The New L’Apogée Courchevel by Kelly Wearstler

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

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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AREV St. Tropez

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!

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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Tea, Gossip and a Touch of Gin Intrigue

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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Valentine’s Day à la Le Bristol Paris

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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A Taste of Vienna in London

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
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Amangati – Aman’s First Luxury Yacht

Amangati: Aman’s First Luxury Yacht Sets Sail in 2027

With the unveiling of its first itineraries, Aman officially enters the world of ultra-luxury yachting. Bookings are now open for Amangati, the brand’s first ocean-going motor yacht, marking the launch of Aman at Sea. From spring 2027, Aman’s signature sense of calm, privacy, and pioneering spirit will extend beyond land and onto the open sea.

A Superyacht Designed for Space and Serenity

Currently under construction, Amangati will measure 180 meters in length and span nine decks. Designed around Aman’s core principles – space, tranquility, and discretion – the yacht will host just 94 guests across 47 expansive suites. Sizes range from 68 to an impressive 354 square meters, and every suite features a private terrace, an exceptional level of generosity rarely found at sea.

Despite its relatively intimate guest count, Amangati is conceived to feel even more spacious. Interiors draw inspiration from the restrained elegance of a Japanese ryokan, with clean lines, natural materials, and a strong visual connection to the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows and open terraces.

Wellness at the Heart of the Experience

Wellbeing is central to life on board. The Aman Spa spans two decks and nearly 1,200 square meters, offering eight sea-view treatment rooms, hammam and banya facilities, outdoor whirlpools, and dedicated relaxation areas. Daily yoga and meditation sessions, a state-of-the-art fitness studio, a Medi Spa, Medical Centre, and Beauty Lounge further support a holistic approach to health and restoration.

For those drawn to the water, the Selora Marina and Lounge provides direct sea access with water sports equipment, open pools, and sun decks.

Refined Dining and Thoughtful Entertainment

Culinary offerings emphasize seasonality, provenance, and craftsmanship. Guests can choose from four restaurants, including Mediterranean all-day dining at Alira, Japanese washoku and teppanyaki at Akari and Hiori, and the Aman Grill. In-suite dining is available 24/7, with menus sourced directly from the onboard restaurants. Evenings can be spent in the jazz club, private cinema, or youth lounge, depending on mood and company.

Mediterranean Routes with a Slower Rhythm

Amangati’s debut season features five- to eight-day journeys through the Mediterranean, tracing iconic coastlines while calling at smaller, less-frequented ports such as Beaulieu-sur-Mer. Routes explore culturally rich regions, from the Roman heritage of the Dalmatian coast to Moorish influences in southern Spain and the elegance of the French Riviera.

True to Aman philosophy, the itineraries favor longer stays over rigid schedules. Late departures and overnight moorings allow guests to experience destinations more deeply. Selected voyages coincide with landmark events like the Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix, while a standout moment will be Amangati’s passage through Venice’s historic Canal Grande, gliding past St. Mark’s Square before returning to open waters.

Curated Experiences, On Shore and On Board

On land, a carefully curated program of cultural, artistic, and historical experiences complements each journey, supported by a dedicated concierge team. Logistics are seamlessly handled via two helipads and six tender boats, while every guest benefits from the attentive service of a personal Suite Host throughout the voyage.

Aman, Reimagined at Sea

With Amangati, Aman translates its distinctive lifestyle into a true superyacht experience, one defined by water, stillness, and refined privacy. It’s not simply a cruise, but a private sanctuary in motion.

Bookings for Amangati are now open via amanatsea.com, by phone at +1 (754) 345-2339, or by email at .

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Aman
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My Look: Santo Domingo

There are moments when fashion, history, and place align in the most effortless way, and my time in Santo Domingo was exactly that.

Invited to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Oscar de la Renta in the Dominican Republic, I found myself exploring the heart of the city in a beautiful Oscar look, wandering through the Colonial Zone with fresh eyes and a full heart. The streets felt alive with color, pastel façades, sun-warmed stone, and centuries-old buildings restored with such care that history doesn’t feel distant, but present.

Santo Domingo holds a special place in the story of the Americas. Often considered the oldest European-founded city in the New World, it stands as a living reminder of the moment when worlds first met in the Caribbean. Walking these streets, you feel that weight of history, softened by tropical light, music in the air, and the quiet elegance of tradition preserved.

To experience this city through the lens of fashion, heritage, and celebration made the journey unforgettable, a reminder that beauty lives not only in what we wear, but in the stories woven into the places we walk.

My look: Snake-effect cotton-blend poplin gownletter gold-plated crystal necklaceicon, and gold-tone, faux raffia and bead earrings, all by Oscar de la Renta, Dellena 100 raffia wedge sandals by Jimmy Choo, camera bag in white by CHANEL, bracelet Click H Hermès Factory in gold and lumière, and bracelet Click H in rose gold and marron glacé, both by Hermès, and white butterfly tinted sunglasses by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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An Evening at Najd Village in Riyadh

Riyadh is a city where the past and present live side by side, but nowhere is this harmony more beautifully expressed than at Najd Village. Invited by my friend, the Vice Governor of Space, I stepped into a world where time slows, textures soften, and traditions take center stage.

Najd Village is not merely a restaurant, it’s a curated ode to Najdi culture, a tribute to the historic Najdi architecture of central Saudi Arabia. Earthen walls, sculpted wooden doors, and amber-toned lanterns cast a warm glow over intimate rooms designed for floor seating. It’s an experience that blends heritage with understated luxury.

After a brief detour into one of the men-only areas – an innocent cultural misstep I quickly corrected – we settled into our private room. Cushions and woven carpets created an atmosphere that felt both grounding and indulgent.

Cardamom tea as a welcome drink as alcohol is forbidden in Saudi Arabia.

The menu was a revelation. Fragrant spices, slow-cooked stews, and my very first taste of camel delivered a culinary narrative rich with history and character. It was a meal served not just with expertise, but with soul.

And of course, fashion is never far from my mind. Sitting on the floor introduces its own sartorial considerations, ones I embraced fully. I’ll be sharing the outfit soon: comfortable, elegant, and completely floor-seating approved.

LoL, Sandra

Entry to one of the private rooms.

A very special culinary experience.

Inside Najd Village.

You can find beautiful details everywhere.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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