Audi SQ5 – Is it still our favourite everyday car?

Audi SQ5 – Introduction

We’ve been driving the former Audi SQ5 a lot and honestly: it’s been our favourite everyday car for a very long time. Technology is advancing and time is running, so probably the old version would miss a couple of interesting features you will only find in a more advanced model. The second generation of the Audi SQ5, follows with a turbo charged petrol engine. The V6 produces 354 bhp, it gained a bit of size and weights 1870kg (around minus 40kg).

Wait a second, there is no diesel available?

Not really. It could end up in a pretty long discussion why exactly Audi didn’t equip this amazing car with a diesel engine. There can only be one reason: the dieselgate. On the one hand, it’s understandable that the German car manufacturer tries to avoid further issues or bad press. But on the other hand, we very much enjoyed the old solid diesel engine. The fact, that it now contains a petrol engine, might be the disadvantage of the new Audi SQ5. Jeremy Clarkson wouldn’t be very happy with this statement, but let’s explain it further a bit later.

What else changed?

We mentioned it, the car got a bit bigger. Else, Audi sticks to their renewed design language, everything contains more edges and clearer lines. The exhaust pipes have been removed and replaced by and interesting futuristic look, mixed of chrome and plastic (we assume?). 20 inches wheels are standard, optionally you can order 21 inches.

What about the Interior?

The new Audi SQ5 comes up with some really brilliant working equipment. Similar to the SQ7, it contains a lot of gadgets moving us closer to self-driving cars. Assistance systems are helping you to park, check the surrounding traffic, and they deliver the speed limits right to your head-up display. All in all, the settings are totally easy to handle. No need to read the instructions. The 8,3 inch display also looks gorgeous and perfectly suits into the prestige interior. Another outstanding fact: the voice commands are the best developed we have experienced so far. It’s much more advanced than any of its competitors.

Is there space?

Yes, quite impressive. 550 litres of space in the back. Additionally, you can fold down the seats and pack it up to 1550 litres & 2,5 tons.

What about gearbox, power & engine?

It’s actually a quite solid engine, as well the new Audi SQ5 still sounds V6-ish. It’s not a twin-clutch gearbox, but a conventional automatic transmission. Means: shifting down before overtaking. Else, the new SQ5 contains a 3 litre turbo charged petrol engine. The V6 produces 500nm of torque, a bit of a downer compared to the diesel engine. Though, Audi just launched a TFSI model (with more torque) in the US which is a huge success.

Audi SQ5 – Is it still our favourite everyday car?

Alright, back to our initial question: It’s a great car. Everything done right, except the consumption of 11,2 litres average. That’s quite more than Audi announced initially (8,3 litres). So, we’re pretty excited to review the diesel engine which will follow in 2018.

Cannes Yachting Festival – 4 Steps To Get Into Yachting

Cannes Yachting Festival – Introduction

This autumn, we have teamed up with Ocean Independence, one of the fastest-growing companies in the luxury-yachting sector. Since we’re new in this industry, we thought it might be interesting to write about this experience and give you an idea what it means to get into yachting and talk about our experience at the Cannes Yachting Festival.

The Cannes yachting festival is right where the magic happens – taking place in Southern France. The dreamy region called ‘Côte d’Azur’, comes up with all the beauty you imagine. It’s the typical laissez-faire mood: relaxed people, delicious restaurants, well-dressed men and of course – yachts.

Pictures & Rights by http://www.sebastienrohner.com

yacht cannes

yacht lifestyle

Cannes Yachting Festival ¦ Our Journey

The sun was out, even in autumn season we were facing a windy and hot season. After a delicious breakfast, it was time to meet Toby Maclaurin and Peter Hürzeler from Ocean Independence, to understand what actually happens in the yachting industry. 

sailing boat

cannes harbor

What is a yachting company actually doing?

It’s in many ways similar to a real estate agent or a broker. Such a company is responsible to consult and advise anyone interested into buying or chartering a yacht. It’s all about a certain bespoke level of service. Ocean Independence as an example, provides an integrated service across yacht sales, charter, management and build. 

Cannes Yachting Festival ¦ 4 Steps to get into yachting.

Both type of yachting do have their characteristics and at the end of the day it’s about your needs and your taste. So let’s sum this  up with our 4 steps guide.

1. Sailing Yacht or Motoryacht?

Sailing Yacht – Freedom & Adventure

For those seeking romance and adventure, nothing rivals a sailing yacht charter. Listen to the sound of the wind, feel the waves and enjoy the thrill of chasing the boat to an open ocean.

Not exclusively for the experienced sailor, a sailing yacht charter can be family friendly and, with the expert crew at the helm, you can be as hands on or as laid back as you like.

sail yacht picture

cannes yachting

cannes yachting festival

Motoryacht – Luxury & Flexibility

For matchless glamour, flexibility, and comfort, a motoryacht will be your own boutique five-star hotel. Perfect for families, large groups or corporate events, motoryachts are versatile platforms for an unforgettable journey. From relaxed cruising to adventures, from intimate groups to family gatherings, there is a motoryacht out there for every situation.

motor yachting


motor yacht

oc independence

jacuzzi yacht

2. What yacht size do I want?

The phrase “bigger is better” is not always true when it comes to the size of superyacht. Before jumping to the largest boat that your budget will allow, it is important to consider the size, layout, design and make up of your charter, as well as how you intend to spend time together.

Some might prefer smaller yachts with a smaller crew as it allows maximum quality time in an intimate setting, while others enjoy the luxury of a large crew-to-guest ratio and the space to find quiet corners to relax. Larger yachts will also typically come ready-equipped with more water toys and extras like spas, dive centres or gyms.

3. Inclusive or plus expenses?

A charter with inclusive rates normally means that the charter rate covers following:

  • The yacht
  • A captain plus the crew
  • A professional chef preparing three meals a day with wine
  • A full bar (excluding vintage wines and champagne)
  • Water toys and all on deck amenities.
  • Dockage and communication are typically extra.

Conversely, plus expenses rates include the yacht, crew and insurance but you can expect to pay extra for fuel, food and beverages, berthing, customs, communications, electricity and any other special requests. Discuss your budget with your broker, and they will be able to find yachts that are inclusive as well plus expenses that meet your requirements.

yacht fashion

4. Contact your broker

Similar to the real estate world, it’s important to compare offers and chose an agent or company that suits your demands. Ocean Independence is one of the leading companies in this branch, and we’re very happy to recommend them as your future yacht advisor.


https://www.oceanindependence.com

Ocean Independence AG
Seestrasse 39
CH 8700 Küsnacht / Zürich
Schweiz

Phone: +41 44 390 25 75

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Best Hotels In Switzerland – Our Top 5

Best Hotels In Switzerland – Introduction

After our articles ‘Best Bars in Zurich‘ & ‘Best Restaurants in Zurich‘, it’s now time to present the best hotels in Switzerland. Once again, it’s been tough to draw up a shortlist, especially for rank 1 & 2.

The beauty of Switzerland

We’re living in an astonishing country, with a diversity you will not find anywhere else. Starting with the fresh air and the crystal-clear mountain lakes, over the charming Ticino its picturesque rocks and rivers, to the famous Valais with its beautiful wine region. In other countries it takes days to discover such versatility, here it is a stone’s throw away.

It is always nice to come home, to Switzerland. And we simply love to travel here. Today we present you our Top 5: the best hotels in Switzerland.

Best Hotels In Switzerland with the McLaren 570S

We teamed up with McLaren and went across Switzerland to shoot a few cool pictures of the best hotels in Switzerland. In Spain we drove the 570S Spider. Now, it was time to take the coupé on the journey. Once again we’re fascinated, what a perfection and accuracy this brand comes up with. Of course, we have chosen the perfect roads: Starting in Zurich direction Ennetbürgen, to Vitznau and then the pass road to Andermatt with the last stop: Gstaad.

The green ‘Hulk’ as it has most called on our trip is a real eye-catcher. Unsurprisingly, we were often in conversation with fans, because the 570S in this color is definitely a supercar, which one does not see every day. Driving to the best hotels in Switzerland was an unforgettable journey. 

Nr. 1 ¦ Villa Honegg

Villa Honegg / Reservation Online

Located above Ennetbürgen, this tiny and chic boutique hotel is a real eye-catcher. The villa was built in 1905, contains a few delightful rooms. But, the main argument here: the breath-taking view to the Vierwaldstättersee.

The hotel went viral because of its infinity pool, it’s worth taking a swim!

Location ✭✭✭✭✭
The view is just beyond beautiful. Upon arrival, you breathe through and try to figure out what you are seeing. Villa Honegg is close to Lucerne, about 30 minutes to drive.
 
Rooms ✭✭✭✭✩
The villa contains 23 rooms, whilst the decor and furnishings create an inviting ambiance
 
Service ✭✭✭✭✭
Brilliant describes it the right way. The managing director personally takes care of the guests, after the first visit the staff was able to remember our names. Bravo!
 
Food ✭✭✭✭✩
The menu contains a touch of Lebanese, a welcome change which we very much enjoyed. The selection is a bit smaller than usual, but quite tasty.
 
Price 
Rates starting around 500CHF per night
 
Disadvantages
The hotel is almost completely booked out
 

Nr. 2 ¦ The Alpina Gstaad

A new icon in the exclusive, discrete and cosmopolitan Swiss resort of Gstaad, The Alpina Gstaad five-star superior hotel has single-handedly redefined luxury and Alpine chic. The Alpina Gstaad has been receiving outstanding distinctions since it opened in 2012.

The Alpina Gstaad / Reservation Online

Location ✭✭✭✭✭
Gstaad belongs to one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. The hotel is slightly elevated above the village center, reachable by car, shuttle or walking distance.
 
Rooms ✭✭✭✭✭
We should rather call it: living room. The rooms are huge, equipped with a fireplace for a very cosy atmosphere.
 
Service ✭✭✭✭✭
Once more, just world-class! As after our last stay, we found the car perfectly cleaned, with a packet of Ricola and 5 Swiss francs. Inquiring to whom the money belongs, we received the following reply: the lake of Lauen is beautiful, it was for the parking meter there. Brilliant. The guest is king here and accordingly: happy and satisfied. Thank you very much for the wonderful time.
 
Food ✭✭✭✭✭
A variety of delicious restaurant and a lovely service. There is more info to find on the website.
 
Price
Rates starting around 500CHF per night
 
Disadvantages
The saunas are separated, would be nice to have an additional mixed sauna for a relaxing weekend for two.
 
best hotels in switzerland
 
alpina gstaad zimmer
alpina gstaad spa
 
alpina gstaad eingang

Nr. 3 ¦ Chedi Andermatt

The Chedi Andermatt / Reservation Online

For many reasons, the Chedi was elected as ‘Hotel of the year 2017’ by GaultMillau. You feel like a bit like James Bond here. The location in Andermatt makes the exterior of the luxury hotel unfortunately a little less spectacular than a stand-alone resort. What convinces, however, is the inside!

Location ✭✭✭✩✩
Andermatt is cute, certainly not on rank 1 of Swiss destinations. 
 
Ambiance ✭✭✭✭✭
This hotel must have been developed by the gods of interior design. A truly breathtaking location with many chimneys, large chairs, high ceilings – just wow!
 
Rooms ✭✭✭✭✭
The rooms are huge with all kind of gadgets like iPad for blinds, fire place etc. The king size bed is handmade and very convenient. 
 
Service ✭✭✭✭✭
Nothing has to be thought about, everything is done in a pleasant form of restraint and friendliness.
 
Food ✭✭✭✭✭
The hotel contains a restaurant for every taste, in the winter there is even a fondue chalet.
 
Price
Rates starting around 500CHF per night
 
chedi andermatt
 
chedi suite
 
chedi eingang

Nr. 4 ¦ Widder Hotel Zurich

Widder Hotel / Reservation Online

It was important to us, to present a reasonable hotel in Zurich. The arguments speak for themselves: Nine houses, 700 years of history in a hotel. Previously, the nine medieval townships were the home of nobles and guild masters, craftsmen and merchants. They have not only built and inhabited the buildings, but also decorated and altered them.

Location ✭✭✭✭✭
Located in the middle of Zurich, it does not get any better.
 
Rooms ✭✭✭
The rooms are modern, with different themes. So, each time you sleep somewhere else.
 
Service ✭✭✭✭✭
The hotel is managed by a family which is one of many reasons we love this place so much. As a guest, you will find yourself in a very informal environment here. 
 
Food ✭✭✭✭✭
There is a boucherie, which is very tasty, and offers a wide range of meat. In the evening there is probably the coolest whiskey bar ever – we could spend hours here.
 
Price
Rates starting around 500CHF per night
 
widder hotel zürich eingang

widder hotel balkon

widder hotel weinbar

Nr. 5 ¦ Park Hotel Vitznau

Park Hotel Vitznau / Reservation Online

Location ✭✭✭✭✭
A place of silence and harmony, beautifully situated on lake Lucerne. It is just fantastic and very quiet here.
 
Rooms ✭✭✭✭✭
As part of this historical building, the latest technology is integrated into the elegant, luxurious interior. A great concept!
 
Service ✭✭✭✩✩
A bit old-school and therefore sort of outdated, the management was not very flexible when we arrived.
 
Food ✭✭✭✭✭
Nenad Mlinarevic, a famous shooting star of the German-Swiss culinary scene, is cooking here until the end of the year and reflects a natural philosophy of cooking. An absolute must for every gourmet.
 
Price 
Rates starting around 500CHF per night
 
Disadvantages
The ability to adapt quickly and kindly react to an unexpected situation should be fine in a 5 star hotel, we didn’t feel it here.
 
park hotel vitznau aussicht
 
vitznau aussicht
 
park hotel vitznau eingang

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