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Reflecting on a Spectacular 12th Winter Weekend

Reflecting on a Spectacular 12th Winter Weekend

The 12th edition of Winter Weekend marked a special milestone, as it was both our debut in the iconic luxury winter playground of St. Moritz and our 20th anniversary, so we aimed to create an experience worthy of the occasion, and we certainly delivered!

Against the breathtaking snowcapped backdrop of the Swiss Alps, Suvretta House served as centre stage for a celebration that eclipsed all the ASW events that preceded it this year.

SUVRETTA HOUSE CRADLED BY THE WINTER BEAUTY OF THE ENGADIN VALLEY

A Night At Studio 54

The festivities began with a welcome apéro, as guests gathered, reconnecting with old friends while meeting new ones. The palpable atmosphere of anticipation and excitement began to build, as they sampled exquisite UMAI dry-aged beef tataki and spoke over sparkling glasses, raising them to the exciting days ahead.

As the evening unfolded, Suvretta House was transformed into a scene straight out of 1970s New York for a dazzling Studio 54-themed dinner. The carefully curated decor and entertainment transported guests back in time, to a golden era of carefree indulgence. 

Themed performers embodied the flamboyant spirit of the legendary New York nightclub, captivating guests as dancers glided and spun across the illuminated dance floor, singers filled the air with celebrated disco anthems of the era, and a mesmerising hula hoop act added an enchanting period-perfect touch to the evening's atmosphere.

LEFT: FRIENDS ENJOY THE STUDIO 54-THEMED NIGHT; RIGHT: A HULA HOOP PERFORMANCE LIGHTS UP THE DANCE FLOOR.

Meanwhile, our favoured live music ensemble The Phly Boys brought the evening to life, weaving through the tables as they played, compelling diners to spontaneously abandon their seats and dance at (or on!) their tables, making it hard to tell where the dance floor ended and the dinner table began!

The evening reached its peak with a Champagne show that felt as though it were plucked straight from a dream, as a performer straddled a (fake) white horse, flanked by a glittering entourage of 70s disco-themed dancers. This paid homage to the iconic real white horse that famously graced the original Studio 54, serving as a playful nod to the golden era of disco, which became our unofficial mascot for the night.

The energy on the dance floor was electric, with guests embracing the theme in shimmering, retro-inspired attire, as DJ Besford enthusiastically kept the beats flowing late into the night. The evening unfolded like the perfect opening act to an unforgettable weekend, that left everyone eagerly anticipating what was to come next.

A RAUCOUS STUDIO 54-INSPIRED CELEBRATION, COMPLETE WITH SPARKLERS, CHAMPAGNE, AND A SHOW-STOPPING IMITATION WHITE HORSE.

An Elevated Alpine Experience

The next day brought a change of pace but no shortage of magic. Guests were whisked to a mountaintop retreat for an après-ski-inspired lunch that perfectly captured the Alpine spirit. As guests ascended the mountain, mulled wine and Feurenstein lip balm were thoughtfully served on the ski lift as warming gestures to stave off the Alpine chill. 

LEFT IMAGE: A STYLISH COUPLE TOASTING AGAINST THE ALPINE BACKDROP; RIGHT IMAGE: A CHEERFUL COUPLE ENJOYING FONDUE AND THE INCREDIBLE MOUNTAIN VIEWS.

Inside the warmth of the ski hut at the summit, The Phly Boys (showing no signs of wear from their vibrant performance the night before) welcomed guests, by once again energetically performing for members indoors and out, as they dined. This time, members indulged in creamy traditional fondue, delicate gnocchi crowned with fragrant white truffle, and a curated selection of fine wines provided exclusively by Donna Fugata.

Outside, DJ Besford held court by keeping revellers warm with infectious beats, turning the outside deck into an impromptu dance floor high above the picturesque Engadin Valley, as the sounds of laughter and music trailed off into the pristine Alpine wilderness.

THE HEARTY WARMTH OF TRUTZ COMES ALIVE AS GUESTS SING AND ENJOY THE LIVE MUSIC.

The Black-Tie Gala: A Night of Style and Substance

That evening, the weekend reached its crescendo with a black-tie Charity Gala Foundation Dinner in the palatial dining room of Suvretta House. Guests dressed in their finest attire, connecting over a sumptuous four-course meal paired with exquisite wines and Champagne. 

The evening was made even more memorable by a table-side raffle and silent auction, which raised vital funds for the ASW Foundation's worthy charitable causes. Entrants held their breath as an abundance of coveted prizes were announced including: a timeless Dior bag from LOOP GENERATION; a luxurious three-night stay at Suvretta House; three luxurious skincare sets from BelleFontaine; stunning jewellery from Chopard, which also provided a beautiful memento for every guest and many others! 

The generosity of our members was inspiring, with CHF 57,000 raised for important charitable initiatives, reflecting the compassionate spirit of our community.

THE ELEGANT SATURDAY NIGHT GALA IN THE GRAND SETTING OF SUVRETTA HOUSE

The celebrations didn’t end there. As the Gala concluded, the party moved into full swing with an electrifying performance by the Q5 band. Guests swept up in the spirit of the night danced carefree into the early hours with both old friends and new, a fitting celebratory crescendo to a wonderful weekend.

As the final notes faded and the last glasses were raised, attendees departed with memories that will be cherished long after the snow melts, eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to come together.

A CAPTIVATING LIVE PERFORMANCE KEEPS THE AFTERPARTY ALIVE INTO THE EARLY HOURS.

The ASW Winter Weekend 2024 distilled the essence of the ASMALLWORLD experience into a single unforgettable weekend. In a sentence, it’s the joy of reconnecting with familiar faces or forming new friendships and creating cherished memories in some of the world’s most breathtaking locations. These are the moments that linger, bringing a smile long after the journey ends.

Watch the highlights

Still want more?

Whether you are reliving the magical moments of this amazing event as an attendee or wish to feel part of the occasion because you couldn't attend, our recap video below and its accompanying photo gallery showcases the exciting highlights of this celebration, for you to savour and enjoy!

What's Next?

For those who couldn’t join us, don’t worry – the excitement is far from over. 

Our next flagship event, the Summer Weekend in St. Tropez, promises to be just as extraordinary. Mark your calendars for 16-18 May and get ready to make yet more magical memories with us in 2025.

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