Welcome to the five-star hotel Gran Meliá de Mar Mallorca and the bay of Illetas!

It is no secret that the Mallorcan government wants to enhance the image of the popular Balearic island. More luxury tourism instead of the typical S’Arenal tourism. Instead of building new hotels, the existing buildings are renovated and new standards are set for old houses.

The five-star resort Gran Meliá de Mar is located directly by the sea in the bay of Illetas, away from the buzzling city of Palma – not far from the marina Puerto Portals and the Real Bendinat Golf Club. An oasis of peace in the middle of a garden lined with palm trees and pines. And a predestined location, which the hotel owes to its origins in 1964, when building near water was still permitted.

Ingenious: The chocolate-brown hotel façade with its filigree wooden trellises.The building dates from the 60’s, designed by the renowned architect José Antonio Coderch

Four years ago, the award-winning Spanish team of architect Alvaro Sans gave the listed building new splendour and ingeniously staged the chocolate-brown façade with filigree wooden trellises. Since then, the 142-room and suite hotel has belonged to the luxury category and offers sophisticated gastronomy in three restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, gym, a spa and wellness area.

Pleasant atmosphere: The modern, bright lobby with its casual lounge furniture

Welcome to paradise

In the modern, bright lobby with its casual lounge furniture and Mediterranean colour concept, the friendly doorman welcomes arriving guests with a glass of sparkling Cava. Cheers! My spacious suite is located on the second floor and offers a magnificent view of the turquoise Mediterranean from both the king size bed and the balconies. Simply unbeatable.

From my suite I enjoy the spectacular view of the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.

Waking up at the Gran Melia de Mar

How do I organize the day? Once on the treadmill in the hotel’s own gym while looking at the sea? I could also book a private yoga lesson, take a few lanes in the sky pool or jump from the hotel’s private beach into the Mediterranean Sea, in order to doze lazily on the comfortable loungers at the pool afterwards. From there I get up at best to have a delicious lunch in the chic “Bardot” bistro – consisting of fish tempura  and chicken wok. By the way, the demanding audience appears here for lunch in well-groomed clothes.

I particularly like the “Bardot” bistro in its black and white retro design

Speaking of dozing: In the Gran Meliá de Mar, one finds enough lying and sitting areas, whether in the idyllic garden, on the luxurious daybeds around the pool or the romantic rock bay with its small private beach. I could easily spend the whole day here, which I additionally enrich with a massage in the “Clarins” Spa. And although Palma attracts with its charming old town, the impressive cathedral, the sophisticated shops, cafés and restaurants, I do not want to leave the Gran Meliá de Mar. I decide on freshly caught fish in the highly acclaimed gourmet restaurant “Arrels” (Spanish for roots). The culinary concept of the “Arrels” – one of three restaurants in the Gran Meliá de Mar – comes from the Majorcan top chef Marga Coll. After this culinary delight I end my perfect evening with a Rosato and this incomparable view to the sea. BvH

If you want to be spoiled all around, book the Red Level Card and enjoy the benefits of the lounge with e.g. VIP check-in and late checkout

Gran Meliá de Mar Insider Tip:

If you want to be spoiled all around, book the Red Level Card and enjoy the benefits of the lounge with its non-stop food and drinks. Here I can have breakfast in a relaxed atmosphere, order eggs as I wish from the butler while I study the daily newspaper of my choice. The Red Level Card also includes VIP check-in and late checkout, free parking, coffee and tea making in my suite or free access to the spa area and “Spa by Clarins”.

The View from the Red Level Lounge to the ocean. So cool!

In the Red Level Lounge I also can enjoy a wonderful breakfast in quiet atmosphere

Hello ocean!

How nice: Delicious macarons are ready to welcome me

My suite is equipped with a kitchenette, Nespresso machine and kettle …

…and from both – the bathroom and the comfortable king size bed – I can look out to the Mediterranean

In the bathroom there is a big whirlpool and XL products by Clarins

Gran Meliá de Mar – an oasis of tranquillity and silence – and therefore exclusively reserved for adults

Let’s go from the hotel’s beach directly into the Mediterranean Sea…

…which is only a ten minutes drive by car from the centre of Palma, located the southwest of Mallorca

Nestled by massive rocks, I enjoy the privacy of the small, dreamy bay

In 2016 the impressive 14,000 square metre garden was redesigned. Here I found various terraces, pools and numerous lying areas…

…as here by the pool which is surrounded and equipped with üItalian and Spanish furniture design

The Gran Meliá de Mar is one of The Leading Hotels of the World. A double room starts from 390 Euros

I particularly like the “Bardot” bistro in its black and white retro design:

For lunch I have delicous Fish Tempura (22 Euros)…

…followed by a yummy Chicken-Wok (26 Euros)

Once again the beautiful private bay

Shadows in front of a the 60s façade which is, by the way, under monumental protection

The “Spa by Clarins” has a sauna, a steam bath and a small indoor pool. A 60-minute massage costs 100 Euros, facials from 140 Euros

After my massage, I relax on one of the comfortable daybeds and enjoy the unique view

The Gran Meliá de Mar is also known as the “Chocolate Hotel” because of its peerless chocolate brown façade made of shiny ceramic tiles

For a nightcap I recommend the chic “Amaro-Bar”: Salud!

Contact:

Gran Meliá de Mar Mallorca

The Gran Meliá de Mar invited me.
More of my personal travel tips you can find here.

Do not miss: The special Mallorca report “A perfect day in Palma” – coming soon on MyStylery!

The post Hotel Gran Meliá de Mar Mallorca appeared first on My Stylery.

The luxury ship MS Europa 2 infront of the Greek island of Naxos, the third leg of my cruise. What I experienced during the first days on board, you will find here

Half of my childhood I spent on the sea. As a captain for a Hamburg shipping company, my father drove a reefer ship, so-called banana boats, on whose decks I learned to walk and later spent my school holidays on. Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific – on the world’s oceans around the world. In the opinion of my old master, cruise ships did not count to the true sea voyage. “Floating hotels” was his succinct commentary. The more exciting I was on my first cruise on the MS Europa 2, a 225-meter-long passenger steamer of the luxury category with room for 500 passengers. Our course: from Rhodes to Athens, a five-day spa trip through the Greek Aegean. MyStylery’s diary in four chapters.

Lounger with a view: From the aft deck I enjoy the sunrise

Day 3

The night was mega relaxed, though much too short, because after 48 miles at sea I did not want to miss the early arrival at Naxos coast. Naxos is the largest and greenest island in the Cyclades and is known for its castles and white beaches, which I explore in the afternoon on a 25 kilometer long bike tour. I am relieved that Tom, the bike guide, spares the 1004 meter high mountain Zas. The offered bike tours are by the way between three and five hours long. Price: from 40 Euro. The MS Europe 2 travel concierge offers tours starting at 29 Euros. If you like it more exclusive, book a helicopter trip for 400 Euros. Or discover the goal independently and on your own. Everything is possible.

MyStylery on the way to discover Naxos’ old town

In Naxos I have fallen in love. While Santorini is flooded by the narrow streets of the tourist towns, one can experience Naxos’s silence and relaxation. As before, the island is an insider tip and little visited by cruise ships, since the big pots can not be put here. And the Greeks love their Naxos, where they spend their holidays with their families. Right enough!

Taking a little nap on my suite balcony, accompanied by a glas of Champagne

Back on the boat my stressed feet ask for a time-out: I tail the Pilates-hour in the fitness area and relax on my private balcony. The only noise accompanying me is the rattling of the anchor chain, which is thinned to leak. And the popping of my bottle of champagne, which I now finally open and, with sea view, enjoy. It stops after one glass, because it goes immediately to the gin tasting, in which five gin sorts can be tasted. Now, Gin is not exactly one of my favorite drinks. A sample sip and lots of stories around the juniper schnapps, which is interestingly not in England, but in the Philippines worldwide the most consumed.

The gin tasting is offered for free, in which five gin sorts can be tasted

Friends of the Caviar have marked the Thursday red in the calendar: Thursday is Caviar Night on MS Europa 2 and thus a reason for the only possible queue, which can form on the ship. On this evening, I am actually agreed in the sushi restaurant “Sakura”, but take a trip to the caviar buffet and treat myself at the same time also with some fresh oysters. Add to this a delicious California roll. What a wonderful, culinary mess! In the theater, the New York dance company “The Tap Factor” shines with a quilting performance with an infectious effect: the dance floor in the “Sansibar” is then rocked decently and DJ Pro-Mo plays my favorite song “Meet me half way” by the Black Eyed Peas, which he organized for me. Kind? Kind! Next Stop: Nauplia, 139 nautical miles away.

Thursday evening, the Caviar-Night, there is rush due to the kilo-cans of caviar

Day 4

Do you actually get seasick, I am asked often. Answer: Yes, on small boats. On big ships, It takes storm force 9 for me to feel queasy. The MS Europa 2 has its stabilizers in rough seas, which reduce the rolling movement of the ship during lateral waves, which can be a real advantage in the months of July and August. For in the high summer strong north winds dominate here, which can make the Aegean crazy. At the beginning of June it is fortunately not a concern! Once again, I jump out of bed early and into the 15 meter long pool. A short round swim, at this time only used by one lonely swimmer.

Breakfast in the bathrobe on my suite balcony:

Tea, orange juice and fresh fruit, scrambled eggs with bacon (yummy!), croissants and Danish pastries. Sunshine and an amazing view on top

Just in time at nine I hear some knocking on my door, the room service comes and serves an opulent breakfast on my balcony. Delicious croissants, fresh orange juice, scrambled eggs with bacon and my beloved “Morgentau”-tea from Ronnefeldt. This is the taste of holiday! Unfortunately, I do not even get half of these delicacies, which may be quite good, because there is a fast zodiac tour on the program – motorized high-speed inflatable boats going through the bay and along the steep rocky coast of Nauplia. Afterwards, the boat goes to the mainland for my small country expedition through Nauplia town. By the way, the main cities of the Greek islands always carry the island name. I stroll through Nauplia’s old town and am amazed by the differentness of this island. Here one can feel the former Italian influences, not just in the architecture, which wraps the pretty house facades with their window shutters in colorful colors. More to come on MyStylery!

Down into the depths: The first tender boat is launched to take passengers on shore

Phew! With 32 degrees it is quite hot on Nauplia and I’m glad to escape the midday heat. Let’s go back to MS Europa 2, what many of the passengers do at lunch time. I’m ready for a relaxed snack. If you like freshly grilled, go to the grill station in the restaurant Yacht Club. I enjoy gilthead, followed by a portion of Mozart Praline ice cream. Mmmhhh! Now a lunch break would be a good idea. No time. Unfortunately. Because I have not seen so much on board yet. Neither the cooking school nor the playing field, the cinema or the golf simulator. Instinctively, I land in the boutique and submit the assortment to a quick check. Who has forgotten his cashmere sweater at home, finds one here for cool evenings on the deck guaranteed: Shop ’til you drop!

A little closer to the sky: the glass roof above the MS Europa 2 seawater-pool is opened at good weather

On my tour I hardly meet fellow travelers. Some relax on the decks, others may be on land. I never feel like being surrounded by a lot of people, which is certainly because the MS Europa 2 has the largest room offer per passenger on a cruise ship. If you are looking for loneliness on board, I recommend the aft deck of the spa area, which is hardly visited in this heat. Also on the other decks it goes relaxed, with a bit luck you find a place in the chic shell-cots of Dedon. Stewards serve refreshments, tea, coffee and iced tea variations are free on board.

A culinary highlight is the freshly baked waffles with cherries and vanilla ice cream

A culinary highlight is the freshly baked waffles, which are served in the afternoon on the pool deck. Every day with a changing topping or the classic: cherries with vanilla ice cream. But since I soon “must” eat again, I enjoy half a portion! My farewell at the restaurant “Tarragon”, the French brasserie of MS Europa 2. At beef tartar and lamb fillets a small resumée of my trip. It was nice, though (too) brief. Because at night, we arrive at the port of Athens, the last leg of my small cruise.

My farewell at the restaurant “Tarragon”, the French brasserie

MyStylery’s Conclusion:

A cruise can be much more than I initially thought. I like the relaxed atmosphere on board very much, as well as the contemplative life on board. Even though this is different from the sailings of my childhood, where I have often seen nothing but water for days. At some destinations I get first insights from the country and people, which can be deepened on a next trip. Concerning other destinations, I felt the length of stay was sufficient. Many impressions I take with me and am now looking forward to my stay in Athens. To mention the financial aspect: exclusivity has its price – with just under 5,000 Euros per person for a one-week trip.
I was so excited about my little cruise and was not disappointed. MS Europa 2 – I’ll be back. Until then I say ship, ahoy!  BvH

The MS Europa 2 in front of the Greek island of Naxos

The tender boats – like here in front of Naxos – are running 20 minutes between MS Europa 2 and the mainland

I explore the island of Naxos in the afternoon on a 25 kilometer long bike tour. Of course I wear a helmet

Back on board I am greeted with a refreshing juice and a cool towel. What a service!

Apropos drink: One of the popular champagne tasting is on the agenda. Price from 90 Euros

The sudden fog has something magical and veils the passing islands

Ready for dinner: Sushi and Sashimi at “Sakura”-Restaurant

… The caviar night the same evening I can not miss …

… Just as the beautiful sunset

Good to know:

Waste into the sea? No way! MS Europe 2 has a sewage treatment plant. Inorganic waste such as glass is shredded or plastics are compacted and disposed of on land. Waste packaging waste is chilled and paper burned directly on board.

If you need more space than in the 35 square meters large veranda suites, book a suite of the other six categories. For example, the owner or penthouse suites. They are situated in the upper decks, offer up to 114 square meters (including porch) and include, if desired, a butler service

Here’s a view into my bathroom, which is equipped with bathtube and shower

Forgot your floss? Do not worry! Here’s everything you need

The Zodiac fleet of MS Europa 2 – named after Hamburg’s districts

On a Zodiac tour the wearing of the life jacket is mandatory

Beautiful ship: The MS Europa 2 shooted from zodiac-perspective

In the small, but fine gym, the many calories on board can be burned on Technogym equipment – again with a wonderful view to the turquoise water

Shopping in the board boutique: Liebeskind, Escada, Hilfiger. Shop ’til you drop – but for customs reasons however only on sea days

In the mood for a shuffleboard tournament under the Greek sun and view to the bay of Nauplia?

The MS Europa 2 is popular with families with children: there is a kids- and teens club and family suites. The parents then enjoy their time off on the loungers

The motto aboard the MS Europa 2: “Luxury in casual ambience”

On the sun deck, Steward Mohamad serves cold refreshments – in the background, Dedon’s cozy daybeds

At the icecream buffet: Even if the impression is made, I have not only been eating on board the MS Europa 2

Please disinfect hands before entering onboard restaurants! Nowhere do bacteria germinate faster than on cruise ships

Cruise News:

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises has commissioned the construction of two luxury expedition ships in the five-star segment, the Hanseantic Nature and the Hanseatic Inspiration, which will be launched in 2019.

Below the bridge – the command center of the ship – I observe the departure

Reflections of the front ship in the bridge’s windows …

… From there you can watch the berthing

The porthole and I

Two florists care for fresh flower arrangements on MS Europa 2

Again round forms that remind you beeing on a ship …

… also good to capture reflecting sunsets

A small resumée of my trip by beef tartar …

… and lamb fillets: It was nice, though (too) brief

The tugboat tows the MS Europa 2 at night to the berth in Athens

MyStylery ready for departure – disembarkation – as it is called in the language of the sailors

αντίο – bye, bye, MS Europa 2

Contact MS Europa 2:

www.hl-cruises.de

I was invited to this cruise as part of a blogger trip by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

The post My cruise aboard the MS Europa 2 – Part II appeared first on My Stylery.

Passing Rhodes’s historian city wall and the marina to MS Europa 2

Half of my childhood I spent on the sea. As a captain for a Hamburg shipping company, my father drove a reefer ship, so-called banana boats, on whose decks I learned to walk and later spent my school holidays on. Atlantic, Caribbean, Pacific – on the world’s oceans around the world. In the opinion of my old master, cruise ships did not count to the true sea voyage. “Floating hotels” was his succinct commentary. The more exciting I was on my first cruise on the MS Europa 2, a 225-meter-long passenger steamer of the luxury category with room for 500 passengers. Our course: from Rhodes to Athens, a five-day short trip through the Greek Aegean. MyStylery’s diary in four chapters.

The old, four-kilometer-long city wall of Rhodes town, a Unesco World Heritage

Day 1

I leave Berlin at 30 degrees and bright sunshine and land on Rhodes in the southern Aegean Sea with rainy 20 degrees and grey sky. At the airport a friendly English-speaking taxi driver picked me up, who proved to be a perfect tour guide on the half-hour drive to the port. We pass the old, four-kilometer-long city wall of Rhodes town with its towers, fortress bastions and tombs before the driver drops me off at the berth of the MS Europa 2 directly in front of the gangway. When I arrive at the port, I pass security checks along with hand luggage – a procedure like at every airport. And soon I have the first bubbly in the hand, while I am at the front desk on deck 4 check in.

Rezeption and Lobby welcome guests with modern, luxurious design

My Veranda Suite: One of a total of 251 suites on the MS Europa 2

When I enter my 35 square meter porch suite (with outside balcony!) on deck 5, my luggage is already there. A fast service, which I miss in several luxury hotels. A short cabin scan: For the suite design, the Interior-team combined high-quality materials in beige and off-white tones with light wood. At the top of my favorites list is the walk-in wardrobe with lots of storage space. The spacious, mosaic-tiled bathroom with shower, bathtub and a generous range of personal care products is also available. My personal highlight is however the outside balcony. Here I will later bottle my bottle of welcome champagne, I suppose. Two hours to the sea rescue exercise – enough time for a small country trip through Rhodes’s enchanting old town. What I am experiencing here, I will soon report in a Rhodes extra.

There is enough time for a small country trip through Rhodes’s enchanting old town

Back on board, there is hardly time to air-sweep, because I am already in my orange-colored rescue vest, in which I look a bit like SpongeBob and just hear the security officer say that straighteners and curling irons from the cabin steward are collected as possible burners. Good to know! And yes, there is room for each of the 500 passengers in rescue boats: one should listen carefully, if the ship horns sound seven times short and once long. In the next round trip, over the seven passenger decks, past the pool, the six specialty restaurants, various bars, including the Sansibar, the theater and the jazzclub, the gentile and the spa, I wonder where I am right now? Ah, yes, at the MS Europa 2. Of a ship reminds me here at most the view outside. Would I be able to get around without the discreet signs on board?

Me as SpongeBob in my rescue vest. You can not alway look good

In the evening I dine in the Asian “Elements”, one of six specialty restaurants, which are all included in the price, but require a previous reservation. A passenger of the MS Europa 2 will hardly suffer a famine, because the food is eaten theoretically around the clock and at a high level. If you miss the essence, go for club sandwich, pasta or sansibar’s legendary currywurst to the bar of the same name, or order the 24/7 roomservice. After the dinner, the passenger awaits the nightly entertainment in the theater: On the program “Musical Moments”. A showact – without a show. I do not worry. The actual theater takes place outside. At 11 o’clock local time, we set off under triple, penetrating ship horn’s signal and the ship’s own song „We are the sun“. Next stop: Santorini.

Mmmhhh: Lobster with papaya salad in the “Elements” restaurant

Distance from Rhodes to Santorini: 48 nautical miles. Bye, bye Rhodes!

Day 2

The early bird catches the worm, I tell myself, when my alarm clock dries me at 6 o’clock in the morning from the bunk – the very comfortable master-bed. From here I can look at the sea and watch as the MS Europa 2 seems to float above the water. I go to my balcony and look at the sunrise. This pink-gold shimmering light that blends the smooth sea and the sky into one. I listen to the water and the waves. And there it is, this typical, so familiar, deep-roaring engine noise of the ship that I know so well from my childhood memories, on whose quest I have been. Feelings of happiness.

View from my Veranda Suite and sunrise over Santorini in the morning at 6 o’clock

With the elevator I reach deck 10, sit on the daybed and look at the islands that have passed. No one can be seen far and wide. The ship belongs to me. The rugged, brown rocks of Santorini are already visible, and the outline of the white houses with the famous blue domes, which stretch over the hills of the still active volcanic island, like pearls on a cord. Underneath I hear cutlery rattles from the “Yacht Club” restaurant. At this time you get one of the coveted outside seats.

Very coveted: An outside table with “sea-feeling” at the “Yacht Club” restaurant

My stomach is ready and suddenly I am already at the seemingly one hundred meters long breakfast buffet and before the agony of choice: I say no to egg dishes, the many bread and rolls, the salmon and sausage variants, the cheese buffet and other seductions. With muesli and fresh fruit, a green smoothie and “morning dew”- tea, I watch as the MS Europa 2 drives in front of Santorini, because there is no free berth for the ship.

From my Veranda Suite I see the rocks of Santorini – in the back I can see the outline of the white houses with the famous blue domes

One of the two 2 ton heavy anchors is let into the water under a powerful dive. A short time later, the first tender ship will be equipped with passengers who are equipped with a landing gear. I’m there and no 15 minutes later on Santorini. The island of Cyclades corresponds to the dream of a travel treasure prophecy, which I discover by bus and by foot. My tips and To do’s for Santorini I tell you in a special about the island. At this point only so much: Without hat, sunglasses, light protection factor 50 and some patience with the crowds of Asian travel groups nothing is possible here.

Santorini is the dream of a travel treasure prophecy

Had I already mentioned it? We left the bad weather front of Rhodes behind us. Instead pleasant 25 degrees, which let me enjoy my lounger on my suite balcony in the afternoon for the first time. As soon as I’m a little dozed off, it means to get changed for the evening program. Apropos change: The dresscode on board MS Europa 2 is very relaxed and casual. Surely, flip-flops in the evening are a no-go, but the tie can stay at home, too. Well-dressed women are always a feast for the eyes, so my tip for the ladies: grab your favorite dress or white pants with a chic tunic and leave the big robe.

Before going to the restaurant “Serenissima”, I enjoy the golden light of the sunset

In my currently favorite outfit, I walk to the “Serenissima” for dinner, go for the care of the friendly staff and a culinary journey through Italy: antipasti, homemade pasta and lobster on artichokes. There is always a fresh sorbet on the MS Europa 2, which is optionally filled with vodka or champagne. Guess what I choose?

And again lobster: this time with artichokes. Delicious!

Those who prefer to go ashore have the opportunity to do such until 11.30pm. Then the last tender boat goes from Santorini to the MS Europa 2, before we start at midnight with starry skies and calm sea to Naxos. A last look at the flashing lights in the hills of Santorini, before I review the day with my bedtime candy – white cranberry chocolate with red pepper. BvH

Read part II of my cruise experience, coming soon. Here are some more impressions for you …

Berth in Rhodes harbor: The MS Europa 2 with its eleven decks

My Veranda Suite: The suites are all equipped with internet-enabled TV, Samsung Tablet PC, telephone, included minibar, hairdryer and save. A Nespresso machine is available to the guest, free of charge. But unfortunately no tea! Too bad you did not think of tea drinkers like me

The MS Europa 2 runs under the Maltese flag

A visit to the Captain of MS Europa 2 on the bridge. Why Christian van Zwarmen is going to sea, although he wanted to become an architect, you will read in the interview – coming soon on MyStylery.com

View from the ship’s bridge to Rhodes’s old town and a chic private yacht

Also nice: The marina of Rhodes

In the evening we go to the sushi restaurant “Sakura” …

… or to Asian restaurant “Elements”…

…or into the restaurant “Weltmeere”…

… or to the restaurant “Serenissima” – four out of a total of six board restaurants on the MS Europa 2 …

…where one can eat homemade Spaghetti Vongole

How about a nightcap at the Jazzclub?

Good to know:

13 to 20-day long-haul travels are offered during the winter months, while the MS Europa 2 travels on seven-day, combinable journeys during the summer. A one-week trip through the Aegean costs 4,920 Euros per person in the Veranda Suite including flight.

Blue hour at the Sansibar…

… a cooperation with the legendary Sansibar on Sylt island, to which this XXL-photo reminds …

…and where Barkeeper Mehmet mixes great Cocktails

Performances every evening in the theater of MS Europa 2

Morning mood infront of Santorini dipped from my Veranda Suite

Favorite place on the aft deck with cool daybeds

21 knots maximum speed drives the MS Europa 2, which has been traveling on the world’s sea since 2013

Cruises are becoming more and more popular: over the next ten years some 60 new ships will be built. Nevertheless, only 0.2% of all ships worldwide are cruise ships

Early morning bird – Not once do I feel that 500 passengers are on board

On the MS Europa 2 there are enough beach chairs. Linen provided with towels are frowned upon and the towels are removed accordingly

Early getting up was worth it: the ship belongs to me!

The glass roof above the pool of MS Europa 2 is opened at good weather

I can’t get enough of the blue Aegean!

With the tenders it goes straight over to Santorini. What I experience there, I tell you in one of the next stories here on MyStylery! Don’t miss part II of my cruise on MS Europa 2

Contact MS Europa 2:

www.hl-cruises.de

I was invited to this cruise as part of a blogger trip by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

The post My cruise aboard the MS Europa 2 appeared first on My Stylery.

In the legendary “Blue Bar” at the Sacher Hotel, where Graham Greene got his inspirations for his famous classic novel “The Third Man”

Do you know, what the English writer Graham Greene inspired to his legendary novel “The Third Man”? A drink and a talk at the bar of the Hotel Sacher in Vienna. Here Greene met a British officer, who told him about the underground passages of Vienna. Greene was intrigued and recorded his first ideas to the homonymous movie of 1949 on a napkin.

Central as it gets: The Hotel Sacher is located vis-à-vis to the opera amidst Vienna

Founded in 1876 by the Viennese restaurateur Eduard Sacher, the hotel is as before, one of the most beautiful ones in Europe. The Nobel hostel was just voted from the US travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler with the “Readers’ Choice Awards 2014” to the best hotel in Austria and thus ranks third in the world of excellent luxury hotels.

In “Salon Metternich” breakfast is served

Located amidst the Danube-metropolis near by the Vienna Opera House, crowned heads, politicians and celebrities such as the great conductor Herbert von Karajan, ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev, Queen Elizabeth of England, US President John F. Kennedy already lodged in the five-star luxury hotel. Even John Lennon and Yoko Ono took a break in the Sacher Hotel and invited to a press conference to one of their legendary “Bagism” – actions in their hotel suite in 1969. Lying in bed, covered with nothing but a bag, the former Beatle and his wife demonstrated to world peace this way.

Wien, Wien, nur du allein …

Finest food is served in the restaurant “Anna Sacher”, which was named after its founder

Since 1934, the five-star hotel and a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”, is guided by family Gürtler that renovated the hotel completely in 2006 and now meet the criteria of the “Leading Spa” in the wellness area, too.

For whom the hotel accommodation (from 400 Euros per night) is too expensive, enjoy a piece of the famous Sacher Torte – best in the cozy hotel lobby, my favorite place. Here I enjoy the upcoming Christmas atmosphere whilst watching the other guests. My kind of pleasure! BvH

Teatime at the Hotel Sacher – here in the “Blue Bar”

Contact Hotel Sacher:

Philharmoniker Str. 4
1010 Wien, Austria

www.sacher.com

Featured pic by Hotel Sacher Vienna

Merken

Merken

Merken

The post Still a classic in Vienna: The Hotel Sacher appeared first on My Stylery.

The hotel lobby, designed by fashion designer Christian Lacroix

First of all, I love, love, love Paris! The “savoir de vivre“, the elegance of the city and its inhabitants, the cultural offerings have already fascinated me when I lived in Paris as “Au Pair” years ago. One of my favorite places in Paris is in the heart of Saint-Germain-Près: The boutique hotel “Lebellechasse”. The 33 rooms created by fashion designer Christian Lacroix afford a lavish elegance with rich brocade fabrics, heavy velvet and creative murals that invite you to dream: Lacroix chose a great material-mix for the equipment of this four-star hotel in the seventh arrondissement.

Double room with open bath*

The standard rooms are small – but nice

As everywhere in the French capital, the rooms are very small and even in a double room you have to be very well organized, to not step on your own feet. Still, I’m happy here and this is not only because of the central location. Institutions such as the “Café de Flore” on the Boulevard Saint Germain are within walking distance, as is the nearest metro station “Solferino”. The RER (line C) is diagonally opposite the hotel, right at the Musée D’Orsay. The other side of the Seine – the Louvre and the Rue de Saint Honoré – are easily accessible from here.

The open bathroom ensures more generosity

The single room offers an open bathroom and separate toilet

The breakfast room is located in the basement

However, I do not really like the breakfast rooms in the basement. I prefer the small cafés and brasseries in the quarter, which are more individual and also cheaper – and much more “typiquement français”.

Tip:

I was positively surprised when I booked my room directly on the hotel’s website, where I found the best deals and prices.

Nice view from my window to the beautiful roofs of Paris

Contact Hotel:

8, Rue De Bellechasse
75007 Paris, Frankreich

www.lebellechasse.com

*Photo and featured image: Lebellechasse

The post Christian Lacroix’s Boutique Hotel in Paris appeared first on My Stylery.

Admirers of the cultivated table culture: these china dishes will delight you!

I have a distinctive weakness for fine china. Whether KPM or Dibbern, Rosenthal or Meißen, inherited, bought, or received as a gift: At home mountains of china pile up ‘till they reach the ceiling. But that doesn’t stop me from providing more supplies on a regular basis, risking that my husband is getting a seizure each time the newest acquisitions enlarge the domestic assortment. In Paris the best address for admirers of the cultivated table culture is situated in the Rue Saint-Honoré 173. Here Astier de Villatte, master of the peculiar ceramics, resides.

Elegant address, unusual ceramics: here shopping has it’s price

When the two French design students Ivan Pericoli and Benoît Astier de Villatte met at the Parisian École des Beaux-Arts at the end of the Nineties, none of them had a clue about the china-sector. But they did have a strong sense for form and design and so it doesn’t really surprise that plates and bowls, jugs and mugs – in solid white or extraordinary décor – quickly found their lovers and admirers. Inspired by old masters, secondhand discoveries, or flea markets, the duo loves to paint their creations with unusual motives like skeletons, skulls, and diverse animal species.

Creations with unusual motives like skeletons, skulls, and diverse animal species

Self-evidently the Astier de Vilatte china is “made in France” – produced in their company’s atelier at Boulevard Masséna, displayed and sold in the famous Rue Saint-Honoré, where the china is presented in old wooden shelves.
The retail store already exists since 1788 and used to be a shop for odds and ends. Pericoli and Astier de Vilatte left everything the way they found it: the creaking floor, the weathered walls and the rudimentary wallpapers accurately matching the setting in which they wanted to offer their luxurious and quite expensive china.

Most recent showpiece is the “Peanuts-Collection” …

Most recent showpiece is the “Peanuts-Collection” to honor US-writer and illustrator Charles M. Schulz (1922-200), creator of the same named comic series. Next to white china Astier de Villate also offers small pieces of furniture, calendars, papeterie, scented sticks and an exquisite collection of scented candles, resulting from collaboration with renowned perfumers and, needless to say, are also sold in Astier de Vilatte-Ceramics. I love this shop and can spend hours looking around. It makes me feel like I’m in a time long gone. Each time, I enter the shop. BvH

Estelle, the friendly salesgirl, shows me the newest Astier de Villatte Collection of the Peanuts: Hey, Charly Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, Woodstock and Schroeder! Characters of my childhood! …

The Peanuts – the newest Collection

View on Rue Saint-Honoré

These eyes …

The exquisite collection of scented candles – one fragrance nicer than the other and I can not decide

In love with the Shabby-Chic atmosphere

Objects of Desire

Objects of desire

So beautiful!

… and another sales room

Very nice: the simple mugs with curved handles

Astier de Villatte: “We create objects that are inspired by old treasures or things nobody notices anymore.”

Also the wallpaper is a relic of ancient times

The assortment of Astier de Villatte includes selected Papeterie

Contact:

Astier de Villatte
173, rue Saint-Honoré
75001 Paris
www.astierdevillatte.com

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The Louis Vuitton-Exhibition “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” (flying, sailing, traveling) is currently shown at the Grand Palais in Paris

I still remember my first Louis Vuitton-Handbag: the ‘Speedy’, a classical bag, which my grandmother gave me for my passed “Abitur” certificate. My pride and joy that I carried around like a trophy for years, a favorite bag full of memories that I could never get rid of.

“Mine”: The suitcase of Elizabeth Taylor

In fact I don’t really like bags with logos that others can see from 100 meters of distance. But a Louis-Vuitton bag presents a classical elegance and therefore has a special position beneath the ‘logo-bags’: That’s why I’m a fan and the reason for my visit to the ongoing exhibition “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” at the Grand Palais in Paris. “Volez, Voguez, Vozagez” is a time journey through 160 years of Louis Vuitton’s success story and has been curated by prestigious fashion historian Olivier Saillard, who’s also the head of the new Parisian Fashion Museum in the Palais Galliera. For the opulent optic Saillard engaged artistic director and set designer Robert Carsen, who ensured a felicitous flamboyance at the Parisian exhibition “The Impressionism and the Fashion” with his design in 2014.

The young Louis Vuitton

Louis Vuitton, the son of a carpenter, was only 14 years old when he hit the road from the homey Jura to Paris in 1835. He temped for his subsistence during his journey, which is why it took him nearly two years until he reached the French capital. He found an apprenticeship at Rue Saint-Honoré, even then the street of the luxury addresses. In the age of 33 years Vuitton went into business by himself as a case maker. His packaging guaranteed a safe transport, even for the most fragile objects.

Louis Vuitton was the founder of the modern luggage. With his “Steamer Bag” (on the right) he firstly created a bag that was soft and flexible

What an ingenious idea to develop a material out of coated canvas and to provide it with the own initials. With this idea Louis Vuitton succeeded at the right time: those days mark the beginning of the Haute Couture and its adventurous wearers needed suitcases for every kind of travelling, from railway, automobile to ocean liner.

Louis Vuitton had also customized solutions for booklovers

The extraordinary client-wishes Louis Vuitton went after are unbelievable: XXL-suitcases for cruises, elaborate metal cases for expeditions or accurate boxes for the batons and valuable instruments of a collector. Between all the historical exhibits I also find lots of modern things, for example the beauty cases that have been designed by Nicolas Ghesquière in 2014. This kind of presentation underlines the timeless elegance of the Louis Vuitton-Collection. And I’m even happier about my Speedy. BvH

The typical Logo LV = Louis Vuitton

In the first room of the exhibition I could see all utensils of a wood workshop Louis Vuitton used to work with more than 150 years ago

Louis Vuitton’s personal suitcase showing his initials

I really liked the fact that you cannot only marvel into empty suitcases …

… Olivier Saillard filled the suitcases with authentic things of their time …

… from the evening gown of Elizabeth Taylor to antique picnic equipment

The exhibition covers nine topics and leads its visitors through temporal epochs …

… and opulent showrooms

Louis Vuitton was a coeval of Charles Frederick Worths, the inventor of Haute Couture …

… A mutual fertilization, as clients of the Parisian fashion houses Paul Poiret, Balenciaga or Christian Dior naturally also equipped themselves of Louis Vuitton

A catcher for the eye: one compartment of the orient express has been rebuilt for the exhibition following the former world exhibition in Paris, where visitors sat in train compartments and saw drawn landscapes rolling past

Also Lauren Bacall, Greta Garbo and Katharine Hepburn were fans of Louis Vuitton

A collection of old Louis Vuitton perfume bottles

Travel cases and bags in all sizes and for every occasion – also for air journeys

In the beginning of the 20th century his idea of travelling was yet very exciting and new

The exhibited suitcases are lovingly decorated with old accessories

Original locks by Louis Vuitton

In 1997 the “ready to wear”-collection officially became part of the Louis Vuitton collections and Marc Jacobs was named the first designer

Protective cases were designed by the trunkmaker Vuitton, whether for fragile and delicate musical instruments or a vinyl record-collection

The LV-Logo in colors

Until February 21: The exhibition “Volez, Voguez, Voyagez” can be seen at the Grand Palais, which was built in 1900 in Paris for one of the most spectacular World Exhibitions with 48 million visitors

For more information:

http://de.louisvuitton.com/deu-de/grand-palais/grand-palais#/home

The post Louis Vuitton: How fashion learned to travel appeared first on My Stylery.

Pure idyll: Since one year Claudia Weidung-Anders resides in Klostergut Besselich in Urbar near Koblenz with her showroom ‘Home & Dogs’ *

Do you know that feeling when you enter a shop thinking, wow, how beautiful, I wanna have it all! Such a burst of buying power came over me when visiting ‘Home & Dogs’ in the Klostergut Besselich, a noble manor near Koblenz in southern Germany. Lovingly arranged and decorated for Christmas, Claudia Weidung-Anders – wife of popstar Thomas Anders – presents her assortments. Here, two- and four-legged friends will find everything their hearts desire, from a dressing gown to the dog lead. A conversation amongst dog owners and interior fans with tea and biscuits (dog-shaped, of course).

Thomas and Claudia Anders with mongrel dog Summer on Klostergut Besselich. The popstar supportes his wife with her company ‘Home & Dogs’

Room fragrances and scented candles adjusted to the Christmas season

MyStylery: It smells lovely in here – and clearly not of dog food …
Claudia Weidung-Anders: Yes, right? We just unpacked the candles with Christmas scent. They provide a good feeling of space.

At ‘Home & Dogs’, the visitor awaits Christmas atmosphere

MS: Originally it was your business idea to prepare own dog food. Sounds like a pretty big endeavor…
CWA: True, it took a while until I found the right partners. But the suffering of my dog drove me on. Summer (dog’s name) had an intolerance to conventional dog food and thus stomach and digestive problems. Our food is made with a gently cooking method in a 100% foodquality and is free of gluten and grain. The varieties are very well appreciated, the dogs love the food.

Lets dogs’ hearts beat faster: Savory treats – gluten and wheat free – by ‘Pepper’s Choice’. Or how about baked liverwurst bones by ‘Omas Hundekekse’ (grandma’s dog biscuits)?

MS: Now your product range includes things for dog and owner. How did this idea about such combination come about?
CWA: Actually, my customers put me up to this. The dog’s mat should be compatible with the furnishing. The maritime Sylt- (German island) and modern country house looks are currently trendy and very popular. And I love to be at the fairs, tracing beautiful things. Much inspiration I get on our journeys. We travel a lot.

The ‘Home & Dogs’ dog basket series ‘Classic luxury’ is equipped with washable covers and matching ball and playing-bone of the same material

MS: Certainly one of the reasons why, in addition to a large selection of baskets, ‘Home & Dogs’ even offers a dog travelling bed.
CWA: Right. But even dog leads are an important issue, and I’ve been searching for matching items for a long time. Bling-bling with rhinestones is completely out of the question (laughs).

Here only the Advent decoration glitters: Christmas feeling for dogs and owners in the ‘Home & Dogs’ Showroom

MS: Summer is a mongrel dog, which you got from a Spanish pound. Which dog would you not want have?
CWA: I basically like all dogs. In fact, animals from the animal welfare are particularly close to my heart. Especially the mixes are often the most fantastic characters. I Love Weimaraner, they are so pretty, but motion and time-consuming. That has to be considered when a dog comes into the house. Dogs should be kept appropriately regarding their species.

The dog food is available in eight varieties with resealable lids and in three different packaging sizes. The bestsellers: ‘poultry with rice’ and ‘beef with potatoes’. Yummy!

MS: Absolutely. Apropos: ‘Kangaroo with pumpkin’ or ‘horse with carrots’ sound rather exotic: Has a two-legged ever tried ‘Home & Dogs’ dog food?
CWA (laughs): Yes, I myself. I gotta know what I’m selling.  BvH

Did you already get an Advent calendar for your doggies?

Claudia Weidung-Anders has adapted to the needs of both dog and owner. Whether round, square, with border or exit: The range of baskets and dog beds serve all sleeping-preferences

“Dog leads – for example by Cloud7 – should be practical and look good at the same time. The leather must be durable and soft in the hand.”

Nice items for the bathroom from ‘Amélie & Mélanie’

The mistress will find cozy homewear and pretty decoration. Help, what should I get?

… presented in a beautiful countrystyle-look

New to the assortment are the cashmere-collections from ‘Heartbreaker’ and ‘MAP Ibiza’ for the mistress. I go for the comfortable casual wear by ‘Cornelie Weiss’

I admit it, for my two four-legged friends Franz and Willi – a Labrador and a Parson Terrier – it’s always got be the best. That’s why I just belong here!

This cozy cushions would look great on my sofa

Tip:

On all Saturdays of Advent, the ‘Home & Dogs’ showroom has open from 11:00 – 17:00 o’clock.

Okay, I take the wooden dog-decoration, too

Contact:

Home & Dogs
Claudia Weidung-Anders
Klostergut Besselich
56182 Urbar, Germany

Open from Monday to Friday 9:00 – 13:30
Saturday and Sunday by appointment

Email:
info@home-and-dogs.com

From the dog lead to the basket – the range now includes more than 500 different products, which can also be ordered via the online shop

Bye bye, Klostergut Besselich! I’ll be back

Online-Shop:

www.home-and-dogs.com

More about Klostergut Besselich:

www.klostergut-besselich.de

Featured pic by Nikolaj Georgiew

Photo marked* by Klostergut Besselich

The post Doggie’s noble shopping paradise appeared first on My Stylery.

Time for a break: Gabriele Frantzen at the cozy fireplace. At her arm she wears the ‘Watch-Candy’ from her new collection. Her styling tip: consciously over the blouse!

Her jewelry is available in New York, London and Berlin. And she’s also regularly featured in Vogue, Elle or Madame: Accessory designer Gabriele Frantzen is ubiquitous and very busy. I meet the jetsetter in Munich. Cozily at the fireplace, we drink tea and revel in jewelry – exactly the right thing to do on a grey autumn-afternoon.

Colorful: Fur scarves are new in the collection, for example ‚Patchwork Phantasie’. “My accessories are often colorful, because the clothes are mostly worn monochrome.”

“I’m very lucky that I met Fern Mallis, who’s the founder of the New York Fashion Week, in the USA”, tells Gabriele. “She’s a real puppet master and an ingenious communicator.” And she wears the necklaces of Gabriele. And suddenly everyone wanted to wear those incredible-statement-pieces of the German designer – including fashion icon Sarah Jessica Parker. That was the breakthrough.

The designer got her idea of the lasso necklace from the favorite German pop song of her grandfather: “I want a cowboy as husband.” Funny!

Everything started with a small boutique in the Bavarian Olching, where Gabriele Frantzen operated a so-called multi brand-store together with her mother, who’s a learned tailor. At a time when the word didn’t even exist and the fashion imperium ‘My Theresa’ was still very small. “We had brands like Miu Miu and Prada”, says Gabriele. “This was new at that time.” But for what do you have the prettiest dress if you don’t have the matching accessory? “Wherever I was looking for it, I couldn’t find any.” Encouraged by her husband Jürgen, with who she’s leading ‘Best of 19’, an agency for fashion sales, Gabriele began to make her first valuables. Directly out of the material.

Beautiful: The new ‘Watch-Candy’ collection with a sportive band

Fashion-lover Frantzen, who’s the brand ambassador for the labels ‘Phillip Lim’ and ‘Alice & Olivia’, collected her inspirations for her designs in her daily life. “Women are continuously busy with their phones. Therefore the arm is getting into focus, especially the wrist.” And all of a sudden the idea for the new Wrap-Bracelet was born. “I consciously renounce trends. When everyone wears Isabel Marant vests, I definitely don’t want one.” Individualization and resistance are important to her – next to quality of the materials and the processing. Today the collection – which meanwhile also includes fur-accessories – is made in Germany. “China won’t be an option.” BvH

Color up your outfit

“Meet Gabriele”: At so-called trunk shows, like recently in the concept store ‘Apropos’, Gabriele Frantzen personalizes the bracelets of her customers. Those sales shows are part of the American sales culture and are getting more and more popular

XXL fox scarf ‚Click it –Moritz‘ with a practical click-fastener

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

Gabriele Frantzen loves sustainable fashion. “I wear designs that outlast the season.” Her trousers by Odeeh, cape by Jil Sander, shoes by Lanvin and bag by Marni with the fur trinket “Cheerleader” from her own collection and a blouse by Fonnesbech, the favorite label of the Danish princess Mary

Contact:

www.gabriele-frantzen.com

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