of an urban retreat is exemplified (large bathrooms being a particular luxury in London), where an opulent material has been exquisitely tempered with historic details to feel less ‘glamour’ and more ‘grandeur.’
In designing a home that is as beautiful as it is highly practical for the realities of family life, Mapelli Mozzi and his team at Banda have triumphed. Designed for living, the Notting Hill Townhouse is a stellar example of the kind of exceptional modern spaces that can be created within a historic shell, and is certainly somewhere we wouldn’t mind whiling away our days.
Exercise is an intensely personal endeavour. We all have our own goals, preferred style of movement and fitness levels, and the type of training we respond to varies greatly — but for most of us, building exercise into daily life is an essential part of any successful routine. Luckily, there are trainer and studio options available locally for just about any of the aforementioned requirements, from yoga to boxing and everything in between. These are the best gyms in Auckland that will help you become your best physical self.
Sala.
Best All-Rounder
Sala, Ponsonby Any regular attendees to Sala will know there’s an almost transcendent feeling that arises during the boutique fitness centre’s classes. With the studio’s recent renovations now complete, which includes the introduction of a 16-bed reformer pilates room, it feels like there’s nothing this space doesn’t cater too. Whether you’re a yoga devotee or a Pilates aficionado; building strength or sweating it out with cardio, you can be sure you’re in good hands with any one of Sala’s encouraging, knowledgeable teachers. One of our particular favourite classes is HIIT Pilates with Abby Simons, and Yogasana classes with Founder Sarah Lindsay herself.
Studio Box.
Best for Emptying the Tank
Studio Box, Newmarket and CBD Since it opened in 2019, Studio Box has been a firm favourite among fans of boxing’s myriad benefits, conducted in a group exercise setting. With its atmospheric surroundings (thanks to the blessedly dark mood lighting) and excellent playlists, we can think of no better place to get in the zone and pummel out our frustrations.
Cobalt Club, Eden Terrace Calling themselves a ‘group personal training facility’ Cobalt Club is a gym with a difference. We’ve heard on good authority that the community and supportive vibe here are truly second to none, and really, the results speak for themselves. Run as a series of dynamic, weights-based classes designed to sculpt, tone and lean down the body, Cobalt Club is facilitated by experts who will help their members hone their technique all while they increase your fitness exponentially. Its eight-week programmes have even developed something of a cult following for the way they change the lives of those who commit to them. If you want to make a dramatic change in the lead up to summer, this might be just the ticket.
Fitness All Together, various locations Utilising a potent combination of HIIT, group training and outdoor exercise, Fitness All Together (FAT) is guaranteed to push you to your own individual limit — in a way that still manages to be fun and friendly. Here, you will find a holistic approach to health, incorporating a good mindset and strong social connections, so at a FAT class, you’ll be cheering each other on even as you’re gasping for breath.
Playground Fitness, Newton Billing itself as “not your normal group workout experience”, Playground Fitness is all about pumping you (and your heart rate) up as soon as you step foot into the space. Classes range throughout the week from full-body cardio with ‘Sweat’ to ‘Lean & Mean’ for strength and conditioning, and you can refuel at the on-site cafe with a well-deserved coffee or smoothie afterwards.
Truhuscle, Auckland CBD On a mission to empower their members to transform not only their bodies but their minds too, Truhuscle is a new fitness movement that goes beyond classes alone. Started by a duo who began with online programmes before moving into a physical space and offering classes and one-on-one personal training, Truhuscle is here to change our approach to fitness, offering carefully curated programmes dedicated to functional training and helping their members see results. The founders have also run campaigns in schools to promote mental health and have done work raising money for Lifeline to help raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention.
Willpower, Freemans Bay Personal coach Will Garrick harnesses his dedicated passion and unbridled enthusiasm for training and pours it into his own private gym, helping people from all walks of life with their fitness goals. At Willpower, you can expect an experience, not just a workout. What makes Will’s technique unique is that he is by appointment only, developing a system of appropriate methods for each individual he works with. This holistic approach ensures that the athlete, client, or patient is empowered with individualised strategies on and off the training floor.
Kelsey Baker of Core Collective.
Best for Long & Lean
Core Collective, City Works Depot Core Collective Pilates is our go-to for a pre-work or lunchtime class, largely thanks to instructors Kate Hanline, Shani Dickins, Kelsey Baker and Alicia Robb who always make sure our moves are on point. With their helpful and knowledgeable running commentary throughout the session, these expert instructors share key tips to maximise the results from each exercise which, in turn, provides a handy distraction from that all-too-integral burn.
Barrefigure, Grey Lynn Don’t be fooled by the small size of the weights used at Barrefigure — your muscles will be shaking soon enough. Founded by Marysa Theiler (a former professional ballet dancer), Barrefigure utilises a selection of high intensity yet low impact movements, incorporating ballet and dance principles for full-body toning, improved posture, strength and flexibility.
Studio Three, Grey Lynn Viv Gallagher’s Studio Three is the perfect melding of all modalities that contribute to a long and lean physique. Take your pick between reformer and mat pilates, barre, TRX and yoga classes, with an impressive roster of instructors that promise to work you hard (in the best kind of way).
Best for Yoga
Eastwest, Ponsonby Owners Sheryn Gieck and Amelia McCombie, along with 14 other passionate teachers, make sure the studio is a welcoming space for all. Offering classes for practitioners of all levels, Eastwest is a great place to start, expand or solidify your yoga journey. The studio is located at the Grey Lynn end of Ponsonby Road and offers hot classes alongside its signature vinyasa, align and yin classes.
Basecamp, Grey Lynn This Westmoreland St East studio is for those who like a well-rounded workout. It focuses on Baptiste Power Yoga, a holistic philosophy that professes to be grounded in three main elements: asana, the physical practice of yoga postures; meditation, the practice of focusing the mind; and inquiry, the practice of self-transformation.
Basecamp.
Studio Red, City Works Depot Designed by Cheshire Architects, Studio Red’s purpose-built City Works Depot space is both a yoga studio and a sanctuary. Founded by hot yoga enthusiast Vicky Cullinane, Studio Red caters for a range of levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned experts — and even the bathrooms and dressing rooms are beautifully appointed. A trained tea sommelier, Cullinane has also created a range of bespoke organic teas which can be enjoyed onsite to further cultivate that feeling of zen.
Sweat Yoga, Newmarket If you are a fan of Bikram yoga, look no further than Sweat. Offering the challenging (but rewarding) Hatha style of Bikram as well as power Vinyasa yoga, the team at Sweat Yoga will, through their own unique teaching styles, help you achieve functional strength, cardiovascular fitness and a calm, focused mind. They also offer hot Pilates classes, for those seeking that extra level of challenge.
Best for Fitness Fanatics
CrossFit AKL, Auckland CBD Run by a group of professional Crossfit athletes and global competition winners, the team at CrossFit AKL are so passionate about their fitness that attendees can’t help but feel the infectious energy spurring them on to reach their goals. First-time CrossFitters can book in for an induction to get familiarised with the techniques and equipment, so no need to feel intimidated regardless of your level.
Xi Labs, Parnell Founded by fitness trainer Xi Cao, this chic boutique studio is located in the heart of Parnell, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. At Xi Labs, clients are treated to a world of limitless possibilities, where health and wellness are placed front and centre. The studio offers a range of training options, from the timeless art of Pilates to the cutting-edge technology of EMS, all expertly led by Xi and a team of experienced trainers, alongside the all-important recovery sessions utilising air-pressure compression technology.. With state-of-the-art equipment and a focus on technology-driven methods, clients are guaranteed to receive the most effective workout experience.
Xi Labs.
Best In-Home Trainers
Stella Mitchinson — Pilates With a personalised, mobile service, certified Pilates instructor Stella Mitchinson brings her bespoke technique, individualised advice, vibrant personality and can-do attitude to homes and workspaces, transforming the bodies and minds of Aucklanders one session at a time. She became certified through an internationally recognised contemporary school of Pilates called Polestar Pilates, and her sessions are unique and specific to what each client needs. She also offers individually tailored, sessions in her own private gym space where she will have you using the latest and greatest Pilates equipment to get you in the best shape of your life.
Rebecca Goldwater — Exercise and Nutrition Specialist With over 20 years in the PT-biz, Rebecca Goldwater is adept at helping her clients make exercise a priority. She offers sessions in her own home or yours, and at Loft45 gym — plus online consultations. Utilising a combination of techniques including nutrition, stretching and core activation; resistance, cardiovascular endurance, and mindfulness, she creates tailored workouts for clients in all stages of life, including pregnancy. With her well-rounded approach, Goldwater will ensure you have a strong body and a fit mind to boot.
Best on a Bike
Westward Cycle, Eden Terrace Embrace the elation of a sweaty cycle session at Westward Cycle. A fully-immersive experience that centres on pumping beats and an infectious mood, expect much more than just your run-of-the-mill pedal. Weighted arm movements are incorporated to build upper body strength, and dynamic choreography makes sure you’ll be connected to the energy of the group while you challenge your body.
Westward Cycle.
Best for Combat Sports
City Kickboxing, Mt Eden Founded by UFC legend Eugene Bareman and champion boxer Doug Viney, City Kickboxing is the place to go to for its well-rounded offering of mixed martial arts, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and more. Boasting nearly 420-square-metres of space, including a full-sized professional boxing ring, cage and a 116-square-metre mat area, there’s plenty of room to pursue your fighting form, whether novice or pro, in a group class or one-on-one.
Tukaha Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Auckland Central Tukaha is a full-time martial arts academy with morning, lunchtime, afternoon and evening classes dedicated to superior instruction and training for men and women. Led by third-degree black belt Pedro Fernandes, the centre’s trainers can guide you comprehensively whether your goal is fitness, self-defence or honing existing martial arts skills.
Face-framing and feature-enhancing, a pair of well-groomed eyebrows can go a long way. But with many tough obstacles to avoid (over-plucking especially), the road to well-groomed brows isn’t an easy one to navigate. As such, we recommend you put down the tweezers and put your brows in the hands of a professional.
We’ve scoured the beauty bars and spas of Auckland in search of the specialists that really go the extra mile — these six are the best in the business.
For those looking for a distinctly luxurious affair, we recommend booking in an appointment with a specialist at East Day Spa, STAT. Not only has its staff garnered wide acclaim for their ability to create flawlessly defined brows, but their soft, gentle approach makes every visit here feel like a tranquil spa escape — even if it does involve getting hairs ruthlessly plucked from your face. NB: The henna brows here are a real crowd favourite.
Not merely masters of the lash, (although they are fantastic in this domain of beauty) those at Lash Noir are also adept at crafting the ultimate brow arch. The beauty maestros here are at your disposal no matter what the request, be that shaping, tattooing, tinting or simple touch-ups, and the variety of eyebrow products available ensure that you can extend the treatment long after you’ve left the City Works Depot premises.
With their deft handiwork and exquisite range of products, the beauty therapists at Endota (formally Forme spa) do an exceptional job every time. And while the brow gurus here offer shaping and tinting, their skills actually extend much further, and so, to truly take full advantage of their talents, we suggest you indulge in one of their packages (like the Waking Woman: Brazilian, Brow Shape & Lash Tint).
Get expert brow treatment at any of Spring Spa’s luxurious locations. Here, thanks to highly-trained practitioners, you can rest assured that your brows will come out exactly as you like them, whether via waxing, tinting or Spring Spa’s full-service Brow Henna Package, which includes a brow shampoo consultation, measure and preparation, threading/shaping, brow henna application, and then a brow henna moisturising oil.
The mantra at every Off & On location has long been ‘believable brows’ which means that their practitioners always start by assessing their clients’ faces, in order to understand what kind of shape is needed to enhance individual features. Offering a range of brow treatments including shaping, tinting and lamination, Off & On is a reliable, easy place where you can trust the brow experts to get it right every single time.
Far more than just a locals spot, Society, located in Grey Lynn, lures in brow-conscious aesthetes from all corners of Auckland. The professionals here are incredibly accomplished at all aspects of the process, but we have it on good authority that they’re particularly skilled at tinting.
Therapist Annie Bargiacchi’s beautiful home salon space in Avondale is always a welcoming place to go and have a treatment, and we’ve got it on good authority that Bargiacchi is extremely adept at brow lamination. If you’ve been wanting to try this treatment out, she’s the one to see. Read more about it here.
It’s housed in a small spot in Ellerslie, but this beauty haven has a presence that belies its size. Run by two effervescent young sisters, Courteney and Candy, what really makes treatments at The Beauty Chambers is the fun and friendly ambience — a visit here feels more like dropping in on an old friend than it does ticking off a life-admin task. If you’re in need of some direction, the girls are especially proficient at feather-touch brows.
Founder of Richmond Road’s new beauty spot Honeyroom, Gigi Kingi, is a beauty industry veteran who has garnered quite a reputation for her ability to tackle a brow. Here, you can find all the classic brow treatments, from waxing to shaping, tinting and laminating, alongside expert brow tattooing (if you’re seeking something a little more permanent).
Florals for spring might not be groundbreaking, but this season, the botanical inspiration is bright, bold and better than ever before. From sculptural iterations of the classic motif (seen mostly on shoes and bags) to bright, unapologetic colours that ensure you never end up as a wallflower, the florals this season are making a statement, and we have lined up our favourite feisty floral pieces to buy now.
Courtesy of a remarkable renovation that pays homage to its classical roots, the Monsieur G home by Decus showcases the power of restoration, tailored design, and the seamless integration of old and new.
The lounge features Utrecht armchairs by Gerrit Thomas Rietveld & a Tabouret Méribel stool by Charlotte Perriand, both for Cassina from Matisse
Stripped back to its traditional core, this residence in Sydney’s Bellevue Hill has undergone a series of incremental renovations over the last 80 years, each time shedding ill-fitting additions and embracing a warm, rich palette that marries open, contemporary design with historic character. With an eye on the present and the future, the design team at Decus skilfully tailored the home to reflect the personalities of its custodians, incorporating separate eastern and western wings to provide a sense of separation while cultivating an air of community and togetherness in the living spaces. The result? A home with a rich history that now feels relevant and ready to evolve alongside its young family.
“By balancing the integration of old and new, Decus has achieved a timeless elegance that ensures longevity for this magnificent home; the sleek and expansive spiral staircase is a perfect example of this. ”
The dining room features the Coco dining chairs by OEO Studio for Gubi from Cult Design
The cellar (right) features the Horse Hair sconce by Apparatus Studio from ECC, the Smalto table by Edward Barber & Jay Osgerby & the Mr chair by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, both for Knoll from Studio Italia & the walls are painted with Resene Olive Green
Throughout the residence, pale oak floors create a soft, muted tone, allowing newly introduced elements to play into the overarching aesthetic of understated but luxurious elegance. The kitchen is commanding thanks to the unique, monochromatic speckled marble that anchors the space and custom timber joinery that gives it warmth and nods to its historic roots.
Around the rest of the home details like curved natural stone, burnished brass fixtures and pops of colour (in particular, a subtle palette of green tones) bring depth and animation to each room, which, while adhering to the overarching aesthetic flow of the home, feel personalised and expressive. Each is decorated with its own, idiosyncratic touches — a piece of sculptural art here, or an eye-catching wallpaper there. The living room, for instance, is a serene space of muted tones which is given a more interesting, design-led bent thanks to the pair of iconic Cassina Utrecht chairs, which frame a large, custom artwork that the clients wanted to integrate into the space.
“Around the rest of the home details like curved natural stone, burnished brass fixtures and pops of colour (in particular, a subtle palette of green tones) bring depth and animation to each room…”
The Monsieur G house masterfully redefines the rules of classical contemporary design, presenting a refreshing perspective through a muted, tonal lens. By balancing the integration of old and new, Decus has achieved a timeless elegance that ensures longevity for this magnificent home; the sleek and expansive spiral staircase is a perfect example of this. From the restoration of its traditional roots to the tailored design approach, and thoughtful blending of past and present, Monsieur G stands as a true example of considered architectural excellence.
‘Tis the season for glitz and glam. With summer soirées, Christmas gatherings, weddings aplenty and all manner of festive happenings to look forward to (and plan looks for), we suggest embracing the conviviality of the season and branching out from your usual makeup routine. Consult our roundup below to discover the most bold and beautiful beauty looks to see you through the summer season in style.
A matte finish encourages us to pull back from our glazed doughnut approach, and pick up the setting powder again. This will give you glow that doesn’t go away.
When it comes to applying blush this season, go big or go home. To achieve this look, steer clear of the centre of the face, and go for a more sculpted look with plenty of bold colour. A liberal use of creamy blush will give you that post-Euro summer feel, even when you haven’t been anywhere at all.
Rather than the clean, sharp lines delivered by sharpened pencils, lips now should instead have a ‘just been kissed’ appeal, where products like REFY’s cult-favourite beauty buff are applied, for a natural and carefree look.
In the same manner by which Euphoria-inspired make-up held us captive, Barbiecore is becoming the new norm. Think bright colours and various iterations of pink, delivering the perfect summer vibe.
The outdoor area features the Frame sofa & armchair by Francesco Rota for Paola Lenti from ECC, Porcini side tables & coffee tables by Dedon from Dawson & co. & the Spider outdoor rug by Cassina from Matisse
Tasked with transforming a penthouse on Sydney Harbour for a family who had moved from the suburbs, Luigi Rosselli Architects created a vibrant urban oasis that capitalises on its unparalleled views.
In pursuit of a more convenient and exciting city lifestyle, a family residing in a tranquil suburb made the bold decision to relocate to a breathtaking penthouse apartment on Sydney Harbour. Working closely with Luigi Rosselli Architects and the talented designers at Alwill Interiors, their new residence, Upper Deck, has undergone a remarkable transformation, blending urban sophistication with the serenity of nature.
The kitchen features two Capitol Complex chairs by Pierre Jeanneret for Cassina from Matisse
Originally constructed in the late 1980s, the penthouse has been thoughtfully redesigned by architects Ian Halliday and David Katon, who skilfully navigated strict council regulations to open up the floorplan and welcome the best aspects of the striking locale into the home’s interiors. The result is a spacious and airy abode that boasts generous proportions and panoramic views of the picturesque Sydney Harbour.
One of the standout features of this remarkable penthouse is its lush rooftop garden, designed in reaction to the sudden lack of access to land the owners would be faced with otherwise (having moved from a house with its own tennis court and pool). The result has turned the apartment’s terrace into a verdant tableau, but the journey to realising this vision wasn’t without its challenges. Local council planning policies posed hurdles during the approval process, neighbours raised objections, and bureaucratic red tape threatened to stifle the project altogether. Through patient negotiations alongside landscaper Michael Bates, Luigi Rosselli Architects managed to secure a reluctant council approval (albeit with a scaled-back design). Despite the obstacles, the rooftop garden serves as a symbol of nature’s resilience in urban environments.
The lounge features the Erei sofa by Elisa Ossino for De Padova & two Hug armchairs by Rossella Pugliatti for Giorgetti from ECC
For the residents of Upper Deck, this hard-fought garden not only enhances the appeal of their urban home, but it also nurtures a sense of wellbeing, and offers the opportunity to stop, take stock and reconnect with nature.
Extending this idea, the integration of indoor and outdoor spaces in this residence is seamless. Minimally-framed, openable windows provide unobstructed views of the sparkling waters of Sydney Harbour, and invite residents (and guests for that matter) to explore the terrace and its serene pond. Here, the team at Alwill Interiors have meticulously crafted the finishes and furniture to complement the outdoor spaces, creating a harmonious dialogue between the interior and exterior zones.
The study features the Ploum sofa by Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec from Ligne Roset
The kitchen, originally relegated to the periphery, has now become the heart of the living area and rooftop terrace. Its design is a marriage of solid timber elements and the graceful beauty of Carrara marble, creating a sculptural masterpiece that is a delight for the senses. Adjacent to the kitchen, an impressive new wine cellar showcases an exquisite collection of world-class wines, paying homage to the kind of refined lifestyle that the Upper Deck residents enjoy. Furthermore, a tranquil study with timber shelves supported by travertine columns, and anchored by an eye-catching Ligne Roset Ploum sofa, provides a sanctuary for peaceful contemplation.
The Net outdoor dining armchairs around the Landscape extendable table, both by Kettal from Studio Italia
Throughout the home, a neutral but warm and tactile palette has been used where impactful marble meets sleek travertine, with timber detailing infusing the luxurious, contemporary spaces with depth. In the main areas, a light, airy ambiance is cultivated by lighter tones, while in the more private spaces (and particularly bathrooms), deeper hues are harnessed to offer a more intimate vibe. Reflective of the family’s interesting art collection, sculptural and unique furniture pieces have been placed as key focal points, from the pair of Giorgetti Hug armchairs in the living room to the beautifully linear Capitol Complex chairs that are gathered around the curves of the kitchen island.
The transformation of this penthouse into an urban oasis exemplifies the power of visionary design and the integration of natural elements with urban motifs. With its awe-inspiring views, rooftop garden, and the harmonious fusion of indoor and outdoor spaces, Upper Deck epitomises a sanctuary where the residents can bask in the beauty of their surroundings, entertain with stimulating company or indulge in moments of quiet solitude.
In serious need of a pamper session? When pencilling some well-deserved self-care into your busy calendar, a ‘one facial fits all’ philosophy just won’t cut it. Whether you’re after a tailored approach or a luxurious experience, a results-driven treatment or a face-sculpting massage, we’ve scoped out the facials designed to suit your needs. So go ahead, put your best face forward with our insider’s guide to the best facials in town.
The F.Sculpt at The Facialist
Best Scalpel-Free Facelifts
The F.Sculpt at The Facialist, CBD Using expert massage and lymphatic drainage techniques, this incredible facial was designed by renowned holistic facialist and The Facialist founder Ashleigh Scott, to lift, tone and firm the facial muscles. A facial fitness protocol like no other this treatment uses specialised massage techniques to stimulate blood flow, then sculpt and tone the facial muscles. Working deep into the jawline, defining the cheekbones and lifting the eyes. If you want something even more effective, opt for the F.Sculpt+, which adds on intra-oral (buccal) massage or even the F.Sculpt Intense, which sees the addition of micro-current which contracts the muscles to keep them lifted for longer.
The Buccal Massage at Skinography, Ponsonby Nothing uplifts the face or leaves us feeling taut and about five years younger than this unique facial. Designed to get into every crevice and muscle of the face, the buccal massage is similar in nature to Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), as it helps to move stagnant lymphatic systems and any associated puffiness away from the face. Specially-trained facialist Kate Michelmore (one of the only practitioners in New Zealand qualified to deliver this technique) will treat your face to a rigorous massage using repetitive strokes that awaken and lift your muscles and get rid of tension (particularly in the jaw and cheeks). We like to see this treatment as a ‘summer shred’ for your face because of the way it results in a noticeably slimmed-down and glowing visage. And while this is the perfect pre-event treatment, its effects are far more long-lasting when undertaken regularly.
Best for Hydration
Codage Hydration Facial at Spring Spa, various locations Bring your skin out of its winter hibernation with a hefty and necessary dose of moisture. The Codage Hydration Facial at Spring Spa is our go-to offering an intensely nourishing facial that regenerates and moisturises skin, boosting vitality. With an enzyme peel that gently stimulates cell renewal to restore radiance, skin is left soft to the touch and perfectly glowing.
East Day Spa
Best for Clean Beauty Lovers
U Beauty Resurfacing Facial at East Day Spa, CBD The ultimate indulgence for those seeking a clean approach to anti-ageing, East Day Spa’s U Beauty Resurfacing facial is designed to revitalise, lighten pigmentation and minimise fine lines, creating a smoother and brighter complexion. The treatment marries a holistic, healing massage flow sequence using rose quartz gua sha to detoxify and strengthen the skin and improve its health and radiance. Clean actives including hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C and antioxidants are then released from revolutionary Siren Capsules to hydrate, repair and reverse ageing. This is all enjoyed in East Day Spa’s utterly beautiful, recently-refurbished new space.
Skintopia
Best for an Instant Glow
OxyGlow Treatment at Skintopia, Herne Bay Those seeking instantaneous radiance should look no further than Skintopia in Herne Bay. In the 60-minute OxyGlow treatment, your complexion will benefit from the intraceuticals oxygen machine followed by the MediLUX LED light to hydrate, repair, rejuvenate and heal. A treatment adored by beauty aficionados across the city this facial is designed to be a skin quenching saviour that lifts, tones and hydrates the skin. Like all Skintopia treatments, the facial is customised based on your skin’s unique needs to feature two options of LED light that suit your top skin concerns. These include rosacea, acne, an impaired barrier, stressed skin, eczema and dermatitis.
Best Luxurious Experience
The Ultimate Haute Couture Facial at Park Hyatt Auckland, Wynyard Quarter Employing highly active algae-derived V-TOX cream from London’s revered facialist Linda Meredith, Park Hyatt’s Ultimate Haute Couture Facial utilises oxygen to infuse the product into the skin. Oxygen therapy is an important component of skincare technology, thanks to its role in supporting collagen production, and the results from a 90-minute facial speak for themselves with skin feeling substantially plumper and smooth. Administered in some of the most indulgent surroundings ever seen in this city, an afternoon here is the antidote to life in the fast lane.
The Power of Three Facial at About Face
Best Results-Based Facials
Osmosis Medi Infusionat Clinic 1 Designed to improve all skin conditions, including oily/congested skin, acne, rosacea, dryness, anti-ageing, dullness and pigmentation, Clinic 1’s Osmosis Medical Infusion is a powerhouse, multi-faceted facial. Suitable if you want a more intense facial treatment (with exceptional results), this facial combines powerful liposomal ingredients with the benefits of rejuvenating facial massage and can be tailored to your skin concerns using specialised powder blends, actives and masks. The experience includes a consultation, double-cleanse and enzyme exfoliation, followed by your tailored infusion deeply massaged into the skin. The massage incorporates lymphatic drainage to improve circulation and distribution of lymph fluids.
The Power of Three Facial at About Face, Ponsonby A potent treatment that includes a skin peel, LED light therapy and an active vitamin infusion via Sonophoresis the ‘Power of Three’ facial will leave you with noticeable results. You can count on this facial to leave your skin feeling plump, dewy and hydrated, and it’s a go-to for several of us in the Denizen office.
Iontophoresis Facial with a Synergy Peel at Room 9, Newmarket Room 9 director and skin specialist Amelia Story is an advocate for introducing regular peels into everyone’s routines, as an effective way to get instant results that also have long-term gains. Her Synergy peel, while light and not at all aggressive, will help the skin renew and replenish. This peel can be added to any one of Room 9’s facials, like the Iontophoresis facial that uses an Ionzyme DF II Machine to help the product penetrate even further into the skin.
Sothys Seasonal Facial at Chuan Spa
Best Seasonal Appointment
Sothys Seasonal Facial at Chuan Spa, Cordis Hotel A considered, individualised philosophy is what underpins this luxurious one-hour treatment. Designed to offer each recipient exactly the kind of attention their skin needs, with a focus on treating the skin against any mitigating seasonal conditions, both relaxation and effectiveness go hand-in-hand here as Sothys’ excellent products work their magic. This treatment will get your skin in the best shape for the long summer season ahead.
Head-to-toe, monochrome tones of white and cream will not only create crisp, confident looks but will lighten up your style in time for summer. Here, our editors have rounded up a curation of ready-to-wear, shoes and accessories that will have you mastering this season’s modern monochrome.
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