Sandra‘s Closet

Gstaad is one of Switzerland’s most iconic luxury ski resorts and definitely my favorite winter destination. Last weekend, I indulged in a very special experience and enjoyed winter and nature in and around Gstaad from close up.

It started at the Gstaad Palace with a beautiful and very romantic horse-drawn carriage ride through the beautiful village of Gstaad up to the unspoiled snowy countryside. I leaned back and felt the calming rhythm of the horses. I loved the tranquillity of nature from the carriage.

However unfortunately, at one point we had stop as it would have been to steep for the horses and we were driven in a jeep up the snowy roads to a rural and charming chalet. Inside a delightfully cheesy experience awaited us. It’s a Swiss tradition to spend some cosy and convivial hours together on the steaming caquelon, eating a rustic and authentic cheese fondue.

Something that should be on your bucket list if you are not living in Switzerland. Important to know… don’t drink anything but these three beverages: Sip only white wine (or in my case champagne), kirsch, or a tisane of herbal tea with your fondue meal. Water might cause stomach pain in combination with the cheese.

Ruinart Blanc de Blancs – my favorite champagne nicely chilled in the snow.

The chalet is so charming, don’t be afraid of the outhouse, it is quite an experience.

If you had too much cheese, you can walk back to the hotel, it takes around 2.5 hours to the Palace. Otherwise, you will be driven back with the jeep to your starting point.

It is a truly unique and special experience that you can book via EXPERIENCE event agency.
E-mail: info @experience.ch, Phone: +41 33 748 86 66.

I will be doing it again next weekend … just saying.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Opening tomorrow, under the impetus of La Réserve and the vision of excellence upheld by its owner Michel Reybier, the Eden au Lac hotel is reinventing itself as La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich. A new 5-star establishment in Zurich, the hotel has been completely redesigned to provide an elegant and timeless experience in the heart of an imaginary yacht club dreamed up by creator Philippe Starck.

Thanks to its unique location in the city and on the waterfront, the hotel provides a unique lifestyle
perspective on Zurich with 40 rooms and suites in eight categories, ranging from 22sqm to 79sqm, as well as two bars and restaurants that offer spectacular views of the city and the lake. To be enjoyed as a family or among friends, La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich is an atypical and highly modern place that is both majestic and sophisticated.

Guests are now welcomed via the side entrance for enhanced comfort and privacy. The wooden staircase leading from the reception area to the upper floors has been preserved. A large elevator set in a fine glass shaft enables guests to admire the stained-glass windows by artist Ara Starck, who creates «moving landscapes that are perpetually morphing throughout the day as the light pours through.»

The rooms are all located on the upper floors overlooking the lake. Created by Philippe Starck like onshore sailors’ cabins, they invite their guests to dream of regattas, adventures, light breezes and indulge in the soft light from the terraces or private balconies.

A bar restaurant adjoining the lobby, a smoking lounge with a treasure cellar and a rooftop restaurant – La Réserve Eden au Lac is changing the culinary scene in Zurich. On the ground floor, with its large bay windows opening onto the outside, Eden Kitchen & Bar promises to be an essential meeting point in the city. Light-colored floors, red wood and boat oars and hulls are just some of the design cues that create a warm and relaxed atmosphere and serve as reminders of the hotel’s attachment to the lake. The large open kitchen stages a non-stop show, in which everyone can admire the expert touch and creativity of the teams headed by Italian chef Marco Ortolani.

«Eden Kitchen & Bar evokes the memory of the yacht clubs where young people used to gather for regattas canoe, skiff, kayak or sailing races. Joyful places where everyone had a lot of fun, drinking and dancing around the large bar.» – Philippe Starck

Perched on the sixth floor and accessible directly via the glass elevator in the lobby, La Muña overlooks the city from its tree-lined roof terrace and has taken over the former attic beneath the hotel’s spectacular dome. La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich’s second restaurant is a treasure chest, mingling imaginary memories of moments spent on the lake with extraordinary objects found in the city and around the world.

The furniture also looks as if it has always been here, in this imaginary «harbor-master’s office»: with comfortable light-colored leather or slightly old-fashioned floral fabric upholstery, and rugs picked up during trips to Persia and Asia. Two outdoor terraces are accessible, one of which can be entirely privatized. Whether on a sofa or at a table, under the huge parasols, guests can enjoy a relaxed and festive atmosphere while sharing the Japanese Peruvian specialties of chef Tomoko Gunji Hangartner (Miya).

La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich
Utoquai 45, CH-8008, Zürich
Phone: +41 44 266 25 25
E-mail: info@lareserve-zurich.com

Cannot wait to experience this new hot spot in Zurich myself…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of La Réserve Eden au Lac Zurich / © Grégoire Gardette

Today, is August 1st, Swiss National Day, the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation in 1291, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland. It is celebrated everywhere in the country, as it always has been, with meetings in town squares, fetes, fireworks and bonfires.

I have been living in Switzerland now for over fourteen years and since March, I am also a proud double citizen, being German and now also Swiss.

I love the mountains, the lake of Zurich, the people, the food and of course the Swiss watches which are famous around the world. Therefore I thought that I dedicate today to some of the most iconic watchmakers.

Possession 34mm stainless steel, alligator and diamond watch by Piaget

L’Heure du Diamant 35.75mm 18-karat white gold, satin, diamond and mother-of-pearl watch by Chopard

Ballon Bleu de Cartier 33mm stainless steel and diamond watch by Cartier

Rendez-Vous Night & Day 34mm medium stainless steel, alligator and diamond watch by Jaeger-LeCoultre

Da Vinci Automatic 36mm stainless steel and alligator watch by IWC Schaffhausen

Enjoy your day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht and Courtesy of the Brands

A weekend of beauty! For the 23rd time the Gruner + Jahr SPA AWARDS (formerly GALA SPA AWARDS) were awarded in the end of March in Baden-Baden at the beautiful Brenner’s Park Hotel that is part of the Oetker Collection. My avid readers might remember my time to unwind at Villa Stéphanie, their «House of Wellbeing» next door. For me, it was an absolute pleasure to be back at one of my favorite places to detox and relax. I enjoyed the warm temperatures in the garden next to the blossoming cherry blossom trees after a wonderful facial and massage before getting ready for the night.

How beautiful is Brenner’s Park Hotel’s pool when you see the cherry blossom trees blossoming outside?!

The Gruner + Jahr SPA AWARDS are among the most important international beauty and spa awards. In addition to winners in six categories, two outstanding personalities are awarded the «Beauty Idol» and the «Special Prize». Personally speaking, I have a close relationship to Gruner + Jahr as my first job after my studies was at German Marie Claire magazine that belonged 50% to the  publishing house.

Spoiled upon arrival in the room…

Over 200 invited guests from the cosmetics industry, well-known representatives of the luxury hotel industry, from culture and show business gathered at the Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, among them Franziska Knuppe, Eva Padberg, Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi, and Verona Pooth. Scroll through the best moments of the weekend, the bright winners and the glamorous looks of the evening that was hosted by Barbara Schöneberger, who is truly one of the most entertaining women I know.

Model Miranda Kerr is Beauty Idol 2019
The «Beauty Idol» was awarded to Miranda Kerr, the famous Australian «Victoria’s Secret» angel. Miranda is known not only as a top model, but also as an entrepreneur. Together with her mother Therese Kerr, she runs a beauty brand for sustainable natural cosmetics under the label «KORA Organics» (TO SHOP KORA ORGANICS, CLICK HERE PLEASE.). In addition, Miranda Kerr, a certified health coach and practicing buddhist, has dedicated herself to the topic of empowerment: In 2010, she published her first book «Treasure Yourself», followed by «Empower Yourself» in 2013. Despite her success, Miranda Kerr is very much down to earth and announced that she is pregnant with baby number three that night. For this inspirational personality, the jury honored her this year as «Beauty Idol» in 2019.

To read a previous interview I did with Miranda about her travel tips for Australia, click here please.

Special Prize for Günther Bonin
This year, the «Special Prize» went to environmental protector Günther Bonin, who set up the organization «One Earth – One Ocean». Together with his team of experts and volunteers, he developed the concept for a «maritime garbage collection». This special coastal waste collection catamaran, the so-called «SeeKuh», fishes floating plastic parts on the water surface with the help of a net. It uses solar energy and can pick up two tons of garbage per trip, which can then be recycled ashore. In addition to cleaning up the waters and seas, Günther Bonin wants to provide information in the long term, so that not so much garbage gets into the environment. The jury thanked Günther Bonin for his special commitment with the «Special Prize».

All other award winners at a glance:

Category «Luxury Concepts»: Shiseido – Future Solution LX / Intensive Firming Contour Serum

Category «Innovation Concepts»: Foreo – Foreo Ufo

Category «Cult Concepts»: Nivea – Q10 Series

Category «Organic Concepts»: Dr. Hauschka – Regeneration Day Cream 

Category «Medical & Health Concepts»: Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa – Spa Nescens, Switzerland

Category «Spa Concepts»: – Corinthia Hotel London – ESPA Life at Corinthia, United Kingdom

From left to right: Award winners Thomas Kochs (ESPA Life at Corinthia), Hans-Peter Veit (Victoria Jungfrau Frau Hotel & Spa), Maren Speckmann-Munz and Nicoline Woehrle (Dr. Hauschke), Kerstin Unger (Nivea), beauty idol Miranda Kerr, Editor-in-chief Gala Anne Meyer-Minnemann, host Barbara Schoeneberger, winners Günther Bonin, Johannes Scheer (Shiseido Group Germany) and Audrey de Saint Priest (Foreo) with their awards.

Switzerland in the house: with my dear Alana Netzer.

Barbara Schöneberger and CEO Oetker Collection Frank Marrenbach on stage.

A true beauty idol: Miranda Kerr

Eva Padberg with me

Anne Meyer-Minnemann and Cathy Hummels

Franjo and Verena Pooth

GNTM juror and celebrity make-up artist Armin Morbach with me

Franziska Knuppe

Always fun times with Princess Lilly Sayn-Wittgenstein

Let’s Dance: Motsi Mabuse, Joachim Llambi and Victoria Swarovski

The night culminated in a fun after party… thank God we had lots of beauty products in our room to look fresh the next day.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of GALA, © Axel Kirchhof/Gala, the respective locations and © Sandra Bauknecht

Sometimes it feels good to take a hike, to take some time off and then go on a hike. Switzerland offers so many beautiful spots with its breathtaking beauty – just perfect to recharge your batteries.

My look: ‘Star Studded’ Wonder Woman T-shirt by Valentino, cropped dark blue leggings by Miu Miu, zebra print calf hair hiking boots by Prada, sunglasses by Chanel, bum bag from Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2009 collection.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Hello from Lugano that is one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland for me. Ticino’s lush, mountain-rimmed lake isn’t its only worth visiting asset. Walking along the flowery promenade on a sunny day is absolutely stunning and the perfect backdrop for a wonderful meeting. Here you can feel how close Italy is…

My look: Embellished striped wool and linen-blend and leather bomber jacket and Paris ankle boots, both by Saint Laurent, jacquard-knit mini dress by Alexander McQueen, Joyce embellished leather shoulder bag by Loewe, grosgrain bow brooch and aviator-style metal sunglasses, both by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Good news for all beauty lovers in Switzerland. CHANEL launches two limited edition beauty products that are exclusively available in the the House’s freshly opened beauty heaven in Geneva.

CHANEL FRAGRANCE & BEAUTY BOUTIQUE
BONGENIE – 34, RUE DU MARCHE – 1204 GENEVE – SWITZERLAND
PHONE +41 22 316 11 70
#GENEVECHANELBEAUTE

Originally launched in Kyoto for the holiday season, those two products are truly collector’s pieces.

Inspired by the precious materials and exquisite craftsmanship that goes into each Chanel jacket, this new limited edition eye palette is a must-have for all beauty lovers. With the craftsmanship of a goldsmith, the OMBRES LAMÉES DE CHANEL eye palette features a harmony of four eyeshadow shades (light brown, medium brown, dark brown and gold). The embossed patterns form a raised surface of precious fabrics, strewn with golden pearly particles.

Ombres Lamées de CHANEL CHF 130.-
(Also available at Jelmoli in Zurich).

An exclusive blush harmony inspired by the autumn leaves of Japan, LUMIÈRES DE KYOTO reveals three tones to highlight, enhance and boost radiance for a luminous look. Accompanied by a half-moon brush for easy, optimal application.

Lumière de Kyoto CHF 82.-

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Chanel

Today, is August 1st, Swiss National Day. It has been an official national holiday since 1994, although the day had been suggested for the celebration of the foundation of the Swiss Confederacy as early as 1889. This day was chosen because August 1st 1291 was the date on which three Alpine cantons swore the oath of confederation, an act which later came to be regarded as the foundation of Switzerland.

I have been living in Switzerland now for over eleven years and I feel absolutely at home. I love the mountains, the lake of Zurich, the people, the food and of course the Swiss textiles which are famous around the world. Therefore I thought that I dedicate today to the «Swiss Dots».

«Dotted Swiss», also known as «Swiss Dot», is a sheer cotton fabric that is embellished with small dots. The dots can be applied in a number of different ways and colors. The design is said to have originated around 1750 in St. Gallen, Switzerland, which emerged as a textile center in the 15th century.

I love this fabric especially in white on long maxi dresses. In combination with red accessories, it  can take you everywhere from weekend brunch to evening events.

First collage:
1 Holzer lace-paneled fil coupé silk-voile maxi dress by Temperley London (30% off)
2 Belle Web Swiss-dot and lace silk top by Zimmermann
3 The Rockstud leather pouch by Valentino

Second collage:
4 The Garden Swiss-dot cotton maxi dress by The Great (50% off)
5 Belle Swiss-dot and lace silk midi dress by Zimmermann
6 Swiss dot tulle-paneled cable-knit sweater by REDValentino
7 Ren cutout suede sandals by Jimmy Choo

My absolute favorite of all:
Good Times lace-paneled Swiss-dot silk-georgette maxi dress by Zimmermann

To all my Swiss readers: Happy National Day!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands, via ZSG

Recently I spent for the first time one day in snowy Arosa in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. It is a famous winter tourist resort and I was curious to explore it.

My look: Mink coat with fox fur collar by Prada, Louisa ribbed cotton-jersey tank by Étoile Isabel Marant, star intarsia cardigan by Saint Laurent, leather and jersey leggings by Givenchy, silver and purple aviator sunglasses by Chanel, studded scarf by Gucci, white fur boots by Prada Sport, Tribale small fringed python shoulder bag by Lanvin, hat by Dolce & Gabbana with gamsbart and brooches by Gucci.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Oversized sweaters worn as dresses add a certain coolness to your look. I couldn’t resist Christopher Kane’s “Lovers’ lace” – entwining bodies in coral and cream lace, that are inspired by life drawing lessons. Worn on the F/W 2015 runway, this oversized style is woven from a luxurious blend of wool and cashmere guaranteed to keep me warm when the weather cools here in Zurich.

My look: Hooded camel-wool wrap coat with belt by Chloé, lace-paneled wool and cashmere-blend sweater dress by Christopher Kane, fringed checked cashmere scarf by Burberry Prorsum, leopard-print Boston tote by Céline, Rockstud leather-trimmed knee boots by Valentino and Linda round-frame acetate sunglasses by Tom Ford.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht