Sandra‘s Closet

It’s been 175 years since Johannes Baur opened the iconic Baur au Lac as the first hotel built directly on Lake Zurich. As one of Europe’s few grand hotels it is owned by the same family since its inception. The Baur au Lac is definitely the place to be when it comes to high end celebrations. Just one weekend ago, I was honored to be invited to the hotel owner’s daughter’s wedding that was one of the most beautiful and romantic events I have ever attended.

Countless stories could be told – if it were not for the hotel’s discretion which also became part of its reputation. But the hotel was making its own history: In 1853 in its Petit Palais, the «Peace of Zurich» was made. And in 1892 Baroness Bertha von Suttner convinced, here in the Baur au Lac, the Swedish industrialist Alfred Nobel of the necessity for an international peace prize.
Marc Chagall sketched his glass paintings for Zurich’s Fraumünster Church while staying as a guest of the hotel. And it was here that Franz Liszt accompanied his son-in-law, Richard Wagner, on the piano for the world premiere of Die Walküre. The Baur au Lac has welcomed the likes of Kaiser Wilhelm II, General Ulysses Grant, Margaret Thatcher, Indira Gandhi, Henry Kissinger, Queen Elizabeth II and many more.

To celebrate its big birthday year, the Baur au Lac has been rolling out the red carpet with some enticing events. One of them was the famous truly scintillating summer party that took place last Saturday in the incredible ambience of the hotel’s garden with stellar performances and all you can drink champagne! The first and finest social event that marks the end of the summer break brings together everyone who loves to live it up! Epic performances and a culinary explosion of flavours: from hot to cold and sweet to spicy, the buffets were filled with all sorts of culinary delights. I had a lot of fun that night …

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © David Biedert Photography

Yesterday evening, I went with friends for the first time spontaneously to the Zürcher Theater Spektakel. It was a fun and welcome alternative to an usual Saturday evening in Zurich, different, alternative and mind-opening. Founded in 1980 as an annual meeting of independent theatre groups, it quickly evolved into a cultural event of international appeal. Today it ranks among the most important European festivals for the contemporary performing arts, a popular venue for both renowned and upcoming theatre and dance companies from all over the world.

Walking to the festival already feels like being on vacation again.

The festival is spread over 18 days at the «Landiwiese». It feels like being somewhere else in the world. This superb, park-like site, located directly on the shores of Lake Zurich, hosts various different sized activities during the festival. Onsite restaurants and bars, performances under the open sky and versatile ad hoc events offer all sorts of entertainment to enjoy the open-air season.

Here are some of my photos that I took last night. Enjoy!

«Nieder mit den Alpen» (down with the Alps)…

… «freie Sicht aufs Mittelmeer» (unobstructed view of the Mediterranean), an initiative of the Social Muscle Club…

… that celebrated «ein Tisch für alle» (a table for everyone) last night.

All sorts of live acts attract the open-minded spectators.

People of all ages enjoy the atmosphere outside… watching the people themselves is already a spectacle.

You can even get open-air massages…

… relax on the beautiful shores of Lake Zurich…

… or buy some arts and crafts.

For the festival’s schedule, click here please. It goes on until September 1, 2019.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

«Grüezi» from Lake Zurich – meet the brand-new hotel Alex Lake Zürich, opening summer 2019! Gordon Campbell Gray, founder of the privately held luxury hotel group, is currently running five unique hotels located in international top destinations. And for the first time in his long career within the hospitality industry, he has launched an extraordinary hotel in the German-speaking market.

Its stunning waterfront location makes this member of «Small Luxury Hotels of the World» a special place to stay: All of the 44 studios and penthouses have spacious balconies and terraces overlooking the lake. Guests can also enjoy the perfect view from the hotel’s Boat House Restaurant and its lakeside terrace, which might become a new hot spot in summer, the world-class wine cellar and from the elegant bar, while the exclusive spa area with own lake access raises the bar in discreet luxury. Stone and glass are the materials that make up the distinct design of Alex Lake Zürich, naturally nestled within the beautiful surroundings.

Located in Thalwil where the former Hotel Alexander am See was, it is only 8 kilometers to the city of Zurich. The private hotel boat offers an extraordinary way of traveling there! Sportive activities range from stand-up-paddling and water-skiing to bike rides along the lake shore to be started directly from the hotel site. A special highlight is the private access to the lake, which hotel guests can use for a swim in the refreshing Zürisee.

Personally speaking, it is a great addition to Zurich’s hospitality offer and I am very much looking forward to the official opening.

Alex Lake Zürich
Seestrasse 182, 8800 Thalwil, Lake Zurich, Switzerland

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Alex Lake Zürich

This year, we were so incredibly lucky with the weather. After an amazing summer, we got to experience the Swiss fall in all its colourful glory. I cannot remember ever having worn such an airy dress in October… now I am ready to unpack the winter clothes.

My look: Flou paneled printed georgette midi dress by Balenciaga, appliquéd leather sneakers by Prada, Tonda Métropolitaine watch by Parmigiani Fleurier, rose diamond ring by Piaget, crystal aviator sunglasses, denim bracelet, and velvet Boy bag in burgundy, all by Chanel.

This fall, I am falling for you…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht