Cover Sandy Ip and other members of the Tatler community tell us why Switzerland means so much to them (Photo: courtesy of Ip)
Sandy Ip and other members of the Tatler community tell us why Switzerland means so much to them (Photo: courtesy of Ip)
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Switzerland, with its snow-capped peaks and pristine lakes, has long held a special place in the hearts of many. From the warmth of alpine chalets to the crispness of mountain air, it’s a destination that inspires, rejuvenates and creates lasting memories. Here, members of the Tatler community share their most cherished Swiss moments— whether it’s skiing in the Alps or embracing the serenity of nature
Grégoire Michaud, Founder, Bakehouse Hong Kong
My haven is our family chalet, above Verbier, between the Alpine forest and the meadows, in a region far from town. Our neighbours are cows, sheep and goats. This chalet began as a humble shepherd’s shed, built by my ancestors in about 1700. Over the centuries, it has been transformed into the cherished retreat where I’ve spent every single summer for the past 50 years. I know every rock, every plant and every corner of this treasured place, where most of my core memories were made—whether foraging, cooking, baking or milking cows.
It’s a sanctuary that embodies generations of tradition and connection to nature, and a legacy I am grateful to be able to pass on to my son, ensuring these memories and traditions live on. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to come from families rooted in farming. This heritage has given our family a profound connection to the rural Alpine world, grounded in values we have abided by for generations. This summer, I found myself sitting with a 79-year- old mountain guide and my dad, each of us holding a bottle of beer.
I simply listened as they shared stories from the past. My eyes were drawn to the scars on the guide’s hands, testament to a life of hard work and resilience. I felt both insignificant and in awe of these pioneers. Their stories filled me with profound respect and a deep sense of belonging, etching Switzerland ever deeper into my heart.
Above Grégoire Michaud, Founder, Bakehouse Hong Kong
Grégoire Michaud, Founder, Bakehouse Hong Kong
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Daniel Freihofer, Consul general of Switzerland in Hong Kong
Every year, I return with my family to our chalet in Mürren, a charming village in the Bernese Alps. Winter means skiing through pristine slopes before ending the day with fondue or raclette by the fire, while summer brings long hikes rewarded with a St Galler Bratwurst and a cold Quöllfrisch beer. Immersing myself in this beauty and calm is how I recharge.
Switzerland is, of course, far more than a holiday destination for me—it is home, even though I have spent more than a third of my life abroad. I am proud to be Swiss and feel fortunate to represent my country in my diplomatic role, promoting its interests and values abroad. I am always struck by Switzerland’s excellent reputation worldwide. At home, we Swiss may be overly critical, yet living abroad makes me realise even more how privileged we are to belong to a country where Heidi and high-tech, tradition and innovation, and small farms and world-class companies coexist in harmony.
Above Daniel Freihofer, Consul general of Switzerland
in Hong Kong
Daniel Freihofer, Consul general of Switzerland in Hong Kong
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Ann Mirjam Levy Duvernay, CEO, Banque Pictet Hong Kong and head of North Asia, Pictet wealth management
I grew up and spent most of my life in Switzerland before moving to Hong Kong last year. I truly love Hong Kong’s vibes and lifestyle, but in addition to friends and family, what I miss the most about Switzerland is the smell of the freshly cut grass in the alpine air. I used to spend the majority of my weekends in the mountains to be close to nature, skiing in winter and hiking in summer; now I enjoy the Peak and local Hong Kong trails.
In Swiss culture, one remains calm no matter what happens, always acting without panic. We move forward towards our goal, without ever forgetting where we come from. Working in a Swiss bank in Hong Kong enables me to have the best blend of the two cultures: an entrepreneurial and independent spirit with a fast-paced but thoughtful mindset.
Above Ann Mirjam Levy Duvernay, CEO, Banque Pictet Hong Kong and head of North Asia, Pictet wealth management
Ann Mirjam Levy Duvernay, CEO, Banque Pictet Hong Kong and head of North Asia, Pictet wealth management
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Syed Asim Hussain, Founder, Black Sheep Restaurants
Whenever I am in Switzerland, it takes me straight back to my grandfather’s house in the mountains of northern Pakistan: the rivers, the rolling hills, the greenery that kisses the sky. My grandfather was a man of the woods, a writer and a thinker, and being in Switzerland always brings me closer to him. It feels like coming home.
For me, Switzerland is not just about its beauty; it is about learning. Every time we go to the great hospitality schools there, I feel like a student again. We are never experts in this game; we are forever students—and Switzerland, with its history of teaching the art of looking after people, inspires me endlessly.
Above Syed Asim Hussain, Founder, Black Sheep Restaurants
Syed Asim Hussain, Founder, Black Sheep Restaurants
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Sandy Ip, Founder, The Holiday Project and The Ski Project
My fondest Swiss memory happened during the pandemic. In February 2022, feeling trapped by Hong Kong’s strict quarantine rules, I booked a one-way ticket to Milan and arranged a car to St Moritz. As we wound through the Alpine roads and a frozen lake came into view, a quiet joy filled me, like rediscovering a piece of my old life pre-Covid. It was my third visit; St Moritz remains my favourite ski destination in Europe—one I try to revisit yearly. Its high-altitude terrain ensures perfect snow conditions—a skier’s dream.
A favourite [attraction] is Chesa Futura by architect Norman Foster in St Moritz, and [I love] iconic hotels like the Kulm Hotel and Badrutt’s Palace. The après-ski scene is a highlight too—Paradiso, with its breathtaking views and vibrant energy, was my daily après-ski lunch spot for a week. Switzerland always holds a special place in my heart, offering glamour, adventure and calm that leave me refreshed and energised with every visit.
Above Sandy Ip, Founder, The Holiday Project and The Ski Project
Sandy Ip, Founder, The Holiday Project and The Ski Project
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Carla Martinesi, Founder, Chomp
I am a mixed kid [her mother is Chinese and her father is Italian] and I grew up between Hong Kong and Switzerland. I am a Swiss national and I spent years of my childhood by Lac Léman [Lake Geneva] and my winters in the snow-capped mountains, snowboarding.
The country is known for its excellence in hospitality, so it was a no-brainer where I wanted to do my bachelor’s degree—I did two years at École Hôtelière de Lausanne and two years at Glion Institute of Higher Education. My studies in hospitality and F&B sparked the beginnings of what my start-up [food-saving app] Chomp is today. After moving back to Hong Kong, I wanted Chomp to align with the same values I grew up with and learnt to love in Switzerland: being sustainable, protecting our Earth and excellence in hospitality through food.
Above Carla Martinesi, Founder, Chomp
Carla Martinesi, Founder, Chomp
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Celine Herren, Co-founder, Conspiracy Chocolate
As a child who grew up in the countryside near Geneva, one of my favourite moments was waking up on winter mornings and sensing the special quietness outside, knowing it had snowed. Opening the blinds to see the fields blanketed in white was magical.
Another cherished memory is spending afternoons with family by the fireplace, reading and sharing stories. Summers were equally special, with their long, lingering days when sunlight stretched until 9pm or 10pm. We’d have outdoor dinners with friends, and the city would host concerts in the parks, bringing people together to enjoy music from around the world.
Now that I live abroad, what I love most about Switzerland is the smell of fresh, crisp mountain air, often tinged with the scent of freshly cut grass, that greets me the moment I step off the plane. Nature’s beauty is deeply rooted in my connection to Switzerland. Growing up in a village near a lake, summers were spent picnicking by the water, fishing or paddleboarding. In winter, the mountains were just a half-hour away, offering an easy escape from the foggy cities like Geneva, which can stay cloudy for days. The countryside, with its rolling hills, deep forests and rivers, was always nearby, making it easy to reconnect with nature year-round.
Above Celine Herren, Co-founder, Conspiracy Chocolate
Celine Herren, Co-founder, Conspiracy Chocolate
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As Content Director at Tatler Hong Kong, Tara shapes the brand's editorial vision and reports on Asia's most influential figures — from CEOs and business leaders to designers. In her dual role as Head of VIP, she curates star-studded events and builds the relationships and communities that define the brand. Born and raised in the Middle East, she honed her craft in Dubai, crafting communication strategies for luxury brands across the Gulf. Follow her on Instagram @tarasobti.
