Sandra‘s Closet

This morning, I flew to Sardegna. I am staying for the first time at Forte Village, a truly amazing place in Santa Margherita di Pula in the South: 5 star Hotels, luxury waterfront villas and suites, a wellness centre with thalassotherapy and spa, a gym you can only dream of, luxurious boutiques, a perfect beach, the most delicious restaurants and entertainment for the kids at its best, all combined in one resort.

It is really hard to choose where to stay. I went for the Villa del Parco & Spa, that belongs to the Leading Hotels of the World, an intimate small paradise with direct access to the famous Thalassso Spa and the gym. My bungalow is in the middle of a magic forest.

Thalassso Spa

The magic forest surrounding my bungalow.

Gorgeous flowers

The beach

Crystal clear water

If you are living in Switzerland and would like to book your perfect holidays on this beautiful Mediterranean island, I suggest to contact Smeraldo Tours, a travel agent specialized in Italian destinations.

More to come soon… time to chill!

LoL, Sandra

Collage Courtesy of Forte Village (Photo: © Andrea Monica Hug), Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In the beginning of the week, I flew to Florence for two amazing days with Salvatore Ferragamo. To celebrate the Italian house’s Signorina fragrance collection, an installation designed by designer Patricia Urquiola welcomed us in the Orto Botanico Giardino Dei Semplici Firenze on the occasion of Pitti Immagine Uomo.

The exhibition, a real garden of wonders, recreates a bucolic and romantic situation through three performances of Signorina – Eau de Parfum, Eau de Toilette and Signorina Eleganza –, which refresh visitors with delicate sprays of water reminiscent of the beautiful sensation of a perfume.

The cutest details are the endings on the metal rods, that are inspired by the Vara bow, a Ferragamo icon. I felt like a little Tuscany princess wondering around.

Il Giardino dei Semplici is Europe’s third oldest garden and was established by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo de ‘Medici in 1545, who wanted an academic garden with the prime interest in medicinal plants. Today, the botanical garden is a sanctuary for rare plants, symbolic for the world of fragrances.

Being Ferragamo’s guest, I was spoilt to a very yummy lunch on the lawn. Italian delicacies were served among a flower decoration that was outstanding, peonies, roses and many more, that can also be found in the Signorina fragrances. The ingredients were shown in the most romantic way.

SIGNORINA Eau de Parfum
FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Red currant and pink pepper
Middle notes: Jasmine, rose and peony
Base notes: Patchouli, panna cotta and musk

SIGNORINA Eau de Toilette
FLORAL FRUITY
Top notes: Grapefruit and litchi
Middle notes: Rose and rice
Base notes: Cashmeran and milk mousse

SIGNORINA ELEGANZA Eau de Parfum
CHYPRE FLORAL
Top notes: Pear and grapefruit
Middle notes: Osmanthus absolute and almond
Base notes: Patchouli and white leather accord

With my lovely blogger colleague Tamu McPherson at the lunch.
Stay tuned for more photos of my look coming up soon…

Happy Weekend to all of you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Just recently I visited one of my favorite lunch spots on earth, the famous Château de la Chèvre D’Or. It is located at the heart of Eze, a picturesque little village between Nice and Monaco, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The delightful setting and the amazing gardens surrounding the 5-star hotel are already worth the drive. If you haven’t been there, it is really one of those places you must see in your life.

My look: Golden leather jacket with the slogan «Votez Coco», fringed macrame bag, earrings and necklace from the Dubai collection, all by Chanel, backless denim wide-leg overalls by Sonia Rykiel, woven straw visor by Stella McCartney, printed leather, raffia and canvas wedge sandals by Valentino.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
A huge thank you to my friend Nadine Arton of GlamOnYou for taking them!

Here is the outfit that I wore to film the trailer for the last Spotlight episode that aired last night. I had already worn this colorful dress in St. Kitts during my stay at the beautiful Belle Mont Farm hotel, the first five-star hotel on Kittitian Hill.

My look: Caroline asymmetric printed silk and crepe dress by Stella McCartney, Bianca metallic elaphe sandals and Betty Medium Chain leather shoulder bag, both by Saint Laurent, diamond ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery and pearl earrings by Chanel.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

 This week, I flew to the Côte d’Azur for a week filled with great adventures. My first stop was one of my favorite hotels in the world: the famous Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, located at Cap d’Antibes in the South of France. This place is just magical and for me filled with great memories. I was there with Dior for a great project that will be revealed in September.

My look: Grace sleeveless flower appliqué dress by Jonathan Saunders, cutout leather platform pumps by Saint Laurent, aviator sunglasses with Swarovski crystals by Chanel, vintage bag by Dior, Hapi leather bracelet by Hermès, diamond bracelet and ring by Vainard Fine Jewellery, Limelight Gala watch and rose diamond necklace by Piaget.

Now, I am in Cannes for the Film Festival. Stay tuned for more…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Mid April, I went for the first time in my life to Zermatt where the highest altitude concert stage in Europe hosted the eight edition of the famous musical festival ZERMATT UNPLUGGED.

International stars, such as James Blunt, Anastasia, Patricia Kaas, Travis and many others came to the tiny Swiss car-free mountain village to play in an intimate setting with the unique backdrop of the Matterhorn. No one can escape its fascination and I couldn’t stop taking pictures from different angles.

If you come to Zermatt, I recommend a visit to the lovely mountain restaurant Chez Vrony that offers a stunning view and the perfect atmosphere and don’t miss next year’s Zermatt Unplugged edition (April 5-9, 2016), it’s worth it!

Chez Vrony
Even in winter, you’ll be able to reach the restaurant in 10 minutes on foot from Sunnegga.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

First of all, I would love to thank everyone who sent me a message wondering why I have been absent from blogging. The reason was I truly needed some digital detox.

Those who are following me on Instagram might have seen that I had been traveling extensively over the last two and a half weeks. I flew directly from the shopping spree in Abu Dhabi to New York City, stayed there one night and left via St. Marteen to St. Barths for the Bucket Regatta. After that I went to St. Kitts to explore the newly opened Kittitian Hill resort that focuses immensely on sustainable vacations, followed by a stopover in Miami and a few days in Bermuda.

Now I am back filled with great memories and adventures that I am happy to share with you over the next weeks! Below are some little previews…

It takes only 15 minutes to fly from St. Marteen to…

…St. Barths. The landing is definitely spectacular due to the view and its famous short runway.

Enjoying the Bucket Regatta and the ASW boat party at the same time…

…with the world’s best mojitos by…

…by Mojitoman Ibiza and Mojitowoman. They will be in Ibiza this summer, don’t miss them!

Next stop: St. Kitts

Belle Mont Farm is Kittitian Hill’s first luxury five star hotel. Situated in 400 acres of tropical farmland, you enjoy spectular views, great service and the most amazing food which is prepared only with locally foraged ingredients. Did you know that as a ASW members, you are granted a complimentary 7-night stay in one of the charming guest cottages?!

If you are in St. Kitts, don’t miss one of the island’s hot spots: Salt Plage. The perfect place for a sundowner.

A stopover for a night in Miami.

I stayed at the newly opened Villa Bagatelle, which is the first hotel in the wildly successful family of Bagatelle bistros. A great place to party in the heart of South Beach.

My last destination of my trip was Bermuda which unfortunately was slightly chilly. The water is insane due to an incredible clarity and color.

Now, you might understand why I had been offline. Sometimes, you have to sit back, relax and just enjoy with your eyes…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last week, I flew to Abu Dhabi to greet the winner of the amazing contest with Etihad Airways, L’Officiel Switzerland and Sandra’s Closet. Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg won a shopping spree at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island and we truly had a great time.

Abu Dhabi’s premier lifestyle destination offers a world-class shopping experience while absorbing panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Enjoy some impressions of our shopping spree in the Middle East below.

Having fun at Dior

Nadya looking all fabulous in this Ralph Lauren look.

A happy Sandra in shopping heaven who just adores her job!

A must-have for a well equipped closet: a cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London. Nadya fell immediately in love with it!

While shopping at Burberry, I spotted myself on the big screen front row at the S/S 2015 runway show in London.

We browsed almost every store in The Galleria and put many things aside. Then we had a drink and decided which pieces would be the best. Needless to say we had to get the fabulous cotton-gabardine trench coat by Burberry London first.

Nadya was looking for great pieces she could wear during the day for work that would translate easily into evening wear. This tunic blouse by Tory Burch offered both in perfection.

Mission accomplished!

Filming a little behind the scenes video for The Galleria with lovely Maria Bosenko.

Thank you Journey Feng and Maria Bosenko of the hospitality team at The Galleria for accompanying us and taking all the pictures. We had a lot of fun with you, guys!

Our lovely day ended with a yummy dinner at Cipriani and another round of drinks at Iris. Nadya, it was lovely meeting you!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – thank you Maria Bosenko for taking them!

On Monday morning, I boarded Etihad Airways flight EY47 to Abu Dhabi. When I left, I enjoyed a spectacular view over Zurich. The time flew, due to strong winds, we arrived one hour ahead of time. The service on board was great and I can absolutely recommend this luxurious airline.

As my avid readers know, the reason why I am here is the amazing contest that all of you were able to enter in the beginning of February (for the previous post click here please).

I would like to thank everyone who participated. It was really tough for the Etihad team to choose the winner.

Here she is, congrats to Nadya Toncheva from Hamburg, who posted this beautiful entry. I am looking forward to meeting you today and to taking you for a serious shopping spree!

We are staying at the Yas Viceroy hotel that I can absolutely recommend. The rooms are big, the interior of the hotel is stylish and its seven restaurants offer everything a gourmet’s heart would ask for.

Yesterday, I met my friend Catherine Sarr who lives between London and Abu Dhabi. She has just launched her jewelry collection Almasika Fine Jewellery (the golden bangles at my wrist) that can be found already at Colette and soon in Zurich at Meister.

Catherine took me to the Saddiyat Beach Club, a great place to chill when you are in the area.

I am wishing you a lovely day! I am off shopping at the Galleria at Mariyah Island in Abu Dhabi… Nadya, get ready to get a new closet with Sandra’s Closet! It will also be featured in L’Officiel Switzerland.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht, Etihad Airways, Nadya Toncheva

If you don’t know the “Louis Vuitton Travel Book” collection illustrated by artists from all around the world yet, be sure to check it out. It’s such a great way to keep your favorite travel moments and they make also a great gift. This May, Louis Vuitton adds the Arctic and Edinburgh to its destinations.

Two very surprising titles, somewhere between the travel journal and the sketch book, it’s now the turn of Floc’h, the most bristish of French illustrators, to capture Edinburgh with his famous style called ligne claire.

While the Irish artist Blaise Drummond recounts his discovery of the Arctic through his own vision of beauty.

Exhibitions of original drawings and book signings in Paris and in Europe will celebrate the launch of these two publications.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Louis Vuitton