Sandra‘s Closet

You know how much I love iconic hotels, such as Gstaad Palace or the Byblos in St. Tropez. After last weekend, I can add another one to my list. From its idyllic setting in Barbados, overlooking a tranquil coral sand beach, to its fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms, Sandy Lane is widely acclaimed the premier and most iconic luxurious address in the Caribbean. The first glimpse of the sea through the marbled lobby is one you won’t soon forget, especially now with its beautiful Christmas decoration in sophisticated colors.

I went there this weekend and was blown away by its ambiance and colors. Set on white powdery coral sands and turquoise waters within an ancient mahogany grove, elegant Palladian buildings, 113 rooms and suites and a stunning private villa stud the property. Here you’ll find exceptional golf, exquisite gourmet dining, an outstanding spa, a gorgeous pool area and endless recreation all alongside authentic and magically warm Barbadian hospitality.

For more than sixty years, discerning travellers have chosen this distinguished address as their Caribbean ‘home’ to experience decadent relaxation, exclusive privacy, and unrivalled leisure…

I recommend having lunch at the hotel’s casual Bajan Blue restaurant that features Caribbean, European and Asian-influenced cuisine served beachside. This informal restaurant offers all-day dining, a famous, elaborate Sunday Brunch and spectacular themed buffet evenings. Features include a modern wine bar – ideal for pre-dinner drinks – a sushi station and state-of-the-art grill.

The color combination of hot pink and turquoise add so much sophistication to the ambiance. Love, love, love it!

LoL, Sandra

Welcome to the amazing shop inside the hotel that carries high end brands such as Zimmermann and Melissa Odabash, along personalized De Siena shoes, a brand from Switzerland.

The pool area of the hotel is just insane.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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This fall, Karl Lagerfeld gives the adorable little furball the monster treatment and launches Monster Choupette, a line of bags, accessories and more dedicated to his famous pet. So, this holiday season, everyone can have their own little piece of Choupette. Meaow!
In stores now, in Zurich at Jelmoli.

My look: Leopard print marmot fur coat by Saint Laurent, cashmere sweater by Canessa Cashmere, black skinny jeans by Dolce & Gabbana, Greta zip ankle boots by De Siena, Lumière Anissa underwired bra by Eres, Monster Choupette clutch by Karl Lagerfeld, suede hat by Balenciaga, Chain on Chain rose gold bracelet by Bex Rox, earrings by Miu Miu, Rome Sports chronograph in black and rose gold by Jacques Lemans and skull ring by Roberto Cavalli.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

“One night in Bangkok and the world’s your oyster. The bars are temples but the pearls ain’t free. I can feel the Devil walking next to me…” – Murray Head

I spent one night in Bangkok that would put the most amazing nights in the shade. It just had everything you can imagine. I started with drinks at Sirocco Sky Bar, located on the 64th floor of the Lebua State Tower, which is the second tallest building in Thailand. You might recognize the building as it was prominently featured in the 2011 American film Hangover Part 2. This is where the helicopter scene was filmed. I had barely seen a location that breathtaking in my life before. Named “the most stunning rooftop bar you’ll ever see” by the New York Times, you can enjoy stunning views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya river. Just be prepared that a glass of champagne will cost you around CHF 70.00 (… and it is not a Dom Pérignon).

My look: Cashmere and silk-blend cardigan by Miu Miu, crochet knit dress by Azzedine Alaïa, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, Veronika Isis studded shoulder bag by MCM, necklace by Carmen Cita Jones Jewelry and rose gold bangles by Sal y Limon.

After Sky Bar, I went to Mezzaluna restaurant, which is located at the 65th floor inside the dome. German chefs who happen to be identical twins, Thomas and Mathias Suhring, bring their years at the Michelin-starred restaurants of Europe to prepare masterfully the finest menus that are rivaled only by the breathtaking 180-degree city and river views before you.

Later, I went to Patpong, one of the world’s most famous red-light districts. As I am a very curious little human being, I wanted to see some of the iconic shows… and had a very entertaining night. To be continued…

LoL, Sandra

All photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Movie photos in first collage: IMDb

You know what I will be doing today… I will be buying all my Christmas presents as for the first time ever, I have not bought one single one. The last weeks were so busy with work that time flew without me realizing it. Yes, I would love to put my bag over my head and just pretend I can do some magic. So if you see me today in the city, say hi and cheer me up.

My look to go shopping: Grey travel poncho by Poncho Company Switzerland, fine-knit wool turtleneck sweater by Lanvin, Photo Ready mid-rise skinny jeans by J Brand, plaid bag and scarf, both by Karl Lagerfeld, green suede tote bag by Hogan, Simona ankle boots by De Siena, earrings by Dior, frog ring by Roberto Cavalli and Pasha C watch by Cartier.

Believe in the magic of Christmas and enjoy the special moments among the ones you love most!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

I love what I do and that makes me happy. If you find the thing you really enjoy doing, work will not be work anymore, it will become pleasure. Sandra’s Closet is my passion, my addiction and my daily dose of fulfillment. I hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy posting it.

Here you see me on my way to one of my favourite sushi places in Zurich: GINGER. I included some photos of my beloved dishes below.

My look: Trompe l’oeil dress with oversized sweater top and leather skirt by Closed, blue long sleeve top by H&M, H Hobo Grande soft off-white nubuck leather bag by Hogan, silk scarf and cross necklace, both by Gabriele Frantzen, bangles by Sal y Limon, Kate ankle boots by De Siena, Tank Americaine watch by Cartier and Mat Opaque 80 tights in black by Wolford.

LoL, Sandra

Beef filet with ponzu sauce

Salmon carpaccio with egg

Salmon aburi

Kingfish carpaccio

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This Easter weekend has been absolutely perfect so far, of course excluding the weather. Here in Zurich, it has been snowing today. Totally crazy. In the morning, I went to a friend’s house for a lovely Easter brunch. It was so great to be with the people I haven’t seen in a long time.

My look: Double breasted jacket by Saint Laurent, black Féline tee with gold foil by Brian Lichtenberg, Kate ankle boots by De Siena, Zurich bag by Milli Millu, fox snake and statement necklace, both by Gabriele Frantzen, ring by Roberto Cavalli, bangles by Sal y Limon and python print stretch-leather skirt by Utzon (The Danish brand makes amazing leather pieces of great quality, click here to visit their homepage).

I hope that your Easter egg hunt was successful!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

This week I wore this look, that would work for many occasions. I like the mix of basic colours such as white, beige and blue spiced up with red lips matching the handles of the bag.

Silk-georgette trapeze blouse by Chloé, pants with silk stripes by Closed, statement necklace by Gabriele Frantzen, Audrey wayfarer sunglasses by Céline, Pas platform sandals by De Siena, hoop earrings by H&M, ring by Cartier and limited edition tricoloured charity bag by Tommy Hilfiger.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht