Yoko Calls the Shots at BelArosa Chalet
Yoko calls the shots at BelArosa Chalet, this fabulous 5-star hideaway in the Grisons mountains.
She is not only the right paw of host Meike Bambach, but also makes sure that four-legged friends feel wonderfully welcome here. Five tricky questions for Madame Yoko – and her delightfully cheeky answers.
Yoko, first question: how did you get your name?
Well, the answer is rather obvious. Yoko has a lovely ring to it – and it is an excellent name to be called by. We dachshunds are known to be a little headstrong, after all. And Yoko has a truly outstanding reputation – I mean my role model, of course: Yoko Ono.
So, are you a closet hippie?
Not at all. I may live freely and follow my gut, and naturally I do enjoy the Beatles. But otherwise, I prefer things classic. Think more Yo-Yo Ma and his magical cello.
You live in Arosa, up in the mountains. How does a dachshund lady of distinction end up in this Swiss high valley?
Allow me to correct you: I am indeed at home in Arosa. But technically, I live in a Samsonite suitcase, model 1967, hard shell, olive green, lined with sheepskin. More precisely: I am always side by side with my well-travelled co-host Meike Bambach – and this very suitcase accompanied her on her journey to her first position as a hotel professional in Beverly Hills, Hollywood.
So you do like things a little glamorous?
I like things well cared for. Stylish, with a twist – something special, in other words. But paparazzi and star behaviour? Not my cup of tea. Quite the opposite: at BelArosa Chalet, we are known for making everyone feel equally welcome – humans and their animal companions alike. Whether they have famous names or not. We are a wonderfully cosy nest in the Swiss mountains, entirely discreet: ten private chalets under one shared chalet roof. Here, everyone may do everything – but no one has to do anything. Except, perhaps, make themselves comfortable. We deliberately move on quiet paws.
Last question: when are you truly happy?
Two answers. First: when I get to nibble on a dried pig’s ear. And second: when I cuddle up on cloud nine – quite literally.
Because here at BelArosa Chalet, we have only the finest and best for us dogs, provided by the Berlin label Cloud 7: dog sleeping bags, for example – we dachshunds do love things cosy and cave-like. When it comes to dog blankets, my favourite is the “Woodstock” model: crocheted, colourful and yes, perhaps just a tiny bit hippie after all.
Naturally, I am also terribly fond of the Cloud 7 dog bowls. Our chef fills them, for instance, with poached chicken hearts – if one asks nicely. We even bake our very own organic dog biscuits here at the chalet. Not me personally, of course, but my team does. And I, naturally, test these delicacies thoroughly – with heart and soul.
Editor’s note: Dogs are warmly welcomed at BelArosa Chalet in Arosa, Switzerland.
