Sandra‘s Closet

The last stop of my trip through China was one of my favourite cities in the world: HONG KONG. This cultural melting pot offers a little of everything, from beaches to the best restaurants and nightlife, from culture to art and entertainment. As I know the metropole very well, I refrained from sightseeing and went on a shopping spree.

My look: Printed tee and sunglasses, both by Dolce & Gabbana, mid-rise cut-off denim shorts by Saint Laurent,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu and earrings by Gucci.

I stayed at the iconic Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Built in 1963, as the famous chain’s first opening, this is one of the few hotels in this futuristic city with a history. Located in the heart of Central’s most fashionable shopping district, The Landmark, Harvey Nichols and many other luxury brands are just within walking distance. An absolute prime location with great service!

In the afternoon, I took the ferry to Kowloon, which is also quite the place for shopping lovers. Next to the Star Ferry pier is Harbour City, a gigantic mall in Tsim Sha Tsui. In the tiny side roads, you can also experience fascinating local shops and markets, such as the Ladies’ Market.

In the evening, I partied at the highest bar in the world – Ozone at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong. The stunning rooftop location provides a stylish venue for a glass of bubbly complimented by a picturesque bird’s eye view of Hong Kong. My absolute favourite spot!

My trip to China has come to an end. I arrived back in Zurich yesterday morning, filled with amazing memories. It was such a great experience but also quite exhausting. But I never stop… next week, I will be off to Iceland. Might not be the place to wear my shorts again though…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

So many of you have been asking me for more updates from China. I had been chilling for one week at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya, before I flew yesterday to Hong Kong. Experiencing the power of zen, I have become fully aware, here and now, all of my senses alert. I did a lot of yoga classes and enjoyed many Chinese spa treatments which are truly special, absolutely amazing. This exclusive retreat on the tropical island of Hainan Island has got a location on a private bay that offers no equal. I stayed in one of the huge luxurious villas with my own pool and outstanding service. I found new friends, from monkeys to geckos to grashoppers. What a beautiful spot on earth, a hidden paradise and I am truly thankful for the time and enlightenment! A resort that I can absolutely recommend!

Let me show you a little more…

Me on a beach walk before sunset wearing Juicy Couture and my Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN sunglasses.

A warm welcome in my own two-storied villa. Every day, I received a new basket with fresh fruits.

Diving in my own private pool in a Chanel bikini.

In the outdoor shower

Bath room amenities by Acqua di Parma.

If you are staying in one of the resort’s villas, you are having exclusive access to the Cliff Lounge, where complimentary champagne breakfasts, afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served daily. It feels very calm, relaxed and you are never confronted with too many people.

The food was divine. Here you see my daily breakfast.

Next to the beautiful private beach, you can relax at one of the three gigantic outdoor swimming pools. I preferred staying at my own villa where I met some new animal friends…

The Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Sanya is one of the best I have ever been to. I had a lot of treatments and each of them was amazing. Try the Chinese Detox massage where herbs are applied to your body, the Lava Sea Shell massage using self-heated shells together with local coconut oil, and the Oriental Foot treatment for the ultimate wellness experience.

The light was very special in Sanya, especially in the evening… a true paradise.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Cycling amongst the countless lotus fields and green peaks of Guangxi province in Southern China, I experienced a beauty so unique it has inspired painters and poets for centuries. Passing the minority villages, I got up close and personal with people in their everyday lives. I even went with my bike on a river raft. This cycle adventure is rural China at its absolute best!

My look: Printed tee by Happiness is a 10$ Tee, sunglasses by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN and pants by Casall.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

On Wednesday, I flew over Kunming with Lucky Air to Guilin. From there, I took yesterday morning a boat on the beautiful Lijiang River to Yangshou. The cruise was amazing with a very interesting lunch. Have you ever tried snake wine?

The river reminded me of a jade ribbon winding among thousands of grotesque peaks. The reflections of the hills in the clear and greenish water were like bright and beautiful pictures. And I couldn’t stop taking them. Here are my favourites, enjoy!

My Féline Meow T-shirt by Brian Lichtenberg is available here. The sunglasses are by Katie Grand ♥ HOGAN.

Aboard the ship!

When the Lijiang river takes a big turn at Xingping, the beautiful scenery on the 20 Yuan note shows up.

In the boat’s fancy outdoor kitchen, the lunch was prepared.

The snake wine is produced by infusing whole snakes, perferably venemous ones, in rice wine or grain alcohol. The drink is considered an important curative and believed to reinvigorate a person according to traditional Chinese medicine.

Later, I had dinner while enjoying the beautiful sunset along the river. Another day filled with amazing impressions…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

In Shanghai, I stayed at the newly opened Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai, a temple of luxury. Located on the banks of the Huangpu River, the hotel offers amazing views of the famous Bund. The moment you step through the door, you feel the peaceful environment and are taken by the impressive art collection. 4000 original artworks are on display throughout the public spaces and guestrooms.

In the entry hall, a gigantic mosaic by leading Chinese artist Miao Tong welcomes the distinguished guests.

On my arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the lovely team. I stayed in one of the amazing 44 suites that combine Oriental style with contemporary furniture perfectly. The gorgeous interior design can also be found in the other 318 guestrooms.

All accommodations feature a large executive desk, an espresso machine, a traditional teapot with Jing teas and a minibar.

My spacious marble bathroom was to die for. Laying in the circular bathtub, I watched TV while gazing out across the city’s iconic skyline. The amenities are by sought-after London based perfumer Ormonde Jayne that I adore.

I was also invited to view Shanghai’s largest and most expensive Presidential Suite. Spanning 788 square metres, it features two private sky gardens, separate areas for dining, entertaining, meeting and resting. In addition, the large bathroom includes a two-metre Jacuzzi and steam room, plus a private gym and spa treatment room. Famous Chinese actor Jackie Chan was one of the first guests staying in this suite.

The hotel offers many different essential dining options for business and leisure. Celebrity chefs spoil their guests in six superb restaurants and bars, all equipped with outdoor seating facilities.

The Riviera Lounge is a great place to enjoy your afternoon tea.

At Zest restaurant, breakfast is served.

Shanghai chef Tony Lu serves authentic Jiang Nan cuisine at the Yong Yi Ting restaurant.

Yong Yi Ting also offers a Chef’s Table with a show kitchen for special degustation meals and cooking demonstrations. Famous German chef Alfons Schuhbeck had just been here to learn more about this traditional Chinese cuisine.

The hotel is also a great choice for events with a versatile range of rooms including a ballroom that can seat up to 500 guests. I was very impressed by the showroom for special celebrations where all sorts of chairs, china, tableware and party themes are thoughtfully displayed.

The Mandarin Cake Shop

I spent one entire afternoon at the spa and gym of the hotel. It is the perfect place to rejuvenate your body and mind, a becalming oasis of Zen. The butterfly is the muse for the interior design, a symbol of beauty and change in Chinese culture.

The 13 treatment suites are named “butterfly” in different world languages, including Mariposa (Spanish), Papillon (French), Kupu-Kupu (Indonesian), and Euthalia (Greek).

A spectular 25-metre indoor pool along with a vitality and children’s pool is open 24 hours along with a gym featuring a large range of Technogym equipment.

I can absolutely recommend the Mandarin Oriental Pudong Shanghai. The team did everything to make my stay unforgettable and as convenient as possible. A jewel of Shanghai!

LoL, Sandra

Photos used for the collages: Courtesy of Mandarin Oriental.
All other photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Last Sunday, I flew from Xian to Kunming (Tianjin Airlines) and from there to Lijiang (China Southern Airlines), at the foot of the Himalayas, very close to Tibet. It was a very long journey with some bizarre moments, as for example the pilot of the first plane sat next to me to eat his lunch during the flight. I have to admit that I had no idea what to expect and have been overwhelmed by the beauty of this peaceful spot.

Admist the breathtaking scenery of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, I restored my inner peace, regained energy by doing lots of sports, cleared my head and inspired my soul.

I strolled through the old town and explored its ethnic charm, historical milieu and architectural landscape. Regarded as the Venice of the Orient with its dizzying array of water canals, quaint bridges and cobble-stoned streets, Lijiang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

Located in Yunnan province, Lijiang is an hour’s drive from the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred sanctuary which has protected the ethnic minorities and their unique cultures since ancient times. The landscape and the mountains reminded me a lot of Switzerland and Bavaria. It is also home to the longest golf course in the world (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Golf Club).

An absolute must is to see the Dongba Valley, home and livelihood of Naxi people. Traditional houses of Naxi are open to visit. A trekking route leads through the forest, with memorials for extinct species, a set of temples with huge Buddha statues, and the peace garden, filled with wind chimes. The people were extremely friendly and I enjoyed every second of being there.

I had an amazing time in Lijiang. Soon, I will be off to Guilin with Lucky Air, wish me luck!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday I went an hour by car east of Xi’an to the Shaanxi province, where the famous Terracotta Army or the “Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses” can be seen. The collection of sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, was only discovered in 1974 by coincidence by a group of farmers when they were digging a water well a little further away of the Qin Emperor’s tomb mound at Mount Li (Lishan). The terracotta figures are life-sized and vary in height, uniform and hairstyle. Only a section of the site is presently excavated. It is a very impressive sightseeing spot that was truly worth visiting.

My look: Pink hot pants by Abercrombie & Fitch, the “Zurich” tee I designed for Closed and sneakers by Nike.

Today, I am flying to Lijiang, located in Yunnan province, the so-called Venice of the Orient. Stay tuned for more coming up soon…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I flew with Shanghai Airlines to Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi province, and one of the oldest cities in China, with more than 3,100 years of history. It was a very bumpy ride and I was very happy when I arrived safely.

Xi’an is perhaps most famed as the home of the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (post coming up tomorrow) and for its rich cultural heritage, but the city is also increasingly known as a center of high-tech development. Here, antiquity meets modernity and you can still see and enjoy the “old China”.  Xi’an has a large number of colleges and universities and its future is very promising. Below you can enjoy the places you must see when in town and some of my favourite moments.

The City Wall of Xi’an is the most complete one that has survived in China.

An icon of Xi’an, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists.

Another important landmark in Xi’an is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Its top was partly destroyed by an earthquake.

No matter where in the world, it’s all about love…

I also visited the muslim quarter in Xi’an. The Beiyuanmen Muslim Market, which is great for souvenirs and food, is the perfect choice after you have finished your sightseeing tour in the city center.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I had a crazy and fun night out in Shanghai. After all those meetings during the day, I was starving and couldn’t wait to go for dinner. The weather here is boiling hot and very humid, day and night. So, I went back to my hotel for a quick change and to refresh myself a little before hitting the road on the famous Bund.

My look: Denim vest by Forever 21, white crochet top by Guess, pants by Blumarine, sequined clutch by Victoria’s Secret, scarf by Maison Scotch, Jezebel fluo coral pumps (love them!) by Minna Parikka and gold lace cuff by Bonnie Star.

For dinner, I went to Mr & Mrs Bund by Shanghai-famous chef Paul Pairet, a place that I can absolutely recommend. Great food in a stylish ambiance. Afterwards, I just had to walk up the stairs to the next floor, home to Bar Rouge, one of the best nightclubs and lounges in the Chinese metropole. Being outside, with stunning views of Pudong, it is the place to see and be seen. The bartenders literally set the bar on fire.

I am off now to Xian and hope that I will still have internet connection to keep you posted…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht

Yesterday, I had a day filled with interesting meetings. In between, I found the time to visit the iconic Bund, one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai. The waterfront area, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River, refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. Facing Pudong, I was overwhelmed by the stunning views of the skyline. The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, the city’s distinctive landmark, is just breathtaking.

My look: Eyespy cut out printed dress by Tibi,coral Pashli medium leather bag by 3.1 Phillip Lim, criss-cross ankle strap sandals by Miu Miu, Apophis cuff by Saint Laurent and floral sunglasses by Dolce & Gabbana.

Happy 4th of July to my American readers. I still remember how much fun I had last year in Maui celebrating that special day…

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht