Sandra‘s Closet

This week, when I went to Italy, I stayed at the amazing Bvlgari Hotel Milano. Located on a private street, just a few minutes away by feet from the famous shopping streets, Via Montenapoleone and Via della Spiga, it is the perfect accomodation for the most refined and cosmopolitan clientele. The tastefully renovated 18th-century Milanese palazzo is also home to a 4,000-square-meter private garden, a natural extension of the nearby Botanical Garden, and a wonderful spa with an indoor swimming pool, which are both ideal for unwinding after a busy day in the Italian fashion capital.

My comfortable room offered a wonderful blend of modern designs with high technology features. The service was outstanding, nice touches as my very own business cards were waiting for me upon my arrival.

The room was beautifully scented with Bvlgari’s famous Eau Parfumée au thé vert (green tea), even the bed linens smelled lovely.

In a nice little box on the desk were office supplies, such as a tiny highlighter, paper clips, a rubber and a sharpener.

Room service was fabulous, the food, being Italian of course it is divine. And I always adore having a coffee maker in my room. The Bvlgari Milan has become quickly my favourite place to stay at in the city!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Bvlgari Hotel & Resorts and © Sandra Bauknecht

Ladies, are you looking for the perfect location to celebrate a fabulous hen party or for an extraordinarily entertaining evening with girlfriends?
Your search is over! “Spa and the City” makes women’s hearts beat faster.

The “Spa and the City” lifestyle-offer at Lucerne’s ART DECO HOTEL MONTANA in the Penthouse Spa Suite addresses today’s young and frivolous female. And MONTANA spoils you with welcome drinks, cult films, sexy private butler who goes by the name of Mr Spax, mouth-watering food and “hot” surprises for you ladies!

Cosmetic treatments boost feeling good about yourself, handsome private butler Mr Spax eagerly awaits mixing you a drink at the Suite Bar – and in the whirlpool on the balcony you can soak up the sights of the city as you sip champagne.
A colourful, sexy and cheeky offer that can be complemented with additional services such as limousine-shuttle, massages, beauty and Botox treatments, as well as jewellery, slinky lingerie and erotic toy presentations – not forgetting free-flow champagne, chocolate fountains and any other personal wish we’re able to fulfill!

The new and extravagant package is sure to leave lasting memories, with loads of highlights and laughs. And here comes the good news: YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN THE SPA AND THE CITY PACKAGE FOR YOU AND FOUR OF YOUR GIRLFRIENDS. This original package (see Spa and the City Package below), which bears the artistic signature of no lesser than the master of graphic arts himself –namely British-born star illustrator Jason Brooks – is yours to enjoy.

All you have to do is to send me an e-mail with the header “Spa and the City” to with your address and why you would love to win.
Probably you are having a special occasion to celebrate, just tell me.
Travel costs are not included. All entries must be received until November 30, 2012. No purchase or payment of any kind is necessary to enter or win this contest. By entering this contest, entrants accept and agree to be bound by these official rules.

Spa and the City Package (Your chance to win this package)
• Welcome drink
• Use of and overnight stay in the Penthouse Suite 606 with own spa area
(Including buffet breakfast)
• Private Butler Mr Spax from 17.00 until 24.00
• 3-course finger food dinner
• Large film selection
• Beauty Bag with exclusive choice of products

From CHF 248 per person, bookable for 3 to 8 people.

Additional services, with surcharge:
• Cosmetic Treatments (Massages, Beauty-Treatments, Botox)
• Product Presentations such as Jewellery, Erotic Toys or Lingerie
• Free-flow Champagne / Prosecco
• Chocolate-Fountain with Fruit-Sticks
• Hairstyling, Personal Fashion Advice
• Photography
• Limousine Service to the Personal Party!

Further details and info concerning additional services or to book, please click here.
Good luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Art Deco Hotel Montana, Jason Brooks

This week, I was invited to spend a night at the hotel Président Wilson in Geneva and to explore the first La Mer spa ever opened in Switzerland.

If you are not familiar with the La Mer brand, let me give you some facts about the cream that is much sought-after by celebrities all around the globe. It was invented by aerospace physicist Dr. Max Huber after he suffered an accident that severly burned his face. When medicine and other traditional means failed to heal his scarred appearance, he looked for the curative powers of the sea and natural regenerating properties of plants. The result was a precious elixir, with The Miracle Broth™ at its heart. Dr. Huber formulated Crème de la Mer (which works by the way truly fantastic if you got a sunburn).

View of the pool

My room

The hotel Président Wilson was a wonderful experience with great service. The spa, which is located on the first floor, also offers relaxing sessions in the hammam, the sauna, the jacuzzi and the outdoor sea-water pool.

Me relaxing in the spa

The spa has 5 rooms, one of which is reserved for massages for two. This was where I had my wonderful body treatment. My skin got exfoliated with The Body Refiner by La Mer that is infused with two carats of pure diamond powder leaving your skin smooth and glowing. After that treatment, I received a relaxing massage with The Body Crème by La Mer that could be described best as a seaweed wrap in a jar.

You can choose from many different treatments, for further information, click here.

A spa treat: Macarons in the La Mer colours

Below you can find some photos of the hotel’s amazing flower decorations:

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Président Wilson; © Sandra Bauknecht

View from the top

The Mandarin Oriental, Paris has officially opened its doors yesterday. The new prestigious hotel is situated in a 30s art déco building on one of the most fashionable streets in the world, Rue Saint-Honoré, surrounded by high end fashion, haute couture and steps from the Louvre.

Rooms

The 99 rooms and 39 suites were conceived by distinguished architect Sybille de Margerie, designer of LVMH-owned Cheval Blanc. Patrick Jouin, who designed Jules Verne and Alain Ducasse at Plaza Athénée, designed the restaurant and bar spaces. 2-star Michelin chef Thierry Marx is in charge for your dining experiences.

The bar

The in-house spa works with Guerlain products and offers an indoor pool and a well-equipped fitness center.

The pool

I’ve just received notice about an exclusive grand opening offer. When booking („J’aime Paris“ rate starting at  €765) between July 17 and August 28, 2011, you will be treated to a €300 voucher per room, per stay or a €500 per stay per suite to be used in the restaurant or the spa.

I love brand-new hotels especially when you are one of the first guests in a room!
And isn’t Paris always worth a visit?

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental