Author: Margit Rüdiger

How a new nature retreat celebrates „Moments of Calm“ South Tyrol (in Italian: Alto Adige) stands for Mediterranean joie de vivre, good wine, fantastic landscapes and an idyllic mountain atmosphere. We won‘t mention here that the northern and southern parts of Italy are not always in full agreement . Fact is that the South Tyroleans speak a charming regional dialect of the German language rather than Italian.. More precisely, there are over 40 different variants of the dialect. German is the mother tongue of over 62 percent of the inhabitants, 23 percent speak Italian and four percent converse in the special language Ladin (mainly in the area of the Dolomites mountain range). An Oasis of Light and Tranquility As of May 2017, the Alto Adige has added yet another jewel to its crown: the Hotel Seehof Nature Retreat (4 Stars) located in Natz, close to Brixen (Bressanone). Husband and wife Tamaris und Andreas Auer, hoteliers from childhood, run it with the motto „Moments of Calm“. The hotel was inherited from the parents and has been completely rebuilt, blossoming into a true gem indeed. Alpine down-to-earth-ness and the easy-going mediterranean approach join hands.Picture perfect, the modern building itself has the air of a landscape. Once you enter the nature retreat, you feel transported into another dimension where there is no space for the stress and bustle of everyday life. Bearing a Famous Signature Working out of their architectural practice „Noa“ in Bolzano, Stefan Rier and Lukas Rungger, are responsible for the design of the estate. They have studied under star-architect Matteo Thun, one of the most famous sons of the region and the resort. reflects Thun‘s clear, minimalistic style. There are light, airy rooms and suites, some of them with open bathrooms. You immediately feel compelled to open the patio doors in order to get even closer to the landscape, watching the play of the delicate curtains as they billow in the gentle breeze of the evening wind. Throughout the premises, earth- and stone-colors accented with hints of lavender and coppery tones can be found. The latter remind us of the pioneering spirit of the owner‘s grandfather, who had water pipes installed in 1958 to supply the plateau with running water for the first time. Relaxing Moments in the Spa The Yang of the architecture snuggles into the Yin of the landscape. Directly in front of the spacious terrace with its comfortable lounge sofas, the private natural lake extends just like a private water stage.… weiterlesen

Nadine Sieger, US-Correspondent of Elle Magazine Germany Originally was planned that Nadine Sieger only completes an internship at the Burda Office NYC. It turned 15 years. What she loves espacially of New York is the endless potential of the city and their inhabitants. As the correspondent of the ELLE Magazine the German journalist is always up to date. She knows the best places, what trend is and where to go in town to meet the coolest people. C&C: What is your favorite place for dining out? Nadine Sieger: „Sant Ambroeus“ in SoHo – charming, cozy and chic Italian restaurant with the most delicious Cacio e Pepe, the most gorgeous interior and the nicest waiters. It’s also a great place to start the day in style with a perfect cappuccino! “Fornino“ in Dumbo – the best location in the summer is the rooftop restaurant Fornino, right by the Hudson River in Brooklyn. Enjoy the sunset and the breathtaking views of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty with a slice of brick oven pizza and glass of wine. Casual atmosphere in an absolutely spectacular setting. C&C: Where do you go for breakfast? Nadine Sieger: “De Maria” in SoHo – elevated, healthy and delicious food with a twist in a stylish atmosphere and a Scandinavian vibe. From the sun-filled, extremely well designed interior and earthy ceramics to the staff and the guests, everything here is inspiring. Be sure to order the yummy Fire Dragon Bowl! C&C: Where are served the best drinks? Nadine Sieger: No place in New York has more history, style and cachet than the bar at the former legendary „Four Seasons“ restaurant in the Seagram Building in Midtown. Under new ownership, it was recently renovated and reopened as „The Grill“. The original and beautifully designed midcentury modern interior by star architect Philip Johnson is still a true New York gem. Another breathtaking New York location is the lobby bar in the historic building of the Beekman“-Hotel at the south end of Manhattan. Cozy, elegant and a little nostalgic with a spectacular atrium. Perfect for a drink after a shopping tour through Santiago Calatrava’s new Oculus Shopping Mall and bargain-hunting at Century 21. C&C: Where do you like to go shopping? Nadine Sieger: At „The Apartment by The Line“ shopping is still a truly inspiring experience. The place is stunning and decorated like everyone’s dream loft in the heart of SoHo. Every single piece of the interior is for sale: from the “Susanne Kaufmann” beauty products in the bathroom to the “The Row” clothing in the closet to the KPM dishware in the kitchen.… weiterlesen

Megan Marsanico-Byrne, Director Global PR von Nars Cosmetics Her temperament owes she her Italian, Irish and German roots. Megan was born in Denver, Colorado and lived in Toronto, Canada briefly before the family moved to Brooklyn, New York when she was three. She has been with cosmetics brand Nars for 2.5 years and in her current role as Director, Global Public Relations for over a year. That‘s why Megan nows the city better than her purse. No wonder in there is always at least one product of Nars. C&C: What is your favourite place for dining out? Megan Marsanico-Byrne: I’m currently loving Le CouCou. We celebrated my fiancé’s birthday there and it was absolutely divine. I highly recommend getting there early and having a drink at their bar, which feels more like someone’s chic living room. C&C: Where are served the best drinks? Megan Marsanico-Byrne:I used to spend a lot of time in Tribeca, and you can always get a great cocktail at Weather Up. I love the long copper bar. The views at Westlight at the William Vale hotel can’t be beat. C&C: Where do you like to go shopping? Megan Marsanico-Byrne: If high-end consignment is your thing, I highly recommend visiting Consignment Brooklyn  in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn or their pop-up store on Orchard Street. I’ve never left this place without finding something fabulous. I often check their Instagram (@consignmentbrooklyn) to see what new goodies they have in stock. If you’re in the market for bespoke garments, I love Michael Andrews. It’s technically for menswear, but they can really do anything. It’s tucked behind a gated alleyway in the middle of Great Jones Street. C&C: Where do you buy your cosmetics? Megan Marsanico-Byrne: Even before I worked at Nars, I loved the brand. I used to sneak into my sister’s room before high school to use her Nars eyeshadows. Visiting the boutique at the 413 Bleecker Street is a must. It’s in the heart of the West Village and is warm and welcoming not to mention the Artists are incredibly talented. I discovered my all-time favorite lip there which is Dragon Girl Velvet Matte Lip Pencil, but more recently I’m loving Annabella Audacious Lipstick. C&C: Which beauty addresses you can recommend otherwise? Megan Marsanico-Byrne: If you’re in the mood to splurge, I love La Prairie at The Ritz-Carlton Spa for a massage.  For facials, my go-to is Tami Lesser at Modrn Sanctuary.… weiterlesen