Round-Up: Wellness Travel
The beginning of September for many in the northern hemisphere is synonymous with new beginnings in life, whether it is business, career, a relationship or lifestyle change. It is also the time many of us start planning trips for the following year. Since Covid, there has been a growing interest in wellness travel — focussing on one’s physical and mental health and wellbeing. From spas to pilgrimages to retreats, or just relaxing getaways, people are looking to travel as a great life transformer – or simply a means of self-care.
Hotel Des Bains is a luxury thermal spa and resort located in Saillon, Switzerland. Saillon is the most beautiful village in Switzerland. I was a guest and it was superb.
I have curated a round-up of few helpful articles on wellness travel — my “top 5” list — highlighting relevant wellness travel news and destination/tourism ideas to consider as you plan for 2024. They are gathered from a range of media sources, and all offer some fabulous inspiration to find your next spa, retreat, spiritual pilgrimage or a relaxing holiday to unwind, destress, or focus on self-development.
The Atmantan Wellness Resort is located near Mumbai, India, where I recently was a guest, also superb.
Top 5 List: Wellness Travel Articles for Destination Ideas and Inspiration
1. National Geographic
The rise of wellness travel, from rewilding to yoga and pilgrimages
2. Euronews
Wellness tourism is booming but what’s behind the trend?
3. Harper’s Bazaar
The great reset: the best wellness retreats in Europe
4. Vogue
The Best Spas in Europe that Mix Travel With Pure Relaxation
5. AFAR
What Your Wellness Vacation Will Look Like in 2023
A night shot at Hotel Des Bains in Saillon, Switzerland.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Travel to India with me in 2024
Consider an India Yoga Retreat to Deepen Your Practice
Atmantan Wellness Resort in India: My Review
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning inspirational TV host/producer of ExtraodinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, international speaker, public relations consultant and writer covering travel, wellness and wine.
Romantic cities for getaways (when we can travel again)
This month we celebrate Valentine’s Day, which is a good time to start dreaming about that romantic place to whisk away to, by car or plane, once we can travel (safely) again.
Budapest, Hungary
I decided to put together this list after I was thinking about the line in the movie When Harry Met Sally, when Sally (Meg Ryan) tells Harry (Billy Crystal) about her and her ex-partner talking about flying off to Rome on a moment’s notice while they were still in their relationship. It was a fantasy that never transpired.
That lead me to think about one of the most memorable lines in film, from Casablanca, when Rick (Humphrey Bogart) says to his former lover, Ilsa (Ingrid Bergman), “We’ll always have Paris,” a reference to their romance on the eve of World War II.
Rome, Paris…so many places in the world for romance.
So I put together a list of my top 10 cities to consider for your next romantic getaway. Some will be expected and others might be a surprise.
Quebec City, Canada (photo: Allice Hunter, WikiMedia)
1) Quebec City, Canada: Canada’s predominantly French-speaking city with European flare, cobblestone streets, quaint alleys and bistros with delicious food (be sure to try the crepes). Rest assured, you don’t need to speak French to visit.
Paris, France (photo: Pierre Blache, WikiMedia Commons)
2) Paris, France: Cliché, maybe, but Paris is Paris, brimming with history, art and literature, museums, romantic strolls along the Seine, and so much more.
Vienna, Austria
3) Vienna, Austria: A city filled with music and cafes, and stunning architecture, palaces, and, of course, chocolate. I have visited Vienna a couple of times and want to explore more of this stylish city.
Viennese chocolate
4) Budapest, Hungary: It is a superb choice for travellers interested in wellness because besides the wonderful architecture and safe nightlife, Budapest is home to world-renowned spas. See my photo essay.
Budapest, Hungary
5) Jaipur, India: The Pink City is one of my favourite spots in the world, with its ancient palaces and forts, with some, such as the Samode Palace, being popular spots for weddings and honeymoons. It has many heritage boutique hotels that were once royal family residences, like the Samode Haveli.
Fort Amer, Jaipur, India
6) Cheyenne, USA: Not an obvious one, Wyoming’s capital city is filled with intriguing cowboy and cowgirl history. It is a terrific starting point for those wanting to go hiking or skiing in Wyoming’s vast parks.
Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA
7) New York, USA: It’s almost too obvious to put on a list, but it’s New York and you can find anything you want to do and buy there.
Me, in New York (thanks to my friend Andrea for taking photo)
8) Boston, USA: One of my favourite spots. Years ago, I worked on the Massachusetts tourism account representing the commonwealth in Canada, and had the privilege of experiencing Boston at its best. From delicious seafood to history to the Boston Pops, there is much to do and see.
Boston, USA (photo: Nelson48 Wikimedia Commons)
9) Geneva, Switzerland: One of my favourite European cities, Geneva is a walkable city where you can enjoy international cuisine, world-class wines, chocolate and cheese, and high-end fashion, plus quaint art shops.
Geneva, Switzerland
10) Toronto, Canada: I can’t not mention my hometown, Toronto. It can be best described as a smaller and friendlier version of New York. It has high-end shopping, museums galore, international cuisine, an entertainment scene, some of the finest hotels and many parks.
Toronto, Canada
While this is merely a short list, the world is a big place and there are many destinations to consider. Rome, however, is not included because, unfortunately, I have not yet been! Hopefully this has sparked some inspiration to pack your bags and go…when it’s safe to do so.
Shannon Skinner is a broadcaster, author, international speaker, and travel and wine writer and consultant.
You may be interested in these related posts:
My perfect day in New York City
Geneva’s special ‘chocolate pots’ for Escalade
Interview with legendary Swiss chef Irma Dütsch
Irma Dütsch, legendary Swiss “Michelin star” chef and restauranteur
When you think of Switzerland, what may first come to mind are the magnificent alps and crystal clear lakes. Switzerland also happens to have a fabulous gastronomy scene – and some extraordinary chefs.
On a recent trip to Switzerland, I sat down for an interview with legendary chef, Irma Dütsch. I had travelled to the charming, car-free, alpine village resort of Saas-Fee in the Valais region. Saas-Fee is known for its proximity to many trails for hikers and skiers, Gault Millau dining and annual food festival, the Nostalgic Culinary Mile.
Irma Dütsch is no ordinary chef. She is the first female chef in Switzerland to be awarded a Michelin star. Fondly known as the “Grande Dame de la Haute Cuisine,” Dütsch is also the first female in Switzerland to qualify as a professional chef, in an industry dominated by men for eons. An extraordinary accomplishment.
Our rendezvous was at the charming Restaurant Swiss Chalet, owned by local chef Holger Schulthesis and his wife, whose fun cooking class I took the night before. I had filmed a short video of my interview with Dütsch, but unfortunately, the video has some tech issues (no thanks to my tech skills). Once I got home and reviewed it, I decided I could not use it. Though since I had plenty of time on my hands during the pandemic lockdown, I recently revisited our discussion and, inspired by this remarkably creative woman, decided to post the video anyway, even though it is a bit fuzzy.
Dütsch was born and raised on a farm in Switzerland. She went to study in Rheinfeldon, in the German area of Switzerland (located along the Rhine river), and became the first Swiss woman to quality as a professional chef. Her dream, since the age of 5, was to be a chef and restauranteur. She followed her heart. For more than three decades, Dütsch, along with with her husband Jans-Jorg Dütsch, ran the Waldehotel Flestchhorn restaurant in Saas-Fee. In addition to receiving a Michelin star, the influential Gault & Millau restaurant guide awarded her 18 out of 20 points (the maximum allowable).
Today, Dütsch spends her time consulting and writing, and is often called upon as a guest chef on the international stage. She has several cookbooks under her belt, including a children’s cookbook. As well, she has a Canadian connection, as she has previously lived and worked in Montreal.
In her own words:
The conversation was edited for clarity and length.
SS: When did you first decide you wanted to be a chef?
ID: I was 5 years old when I knew I wanted to be a chef.
SS: What was it that inspired you?
My mother cooked every day. I loved the food and I liked to see the preparation. It is life in the kitchen.
My father died on Christmas. I wanted to help my mother. She was a school teacher for cooking.
SS: You are an acclaimed female chef in a male-dominated industry. What was it like for you starting out?
It was very difficult to learn to be a chef because nobody wanted me. I come from the French-speaking part of Switzerland, from Gruyere, where the cheese comes from, so I had to go to the German part to learn how to cook because nobody wanted me. So it was not easy. But I did do it. I was the first female chef in Switzerland.
SS: How does that make you feel?
ID: I don’t think about that. I am what I am.
SS: What is the biggest challenge you faced as you were developing your career as a chef?
ID: First, I did it for myself and after that I saw that people love my food. So I would do more and more to make people happy.
SS: Ws there ever a time you said I can’t do this, it is too hard?
ID: Never. Never. I still do it and I like to do it.
SS: You live here now in Switzerland. You’ve worked in Montreal and one of your children was born in Montreal.
ID: Yes, Sandra was born in Montreal. A beautiful town. I love Canada because we married in Canada. I would like to go back to Canada one day.
SS. If you had to turn back the clock, with everything you’ve learned now as a chef, travelling the world, cooking for many people, married with kids – if you could go back, would you do anything different?
ID: I don’t think so. I just want to be a chef.
SS: You have a children’s cookbook. What interests you in teaching kids how to cook?
ID: The test and how to do it by themselves. And to eat well because when you are small and you are eating well you eat well all your life. I don’t know nobody that is not eating well and not doing good work.
SS. If you had any advice for a young girl who now has a dream to be a chef, what would you say to her?
ID: Do it, but stay in the kitchen. Do not go away and do something different. Never do something different. Stay in the kitchen and work and learn.
Background:
The Michelin star and why it is significant:
Michelin, originally a France-based tire company founded by two brothers, began producing travel guides in 1900 to encourage people to drive their cars around France (and of course to buy tires). In 1926, the company began to include in their guides the Michelin stars, which is a grading system for restaurants (1-3 stars, with 3 being the most extraordinary). Today, the majority of chefs with Michelin stars are male, with only about 100 (that I could track) are women.
About the Valais region:
Valais canton (region) in Switzerland is a land of gourmet delights, such as fine wines from stunning vineyards to fruit orchards and rare spices, to traditional rye bread and the famous Swiss raclette.
Resources: Swiss Tourism, Valais/Wallis Tourism, Saas-Fee Tourism.
Related posts:
Making ancient rye bread in Switzerland
7 days in Valais, Switzerland: wine, cheese and marmots
Dalai Lama, Swiss Robin Hood and the pursuit of happiness
This Swiss female winemaker is trailblazing
Shannon Skinner is an author, travel writer, radio and TV host, and creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com. She lives in Toronto.
Making ancient rye bread in Switzerland
During this time of COVID-19 (coronavirus), many people around the world are making bread as they are quarantined or self-isolated in their own homes. I don’t bake, but on my last trip to Switzerland, I did manage to learn how to make bread from an ancient Swiss recipe.
Here’s some highlights from my trip:
This is Gremintz village in Switzerland’s Valais region. Its charming houses, restaurants and shops are adorned with geraniums. Walking along the streets and alleyways one transported back to a different time.
A visit to the local bakery and the next thing I know I’m learning how to make traditional Valais rye bread using an ancient recipe.
In this video, I follow the instructions – easy: you roll the dough into form, flatten it out with a stone, pop it in an oven – while sipping on local wine.
MORE PHOTOS OF THE VILLAGE OF GREMINTZ:
Shannon Skinner is a writer, international speaker and creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com.
Hotel and transportation courtesy of Swiss Tourism.
7 reasons to travel
There are travellers and there are tourists; one is hell-bent on exploring the world’s offerings, and the other has a focus on vacationing.
Travellers have a need to travel and may spend a lot of time planning; whereas tourists, or one who vacations, is doing so occasionally and for short period of time, and it is usually for pleasure or rest and relaxation.
Regardless of whether you are a traveller or a tourist, there are plenty of reasons to travel. Here are some of them:
1) Good for your wellbeing
Travel can have benefits to your physical health because it gets you mobile and moving. It can also have benefits for your mental health and spiritual wellbeing, too. Sometimes, not always, distance is the great problem solver to our problems and woes.
I am not one to rest when I travel somewhere new, as I would rather push myself to hit the ground running and explore, but there are times when it is appropriate to chill. Either way, I feel better and healthier when my mind is engaged with learning and discovering a new place.
2) Great for creativity
When we are experiencing new cultures, and having distance away from the mundane and routine, it opens up spaces in our mind that were not there before. Spaces where creativity is sparked.
I am the most recreative when travelling. I am also the most productive when I’m trapped on an airplane for several hours with nothing else to do but focus on my work.
3) Get a different perspective
Sometimes we need to have a different way of looking at situations or events, or our work. Some cultures, such as those in South America, seem “slower” compared to our fast-moving North American way of living, where people are not in a rush, and that pace can can teach us a thing or two about perspective.
During a family trip to Argentina, I remember being quite late for a talk my nephew was giving at a local school where our family friend taught. I was concerned, but her reply was: “Don’t worry, no-one died.” It put it into perspective for me.
4 . Find meaning in your life
Volunteer tourism is on the rise, with people travelling to destinations to volunteer their time and/or services, whether it is human rights causes or natural disasters, or simply work at an orphanage.
5. Opens your mind
We fear what we don’t know. This is the root of racism. When we travel, we experience what others from different cultures experience and that develops into empathy and understanding.
When our minds are open, we are more open to different points of view and ways of living.
6. Escapism
Okay, so there is nothing wrong with using travel as a means to escape – now and then. But beware of using it as a crutch. There are times when we just need to “shut out the stuff that is tormenting us.” Just be aware of why you are doing it.
7. Transform your life
Lastly, travel can be a wonderful way to transform your life and/or to spark necessary change. There are numerous stories of people making a conscious decision to change their life through the experience of travel and adventure. It may be as adventurous as an Indian wildlife safari, tasting Swiss wine in beautiful vineyards, or a visit to thermal baths in Switzerland for R & R.
Shannon Skinner is the creator/host of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, author, international speaker and travel writer.
Other posts by Shanon you may enjoy:
Shannon’s Indian Wildlife Sari Adventure
World’s leading hotel management school names first woman as executive dean: Switzerland
Lausanne – December 22, 2017 – Swiss-based Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), the world’s leading hotel management school, announces appointment of the first woman and youngest person, Dr. Inès Blal, to executive dean since the school’s creation in 1893, the company announced in a news release.
Dr. Inès Blal
Dr. Blal, who has been teaching at EHL for more than eleven years, holds a Ph.D. in Strategic Management in Hospitality and Tourism from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, an MBA in Hotel Management from EHL, and a Bachelor in International Business from the INSEEC Group.
This recent appointment illustrates EHL’s commitment to pioneering training that prepares tomorrow’s managers for high-responsibility service jobs. Just like its future campus and the work done to integrate new technologies into education and hospitality, EHL faculty demonstrates once again that the institution is guided by values of excellence, openness and innovation.
“With all the members of the deanship, we are committed to providing cutting-edge, high-quality education,” says Dr. Blal. “Through this mission, we aim to strengthen the quality of our courses, stimulate our research and encourage innovative and effective teaching methods.”
About Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL)
Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) is an ambassador for traditional Swiss hospitality and has been a pioneer in hospitality education since 1893. It has created and inspired a unique professional community of over 25,000 hospitality managers, united by the values and the legacy of EHL.
EHL is a leading university that provides learning solutions for enthusiastic, talented and ambitious students from 119 different countries. With undergraduate, graduate and certificate programs, EHL offers its students a range of on-campus and online education opportunities at different stages of their professional journey.
EHL is regularly recognized as the best hotel management school in the world with the highest graduate employment rates in the industry. EHL is a member of EHL Holding SA, a Group dedicated to hospitality management education.
For more information, visit the website or on twitter @EHLnews.
- Source: company news release
- Photo credit: EHL
Dalai Lama, Swiss Robin Hood and the pursuit of happiness
Vineyards of Saillon
I arrive by bus in the medieval village of Saillon, in Switzerland’s Valais region, 150 kms from Geneva, in the southern part of the country. The sun is shining over the Rhone Valley with its legendary river, stepped vineyards and the surrounding Alps. It is a perfect day for a pilgrimage.
Saillon is known for thermal baths, exquisite wine and the world’s smallest vineyard, owned by the Dalai Lama, which was bequeathed to him. The vineyard, a small plot of land only 1.618 sq. metres with just 3 vines, sits on top of a hill overlooking the Rhone and is a memorial for Switzerland’s most legendary outlaw, Joseph-Samuel Farinet, also known as the Swiss Robin Hood.
Farinet Path through the vineyards
My guide picks me up and we drive a short distance where we begin to walk the Farinet Path, which traces the life of the 19th century outlaw. Filled with symbolism, it was designed as a spiritual pilgrimage inviting visitors to reflect on the essentials in life and discover the essence of happiness. “The Farinet Path is a personal journey about finding happiness,” says my guide. It starts in the village, winds uphill through the stepped vineyards and ends at Dalai Lama’s vineyard on a hill on top of Saillon. It is 3 kms and takes about an hour or so.
Medieval village of Saillon
One of the 21 stained glass windows along the Farinet Path
We begin at a beautiful stained glass window, glistening in the sun. The guide tells me about the legend of Farinet, a criminal on the run who loved women and wine, and especially making counterfeit money and giving it to the poor. Buried in Saillon, he died in mysterious circumstance (found dead at the bottom of a gorges). “It was murder or an accident, no-one knows,” says my guide. Farinet has been memorialized in a novel, songs, movies, and even local currency, because of the values he stood for – freedom, peace – values he shares with the Dalai Lama. The village even has a museum of counterfeit money.
The second-last window on the path, depicting the death of Farinet
Along the path, there are 21 extraordinary stained glass stations, made by Swiss artists. Each station tells the story of the counterfeiter’s life, from childhood, to self-discovery, to injustice, to escaping prison, to love, to giving away his counterfeit money to the poor, to death. The are 3 sections of 7 themes; like the stations of the cross). For each station, my guide shares more of the folklore – and universal truths – about love, friendship, injustice, pleasure, silence, contemplation, understanding, action and freedom.
Stranger resting, enjoying the sunshine
Walking through the Saillon vineyards is a dream come true. The Valais is one of Switzerland’s most important wine regions where several grape varietals are grown, such as Pinot Noir, Syrah and the indigenous Fendant. Amidst the vines, a man appears to be resting on a stone bench. Vehicles are not permitted in the vineyards, so the only sound is our shoes trampling the dirt and the whir of my Canon.
We reach the top of Saillon hill (La Colline Ardente) and stroll through the Pascal Thurre Passage named after the local visionary who helped put the destination on the map. Along the walkway are small plaques with words etched into them to remind the pilgrim of the essence of life, like destiny and courage. Signs with words of inspiration from past visitors, many famous, such as Madonna, hang along the path; and there is a slate where you can write messages (see my message below).
Colline Ardente, a place for silence, joy and contemplation.
Pacal Thurre Passage, final window, “immortality,” awaits us at the end. Dalai Lama’s vineyard is to the left.
Guess who?! I wonder if it is still there?
Destiny, one of the plaques in the ground
The Pascal Thurre passage leads us to the Dalai Lama’s vineyard with its 3 “Farinet” vines (named after the outlaw), which produce grapes that are blended in the production of a local wine and then sold to raise money for charity. Like so much in Switzerland, it may be small, but it has a big heart. Although the Dalai Lama has only visited once, the vineyard is taken care of by many celebrities, such as Gérard Depardieu, Peter Ustinov and royalty. Their names appear on signs in the vineyard. Symbolically, the plot of land, at 1.618 sq. metres, was registered in the mathematical Pythagoras Golden Ratio, divine proportion.
Dalai Lama’s vineyard and the 3 “Farinet vines” (the ones with the stakes)
Dalai Lama sign
Metal book dedication
Places to consider visiting
And at last, we reach the final and most impressive Farinet stained glass window: immortality. As the story goes, Farinet by now has been stripped of all material possessions, all he has is his essence – he is free. At the base of the window is a dedication: “The wind blows where it wants.” ~ Saint Jean
Immortality window is next to the vineyard and overlooking the Rhone Valley and Valais Alps
“The wind blows where it wants.” ~ Saint Jean. Plaque in the ground at the base of ‘Immortality’ station.
Part of the memorial for Farinet, made for an anniversary performance.
On full display around us is the magnificent Rhone Valley and Valais Alps, as far as my eyes can see. A few birds are fluttering about. The wind whistles through my hair. Ah yes, “The wind blows where it wants” …
In this moment, with nothing but my camera, I am free.
Bayart Tower
My lovely guide
After our walk, my legs a bit wobbly now, I check into my hotel, les Bains de Saillon, and relax in its thermal baths, located alongside the Rhone River in the valley. With the sun setting, I look up to the hill where I walked amongst the vines, and I get a sense my life is about to change.
If you go…
Where to stay: Les Bains de Saillon (the Baths of Saillon) 4-star hotel and thermal park, which has contemporary-style rooms, several restaurants and outstanding spa and wellness facilities. Reservations: https://www.bainsdesaillon.ch/en/.
Getting there: The closest major airport is Geneva (150 kms). By train from Geneva (airport or city centre) to Saillon, with a transfer to bus in Martigny (15 mins drive) to Saillon (bus takes you to the doorsteps of Bains de Saillon). To drive is (1.5 hrs). Be sure to check out the Swiss Travel Pass offerings and schedule directly. Train and bus travel is Switzerland is easy and convenient.
Resources: Valais Tourism, and Swiss Tourism
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning host/creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, international speaker, author and travel journalist. She lives to travel the world and write about it. Follow her on Twitter at @Shannon_Skinner.
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You might also be interested in reading these posts:
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This Swiss Hotel and Thermal Park is ideal for wellness travel: review
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Geneva’s special ‘chocolate pots’ for Escalade: video
The special chocolate pots made for Escalade festivities.
With December around the corner, I am reflecting back to the time I visited Geneva, Switzerland in December 2014 to attend the annual festival, Escalade, a long traditional celebration of the victory of the city of Geneva over the Savoys – 500 years ago. During that time, I had the opportunity to visit Stettler Chocolates, a boutique laboratory, where I learned how to make Geneva’s famous “chocolate pot” that are made in special honour of Escalade.
Here is a video of the making of the chocolate pots. Robert, chocolate master at Stettler Chocolates, explains and shows us how. Enjoy!
Here are some photos of the chocolate-making lesson:
That’s me making chocolate pots
Robert the ‘chocolate master’ at Stettler Chocolates giving instructions.
They are made in a variety of sizes. They are filled with marzipan shapes like vegetables. Made with both milk chocolate and dark chocolate. The chocolate pots are only available in Geneva and only during Escalade. Fun fact: the Swiss invented milk chocolate.
Making the marzipan vegetables that fill the chocolate pots.
The kitchen at Stettler Chocolates
Chocolate pieces for the handles of the pots
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Shannon Skinner is an award-winning host/creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, speaker, author and travel writer. Tweet to her at @Shannon_Skinner.
Geneva’s annual Escalade festival
Every year on December11-12, Geneva holds an annual festival, Escalade, celebrating its victory over the Savoyard soldiers on the night of December 11-12, 1602. There is a torch-bearing procession of locals dressed in period costumes through the streets of the old town. Many restaurants have special menus for the occasion and families get-together to celebrate over food.
Beginning of the Escalade procession
Geneva, Switzerland is located in the heart of Europe and, as the world’s capital of peace, is filled with peace-making and humanitarian history. It is also the paradise for chocolate lovers. After all, the Swiss invented both dark and milk chocolate.
I love chocolate and European history, and when the two come together, I am in heaven.
December 2014, I travelled to Geneva to attend Escalade, an annual celebration of Geneva’s victory of a famous battle that took place the night of December 11-12, 1602 – more than 400 years ago.
Historically, at the time, Geneva was not yet part of the Swiss Confederation. The Duke of Savoy, determined to reclaim the wealthy city after having lost it, sent his soldiers during the cover of night to climb the fortified walls to seize it. A terrible battle ensued, many lost their lives, but several residents were courageous and are still today remembered for it.
In particular, a local woman, Mère Royaume, climbed onto the city walls and poured a cauldron of hot soup over the head of an intruding Savoyard soldier. To honour her heroism, and to remember her by, Geneva’s chocolatiers created special “chocolate pots,” which are ornately designed and filled with tiny marzipan vegetables, a symbol of her cauldron of soup. Although the date of the origins of Geneva’s chocolate pot is unknown (chocolate in the form we have come to know was not yet invented), it has been a long tradition in this city to make these special treats for the Escalade celebrations.
During Escalade, locals get dressed in period costumes and walk, or ride horses, around the old town recreating the atmosphere of the 17th century, where mulled wine fills the air, and one can try roasted boar that is cooked in the open air, and other foods of the era.
On the evening of December 12th, (or the closest date to it that falls on a weekend), there is a traditional torch bearing procession with locals in costume through the streets of the old town. Unfortunately for me, this year, it poured rain the night of the procession. As I stood in the bone-chilling downpour, along with many others who braved the weather, under a canopy of umbrellas, the theatrics gave me a real sense of that time in history. A proclamation of victory is read while folks are gathered around, then many broke out into singing patriotic songs. It was worth every second.
There are many other activities throughout the Escalade weekend in Geneva. Several restaurants have special menus for the occasion. Families get together to celebrate over food and, of course, the famous “chocolate pots.”
The chocolate pots of Escalade (I made this one)
According to tradition, the chocolate pot is put on the table, and then the eldest and youngest in the room join hands and together they smash it, releasing the contents of tiny marzipan vegetables for everyone to enjoy.
At a restaurant in the old town, I had the privilege of witnessing a large family who gathered to celebrate Escalade. After eating their meal, a large chocolate pot was put in the centre of the table, everyone in the room broke into a traditional folksong, and grandpa and a child, together, smashed the chocolate pot to smithereens. Everyone in the restaurant cheered them on, clapping and singing. It was so much fun, I only wish I had known the songs.
There is nothing like Escalade anywhere in the world. So if you enjoy history and want to try these special chocolate pots, pack your bags and go to Geneva in December.
Photo credit: all small photos of Escalade courtesy of Swiss Tourism.
Resources: Geneva Tourism and Switzerland Tourism
Shannon Skinner is the award-winning host/creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, international speaker, author and travel writer.
*This article was originally published in Infinity Magazine.
This Swiss female winemaker is trailblazing
Mathilde Roux, owner of Cave de L’Orlaya, is a winemaker in the Swiss region of Valais, a relatively small, but important wine region in Switzerland. At 29 years of age, this trailblazer is one of few female winemakers in the country.
Mathilde Roux
I recently visited the Valais region of Switzerland to learn about Swiss wine. I’ve been fascinated with Swiss wine since my last trip to Geneva in 2014, and discovered that the Swiss only export a small portion of their wines, which means if you want to taste Swiss wine, you have to go to Switzerland. On my trip, I was scheduled to meet Mathilde and tour her vineyard and winery, but due to an unexpected schedule change, I was not able to make it.
So upon my return to Toronto, I did a Q&A interview with her to share on this blog. She is passionate about her business and an inspiring young woman.
Here it is – enjoy!
Mathilde Roux was born in France and grew up in the southern Côtes du Rhône, in Gigondas, where her parents were wine producers. At age 11, she moved to Switzerland with her family.
Roux’s vineyards
As a university student, she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Life Science at EPFL and then studied at the Agronomy School of Montpellier and obtained a Master’s degree in Wine and a National Diploma of Oenologist. After two internships in Côtes du Rhône, at the prestigious Châteauneuf du Pape (Clos du Caillou) and Tain l’Hermitage (Paul Jaboulet Ainé), she returned to Switzerland to work in the canton of Vaud and had several experiences in wine production (La Côte – Hammel, Lavaux – Raymond Chappuis, Chablais – Christophe Schenk). She also discovered some winemaking methods by going abroad to New Zealand (Marsico Vineyard) and South Africa (Morgenhof).
Later, as fate may have it, through mutual friends she met the owner of the Cave Orlaya winery at the time, Gérard Roduit. She fell in love with Valais wines and so she decided to move to Fully in the Valais region and make fabulous wines that the Valais is known for. And so, in 2016, she purchased the Cave de L’Orlaya (8 hectares) cellar from Ronduit (he had three children who did not want the business) and she now manages it. Some of the grapes they grow include Petite Arvine, the signature varietal of the Valais region, Humagne, Gamay, Pinot Noir and others. She produces 65,000 bottles of wine per year.
Mathilde with Paul Roduit (left), son of the previous owner, and boyfriend , Jan Počta (right)
SS: What inspired you to become a winemaker?
MR: As a kid, I was always outside playing in the vines and being around my dad. I can remember every time of the year with its (seasonal) ambiance. Harvest time, it was lots of work, but also there was so much exchange and partying. Winter, when he was traveling abroad to meet clients. Spring, when the new vintage started, and you are always outside – and summer. I saw that I loved the changes throughout the year and loved to make something from nature that you have to sell.
SS: What is your first memory of wanting to become a winemaker?
MR: The idea was never like a flash, but more like something that started naturally to be a wish. Seeing my dad and my mom all year working, I think I said to myself “this is what I want to do in life.” Of course, it got reinforced with time when I started to taste wines.
SS: What makes your vineyard and winery unique?
MR: I don’t know if it is unique, but I have a vineyard with steep slopes (up to 60%) and many local varieties (around 15 different ones). I bought a winery that is 35 years old in the middle of habitation, and I’m making lots of improvement renovations.
SS: How did you choose the kinds wines that you make?
MR: I think it is more about the terroir I chose. Here in Fully, we have granitic soil, which allow us to make wines with minerality and tension. So I try to respect this terroir and respect the grapes as much as I can to keep elegance and minerality in the wines.
SS: What is the biggest challenge you face in your business?
MR: I have a small winery and I sell everything myself, so the biggest challenge was to make myself a name and to find my own clients.
SS: What is it like to be a female winemaker in what is traditionally a male-dominated industry?
MR: I think nowadays it is okay. You still can have small “jokes” or remarks that are about our differences. It’s usually not a problem now. It can also be a big advantage to be a lady because the public is really enthusiast about a lady winemaker and optimistic about us, which gives us good exposure.
SS: It isn’t easy being a winemaker. Where do you find support to keep going?
MR: My family and especially my parents who know what I am going through. My boyfriend and some friends. Also wine producers in Fully are amazing and they have been supporting me a lot.
SS: I understand you have an interest in biodynamic viticulture and organic winemaking in the future. Could you explain?
MR: I am not exactly in biodynamic now. We will make a trial next year. We are almost organic. We will be probably be organic next year. This transition from traditional to organic (winemaking) needs a little bit of time to adjust.
For more information about Mathilde Roux and Cave de L’Ordlaya, or to contact her, visit her website.
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For similar stories, read more about my travels through Switzerland:
7 Days in Valais, Switzerland: wine, cheese and marmots
Valais, Switzerland vineyard hike and wine festival
This Swiss Hotel and Thermal Park is ideal for wellness travel: review
Inside Switzerland’s Kasperskian Caviar company: caviar with life
Shannon Skinner is an award-winning host/creator of ExtraordinaryWomenTV.com, radio host, international speaker, author and travel journalist. She lives to travel the world, discover fine wines and write about it. Follow her on Twitter at @Shannon_Skinner.
