Switzerland

Volvo S60 Street Art Car Project at the Zurich Train Station

Commuters passing through the busy Zurich Bahnhof over the course of a week in February got a special treat. There Volvo set up its latest S60 luxury sedan against a white backdrop as an "art car" project, and invited ten graffiti artists to share their vision. The process was captured by camera at 10-second intervals to make a three-minute time-lapse video you can watch after the jump.

Source

Tags: art car, bahnhof, s60, switzerland, train station, volso s60, volvo, zurich, zurich bahnhof

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Swiss Villa With Italian Flair, Estate of the Day

by Ann Brenoff (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Estates

This 10,500 square foot villa sits high above the Swiss city of Lugano in Ticino. The home sits at the end of a cul-de-sac in the famous 1,000-year-old artist colony known as Carona, on Mount San Salvatore. It is bordered on one side entirely by forest; the other three sides have panoramic views of the mountains. It is east-facing with lots of sun, private and so quiet you could probably hear a yodeler if the Swiss ever did that anymore.

Price tag: About $9 million U.S.

The luxury Mediterranean style villa was built in 1992 and recently underwent a renovation and enlargement, adding an indoor pool and sports facilities including a squash court, golf simulator and sauna. It has a first-class home gym and private spa. The five-bedroom home has a thermal heat pumping system, solar panels, and a three-car garage. The master suite is located on the ground floor and the home has an elevator. The large living room is on the garden level, and has a fire place. There is an eat-in kitchen with a fireplace. There is a detached guest unit. The pool has a retractable roof.

But perhaps the most magical part of this property is where it is located -- the so-called Italian Switzerland. In ancient times, the area was settled by a Celtic tribe and later became part of the Roman Empire. Located in the south of Switzerland, it is surrounded almost entirely by Italy.

Carona has been around since the Middle Ages. The village's possessions include the still-existing church of Santa Maria in Torello. Because of the village's loyalty to the Viscounti and Guelph families, it was given its own coat of arms and under Swiss Confederation law, had special status that exempted it from certain law and taxes. Carona's artists included the Aprile, Casella, Scala and Solari families, who remained active throughout Europe during the 15th through 18th centuries.
The village was a sleepy agricultural and sheep community until Lugano -- a 10-minute drive away -- developed into a tourist destination in the beginning of the 19th century. The village today has a population of just 775, 20% of whom are foreign nationals.

Peter Rabitz, director of Wetag International, has the listing.

Gallery: Swiss Villa

Tags: estate of the day, swiss villa, switzerland

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France, Germany, UK & Switzerland to Battle for Snow Polo Cup in St. Moritz

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Sports

France, Germany, Switzerland and the UK will battle it out for the top prize at the 27th St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow on January 27–30 in the posh Swiss ski resort. Apparently due to some sort of snafu over sponsorship, unlike previous years when teams competed for the world-famous polo trophy on the frozen Lake St. Moritz under famous names like Cartier, Maserati and Brioni, this year's tournament will be a Nations Cup in which each team represents its patron's country of origin. This year's team patrons are Philipp Maeder for Switzerland, Vivek Rawal for Great Britain, Thomas Wolfensberger representing Germany and François Le Barazer, playing for France. The 2011 St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow will be staged as a high-goal polo tournament, ensuring the action is as fast-paced as ever. We're sure the big brand names will be back next year.

Tags: equestrian, France, Germany, horses, polo, ski resort, snow polo, sports, St. Moritz, Switzerland, UK

No Art Censorship in Bern Museums

by Bobbie Leigh (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Events, Art

Last November, an 11-second clip of ants crawling over a crucifix in a four-minute video by artist David Wojnarowicz was attacked as blasphemous and removed from the Smithsonian Museum's National Portrait Gallery in Washington DC. Imagine what those same critics would say about a terrific show in Bern, Switzerland, called "Lust and Vice: The 7 Deadly Sins from Dürer to Nauman." The show is jointly organized by the Art Museum of Bern and the Zentrum Paul Klee, a multi-function glass and steel space by Renzo Piano. Located a short bus ride from the city center, it resembles three rolling hills. In the "hill" that houses Lust, Sloth, and Gluttony, a very conspicuous sign advises visitors the show "is not suitable for adolescents." The art museum, which is located in the city center, presents Pride, Envy, Anger, and Avarice.

Tags: Andreas Gursky, art, art museum, art museum bern, Bern, Cardinal sins, Cindy Sherman, switzerland, Yinka Shonibare, Zentrum Paul Klee

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Celebrate Christmas at Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Badrutt's Palace in St. Moritz, Switzerland

Skiers in search of a sophisticated destination where they can enjoy the Swiss Alps over the Christmas holidays need to look no further than Badrutt's Palace hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland. The legendary hotel, which was a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Nominee for Best Ski Hotel, is located in the center of legendary ski paradise St. Moritz and is situated amidst breathtakingly beautiful and unspoiled scenery. One of the top lifestyle addresses in the world, the family-owned hotel is known for its unrivaled luxury, immaculate service and extravagant and exclusive Après Ski experience. Badrutt's Palace has long been hailed as a favorite of celebrities and royalty alike since its opening in 1896.

This winter, festivities at Badrutt's start with La Notte Bianca on December 23rd, when chic boutiques on the Luxury Mile, Via Serlas, remain open until midnight, including such boutiques as Chopard, Bucherer de Grisogono, Louis Vuitton, and Merkur. Spend December 24th browsing at the Donde Art Exhibition and the Sabbadini jewelery exhibit before celebrating Christmas Eve in Badrutt's renowned "Le Restaurant" for Christmas Dinner, with classic entertainment from Gruppo Cameristico Alcimea. Guests are also invited to enjoy after-dinner drinks at the Managing Director's Annual Christmas Eve celebration in the Embassy Ballroom beginning at 9:00 pm.

Gallery: More from Badrutt's Palace

Tags: awards-main, badrutts palace, BadruttsPalace, luxist-awards, Ski resorts, St. Moritz, Swiss Alps, Switzerland

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Is Ferrari's New $265,000 Supercar an Accident-Prone Firetrap? [video]

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Crimes and Misdemeanors, Video

Is there a curse on Ferrari's new $265,000 supercar, the stunning 458 Italia? In the mere 90 days that have elapsed since the first models were delivered to well-heeled customers, 458s the world over have been the victim of an inordinate amount of crashes, fires and other mishaps, the sheer number of which seem to indicate a mechanical flaw rather than mere idiotic driving. Their frequency and severity – such as the spontaneous combustion of one example on a Paris street (above) – has prompted Ferrari reps to declare that "We are taking it very seriously and investigating each incident" but they have declined to comment further or admit to any production flaw. Rumors abound however that faulty gas overflow tubes and vapor systems are to blame. Designed by famed styling house Pininfarina, the 458 has a 4.5-litre V8 engine boosting it from 0–62 mph in 3.4 seconds with a top speed of 202 mph. There have been 11 recorded wrecks in all, making for nearly $3 million in trashed exotics. Check out a timeline of the 458 Italia incidents and a video of the one that recently caught fire in China after the jump:

[via JamesList]

Tags: car crash, China, Ferrari, Ferrari 458 Italia, Paris, Pininfarina, supercar, Switzerland

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The Magic of Montreux and the Swiss Riviera

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Swiss Riviera is undeniably one of the most beautiful parts of the world. Whether you stay in the five-star Beau-Rivage Palace or shack up for a more reasonable price at a UNESCO World Heritage Site winery (like this one), the landscape alone will soothe your soul and inspire your mind. One particular gem along the glistening string of Lake Geneva towns is Montreux.

You may have heard of Montreux in relation Hemingway's A Farewell to Arms (it served as a safe-haven for Catherine Barkley and Lt. Frederic Henry) or the Montreux Jazz Festival, an annual event curated by Claude Nobs which has featured nearly every great artist of the last 44 years (that's how long it's been running), from Aretha Franklin to Prince, from Miles Davis to the Black Eyed Peas. Though no longer focused specifically on jazz, but more on popular music of the times, the festival has become one of the most prestigious in Europe -- this year, they are operating with a 22 million Swiss Franc budget (about $20,992,356) -- and you can be sure the performers don't mind spending time on Lake Geneva (above).

Tags: beauty, Bill Gates, caux, lausanne, lavaux, montreux, swiss riviera, switzerland

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What Is Luxury Health Care? A Visit To Switzerland's Clinique La Prairie

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas, Lux Tips

Luxury health care? You don't hear the term very often. From a social perspective it is a bit of a tricky concept. To imply that some types of health care and medical treatments are 'excessive' and for the well-to-do only seems to contrast with the humanitarian concepts of treating the ill or injured. In fact, luxury heath care has been around for eons. The tonics a king would drinks, the ointments of an emperor. Things not necessarily meant to cure, but enhance or enliven.

Today luxury health care often falls under the category of "elective procedures." A rather tedious concept probably coined by insurance companies. It implies that you don't need it, or rather that the patient, versus the doctor is prescribing the treatment or procedure. We often look down upon things like cosmetic surgery publicly - although it is so much a common practice world wide. So back to the initial question - are such 'elective procedures' all that is encompassed under the umbrella of luxury health care? No. In fact luxury health care is probably what health care should be in an ideal world. Proper attention, good doctors, and the time taken to properly diagnose and treat, whatever the problem may be - whether it is necessary to sustain life, or elective to enhance it.

I travel to Switzerland and visit the Clinique La Prairie (CLP) to see if I can answer my question about luxury and health care. The Clinique is a rather famous (if you swing in the right circles) "wellness center" that has been around for about 80 years. Located right on Lake Geneva in Montreux Switzerland, CLP is nestled away in a small, but highly desirable location near France. The beginnings of the Clinique are rather retro sci-fi in concept. I will let CLP give you its full history, but a doctor had an interesting idea of injecting people with young organ cells collected from sheep. The theory was that these early organ cells would stimulate cellular rejuvenation and offer a series of "wellness" benefits meant to make you feel younger and stimulate the immune system. Sounds a bit mad scientist-ish, but people much more picky than I swear by it.

Tags: care, Clinique La Prairie, CLP, health, luxury, medical, review, swiss, switzerland

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USM Swiss Furniture To Launch Fall Line

by Michael B. Dougherty (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Decor, By Design

Lauded Swiss furniture manufacturer, USM, has announced a new fall collection to their award-winning modular designs.

Created in 1963, when Swiss engineer Paul Schärer teamed up with architect Fritz Haller to design furniture for his family business's new offices, USM's modernist lines and functionality made it an unexpected darling of Mid-Century design. Now part of the Museum of Modern Art's permanent collection in New York, USM has evolved into a furniture system of near limitless possibility, equally at home in an office, retail or residential setting. While the term "modular" may evoke images of dorm rooms and a certain ubiquitous Swedish brand, USM is much closer to a Patek Philippe watch or a Hans Bellmann chair in terms of aesthetics and construction. The basic element of USM is a chrome-plated brass ball joint, which connects to chromed steal tubes to form the framework of the line. From there, powder-coated metal panels, in a variety of historic and contemporary colors, can easily and quickly be popped in and out to complete the piece. Panels come in a wide selection of sizes, and when you include the various door options and internal organizer configurations, the possibilities with USM become manifold. Indeed, USM enthusiasts (the line is collected with the zeal normally reserved for high fashion or fine art) have created arrangements that form everything from retail clothing displays to Mondrian-like storage walls by mixing-and-matching color panels. New for fall 2010, USM will introduce a line of autumnal colors including orange, brown and beige, which haven't been available to customers since the 1970s.

(prices start at $500)

Tags: fall, furniture, Industrial Design, mid-century modern, modular, switzerland, usm

Thomas Prescher's Luxury Watch Making Summer Camp

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Timepieces / Watches

Thomas Prescher is a unique man and watch maker. Exceptionally talented, Thomas Prescher makes old world style relics of wealth, using modern technology. With very little else out there like his watches, he proudly offers watches that cost in excess of half a million dollars - without a precious gem to be found on them. This summer, he has a special invitation open for serious watch lovers. The opportunity to visit his workshop in Twann, Switzerland, and engage in watch making under his careful guidance. In addition to producing some of the world's most delicate and complex watches, his is a craft that few other people can match. In the brands words:

"Thomas Prescher is offering tours of atelier in Twann, Switzerland on this summer. Discover for yourself how a timepiece is developed, produced, assembled and regulated - from raw pieces of metal to a finished piece of art. You will also learn what the various machines do and the techniques watchmakers use to master their craft. Under experienced guidance, you will have a chance to sit at a watchmaker's bench, loupe on the eye, screwdriver and tweezers in hand and try manipulating real watch components for yourself. Practice your fine finishing technique on a tiny steel part and, if you are feeling brave, try your hand a finishing a real tourbillon bridge."

So now you know why I call it a luxury watch making summer camp. Only here under strict German instruction! The offer lasts until August 31, 2010. Not sure about the costs, etc... but it should be a real once in a lifetime experience for those interesting in master watch makers and luxury item production. For more details contact office@prescher.ch or phone +41 (0)32 315 14 66.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch reviews site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: Switzerland, Thomas Prescher, tour, watch maker, workshop

Bonhams Brings Baumberger Collection to Auction in Gstaad

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

Though lacking the gullwing doors that made it famous, the Roadster version of the classic Mercedes-Benz 300SL remains as sought-after by collectors as the winged coupe. And one particularly desirable example is set to cross the auction block next month in Gstaad, Switzerland.

One of only 209 examples made with the aluminum engine, this 1962 model was part of the collection of one Peter F. Baumberger, a noted gentleman racer, collector and enthusiast, founder of the Ferrari club in Switzerland. Baumberger passed away last year, and his collection of 19 automobiles will go to the highest bidder without reserve at the Bonhams event on August 20. Pre-sale estimates place the SL – the highlight of the collection – at around half a million.

Gallery: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster - Baumberger Collection

Tags: 1962 Mercedes-Benz 300SL Roadster, Baumberger, bonhams, gstaad, Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, sl, switzerland

Take a Ferrari Tour of Central Switzerland

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos

On Sept. 9 – 12, Loeven Sportwagentouren, organizers of the Bugatti tour we wrote about last summer, is offering a driving tour of Central Switzerland 's scenic Rigi, Reuss and Rütli Oath regions in the new Ferrari 458 Italia. The tour offers three adrenaline-filled day trips from the luxurious base camp of the Bürgenstock Resort perched above Lake Lucerne. You'll power through famous mountain passes like the Grimsel, Gotthard, Furka, Nufenen and Ächerli – a steep, single-track lane with sharp ascents, hairpin turns and narrow bends. If classics are more your cup of tea, Loeven can arrange to get you a Ferrari Dino, or you can even bring your own car as long as it can keep up. The 458 Italia costs about $6,500 and the Dino about $3,200 on top of the $2,800 per person base price for the tour. Bookings are now open, but be quick about it – space is limited to about 10 cars.

Tags: Bürgenstock Resort, Bugatti, driving tours, Ferrari, Ferrari 458 Italia, Ferrari Dino, Lake Lucerne, Loeven Sportwagentouren, supercar, Swiss Alps, Switzerland, tour

Ultimate Drives Launches Supercar Tours of Europe

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Luxury Cars & Autos

Taking a jaunt though Europe just got a hell of a lot more exciting thanks to Ultimate Drives, a new supercar touring outfit. The company offers a high-octane tour to Switzerland's swank St. Moritz and the neighboring Engadine region, which also takes in the stunning Stelvio pass and crosses the border into Italy. Prices for the tour start at about $1,800 per person, including equally stylish off-road accommodation. The eye-popping autos to choose from include a trio of Ferraris – the F430 Spider, California (above) and 599 GTB – as well as the Aston Martin DB9 Volante, Bentley Continental GTC and Maserati GranCabrio. Starting in July, the Ferrari 458 Italia and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG will also be available for speed junkies. The round trip includes over six hours of driving, as well as lunch en route and a trek to one of the region's famed glaciers. More budget-conscious enthusiasts who still like to put their foot down can opt to do the tour in a BMW or Jaguar instead.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Europe, Ferrari, Ferrari 458 Italia, Italy, Jaguar, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, St. Moritz, supercar, Switzerland, Zurich

Swiss Skincare: Alchimie Forever

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas, Cosmetics and Fragrance

The Swiss are known for many things - their private banks, their fantastic chocolate and cheese, and their skincare products, to name a few. La Prairie, Crabtree and Evelyn, Arbonne and Swiss Perfection are just a few of the famed brands to make the jump to the United States, but we were particularly intrigued by boutique line Alchimie Forever on our recent visit to Geneva.

The natural-based line offers a slew of skincare products for men and women alike based on treatments available at their flagship Forever Laser Institut, located just off the Rue du Rhone, the city's most elite shopping street.

We've been longtime fans of the brand's products - they maintain a flagship product store in Washington, DC and sell to several area spas - but were curious about the spa services. Was the Swiss experience going to be that much more phenomenal? Devoted testers we are, an appointment was made.

The spa boasts a distinctly modern vibe, with glowing lights in the spa's signature purple, blue and green colors and sleek, more than plush, chairs, in the waiting room. In keeping with the spa's medical-grade treatments, many of the pamphlets available for our perusal highlighted signature treatments involving lasers, including laser hair removal and Cryolipolysis (CoolSculpting), a new method of fat removal that literally freezes away trouble spots. Currently, Forever Laser Institut boasts the distinction of being the only Geneva spa to offer this treatment, developed by MIT and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Tags: alchimie forever, forever laser institut, geneva, medical spa, switzerland, washington dc

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Angleterre & Residence Hotel, Swiss Riviera Living

by Annie Scott (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Angleterre & Residence Hotel is a charmingly majestic complex of luxury villas-turned-hotel-rooms right on the shores of Lake Geneva in the cosmopolitan Swiss Riviera town of Lausanne.

Situated right next to the world-renowned Beau-Rivage Palace, the Angleterre & Residence is a perfect fit for those who would prefer something a little more quaint and in keeping with the laid-back feel of Lausanne. Each villa has three floors of sovereign hotel rooms and access to the courtyard, the captivating pool above, the Cinq Mondes Spa at the Beau-Rivage Palace, and the breakfast room with an unobstructed view of Lake Geneva. The French Alps look so close you could almost touch them.

The six historic villas, or "pavilions" as they call them, feature modern, comfortable decor, though parts date back as far as the 18th century. Although the hotel is adjacent to the boardwalk, you'll find the villas remarkably well-protected from the street; discreet and quiet. The property has 75 rooms and junior suites, four banquet rooms, private underground parking and two restaurants, all without ever feeling overwhelming or like a "compound."

My stay at the exceptional Angleterre & Residence Hotel in Lausanne, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, was one I would repeat and recommend. Check out the gallery for a first-person look at this fabulous hotel.

Gallery: Inside the Angleterre & Residence Hotel