Home Is Where the Heart Is -- 17 July 2015
19.07.2015 Magazine
Girls’ Night Out
While I appreciate our beautiful alpine panoramas, I haven’t yet learned the names of all the mountains by heart. Yet this month I’ve added two new peaks to my repertoire, Walig and Wildhorn. I was lucky enough to call the Gstaad Palace’s Walig Hut home for a night, one that I’ll never forget. Between a sky full of stars and a caquelon full of fondue, on page 11 I describe that it was just the kind of experience that sums up Gstaad–grand luxury teamed with simple pleasures.
In Living Colour
They say home is where the heart is. Whether that’s a historic chalet, modern apartment, or hotel room while you’re in the Saanenland, there is a heart-stopping array of lodging options available. Read about how several local hotels have scored big honours, both in a new travel guide entitled “The 150 Best Hotels in Switzerland” and in the top travel media.
Speaking of homes, if you’re lucky enough to have a second residence here, the recent law that restricts holiday homes might not have an effect on you. But businesses in construction, architecture, and real estate have had to take heart–they are already starting to feel the pinch. No matter what your feelings on the controversial law, Lex Weber is certain to affect everyone in the region in one way or another.
All About that Bass
This year’s Menuhin Festival Gstaad also promises many delightful evenings out. Under an unusual “Ironie & Musique” theme, the summer-long musical fête will explore a range of composers who suffered for the their art, or just plain suffered.
As many of you know, as a former opera singer I’m especially keen on the divas that will alight here during the festival. Don’t miss the tenor Jonas Kaufmann (be still my beating heart!), Anna Netrebko’s former husband (did she have a change of heart?) divo Erwin Schrott, and the dazzling Swedish soprano Miah Persson.
He Came, He Saw, He Conquered
This month, GSTAADLIFE features a heart-to-heart with Martin Bachofner, Gstaad Saanenland Tourism’s ambitious director. Bachofner left a successful career in banking behind to focus on his love of travel and tourism–proving that some bankers do indeed have a heart of gold. He has got right down to the heart of things, analysing the best way forward for the region. Bachofner’s visionary plans are already starting to take shape, including one involving a sport that he is passionate about--cycling.
The New Golf
With a varied topography ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 metres, the Saanenland is perfect for getting your heart rate going. Why not try one of our best summer sports, hiking or biking?
Biking has become a focus for Gstaad Saanenland Tourism, and our region has been gaining steady ground with the cycling community and those who hold the sport close to their heart. The recently released road book (page 8) gives cyclists the tools to plan their rides according to distance and altitude gain. For thrill-seekers whose idea of biking is the equivalent of downhill skiing, several dedicated off-road trails are awaiting construction as soon as municipal and cantonal permission is given.
Even Gstaad’s older but still young-at-heart guests can join in the fun, with e-bikes and mountain e-bikes serving as a new option for conquering our landscape.
Bigger and Better
A dairy farmer knows a captivating cow when he sees one, but do you? Our update on the spring 2015 cow pageantry season will introduce you to Miss BEA, Petra, who is sure to set your heart on fire. We also meet the bovines that breed like champions, giving you all the winners of this year’s animal husbandry awards.
If you’d like to wow your audience with award-winning looks, be sure to note some ideas from Januaria Piromallo’s to-do list for summer skin. With both herbal and high-tech treatments that are locally produced or developed, it’s easy to pick the procedure that’s right for you.
So now please excuse me while I close my laptop, shut off my iphone, and get back to achieving my summer goal…
Happy reading,
Alexis Munier
Editor in Chief