SALIFE’s best of 2025 list
Styling Maz Mis
As we reflect on 2025, the writers at SALIFE turn their thoughts to some of the best things they experienced or discovered last year. Here, we’ve compiled our top lists of everything from homes and artists, to local products and places to stay.
Homes
Step into our favourite spaces of the year.
Wine cellar
This Brighton project, designed by Michael Fogarty and constructed by Bellevue Building Concepts, features a delightful wine cellar in the home’s newly-built extension. The owners wanted a wine cellar large enough to host guests in, and this one, accessed by a hole in the centre of the home, is the jewel in the crown of the extension.
Study
This Rose Park 1890s villa underwent a renovation designed by James Allen, undertaken by Build Theory. The room is a beautiful feature, with peeks of stone coming through the rendered walls and rich timber used for the desk and shelving.
Kitchen
In this 1835 heritage-listed home in Robe, the owners have worked tirelessly to restore and reinvigorate each space. But what they’ve done in the kitchen of Moorakyne, with the help of Annemarie Pyne of AP Interior Design, is truly special.
Sitting area
One of the more traditional areas of this beachside home is the formal living room, with dentil moulding, coffered ceiling and marble fireplace framed by an arched door made of black steel and glass. Interior designer, Felicia Spadavecchia, worked on the project. “It’s really light; it’s still neutral but with a lot of textures in there,” Felicia says.
Styling: Maz Mis
Dining
This Medindie home’s renovation (by Craig Linke) included a revamp of the living room. Looking out to a garden lovingly-tended to by the owner, beautiful arched windows bring beautiful light into the space.
Snacks
Because we all deserve a little treat. Pop these on your must-eat list.
Salted butter gelato with toasted sourdough
The Sugar Man Gelato
From The Sugar Man Gelato in Adelaide, salted butter caramel — made with award-winning Dairyman Barossa butter — is swirled through creamy vanilla gelato along with impossibly crunchy, almost toffee-like chunks of Prove sourdough bread. You’ll be hooked.
Savoury bignè
That’s Enrico
From That’s Enrico at Lobethal, this perfectly puffed bignè – a light choux pastry – is filled with whipped ricotta and feta, then topped with a beautiful Italian anchovy. It’s finished on the plate with a dusting of dehydrated tomato.
Popcorn broccoli
Part Time Lover
Eat your greens – with a side of crunch and hot sauce. City diner Part Time Lover likes to add a playful touch to veg-forward fare, and their popcorn broccoli is their biggest seller. Florets are dunked in a light batter before they’re flash-fried, piled onto the plate and served with a vegan hot sauce.
Sourdough crumpets
Neighbours Crumpets
You might like
You’ve arrived early at the Adelaide Farmers’ Market (wise), and your belly begins to rumble. For a satisfying snack on the go, head to Neighbours Crumpets for hot sourdough crumpets, with housemade seed butter melting into their deep, flavour-soaking craters.
Portuguese tart
Saudade
Crunchy pastry, smooth vanilla custard and a burnished top make for a delicious snack that’s just-sweet-enough. Cooked in traditional ovens, Adelaide Central Market-goers can watch the action as it unfolds in the back, and order as many as they please.
Restaurants
Regional dining leads the pack, with exciting new openings in 2025.
Staguni
Expect contemporary plates inspired by chef Claire Falzon’s Maltese heritage and travels across all seven continents. Linger over lunch or dinner, or pop in for Barrio snacks on the verandah Friday to Monday, 4pm to 6pm.
Thelma
From a “plate of vegetables” showcasing just-plucked Presquil farm veggies in various forms, to a steaming bowl of mussels in a dashi-spiked broth, chef Tom Campbell’s cooking is confident and delicious.
Fall From Grace
Chef Jimmy Toone and parter Jo Leale recently took the reins of this beloved Aldinga wine bar and they’ve curated a tasty little menu to complement the experience. Don’t miss the tuna tartare, diced and served with an aerated tonnato sauce.
Asha
Cream rendered walls, plush booth seating and warm lighting sets the tone for a contemporary blend of Middle Eastern, Northern African and Eastern European fare. Asha has just welcomed a new head chef in Kyle Connor, formerly of Maxwell, so it’s a good time to revisit this hidden gem.
Fino Vino
An “oldie” compared to the other venues in this list, but very much a goodie. Heralded by hospitality stalwarts David Swain and Sharon Romeo, this city wine bar is all about warm hospitality, a top drinks list and quality cooking that lets the produce shine. Their express lunch menu offers incredible value – three courses with a glass of wine for just $55.
South Australian designers
These SA designers have caught our eyes this year.
Charlotte Standish
The lead interior designer at boutique building and interior design company, Craig Linke, Charlotte Standish has put her mark on some of South Australia’s most beautiful homes, with the backing of the rest of the design team and driven by the input of Craig Linke. Charlotte’s work exemplifies the company’s signature style of warmth, with a strong lean towards a modern classic aesthetic. In November, her Le Jardin design won Kitchen Design of the Year at the HIA Awards.
Daniel Emma
Homewares and furniture designers Daniel To and Emma Aiston create everything from desk objects to large installations. Their Soft Chair has become somewhat of an icon of South Australian design. It comes in a range of colours, from a zesty pop of lemon to – my favourites – the more subdued olive and brown. You can keep a little piece of Daniel Emma with you through their fun Charms range. The Christmas Pickle is adorable.
B Johnson Ceramics
What was once a hobby to find mindfulness and a creative escape from the world of corporate finance grew into B Johnson Ceramics in 2023. Each of her pieces is thoughtfully handmade, bringing a touch of artful calm to everyday spaces.
Cathy Karuga
Yaneth (pronounced ja-nette) designer Cathy Karuga champions natural fibres in her pieces, creating garments that celebrate all forms. The former engineer lives on a wool farm with her husband and two children.
Huw McConachy
Working from his Port Elliot studio, Huw McConachy celebrates simplicity, function and the beauty of natural materials. Huw’s inspiration comes from unexpected places: a friend’s painting of aardvarks in a ski lodge sparked the playful Aard Stools, while the Simple Mill was born from a desire to elevate everyday objects through elegant, functional design.
Artists
These South Australian artists are at the top of their game, showcasing not just creativity and talent, but a resilience, courage and bravery to follow their true paths.
Joe Whale “The Doodle Boy”
Ever since he was a toddler, Joe Whale has loved to draw. That passion has led the 15-year-old artist to world fame through his bold and uplifting doodle drawings which saw him dubbed “The Doodle Boy”. He has collaborated with some of the biggest brands in the world including Nike.
Lewis Constantine
For more than four decades Lewis Constantine worked at Orana, which provides employment opportunities and support for disabled people. It was only after his retirement at age 60 that Lewis first picked up a paintbrush at Tutti Arts, the South Australian disability arts organisation that fosters the careers of learning disabled and neurodivergent artists.
Ida Sophia
The work of performance, sculpture and installation artist Ida Sophia explores deeply personal yet broad themes including regret, transformation, hope, forgiveness and connection. The artist, who is currently completing a residency at Berlin’s Scope BLN, was awarded the prestigious Ramsay Art Prize in 2023 for her performance-for-video work Witness.
Eliza Piro
The vibrant work of Adelaide artist Eliza Piro can be found not just on the large canvases she creates, but also on her expansive range of homewares, as well as her fashion items, including shirts, skirts, scarves, kimonos, blazers, dresses and more. Eliza, who works from her Stepney retail store, says her passion is to create “art that lifts people’s spirit and makes them feel inspired”.
Tsering Hannaford
When portrait painter Tsering Hannaford damaged tendons in her right wrist last year, it was a devastating blow. But in an astounding show of resilience, Tsering taught herself to paint with her non-dominant hand, and it was with this hand that she painted a self-portrait entitled Meditation on time (a left-handed self-portrait). The powerful work earned Tsering 11th place as a finalist in the Archibald Prize this year.
People
We shine a light on five outstanding South Australians, who all work for the greater good when it comes supporting important causes and our great state.
Maggie Beer
She graced our cover in March this year as we celebrated the South Australian icon that is Maggie Beer. Recently, the 72-year-old star has focused her efforts on improving food and nutrition in nursing homes through her Maggie Beer Foundation.
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Ebony Marinoff
Crows co-captain Ebony Marinoff is arguably the AFLW’s most decorated player, having won three premierships, three club championships and being a seven-time All-Australian. This year, the 27-year-old became the first player in AFLW history to play 100 games (alongside Brisbane’s Ally Anderson).
Her Excellency the Honourable Frances
Adamson AC
As the 36th Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency the Honourable Frances Adamson AC continues her life of service after years as a high-ranking diplomat. The down-to-earth leader works tirelessly for South Australians, attending community events, visiting local schools, making appearances in regional areas and supporting a vast range of charities and events.
Jason Smith
As the incoming director of the Art Gallery of South Australia, Jason Smith has been on a mission to lift the profile of the gallery both domestically and internationally. A key part of this strategy is bringing celebrated works to the gallery for the first time, kicking off with the Monet to Matisse: Defying Tradition exhibition in 2026. Exclusive to AGSA, the exhibition showcases 57 works from Ohio’s Toledo Museum of Art with works by Henri Matisse, Vincent van Gough, Pablo Picasso and more.
Andrew Pridham
Sydney-based investment banker Andrew Pridham, who grew up in Adelaide, has experienced huge success. But the businessman and chairman of the Sydney Swans lives by the ethos of giving back, particularly to his home state. Andrew’s generosity has included donating $5 million to the University of South Australia through his Pridham Foundation.
Experiences
These are our must-try experiences in SA.
Temptation Sailing
Departing daily from Glenelg’s Marina Pier, Temptation is a 58-foot sailing catamaran with a licensed bar, spacious cabin and 360-degree front viewing deck. Dip below the surface with dolphins or sit back in comfort for a sunset aperitivo.
The Arkaba Walk
This three-day guided hike through Arkaba – a 25,000-hectare sheep station-turned private wildlife conservancy – is one of the Great Walks of Australia and includes luxury trimmings in quintessential outback style.
The Foodbuilder
Professional cooking and nutrition teacher Anita Robin runs immersive cooking classes and cook-and-stay packages in her architectural retreat and kitchen – The Foodbuilder. Anita’s cooking classes range from a bread masterclass to Christmas baking, pastry making and gourmet gastronomy. Participants can also book in to Anita’s exclusive B&B, with additional guided private dinner and breakfast experiences.
Baird Bay Experience
In a small fishing village 50 kilometres south of Streaky Bay, Baird Bay Experience offers a unique opportunity to swim with sea lions and dolphins in sparkling Eyre Peninsula waters. Having recently launched a brand-new boat, the expedition takes guests on a half-day adventure in the safe and shallow waters of Baird Bay.
The Barossa Gin Lab
The Barossa Gin Lab is a hands-on gin-crafting experience at the Marananga School Precinct where you’ll roll up your sleeves and create a gin that’s entirely yours. The gin lab is the first solo venture of Elli Beer – daughter of Australian food icon Maggie Beer – who has drawn on her life’s experience working with flavours to create this unique gin experience.
South Australian products
Whether you fancy a tipple of gin, a new skincare find or beautiful homewares created by local makers, here are our picks for SA products
Hollow jug
Designed by local ceramic artist Stephanie James-Manttan, JamFactory’s Hollow Jug is the epitome of sleek minimalism. Curated from stoneware clay, and slip cast and finished with a tactile matte glaze in earthy tones, this is a contemporary, yet timeless piece. This simple, everyday item has been brought to life by a skilled team of mould makers, ceramic scientists and practitioners using traditional and contemporary technologies.
Maison Appret chopping board
The Maison Appret chopping board, designed by Crystal Jagger – wife of SA food identity Callum Hann – are thoughtfully made with rice husk fibre as opposed to plastic, and are dishwasher safe.
Lavender Cocoa Butter
The flagship of SA skincare company Melvory, the Lavender Cocoa Butter is a soothing salve made of pure lavender, plant oils and butters that gently moisturise any skin type, of any age.
Little Tin Co. Port Lincoln sardines
Adelaide’s Dan and Rachel Weeks have redefined the old preservative-packed tin of sardines into something local and sustainable that has flavour. Their Port Lincoln Sardines in Australian Oil are a prime example of their ethical practices, sourced from the South Australian Sardine Fishery, where harvesting strategies are implemented to minimise effects on marine ecosystems.
Moonlight Gin
Prohibition Liquor’s Moonlight Gin features notes of distilled pink lady apples, native blood limes and rare red juniper combined with black goji, clove, hibiscus, sandalwood and honeybush, which dance across the palate. When mixed, the liquid vibrancy of the violet becomes otherworldly – a drink that not only tastes good, but is beautiful to look at.
Stays
These are the places we’ve loved to stay of late.
Southern Ocean Lodge
Kangaroo Island’s Southern Ocean Lodge has been recognised with the American Express Travel One to Watch award for 2025, identifying the lodge as having the potential to break into The World’s 50 Best Hotels list. Much more than luxury accommodation, Southern Ocean Lodge offers signature experiences from wildlife safaris to tours, clifftop walks and more.
Okeanos
Forget the jetlag, the Fleurieu Peninsula now has its own Mykonos-inspired luxury escape thoughtfully designed to transport you to the Greek islands, while enjoying the pristine coastline of Moana. Okeanos blends coastal luxury with Mediterranean charm, sun-filled living spaces, a modern kitchen and bathrooms, with an outdoor dining area and plunge pool that capture the ocean views.
Hotel Alba
Adelaide’s stylish urban escape Hotel Alba offers rooms with private balconies that overlook the parkland or city with premium amenities, luxuriously comfortable beds, fine furniture and in-room entertainment. Head downstairs to grab a cocktail from the bar and relax poolside to soak up the Mediterranean-inspired outdoor space.
Eos by SkyCity
SkyCity has welcomed the recent addition of the luxury BODHI Spa. It includes facials, massage, salt scrubs and pregnancy treatments.
Naiko at the Bluff
Designed by Max Pritchard Gunner Architects, The Villa at Naiko at The Bluff blends country and coastal charm with luxury modern architecture and spectacular views of Encounter Bay. Near Victor Harbor, this new family holiday house is a sister accommodation offering to the acclaimed Naiko Retreat at Deep Creek.
This article first appeared in the December 2025 issue of SALIFE magazine.
