Sandra‘s Closet

 This week, I flew to the Côte d’Azur for a week filled with great adventures. My first stop was one of my favorite hotels in the world: the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, located at Cap d’Antibes in the South of France. This place is just magical and for me filled with great memories. I was there with Dior for a great project that will be revealed in September.

My look: Grace sleeveless flower appliqué dress by Jonathan Saunders, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, aviator sunglasses with Swarovski crystals by Chanel, vintage bag by Dior, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

Now, I am in Cannes for the Film Festival. Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Mid April, I went for the first time in my life to Zermatt where the highest altitude concert stage in Europe hosted the eight edition of the famous musical festival ZERMATT UNPLUGGED.

International stars, such as James Blunt, Anastasia, Patricia Kaas, Travis and many others came to the tiny Swiss car-free mountain village to play in an intimate setting with the unique backdrop of the Matterhorn. No one can escape its fascination and I couldn’t stop taking pictures from different angles.

If you come to Zermatt, I recommend a visit to the lovely mountain restaurant Chez Vrony that offers a stunning view and the perfect atmosphere and don’t miss next year’s Zermatt Unplugged edition (April 5-9, 2016), it’s worth it!

Chez Vrony
Even in winter, you’ll be able to reach the restaurant in 10 minutes on foot from Sunnegga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, I would love to thank everyone who sent me a message wondering why I have been absent from blogging. The reason was I truly needed some digital detox.

Those who are following me on Instagram might have seen that I had been traveling extensively over the last two and a half weeks. I flew directly from the shopping spree in Abu Dhabi to New York City, stayed there one night and left via St. Marteen to St. Barths for the Bucket Regatta. After that I went to St. Kitts to explore the newly opened Kittitian Hill resort that focuses immensely on sustainable vacations, followed by a stopover in Miami and a few days in Bermuda.

Now I am back filled with great memories and adventures that I am happy to share with you over the next weeks! Below are some little previews…

It takes only 15 minutes to fly from St. Marteen to…

…St. Barths. The landing is definitely spectacular due to the view and its famous short runway.

Enjoying the Bucket Regatta and the ASW boat party at the same time…

…with the world’s best mojitos by…

…by Mojitoman Ibiza and Mojitowoman. They will be in Ibiza this summer, don’t miss them!

Next stop: St. Kitts

Belle Mont Farm is Kittitian Hill’s first luxury five star hotel. Situated in 400 acres of tropical farmland, you enjoy spectular views, great service and the most amazing food which is prepared only with locally foraged ingredients. Did you know that as a ASW members, you are granted a complimentary 7-night stay in one of the charming guest cottages?!

If you are in St. Kitts, don’t miss one of the island’s hot spots: Salt Plage. The perfect place for a sundowner.

A stopover for a night in Miami.

I stayed at the newly opened Villa Bagatelle, which is the first hotel in the wildly successful family of Bagatelle bistros. A great place to party in the heart of South Beach.

My last destination of my trip was Bermuda which unfortunately was slightly chilly. The water is insane due to an incredible clarity and color.

Now, you might understand why I had been offline. Sometimes, you have to sit back, relax and just enjoy with your eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I flew to Abu Dhabi to greet the winner of the amazing contest with Etihad Airways, L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg won a shopping spree at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island and we truly had a great time.

Abu Dhabi’s premier lifestyle destination offers a world-class shopping experience while absorbing panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Enjoy some impressions of our shopping spree in the Middle East below.

Having fun at Dior

Nadya looking all fabulous in this Ralph Lauren look.

A happy Sandra in shopping heaven who just adores her job!

A must-have for a well equipped closet: a cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London. Nadya fell immediately in love with it!

While shopping at Burberry, I spotted myself on the big screen front row at the S/S 2015 runway show in London.

We browsed almost every store in The Galleria and put many things aside. Then we had a drink and decided which pieces would be the best. Needless to say we had to get the fabulous cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London first.

Nadya was looking for great pieces she could wear during the day for work that would translate easily into evening wear. This tunic blouse by Tory Burch offered both in perfection.

Mission accomplished!

Filming a little behind the scenes video for The Galleria with lovely Maria Bosenko.

Thank you Journey Feng and Maria Bosenko of the hospitality team at The Galleria for accompanying us and taking all the pictures. We had a lot of fun with you, guys!

Our lovely day ended with a yummy dinner at Cipriani and another round of drinks at Iris. Nadya, it was lovely meeting you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – thank you Maria Bosenko for taking them!

On Monday morning, I boarded Etihad Airways flight EY47 to Abu Dhabi. When I left, I enjoyed a spectacular view over Zurich. The time flew, due to strong winds, we arrived one hour ahead of time. The service on board was great and I can absolutely recommend this luxurious airline.

As my avid readers know, the reason why I am here is the amazing contest that all of you were able to enter in the beginning of February (for the previous post click here please).

I would like to thank everyone who participated. It was really tough for the Etihad team to choose the winner.

Here she is, congrats to Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg, who posted this beautiful entry. I am looking forward to meeting you today and to taking you for a serious shopping spree!

We are staying at the Yas Viceroy hotel that I can absolutely recommend. The rooms are big, the interior of the hotel is stylish and its seven restaurants offer everything a gourmet’s heart would ask for.

Yesterday, I met my friend Catherine Sarr who lives between London and Abu Dhabi. She has just launched her jewelry collection Almasika Fine Jewellery (the golden bangles at my wrist) that can be found already at Colette and soon in Zurich at Meister.

Catherine took me to the Saddiyat Beach Club, a great place to chill when you are in the area.

I am wishing you a lovely day! I am off shopping at the Galleria at Mariyah Island in Abu Dhabi… Nadya, get ready to get a new closet with Sandra’s Closet! It will also be featured in L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Etihad Airways, Nadya Toncheva

If you don’t know the “Louis Vuitton Travel Book” collection illustrated by artists from all around the world yet, be sure to check it out. It’s such a great way to keep your favorite travel moments and they make also a great gift. This May, Louis Vuitton adds the Arctic and Edinburgh to its destinations.

Two very surprising titles, somewhere between the travel journal and the sketch book, it’s now the turn of Floc’h, the most bristish of French illustrators, to capture Edinburgh with his famous style called ligne claire.

While the Irish artist Blaise Drummond recounts his discovery of the Arctic through his own vision of beauty.

Exhibitions of original drawings and book signings in Paris and in Europe will celebrate the launch of these two publications.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton

Hawaii Collection by OPI brings the fresh, bright colors of its namesake islands to nails and toes this summer. This new collection features a palette ranging from muted tones of mint, peach, pink and nude to bolder hues of coral, green, purple and gold to deep tones of mauve, violet, brick red and shimmery blue.

When I spotted the press release, I reminded myself that I still had this draft about a tour around Maui from 2012 that I haven’t published yet. Who has ever been there knows about its magic. The beautiful beaches, surfing, the weather, the islands’ lush greenery, colorful flowers, and yummy fish, the landscape that ranges from Scottish Highlands to a tropical rainforest, all together inspired those 12 fresh new nail shades.

“Printed, flowing fabrics dominated spring runways, with patterns and graphics in both bold and muted hues. Warm, ethereal neutrals in shades of rose, peach and mint added a soft, feminine note,” says Suzi Weiss-Fischmann. “That’s Hula-rious!, a pastel mint green from the Hawaii Collection, was seen at Charlotte Ronson’s S/S 2015 NYFW show; this shade was used to create a cutout half moon manicure that complemented the designer’s youthful presentation.”

Hawaii Collection by OPI includes the following shades in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas:

That’s Hula-rious!
This pastel mint green makes me dance with joy!

My Gecko Does Tricks
Being bright and pearly green is just one of its talents.

Do You Take Lei Away?
On second thought, I can’t wait – I need this creamy nude now!

Is Mai Tai Crooked?
Get it straight – this fruity orange crème is fabulous!

Go with the Lava
Flow You can feel the heat shimmering off this golden red.

Aloha from OPI
Let’s give a warm island hello to this bright creamy coral!

Suzi Shops & Island Hops
A light and happy pink that’s the perfect traveling companion.

Just Lanai-ing
Around This dark, creamy mauve says “hang loose!” in style.

Hello Hawaii Ya?
In this gorgeous, dusky purple, I’m doing just fine.

This Color’s Making Waves
This shimmery, lagoon blue has got heads turning.

Lost My Bikini In Molokini
With this reef-inspired purple, what’s one bikini more or less?

Pineapples Have Peelings Too!
The heart of the matter lies in this gold shimmer with colorful sparkle.

Hawaii nail lacquer shades each feature OPI’s exclusive ProWide™ Brush for the ultimate in application. The new shades will be available in both nail lacquer and GelColor formulas from 15th February, 2015.

If you are interested in some previous posts from Maui, click on the highlighted links below:

Aloha from Maui

On Top of the Volcano – Maui Sunset Dinner

Last Night in Maui – Four Seasons Maui at Wailea

LoL, Sandra

Stills: Courtesy of OPI, Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Capitalising on its position in London’s most fashionable district, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London announces an exclusive partnership with French high end luxury Maison Chloé, as the S/S 2015 collections arrive in stores, commencing Thursday 12th February 2015.

In celebration of London Fashion Week, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park is offering guests a special package in luxurious accommodation, with the opportunity to own the Drew ahead of London Fashion Week and experience a limited edition Chloé afternoon tea at The Rosebery with Chloé Fizz champagne cocktails.

Drew medium textured-leather shoulder bag

The Chloé Debuts package starts at GBP 1,722 and includes:
• One night’s accommodation for two in a Knightsbridge Turret Suite with sweeping views of the UK’s fashion capital
• À la carte breakfast for two people over looking Hyde Park
• Personalised service at Chloé on Sloane Street to receive Chloé’s ‘Drew’ bag
• Chloé Love Story perfume
• Chloé-inspired afternoon tea for two people in the enchanting tea room, The Rosebery

The Rosebery

For an aficionado experience in February 2015, guests visiting The Rosebery for a limited edition Chloé-inspired afternoon tea and a Chloé Fizz cocktail will be able to view a mannequin showcasing the fashion collection in the lobby of the hotel and two vetrines displaying the Drew bag in a variety of different colours and patterns.

Drew small python shoulder bag

The Drew bag is a delicate, modern saddlebag with round, sculpted lines, it features an elegant turn lock system, in perfect harmony with its knotted fob chain and horseshoe pivots. Available in three sizes, this cross–body style offers an effortless transition from daytime to evening, with crisp raw edging on sumptuous materials.

Terms and conditions
The package is valid from Thursday 12th February 2015 to Monday 9th March 2015. Reservations are subject to availability, inclusive of VAT at 20% and 5% discretionary service charge, subject to availability. Reservations can be made by contacting the hotel directly on +44 (0) 207 201 3773, or through the direct on-line reservations service, www.mandarinoriental.com/london.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Manadrin Oriental and Chloé

A Happy 2015 to everyone! I hope that you started the New Year as wonderful as I did. The last day of the year was just perfect. The sky was crisp blue, the sun was shining and I had a lovely fondue lunch at Wassergrat on top of the mountain where I enjoyed the most stunning views over the Alps. If you are there, you have to try their meringue dessert. It is to die for.

New Year’s Eve itself, I spent at the Gstaad Palace Hotel, a night among friends that was truly perfect. To a prosperous 2015 that hopefully will be as fantastic as it started.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Dear readers, I am wishing you a Happy New Year from Gstaad! Again, we are gifted with 365 days to play with, to fill them up with whatever our hearts desire. A new year is the best time to make fresh new beginnings. May the year 2015 be like a blank book that is waiting for our imagination to fill up its 365 pages with love, emotions, unexpected incidents, adventures and magic moments so that we will have no regrets at the end of the annual cycle.

The beauty of life is that it is full of surprises. Who would have thought that I could ride a camel in Gstaad?! When you get a chance, visit Leonard at the Bellevue Gstaad, he is an institution.

To an amazing New Year’s Eve!

LoL, Sandra

Photo: © Sandra Bauknecht