Sandra‘s Closet

Still looking for a hotel in Munich for the last Oktoberfest 2023 weekend? I have a great tip for you as the new highly anticipated ROSEWOOD MUNICH opens for reservations starting September 29, 2023. Combining magnificent architecture with state-of-the-art design and unparalleled experiences, it is the first German property for the ultra-luxury Rosewood Hotels & Resorts® collection, the 7th property in Europe, and the 32nd in the collection, worldwide.

Housed in two landmark, historical buildings which were formerly the headquarters of the State Bank of Bavaria and the grand aristocratic residence Palais Neuhaus-Preysing, ROSEWOOD MUNICH is ideally situated in Kardinal-Faulhaber-Strasse. Its location offers guests premier access to several of the city’s most iconic sights, such as the famous Marienplatz and the elegant shops of Maximilianstrasse and Theatinerstrasse.

The property will feature an array of luxurious guestrooms, suites, and spacious houses, each adorned with bespoke furnishings and offering breath-taking views of the city skyline or into the courtyards. Gastronomic experiences will include an inviting lobby lounge, a distinct full-service brasserie and a vibrant bar. For ultimate relaxation, the hotel will house a full-service Asaya® spa with six treatments rooms, as well as an indoor pool and fitness area.

A BLEND OF HISTORIC GRANDEUR AND CONTEMPORARY LUXURY
Munich-based architectural firm, Hilmer Sattler and London interior architectural design studio, Tara Bernerd & Partners worked in close collaboration to bring the spirit of Rosewood into the Bavarian metropolis. Their overarching objective was to bring the historic past of the legacy buildings into the modern world of today. To this end, the hotel is a contemporary interpretation of Baroque architecture; the sophisticated design blends seamlessly with the historical elements of the building to convey an expressly modern yet timeless Bavarian style.

The historic entrance hall of the hotel, which features impressive, vaulted ceilings and frescos, is original to the former bank building and has been carefully preserved. Purposeful lighting draws attention to the archival elements, with highlights including an ornate ceiling fresco. Juxtaposed with newly constructed doors and windows, the entrance exudes a stately yet contemporary feel. The central courtyard, which is a typical feature in Munich’s old town, has also been carefully restored, letting the building breathe while at the same time adding a completely new experience to the space.

The interior impresses with a mansion-like ambience. Furniture and carpeting merge history with modern influences, creating a sophisticated atmosphere for the ideal urban oasis.

ASAYA SPA
At Asaya® spa, guests will enjoy unique moments of relaxation. Extending over two floors and covering an area of 1,300 sqm (13,993 sqft), the facilities will boast a vitality indoor pool, two saunas, one steam room, six treatment rooms, a wellness suite for private spa experiences, and a round-the-clock fitness center equipped by Technogym. Spa memberships and offers will be available for local residents as well as visiting guests not staying at the hotel.

A SENSE OF TASTE
An epicurean journey will unfold at the hotel’s Alpine-inspired brasserie, CUVILLIÉS, where tradition merges with modernity. Open seven days a week, the restaurant will welcome patrons for a relaxing breakfast, a casual lunch, or a decadent dinner. Classic Alpine dishes, rooted in the cultural heritage of the region and the neighboring states of Austria and Italy, will bring something truly unique and exciting to Munich’s culinary scene. All offerings will highlight seasonal produce sourced from local suppliers.

Bar Montez will offer a refined selection of handcrafted signature cocktails, an extensive wine list, and premium spirits. The cocktail menu will feature both tried-and-true classics as well as innovative original concoctions, all emphasizing fresh ingredients. As an additional highlight, the bar will offer a varied music program with a roster of unique artists and performers.

MEETING & EVENT SPACES
The hotel will encompass six event spaces, including a spacious ballroom (234 sqm / 2,519 sqft), and a historic ballroom (123 sqm / 1,324 sqf), as well as four flexible meeting and breakout rooms. Both ballrooms will offer outdoor space. With over 600 sqm (6,450 sqft) of indoor meeting space, ROSEWOOD MUNICH can cater to all sizes and types of gatherings, from corporate meetings to intimate dinners, lifestyle events or social celebrations. All spaces boast complimentary wireless high-speed internet access and on-site audio visual and production services.

For more information, please visit the hotel website here.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Rosewood Hotels © Davide Lovatti
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My avid readers know how much I love Munich, the city I lived in for eight years and the place where many important events in my life took place. Every little corner holds a memory. Therefore I was over the moon when HUBLOT invited me to join them for a «Wiesn Gaudi» to celebrate the launch of the amazing BIG BANG BAVARIA in bronze. Two renowned houses, HUBLOT & MEINDL, have joined forces to fuse innovation and tradition to celebrate Bavarian craftmanship and what could be more appropriate to present this «Art of Fushion» during the world’s most renowned festival—Oktoberfest?!

Traditions provide new generations with a unique way of reconnecting with their identity, it is why they last. Braudel said that in order to hope, in order to move forward, we also need to know where we come from.The Big Bang Bavaria is a concentration of history and traditions.

Jean-Claude Biver, Chairman of Hublot

When I arrived, I was brought directly to my hotel, Roomers Munich, which celebrated its soft opening during those days. Unfortunately, there was no time for me to change as the minute I entered the lobby, I had to leave immediately due to a fire alarm. What a pity!

In my beautiful room waited a surprise for me: a MEINDL dirndl that features ultra soft buckskin, the iconic material MEINDL has been relentlessly working with for many decades on its traditional production.

With Ricardo Guadalupe enjoying the first beer after the unveiling of the Big Bang Bavaria.

As if I had a premonition of what was to come, I was dressed already in Bavarian style and ready to go to the HUBLOT Boutique on Munich’s prestigious Maximilianstrasse where the BIG BANG BAVARIA was unveiled at 4pm on the dot in true «Wiesn» spirit with Markus Meindl, CEO of Meindl, present uttering the cry «O’zapft is», Ricardo Guadalupe, CEO of Hublot, opened the first barrel of the event just like at the Oktoberfest. It took three taps of the mallet to get the beer flowing.

«O’zapft is» – Markus Meindl and Ricardo Guadalupe

But how does the new watch look like? Cut from bronze, a material created in 3000 BC that has the advantages of non-magnetism, resistance to corrosion and a unique appearance, it is strapped onto two robust, hand-embroidered bracelets in deer leather.

Centuries of expertise and tradition lie behind the BIG BANG BAVARIA strap. Firstly, the craftsmanship of a family that has been passing down its passion for leather from father to son since 1683. The BIG BANG BAVARIA strap is reminiscent of the «Lederhosen», the short leather breeches that originated in Bavaria and have been the traditional clothing of the mountain people since the 18th century.

Just like the garment from which the strap draws inspiration, it is cut in deer leather and hand-embroidered with a pattern only possible to create on deer leather. Traditional sewing gives a 3D effect to the leather tanned using the MEINDL tradition.

It takes 3 to 4 months to tan the hide using an age-old technique. The hides are salted then plunged into a limestone-based liquid before being washed, then treated by hand with cod-liver oil and dried. The last two steps are repeated several times until the leather is entirely soaked with the oil. The hide is left to dry in the sun to develop a light brown colour. To bring out the velvet character of the leather is then rubber with sandpaper. MEINDL then applies and brushes the leather with several tropical wood bark colorants, a procedure repeated up to 5 times. The products used are all without preservatives or chemicals to respect nature.

Big Bang Bavaria version one

Delivered with two «One Click» straps, the BIG BANG BAVARIA easily changes its look thanks to its patented attachment system. There’s a version with a cuff in natural light brown deer leather, enhanced by two leather tabs embroidered with a deer head. The second version comes in «altsalzburg» (black-brown)-coloured deer leather, embroidered with oak leaves.

Big Bang Bavaria version two

The BIG BANG BAVARIA beats to the rhythm of Unico, the Hublot manufacture movement, with 330 components for a 72-hour power reserve—a self-winding bidirectional movement with a flyback chronograph and a column wheel on the side of the dial.

The BIG BANG BAVARIA is available now in the Hublot Boutiques (88 all around the world) in a limited edition of 100 pieces for  CHF 26900 / € 27900.

After our first beer in the boutique, we went to the one & only Käfer’s-Wiesn-Schänke – a must at the Oktoberfest – also for HUBLOT! While enjoying the iconic Bavarian «Schmankerl», the crispy duck and knödel (dumplings), I was singing to the amusement of my table-mates (all from the countries) to all the German songs played by the live band. But no worries, I can be pretty contagious and finally we were all  standing on the seats, dancing the night away.

Such a great piece but unfortunately a little too big on me… 

One of those trips I will always remember and a new memory added to one of my favorite cities. Thank you Hublot! Please create a BIG BANG BAVARIA in dirndl-style. I am convinced I would not be the only one loving it!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Hublot and © Sandra Bauknecht

As most of you know, I love Munich very much and spent many years living there. Every corner of the city carries a memory for me. Therefore I was very excited to go back for the first Oktoberfest weekend mid-September to celebrate Breakfast at Tiffany’s. This iconic event always starts at the store on Perusastrasse followed by a visit to the Schützenzelt at the Wies’n. It is a great celebration as you see many familiar faces, all enjoying beer and of course the most amazing Bavarian treats. The only drop of bitterness was the heavy rain but at least we were protected in style with the help of turquoise Tiffany umbrellas.

My look: Dirndl «St. Moritz» in grey  and dirndl blouse, both by Owloon, purple wool jacket by Happycoat,  Monogramme Kate studded leather shoulder bag by Saint Laurent, light green pumps by Prada and T Smile 18-karat rose gold diamond bracelet by Tiffany & Co..

LoL, Sandra

The rain couldn’t stop us!

Breakfast inside the Tiffany & Co. store in Munich.

Later we went to the Oktoberfest inside the Schützenzelt.

One of my oldest friends whom I know since 5th grade.

The new T Smile collection is too cute.

With our lovely hostess Gitta Gräfin Lambsdorff.

Thank you, Tiffany & Co. for this lovely day!

Photos: © munichpress.de / Guenther Reisp and © Sandra Bauknecht

Raised in Germany, England and France, Jasmin Khezri studied at the renowned Parsons School of Design in Paris and Los Angeles and went on to become one of the youngest award winning art directors in Europe. Besides a successful career in magazines and retail, she became famous for her unique illustration style and especially for IRMA, the famous character with big eyes and French-fries legs that you might know from mytheresa.com besides many other things. It took Jasmin more than 7 years to develop her look in a complete way. Today, she shares her insider scoop on Munich in Germany with us.

Your favourite city?
I enjoy living in MUNICH during the week and for the weekend I like to go to the countryside. That is the best part of the city…

Your favourite hotel?
I like the LOUIS HOTEL right at the Viktualien Markt and in the morning I either enjoy breakfast in their restaurant daydreaming while looking apon the merchants getting ready for the day or go around the food market which has all the delicacies you are dreaming off for breakfast.
Viktualienmarkt 6, 80331 Munich, Phone :+49 89 41119080

The MANDARIN ORIENTAL is great if you want to have dinner at their newly opened restaurant NOBU and drop right into bed afterwards.
Neuturmstrasse 1, 80331 Munich, Phone:+49 89 290980

Your favourite restaurant?
In Munich I dine at THERESA and like to go next door to THERESA BAR for an after dinner vodka. You will be surprised what you will find behind a very common house facade, a true jewel of  interior design.
Theresienstrasse 29, 80333 Munich, Phone: +49 89 28803301

On a rainy Saturday in winter I have lunch at LA OSTERIA ITALIANA and order a Bollito Misto, sitting in their Italian room.
Schellingstrasse 62, 80799 Munich, Phone :+49 89 2720717

Your favourite bar or nightclub?
For Techno/Deep House, ROTE SONNE and KONG, for Hip Hop Downtown Flash and for a chilled night with friends for drinks JAMES T. HUNT, KISMET, GOLDENE BAR (photo above) and BEVERLY KILLS.
Rote Sonne, Maximilianspl. 5, 80333 Munich, Phone:+49 89 55263330
Kong, Prielmayerstr. 6, 80335 Munich
James T. Hunt, Schellingstrasse 32, 80799 Munich, Phone:+49 89 27373038
Kismet, Löwengrube 10, 80333 Munich, Phone:+49 89 220352
Goldene Bar, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, 80538 Munich, Phone:+49 89 54804777
Beverly Kills, Müllerstrasse 43, 80469 Munich

Your favourite sightseeing spot?
HAUS DER KUNST (especially their guided tours made by IRMASWORLD.COM guest editor Marion von Schabrowsky) and ALTE PINAKOTHEK for the splendour and old masters.
Haus der Kunst, Prinzregentenstrasse 1, 80538 Munich, Phone: +49 89 21127113
Alte Pinakothek, Barer Str. 27, 80333 Munich, Phone: +49 89 23805216

KUNSTHALLE HYPO-VEREINSBANK for their very different exhibitions showing everything from Jean Paul Gaultier recently to JOAQUÍN SOROLLA now.
Fünf Höfe, Theatinerstrasse 8, 80333 Munich, Phone:+49 89 224412

Your favourite park?
The northern part of the ENGLISCHER GARTEN is almost deserted and you can almost go Military Horseback Riding without running into someone.

Your favourite shop?
In Munich I love to buy my food and beverages at DALLMAYR.
Dienerstrasse 14, 80331 Munich, Phone:+49 89 2135100

LODENFREY for special selected items, you can also buy small luxury presents designed by IRMA exclusively for Lodenfrey.
Maffeistrasse 7, 80333 Munich, Phone:+49 89 210390

I am very much into men’s shoes at the moment and I buy them at LUDWIG REITER.
Burgstrasse 8, 80331 Munich, Phone:+49 89 94301370

For coats and jackets (I have too many and still need more )I love the first floor of THERESA.
Maffeistrasse 3, 80333 Munich, Phone: +49 89 224845

Your must-have accessory?
My IRMA iPHONE COVER by Caseable, a very, very small handbag and an outstanding piece of ANTIQUE JEWELRY. You can wear everything separately but it can look very cool all mixed together.

The best soundtrack for this destination?
GIORGIO MORODER 1970 DISCO. Munich was one of the disco epicentres, just think of Donna Summer.

The best book to read while being on vacation there?
Annette Kolb, DIE SCHAUKEL. Probably the best description of the bohemian art crowd in early 1900, the competing Prussian and French influence and the famous “Liberalitas Bavariae”.

Thank you, Jasmin, for sharing your insider scoop on Munich with us.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Ute Zscharnt, © Jasmin Khezri and via the different locations

Here are some photos of the beautiful hiking tour I did last week. I love Bavaria and wanted to share those very picturesque photos with you. Religious symbols (see below) are everywhere in the South of Germany, even in the woods.

My hiking outfit: Leggings and top by American Apparel, cotton parka by Balmain, zebra-print calfskin hiking boots by Prada, watch by Roger Dubuis and sunglasses by Marni.

My foreign readers might understand why the dirndl (traditional costume in Bavaria) is very popular here. It just fits in so perfectly with the landscape and the cozy way of living.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello native Germany! I spent the last week at Schloss Elmau in Southern Bavaria. Unfortunately, the hotel is definitely not worth talking about it. The luxurious standard that they advertise on their website along with the photos don’t hold their promise.

The only beautiful part has been the spa house and the treatments where I could really take a break from everyday life. The view, the nature, and going hiking was also wonderful and reminded me of my childhood.

My comfy outfit on the day of arrival: Wide pants by Stella McCartney, nautical top and long scarf by Chanel, ballerinas by Prada and my new beautiful XL-Boston bag in bright blue python leather by Céline (Pré-fall 2011).

My makeup is done with products of the 29, St. Honoré Collection by Lancôme.

Unfortunately, I got really sick and am on antibiotics now with a middle ear inflammation and tonsillitis. No fun!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht