Category Archives: Places & Spaces
Retro Pampering At Petticoat Parlour
Rose and I have been running around like headless chickens this past two weeks – all in preparation for the Hotel Investment Conference Africa (HICA fo’ short) that started this Wednesday in Durbs. One of the sessions will focus largely on sustainable development, green architecture, and future trends within the hospitality design sector. Rose is one of the speakers – along with a handful of (mostly) architects – and should actually, by my watch, be “hitting the stage” shortly. She will hopefully give you a little feedback on the conference once she returns next week.
Anyhoo, so that is the reason for our radio silence the past week… It is also the reason why my Mother’s Day arrangements has, once again, bit the dust. The only solace - the knowledge that my mum loves me unconditionally and quickly (and often) forgives my slacker ways.
I have however, endeavoured to make it up to her in some way – I’m thinking Mani / Pedis – and I know just the place…
Petticoat Parlour in Green Point has gotten a lot of airtime (ie. various blog posts and mag articles features) since their grand opening last year – and rightly so. This place is extraordinarily cool, as in James-Dean-in-a-leather-jacket cool. The little beauty parlour is a retro dream, 50s-inspired from the black & white chequered floor to the Pop Art pin-ups on the walls (I really didn’t mean for that to rhyme).
The funky day spa offers a wide range of treatments for you ladies looking to refine and unwind. AND some awesome pampering for the gentleman as well (seriously guys, get with the times). I can imagine that Petticoat would also be the perfect place to host a bridal shower or entertain a gaggle of teenage girls!
Who wouldn’t want to sit back with an old fashioned milkshake while someone is buffing you nails to a lustre?! Some vintage tunes on diner jukebox, having a good ole “skinner” (that means “gossip” for those of you who are Afrikaans-challenged). Sitting in those blue 50s diner chairs you are sure to feel like Olivia Newton-John in Grease.
So, this is definitely on my bucket list – might even drag one or two girlfriends with and score some serious brownie points.
Be sure to check out Petticoat Parlour’s website: here for all the necessary details or their Facebook page for the latest specials. I believe the month of May is their birthday month so there is bound to be some awesome birthday and Mother’s Day specials.
Like this:
Beautiful Petits Fours
Bloubergstrand by Ryan Hasselbach
A visit to the Bloubergstrand beachfront is such a pleasure. The coastline with its magnificent view of Table Mountain and the City is so rich and striking. The evening sunsets are typically African beachside – long and calming, inviting many of the locals to take the evening beachside stroll.
In winter the seas are typcially rough with waves lashing and crashing on the beach. I find that equally as stimulating. I would don my warm togs and go sit on a bench to watch the wild sea.
That is why I like the Petits Fours Deli in Bloubergstrand. It is situated a few metres from the beach, with only a tar road between it and the ocean. The inviting, relaxed and somewhat ‘earthy/natural’ interiors with a distinctive rustic french flair beckons you to a relaxing meet-and-greet time with friends. The big windows facing onto the beach just create that seamless interaction with the coastal natural elements, that keep you totally connected to Cape Town and the sea whether the sun is sunning or the wind is ripping outside. Love it.
I am one of those folk that cannot sit in a ‘bad interiors’ restaurant. It’s all about the ambience and experience for me. I tend to take the lead for the food from the interiors, as crazy as that may sound. But for me it is yardstick to measure the food experience by. Naturally there have been times when the good interiors belies the bad food.
But not in the case of Petits Fours. I am no foodie or food critic. But I enjoy their light meals and could recommend this venue anytime.
Plus – they also retail lovely décor accessories and carry a range of embroided bedlinen. I just simply love this whole concept of combining retail with a coffee shop. It has an “Olde Worlde” feel about it.
Another of my very favourite and regular beachfront eateries in Bloubergstrand is Ons Huisie. But more of that some time in the future.
Check out Petits Fours website: here. And some awesome news for you not residing in Cape Town – Petits Fours has “branches” in Durban and Joburg. Each deli has it unique “look” and the original flagship store is in Verdi Shopping Centre. If you have been to any of the other Petits Fours let us know what you thought!
Images 3, 4 & 6, 7 sourced via Petits Fours. All other images are property of The Design Tabloid.
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Like this:
Passion & Poison
Thankfully we are surrounded by colourful, interesting and adventurous people each day. In the years of being in this interiors trade, I have had the privilege of meeting many such colourful characters. Today’s guest, Riaan from Passion & Poison is one of them.
I first encountered the Passion & Poison shop a few years ago. It was fun and interesting then, as it is now. As you will learn from Riaan’s interview he sources his stock from Turkey. Stepping into this shop, is like stepping into a Turkish market – full of eastern style surprises, transporting you to that part of the world and its culture.
He has all sorts of fascinating goodies, from furniture, lamps, accessories and scatters, beds, bags, fabrics – too many to mention. I would rather encourage you to go see for yourself. Plus he is very involved in the design of his scatters, bed linen and fabrics.
Q: What lead you to open Passion & Poison?
A: Passion & Poison was never planned, in the sense that we ever thought of opening an interior shop, focusing on Turkish textiles and antiques.
We were in Egypt at the time, busy sourcing high-end men’s fashion suppliers with the idea of opening a small upmarket men’s clothing shop.
During our stay, my partner suggested that we should consider going to Turkey, as the flight was short.
I will never forget the next morning waking up in Istanbul, seeing the people, buildings and culture. We fell in love with this dynamic country immediately and our little clothing shop was canned! It all happened so naturally. We were like hungry foxes going through alleys and markets. Within 4 days, the foundation was set for our future shop.
Turkey is a very under estimated country with wonderful history and culture. After all the years it still feels like the morning of your birthday when you were a kid, filled with excitement for what you might get.
Q: Why the name Passion & Poison?
A: The name has no real meaning but it boils down to that one man’s passion might be another’s poison……..
Q: What do you enjoy most about your ‘job’?
A: SOURCING! I love going to all the villages, markets and suppliers – sourcing wonderful new concepts and ideas. The creative side of the textiles is another love. The whole manufacturing process from basic idea to the final item is just like one huge roller coaster ride.
Q: What type of product do you source mostly?
A: Textiles remain the number one item. From custom woven Hamam towels, to upmarket upholstery and curtain fabrics. Silk scarves and scatter cushions. Fabric, fabric and yet more fabric. Old ornamental pieces like fountains, pots and carpets also remains in the front line.
Q: Your five-year plan?
A: Unfortunately with the world economy as it is now and the political tension in South Africa, I can only hope and pray that the shop will still be in existence! It sounds harsh but it is a fact. Only hard work and remaining focused could carry one through. So in short I am focussing on excellent client service, breathtaking stock and a lot of blood sweat and tears.
Q: A bit more personal – what is your favourite past –time when not in the shop?
A: I love to paint. It is my escape from reality. Otherwise I love music, cooking Turkish food and once in a navy blue moon I will watch a movie.
Q: Do you have a colour that you favour most and why?
A: That is an extremely unfair question! I don’t have one. I have a couple. So please bear with me. Fuscia pink, red, acid green, orange and Turquoise.
Q: Tell us five things on your Bucket List?
1. I want to go and stay in Turkey.
2. I want to learn how to make sculptures
3. I want to have a huge art exhibition
4. I want to settle down with that “special person”.
5. I want to visit Russia.
Q: What do you have on your bedside table?
A: I am reading a book for the second time called “Call me by your name”. A rosary (which I collect), and hand cream. That’s it!
You will find Passion & Poison at the very top of Strand Street where it meets Hudson Street in Cape Town– left hand side going up in the Hudson Building Showroom 2, De Waterkant . Should you wish to call him, their shop number is: 021-4193840.
5-Star Mauritian Resorts
Eventually I will be able to shake that Island feeling off, but in the meantime, I thought that I should just share some images and information on some of the 5 Star Resort accommodations that I encountered while in Mauritius.
Le Cardinal Resort - Image via Le Cardinal
The Island of Mauritius is not big at all. In fact we drove from the north to the south and back in about 8 hours. But the coastline all around the island is littered with hotels and resorts. They come in all shapes and sizes, from your every day club type resort, to the luxury hotels. I could not even begin to go into all the activities that these resorts offer as it is vast, suffice to say – plenty- all water sports (ski-ing, parachute surfing, tube riding, yachting, snorkelling and more) to kids activities, spa treatments and golfing.
Le Cardinal Resort - Image via Le Cardinal
We decided to do the budget style (self-catering) and despite the fact that this did not include ‘on tap’ water sports and all, our accommodation was superb.
Le Cardinal Resort - Image via Le Cardinal
However, just a spit away from our villa, fabulous 5 star resorts were to be found – two of the best in the north of the island. I managed to pop into the Le Cardinal Luxury Hotel and was ushered around their public areas, penthouse and deluxe rooms. It is only two years old and still in sparkling condition.
Le Cardinal Resort - Image via Le Cardinal
The penthouse is spacious and very well decorated – very 5 star indeed. The finishes and features are dark wood – very luxury island style. There is of course the added bonus of having your own Jacuzzi and outdoor deck. The bathroom is totally oversized and fitted with dark marble – total sense of opulence, although a bit on the masculine side for me.
Le Cardinal Resort - Image via Le Cardinal
The Hotel has been built in a tiered structure to facilitate the view of the ocean for each and every room. Naturally they are right on the beach (as is about 90% of them I think). But that has not stopped them from building a stunning swimming pool, which each room also looks down on. As I said – luxury.
Le Cardinal Resort - Image via Le Cardinal
I must admit that I did find their public areas design and décor a little toned down for the luxury experience that they offer in the bedrooms and elsewhere, which is often the case in luxury accommodation. I feel that as you step in, you should be fully aware of the fact that this is a luxurious space – you are paying for that kinda treatment after all.
Trou Aux Biches Resort - Image via Trou Aux Biches
Trou Aux Biches Resort - Image via Trou Aux Biches
The other 5 star Resort and Spa is the ‘Trou Aux Biche Hotel and Spa Resort’. This is a very big resort, stretching for what seems forever along the beach. They have in the last year or so, added into their accommodation, the most awesome freestanding ‘bungalows’ (for want of a better description) – right on the beachfront.
Trou Aux Biches Resort - Image via Trou Aux Biches
Although the interiors are top class in terms of the quality of the finishes used, the furnishings are kept to a minimum – very contemporary island style. The luxury is translated to you the guest, by way of these top quality finishes and a sense of exclusivity. Solid wood found throughout. In fact, the coffee table bases are solid wooden tree trunks – extremely heavy to carry. While on the beach one day, we saw 6 men slowly but surely moving this ‘tree trunk table base’ from one bungalow to the next. Get the picture now!
Trou Aux Biches Resort - Image via Trou Aux Biches
This resort caters a great deal for families. If you have kiddies, believe me they will have the facilities to help keep the kids busy whether in the water or on land.
Trou Aux Biches Resort - Image via Trou Aux Biches
Trou Aux Biches Resort - Image via Trou Aux Biches
I must admit that I had a bit of a ‘negative’ experience with the staff of this resort when I tried to approach them for a ‘site inspection’. I wanted to interview either the PR person or a Manager just to get the load down on the hotel, especially since I heard that South African interior designers had been involved with the recent re-furbishing. Unlike Le Cardinal where the management were accessible, open, welcoming and informative, here at Trou Aux Biche Hotel I could not even get close to the Duty Manager. Or even get a call returned by whomever. They adopted a cautious corporate approach and eventually I just gave up on it. Such a pity. What if I was Donald Trump or Sol Kerzner (because of The One and Only Hotel, they all know of him) – do you think I would have had the same treatment? I wonder?
Trou Aux Biches Resort - Image via Trou Aux Biches
Hope you enjoyed a sneak peek into the luxury resorts. If you have had a trip to the island, tell us a little of your experience.
For more info and gorgeous images check out the Le Cardinal Resort’s website: here and Trou Aux Biches Resort’s website: here.
All images sourced from the establishments’ respective websites.
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