I was reminded of the stark differences between these two very different beautiful places while working on this issue of -GSTAADLIFE.While they are each extraordinary in their own way, when comparing apples to oranges – or should I say avocados – I have to go with Gstaad. 

Gstaad goes Golden State

This month, Gstaad gets a taste of California living with the opening of the GLOW! Healthbar, the first of its kind in the area.Smoothies are mother’s milk to Californians; juice bars must surely outnumber McDonald’s franchises, thanks to the wealth of fresh fruits and vegetables grown in its fertile valleys.

Landlocked Gstaad may not boast its own seashore, but it does have its own share of picturesque lakes high up in the surrounding mountains. And the lack of an ocean view doesn’t stop the town from hosting the active Gstaad Yacht Club, whose exciting high seas training programs for children are detailed in this edition.

Hollywood, Gstaad-style

In Los Angeles, shooting comes in just two forms – drive-by or film. But here, where violence is far less common, shooting is sport. GSTAADLIFE explores the world of Swiss sharpshooting this month, with insights into just how prominently gunning for sport features in this neutral nation.

California may pride itself on its independent women (movie stars and rock stars included) but it hasn’t cornered the market, as you’ll see in our popular columns this issue. Last Word columnist Mandolyna Theodoracopolus takes on the delicate topic of today’s liberated women, encouraging them not to trade the yoke of the man for the yoke of the personal assistant. Januaria Piromallo plays the queen of pop whose staff count is legendary, Madonna, for a day of hands-on treatment at The Alpina Gstaad in our Lifestyle section.

Home is where the heart is

My transition from California to Switzerland was cushioned by my years in Lausanne, known as the “San Francisco of Switzerland.” (Is it the hills? The alternative art museums? The large gay community?) 

But now I’m happy to be relocating to the Saanenland, where the altitude relaxes temperatures and this summer heat wave is more a friendly hello than a California bear hug. Because home is where the heart – and the Hobel cheese – is. 

Best regards,

Alexis Munier

Editor in Chief