Lying on the beach watching this wondering woman. I can’t help but be intrigued by the fact that she seems completely comfortable in her own skin. Lonely, but comfortable.
I guess all of us are wondering souls in search of our own adventure. An adventure out of our norm, where we challenge and push our own boundaries, in turn creating excitement and uncertainty for what’s to come.
My best experiences while traveling the world are those where I don’t plan, I swim out to sea not thinking about the consequences or the fear of being eaten alive by the unknown. Without fail these are the best moments of my life -memorable experiences come the moment u are not living with fear. Fear of getting hurt, fear of failing, fear of getting lost, fear of loving: FEAR. A demon that enters u, and robs you of all the simple and pleasurable things that life has to offer u.
Through these experiences, I have learned u only fear the unknown. If u have been lost before and found your way, I don’t fear being lost again. If you have fallen down and grazed your knee, u don’t fear grazing them again. At least I don’t.
But some people do, and those are the ones I find myself dating. Guys who have been battered and bruised and closed off from fear of further pain. I have always been a nurturer, and a caregiver, possibility because I can acknowledge a person deep seeded pain and potential for growth for I have seen both in me. Perhaps I get lost in fixing people as I have fixed myself, and tend to get stuck in the wrong relationships and in love with potential. Perhaps my purpose in these is to challenge mindsets, lead by example, and develop individual potential. Or perhaps they happen for me to acknowledge that through these experiences I lose sight of my own potential, my own standards, my own direction, and my wants for my future.
In the past, I settled; hoping that one day the person can reach their own potential as I see in them. Truth is it will never happen. It’s an individual journey, that only that person can ride if they are willing to. If they can swim out to sea and not fear the unknown. To find themselves in those moments of complete solitude.
For me; finding peace in this is a challenge, and accepting that someone else’s brokenness can result in your brokenness. After many failed relationships of not understanding this, this is what I had become – broken. Fear-driven- battered and bruised, closed off by the fear of future pain.
But like all great travelers it’s sort of lived and instead of staying in your pool, u swim out back into the ocean all alone and welcome all the new adventures.
Was the wondering woman wondering because she was alone, or was it her moment to reflect and redirect before taking her next leap?
Prior to the most exciting trip of my lifetime, the South African rand dropped drastically, and my life’s savings went from abundance to not much at all. Daunted by one of the world’s most expensive countries – I frantically searched the net for alternatives for all my travel arrangements. Luckily for me, a week prior I had not booked a thing, despite my month’s worth of planning that had gone into this trip. Tour Prices were hellishly expensive and on average R2500 – R5000 per day to get in a decent amount of activities. I did not have this kind of money on hand.
I gave up quickly looking for alternatives when the net (for the first) served me little purpose. Information for all these remote locations I planned to visit wasn’t readily available and bus routes to these locations were closed off during these extreme winter months. I realized at that moment how untouched this spectacular place was, and I felt both nervous and excited to explore it.
So, I decided to wing it and crossed the seas with this mindset – “If you don’t know where you going – any road will get you there”. 46 countries of Sola traveling down, this should be a piece of cake.
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Hiking trails in Portugal, Switzerland, and Luxembourg
There’s nothing like getting out and getting some fresh air on a gorgeous hike. No matter if your idea of a hike is a leisurely stroll along the shores of a picturesque lake or climbing the highest mountain in Switzerland, we’ve got you covered. Below are some of our favorite hikes around three countries in Europe.
Portugal – Peneda-Geres National Park
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Peneda-Gerês National Park can be found in Northern Portugal 100km away from Porto. It is Portugal’s only National Park and just so happens to run through Spain. It covers a total area of 72 290 hectares.
Nature
The region experiences rainfall for 130 days a year, attributed to its lush vegetation in all shades of green and rich flora and fauna. Similarly, water characterizes the region, so you can appreciate its many cascading waterfalls, rivers, small lakes, and natural swimming pools.
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The landscapes are breathtaking, flaunting rolling hills, oak woodlands, and deep valleys. The wildlife epidemic in the region is Roebuck, the Park’s symbolic animal, the Iberian wolf, deer, golden eagles, bears, and otters. Wild horses can also be found roaming the region’s mountainscapes.
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Ancient Villages
Hiking in this region is unique in that a few of the trails intercept with some of the country’s oldest villages built on deep granite blocks. Villages where the life of traditional Portuguese inhabitants has been frozen in time. Most of which, have preserved their ancient values and agricultural practices.
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
One such village that will dazzle you with its authenticity and beauty is Soajo. Here you can see an impressive group of twenty-four stone espigueiros (granaries) dotting its rugged landscapes. These date back to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and were traditionally used to store maize and corn which is abundant in the region.
Trails
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
You can get an “Adventure Map” of the park at the Parque de Cerdeira campsite or at the tourist office Geres. Many of the trails are also listed on the Wikiloc app.
Many of these trails boast impressive sceneries, from Roman trails to multilayered waterfalls to Stonehenge-like formations. As a matter of fact, Lonely Planet devotes ten whole pages to this.
Here are a few of our favorites.
Megalithic Tombs
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Megalithic Tombs trail is a must! It starts at the village of Rodeiro a few kilometers from Castro Laboreiro and is approximately 15km long. These group of tombs were constructed 5000 years BC and are impressive. They are situated on a range of high rolling hills and some even boast cave paintings.
Geira Roman Road
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Following the Geira Roman Road is a beautiful way to see the Peneda Geres National Park. This ancient road ran for 300km between the Roman cities of Braga in Portugal, and Astorga in Spain.
Most of the trail is marked by glass boards reflecting memorial sites every Roman mile and takes you through beautiful oak woods along the paving slabs left by the Romans. The signposted infrastructure only runs as far as the Spanish border so be careful not to get lost after this point.
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
If you would like to do only a section of the Geira Roman road, the circular hike – Pequena Rota 9 caters to this. You can access more information in English here.
The PR 14
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The PR 14 route is a 13-kilometer circular route that starts and ends in Ermida. Highlights of this trail include one of Portugal’s most impressive waterfalls; the Cascata do Arado and the impressive Stone Age rock formations. You can also experience striking mountain views and natural pools along the way.
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Portela do Homem
This trail is relatively difficult to walk as you will be crossing over boulders for the most part of the journey. It is impossible to get lost: the trail follows the river Homem and does not have any side trails.
Peneda-Gerês National Park | Portugal | Image by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Highlights of this hike are the ruins of the old abandoned mines of Carris and the lake of Carris.
Switzerland, as you can imagine, is a hiker’s paradise!
Granted, most of the hikes have some serious inclines that require more effort and physical fitness, but they are some of the most beautiful in the world.
What’s more, is that you are not spoilt for choice. There are tons of signposted trails to choose from spanning over 65 000km.
Here, we’ve brought together the best places for immediate-level hikes, most of which cover a wide range of themes; from picturesque lakes to the famed mountain peaks of Zermatt.
This 9km odd hiking trail takes you from Iseltwald to Giessbach and is suitable for all skill levels. You will love this one, not only because it is considered Switzerland’s most beautiful riverside path, but also because it has no great differences in altitude, and follows a path along the shores of Lake Brienz.
You will pass by mighty rock formations and have splendid vantage points and shady forests before arriving at the impressive Giessbach waterfall.
Just like most trails in Switzerland, getting to the starting point requires a little bit of effort and a few means of transport. It is best to start at the Iseltwald ferry terminal where you will take a Ferry to Seeblick. From here you will walk for about 5,7km through Grillplatz, before arriving at Bootsanleger Giessbach where you will catch a funicular to the Grand Hotel.
Insiders Tip: Once you arrive at the waterfall, follow the signboards for route 9. This spectacular route passes behind the waterfall which you can’t afford to miss.
The Aareschlucht Loop is a 10km trail and will take you through the Haslital Valley in the central Alps. The flat valley floor of the lower Haslital is separated from the upper valley by an impressive transverse rock formation that has been eroded away through the course of the millennia.
The resort town of Zermatt has been dubbed the ski capital of the world, but its hiking trails are something to be desired as well. It’s a world on its own, and a haven for mountain lovers. There are 400 km worth of trails that you can choose from that spans the 38 4000meter high mountain peaks.
Switzerland | Image by Philipp Wuthrich
The local tourism board has a few resources available that will allow you to customize your own hiking experience. Firstly, you mark out your starting point on the map, secondly, the point you would like to end. The route planner then automatically works out the route for you along the path network. What’s more is that they have an “On the way “ mobile app, that will help you with your navigation.
Here are a few hikes worth considering:
Naturweg
This 6,2km trail is a really special one for rejuvenating your mind and soul and will take you one hour and forty minutes to complete. You will love this for its forest filled with ancient Swiss stone pine trees, and sweeping landscape views that extend all the way to Matterhorn as well as many other views of 4,000-metre peaks.
5-Seenweg
Switzerland | Image by Gabriel Garcia Marengo
The varied trail called the 5-Seenweg takes you to 5 mountain lakes whereby Matterhorn is perfectly reflected in three of them. The trail is 9,3km and should take you two and a half hours to complete. You will love this one because each of the covered lakes (Stellisee, Grindjisee, Grünsee, Moosjisee, and Leisee) are distinctly different in terms of shape, color, character, and size.
Breithorn Ascent
Switzerland | Image by Sven Scheuermeier
The Breithorn trail covers a distance of 5,4km and will take you, depending on your fitness level, three and a half hours to complete. Climbing any mountain is difficult, but the local tourism board refers to this one as one of the easiest climbing routes for a four-thousand-meter glacier mountain crest.
Despite it being “easier” they do still recommend that only experienced mountain hikers do it, along with a mountain guide.
Insiders Tip: Get your hands on the Peak Pass. This will give you unlimited travel on all of the mountain lifts that will take you to the highest points in the Alps up to 3,883m, as well as all the buses in Zermatt.
Information about the hiking area can be found here on the Zermatt Tourism website. For hours of operation and information about the mountain lifts, you can click here.
If you love hiking through forests that have hidden gems like unique rock formations once buried under the sea, then hiking Luxembourg’s Mullerthal Region will be an unforgettable experience for you.
These lesser-known European long-distance range of hiking trails lie on the border of both Luxembourg and Germany.
Locals like to refer to this region as the “Little Switzerland” for its impressive canyon and gorges, primeval forests, bizarre rock formations, and picturesque streams.
At the beginning of 2014, the Mullerthal Trail received the label “Leading Quality Trails – Best of Europe” which has since captured the hearts of hiking enthusiasts.
There are three main trails spanning over 112km and are divided into three main routes. (Route 1, Route 2, Route 3). What’s nice about hiking here, is that you can pick up the trail just about anywhere in the region, and can walk smaller sections of it at any given time.
Route 1 & 2 shows the typical landscape of the area covering the spectacular rock formations (our favorites), as well as forests and pastures. Route 3 is all about romantic castles and many stream-filled valleys.
In addition, all three of these trails cover the cultural highlights of the region.
You can get your hands on the walking maps, available for purchase at the main tourist centers and at your accommodation.
Let’s explore a few of the highlights of the region.
Echternach – Berdorf
This E1 trail is dubbed as an expert hiker trail, however, our “not so fit” insiders hiked this effortlessly. The trail is 11,7km in length and will take you 4 hours to complete.
You will love this trail for its many hidden gems that are waiting for you to experience.
The Wolves Canyon called the “Gorge Du Loup” will definitely not disappoint you. It was formed by a split in a huge rock which you can walk through. Wolves were known once to be hiding beneath the rocks, giving way to their name.
The “Hohllay” and the amphitheater is something special too. From the Middle Ages until the 19th century, the millstones for the numerous mills in the region were cut from these impressive caves, leaving traces and bizarre patterns on the rocks.
The Beaufort B1 10km trail starts at the idyllic Beaufort Castle and takes you through some romantic brooks and other rock formations. The views are spectacular.
The Schiessentumpel Trail is what everyone coming here is talking about.
Whilst, it is not a very grand waterfall, the scene is very picturesque and makes for a popular excursion. A lovely stone bridge crosses over the Black Ernz River and is surrounded by impressive rock formations.
Insider’s tip: When exploring the region, it is a good idea to base yourself in Echternach as Routes 1 & 2 pass through this town. What’s more, is that The Youth Hostel in the area has its own set of hiking trails you can follow that is well marked with signboards featuring its international logo.
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I was so excited the day Phillip Baird rang me up to tell me he was planning to propose. I have been friends with Phil for a few years now (you might all remember him from Evoke Photography – we worked together on some amazing projects for Kzara Visual Concepts).
Like me, Phil had struggled to find the one, and I was so happy to hear that he had found her. Alexandra Power is beautiful not only on the outside but on the inside too. She has such an amazing energy and such a positive vibe about her, that you just can’t get enough of her, and I can see why Phil is madly in love with her.
This has been the 4th proposal I have done in the last year, so I get really excited when people trust me with something so very big! This puts a lot of pressure on me to make the day extra special. It’s a really big deal. I chatted with Phil and got an idea of what he wanted to do. He told Alex that he wanted to do a couples photoshoot – he told me something completely different. He wanted to do a fun photoshoot/proposal in a fun setting and then when she least expects it he was going to pop the question. Pretville has always been my first choice for these kinds of fun photoshoots – not engagements of course, but fun shoots.
Usually my “fiancés” know what they want to do or want to say on the day – my part comes in on planning out the location / the “proposal” queue and capturing that special and unique moment. Many phone calls were made to Phil asking him “Are you sure you don’t want it to be a bit more romantic?”, his response was: “She is not that kind of girl”.
Everything went really well, except for Phil having the wrong ring in his pocket, and having to frantically run away to get the right ring. And then this happened … he got down on one knee for “the photo queue” and his beige loosely tied suspenders unbuckled nearly knocking them both in the face. It was a really funny moment for Phil and I, as Alex still didn’t know what was to come.
Envious of all her Facebook posts of all the amazing places she had visited, I felt inspired to hop on a plane to explore these places with her.
The Melissani Lake was one of those natural wonders that she raved about, and I can see why.
Photo Credit: Daniel Laan
This lacustrine cave of unique beauty is surrounded by forests on the outside, and on the inside, you can find a hole in the top of the cave that when the sun shines through illuminates the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the lake. If you visit the cave at midday when it is sunny you will notice that the sun lights up the cave with blue light which is just fascinating to see.
Photo Credit: Unknown
The lake water is brackish, a mixture of seawater and sweet water. The cave is about 500m from the sea, and the water level is a meter higher than the sea level, and the brackish water rises from a 30m deep cave system on one side of the cave and flows silently to the other end of the cave, flowing through narrow crevices into the sea. The water is so clear that the boats you explore it on seem like they are floating in the air.
The cavern, once two big chambers, caved in several thousand years ago. Today the cave has the shape of a B, with two big water-filled halls and an island in the middle.
Join me on a tranquil retreat to South Africa’s very own Sacramento. A place of unspoiled settings, attractive seascapes, and diverse landscapes that leaves you feeling like you just came back from northern Ireland.
The circular trail starts at the bronze cannon at Schoenmakerskop, which points towards the Sacramento, a Portuguese galleon that was wrecked in 1647. It stretches as far as sandy bay, aptly named Cannon Bay where one can find the ruins of a mill, which used to crush seashells are located.
Last week I spent a few nights in God Window in Port Edward – a small town in the KZN province of South Africa that borders the Eastern Cape. This one should not be confused with the much-loved Gods Window lookout point in the Mpumalanga province.
Here the owner, Marcel Lottering has turned his once residential property into a nature retreat and provided the perfect getaway for the everyday individual that would like to leave all the stress of their busy city lifestyles behind.
The establishment has been around for the past 3 years, and Marcel has created four secluded accommodation types that will ensure a peaceful escape that is best offered by nature.
God’s Window is his primary abode, which will offer you a spectacular view of the Umtumvuna River, the Indian Ocean, and the bridge that connects the KZN province to the Eastern Cape Province. It can sleep 6 with its three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It is a self-catering unit, with a fully equipped kitchen.
The Gods Window flat is completely secluded and perfect for the couple. It has a deck that peers into the dense KZN jungle.
I stayed in the Cottage which is higher in the valley and shares an entrance to Marcel’s private property. It is also a self-catering unit, a bit on the rustic side with its antique-looking decor and furniture.
The Forest tent is my favorite. If I had not been in town for a wedding and had to enter in the middle of the night, I would have given this first preference. The tent is rested on a deck between a really dense part of the Jungle and is the perfect place to rekindle your love. It even has a “love couch” in the front part of the deck.
Most of the accommodation types have a gas braai (barbecue for our American fans) on the premises and private outdoor braai facilities. The communal swimming pool will ensure that you are kept cool, during the humidity of the summer, and the fireplace will keep you warm in the winter.
Marcel is constantly doing improvements to the property. As we speak he is busy completing his Mediation Yoga studio set in the middle of a dense forest. It’s an amazing place to unwind in the depths of nature. The studio should be complete in a few months’ time, but in the meantime, he is offering some reiki and yoga classes. Weekend retreats are on the cards too. It also has a fully functional sauna which you can unwind in.
Here are a few images of the studio in the making. I can’t wait to visit it again once it is complete.
If you would like to plan your retreat into nature get in touch with Marcel via email: marcel@adsadr.com or telephonically: +27 78 976 2311. Accommodation prices range from R200 – R400 per person per night. (Rates are current at the time of publication)
Once booked, read my top 10 favorite things to do in the area to really enhance your experience on the South Coast. These include a visit to the Petrified Forest, the world’s smallest desert, mountain biking at Clear Water Trails, and much more.
All images on this site, are the property of Kzara Visual Concepts and have been taken by Chantelle Flores.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Crown the day of lovers by spending a night in Switzerland’s most romantic hotel – The Dolder Grand.
This luxurious hotel which resembles that of a fairytale castle has been inundated with awards. Conde Nast Traveler has awarded The Dolder Grand the 18th spot, out of 50 of the best hotels in the world. They have also received awards such as the Best City Hotel, 2nd place as the Best Hotel in Switzerland, and One of the 10 Best Hotels in all of Europe.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
This 5-star city-based resort rests high above Zurich city on Adlisberg Hill. Making it a unique location for unwinding amidst privileged views of Zurich and the Alps. And depending on where you position yourself throughout the hotel, you can enjoy other views of the invigorating nature, such as panoramic views of Zurich Lake and even the forest.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Dolder Hotel has been welcoming guests for over 100 years. It has enjoyed a long-standing history as being a meeting place for the royal and political. As well as film celebrities.
In war times, guests such as Winston Churchill and Thomas Mann graced these premises. And in recent times, high-profile people such as Nelson Mandela,Liz Taylor, Michael Jackson, Luciano Pavarotti, Prince Philip, and Mikhail Gorbachev have also all gravitated here.
And just like them, you can expect to receive a world-class service filled with celebrity treatment.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
This sought-out experience could quite possibly be attributed to the commitment and dedication of the Hotel’s 407+ staff members that come from 51 countries. This cultural infusion adds a unique personality and touch to the Hotel.
With this increased number of staff members, you can only begin to comprehend the size of this property. It is 40,000 square meters.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Hotel was originally built in 1899 and has undergone extensive renovations to turn it into the haven it is today. Architecturally speaking, it retains its historic charm, yet boasts a magnitude of modernism. Even so, it has been awarded the Hotel Design Innovation of the Year, amongst many others.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
On the premises, you can also expect to find a large pool that boats out-worldly panoramic views. As well as an incomparable spa, two award-winning restaurants as well as fitness facilities.
Worried about how you can fork the bill? The hotel is now accepting Bitcoin. It is one of the first hotels in Switzerland to have opened up this payment gateway.
Rooms
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Not only is the Dolder Hotel filled to capacity with an abundance of facilities, but it also boasts 173 rooms and suites.
These are broken down into 4 room styles, each offering a varying degree of luxury. You can expect to find Junior Suites, Single and Double rooms, Suites, and Residences.
With this kind of selection available, you are spoilt for choice.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Junior suites
Spoil yourself with plentiful space. The Junior Suites offer you a generous feeling of space alongside a choice of modern or classic ambiance. The bathroom is luxurious and comes with a whirlpool bath and an impressive view.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Single and double rooms
The single and the double rooms boast a dark oak parquet and offer a generous amount of space. They range from 25 to 46 square meters in size.
And depending on which one you opt for, the views from them are panoramic to the splendors of nature. Some enjoy views of Lake Zurich or the Alps. Whilst others take in the silence of the forest.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Suites
The suites are situated in the main building and offer a sense of classic, yet contemporary elegance.
There are four artistically inspired suites that you can choose from. Each offers you plenty of space. You can choose between classic to rock ‘n’ roll, sculptural elegance to cinecittà.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Rock ‘n’ Roll one, for example, is inspired by the 60s and has been named after Club 100 in London. You can expect an unconventional interior in black and pink as well as retro-style furniture.
All suites even spoil you with an “on-call” butler service.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Residence
Now, this is something to write home about.
The residence suites are geared for long stays, offering you a home away from home kinda vibe. They allow you to live and work within this incredible wellness oasis and offer you an incredible degree of privacy to do so. Even so that they come with private entrances, as would your own very home.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
The Terrazza Suite is 390 square meters and boasts 3 bedrooms, each with 1 king bed, and is spread over 2 floors. A glass elevator transports you between the floors. Each room comes with its own ensuite bathroom, each with a shower and a separate bathtub. The master bedroom comes with the addition of a whirlpool bath as well as a sauna. It even has a walk-in closet.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
There is even a large dining and living room, an office as well as a separate kitchen. And if you feel like you are in more need of spoil, then make use of your very own butler. He will attend to all of your wishes and needs during your stay. Leaving you with more time for yourself. Which could quite possibly be made use of at the hotel’s Spa.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
And if your budget allows, you can begin this residence experience well before you have left your actual residence. Arrange to be picked up from your home airport and flown here on the hotel’s own private jet. You can expect a personalized experience giving you more time to enjoy your journey in complete relaxation.
Wellness Facilities
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Restore your inner balance and mental well-being at the Dolder Grand Spa. Switzerland’s exclusive wellness facility. It is truly something special.
Not only has it been awarded the Best Spa in Switzerland title, but it has also received awards as being the Spa that flaunts the best Interior design. In addition, it is one of the biggest spa complexes in the country.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Its 4000 square meters, houses a swimming pool, a whirlpool terrace, a steam bath, a sanitarium, a mixed sauna area, a spa library, a spa shop as well as spa suites. It even has separate treatment, fitness, and meditation rooms.
And if that is not enough, you would also quite appreciate that there is a wide selection of spa treatments on offer that make use of exclusive, carefully selected products.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Facials, massages, and body rituals all await you. Leaving you with the rejuvenating feeling of being pampered. They even offer tailor-made well-being experiences that cater uniquely to your own personal needs.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Gastronomic and Culinary Experiences
Indulge in innovative gourmet dishes at the hotel’s in-house Saltz Restaurant. You are sure to have an incredible and mouth-watering culinary experience. On the stove is Heiko Nieder, a renowned chef who has received multiple awards including the “Rising Star of the Year” award given by Gault Millau.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
More so, the restaurant has welcomed many other awards and ratings, including 19 Gault Millau points as well as 2 Michelin Stars.
There is no surprise as to why. Within this stylish atmosphere, you can enjoy a 10-course gourmet meal, that sees Nieder spoiling you with his latest creations. These defy classic tastes, offering a spectrum of flavors that knows no boundaries.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.comDolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
To wash it all down, you will quite appreciate the wide selection of fine wines and drinks that are on offer.
The hotel also organizes its own gourmet festival called the “Days of Culinary Masterpieces”. It sees world-renowned guest chefs from Switzerland as well as abroad, come together to celebrate the great art of gastronomic seduction.
Dolder Grand Hotel, Zurich | Switzerland by Chantelle Flores | www.kzaravisual.com
Are you ready to express yourself in a bold and vibrant or monochromatic way? Then our latest Color Crush-themed photoshoot sessions launching this June is ideal for you. Our studio offers the perfect set-up for this experience, featuring a range of colorful backdrops, props, and lighting setups that will showcase your unique personality and style.
Color on color is a popular style where the entire composition of the photo is based on the use of vibrant, bold colors. In these types of photoshoots, the color of the subject’s outfit, makeup, and props are intentionally coordinated to match or contrast with the background or other elements in the photo.
The goal of a color-on-color-styled photoshoot is to create an eye-catching and visually striking image that draws the viewer’s attention to the color palette and overall composition. These types of photoshoots are often used in fashion, beauty, and editorial photography, where the focus is on showcasing clothing, makeup, or accessories uniquely and creatively.
The use of bold colors can evoke different emotions and moods, depending on the colors chosen. Bright and warm colors like red, orange, and yellow can create a sense of energy and excitement, while cooler colors like blue and green can convey a feeling of calmness and serenity.
Overall, color-on-color-styled photoshoots offer a fun and creative way to experiment with different color combinations and push the boundaries of traditional photography.
Whether you’re looking for a bold and vibrant rainbow look or a more muted and sophisticated color palette, Our studio is designed to be a fun and interactive space, where you can let your creativity run wild. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, helping you choose the perfect props, lighting, and backdrops to create the perfect shot.
Ideal for fashion, portfolio, brand, and product photography sessions.
Our lookbook below will give you a few ideas of what we are aiming to achieve and will help you prepare your unique color pallet.
Monochromatic looks
Monochromatic looks have been a popular trend in fashion photography for some time, and in recent years, this trend has extended to color-on-color photoshoots. The concept of monochromatic looks involves using a single color in different shades and tones to create a cohesive and visually stunning image.
In colour-on-colour photoshoots, the use of monochromatic looks can be achieved by selecting a single color and then incorporating different shades and tones of that color throughout the composition. If the chosen color is blue, the photographer might select a range of shades from light blue to navy blue, incorporating these shades into the subject’s clothing, makeup, and props.
The result is a visually cohesive image that evokes a sense of harmony and unity. The use of different shades and tones of the same color can create depth and dimension in the image, while still maintaining a sense of simplicity and elegance.
Monochromatic looks are versatile and can be used in a variety of contexts, from fashion and beauty photography to lifestyle and editorial shoots. They can be used to create a range of moods and emotions, depending on the color chosen and the shades and tones used.
A monochromatic look in shades of pink might create a romantic and feminine vibe, while a monochromatic look in shades of green could evoke a sense of tranquillity and nature. Whether choosing bold or muted shades playing with different shades and tones of color is a great way to create a unique and visually striking image that is sure to catch the viewer’s eye.
Color Contrast
Unlike our Monochromatic styled sessions, our color contrast sessions involve the deliberate pairing of complementary colors that are opposite or complementary on the color wheel. Color
pairings such as teal and orange, red and green, or yellow and purple have the power to create visually captivating images.
This can create a dynamic visual effect that draws the viewer in by creating a sense of depth and dimensionality within the image. In addition to carefully selecting props, clothing, and backgrounds we will also make use of lighting and editing techniques to enhance the colors and make them appear more vibrant and intense.
Our photography sets will boast minimalist, high-contrast aesthetics, bold and pastel colors, and simple shapes. This can produce images that are visually stunning and almost abstract in their simplicity.
Pastels
A study
Color blocking
Color blocking is another popular trend in color-on-color photoshoots, which involves using large blocks of different colors in the composition of the photo. This trend is often seen in fashion photography and can be used to create a bold, graphic look. By using contrasting colors in a geometric pattern, color blocking can add an artistic and modern twist to the image.
Our Colour Crush photoshoots are a versatile and fun way to experiment with different colors, textures, and patterns. The possibilities are endless, and there are always new trends and ideas waiting to be tried out.
Are you ready to start planning your photoshoot? Then fill out the below inquiry form and we will get back to you as soon as bookings have opened.
Step into a world of cultural diversity with The Woodland family, a Limited Edition collection of intricate wooden figurines that exude happiness and positivity with their bright colours, unique personalities and friendly demeanour.
Although presales have already begun on Opensea for our first batch, it is only officially launching on 8 March 2023 when we release new images that make up the bulk of this collection. NFTcalendar is just as excited as we are about the launch, featuring this drop on their platform. You can view it here.
About The Woodland Family
Each woodland is inspired by the classic Russian nesting doll and incorporates elements of Japanese aesthetics and African woodcarving techniques that give them their distinctive look. They pay tribute to the cultural melting pot of our world and are a reminder of the importance of promoting unity and harmony.
Each figurine is a small work of art, crafted with care and attention to detail, making it perfect for collectors who appreciate unique and playful designs.
With only a limited number of Woodlands available, this collection offers a rare opportunity to own your unique one. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply looking for a delightful addition to your digital portfolio, The Woodlands family are sure to inspire joy and bring a message of hope and harmony to all who see them.
The Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara VisualThe Woodland Family by Kzara Visual
