There are holidays you take, and then there are experiences that leave an imprint on your soul. Our Easter escape aboard the Scenic Eclipse, the world’s first discovery yacht, was unmistakably the latter. An ultra-luxury cruise that felt more like a curated journey through time, culture, and sea. This voyage redefined what it means to travel in style.

Scenic Eclipse: A Yacht, not a Ship

From the moment we stepped aboard in Madeira, Scenic Eclipse made one thing clear: this isn’t your typical cruise. Inspired by the sleek silhouette of a sailing yacht and outfitted with cutting-edge technology, the Eclipse isn’t just built to impress. It’s built to immerse. With just 200 guests on board, the sense of space and serenity is unparalleled. And with a nearly 1:1 guest-to-crew ratio, every detail, from your preferred morning coffee to a spontaneous afternoon Zodiac outing, is remembered and delivered with effortless grace.

We were fortunate enough to stay in one of the two Owner’s Penthouse Suites. A floating sanctuary perched at the bow of the yacht. It comes with sweeping ocean views, a private spa pool on the terrace, a dining room for eight, and a bathroom that would rival any five-star hotel. Personalized butler service ensured we never had to lift a finger. To call it indulgent would be an understatement. It was transformative.

The Itinerary: Discovery in Every Port

Day 1 – Madeira

Our journey began with a helicopter flight over Madeira. It revealed a tapestry of terraced hillsides, deep ravines, and dramatic coastal cliffs. Taking off from the yacht's own helipad was a stunning introduction to the adventure ahead, and an immediate indication of how Scenic elevates every moment.

Day 2 – Porto Santo

Less developed and infinitely charming, Porto Santo gave us time to breathe and explore at a gentler pace. We joined a guided hike through volcanic landscapes and ended the day soaking up the sun along the island’s golden coastline.

Day 3 – Tangier

Crossing the Atlantic and arriving in Tangier felt like stepping into a different world. Our city tour led us through the whitewashed Medina, where scents of spices filled the air and time seemed to slow down. A highlight? Mint tea on a rooftop terrace, with sweeping views.

Day 4 – Málaga

Our final stop in Málaga was a wonderful way to wrap up the cruise. More than just a sunny Spanish port, it’s a city rich with art, history, and soul. After exploring the historic center, we retreated back to the yacht club for cocktails.

Beyond Luxury

Of course, no mention of Scenic Eclipse is complete without noting the unmatched facilities: a 550sqm spa sanctuary, multiple dining venues from sushi to French fine dining, a salt therapy lounge, and even a state-of-the-art submersible for underwater exploration.

Whether soaring over ancient islands, wandering the labyrinthine alleys of a Moroccan port city, or sipping a Negroni as the sun melted into the sea, every moment aboard felt tailored to the curious, style-conscious traveler. This wasn’t just a holiday, it was a statement: that luxury today is about depth, authenticity, and discovery.

Nestled in the heart of Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, The Brecon redefines luxury hospitality with a philosophy rooted in generosity and understated elegance. Located in the picturesque village of Adelboden, this newly opened boutique retreat offers an experience where every detail is crafted for ultimate relaxation and indulgence.

Enjoy All-Inclusive Generosity

What truly sets The Brecon apart is its all-inclusive offering — all food and drinks are complimentary throughout your stay. Guests are treated to an à la carte breakfast featuring fresh eggs, fluffy pancakes, and locally cured meats, accompanied by artisan bread, fruit, and freshly prepared smoothies. Afternoon tea is a charming affair with homemade cakes and delicate sandwiches, while evenings are graced with apéritifs by the pool and exquisite dinners at the chef’s table.

Imagine savoring dishes like Wild Mushroom Risotto or Roast Alpine Salmon, paired with superlative wines and finishing your day with a handcrafted cocktail or digestif in the cozy lounge. The Brecon isn’t just a hotel; it’s an indulgent home-away-from-home.

Relaxation Elevated at The Brecon

The Brecon’s spa is a sanctuary for the senses. After a day exploring Adelboden’s alpine wonders, unwind in the sauna, steam room, or the heated pool that overlooks the majestic Adelboden Massif. For deeper rejuvenation, the expert therapists offer massages, reflexology, and aromatherapy treatments. Post-treatment, relax in the tranquility room with a fresh juice or herbal tonic.

A Picturesque Alpine Retreat...

Adelboden itself is an undiscovered gem. Perched at 1,350 meters, the village feels like something out of a storybook with its timber chalets, pine forests, and breathtaking mountain vistas. While outdoor enthusiasts revel in over 210 kilometers of skiable terrain in winter, the serene atmosphere appeals equally to those seeking peace and quiet.

Each of The Brecon’s rooms reflects this harmony with nature, featuring stunning views, curated artwork, and natural materials like wool, linen, and cotton. The decor combines contemporary and vintage touches, creating a space that feels less like a hotel and more like an impeccably designed alpine retreat.

...for the Sophisticated Gentleman

The Brecon is more than just a destination — it’s an experience. From the intuitive service to the gourmet offerings, this retreat is tailored to those who value authentic luxury. Whether you’re drawn by the allure of the slopes, the tranquility of the spa, or the charm of Adelboden, The Brecon promises an unforgettable escape.

For the modern gentleman seeking refined comfort and adventure, The Brecon is an alpine haven that blends the warmth of Swiss hospitality with the sophistication of a luxury lifestyle.

The smallest 5 Star Superior Hotel in Switzerland can be found in a small Engadine village, home to only 100 people. Here, a wonderful mountain landscape sets the scene for a beautiful inn: The IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. It has preserved its classic Engadine style for over 450 years and is the work of the Cadonau family. Top Chef Dario Cadonau has made a name for himself with his his fine cuisine. Lately also as global ambassador of Veuve Clicquot and their La Grand Dame cuvée. Join us for an unforgettable stay in the Engadine!

Dining with Dario Cadonau, Veuve Clicquot Ambassador

We arrive at the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau for a very special event: Rosé Together! Top chef and host Dario Cadonau, together with his wife Tamara, have invited a group of friends and guests to join him on a culinary journey featuring some of his finest dishes and paired with exclusive Veuve Clicquot Rosé creations. The evening starts on the newly opened terrace with a wonderful wooden lounge and beautiful views. Here, the team of Dario Cadonau, who was awarded 1 Michelin Star and 17 Gault&Millau points, treats us with some mouth-watering appetizers. With it, glasses of Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosé are served. It is a champagne with a dosage of 60 g/L, which enhances the blend’s aromas. It tastes wonderful on ice. We are off to a great start!

Once it gets a bit colder outside, we are in the middle of the Swiss Alps after all, the guests head inside where the pleasant evening continues. We are seated on two large tables. A familiar atmosphere and genuine happiness unfolds as more delicacies are served. The starter, a wonderful creation with foie gras and a dish with veal on a salmon sauce, is paired with a Veuve Clicquot Rosé poured from a magnum bottle.

We then continue with an incredible creation made from tomato essence, followed by perch fillet. Both paired with the incredible La Grande Dame 2004 cuvée. Just as everyone thought that it couldn't get any better, the next course arrived. It is dedicated to the quail. This delicacy gets served in three variations, all paired with La Grande Dame 2006. We're in heaven!

A lesser known fact about the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau is, that they produce their own cheese. Lots of it actually. Now we get to taste some of their finest variations. With it, La Grande Dame 2008 is served. A very full-bodies cuvée with a big of sweetness that goes wonderful with the cheese.

For the dessert, glasses are filled with the Veuve Clicquot Rich Rosé again. It turns out to be the ideal pairing for the raspberry ice cream and espuma that is served. After experiencing the gourmet cuisine of Dario Cadonau and enjoying the excellent champagnes by Veuve Clicquot we understand why he was appointed ambassador of the brand. Both parties strive for excellence in their craft buy stay true to their origins. A great match!

Getting to know Dario Cadonau

We had the chance to sit down with Dario Cadonau and talk about how he became a top chef. He also tells us what influence nature has on this cuisine and what inspires his cooking style.

When did you start dreaming of owning your own hotel?

It was very early on. I was the one in our family who fell in love with gastronomy and the hotel business. As a child, I liked to cook at home; for me but also for friends. It always fascinated me. I then went on and built my career on that passion. I told myself that I would certainly like to run my own restaurant and, if possible, my own hotel. This dream has followed me from an early age. With my apprenticeship as a chef, my career finally took shape.

Who or what inspired you on your path to becoming a top chef?

During my apprenticeship at Suvretta House, I had the opportunity to follow and participate in competitive culinary art exhibitions. I was always very impressed by that. The Suvretta House has a large, classic kitchen with over 50 employees. Things got rough there from time to time. As an apprentice, you had to get down and dirty. That pushed me forward and I had the opportunity to develop a certain perfectionism in my work. I was then able to get to know the haute cuisine in the context of national and international competitions. There, it was all about the visual arrangement, color combinations and so on. I was fascinated by this kind of cooking and was shaped accordingly. After my apprenticeship, I knew that I wanted to work in gourmet gastronomy. This world fascinated me. I am a person who likes to work precisely and has certain ideas that go in the direction of perfectionism. That then followed me. I went to Philippe Rochat in Crissier, then to Daniel Bumann in La Punt, and to Germany where I worked for the 3-star chef Harald Wohlfahrt. This time shaped my current style.

What makes the gastronomy in the Engadine special?

The Engadine, a long high Alpine valley region in Switzerland, is enormously diverse. In addition, there is a hotspot for luxury hotels and top gastronomy in the central and upper part of the Engadine. In the small village of St. Moritz alone, there is an enormous density of 5-star hotels of considerable size. This is extraordinary! It was built and shaped this way because St. Moritz had an international attraction early on. Guests come from far and wide to the Engadine to enjoy the region. I think it has so many beautiful facets. From sports and museums to music. There is so much to experience! Consequently, culinary delights also play an important role here.

What influence does nature have on your cuisine?

A very important one. At IN LAIN we have geared our cuisine to it: It is very close to nature. We have many products from our own production. For example, flowers, herbs and so on. Our neighbor is also a farmer who grows many products for us. In addition, we have a large vegetable garden on our property. We also work closely with other farmers and fishermen in Switzerland who supply us. It's important to me to know where the products we process come from. When we started 11 years ago, we were also the first to include the local pine trees in our culinary concept. We started with a pine syrup that we serve with champagne as an aperitif drink. This is still the welcome drink our guests enjoy upon arrival. Then we created other dishes like fillet of beef wrapped in a pine crust. Today we serve chocolates, bread but also drinks with it. The Swiss stone pine is native up here, characterizes our cuisine and is part of our DNA.

What role do wine and champagne play in your cuisine?

For me, both are part of a good meal. We are always trying to develop our offering in this area. Especially with regard to our gourmet menu. In our gourmet restaurant, we have always offered a wine accompaniment. Now we also offer a champagne accompaniment. In Switzerland, the latter is unfortunately not as well-known as in France. There, especially in the Champagne region, you will find almost no wine on the menus. There are some, but in most restaurants, champagne is the preferred drink. It is a food companion over there. In Switzerland, that’s a little less the case. That's a pity because anyone who has experienced it knows that it is something wonderful. Personally, I prefer a champagne accompaniment because I feel much fitter the next day than with wine. At least that's the way it is with me. I like that!

What does the collaboration with Veuve Clicquot mean to you?

The Veuve Clicquot team approached me and asked me if I would like to become an international ambassador for the brand and the prestigious La Grande Dame Cuvée. Before accepting, I took my time to consider it. For me, it is important that I can identify with the product and the brand in such collaborations. I'm not interested in just being an ambassador for anything. That's not my world. For me, it's about identifying with a product and a story. With Veuve Clicquot, I found a lot of similarities. Especially with Madame Clicquot, the inventor of the “pupitre de remuage” and Rosé Champagne. She was a pioneer in the industry. In terms of history, there are a few parallels between this French Maison and us at IN LAIN in Switzerland. Especially since we have built something in a very remote place that works and is successful. We must find creative ways to obtain consumers or guests for our products and services. It was the same with Madame Clicquot. That's why we found each other and started working together in December 2020. We were able to create a win-win situation for both.

What do you do to switch off and get inspiration?

I’m passionate about cars. I have a few and I enjoy taking them out for a drive. Although I like some models and brands, I would like to highlight my Corvette in particular. It is a Special Edition, which can also be driven on the racetrack. Really cool! But family and nature are just as important to me. Just like I relax during a car ride, I can also experience that during a walk in the woods where I find inspiration. Likewise, during a hike including a BBQ with my family.

Staying at the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau

A wonderful mountain landscape sets the scene for the beautiful IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. It is situated just outside the Swiss National Park, home to deer, ibex, eagle and more Alpine creatures. The main building has preserved its classic Engadine style for over 450 years. New buildings have been added recently. They blend in harmoniously with modern lines and clad in natural wood. It is obvious that the architect drew inspiration from the surrounding pine and larch forests.

After a thrilling hike or mountain bike tour, guests can unwind at the natural swimming pond in the hotel garden. The water even comes from their own natural spring. Next to it, the wonderful garden sauna can be found. While sweating, the fragrance of local pine is breathed in and breath-taking views of the mountains are enjoyed. If sauna is not your thing, then the bathing tub might do the trick. Have a bath in pine infused water heated to 38°C. Did you know that local pine has many qualities which have a positive effect on health and well-being? We definitely felt its soothing effect!

One of the fascinating things about the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau is the original building's history. Many of the old elements like the cellars or the living room have been professionally restored and are now part of the hotel. This let's guests dive into a unique world. Another factor is the local pine wood used for construction, interior design and furniture. It creates a very familiar and intimate atmosphere and looks very authentic.

After a relaxing night, we enjoy a rich breakfast. There is a lovely buffet with local bread and charcuterie. Dishes like omelettes or carefully prepared eggs can be ordered too. A great way to finish our stay here at the IN LAIN Hotel Cadonau. We hope to be back soon!

Are you more into the Scottish Highlands than the Swiss Alps? Then read this article about our visit at the Glenmorangie Distillery.

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 Bad. 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 source, which 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 in 2002. 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 Clicquot, guests 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!