Longines continues to captivate horology enthusiasts with its latest masterpiece – the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve. This remarkable timepiece not only pays homage to the brand's prestigious past but also celebrates the 70th anniversary of the iconic Conquest collection. Let's delve into the exquisite details of this new release and explore the fascinating connection it shares with the world of horse jumping!

Longines Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve

Longines is one of the most renowned Swiss watchmakers. Their rich heritage dates back to 1832. Over the past decades, many iconic watches with groundbreaking complications were introduced by Longines. One of them was a watch featuring a central power reserve back in the 1950s.

This year's 70th anniversary of the iconic Conquest collection marks the perfect occasion to bring the central power reserve back to life with the new Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve.

The well-sized timepiece boasts a classic 38 mm diameter case, perfectly balancing timeless elegance with modern aesthetics. Its self-winding mechanical movement is powered by the exclusive Longines cal. L896.5, showcasing the brand's commitment to precision and innovation. What sets this watch apart is, as the name suggests, its unique power reserve feature. It is elegantly displayed on rotating discs in the center of the dial.

The centerpiece of this horological marvel is undoubtedly its champagne dial, a nod to vintage sophistication. A warm, golden hue exudes a timeless charm. To complement the dial, Longines has paired the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve with an integrated black alligator leather strap, ensuring a harmonious blend of style and comfort.

Longines CHI Classics Basel

As we explore the watch's design and craftsmanship during the Longines CHI Classics Basel, it's impossible to ignore the subtle yet powerful connection Longines has woven between this timepiece and the thrilling world of horse jumping. The brand has a longstanding tradition as the official timekeeper for prestigious equestrian events, including show jumping, dressage, and eventing. This legacy of precision and dedication to the equestrian world is seamlessly reflected in the Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve.

Much like a skilled rider navigating a challenging course, the watch's rotating power reserve discs symbolize the dynamic energy and endurance required in the world of horse jumping. The equestrian influence is subtly embedded in the watch's DNA, resonating with those who appreciate the synergy between precision timing and the exhilarating sport of horse jumping.

Longines' Conquest collection, born in 1954, has become synonymous with elegance and performance. The Conquest Heritage Central Power Reserve, with its evocative design and connection to the equestrian realm, is a testament to the brand's commitment to heritage and innovation.

Whether you're a connoisseur of fine timepieces, an equestrian enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates the marriage of artistry and functionality, this Longines creation is bound to leave an indelible mark on your wrist and in your heart.

After a break last year, we are back in St. Moritz for White Turf 2022! The thrilling horse race on the frozen Lake St. Moritz is a major event. But not just one with Champagne on ice for the rich and beautiful. It is an annual event where race-horse owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the world meet up as well as being an unmissable fixture on the calendar for local people. Let's dive into this fascinating world - together with Longines!

White Turf 2022

Thanks to perfect weather, as well as impeccable snow and ice conditions on Lake St. Moritz, 9'000 spectators made their way to the lake on this beautiful Sunday. After the first flat race, one of the first highlights takes place: The Credit Suisse skijoring. Praetorius, one of the favorites, loses his rider right at the start. Vienna Woods takes advantage and wins easily against Sociopath.

Up next is the GP Longines. Here, the horses compete in a flat race over 1'800 metres. Jockey Sibylle Vogt immediately takes the lead with Mordred and never relinquishes it. The Hungarian guest Arktisz comes in second ahead of Nimrod, a former winner of the Grand Prix of St. Moritz.

Exciting Novelties from Longines

The evening before the White Turf, Longines CEO Matthias Breschan gives us an overview of Longines novelties to be released in 2022. Among them will be new Legend Diver models. We are really excited to share more with you soon. We can already tell you that the brand will continue to build on its rich history and release some amazing timepieces that are inspired by Longines' past. Stay tuned for more!

Exploring St. Moritz

Once again we are lucky enough to spend a few days at the wonderful Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz while attending the White Turf. Set in an iconic 1864 building, this five-star hotel combines European luxury, excellent service and world-class events in the Swiss Alps. In a breathtaking mountain setting, we can recharge and relax while being close to nature and the frozen lake.

While we are here, we explore the Swiss winter wonderland with the Range Rover Velar. There are so many wonderful things to discover around St. Moritz. From snow-covered mountains to rivers with clear water and historic buildings.

Do you want to discover exclusive Longines timepieces? Then we recommend you to visit their new flagship boutique in Geneva!

Longines has just opened their new flagship boutique on the iconic Rue du Rhône in Geneva. For the first time, there is a space dedicated to professionally restored and certified vintage Longines timepieces. Let’s explore it together!

A fresh Start in Genève

We walk from the train station down to the beautiful Rhône River and cross it. Soon we arrive at the corner of Rue du Rhône and Place de Fusterie. Here, the new flagship boutique of the brand with the winged hourglass is located. A carefully curated selection of Longines timepieces can already be admired through the large windows of the boutique. Its different displays honor the brand’s different collections. When entering, we dive into the universe of the brand. A refined and sophisticated interior design awaits us. The mix of materials and colors is very well executed. It ranges from wood to elegant marble.

In terms of watch models, the boutique offers a great selection of many timepieces from all the current collections. They are beautifully presented between accessories and decorations linked to Longines’ rich history. Shopping here is a true experience!

The Longines Collector’s Corner

Since we are very fond of the history of the brand, we love to discover the new “Collector’s Corner”. It is the first time that Longines has dedicated space in boutique to vintage timepieces. The ones on display are carefully curated. Most are from the collectible eras of the 1950s and 1960s. They come with in-house manufacture movements and were serviced by the brand’s skilled watchmakers in St Imier.

We are very pleased to see Longines embracing its rich history with their involvement in aviation, adventure, and equestrian sports. Since there are many Longines enthusiasts and collectors, the new boutique is bound to be the place for like-minded people to meet and share their passion about the watches from the brand with the winged hourglass.

We leave the boutique with the desire to get a new timepiece. But should it be one of the new models like The Longines Spirit or a beautifully restored vintage timepiece? There is still time to decide. In the meantime, have a look at this article if you want to learn more about Longines.

There are only few watch brands with a rich history, countless technical innovations and a wide range of products suitable for literally every occasion. Longines is definitely one of them. Let us show you three watches by the brand from St.-Imier for every occasion. Let's go!

The Longines Legend Diver Watch

Longines has been a name long associated with sport. Hence, it is only fitting that it brings its expertise to diving. It all began in 1937, when water-resistance became a quality criterion in watchmaking. Back then, Longines developed a watch case with water-resistant push-pieces for its renowned 13ZN caliber.

Some of these flagship pieces have since been re-issued as part of an “immersion in heritage”. This includes The Longines Legend Diver Watch, released in 2007. It is based on the iconic Longines Reference 7042. It gained recognition as a refined timepiece offering a perfect balance between design and functionality. We love how the latest versions of The Longines Legend Diver Watch conserve this spirit. They offer the same pure lines of the original timepiece. On top, they also feature up-to-date technical characteristics, such as a box-shaped sapphire glass, two screw-in crowns and a screw-down case back. The decent water-resistance of 300 meters is complemented by an automatic movement with a silicon spring-balance.

The Longines Legend Diver Watch is now also available in beautifully coloured versions. The blue or brown shaded dial features luminous hands, hour markers interspersed with luminescent squares and Arab numerals enhanced with Super-LumiNova® rectangles for optimum visibility. A reminder of the codes of the sport for which this watch was originally intended. And just like on the original model, the 42 mm case back is decorated with an embossed emblem of a diver. A structured blue or brown leather strap matches the colour of the dial. For us, these are the perfect timepieces for a day on the lake - of course spent in style!

The Longines Spirit

Longines watches and devices have contributed to a number of pioneering achievements thanks to their reliability, precision, strength and innovation. Not only in diving. They have accompanied exploratory expeditions to unknown shores, confronted extreme weather conditions, sailed across the seas, and took part in the opening of new air routes and the setting of aviation records. Longines Spirit timepieces breathe new life into this rich heritage. Linking history with innovation, they take traditional features from pilot’s watches and combine them with contemporary lines and codes for a decisively contemporary and exacting look.

The collection’s newest addition features an elegant green dial. Being a three-hand model, it also comes with a calendar complication. We love how it comes in both 40mm and 42 mm to fit different tastes. The new colour combines with the Super-LumiNova® beige and lends the model a vintage touch. With the dial’s sandblasted finish creating a fashionable metallic sheen. Contemporary in character but rich in history, it sustains the pioneering spirit that has driven Longines since its very beginnings.

Powered by the exclusive automatic calibres (L888.4) with silicon balance-spring, the Longines Spirit watches are equipped with cutting-edge technology. Each has been chronometer-certified by the COSC (the Swiss Official Chronometer Testing Institute). What we love in particular about these watches is their versatility. They will look good on the wrist from dusk till dawn. From going for a coffee to driving with your favorite car or going on a date a night: The Longines Spirit will always be on point!

One man that embodied Longines' pioneer spirit was Howard Hughes. You can read his story here.

The Longines Master Collection

As a traditional watchmaking company, Longines has been producing exceptional timepieces since the very beginning. Today, the Longines Master Collection is the perfect illustration of this corporate ethos. All watches from this collection are fitted with self-winding movements. Within this family, many special features are offered. One of them is the moon-phase complication. It embodies the classic elegance, excellent quality and savoir-faire of the brand.

On this particular model, the signature silver "barleycorn" dial is complemented wonderfully by a set of blued steel hands. Right above 6 o'clock, the beautifully-made moon-phase complication is set. It also features an integrated calendar function. Coming with a 42mm steel case, it also features a transparent case with sapphire crystal. This addition to the Longines Master Collection comes on both an elegant brown alligator strap and on a sporty steel bracelet. Which model do you prefer?

No matter which one you choose, it will look great on the wrist while having dinner at an upscale restaurant or enjoying a glass of champagne like at The Dolder Grand in Zurich. Cheers!

"Do the impossible, because almost everyone has told me my ideas are merely fantasies." This quote reflects Howard Hughes' unparalleled pioneer spirit. But who was he and how did his and Swiss watchmaker Longines' paths cross? We are going to tell you the story in another sequel of our 'Quarantine Reads' series!

Hollywood

The Texan Howard Hughes was an adventurer at heart. Born into a wealthy family in 1905, he lived a privileged childhood. After the death of his parents, he put his inheritance to good use built up a billion-dollar empire. At age 18 he dropped out of university, let others manage the oil-tool business and set out for Hollywood in 1925. As a Hollywood producer and director, he discovered big stars like Jean Harlow and brought Oscar-winning films to the cinema. His first success was Hell’s Angels which debuted in 1930. For this action-adventure about World War I pilots, Hughes acquired a huge fleet of vintage planes. During production, three pilots died and Hughes himself crashed a plane. With production costs of USD 4 million, it was one of the most expensive films of its time. Luckily for him, it was also a hit which put Hughes on the map in Hollywood.

Aviation

As an indifferent student, Hughes had a liking for mathematics, flying, and mechanics. He took his first flying lesson at 14. As a flight enthusiast he grew beyond his limits and not only obtained his pilot's license, but even developed his own aircraft, which thanks to its aerodynamic shape was faster than all the others: in 1935 Hughes already achieved 566 km/h, breaking the world speed record. In 1938 he also succeeded in making the fastest round-the-world flight in 3 days, 19 hours and 14 minutes in a Lockheed Super Electra. To find his way, Hughes and his navigator used several Longines chronometers, including a high-precision instrument for astro-navigation. A lifelong aircraft enthusiast and pilot, Hughes survived four airplane accidents, one while setting the airspeed record in the Hughes H-1 Racer.

Hughes H-4 Hercules

Besides fast planes, he also built large aircraft. During World War II, the US War Production Board contracted Hughes to produce the gigantic Hughes H-4 Hercules flying-boat to transport 700 troops or 60 tons of equipment across the Atlantic as an alternative to ships that were vulnerable to German U-boats. The Hercules was the world's largest flying boat, the largest aircraft made from wood, and, at 97.5 m, had the longest wingspan of any aircraft. The Hercules flew only once for 1.6 km, and 21 m above the water, with Hughes at the controls, on November 2, 1947.

TWA

In 1939, Hughes began to quietly purchase a majority share of TWA stock; he took a controlling interest in the airline by 1944. Following his involvement, his company Hughes Tool Co. purchased the first 6 Stratoliners which Boeing ever manufactured. While five of them were operated by TWA, he used one of them as his private plane.

Moreover, Hughes also personally financed TWA's acquisition of 40 Constellations for $18 million. It was the largest aircraft-order in history up to that time. The nowadays iconic Constellation planes were among the highest-performing commercial aircraft of the late 1940s and 1950s. They allowed TWA to pioneer non-stop transcontinental service.

Longines Spirit

To pay tribute to the pioneer spirit of aviators and visionaries such as Howard Hughes, Longines has launched the Longines Spirit. It is designed in the style of the watches of famous pioneers who relied on Longines timepieces for their conquests. Bearing witness to Howard Hughes' pioneering spirit, the timepieces aim to inspire future generations to reaching new heights of achievement. All the models in the Longines Spirit collection are equipped with the latest technology. The result: high-precision movements, all of which are chronometer-certified.

Business Ventures

As a businessman, Hughes always showed a good hand and invested in industries that were just about to break through. Besides oil drilling equipment, film production and aviation, he also invested in real estate. He was particularly interested in Las Vegas. While staying in the Desert Inn, Hughes refused to vacate his room, when the owner asked him to leave because he didn't want to gamble in the hotel's casino. Instead of leaving, he decided to purchase the entire hotel.

He then went on to acquire more real estate in Las Vegas and even bought local media outlets. Overall, it is estimated that he spent $300 million on real estate in the Gambling Capital of the World and hence quickly became one of the most powerful men in Las Vegas. He used this influence to change the image of Las Vegas from its Wild West roots into a more refined cosmopolitan city. Hughes’ vision for the city was more glamorous: "I like to think of Las Vegas in terms of a well-dressed man in a dinner jacket and a beautifully jeweled and furred female getting out of an expensive car."

Howard Hughes in Pop Culture

In 2004, the intriguing story of Howard Hughes was portrayed in the movie The Aviator. The epic biographical drama film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Howard Hughes. Moreover, the producers of the 1971 James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever based their villain on the character of Hughes. A tall, Texan, reclusive billionaire character named Willard Whyte operates his business empire from the penthouse of a Las Vegas hotel. His habitual seclusion and his control of a major aerospace contracting firm are key elements of the movie's plot. Several sequences were actually filmed on location at The Landmark Hotel and Casino, which was owned by Hughes at the time. A film we definitely recommend watching if you happen to be in quarantine right now!

Housing the International Olympic Committee’s headquarters, Lausanne is surprisingly well known for its rather small size. Not too long ago, the reputable magazine Monocle even designated Lausanne as 'Best small city in the world'. Does the city in the French speaking part of Switzerland really have all the assets to deserve the top spot in the ranking? We decided to go and find that out. For our stay, we chose the magnificent Beau-Rivage Palace as our home base. A decision that paid off!

Experiencing Beau-Rivage Palace

Situated on the banks of Lake Geneva, the Beau-Rivage Palace is nestled in the most beautiful spot of Lausanne. As we arrive here, we take in the Mediterranean atmosphere of the nearby harbor. We settle down in the hotel’s four hectare large garden. On the splendid terrace, we enjoy a glass of rosé champagne and enjoy the oasis offering views onto Lake Geneva and the Alps.

Since its opening in 1861, the Beau-Rivage Palace has been one of Switzerland's most prestigious grand hotels. As such, it is still an ambassador of the highest Swiss hotel tradition is a great example of the country’s typically excellent hospitality. It was here, that defining moments in history took place: the signing of pioneering treaties, famous artists finding inspiration, royal families and famous celebrity guests recharging their batteries.

Carefully renovated rooms

Classed as one of the best hotels in Europe, it is made up of two, nowadays connected, buildings. Between 2012 and 2014, all rooms were renovated. Many pastel colors were chosen and mirror effects introduced. Now, the calming atmosphere of the lake can be felt inside the iconic 5-star hotel too. This is especially true for the Junior suite we stay in. From its balcony and large lounge, the splendid view of Lake Geneva and Château d'Ouchy can be taken in. The perfect place for us, to enjoy an espresso!

Since we really adore the view from our room, we decide to have breakfast right in our lounge. We are quick to realize, that the Beau-Rivage Palace really knows how to spoil its guests. Carefully prepared fruit platters get served along with other mouth-watering breakfast dishes and freshly pressed juice. On the wrist this morning, the Longines Master Collection with both moon phase and calendar complications. An elegant watch for a classy stay!

Cinq Mondes Spa

Besides culinary delight, the Beau-Rivage Palace also offers attractive wellness facilities. The modern spa area opens onto the hotel’s four-hectare park which provides pleasant natural light and offers views of Lake Geneva. For active guests, two outdoor tennis courts await. Moreover, a well-equipped gym with panorama windows makes the daily workout especially rewarding.

Coffee at Ça passe Crème

As we set out to explore the charming city of Lausanne with its many outstanding restaurants, historic buildings and the Olympic Museum, we notice a little coffee shop called Ça passe Crème. Here, they serve specialty coffee and know how to treat their customers with beautiful latte art! For us coffee-lovers, a city needs to have at least one world-class coffee shop to make it worth visiting. We're happy to announce that Lausanne ticks this box thanks to the guys at Ça passe Crème!

For our stroll through the city, we have strapped the Longines Heritage Classic Chronograph 1946 on the wrist. With its 40mm case, blued hands and chronograph complication, it embodies the quintessence of classicism in watchmaking. How do you like it?

Visiting Domaine du Daley

Just a couple minutes away from Lausanne, the beautiful region of Lavaux is home to some of the most scenic vineyards in the world. Here, we meet with Cyril Séverin, owner and manager of prestigious Domaine du Daley. The winery's impressive history dates back to 1392. For more than five centuries, it was owned by the Chapitre of Saint-Nicolas in Fribourg.

Recently, Domaine du Daley made substantial investments to create state of the art facilities. All with one goal: produce outstanding wines and respect the great terroir. Their strategy pays off, as they have won numerous awards. Moreover, the great wines of Domaine du Daley have made it on the menus of some of the finest restaurants in Switzerland, China and Japan. In fact, Cyril Séverin is one of only few winemakers in Switzerland who export a significant share of their wines. As we taste some of the marvelous wines on the new terrace, witnessing a stunning sunset, he tells us more about his wines. Cyril Séverin is particularly proud of his original vinification of Chasselas. It is the traditional grape of the region and widely known in Switzerland. His Chasselas offers an exquisite expression of terroir and minerality through some years of aging and surprises even the most discerning tasters. We were also impressed by his signature La Légende blend. A truly unique wine that we can recommend to everyone loving white wines!

Now, is Lausanne really the best small city in the world? Well, it is definitely up there! With its location on the shore of scenic Lake Geneva, old town, Olympic history and world-class hotels, it has something to offer for everyone. Is it really the best? That is up to you to decide, so make sure to visit this charming and lively city soon!

Are you not much of a French speaker? Then read this blogpost about the new city and lake resort 'The Living Circle' in Zurich.

Do you ski? Or maybe you enjoy a calm tour with the snowshoes? Today, we want to share with you our experience with a very different winter sport that we discovered thanks to Longines. But let's start from the beginning!

Driving through winter wonderland

Our adventure starts near the Swiss capital of Bern. We pack our winter stuff into the versatile Land Rover Discovery Sport and arrive after a 3 hour drive at the famous Julier Pass in the Canton of Grisons.

We chose the Discovery Sport for this trip because of its flexible 5+2 seating, clever storage solutions and enough space for everyone. With its distinct contours, perfectly balanced proportions and characteristic design, it is also aesthetically pleasing!

After some kilometers of pure driving pleasure we arrive on top of the Julier Pass. Here, we are happy to be wearing our AW Driving Gloves. With the many times we get out of the car to take photos, our hands would feel uncomfortably cold to drive.

Exploring St. Moritz' rich history

After leaving the winding roads of the Julier Pass behind us, we arrive in the Engadin. It represents a long, high Alpine valley region in the eastern Swiss Alps. Protected by high mountain ranges on all sides and famous for its sunny climate and beautiful landscapes, the valley is home to the Alpine metropolis of St. Moritz.

Some of you might have guessed it by now, we will be attending the White Turf! It is already the third time that we will witness the spectacular races on the frozen lake. However, this time we also want to take a full day to explore the picturesque town. First up, we head to the Badrutt's Palace to attend the Grand Prix Cocktail presented by Longines. Here, we get to meet some of the jockeys who will race on Sunday. Also, we enjoy a wonderful view down on the frozen lake. The conditions are perfect for a thrilling day at the races!

Next up, we head to the iconic Kulm Country Club for dinner. Here, top athletes and celebrities gathered during the Roaring Twenties, including the silent film legend Charlie Chaplin and US President Calvin Coolidge. Watching the tumult in front of the pavilion from the finely carved arched windows was just as popular then as it is today!

Although recently renovated, the Kulm Country Clubs has luckily preserved the original Art Deco and wood. Where necessary, the windows and doors were custom-built, true to the original! Besides the excellent cuisine and charming interior design, the classy atmosphere and rich history of the establishment are doing the trick for us.

Elegant racing Sunday

After a relaxing night we get up early because we are eager to start into this exciting day ahead of us! Attending the White Turf is always something that we look forward to weeks in advance. As a unique, exclusive, top-class event with exciting horse-racing and gourmet catering, it is one of our favorite weekends of the year. Imagine regular horse racing but on a frozen lake. All taking place in winter sunshine among the stunningly beautiful, snow-capped mountains of St Moritz. Truly a dream come true!

Horse racing has a long tradition in St. Moritz. Very long actually! Because the first race-meeting took place back in 1907. Since then, the White Turf has established itself as annual event where race-horse owners, trainers and jockeys from all over the world meet up for a thrilling competition.

In order to get to the race track, we transfer by horse carriage from the hotel to the frozen Lake St. Moritz. Could it get any classier? At the race track we first get spoiled in the VIP area: champagne, delicious snacks and good company await us!

Besides enjoying the extraordinary catering, we get the chance to get some new watches on our wrists. Here, one of the highlights is definitely the new HydroConquest in green color. Actually, the timepiece is more of a khaki tone. It features a ceramic bezel that compliments the dial very well. Overall a very beautiful, sport watch that is extremely hard to beat in terms of value for money!

Next up, a model from the Conquest V.H.P. line catches our attention. With its white dial, stainless steel case and bracelet and quartz movement, this watch is a true all-rounder and ideal companion for adventures outdoors. Although Longines is a traditional watchmaker with a strong portfolio of mechanical timepieces, their V.H.P. line strives to offer the highest degree of precision and reliability. Two values we appreciate!

The third and last watch we want to introduce to you is one of our all-time favorites by the St-Imier based watchmaker. Called the Avigation BigEye, this timepiece pays tribute to Longines' rich history in producing watches and instruments for the aviation industry. We appreciate how closely this re-issue resembles the original one from the 1930s. It perfectly matches today's Zeitgeist with its well-sized lugs and pushers. Also, at 41mm it comes in a modern size that fits most wrists extremely well!

Giddy-up!

After spending some time talking about timepieces, it is finally time to watch some races! A stunning 13’500 spectators gather on this Sunday to cheer for the jockeys and their horses. Today's highlight is the Longines 81. Grosse Preis von St. Moritz with a prize money of 111k Swiss Francs. Eventually, Jockey Dennis Schiergen rides his horse Wargrave to a great victory. Congrats Dennis!

After the thrilling race we settle down in the Longines tent and enjoy a wonderful selection of delicious sweets as desert. At the White Turf, they really know how to spoil their guests!

Way too soon, the event is over and we have to head back home. It was once again a weekend to remember. Weather, gastronomy, races and wonderful company - that more than we can ask for. To us, the combination of elegance and adrenaline at the White Turf makes for an ideal getaway!

Are you eager to read more about our adventures in the Swiss Alps? Click here for the blogpost about our roadtrip to Aosta.

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 Pérignon, while 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 litre 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 a 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 modell 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 if its acceleration and sound!

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

The country of Morocco is well known all over the world for its beautiful landscape, stunning architecture and wonderful people. However, it seems to be difficult to travel this rather dry and hot country in style. We accepted the challenge and want to show you how it is done!

Agadir and Essaouira

For our challenge we teamed up with TUI (Suisse) Ltd. This reliable travel agency is well connected in Morocco and has organized us hotels, as well as a local guide to accompany us on our quest to travel Morocco in style. The first night we spend at the Robinson Club Agadir. This TUI operated hotel is perfect for us to settle in. We take out a boat and do a fun cruise in the Agadir Bay, what a start to begin our adventure!

After a first good night of sleep we drive north to Essaouira. This picturesque coastal city offers a marvelous ancient town center that is entirely surrounded by a wall. We love especially the many restaurants with rooftop terraces. It is the perfect place to enjoy some great food and a glass of wine.

Marrakech

After a long but exciting journey we arrive in the bustling city of Marrakech. We check in at the Savoy le Grand Hotel which is located next to the new Menara Mall. On the first evening we decide to head over to the Four Seasons Resort for dinner. The Italian chef spoils us with delicious Mediterranean food.

Marrakech has a lot to offer. One of our favorite things is certainly its architecture. Two places where it can be admired are the Jardin Majorelle and the Bahia Palace. We find inspiration by walking through the colorful and ancient buildings that offer shadow and are like an oasis in the middle of this busy city.

Another inpirational place is the Souk. Even though it cannot be compared to an oasis, it is still a place where different goods, people and smells create an inspirational atmosphere. We take our time to explore this maze of shops. The highlight is a narrow ally with a couple of stores that sell unique lamps. All this shopping makes us hungry. Therefore, we go have lunch at one of the marvelous Riads of Angsana Collection. Do not miss out on either sleeping at or visiting in one of them!

After visiting many sights we want to dive into the Marrakech of the locals. The Pikala Foundation offers exactly this. Visitors can book a tour on which the lesser known places of the city are visited on bicyles. This exciting project is supported by the TUI Care Foudation and we are very happy to have learned about in while being in Marrakech!

Road Trip in Morocco

Morocco is a country with fairly good infrastructure. Therefore the roads are mostly in a good condition and make it to a perfect place for a road trip. From Marrakech we head south-east to the High Atlas mountains. The nearby Ourika Valley offers a unique landscape with red stones and a lot of vegetation.

Another great trip is the one to the region of Lalla Takerkoust. There, the lovely restaurant Le Relais du Lac offerst great local food with magnificient views on the lake. In addition to great food, we find a fun activity there: Quad biking in the desert wearing a suit. This is definitely one of our highlights on the trip!

While being on the road, we stop at the lodges of Terre des Etoiles in the Moroccan desert. Spending the night in the desert is something everyone should experience at least once. We can definitely recommend this place for it! They offer a great glamping experience with good food and excellent tents. We can even take a shower before changing into a new suit!

Our five day adventure ends at the Fairmont Hotel Royal Palm in Marrakech where we enjoy a delicious three course lunch before heading to the airport. The property is very green and offers a big swimming pool in a magnificent setting. Our partner TUI (Suisse) Ltd., in cooperation with airtours, has organized all our stays and activities for us. Thank you very much for five unforgettable days in a magical country!

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