gstaad

Bonhams Brings Baumberger Collection to Auction in Gstaad

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

Readers' Choice Award Nominees for Best in Winter Travel

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Best Caribbean Cruises
Each of finalists for the Readers' Choice for the Best Caribbean Cruse offers the ultimate in luxury. One features a ship that cost $800 million to build, measures 1,132 feet in length and is outfitted with the latest and most modern amenities, including a pool with a retractable dome. Another offers all-suite, all-balcony ships and the must inclusive ultra-luxury experience with everything included in the fare, including air, gratuities and unlimited shore excursions. The third nominee is perfect for anyone seeking an exclusive experience on a smaller ship while the fourth nominee bills itself as the world's best upper premium cruise line. Finally, there's a nominee known for the feng shui-inspired elegance of its ships as well as the rich cultural activities for its passengers.

Crystal Cruises
Cunard Cruise Lines
Oceania
Regent
Silversea

Best City Hotels
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best City Hotel include one considered to be the most glamorous in all of London that has been the destination of choice by Kings and Queens alike, not to mention a smattering of Hollywood stars. Another, designed by world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei, rises high above Manhattan offering stunning views. The third nominee is a historic hotel that is only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Another nominee, also in Paris, is a breathtakingly beautiful property that was originally a palace commissioned by Louis XV. The final nominee is a tranquil, lush getaway amid gorgeous manicured gardens in Venice, accessible only by boat.

Claridge's, London
Four Seasons, New York
Four Seasons George V, Paris
Hotel Cipriani
Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

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Best International Ski Destinations

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

The Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice nominees for the Best International Ski Destination nominees include one of the planet's most decadent getaways that is nestled in the southwestern Swiss Alps. Another is a mile-high Swiss village that is one of the best-known holiday resorts in the world. The third nominee, based in the French Alps, offers dramatic slopes that are among the most challenging in the world. The fourth nominee offers the glamour and glitz of Milan or Paris in the setting of a quaint mountain town while the final nominee, features challenging slopes, spectacular panoramic views of the Alps and delectable Italian cuisine.

Chamonix, France
For Francophiles and French homebodies alike, winter paradise can be found in Chamonix. Located in the shadow of Mont Blanc, Western Europe's tallest, Chamonix is a popular destination for winter sports, and not just wealthy ski bums. Its dramatic slopes are among the most challenging in the world, drawing ice climbers, paragliders, and extreme skiers and snowboarders who relish the chance to go "off-piste" and conquer inclines sometimes steeper than 60 degrees while dodging dangerous crevasses. There are a multitude of slopes for skiers who are beginners and intermediate level, as well. Chamonix offers tremendously long slopes, skiing through the trees and free ride. For those with tamer tastes, there's the spectacular cable car ride to the top of the Aiguille du Midi; during the trip, riders rise 2,800 meters in 20 minutes.

Chamonix's skiing extends over three main areas: Brévent/Flégère, offering south-facing slopes and exceptional views of the Mont-Blanc chain, the Grands Montets, high altitude north-facing slopes which dominate the village of Argentière and the Balme area, wide open slopes at the top of the Chamonix valley, bordering on Switzerland. The sister resort of les Houches lies at the opposite end of the valley and is accessible with the Mont-Blanc Unlimited ski pass.

Vote now for what you believe is the best international ski destination. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

Tags: awards-main, chamonix, domomites, gstaad, lech and zurs, LechAndZurs, luxist-awards, ski resorts, SkiResorts, st. moritz, St.Moritz, winter-travel-main

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Gstaad: "The Place" for World Class Skiing

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

Nestled in the southwestern Swiss Alps, Gstaad is one of the planet's most decadent getaways. Its world-class slopes, fine boutiques and constant stream of well-heeled visitors make it a Luxist Awards Readers' Choice nominee for Best International Ski Destination.

Gstaad first gained its reputation as a winter haven for celebrities when Time labeled it simply "The Place" in the 1960s, thanks to frequent appearances by the likes of Roger Moore and Grace Kelly. More recently, luminaries of all walks – from George Soros to Prince Charles – are sometimes seen roaming the streets of the tony mountain town.

Gstaad is known for its luxury hotels and shopping. The center of the village is traffic-free and is a harmonious mix of restaurants, shops, hotels and bars. The ski and winter walking areas surrounding the village are accessed by three mountain railways.

Three ski areas are accessible from the village. The ski areas, which range from 1,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level, include 250 km of pistes, 28 ski lifts, 11 gondola lifts, 18 chairlifts and 4 aerial cable ways. Approximately 49% of the slopes are blue, 29% red and 22% black. There are 10 different ski schools and four snow parks. The Gstaad Mountain is considered to be one of the safest and largest areas for skiing in Switzerland. If skiing during the daylight hours isn't enough for you, Gstaad also offers night-time skiing with flood lights on several slopes for skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts alike.

For those without their own chalet, there are more than 40 different hotels, including the Grand Hotel Park, which offers luxurious lodging. Perched in a park overlooking Gstaad, the venerable lodge is a mere five-minute walk from the village and the slopes. No need to leave, as there are five restaurants and bars on the premises – Le Grand Restaurant, Le Marco Polo, Le Greenhouse and Le Bar – all of which boast the finest French food and sometimes live piano performances in the evening.

Thanks to both high demand and a declining dollar, prices for a room in the Grand Hotel Park often exceed $1,000 per night. The hotel offers 88 rooms, including 11 suites and two luxurious apartments, but hurry if you want to book a room this winter: the hotel will be closed for renovations from March 7 until mid-December 2010.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Best in Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

Tags: awards-main, Grand Park Hotel, GrandParkHotel, gstaad, luxist-awards, ski resorts, skiing, SkiResorts, snowboarding, switzerland, winter-travel-awards, winter-travel-main

Ralph Lauren Opens New Outposts in Gstaad

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel

Ralph Lauren has just opened the first of two new boutiques in the ultra-chic ski resort of Gstaad, Switzerland, haven of royalty and the international jetset. The designer restored and revamped a historic, intimate three-story building in the center of the village (above) for the first outpost, while the second is planned for the lobby of the luxe Gstaad Palace hotel. Capturing the architectural heritage of local alpine chalets mixed with a dash of American mountain lodge, the interior is finished in pine, oak, local stone and plaster evoking an atmosphere of comfort and warmth. Navajo rugs, antiques, beautiful showcases and unique artwork exuding the Ralph Lauren lifestyle make up the interior decor. The store highlights the brand's iconic collections - Ralph Lauren Collection, Purple Label, Black Label, Blue Label, Polo and RLX Ski - as well as the three new Ralph Lauren Watch collections.

[via JustLuxe]

Tags: boutique, Gstaad, Ralph Lauren, RalphLauren, ski resort, skiing, SkiResort, Switzerland

Moncler Opens in Gstaad

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Apparel, Sports

While many luxury labels are in the dumps these days, luxe French sport line Moncler is bucking the trend and opening new stores instead of shutting them. They recently opened their first freestanding US boutique in Aspen, and also just opened an impressive new shop in another ritzy ski resort, Gstaad. The Gstaad boutique features a luxurious alpine chalet theme with bluestone floors, pinewood ceilings and walls designed to evoke downhill skiiers in motion. Moncler, founded in France in 1952 and now based in Milan, has collaborated with the likes of Balenciaga, Yohji Yamamoto and Fendi, and is a favorite with stars such as Christina Aguilera, Alicia Keys, Victoria Beckham and Kanye West. It's high-end Gamme Rouge line (above) is designed by Italian fashionista Giambattista Valli. Last summer we reported that private equity firm The Carlyle Group acquired a 48% stake in the company.

Tags: Aspen, entertainment-awards, Gstaad, Kanye West, KanyeWest, Moncler, Ski resorts, Skiing, SkiResorts, Switzerland, Winter sports, WinterSports

Rare Racing Ferraris Star in Switzerland Sale

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Cars & Autos, Auctions

On Dec. 20, London-based auction house Bonhams is staging a sale of magnificent classic and vintage Ferraris at the famed Palace Hotel in Gstaad, Switzerland, starring some extremely rare competition models. Two prized lots are from the estate of the late Antoine Midy, a renowned French auto collector. The star of the sale is a 1955 121 LM Spyder (above) raced by the late Phil Hill in both the 1955 Le Mans 24 Hours and the Venezuela Grand Prix. The Spyder is estimated at $4 - $5.5 million. Also from Midy's collection comes a 1951 Ferrari 212 Export Spyder, estimated at $2.4 million - $3.2 million. There's also a 1958 250GT 'Tour de France' Aluminium Competition Berlinetta, est. at $3.5 million - $4.3 million, a 2004 Enzo ($1.1 million - $1.4 million), and more.

Gallery: Ferraris in Gstaad

Tags: Bonhams, Ferrari, Gstaad, Switzerland

Experience the Chateau D'oex International Balloon Festival

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels

This package from Buddy Bombard is one of most unique sightseeing packages I've seen. It involves taking in the Chateau D'oex International Balloon Festival in the Swiss Alps. The package includes a few days of Alpine tours in a special fleet of balloons that includes a lunch with wine to be enjoyed in your balloon. Then you take in the festival in Buddy Bombard flowered balloons. There are dinner parties each night in the beautiful ski town of Gstaad. The package is available January 16-24 or January 24-February 1, 2007 and cost $14,313 per person double occupancy.

Source

Tags: balloons, gstaad, journey, switzerland, travel