‘A Englishman’s home is his castle’ as the saying goes (but despite James Brown not being known as a feminist, we’d obviously have to agree that a man’s world ‘is nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl’…!) But whatever the make-up of the household, one thing is clear; we love our homes. It comes as little surprise therefore that as we have spent so much time at home over the last year, that we have all slowly been turning our homes into castles.
As the nation has worked from home during the pandemic, and many of us will continue to do so as work patterns shift, we have not only had to make a functioning work space at home with a zoom backdrop worthy of our businesses, but we’ve also been getting round to those living space changes and upgrades that we have put off for so long…
Profits at home improvement and DIY stores have soared by more than 600% and estate agents have seen a mass exodus from London as remote working takes off and people re-evaluate priorities in lifestyle. Of course with the stamp duty break offered by the government, many people are also upsizing their abodes or taking the opportunity to buy their first home, but whatever the circumstances, we’re all talking about it!
Perhaps your principal has decided to embark on a larger renovation project whilst they spend some time abroad, or perhaps with Spring comes motivation to freshen up the interior design. Perhaps the ‘Quarantine 15’ has hit and the decision has been made to get fit with a home gym, or perhaps you’ve been asked to find a dream country home… The BBB Club is, as always, on hand to bring inspiration, great contacts and some peace of mind, whatever the challenge.
WORKING FROM HOME
Sitting down at a table to work is the same wherever you are, right? Not so, and it affects our health and our productivity hugely. There are a few things we all realised quite quickly when we were all asked to ’Stay Home, Save Lives’ in 2020…
Fast Internet is everything
Whether you’re reporting in to the boss, trying to woo new clients or taking part in a group zoom meeting, the most frustrating (and damaging) thing that can happen is a dodgy internet connection. It affects our flow, steals our time and ultimately affects our professionalism (and it makes our jokes fall flat with missed punchlines and botched delivery!) There are a bunch of special offers from internet providers, all promising the best streaming and fastest downloads, but at some point, you need to call in a professional. Bespoke Telecoms are just the ticket – from Mayfair townhouses to country estates, they specialise in providing superfast broadband that works in every corner of the property, including gardens and outbuildings. Gone are the days of taking your laptop to the router! And if you want to stay in contact but without the laptop, they are experts at installing home telephone and communication systems that cover the house and grounds, meaning if you’re relaxing by the pool, you won’t miss that crucial call or even the doorbell with their video entry systems and comprehensive CCTV.
Peace is essential
Many of us have faced the challenges of home schooling, but even without children at home, we may have to deal with the interruptions of house mates, pets, the doorbell or neighbours. Focus is impossible when you can’t think straight! So make yourself a quiet space and keep it as meticulous as you can, after all a ‘tidy house is a tidy mind’…
BBB Partner and Interior Design expert Sarah Ward has some excellent advice about working from home. Over the last year we have all struggled but she says, “Don’t let the boundaries begin to blur and temptation allow you to set up your office in bed. Do assign an area designated for working.” It’s hard though when many of live in smaller spaces that we share with partners or flatmates. Sarah counters,”Be territorial if you must! Even if you have a small space and do not have the luxury of separate floors, this can still be achieved with some clever storage, spatial planning and revised layouts.”
It’s not just about having a designated space though, it’s also about what that space looks and feels like… Sarah also said “Natural light is a big thing for me and I’m not comfortable with a desk facing a wall as I tend to feel claustrophobic…. Work out what makes you comfortable and calm and arrange your space to work for you.”
GETTING BACK ON TRACK
As we all start to think about squeezing back into fitted clothes and the possibility of a holiday emerges, getting healthy is back on the agenda. As local walks lose their appeal and you’ve exhausted all the workout DVDs (or in our case, chucked them out of guilt!) it might be time to step up the game.
We recently met Tim from Tenth Avenue Leisure who specialise in home gym installation. Not only can Tim advise on the best products for you (or your principal) but he negotiates excellent prices and oversee the proper installation. Working with the top end of the Premier League and Premiership Rugby clubs, as well as star-players’ own homes, Tim is often asked to create bespoke in-home set-ups for specific training or physio requirements.
HIT THE REFRESH BUTTON
As Spring arrives, the sun sheds light on dusty corners or fading fabrics. It also brings inspiration to fix up and refresh the spaces we love!
If a new look is what you’re after, we recommend reaching out to the incredible team at Alexander James Interiors. With experience everywhere from a Cotswold barn or a Georgian family country home to a London chapel conversion or even a hotel in Minsk, they bring a fresh perspective and a wealth of knowledge to any setting. Their luxe fabrics and clever creation of calm is ideal in a central London residence.
For a slightly more bohemian feel (think Notting Hill rather than Mayfair) we love the work of Rosanna Bossom. The stunning use of colour and pattern brings warmth and life to any space and we love her air of whimsy present in many of her projects.
If you don’t want to do a complete overhaul, check out the BBB Boutique on the app for great savings from beautiful brands such as Graham and Green.
TIME FOR A NEW ADVENTURE
If the pandemic has made your principal rethink their current living situation, whether it’s finding a new place in town to live, buying a second home in the county or moving out or town entirely, we have some expert recommendations to help you. Moving house is said to be one of the top 3 most stressful experiences in life, but we’d argue that doing it on behalf of someone else is worse! Unrealistic expectations, hours of calling agents and attending unsuitable viewings takes its toll. That’s where the BBB community comes in, to offer contacts and advice to help make the process painless.
The Property folder in the BBB app offers suggestions of brilliant companies to help your principal relocate. If the countryside is calling, Middleton Advisors are experts in the Home Counties and can help find beautiful off-market properties full of rustic charm. If the plan is to stay in the city, be that renting, buying a new home or sourcing an additional property, Rose Capital and RFR can offer expert advice with a discreet, professional approach. Instead of working for the seller as traditional estate agents do, they work for the buyer, doing the legwork and removing stress to achieve the best possible location and price. Whether it’s a turnkey purchase or rental, a ‘doer upper’ or an acquisition for complete renovation, these excellent Partners have contacts far and wide to source the best off-market properties.
New Partners at BBB are Landmass London, who work across several areas but they specialise in two main areas optimising light and space and adding value to your property. They work across architecture and renovations and interior design projects to an impeccable standard. They also specialise in property acquisitions, finding a dilapidated building and developing it into the client’s dream home, with bespoke design but of course also adding value. Their wealth of knowledge is highly recommended for anyone tasked with any project of this nature for even the most demanding of clients.
Although we hope to be out of the house more this summer than last, we feel certain that the way we all look at our homes has changed forever. As the lines between living and working spaces have blurred and we spend more time inside our four walls, it’s important we take the time to appreciate and maximise whatever we have. Our homes are our castles after all…
BBB’s Iconic Cocktail Guide for February 2021
January is a time where health is at the forefront of our minds, combining New Year’s Resolutions with efforts perhaps to eat better and drink less. For those who completed Dry January, we salute you! Some people are admirably keeping it going into February and perhaps even beyond, but for those eager to get back on the bottle, we have just the thing for you.
As the frustration of no globetrotting becomes ever more acute, we have combined our passion for travel and adventure with our love of a good tipple to bring you here some of the most delicious and interesting signature cocktails from our friends and Partners around the world…. Bottoms up!
First stop, The Dorchester in London
with Giuliano Morandin, Bar Manager at The Bar
When Giuliano and his team reintroduced The Martinez to the cocktail list at The Bar, the recipe required a special Old Tom Gin which had become something of a rarity and therefore retaining a cult following among ‘cocktail cognoscenti’. The Martinez remains one of the most popular drinks served in The Bar.
About the cocktail, Giuliano says: “A very special classic cocktail, The Martinez is believed to be the forefather of both the Manhattan and the martini. The cocktail is made using Old Tom Gin, which The Dorchester recreated with our own branded gin. The botanicals included in the gin, which is exclusive to The Dorchester, include juniper, coriander, angelica root, orris root, cassia bark, cardamom, fresh lemon and orange peel.”
The Martinez
Serves One drink
Ingredients
30 ml. The Dorchester Old Tom
40 ml. Punt e Mes
10 ml. Maraschino Luxardo
Dash of Bokers bitter
Garnish
Orange Peel
Method
The first step to creating The Martinez is to chill a martini glass, so when I pour the cocktail it won’t get a thermal shock. Our secret to perfecting the recipe is using our own Old Tom Gin, which is distilled by Wessex Distillery, and bitters created especially for The Dorchester. I fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the gin and sweet vermouth, keeping in mind the gin will need to be three times the amount of the vermouth. Add a dash of maraschino liquor and the bitters, followed by a good shake. Remove the ice from the glass, strain and pour from the shaker. Cut a very thin orange zest and squeeze so the oils drip into the drink and if you wish you can rub along the rim of the glass. Then it is ready to enjoy.
The Dorchester Old Tom Gin is still being distilled and can be bought at the hotel or on the hotel website.
Next up, the iconic Bellini from the Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice, Italy
with Walter Bolzonella, Head Barman
Walter has been at Belmond Hotel Cipriani since 1989. Over the years he has served the Hollywood greats – Liz Taylor, Ronald Reagan, Tom Cruise and George Clooney; who has two cocktails created for him and named by him. From a young age he welcomed guests in his home in Noale near Venice with homemade infusions with herbs and berries from the woods nearby, he has continued pursuing his passion at Belmond Hotel Cipriani where he enriches cocktails with spices and herbs from the Casanova Gardens. The hotel’s signature cocktail and one of the best-loved in the world, the Bellini, was created by Harry Cipriani a few years before he welcomed the first guests in 1958. The sparkling drink’s rich peach colour is captured throughout the hotel’s interior design.
The Original Bellini
INGREDIENTS
• 1/3 fresh white peach juice (fresh if possible!)
• 2/3 Prosecco (it simply has to be Italian sparkling wine)
METHOD
• Peel and slice 1kg of white peaches. Dip them in 500 gr. of water and 200 gr. of
fresh lemon juice (the peaches must be covered with water and lemon).
• Pass the peaches (with lemon juice and water) in a blender with crushed ice
and 2 spoons of sugar.
• When in the beginning or end of the peach season, add little juice of raspberries or
cherries so as to make it distinctly pink in color.
• When in full season this is not necessary, as peaches give their own color.
• Please note that the Prosecco and the juice must be very cold before mixing
them.
• Do not mix the Bellini until the very last moment – right before serving,
otherwise, it will separate.
See Walter and the Original Bellini in action!
When the heart years for Phuket, we head to the idyllic Amanpuri
with Peerayoth Rattanathitibovorn, Bar Manager at The Lounge.
Located on the shores of the Andaman Sea, this beautiful and luxurious beach resort is simply stunning. Sitting in an entire private coconut grove filled peninsula, of course we had to choose this cocktail! The coconuts used in the preparation of Coconut Negroni cocktail at The Lounge are sourced from Amanpuri’s own coconut trees. Born and raised in Bangkok, Peerayoth started his journey into mixologist culture in 2015. Not long afterwards, Peerayoth won the title of Diageo World Class Bartender of Southern Thailand 2016.
Coconut Negroni
Iron Ball Thai Gin, Infused Coconut, Mancino Rosso, Campari, Coconut Oil
Method: Stir all the ingredients except coconut oil over cubed ice for 60 seconds, then strain into chilled rock glass with prepared block ice, drop coconut into surface of the cocktail, garnish with dehydrated lemon wheel.
Moving west to a different kind of tropical shores… Eden Rock St Barths
with Matthias ASO – 1st Barman at the Rémy Bar
Chili Chili Bang Bang is an exotic version of the margarita, with a little bit of chilli to bring a kick to the cocktail served in a fun tiki! It has been a signature drink for almost a decade at the Rémy Bar Eden Roc St- Barths and is always popular with visitors!
Chili Chili Bang Bang
50ml Casamigos blanco infused with jalapeños
30ml Passoa
30ml pineapple juice
25ml lime juice
15ml sugarcane syrup
Shaken 10 seconds then pour in a tiki mug.Crushed ice on top with 1 straw. Garnish with 1 dry lime, 1 dry pineapple slice and 1 dry orange slice
And for those still wanting a healthy aspect to their indulgences, who else to ask but the Equinox in NYC
Created for those who rest and play as hard as they work, Equinox hotels have an ethos of holistic wellbeing, offering guests a space to restore and regenerate. So it makes sense, that they would have the perfect cocktail with a healthful component…
The ‘Bucks Bunny’ from Electric Lemon Restaurant and Terrace
0.75 fl oz Ginger Juice
0.5 fl oz Lime Juice
2 fl oz Carrot Juice
2 fl oz Armagnac
2 fl oz Soda Water
0.25g Dried Candied Ginger
0.1g Chervil
Carrot ribbon for garnish
0.75g Ginger Syrup (1:1 ginger juice simple syrup)
Mix all
Garnish with the carrot ribbon and chervil
For a truly decadent experience, we head to the Grand Hotel Europe, A Belmond Hotel in St Petersburg, Russia
Pretty much ‘The’ place to stay in St Petersburg, the Grand Hotel Europe dazzles with vintage glamour and the Lobby Bar is no exception. Live jazz and blues music dances among the hubbub of stories shared and secrets spilled at this iconic drinking spot. Gaze around at the stucco cornices, green-tiled fireplaces, marble floors and bronze statues and you’ll soon appreciate why this elegant Art Nouveau space is a protected historical and cultural landmark.
Their signature cocktail is the ‘Million Red Roses’ which was recently included into Alia Akkam’s new book “Behind the Bar: 50 Cocktail Recipes from the World’s Most Iconic Hotels”. The celebrated song, ‘Million Red Roses’ by one of the most beloved singers in Russia, Alla Pugacheva, inspired this cocktail – a sparkling taste of Russia.
Cocktail “Million Red Roses”
Ingredients:
• Vodka Russian Standard Platinum 4 cl
• Grapefruit juice 10 cl
• Honey Syrup (1 part honey to 2 parts water) 2 cl
• Sparkling wine 10 cl
• Garnish – Aspidistra leaf, rose petals
Method:
Combine the vodka, grapefruit juice and syrup in a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake well. Strain into a chilled wine glass with a few ice cubes at the bottom. Add the sparkling wine and stir. The bar fancifully garnishes this drink with aspidistra leaf and rose petals, but it’s also lovely in its unadorned state.
When the place you’re dreaming of is Bali, we look to our friends at Capella Ubud with Dwi Anggayani and Adip.
Capella Ubud is unlike any place we’ve ever seen. Nestled in the heart of lush green forests, this unique tented camp sits in harmony with its surroundings, embracing nature and promoting balance and harmony. Inspired by the early European settlers from the 1800s, architect Bill Bensley designed Capella Ubud as a tribute to their spirit of adventure.
Cucumber Rita
45ml Tequila
Fresh Cucumber
10ml Cucumber Syrup
25ml homemade Orangecello
30ml Lime Juice
– Cut the fresh cucumber into 3-4 slices, put it in the shaker and crush it well- Add cucumber syrup, orangecello, lime juice and tequila- Add some ice cubes and shake well- Pour into the glass and enjoy
But let the experts show you themselves! Here’s Dwi and Adip to show us how’s it done…
Last but definitely not least, we find ourselves back in London at a BBB favourite, The Lanesborough with Mickael Perron who heads up The Library Bar at The Lanesborough.
Talking about his signature Gaspari Manhattan, Mickael explains “The Manhattan is the greatest American cocktail that I know, and I invented this some years back when I was entering a cocktail competition. It was my grandmother Mimi Gaspari’s birthday, but I was missing the celebrations to take part, so I made a drink in tribute. It’s based on a Rob Roy, a Scotch Manhattan, and the rosemary adds a scent of the Mediterranean. At the time, not many people were using herbs or spices in drinks, but rosemary is easy to come by. We burn it into the Bénédictine, Blue Blazer-style. The flavour works well with the Scotch, and it gives off a big flame, which creates a sense of occasion – when people see a big glass of ice with fire above it, they want to know what’s going on.”
Gaspari Manhattan
60 ml Whisky: The BALVENIE CARIBBEAN CASK – 14 years Old Single Malt Whisky
35 ml Vermouth Mix : 25ml PUNT E MES + 5ml Cizanno + 5ml Lillet
20 ml To Flame: Benedictine
4 Dashes of Aromatic Bitters
Rosemary, a Generous spring to burn & garnish
Pour the whisky, vermouth, bitters in a mixing glass, add ice and stir
Use a separate cup, fuse a lighter and flame the rosemary bathing in BenedictineLet it cook until the smell and flames are ready to be transferred to the mixing glassPour the flame over the iced mixed cocktail, stir gently the rosemary into the drinkFine strain into your glass, pre prepared with a nice ice cube
Glassware & Final Touches:
Coupe, rocks, any…
Orange peel squeezed over the glass, discard
Small rosemary spring somewhere with your glass (small wooden peg helps)
Stay tuned to our social media over the coming days and weeks too, where we’ll be sharing even more iconic and inspiring drinks from our friends around the globe! We’ll be raising a glass to a better year ahead for us all…
Run for the hills! Experience Summer in the mountains with our alternative holiday guide
When we think about the Alps, the first thing we picture is usually snow, skiing and schnapps! But there’s a lot more to holidaying in the mountains than this!…In these pandemic times where much of the world is inaccessible through travel restrictions, but most staycation accommodation is already booked up, we spoke to travel experts about their recommendations for a fantastic Summer break. The results? Head to the hills for clean air, world class cuisine and breathtaking natural beauty. We have picked their brains and also spoken to experts on the ground to suggest to you 5 locations that you may not have considered, but could just provide the backdrop to your most spectacular holiday yet….
The Swiss Alps have long been known for their health-boosting properties. Not only do they offer a mood-boosting combination of green and blue spaces, which studies have shown can reduce anxiety and sadness, but they also offer an abundance of open space, stunning panoramas and stillness, allowing us to reconnect with nature in a way that is forgotten and yet vital, especially for city-dwellers. The scale of the mountains, the clean air at high altitudes and the glorious floral meadows should never be underestimated.
So our first location is Zermatt, in the German-speaking district of Visp. With just 5800 inhabitants and located at the foot of Switzerland’s highest peaks, Zermatt is famous for mountaineering and of course skiing. Cable cars and chairlifts carry skiers and hikers across peaks and even across the border into Italy. The Gornergrat Bahn rack railway line, the highest open-air railway in Europe, runs up to the summit of the Gornergrat and has spectacular views.
An abundance of activities awaits – you can even do Summer skiing Take the gondola from Zermatt to the Klein Matterhorn, where you can enjoy various snow sports along 21km of pistes. Zermatt – Matterhorn offers the largest and highest altitude summer ski areas in Europe. Freestyle fans also enjoy the summer Zermatt Snowpark, one of the highest Freestyle spots and among the best snow parks in the Alps. It is not unusual to meet famous skiers from around the world in the Zermatt – Matterhorn summer ski area as they take advantage of the perfectly prepared pistes, fast runs and downhill slopes as they train for the next Winter season.
Zermatt’s mountain world is as fascinating as it is varied. Offering nearly 400 kilometres of marked hiking and mountain trails around Zermatt, Täsch and Randa, hikers and climbers of all levels can enjoy the different degrees of difficulty, climbs and distances.
Children love Wolli’s Adventure Park, a place for them to experience the freedom of mountain discovery and natural adventure. There are many games and activities for the whole family, such as an adventure playground, marmot watching, grilling with the family or swimming in a mountain lake. Or for something a little different, why not try a laser clay shoot experience in a stunning and secluded mountain meadow?
Perhaps the highlight of any trip (and most definitely popular with lovers of the film ‘Frozen’) would be a visit to the Glacier Palace. Be drawn into the world of eternal ice at this fairytale setting, surrounded by exquisitely created ice sculptures and centuries-old ice formations. Groups can arrange to have exclusive use of the new Star Lounge for gatherings of to 25 people with aperitifs. Instagram opportunities don’t get much better!
Zooom the Matterhorn is a virtual hand gliding experience, allowing visitors to effortlessly soar across the mountains and experience the wonder of the Alps from the safety of a chair. Perfect for avid explorers and perhaps those slightly less mobile, it’s an opportunity to make the most of this incredible setting.
One of the highlights of the cultural calendar is the Folklore Festival that will happen this year on Sunday 15th August. Visitors can experience Alphorn, yodelling, traditional costumes and Schwyzerörgeli, plus Upper Valais groups will be sharing their traditions in music, dancing and colourful costumes from times gone by. The parade through Zermatt is undoubtedly a highpoint of the day!
Gastronomy enthusiasts will revel in the selection of restaurants, from homely local Swiss places to creative fine dining. After Seven has been awarded 1 Michelinstar and 17 Gault Millau points, with multiple award winning star cuisine by chef Ivo Adam. Mountain restaurants that never fail to delight are Zum See, Chez Vrony and Findlerhof.
Where to stay, we hear you ask? Zermatt of course has an impressive selection of hotels and chalets, but our top 3 recommended places are Zermatt Peak, Chalet Les Anges and Chalet Tuftra Findelbach.
Surrounded by majestic mountains, Chalet Les Anges is without doubt one of the most beautiful chalets in Zermatt and brings accommodation in the resort to a new level of luxury. Sleeping 14 across 7 bedrooms, it sits on the best possible position in the Petit Village, at the closest point to the town and with unsurpassed views of the Matterhorn and Zermatt below. It is full of light with large panoramic windows to take advantage of some spectacular views. A great feature for Summer is the terrace, ideally set on the Southern side of the chalet featuring a barbecue and a large table for 14 guests.
The Chalet features a generous, serene and calm wellness area. It includes sauna, hamman/steam room, a relaxation area and a massage room. The relax zone features a fountain and ornamental pond and is clad in a luxurious Italian marble. Outside there is a 3 metre square all year heated pool with massaging jets and other features, perfect to soothe the joints after a day’s hiking.
Another fantastic option is Verbier. In the summertime, there are 400 km of hiking trails and hikers can follow the tracks of the chamois and ibex through the mountains, some of them covered with snow all year round. There are 200km of mountain bike piste and other activities include climbing, hiking, paragliding, swimming, golf, badminton, ice karting and trips aboard the mountain railways in the area. There is also a climbing wall for children!
Horse riding is a wonderful experience at Verbier and the Riding School is open every day in the Summer, catering for riders of all ages and abilities. A tour through the mountains by horseback might just be the best antidote to almost a year of being stuck at home…
The Verbier Festival is back with 17 days of the best in live classical music. A highlight of the Summer calendar, the event is hugely popular and attracts music lovers from far and wide. Visitors of all-ages can experience more than 200 concerts and events: orchestral and operatic performances at Salle des Combins, intimate recitals at the Verbier Église, public masterclasses led by great masters, as well as inspiring talks, children’s programmes and concerts in nature. This year it runs from 16th July to 1st August.
One of our favourite dining experiences at Verbier is the Terrace at the Relais & Chateau hotel Chalet d’Adrien. The large terrace resides over Verbier and offers an incomparable panorama of the snowy mountains, the perfect setting for a delicious lunch after a morning or hiking or skiing. Tea time is a real treat, with a wide choice of Waffles and Crepes d’Adrien, a large buffet of Tarts, Coffee, Tea and Chocolate of the Chalet. Sunday brunch is also highly recommended. Alternatively, Chez Dany offers traditional (but top level) Swiss fair in a charming chalet setting. Their fondue is legendary.
Verbier is full of world class chalets, but one of our favourites has to be Chalet Chouqui. With uninterrupted views, this chalet really can claim to be unrivalled in its position and size. Chalet Chouqui is comprised of two interconnecting chalets with over 900sqm of internal floorspace.
The 9 en suite bedrooms all have their own terrace or balcony which give dramatic views of the Mont Blanc Massif. One of the bedrooms has hand-made beautiful wooden bunk beds, which sleep up to four guests. At 15m in length, Chalet Chouqui boasts one of the largest, if not the largest private indoor swimming pool in Verbier.
The chalet also comes with a games room (table tennis and table football), a bar, a cinema room, outdoor hot tub, hammam and two sitting rooms with open fireplaces. The extensive south-facing terrace is full of seating and relaxing loungers, making it the perfect place to enjoy the jaw-dropping views across to the Grand Combin all year round. The Chalet also boasts an impressive staff, including 2 chalet managers, 2 experienced chefs, 4 hosts and a 24h in-resort driving service.
Another option of destination might be Crans-Montana, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps in the French-speaking part of the canton of Valais. The resort is a fusion of the two centers of Crans and Montana and belongs to 6 municipalities. It is a charming place to visit in the Summer months and there are a host of activities and attractions to keep visitors entertained.
One of the biggest draws of Crans-Montana is golf. Three quality golf courses, a prestigious club, an indoor centre that is open all year round, a golf academy for all levels and ages, and the annual host of one of the most prestigious tournaments on the European tour, the Omega European Masters, are all on offer for golfing enthusiasts. This year the Omega European Masters is taking place from 26th to 29th August.
Ycoor will undoubtedly be the centre of attention during the summer as the whole area is transformed into a relaxed and friendly village square, with basketball courts, bowls, unihockey pitches, tennis tables,electric cars for children and a brand new mini-golf course. An indoor ice rink will also be open to the public. Crans-Montana’s famous marmot mascot Bibi will also be hosting the Maison et Jardins de Bibi, inviting children of all ages to his home for lots of entertainment and free activities such as crafts, games and a library corner. Another family favourite will be the Am Stram Gram , a family festival in the mountains. :Running from 14th to 18th July, the aim of the festival is to transport children into a world of games and immersive and participative adventures.
Every Friday from 5pm throughout July & August there will also be Wine & Jazz nights in the Ycoor gardens, a lovely location to unwind an socialise. Or for Blues lovers, a free festival takes place on 6th and 7th August (postponed until 2022) at The Lake Moubra.
Wakeboard, Wakeskate, Water Ski and inflatable rings are very popular activities on the lake. Catering from 7 years upwards, this is the perfect way to stay active between delicious meals!
Each year “The Guest Tables” is a themed culinary walk/food festival, running from 24th-25th July. The best local chefs, such as Michelin starred Franck Reynaud, will be unleashing all their creativity and talent to showcase the high quality of local produce. This experience will prove to be even more astonishing as each season it will take place in a different & unusual location. On the banks of a lake, on a mountaintop, on a golf course or in the heart of a vineyard, the atmosphere will always be friendly, and the day will feature original entertainment which is sure to leave you with lasting gastronomic memories.
Diners are spoilt for choice at Crans-Montana, with a variety of settings and flavours to suit all. One of our favourites though is Chetzeron, quite literally a breath of fresh air. Meals here are entirely homemade and are inspired by traditional Alpine cuisine with contemporary touches. Slow food recipes can be enjoyed in the sun on the terraces or in the cozy setting of the various restaurant spaces. The proximity of producers, breeders and winegrowers is important to Chetzeron, that’s why they work almost exclusively with products from the region. For Summer, one of the standout features also has to be the 4 magnificent panoramic terraces, each with a unique purpose (the first offers large tables for lunch, the second has sun loungers for a relaxing aperitif, the third is equipped with hammocks for a nap and the last is exclusively reserved for breakfast!) For obvious reasons, this heavenly place is much sought-after, so booking is essential!
Our recommendation for Crans-Montana is to stay at The Ultima Chalets, a luxury ski chalet that can sleep up to 38 guests across two impeccably finished properties, in total privacy. The contemporary interior has no expense spared, with designer furniture, fittings, and art work worthy of a national gallery, this all has to the true exuberance of this stunning retreat.
This impeccable chalet is located in the Plan-Mayens area of Crans Montana, not far from the Crans Cry d’Er chairlift and the La Dent-Blanche restaurant.
Chalet 1 has 8 Master suites with ensuite bathroom and dressing room and 2 childrens dormatories, sleeping up to 10. Chalet 2 has 6 master bedroom suites with ensuite bathroom and dressing room. The whole property can sleep an impressive 38 guests. It has all the luxurious facilities you would expect from a property of this calibre and comes fully staffed with chef, hosts/ hostesses and a 24h driver.
If Switzerland doesn’t capture your heart, or perhaps for those already situated Stateside, we also recommend Aspen and Vail. Whilst the Uk government announces further safe travel routes, which we hope and expect to follow for the US relatively soon, this might also be a great location for those living outside the UK, for whom access to the US is easier.
:@danielbayer_photographer
Aspen is undoubtedly one of the most stunning ski resorts in America. Located in Colorado (and ofter referred to as Ajax by locals) and at only 673 acres, it is smaller than neighbouring resorts and retains a unique feel that harks back to the earlier days of recreational skiing in the state. Located within the White River National Forest, lending itself perfectly to biking and hiking, the area is perfect for Summer holidays as well as Winter. Mountainside yoga, music events, guided hikes,sightseeing and live outdoor music events keep any visitor occupied.
The Lost Forest is very popular with active visitors. Tucked in among the trees and rocks are an alpine coaster, zip lines, biking trails, ropes challenges and climbing walls. There are ponds to fish in, creeks to hike along, places to enjoy nature alone or in groups, two disc golf courses and passionate guides to help you find your next adventure.
Gondolas (the bubble variety rather than the boats!) are the perfect way to quickly climb a mountain and take in the view. From there you can access free outdoor activities, miles of trails and delectable on-mountain dining from the top at the Sundeck Restaurant, at the top of the gondola line. Operated by The Little Nell —Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond hotel — the Sundeck takes full advantage of its mountaintop location in summertime with patio dining and extraordinary views over the Elk Mountains.
Vail, also located in Colorado, is the third-largest single-mountain ski resort in the U.S.. Vail Village is modeled on Bavarian village styles with pedestrian streets, making it friendly and easy to navigate.
As well as the obvious hiking and biking, scenic gondola rides grant visitors access to Vail Mountain and various activities and restaurants there. Adrenaline junkies will love The Forest Flyer, a family-friendly rollercoaster that winds its way 3,400 feet down the mountain, following the natural contours of the landscape through the forest. At 8,250 feet above sea level, the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens is the highest botanical garden in the United States.
There are also a variety of social events to enjoy, such as the Farmers Market and Art Show every Sunday (July to October), free weekly concerts (every Tuesday at the amphitheatre) and “Vail Craft Beer Classic” beer tasting festival, from 25th to 26th July.
Overall, ski destinations can be exciting and beautiful places to visit year round. So if travel restrictions have put the kibosh on your usual summer plans, perhaps consider one of these idyllic locations instead. There’s also the bonus of supporting a community who have lost two ski seasons worth of trade!
If you’d like to discuss any of the above resorts or accommodations, please reach out to the team at Oxford Ski
For any other summer holiday destinations or more general enquiries, feel free to email us and we’ll be happy to introduce you to our range of other Travel Partners (or find and contact them directly in the BBB app!)
(With thanks to the various locations, attractions and tourist boards for the photography – all rights retained).