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!

The post A perfect day on Fischland-Darß appeared first on My Stylery.

Not only the skyscrapers of Dubai amaze me, the architecture of the desert city is just spectacular. In the lower right you can see the brightly lit Dubai Mall, where you can find an ice rink as well as over 1,000 shops

Welcome to 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. After reporting about Downtown Dubai, the souks and sightseeing highlights as well as the art scene and the most beautiful, public beaches in part I of my Dubai adventure, I now share my experiences about a desert safari, the island The Palm and one of the most beautiful hotels in the Persian Gulf area. But one after another…

On “The Palm Jumeirah” – the palm-shaped artificial island of Dubai – is the Resort Atlantis, a 50-hectare amusement complex and theme park

Who does not reside on the palm-shaped peninsula The Palm Jumeirah, should definitely plan a trip to the 2001 accumulated area. Here, private villas and five-star hotels accumulate like pearls on a string – the rooms in high season (November to April) are from 300 euros upwards!

The spectacular architecture of Dubais latest luxury spot The Bulgari Resort was realized by the Italian design office Antonio Citterio with a filigree facade that is reminiscent of corals

The finest and most beautiful hotel in Dubai is, in my opinion, the luxury hotel Bulgari Resort, which opened in late 2017 with excellent restaurants and an extraordinary spa. Instead of glitter and bling-bling, the guest can expect a discreet, modern design in warm colors and materials. The 101 rooms in total are equipped with high-quality details such as cashmere plaids, cedar shoe straps and a large Bulgari beach bag. Even a yoga mat was thought of, which I greatly appreciate as a yoga fan. The absolute highlight are the 20 noble villas that line the bay with its private beach. In addition to a butler service, they have their own pools in secluded gardens. On the sandy beach, the guest can book private pavilions, which are equipped with a small bathroom, bar, towels, sunscreen and what else you need for a pleasant day on the beach. Anyone can and wants to, docks in the Bulgari Resort with their own ship, because the luxurious five-star plus hotel has its own marina and club. (Deluxe room with beach view from 890 euros per night).

The suites and villas are decorated in warm colors and fine materials: Under the bed a Moroccan Beni Ourain carpet, on the bed a Bulgari cashmere plaid

My most impressing Dubai adventure: A dinner-sunset-safari in the Red Dunes (Safari: 70 euros per person via Arabian Adventures). With a 4×4 vehicle, we drive through the Red Sand Desert of Dubai with stops in front of a fantastic dune landscape. In time for the sunset with an XXL sun on the shimmering sky, an aperitif is being served before continuing by jeep over the sometimes steep and vertiginous desert slopes. I am lucky and see camel herds, gazelles and onyxes on the way. The evening ends in a Bedouin camp with delicious barbecue, camel ride and – if desired – a henna tattoo. Fascinating is the starry sky over the desert, a glitter and sparkle, so incomparable and intense, that one does not want to avert the view.

Dubai is a city of contrasts, unmissable is the socio-political contradiction. And yet a fairy tale from 1001 Nights that fascinates. BvH

Tip Dubai:

Can you afford Dubai as a person on average wage? Indeed, if known how: Who can tolerate temperatures of 30 degrees plus, should plan his trip from the end of April. I visited Dubai in May – during the Muslim month of fasting Ramadan* – and experienced a relaxed metropolis in which, despite religious restrictions, tourists hardly perceive differences. Shops and several restaurants are also open during the day, in the hotels alcohol is served, where a wine can quickly cost 15 or 20 euros – per glass. Overnight stays in the luxury hotels are offered for half the usual price and the sightseeing highlights barely have waiting time. (*Ramadan 2020 from April 24 to May 24)

Me on a sand dune during the “Sundowner Dune Dinner Safari” with Arabian Adventures. A perfect desert tour, but the so-called “dune bashing” is not for everyone

Over two-thirds of the United Arab Emirates are occupied by the northern foothills of the Great Arab Desert (Rub al-Chali)

A sundowner and an extraordinary backdrop… The silence and vastness of the Red Dunes desert have impressed me the most

The desert tour ends with a lavish barbecue in a Bedouin camp

… before, there is a traditional dance performance, which is only performed by men during Ramadan…

The camp’s camel herds…

…me cuddling with one of the camels…

…here my new friend again in profile; Look at these incredibly long eyelashes!!!

My henna tattoo. It lasted six weeks, by the way. Since you should think about, where the tattoo is placed and if it fits at home in everyday life or to the job

The Bulgari Resort Dubai on a private peninsula infront of Jumeirah Beach

The exclusive beach pavilions at the Bulgari Resort are reminiscent of Asian safari tents and are each equipped with a small bathroom, kitchenette, towels, etc.

View from the balcony of a suite to the hotel’s private beach with the Dubai skyline and the outstanding and overtopping Burj Khalifa in the background

One of 20 private villas with private pools and butler service. More is not possible…

Exactly my taste: The rooms of the villas and suites with Italian design and furniture by Maxalto, Flos and Flexform for great comfort and cosiness

Attentive and lovingly prepared delicacies for a very personal anniversary: I was touched

Again the view to my own pool terrace, where you can relax on loungers by B&B Italia

Pure luxury: The private infinity pool of the 540 square meter presidential villa. Paradise is calling…

Protected under a coral canopy: The 1,700 square meter spa area with comfortable outdoor daybeds and a view to the Gulf

The next surprise awaited me in the spa after a relaxing massage… It will also make my stay at the Bulgari Resort Dubai unforgettable

On the way to downtown, you will pass the futuristically inspired and pioneering architecture, which is typical for Dubai

From the island The Palm, I can see the coast and the famous, sail-shaped hotel Burj Al Arab, the symbol of Dubai. If you want to spend a night in a deluxe suite, you have to fork out 1,600 euros – per night of course

Me infront of Dubai’s landmark, the luxury hotel Burj Al Arab. Only hotel guests have access. Unless you have a reservation for the “Skybar” on the 27th floor, preferably at sunset

…followed by a dinner in the underwater restaurant Al Mahara. Everything here is just wow, including the prices…

…and the encounter with impressive – and sometimes quite scary – sea creatures. The sensational sight of the underwater world with its rays, sharks etc. is after all free of charge

أنت تعيش مرة واحدة فقط – you only live ones: Friday night in Dubai is the night of the nights and it is celebrated. The trendy in-restaurant Zuma serves Asian-European dishes. A Wagyu steak costs 215 euros, the bottle of rosé wine 125 euros and a Cosmopolitan cocktail 15 euros

See you soon in Dubai:

The next Dubai highlight will be the world exhibition Expo from October 2020 to April 2021

More travel stories you can here.
Part I of my Dubai adventure you can find here.

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

First impression of Warsaw: A lot of high buildings!

How did you get the idea to spend a weekend in Warsaw, my friend asked me surprised. The capital of Poland doesn’t really count to the top tips among the European destinations and is rather rarely visited by travelers. But Warsaw is a truly positive surprise and as a city trip highly recommended.

The Cultural Palace – Pałac Kultury i Nauki – the landmark of the city and a considerable Palazzo Prozzo

Once you get closer to Warsaw’s center you will first pass concrete wasteland that rather reminds of Berlin-Marzahn or Hamburg-Mümmelmannsberg. As in all former countries of the Eastern bloc the socialistic construction eternalized itself in the monumental buildings, especially in the Cultural Palace, which virtually stands out of the Warsaw skyline. The building that has been built in gingerbread style was once a present of Stalin to Poland and therefore still counts as sign of oppression for many Polish people today. For sure an imposing construction. It is especially the old town that fascinated me from the beginning of my trip. Warsaw’s center has been nearly completely destroyed during the Second World War. Only in the following decades the historical houses were reconstructed with a lot of love for detail.

Warsaw, the underestimated metropolis. Stare Miasto – the Old Town

The Polish capital is stronger connected to the era of the Second World War than any other city. Warsaw and its mainly Jewish inhabitants have suffered immeasurably under the terror of the Nazis. It was a special need to give me an idea of the former Warsaw Ghetto and its extent. Today bronze plates paved in walkways remind of the Ghetto wall, which stretched over three square kilometers in the district of Wola from 1940 onwards. A visit to the Museum of the Warsaw Uprising ‘Powstania Warszawskiego’ also gives a comprehensive impression of this gloomy chapter of Poland’s history. Here, the story is reproduced in a multimedia and impressive way.

Beautiful sightseeing and charming alley in the Old Town

After the museum visit and dispute of history I now particularly notice the beauty of Warsaw. Especially in the neighborhoods of Mostowa and Stare Miasto, with their filigreed, neoclassical and baroque house-facades. Everywhere you will find small cafés that invite you to linger. One drinks tea, coffee latte or one of the craft beers brewed in Poland, before I visit the memorial site of the composer Frédéric Chopin, where the heart of the Polish national composer is kept. Speaking of Chopin: fans of his music are recommended to see one of the open-air piano concerts that take place from May to September in Łazienki Park.

Trendy restaurant in the Mirow district: The ‘Winosfera’

It is well known that culture increases appetite for more. Those who love the hearty Polish cuisine are well served in traditional restaurants such as ‘Dawne Smaki’. In Warsaw, however, a young and modern culinary scene has also been established, such as restaurant ‘The Elephant’, which has recently been launched by Mystylery. The ‘Winosfera’ in the district Mirow is also very popular with its extensive range of wines. For a small drop-off, go to the ‘Panorama Sky Bar’ of the Marriott Hotel: simply enjoy great cocktails and the 360-degree view of the skyline of Warsaw. Then I fall tired into the bed of my hotel, the Sofitel Victoria in Warsaw’s Old Town. A smartly designed hotel with excellent service: I will certainly come back soon! BvH

The boulevard ‘Nowy Swiat’ is part of the former royal route and today counts to one of the great historic avenues of Warsaw’s Old Town

How to get to Warsaw:

From Berlin the best and fastest way is to go by plane with Air Berlin or by train in 5.5 hours

Today declared as World Cultural Heritage of Unesco: The Old Town of Warsaw

The Saint Kasimir Church on the ‚Ulica Freta‘ street

The ‘Ulica Mostowa’, with its colorful house-facades and cobblestones, looks as if time had stopped here

The Barbakane (town wall) was built in 1548 and is located at the transition from the Old Town to the New Town. At the beginning of the 15th century, the New Town, the district of the artisans, was founded

The Royal Castle at the Castle Square

The ‘Plac Zamkowy’ place with the Warsaw Castle

The Cultural Palace seems almost omnipresent. It just appears everywhere, no matter from where you look

Modern skyscrapers occurrence all over Warsaw – like the 220 meters high Warsaw Spire-Tower, which was still under construction during my visit

The Museum of the Warsaw Uprising ‚Powstania Warszawskiego‘:

Here, the story is reproduced in a multimedia and impressive way

In the Warsaw Ghetto, from 1940 until the deportation in the extermination camps, 450,000 people lived under the most adverse conditions. Today bronze plates paved in walkways remind of the Ghetto wall, which stretched over three square kilometers in the district of Wola

The Nozyk Synagoge in the ‘Ulica Twarda’ built in the style of neo-Romanesque neo-Byzantium in 1902, was used by the Nazis as a camp in 1941. The building was restored in 1977. It is the only pre-war synagogue in Warsaw

The only preserved street of the former Warsaw Ghetto in Mirow is the ‘Ulica Prozna’. Up to a few years ago, the bullet holes were still visible in the facades, which now shine in new splendor…

… Here, a young new scene now established, with many street cafés and galleries, such as the ‚Galeria Velt‘ and the Café ‚Prozna‘

Pretty hip: Warsaw reminds of the Berlin scene in some parts of the city and its street cafés

The halls of Mirowska: In these historical market halls you will find the true Poland. Fixed prices are rather an exception. May the bargaining begin!

Warsaw, what a beautiful city!

The main street of the New Town ‘Ulica Freta’ was built at the end of the 14th century and was once the trade route from Warsaw to the north

Those who love the hearty Polish cuisine are well served in traditional restaurants such as ‘Dawne Smaki’

In the garden of the restaurant ‚Dawne Smaki‘ you will be able to escape the big city and to enjoy Polish Piroggen – stuffed pastries. For dessert they serve fresh fruits with whipped cream

Nikolaus Kopernikus-monument on the ‘Krakowskie Przedmieście’ street

The Holy Cross Church on ‘Krakowskie Przedmiescie’ street …

The heart of Frédéric Chopin, which has been pickled in French cognac, has been resting in a pillar of the Holy Cross Church since 2010. The inscription on the memorial tablet reads: “For where your treasure is, there is your heart.”

What a beautiful light incident on the altar

Dziekuje – Thank you!

Warsaw doesn’t really count to the top ten of European hotspots. Wrongly, in my view!

Off to Warsaw!

Merken

Merken

Merken

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