Cosmopolitan and yet quintessentially Swiss; Dive into the nation’s greatest small city, where the water is the mirror of the world.
LONGINES BOUTIQUE
40, Rue du Rhône • 1204 Genève
LONGINES SPIRIT
ZULU TIME
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After Zermatt, Verbier and Geneva, the collection has now been extended to include Crans-Montana. More than ever, the essence of our country finds its place in these pages, through all that defines the greatness, beauty and soul of the nation that is Switzerland.
living the high life helvet.swiss
Editorial
“The discovery of a new dish confers more happiness on humanity than the discovery of a new star”, wrote French epicure Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin. If he’s right, then Geneva must be one of the happiest cities on earth. This city boasts a vibrant and creative culinary scene and is a magnet for some of the world’s best chefs, who flock here from all over Europe and beyond. It’s been enough culinary temptation to result in Geneva receiving more Michelin stars and Gault&Millau points than ever before.
While Geneva offers a multitude of good eats, the city also quite simply has good taste, as its flourishing economy has allowed life’s greatest pleasures to take root here and thrive. The entire planet and an unlimited variety of cooking techniques are on the menu. And while the chic afternoon tea and after-work cocktails set the pace for a glorious week, the best Genevan chefs also embrace the essence of locally sourced produce with a faithful promise of authenticity.
Not far from the lake, the canton’s wineries offer a palette of rare flavours, cultivated on seemingly modest vineyards. Women have taken up new roles in this domain, a testament to their remarkable entrepreneurial spirit and their family’s ancestral know-how, which has been passed down for generations. In fact, many of the industries that enrich Geneva — music, art, watchmaking and business — all increasingly have a feminine touch, a breath of fresh air that brings different perspectives and sensibilities to the region’s industries. This is embodied beautifully in the commitment from women like Charlotte de Senarclens, the President of the Board of Trustees of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande, who is keenly aware of the part she plays in preserving Geneva’s legacy as a world-class city.
The winter holidays are around the corner, and with them the happiness that comes from sharing a table (and perhaps a bottle Genevan Sauvignon Blanc) with loved ones. Let’s enjoy these moments.
Happy holidays, and here’s to a successful 2025!
Christian Bugnon Publisher & Editor-in-chief
HOSPITALITY
A NEW ULTRA LUXURIOUS QUAI WILSON RESIDENCE
With operations in Switzerland, France and Greece, Ultima features a portfolio of high-profile buildings and chalets. On the Rive Droite, its latest Genevan offering is across five floors of a beautiful, historic building. Each floor is reserved for a singular, luxurious residence (ranging from 3-6 bedrooms), seamlessly blending classical architecture and contemporary comforts, with hardwood floors, Italian materials, large master suites and state-of-the-art kitchens. The best part is the panoramic view of the lake and the vast range of signature services proposed by Ultima, including: an on-demand airport driver, butler, chef, wellness expert, fitness coach and physiotherapist. ultimacollection.com
CULTURE
THE MUSEUM OF ART AND HISTORY INVENTS ITS FUTURE
Home to one of Switzerland’s largest museum collections, Geneva’s Museum of Art and History inaugurated a brand-new multi-year cycle at the end of summer 2024, baptised PlasMAH. The concept revolves around the museum being put under temporary ownership of a chosen artist, architect or designer. It’s a kind of prelude to the museum’s (long since planned) renovation and expansion. This year, the project cycle features an installation by artist Vincent Lamouroux (who already had an exhibit at MAMCO in 2005), who has taken over the passageway that connects two facades above the courtyard, offering a fresh perspective. The exhibit will be accessible only on select days until August 20, 2025. mahmah.ch
GASTRONOMY
THE RESTAURANT AT SALÈVE IS FINALLY OPEN!
Just one year after the inauguration of the new Salève cable car, it’s now the restaurant’s turn to open its doors to the public at the arrival station. Named Vertiges, as originally requested by architect Maurice Braillard, this Genevan locale was rebuilt to accentuate a gorgeous panoramic 180° view over both the city and Lake Geneva. The cuisine here is Bistronomic to a T, with a strong focus on local produce. The restaurant is open for lunch from Friday to Sunday between noon and 2pm. panoramiques-du-saleve.fr
HOSPITALITY
BEAU-RIVAGE AND THE WOODWARD HONOURED BY MICHELIN
The famous guide just launched a new key classification system for recognizing superior-category hotels that offer “the most remarkable visitor experiences”. Of the Geneva hotels to receive the distinction, the highest honour (three keys) was awarded to both the Beau-Rivage and the Woodward. The Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons were each awarded two keys. Five core elements are assessed for evaluation: architecture and interior design, service quality, personality and character, value for money and contribution to the local experience. guide.michelin.com beau-rivage.com oetkercollection.com
WELLNESS
A REFRESHING CURE AT LA RÉSERVE
When winter seems never-ending, what better place to go than Spa Nescens at the La Réserve Hotel, where you can discover their four new “High Performance — Better Aging” packages. Focused on optimising global rejuvenation of health and body, these programmes lean on Clinique Nescens’ renowned expertise in ageing gracefully. After undergoing a consultation and assessment, their in-house experts design a personalized treatment plan that combines physical activity, Nescens’ avant-garde treatments and healthy, balanced nutrition. It’s everything you’d ever need to shed your stress and recharge your batteries.
lareserve-geneve.com
PRO TIP
GENEVA CITY PASS, GENEVA’S “OPEN SESAME”
While lots of cities offer cards that include free visits or reduced entry fees to diverse activities along with the city’s main museums, few are as advantageous as the Geneva City Pass! Now available for 24-hours (34 CHF), 48-hours (50 CHF) or 72-hours (65 CHF), this card also includes the entirety of Geneva’s public transportation network (yes, boats are included, too!), a lake cruise, a host of guided tours (which usually cost 25 CHF per person) and 10-50% off over 60 different activities and excursions taking place in and around town. It’s an excellent deal that you won’t want to miss out on!
geneve.com
SHOPPING A NEW COFFEE CREATION CELEBRATING THE HERITAGE OF SWISS “CAFÉ CRÈME”
Once again, Nespresso innovates by highlighting its roots and know-how. In collaboration with chef Heiko Nieder, the Swiss company presents an exclusive co-creation: Zurich Lungo. Part of the World Explorations range, this Limited Edition pays tribute to Swiss coffee culture and the city of Zurich. Inspired by the city’s cosmopolitan atmosphere, this creation responds to the coffee preferences of the Swiss, and in particular those of lovers of café crème. Café crème, a long coffee enjoyed with milk or cream, remains the local favorite. Zurich Lungo promises an unforgettable taste in the morning or throughout the day. Discover it now in the boutiques or online.
nespresso.com
CULTURE
VICTORIA HALL: THE PLACE TO BE
This iconic Genevan hall that’s dedicated to classical music features a fully charged concert programme this winter. During the holidays, festivities begin with Handel’s Messiah (December 21 & 22), followed by a Christmas concert (December 24), Verdi’s Grand Gala (December 27) and the New Year’s Concert (January 8). That will be followed by performances by cellist Yo-Yo Ma with Renaud Capuçon on January 29, Debussy and Stravinsky by violinist Midori Goto in February, and Evgueni Kissine on the piano on March 10. Some of the performances are part of the “Les Grands Interprètes” series, which regroups eight concerts by great masters to be held from October to June. scenes-culturelles.geneve.ch/victoria-hall grandsinterpretes.ch
WELLNESS
WELLNESS AT PÂQUIS BENEATH
THE FULL MOON
The iconic Bains des Pâquis at Quai du Mont-Blanc, facing the Jet d’Eau and the Eaux-Vives Marina, is the locals’ favourite spot for an invigorating dip… both in summer and winter! In the cooler months, you warm right up in the saunas (mixed), hammams (mixed or women-only) and Turkish bath, or enjoy simple silence in one of the many relaxation spaces. Opening hours are every day from 9:00 (8:00 on Sundays) until 22:30, but once a month, when it’s a full moon, the baths stay open until midnight! It’s a chance to experience les Bains from a new perspective, under the heaters, with a clay mask and a hot tea.
aubp.ch
GASTRONOMY TRUE VALUE DOESN’T NEED THE TEST OF TIME
The recently reopened Arakel, located at Eaux-Vives, can thank their young Chef, Quentin Philippe (only 28 years old), for bringing them Gault&Millau’s Discovery of the Year award, along with a solid 15-point ranking. Featuring a wine bar and an open kitchen, Arakel offers evolving seasonal cuisine that’s best enjoyed through two prix-fixe “Immersion” menus of four to six courses. The cherry on top? The iconic Chef’s Table, which gets you front row seats for all the action. But Michelin took things even further by giving Arakel a star… along with F.P. Journe Le Restaurant, which is Chef Dominique Gauthier’s new table. The ex-chef from Chat Botté opened this new locale in collaboration with the master watchmaker to revive the heritage arcade (formerly the historic Bavaria brasserie) on Rue du Rhône. arakel.ch fpjourne-le-restaurant.ch
GASTRONOMY
PASTRY CHEF OF THE YEAR 2025 IS GENEVAN!
It’s a double win for L’Atelier Robuchon: this fall, The Woodward Hotel’s flagship restaurant, which is led by Chef Olivier Jean, was awarded two additional points by Gault&Millau (17 points) in a single swoop and was pleasantly surprised to see their Pastry Chef, Titouan Claudet, named Gault&Millau’s Pastry Chef of the Year 2025! The young chef has trained with the impressive likes of Bernard Loiseau, Benoît Charlet, Sébastien Voxion, Marc Haeberlin and Anne-Sophie Pic, and is known for his elegant yet understated taste profiles that are served with meticulously refined (and gorgeous) flair. oetkercollection.com
HOSPITALITY ON THE MOVE IN THE MOUNTAINS
Specialised in luxury mountain real estate, the company Steiger&Cie has opted to undertake several renovation projects simultaneously in partnership with Comina Architecture. In the centre of Zermatt, The Alpine Perren Hotel is being transformed in collaboration with Parisien architect Pierre Yovanovitch, who is bringing a contemporary touch to the time-honoured local Valais architecture. In Verbier, the two companies are giving Hotel La Rotonde a (major!) new revamp that will see the hotel under construction until summer 2027, when it will reopen with a new restaurant featuring a panoramic terrace and five retail spaces. steigercie.ch
CULTURE
THE ART OF COSTUMES EXPLAINED TO CHILDREN
Before closing next year for machinery renovations, the Grand Théâtre de Genève is organizing monthly costume discovery workshops for children ages 6-12. They last approximately one hour and take place on Wednesdays. The next editions will be held on December 18, January 15, February 5, March 12, April 9 and May 14. Be sure to RSVP! gtg.ch
SCIENCE
CERN TURNS 70!
On September 29, 1954, 11 countries signed an agreement to officially create the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Meyrin, just outside of Geneva. The institute is famous for its ring-shaped particle collider that has a circumference of 27 km: the Large Hadron Collider — which most famously led to proof of the existence of Higgs Boson particles, a cornerstone in elemental physics. To learn more, visit the CERN Science Gateway, which is open to visitors every day except Mondays from 9-17:00. It’s a chance to see the biggest experimental device ever built by mankind to prove a scientific theory, while also discovering some of CERN’s other scientific installations and learning more about their central role in inventing the internet. Take advantage of movies, lab workshops, performances and guided visits to enhance your visiting experience. cern70.cern visit.cern
When the Bise Noir blows
Text Claude Hervé-Bazin
Photos Loris Von Siebenthal Geneva readies its surfboards
When the Bise Noir blows, Lake Geneva could almost be an ocean. Even the seagulls enjoy themselves.
Unpredictable, violent, and often accompanied by heavy rains, the winter Bise Noir wind sometimes strikes Lake Geneva, redrawing the banks in a flurry of storms and waves. These rare moments are captured by photographer Loris Von Siebenthal.
For Genevan surfers, the Bise Noir offers a rare chance to go surfing at home. While perhaps not the best waves in the world, it’s still a great pleasure…
2004 and 2023 were historic years, marked by intense onslaughts of the Bise Noir. It’s a phenomenon that peaks once every twenty years on average, blasting winds through the icy, watery air that reach nearly 100 km/hr in the lowlands and 140 km/hr at higher altitudes. For security services and lakeside residents the results are often sobering: broken and downed trees, rooftops and tiles that have been ripped away, flipped motorbikes and scaffolding, not to mention a host of cancelled flights and boat crossings. At its strongest, this wind is known to completely wrap the lake’s surrounding shorelines, docks, streetlights, boats and even cars in a thick coat of ice and stalactites.
While the classic Bise is a north or northeasterly wind that’s accompanied by what feels like a cold sun, the Bise Noir brings a low cloud ceiling and highly humid air that comes up from the Mediterranean and meanders around the Alps until it finally hammers its wet, icy chill into Lake Geneva and the Jura region. This humid, easterly to southeasterly flow is a climactic anomaly that usually rears its head between autumn and late winter, often bringing the year’s heaviest snowfall (up to 50-60 cm in a day). Elders will tell you these episodes typically last three, six or nine days at a time.
I WANNA SURF
Despite the dark clouds it often brings, the Bise Noir evokes an entirely different feeling for local boardsport enthusiasts. Its strong, biting winds actually — for once — create waves on Lake Geneva, notably at the bottom of the bay by the quais, by Baby Beach, or by the jetty in Versoix. While its generally nothing spectacular per se, it is certainly an opportunity for Genevans to jump in the water (with a thick, fully zipped wetsuit, of course!) for an urban session of island-style sports. Anyone who experienced that exceptional and legendary “Big Thursday” on February 13, 2014, when a 1.5 m swell formed in the wake of Cyclone Tini, with gusts up to 80 knots (150 km/hr) is sure to remember it… Normally, you’ll have to make do with 20, 25, maybe 30 knots. It’s still enough to stay up on the board for a few seconds and watch the kiters take off. But it’s not for the faint of heart: the lake’s waters hover at around 8°C… and being freshwater, it feels even colder!
lorisvonsiebenthal.com
Swept up in the waves, the jetty and beacon at Pâquis are covered in icy spray.
Switzerland is a peaceful haven, its mountains a source of inspiration, the contemporary architecture of its most beautiful resorts a unique place where yesterday meets tomorrow.
Experience the quintessential Val de Bagnes and discover its breathtaking landscapes, winter and summer alike, through 288 exceptionally illustrated pages. Welcome to Verbier.
You can order your copy on helvet.swiss for CHF 109.- (including shipping)
CULTURE
MUSEUMS ON THE MOVE!
Inaugurated in 1994 within a decommissioned factory in the Quartier des Bains, the Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (MAMCO) will be closing its doors for renovations for the next four years, along with the Centre d’Art Contemporain and the Centre de la Photographie, which are in the same building. After its transformation, the BAC (Bâtiment d’Art Contemporain) will feature communal spaces shared by all three institutions. In the meantime, the latest exhibition, MAMCO, from Memory, gives visitors a chance to discover iconic works chosen by the public from its vast inventory (until December 22). Entry is free for all (and keep an eye out for special outdoor programming)! Spring 2025 will also welcome the grand reopening of two other Genevan institutions: the Bodmer Foundation and the Natural History Museum of Geneva. mamco.ch | © Kuehn Malvezzi
ECOLOGY
GENEVA AND THE TREES
Each year, almost 1% of Geneva’s trees have to be cut down due to a variety of reasons (sickness, decline, weather damage, development projects, etc.). Since 2020, the city’s Green Spaces Department has been replanting three trees for each one that is lost — in the same place, if possible, or elsewhere in the city. It’s an efficient way to combat both land artificialization and summer’s urban heat islands. This winter, some 645 seedlings will be put in the ground, composed of at least one hundred different botanical and ornamental species of trees (50% of which are indigenous). geneve.ch
GASTRONOMY AN ASSUREDLY GREEN RESTAURANT
Restaurant Amarante is found within the very heart of Geneva’s Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, in perfect harmony with the space. The young team at the helm proposes committed, organic, sustainable and seasonal cuisine, working closely with local producers to highlight aromatic plants that are otherwise often overlooked. “These constraints are what stimulates our creativity”, says Chef Aurélien Guala. The team aims for zero waste and offers new dishes to discover every week. Even the furniture here is thrifted or upcycled from abandoned farms. It’s more than a restaurant: it’s an ideal. amarantegeneve.ch
WATCHMAKING
GENEVA’S TIME FOR WATCHES & WONDERS
Maison Bulgari and six independent creators are the newest to join Geneva’s Watches & Wonders for its next edition. This annual trade show for the watch and jewellery industry takes place April 1-7 at the Palexpo Convention Centre, with 60 exhibiting brands on display — a new record! In 2024, the salon already broke records, welcoming the highest number of visitors in its history (49,000). The 2025 edition will highlight fresh perspectives by honouring trainees, new graduates and young talent. It’s the perfect opportunity to discover a new dream job… and maybe even learn a thing or two!
watchesandwonders.com
Active rhythm
Interview with Charlotte de Senarclens
Charlotte de Senarclens is an art historian, who’s deeply invested in Geneva’s cultural scene, and the President of the Board of Trustees of the Orchestre de la Suisse Romande since 2021. She believes in “total engagement” to benefit this internationally renowned symphony orchestra, which was founded in 1918.
Text Yannick Nardin
Photos Grégory Maillot
Geneva is a jack of all trades, known as an international capital, a financial hub, an academic and research centre, and a city of rich history and culture. What does it mean to you to be Genevan? I’m proud of my roots and feel lucky to play a role in the legacy of such an iconic Genevan cultural institution. It’s important to me to be connected to this municipality, and that’s influenced all of my actions over the past decade. Going beyond the cultural component, which is at the heart of what I do, everything that has contributed to this city’s development is near and dear to my heart.
What drew you to work in the cultural field? I love art in all its forms. It’s part of our humanity, it allows us to feel all kinds of emotions and experience beauty. Live music especially does that… I really cherish those moments of listening along with a room full of people, where everyone is experiencing the same thing.
How would you describe your role as the President of the Board of Trustees? The OSR is a century-old institution that’s been shaped by many different personalities. I’m simply part of that bigger story. My role is to allow the Board to make the right decisions, and to garner support from leadership. I build relationships with patrons, donors and sponsors, along with political allies. I hope the orchestra feels like the Board provides the budgetary means they need to be able to excel at what they do.
Founded in 1918 by principal conductor Ernest Ansermet, the OSR is composed of 112 permanent musicians that represent 22 different nationalities. Under British conductor Jonathan Nott’s leadership (since 2017), the orchestra plays over 80 concerts every year, a quarter of which are played abroad.
I’m always fully engaged and, to ensure I stay relevant, I always try to know as much as possible about the day-today activities of the OSR. I attend almost every concert they play, and I travel with the orchestra when they must travel. That allows me to better understand their expectations, needs and ultimately, what a musician’s job really entails.
Are you basically the Board of Trustees’ conductor? The OSR already has a conductor (laughs)! But I see what you mean: My main role is to listen, but I also have to own the authority and responsibility of making decisions.
You were unanimously re-elected; to what do you attribute that success? I’m very touched by that vote of confidence, but I’m also very conscious of the responsibility that comes with it. I think the Board was aware of my affection for the role, my availability and my commitment to it.
I think I also bring a sense of peace, which was not solely my doing, because the orchestra is doing particularly well at the moment: the concert halls are full, and season ticket sales are up. The musicians are empowered by the people’s loyalty, which inspires them to continue to improve their performances.
The Cité de la Musique concerts, which were a kind of residency for the OSR, were discontinued in 2021, not long after you became President. How did OSR bounce back from that? A lot of people were sad about those being discontinued, but we moved beyond that and found other ways to empower the OSR to carry on its mission. A series of small — and big! — miracles took place after that. A building right next to Victoria Hall became available to rent. We got the authorization we needed to build a doorway and connect the two buildings, and a patron graciously sponsored that
project. Thanks to that, all the artists who perform at Victoria Hall now benefit from more space and simplified logistics.
How does the 100-year-old orchestra stay in tune with the times? The OSR continues to emphasize its classical repertoire while also going off the beaten path so we can reach other new audiences. We reach around 20,000 young people in Geneva each year through our school activities and public offerings, which include our “Series in family” for ages seven and up, and our “Series for little ears” for ages 4 and up. We’ve developed the OSR Festival, in August, at the Genève-Plage pool, and we propose film concerts. We’ve also expanded our collaborations with local partners, for example with the Les Créatives Festival. I really believe this diversification makes us stronger.
The OSR even played a concert in hologram form! Those kinds of innovative ideas are driven by our General Director, Steve Roger, who handles the operational side of the OSR. He is full of ideas and helps us see into the future! The hologram allowed us to perform classical music for an audience that otherwise wouldn’t listen to classical music. Innovation is part of the OSR’s DNA; we were, after all, the first orchestra ever to be recorded in stereo in the 1950s.
Another modern evolution within the OSR is that the Assistant Director position is only open to women. Why is that? Well, it’s a mathematical fact that women are underrepresented in the orchestra’s leadership. If we really want that reality to change, we need to do something different to impact what the future will look like. I see it as a way to encourage more balance, but also as a path to fostering more long-term connections between talented artists and the OSR.
osr.ch
The art of fine dining
Gourmet escapades in Geneva
Of all the arts, which is the most powerful? In the same way a painter responds to their eye and a musician their ear, gastronomy plays on all our senses. Taste, sight, smell — even sound and touch — in the kitchen, they all work as one. The proof is in the pictures, here by Genevan culinary photographer Guillaume Cottancin, who believes that if food looks beautiful, it’s bound to taste good!
Text Claude Hervé-Bazin
Photos Guillaume Cottancin
Geneva is a global metropolis that’s also one of the most culinary diverse cities in the world — even more so than some of the biggest cities in the United States! It also has one of the highest number of tables per capita with some 2,500 addresses registered with the Société des Cafetiers, Restaurateurs et Hôteliers de Genève; a 50% increase since the early 2000s.
On the menu is an increasing number of (very) fine tables, led by artistic chefs, decorated with Michelin stars, and located in some of the planet’s most stunning establishments. Competition is fierce in the sector for attracting a Genevan clientele, known for their demanding, epicurean tastes. The winning recipe is a perfect blend of high-quality, seasonal products that are as fresh and locally sourced as possible. Of course, a touch of exotic flair is also welcome and enjoyed.
In this industry, the only limits are those the chefs place upon their own imaginations, with infinite ingredients
awaiting any number of possible transformations. The most important thing in fine dining is to build a loyal following while reinventing the menu often enough to surprise guests with each visit. Taste is important, of course, but aesthetics are just as crucial, requiring constant reinforcement.
Storytelling is a key part of the experience offered by these establishments. It’s not about simply eating well… it’s about living a personalized experience, free from yesteryear’s formalities. Why not enjoy it at the chef’s table in the kitchen, surrounded by intertwining smells, simmering sauces and the clang of pots and pans? The restaurant is the narrator of these stories, accompanying you through a setting composed of dishware, ambiance and interior design. Every detail matters. The four locales highlighted below — chosen from many who also could have made the list — are guaranteed to take you on a spectacular culinary journey.
guillaumecottancin.com
FISKEBAR
Chef Francesca Fucci
Within the elegant Ritz-Carlton Hotel de la Paix, Fiskebar sums up Geneva nicely: an embassy of flavour, a halfway point that merges “the essence of Nordic gastronomy with the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean”, punctuated with harmonizing Asian notes. Originally from Apulia, Italy, Chef Francesca Fucci loves surprising diners with her refined techniques as much as she loves to pull from her olfactory memories, rooted in foraging adventures with her father. She embraces traditional Scandinavian smoking and curing. The informal raw oak in the dining room is reminiscent of Nordic fish markets, complete with slate tables and ceramic wallmounted suns, large windows that overlook Lake Geneva, and the open kitchen with a counter that displays the daily catch. Below the counter, neatly arranged stacks of fresh produce fill wooden crates. Nature’s greens, peels, and mousses decorate the plates, a tribute to the restaurant’s use of locally grown organic produce and zero-waste practices.
fiskebar.ch
Rhubarb scroll filled with hibiscus, strawberry and Gruyère cream.
A celebration of peas: green and snow peas, with fresh cheese and a drizzle of harissa.
ARAKEL
Chef Quentin Philippe
Every dish has a dedicated plate at Arakel, ranging from classically round to flower- or leaf-shaped. Recently reopened in 2024 after a year of reflection, the space is now divided in two distinct areas, each with their own unique ambiance and offering. One side features a cosy bar where one can enjoy small bites like a truffle croque-monsieur, while the other features an open gourmet kitchen and a counter-style chef’s table where lucky diners enjoy being alongside Chef Quentin Philippe. This 28-year-old leads a young, careful team that’s eager to revisit classic dining. Some favourites include fish, citrus fruits and spring vegetables, in addition to earthy delights like a tart of confit onion, beef jus and Gruyère fondue. The concept revolves around a single, highly aesthetic menu of four to six courses. It’s enough for the restaurant to be awarded 1 Michelin star and be named Discovery of the Year by Gault&Millau (15 points). Also on the menu: a vast wine list (1,200 options) and truly exceptional service.
arakel.ch
A delicate, crunchy asparagus tart.
Gambero rosso and fresh cucumber carpaccio.
Chef Olivier Jean
Two Michelin stars in two years! As Geneva’s only two-star establishment, this iconic restaurant within The Woodward Hotel is thriving under Chef Olivier Jean’s discreet yet powerful leadership. The Frenchman, who formerly trained with Annie-Sophie Pic and Alain Ducasse, is the youngest chef (only 27 years old) to have been tapped by Joël Robuchon in Taiwan, before he later relocated to Geneva. His strong bonds, hard work and incessant rigour have made him into the world-renowned chef he is today, a master who is famous for his exceptional purées, his take on Tournedos Rossini and his delicious seared blue lobster. His memorable cooking is complimented by a setting that features 36 high-top stools along the bar (the ideal place to sit), in an ambiance of red and black, where guests can watch him carry out every step of his graceful culinary compositions in the open kitchen. It’s a beautiful sight to behold! The menu highlights Mediterranean inspirations and many sharable delights.
oetkercollection.com
Steam puffed Gruyère AOP and black truffle soufflé.
Tricholoma mushroom spaghetti with a perfect Lignon egg.
Roasted Pyrenean suckling lamb, caramelised eggplant and pastoral greens.
Duck foie gras surprise with apricots from Valais.
Rhubarb jus panna cotta with hibiscus.
SACHI
Chef Mitsu
Sachi embodies warm feelings of happiness, bliss and good fortune. Located inside the Mandarin Oriental, Sachi welcomes you to Chef Mitsu’s table, a skilled student of the great Nobuyuki Matsuhisa (aka Nobu), who’s known for developing Nikkei cuisine in the 1970s, which blends Japanese and South American traditions and ingredients. Try the beef tataki accompanied with jalapeño sauce or the passion fruit ceviche, both of which highlight this chef’s deep expertise from the very first bite. The menu takes you on a deep journey into Japanese cuisine, highlighted by the signature main dish: delicate black cod with a yuzu miso sauce. The intimate Omakase Bar only seats a dozen people for a chef’s-choice lunch or dinner menu composed of six, eight or ten courses. Don’t forget that each dish is designed to be best enjoyed with its carefully selected sake pairing. With an Omakase dining experience (translated as “I’ll leave it up to you”), you can always expect the best seasonal offerings.
Artichoke salad with white truffle and pepper sauce.
Deconstructed Carabineros shrimp sashimi with kimizu and white truffle sauce.
Omakase dish as part of the tasting menu. Binchō-tan-grilled wagyu beef with a pepper sauce.
Genevan Hospitality: a time-honoured tradition
“Leisure clients are now the majority”
Text Philippe D. Monnier
Photo Marie Gala de Tena
Created in
1893,
the Société des Hôteliers de Genève is made up of ~90 establishments, which represent 85% of the city’s hotel capacity. We interviewed their President, Jean-Vital Domézon, who is also the Managing Director of the Hotel d’Angleterre.
How is the hotel industry doing in Geneva? 2023 was a record year with 3.5 million overnight stays, surpassing even our pre-pandemic records. This positive trend has continued in 2024, and we may even set a new record.
Since 2022, twelve new hotels have opened in Geneva, representing an 18% increase in the number of available rooms. For the 130 establishments in our municipality, that was nevertheless accompanied by a decrease in occupancy rate, especially in Geneva. On average, Geneva’s occupancy rate is 64%, which is low compared to the 70% and higher we experienced during strong years or the 90% rate seen in cities like New York.
How would you describe the typical Genevan hotel client? Before the pandemic, businessmen and women represented 70% of our clientele, with the remainder being leisure customers. However, during the pandemic, business customers became accustomed to meeting over video instead of in person, which led to significant corporate savings. Leisure clients thus became the majority of our customer base… which is not a bad thing for hotels because those clients generally pay more for their rooms, while business customers often receive high volume discounts.
What are the main opportunities and challenges facing the Genevan hotel industry? Geneva has a lot to offer and there is still a lot of room for Geneva tourism to grow. One
of the challenges we face is that some Geneva residents fear overtourism, as we saw when they opposed extending the duration of the Fêtes de Genève.
Another challenge we face is staff recruitment and retention. Many employees quit our industry during the pandemic to pursue other less demanding careers. Luckily, things are progressively getting better and having a minimum wage salary of 26 CHF an hour (4,090 CHF gross per month) certainly does help with recruitment, even if it impacts hotel finances.
Do geopolitical tensions impact hotel occupancy rates?
Our clientele is from all over Switzerland (26%), the United States (13%), the United Kingdom (8%) and France (9%). The Gulf countries only represent 6% of our clientele. As a result, the impact of the conflicts in the Middle East — and in Russia and Ukraine — on our occupancy rates has been minimal.
What do you think of online platforms like Booking.com, Expedia and TripAdvisor? As far as online reservation platforms go, Booking.com and Expedia are a kind of necessary evil. I would even go so far as to say they are actually essential because they generate between 30% to 50% of Geneva’s hotel reservations. Because they are so dominant, they are often able to impose hefty commission fees and enforce price parity (not because of contractual agreements, simply because they have strong bargaining power).
Platforms like TripAdvisor are equally essential because they often guide customers when they’re choosing a hotel. I not only read all the comments related to my hotel on TripAdvisor, but I am also proud to say that I personally respond to them, and I take them very seriously. The only downside is that in some cases, certain clients can use the comments as a form of blackmail.
What about the disappearance of the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS)? In the past, there were four big trade shows that took place in Geneva the first six months of the year: GIMS, Vitafoods, Watches and Wonders, and EBACE (the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition). There are only two of them that still take place today. In my opinion, it’s essential for our city to attract new trade shows, especially during the first few months of the year, which tend to be slower periods for most of the hotels.
I know that when there’s high demand, the cost of a room can double, but our organisation encourages Genevan hotels to be reasonable in an effort to increase the appeal of those kinds of events. We also encourage the organisers of Watches and Wonders to extend the number of public event days over a longer period, so that all of their visitors can get a hotel room in Geneva instead of having to go across the border.
What national and municipal entities are responsible for attracting clients for Genevan hotels and how are they financed? On that note, Geneva Tourism plays a major role, despite having a budget that is significantly smaller than their counterparts in Zurich. Nonetheless, Geneva has a natural disadvantage: we have a lake, a rich history and beautiful shopping, but we don’t have snow-covered mountains that are part of that typical postcard image many tourists want to see when they come to Switzerland. Despite that, Geneva still accounts for around 10% of the tourism in Switzerland.
The Geneva tourism office is financed by tourism taxes (which are billed to all hotel clients) and by a tourism promotion tax (which is paid by all the businesses who benefit from tourism). However, that funding is insufficient, and we need to increase the budget, notably so we can increase Geneva’s visibility to be more on par with Switzerland Tourism.
What does the future of Geneva’s hotel sector have in store? I see the future very positively, even though I’m expecting a few readjustments. Because there are more rooms on offer in the city, we should see a reduction in room prices, and there are also numerous renovations taking place which I think will contribute to boosting Geneva’s attraction as a tourism destination in the future.
AFTER NOON TEAS
When winter’s weariness strikes, as Lake Geneva dons its silver coat and all good reasons to leave the house seem to vanish, let’s take inspiration from the English — the masters of gloomy weather — and their secret to braving the cold: chic afternoon tea.
Text Samia Tawil
Photos Hôtel d’Angleterre
WINDOWS RESTAURANT (HÔTEL D’ANGLETERRE)
Hôtel d’Angleterre is Geneva’s pioneering reference when it comes to high tea. Expect succulent finger sandwiches and pastries, fine teas and coffees, and why not a coupe of Ruinart champagne to top it off! Do not skip the warm, moist scones accompanied by jam and double cream from Gruyère — a match made in heaven that even the Brits rave about! High tea here feels more like a spa treatment than ordering off a menu. The magnificent view of the lake through the cozy salon’s large windows is fit for royalty, creating an ideal ambiance for intimate moments with friends and loved ones. Bonus: the caring and attentive staff here won’t judge or fuss, even if you and your friends make a sudden entrance or burst into song in homage to the Spice Girls. dangleterrehotel.com
LE LOTI (LA RÉSERVE GENÈVE HOTEL AND SPA)
In a similar vein, every afternoon starting at 15:00, Le Loti proposes a gourmet English high tea service, complete with delightful sweet and savoury pastries from Chef PierreAlain Rouchon. The hotel’s large salon is dotted with lush greenery and 19th century Orientalism art pieces, complete with wide, cozy armchairs and couches that encourage settling in and getting comfortable with friends and family. The welcoming ambiance is also complimented by a few semi-private islands towards the back, which are perfect for more informal business meetings. If you find your negotiations are needing a boost, a coupe of Michel Reybier champagne might just seal the deal! lareserve-geneve.com
37 (THE WOODWARD)
The Woodward’s new cocktail bar 37 — which was quickly noticed by Gault&Millau, despite its discretion — offers a distinctly New-York, Sex-and-the-City vibe, with layers of tartan and red velvet. But a Cosmo is far too banal for this joint. Turn instead to mixologist Maxwell Britten, direct from Manhattan, who offers a host of unique signature cocktails. And when it comes to food, 37’s gourmet menu beautifully marries savoury delights from Chef Olivier Jean (2 Michelin stars) and sweet pastries from Chef Titouan Claudet, who was named 2025 Pastry Chef of the Year by Gault&Millau. Accompanied by a mocktail or cocktail, this is one high tea experience that’s a pure sensory delight. On Thursday evenings, enjoy jazzy concerts that will soothe your soul. oetkercollection.com
CHEZ PHILIPPE
Chez Philippe is truly a unique exception to the more traditional high teas that are on offer in Geneva. Tucked into the first floor of the Passage des Lions, this very artsy Genevan steakhouse proposes a distinctly American afternoon break, complete with passionfruit cheesecake, caramel truffle popcorn madeleines and other delightfully surprising creations by Pastry Chef Manuel Pereira. Reminiscent of a big city roof deck, the tops of the buildings along the Rue du Rhône dazzle from behind the windows, giving the entire establishment the aura of a restaurant in the heart of New York City’s Columbus Circle. Teatime here is sure to brighten even the dreariest of your winter days! chezphilippe.ch
Switzerland embraces nomadic lifestyles
The art of merging professional freedom and the great outdoors
Text Samia Tawil
Photos Kseniya Polishchuk
The popularity of nomadism has been on the rise in recent years — even more so since the global health crisis. During the pandemic, many people got used to a hybrid way of life, with mornings of remote work done in Birkenstocks followed by an afternoon spent skiing the sunny slopes. Freedom in flexibility!
Places like Bali, Mexico, Dubai and Mallorca have nomad havens over the past few years. A promise of a better life, experienced far from home. A response to our growing need to rediscover freedom, heightened by the burnout generation who — terrified of being caught up in a deadly routine — have found themselves somewhere between a career change and a midlife crisis. Cross-border working has given digital nomads a chance to prove to even the most sceptical that, yes, it is indeed possible to combine business and pleasure.
LIVING THE MOUNTAIN HIGH LIFE
In this new world, Switzerland has emerged as an ideal destination, a golden promise for nature-loving nomads. High-altitude ski resorts like Zermatt, Verbier and Crans-Montana quickly realised they needed to meet the needs of this new demographic with connected cafés and coworking spaces. Neil Beecroft, founder of PuraWorka, immediately understood the attraction of Switzerland for workers on the go, having opened the first coworking space in Zermatt and later a second location in Sion, tailored towards a more corporate client. “Switzerland’s high quality of living, safety and breathtaking landscapes offer an exceptional backdrop for digital nomads”, said Neil. “In Zermatt, our space is characterized by a relaxed atmosphere and has a greater focus on outdoor activities, which tends to attract a community of adventurers and creatives who are looking for peace and inspiration while they work in the heart of the Alps”, said Neil.
And Neil Beecroft knows what he’s talking about! As a digital nomad with multiple jobs himself, he splits his time each year between his coworking locations, Valais, Lausanne and Portugal, where he has taken up surfing when he’s not working in his usual field of sustainability for sports events. Powered by his own personal experience, he highlights the growing popularity of nomadic lifestyles: “Since the pandemic, we’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of remote workers and digital nomads. That trend has persisted beyond the end of lockdown and that way of life is only continuing to attract more and more people. We saw an increase in the number of people using our spaces from 2021 to 2023, which confirms that flexible, nomadic work is here to stay as a long-term change”.
Other towns in Switzerland have taken a more contemplative approach to the remote work trend. Take Lenk, for example, where Andy Stofferis has created a space for coworking and coliving, as he’s fond of both. In this kind of location, which is less upscale and mostly surrounded by farms and agricultural production, digital nomads bring a breath of fresh air to a small town atmosphere.
THE CULTURAL DRAW OF CAPITAL CITIES
Switzerland also attracts those who love the city lifestyle. In that regard, Zurich is an ideal location for people who want the best of all worlds, as a centre of finance and technology that also has a well-established café lifestyle, rich cultural offerings and a thriving nightlife. The number of digital
nomads who gathered last summer at the Seebad Enge swimming area, in bathing suits behind their laptops, combined with a few teleworkers who had escaped the office, goes to show there’s no limit to creatively reconciling what seems to be irreconcilable!
The more alternative city of Basel (aka the Swiss Berlin) attracts the artsy nomads: writers, designers and other art industry types looking to grow their networks.
In Geneva, a host of specialised coffee shops and coworking spaces have opened in the past decade. There’s the very corporate Spaces Works, with strategically placed locations at Quai de l’Ile, the main train station, Nations and in the eco-neighbourhood Quartier de l’Étang near the airport. There’s also the funkier Impact Hub, which hosts a weekly healthy community lunch event known as Wednesday’s Sexy Salad. And of course, there’s the local’s choice: Café Voisins, which welcomes a mixed crowd of nomads, entrepreneurs and Genevan freelancers.
SWISS NOMADS ABROAD: A GREAT ESCAPE!
Of course, the opposite phenomenon also exists, and many Swiss people have embraced a nomadic lifestyle that takes them far beyond our country’s borders, testing the limits of reliable international wifi to enjoy half the year in the snow and the other half in the shade of some palm trees.
Found in all four corners of the globe, the Regus network features a dozen coworking spaces in Geneva alone.
Neil Beecroft has seen it firsthand in the statistics from his third establishment, an eco-resort and coliving space in Lombok (an island near Bali) that opened in the heart of Covid, and which is very popular among the Swiss. “Lombok is unique for its serenity and is ideal for people who love surfing, yoga and hiking. Our location there welcomes a diverse community of Swiss digital nomads who are often working in fields like web development, digital marketing and other creative professions”.
Some Swiss digital nomads choose to settle in their new host country, welcoming their European family and friends for delightful vacations abroad. Others invest while also making sure they keep one foot firmly planted in Switzerland. Nicolas Cheneve, the owner of Magnitude Construction, which specialises in the construction of luxury villas in Bali’s Ubud region, explains: “The majority of our investors are millennials, many of whom work in digital professions and around 30% of whom are Swiss!”
Beyond all rational explanations, these nomads-nowturned-expats seem to offer us all a lesson in happiness and the courage it takes to go after it. It’s no easy task to be far from where you grew up, often on your own, forging an entirely new path. But perhaps that’s a trivial sacrifice for those who believe in seizing the opportunity to live out their dreams… while they still can.
Women of the wine world
When daughters succeed their winemaker fathers
Text Isabelle Guignet
In Geneva’s winemaking world, women are increasingly stepping into the spotlight, bringing with them fresh perspectives and uniquely female sensibilities. Armed with modern and ancestral savoir-faire, these passionate winemakers make refined wines that diversify local production while capturing the essence of the region’s terroir.
Photos Richard Martinez
Émilienne Hutin Zumbach, Sarah Meylan Favre and Sophie Dugerdil bring their unique touch to winemaking, while honouring the ancestral know-how passed on to them from their fathers. A tribute to the terroir’s drinkable memories.
The Canton of Geneva is home to almost 120 different wineries that span 1,400 hectares of vineyards, making it one of Switzerland’s most consequential winegrowing regions. Around 30 of these wineries are run by women, either as a solo endeavour or in partnership with a man. While 25% may not seem like a lot, it is most surely an improvement. Historically, the physically demanding nature of winemaking was considered a man’s job — a reflection of society’s traditionally defined gender roles.
*BOLGHERI DOC SUPERIORE ORNELLAIA TENUTA DELL‘ORNELLAIA 2020, 75 CL 215.–(10 CL = 28.67)
*CHAMPAGNE AOC DOM PÉRIGNON VINTAGE 2012, BRUT, 75 CL 229.–(10 CL = 30.53) 95 Robert Parker 96 Wine Spectator
75 CL 135.–(10 CL = 18.–)
96 Decanter
*AMARONE DELLA VALPOLICELLA CLASSICO DOC MAZZANO MASI AGRICOLA 2013,
FEMALE WINEMAKERS
In case there was any lingering doubt, today, winemaking is as much a woman’s job as a man’s. We spotlight three Genevan women winemakers who run their family-owned estates and have successfully used technology to enhance their ancestral family know-how.
“The man by which the terroir makes its wine”. So goes the Hutin family maxim, which speaks volumes of their work at their estate in Dardagny. Émilienne Hutin Zumbach is the 5th generation to be at the helm of the family winery, where she enjoys working in their 19 hectares of biodynamically treated vineyards with her son Guillaume. She is particularly proud of the 2024 gold medals they received at the Chasselas World Cup (Aigle) and the Concours International du Gamay (Lyon), awards for two grape varieties considered to be a “safe bet”. The reward means even more when one considers the incredibly tough competition they were up against. It’s also worth noting that the winery was invited to join “Mémoire des Vins Suisses”, a prestigious association for select Swiss winemakers: an honour that deserves a toast!
The same holds true for the nine-hectare Domaine Dugerdil Dardagny (DDD) estate, which has been run with finesse and care by oenologist and winemaker Sophie Dugerdil since 2004. Having received the revered “bud” label from Bio Suisse, here, herbicides and synthetic treatments are forbidden. The winery grows 15 distinct grape varieties and makes around 25 different wines, hence the slogan “One land, a thousand flavours”. Sophie is particularly proud of the IndiGenève line, which forgoes commercial yeasts in favour of indigenous yeasts that encourage spontaneous fermentation.
Meanwhile in Cologny, the Domaine de la Vigne Blanche estate boasts over 100 years of Meylan family history. The farm had its beginnings as a dairy and produced milk until 1970, when Roger Meylan planted the very first vine, “En la Vigne Blanche” (hence the wine estate’s name). In 2002, his daughter Sarah Meylan Favre, who’s an oenologist by training, joined him until she eventually took over the winery’s operations in 2014. She has since diversified the wine farm’s offering, expanding from two 1970 vines to 14 grape varieties today. In 2016, she was also awarded the Bio Suisse “bud” label, making her yet another incredible female winemaker whose vines and wines embody her passion.
L’Esprit de Genève
Gamay, Syrah and Garanoir all play a role, aged in oak barrels that give the wine lovely tannins, round body and notes of spices, with astonishing freshness on the palate.
Ros’Attitude
The result of a natural hybrid between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc, this full-bodied rosé is anything but typical, boasting complex aromas and a freshness that’s ideal for the summer months.
Sauvignon Blanc
Made with one of the world’s most well-known varieties, this Sauvignon has powerful citrus notes and pairs beautifully with goat and semi-hard cheeses.
HELLO VERBIER
ACTIVITY
STREET ART AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
Art lovers now have a dedicated app to guide them on walking art tours throughout the city. The app turns Geneva into a true open-air museum, featuring 300 public art pieces that are on display from the city’s Contemporary Art Fund collection. The free app also offers themed walking routes, allows users to geolocate the installations closest to them, and offers interesting information about each art piece.
artpublic-fmac.ch
FESTIVAL
ANTIGEL ROCKS OUT TO EASE
WINTER’S CHILL
Antigel Festival’s founding mission is to decentralise culture and spread it far and wide throughout the Genevan region (including neighbouring Haute-Savoie) via affordably priced events. Dance, theatre, music, sports, clubbing and installations await at this festival that is all fire and flame, and which casts a wide net to include all sorts of (often surprising!) venues. The 2025 edition, which marks the festival’s 15 th anniversary, will take place from February 6-March 1. The two headliners are The Libertines — an iconic British indie rock duo (on February 13 at the Salle du Lignon) — and Kompromat, another trendy techno cold-wave duo (on February 22 at the Alhambra).
antigel.ch
GASTRONOMY A MUSICAL BRUNCH IN THE SPLENDID GRAND
THÉÂTRE
The Grand Théâtre’s Sunday buffet concept has made a comeback. From mid-October 2024 until June 1, 2025, this Genevan landmark will host a monthly brunch in its sumptuous foyer. It’s a fantastic opportunity to enjoy delicious food beneath the chandeliers and frescos while soaking up beautiful musical interludes inspired by the current programme. Reservations are required and can be made until noon on the Friday prior.
gtg.ch/la-plage/le-grand-brunch
MOBILITY
GENEVA: MORE THAN EVER THE HEART OF THE WORLD
Fall and winter welcome exciting new options for air travel. Swiss International Air Lines has launched new daily flights to Berlin and increased flights to Scandinavia — as have easyjet, Norwegian and SAS. Seems like the perfect excuse to say hello to Santa in Rovaniemi or to chase the Northern Lights in Tromsø! Air Mauritius has also returned to Geneva Airport, with two daily direct flights from October to April. And starting March 31, it will even be possible to fly nonstop to Tbilisi, Georgia! gva.ch
The Top Cocktail Bars
Text Isabelle Guignet
Photos Guillaume Cottancin
Bars in Geneva vie with one another to be the most stylish and charming. Discover the city’s trendiest locales for enjoying a cocktail… or two.
3. 37 (THE WOODWARD)
Inspired by its sister concept, Bar Bastion in New York City, 37 is set within one of the Woodward mansion’s stunning verandas, offering breathtaking views of Lake Geneva. This piano bar features creative cocktails like an Apricot Sonata or a Mont Blanc Royale. Olivier Jean and Titouan Claudet, of l’Atelier Robuchon, have also crafted an exceptional “bar bites” menu that includes shrimp cromesquis and lemongrass tuna tartare. Your tastebuds will thank you!
Quai Wilson 37, 022 901 37 00
1. THE MO BAR (MANDARIN ORIENTAL)
This elegant and sophisticated bar underwent a recent redesign, featuring warm English-style wood panelling. House mixologists propose an exquisite selection of unique cocktails and mocktails, crafted using infusions and teas inspired by the Silk Road. Here, quality ingredients and eco-friendly practices reign — even the coffee grounds are preserved and transformed into syrup, which you can enjoy in the Espresso Martini! Don’t forget to try the unforgettable MO club sandwich.
Quai Turrettini 1, 022 909 00 00
Open Monday-Friday 09:00-01:00 Saturday and Sunday 10:30-01:00 mandarinoriental.com
2. FRED BY FISKEBAR (RITZ CARLTON)
The quirky style of Fiskebar celebrates cosmopolitan lifestyle and local glamour, bridging cultures with a global art collection and a touch of Scandinavian mysticism felt across the menu and eight signature cocktails. These experimental, “interactive” drinks are inspired by Nordic fables and traditions. Even the herbal aquavits are served with a traditional pipette. Enhance your experience by indulging in a selection of small Scandinavian bites.
Quai du Mont-Blanc 11, 022 909 60 71
Open daily from 17:00-00:00 fiskebar.ch
Open daily from 10:30-00:00 oetkercollection.com
4. ALBERTINE (BEAU-RIVAGE)
Albertine pays homage to Albertine Mayer, the wife of JeanJacques Mayer and co-founder of the Beau-Rivage Genève. The refined atmosphere features gorgeous views of the lake from the terrace, and cozy couch seating near the fireplace, making Albertine the ideal place to relax over a cocktail or a chic gourmet lunch. Expect an expertly curated selection of exotic signature cocktails, fine wines and rare spirits.
Quai du Mont-Blanc 13, 022 716 69 40
Open daily from 10:30-00:00 beau-rivage.com
5. HELIA (OLD TOWN)
It’s been three years since Helia came to life in one of Geneva’s most dynamic Old Town plazas. This floral bar offers natural and organic wines along with a rotating menu of delightful, seasonal cocktails, like the Wino: an elixir that incorporates whiskey, cherry liquor and red wine. The menu also includes a selection of Swiss craft beers and sublime snack plates that highlight a range of local delicacies.
Pl. du Bourg-de-Four 14, 022 314 47 61
Open weekdays from 08:00 (09:00 on weekends) Closes at 00:00 (02:00 on Fridays and Saturdays) Instagram : @helia.bar
Florian Steiger
An entrepreneur’s journey
Text Claude Hervé-Bazin
Photos Dayane Photographie | Steiger & Cie
Florian Steiger went from the music industry to mountain luxury real estate and created one of the sector’s most important companies in the process. It’s a story of passion, inspired by his love for the summits and his expert attention to detail that’s visible in all of his team’s latest projects.
We are not born entrepreneurs; we become them. Our influences and choices define the path. Florian Steiger fell into entrepreneurship when he was young, as his family’s day-today revolved around hotels in Engadine and businesses in Schwyz and Bâle. Their lives were peppered with stories and challenges — many of which were shared when they gathered for general meetings. In the summer, young Florian, who is German and lived with his parents in Fribourg, would return to central Switzerland for the holidays. It was a chance to reunite with his 14 cousins at his maternal grandmother’s large chalet on the shores of Lake Sihl. One day, the children found the key to their grandfather’s old factory, which “made for an epic playground”, Florian recalled.
A DEEPLY ROOTED LOVE OF MUSIC
Whether in Schwyz, the Bernese Alps or Grisons, Florian made sure he stayed close to the mountains as he loved to ski and snowboard. But, as a teenager, his biggest draw was pop and rock music. The radio industry was in full swing,
with DRS3 and Couleur 3 at the helm. Then came Radio Sarine/Saane, the first Fribourg-based station, where the young man volunteered to host his own music show.
Needing money to buy the records he wanted to play on his show, he took a job at a record store. His family’s DNA bubbled to the surface: rather than deal with manual lists, he developed a software to manage the store’s inventory. His achievement was recognized by La Placette (what is now Manor), who offered him a job managing a dozen of aisles of CDs and DVDs throughout French-speaking Switzerland, even though he was barely an adult. His plans to study architecture passed by the wayside. When he was 19 years old, he opened his own record distribution company.
AN UNEXPECTED CAREER CHANGE
Florian met with success for the next 15 years, but, as technology evolved, he sensed difficulties ahead. In the early 2000s he sold his part of the business. He was in his 30s
The FENDI Private Residences, which are currently being built in Crans-Montana, are located just above the centre of the ski resort at the edge of the fir tree forest.
now, his daughter had just been born, his wife was pursuing her goal of becoming a cardiologist, and his future was a blank slate. Freed from managing his own company, Florian rediscovered his love for the mountains and the joy of pushing oneself to the limit. He was drawn to Valais, hiking and mountaineering.
What happened next was pure coincidence. One of Florian’s friends, a real estate agent, had a client looking to build a chalet in Verbier. An opportunity to realize that there was a lack of service-oriented companies offering to fully manage projects like this from start to finish. As demand for this service grew, the music specialist found himself transformed into a mountain real estate specialist... a throwback to his 18-year-old self, who had wanted to study architecture.
THE BOOM OF MOUNTAIN REAL ESTATE
True entrepreneurial genius is said to be a matter of being in the right place at the right time. In Verbier, Zermatt and Crans-Montana, demand was skyrocketing, leading to a rapid development of what would become Steiger&Cie. So, what’s Florian’s secret? “Knowing how to build talented teams that are heavily invested in their jobs”. Thanks to that perspective, a truly unique real estate company took shape: rather than offering brokerage services, Steiger&Cie takes full responsibility of a project, handling every step of the development and management of mountain real estate assets, freeing property owners and investors from the most tedious taks. The entire lifecycle of the project is taken care of from A to Z. It’s a holistic approach that, little by little, has grown to include other offerings like tax and administrative services (which are in high demand by non-resident property owners). Steiger&Cie has also developed partnerships with the Sion-based architecture firm Comina and Sotheby’s International Realty — which greatly increased their visibility.
As bold as always, Florian invested in two entities specialised in short-term rentals of the large, luxurious chalets that had sprung up in the mountains (Bramble Ski, Haute
Montagne), developing five-star hotel services for his clients that include a concierge, chauffeur and in-house chefs. This also led to the creation of a specialized travel agency, Leo Trippi, which won the World’s Best Ski Travel Agent award for the 10th consecutive time in 2023. Today, Steiger&Cie is involved in every aspect of luxury mountain real estate. What’s more, these businesses — which manage hundreds of properties throughout the Alps — have become leaders in their field, propelled by the impacts of Covid, the shift towards remote work, and increased migration to places that offer healthy and safe living.
AMBITIOUS, LARGE-SCALE PROJECTS
The exceptional process developed by Steiger&Cie is evident in the company’s latest project in Crans-Montana: the FENDI Private Residences. The project was born in partnership with the family owners of the former Hôtel Alpina & Savoy and the Italian fashion brand Fendi, who will spearhead the interior design. Their ambition is to “redefine luxury living in harmony with the surrounding environment, seamlessly blending nature and architecture”.
Expected to be completed in 2026, the FENDI Private Residences are composed of a dozen residential units and several hotel suites, housed in three buildings inspired by chalets, built into the landscape. The contemporary and sophisticated aesthetic embraces tradition, merging carved Valmalenco stone and floor-to-ceiling oak wood panelling, designed by Marco Costanzi, who previously developed the FENDI Private Suites in Rome. Of note are the panoramic spa, the concierge services and the in-house, private chefs.
Other projects in Verbier and Zermatt are being developed in parallel, which involve repurposing two former hotels. Yet another indication of the fundamentally entrepreneurial character that drives Florian Steiger and the company he has dedicated his life to building.
steigercie.ch
Estelle Lagarde
Full-time gouache artist and dealer of colour
How does one create jewellery? By depicting it first, of course. This is where Estelle Lagarde comes in, a freelance jewellery and watch render artist, who works for some of the biggest brands out there. Based in Geneva, she confirms she’s exactly where she’s always wanted to be.
Text and photos Isabelle Guignet
In this close-knit industry, it’s almost impossible not to know who Estelle Lagarde is. She works with some of the biggest jewellery- and watch-making brands to transform their ideas into hyper-realistic (and extremely precise) renderings, which become the basis for their creations. She spends days workings on minute details, with a panache that requires highly technical skill and exceptional artistic talent.
She built her self-made empire on social media, where she details both her professional life and her mental health recovery journey (after suffering from depression).
Now in her 30s, this young woman from Savoy hasn’t always had an easy life. She didn’t enjoy school and would have failed as a teen had she not found a “super cool” internship with a local artisan who specialised in Savoie Cross pendants. It was a turning point in her life, followed by training at a specialised school and an apprenticeship at Van Cleef & Arpels in Paris. Precious jewels sparkled in her eyes, and she was offered a full-time position — an offer that cannot be refused. She honed her gouache skills in Paris, and then her watch dial enamel skills in Meyrin at the then brand-new Campus Genevois de Haute Horlogerie, where her employer had moved some of its workshops. Thus began her connection to the city of Geneva and her path towards freelancing.
WELCOME TO GENEVA
Close to where she grew up (and still lives) in Haute-Savoie, Geneva helped Estelle flourish. She explored the length and breadth of city, looking for (and finding!) inspiration on the quais — the paths that run alongside the shores of Lake Geneva — near the Pont de la Machine bridge. Her favourite spot is a simple bench in the Jardin Anglais with a view of the lake. “Whenever I stop there, I feel replenished”, she said.
As time passed, her network of watch industry contacts grew, feeding her inspiration and learnings further. One person in particular has marked her more than others: François-Henry Bennahmias, the former CEO of Audemars Piguet and her “guardian angel”, as she calls him. Sweet, shy Estelle wanted everything to be perfect when she presented her work to him in Brassus, so she created a monumental work of art as a surprise. With tears in her eyes, the artist recalls the phenomenal moment she gave it to him. “I could tell he knew that I had a difficult past,” she confided. The caring CEO was touched by her work and encouraged her to fight for what she wanted. “It felt like he believed in me and what he said about my work really boosted my confidence. It was exactly what I needed to hear to keep pushing myself to new heights!”
lagardejewelrydrawing.fr
Precision and emotion drive Estelle
work, a medium of expression that she takes pleasure in exploring. Seen here: her bewitching Frozen collection.
Lagarde’s
High jewellery
The ultimate in creativity, challenge and technicality, high jewellery (or “Haute Joaillerie”) is the pinnacle of creation for the great jewellery houses. This world of supreme luxury embodies the true excellence and skill of its craftsmen, requiring exceptional know-how, innovation, rare precious stones and sophisticated techniques. This is when jewellery transforms from a simple adornment into a symbol, a moment of history and a work of art.
When gems become a work of art
Text Isabelle Guignet
With its reflective squares that are meticulously shaped to resemble a series of glass mirrors at different depths, this ethical rose gold and diamond choker embodies all Chopard’s bold glamour and sophistication. Supple, sensual, and dangerously attractive.
chopard.com
Chopard Ice Cube Choker
Essence of Extraleganza
Piaget is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a spectacular new collection that exudes elegance and extravagance. This fiery adornment features trapezoidal carnelians, orange spessartite garnets, yellow sapphires and diamonds, set into a rose gold chain.
piaget.com
Piaget
Part of Cartier’s Nature Sauvage collection, this piece echoes the brand’s much-loved crocodile through its scales, represented by an ensemble of sugar loaf emeralds — set amongst diamond-paved motifs that evoke the shimmer of the sea.
cartier.com
Chanel
Sporty 5
Sporty before it was popular, Coco Chanel set the tone long ago for the brand’s new high jewellery collection. Here, the Sporty 5 ring in white and yellow gold, with diamonds and a 10.24 carat emerald can be, can be worn on a finger or transformed into a pendant.
chanel.com
Cartier Sibaya
Chopard
L.U.C Strike One 40 mm
This ethical 18k white gold watch chimes the passing of each hour on a Chopard-patented monobloc sapphire. The beautiful acoustics are complimented by the automatic L.U.C 96.32-L movement, which powers the dial displays with a 65-hour power reserve. This beauty is also chronometer-certified and bears the Poinçon de Genève quality hallmark.
chopard.com
Patek Philippe
Cubitus Grande Date, ref. 5822P-001
The greatest watchmakers all master the ability to reinvent themselves while staying faithful to their core DNA. In a rare move, Patek Philippe launched Cubitus, a new square-shaped, casual-chic collection with a bezel that echoes the Nautilus — the Holy Grail for collectors. It features a newly developed movement that displays a grand date at 12 o’clock.
patek.com
Parmigiani
Tonda PF Sport Chronograph
Looking for a truly unique, refinedyet-sporty timepiece? Look no further than the Tonda PF Sport Chronograph, here in artic grey, which features a guilloche dial with a triangular hobnail pattern, the brand’s signature knurled bezel with pronounced notches and a rubber strap. The high-frequency movement is COSC-certified.
parmigiani.com
Audemars Piguet [RE]Master Self-winding
This watch has been unique since its creation and remains unique in its recent redesign! The latest model of this brutalist 1960s timepiece features an asymmetrical case in sand gold that boldly contrasts the parted midnight blue dial with parallel brush effect. It embodies Audemars Piguet’s pioneering spirit and only 250 have been made.
audemarspiguet.com
Rolex
Oyster Perpetual Day-Date 40, Everose
There’s a dial for every emotion and Rolex’s legendary Day-Date sparkles with fresh colours amongst the range of new models. This slate ombré dial with a sunray finish contrasts mysteriously against the bright case and bracelet made of 18 carat Everose gold, Rolex’s exclusive pink gold alloy that is cast in the brand’s own foundry.
rolex.com
Vacheron Constantin
Fiftysix Self-winding
4600E/000R-H101
Inspired by an iconic watch from 1956, this chic timepiece seduces with its contemporary-retro look and its double finished black dial, which is beautifully complimented by a rose gold case. It is powered by a self-winding mechanical movement that displays the Côtes de Genève finishing and offers a 48-hour power reserve.
vacheron-constantin.com
Longines
Mini DolceVita in pink gold
The classic lines and timeless style of this pink gold Mini DolceVita come to life through a discreet 21.5 x 29 mm rectangular case that is set with 38 diamonds. The silver “flinqué” dial, catches the eye with its large Roman numerals, blued steel hands and its small seconds display at 6 o’clock. Elegance has reached its peak.
longines.com
Baume & Mercier
Riviera 10787 Date Display — 39 mm
When elegance meets expert watchmaking craftsmanship, time turns into an eternal gem! Having celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023, the Riviera features an iconic and unusual twelve-sided case, here in satin-polished rose gold with a transparent black sapphire dial. The automatic, self-winding movement offers a 120-hour power reserve.
baume-et-mercier.com
Breitling
Premier B01 Chronograph 42
Flashback to the 1940s, when Willy Breitling first dreamt up the Premier Chronograph: functional, elegant and easy to wear. This modern reinterpretation — here in red gold — lives up to its founder’s guidelines and aesthetics. Its manufactory-made movement is COSC-certified to ensure both precision and reliability.
breitling.com
Piaget
Andy Warhol 45 x 43 mm
This statuesque timepiece merges vintage lines and contemporary allure, with its rounded-edge cushion-shaped case in rose gold, alligator bracelet and automatic movement that discreetly displays the hours and minutes on a black dial. It’s an official homage to the iconic watch worn by the master of pop art in the 1970s.
piaget.com
1. Chopard Happy Sport
Free, joyful, precise: The Happy Sport collection lets its diamonds dance across the dial. If you hold it to your ear, you can even hear them delicately tinkle as they sway. Yet Happy Sport is still pragmatic, having been designed for sporting use and entirely forged in steel. And there’s a wonderfully wide range of options to choose from.
chopard.com
4. Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38 mm
After finding success with the large 42-mm Murph, Hamilton has now launched the Khaki Field Murph Auto 38 mm, designed for those who prefer a smaller watch. The stainless-steel case surrounds an ultra-readable black dial with beige vintage-style finished hands. The automatic movement boasts an 80-hour power reserve.
hamiltonwatch.com
7. Hublot Classic Fusion, Titanium Diamonds
Every single one of many Classic Fusion models boasts something unique. This model features a satin-finished black sunray dial and a sparkling, eye-catching array of 36 diamonds that adorn the polished titanium bezel. The look is completed by a contrasting black lined rubber strap for a watch that embodies reinvented elegance.
hublot.com
2. Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M
38 mm
In a versatile 38 mm diameter, this Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 150M is sure to satisfy your every need. As elegant as it is functional, and as discreet as it is sophisticated, this beautiful watch is an elegant tribute to the brand’s rich maritime heritage, boasting a sleek lacquered black dial and a gracefully sporty steel case.
omegawatches.com
5. Chanel J12 Calibre 12.1
It is said that Coco Chanel didn’t appreciate women’s watches, deeming them illegible. The J12, which premiered in 2000, finally revealed a watchmaking response that aligns with the brand’s founding codes. The watch is elegant and solid, due to its composition of gorgeous, highly resistant black ceramic and steel for the case and strap.
chanel.com
8. Hermès
Hermès Cut, Large Model, 36 mm
Launched to much excitement in 2024, this Hermès Cut automatic watch features a perfectly circular dial in a playfully round steel case that’s enhanced by the subtle interplay of satin and polished finishes. The strap is also entirely made of steel. It’s powered by the Hermès Manufacture movement H1912, which has a 50-hour power reserve.
hermes.com
3. Swatch WHAT IF…BLACKAGAIN?
Swatch explores new aesthetic territories with the WHAT IF… BLACKAGAIN? watch. It features edge-toedge biosourced glass on a square, matte black bioceramic case. The bioceramic material is made using a natural castor oil derivative, which results in robust qualities while also giving the watch a delightful silky touch.
swatch.com
6. Louis Vuitton
Escale, automatic 40,5 mm
Enriched by a deep black onyx dial — a symbol of strength — this Louis Vuitton Escale features a platinum case that’s set with 161 baguette-cut diamonds that echo the refined details of the Maison’s iconic trunks. This high jewellery timepiece is powered by an automatic movement with a 50-hour power reserve.
louisvuitton.com
9. Tudor
Black Bay 41 mm steel case
Black is back! The Black Bay boasts a monochrome look, with an inky colour on the dial and the turning bezel. The deep black is perfectly complimented by the sparkling metal on the hands and indexes — which are embellished with a white luminescent coating — and markers on the bezel for easy reading, no matter the situation.
tudorwatch.com
1. Dolce & Gabbana Chiffon cape with polka-dot print and marabou trim dolcegabbana.com
2. Stoff Nagel BMF candle holder globus.ch
3. Dior Bobby Cruise dior.com
4. Graff Tilda’s Bow Diamond Bangle graff.com
5. Louis Vuitton Berlin Ankle Boots louisvuitton.com
6. La Prairie White caviar Essence extraordinaire laprairie.com
1. Tom Ford
Grain leather peacoat tomford.com
2. IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Eternal Calendar GPHG 2024 Grand Prix de l’Aiguille d’Or iwc.com
3. Laurent Perrier Grand Siècle Brut N°26 globus.ch
4. Saint Laurent
Giant bowling bag in crocodile-embossed leather ysl.com
5. Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 globus.ch
6. Guerlain
Eau de Parfum Musc Outreblanc guerlain.com
1. Berkey Water filter berkeyswiss.ch
2. Kartell K-waiting armchair bouclé kartell.com
3. Hermès H Deco dessert plate n°2 hermes.com
4. Ferm Living Taula coffe table in black marble fermliving.com
SPEEDMASTER MOONWATCH
Co-Axial Master Chronometer
PRECISION
Our attention to detail is evident in everything we make. It took our skilled watchmakers years to create this delicate dance of levers, jewels, and wheels. OMEGA’s extraordinary Co-Axial Calibre 3861.
A movement Master Chronometer certified for its exceptional precision, performance, and magnetic resistance. We achieve this level of excellence by investing time and obsessing over the details. That’s our uncompromising approach. That’s OMEGA precision.
#Precision
Boutique OMEGA • Rue du Rhône 31 • Genève