Sandra‘s Closet

Davis Factor, the renowned fashion and celebrity photographer, is the grandson of Hollywood makeup legend Max Factor. Together with his brother Dean, he founded Smashbox Studios in 1990, followed by their own make-up line six years later that is dedicated to work best in the tough studio environment (Smashbox products are exclusively available at Marionnaud in Switzerland). Davis lives in the third generation in Beverly Hills which is his favourite place on earth. Below you can enjoy his tips for the City of Angels.

Your favourite city?
LOS ANGELES – This is my home, where my family roots are. I am a surfer, I love the weather and the waves. It is spread out but peaceful. I love the mixture between the nature and the city.

Your favourite hotel?
BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL – I have spend my whole life there. They have a great pool, great atmosphere. The restaurants cater and they love me as I eat there 3-4 times per week. But  I have never stayed there as I live too close.
9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, +1 310 276 2251

Your favourite restaurant?
MR.CHOW – I love Chinese food a lot and I am great friends with Michael Chow’s daughter China. It’s the place for the who is who.
344 N Camden Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, +1 310 278 9911

Your favourite dish there?
I love their Shrimp and Oyster sauce.

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
HYDE LOUNGE – Best on Fridays. A friend of mine owns it and I feel comfortable in there, it’s not like a big club, it’s not too loud, more lounge style with great food.
8029 W Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, 90046, + 1 323 655 8000

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
SUNSET IN MALIBU – Very Californian! My brother has a fabulous house in Malibu where I like to watch it.

Your favourite beach?
MALIBU BEACH – The sand is fantastic.
MANHATTAN BEACH – I surf there a lot, great community, classic beach with a family atmosphere.

Your favourite shop?
MAXFIELD – I buy for myself in there. Great selection of designer clothes and I love their Hermès vintage collections.
8825 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90069, +1 310 274 8800

Your must-have accessory in Los Angeles?
A CAR – I drive a Mercedes-Benz. I have such a great experience with their service.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
WONDERLAND AVENUE by Danny Sugerman.
It’s about his life as a troubled Beverly Hills kid who ended up being Jim Morrison’s best buddy. He hang out with all the rockstars of the ’80s and it all happens in the area where I grew up. It reminds me so much of Los Angeles and his brother is my doctor.

Thank you, Davis, for sharing your insider scoop on Los Angeles with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Locations and Smashbox Studios

MOURJJAN is a fashion label launched in 2014 by Michael Muntinga and Roland Rahal. Based in Klosters in the Swiss Alps, they turn their joint passion for nature and fashion into striking luxurious silk pieces that evoke the secret gifts of the wilderness. Both seek inspiration from the mysteries of the Orient and love to travel to Roland’s birthplace, LEBANON, where East meets West.

Enjoy their guide for this fascinating country and its capital BEIRUT, dubbed the “Paris of the Middle East“.

Your favourite city?
BEIRUT because it is a city that never sleeps, a city of contrasts, thousands years of history, yet it is very avant-garde and contemporary.

Your favourite hotel?
LE GRAY in Beirut , beautifully centered in the Middle of Beirut, tastefully decorated with rooms that make you feel home away from home.
Martyrs’ Square, Beirut Central District, Lebanon, Phone: +961 1 971 111

Your favourite restaurant?
MAYRIG in Beirut. Delicious vibrant Armenian dishes that adapt the popular classics of Armenian cuisine, while generously borrowing from Lebanese and other Mediterranean influences, in order to feast guests on a dazzling array of flavors.
Pasteur Street, Beirut, Lebanon, Phone: +961 1 572 121

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
HAMRA STREET in Beirut is full of funky bars like WALKMAN. But nothing beats MUSIC HALL – a nightclub with a lovely combination of Lebanese and Western music and shows. The place to go for locals and tourists.
Walkman – The Alleyway, Street 78, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon, Phone: +961 76 885 887
Music Hall – Omar Daouk, Lebanon, Phone:+961 1 361 236

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
BYBLOS or (JBEIL in Lebanese). A Historical Phoenician city with a beautiful old harbour. It used to be the St-Tropez of the Middle East in the ’60s/’70s. It has kept its charm throughout the years.

Your favourite park?
CEDARS PARK in the north of Lebanon. A place of silence, relaxation. It is also called the «Forest of the Cedars of God» and was added in 1998 to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Lebanon is known for its iconic cedar trees, as they are the emblem of the country and the symbol of the Lebanese flag.
Qadisha Valley, Becharre District, Governorate of North Lebanon

Your favourite beach?
EDDE SANDS. A beautiful sandy beach at the Mediterranean Sea with daily beach parties – so much fun.
Jbeil, Libanon

Your favourite shop?
BEIRUT SOUKS are full of the latest designer collections and unique boutiques with upcoming Lebanese designers. With over 200 shops and a department store, it is one of Beirut’s largest shopping areas and the most dense.
Majidiye, Beirut, Lebanon, Phone :+961 1 980 650

Capricorn scarf by Mourjjan

Your must-have accessory?
Your latest DESIGNERS’ ACCESSORIES (sunglasses, bags, shoes). Don’t be afraid to stand out – Lebanese people will love you for that!

The best soundtrack for this destination?
THE CHEHADE BROTHERS. Best music to hear while being in Beirut. Keeping clearly their Middle Eastern roots with the help of Arabic musical instruments, their music has lots of ethnic influences.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
«THE PROPHET» – A book of 26 prose poetry essays written by the Lebanese artist, philosopher and writer Kahlil Gibran. It is a masterpiece on life and beyond.

Thank you, Michael and Roland, for sharing your insider scoop on Lebanon with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mourjjan

Israeli actress and model GAL GADOT is the face of GUCCI‘s newest fragrance BAMBOO. In 2004, she won the Miss Israel title and is known for her role as Gisele in The Fast and the Furious film series. She also stars as Wonder Woman in the upcoming movie Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. I met her in NYC for the launch of the Gucci Bamboo campaign. During the interview, the stunning, tall brunette was so lovely to give us some amazing tips for her hometown.

Your favourite city?
TEL AVIV – It is just non stop. You can walk everywhere, we hardly use our car when we are there, we just take the bike. There are so many cafés, you have the beach, it is so lively. It’s like the Marais in Paris meets Miami meets NYC.

Your favourite hotel?
VARSANO HOTEL (photo) – It used to be my husband’s hotel.
Shabazi St 11, 65150, Israel, Phone +972 77-554-5500
(Editor’s note: In April 2015, the Varsano was bought by Roman Abramovich for 100million Israeli shekels (£17.1m). It is said that he will turn it into a private residence so that it is no longer functioning as a hotel.)
NORMAN HOTEL and MONTEFIORE HOTEL – They have both great restaurants, beautiful rooms and are located in good spots in Tel Aviv.
Norman Hotel, Nachmani Street 23-25, 6579441, Israel, Phone +972 3-543-5555
Montefiore Hotel, 36 Montefiore Street, 65201, Israel, Phone +972 3-564-6100

Your favourite restaurant?
PRONTO – Superb Italian food.
Herzl St 4, Tel Aviv-Yafo, 6688215, Israel, Phone +972 3-566-0915
MANTA RAY (photo)– Great seafood, it is at the ocean and just gorgeous.
Alma Beach, near the Dolphinarium, Tel Aviv, 68012, Israel, Phone +972 3-517-4773

Your favourite dish?
HUMMUS, you can find it the best at ABU HASSAN in Jaffa.
HaBarzel St 2, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
SURAMARE – On a rooftop, beautiful, casual, nice food and great music, my favorite in spring time.
Se’Adya Ga’on 24, Tel Aviv, Israel

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
The PORT IN JAFFA – It is walkable, very old, it looks like it was painted. Absolutely romantic.

Your favourite beach?
ALMA BEACH (This is where the Manta Ray restaurant is located) – It has the best sunsets.

Your favourite shop?
KEREN WOLF JEWELRY in Neve Tzedek – She is a friend of mine and makes handmade jewelry. Very romantic pieces, you feel like you have entered a Parisian store.
1 Shabazi Neve Tsedek, 18 He Be’lyar Kikar Medina, Tel Aviv, Phone +972 3-516-1222

Your must-have accessory?
SUNSCREEN, SUNGLASSES and BATHING SUIT – The sun is always shining.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
ZERO 7 – Whenever I travel back to Israel, I listen to them, it reminds me of home.

The smell of Tel Aviv?
It smells like the OCEAN.

Thank you, Gal, for sharing your insider scoop on Tel Aviv with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Locations and Gal Gadot

Born in Paris, CATHERINE SARR was raised in France in a Beninese home from where her interest in jewellery began. After graduating, her passion led her to venture to London where she discovered and promoted the art of craftsmanship from around the world. She worked for various luxury brands, including several years spent at De Beers Group where she curated one-of-a-kind international jewellery collections. Inspired by the history of ancient kingdoms and Africa’s rich ornament heritage, her newly launched brand ALMASIKA (available at Colette in Paris and Meister in Zurich among others) fuses iconic motifs with an international sensibility. Living part time in ABU DHABI, she shares her favourite spots with us.

Your favourite city?
ABU DHABI is one of my favourite places. I like the tranquil feel and outstanding venues.

Your favourite hotel?
The ST REGIS HOTEL SAADIYAT ISLAND. The open sea view when you enter the resort is simply outstanding! You feel rested just by looking at the turquoise water.
Saadiyat Island – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 498 8888

Your favourite restaurant?
Michelin star restaurant – CATALAN at the Rosewood Hotel in Sowwah Square. The restaurant serves fantastic seafood.
Sowwah Square, Al Maryah Island – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 813 5550

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
CARAMEL LOUNGE – You can have a drink or dine with the best 90’s RnB live mix.
The Collection – The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Saaydiyat Island – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 678 3344

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
The SHEIKH ZAYED GRAND MOSQUE – It is one of the most beautiful mosque in the world. Whatever your religion, you feel spiritual when you enter.
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 419 1919

Your favourite park?
The CORNICHE PARK – It stretches 5 km along the Abu Dhabi coast. It’s perfect for a family day. You can rent a bicycle from one of the many stations.
UAE, Abu Dhabi, Corniche Rd W, Al Khalidiyah

Your favourite beach?
NURAI ISLAND – It is one of the most exclusive private island resort in the world, few minutes off the coast of Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The beach has beautiful soft white sands.

Your favourite shop?
THE GALLERIA – It is more than a shop it is a exclusive destination with selected fashion, jewellery and watches but also dining and curated shows.
Al Falah St – أبو ظبي – UAE, Phone +971 2 616 6999

Your must-have accessory?
ALMASIKA Le Cauri Endiamante diamond necklace. It takes me from day to evening.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
TOUMANI DIABATE – Elyne Road. He is a master kora player. My favorite instrument.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
JUST READ IT! It’s a book by Emirati rising star Omar Al Busaidy. I can’t tell you what it is about, ‘Just Read It‘.

Thank you, Catherine, for sharing your insider scoop on Abu Dhabi with us!

By the way, this month Etihad Airways has introduced its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Abu Dhabi – Zurich route, offering the airline’s industry-leading First Suites, Business Studios, and Economy Smart Seats, and providing travellers with unparalleled comfort and innovation.
Safe travels!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alaska Fine Jewellery, © Etihad Airways, © Dave Peabody Dave Peabody/PR, © St Regis Hotel, © Sandra Bauknecht

Born and raised on Spain’s Balearic Islands, BEX MANNERS started her fashion career as a stylist’s assistant in New York. During that time, she taught herself to make jewelry because she couldn’t find certain pieces in the market. After her move back to London, she started her line BEX ROX in 2009. Located in the heart of Notting Hill, she is renowned for her luxurious custom jewelry and her  innovative designs. Bex draws inspiration from across the globe, and epitomises the essence of cultures, travel and nature. As a world traveller, she gave us her tips for one of the most fascinating cities on earth.

Your favourite city?
ISTANBUL – it touches on every sense.

Your favourite hotel?
GEORGES HOTEL GALATA – A boutique hotel in Galata, chic and cosy with a perfect rooftop for a sunset aperitif.
Müeyyedzade Mh., Serdar-ı Ekrem Cd. No:24
Phone: +90 212 244 2423

Your favourite restaurant?
DUBLE MEZE restaurant on the top of the Pera hotel, vibrant, mouthwatering food and the best views in the city.
Asmalı Mescit Mah. Meşrutiyet Cad. Palazzo Donizetti Hotel Üstü Kat:7 No:85, 34420 İstanbul Phone: +90 212 244 0188

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
MINI BAR 17, a tiny little bar with great DJ’s when you feel like a little dance.
Nişantaşı › Harbiye Mahallesi, Abdi İpekçi Caddesi, No 17, Şişli, İstanbul

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
You can’t leave istanbul without going to see the HAGIA SOPHIA MUSEUM, it used to be a church then later a mosque, stunning and soulful.
Sultanahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı, İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 522 1750

Your favourite park?
The TOPKAPI PALACE GARDENS are breathtaking, full of every kind of flower you can possibly image, if only it was my back garden!
Sultanahmet, Fatih, İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 512 04 80

Your favourite shop?
For a real local flavour the BAZAAR is a must but go with lots of energy and patience, there are some hidden gems to buy some stunning old jewellery and fabrics.
Beyazit, İstanbul
Phone: +90 212 519 1248

Your must-have accessory?
A touch of the turkish with my HORN LARGE FRINGE CUFFS, perfect for a little turkish dancing with the flick of your wrists and super chic.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
A remix by ACID PAULI – Jamie Wards “Almost there” and Selda mixing a little bit of the Ottoman to get you going.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
THE BASTARD OF ISTANBUL by Elif Shafak. She is one of Turkeys most popular writers, this book is magical, informative and heart-breaking as it brings together the turbulent past and the complex present!

Thank you, Bex, for sharing your insider scoop on Istanbul with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bex Rox and the different locations

TOMMY HILFIGER shared his travel tips for Capri with us. The charming American fashion designer who took the word «preppy» to new heights had come to Zurich for the film festival last fall. During an entertaining interview, he told me some interesting things about the island where he likes to spend his holidays in Europe.

Your favorite summer destination?
I love CAPRI. I like the ambiance of the Italians loving life, fashion, food, wine and excitement.

Your favourite hotel?
The GRAND HOTEL QUISISANA. It’s so central.
Via Camerelle, 2, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0788

Your favourite restaurant?
The RESTAURANT AND PIZZERIA AURORA. The best pizza and pasta in the world. You had to try the Penne Arrabiata.
Via Fuorlovado, 18-22, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0181

Your favorite bar or nightclub?
The QUISI BAR AT THE GRAND HOTEL QUISISANA HOTEL – it’s such a cool place to sit outside and have a Bellini. I love watching people.
Via Camerelle, 2, 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 837 0788

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
ANACAPRI – the water, the rocks, the vegetation, everything is just so beautiful. It smells so amazingly.

Your perfect day in Capri?
Wake up on a YACHT, have a little breakfast, take a little swim, relax with my children, make a little shopping tour and have dinner at a nice place in the center.

Your favourite shop?
RUSSO UOMO – this is where I shop for myself.
RUSSO DONNA – the best fashion in the world (even if they don’t sell Hilfiger), I go there for my wife and daughters. They sell their own brands and offer the highest quality of baby cashmere, suede, and leather.
Via Camerelle, 33 – 80073 Capri NA, +39 081 8388200

Your must-have accessory?
CAPRI SANDALS – handmade, something I like to bring home as well.

Your favorite holiday book?
I like to read BOOKS ABOUT PEOPLE, to see how they tick, what makes them successful. I read for example the books about Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey and right now I am indulging in the story of Eric Schmidt.

Your guilty pleasure on the island?
A TIRAMISU and a LIMONCELLO after dinner. I eat pasta there every day which I wouldn’t do at home.

Thank you, Mr. Hilfiger, for sharing your insider scoop on Capri with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Tommy Hilfiger, © Sandra Bauknecht and the different locations

My avid readers know how much I adore Alessandra Rich‘s designs. Her gowns are feminine and sophisticated with an edgy and ironic slant, for me my favorites on the red carpet.

After the Italian born designer had officially launched her eponymous label with her S/S 2010 collection, she has fast become a name synonymous with defined glamour loved by celebrities around the globe. She works from a showroom in London’s Mount Street, where I visited her to get her insider scoop on the British metropole, and an atelier close to Venice. In everyone of her collections, she shows her unique skill for making the elaborate fabrics of lace, ruffles and this S/S 2015 season fringes appear modern and extremely special.

Your favourite city?
LONDON. It’s where I spend my best time.

Your favourite hotel?
CLARIDGE’S, because it’s a classic.
49 Brook Street, London W1K 4HR, +44 20 7629 8860

Your favourite restaurant?
SCOTT’S, I love their oysters.
20 Mount Street, London W1K 2HE, +44 20 7495 7309

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
CONNAUGHT BAR. Perfect for a drink with friends.
The Connaught, Carlos Place, London, W1K 2AL, +44 20 7499 7070

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE. It‘s an intense experience.
Bow St, London WC2E 9DD, +44 20 7240 1200

Your favourite park?
HYDE PARK. It’s just around the corner from my office.
+44 300 061 2000

Your favourite shop?
VIRGINIA ANTIQUES on Portland Road. This vintage and second hand clothing shop is a Pandora’s vase.
98 Portland Road, Holland Park, London W11 4LQ, +44 20 7727 9908

Your must-have accessory?
RED NAILS. I always wear Lollipop by Essie.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Anything from LED ZEPPELIN or PINK FLOYD.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
WALLPAPER CITY GUIDE LONDON To have smart tips about the city.

Thank you, Alessandra, for sharing your insider scoop on London with us!

TO SHOP ALESSANDRA RICH, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

LoL, Sandra

Olivia Palermo in a fringed lace gown from Alessandra Rich‘s S/S 2015 collection.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, © AP Images

Rodial founder, Maria Hatzistefanis, is a full-on business woman. In 1999, the former editor, who grew up in Greece, saw the need in the market for a serious skincare range. Now, almost 16 years later, the company has grown into a worldwide beauty brand that has recently launched its first makeup line (in Switzerland exclusively available at Marionnaud from April). The charming brunette likes to recharge her batteries over the weekend in the English countryside.

Your favorite place to be?
We have a place at the COTSWOLDS, UK, an area of hills open countryside and historic villages north of Bath and west of Oxford, where we go at the weekend. It is my sanctuary where I can chill, do a lot of yoga and be close to nature.

Your favourite hotel?
THE FIVE ALLS. It looks like somebody’s house, very homely.
Filkins, Lechlade, Gloucestershire GL7 3JQ, +44 1367 860875

Your favourite restaurant?
The DAYLESFORD ORGANIC FARM. They serve all organic food. I love their superfood salad with bee pollen.
Daylesford near Kingham, Gloucestershire, GL56 0YG, +44 1608 731 700

Your favorite tea place?
PATISSERIE VALERIE– the best place for the most delicious scones.
4 Southgate Street, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL1 2DH, +44 1452 301584
208 High Street, Cheltenham, Gloucs, GL50 3FA, +44 1242 513465

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
COTSWOLD WILDLIFE PARK – my kids just love it. They even have lions there.

Your favourite activity?
WALKING the dog and the kids. It is our time when we can be together without any distraction, when they tell me all about their week.

Your favourite shop?
BAMFORD BARN for luxurious cashmere blankets, it’s all about at-home luxury.
Daylesford near Kingham, Gloucestershire,  GL56 OYG, +44 1608 731713

Your must-have accessory?
HUNTER BOOTS, they look stylish and are a necessity for long walks.

Your beauty musts for the weekend?
The RODIAL GLAM BALM MULTI that I use as a nourishing mask, it’s the ultimate multi purpose product, GLAM BALM LIP and STEMCELL SUPER-FOOD HAND CREAM.

The favourite music while you are there?
Anything by DAVID GUETTA, very uplifting and cool sounds.

Your favorite book to read over the weekend?
GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn, it lets your mind travel away.

Thank you, Maria, for sharing your insider scoop on Cotswolds with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Maria Hatzistefanis, © Sandra Bauknecht, © Jeremie Romain, via Eatlittlebird.com

Mads Kornerup is the mastermind behind Shamballa Jewels. The Creative Director of the Danish brand creates jewelry that encourages you to find your inner Shamballa – the mythical Himalayan kingdom of wisdom and compassion. Worn by celebrities such as Karl Lagerfeld, Jennifer Aniston and Leonardo di Caprio, those exclusive pieces are reminiscent of places near and far, of spiritual stories ancient and new, Shamballa jewels are designed to trigger curiosity and inspire conversation. I met Mads last week in Zurich for the opening celebration of his first store in Switzerland on Bahnhoftstrasse 25 in collaboration with La Serlas.
(Shamballa Jewels are also available at TROIS POMMES Store, VIA SERLAS 29, 7500 St. Moritz and Palacestrasse 1, 7800 Gstaad.)

Your favourite city?
COPENHAGEN. I live here. It has all the comfort of a big city and also the charm of a small village with beautiful lakes and buildings. It is a very safe city to raise my children in.

Your favourite hotel?
D’ANGLETERRE HOTEL in the center of Copenhagen. It has is a beautiful building with a great deal of history. It is the oldest and finest grand hotel in Copenhagen.
34, Kongens Nytorv, 1050 København K, +45 33 12 00 95

Your favourite restaurant?
CAFE VICTOR – one of Copenhagen’s oldest cafes. I eat lunch there twice a week, great vibe and great meeting point for all copenhageners. RESTAURANT GEIST for fine food when you can’t get a reservation at NOMA. RESTAURANT PLUTO for casual meals. They have a cosy concept of small plates that can be shared by the whole table.
Café Victor, Ny Østergade 8, 1101 København K, +45 33 13 36 13
Restaurant Geist, Kongens Nytorv 8, 1050 København, +45 33 13 37 13
Restaurant Noma, Strandgade 93, 1401 København K, +45 32 96 32 97
Restaurant Pluto, Borgergade 16, 1300 København K, +45 3316 0016

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
RUBY COCKTAIL BAR on Nybrogade. They have the best cocktails in Copenhagen.
Nybrogade 10, 1203 København K, +45 33 93 12 03

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
The PARLIAMENT (FOLKETINGET). It houses the Royal Stables as well.
Rigsdagsgården, 1240 København K, +45 33 37 55 00

Your favourite park?
KING’S GARDEN. It is a beautifully planned park with an view of the imposing Rosemborg castle. I love walking there and cycle through the park on my way to work .
Øster Voldgade 4 1350 København K, ++45 33 92 63 00

Your favourite beach?
TISVILDE BEACH in North Copenhagen. We have our summer house there and spend lots of time on the beach. The beaches are clean and not too many tourists.

Your favourite shop?
SHAMBALLA JEWELS! But of course. The flagship store has been a long dream and we have an amazing space unlike any other jewellery store.
Ny Østergade 7, 1101 København, +45 33 36 59 59

Your must-have accessory?
The SHAMBALLA BRACELET. One of the most iconic designs to have come out of Denmark.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Any music by LUKAS GRAHAM. He captures the young, new soul of Copenhagen perfectly.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
SHAMBHALA – THE SACRED PATH OF THE WARRIOR by Chogyam Thrungpa. Copenhagen is an idyllic city that offers space for reflection and this book is a beautiful study in the search for inner and outer peace.

Thank you, Mads, for sharing your insider scoop on Copenhagen with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mads Kornerup, Shamballa Jewels, © Morton Bjarnhof and © Sandra Bauknecht

As of 2014, American fashion designer, business woman, and philanthropist, TORY BURCH is listed as the 79th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes. Despite being extremely busy, she has found the time to share her travel tips for one of the most magical places on earth with us.

Your favorite city?
MARRAKECH is one of my favorite places. You always discover something new, whether it’s interesting architecture or colorful spices. A friend once told me to always look up in Marrakech—you’ll see something unexpected. It’s true.

Your favorite hotel?
LA MAMOUNIA, where my parents honeymooned 50 years ago. I recently returned with my mother and it was amazing to hear her stories about their trip—we did many of the same things, from visiting riads to exploring the souks.
Rue Bab Ahmar, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5243-88600

Your favorite restaurant?
DAR MARJANA for traditional tea service and DAR YACOUT for a great dinner on the rooftop—beautiful and unforgettable.
Dar Marjana, 8, Derb Qori Sidi Ben Slimane, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5243-85110
Dar Yacout, 79, Derb Sidi Ahmed Soussi, Bab Doukkala, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5243-82929

Your favorite sightseeing spot?
The MAJORELLE GARDENS —seeing the bright blue buildings against the green desert plants always inspires me.
Rue Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakech, Morocco, +212 5243-01894

Your favorite park?
It’s not a park per se, but BELDI COUNTRY CLUB has beautiful gardens, from roses and bougainvillea to cacti and orange trees.
KM6 Route du Barrage, BP 210, Marrakech, Marocco, +212 5243-83950

Your favorite beach?
ESSAOUIRA, a few hours from Marrakech.

Your favorite shop?
I could never choose just one. I love exploring the many cool home and antique shops in the INDUSTRIAL ZONE. It’s lesser known and has some incredible finds.

Your must-have accessory?
SUNGLASSES for eye protection

The best soundtrack for this destination?
Our travel playlist in our book TORY BURCH: IN COLOR. It includes everything from “Lively Up Yourself” by Bob Marley and “The Payback” by James Brown to “Strong” by London Grammar and “Oh La La” by The Faces.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SOLITUDE – one of my favorite books of all-time. Gabriel García Márquez’s writing has a mystical quality that transports you.

The perfect scent to wear there?
NONE needed. There are so many incredible scents to take in as you walk through the medina and the souks.

Thank you, Tory, for sharing your insider scoop on Marrakech with us!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Noa Griffel and © Sandra Bauknecht