Sandra‘s Closet

Greetings from South Africa! Sea Point is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Cape Town, and it’s easy to see why. The neighbourhood offers stunning views of the ocean and the famous Lion’s Head, as well as some fantastic restaurants and pubs. Being an affluent neighbourhood, it is situated between Signal Hill and the Atlantic Ocean with the popular promenade on the edge of the shore stretching all the way into Mouille Point passed Green Point. Here you see me at Queen’s Beach, which is more secluded than those beneath the main stretch of the promenade right after I arrived in my travel outfit. Cozy, comfy, yet stylish – ready to conquer the rest of the day! Do you sea my point?!

My look: Zipped GG-appliqué jacket, GG logo print knitted top in blue, Rhyton logo-print leather sneakers, and cat-eye marbled-acetate sunglasses, all by Gucci, black wide drawstring pants, (Look 33 Pre-collection Summer 2021) and wallet on chain, both by CHANEL, «Coaching» Forever Scarf 90 by Hermès, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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Chapman’s Peak Drive is a must for anyone who is passionate about the majestic Cape Town scenery, with sheer drops to the sea below and towering mountains rising above you. The twists and curves in the road seem endless and it is a photographer’s dream.

My look: Amy cowl-neck knotted asymmetric midi dress by Diane von Furstenberg, 1955 Horsebit small shoulder bag in red by Gucci, Jodie suede platform sandals and Loulou heart-shaped acetate sunglasses, both by Saint Laurent, vintage chain silver and gold necklace by Prada, Tank Française 25.05mm medium 18-karat gold and stainless steel watch by Cartier, and Coco Crush bracelet in yellow gold, all by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.

Hout Bay, situated on the northern side of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a twenty-minute drive from Cape Town.

Noordhoek Noordhoek, at the southern end of Chapman’s Peak Drive, is a vibrant rural and artistic community village.

I ended the drive at «JAKES on the Common», that is nestled at the foot of the iconic Chapman’s Peak Drive. The restaurant is stylishly decorated with comfortable funky furnishings and plenty of detail without being intimidating. I can absolutely recommend it.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
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I get often asked how I beat jet lag as my constant travelling can disrupt my circadian rhythm, the measures my body uses to manage its internal clock, such as daylight, my temperature, and  my hormones.

I found two products which actually work their magic. BYNACHT® is a German brand founded by Jessica Hoyer who created a revolutionary skincare that works at the only time when today’s multifaceted women for once don’t have to – at night!

HEAVY JET LAG BALM
A highly innovative aromatherapeutic balm that uses 100% pure, organic essential oils to resynchronize your «inner clock» to prevent jet lag.

With the help of its velvety texture, it counteracts the effects of strenuous business trips and long-distance flights on the body, mind and skin and is helping to relieve tension and fall asleep faster.

PERFECT NACHT SLEEPING OIL

This luxurious oil combines a sleep enhancing composition of 100% pure and organic essential oils that all have a proven record of supporting good sleep with an opulent texture. Spoil yourself to both perfect sleep and perfect skin!

It will spoil your senses and help to make you sleep like a baby again. Infused with the BYNACHT® aromatherapeutic superblend composition of Ylang Ylang flower oil, Melissa Officinalis leaf oil and Lavandula Angustifolia oil, it replenishes and deeply nourishes even the driest skin while supporting your body’s natural overnight skin regeneration program.

The better you sleep, the better you look!
Buonanotte, Gute Nacht, Bonne Nuit and Good night!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of BYNACHT and © Sandra Bauknecht
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My avid readers know how much I enjoy being up in the air and exploring new places. I absolutely adore flying. The sky is my happy place. Most of the time, I try to fly with hand luggage. However it is not always possible. The past summer, my suitcase got lost five times. I always found it again thanks to some little features I added to my luggage.

I got myself Rimowa’s Petal collection.

First of all, I recommend personalizing your suitcase. Choose a fun color that stands out of all the grey and black luggage that most people use. You can already spot it easily when it is loaded on the plane and you can spot it from far on the carrousel. It is also great for the ground staff when they have to identify a missing piece.

If you would like to take it up a notch and make your piece absolutely unique, I recommend stickers. They are not only absolutely fun but also great to personalize your suitcase. Here are some of the most fun and stylish ones available at the moment.

Sticker Set by Gucci

Sticker Sets by Rimowa

Hotel Postcards Labels Set by Louis Vuitton

In order to be able to track your suitcase yourself, put an AirTag in it. It saved me so many times … Last summer, when many suitcases got stranded, I went in the hall at the airport and played the sound. Like this, I easily spotted it under piles of other suitcases.

If you are not in the mood of doing the artwork yourself, have a look at Louis Vuitton‘s S/S 2024 runway «Side Trunk MM Elysee Palace Hotel MNG» bag that is inspired by the Maison’s first hotel that will open its doors in 2026 on the famous Avenue des Champs Élysées in Paris.

I cannot wait for my next trip … stay tuned!

LoL, Sandra

Photos: Courtesy of the Brands and © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

Yesterday, I arrived at the Carlton St. Moritz for a weekend of fun. The White Turf is taking place and the Moncler Grenoble show.

Stunning views over the White Turf and St. Moritz from my suite.

Happy me arriving at The Carlton St. Moritz.

The mighty forests of the Engadin make an appearance at the Carlton Hotel. With unobstructed views of the breathtaking mountains and frozen Lake St. Moritz, my beautiful hotel suite is not only spacious, but ultra luxurious.

I started the evening with drinks at the bar in front of one of the carefully restored open historic fireplaces, followed by a dinner at the Grand restaurant. The newly developed menu gives pride of place not only local produce but to wild products from the surrounding forests. Both the look and flavor of dishes are inspired and enhanced by these gifts of the outdoors, which are picked and collected seasonally before being expertly prepared. The ingredients embody and authentic connection to the region.

I am wishing you a wonderful weekend. Stay tuned for more!

Carlton Hotel St. Moritz
Via Johannes Badrutt 11
7500 St. Moritz
+41 81 836 7000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht – First Collage Photos Courtesy Carlton St. Moritz
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This weekend I flew to London for my dear friend Lisa Tchenguiz’s birthday party that took place at the new jewel in London’s nightlife crown, Lío London. Being known for its Ibiza glamour, Lío is a global phenomenon that delivers high octane cabaret for the 21st Century.

With the lovely birthday girl Lisa Tchenguiz

The fully immersive experience combines a Mediterranean inspired menu with extraordinary acts and world class performers from dance, theatre, erotica, and acrobatics to create the pinnacle of theatrical dining.

Last year, Lío London opened its doors as the first permanent site in the capital for the Pacha Group. I can only recommend a visit as it is a spectacular, sassy and sexy modern show restaurant that brings pulsating performances to experience while you taste some delicious dishes. The food offering is an exquisite journey through Mediterranean cuisine crafted by Attila Kalanyos – former Executive Chef of Kensington Palace.

You enter the fantastic location on an original 1924 double-sided staircases. Mirrored ceilings, a moveable DJ booth, next to the restaurant section add to the ambiance of the room. After dinner on Fridays and Saturdays the main room transforms into a club for diners to continue the party hosted by big name DJs, London favourites and Lío owned nights.

Lisa’s birthday party had it all, stunning performances, yummy food, an excellent crowd of friends and some great music. Thank you for having me! London times are always good times.

Lío London, 3-4 Coventry St, London W1D 6BL
@liolondonofficial #loveliolondon
Phone number: +44 203 535 0000

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

My apartment in London is just across from one of my favorite hotels in the city, the Claridge’s Hotel. Each year, the hotel collaborates with a fashion house to decorate their Christmas Tree. This year’s installation by Louis Vuitton brings together two illustrious names who have long celebrated the Art of Travel, and crossed paths throughout their respective histories after both being founded in 1854.

This magnificent sculptural creation is immersed within two large open, emblematic wardrobe trunks towering on top of each other at the height of 5.2 metres. Each signature trunk is adorned with Claridge’s travel stickers of yesteryear and an oversized Louis Vuitton luggage tag.

Exuding a festive charm, the tree is composed of 15 vertically placed chrome trunks of varying heights that tower to create the silhouette of a traditional Christmas tree. Scattered atop the silver trunks and amidst the snowy landscape of the tree are 21 Louis Vuitton Vivienne mascots, all found within the hotel’s distinguished black and white marbled lobby.

The hotel’s Louis Vuitton trunk envelopes the magical Claridge’s Christmas Tree, just as the Maison’s iconic Malle Vestiaire or «Wardrobe Trunk», a hard-sided case created in 1875, was dedicated to transporting one’s most personal and precious effects.

«What an honour it is to welcome such a legendary house as Louis Vuitton to design our Claridge’s Christmas Tree this year. Christmas is the most magical time of year for us here at the hotel and we look forward to welcoming guests and seeing visitors immerse themselves in Louis Vuitton’s world.» – Claridge’s General Manager Paul Jackson

With my Louis Vuitton outfit, I couldn’t have blended in better … all details coming up shortly.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht 
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You know how much I love iconic hotels, such as Gstaad Palace or the Byblos in St. Tropez. After last weekend, I can add another one to my list. From its idyllic setting in Barbados, overlooking a tranquil coral sand beach, to its fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms, Sandy Lane is widely acclaimed the premier and most iconic luxurious address in the Caribbean. The first glimpse of the sea through the marbled lobby is one you won’t soon forget, especially now with its beautiful Christmas decoration in sophisticated colors.

I went there this weekend and was blown away by its ambiance and colors. Set on white powdery coral sands and turquoise waters within an ancient mahogany grove, elegant Palladian buildings, 113 rooms and suites and a stunning private villa stud the property. Here you’ll find exceptional golf, exquisite gourmet dining, an outstanding spa, a gorgeous pool area and endless recreation all alongside authentic and magically warm Barbadian hospitality.

For more than sixty years, discerning travellers have chosen this distinguished address as their Caribbean ‘home’ to experience decadent relaxation, exclusive privacy, and unrivalled leisure…

I recommend having lunch at the hotel’s casual Bajan Blue restaurant that features Caribbean, European and Asian-influenced cuisine served beachside. This informal restaurant offers all-day dining, a famous, elaborate Sunday Brunch and spectacular themed buffet evenings. Features include a modern wine bar – ideal for pre-dinner drinks – a sushi station and state-of-the-art grill.

The color combination of hot pink and turquoise add so much sophistication to the ambiance. Love, love, love it!

LoL, Sandra

Welcome to the amazing shop inside the hotel that carries high end brands such as Zimmermann and Melissa Odabash, along personalized De Siena shoes, a brand from Switzerland.

The pool area of the hotel is just insane.

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise.

Right now, I am in Florence as guest of Farfetch and Gucci for an outstanding private client experience. I will share many amazing moments with you, starting with an amazing dinner at the Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura restaurant headed by the Italian three-Michelin-star chef.

The restaurant is part of Gucci Garden, that is also home to the brand’s gallery space. Opened in 2018 , it is situated in Florence’s central Piazza della Signoria, that also neighbors the Gucci Giardino 25 café and cocktail bar.

With lovely Liz Parmar from the Frafetch team.

One of the key figures in the new Italian cultural Renaissance is Massimo Bottura of three Michelin star Osteria Francescana in Modena. He inspired Karime Lopez, who is ist the helm of Gucci Osteria in Florence, to free her creativity and evolve her cuisine beyond tradition: to be more imaginative, more open and more inventive. From Mexico City, to travelling the world and now Florence, she cooks Italy through her experience, full of travel, discovery and dazzling insights.

I was blown away by this amazing culinary experience in this beautiful location that comes with a contemporary spirit of an historic space. Karime Lopez creates her own culinary universe by interlacing the colours and flavours of Italy and beyond, with irreverent and poetic surprises.

Purple Corn Tostada
Purple Corn Tostada with Adriatic Marinated Bonito, a hint of spice & citrus

Taka’s Bun
Steamed Bun & Pork Belly of Cinta Senese

Memories of a Summer in Versilia
Crispy cod & Mediterranean flavors

Shining Through
Panettone, Clouds & Zacapa Rum

Still Hungry
Tortelloni with Parmigiano Reggiano Cream

I personally adored that the pasta dish was enjoyed after the dessert. That is a specialty of Massiomo Bottura.

In case I vetted your appetite, please find herewith the details of Gucci Osteria da Massimo Bottura:

Piazza Della Signoria, 10
50122 . Firenze . Italy
T. +39 05575927038
M. gucciosteria.

More to come from Florence.
TO SHOP GUCCI X FARFETCH, CLICK HERE PLEASE.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!

This week, I had the best time visiting Langebaan, a town in the Western Cape province of South Africa on the eastern shore of Langebaan Lagoon, situated 120 km north of Cape Town. I visited South Africa last time 23 years ago and was really happy to be back.

The white sand beaches surrounding the clear waters of the Langebaan Lagoon are one of the main attractions of the city. The mild climate and protected waters of the lagoon make Langebaan popular for sailing, kayaking, kitesurfing and fishing, and the town offers numerous holiday facilities for water sport enthusiasts. As you can see, the wind conditions were perfect for kitesurfing that day, and bad for my hair :-).

Bird-watchers also love to visit the area to view the over 300 species of birds found in the lagoon waters of the West Coast National Park. The park is most busy during the spring flower season (August to September) when the wild flowers are in bloom. Whales can be spotted during October and November.

Large-scale sporting events such as triathlons, the downwind dash, cycling, car gymkhanas and more are held here. A monthly craft market as well as art exhibitions through the year, showcase the talents of local artists. Community events includes the church bazaar and the annual Langebaan Mussel Festival, which takes place on the first weekend of October.

After kitesurfing, I recommend having a Savanna Dry, South Africa’s most loved cider that is best enjoyed with a slice of lemon, at the Wunderbar. As the place offers an unspoiled view of the lagoon, it is beautiful to enjoy a sundowner there.

For dinner, I went to Queens Cottage Wood-Fired Kitchen. If you are a meat lover, you are in the right place to enjoy a mouth-watering, wholesome and flavorful wood-fired cuisine.

To burn off the calories, I went sokkie dancing at Die Watergat.  It is a style of social ballroom dance with a partner, also referred to in Afrikaans as «langarm».

I had the best time in Langebaan, and cannot wait to hopefully be back soon.

LoL, Sandra

Photos: © Sandra Bauknecht
DISCLOSURE: We may earn commission from links on this page, but I only recommend products I love. Promise!