Sandra‘s Closet

Easter as Edible Art: Luxury Hotels Present Their 2026 Chocolate Creations

Every spring, some of Europe’s most prestigious grand hotels transform Easter into a celebration of craftsmanship and creativity. In 2026, renowned pastry chefs once again unveil limited-edition chocolate creations that blur the line between fine pâtisserie and edible sculpture. From Paris to Zurich and Brussels, these exclusive Easter pieces combine tradition, artistry, and exceptional ingredients.

At Le Bristol Paris, pastry chef Maxence Barbot and chocolate chef Johan Giacchetti reinterpret the classic French Saint-Honoré dessert as a sculptural chocolate egg. The elegant design features flowing Chantilly-like waves crafted in dark Venezuelan chocolate. Inside, layers of caramel infused with tonka bean, Piedmont hazelnuts, and cocoa praline create a rich flavor profile, balanced with a touch of fleur de sel. The limited creation is available from March 18 to April 5.

In Zurich, the legendary Baur au Lac presents a delicate chocolate egg created by head pâtissier David Potier. Limited to just 25 pieces, the piece stands out with its intricate lattice shell made of dark chocolate. Inside sits a white chocolate egg filled with pistachio ganache, while pecan ganache at the base adds an unexpected final layer of flavor. Crafted with fine Ecuadorian Arriba chocolate and Madagascar vanilla, the creation reflects the hotel’s long-standing chocolate tradition under the «1844 Chocolat Baur au Lac» label.

Back in Paris, La Réserve Paris introduces an elegant Easter creation inspired by the classic Paris-Brest pastry. Chef pâtissier Jordan Talbot crafts a sculptural egg made from dark Peruvian chocolate, filled with vanilla marshmallows, almond praline, caramelized cocoa nibs, and salted caramel. Available exclusively by pre-order in March, the creation reflects the hotel’s refined and understated approach to gastronomy.

Meanwhile in Brussels, Hotel Amigo hosts the fourth edition of Bel’Œuf, an exhibition celebrating the creativity of Belgian chocolatiers. From April 2 to 8, around 40 chocolatiers present imaginative chocolate eggs inspired by this year’s theme, Pleasure in Motion. The exhibition, organized with chocolatier Marc Ducobu, showcases elaborate chocolate artworks, some of which are available for purchase, while proceeds from the event support cancer research.

Together, these limited Easter creations show how luxury hospitality continues to elevate seasonal traditions, turning chocolate into a form of culinary art.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the respective hotels
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Paris feels especially precise from the Prince de Galles, the Art Déco symmetry, the golden calm of the Suite d’Or, the sense that elegance here is simply part of the architecture.

Yesterday’s CHANEL show was, as always, a reminder that the house never stands still. And yet, I notice how naturally I return to the earlier language of the Maison, that quiet, impeccably composed kind of elegance that first defined its allure.

Perhaps the newest chapter simply hasn’t found me yet. But that, too, feels very CHANEL: a house vast enough for different rhythms of taste, different moments of recognition. And in a place like this, surrounded by Paris at its most timeless, the classics tend to speak the clearest.

My look: Black long vest with bow details (Look 62 – S/S 2021), knitted jumpsuit with arm warmers (Look 8 – S/S 2021), logo choker, long pearl necklace and matching wide pearl bracelet, small logo chain waist belt, large waist belt with logo letters, pearl metal hairband with CC logo, and rhinestone Coco handle gunmetal bag, all by CHANEL, and Kate 100 suede pumps by Christian Louboutin.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht / Nadia Krawiecka
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To mark International Women’s Day, Villa Igiea in Palermo presents «We Are All Whatever Singularities,» an exhibition by the conceptual feminist artist collective Claire Fontaine, on view from 7 March to 10 May 2026.

Inspired by philosopher Giorgio Agamben’s idea of the «singularity,» the exhibition reflects on the human condition and our potential to become many different things. Claire Fontaine presents three silkscreens referencing Andy Warhol’s iconic Marilyn Monroe portraits, reinterpreted with varying colours and overlaid phrases that question identity, authorship, and the ways digital networks connect and divide us. The exhibition also includes the sculpture Brickbat, transforming a book on Selinunte into a solid stone block, and the luminous installation Luminous Fountain, symbolizing the continuous cycle of life and memory.

Alongside the exhibition, Villa Igiea introduces the cultural program «Sicilian Matriarchy,» curated by Rocco Forte Hotels. Inspired by the legendary Sicilian icon Donna Franca Florio, the program invites guests to explore Palermo through experiences led by remarkable women.

These encounters include a visit to Claire Fontaine’s studio, a guided exploration of the Norman Palace and Cappella Palatina through the stories of four historical queens named Constance, a meeting with artisan Carolina Guthman dedicated to preserving traditional Sicilian embroidery, and an intimate chamber concert performed by young female musicians in a Liberty-style palazzo.

Through art, history, and craftsmanship, Villa Igiea continues to position itself as a cultural meeting point where contemporary creativity and the spirit of Sicily come together.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Rocco Forte Hotels
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L’Apogée Courchevel, part of the prestigious Oetker Hotels portfolio, now presents a striking new interior concept for its living and dining areas designed by Kelly Wearstler.

Inspired by the dramatic landscape of the French Alps, Wearstler brings together monolithic Brutalist forms and alpine warmth. A palette of deep green, ochre, and fireplace red is complemented by local stone, crafted wood, and natural textiles. Vintage European furniture and curated art pieces add character and authenticity, creating spaces that feel both sculptural and inviting.

Based in Los Angeles, Wearstler is one of the most influential contemporary interior designers, known for her bold use of color, layered materials, and distinctive, expressive style. L’Apogée Courchevel marks her first hospitality project in Europe.

«The French Alps offered an extraordinary canvas for my first European hospitality project. It is something truly special that this debut is taking place in the Alps. The dramatic landscape, the monumental vastness, and the natural materials of the region inspired me to create interiors that harmoniously integrate into the surroundings.» – Kelly Wearstler

With its renewed interiors, L’Apogée Courchevel enters a new era, honoring its alpine heritage while embracing bold contemporary design. For guests, the experience is more than a stay; it is an immersion into landscape, artistry, and modern mountain luxury.

I am in love with this interior style!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © L’Apogée Courchevel
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Members Only: The Bristol Society Fitness Club Opens Its Private World

For all my Parisian readers among you, I have some great news for you. This month, a new chapter begins at Le Bristol Paris. For the first time in its history, the legendary palace hotel on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré opens the doors of its once entirely private fitness sanctuary to a select circle of external members.

Conceived as far more than a gym, the Bristol Society Fitness Club is an intimate universe where physical discipline meets aesthetic refinement. Spread across 117 square meters of light-filled space, the club blends precision, balance, and mindful well-being into an experience that feels both exclusive and deeply personal.

The main studio, lined with warm oak parquet and softly shimmering walls, features state-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment. Large windows frame the elegant rhythm of the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, turning every workout into a quietly cinematic moment.

A second, fully privatizable studio is dedicated to yoga, reformer Pilates, and stretching. Designed for tailored sessions, it offers cutting-edge equipment and absolute tranquility, a true refuge for body and mind.

Between invigorating training and restorative calm, members move seamlessly from focused effort to the soothing warmth of the hammam. Two exclusive memberships shape this rarefied world:
• The Prestige Membership – €8,000 per year
• The Signature Membership – €20,000 per year

At the Bristol Society Fitness Club, luxury is never loud. It is felt in discretion, in the freedom to retreat inward, and in an atmosphere where every detail is curated with quiet elegance, allowing the body to be strengthened and the mind gently restored.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Le Bristol
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The Riviera’s Chic New Address: AREV Saint-Tropez

There is something eternally seductive about Saint-Tropez, the golden light, the café terraces, the glamour that never goes out of style. But where you stay shapes the entire experience, and AREV Saint-Tropez has quickly emerged as one of the destination’s most compelling new alternatives.

Opened in 2024, the boutique hotel masterfully balances privacy with proximity. Tucked away in a serene setting yet only a short stroll from Place des Lices, guests can step out and find themselves instantly immersed in the rhythm of town, wandering morning markets, lingering over long lunches, or slipping down to the harbor by sunset. In a place where location is the ultimate luxury, AREV delivers it effortlessly.

Spread across five Provençal-style villas, the property feels more like an elegant private estate than a traditional hotel. Interiors by designer Luis Bustamante channel a refined Riviera aesthetic with nautical hues, tailored stripes, and warm woods, sophisticated without ever feeling overstated.

At the hotel’s restaurant, The Strand, Mediterranean classics are reimagined with a contemporary touch, creating the kind of polished yet relaxed dining experience that perfectly mirrors the spirit of the Côte d’Azur.

The atmosphere is polished yet relaxed: days unfold slowly by the pool, Mediterranean dishes are served with modern lightness, and evenings invite that familiar Saint-Tropez ritual of champagne and cocktails in golden hour light.

Rather than competing with the town’s grand palace hotels, AREV offers something far more contemporary, an intimate, design-forward retreat for travelers who prefer their luxury discreet and their style effortless.

Go for the elegance, stay for the calm, but book it for the sensational location. Because being able to walk straight into Saint-Tropez within minutes is not just convenient, it is the very definition of Riviera chic.

AREV
8 Chemin des Vendanges
83990 Saint-Tropez

Phone: +33 422 540 640

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of AREV St. Tropez
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Attention, Upper East Siders! British shoemaking craftsmanship meets New York luxury and that can only mean one thing: shoes will shine, steps will be more stylish, and a walk through Manhattan is about to become legendary.

John Lobb, the world-renowned master of bespoke shoes, has opened an exclusive shoe-shine station at The Mark Hotel on the Upper East Side. And because a little movement is good for both soles and souls, The Mark has teamed up with illustrator RF. Alvarez, known for his playful drawings, to create a specially illustrated map that now showcases a carefully curated route from The Mark to the John Lobb boutique on Madison Avenue. The route passes famous landmarks as well as hidden gems not everyone knows about.

Let’s get started!

👞 THE MARK HOTEL (25 E. 77th St)
This is where New York’s most stylish walk begins. Take a moment to breathe in the scent of French luxury and freshly polished leather shoes.

🏛 JAMES B. DUKE MANSION (1 E. 78th St)
A castle in the middle of Manhattan. This mansion once belonged to tobacco magnate James Duke and evokes the grandeur of a European residence.

🎩 STUYVESANT & MAMIE FISH HOUSE (25 E. 78th St)
Once the epicenter of New York’s wildest high-society parties. Mamie Fish knew how to celebrate, surely a fan of gleaming shoes.

🖼 THE FRICK COLLECTION (1 E. 70th St)
One of the city’s most impressive art collections, housed in the former residence of industrialist Henry Clay Frick.

🏛 FORMER WHITNEY MUSEUM (945 Madison Ave)
Once a hub for modern art, now home to the Met Breuer collection. A place that proves true elegance is timeless, just like a well-crafted shoe.

🐐 CENTRAL PARK’S GOAT WALL (1 E. 65th St)
A wall named after goats. Once a grazing area for the animals, today a curious insider tip set amid greenery.

👞 JOHN LOBB BOUTIQUE (700 Madison Ave)
The destination of the route and the address for exceptional shoemaking, where the highest level of craftsmanship and tradition meets modern elegance.

The illustrated map is available free of charge at The Mark Hotel or at the John Lobb Boutique.

JOHN LOBB @ THE MARK HOTEL
📍 Mezzanine Level 🕗 Mon–Fri, 8am–4pm

JOHN LOBB BOUTIQUE
📍 700 Madison Avenue, New York

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Mark Hotel
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Bridgerton Meets The Lanesborough
Tea, gossip and a touch of gin intrigue

Society is already abuzz with the latest must-attend occasion. According to the ever-reliable Lady Whistledown, The Lanesborough, one of London’s most prestigious addresses, has partnered with Netflix and Shondaland to present a limited-edition Afternoon Tea inspired by Season 4 of Bridgerton. Adding to the excitement, guests will be among the first to taste the new Hendrick’s gin, «Another Hendrick’s,» served exclusively as part of the experience.

Created to coincide with the season premiere on January 29, 2026 (with Part Two arriving February 26), the tea celebrates the elegance of the Regency era, grand balls, lavish dinners, and glittering soirées, reimagined with a modern twist. It is served in the hotel’s opulent dining room, where a glass-domed ceiling fills the space with daylight and chandeliers cast a romantic glow after dark.

The Menu

Designed by Head Pastry Chef Jolan Thiry, the menu pays tribute to key characters and moments from the new season.

Savory Selection
Expect refined finger sandwiches and tartlets filled with Westcombe Cheddar and spring onion aioli, Scottish smoked salmon with citrus crème fraîche, harissa-spiced chicken with basil, and cucumber, avocado, and mint on a truffle potato roll. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are also available.

Sweet Highlights
Standouts include The Lady in Silver, a lemon sponge with vanilla cream and yuzu gel adorned with edible silver, and Benedict’s Masquerade, a chocolate and tonka mousse with hazelnut praline. Let Love Take Flight pairs blackberry mousse with sesame sponge, while Cottage Bloom features ginger and green apple with delicate floral notes — each creation inspired by romance, mystery, and the show’s signature drama.

Cocktails & Mocktails
The Forbidden Love cocktail blends «Another Hendrick’s» gin with vanilla, lemon, and peach & jasmine soda, finished with rose water for a seductive flourish. Prefer alcohol-free? Beneath the Mask combines passion fruit and lychee with soft vanilla and citrus for an equally elegant alternative.

A refined affair where Regency charm meets contemporary luxury and a perfect excuse to indulge in a little gossip over tea. To book, click here.

The Lanesborough, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1X 7TA, United Kingdom
+44 (0) 20 7259 5599

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © The Lanesborough
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On Valentine’s Day, hearts beat a little faster in the City of Love,  and especially at Le Bristol Paris. Behind the stately façades of the palace on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, couples are invited on a sensory journey through haute cuisine and exquisite pâtisserie, creating a magical evening you’ll wish could last forever.

Two Restaurants. Two Menus. One Memorable Night.

At Epicure, three-Michelin-star chef Arnaud Faye celebrates Valentine’s Day with a seven-course menu defined by precision, poetry, and exceptional ingredients. The evening begins with scallops paired with Menton lemons, followed by lobster from the Côte d’Opale infused with a delicate Madras curry note. Wild sea bass with citrus and caviar leads into a tender veal fillet with winter vegetables and black truffle. The finale is a dreamy dessert of grapefruit, rosé Champagne, quince, rose, and hibiscus — elegant, floral, and unforgettable.
Epicure Valentine’s Menu • €880

For a refined yet relaxed celebration, 114, Faubourg opens its doors with a menu created by chefs Arnaud Faye and Vincent Schmit. Designed for sharing, it features crab tartlet with curry, scallops gently confit in walnut butter, roasted sea bass, melt-in-your-mouth lamb enhanced with black truffle, and a saffron baba with exotic fruits to finish.
114, Faubourg Valentine’s Menu • €290

A Sweet Declaration of Love

Pastry chef Maxence Barbot adds the final romantic touch with two exclusive creations: the Saint-Honoré d’Amour, reimagined in heart shape for the occasion, and the Vanilla & Pecan Flan d’Amour, crowned with a bespoke golden heart in place of the signature «B.»

Available on February 14, 2026 at L’Épicerie des Ateliers du Bristol.
Saint-Honoré d’Amour (serves 6) • €39
Vanilla & Pecan Flan d’Amour (serves 2) • €22

Stay a Little Longer

Why let the romance end too soon? For Valentine’s Day, Le Bristol Paris invites guests to extend the magic with a special overnight experience that includes a guaranteed room upgrade (up to a Junior Suite), a bottle of Champagne, signature sweet treats on arrival, rose petals on the bed, American breakfast for two, and late check-out until 2 pm.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of Le Bristol
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Vienna, Served in London

This spring, The Lanesborough offers a refined taste of Viennese tradition with an exclusive dessert pop-up in the Withdrawing Room. Created in collaboration with the iconic, family-owned Hotel Sacher Wien, the experience celebrates two timeless classics: the Original Sacher Torte and the traditional Apple Strudel.

Meticulously handcrafted and steeped in history, these legendary desserts are served daily from 10 February until the end of May – paired with Sacher-style coffee or elevated by a perfectly balanced Negroni. A quietly decadent afternoon ritual, where Old World elegance meets London polish.

Menu & Prices
• Original Sacher Torte – £16 per slice
• Apple Strudel – £18 per slice
• Sacher Cube – £8 per cube

Dessert & Coffee
• Coffee with Original Sacher Torte – £25 per person
• Coffee with Apple Strudel – £27 per person

For Two
• Two coffees with one Original Sacher Torte and one Apple Strudel – £52
• Two Negronis with one Original Sacher Torte and one Apple Strudel – £98

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of The Lanesborough
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!