Sandra‘s Closet

I spent quite some time in Boston, Massachusetts during the past two years as my daughter studies here and I love to visit her. The city has grown on me so much and I have become an absolute fan. If you haven’t been here, I truly recommend coming to explore the town. Boston is one of the most historic cities in the United States. Known as the «Cradle of Modern America,» the American Revolution started right here at the Boston Tea Party and it can still be felt at every cobblestone corner. It is also the only state capital in the contiguous United States with an oceanic coastline.

Where to stay when you come to visit? I absolutely love The Newbury Boston which is one of my favorite hotels worldwide. This historic landmark in Boston, originally opened in 1927 as The Ritz-Carlton Hotel at that time. The property anchors fashionable Newbury Street and the picturesque Boston Public Garden, located in the heart of the Back Bay. High end luxury shopping is in front of the door, with iconic houses, such as CHANEL, Hermès and Bulgari being just across the hotel. After a complete refurbishment under the creative vision of renowned designers Ken Fulk, Jeffrey Beers, and Alexandra Champalimaud and being renamed The Newbury Boston, it opened its doors again in May 2021.

The slogan is «a well-crafted life, a century in the making.» Being part of the «Leading Hotels of the World», the hotel embodies the very essence of Boston. Designed for both business and leisure travel, the concept is about approachable, everyday glamour, where modern comfort meets layered luxury in the heart of the vibrant city.

The rooms are stunning. I stayed in different categories and liked them all. Some suites even come with a cozy wood burning fireplace. However, I enjoy my Grand Suite accommodation the most with its spacious footprint and stunning views over the park. It features a separate living room with a large bay window, a seating area and large sofa plus extra chairs. At the entrance, there is a separate work area with a desk overlooking the prestigious tree-lined residential Commonwealth Avenue. The suite also has a mini kitchen with coffee maker, sink and fridge.

Next to the bedroom, there is a separate closet area with great mirrors on the way to the bathroom, which is huge with an elegant pale granite. You can enjoy a walk-in shower and a large bathtub in the middle. The whole concept of the suite feels like an actual apartment which I absolutely adore. Sitting in front of the large window at the table, working and indulging in the change of the season is absolutely stunning.

Personally speaking, the olfactory experience in luxury hotels is just as important as the interior design. Therefore, The Newbury Boston has partnered with Byredo to create a custom scent for the bath amenities. Inspired by The Boston Public Garden, Willow incorporates notes of the local flora – namely Bergamot, Aldehydes, Musk and Amber. It is such a beautiful scent to indulge in that also fills the rooms and corridors. Being evocative of the city and available only within the hotel walls, you can also buy it to transport you back to your memorable stay, even when you are at home.

The culinary concept at The Newbury Boston is extremely refined and offers great options. It is home to Contessa, Boston’s most sought after dining experience and definitely the most trending hot spot, located on the 17th floor of the hotel with stunning views overlooking the city. The staff is extremely attentive. Contessa restaurant is a MUST when you are in town— a true see-and-be-seen spot! Don’t miss the famous squash carpaccio.

With Carlos Bueno – Managing Director – The Newbury Boston – at the Street Bar

If you prefer a quick bite, I recommend a cobb salad or the spicy pink lobster chowder at the Street Bar, which is another favorite of mine. Located next to the hotel entrance, this bar bridges past and present. Here you can enjoy the cozy interior while looking outside the window seeing the stylish Bostonian crowd passing by. It is also a great spot for having drinks at night.

If you are a tea time lover, you won’t be disappointed at The Newbury Hotel. Perched upon the second story, overlooking treetops and luxury boutiques on Newbury Street, The Newbury Salon is the setting for the signature Afternoon Tea, a ritual reclamation perfect for the ultimate every day and occasioned party.

After all these culinary experiences, you might want to hit the gym which is located on the 3rd floor. Being yery spacious, it is overlooking Commonwealth Avenue. Here, you can maintain your fitness routine at this state-of-the-art Fitness Center. Designed by Jay Wright, who is behind several high-end fitness centers in luxury residential projects, the space is equipped with Life Fitness and Freemotion equipment, Peloton bikes, TRX suspension trainers, yoga mats and blocks, free weights, resistance bands, and more.

The Newbury Boston is such a wonderful place to stay with a homey feel in a great part of the city that I can absolutely recommend. I am writing this post in front of the large window… and honestly never want to leave.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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Zurich gets a new hot spot, or let me say several new hot spots in one. FIVE Zurich will open its doors on 30th of June, 2022. Dubbed the new dining and nightlife destination in Switzerland, the new luxurious lifestyle hotel is boasting 87 luxurious suites with glittering skyline city view or lush forest view. Reviving Zurich’s wild side, the new party and culinary hotspot boasts 7 international award-winning restaurants, a rooftop nightclub and buzzing outdoor social pool. Detox before you retox at the lavish wellness spa with indoor pool.

This stunning hotel overlooks the city center from Zurich’s stunning Uetliberg plateau and is within a 10-minute drive to the city center and main attractions; and a 20-minute drive to Zurich’s main airport. Direct access to public transport within a 2-minute walk.

Recently shortlisted in the inaugural edition of the prestigious Gault&Millau UAE 2022 guide for two of its concepts, Maiden Shanghai and Cinque, FIVE is thrilled to expand its culinary offering to the discerning Swiss audience.

Delectable Dining
With breathtaking views of the vibrant city and magnificent mountains, these exclusive dare-to-be-different dining experiences include soul food meets street art at Soul St., imaginative Chinese at Maiden Shanghai, Japanese bites the FIVE Way at The Penthouse, a lounge for wine lovers at The Vault, a round-the-clock welcome at café and bar at Tune In and Zurich’s only out-of-doors Social Pool showcase a stellar line up culinary delights merged with FIVE’s legendary entertainment offerings.

Soul St.
Discover the art of global street food at this high energy immersive dining experience, which includes an open plan kitchen for guests to enjoy watching FIVE’s chef whip up fan favourite dishes. Diners can discover a selection of baos, authentic street tacos, a Vietnamese beef Pho, Chicken shawarma, the signature Nitro yoghurt bombs, Chicken tikka masala and Guacamole al mortero plated live on the table and a buzzing balcony bathed in fresh air, sunshine and lively tunes. With a vibrant mix of graffiti and art created by the most talked about International artistes such as Pichi Avo and Lau Rodriguez, this popular Instagram hotspot is known for its Global Street Food Party Brunch.
Soul St. Tip: Step into Soul St.’s eye-catching Volkswagen Van for an unforgettable in-van dining experience!

Maiden Shanghai
An MSG-free Chinese restaurant serving gourmet dishes, this 1920’s Shanghai-inspired restaurant boasts a stunning open air terrace, a high energy main dining room and a fun-dining, exclusive private dining room. Home to famed luxury lifestyle events including an award-winning brunch and weekly Ladies’ Night, this venue promises a glamorous take on traditional Asian cuisine with an exhilarating FIVE twist.

The Penthouse (Restaurant and Nightclub)
This day to night concept with evolving seasonal themes is all set to be Zurich’s most-coveted new destination for music and nightlife.
A distinctive venue that transforms from a restaurant serving a heavenly Japanese selection to a vibrant bar lounge and energetic nightclub with a stellar line-up of globally renowned DJs. Visitors can choose to sit indoors and be enveloped in the opulent décor of the fabulous restaurant area and private dining room or venture out on the terrace and marvel at picture-perfect skyline views and capture Insta-gold moments.

As twilight sets in, The Penthouse’s unisex, après hours bathroom bar will be the musical nucleus of FIVE until the early hours of the morning.
Dine on miso marinated black cod, salmon teriyaki or tempting sashimi, sushi and maki platters while sipping on FIVE’s one-is-never-enough signature cocktails such as The Mexican Cartel, Collins 2.0 and Sunset.

The Vault
An eclectic venue, which proudly houses Zurich’s greatest selection of Swiss wines, boasts of an in-house Master Sommelier that will guide guests through the perfect selection to suit their taste. The Vault will be a tantalizing retreat for wine lovers and novices alike along with an extensive cigar collection for cigar aficionados. The Vault’s tapas-style menu will focus on delectable wine and cheese pairings that’s FIVEs’ fun and feisty reinterpretation of traditional fondue.

Tune In
An all-day café and bar where visitors are warmly welcomed when they choose to pop in for a tasty takeaway or opt to sit in for an enjoyable tidbit and sip and watch the world go by from Tune Ins’ alfresco terrace garden. Serving up everyone’s favourite breakfast dishes, sweet treats in the form of luscious freshly baked pastries and scrumptious salads, pizzas and pastas for lunch and dinner, Tune In offers a playful plateful to fulfil any craving.

The Social Pool
Raising temperatures this summer, is our buzzing social pool. Framed by picturesque forest views, this stunning one-of-a-kind outdoor pool will host Zurich’s best pool days with live beats spun by globally renowned DJs, an integrated Jacuzzi space, tantalizing cocktails and delightful poolside nibbles – all served up with FIVE Flair!

«FIVE is thrilled to bring our pioneering dining and entertainment concepts to a brand new audience with the opening of FIVE Zurich. With revenge tourism taking centre stage on the global hospitality landscape, it is the perfect opportunity to build on our existing European clientele. ‘FIVERs’ come to us to indulge in the signature FIVE Vibe, which we’ve been celebrated for in Dubai – and which we will now introduce in Zurich.» – Aloki Batra, CEO, FIVE.

To book call: +41 (0) 44 456 55 55
Email: fzh.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of FIVE Zurich
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Recently, I was invited by Louis Vuitton to do an amazing film project with them for the opening of their new store in Gstaad. Unfortunately, the dates correlated with the launch of my Montblanc Bespoke Limited Edition Ink “Sandra Berry” and I couldn’t accept.

Nevertheless, I was lucky to join the French house’s press event which took place a few days later at the famous Swiss ski resort. For the first time, I took the train from Zurich to Gstaad. Unfortunately, you have to change trains twice but the last ride from Zweisimmen is absolutely worth the trip. The Goldenpass Railway is reminiscent of a miniature “Orient Express” with turquoise plush chairs and beautiful wood carvings (see photo to the right above).

I stayed at the new luxury hotel, the Alpina Gstaad which just had opened its doors a few days ago. More than a place to stay in the mountains, it is combining Swiss tradition and thoughtful luxury in perfection. It is truly one of the most beautiful hotels I have seen so far in the Alps.

The hotel’s design makes use of materials and craftsmanship typical to the region, including centuries-old fir wood crafted by master artisans. The result goes beyond Swiss stereotypes to create a fresh interpretation of Alpine chic.

Facilities include 56 rooms and suites, Japanese cuisine from Megu, a Cuban cigar room and a Swiss ‘Stübli’ restaurant.

Staying in a brand new hotel room is, of course, awesome. The Alpina Gstaad offers everything you can dream of, a fireplace that lights up by pushing a button, lots of space for storage, Acqua di Parma bath products, a Nespresso coffee maker and many other things to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

How gorgeous are those bedside lamps in the shape of a cowbell?!

Healthy breakfast in the room.

A beautiful surprise from Louis Vuitton was waiting in the room for me that you have seen me wearing in a recent post. Please click here if not.

A true attraction is the hotel’s Six Senses Spa, where I had a signature massage. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, a well-equipped gym and of course, sauna, steam bath and much more. The only thing that I have found quite challenging is that you have to walk through the main lobby to get to the spa. Always feels weird in a bathrobe…

I enjoyed my stay at the Alpina Gstaad very much and can absolutely recommend this hotel! A huge thank you to Louis Vuitton for those amazingly well organized and fun days in the Swiss mountains.

Stay tuned for all the photos from the opening event and for a very interesting interview that I did with Roberto Eggs, President of Louis Vuitton Northern Europe.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Bulgari Hotel and Residences, London officially opened its doors last week. The luxury hotel located in Knightsbridge is the third hotel project of Bulgari Hotels & Resorts, following the opening of the Bulgari Hotel in Milan in 2004 and of the Bulgari Resort in Bali in 2006.

The Bulgari Hotel in London was designed for Bulgari by the renowned architectural firm Antonio Citterio, Patricia Viel and Partners, with Squire and Partners as the local architect for the project.

With the contemporary style, the hotel features sleek lines and refined colour combinations created using a variety of marbles, fine woods, and unique details. The hotel has 85 rooms and suites, including seven extraordinary Bulgari suites, each more than 200 square meters that offer a unique combination of refined amenities and exclusive services. Its restaurant and bar have been designed to become the destination of choice in Knightsbridge. The hotel also features a large ballroom, a private cinema and a 2,000 square meter Spa and fitness centre with a 25 meter indoor pool.

LoL, Sandra

The restaurant

The bedroom

The spa

Photos: Courtesy of Bulgari, © Massimo Listri and © Leo Torri

“The last bastion of hospitality left in the world” – Roja Dove
This is what the famous perfumer said about the beautiful Lausanne Palace & Spa hotel and I could do nothing else but agree with him.

Located in the heart of the Olympic capital, with a magnificent view over the Lake Geneva and the Alps, this charming five-star luxury hotel is only a throw stone from the most elegant shopping streets and the picturesque old city. The entire property has been renovated over the past years, thus creating a unique environment, combining luxury and refinement, well-being and savoir-vivre. Its blend of the traditional with modernity is lending the hotel its unique character. The Lausanne Palace & Spa, an unforgettable experience.

Me in front of the Lausanne Palace & Spa, wearing a flared barnacle-intarsia dress by Alexander McQueen, a light blue leather jacket by Gucci and a black bag with golden zippers by Tom Ford and studded leather ankle boots by Valentino.

View from…

…my beautiful renovated room.

My favourite flowers, peonies, were waiting for me.

The Lausanne Palace Signature Scent
“The scent is soft and elegant recreating the impression the hotel itslef conveys. As you enter you are greeted at once by a marriage of elegant understatement, tradition, and refinement.
To recreate the atmosphere I have created a bespoke scent which blends soft balsamic, amber-like elements with a very precious and rare rose, rose de Mai, which pays homage to the hotel’s famous guests and my origin” – Roja Dove

Top notes: Bergamot
Middle notes: Rose
Base notes: Cedar, patchouli and leather

Some parts of the hotel are still reminiscent of its Belle Epoque soul.

Coco Chanel Suite – A fashionista’s dream
A privileged client of the Lausanne Palace & Spa for many years herself, the famous fashion designer Coco Chanel greatly inspired this suite in blue sky and cream tones. Located on the 5th floor of the Palace, the 170m² of space includes everything you can dream of.
The best feature: A vast dressing room of 24m² embellished with an English shower judiciously completes this apartment. Princess Grace of Monaco, wrapped in her mink stole, and Prince Albert visited as well.

Dining at Lausanne Palace & Spa is a true experience, thanks to four restaurants and a variety of culinary options. Le Côté Jardin offers healthy, creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine. The Michelin-starred and the newly appointed 17/20 points Gaultmillau, La Table d’Edgard serves French-inspired gastronomic cuisine. Italian restaurant La Grappa is just a few minutes by feet away from the hotel.

In the center of the lobby, the new 1915 Bar (the year of the hotel’s inauguration) welcomes the guests throughout the day.

The LP’s Bar (above) and the Habana Bar (below) serve refreshing cocktails and cigars.

At the Parisian-style la Brasserie du Grand-Chêne, guests like the Rolling Stones, enjoy typical brasserie dishes, such as entrecôte with French fries. Opened from 6:30 am to 1:00 am, hot dishes served until midnight.

The Palace Sushi Zen, where 3 specialists from the Land of the Rising Sun will prepare dishes in front of guests.

The Cellier invites you to taste carefully selected wines in an unforgettable setting.

The 2100 square metres CBE Concept Spa of the Lausanne Palace offers a wide range of treatments, therapies and contemporary or traditional rituals: sports rooms, indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, hammam, solarium and relaxation rooms.
I had an Ayurvedic massage which was absolutely wonderful.

The Yogi Booster, a relaxing bar and lounge, to enjoy healthy drinks and treats in the spa.

My stay at the Lausanne Palace & Spa was truly unforgettable and I can absolutely recommend this hotel and its boutique to you.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Lausanne Palace & Spa and © Sandra Bauknecht

For the Dior Addict Extrême event in Paris, I was invited to stay at the beautiful Plaza Athénée, already an institution on the famous shopping street Avenue Montaigne that captures the Parisian spirit of life perfectly. The hotel has also a Dior spa.

I stayed in an amazing suite on the third floor of the hotel. Isn’t the view from the balcony just divine? The only thing missing was the sun…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In Venice, we stayed at the Palazzina Grassi. A design hotel, situated on the Grand Canal, with an atmosphere full of charm and vitality, steeped in history, where you can experience the melancholy grandeur of Venice like true Venetians. Privacy, flexibility, luxury and elegance are the fundamental elements of this exclusive property, designed by Philippe Starck.

The 21 rooms and six suite apartments are characterized by a marriage of contemporary and romantic design, highlighted by unique furnishings, glass works by the French artist Aristide Najean and sophisticated collector’s items, with some rooms offering glimpses of the lagoon landscape. 
Adorned with many mirrors, the rooms appear much bigger than they are.

My look for the first night in Venice: Dress with tropical print and matching clutch by Matthew Williamson, suede pumps by Yves Saint Laurent, ring by Dior Haute Joaillerie and watch by Roger Dubuis.

Tropical and hawaiian prints are a huge trend for Cruise 2012 and can be found at Stella McCartney, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Givenchy among others.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Bye-bye Turkey! I truly enjoyed my last night at the beautiful Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul. The hotel was outstanding in everything and I would absolutely recommend staying here. Here are some photos of the restored historical Sultan’s Palace which is part of the hotel and where the 11 VIP suites are located with a private entrance.

My outfit: Blue Sweater and Dress by Alexander McQueen

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

The Sultan suite one of the biggest in Europe with over 376 square meters is located on the second floor of the magnificent historical Palace overlooking the Bosphorus. It has hosted many royals and precious guests since its opening such as King of Spain – H. E. Juan Carlos II and the Queen; King of Jordan – H. E. Hussein and the Queen; the US former President Mr. Bill Clinton; Luciano Pavarotti and Liza Minelli, Oprah Winfrey and many more.

Staying in the Sultan Suite is a luxurious privilege with two master bedrooms and an astonishing marble bathroom with gold plated taps, guests enjoy 24 hour private butler service and absolute privacy. Rack rate: 30.000 Euro per night + VAT % 8

By the way, during my stay I spotted Zaha Hadid…

LoL, Sandra

Sultan Suite Master Bedroom

Sultan Suite Master Bathroom

Sultan Suite Second Bedroom

Sultan Suite Second Bathroom

Sultan Suite Living Room

Photos: Courtesy of Çırağan Palace Kempinski İstanbul

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

A multisensorial event hosted in Shanghai at the iconic Park Hyatt depicts the Miu Miu world in a glitzy experience, with performances and a fashion show taking guests through a 1940s-flavored glamour bash.

For the occasion, one of the world’s highest hotels, possibly one of the Chinese’s megalopolis most memorable spots, has been completely restyled by renowned Hollywood set designer Carl Sprague.

Giving life to a cinematic fantasy of glamorous abandon, Sprague has created a sensational set for a party held up high in the sky setting the stage for glamorous stars to banter, dine, sing and dance the night away.

Cecilia Cheung

Zhou Dong

The event occupied five of the Hyatt’s fourteen floors. Throughout the evening a dinner, a fashion show and a series of performances and acts brought the Miu Miu world to life throughout the luxurious venue. The Supper Club style dinner, featuring the Miu Miu Fall Winter 2011/12 fashion show (see photo above), took place with models meandering through the tables. Three other floors were turned into the party venue.

Singer Florrie

Performances included London band Florrie in concert and Variety International in a unique 1940s-themed edition of their world-renowned variety show: a jazz club, an illusionist act, cabaret and much more, in a spectacular mingling of song, dance, circus and vaudeville.

Variety International

DJ sessions by Misty Rabbit and Dan Lywood animated the party until late.

The unforgettable experience transported more than 800 guests, for one night, into a parallel dimension of glamorous emotion: a depiction of the Miu Miu world in its lively complexity.

And guess why such an event took place in Shanghai?! I would say because the Chinese are the customers of the future, if not already of today…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Miu Miu