Zimmerberg Garage

Zimmerberg Garage

Are you looking for a local garage you can trust for an annual car service or even a car repair following a bump? If so, you might have had the same problem as Allow Me, as Swiss garages seem to be incredibly expensive even for the simplest of problems. A few weeks ago we were asked by a client to find a garage as his car needed to pass the dreaded MFK test and he had a taken it to a garage close to the German border and was quoted almost CHF 10,000. After getting over his initial shock (!) our client called to ask if we could help find a garage that would not (to be blunt) rip him off.

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After a few calls we found Zimmerberg Garage in Thalwil, just outside of Zurich, and spoke to one of the owners, Philipp. He was so helpful on the phone and quickly arranged for a consultation – and after checking the car he came back with a quote between CHF 5,000 – CHF 6,000. My client was very happy to go ahead with the work and the garage even changed his MFK test date so they could finish the repairs – which was passed, much to his delight. The best news for my client was when he got the bill, after still being a little annoyed with having to spend so much on the initial quote the final bill came to CHF 4,201.45. In total he had saved CHF 5605.10 and Allow Me’s services cost him CHF 150. He commented on the serviced he received: “I was absolutely delighted with the service received. Philipp was very friendly and helpful. The work they carried out was of an exceptional standard and great value for money. I could not recommend Zimmerberg Garage more and thank you Allow Me for your help in organizing everything and for saving me a small fortune.”

Zimmerberg Garage offer a complete range of car services, including winter checks, tire changes and storage, accident management, vehicle cleaning and maintenance, air conditioning service and muchP1070014 copy much more. I personally took my car there for a service last week and again they did a very thorough job. If we had taken our car to the Land Rover garage it would have cost me around CHF 1,200 and my final bill came to CHF 398

If Allow Me can help you with your winter tire change, car service plan or anything else then please get in touch to see how we can save you money as well as making your life easier.

Zurich voted 2nd best city in the world

Zurich voted 2nd best city in the world

Zurich has recently been voted the 2nd best city in the world to live in and Allow Me was asked by thelocal.ch to give our view on why, please click here to see what we had to say.

Allow Me press trips

Jenny capturing Klosters

Jenny capturing Klosters

Allow Me has also been busy in Klosters. We where asked by Conde Nast Traveler to help them on a photoshoot in Klosters and show them the best spots and also to be the model in some actions shoots. We had the most amazing day with fresh snow and sun and the photographer was blown away by the shots we managed to find her. All in all a great day and another service that Allow Me can provide for clients. On Friday we are again in Klosters looking after another journalist for In The Snow magazine. Lets hope we have another great day.

Easter

With Easter fast approaching, please get in touch as Allow Me can organize any event for you (Easter egg hunt, bbq, drinks parts etc etc), look after guests, plan your perfect mini-break and much more, so please get in touch.

I hope everyone has a great weekend and next week I will be writing about finding the perfect place to get your car serviced at a great price…

Looking down on Klosters

Looking down on Klosters

Laax, Easter and Golf4Fun

  Laax, Easter and Golf4Fun

 

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The mountains in Laax on Sunday

Laax/Flims, located about 1 hour 45 from Zurich is the perfect place to go for a weekend break or even to take your clients. Laax is the marketing name for the linked ski circuit above the villages of Flims base stations, Laax and Falera, which is regarded – glorified, even – as Europe’s leading freestyle resort. It was one of the world’s first ski areas to embrace the freestyle skiing and snowboarding movement and is today considered the Granddaddy of the sport.

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Allow Me can plan any special event you want!!!

Located in the Graubunden region, Flims has been a spa resort since the 1880s, and a ski reser newort since 1962 when the glacier above was first developed for skiing. It is made up of the two quite separate hamlets of Flims Dorf, which is the most convenient, and Waldhaus Flims Mountain Resort & Spa, which is more isolated from the ski area but has the better choice of hotels. Laax is also a bus ride away from the lifts but has Laax Murschetg, a more ski-friendly satellite, built around the base-station with rocksresort at its heart. This has become a serious destination for snowboarders, who congregate at the Riders Palace hotel. With this comes all the cool eateries and an apres-ski scene that explodes at the weekend when teens and twentysomethings pour in from Zurich.

Falera is a smaller and more rural community, but with a direct lift link into the ski area. A shuttle bus connects all the accommodation and

Allow Me can collect you from home, show you around any resort, find the perfect place for lunch and then drop you at home. If you had wee little ones, we can also look after them in the resort while you have a great day on the mountain. With 12 years as a professional winter sports athlete, we would make sure that you have the most unforgettable day on the hill…

Allow Me can organize even your most wildest fantasy in Laax for corporate groups, whether that be a champagne BBQ grill in a remote off-piste location, a evening meal for your group in a mountain restaurant and sledging down
afterwards or even a private corporate retreat… Get in touch to see how we can help you……

Golf4Fun

Allow Me is also proud to be sponsoring Golf4Fun again this year. Golf4Fun offers a platform for both golf enthusiasts and those who are interested in either improving their game or would like to start to play the game. Aimed at every type of golfer – the absolute beginner all the way through to the low HCP’ers – our major aim is the make golf more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

Membership is 100% free and provides access to training and courses with a Swiss & British PGA Pro as well as some great value Partner Offers exclusive to Golf4Fun.

Spring in Zurich

With spring setting in Zurich and the warm weather fast approaching, why not ask Allow Me to help you out with all the tasks that you don’t have time to do? Have not planned anything for Easter? Allow Me can help….. For more details about our services then please get in touch. Have a lovely week.

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Zurich lake this morning

 

Klosters

KLOSTERS

 

With all the new snow falling over the past weeks I thought it was time to write about my favorite ski resort in Switzerland, Klosters.

On top of Parsen

On top of Parsenn

Klosters is only 1 ¾ hours from Zurich so it’s a perfect escape for weekends or even day trips.  With all the fresh snow falling its defiantly worth a visit before the seasons end.

Winter paradise

Klosters, a renowned winter resort nestling in the beautiful Prättigau valley 1200 metres above sea level,

still retains the characteristics and charm of a typical Swiss village with its chocolate box Chalets and traditional farmhouses.

Klosters links with the Parsenn ski area of Davos and the Destination Davos Klosters boasts 6 mountains and 300 km of pistes spread over about 85 descents. There is fantastic skiing for all levels on well prepared pistes, some of the best off-piste and touring to be found anywhere in Europe, excellent free riding and

Perfect family day out

Perfect family day out

snowboarding mountains, extensive cross-country trails and for the non-skiers there are plenty of winter walking paths, snow-shoe trekking, toboggan runs and horse-drawn sleigh rides and naturally wonderful facilities for skating, curling and ice hockey too! The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of Klosters is a great option for families and Davos Klosters bears the “Families welcome” quality label.

Click here for further information about Klosters

Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services can help with all your weekend ski break bookings during the season and with over twelve years of being professionally involved in the winter sports industry we can make sure you have a weekend that you wont forget. Please get in touch so that we can help you have the best ski break.

My wife enjoying the fresh snow

My wife enjoying the fresh snow

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day

As if you could fail to notice that it’s Valentine’s Day next weekend! While many of us want to show our loved one how much we care, it’s sometimes hard to find original and thoughtful ways to spoil that special someone while avoiding traditional clichés. Why not let Allow Me organise  a unique Valentine’s day that you and your partner will never forget? Whether that be a weekend skiing in the mountains, a romantic boat trip on the lake, an unforgettable dinner at home or a night out in the city – Allow Me can organise a tailored day to suit all your needs.

Fancy a weekend away in the mountains?

Klosters on the 1st of February

With snow expected all next week, why not escape for a lovely day trip to nearby resorts such as Klosters/Davos, Andermatt, Lenzerheide or Flims/Laax? Allow Me can recommend romantic hotels, incredible restaurants, top rated ski guides and much more. With some great powder forecasted almost everywhere it’s a weekend you don’t really want to miss out on (although with the snow pack being not as stable as it normally is we highly recommend that if you are skiing off piste you take a guide). In certain resorts we offer a bespoke picnic in the snow which would be an unforgettable way of spending Valentine’s Day. If the evenings are more your scene how about drinking champagne in a horse-drawn sledge being driven around the village or even en route to a tranquil restaurant with a burning log fire? Allow Me can make almost anything happen so please get in contact with us so that we can tailor your mountain break to your specific needs.

Valentine’s Day with Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services in Zurich

Zurich is such a beautiful old city and has a wealth of hidden gems beyond the usual tourist traps. The old town is awash with romantic restaurants and amazing bars that sometimes you only find through personal recommendations. If you really want to treat your loved one why not head to The Dolder Grand where on Valentine’s Day they are offering a number of special deals including a Valentine’s Day brunch, wonderful

The Dolder in the snow

The Dolder in the snow

meals in their Michelin starred restaurant or even a pampering day in their incredible spa. If you are more of a morning person you could go for a romantic brunch, check out Quai61, Café des Amis, Volkshaus or for a more healthy option, Hiltl. You could also indulge in the British tradition of afternoon tea at one of Switzerland’s most iconic, luxury hotels, the Baur au Lac. For more ideas on our favorite places to go in Zurich feel free to contact Allow Me.

As well as eating out, Zurich has many attractions. One of my favorite weekend activities is  wandering through the old town, taking in the churches of Fraumünster (don’t miss the windows designed by Marc Chagall) and Grossmünster (the largest church in Zurich, where you can visit the crypt – maybe not so romantic –  and climb up the tower), then checking out the Bahnhofstrasse for window shopping (and people watching). If it’s rainy you can take shelter in one of the many museums (Kunsthaus for art and Landesmuseum for history are the most famous), or even visit the zoo including its unique covered rainforest hall and elephant viewing area. In good weather, nothing beats a  romantic boat trip on the lake to take in the breathtaking views of the snowcapped alps and maybe stop at one of the towns for lunch – top tip, nip into a supermarket on your way, and you can sneak a small

Winter night in Zurich

Winter night in Zurich

bottle of champagne or prosecco and some paper cups to enjoy some bubbles on the upper deck. If you are looking for a more energetic way to spend your day in Zurich then why not take a walk up to Uetilberg and hike along the Albis ridge towards Adliswil, which takes between one and two hours. Forested trails weave between panoramic countryside, views of the lake of Zurich and the alps ahead and there are some lovely restaurants for a spot of lunch during your hike or even better, have a romantic picnic in the woods. At Adliswil, the Felsenegg cablecar will take you down, or there is a steep trail you can walk down. Five minutes beyond the cablecar station, there is a lovely restaurant with a terrace overlooking the view for some well-deserved coffee and homemade apple strudel after the walk.

In Zurich the possibilities are endless and with a little bit of imagination, you will be able to have an unforgettable valentines day.

And finally… 

Instead of buying flowers for your loved one, why not order some unique cupcakes with a personal message from Oh Sweetest Things? I often find in love it’s the smallest personal gestures that provide the most happiness.

If you have any questions or you would like Allow Me Lifestyle Management Service to help you organise your Valentine’s Day please get in contact. I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day, I will be making sure that I spoil my wife rotten…….

Zürich – Christmas magic & some personal news!

Zürich – Christmas magic & some personal news!

As we count down to the holidays, Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services would like to take this moment to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a very joyful and prosperous New Year.

Christmas in Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful city during the Christmas period with Christmas markets lining the streets, special Sunday shopping hours as well as less traditional events like night swimming and the Santa run. Having said that it can be hectic trying to plan everything before guests arrive and shops close for the holidays, and if you are feeling the stress at this busy time we would be delighted to help with any last minute shopping, catering or personal assistant services (don’t forget to pick up your dry cleaning for your office party!) and have already helped a number of clients with pet sitting for the holiday period. We also specialize in corporate events, including ski days and private themed dinners, and would be happy to discuss how we can help out with your event, large or small.

NNZ Just Married segment.

NNZ Just Married segment.

On a personal note, we are delighted to announce that Allow Me founder Chris Southwell was married on the 5th of December in the mountains of Klosters, as documented in the NZZ ‘Just Married’ section last weekend. It was a truly memorable day with the most spectacular weather one could hope for at this time of year. The wedding location was the Madrisa mountain in Klosters, and the wedding was expertly hosted by the Madrisahof mountain restaurant team.

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Chris and Kates wedding at Madrisahof. Photo: Melody Sky

The Madrisahof is an incredible and unique mountain venue for everything from corporate events and family lunches to weddings. If you would like more information then please contact Allow Me for a personal introduction. As a result of the wedding, Allow Me also has a new champagne partner with the award winning Mont d’Hor Champagne. They not only make the most delicious range of champagnes but also have an incredible chateau which is available for wine tours and short breaks, just 3km from Reims. If you are interested in serving Mont d’Hor Champagne at your next event, or would like to learn more about this family run Champagne house, please contact us.

 

Finally, while the snow seems to be a bit late in arriving this year, don’t forget that Allow Me can also help with all your weekend ski break bookings during the season and with over twelve years of professional involvement in the winter sports industry we can make sure you have an unforgettable and stress free ski break leaving you more time on the slopes.

Allow Me very much looks forward to hearing from you and we would like to wish you all, once again, a wonderful Christmas.

New Partnership with the Dorchester Hotel Collection

New Partnership with the Dorchester Hotel Collection

 

Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services is very proud to be working in partnership with the Dorchester Hotel Collection. The Dorchester Collection has Luxury 5 Star Hotels in London, Paris, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, Milan, Rome, Ascot and Geneva.Dorchester Hotel Collection

 Awarded three Michelin stars, Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester in London offers contemporary French cuisine in a modern and elegant environment along with a professional, bespoke and friendly service. Matched with the elegant and fun bar The Dorchester is not only a hotel but also a great place to spend a evening. Allow Me can organize and plan a bespoke event or a simple romantic break for you here so why not get in touch and see what we can offer you.New Partnership with the Dorchester Hotel Collection

 If you fancy a break in Paris, then they have 2 hotels their, Le Meurice and Hotel Plaza Athenee.  Restaurant le Meurice Alain Ducasse is one of the world’s most beautiful dining rooms, offering sumptuous fine-dining and for that special occasion why not let Allow Me book you the The Chef’s Table in Alain Ducasse’s private dining room where a small group of guests can savour their meal and watch the magic happen in the kitchen. 

 Each one of the Dorchester Collection Hotels is situated in a stunning location and offers 5 * service. They also offer bespoke events for clients whether that be for a business meeting, a corporate dinner, birthday party or a wedding, Allow Me can help you organize your dream event at one of their 5* hotels in Europe or America.

 For more information on how Allow Me Lifestyle Management Services can help you and make your life easier please contact us. We very much look forward to hearing from you soon.

First Annual Member’s Ski Day

What a wonderful day in the mountains

Everyone else had skied off……

Allow Me had great pleasure organizing our very first Member’s ski day last  Friday. With such great snow conditions and perfect blue skies it was a day everyone was looking forward to. I decided to go to Flims/Laax which is an ideal distance for a day trip from Zurich. The drive takes a little over and hour and a half and you get some breath-taking views along the way.

Dan finding putting in some nice turns in the powder

Dan putting in some nice turns in the powder

Upon arrival at Flims the slopes were nice and quiet and we set out to explore the mountain. Not only did we find run after run of fresh powder but the sun was shining and there were no queues. Flims/Laax is a huge ski area and there are so many hidden routes to explore. For the more serious freestyle skiers/snowboarders Laax boasts one of the best freestyle parks in Europe and you will be spoilt for choice. You have everything from the beginner park/pipe right up to the world’s biggest pipe and an amazing pro kicker/rail line. As we were powder hounds we left the parks alone and set out exploring the mountain.

Cassons was one area that we really wanted to ride as it’s famous for its long powder field and it’s very easy to access by cable car but due to dangerous avalanche conditions it was closed, however we found some great powder fields at La Siala then looping down to Grauberg.  After a morning filled with thrills and spills we had lunch at possibly the best mountain restaurant I have ever been to, Ustria Startgels. They have an open fire kitchen for roasting meat, incredible homemade pasta and very knowledgeable and friendly staff.  They are also open in the summer and I cannot recommend visiting enough. On weekends and busy days it’s always best to make a booking (which naturally, AllowMe can help you with!).

The all important lunch

The all important lunch

Dan after a little tumble

A little tumble

The afternoon was spent exploring the runs – we headed over to Crap Sogn Gion and were blown away by how big the area was. So if you’re stuck for something to do during the week or weekend we suggest you head over to Flims/Laax. Allow Me can help with all your ski break bookings during the winter and indeed summer season holidays, and with over twelve years of being professionally involved in the winter sports industry we will make sure you have a fantastic weekend break.

The amazing view on the drive home

The amazing view on the drive home

Professional Service Zurich - Allowme

Valentine’s Day with Allow Me

Valentine’s Day with Allow Me

As if you could fail to notice that it’s Valentine’s Day this weekend! While many of us want to show our loved one how much we care, it’s sometimes hard to find original and thoughtful ways to spoil that special someone while avoiding traditional clichés. Why not let Allow Me organise a unique Valentine’s day that you and your partner will never forget? Whether that be a weekend skiing in the mountains, a romantic boat trip on the lake, an unforgettable dinner at home or a night out in the city – Allow Me can organise a tailored day to suit all your needs.

Fancy a weekend away in the mountains?

Valentine’s Day with Allowme

Klosters last weekend in the sun….

With all the resorts boasting amazing snow conditions why not escape for a lovely day trip to nearby resorts such as Klosters/Davos, Andermatt or Lenzerheide? Allow Me can recommend romantic hotels, incredible restaurants, top rated ski guides and much more. With some great powder to be find almost everywhere it’s a weekend you don’t really want to miss out on (although with the snow pack being not as stable as it normally is we highly recommend that if you are skiing off piste you take a guide). In certain resorts we offer a bespoke picnic in the snow which would be an unforgettable way of spending Valentine’s Day. If the evenings are more your scene how about drinking champagne in a horse-drawn sledge being driven around the village or even en route to a tranquil restaurant with a burning log fire? Allow Me can make almost anything happen so please get in contact with us so that we can tailor your mountain break to your specific needs.

Valentine’s Day with Allowme in Zurich

Zurich is such a beautiful old city and has a wealth of hidden gems beyond the usual tourist traps. The old town is awash with romantic restaurants and amazing bars that sometimes you only find through personal recommendations. If you really want to treat your loved one why not head to the Dolder Grand where on Valentine’s Day they are offering a number of special deals including a Valentine’s Day brunch, wonderful meals in their Michelin starred restaurant or even a pampering day in their incredible spa. If you are more of a morning person you could go for a romantic brunch, check out Quai61, Café des Amis, Volkshaus or for a more healthy option, Hiltl. You could also indulge in the British tradition of afternoon tea at one of Switzerland’s most iconic, luxury hotels, the Baur au Lac. For more ideas on our favorite places to go in Zurich feel free to contact Allow Me

Valentine’s Day with Allowme

A great view walking along the Albis ridge

As well as eating out, Zurich has many attractions. One of my favourite weekend activities is  wandering through the old town, taking in the churches of Fraumünster (don’t miss the windows designed by Marc Chagall) and Grossmünster (the largest church in Zurich, where you can visit the crypt – maybe not so romantic –  and climb up the tower), then checking out the Bahnhofstrasse for window shopping (and people watching). If it’s rainy you can take shelter in one of the many museums (Kunsthaus for art and Landesmuseum for history are the most famous), or even visit the zoo including its unique covered rainforest hall and elephant viewing area. In good weather, nothing beats a  romantic boat trip on the lake to take in the breathtaking views of the snowcapped alps and maybe stop at one of the towns for lunch – top tip, nip into a supermarket on your way, and you can sneak a small bottle of champagne or prosecco and some paper cups to enjoy some bubbles on the upper deck. If you are looking for a more energetic way to spend your day in Zurich then why not take a walk up to Uetilberg and hike along the Albis ridge towards Adliswil, which takes between one and two hours. Forested trails weave between panoramic countryside, views of the lake of Zurich and the alps ahead and there are some lovely restaurants for a spot of lunch during your hike or even better, have a romantic picnic in the woods. At Adliswil, the Felsenegg cablecar will take you down, or there is a steep trail you can walk down. Five minutes beyond the cablecar station, there is a lovely restaurant with a terrace overlooking the view for some well-deserved coffee and homemade apple strudel after the walk. 

In Zurich the possibilities are endless and with a little bit of imagination, you will be able to have an unforgettable valentines day.

And finally… Instead of buying flowers for your loved one, why not order some unique cupcakes with a personal message from Oh Sweetest Thing? I often find in love it’s the smallest personal gestures that provide the most happiness.

If you have any questions or you would like Allow Me to help you organise your Valentine’s Day please get in contact. I hope you all have a great Valentine’s Day, I will be making sure that I spoil my Fiancée rotten…….

Ski with Chemmy Alcottfrom with Allow Me

Ski with Chemmy Alcott – Britain’s No.1 Alpine Female Skier

SKI WITH CHEMMY ALCOTT –BRITAIN’S No.1 ALPINE FEMALE SKIER

Allow Me is excited to offer you a once in a lifetime skiing experience in Verbier, Switzerland, in partnership with ALS Private Ski Specialists (“ALS”).

ALS are running a one-off and exclusive weekend ski coaching on piste with Chemmy Alcott, Britain’s four time Olympian, and off piste with Bella Seel, British Freerider and founder of ALS. This adventure will include two action packed ski days skiing the entire mountain, in one of the most challenging and exhilarating resorts in the world, on all types of terrain, alongside the cream of Britain’s female skiers. An unparalleled opportunity to push yourself and pick up tips from the pro’s. Allow me in Verbier with CHEMMY ALCOTT

Allow me in Verbier, SwitzerlandDate: Friday, 30th January – Sunday, 1st February 2015

Where: Verbier, Switzerland 

Cost for 2 days skiing: £600 per person (excluding accommodation).    

Accommodation option at W Verbier Hotel: From CHF 700 a night for a double room for 2 people including breakfast.

Many other accommodation options are available in this amazing resort.

For more information please contact Chris at Allow Me: chris@allowme.ch or by phone 0765005647.