Sandra‘s Closet

The Oetker Collection, the hospitality group behind Masterpiece Hotels including Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, The Lanesborough and Eden Rock – St Barths, amongst others, is teaming up with DREST, the world’s first luxury fashion gaming app. DREST players take on the role of a stylist, putting high-fashion looks together for daily challenges using an unparalleled catalogue of current collections from over 250 of the world’s top brands. Crucial to a player’s success in each photoshoot is their choice of location, as they select a backdrop most likely to help their photo stand out and win votes from the community.

«I am thrilled to collaborate with Oetker Collection and together usher in a new era for travel experiences in the Metaverse. Oetker Collection’s beautiful properties, in some of the world’s most desirable locations, are truly iconic and synonymous with style and elegance, making them the perfect partner for this, DREST’s latest gaming adventure,» said Lucy Yeomans, Founder of DREST.

Following on from partnerships with luxury brands such as Gucci, Cartier, Prada, Valentino and NARS who collaborate with DREST to unlock the highly engaged gaming audience, this is the first time a luxury hospitality brand will enable meaningful brand storytelling and discovery via mobile gaming.

«We are delighted to partner with DREST on this exciting collaboration, marking our entry into the virtual world. It allows people to discover Oetker Collection hotels in a fun and immersive way and the interactive challenges truly bring the escapism and glamour of travel to life,» shared Simon Neggers, SVP Sales, Marketing & Communications, Oetker Collection.

The exclusive partnership will be available for DREST’s players to style with across all photoshoot challenges, commencing with a dedicated programme of content in July 2022. To begin their virtual journey, players will be transported to Le Bristol Paris, the first hotel in France to receive Palace distinction, for a series of special photoshoots to coincide with Haute Couture Fashion Week. They will also have the opportunity to create a moodboard for their ‘stay’ at Le Bristol Paris, featuring scenes from inside the Parisian icon and special stickers such as Socrate, the beloved cat in residence.

Next stop on DREST’s French Oetker Collection styling odyssey is the South of France and the legendary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, where players can get creative by pairing the latest vacation fashion featuring the property’s emblematic swimming pool as one of the backdrops.

A visit to nearby Vence is next as Château Saint-Martin & Spa, the exquisite summer hideaway offering dreamy panoramic view of the Riviera hinterland, is the third French destination of this first instalment of this roving luxury travel partnership.

The Lanesborough, the location of an intimate event to celebrate the partnership, will also feature in a challenge in the launch phase. Players will be invited to dress as if attending a lunch at the magnificent London landmark hotel’s chic new restaurant, The Lanesborough Grill.

Exclusive challenges featuring Oetker Collection’s remaining Masterpiece Hotels including, L’Apogée Courchevel, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa in Baden-Baden, Eden Rock – St Barths, Jumby Bay Island in Antigua, Palácio Tangará in São Paulo, The Woodward in Geneva and Hotel La Palma in Capri, will follow throughout the year.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Via Oetker Collection x Drest
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«Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.» – Dalai Lama

The quote by Dalai Lama is something I have been doing all my life. Every year, I have to see at least one new place on this planet. In 2019, it was São Paulo. So many destinations are still on my bucket list.

Need some inspiration planning your next luxurious adventure? I recommend a stay at one of The Oetker Collection hotels, where you can experience award-winning service and everything you can dream of. The most iconic hotels belong to the collection, from the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc to Le Bristol Paris. I’ve rounded up all of their amazing holiday or city destinations – from tropical Caribbean islands to vibrant London. Some places will take your breath away.
It may be a stunning natural setting, remarkable architecture and landscaping, or a sense that somehow you feel at home. In each destination, the teams dedicate themselves to ensuring your stay is an experience you will treasure forever, because endearing experiences start with the people who make the place. Let the journey begin, discover the Masterpiece Hotels #endearingplaces below and don’t miss the video at the end of the post…

LoL, Sandra

L’Apogée Courchevel / SWITZERLAND
Your stylish alpine home

Relax in effortless style at our alpine retreat on Courchevel 1850’s prettiest peak. L’Apogée Courchevel was created for lovers of snowy mountain beauty in Jardin Alpin, and is acclaimed with Palace Distinction. High above an historic Olympic ski jump, the views are spectacular, while ski in-ski out facilities open onto the world’s finest slopes, heaven for both families and super schussers.

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa & Villa Stéphanie / GERMANY
A fairytale in the Black Forest and your House of Wellbeing

Centrally located in the renowned German spa town of Baden-Baden, Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa is an urban oasis set in a private park facing the famous Lichtentaler Allee. A harmonic combination of elegance, tradition, and innovative future concepts are the hallmarks of this city resort.
At their House of Wellbeing Villa Stéphanie expert hands are ready to tune up your body’s health and beauty, while the kitchens at our renegade restaurant, Fritz & Felix, is brimming with seasoned dishes made for sharing, with plenty from the charcoal grill.
FOR A DETAILED TRAVEL REPORT, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Le Bristol Paris / FRANCE
Historic grandeur and gastronomic excellence

Since 1925, Le Bristol Paris has been celebrated for its unique definition of luxury, and for offering service of the highest order. The world’s most discerning travellers choose Le Bristol for a first-class Parisian experience, and this illustrious palace has become a benchmark for luxury hotels all over the world. Le Bristol Paris, honoured to receive the «Happy Guest Award 2019» discerned by the Leading Hotels of the World.
READ MORE ABOUT MY STAY AT LE BRISTOL HERE.

Château Saint-Martin & Spa / FRANCE
Hilltop retreat amidst nature and art

Immerse yourself in blue skies and olive groves, fabulous views of the Côte d’Azur and a legacy of art. Our style entwines contemporary elegance with historic charm, and we have been awarded both «Palace Distinction» and «World Luxury Romantic Hotel». Come for culture too, with sculptures by Manolo Valdés, Nuits du Château concert series, and Les Canthares wine tastings. The new Riviera season begins 1st May 2020.

Eden Rock – St Barths /FRENCH WEST INDIES
Home away from Home

With its spectacular location in St Jean Bay, Eden Rock – St Barths has been the byword for one-of-a-kind hospitality ever since mercurial French Caribbean aviator adventurer and occasional treasure-seeker Rémy de Haenen first welcomed guests to his Eden Rock home on the ocean, during the 1950s. The place quickly established itself as the preferred private and discreet bolt-hole of many glamourous Hollywood characters who quickly became friends of St Barths. Howard Hughes, Greta Garbo, Robert Mitchum, Baron Rothschild David & Peggy Rockfeller, Princess Lee Radziwill… amongst numbers of other fine beautiful and talented men and women… A sense of safety and freedom was established… and of style… and of casual elegance… and of spirit… and of ambition… and all of which continues to this day and is strengthened now with the regular welcoming of very many current and similarly interesting and brilliant celebrity guests and friends of modern times.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE HOTEL, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc /FRANCE
A thoroughly modern Grand Dame

Secluded behind statuesque pines is the most stylish playground of the Riviera, exuding Gatsby glamour. Generations of families and friends reunite for the season at this legendary Palace, voted Best European Hotel by Condé Nast Travelers and Best Grande Dame Hotel by Tatler. Revealing her seasonal revamp, our Grand Dame opens on 17th April 2020, join it for stylish celebrations, fresh new designs and an exhibition by the great expressionist Manolo Valdés.
FOR SOME MORE PHOTOS FROM MY STAY, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Jumby Bay Island & Jumby Bay Private Residences / ANTIGUA – WEST INDIES
A private island paradise

Touch down in Antigua, jump on board of the private yacht and breeze across turquoise seas. In two miles and less than ten minutes you are on your island home, one of the most desirable, all-inclusive retreats in the Caribbean. Jumby Bay Island is a haven of carefree pleasures, stroll barefoot along three stunning white sand beaches, fringed with swaying palms, inhale and revive in the lush landscapes that enrich our 300 acres.
The private residences at Jumby Bay Island offer access to a secluded Caribbean paradise in discreet, modern luxury. Each family home possesses a unique character and vantage point for experiencing the private island’s exquisite nature and elegant amenities.

The Lanesborough
The quintessence of graceful London living

Awarded No. 1 Hotel in London in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, on the doorstep of Hyde Park, just a short walk from Harrods, Harvey Nichols and London’s most exclusive shopping district; Sloane Street and Knightsbridge, this grand luxury mansion has undergone an inspired renovation by the famed interior designer Alberto Pinto. The hotel is home to 93 luxurious suites and bedrooms, Michelin-starred Céleste restaurant, the vibrant Library Bar and Garden Room and the magnificent Lanesborough Club & Spa.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MY VISIT TO THE HOTEL, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

Palácio Tangará
An extraordinary urban oasis in the heart of São Paulo

Palácio Tangará is exceptionally located in the heart of São Paulo, surrounded by the lush greenery of Burle Marx Park, with easy access to the main business, leisure and culture districts of the city. Palácio Tangará brings the refined European hospitality combined with Brazilian art de vivre to the biggest city of Latin America. Guests are welcomed with a refined contemporary décor, bathed in natural daylight throughout its spacious rooms and suites, variety of culinary venues signed by Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten as well as the state of the art recreational and well-being facilities. A peaceful retreat in a vibrant city.
FOR A TRAVEL REPORT ABOUT SAO PAULO, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

«I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.» – Susan Sontag

Photos/ Video: Courtesy of The Oetker Collection and © Sandra Bauknecht

Once steeped in the opulent luxury and tranquillity of this setting, who wouldn’t want to suspend time and never have to return to normality? Fully renovated, one of my favorite hotels in the world, the legendary Eden Rock on Saint Barthélémy just reopened its doors again, two years after the resort was hit by Hurricane Irma. United by their shared values, Hublot and Oetker Collection are continuing their collaboration, with two brand new Classic Fusion models being added to the Eden Being collection featuring exclusive custom-made pieces.

A 45 mm chronograph version provides a glimpse of the self-winding movement, and a second 38 mm version dazzles, set with 36 brilliant-cut diamonds. These are available as ultra limited editions – just 25 of each model – which can be engraved with the initials of their future owners. They will be available first of all at Eden Rock – St Barths, and also through the Oetker Collection network and Hublot boutiques.

Usain Bolt and Ricardo Guadalupe at the launch event in Saint Barths.

Eden Rock – Saint Barths has played host to glittering stars including Greta Garbo. Excellence, exclusivity and exuberance are just a few of the qualities that Hublot and Oetker Collection share to delight their clientele. Its forthcoming reopening provides an opportunity to renew our collaboration through a Classic Fusion model for men and one for women. Even though, once there, you are sure to stop counting the hours…
Ricardo Guadalupe
CEO Hublot

Drawing inspiration from Eden Rock Saint Barths the two timepieces feature details that ensure this mythical place lives on in memory. This exceptional hotel boasts a history dating back to the 1950s, regularly visited by illustrious personalities representing all facets of the world’s rich cultural heritage, from music to cinema and literature, as well as artists seeking inspiration.

The HUB1155 skeleton self-winding chronograph movement showcases the collaboration with Eden Rock St Barths at 3 o’clock. The second watch sparkles with precious diamonds symbolising eternity, with the white lacquer of its dial set with 10 rubies. These two timepieces are available with three straps: a white alligator strap delicately edged with red thread, along with white and red full rubber straps, both finely ribbed.

Deliberately white like the pristine sand of the beach or the sun-bleached walls – everyone will have their own interpretation – the watch has a single touch of colour; the famous Eden Rock red. These creative and aesthetic choices conjure up the perfect getaway.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Hublot

Two young renegades from Louis Vuitton have revived the tradition of furniture trunks with contemporary accessories, Sonos speakers for one. These trunks are the sort that a porter carries into your first class cabin on the Titanic or velvet clad Pullman couchette. T.T.TRUNKS opened in a new Paris boutique on Faubourg St. Honoré where the world’s most elegant travellers come to stay at Le Bristol Paris. EDEN BEING have curated a collection of these revivalist trunks inspired by five of the Oetker Collection hotels: Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Le Bristol Paris, Eden Roc – St Barths, Brenner’s Park Hotel & Spa, and The Lanesborough London. Each trunk model below comes in 5 different color combinations which are designed for one of the designated hotels.

T.T.Trunks
Eden Rock – St Barths Millésime trunk
€ 120,000

Farewell to the drinks cabinet, introducing the drinks trunk. Closed it exudes an air of mystery, opened it is an invitation to party. A masterful example of intelligent design by French malletiers, the T.T.Trunk’s Millesime stores everything the wine and cocktail connoisseur might think of. There is an easily portable case incorporated with space for a bottle and two glasses, to disappear together at a moments notice. An Eden Being limited edition designed for Eden Rock – St Barths lined in Goya Red with a discreet logo.

T.T.Trunks
Eden Rock – St Barths Dandy trunk
€ 39,000

A trunk for today’s dandy, for the man about the world, with a zest for life’s many amusements. These cases will keep you uber organised on your travels with excellent compartmentalisation for cufflinks and sunglasses, ensuring you have the right watch at the right time. There is an inbuilt charging unit for phones and ipads, and Sonos speaker. Nickel clasps, smooth cowhide and craftsmanship exude first class luggage. This Eden Being limited edition is designed, in marine cowhide with vibrant sky blue interior and a discreet logo, for Eden Rock – St Barths, where the Dandy owner would be completely at home in the splashy surroundings, from yacht to pool party.

T.T.Trunks
Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Havana trunk
€ 9,400
Designed for the cosmopolitan traveller and cigar smoker who appreciates all the craftsmanship synonymous with this mellifluous pleasure. Paying homage to the finest Havanas, this trunk ceremoniously transforms a languid smoke with a stylish assemblage of accessories, while intelligent design makes capacity. An Eden Being limited edition for Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in blue with discreet logo.

T.T.Trunks
The Lanesborough Mademoiselle trunk
€ 7,500
Glamorous world travelers can carry a selection of their treasures with them across cities and continents in refined style. This case is a work of artisanal perfection conceived by the two Parisian malletier behind T.T.Trunks. It opens up to display your jewels and watches in colourful order, making the choice all the more enticing. An Eden Being limited edition for The Lanesborough in shades of lilac, and with discreet logo.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of T.T.Trunks and Eden Being

My avid readers know how much I am in love with St. Barths. It is truly my favorite place for beach holidays as it combines both, the beauty of the Caribbean with the allure of the South of France – but without being so pretentious as St. Tropez can be from time to time.

My view of the EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS when landing on the island last month.

When I am going, I like to rent a house with my friends. But undoubtably besides that, there is not a better place to stay on the island than the EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS, which is ‘beyond perfect’.

Impeccable attention to detail, the hallmark of Oetker Collection hotels, creativity and sheer art de vivre, make it one of the most desirable resorts in the world for the travelling elite. And the location is stunning, perched on a rocky promontory that sheers the white sands of St Jean Bay in two; there is nowhere to match EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS for luxurious relaxation and play.

Impressions of the beach-side VILLA ROCKSTAR – a huge, ultraluxe, multi-faceted house which is being described as resembling ‘a hundred million dollar yacht on land.’

Rooms, suites and villas are steps away from the ocean and all are individually decorated in the unique style of owners David and Jane Matthews.
Live the island dream: relax in the sun or participate in water sports on the fully serviced beach; make music in VILLA ROCKSTAR’s recording studio or be a fashion icon in the ROCKSHOP boutique… and if you are staying somewhere else, please at least enjoy a drink at the Rock Bar or a delicious dinner at the On the Rocks restaurant with its exceptional setting on the top of the Eden Rock, with unforgettable views over St Jean Bay.

Dining at the On the Rocks restaurant with a spectacular view.

Both spots are places of choice to meet and mingle with adventurous and discerning connoisseurs and of course to run into many celebrities.

David Matthews with me

At star of its own is the owner David Matthews, whom I met for drinks at the famous Rock Bar to discuss a very special collaboration which I proudly announce today in this post further down. But before that, I would like to tell you a little bit more about this adventurer and true visionary who arrived on the island of St. Barths with his wife Jane and their four children in September 1995.

Hotel on the rocks

The family had purchased Eden Rock from legendary island aviator and local adventurer Rémy de Haenen, moving the family from London to the Caribbean to start a new more adventurous life. Wishes were granted two days after moving into the rundown buildings of Eden Rock when the powerful category four Hurricane Luis struck the island. While the storm raged the family was occasionally driven to seek shelter under the concrete sinks in the old kitchen, whilst reinforcing the old doors and windows using anything from bed frames to their recently arrived suitcases.

EDEN ROC – ST BARTHS beach facilities

Twenty years later, and transformed over that time by the Matthews family, EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS continues to flourish and is regularly voted amongst the Top 100 hotels worldwide. The family puts this down to passion, hard work by a dedicated, loyal team and a good dose of luck too.

Family values remain at the heart of EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS and this spirit is further strengthened by the recent partnership made with Oetker Collection who offers the greatest guest experiences at iconic masterpiece hotels around the world. David Matthews says: «It was pure luck that I met Frank Marrenbach, CEO Oetker Collection, three years ago. Now we are partners and work with the same passion to keep the very essence of this beautiful space.»

The ROCKSHOP boutique

David Matthews is very charismatic man and could have listened to him for hours but I wanted to quickly pass by the hotel’s ROCKSHOP boutique which is part of EDEN BEING, the new lifestyle and luxury retail brand from the Oetker Collection with physical boutiques in most of the resorts as well as now an online store. The idea behind this new venture is about capturing memories of your travels with a range of bespoke items and exquisite products, all carefully curated and inspired by the famous hotels.

Match made in heaven: a curated selection of CHLOÉ is also available at EDEN BEING.

Hand-painted backgammon board exclusively made for EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS by Alexandra Llewellyn.

A commited custodian of the artisan, EDEN BEING supports craftsmen local to the Oetker Collection hotels. From watchmakers to sculptors the talented artisans produce pieces of singular beauty to capture memories gathered on your travels. And I am very proud to be a new ambassador for this beautiful lifestyle brand.

My beautiful new cuff by ADELINE GERMAIN for EDEN ROCK – ST BARTHS.

Before David took off with his Harley like a rock star himself, he gifted me with this special edition seven seas cuff by ADELINE GERMAIN that also can be found at Rockshop boutique. It is crafted with 7 rows of silver plated brass with eel and salmon leather representing the 7 world’s oceans. Lucky me to be taking a piece of paradise home!

The legendary Matthews family

His next venture? His son’s wedding in May. And guess who is going to be his daughter-in-law? No other than beautiful Pippa Middleton. A legend hotel and a legendary family!

And I am very proud to be now an EDEN girl as well…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of EDEN ROC – ST BARTHS 
© Sandra Bauknecht