Aquazzura Alfresco Lunch at Bond Beach Club

This week, I followed Net-à-Porter‘s invitation to Greece for a so-called Aegean Escape at the new One&Only Kéa Island Resort, that will officially open its doors in June 2024. Honestly, I cannot wait to share all these fabulous moments with you. Let me get started with the Aquazzuraicon Alfresco Lunch at Bond Beach Club on the second day.

The setting featuring lemons and tableware from Aquazzura Casaicon was breathtaking and I matched the yellow striped decor without knowing. On display was the beautiful new Aquazzura Riviera collection, that is exclusively available at Net-à-Porter.icon

Inspired by Mediterranean summers and La Dolce Vita, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch in an amazing setting on beautifully embroidered linens in an array of joyful patterns and vivid colors. I cannot wait to show you every moment of this trip. Thank you to the wonderful Net-à-Porter team for spoiling me rotten!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aquazzura
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Bridgerton Afternoon Tea at The Lanesborough

On good authority from Lady Whistledown, a social event not to be missed is coming to the ton this season…

Dust off your Regency best, as I present a new afternoon tea experience inspired by Bridgerton. The latest in the innovative series of seasonal afternoon teas, the limited-edition menu pays homage to the Regency era; a time of great revelling and high style, of elegant parties, balls, and grand dinners, with a contemporary twist.

Setting the scene, the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea takes place in The Lanesborough’s richly decorated Regency dining room in Knightsbridge, naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof.

Carefully crafted by our Head Pastry Chef, Pierre Morvan-Benezet, the menu pays tribute to the key families in Bridgerton Season 3 and is comprised of a selection of finger sandwiches and pastry tartlets, delectable scones, cream and jam, and four signature sweet treats.

Bridgerton will return for an ultra-lavish and highly anticipated season 3 this year, which follows the long-awaited friends-to-lovers romance between Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton. This season celebrates the blossoming of the ton’s resident wallflower and will be split into two 4-episode parts, with Part 1 premiering on May 16, 2024, followed by Part 2 on June 13, 2024 on Netflix.

Served exclusively at The Lanesborough in London from 16th May 2024. Make haste, and secure your booking – it would be quite the scandal to miss it…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

F1 Arcade in Boston

F1 Arcade has arrived in the USA with Boston being the first spot to experience all the excitement, drama, and glamour of Formula 1 and Washington D.C later in the year. In Europe, you can find the experience in London and Birmingham.

However, if you find yourself hoping over the pond, I recommend visiting the US venue in the Boston Seaport district. F1 Arcade is a thrilling new simulation racing experience, and probably the only place in the world where you can get drunk driving. Not that I recommend this, but here you can bar, dine and race at once.

Featuring full-motion racing simulators, typical American food and a selection of enticing drinks, this is truly unrivaled social gaming. Racing is thirsty work. You can grab a much-needed pit stop at the really cool cocktail bar, that is featuring an impressive list of vintage Champagne cocktails. So, Anouk and I decided not to wait any longer and assemble our pit crew, grab a cocktail, and take the wheel of an F1 simulator for an electrifying experience we’ll never forget.

To book your racing experience, click here please.

F1 ARCADE SEAPORT DISTRICT
87 Pier 4 Blvd Boston MA 02210 United States

Even the restrooms match the theme and feature different light installations of race tracks in every cabin.

Racers, start your engines!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Dior Spa The Lana in Dubai

Welcome to the new Dubai wellness haven: the Dior Spa The Lana. Opening its doors in spring 2024, it is the first Dior Spa in the UAE. Being a place of incomparable beauty and exceptionally soothing treatments, it is an exquisite sanctuary of holistic wellbeing infused with a visionary spirit and the Dorchester Collection’s latest gem.

Bathed with natural daylight on the hotel’s 29th floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that artfully frame views of iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dior Spa The Lana provides an unprecedented wellbeing experience with five treatment rooms and one couple’s suite. Seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology into treatments, featuring Icoone Therapy, Hydrafacial, Dior Micro-Abrasion, and the Dior Skin Light LED therapy mask, which is renowned for its ability to promote intense cell regeneration, the spa also offers a futon for Japanese-inspired treatments, and a dedicated beauty room. Each cocoon possesses distinctive characteristics, adeptly adapting to the unique desires of every guest while upholding an unwavering commitment to privacy.

Elevating the experience further, Iyashi Dôme technology introduces customisable sauna sessions, providing both relaxation and slimming effects. This is complemented by an impressive array of facial treatments thoughtfully curated for men and a personalised programme of hand and foot treatments.

Three signature treatments will be exclusive to The Lana, including Escale at The Lana, Dior Stone Therapy and D-Sculpt.

Escale is a tribute to the inaugural Dior Spa set ‘amongst the clouds’. This unique Japanese-inspired ritual defies the laws of gravity, inviting guests to unwind on a futon on the floor, where a fusion of traditional techniques and innovative relation methods embrace both body and mind. The treatment seamlessly blends kneading, friction and percussion and full body stretching. Deep, slow, and unforgettable massage strokes traverse from head to toe, releasing muscle and joint tensions to foster a sense of tranquillity. The final touch involves a precise, sensorial sequence of massage movements transporting guests to a realm of ultimate relaxation.


For a truly refined experience, guests can delve into the Dior Stone Therapy treatment. This sophisticated massage harmonises energy flow with meticulous attention, utilising semi-precious stones strategically placed on the body. The indulgence extends with facial micro-abrasion, employing sapphire crystals while the skin revels in the rejuvenating glow of the Dior Skin Light led therapy mask.


D-Sculpt, a body massage with firming and slimming properties, skillfully combines the traditional benefits of wood, dry brushing and toning techniques, with those of the manual «skin lift» method, offering anti-cellulite effects.

The Lana and the Dior Spa, which stays faithful to the vision of iconic French designer who had a special relationship with Dorchester Collection’s Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris, home of Dior Spa Plaza Athénée, will work closely together to craft personalised well-being escapes for each guest, tailored to their desires, needs and preferences. From a memorable half-day experience combining cocktails, lunch, as well as a sports session and treatment, to a full day journey where the hotel’s Rolls-Royce collects guests to ensure a seamless transition from their preferred location to and from the hotel, The Lana will take wellbeing to new heights.

Dior Spa The Lana will also present an elegant boutique showcasing Dior’s product lines including Dior Prestige, renowned for its creams, serums, and face lotions infused with Rose de Granville, L’Or de Vie, a Dior skincare ritual featuring anti-aging skincare creations, Rouge Premier, the quintessence of haute couture lipstick and La Collection Privée Christian Dior, a luxurious line of Dior’s unisex fragrances.

For more information or to make a booking, please visit the website.

OPENING HOURS

Spa: 7am – 9pm
Gym: 7am – 10pm (in-house guests only)
Treatments: 9am – 9pm

The Lana,
Marasi Drive, Business Bay, Dubai UAE
+971 4 541 6688
diorspa.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Pierre Mouton © DIOR
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Gucci Valigeria New Campaign

Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny are the new faces of Gucci Valigeria. The House’s latest campaign embraces the spirit of «Gucci Ancora» as a celebration of the love that lies at the centre of Gucci’s community.

Shot in an airport, the meeting place where journeys begin, the campaign explores the intimacy of traveling together through the creative lens of Anthony Seklaoui. Stills capture the fleeting spirit of Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny’s airport stroll, redefining the Jet Set glamour of the 1990s.

Effortlessly casual and chic looks complement the timeless elegance that defines the House’s travel collections. Kendall Jenner and Bad Bunny carry items from the signature Gucci Savoy collection including GG Supreme duffle bags in different sizes, backpacks, rigid suitcases, and trolleys distinguished by a combination of heritage-infused design elements such as the GG monogram and/or the Web stripe. The campaign also introduces novel designs defined by fluorescent leather details alongside embossed GG rubberized leather styles.

I am so in love with this Savoy leather-trimmed printed coated-canvas suitcaseicon by Gucci.

Through this Valigeria campaign, Gucci pays tribute to its founding history and heralds a new era of adventure and luxury travel in line with the vision of Creative Director Sabato De Sarno.

TO SHOP GUCCI VALIGERIA, CLICK HERE PLEASE.icon

LoL, Sandra

Credits Creative Director: Sabato De Sarno Artistic Director: Riccardo Zanola Director: Nikita Kuzmeko Photographer: Anthony Seklaoui Stylist: Alastair McKimm Make-Up KJ: Mary Phillips Make-Up BB: Mira Chai Hyde Hair: Paul Hanlon Talents: Kendall Jenner & Bad Bunny
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My Look: Sea Point

Greetings from South Africa! Sea Point is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Cape Town, and it’s easy to see why. The neighbourhood offers stunning views of the ocean and the famous Lion’s Head, as well as some fantastic restaurants and pubs. Being an affluent neighbourhood, it is situated between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean with the popular promenade on the edge of the shore stretching all the way into Mouille Point passed Green Point. Here you see me at Queen’s Beach, which is more secluded than those beneath the main stretch of the promenade right after I arrived in my travel outfit. Cozy, comfy, yet stylish – ready to conquer the rest of the day! Do you sea my point?!

My look: Zipped GG-appliqué jacket, GG logo print knitted top in blue, Rhyton logo-print leather sneakersicon, and cat-eye marbled-acetate sunglassesicon, all by Gucci, black wide drawstring pants, (Look 33 Pre-collection Summer 2021) and wallet on chain, both by CHANEL, «Coaching» Forever Scarf 90 by Hermès, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watchicon by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

My Look: Chapman’s Peak Drive

Chapman’s Peak Drive is a must for anyone who is passionate about the majestic Cape Town scenery, with sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you. The twists and curves in the road seem endless and it is a photographer’s dream.

My look: Amy cowl-neck knotted asymmetric midi dressicon by Diane von Furstenberg, 1955 Horsebit small shoulder bag in red by Gucci, Jodie suede platform sandalsicon and Loulou heart-shaped acetate sunglassesicon, both by Saint Laurent, vintage chain silver and gold necklace by Prada, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watchicon by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

Hout Bay, situated on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a twenty-minute drive from Cape Town.

Noordhoek Noordhoek, at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a vibrant rural and artistic community village.

I ended the drive at «JAKES on the Common», that is nestled at the foot of the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. The restaurant is stylishly decorated with comfortable funky furnishings and plenty of detail without being intimidating. I can absolutely recommend it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

How to Beat Jet Lag

I get often asked how I beat jet lag as my constant travelling can disrupt my circadian rhythm, the measures my body uses to manage its internal clock, such as daylight, my temperature, and  my hormones.

I found two products which actually work their magic. BYNACHT® is a German brand founded by Jessica Hoyer who created a revolutionary skincare that works at the only time when today’s multifaceted women for once don’t have to – at night!

HEAVY JET LAG BALM
A highly innovative aromatherapeutic balm that uses 100% pure, organic essential oils to resynchronize your «inner clock» to prevent jet lag.

With the help of its velvety texture, it counteracts the effects of strenuous business trips and long-distance flights on the body, mind and skin and is helping to relieve tension and fall asleep faster.

PERFECT NACHT SLEEPING OIL

This luxurious oil combines a sleep enhancing composition of 100% pure and organic essential oils that all have a proven record of supporting good sleep with an opulent texture. Spoil yourself to both perfect sleep and perfect skin!

It will spoil your senses and help to make you sleep like a baby again. Infused with the BYNACHT® aromatherapeutic superblend composition of Ylang Ylang flower oil, Melissa Officinalis leaf oil and Lavandula Angustifolia oil, it replenishes and deeply nourishes even the driest skin while supporting your body’s natural overnight skin regeneration program.

The better you sleep, the better you look!
Buonanotte, Gute Nacht, Bonne Nuit and Good night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of BYNACHT and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Personalize Your Luggage

My avid readers know how much I enjoy being up in the air and exploring new places. I absolutely adore flying. The sky is my happy place. Most of the time, I try to fly with hand luggage. However it is not always possible. The past summer, my suitcase got lost five times. I always found it again thanks to some little features I added to my luggage.

I got myself Rimowa’s Petal collection.

First of all, I recommend personalizing your suitcase. Choose a fun color that stands out of all the grey and black luggage that most people use. You can already spot it easily when it is loaded on the plane and you can spot it from far on the carrousel. It is also great for the ground staff when they have to identify a missing piece.

If you would like to take it up a notch and make your piece absolutely unique, I recommend stickers. They are not only absolutely fun but also great to personalize your suitcase. Here are some of the most fun and stylish ones available at the moment.

Sticker Set by Gucci

Sticker Sets by Rimowa

Hotel Postcards Labels Set by Louis Vuitton

In order to be able to track your suitcase yourself, put an AirTag in it. It saved me so many times … Last summer, when many suitcases got stranded, I went in the hall at the airport and played the sound. Like this, I easily spotted it under piles of other suitcases.

If you are not in the mood of doing the artwork yourself, have a look at Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2024 runway «Side Trunk MM Elysee Palace Hotel MNG» bag that is inspired by the Maison’s first hotel that will open its doors in 2026 on the famous Avenue des Champs Élysées in Paris.

I cannot wait for my next trip … stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

A Weekend at The Carlton St. Moritz

Yesterday, I arrived at the Carlton St. Moritz for a weekend of fun. The White Turf is taking place and the Moncler Grenoble show.

Stunning views over the White Turf and St. Moritz from my suite.

Happy me arriving at The Carlton St. Moritz.

The mighty forests of the Engadin make an appearance at the Carlton Hotel. With unobstructed views of the breathtaking mountains and frozen Lake St. Moritz, my beautiful hotel suite is not only spacious, but ultra luxurious.

I started the evening with drinks at the bar in front of one of the carefully restored open historic fireplaces, followed by a dinner at the Grand restaurant. The newly developed menu gives pride of place not only local produce but to wild products from the surrounding forests. Both the look and flavor of dishes are inspired and enhanced by these gifts of the outdoors, which are picked and collected seasonally before being expertly prepared. The ingredients embody and authentic connection to the region.

I am wishing you a wonderful weekend. Stay tuned for more!

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Via Johannes Badrutt 11
7500 St. Moritz
+41 81 836 7000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – First Collage Photos Courtesy Carlton St. Moritz
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!