Something I’ve always found fascinating is how certain customs move in and out of our lives over time – like the tide. Barely 6 months ago, our concept of hygiene looked very different to what it does now, but quite coincidentally, about 3 years ago, we introduced the concept of offering our guests at JAN an old-fashioned hand wash in an old bowl, much like our great grandparents’ generation did before the conveniences of modern-day plumbing.
To me, it was a way of transporting my guests to the world of my heritage – one which they would have found familiar, as our ancestors would have lived similar lives. It was a port of call of sorts, as if to say we’re not that different; and of setting the scene, offering a preview of what they were about to experience.
As the seasons change, we make minor tweaks to the fragrance and temperature of the water; from a gentle lavender, buchu and cassis handwash in cold water during the summer months, we switch to a lukewarm wash infused with potpourri rose petals and rooibos herb for our autumn guests.
