Picture this — you’re bundled in layers of comfy clothing, eating a delicious seasonal sweet, surrounded by beautiful lights, and celebrating with friends and family. If you’re at all tickled by the holiday spirit, you have to make your way to one of the world’s Christmas markets. While the art has been perfected in Europe since the Middle Ages, all around the world you can find festive markets to celebrate … more »

The saddest part of vacation isn’t when it ends. The worst part of vacation is when your dog sees your suitcase and knows you are leaving. Cue the puppy dog eyes and guilty feelings. So why not pack your pooch’s bags too and bring them along? Besides, pets need a break too. Our friends at AllTheRooms have given us their picks for the best pet-friendly cities and experiences. Los Angeles … more »

What makes the Yuletide? That’s right: cosy afterworks with friends, mulled wine, fondue or raclette! It is cold outside but you huddle inside, where it is warm and the conversations hushed and bubbly as Champagne. The stress and pressure cede, time to recline. Listen to the wood in the fireplace crackle; watch the flickering lights of the candles and the Christmas decorations shine… The year comes to an end, but … more »

In all honesty, everyone should have a separate bucket list reserved explicitly for things to do in Alabama. Erase any preconceptions you have about the Cotton State having nothing to offer visitors. Sandwiched between Mississippi, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida, Alabama is well-positioned for a much-needed Southern vacation. For everything from museums and waterfalls to music festivals and fried okra, here’s our rundown of the seven things you need to do … more »

Spain has long been a recognized hub of world tourism. The historic nation consistently ranks within the top 5 of most visited countries — and not without reason. Spain is perhaps the country that most qualifies for the cliché “it has it all”. Brilliant beaches, a boisterous and friendly native population, fine art, much sought after cuisine, historic architecture, and modern comforts all qualify the Iberian giant as the place … more »

When the French author Stendhal visited Florence in 1817 the poor man was so overwhelmed by all the beauty and art in the Tuscan capital that it ended up making him feel emotionally drained and physically unwell. In one of his books he says: ‘”I was in a sort of ecstasy, from the idea of being in Florence, close to the great men whose tombs I had seen. Absorbed in … more »

The Palace Luzern is a five star superior hotel. Opened in 1906, this charming hotel is full of history and sits directly on the shores of beautiful Lake Lucern. Its prime location ensures stunning views of the famous Central Swiss Alps. With time the hotel has adapted to the needs of the modern world, renovating its looks in order to accommodate all sort of tastes and characters. All rooms are a … more »

Ticino is my “home”. It’s where I was born and raised, it’s the place I go back to, to see old friends and family; when I need to recharge my batteries, I take some time off, go there and relax in the comfort of what’s familiar to me. When I was invited to (re)discover the region as part of a “hotel hopping” experience, I was thrilled! It’s strange to be a tourist … more »

When I got the opportunity to spend two days at hotel The Chedi Andermatt, I was delighted and looked very much forward to it. After all, travelling is my absolute passion. Being able to travel and discover the world is priceless, but there is also a small downside to it: after seeing many amazing places and staying at wonderful hotels, with time, you start getting a bit spoiled somehow and, suddenly, … more »

Located in the heart of Geneva, Hotel Tiffany is a chic brasserie and intimate boutique hotel nestled in the charming neighbourhood known as “Quartier des Bains”, famed for its art galleries and cool vibe. Housed in a 19th century building, Tiffany Hotel combines the timeless elegance of Art Nouveau style with a modern and contemporary twist, creating a cosy, relaxing and beautiful setting for business or pleasure. Whilst sills and wrought … more »

Well, well, well, so far, this summer is not exactly spoiling us with sun BUT the Swiss Windsurfing Tour is going strong and Kona adds some extra Hawaii vibes to the series of events. After a Season Opening in Hyères (France), this year’s Marco Polo Windsurfing Cup continued with stops in Cremia at Lake Como (Italy), Flüelen at the Urner Lake, Murten at Lake Morat, St-Blaise at Lake Neuchatel, Murg … more »

Those of you who follow me in Social Media will have seen that I went to Ibiza twice this summer: one to experience a new culinary concept – HEART Ibiza and the “party side” of the island. And once to explore “the other side”, the one that calls for introspection, self-reflection and deceleration. Who am I, what is important to me, where am I going… Back to Ibiza as soon as I can, … more »

When searching for possible locations for my summer holidays I knew I want to go some place quiet. Greece, so much I knew and the prospect alone of just relaxing, enjoying the Greek sea, sun and food filled me with sheer joy. Of course, the Greek hospitality is also renown for its quality. So while searching on the Internet, I came across Lichnos Beach Hotel & Suites and I can assure … more »

Playa del Carmen is located in the state of Quintana Roo in southern Mexico and currently has more than 200,000 inhabitants. Only 35 years ago, it was still a small fishing village with only 200 local fishermen. Today it is one of the most popular places in all of Mexico. I lived in Mexico for four months, three of them in Playa del Carmen. I call it the paradise on … more »

I have been in St. Moritz, Engadin a few times already, during winter but this was the first time for me to visit the region in summer. It may sound silly, but really I always associated St. Moritz with its picturesque mountains and fabulous skiing areas only with winter. But boy, was I wrong. It is absolutely beautiful in summer, too! Fifty shades of green, blue and yellow meet here … more »

After visiting Japan for the first time in 2014, I never thought that just two years later I’d get to go back on a new five-week Asian adventure. But boy am I thrilled that I did. From the first moment I set foot on Nippon soil I fell in love with the boundless hospitality and kindness of the Japanese people – they truly are the sweetest and gentlest souls I … more »

If you’re looking to relax, unwind and get a break from the stress and mayhem of everyday life Portugal may just be your go-to holiday destination. With its beautiful beaches, slow-paced lifestyle and pleasant Mediterranean climate the Algarve is the perfect place to recharge your batteries and get away from the day-to-day chaos. Not sure how to switch off and start relaxing? Here are some tips to get you started. … more »

What a blast! I am still spellbound by the Tomorrowland experience. Something so big, so over-dimensional, so inspirational… I am still trying to figure out how to channel all the energy. Luckily, I wasn’t alone in this (hardly, about 300’000 people will have joined the festival this year!). What I mean is, I got to go with a friend. Neither Giovanni nor I were at Tomorrowland before. Apart from what you can find … more »

There are no words to describe how excited I am to participate in this event that is going to be tremendous: Tomorrowland! Over two weekends, the first one from 21st to 23rd July and the second one from 28th to 30th July, Tomorrowland will immerse the ‘People of Tomorrow’ in an ‘Amicorum Spectaculum’, which has no equal. Over 1’000 artists, 16 stages, spectacular shows, fireworks and magical arenas will animate the town of … more »

Croatia is situated south of Italy and about five times bigger than Switzerland. Its coastline on the Adriatic Sea is stunning. There are 1246 islands, of which 47 are permanently inhabited. Hvar, Krk or Rab are among the better known. The capital is Zagreb and its medieval upper town, Gornji Grad, is a major tourist attraction. You can also find very interesting museums there. The museum of illusions, for example, or the museum of broken … more »

Do you like EDM? Okay, maybe you don’t. My mum doesn’t even know what it is but she knows David Guetta! Even if your heart does not beat at 128bpm and Electronic Dance Music, House and all that Jazz is not your musical genre of predilection, the name of this highflying DJ will resonate with you. David’s story is one of success and humility. Born in France, he began to … more »

Hawaii, a dream destination! How much I long to go there. Particularly now, that we started to collaborate with Kona. Have you ever been or are you planning to go? It is a surfer’s paradise but, of course, there are many other things to see and do. As it happens, Yvonne from Every Day A Dress is currently exploring the islands and I thought I repost her Hawaii Vlogs here … more »

Barcelona mood… I cannot believe how fast time is flying by! It’s been almost a year since I moved to Barcelona and already I must leave. Somehow, I’m not ready to turn the page yet. This city has given me so much more than I expected. The sun, the sea breeze; loosing myself in the small alleys, feeling free, alive… It has been such a gift, a true treasure! I … more »

One thing I absolutely love about the coolbrandz experience is the fact that I can connect with so many cool people on so many different levels: entrepreneurs, startups, digital strategists, consultants, PR agencies, brand managers, other influencers, designers, beauty, food, fashion, gadget, travel bloggers… Since I started blogging my network has expanded enormously. We now count over 55’000 registered users on coolbrandz and although I do not know everyone personally, … more »

When I first travelled to Sardinia years ago it was love at first sight. I truly fell in love with this magical island and I can’t stop but going back every summer. Why do I love Sardinia so much? Well I think the island has really so much to offer, dreamy beaches and blue Sea but also a captivating culture, cuisine, traditions and beautiful wild nature. Let’s face it: Sardinia’s beaches … more »

Bali is my absolute favorite place, so close to my heart. I arrived here without planning and spent two magical months. When I hear this music I feel like I’m back there, sitting on the little terrace with a grateful heart and rambutans in my stomach. I found love in Bali. Love for myself. And love for my soulmate. Bali is heaven and hell. You either love it and stay or come … more »

You know that I am a big fan of mood. Fresh and fun, they are always up to something. It is legitimate to ask: What is their next stunt? A new mood store, maybe? Having already won the hearts of French-speaking Switzerland, the customizable jewel has now set off to conquer the capital of Catalonia! A bold move? A sure-fire success? It will almost certainly be an explosive mixture of … more »