Join us for a thrilling driving experience on the tracks of the iconic Rallye Automobile Monte-Carlo. During the course of three days, we will conquer numerous mountain passes on our way from Geneva to Nice. Let's go!

Geneva - Uriage

The first part of the route takes us through beautiful moody forests. With the all-wheel drive of the Jaguar F-Type R Convertiblethe 575 hp are no challenge to handle - even on wet roads. On our first day, we already drive parts of the Rally Automobile Monte-Carlo. The iconic Col du Granier for example was already part of the rally in 1962.

After an exciting journey full of historic highlights, a first culinary highlight awaits us at the Maison Aribert near Grenoble. The small, luxurious hotel is run by 2-Michelin-star chef Christophe Aribert who set up a wonderful place at the crossroads of the Vercors, Belledonne and Chartreuse mountain ranges. It is the perfect base camp for car enthusiasts.

For us coffee enthusiasts, the Café Aa contemporary village café, is an absolute highlight. Located on the ground floor of Maison Aribert, Café A is both authentic and modern. Here, we start into the second day - the French way with an espresso and some croissants as well as a pain au chocolat.

Uriage - Saint-Geniez

After a delicious breakfast, we continue our trip through the French Alps. Four rally stages await us today. All of them with historic significance.

Furmeyer - Barcillonette: In total, the Rally Automobile Monte-Carlo led over this section at least 17 times, which makes it one of the most famous stages.

Vaumeilh - Claret: This short stage was only driven once, during the 86th Rally Automobile Monte-Carlo in 2018.

Sisteron - Thorad: This great rally stage has been driven more than 28 times since 1966 and offers an exceptional view of the valley.

Briançonnet - Entrevaux: This stage was driven in the most recent edition of the rally and is the last stage of our tour.

Although a bit tired, we happy at the beautiful Ultimate Provence Hotel. The luxurious property is surrounded by its own vineyards. Designed in contemporary style, the 33 rooms of the hotel in the Var are perfect to unwind after a long day. Let's enjoy the beauty of the Provence region.

Overlooking the vines, each room is instilled with a style of its own. The design hotel was built and equipped with attention to detail. Small, intimate and modern, it matches our taste perfectly! In this atmosphere, we enjoy a glass of the hotel's Ultimate Provence Rosé paired with the finest truffle linguine on the beautiful terrace.

Saint-Geniez - La Garde-Freinet

The third and last day leads us to Nice. With its glamor and luxury, the Côte d'Azur has fascinated generations of guests before us. But what can also be found on the French Riviera are spectacular landscapes with rugged mountains behind the azure sea. The legendary coastal roads that run directly along the Mediterranean and along the cliffs make for lasting impressions. A great way to end the Jaguar Alpine Rally, during which the F-Type R Convertible proved very suitable for the winding roads leading from Geneva to Nice.

Wrist Watch Check

As many of you know, we are huge watch enthusiasts. Hence, we want to share some more information about the watches we brought on this special trip.

Jager-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin

Being a popular brand in Britain, Jager-LeCoultre is a very suitable brand to wear on a Jaguar rally. Its history is strongly linked with polo playing British officers, hence the good fit. For the trip we chose to wear a Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin reference 172.2.79.S. The beautiful 38mm case is made from rose gold, inside ticks a manual in-house movement.

Rolex Turn-O-Graph

The other timepiece we brought is a 36mm Rolex Turn-O-Graph in a steel case. This reference 116264 is powered by an automatic in-house movement. It is one of the later references of the Turn-O-Graph models, which nowadays are part of the Datejust collection. Characteristically, its fluted bezel is equipped with a diving scale. The popping red second hand and date make for a versatile mixture of dress and tool watch.

Few vehicles by Jaguar are as iconic as the F-Type. Whether you drive it in the city or on narrow roads in the mountains, good times await you. Let us take you for a spin in the Jaguar F-Type R Convertible!

From the City to the Alps

Who doesn't love that good old roadster feeling? Driving around in a two-seat sports car is one of our favorite forms of experiencing that wonderful feeling of freedom. When it comes to roadsters, the Jaguar F-Type is a somewhat overlooked model. We think that's unjust. Since the F-Type got a facelift in 2020, it is available in three models. Both the 450 and 575 are powered by a supercharged V8 engine. It's safe to say that the one with more puff rivals the Porsche 911. However, you won't see as many F-Types on Switzerland's streets. Definitely a plus for us!

Leaving the bustling streets of the city behind, the Jaguar F-Type truly comes to life. On the winding roads of the Swiss Alps, the V8 truly unfolds its potential. At least in terms of performance. When it comes to sound, the Jaguar isn't roaring as it used to. Emissions laws and regulations have clamped down on it. That being said, it still sounds good. It just gargles and burbles less.

One of the last Jaguar F-Types?

Unfortunately, the Jaguar F-Type might have a limited lifespan. A while ago, the carmaker announced it will be an all electric brand in a couple of year. It's obvious that they won't have a role for the supercharged V8 anymore when that day comes.

Consequently, Jaguar has done very little to enhance the F-Type since it first arrived back in 2013. It doesn't really make sense to invest heavily in a coupé and roadster when you're not going to be selling them at all in a handful of years. At Artworth we certainly hope that Jaguar will continue constructing two-seat sports cars in the future. They're just too good at manufacturing cars that are fast, beautiful and fun to drive!

Do you prefer SUVs? Then read this article about the Jaguar F-Pace SVR.

Recently, Corneliani opened a boutique inside the well-known Landquart Fashion Outlet. Top-notch premium fashion for business and leisure awaits you at top prices. Join us on our visit in Landquart!

Visiting the Landquart Fashion Outlet

In case you're not familiar with it yet, Landquart Fashion Outlet offers an innovative shopping experience. Here, you can store under the open sky in a unique village-like setup surrounded by the Swiss Alps and a breathtaking landscape.

Over 160 international fashion and lifestyle brands await you here. Among them is now also Corneliani. The Italian brand inspires men around the world to effortlessly style their lives to the fullest. Their suits and outfits are full of Italian sophistication and elegance and are made with impressive savoir-faire. The best thing? At Landquart Fashion Outlet, brands offer their collections at least 30% cheaper compared to the usual store price.

About Corneliani

Corneliani has over 60 years of history. The company was originally founded in Mantua in the 1930s thanks to the visionary entrepreneurial spirit of Alfredo Corneliani. He was one of the Italian pioneers of men's fashion. Originally, he started out producing handcrafted raincoats and outerwear, quickly gaining widespread acclaim.

To this day, the brand creates fashion in an exclusive and distinctive style. Italian refinement and elegance is at the heart of every piece of fine clothing. Through the best of Italian craftsmanship and savoir-faire, they tirelessly promote their passion for beauty, dressing men around the world in style.

The Italian town of Mantua is still the company's creative hub, where design and research are combined in the production of garments and accessories. Their offering ranges from ready-to-wear to made-to-measure, making Corneliani synonymous with Italian refinement and elegance beyond national borders.

Join the Fashion Club

Ready to discover the unique selection of high-end stores and boutiques at Landquart Fashion Outlet? Then make sure to become a Fashion Club member to benefit from unique offers:

• Save 5% off your total purchase every time you store at participating stores and receive up to 25% off your next purchase
• Access exclusive member benefits
• Receive exclusive offers and invitations to events

While in the area, we highly recommend you the visit the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. Read more about it here on our blog.

On a crisp winter day, the silent countryside is pierced by the deep growl of a compressed v8, occasionally interrupted by its own gun-like exhaust. This unmistakable sound belongs to the Jaguar F-Pace SVRthe British brand's supercharged SUV. First released in 2018, it received a slight facelift in 2021 to keep up with the times. And it is now equipped with a state-of-the-art infotainment system and has received upgrades to its interior finishes. Let's have a look together!

The Jaguar F-Pace SVR's Engine and Handling

Powered by a 550bhp compressed v8, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR offers 516nm of torque to all four wheels. No need to say that you feel sheer power when putting your right foot down. The 8-speed automatic transmission is almost instantaneous, although it is not the smoothest. This results in a responsive car that reacts quickly when the driver presses the accelerator. For more sensitive driving, we recommend you stay in comfort or economy mode.

One thing to keep in mind when purchasing a new Jaguar F-Pace SVRare the costs associated with its ownership. This vehicle consumes a minimum of 9l/100km when driving at its best. But with the slightest acceleration you can see it climb to 30l/100km. A quick trip can therefore get expensive quite quickly. That being said, nothing else is expected from an engine of this size.

High-end finishing

Walking around the Jaguar F-Pace SVR for the first time, we immediately notice the well finished exterior with aerodynamic lines. Without having a too aggressive appearance, its SUV spirit remains intact. On the other hand, some crucial parts like the side skirts, air vents and front air intakes are made from plastic instead of carbon fiber for example. Considering the overall quality of the car, this is a bit disappointing.

Still, the car is very well finished overall, with the interior feeling particularly nice. The cockpit offers the perfect mix of sport and luxury. The leather sport seats keep the driver strapped in, even at high speeds. A crucial feature!

When it comes to the infotainment system, Jaguar has made big improvements with its latest update. The new Jaguar F-Pace SVR now comes equipped with an 11-speaker Meridian audio system. Plus, it now has a large 11.4-inch touchscreen on the center column. Both Apple Carplay and Android Auto are now seamlessly integrated with wireless connectivity.

What's our Take?

With the 2022 facelift of the Jaguar F-Pace SVRJaguar has delivered a much needed update on connectivity and infotainment. While retaining the car's DNA as a highly dynamic SUV, it is capable of both comfort and performance. The compressed v8 lives up to its promise, delivering torque and sound when needed.

If you are looking to spend north of CHF 120'000 on a sports SUV, then the Jaguar F-Pace SVR is a serious contender to other vehicles in this category. So make sure to schedule a test drive soon! If you are more interested on an electric vehicle, then check out this article about the Jaguar I-Pace.

Have you ever heard of a place called Engelberg? Or a mountain called Titlis? If not, you might just have found your next holiday destination. Let us take you on an epic journey, back in time and into the heart of the Swiss Alps. Here, you can experience raw luxury. And no place better to do so than at the newly opened Kempinski Palace Engelberg.

Belle Epoque newly interpreted

The new Kempinski Palace Engelbergwhich opened its doors at the end of June 2021, reinterprets a unique hotel from the Belle Epoque era for the next generation. It is the fusion of nature, history and modernity that makes this place unique. As the first international five-star superior hotel in Engelberg, the Kempinski Palace Engelberg is a refuge for all seasons. With the promise of exclusivity and luxury, the newest jewel in the Kempinski family stands for a relaxing stay far away from the fast-paced city life.

Immediately after we arrive in our Jaguar F-Pace at the hotel, the historic building manages to captivate us. Inspired by the mountains, the new Kempinski Palace Engelberg features carefully selected local materials such as wood and stone. The design draws on the subtle textures and colors of nature. High-quality and traditional techniques have been used in a contemporary way, and alpine motifs have been taken up and transformed.

Illustrious Past of the Kempinski Palace Engelberg

The successful Engelberg hotelier Eduard Cattani had the building constructed in the late 19th century by his brother, the architect Arnold Cattani, and at that time made it famous far beyond the borders of Switzerland. Today, the new hotel building and the former Europäischer Hof, which opened in 1904 as the Grandhotel Winterhaus, form a perfect architectural unit. Here, time seems to stand still while guests are invited to enjoy the numerous amenities in luxury and style.

The 129 rooms and suites feature light colors and noble materials such as brushed oak and high-quality leather in warm brown tones. Gentle shades of green and blue tones convey a feeling of fresh mountain air. The relaxed interplay of details, state-of-the-art furnishings, such Swiss made box-spring beds, as well as a spectacular panoramic view of the mountains, spreads a feel-good ambience in a class of its own.

We can't imagine a better place to enjoy a rich breakfast. Especially since the talented chefs at the Kempinski Palace Engelberg always come up with some delicious creations. We are especially intrigued by the delicious french toast.

Culinary Delights with a Twist

For dinner, we head over to the "Cattani Restaurant". Decorated in an elegant European style and influenced by the local culture, it conveys a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere. Although it is large with 120 seats indoors and 70 seats on the summer terrace, it has a familiar and cozy feel thanks to casual, modern furnishings and stylish accessories. The quietly located terrace offers a unique view of the spectacular mountain landscape and invites guests to linger and enjoy.

The menu features seasonal products from local producers. These are prepared by Executive Chef Michele Müller, one of the few female chefs in a Swiss five-star superior hotel, to create delicious treats. She is constantly on the lookout for new culinary experiences to delight and surprise guests. The culinary delights are complemented by an excellent selection of local and international wines. Among them are some outstanding and sought-after wines from the Swiss "Bündner Herrschaft". For example the wonderfully complex Completer by the prestigious winery Donatsch.

Later, it's time to conclude the night at "The Palace Bar" and the "Cigar Lounge". Historic décor and dark colors bring back the Roaring Twenties in both places and create a pleasant club atmosphere in which guests can relax. We are very pleased by the hotel's fine selection of whiskys and cigars available for aficionados. During the day, guests can also enjoy a variety of lunch classics in "The Palace Bar". We love their burger and sweet potato fries on jalapeno mayonnaise.

Unwinding at The Spa

For the "Kempinski The Spa"located on the top floor, the Alps served as an obvious inspiration. Smooth stone contrasts with graphic lines of wood. The influence of the mountain landscape is abstract, but always in harmony with the view of the incomparable panorama. As we are looking to relax, the spa area with its infinity pool and spacious sunbathing beds is the perfect place. There is also a relaxation room with an open Himalayan salt stone fireplace. So cozy!

For those seeking adventure rather than relaxation, Engelberg has plenty to offer. From recreational hikes to fun E-bike tours or thrilling Via Ferratas, there is something to do for everybody!

Did we convince you, that Engelberg should be your next holiday destination? If yes, make sure to book your stay at the Kempinski Palace Engelberg here. And by the way, did you know that there is a Kempinski in St. Moritz? Read this article to learn more about it.

In the last few years, the pace toward total electrification has taken over the automotive industry. More traditional car brands have understood that electrified mobility seems to be the future. Now it is Jaguar’s turn to start their transition. Their flagship? The Jaguar I-Pace, a 400 horsepower, silent SUV.

The Jaguar I-Pace is capable of performance…

Their latest iteration of the well known SUV is looking to fend for itself in the SUV- and in the EV market. Its modern design and luxurious interior, featuring two large digital screens, are paired with great performances: 0 to 100km/h in 4.8s, all that in total silence. But passengers should brace themselves because the 696 Nm of torque will be felt in the acceleration. Traction-wise, the all-wheel drive allows the Jaguar to perform well on both a highway and on a mountain pass.

...but in English luxury

Seeing the performance numbers above, one may think that the Jaguar I-Pace is a performance SUV and thus may not be comfortable for long road trips. But here at Artworth, we like to combine performance with comfort, and in that regard, the car has impressed us.

Indeed, Jaguar has stayed true to its reputation, and sitting in the driver’s seat, one can only appreciate the generous leather dashboard, the various screens displaying relevant information and infotainment, and the quality, which can be felt when pushing the START button.

We love how the British quality can be felt in the cabin when driving and handling the interior controls. The driver’s screen can be personalized through buttons on the steering wheel, while the central console may be used by the passenger, through the used of the touch screen.

A promising first step for Jaguar

So, is this high-performance SUV the future of the famous brand? We believe that indeed this car represent the first step toward an electrified future at Jaguar. The innovative team behind the British brand will certainly work hard to make electric cars even lighter to further improve its range and overall performance. For now, we are already more than happy with the current Jaguar I-Pace and love to take it on long trips and exciting drives through in the Swiss mountains.

Do you want to read more about Jaguar cars? Then read this article about our road trip with the Jaguar F-Pace in Scotland.

2020 has been the year of domestic tourism so far. And we couldn't be happier about this. Since we live in Switzerland, we got to explore so many beautiful places in our picturesque home country. One of which we will introduce to you in this article. Do you want to know why we think that the Kempinski St Moritz is the ultimate source of well-being? Then read on!

Arriving at the Kempinski St Moritz

As we arrive in St Moritz, we do a quick stop at the Gelateria Palace in the middle of the picturesque mountain village. While enjoying the home-made ice cream, we do some window shopping on Via Serlas, one of the main shopping streets in the town.

Next, we head to St Moritz bath. Here, at the end of the Lake St Moritz, in a sheltered location directly at the source of the famed mineral springs, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz can be found. Steeped in tradition, the hotel can look back on an illustrious past. It was built in the 1860s as the Grand Hotel des Bains. The destination originally became famous for its mineral spring, discovered some 3'000 years ago. The Grand Hotel was built right on top of the Mauritius water sourcewhich has helped people recovering and relaxing for centuries.

Set in its iconic original building, the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski is offering timeless European luxury in a breathtaking mountain setting. In 2001, the hotel was completely redesigned, renewed and opened first under Kempinski This five-star superior hotel is located at the foot of the cable car with unrivaled access to the countless hiking trails of the Engadin Valley. To celebrate our arrival, we enjoy a glass of champagne while taking in the breathtaking views on the Grand Hotel.

A treat for all senses

When it comes to enjoying culinary delights, the Kempinski St Moritz has something to offer for every taste. While the Lobby bar serves contemporary delicacies such as club sandwiches or a classic style high tea, the hotel also hosts three outstanding restaurants including the Michelin star awarded Cà d'Oro. It is here where we spend a splendid evening indulging in a variety of creations with finest local and foreign ingredients. All carefully and thoughtfully prepared.

After dinner it is time to relax in a gentleman's manner. We head over to The Smokers Lounge & Library where we light a cigar, order a fine cognac and just sit back to relax. The bar offers a nice selection of whiskies, wines and of course cigars. It is the ideal place to unwind, make plans for the next day and let a perfect evening come to an end.

The next day, we get started by visiting the vast spa area. Here, we immerse ourselves in the Alpine-style environment and experience the feel of the natural elements with all our senses. On 2'800 sqm the Kempinski The Spa has four different saunas, a steam bath, a laconium, an indoor pool, a gym and a sun terrace. For us, the highlight is a large sauna decorated with upcycled local wood. It reminds one of an ancient mountain hut. This makes it extremely charming and authentic.

Another must-see is the iconic indoor pool of the Kempinski St. Moritz. Here, guests can swim in the purifying water of the famous Mauritius spring. Back in the year 1535, the doctor and scientist Paracelsus has re-discovered the manifold qualities of this natural water, that contains above-average concentrations of minerals. Don't miss out on the opportunity of treating your body with the healing qualities of this spring water.

A historically significant collaboration

In collaboration with Veuve Clicquotguests can unwind and take in stunning Alpine views from the Kempinski Park Café in front of the Grand Hotel this summer. While the champagne brand itself might be well-known, its exciting and rich history is most probably not. Just like the Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St Moritz, Veuve Clicquot's roots go back centuries. In fact, it was Philippe Clicquot who founded the company in 1772. Thirty years later, Philippe Clicquot retired and left control to his son François who suddenly fell ill a few years later and died at age thirty. Devastated by his death, the young widow (veuve in French) Barbe-Nicole decided to take over her husband's business to continue his legacy. Hence, she became one of the first business women in the early 1800s to run an international business in a world dominated by men.

Madame Clicquot is credited with major breakthroughs. She created the first known vintage champagne in 1810 and invented the riddling table process to clarify champagne. Moreover, she created the first known rosé champagne by blending still red and white champagne wines, a process still used today. During the Napoleonic Wars, Madame Clicquot managed to establish her wine in royal courts throughout Europe, notably that of Imperial Russia. Thanks to her, champagne was established as a favored drink of high society and nobility.

Today, the brand is best known for its distinctive yellow label. This colorful branding gives the wonderful summer lounge in front of the Kempinski in St Moritz a friendly and welcoming touch. We love to sit down outside and share a bottle of Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label on this sunny afternoon to celebrate life.

Unwinding in the Engadin valley region

Since the hotel itself has so much to offer, guests easily forget that they are surrounded by beautiful nature that awaits to be explored. No matter if you want to go biking, hiking take out a boat for a trip or fishing, you will get lucky! The region is also great for golfing, climbing and alpinism.

We decide to take our Jaguar F-Pace SVR on a scenic drive along the picturesque mountain lakes and through the lush green forests. You can imagine that the pops and crackles coming from the roaring V8 engine while driving on the winding mountain roads put big smiles on our faces.

Soon we realize that one thing one should definitely bring on a trip to St Moritz are leather driving gloves. How do you like our AW Driving Gloves in blue? They are made by artisans in Spain, guarantee a safe grip and great comfort.

While on the road, we keep on discovering new beautiful places. One can't resist and has to get out of the car to get a good long look of the beautiful landscapes surrounding us.

Way too quickly, our staycation comes to an end. It has once again been an extraordinary couple of days up in St Moritz. We feel lucky and blessed to be living in a country with such stunning landscapes and extraordinary hotels like the Kempinski St Moritz. There is no other country we would rather be this year!

Did you know that there are a number of unique events taking place in St Moritz in winter? For example the legendary horse race White turf or the exciting Snow Polo. Both take place on the frozen Lake St Moritz and captivate large crowds. We can highly recommend attending those two events!

When thinking of classy places to visit, many come to mind. But is there a place that combines classy elements with rough nature and offers incredible indigenous craftsmanship? We found it in Scotland. Let us tell you why we think this northern country is the ultimate destination for gents!

Vibrant coffee culture in Edinburgh and Glasgow

As we land in Edinburgh after an early morning flight from Geneva, we want to go straight to a coffee shop. Luckily we arranged a car pick up directly at the airport. For this road trip we chose a versatile yet sporty car and found the perfect model: Jaguar F-Pace SVR. But now, off to get coffee!

In recent years, Edinburgh has developed a vibrant coffee culture. Many small, independent coffee shops have opened. Moreover, the Scots have discovered the fun in roasting their own beans! This resulted in a number of new micro roasters all over Scotland.

Eventually, we decide to visit the lovely coffee shop Strumpets in the West End district. Owner Ingrida is preparing the delicious flat whites and espressos herself! She managed to create a warm coffee shop atmosphere with a nice interior design and a cozy outdoor seating area.

Here, we settle down for a bit in order to make plans for our trip ahead. The flat white tastes great and we can't help ourselves but order another round! Ingrida is a very welcoming host and she shares with us many insider tips that are super useful for our planned journey.

Unfortunately, we don't spend more time in Edinburgh because there would be more great coffee shops around. For top notch barista coffee we can recommend The Milkman, Leo's Beanery or Söderberg. Find the complete list here!

The next day, we wake up in Glasgow. Scotland's cultural hub is just a one hour drive away from the capital city. Here, we stop at East Coffee Company in the up and coming Dennistoun district. They recently opened a second outlet just around the corner from their original store.

Here, at 30 Hillfoot St they also roast their coffee beans. We love how this gives the location an artisanal and crafty touch! First, we enjoy a round of fresh flat whites and talk about watches from Jaeger-LeCoultre.

Personally, we love to wear the iconic Reverso. More specifically the Reverso Classic Large Duoface Small Seconds. With two time zones on both dials, this watch is both classy and useful! We love how the proportions of the dial are adhering to the famous golden rule and embodies the Art Deco style. What are you thoughts about it?

But now back to the café. Here, a wonderful brunch gets served. The kitchen crew is extremely creative and offers re-interpreted breakfast classics like pancakes, pain au chocolat or banana bread. We are blown away by the fusion flavors that the pancakes with rhubarb and ginger offer!

Other good coffee shops in Glasgow include Wilson Street Pantry, Steamie Coffee Roasters and Papercup Coffee Company. Find the whole list here!

Road trip through the Highlands

After two days in Scotland's largest cities it is time to head up north. After all, the Highlands are the main reason why we came to Scotland. Incredible landscapes, wonderful drives, wild animals, Scotch whisky and local delicacies. All that is awaiting us!

First, we drive from Glasgow through the Loch Lomond National Park. The scenic drive along the Loch Lomond would already be worth this trip. However, our goals is the iconic Glen Etive near the town of Glencoe. Here, some sequences of the final scene in Skyfall were shot. Cool, right?

Also, wild and majestic stags can be spotted right from the narrow road if you get lucky. We did!

After a night in Fort Williamat the foot of Scotland's tallest mountain Ben Nevis, we continue our drive up north to Skye. On our way, we get to see stunning scenery and experience wildly changing weather. From sun, to rain, to snowfall in only a couple of minutes!

Because our stay on the Isle of Skye was so memorable, we dedicated it a separate blogpost which can be read here.

After a night on Skye at The Three Chimneys and The House Over-bywe set out for a long drive. Our destination is the iconic region around the Dornoch Firth. On our way there we have to once again battle adverse weather conditions. Luckily we did not run into any issues with our reliable Jaguar F-Pace SVR!

What distilleries to visit?

Since we are whisky enthusiasts, we recently started publishing articles about the topic. Our love to Highland spirits was also one reason why we decided to take this trip! Now, when it comes to Scotch, the island of Islay is a hotspot for great distilleries. Two of which are Laphroaig and Lagavulin.

However, there is also an excellent distillery on Skye. For now it is even the only one on the island! Talisker crafts a rather smoky and rich whisky in a very scenic location. Just next to their production premises, Caora Dhubh Coffee Company has opened a small takeout store a while ago. Now you can get properly prepared for your distillery tour by having a delicious flat white!

As mentioned before, we drove all the way from Skye to the Dornoch Firth region. Here, a high concentration of world-class whisky brands can be found. Two of which, we will be visiting!

Just as the sun sets, we arrive at the charming Tarrel Farmhouse, situated right at the coast. Jennie and Joe are lovely hosts and make us feel very comfortable. We are happy to have found a cozy place for a good night sleep after a long drive.

The next morning we get an early start. After a delicious breakfast with home-made, barista-style coffee (!) we head to the nearby Glenmorangie House. This wonderful estate has a long history in the region. Moreover, lots of the Barley Glenmorangie uses for their whisky, grows just around the property.

Next, we go on a distillery tour at Glenmorangie. The brand is one of the most iconic Scotch producers in the world and we hence dedicated a whole blogpost to our experience there. Read it here!

Since Glenmorangie is a rather big brand, we also wanted to visit smaller company. In Balblair we found the ideal distillery! It is situated just a couple miles away in Edderton. Here, people have been distilling since 1790. It is not surprising that the people working at Balblair are very proud of that long tradition.

At Balblair they only operate two stills. However, their whisky is incredibly smooth and quite rare because of the small quantities they produce each year. We highly recommend reading this blogpost we published about Balblair if you want to know more about this fascinating brand.

After two days at the Dornoch Firth, we head down south again. On our way we stop in Wilkhaven to see the Tarbat Ness Lighthouse and then in Cromarty again to have a coffee at the wonderful Slaughterhouse Coffee. Here, you can enjoy a clean flat white right at the waterfront - wonderful, isn't it?

This is where we end our travel report from Scotland. Do you agree that Scotland is the ultimate destination for gents? Leave a comment with your favorite place in this magnificent country!

If you want to read more about road trips in the UK, we recommend you to read this blogpost about Southern England.

Do you find yourself getting caught-up in a daily routine with your lover? Today we want to show you how you could spice things up for Valentine's Day. Little spoiler: our recommendation includes culinary delights, high-end hospitality at the Gstaad Palace and plenty of adrenaline!

Romantic retreat at the Gstaad Palace

First of all, we recommend to leave your usual surroundings. In our case, we pack our winter clothes and head to the picturesque mountain village Gstaad in the Bernese Oberland. There, somethings special awaits our girlfriends. Like many other women, they dreamed of a life as beautiful princesses when they were little girls. Hence, we decided to take them out for a romantic retreat at the wonderfully situated Gstaad Palace.

The hotel is rich in history. Opened up in 1913, the Gstaad Palace has established itself as one of the leading 5 star hotels in the world and is extremely popular with both Swiss and international guests. Each season, the hotel is investing a substantial amount of money in the rooms and facilities of the hotel. Since 60% of bookings come from recurring guests, this is highly appreciated!

For us it is the first time at the Gstaad Palace. We are blown-away by the cozy rooms that are all designed individually. Although, the highlight is the spa. Why? A big fireplace with couches is inviting guests to settle down and relax in a calming chalet atmosphere. Exactly what is needed for a romantic retreat!

Culinary delights

We know that the quickest way to the heart of a woman is by gifting her chocolate. Hence, we stopped by at Läderach to get a FreshChocolate heart as a surprise!

It is the ideal gift to complement an extraordinary breakfast enjoyed in a suite. For the latter, the chef put together a wonderful choice of local cheese, charcuterie, fresh bread, sweet delights and deliciously prepared egg dishes.

There is nothing better than an extended brunch with a loved one, right?

Later that day we can choose from three exceptional restaurants for dinner. While La Fromagerie serves innovative cheese dishes and Gildo's Ristorante spoils guests with Italian delicacies, we decide to dine at Le Grill. It was awarded 15 Gault Millau points and has exceptional local meat on its menu.

While the food itself is already outstanding, the top chefs are preparing many dishes right at our table! This turns our dinner into a true experience for all senses. We get to enjoy a perfectly prepared Chateaubriand from local beef with a delicious Béarnaise sauce.

Besides serving mouth-watering dishes, Le Grill is doing an outstanding job in creating a romantic atmosphere. A live band is playing acoustic covers of popular and classic tunes. Meanwhile, the waiters serve the guests in a very kind, proactive and professional manner.

Finally, we get to the dessert. Upon arrival at the restaurant we ordered a soufflé. This was a wise decision since it takes the chef over an hour to prepare this delicacy! One can now only imagine how good it tastes... one of the best desserts we ever had and the perfect way to end the first whole day in Gstaad.

A gentleman's dream

Besides offering many aspects that will appeal to couples, the Gstaad Palace is also the perfect hotel for bachelors. We don't want to pass on the opportunity to enjoy a hot espresso in the lounge while reading the newspaper in the morning. How do you like this vintage Omega Cosmic by the way? Pieces like this one are available on our store!

Besides excellent coffee, the bar has also an impressive collection of top-notch whiskies and cigars. Actually, the smoking lounge is one of the most charming places in the hotel. It is a true gent's place with nice furniture, classy atmosphere and a stunning view!

We can't help ourselves and light up a cigar and pour a glass of fine whisky while reading about the rich history of the iconic Gstaad Palace.

Adrenaline on the ice field

While our girlfriends enjoy an extended spa day, we head to Saanen for a special occasion. Next to the local airfield, car manufacturers like Jaguar or Land Rover are offering winter driving experiences. Since we admire British cars, we can't miss the opportunity of participating in such a training!

We get to drive many cars from the wide range of Jaguar Land Rover. Besides sports cars like the Jaguar F-Type SVR, we can also test SUVs like the Range Rover Velar SVAutobiography. It is fascinating to see how differently those car react to the manoeuvres on the ice field.

While we have a lot of fun on the snow and ice, we can also take advantage of an off-road training in which we learn more about the impressive capabilities of Jaguar and Land Rover SUVs.

Back at the Gstaad Palace we warm up in the lobby and meet up with our girlfriends before heading back home. They won't stop praising the outstanding room service because they put a new bouquet of flowers in our rooms on every single day.

That wraps up our extraordinary stay. Both we and our partners got to experience things we enjoyed to the fullest. What a Valentine's retreat!

Do you want to read more about classy couple trips? Click here to learn about our trip to the Lago di Como!

We got the opportunity to drive both the Jaguar F-Pace SVR and the newly launched Land Rover Evoque for a long weekend. It was quickly decided that we wanted to take the two SUVs to the beautiful Lake Como!

A challenging road ahead

Getting from Biel/Bienne to Como is not that easy. Especially if one decides to take a mountainous route. Since we want to test the two cars we take them all the way up to the Simplon Pass. We enjoy driving up the winding road while catching a glimpse of Switzerland's beautiful nature!

The next challenge awaits upon arrival in the city of Como. The roads are narrow and congested. We need to manoeuvre carefully!

Finally, we arrive at the gate of our villa that is beautifully located righ at the board of the lake.

Dolce Vita

Even people who have never been to Italy might be familiar with the easygoing lifestyle of the Italians. They know how to live the "dolce vita", a sweet lifestyle! We have come to Como to experience exactly that! Hence, we start our stay by opening a nice bottle of wine by Terravigna on the terrace of our villa. The marvelous view let's us enjoy a great glass of red even more!

Two things we had to bring along were Swiss chocolate by Läderach and smoky whisky by Ardbeg. We could not go on holidays without having a classy gents night doing whisky and chocolate pairing! Usually, we talk about watches and cars during these gatherings. Vasco just got a beautiful Longines Legend Diver Watch so this was the talk of the night!

Exploring Como

Como is known for its stunning lake, the many ancient villas and the beautiful old town.

We enjoy driving our cars through the narrow allies of the town to get a strong espresso in the morning.

After spending some time shopping and sightseeing, we drive along the beautiful lake on a winding road. This ride is pure pleasure with vehicles like the Jaguar F-Pace SVR or the new Land Rover Evoque. However, keep in mind that the narrow roads require advanced driving skills!

The many magnificient villas along the lake offer great locations for lunch dates or relaxing afternoons at the pool. One such place is the Villa Lario.

Situated on the right board of the lake in the commune of Pognana Lario, the property has several small villas and an incredible infinity pool to offer. Honestly, the pool might be one of the most beautiful in the world!

We enjoy a nice evening having an apéro with a glass of Dom Pérignonwhile taking in the stunning view over the Lake Como.

How did the two cars compare in Como?

As car fans we love the Jaguar F-Pace SVR with its 5.0 liter Supercharged V8 engine and top speed of 286km/h. The sound is loud and deep from the F-Type inspired variable valve active exhaust system. You would not expect an SUV to be this sporty. Yet there was still enough space for all we bring allong on this trip, which came in handy! Furthermore, we really loved the thrilling acceleration while driving on the winding roads around the Lago di Como.

Unlike the F-Pace SVR, the Range Rover Evoque was just launched recently. It was awaited by all fans of the smaller model line of the British SUVs. The result is a stunningly looking smaller version of the Velar, a car we truly love for its design and driving comfort. An important detail we admire about the Evoque is that it has been designed to be 85 percent recyclable/re-usable and 95 percent recoverable at the end of the vehicle's life.

In comparison, the Evoque was better to get around town due to its size and driving comfort, while the F-Pace SVR was more fun to drive on the roads around the lake because of its acceleration and sound!

Are you looking for more road trip ideas? Read about our trip through South England here!