Davidoff met top chef and "CigarMan of the Year 2016" Renato Wüst to talk about cigars and the philosophy of enjoyment Mr Wüst, as Executive Chef is in charge of two large hotel kitchens and five satellite kitchens. His team includes more than 60 chefs, eight pastry chefs and six trainee chefs as well as numerous assistants who cater for the needs of the exclusive guests in two Grand Restaurants and four speciality restaurants in the Bad Ragaz Grand Hotels.

Davidoff: Davidoff and GaultMillau have nominated you as "CigarMan of the Year 2016". What does this award mean for you?

Renato Wüst: I have a genuine love of cigars and so I am really thrilled to receive this award. But it also motivates me acknowledge the innate merits of aficionados. This includes reserving our Davidoff Lounge for them where they can enjoy cigars in a convivial atmosphere whether they are enjoying a round of golf, relaxing in the lounge or taking part in outdoor sports.

Davidoff: You are constantly expected to improve on your excellent standards and performance. How do you manage to achieve this?

Renato Wüst: Firstly, with my team and its ongoing development. Progress is mainly based on culinary innovation. In 2008 I spent six months travelling abroad. During this time I closely studied the way top chefs operate in places ranging from Dubai, to Abu Dhabi, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Macao, Shanghai and Singapore; I did a lot of cooking with them and really enjoyed it. I found the aromas and spices in the Bangkok street food particularly fascinating. When I arrived home again, I was really able to incorporate these impressions and experiences into our daily work. This is an example of how a healthy food concept became a hugely successful Thai restaurant. There has also been another change in our Äbtestube restaurant which, under the management of Andreas Caminada, has had new life breathed into thanks not only to an excellent menu, but also to its new "Igniv" name.

Davidoff: What is your recipe for success?

Renato Wüst: That is simple - passion! I enjoy cooking for a living and also during my free time. Passing this passion onto my fellow workers and making it part of life are what give everyone in our team the desired success. You can’t afford to be a lone wolf when there are more than 60 chefs. Our aim is not only to be up there with the best, we also want to be the best wellbeing and medical health resort in Europe! You have to work together, listen and help each other. This brings us together and strengthens the team.

Davidoff: What does a "CigarMan of the Year" do in his spare time?

Renato Wüst: I will shortly be flying back to Bangkok to cook for the King. I’m doing this during my holiday, because Its a passion of mine. Then I’m also going to take the opportunity to have a look at another health resort in Kho Samui where there are a lot of VIP guests. I think we still have a lot to learn from the Asian countries, especially in terms of health. Whilst we re still talk about organic products in Europe, in Asia they treat patients very successfully using holistic therapies, in other words, medicinal methods that look at and treat the person’s inherent nature and their illness as a whole.

Davidoff: You yourself are an aficionado. How did that happen?

Renato Wüst: I’m sure I got my passion for cigars from my job, and also my curiosity.

Davidoff: What does enjoying a cigar mean to you?

Renato Wüst: Whether it is mild or robust, it doesn’t matter what kind of a flavour a cigar has. For me, enjoyment is like a playground where I can experiment and have the freedom to move and be independent. A cigar also nurtures that feeling of togetherness which is so important to me - a heart-felt discussion with others, getting input from friends and simple enjoyment without any worries at the same time. If I have the chance to go to my favourite bar in the evening and light up a cigar, then I am giving myself both time and inspiration.