MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALLOW ME, AND AN UPDATE ON COVID TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FROM THE UK

2020 has been a year for many of us to forget but I sincerely hope that everyone can find time to celebrate Christmas wherever they are, with friends or family, and in a safe way.

The news in recent days has all been about the new COVID strain, and people from the UK coming to Switzerland. I can really appreciate the shock for any holiday makers on suddenly having to isolate for up to 10 days but it’s for a very important reason and we hope everyone is following the swiss federal government guidelines. For further information please click on this link.

As an expert in arranging travel for UK clients, both within Switzerland and beyond, please let me know if I can help you at all with travel, accommodation or any other related enquires related to your Christmas or New Year plans. At the minute the top priority for everyone should be slowing down and stopping the spread of Coronavirus to make sure that life in general returns to normal next year and so we can enjoy time with our family and friends, explore new places and live life how we would like to without putting other people at risk.

As I am currently based in Klosters I have been fortunate to be able to spend more time with my family in the mountains and fresh air. It is also great to see the mountain ski resorts open earlier than usual (since October!) and it has been a great start to the season. Here, Davos Klosters mountain has put in place a detailed “safety concept” and I have been not only very impressed by their response but also the respect that everyone is showing these rules on the mountain and in the village. Enjoying the mountains is all about respecting the rules and other people to keep everyone safe. If we can help or advise you in any way on a ski trip this winter then please let me know as my number one priority is keeping clients safe.

Running a concierge company I am often asked, what is a concierge service? What services do you provide? Is it just for the wealthy? Do I need to be a member to use your services? Today’s concierge companies offer a wide range of services to suit the client’s needs, ranging from personal concierge for travel right the way though to corporate concierge for business – but each company, like it’s clients, is individual. With the way the world is balanced at the minute, we want to help all our clients in their own individual way. If you would like Allow Me to help then please get in touch.

On behalf of Allow Me, I’d like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a healthy and peaceful start to the New Year.

Events and Summer time in Switzerland

It finally seems that summer is here! At least with the sun shining we can all start to enjoy the outdoors and get the BBQ going. It has been a great start to the summer for Allow Me with a few wine tours and organizing parties for clients.

The birthday party in full swing at Badi Enge

Last week we organized a successful 30^th birthday party for a client at Badi Enge. We only had 4 weeks to find a venue and plan the party but what counted was the end result and the client was very happy! The whole party was also delivered under budget and with no stress to our client so she could enjoy her birthday party. Allow Me sorted the DJ, venue, drink, food, hotels for guests coming from out of town and the after party at Aura in Zurich on the VIP guest list – we also planned their recovery brunch on the Sunday at Terrasse! This is what she had to say about the service Allow Me delivered: “Chris organized my 30th birthday party here in Zurich. He took care of each and every single detail, was very professional and very responsive at any time. I would not have been able to organize such a big party in addition to my daily work and I am thankful to now have amazing memories of my birthday thanks to Chris.”

Swiss National Day on the 1^st of August is a huge event in Switzerland. If you thinking of having a summer party then why not ask Allow Me to help with all the preparation, invitations and even cooking or hosting so that you can relax and enjoy the party

Some of the cars parked outside the hotel

Allow Me was lucky enough to be invited by a member last week on The Club GT Super Car Tour across Europe. We could only join for 1 day of driving but what an amazing day we had! We drove out of Germany and across into Austria to Sölden and over the Stelvio Pass in Italy driving on a road many regard as one of the best in Europe. Then we crossed out of Italy into Switzerland and stayed in the 5* Grand Hotel Kronefhof just outside St. Moritz. If you would like to do an event like this, then please get in touch with Allow Me and we will make it happen for you!

Driving up the Stelvio Pass

WEEKEND BREAKS

The downhill mountain bike course in Klosters

The Swiss alps

The Swiss Alps are stunning in the summer. There is so much to do in the mountains for all the family from golf, tennis, hiking, biking, BBQ, swimming in mountain lakes or the wonderful swimming pools and time relaxing in the Swiss alps. Why not take full advantage of the mountains and book a weekend break. For more ideas on places to go, activities to do with the family then please get in touch and Allow Me will be able to organize an unforgettable break for you.

I hope you are all enjoying the sunny weather. We very much look forward to hearing from you and helping you make the most of your summer.

Mountain biking in the Swiss Alps

Zurich voted 2nd best city in the world

Zurich has recently been voted the 2^nd 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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…….

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?

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.

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…….

Early Bird Skiing

With snow on the hills already it’s time to start thinking about visiting the mountains. We are very lucky in the Zurich area as we have so many world class ski resorts within a 2-hour drive and even better news, quite a few of them are already open during weekends. Be warned, it’s still very early in the season so most resorts only have a limited ski area open, but it’s still worth going for a weekend to start building your fitness in the legs and enjoy the fresh mountain air (not to mention the famous après-ski!).

So what’s open and where is the best place to go?

Last weekend I was lucky enough to have my first snowboard run of the season in Davos. The Parsenn ski lift was open and they had about seven runs open. The snow was very good on the piste but a bit rocky if you ventured into the powder (at the very least – not to be considered without a helmet). The slopes were not too crowded and being just under a 2-hour drive from Zurich, I would recommend making the trip over this weekend if you are looking for somewhere to go. There’s a huge variety of hotels in Klosters and Davos, from budget and family-friendly to super-luxury, and with many offering a reduction in prices for both accommodation and lift passes, it could be the perfect break before the festive season is upon us.

Apart from Davos, here is a little list of some of the bigger resorts open this weekend within a 2-hour drive of Zurich:

· Andermatt – From the 29^th of November you can ski daily at Gemsstock. With Andermatt only 1 ½ hours from Zurich, with a charming village and easy access to the runs, it’s an ideal a day trip.

· Engelberg – Only and 1 ½ hours from Zurich, Engelberg has been lucky with some great early season snow including a few powder days already. Their last snow was on the 17^th of November and they have 6 lifts open.

· Films-Laax-Falera – Just on the cusp of being within the 2-hour drive from Zurich. From the 29^th Laax will be open daily and for freestyle skiers and snowboarders, Laax has one of the best parks in Europe as well as a huge ski area with plenty of fun and challenging runs.

Allow Me 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.

Don’t forget that the Allow Me Concierge service is also available for any Christmas-related services prior to the holiday season. We can help with present or food shopping, gift wrapping, catering, picking up relatives from the airport, planning ski trips and pet/house sitting – at a very reasonable price, leaving you more time to relax and enjoy your time off.