Latest news with #Shelley
Edinburgh Live
4 days ago
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh woman baffled after finding fish 'hidden' in city park
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh resident was shocked after discovering five fish in a city park. Understood to be rainbow trout, the freshwater fish were found 'hidden' in Murieston Park on Saturday afternoon. Shelley Terrell, who made the unusual discovery, said they were 'big, heavy and smelly'. It remains unclear as to where they came from. Shelley told us: "The picture doesn't do them justice, they were so big and heavy. The smell... "It was myself and a friend who removed them thankfully couldn't see any more. No clue where they came from. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "My friends dog sniffed them out, we weren't sure if it was safe to leave." Scotia Fishing says that rainbow trout can be found across the country (though they don't mention parks), and is considered the 'most popular species to target' by Scottish anglers. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. They added: "Although not indigenous to Scotland the Rainbow Trout can be found all across our country, it is probably the most popular species to target with local Scottish anglers. "Rainbows are stocked into our Lochs (lakes) simply to provide anglers with fantastic sport, averaging between 2-3lb in weight and they will really go some on a fly rod. Rainbow Trout fishing in Scotland is available all year round, there is no closed season."
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
UNI employee alleges age discrimination in lawsuit after demotion
A University of Northern Iowa employee has filed suit against the university after being demoted, alleging age discrimination. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) A University of Northern Iowa employee is suing the institution after she was demoted from an assistant vice president position, alleging discrimination against her age that led to her taking a pay cut as well as her title and some duties being handed off to younger coworkers. Shelley O'Connell, former UNI assistant vice president and executive director of Student Health and Well Being and current assistant to the vice president, filed suit against the university and the Iowa Board of Regents June 2 and requested a trial by jury. According to court filings, she is seeking funds 'in an amount which will fully and fairly compensate her for her injuries and damages' like emotional stress, lost wages and more. 'As a proximate result of Defendants' actions … Shelley O'Connell has in the past and will in the future suffer mental and emotional harm, anguish, humiliation, embarrassment, loss of dignity, lost wages and benefits, loss of professional career, and lost earning capacity,' the court filing stated. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The 59-year-old started working at UNI in 2001 as an administrative assistant, the filing stated, and according to her LinkedIn profile, O'Connell earned a master's degree in educational leadership and administration from the institution in 2007. She moved into the assistant vice president position in 2022. In her time in the role, the court filing stated O'Connell received positive performance evaluations and received an award for her 'outstanding dedication and service.' In August 2023, O'Connell had a meeting with her then-supervisor Heather Harbach, the university's vice president for student life, according to the filing, during which Harbach asked O'Connell if she had any plans of stepping down or moving out of a role supervising staff. These questions were 'motivated by (O'Connell's) age,' the filing stated, to which O'Connell replied she had no interest in retiring or stepping away. This exchange led to distance between the coworkers, according to the filing, and O'Connell brought her concerns to the university's Title IX office, saying she felt Harbach was trying to make her vacate her position based on her age. 'Shelley remained committed to her job and providing the best service to the University that she possibly could,' the filing stated. Harbach informed Shelley of her demotion in April 2024, according to the filing, providing the new title and saying her duties specific to her previous role were being transferred to Allyson Rafanello and Nick Rafanello, a married couple. The employees Shelley oversaw were transitioned to work under one of the new assistant vice presidents, and Shelley's pay was reduced by more than $50,000. Allyson Rafanello received an around-$50,000 pay increase for the new duties, the filing stated. In addition to holding the assistant vice president title, Allyson Rafanello is the dean of students and Nick Rafanello is the executive director of university housing and dining. 'Shelley will have to work longer than she had anticipated because her wages were slashed by more than $50,000 per year, thereby delaying her ability to retire,' the filing stated. The plaintiff also had 15 more years of experience at UNI than the new assistant vice presidents, according to the filing, and decades of experience in health care and public health. One of her previous duties was overseeing all university medical facilities, which was transferred to the Rafanellos after her demotion. UNI, and the board of regents, committed age discrimination by setting higher standards for O'Connell than her peers, the filing stated, as well as not treating her equally to younger employees, allowing discrimination from her supervisor, demoting her and offering less pay. UNI spokesperson Pete Moris said the university 'does not comment on pending legal matters.' The university must provide an answer to the petition within 20 days of its filing to the Polk County courthouse. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
New Paper
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- New Paper
How one Singaporean turned her family's service yard into her own cosy bedroom
When Ms Sasha Marie Shelley and her family were preparing to move into their new Build-To-Order flat in May, the 24-year-old had just one request: to have her own space. "I've shared a bedroom with my sister for 24 years. We have always been pretty close and still are," says Ms Shelley. "But as we grew older, I started to notice that we were leading very different lives, which were not compatible." Her sister, who is 30, is an artist who keeps late hours. Ms Shelley, a youth speaker with a local church, has a more conventional schedule. "If she is up late working on a piece, she might have to keep the lights on, which affects me while I'm trying to sleep so I can wake up early for work," she says. However, their new Punggol flat has just two bedrooms spread across 742 sq ft. Their previous 732 sq ft flat in Toa Payoh also had two bedrooms. "I considered using the bomb shelter, though I realise that is not advisable and there are restrictions on what you can do with that space," says Ms Shelley. Her mother's plans to convert the service yard into a home office fell through, making it available as an option for Ms Shelley. But trying to squeeze all the comforts of a bedroom into the tiny space - which measures just 1.4m by 2.56m - required hours of research, brainstorming and creative problem-solving. "I spent hours searching online content platforms such as Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube for inspiration," says Ms Shelley. She even stumbled across a girl in South Korea whose apartment was just 75 sq ft. "I was very inspired by how she made such a small space into something homely and comfortable." But, for the new Shelley family home, there were practical considerations before Ms Shelley could tackle her own small space. Service yards are similar to balconies in that there is a clear view of the outside - and vice versa. The Shelleys installed a new window with privacy film, as well as a small light, just 46cm in diameter, with a fan. "We had to take out the drying rack, and incorporate the washing machine and dryer into the kitchen layout," says Ms Shelley. "A full ceiling fan would not fit, but at least this provides some ventilation," she adds. She was also eyeing an Ikea loft bed that came with a desk and storage, such as drawers and shelving. "I needed a piece of multi-functional furniture like that to make my bedroom work. I liked how it came with these other built-in elements, so I could use the space under the bed to store my things and as a workspace," she says. Ms Sasha Marie Shelley on her bunk bed in her bedroom, which was originally the service yard of her family's flat. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG There was one hiccup: Even this space-saving loft bed would be a tight fit in the converted yard. Ms Shelley admits: "No one believed it would fit in the room - not my family and not even the delivery guys. My mum was supportive about me trying to make the service yard work, but she was really worried that I had put all my hopes into this bed that wouldn't even fit." Nevertheless, she persisted with her vision. "I had to argue my way and just block out the noise. Thankfully, a friend also came over to help me assemble it." Ms Shelley had to do away with certain parts of the bed, such as the doors for the built-in wardrobe, which would normally swing out. But other aspects - such as the desk, shelves and drawers - could be configured as she had hoped. Ms Shelley had to get creative to transform the space, which is roughly 39 sq ft in size, into a functional bedroom. ST PHOTOS: TARYN NG The result is a cosy sanctuary where she can sleep, keep her clothes and personal belongings, and take refuge from the outside world. "My favourite feature of my bedroom is my little prayer space, which is at one corner of my desk and marked out by a piece of fabric. "I'm usually on the go and busy with life, but it is comforting to be able to sit at that space for a few minutes to say a quick prayer in the morning, or before I head up to the top bunk to retire for the night," she says. Storage is very limited, despite her enterprise. Still, looking back, one advantage of having to share a bedroom for most of her life is that she never had enough space to accumulate a surfeit of things anyway. Ms Shelley at the desk of her cosy bedroom in her family's Punggol flat. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG "I am able to keep everything that is mine in my new room. But I had to make other compromises. For instance, the kitchen is right outside my room, just separated by glass doors, so the smells occasionally waft in." There are also the intermittent sounds of rushing water from the pipes above the bed, which connect to the kitchen, but these have "soothing ASMR vibes", she jokes. "The one big issue is the lack of air-conditioning, which I prefer to have as I get rashes easily from sweating," adds Ms Shelley. She could not install an air-conditioning unit due to space constraints, so she is trying to figure out other ways to cool and ventilate the area. "We might place another wall fan in the corner of the ceiling." She is also looking into options for mosquito netting. But, overall, she loves her private nook. "It's so nice to have my own personal space for the first time in my life, which I can style and maintain according to my preferences. My sister has offered to let me sleep in her room or use it if I want, but I love my own little room and don't see any need for that." Her mother, Mrs Ruby Tan-Shelley, a trainer with the People's Association and who is in her 50s, is pleased to have been proven wrong. "I'm proud and happy to see how she has made such a small space work for her." Ms Shelley's father Michael Shelley, 68, is an entrepreneur. Ms Shelley says that her favourite part of her new space is her prayer corner. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Meanwhile, Ms Shelley's sister Talya Jane has declared the room to be "comfortable and cosy". Ms Sasha Shelley's friends are excited for her to have her own space, even if it is a bit too small for her to have them over. In contrast, the responses on social media - where she posted photos and a video of her service yard bedroom - have been mixed. "Some people were quick to make judgments on the situation," she says. For instance, in the comments, one person asked why her family did not "just buy a bigger house with more rooms". But many others were curious about the pros and cons of using such a compact space as a bedroom, Ms Shelley adds. "I have even been getting private messages about where I bought certain items, which I have been more than happy to share." It is not a set-up that will work for everyone, but she is content with her snug space. "Having my own room was one of my biggest dreams, and I am just excited and grateful to finally have that."
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Straits Times
How one Singaporean turned her family's service yard into her own cosy bedroom
Ms Sasha Marie Shelley inside her converted bedroom, which was originally the service yard of her family's flat. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG How one Singaporean turned her family's service yard into her own cosy bedroom SINGAPORE – When Ms Sasha Marie Shelley and her family were preparing to move into their new Build-To-Order flat in May, the 24-year-old had just one request: to have her own space. 'I've shared a bedroom with my sister for 24 years. We have always been pretty close and still are,' says Ms Shelley. 'But as we grew older, I started to notice that we were leading very different lives, which were not compatible.' H er sister, who is 30, is an artist who keeps late hours . Ms Shelley, a youth speaker with a local church, has a more conventional schedule. 'If she is up late working on a piece, she might have to keep the lights on, which affects me while I'm trying to sleep so I can wake up early for work,' she says. However, their new Punggol flat has just two bedrooms spread across 742 sq ft. Their previous 732 sq ft flat in Toa Payoh also had two bedroom s. 'I considered using the bomb shelter, though I realise that is not advisable and there are restrictions on what you can do with that space,' says Ms Shelley. Fortunately, her mother's plans to convert the service yard into a home office fell through, making it available as an option for her. But trying to squeeze all the comforts of a bedroom into the tiny space – which measures just 1.4m by 2.56m – required hours of research, brainstorming and creative problem-solving. 'I spent hours searching online content platforms such as Pinterest, TikTok and YouTube for inspiration,' says Ms Shelley. She even stumbled across a girl in South Korea whose apartment was just 75 sq ft. 'I was very inspired by how she made such a small space into something homely and comfortable.' But, for the new Shelley family home, there were practical considerations before Ms Shelley could tackle her own small space. Service yards are similar to balconies in that there is a clear view of the outside – and vice versa. The Shelleys installed a new window with privacy film, as well as a small light, just 46cm in diameter, with a fan. 'We had to take out the drying rack, and incorporate the washing machine and dryer into the kitchen layout,' says Ms Shelley. 'A full ceiling fan would not fit, but at least this provides some ventilation,' she adds. She was also eyeing an Ikea loft bed that came with a desk and storage, such as drawers and shelving. 'I needed a piece of multi-functional furniture like that to make my bedroom work. I liked how it came with these other built-in elements, so I could use the space under the bed to store my things and as a workspace,' she says. Ms Sasha Marie Shelley on her bunk bed in her bedroom, which was originally the service yard of her family's flat. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG There was one hiccup: Even this space-saving loft bed would be a tight fit in the converted yard. Ms Shelley admits: 'No one believed it would fit in the room – not my family and not even the delivery guys. My mum was supportive about me trying to make the service yard work, but she was really worried that I had put all my hopes into this bed that wouldn't even fit.' Nevertheless, she persisted with her vision. 'I had to argue my way and just block out the noise. Thankfully, a friend also came over to help me assemble it.' Ms Shelley had to do away with certain parts of the bed, such as the doors for the built-in wardrobe, which would normally swing out. But other aspects – such as the desk, shelves and drawers – could be configured as she had hoped. Ms Shelley had to get creative to transform the space, which is roughly 39 sq ft in size, into a functional bedroom. ST PHOTOS: TARYN NG The result is a cosy sanctuary where she can sleep, keep her clothes and personal belongings, and take refuge from the outside world. 'My favourite feature of my bedroom is my little prayer space, which is at one corner of my desk and marked out by a piece of fabric. 'I'm usually on the go and busy with life, but it is comforting to be able to sit at that space for a few minutes to say a quick prayer in the morning, or before I head up to the top bunk to retire for the night,' she says. Storage is very limited, despite her enterprise. Still, looking back, one advantage of having to share a bedroom for most of her life is that she never had enough space to accumulate a surfeit of things anyway. Ms Shelley at the desk of her cosy bedroom in her family's Punggol flat. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG 'I am able to keep everything that is mine in my new room. But I had to make other compromises. For instance, the kitchen is right outside my room, just separated by glass doors, so the smells occasionally waft in.' There are also the intermittent sounds of rushing water from the pipes above the bed, which connect to the kitchen, but these have 'soothing ASMR vibes', she jokes. 'The one big issue is the lack of air-conditioning, which I prefer to have as I get rashes easily from sweating,' adds Ms Shelley. She could not install an air-conditioning unit due to space constraints, so she is trying to figure out other ways to cool and ventilate the area. 'We might place another wall fan in the corner of the ceiling.' She is also looking into options for mosquito nettin g. But, overall, she loves her private nook. 'It's so nice to have my own personal space for the first time in my life, which I can style and maintain according to my preferences. My sister has offered to let me sleep in her room or use it if I want, but I love my own little room and don't see any need for that.' Her mother, Mrs Ruby Tan-Shelley, a trainer with the People's Association and who is in her 50s , is pleased to have been proven wrong. 'I'm proud and happy to see how she has made such a small space work for her.' Ms Shelley's father Michael Shelley, 68, is an entrepreneur. Ms Shelley says that her favourite part of her new space is her prayer corner. ST PHOTO: TARYN NG Meanwhile, Ms Shelley's sister Talya Jane has declared the room to be 'comfortable and cosy'. Ms Sasha Shelley's friends are excited for her to have her own space, even if it is a bit too small for her to have them over. In contrast, the responses on social media – where she posted photos and a video of her service yard bedroom – have been mixed. 'Some people were quick to make judgments on the situation ,' she says. For instance, in the comments, one person asked why her family did not 'just buy a bigger house with more rooms'. But many others were curious about the pros and cons of using such a compact space as a bedroom, Ms Shelley adds. 'I have even been getting private messages about where I bought certain items, which I have been more than happy to share.' It is not a set-up that will work for everyone, but she is content with her snug space. 'Having my own room was one of my biggest dreams, and I am just excited and grateful to finally have that.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Forbes
12-06-2025
- Forbes
Visit Switzerland's Lakeside Cities And Stay For The 5-Star Lifestyle
Though Lac Léman's gleaming surface steals the summer spotlight, its shores have plenty to sing about: try wellness hikes with soundbathing sessions in an alpine meadow, wine tasting or biking through the vineyards of UNESCO-designated Canton of Vaud. In 1816, a motley crew of great writers took a trip to Lac Léman—aka Lake Geneva. Lord Byron, young doctor John Polidori, Percy Bysshe Shelley and his future wife Mary, accompanied by a peacock, a monkey and a dog, all set up base in the lakeside Villa Diodati, just outside Geneva. While the trip was far from relaxing—arguments, alcohol, laudanum, ghost stories and a volcanic ash cloud—it birthed some great work. Shelley wrote Hymn to Intellectual Beauty and Mont Blanc: Lines Written in the Vale of Chamouni. Byron produced the third canto of Childe Harold. And Mary, after an evening debating whether corpses could be animated, began creating Frankenstein, published the following year with Lake Geneva as a main character: 'I contemplated the lake; the waters were placid, all around was calm and the snowy mountains... the calm and heavenly scene restored me.' Snow-capped peaks soften into flower-strewn hills that slope gently toward the shoreline of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva). That serene panorama has secured the region's status as one of the world's most coveted addresses. The tone for this storied location was set. Over 200 years later, restorative lakeside living is still the number-one pull for ultra-wealthy individuals visiting Switzerland and for those looking to set up home in this privileged, wellness-centric place. Switzerland continues to rank among the world's most desirable destinations for wealth migration: an estimated 16,703 ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals now call the tiny alpine nation home. Known for its political neutrality and stable economy, it's a country that consistently attracts those seeking a refined, discreet, secure and healthy way of living. With pristine lake views, proximity to world-class ski resorts, top-tier education and international appeal, Geneva and Lausanne are particularly popular among the global wealthy. Many buyers, especially those in their 40s and 50s with young families, come initially as visitors but soon find themselves making longer-term plans—a deeper commitment to a lifestyle defined by privacy, excellent healthcare and safety. 'This part of Switzerland offers a strategic location with access to major European cities within just a few hours,' says Hubert Chamorel, luxury advisor at FGP Swiss & Alps. 'The lifestyle in Geneva and Lausanne is very desired.' Flagship hotels—including the Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues in Lausanne—lure discerning travelers, while the area's easy elegance often persuades them to stay for good. It's a sentiment echoed by those at the front line of welcoming newcomers to the region. 'Lausanne, despite being a small city, is a fantastic destination because of the proximity of the lake, and to nature,' explains Alain Kropf, General Manager of Hotel Royal Savoy. Martin Rhomberg, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva, agrees. 'Our beautiful landscape offers the notion that nature still works. It's reassuring.' While Russian and Gulf clients dominated in the 1990s and early 2000s, today's buyers are a different profile, explains Chamorel. 'There is still some interest from the Middle East and China, but the majority of today's buyers are European, along with a smaller stream of Americans.' While some are relocating for work, others are moving permanently, drawn by the efficiency, cleanliness and quality of life. However, the Swiss property market is not easily accessible to foreign buyers. The tightly regulated Lex Koller law restricting foreign ownership means non-residents can only buy in designated tourist zones. Time-honored Alpine customs shape the region's soul, yet also expect a multi-cultural cosmopolitan flair that animates daily life. 'Outside these, only Swiss nationals or those with established residency are able to purchase homes,' explains Chamorel. 'Foreign buyers must demonstrate they are genuinely out to establish a life here, such as by setting up local bank accounts—or indeed, by securing housing. It's an added layer of diligence that ensures the community remains stable and rooted, not purely transactional. 'Switzerland rewards understatement… It's about seeking out elegant, private homes with outdoor space, with gardens, swimming pools, and lake views.' Ultimately, it's the lifestyle that seals the deal. The Geneva–Lausanne region offers a unique blend of access to alpine adventure, lakeside leisure and cosmopolitan living. The bold Art Nouveau and Neo Baroque exterior of the Royal Savoy reflects its 1909 origins. After a six-year hiatus—one that saw a CHF 100 million overhaul unfold from 2009 to 2015—the hotel resurfaced with no expense spared. And the area's luxury hotels play a significant part in that lifestyle, not only in being a first touchpoint for UHNW visitors, but also in spotting, responding to and serving up the trends valued by the international top tier. 'Roughly 60% of our business is corporate and 40% leisure,' says Kropf. 'Lausanne is small but we have the The Institute for Management Development (IMD), the International Olympic Committee (IoC) head office, 51 sports federations and many international companies including Nestlé, Philip Morris and Nespresso. That adds a unique global dimension to the business landscape.' 'Geneva might be known as corporate, but our guests are 96% leisure,' says Director of Sales Stéphanie Myter at newly renovated kid on the block The Woodward. 'Americans, especially, see it not just as a stopover, but a destination in its own right. 'There's a focus on quality of life now. Guests are coming here, falling in love with Geneva—and sometimes renting or even buying property afterwards.' Taking to the lake fulfills every brief—transport, leisure, and the clearest vantage for Switzerland's spectacular scenery. On the other side of the water lies La Réserve Genève Hotel & Spa, which has direct lakeside access and luxury boats to shuttle guests to the city. 'Our hotel is unique,' General Manager Clément Hernandez explains. 'In winter, it feels cozy, but in summer it becomes a resort with nautical fun on the lake, open terraces and three different types of restaurants.' All agree that the lake itself is the core attraction: at any given weekend from April to October, the crystal-clear lake is transformed into an aquatic playground. 'People are using as if it were the Mediterranean,' says Rhomberg. These activities are growing in popularity too: the market for water sports equipment in Switzerland is predicted to grow by 5.9% to $65.7 million by 2029. The Four Seasons in Geneva has, this summer, launched Riviera des Bergues—an events program that brings Med-style summer living to Lake Geneva and its more comfortable temperatures. 'It's a curated collection of open-air activities infused with laidback lakeside atmosphere,' says the Four Seasons' Rhomberg. 'The vibe is vacation but with Swiss precision and a touch of chic because you are in the city.' Geneva lends the shoreline a metropolitan pulse, enriching it with premier boutiques, restaurants and cultural halls. Another key attraction to the lakeside cities is the sense of community. 'Lausanne has an international flair with the benefits of a small village,' says Rhomberg. The UHNW community in both cities is unusual in that the top-tier hotels proactively bring international visitors together with local residents. 'It's important that we create events for the community,' says Kropf. One initiative Kropf is especially proud of, Les Rencontres du Royal, is a regular event series that he runs with well-known TV journalist Romaine Jean, who interviews a celebrated guest. 'Guests mingle with locals, people meet like-minded people.' Royal Savoy sits in the middle of La Vaux, a UNESCO-listed vineyard region, so wine tourism is a big part of the offer. 'It's not just about the wine, it's about authenticity and connection with the growers,' says General Manager Alain Kropf. Interviewees have ranged from Mathieu Jaton, Director of Montreux Jazz Festival, to Christophe Dubi, Executive Director of the Olympic Games. 'All our interviewees are part of our networks—the energy in the room is great.' Also part of that network are local winegrowers, and Kropf calls on them to create day trips for oenophile guests. This year there is also a series of oenological dinners in collaboration with renowned wineries such as Domaine Van Volxem and Domaine Comte Abbatucci. Within Geneva's oldest grand hotel—the Four Seasons, est. 1834—Il Lago serves Michelin-starred Italian cuisine. Guests and city locals also mingle at this year's true hotspots: the (rare) rooftop bars. 'There are only two in Geneva,' says Rhomberg, whose rooftop Izumi restaurant has a two-week waiting list. There's a sense of playfulness in all rooftop bars and restaurants—and no more so than here. Kick off with a wasabi martini, follow with wagyu, sea urchin and caviar nigiri, or a spiny lobster thermidor, Izumi-style. Similarly, the Royal Savoy's Sky Lounge is a much-fêted part of the Lausanne scene with its view south to the lake and north to gaze at the city on its slope. Atop the Royal Savoy, the Sky Lounge sweeps from lake-wide vistas to the quiet pockets of Lausanne below. At the other end of the aesthetic continuum, The Woodward is home to Geneva's only two-Michelin-star restaurant, L'Atelier Robuchon. Drenched in Louboutin red, it's bold and sexy and underground—and the place to be for fine dining. 'Guests sit at the bar and interact with the chefs—it's theater!' Myter enthuses. Finally, the one trend that is loved by UHNW guests and locals alike is the region's renowned wellness offering. In a sector predicted to grow annually at a rate of 7.3% and reach $9 trillion in 2028, wealthy clientele now expect a very good wellness offering—and likewise UHNW residents want to be able to access the best. Hotels are increasingly the place to do that. Rhomberg also heads up the wellness experience task force for Four Seasons EMEA. 'The difference between urban and resort wellness experiences,' he says, 'is that people in cities are busy. If they give up two hours of their time they expect results.' And if you move from visitor to resident, you can still enjoy the state-of-the-art spa—the Four Seasons Club des Bergues is open to local members but not advertised 'so that we balance how many people we take.' A longstanding devotion to wellness means many local hotels elevate their spas. At the Four Seasons Club des Bergues, treatments run from rose-scented baths to private pools and LPG Endermologie. Alain Kropf at the Royal Savoy adds: 'A spa is as important now for corporate guests as it is for leisure visitors. It's part of their routine—our gym and pool are at their busiest between 6:15 and 7:45am.' La Réserve's spa leads the way in its medical wellness offering. 'We have our own osteopaths and physiotherapists, and we offer special treatments using new technology. We even offer a private villa by the lake for tailored experiences,' says Hernandez. Myter agrees. 'Wellness is in high demand now. Our Guerlain Spa at The Woodward is a real draw. Everything in the spa has been designed with calm in mind.' As well as the treatment rooms and the gym, it has Geneva's longest swimming pool and panoramic views… of the lake. Of course. FGP Swiss & Alps is a member of Forbes Global Properties, an invitation-only network of top-tier brokerages worldwide and the exclusive real estate partner of Forbes.
