The Woodward in Geneva

As a proud ambassador for the Oetker Collection, I am more than happy to announce that spring 2021 will see the addition of The Woodward, a new hotel in the heart of Geneva, to its exclusive portfolio of masterpiece hotels. It will be the tenth hotel in the outstanding collection.

A historic transformation creates Geneva’s first all-suite hotel designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, with restaurants by Michelin-Starred L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon and vegetable driven Le Jardinier by Alain Verzeroli as well as a 1,200 sq metre Spa by Maison Guerlain.

Rooted in classic French techniques, Chef Verzeroli, who has maintained for 11 consecutive years seven stars in the Michelin guide for Joël Robuchon’s three restaurants in Tokyo, is renowned for creating innovative dishes where vegetables play a starring role, many of which are vegan, and dairy and gluten-free.

Owned by Bastion Holdings, the hotel sits directly on the shores of Lake Geneva, offering panoramic views of Mont Blanc. Originally built in 1901 by French architect François Durel, in a post-Haussmann style, the hotel is located on Quai Wilson. Bastion Holdings and Bastion Management are part of The Bastion Collection group which owns 15 unique restaurant & food concepts globally and the masterpiece water-front hotel in Geneva – The Woodward.

Each of the 26-suites have been carefully curated to possess their own distinct character and individual design details with signature flourishes including marble fireplaces and bookcases. 21 of the suites have a full lake view. The jewels in the crown are the Presidential Suite, designed in elegant ivory tones and offering panoramic lake views from every room with a private dining room and loggia, and the Royal Suite, reached by private lift and designed to resemble a chic Parisian apartment.

The Woodward will offer two bars and a tea-room, as well as a private digestif lounge, which takes the buildings history as a bank into the modern-day through the transformation of a former vault. In keeping with Oetker Collection’s commitment to wellbeing, a 21-metre indoor swimming pool invites guests to indulge and relax. It will be the longest swimming pool in Geneva. There will be a state-of-the-art gym, two saunas, two steam-rooms, two Swedish baths and a jacuzzi. Guests will be able to enjoy exclusive treatments by Guerlain across six wellness suites, including one for couples and a corner dedicated to men.

I am so excited for this beautiful addition to Geneva!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Oetker Collection

A Very Special Trip to Courmayeur

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This summer was very special for me. I tried different things outside of my comfort zone. With my new job as editor-in-chief of L’Officiel Switzerland, I am challenged every day and I am loving it. To be able to always come up with new ideas for the magazine and my blog, it is indispensable for me to to feed myself regularly with new experiences!

Here you see me in the Italian Alps at Courmayeur hiking and conquering the Mont Blanc, Europe’s highest and most challenging mountain. It was a wonderful trip that I will treasure forever.

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Sometimes, it is good to go out of your comfort zone to let the magic happen in your life. Eat food for example you have never tried before, shop a piece of clothes that looks exotic in your closet, go on holidays alone (just got back from 10 magical days by myself in Ibiza), meet new people, watch a show or read a book you would never want to watch or read normally. It will enrich your life and enlighten you. If you don’t seek new challenges, how will you ever know what you are truly capable of?

Don’t be afraid to make a mistake or to get hurt. It will happen but no true story develops from reading and re-reading the same chapter over and over again. Sometimes not being in control is the most beautiful thing in the world. Afterwards you might be able to see things clearly again…

LoL, Sandra

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Sandra Bauknecht at Mont Blanc Europe

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Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht