Algarve, Portugal
From vast stretches of sand to coves backed by cliffs, the Algarve is home to some of Europe’s most breathtakingly beautiful beaches. And as scenic as the beaches are, the region offers so much more! Historic castle towns, elegant villages, glitzy beach bars and freshly caught seafood have been attracting over four million visitors every year – and once there, you’ll see why.
How to get there
Faro International Airport is located four kilometres from Faro – the capital of the Algarve, with a number of European airlines offering direct flights to and from the Algarve.
Where to stay
For exquisite views of Carvoeiro Beach and its soaring cliffs, stay at Tivoli Carvoeiro Algarve Resort.
Croatia
Croatia has been a very trendy summer destination in the past few years and we can assure you that the ex-Yugoslavian country is worth the hype. From its trendy islands Hvar and Korcula, through to the historic towns of Split and Dubrovnik, all paired with picturesque beaches and the country’s eight national parks, Croatia is wildly diverse and offers something for everyone.
How to get there
Depending on the way you plan your holiday in Croatia, you can fly to Dubrovnik, Split, Pula or the capital city of Zagreb. Airlines flying to Croatia from major European cities include British Airways, Croatia Airways and EasyJet.
Where to stay
For outstanding views of Dubrovnik old town, stay at Hotel Excelsior Dubrovnik. Riva Hvar Yacht Harbour Hotel benefits from an ideal location in the heart of Hvar and a waterfront terrace overlooking the Adriatic Sea, while Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Split is a perfect base to explore Split and its surrounding Dalmatian islands.
Zakynthos, Greece
While the starriest Greek islands Mykonos and Santorini grapple with over-tourism, more and more holidaymakers are heading to the quieter, but equally stunning island of Zakynthos. With its rugged cliffs, sea caves, tiny cloves and clear azure water paired with exquisite Greek tavernas and an abundance of water sports to try, the island offers much more than the crazy nightlife it’s famed for.
How to get there
Flights to Zakynthos International Airport are available from most European major cities. Over 30 airlines operate flights to the island during the tourist season.
Where to stay
The Lesante Luxury Hotel & Spa or Olea All Suite Hotel.
Sardinia, Italy
Sardinia’s ultra-clear water is reason enough to visit the Mediterranean island. However, this doesn’t mean that the emerald water is the only thing that draws holidaymakers to the slice of paradise that Sardinia is. With its nearly 2,000km of coastline, white-sand beaches and fresh Italian food, Sardinia will teach you all about la dolce vita.
How to get there
International airlines operate year-round flights from cities across Europe to Sardinia’s three main airports Cagliari Elmas Airport, Aeroporto di Olbia Costa Smeralda and Alghero Airport.
Where to stay
Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa near Santa Teresa promises direct access to the sea and 5-star luxury.
Andermatt, Switzerland
And don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about all the mountain lovers out there. The Swiss Alps are an obvious and logical option for both winter and summer holidays, and the charming village of Andermatt (1444m) offers everything you could possibly desire from your next Alpine adventure.
How to get there
Andermatt’s nearest international airports are Zurich, Milan and Geneva. They all have easy rail links to Andermatt, and even quicker road links using airport shuttles or private hire transfers.
Where to stay
For spectacular 5-star opulence, stay at The Chedi Andermatt – an exquisite deluxe hotel offering local hospitality paired with Asian touches.
“Of all the places I know, this is the dearest and most interesting to me.”
-Goethe
Poems have been written and songs have been sung about the dramatic beauty of the Swiss Alps. Once there though, gazing at the majestic timelessness of these mountains, one feels like neither words, nor music will ever do them full justice.
100 kilometres south of Zurich, serpentine roads that wind higher through the mountains take you to the small picturesque village of Andermatt (1444m). Snuggled in the heart of the Alps, the village lies in the middle of the three major alpine passes of Switzerland: the Gotthard, the Furka and the Oberalp and is where to come to get away from it all. The quietness which is only interrupted by birdsong and the tranquillity almost feel surreal. Blessed with postcard worthy mountain appeal, Andermatt, which was one of the first alpine holiday destinations back in the 19th century, has been undergoing exciting new developments with the objective to make this traditional village a year-round holiday destination.
Development
Back in 2005, Egyptian-born property developer Samih Sawiris fell in love with Andermatt’s untouched beauty and began a huge redevelopment project, worth CHF 1.8 billion or £1.2 billion. When fully completed, the project will comprise of about 500 apartments in 42 buildings, 28 chalets, convention facilities, a swimming pool and an 18-hole golf course. Additionally, the impressive mountain project also includes the building of six 4- and 5-star hotels – one of which, The Chedi Andermatt, opened its doors in 2013. To fully make use of the excellent snowfall and skiing opportunities of the region, the ski areas of Andermatt and neighbouring Sedrun have been merged to create the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun, ideal for beginner, advanced and expert skiers.
From the very beginning, Mr Sawiris’ intention has been to preserve the region’s natural setting, seeing sustainability as ‘the cornerstone upon which the development of Andermatt is based’. During the initial planning stages of the project, environmental factors and cultural preservation, as well as the local residents’ opinion (with 96% of the locals voting in favour of the new land use plan) were taken into account. All apartment buildings and hotels are built to MINERGIE® standards - Swiss construction projects standards for sustainably and ecologically designed buildings with lower consumption of energy.
The Chedi Andermatt
Set in the heart of the old village, the opulent 5-star deluxe hotel, The Chedi Andermatt, is the centrepiece of the project. The look is refined yet cosy – blending traditional chalet style with a subtle Asian touches. Think billowing neutral fabrics, dark stone, lots of wood, faux-fur throws, open fires (there are more fireplaces than rooms in The Chedi Andermatt) and expansive windows. The showstopper is the double-height spa area on the back of the vast lobby. Huge windows gaze out over the treetops and an inside/outside swimming pool welcomes you for a quick dip after a day on the slopes.
When it comes to dining, at The Chedi Andermatt you will feel spoilt for options. The main restaurant serves modern-day Swiss, European and Asian specialities, whilst Japanese cuisine lovers can enjoy freshly prepared sushi and other authentic dishes in the Michelin-star Japanese Restaurant. After a delicious meal, head to either The Wine and Cigar Library or The Bar and The Livingroom for a cocktail or two by one of the many fireplaces in the hotel.
If you find yourself falling dangerously in love with The Chedi Andermatt and all of the comforts that it has to offer, do not fret – you can easily become an owner of one of the exquisite penthouses or apartments in one of the most elegant and luxurious hotels in the Alps.
For more information on how to become a property owner, please got to http://www.andermatt-swissalps.ch/en/buy-a-property/portfolio/estate/the-chedi-penthouses/estate-detail/
Holiday Village Andermatt Reuss
Another option for people looking to invest in property in the Swiss Alps are the chalets and the apartments located in the Holiday Village Andermatt Reuss, just outside the Old Village. The Andermatt Swiss Alps’ apartment houses combine traditional alpine aesthetic, modern interiors and jaw-dropping views of the snow-capped mountains. Apartments range from 26 to 271 square metres – from studios to five-bedroom maisonettes.
28 parcels on the banks of the Reuss River have been reserved for the construction of a small number of personalised chalets, which means that buyers have the full freedom to build their dream chalet nestled in the pristine Swiss Alps.
Although real estate ownership in Switzerland by foreign people is subject to restrictions set forth in a law known as Lex Koller, Holiday Village Andermatt Reuss is exempt from these restrictions, which presents a very attractive opportunity for potential international investors and makes buying and selling property in the resort as painless as it gets.
As if all of this doesn’t sound appealing enough, I have more good news –owners of residential properties may choose to have their apartment or chalet rented out during the time when they’re not using it.
For more information on buying property, please go to www.andermatt-swissalps.ch or email realestate@andermatt-swisslps.ch
The Old Village
Narrow cobbled streets, alpine architecture and so much history – Andermatt is so textbook traditionally Swiss that it guarantees to steal your heart. The village is relatively small and you can get around on foot, but this definitely doesn’t mean that you’ll be bored.
The Talmuseum (Valley Museum) is historic stately home in the village centre where you can learn a lot about the history and culture of the village. If you’re interested in hearing more about Andermatt’s history from a local, grab a coffee at the internet café Kiosk 61, whose owner radiates infectious enthusiasm about all things Andermatt.
On the high street, there is a lovely selection of restaurants, serving local specialities like rosti and cheese fondue, as well as French, German and Italian options with a Swiss twist.
An all-year round destination
Andermatt has the highest levels of guaranteed snow in Switzerland and the new SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun creates truly superb conditions for skiing. However, the village offers so much more than that! The 18-hole par 72 championship golf course, located adjacent to the village, was designed to international tournament standards and was named Switzerland’s Best Golf Course in 2017, for the second time.
With over 120 sunny days every year and 500 kilometres of hiking trails, Andermatt is the ideal location for hiking and Nordic walking. And the list of summer activities doesn’t end here – the surrounding mountains also boast excellent mountain biking trails and are a popular climbing area. Given its proximity to over 40 mountain lakes, Andermatt is also a good place for fishing. Talk about having it all!
Website: www.andermatt-swissalps.ch
https://www.thechediandermatt.com/
Email: info@andermatt-swissalps.ch
Phone: +41418748888
Finance Monthly speaks to Pierre-Noël Formigé, the Founder and CEO of Swiss company SEQUOIA, about the wealth management and estate planning solutions that his company provides, as well as his tips on maintaining and growing wealth for future generations.
Can you tell us about the core services that SEQUOIA offers?
SEQUOIA offers a holistic approach of wealth management thanks to a genuine "open architecture" which includes: wealth management, establishment of funds, management of funds - advice and follow-up, estate planning (trusts, foundations, companies), services of family offices, life insurance, financing (real estate, aircrafts, boats), reports and record keeping, risk management, compliance and regulatory assistance.
What would you say are the particular benefits for individuals of having professional assistance in relation to managing their wealth?
There are numerous benefits for individuals that decide to trust SEQUOIA with their wealth management. Our aim is not only to offer financial services, but also a financial experience and networking. Each solution and experience that we offer are specifically and uniquely tailored. SEQUOIA’s modularity and extensive experience allow for easy adaptation to our clients’ expectations.
What strategies do you and your team at SEQUOIA implement to ensure that your clients’ goals and objectives are achieved?
At SEQUOIA, clients are in the centre of our decision-making processes - they are our key priority. We have developed a well-informed overview of each of our clients’ financial situation, as well as a better understanding of clients’ goals and limitations.
Every portfolio construction starts with a discussion with the client or its representative, in order to fully understand their objectives and deliver a tailored-made investment proposal, allowing to approach and negotiate with partners. Our team can, at the request of the manager, take on a direct role in the relationship with customers, in accordance with their objectives and needs.
In your experience, are individuals fully aware of their assets and worth so that they can take advantage of tax planning? Which types of assets are usually missed?
SEQUOIA’s clients are fully aware of their assets, however, they might not be fully aware of their tax impact. We ensure that clients have better tax awareness, as it does have the potential to improve individuals’ returns. According to surveys, while many factors impact investors, the majority of high-net-worth investors say that it’s more important to minimize the impact of taxes when making investment decisions, thus we offer the right measures to help high-net-worth clients reduce the taxes owed on income and investment gains.
In order to do so, we put a lot of effort in selecting the right investment products. We try to take advantage of some losses, and implement additional strategies that can help our clients to manage, defer, and reduce taxes. However, sometimes, clients do not mention their real estate assets, which could have an effect on tax planning; we provide advisory services in relation to that too.
What solutions do you offer in respect of maintaining and growing wealth for future generations of the same family?
Transmitting heritage built from generation to generation and building a better future for entrepreneurs is the essence of SEQUOIA Group. Our team of professionals provides high-quality services in order to manage our clients’ wealth, taking future generations into account.
From portfolio management - with tailor-made investment solutions matching the clients’ needs, to liability management - which includes heritage planning, distribution agreements, trustee and real estate project management, SEQUOIA provides a cost-effective turnkey solution based on legally compliant practices to deal with the impact of new regulatory landscape and the different legal, technical and operational risks.
How challenging is it to work in an ever-changing regulatory environment?
It is obvious that the status quo cannot be maintained in this ever-changing regulatory environment, however, SEQUOIA’s approach regarding this is to constantly adapt and understand those changes to serve our clients better. Choices that have been made in the past may not be completely relevant in today’s environment or vice versa, but our job is to continuously develop strategies that are relevant to our clients.
Website:
Swiss Alpine resort, Davos, is set to see another flock of economy specialists worldwide meet for the World Economic Forum 2017 beginning 17th January, which will be covering in-depth globalization, the US election, big data, and leadership priorities for the year.
The year’s WEForum is titled "Responsive and Responsible Leadership,” stating that “more than ever, leaders need to share insights and innovations on how to best navigate the future,” and has established that the leadership priorities for the year include the Fourth Industrial Revolution, on the back of technology advancements; the need for a dynamic, inclusive, multi-stakeholder global-governance system via public-private collaboration; the restoration of global economic growth; the reform of market capitalism, and rebuilding of the compact between business and society; and finally “leaders will need to address the pervasive crisis in identity formation that has resulted from the erosion of traditional norms over the past two decades.”
President Xi Jinping is set to become the first Chinese head of state to lead the WEForum, and he will be joined several formidable co-chairs: CEO of Royal Philips Frans van Houten; Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, documentary filmmaker of SOC Films; Meg Whitman, President and CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise; Brian T. Moynihan, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Bank of America Corporation; and Helle Thorning-Schmidt, CEO of Save the Children International.
Simonetta Sommaruga, President of the Swiss Confederation and Minister of Justice and Police
Today’s global context is one of uncertainty, said Simonetta Sommaruga, President of the Swiss Confederation and Minister of Justice and Police, talking at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, yesterday.
“Overall, globalisation has led to greater prosperity and reduced poverty, but that is not the case everywhere,” she said. “It would be a dangerous mistake to ignore the uncertainty felt by many people,” she added.
Ms Sommaruga pointed to the rise of nationalist and populist parties in many countries in Europe that are critical of globalisation, reject immigration and incite scepticism towards the European Union. She called on business people and politicians to accept responsibility and address the uncertainties created by today’s global economy.
“Are we creating an economic environment in which only high performers working under constant pressure can prevail?” she asked. “Competition is growing for the highly developed economies too. In more and more countries, workers are still paid low wages but now offer highly skilled labour.”
This means that even leading economies can remain successful only if they are prepared to continuously make structural changes. “Structural change in itself is not a bad thing, but it produces winners and losers. This is something we cannot accept,” the President said.
Uncertainty has fuelled the rise of nationalist conservative parties in Europe, parties that invoke a nation’s sovereignty and a native country symbolising familiarity and safety. This describes an ideal past that never was, she added.
Sommaruga noted that business leaders have avoided assuming the responsibility for answering questions on the inequitable distribution of the benefits of globalisation for far too long. “We need business people who want to earn money but who also want something more,” she said. “We need business people who want to give others a chance; employers who set benchmarks in terms of profit and of corporate culture. We also need commodities groups that prohibit all forms of forced labour and exploitation, and that recognise the rights of others.”
The President also called on policy-makers to put in place – and enforce – a sound framework based on the rule of law, legal certainty, no corruption and protection of human rights and social justice. “These elements are key to a healthy economic and social order. This requires determination, clear values and steadfastness,” she added. “Nothing has greater value in politics than credibility.”
Swiss National Bank headquarters
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) put European financial markets in a spin yesterday when it announced it would no longer be pegging its currency, the Swiss Franc, to the euro. SNB is discontinuing the minimum exchange rate of CHF 1.20 per euro.
The banking institution said that it was taking the step to counteract devaluation of its currency. The minimum exchange rate was introduced during a period of exceptional overvaluation of the Swiss franc and an extremely high level of uncertainty on the financial markets. This exceptional and temporary measure protected the Swiss economy from serious harm. While the Swiss franc is still high, the overvaluation has decreased as a whole since the introduction of the minimum exchange rate.
“Recently, divergences between the monetary policies of the major currency areas have increased significantly – a trend that is likely to become even more pronounced. The euro has depreciated considerably against the US dollar and this, in turn, has caused the Swiss franc to weaken against the US dollar. In these circumstances, the SNB concluded that enforcing and maintaining the minimum exchange rate for the Swiss franc against the euro is no longer justified,” the bank said in a statement.
FX expert Philippe Gelis, CEO and co-founder Kantox believes the Swiss National Bank’s decision to abandon its currency ceiling yesterday could prove as a precursor to countries leaving the euro altogether.
“Of course Switzerland is not a member of the euro, but the SNB’s decision yesterday to remove the enforced ceiling of CHF1.20 per euro essentially demonstrated the tax haven country’s complete loss of faith in the currency that it has been pegged to for the last three years,” said Mr. Gelis.
“The main reason for the SNB’s decision is that in order to maintain a low Swiss franc against the euro, the SNB had to sell its franc reserves and buy euros. This led to large increases on the euro reserves they held. In other words, as any private individual might have done, the SNB decided to take its loss on the EUR and quit the game.”
According to Mr. Gelis, the euro could be hitting troubled waters in 2015, especially if the EU considers adopting a programme of quantitative easing (QE). “QE would see investors flee from the euro to park their money somewhere safer. It is seen by many as the last throw of the dice to rescue the Eurozone, by a central bank bereft of ideas,” he said.
“Added to this, the euro faces Greek and Spanish elections this year, whose results may well see far-left, anti-austerity parties assume power. The Spanish political establishment and the European Union will nervously look to the Greek election later this month as an indicator of what may come for Spain at the end of the year.”
