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Heat has been used as a healing tool for centuries, with the earliest concepts of saunas dating back to Northern European villages in 2000 BC. With mounting evidence indicating hot therapy can detox the body, assist in weight management and boost the metabolism, accelerate recovery and healing and increase blood flow, who are we to refute its prowess? (Especially in wintry temperatures like these.) It is a philosophy long-pioneered by one of Auckland’s most luxurious spas, East Day Spa, where a series of warming treatments are designed to give us that restorative boost we so crave at this time of year. Here are three of our favourites.
One of the latest additions to East Day Spa’s stable is its new Clearlight Infrared Saunas, which allow you to either arrive for a solo session or add it to one of your other treatments to extend your wellbeing experience. These sublime spaces provide a personal sanctuary where clients can bask in warmth and comfort. The healing infrared light penetrates the body, removing toxins, relieving muscle pain, boosting metabolism, alleviating joint stiffness, improving skin health, and even diminishing the appearance of cellulite. Whether you enjoy this serene space alone or with a friend, the saunas promise a transformative, warming experience.
We’re very well acquainted with East Day Spa’s famous Hot Stone Massage — an utterly indulgent experience that promotes relaxation through added warmth. In this 75-minute treatment, heated volcanic stones are used to glide over the body for a warm and soothing massage combined with energy-balancing techniques that guide you into the most profound state of relaxation. You can quite literally feel the heat melting any tension away; it’s nothing short of bliss.
The Tepidarium is a purpose-built warm relaxation room that almost oozes bliss. Five Italian stone-heated loungers emit a radiant, gentle heat designed to gently melt away muscle tension and encourage the mind to unwind. It is the perfect space to surrender your body to complete relaxation, whether before or after a treatment or simply as a peaceful vacation from the outside world. Sessions in the East Tepidarium can be enjoyed for as little as 30 minutes, accommodating a maximum of five people per session for an intimate and exclusive experience.
It’s been a swift three months since Cassia re-opened, the team taking the challenges of their former, underground setting in their stride, and setting up a new iteration of Cassia within the SkyCity precinct. We’ve long been fans of Sid and Chand Sahrawat’s modern Indian offering, but at this new address, we’d argue that this is Cassia at its very best.
Of course, this is something the most loyal followers of the restaurant will know well — having likely already nabbed themselves a booking or two at the new destination. But for those yet to find an excuse to visit (or perhaps a coveted reservation), the new lunch menu offering is just the push you need.
Available Friday through Sunday, Cassia’s incredible new three-course lunch menu highlights the restaurant’s famous culinary prowess. To begin, all diners can snack on two of Cassia’s most beloved starters; crispy pani puri, with its traditional accompaniments of potato, chickpea and mint, alongside the more modern tandoori chicken taco — a new fusion addition for the new address.
To follow, diners have the choice of four mains, each as delicious as the next. Here you’ll have to make the challenging and all-important decision between mushroom with green chilli and truffle, lamb seekh served with spinach and mushroom, market fish with kerala and curry leaf, or tandoori chicken with lababdar and radish. All are, of course, served with garlic naan and basmati rice. (Essential vehicles for enhancing all the flavour of the mains.) At a mere $58 per person, this menu is as perfect for a simple lunch catch-up as it is for a more planned affair with friends. And to finish? A serving of Cassia’s famed tropical sorbet with coconut and lychee. A menu we could hardly fault.
www.skycityauckland.co.nz/restaurants/cassia
When tasked with creating an urban oasis on a small, square block of land in a densely populated area, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects decided to think outside the box. In fact, the talented team did away with the idea of a box altogether, creating a clever, architectural marvel that seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor spaces with a constant flow. Nine Square Bondi is a house that connects with its street and community while maintaining privacy, and not compromising on the clients’ desire for a home that reflected their artistic sensibilities and worked for a growing family.
The main goal of the project was to achieve a seamless flow, creating a space where the terrace, when its sliding doors were open, would feel so connected to the living and kitchen areas that it all felt like one expansive room. By incorporating windows and doors that slid into pockets, the main living space exudes the breezy vibe of an open balcony, blurring the lines between interior and exterior in a way that feels very fitting for the beachside area. Here, there is a sense of space, freedom and connection with nature that sets this residence apart, where the team at Madeleine Blanchfield Architects has engaged in some spatial wizardry, mitigating the small size of the site with a considered architectural approach.
Inside the house, the understated but impactful kitchen is anchored by a large, geometric slab of marble with a rich, moody patina and pixel-like cutouts. The unique tile splashback, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes, evolves into a statement piece of functional art, adding a touch of all-important personality to the space.
When it came time to dress the interior, the client’s personal art and furnishings collection — a subtly quirky and eclectic affair — was the inspiration, resulting in a mix of showstopping and subtle pieces that marry versatility with contemporary luxury. In the living room, a sleek USM Haller file credenza makes a stylish and practical storage solution, while in the centre of the space, a pair of matching, curvaceous Arflex 9000 sofas promise to adapt to any mood or intention. This colourful and playful collection of art, furniture and heirlooms creates a unique, connected and engaging atmosphere.
Just as the boundaries between inside and outside blur, so too do the lines between definitive, aesthetic markers, where the transparency of the design feels deeply connected to the open and breezy spirit of Bondi, but the heavy concrete base draws inspiration from Brazilian Brutalist structures, housing the bedrooms and a single garage. The lighter, sprawling architecture on the top floor offers hints of Los Angeles and diminishes the bulk of the dwelling, adding an intriguing semi-private layer, which serves as a light and laid-back haven. From Bondi to South America, Asia to LA, this is a home that aptly reflects the globe-trotting lives of its inhabitants (who had recently relocated from Hong Kong).
Unsurprisingly, Nine Square Bondi has garnered international recognition and acclaim, and was shortlisted for this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards. After all, from its transformable layout to its quirky but undeniably appealing interior finishes and the ways in which it nestles seamlessly into its surroundings, this residence puts a wholly unique spin on the idea of an urban, beachside, family dwelling.
While there are always birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and a number of milestones to celebrate with cake, freedom is the realisation that there actually doesn’t have to be any celebration on the horizon to indulge in a slice of cake. That said, Auckland is blessed with a v variety of cakeries and clever pastry chefs who are offering the kinds of cakes we would order with or without an excuse. Whether you have an occasion to mark or not, these are the best cakes in Auckland.
Inspired by the sweet treats created for him by his gran and aunt, Park Hyatt Auckland’s Executive Pastry Chef, Callum Liddicoat has dreamt up a way to bring The Pantry’s famous afternoon tea directly to your doorstep. Perfect for any occasion, The Pantry’s cake range includes two-layer celebrations cakes decadently filled to the brim with ganache or buttercream as well as fuss-free staple cakes in a delicious range of flavours such as honey burnt butter and thyme, and sticky date and banana.
Looking as though they’ve leapt straight out of our parent’s 1970s wedding album, Zi’s ornate retro-inspired masterpieces have quickly become the must-have cake for each and every special occasion. Available in a variety of insanely delicious flavours including chocolate salted caramel and matcha strawberry, Zi’s spots are snapped up quickly so we recommend ordering well in advance to avoid missing out.
If it’s a satiating and beautifully-decorated cake that you seek, look no further than Mint Cakery. Skilfully made by Michelle Morfett, who offers a number of crowd-pleasing flavours such as blackberry blondie and dark chocolate pear and salted caramel, it’s easy to see why these cakes are some of the best in Auckland.
Jordan Rondel’s The Caker, has become something of an Auckland icon, which means that it was all the more heartbreaking to hear of the imminent closure of its K’ Road bakery — the spot where Rondel launched her now-global brand and the place on which most of us have relied for every birthday, graduation and milestone celebration. “It’s heartbreaking to say this part of The Caker journey is coming to an end,” Rondel said on her Instagram, “but change opens doors to innovation and fresh possibilities, and I am confident that with more space in my brain, my future endeavours will bring even more value to you, my amazing Caker community.” Despite the fact that the popular The Caker kits will still be available for us to buy from the supermarket, the celebration cakes won’t be from Sunday the 3rd of September. So, we advise getting your final orders in over the next couple of weeks (Rondel says she will be releasing a raft of final flavours and iconic, end-of-era cakes) to ensure that The Caker goes out with a bang.
Amano’s bakery is a favourite amongst Auckland locals and visitors alike. And while the freshly-baked bread, doughnuts and sandwiches here have become go-to staples for anyone seeking something delicious in Britomart, it’s Amano’s decadent cakes that we have come to rely on for all our celebrations. Available to order online, flavours range from lemon meringue and classic carrot to basque cheesecake and Valhrona double chocolate.
Now operating out of her latest endeavour, Burnt Butter Diner, pastry chef Claudia Long’s exceptional cake service Sweet Cheeks produces some of the tastiest cakes and some of the most sought-after cakes in town. (Case in point, her orders are already booked out until October 2023.) No wonder, really, with flavours like burnt butter and dulce de leche, passionfruit and miso, salted dark chocolate, hazelnut with sour plum and so many more.
Not only a humming café, Catroux is also renowned for its event catering — and cakes. Whether you’re a fan of citrus flavours or decadent banana and caramel; classic carrot, chocolate or red velvet, Catroux’s cakes are special without being over the top and are available in a variety of crowd-pleasing sizes.
While your intention to recreate a Woman’s Weekly masterpiece is admirable, why not leave it up to these experts? Noughts and Crosses fanciful designs are bound to capture the imaginations of both big and little birthday people.
If you or someone you are celebrating (or hosting, for that matter), is vegan look no further than Little Bird’s selection of indulgent and entirely plant-based cakes for your next occasion. Offering flavours like tiramisu and chocolate cheesecake, these mouthwatering desserts are creamy and decadent while also feeling like a slightly less sinful iteration of their conventional counterparts and are certainly delicious enough to keep everyone at the party happy (vegan or not).
Known for their crafty and hyper-realistic cakes (fried chicken bucket, anyone?), K Cake is an essential contact to have for any themed party or other apt celebration. Cakes here are sweet and sumptuous, as they should be, coming in more than 10 different flavours. Chocolate raspberry is a reliable favourite — but there’s something so addictive about the lemon elderflower flavour too.
Specialising in the kind of cute and decidedly pink cakes from the days of yore, From Sugar’s sweet treats are certainly some of the most delicious. We love their ‘lunch box’ size cakes too, which supposedly serve 2-4 — they’re just perfect for those more intimate affairs.
Despite a recent event that left the front doors of our favourite, Remuera neighbourhood eatery looking decidedly dishevelled, the spirit of Sìso is strong, and its warm hospitality has continued without pause. Indeed, not even in the case of a car being used to force an after-hours entry, did the good-natured humour of Sìso’s owner, Richard Sigley, waver. “Just let us know you’re coming next time,” he said, “we’ll make it easy for you and open the doors.”
So renowned has Sìso’s soul-warming, Mediterranean fare become, it seems, that some people simply can’t wait. (But please do. Bookings are usually the best way of going about these things.)
And really, with another drizzly weekend on the horizon, where better to book than Sìso? Offering an array of indulgent dishes like mouthwatering pork meatballs with guanciale, forest mushrooms and cured egg yolk, hand-cut pappardelle with oxtail ragu and preserved lemon and of course, the famous slow-cooked lamb shoulder with cumin dipping salt, sheep’s milk labneh, green harissa and joujou bread, the food here is exactly what we feel like on a wintry day. (Not to mention Sìso’s Slow Sundays — a special, Sunday-only, banquet-style feast that offers an elevated take on the traditional roast.)
Moreover, Sìso’s cosy, comfortable dining room, anchored by an open fire, is the perfect setting in which to escape the busyness of the day-to-day for a few hours of culinary bliss. There, the warm ambience is matched only by the similarly warm service and is a huge part of why Sìso has become one of our favourite destinations to frequent.
So, why not book a table at Sìso this weekend? It’s much better than the alternative.
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Admittedly the early days of August got away from us — life has that all-too-familiar ‘time is flying’ feeling right now. But alongside the cultural comforts we can enjoy at home, there’s a surprisingly impressive cultural agenda that’s kept us inspired in the days of late. If you’re like us, with little time to spare, our August Culture guide has all the essential shows, events and more you have to book in this month.
The latest performance from the Royal New Zealand Ballet endeavours to celebrate the company’s rich cultural tapestry inspired by haka and the strength of the men of the RNZB; a striking and lasting addition to the RNZB’s repertoire, presenting the esteemed dancers in a new light. With three performances over the weekend and limited tickets remaining, we’d suggest rallying your most discerning friends and booking your tickets without haste.
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, Thursday the 10th until Saturday the 12th of August, various times
Auckland Theatre Company will tomorrow launch into their next season of the year’s programme, a fantastic show adapted from Dr David Galler’s best-selling memoir of the same name that throws grand questions about our nation’s (undeniably broken) healthcare system into the ether. Through the tremendous talents of some of New Zealand’s greatest actors, Things That Matter becomes a tender and articulate account of the compassion and change needed in New Zealand’s health system. Tickets are now on sale for the two-week run.
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Saturday the 12th until Sunday the 27th of August, various times
Most never anticipated New Zealand would become well and truly caught up in football fever, but in part, it speaks to the human appeal of the excitement of live sports. Since winning the opening match (despite not qualifying for further rounds), New Zealand has cemented itself in the wider football vernacular. While the final games of the FIFA Women’s World Cup will be held in Australia, the Fan Festival Zone that has taken over The Cloud will host free daily performances from the likes of Ladi6, a delicious food offering, and live football matches on the big screen. We’re predicting this will be the best spot to watch the final. Get in quick to get a good seat.
The Cloud, open at various times and days
This month the Grammy-nominated Atlanta rapper, J.I.D will perform to his devoted New Zealand audiences for the first time as part of The Forever And A Day world tour he is currently in the middle of. Those unfamiliar with his name would likely know his sound, a beloved collaborator of 21 Savage, Offset, and even Imagine Dragons. He’s undeniably part of the new guard of rising hip-hop artists, and this month presents your chance to see him before he well and truly blows up.
Shed 10, Wednesday the 23rd of August, 7pm
Lauded New Zealand comedian Dai Henwood has been candid and vulnerable about his current struggle with cancer, a diagnosis he hid for almost two years. Now, he hopes to draw much-needed attention to the illness in the hope of fundraising to fund better treatment and support for those undergoing a similar diagnosis. In The Comedy Treatment, Henwood will take to Q Theatre’s stage for one night alongside Mel Bracewell, Josh Thomson, Ben Hurley and Justine Smith for “the funniest cancer fundraiser” we’ve ever seen. The last remaining tickets are still available, and the televised show will give viewers at home the opportunity to donate to the Cancer Society too.
Q Theatre, Thursday the 24th of August, 8pm
Auckland continues its reputation of four seasons in one day, with this weekend’s forecast set to be anything but warm and sunny (it is early August, though, so maybe this should be expected). Most can agree that on days like these, there are few things we’d rather do than cosy up in our favourite restaurants, indulging in some of Auckland’s best soul-warming food. Between new offerings that are the talk of the town and always-reliable old favourites, these are the three winter-warmer dishes we suggest going out and eating this weekend.
At the heart of MoVida’s mouthwatering, Spanish menu (a delicious series of tapas-style dishes that pack a seriously flavoursome punch), sits the Pollo Agridulce. This dish is, by all definitions, a winter warmer, where organic chicken is wet-roasted with Andalucian agri sauce and baby peppers, lending it some welcome extra heat.
Hearty, full of flavour and cooked to creamy perfection, Andiamo’s butternut squash risotto is the kind of dish that will cure any winter woe. Served with truffled burrata and roast-pumpkin brown butter and known to be dubbed by those who order it as “the best risotto I’ve had in my life,” this exceptional dish is an absolute must-try. (And is even better when enjoyed in Andiamo’s cosy dining room, near its open fireplace.)
With a nod to the flavours of the season, the beef short rib from Inca’s Ponsonby outpost is a tender little morsel that simply begs to be shared. Here, quite intuitively, restauranteur Nic Watt has let the meat’s complex flavours carry the dish, with just a smear of yellow pepper miso glaze for spicy, umami heat and a handful of utterly moreish spiced roast cashew nuts to elevate the dish to delectable new heights.
Spread across 5,900 square-feet of penthouse space, high above the Manhattan skyline, sits the duplex home of a young family, elevated in more ways than one. Boasting a number of generous windows that offer views of the Big Apple’s most iconic landmarks — from the Statue of Liberty to the Brooklyn Bridge to the Empire State Building — this apartment embraces its enviable locale while still offering a distinct aesthetic; more refined and more artistic than one might expect from a dwelling of this scale (and location).
There is a sensibility here that is decidedly Parisian, an idea the owners felt drawn to after celebrating their nuptials in the City of Light. Because, while the address itself is jaw-dropping (and undeniably exclusive) there has been impressive restraint shown by the team at Workshop/APD in the colour palette, the furnishings, the lighting and the accessories, where understated luxury and sumptuous textiles in neutral tones have been favoured over any kind of overt or attention-grabbing moments (often associated with New York penthouses at the higher end of the market). Of course, this was what the owners wanted, with the team at Workshop/APD explaining how the brief had to be in line with their clients’ minimalist palette and desire to create a home that was warm and luxurious, while still being suitable for life with young sons.
As a result, the idea of ‘balance’ has defined each space. Structure collides with curvature in the main living room, where a rounded wall melds into the ceiling and offers a wonderful counterbalance to the stoic lines of both the fireplace and the rectangular windows that frame the space, bathing it in natural light. Elsewhere, there is an impressive staircase that connects the lower level to the second-floor bedrooms, which was transformed by Workshop/APD from a simple, rectilinear structure to a sweeping pièce-de-résistance, complete with curved, white plaster balustrade and solid oak steps (a visually-arresting contrast).
“While the palette is undeniably monochromatic, the variety of textures and variances in tone (something the team at Workshop/APD called ‘fifty shades of beige’) deliver warmth and mitigate any chance that it could veer into ‘stark’ territory.”
Furniture and other decorative details have been used to achieve a similar effect, where rounded sofas and tables and abstract art pieces (which the clients curated alongside art consultant Barbara Cartategui) that play on geometric shapes deliver dimension, giving the overarching minimalism a more tactile and inviting feel. Because while the palette is undeniably monochromatic, the variety of textures and variances in tone (something the team at Workshop/APD called ‘fifty shades of beige’) deliver warmth and mitigate any chance that it could veer into ‘stark’ territory.
From gorgeous, light-timber herringbone floors to fabrics like cream bouclé to the circular motifs that recur on mirrors, art and furnishings (like the pair of Knoll’s Saarinen Womb chairs offering added comfort in the pristine master suite), the sense of austerity that plays into this penthouse’s refined appeal has been cleverly balanced with cosiness in every corner. After all, while this duplex might look like a gallery in many of its main spaces, it is still (at its heart) a family home.
In fact, if you look at the children’s bedrooms, rendered in monochromatic blues (perfect for encouraging play and imagination), and too, at the moody media room finished in shades of black, charcoal and taupe, it’s clear that the owners were not afraid to make bold choices — even if the rest of the home feels, at first glance, an exercise in warm neutrality.
Indeed, as far as New York apartments go, this one sits well above the rest (for its floor number, yes, but in many other ways too). Here, the ultimate New York lifestyle has been softened by a Parisian romanticism, creating an elevated urban sanctuary that is cool, calm and collected.
Long associated with royalty, emeralds and (other green gemstones) represent wit, eloquence and foresight, which makes wearing them far more than just an aesthetically-pleasing affair. In fact, adorning yourself with pieces of jewellery that showcase some kind of green gemstone (even better when paired with diamonds) will not only turn heads but will almost definitely lift your mood. It might even bring you good luck.
Here we round up our latest wish list of exquisite, green gemstone jewellery — each piece striking and sophisticated in equal measure.
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