A man who rarely needs an introduction, South Africa’s first Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is renowned for his culinary brilliance and deep understanding of design, heritage and innovation. As the founder of the JAN Group of restaurants — the Michelin starred JAN in Nice, France; Klein JAN in the Kalahari; JAN Franschhoek and the newly opened Le Bistrot de JAN — he has redefined luxury dining. With an approach to food that reflects the belief that excellent cuisine should tell a story rooted in emotion, place and purpose.
Jan Hendrik’s culinary philosophy is grounded in meticulous craftsmanship, where precision and innovation meet and each dish reflects a dedication to storytelling through food. From humble beginnings on a farm in Mpumalanga, to becoming a global culinary icon, Jan’s Michelin Star marks a personal victory and a defining moment for South Africa, solidifying his place among the world’s culinary elite. Beyond his dishes, his JAN restaurants offer a refined, thoughtful experience that is not just about taste but also about creating a deeper connection with the diner.
In similar taste, renowned car brand Lexus has long been associated with refi ned luxury — and with the launch of the GX 550 SE and Overtrail range, the brand has taken a bold step into a new era of adventure and exploration. Through their partnership, JAN and Lexus show that their worlds intersect through a shared dedication to quality, craftsmanship and design.
Meeting in Jan Hendrik's natural habitat, at JAN Franschhoek on the expansive La Motte Wine Estate, we had a glimpse into the symphony of this collaboration. For Jan Hendrik, these vehicles provided the perfect transportation to and from his kitchen. Whether it was on the dirt road while gathering ingredients or parked in the driveway, the two vehicles exuded refinement and class — perfect for a restaurateur of equal calibre.
In this lineup, Lexus continues to empower drivers to explore their surroundings confidently. The GX 550 Overtrail is a dream car for 4x4 enthusiasts who crave adventure and comfort; featuring innovative technology such as Multi-Terrain Select, it offers smooth navigation across various terrains — from rocky trails to sandy dunes. Whether venturing into the wild or navigating the city, the vehicle can navigate any challenge while ensuring the driver experiences unparalleled comfort and luxury. The Lexus Overtrail represents a bold new direction for the brand. Designed for those who wish to go beyond the conventional, the Overtrail’s robust off-road capabilities and luxurious finishes redefine what it means to explore in style and is equipped with the latest performance technology for a refined, comfortable ride on even the bumpiest roads. Through their dedication to providing state-of-the-art vehicles, the brand has merged the demands of high-performance with the expectation of luxury to deliver a functional and indulgent experience.
They represent the perfect blend of sophisticated design and powerful performance, created for those seeking to explore rugged terrains and the urban landscape without compromising on luxury. ‘At JAN, we’re a bespoke luxury brand. We’re innovative, detail-driven, and so is Lexus. The partnership just makes sense. We sit well together. Like Lexus vehicles, nothing is loud or overstated. There’s a strong, confident presence that speaks through the details,’ Jan Hendrik said in a recent interview.
The partnership between JAN and Lexus is built on shared values of innovation and meticulous detail to create meaningful, luxury experiences. Jan Hendrik’s philosophy of thoughtful design in his restaurants aligns perfectly with Lexus’s approach to vehicle design — where every detail, from performance to luxe finishes, is carefully considered to create an elevated experience. Though the two brands may be rooted in different cultures, this collaboration offers a synergy between JAN's South African/ French principles and Lexus's Japanese principles of hospitality and master craftsmanship. The Japanese principle of hospitality, omotenashi, is about offering seamless, thoughtful care, where every gesture is intentional and designed to make the guest feel valued.
For Jan Hendrik, hospitality goes beyond providing excellent service; it’s about creating an atmosphere where every detail contributes to a feeling of comfort and belonging. ‘It’s subtle, intentional gestures that make people feel seen,’ he says. This commitment to omotenashi is complemented by takumi, the Japanese concept of master craftsmanship. Both Lexus and JAN exemplify the principles of takumi — emphasising precision, attention to detail and a strive for excellence. Just as Lexus vehicles are built by artisans who hone their craft over many years, JAN’s culinary masterpieces are a result of a lifetime of refining and perfecting his techniques. And in their partnership it is made clear that every element of their brands are crafted carefully, ensuring the final result is exceptional — a connection so innately human that it transcends beyond what’s on the plate or the dashboard.
After a day of observing the experts in their element, it's clear that JAN and Lexus embody the essence of a luxurious experience. Whether in the kitchen or on the road, they continue to push the boundaries of luxury, creating experiences defined by thoughtful design, master craftsmanship and a dedication to enhancing the human experience.
