There's this pencil that I swiped from my room at Hotel de Horlogers in Le Brassus, Switzerland. With a body crafted out of recycled materials, it featured a transparent cap with fine black particles within, instead of a traditional eraser.
I owe my fascination with this pencil to the hotel's general manager Andre Cheminade, who introduced me to the intriguing story behind it. He highlighted that even seemingly trivial items like a pencil should reflect the hotel's commitment to environmental sustainability. The cap on the pencil is a pharmaceutical-grade capsule that dissolves upon contact with water, and the black particles are, in fact, thyme seeds.
Once you've used up the pencil, you can plant the end with the capsule directly into soil. With regular watering, the capsule dissolves, the seeds germinate, and while the pencil's life concludes, new beginnings emerge in the form of a plant.
This marks my second stay at Hotel des Horlogers, a property built and owned by Audemars Piguet. On my initial visit, the hotel was in its trial phase and was not yet officially open. But even then, I found myself deeply impressed by its design.
From the street-side, it exuded modesty, appearing to consist of only a single floor. However, upon entering the building, it suddenly becomes apparent that the level visible from the street is but the top floor of this six-storey establishment.
The building, constructed in a distinctive zig-zag configuration along the slope, descends layer by layer without any overlap between the floors. Below the incline, an extensive farmland unfolds. Rather than imposing itself as a jarring presence upon the meadow, Hotel des Horlogers humbly integrates with the land, as if it has always been a part of the slope.
Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Prestige Malaysia.
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Denne historien er fra December 2023-utgaven av Prestige Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
SOIREES OF SEPTEMBER
From sipping cocktails by the coastline to eating your way through the city, this is the month to enjoy.
ROYAL DECREE
The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Selfwinding 37mm is a sporty yet dazzling timepiece that fits in just about anywhere.
ALCHEMY OF ART
Known for blending natural elements with ancient cultures, Brazilian jewellery designer Silvia Furmanovich offers an exclusive glimpse into her artistic world.
DISHING IT OUT
This month serves up some top-tier hotel dining, a collaboration with enough Michelin stars to kickstart a new galaxy, and a special celebration marking Malaysia Airlines' new route to Chiang Mai.
JETSETTER DIARIES
Regardless of whether you're travelling with littles or are on a solo journey, we have travel picks for you from LA to HK that'll leave you rested, rejuvenated, and maybe even learning something new.
MAKING WAVES
The extraordinary 122-metre Kismet megayacht by Lürssen, making her grand debut at this month's Monaco Yacht Show, epitomises uncompromising luxury and sets a new benchmark for excellence in the yachting industry.
MIAMI NIGHTS
Not all 21st birthdays are celebrated in style, but with the Polo Collection welcoming the Royal Salute 21 Year Old Miami Polo Edition into the family, it had to be one for the books.
LIVING LARGE
As luxury travel evolves and trends shift, one truth endures: the essence of travelling opulently is defined by a blend of exquisite accommodations, unparalleled exclusivity, and bespoke experiences tailored to your every whim. To better understand the level of luxury being sought out by the world's most affluent, we've curated a selection of the most extravagant getaways from over-the-top villas to exclusive vacation itineraries and beyond, all guaranteed to ignite your wanderlust.
ROMANCING THE STONES
Journey with Minerals, the current exhibition at L'École, School of Jewelry Arts, showcases the world of mineralogy as you've never seen it before. PRESTIGE takes a private tour.
THIS JUST IN
Rolex has set the stage for an unforgettable 2024 with releases that reimagine its classic models. Seamlessly blending contrasting elements, this year's offerings highlight an exceptional attention to detail.