This is Fischland-Darß:

Fischland-Darß peninsula stretches over 45 kilometres in length and offers fine sandy beaches lined by  beautiful dune landscapes

I already heard and read a lot about the peninsula Fischland-Darß, the popular vacation region in the north of Germany, a very hip weekend destination – not only for Berliners – less than two and a half hours drive from the capital. Since I decided to cancel all my travel plans to other European countries because of Corona this year, the time had finally come: Off to the Baltic Sea, or more precisely, to Ahrenshoop, a picturesque village in the middle of the island.

A typical house with a thatched roof

Already at the end of the 19th century Ahrenshoop attracted numerous artists, including the painters Elisabeth von Eicken, Anna Gerresheim, Oskar Frenzel and Paul Müller-Kaempf. They founded an artists’ colony on the Darß, which attracted other artists, writers and sculptors to the 45-kilometre-long peninsula. Today, Ahrenshoop is still a place of art, with numerous galleries, the “Kunstmuseum” and the “Kunstkaten”, which in turn explains the magnetic attraction that Ahrenshoop exerts on VIPs of all stripes: Whether BossHoss singer Alec Völkel, the actor couple Anna Loos and Jan Josef Liefers or Germany’s former Federal President Joachim Gauck, they all love the new hotspot on the Baltic Sea coast. The fresh sea air, the wide beaches, the unique island location with the Baltic Sea on the west side and the “Darß-Zingster Bodden” chain on the east side also inspired me.

The Baltic Sea on the right, the Darß-Zingster Bodden chain on the left, in the front the hotel “Namenlos”

In Ahrenshoop the peninsula is so narrow that you can easily walk from the Bodden to the seaside. Or you can cycle the 28.5-kilometre route from the “Wilden West”-Beach to the historic Darßer Lighthouse in the north, past beautiful landscapes up to Prerow or Zingst.
Cycling enjoys great popularity here for good reason. Those who prefer to hike through the 786 square kilometres of the national park with the “Darßer Urwald”, a rustic forest, ride out on the beach or train stand-up paddling in the sea will find the ideal conditions at Fischland-Darß. (SUP rental for example at beach crossing eight in Ahrenshoop, 22 Euros per hour).

The 786 square kilometer national park on Fischland-Darß – a worthwhile destination even in autumn (Photo: Internet)

The Darß also has a lot to offer in terms of culinary delights. I enjoy an opulent breakfast in a beach chair, with a view over the sea from the terrace of my hotel “The Grand” in Ahrenshoop, which incidentally has a great rooftop bar with a panoramic view. The perfect address for sundowners and a glass of the Spanish rosé “Esmeralda” (10 Euros) – In times of Corona currently only possible with reservation; if you like, stay here for dinner and let the cool cooks of the “Wild Pots” spoil you. As sea air is known to stimulate the appetite, I’m ready for the delicious homemade cake in “Die Mühle” in the afternoon. The mill is idyllically situated in a large garden, where I order plum cake from the tin and “Landlust” apple spritzer under the watchful eye of curious sheep. In the cold season one sits comfortably in the large guest room of the mill. Friends of the Asian cuisine will love the hip “Mr. Hoshi”, the only Far Eastern restaurant on the island and a real spot for gourmets. They serve excellent Tom Kha Gai soup (12 Euros), followed by cod fillet (28 Euros); the view of the sea and the sunset is free of charge.

Sunset on the roof terrace of the chic restaurant “Mr. Hoshi” …

…where we feasted on scallops, prawns with baby spinach, truffles and stir-fried vegetables and tataki, beef in soy-ginger sauce

What I particularly liked in Ahrenshoop were the many houses under thatched roofs in the midst of beautiful gardens, which give the place a touching romanticism. The architecture here is very individual, far from the mainstream à la Sylt. If you stroll along the village street in Ahrenshoop, past the inviting cafés and small stores, it becomes clear that the island has nothing uniform. A casual, informal lifestyle reigns here. This unpretentiousness is probably the secret why Ahrenshoop and Fischland-Darß is and remains a place of longing for many. BvH

Sunsets like in the south

Info Fischland-Darß:

High in the north – in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania – lies the Baltic Sea peninsula Fischland-Darß between Rostock and Stralsund (Graphic: Internet)

Shopping in Ahrenshoop:

Ready to go shopping…

…in the nice shops on the Dorfstraße of Ahrenshoop…

The main institution of Ahrenshoop is the “Bunte Stube”: For ninety years, the red and white Bauhaus architecture has been a popular spot for artists and culture fans, who buy bestselling or regional literature in the well-stocked bookstore, the daily newspaper or buy arts and crafts

In the “Wohndiele” I find beautiful things for my Berlin home

Eating in Ahrenshoop:

How about a cup of tea in the lovely café  “Die Mühle”?

Here organic food is served…for example yummy plum cake from the tray with freshly whipped cream and a tasty “Landlust”-apple juice…

Best location to chill out? The roof terrace of the hotel “The Grand”…

…with a panoramic view of the Bodden and the Baltic Sea

No vacation at the sea without freshly caught fish: “Matjes in a housewife-style” or a delicious pike-perch filet is what I like best in the “Räucherhaus”…

…For delicious smoked fish I go to the nearby, rustic snack bar “Zur Reuse”, a real insider tip

The famous “Zeesenboote” with their distinctive brown-red sails set sail in the port of Althagen. Since 2018, the Zeesenboot sailing has been a UNESCO world cultural heritage site. The boats leave daily from 10 a.m. (sailing time: 1.5 hours, tickets: children 8 Euros, adults 15 Euros, May to October). Good to know: The term “zeesen” is derived from the – today no longer practiced – catching technique. The sails were set against the wind, so the boat sailed across the wind and pulled a large net behind it.

Staying overnight on Fischland-Darß:

For example in “The Grand” in Ahrenshoop…

…from here you can enjoy the view of the Baltic Sea from many rooms

Beside various hotels, like “The Grand” or “Hotel Namenlos” you can also find pretty, privately run pensions and vacation apartments on Fischland-Darß, like the picturesque pension “Otty-Kaysel-Haus”, one of the founding houses of the former artists’ colony Ahrenshoop, located in an enchanted garden and still family-owned today

Art and Architecture on Fischland-Darß:

Art in elaborate architecture: In the art museum of Ahrenshoop, mainly artists with regional reference and the history of the place are shown

One of the famous “Kunstkaten” on Fischland-Darß

The boatmen’s church (Schifferkirche) of Ahrenshoop, which looks like the bow of a boat

Could be the home of Snow White and the seven dwarfs

Romantic, thatched houses in Ahrenshoop on Fischland-Darß

Motifs like painted … here again “Die Mühle”, the mill in Ahrenshoop from a different perspective

Bye, Fischland-Darß! Unfortunately, it’s time to say goodbye for MyStylery. The good news: I’ll be back!

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Just marvellous! The old town hall is an example of the Renaissance architecture in downtown Leipzig. The two-story building dates from 1556

Have you ever been to Leipzig? No? Then let’s go! My last visit to the Saxon metropolis felt like forever ago. I was all the more enthusiastic when I visited Leipzig last year for the annual Bach Festival, which unfortunately had to be canceled this summer due to the corona* virus. Leipzig is cultural, green and diverse.

“I praise my Leipzig! It’s a little Paris and educates its people,” said Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who studied law in Leipzig for almost three years, which the Goethe monument on the Naschmarkt in front of the Old Trade Exchange reminds of

“Why look so far afield? Look, the good is so close by” once already knew Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Germany’s great poet and thinker. As a law student, he only spent three years here, but Leipzig inspired him to write the great tragedy “Faust”. Goethe’s favorite bar was “Auerbachs Keller”, where “Leipziger Allerlei” is still served today according to the original recipe. The legendary cellar restaurant is also a popular destination for large tour groups. I prefer restaurants where you can meet people that actually come from Leipzig.

My fav restaurant in Leipzig? The “Weinwirtschaft” at the Thomaskirchhof

For example, the “Weinwirtschaft” at the Thomaskirchhof. I order a delicious tarte flambée with rocket and mozzarella (16 euros) and enjoy the view of the Romanesque-neo-Gothic St. Thomas Church. It is famous for the St. Thomas’ Choir and its former cantor and composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Concert tip: the world-class choir rehearses Bach motets on Fridays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 3 p.m. (admission: two euros).*

Elephants adorn the entrance portal of one of the most beautiful cafés in Leipzig: The Riquet coffee house was built in 1908 and, with the chosen stylistic elements, is a reminder of the company’s long history of trading with Asia and the Orient

Leipzig’s coffee house culture is legendary. Make sure to try the “Leipziger Lerchen” – a shortcrust pastry filled with strawberry jam or marzipan – in the “Kandler” café. Once invented as a substitute for lark-pie after the hunting of songbirds was banned in 1876. My favorite is the traditional “Riquet” coffee house with an entrance portal flanked by monumental stone elephants. Under heavy Wilhelminian style beams and golden Art Déco chandeliers, a nice waitress serves me the best ice chocolate with freshly whipped cream (4.30 euros). By the way, the service is extremely attentive and friendly everywhere in Leipzig. A boon if you are used to the gruff tone in Berlin.

The Katharinenstraße, a beautiful example of the carefully renovated old town

It is the carefully renovated old town that enchants you with its lush Art Nouveau facades, the classicist sandstone architecture and the city palace in the finest baroque style. Culture and shopping can be optimally combined here, because many of the sightseeing highlights such as the Old Town Hall and the Stock Exchange are in the immediate vicinity of shopping streets such as Grimmaische Strasse or the elegant Mädler-Passage. Its builder, the suitcase manufacturer Anton Mädler, wanted to bring the Milanese elegance of the “Galleria Vittorio Emanuele” to Leipzig in 1912. I stroll on through the Specks Hof passage, admire the three glass-roofed inner courtyards and marvel at the Barthels-, Webers- and Jäger-courtyards, which are decorated with stucco and bay windows and which can be reached via Hainstrasse.

The Webershof can be reached via Hainstrasse

The best panoramic view of Leipzig is from the roof terrace of the 142 meter high city tower on Augustusplatz (entrance fee three euros). Classical fans should not miss a visit to the Leipzig Opera House and the Gewandhaus, whose famous conductors were once Felix Mendelsohn Bartholdy and Kurt Masur. You can also enjoy a wonderful view from the Völkerschlachtdenkmal, the “Völki”, which at 91 meters is one of the highest monuments in Europe.

Johann Sebastian Bach – here infront of the Thomanerkirche – was organist, conductor, composer and choir director in Leipzig for 27 years

If you want to relax now, you can rent a boat at the city harbor and paddle down the Karl-Heine-Canal: Moor in the Café “Kanal 28” and enjoy the allotment garden atmosphere right by the water. The White Elster, Elsterflutgraben and Elstermühlgraben can also be explored by boat.

Excursion destination Cospudener See: I take a taxi (approx. 25 euros from the city center) through the elegant villa suburb of Markkleeberg. After 15 minutes by car, I reach the wonderful, albeit artificial, reserve, which was once built on a former open-cast mine

Where dreary open-cast lignite mining once dominated the landscape (and the environment), Leipzig’s local recreation area with a unique lake landscape emerged 20 years ago, some of which lead through canals into the city. At the end of “Pier 1” lies the “Sole mio Seeterrassen” restaurant with a panoramic view of the water. The sea bream with grilled vegetables (20 euros) is delicious and the view of the marina, beach, surf school and excursion boat is picturesque. (Bus routes 65 and 79, May to September).

Chic shopping in the Mädler-Passage

And where is the charm of the unfinished? For example in Plagwitz and in Lindenau, west of Leipzig. North of Karl-Heine-Strasse, dusty shops are being cleared, cafes opened and community gardens weeded. Further south, an artist center with galleries has been established in a former cotton mill. The Südstadt with Karl-Liebknecht-Straße is a popular trendy district. There is a little GDR nostalgia over the “KarLi” and yet more multicultural in pubs, cafes and restaurants. Open-air theater and summer cinema take place on the site of the former VEB Feinkost. And with “Mrs. Hippie”, the iconic fashion label founded in 1993, offers colorful fashion made in Leipzig.

Leipzig by night: In the evening, the historic facades of the city center are staged

Back in the center I bypass the “Drallewatsch” (Saxon for “to go around the houses”), popular with tourists, with its restaurants and bars around the Barfußgässchen. Instead, I have a nightcap in the hotel bar of the “Motel One” (double room from 84 euros) and look at the Nikolaikirche. It is not only the largest church in Leipzig, it is the birthplace of the peaceful revolution at the time of the historic turning autumn of 1989. I toast to that.  BvH

The luxury Steigenberger Grand Hotel with a very good bar and the Brasserie Le Grand, where the guest can choose between menus and à la carte dishes, has resided in the former trade fair building of the craftsmen. The kitchen, under the direction of chef Sandy Bohm, is rightly award-winning: my beef tartare (19.90 euros) and the boullaibaise (14 euros) were excellent

The elegant Specks Hof Passage…

…decorated with stucco, wall paintings and bay windows

Baroque splendor in Leipzig’s city center

Alte Handelsbörse – the Old Stock Exchange – today a museum

…and the Old Town Hall – das Alte Rathaus…

With countless galleries, museums, important concert halls and historical architecture, Leipzig is a true Eldorado for art lovers

The illuminated Thomaskirche before the concert started

In Leipzig, Goethe collected the first ideas for his drama “Faust” and with his poetry also set a monument for the “Auerbachs Keller” – a locality where he liked to drink

I prefer the “Sole mio Seeterrassen” restaurant with a panoramic view of the water…

Tip: The sea bream with grilled vegetables (20 euros) is delicious

Tips for Leipzig

Overnight: Hotel Arcona Living Bach, double room from 100 euros; Innside Meliá from 91 euros

Food: “Café Barbakane” on the historic city fortifications in the Moritzbastei (minced meat pan with vegetables and potatoes 6.80 euros).

Getting there: For example, from Berlin 1 hour by train (2nd class from 60 euros)

Sightseeing: Hop-on, hop-off, 2-hour city tour through Leipzig, the important sights at ten stops, get on and off as you like (from 15 euros)

* The opening times, prices, etc. mentioned here may have been restricted or changed due to the measures currently required during the corona pandemic.

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What a View: Vista from the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa to Downtown Dubai and the XXL-Dubai Fountain

Dubai, the city of superlatives with the world’s highest skyscraper, the world’s largest shopping mall, the world’s largest occurrence of luxury hotels and luxury cars. Where yesterday was a desert, today the largest city in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) stretches, with international architects’ vertiginous creations. There is probably no city that has grown faster. And the construction boom does not stop. Dubai is the hotspot of the Persian Gulf, attracting 16 million tourists a year fleeing European winter to combine beach holidays with power shopping.

With 828 meters the tallest building in the world: The Burj Khalifa

This is the home of luxury. In top hotels such as the Armani and The One and Only Royal Mirage, a night in the high season costs well over a thousand Euros. Not only for overnighters one has to dig deep into the pocket. Even sightseeing makes the budget shrink. A visit to Burj Khalifa, which is 828 meters high, is part of the Dubai visit. Here, the purchase of an online ticket with Fast Track is recommended to avoid the hours-long queues, especially in the high season (November to April): With the 30 Euro basic ticket you can get on the 124th floor of the elegant skyscraper in seconds. In the “ticket without queuing” for 120 Euros, the viewing platforms on the 125th and 148th floor are also included. The visit is worth it, because you can experience spectacular sunsets, views reaching to the desert and the Dubai Fountain, the XXL fountain, that invites to fascinating water shows  every night from 19.30 o’clock for free. These can also be watched from one of the surrounded restaurants of the Dubai Mall, such as the Katana (sushi from 15 Euros). Great is the restaurant Zeta which lies below the excellent Address Hotel Downtown with direct views of the Dubai Fountain and excellent Asian food. Speaking of cuisine: Highly recommended is the Galliard Brasserie (also in the Address Hotel Downtown), where I first enjoyed an avocado salmon tartare and then a mega-delicious truffle pizza. Yummy!

Huge sculptures at the waterfall in the Dubai Mall

“Shop till you drop” – was this saying invented for Dubai? Every (luxury-) label is represented in Dubai’s largest shopping mall with 1,200 stores. Overall, shopping is expensive, both among international designers and fashion chains such as Zara, where the collections cost about one third more than in Europe. Exceptions are the Dubai Shopping Festival (January 1 to February 2, 2020) and the end of Ramadan*, the month of fasting, when huge discounts and discount promotions attract shoppers to the desert city.

Fancy a break? Then off to the aquarium (admission 25 Euros) with 30,000 exotic sea creatures, who buster in a million liters of water. Tip: A gigantic window on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall offers a free view of sharks, rays & co.

In front of the entrance of Grand Bazaar in Dubai

And yes, there is still the original in Dubai: I cross the river Creek in an Abra (25 Cent), an open wooden boat, past old barges, the so-called Dhaus, which still transport goods across the water. For me, a stroll through the oriental souks in Arab countries is part of the deal, because I love the smell of spices and the hustle and bustle. Haggling is welcomed! Unfortunately, the dealers in Dubai’s Grand Bazaar and the Gold Souk are very intrusive. In the oldest part of Dubai, I stroll through the districts of Bur Dubai and Bastakiya, a restored fairytale setting with narrow streets, small shops, galleries, cafes and the Dubai Museum in the historic Al-Fahidi Fort. Tip: The boutique hotel XVA with historic wind tower house. Since 2003, the US-American Mona Hauser has been running her hotel with an art gallery and café with much dedication (overnight from 149 Euros).

Not only for art lovers: The Art District in the industrial area around the Al Serkal Avenue

To art lovers, I recommend the Art District in the industrial area around the Al Serkal Avenue. Both, established galleries and young artists have settled here in factory halls. In the surrounding hip coffee shops and food trucks, the many impressions can be processed with smoothies and co.

Relax on the beach: The family-friendly District La Mer offers a water park in a quiet bay, surrounded by red brick buildings in trendy industrial chic with cafes, restaurants and shops. Really casual! At Jumeirah Beach, you can sprawl on daybeds, extend yourself on a jet ski and refresh in one of the many restaurants that string together at the white-sanded beach mile.

Skyscrapers and snow-white beach mile at Jumeirah Beach

Dubai, a sunshine paradise that can be reached in just under eight hours by plane and takes the traveler to another, mysteriously world. BvH

Infos Dubai:

Arrival to Dubai: With Lufthansa or Emirates Airline (from 645 Euros)
On the go in Dubai: E.g. Green and red metro line (daily ticket five Euros)

*Ramadan 2020 from April 24 to May 24

Don’t miss:

Dubai, Part II with tips for a desert safari and my personal insights into the most beautiful luxury hotel, the Bulgari Resort Dubai.
Coming soon on MyStylery.

Overlooking the silhouette of Dubai from the artificial island The Palm

Hip: The industrial-style district La Mer…

…directly located by the beach and with fantastic sightlines to Dubai’s skyline

Overlooking Dubai

For example from the Dubai Frame, with 150 meters height – another observation deck in town (admission 15 Euros)

View from the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa into 800 meters depth…I still felt safe, although I look a bit pale

The viewing platform on the 124th floor of Burj Khalifa is included in the basic admission ticket

Inexpensive Sightseeing: With an Abra – a traditional wooden boat – across the Creek river…

…which connects the districts Bur Dubai and Bastakiya with Deira…

… where, for example, the souks are situated. Here’s the Gold Souk – lots of bling-bling for not always little money

Address Hotel Downtown Dubai

The Address Hotel Downtown…

…with excellent gastronomy like the Brasserie Galliard…

…where I had delicious truffled pizza

View from my suite at the Address Hotel Downtown to the spectacular evening light show at the Burj Khalifa …

…with changing illumination of its façade…

…and an impressive water show at the Dubai Fountain

Swimming in the cooled (!) pool with a backdrop of the highest building in the world the Burj Khalifa…

…and then relaxing on the luxurious daybeds: Both is possible here

A wonderful alternative: The boutique hotel XVA in the old part of Dubai

Don’t miss Dubai, Part II, coming soon on MyStylery!
More travel stories you can find here.

The post Dubai – The hotspot in the Middle East, Part I appeared first on My Stylery.

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!

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Welcome to 7Pines Resort – the new luxury hotel in Ibiza and Member of “The Leading Hotels of the World”

By this time, one could think that my favorite island Ibiza doesn’t have anything surprising or really new to offer. Far from it. Opened in early June in Ibiza, 7Pines Resort is a 56,000-square-meter deluxe hotel with 186 suites, oceanfront restaurants and bars, infinity and lagoon pools, a 1,500-square-foot spa, its own Pershing yacht and secret grotto. Located in the southwest of the Balearic island, between Cala Tarida and Cala Comte.

The lobby of the 7Pines Resort welcomes the arriving guest with views of the pool and sea. By the way, checking in here is short and relaxed – and comfortable while sitting down

My first encounter with 7Pines Resort is already two years back. At that time, there was just an idea of what the 5.5-acre site would become once. General Manager Markus Lück gave me a small tour and showed with great enthusiasm, what everything would look like in the future. Construction delays on objects of this size are nothing out of the ordinary – especially not in Spain – so it was not surprising that the official opening in early June had to be rather improvised.

Markus Lück, the general manager of 7Pines Resort and me on the construction site. He supervised the project from the beginning and knows it like no one else

However, the gigantic opening party on the evening of June 2nd ran as planned. More than 600 invited guests strolled the red carpet and were impressed by various show acts, live music and light shows. The evening dresses of the ladies fluttered in the light breeze, while the iced champagne sparkled in the glasses. And the kitchen showed its future culinary standard with its offered food. When world-class DJ Fritz Kalkbrenner was at the turntables later in the evening, there was no holding back. What an impressive evening.

One of the highlights of the opening ceremony: Illuminated giant dolls – Dundus – move in time to the music and delight the guests

The 7Pines Resort is part of the Düsseldorf investment group 12.18., which, apart from various hotel projects, also operate in five-star houses such as “Schloss Fleesensee” in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. With “Hotel Stadt Hamburg” on the North Sea island of Sylt, another hotel in the luxury segment was added this summer. It takes a great deal of entrepreneurial courage to invest millions in a project like the 7Pines Resort, which caters to a pampered clientele who knows everything and has seen it all. Especially in Ibiza. But as an investor you also need a vision. And who visits the 7Pines Resort, can feel the motivation of its operators.

Who visits the 7Pines Resort, can feel the motivation of its operators

What I particularly like about the 7Pines Resort is the generosity of the entire resort. There is room, nothing is tight. There are multiple retreat areas and privacy. The 186 suites (48 to 124 square meters) are spacious and equipped with living room and bedroom (s) in Ibizan style and Mediterranean colors. Some have their own garden and private pool. There is a kitchenette for the preparation of tea and coffee and a wine fridge with champagne, wines, soft drinks, chips and co, which is replenished daily. Even a mini-freezer was thought of, which holds ready ice cubes and cooling sleeve. Friends of the longdrink find everything necessary for its preparation. 24/7 room service is self-evident, as well as the fresh fruit, which is delivered daily on the electric bikes in retro look. In the bathrooms are plenty of towels and bathrobes, Molton Brown products and a XXL rain shower.

The 7Pines Resort’s own delivery – electric bikes in retro look – provide fresh fruit daily and a 24/7 room service. The service at 7Pines Resort is excellent

Speaking of space: the 1,500-square-meter spa is the absolute doozy at the 7Pines Resort (more about it soon on Mystylery) and an architectural masterpiece – the focus is always on the look outside. I cannot think of any other luxury resort on the island that offers me this phenomenal, 180 degree view of the sea and the rock Es Vedrà both in yoga, as on the treadmill or the massage table. The 7Pines Resort aims to welcome and pamper its guests throughout the year. Even in the winter months, when Ibiza is still around 18 degrees Celsius. And even on cooler days, there is nothing more wonderful than sweating in the sauna after a long beach walk.

View of the mystic rock Es Vedrà

I quickly found my favorite spot in the hotel. A lounger by the infinity pool overlooking the rock Es Vedrà. For hours I could hang out here, dream and enjoy the view. This rock has something magical and captivates me. Especially at the blue hour and low sun. And the sunsets are – thanks to the southwest location of 7Pines Resort – the best on the island. Here the sun hovers like a huge, red balloon in the sky, becomes one with the horizon and makes the sky glow. Sometimes a green flash is created for a brief moment. Anyone who sees this may wish for something. BvH

Pure romance: The southwest location of the 7Pines Resort guarantees the best sunsets on the island

Info Pure Seven Spa:

The 1,500 square meter Pure Seven Spa was built by Balmea. The walls are decorated with floor-to-ceiling ornaments made of Bisazza mosaics. In addition to a Finnish sauna, the guest also has a steam bath, bio sauna and hamman. After the sauna, two degrees cold water from the mist shower ensures a little cooling. The Pure Seven Spa and saunas can also be booked and used by external guests.

Varied saunas at the Pure Seven Spa

The Pure Seven Spa at night. In the background the illuminated infinity pool

My suite:

…overlooking the sea from my own balcony. Bright colors were used for the design of the suites, some of which have fireplaces and all of them love to detail

On the convenient sofas you can relax comfortably on ikat pillows in shades of green and blue. Forget the beach bag? No problem. It is part of the 7Pines Resort’s facilities

Fancy a gin and tonic? The ingredients I find in the kitchenette

Comfort XXL: On the box bed of course with several pillows

Good night at 7Pines Resort: I cannot say no to the delicious macarons as a little bedtime treat

Small tour to the 7Pines:

The restaurant “The View” offers a breakfast buffet until noon which leaves nothing to be desired. My favorite: home-made yoghurt with fresh berries, passion fruit and grated coconut

The open-plan lobby at 7Pines Resort is decorated in natural materials such as wood, stone and leather

Following the Ibizan architecture, the facades of the 55 houses of the five-star hotel in total shine in a light sandstone tone. The maxims of 7Pines Resort are maximum comfort, privacy and space

The 44-meter long lagoon pool is ideal for families with children due to the gently sloping water inlet

Spa and Gym from the outside

Om with yoga teacher Sara: I’m thrilled, the 7Pines Resort offers daily yoga and pilates classes as well as personal training

The secret grotto: Like the movie backdrop of a pirate adventure

My favorite spot:

My favorite spot is the 55 meter long and 14 meter wide infinity pool. Pleasant: The subtle music in the background without annoying, deafening beats

Lunch by the pool with probably the most delicious Cesars salad ever. With a peach smoothie…

…Salute!

Infinity pool and sky radiate to the bet. By the way: If you want to swim in the sea and feel like spending a day at the beach, it’s just a few minutes drive away, for example, on the Cala Comte

The architects of Arditecnica from Madrid skillfully put the unique view at the center of the 7Pines Resort’s planning

The culinary:

First, I’ll have an aperitif at the Pershing Bar…

…then to the restaurant “The View” for an à la carte dinner. The view is unbeatable, right?

Chef Bijendra creates European dishes with a Korean touch here. The amuse-gueule with caviar …

…is followed by cannelloni poached Norwegian king crab, red shrimp and avocado

Then I decide for the Wild Red Snapper. Yummy!

From the restaurants “The View” and “Cone Club” my gaze falls on the romantic rock of Es Vedrà and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea

Ship ahoy! The 25-meter Pershing Yacht is available to 7Pines Resort guests for day trips and can also be hired for multi-day tours

Adios 7Pines! I’ll be back. Most certainly…

Contact 7Pines Resort:

www.7pines.com

More travel stories and Ibiza tips you can find here.

The 7Pines Resort Ibiza invited me.

The post Ibiza Love: Fine luxury at the 7Pines Resort appeared first on My Stylery.

Welcome to the Roomers Munich! The heart of the Roomers lobby is the round reception desk in green marble and mat brass

The Munich Oktoberfest started already, and thus the question as to where to best stay emerges. You still have no place to stay? Maybe there is still an available room in the trendy Roomers Hotel. Landsberger Straße is close to the main train station and Theresienwiese (where the Oktoberfest takes place). Opened in September 2017, the hotel is centrally located in Munich’s Westend district. An area that is gilded as a new in-quarter of the Bavarian metropolis. But that – as to my impression – seems to be something of the future.

The Roomers in Munich: the right address for design lovers

After six years of refurbishment, the successful hoteliers Micky Rosen and Alex Urseanu – the creators of the Gekko Group (including the Roomers Hotels in Baden-Baden, Frankfurt and the Provocateur in Berlin), took over the former office complex. In the 80s building with its rather unspectacular façade, the two entrepreneurs installed a design hotel consisting of 281 rooms and suites ranging in size from 25 to 155 square meters, as well as various banquet rooms for events.

My Deluxe Premium Suite at the Roomers Munich

The Entrée of the Roomers welcomes the guest with a round reception, with the Roomers bar at the back. The center of the lobby is flanked by two room-high fireplaces and various inviting seating arrangements. In general, the architects at Concrete-Design Amsterdam have created a true feast for the eyes with the Roomers, according to the motto: Adieu, purism! Hello, comfort! Modern yet warm materials such as dark wood, cognac-colored leather, green velvet, mat or polished brass and marble pillars of the interior concept. Mirror effects provide selective optical enhancements.

Let’s take a selfie …

But the first thing that comes to my mind is the friendly smile of one of the receptionists who must have inhaled the DNA of the Roomers. How else could you explain her commitment and warmth? Overall, I experience attentive and competent staff during my stay, which obviously fulfilled their job with fun and joy. Incidentally, the dress code of the employees provides an official business jacket, which combines jeans and sneakers, underscoring the unconventional, casual character of the hotel.

My luxurious bathroom … I love the glass lamp on the right in the photo!

My room of the category Deluxe Premium is located on the 2nd floor. My glimpse immediately falls on the extremely comfortable king-size bed on a pedestal and a freestanding bathtub positioned in front of it. Gorgeous! In the black marble bathroom, I like the XXL rain shower, where the care products of the label Dead Clean exude a tart scent. Big plus: The separate toilet; skillfully located behind a mirror wall. The interior concept of the lobby and the choice of materials are consistently continued here. As a contrast to the black wooden floor, the walls were half-height boarded up with white wooden panels. Above, black and white photographs by Roger Weber. In the brass shelves, I find next to a Nespresso machine and the minibar decorative art by ZooZoo & Friends and an iPad for the hotel navigation. Of course, the rooms of the Roomers are equipped with high-speed internet, a Bang & Olufsen Bluetooth sound system and air conditioning. However, my personal highlight is the lighting system: annoying tinkering with which light switch belongs to which lamp is no longer necessary. Here easy-to-understand symbols on a central keyboard control the light intensity.

Easy-to-understand symbols on a central keyboard control the light intensity

The Roomers in Munich receives culinary support through the Izakaya restaurant and its upscale Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine (more on this soon in a separate article on MyStylery). The outdoor area has just opened with 30 seats. At the Izakaya, too, the Concrete Amsterdam design team created an extraordinary atmosphere with a huge, floating fish made from light beech wood as an eye-catcher. The Roomers guest is offered a breakfast buffet of the extra class. From the extent and the diversity of the food there is hardly anything comparable: From quinoa salad, beetroot humus, filled vine leaves and baked cauliflower – in line with the Israeli cuisine – the standards such as fresh fruit and juices, cereals and yogurt in all variants, Cheese, salmon, salami … And of course Leberkäse, sausages and pretzels. Because after all, we are in Bavaria.

For breakfast I treat myself with waffles with maple syrup and fresh fruit

The bigger the choice, the harder it is to choose: Eggs Benedict or rather avocado toast? I opt for the fresh waffles and love the organic Earl Gray of the label Belmondo. So much, that the friendly waitress surprised me with a sachet of tea for home. Even my favorite colleague at the front desk hands me a small bag with provisions for the journey home. “For the train ride,” she says, smiling at me. I am touched and wonder again if all this can be true? It can.  BvH 

Info Roomers Munich:

The rooms vary in sizes from 25 to 155 square meters, the latter being accounted for by the Roomers Suite on the sixth floor. This is also equipped with a Jacuzzi on the private roof terrace and – if you’re lucky – the view of the Alps. A room in the Deluxe Premium category costs an average of 320, – Euro per night. The room rates start depending on the season from 220, – Euro.

Small but nice: The rooftop bar of the Roomers with views over the rooftops of Munich

Comfortably hanging out in the Roomers lobby …

… with its elegant design …

… and provided selection of sweets

The Roomers Bar – known for its bartenders and creative drinks – also serves small snacks

In the “Crazy Library” are selected books, personally collected by the hotel owners

The bar at Izakaya restaurant…

… where you can dine excellently (more on MyStylery soon!) and also breakfast is served. And of the finest, by the way

Nice for lunch: The outdoor terrace of the restaurant with 30 seats

Cozy luxury on 28 square meters: My Deluxe Premium Suite …

… and a selfie in the black marble bathroom

A welcome from the hotel’s management: small gesture, great effect!

Need a break? Then go to the Roomers Spa by Shan Rahimkhan and let yourself be pampered. All about my wellness treatment soon on MyStylery!

Bye bye Roomers! I’ll be back – for sure …

Contact Roomers Munich:

roomers-munich.com

Here you find more travel tips!

The post The Roomers Hotel in Munich appeared first on My Stylery.

Berlin’s Großer Wannsee – Twelve kilometer long and so beautiful!

“Have you ever been on the Peacock Island,” I asked my lovelies on the weekend, while we sat on the terrace of the in 2015 reopened restaurant Wannseeterrassen  (Wannsee terraces) and enjoyed the magnificent view of the Havel and its many sailors. Of course, none of us had been, because who would be a tourist in their own city, if not foreign friends or out-of-town friendships wanted to be entertained. There was general shrug and then also a confusion with the Villa-Island Schwanenwerder. There now seemed to be needed some clarification: Less than ten minutes later we reached the pier of the ferry, which took us with a short ride on the Havel to the island.

The proud peacock accompanied by his rather pale brownish feathery partner … Fortunately, this beauty classification does not apply to us bipeds

About a hundred peacocks currently live on the Peacock Island and so it is not surprising, that we promptly ran into one after our arrival. Accompanied by his rather pale brownish feathery partner – unfairly distributed by nature, by the way – the proud peacock unfortunately still did not show us his colorful feathered fan. But then, the nature, the flora and fauna of the island is just unbelievable beautiful: In the 67 hectare landscape Park, declared in 1990 by UNESCO as a world heritage site, is a green paradise and a haven for rare plants and animal species. And the Peacock Island is also closely linked to the Brandenburg-Prussian history.

Me infront of the castle on the Peacock Island, color-matching the beautiful, blue hydrangeas

Once, the Peacock Island served the Prussian kings as a retreat, Friedrich Wilhelm II, nephew of old Fritz, let there be built an air-castle from 1794 onwards at the southwestern tip of Werder’s for himself and his mistress Wilhelmine Encke – later Countess Lichtenau. Thus, the great period of the island began, which only then really became the Peacock Island. His son Friedrich Wilhelm III. instructed the completion of the initiated landscape park in the English style. A Meierhof for milk production had been created and the cavaliers-house for noble guests with original Gothic facades was expanded. Great artists of the time such as landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné and architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel created, with the help of the court gardener Fintelmann from the island, an artificial paradise in the 19th century. There were kangaroos, bears and a lion, shade palms and Ailanthuses, the South Sea Islander Maitay who had been summarily renamed Heinrich Wilhelm, a giant named Karl Friedrich light and dwarfs.

My favorite place on Peacock Island: The gardening

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And the dwarves with their very own history were the reason why I had a desire to explore the island and the history associated with it. Specifically, since I read the novel „Pfaueninsel“ (Peacock Island) by the German writer Thomas Hettche, in which the author brings the dwarf-siblings Christian and Maria Dorothea Strackon and the other mentioned figures, including the island of history, to life. A gift from my friend Christine, which I devoured in a few days and took me to another world. It is the love story of the dwarf Marie, the historic documented castle mistress, who comes as an orphan at the age of six years to the island, including dwarf brother Christian. Marie falls in love with Gustav, the nephew of the court gardener who grows up with her. Who too always loved her, but can not be with her because her smallness, her crooked legs, the flat nose and high forehead gradually made her to someone else, a stranger from another world, which is also no longer with love possible to be integrated in the emotional life of the rational, now successful man and not integrated into the always reasonable expectant age itself, the incipient Maschinenzeitalter, the industrialization. Hettche’s love story tells about the adjustment of nature, of human dignity, the nature of time and the sensitivity of the soul and the body – and not least of love in its multiple manifestations, on which traces I now walked around the island. Dipping into Marie’s world, which Thomas Hettche describes so sensitive and multifaceted in his book.

In memory of his big love Queen Luise, Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III. has built the Luisen Temple on the Pfaueninsel

And so we walked from the castle up to the Meierei, past the cavalier-house and picnic area where refreshments are served. My favorite part was the garden with its flowerbeds and shrubs and the rolling hills that lead down to the Havel river. Here, I want to open my picnic basket next time and just lie in the grass. And further dream myself into the world of dwarf Marie and the Prussian kings. BvH

Like a magnificent frame the trees line the view at the Wannsee

I’m waiting for the ostentatious walks and the hoarse cries of the peacock. Unfortunately, in vain!

Ballroom above the dairy (Meierei)

The facade, King Friedrich empathized like a Gothic building

MyStylery in action: Anyone at home?

Prussian Paradise

Gorgeous vistas like here to the Luisen Temple

Beautiful old barn

Old tree populations characterize the island

The Cavalier House with its historically faked Gothic facades is still inhabited today

The Peacock Island got declared a conservation area in 1924

Unesco World Heritage

A marble monument in honor of the actress Mademoiselle Rachel – a star of her time

By the way, the island is car free and smoke free. Even the carrying of bicycles and animals is prohibited here

Open this gate to the gardening …

… and the rolling hills that lead down to the Havel river

The Peacock Island is located in the Havel in the southwest of Berlin …

It goes green

… It belongs together with the palaces and parks of Sanssouci in Potsdam and the Glienicke Palace for Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation Berlin-Brandenburg …

… and is listed as a world heritage at UNESCO

In 1821 King Friedrich Wilhelm III. gave his garden director Peter Joseph Lenné the job to build a rose garden, a palm house and a menagerie on the site …

… And so that the rare plants and animals were not sitting on dry land, a pump house had been installed on the south bank, whose steam engine drew the floods of the Havel by voice lines in all corners of the island the following years

The rose garden

Former stable

The scent of lavender

The scent of lavender – to me, this is the scent of vacation, sun, summer

At times of the dwarf Marie not only representatives of exotic flora and fauna such as kangaroos, shade palm trees and a lion lived on the piece of land in Havelsee

On this ferry you get from the mainland to the Pfaueninsel

Before visiting the Pfaueninsel I had Lunch at the chic restaurant Wannseeterrassen

… from there you have a fantastic view to the Wannsee

Info Pfaueninsel

The island lies in the forests and waterways district Wannsee is 22 kilometers from Berlin city center and five kilometers from Potsdam away. Nestled in a complex, multi-layered historical cultural landscape, the peacock island with an area of 88 hectares, including 67 hectares of land area is designated as a nature reserve since 1924. The reserve is reported as Fauna-Flora-Habitat and part of the EU bird sanctuary. The Peacock Island is also called “Prussian paradise”.

How to get to Pfaueninsel

The Peacock Island can be reached from the center of Berlin by bus line 218 from Theodor-Heuss-Platz Underground Station through the Grunewald and continues on Wannsee S-Bahn station. Then the short ferry to the Peacock Island follows.

The post The Castle Mistress from Peacock Island appeared first on My Stylery.

No question about it: The historic buildings with their lush gold decor around the Brussels Town Hall are one of a kind

Perhaps it was because of my previous visit to beautiful Bruges, or perhaps simply because of a romantically transfigured memory of a visit to Brussels 25 years ago: My current encounter with Europe’s capital disappointed me at first. Only on the second day my mood brightened up, which was due to the fact that I discovered the trendy districts Saint Gilles and Ixelles.

Palais du Roi: At home with the King…

But first my impression of day one: Normally there are numerous cafés and restaurants around Place Jourdan in front of my hotel Sofitel, where you can sit outside. If it weren’t for the current major construction site. In the opposite brasserie “L’Esprit de Sel” – a recommendation of the hotel concierge – I ate a very moderate goat cheese salad and Belgian meatballs and I wondered to what extent grey building rubble and unspeakable noise influence the quality of a meal or even the basic mood of the cook? After all, the next morning I was compensated with a good breakfast in the “Or Espresso Bar”. Here the young avant-garde sits above their computers and enjoys the supposedly best coffee in town. I tasted the freshly baked sourdough bread with homemade jam and an organic Earl Grey before I went to the Atomium by metro. Not original, but a must see for every visitor to Brussels.

The Atomium and I

Back in the city centre. My tour started at the church Saint Cathérine at the square of the same name, around which nice restaurants invite for lunch. Then I went to the adjacent boulevard Antoine Dansaert, where, according to my travel guide, the chic boutiques of Belgian designers are located. Nope. Apart from the “A Suivre” boutique with the brands Vanessa Bruno, Barbara Bui, Joseph, Isabel Marant and some Belgian designers, grey dreariness was the order of the day. I went all the way to the stock exchange, where, in view of the dubious figures around the Place de Bourse, I preferred to quickly find my way around. Neither the Grand Place with its baroque gilded facades and the impressive town hall nor Manneken Pis could really fascinate me. Not to mention the alleys around it with junk shops and rip-off restaurants. Passing the Place du Grand Sablon, the Royal Library and the Royal Palace Palais du Roi, I landed in the Parc de Bruxelles, where I finally had the feeling of being able to breathe again.

Green lung of Brussels: Parc de Bruxelles

Brussels – and this is not really surprising – is dominated by Europe, its policies and its diplomats. Modern skyscrapers, in which the European Committee is housed, dominate an entire quarter, the Quartier Européen. If this is your first visit to Brussels, you should check it out.

House of the European Commission

Day two: My personal highlight were the districts Ixelles and Saint Gilles. My way to get there was along the Boulevard de Waterloo, where all renowned labels and luxury boutiques present themselves, from Prada to Chanel and Gucci. From there the street leads into Avenue Louise, where cheaper brands like Zara, Tommy Hilfiger or my new favourite label Essentiel-Antwerp are represented. I have seen original, individual shops and boutiques on the Rue du Bailli and Rue Africaine, around the church Saint Trinité in the middle of Ixelles. A district where many facades bear witness to the splendour of the Belle Epoque or are still waiting to be restored to their full beauty. My goal was to visit the Horta-Museum, once the home of Victor Horta, the creator of Art Nouveau. Good to know: The museum opens from 14.00 to 17.30 and is closed on Mondays. From here you have an ideal starting point to explore the many Art Nouveau facades of Brussels. Just follow the Chaussee de Charleroi and its extension Avenue Brugmann – the demarcation line of the Saint Gilles and Ixelles districts – and drift along its small streets. A highlight of urban elegance and classical architecture is the area around Avenue du Haut Pont, Rue Franz Merjay, Place Brugmann and Avenue Louis Lepoutre.

Dreamy Brussels: The Saint Gilles and Ixelles hoods

Here, in the Rue Franz Merjay, I stopped by the small bistro “Chez Franz” and ordered a goat cheese salad. This time it tasted delicious, including the oven-warm baguette served with it. Madame Danielle, an elegant, communicative Brussels-based, sitting at the next table, explained the spirit of her city to me and gave me wonderful tips for the rest of the day. So I strolled along the perhaps most beautiful promenade in Brussels, the Etangs d’Ixelles, situated on two long ponds. On the way there I made a detour through the small, enchanted park Tenbosch. Almost reminiscent of an exotic biotope, this green oasis turned out to be a real insider tip. Am I really in the middle of a pulsating big city, I thought to myself and enjoyed the moment. Brussels, a city of contrasts. BvH

A good breakfast is served in the „Or Espresso Bar“

The Atomium was the main pavilion at 1958 World’s Fair. Engineer André Waterkeyn and the architects André and Jean Polak were responsible for the design of Brussels landmark building

Brussels Town Hall: Even on rainy days a tourist magnet

Beautiful garden at the Royal Library of Belgium

Label to watch: Essentiel Antwerp

Around Place Saint Cathérine nice restaurants invite for lunch

An eyecatcher: Boutique “A Suivre” on Boulevard Antoine Dansaert

Around the Saint Trinité church, Rue du Bailli and Rue Africaine original, individual shops and boutiques are situated…

…like the concept store Mellow…

…and the Boutique Bonzai…

Around 1,500 houses in the most beautiful Art Nouveau style can still be admired in Brussels today

Open your eyes: Beautifully restored houses, sometimes reminiscent of English townhouses…

…Art Nouveau pearls with lush decor, little towers, oriels and balustrades…

…and imposing portals

Walking through the districts with watchful eyes…

…you will discover the architectural beauty and diversity of Brussels

Here you can make your credit card glow effortlessly: The Boutique „Cachemire Coton Soie“

Delicious food, nice staff and located in the trendy Saint Gilles area: The Bistro-Restaurant „Chez Franz“…

…where I highly recommend the goat cheese salad. In addition a glass of rosé wine: Santé!

I particularly like the playful facades and gables with the many chimneys, although I only warmed up with Brussels at second glance

More travel stories you can find here.

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Caribbean feeling on Portugal’s Atlantic coast Alentejo, which stretches from Troia to Melides. Here you can see the dream beach Praia do Pega in Carvalhal

I must admit that last summer I was a bit limited in my enthusiasm for my favourite island Ibiza. Apart from the ever-increasing party tourism, the island has developed into a high-priced, overcrowded in-spot. Tables in the restaurant must be ordered weeks in advance. Hotel rooms during the season often cost 500 Euros and more per night. The beaches are full and the streets are congested. Equipped with tips from my Dusseldorf friend Guido, I went to Portugal instead of the Balearic Islands. More precisely to the Alentejo coast, a good hour’s drive south of Lisbon.

The turquoise sea, almost for me alone

First realization: They still exist, the – almost – undiscovered landscapes. Fine sandy, deserted beaches, unspoilt nature. A 60 (!) kilometre stretch of coast that was previously privately owned by Portugal’s largest banking family, Espirito Santo, and since its insolvency a few years ago has been developed gradually and under considerable environmental conditions. Whoever comes to Comporta expects NOTHING. Except pure nature. Hip nightlife, natty restaurants, glamorous luxury boutiques or award-winning seven-star hotels can’t be found in Comporta and its surroundings. Here the motto is: ociosidade relaxada – sweet and relaxed idleness. This special kind of seclusion has attracted some celebrities to the area. The painter Anselm Kiefer, shoe designer Christian Louboutin, the Cinzano family, Princess Caroline von Hannover have their latifundia in or at Comporta. Since it is known that pop star Madonna has an eye on the area, others are taking a closer look as well.

The beach bar of the restaurant Sal

These include investors who have quickly recognized the potential of Comporta and now commercialise it as the Hamptons of Europe. I don’t think the comparison is appropriate. Neither a million-dollar villa is lined up along the coast – it is not allowed to build here within a kilometre of the waterline. Still one gives something on other status symbols in Comporta. The pine forests and sandy soils remind me, as a North German, in their barrenness, rather of the North Sea island of Sylt. Passing cork oak groves, the journey from Lisbon to Comporta leads along endless rice fields in which the sky reflects and gives the impression that the rice is growing in the clouds.

How about having lunch with a view?

At Praia do Pega in Carvahal I walk in the soft, white sand into infinity, accompanied by the surf of the Atlantic Ocean, until a wave washes me into the restaurant Sal, one of only three beach restaurants in the area. In flip flops and windbreakers you are by no means underdressed here. On the contrary. The other lunch guests don’t care. And the freshly caught sole, which is served here with lemon and delicious olive oil, certainly not at all. I sit with a fantastic view of the sea and in the midst of many French people, whole clans with whom Comporta has enjoyed great popularity since its opening. The atmosphere is relaxed, the service is especially nice, the food is great. So are the prices. In the otherwise rather inexpensive Portugal some restaurants as well as the only hotel near Comporta, the Sublime – a chic boutique hotel in the Cabana style – have already arrived in the upper segment.

A hint of romance in Comporta, a 1,500-inhabitant village on the coast of Alentejo

But it still exists, this originality, where the village elders sit on the market square and sip their coffees, only observed by the many storks nesting here on roofs and chimneys.  In the neighbouring village of Carvahal the espresso is still available for less than one euro and in the small restaurants you don’t pay more than five or six euros for a meal. You communicate with the older villagers with a smile and sign language – if you don’t speak Portuguese. But tourism is on the rise. In Café Eucaylptus Pastelaria, where the French interior icon Jacques Grange also likes to stop by for an espresso, I watch the landlady’s granddaughter. She counts the change in perfect English on the counter. The signs in Comporta are pointing to change. Hurry, before it happens.  BvH

In Comporta and the surrounding area bicycles are very popular

How to get to Comporta

An hour’s drive from Lisbon to Comporta. Tip: Take the ferry from Setubal to Troia. This saves time and is also a wonderful experience. Then take the N253-1 towards Comporta.

Reminds me to the restaurant Sansibar on Sylt island in Germany’s North, but infact it’s the Restaurante Sal in Carvalhal and the best address for fresh fish and delicious tapas …

… yummy yummy, the fried cuttlefish with homemade aioli …

Vegetarian options with goat cheese are also available …

…followed by a freshly caught sole. Enjoy – Aproveite sua refeição!

Nice, the striped awnings, right? In general, I like the interior concept in the Sal restaurant

The small, white houses with the terracotta-colored roofs are very typical of the area and Comporta

A hundred-year-old institution in Comporta is the shop Gomes, called “the little Harrods”. Owner Carlos Gomes offers luxury goods on demand: from pink Himalayan salt to fancy gin varieties …

… but also wines, olives and cheeses from the area. Be sure to drop by!

Fashionistas will find nice stuff in the pretty little boutique Cabeleireira…

…or at Briffa, a treasure trove of clothes and accessories with mainly Portuguese brands. Here I could rummage for hours!

Aw, if I only had a house in Comporta! Then I would shop furniture & Co at Vintage-Department, until I drop

Pure romance: Clothesline over a flowerbed in the middle of Comporta village

Since my last visit to Marrakech I have not seen as many storks as in Comporta. Tchau, tchau and adeus. I’ll be back…

More tips for Comporta

Where to stay: Sobreiras Country Hotel or the Herdade, both in Grandola

Breakfast: Colmo Bar in Comporta

Where to eat: Sem Porta Sublime, Cavalarica or Restaurante Museu do Arroz in Comporta

Where to shop: Ethnic chic at Manumaya, Cushions and more at Cush Cush, Pop-up Shops at Casa da Cultura, Decorations at Marta Manteros Rice – all in Comporta

More MyStylery travel tips you can find here.

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