The Outdoor pool of Bleiche Resort & Spa in the winter time. Of course heated…

One and a half hours drive from Berlin, lies the Hotel Bleiche Resort & Spa in Brandenburg Spreewald. Here the outdoor pool in summer

To encapsulate right away: with this story I’m neither looking for the not yet found hair in the soup, nor am I the investigative journalist finding something previously undiscovered. This text is my personal homage to a place and its landscape, which has grown on me over the years and my many visits: the Hotel ‘Bleiche Resort & Spa’ and the Brandenburg Spreewald.

The Bleiche is always decorated according to the season …

… here the ‘Grünes Gewölbe’-Restaurant in Christmas decoration

Every time the rumble of wooden planks wakes me up when passing the driveway to the hotel grounds and the red-white boarded wooden facade in front of me opens, when I walk into the hotel lobby and hear the splashing of the fountain, then I know: I have arrived. My Berlin-stress I leave at the front desk, am grateful to not have to fill in any incredibly long forms, or being asked for either a credit card or if I had a “pleasant journey”.
“It’s great you’re here.” Here, I don’t have to do anything. Here I simply am.

Arrival: In the lobby of the Hotel Bleiche Resort & Spa it ripples from the impressive fountain

By now, I’ve got my little rituals, which I sometimes pursue more, sometimes less: I let myself drift, I let go, enjoy the sweet idleness. Sometimes I swim my laps in the outdoor pool before breakfast; usually I sleep till all hours. The breakfast in the ,Grünem Gewölbe’ (‘green vault’), I am celebrating extensively with seven minute egg and morning tea ‘Morgentau’. Even at 12 noon that is still possible here. I read the newspaper (which I ‘m rarely able to do at home), which I can find by my bedroom door every morning.

Here I’m having breakfast in the ‘Grünes Gewölbe’ (Green Vault):

I love morning tea ‘Morgentau’, seven minute egg, whole wheat bread, croissants, cheese, melon and – believe it or not – Spreewaldgurke (‘Spreewald cucumber’)

One look into the eyes of my two four-legged travelling companions and it’s decided: Off it goes into the nature, past fields and canals. The network of adjacent trails can also wonderfully be explored by biking or jogging. When it rains, I confine my outdoor activities into the hotel’s private, 17-hectare park, in which my doggies have already chased one or two balls. Then I limber up with some tea and homemade cakes, discover an interesting book title in the well-stocked book shop or exceptionally check out my mails, which is only possible in this one area, because there’s no Wi-Fi in the rooms.

Regulars Willi and Franz in the provided baskets. Here one also takes lovingly care of the four-legged guests

Then I slip into the bathrobe and keep wearing it for the time being. Here, everyone is the same wearing the bathrobes, whether they’re called Heike Makatsch, Model Eva Padberg or German actor Matthias Schweighöfer. My range of motion involved the route room – spa – room. By the way: with 5,000 square meters it is one of the largest spas in Europe. In my opinion, it’s also one of the finest.

Swiming, while watching the crackling fire in the fireplace – where do you find something comparable?

Many spas reduce their appearance on the mere expediency, as if the applications were processed like illness certificates: indoor swimming pools with tiles up to the stop and above all a pungent smell of chlorine. In the Bleiche, it scents like fireplaces, like lumbers, herbs and apples. A treat for my nose, used to capital odors. Apart from this, there are plenty of chairs, cozy sofas, inviting sitting areas with comfortable wicker chairs, in which I do like to sink into, because a sauna, massages and Haman are well known to be quite tiring. My favorite room? Clearly and absolutely unrivaled: The ,Kräuterkammer’ (‘herbal chamber’), a around 45 degrees tempered sauna, very cozy like a mountain lodge. How many hours have I probably already spent here?

The ,Kräuterkammer’ (‘herbal chamber’), a around 45 degrees tempered sauna in the wellness area, very cozy like a mountain lodge

I lie and listen. Sometimes to the sounds of classical music – in the large indoor swimming pool also under water – sometimes the chirping of crickets, the inhabitants of ancient timbers. For me, this is the most beautiful way of meditation, even though it is also offered here professionally: With or without singing bowl. Speaking of lying: On the big screen of the professionally equipped cinema, there run three movies daily, many that I always wanted to see before. Here I finally get the opportunity in XXL wide loungers.

Wherever I go, inviting sitting areas always await

The decor is right up my alley: sophisticated country-house style, using French linen, rough wood and roughly plastered cob walls, combined with selected antiques and a pleasant lighting concept. It’s the passion for detail that I like so much and this is actually what’s the real secret of the Bleiche. Here and there are a couple of candlesticks, vases and stacks of books. All wisely collected in legwork and over the years by the Bleiche-owners – the Clausing family.

Traditional decoration ‘Herrgottswinkel’ in the cheese chamber

In the evening I preferably sit in the cozy ,Fischerstube’ (‘Fishers parlor’) or in the quaint ,Kahnschuppen’ (‘fishing boat shed’) – in the summer it’s also nice in beer garden under the old chestnut trees. Gourmets get indulged in star restaurant ,17fuffzig’. The food is delicious – I have never been disappointed. I love the Mosel Riesling from the winery ‘Kallfelz’ and especially a regional goat’s cheese at the end, which the rustic cheese chamber holds behind its doors. Maybe I treat myself with a nightcap at the bar. Maybe I’m still sitting at the large fireplace, looking into the fire and imagining how the linen fabrics for the ‘Old Fritz’* were bleached here more than 260 years ago. BvH
*nickname of Frederick the Great, King of Prussia

Here I can spend hours looking into the fire – and it never gets boring to me in any way

Tip:

Especially in fall or winter a boat trip is an experience, as you mainly have the channels for yourself and the pasture- and moorlands of the Spreewald are worth a look at – even in the cold season. Ask for Hagen, he is the best tour guide and knows all secrets and things to know.

Fancy a boat trip? The hotel’s boat harbor offers individual journeys – also during the winter season

Christmas Decor at Bleiche Resort & Spa

Summer impressions

In the beer garden, one can wonderfully sit under old chestnut trees

From the herb bed directly into the pot: Star chef René Klages gets his ingredients from the hotel’s herb garden

The secret of the Bleiche is the love for detail

In the book shop of the Bleiche, I love to rummage through the current book titles and make readable discoveries

Almost like home

Beautiful interior: One of the cottage suites with a private sauna, separate bedroom and living area

The beds are especially comfortable and cozy

Relaxing in the bathtub with a glass of Prosecco and candlelight – Good as it gets

Bye, bye, stress!

Me in bathrobe-mood in front of the fireplace by the indoor pool

The Whirlpool

A seperate bath and wading area for families with children

You simply do not want to leave

One out of eight restaurants: The ‘Weißbiereck’. Comfortable, right?

For cheese lovers this is the culinary paradise at Hotel Bleiche Resort & Spa: The cheese chamber

On a night cap at the bar …

… or again to the fireplace? The cozy atmosphere ensures a great feel-good factor

Contact Bleiche Resort & Spa:

Bleiche Resort & Spa
Bleichestraße 16
03096 Burg im Spreewald, Germany

www.bleiche.de

Merken

Merken

Merken

Merken

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IBIZA LOVE Part V

Even the colorful entrance of the World Family Shop has something seductive

Since my first visit to the hippy market of Las Dalias I’m in love with the colorful creations of the Spanish label World Family. Shoes, bags, clothes – everything comes in gorgeous colors, elaborately embroidered and decorated. It’s great that the entire World Family Collection is now under one roof – including beautiful home accessories and small furniture for our home. If you drive the street 733 towards San Juan, the World Family shop is at the height of kilometer 17, right next to Can Curune. Then it’s about either passing the accelerator and proceeding quickly – or getting out your credit card and shop.

A nice couple: Alok and Merel founded in the mid-90s their label World Family Ibiza

World Family is actually a family business behind Alok and Merel, standing with their children and grandmother Joke. Alok, who came in the mid-90s from Barcelona to Ibiza, where he met Merel, a former Dutch model, both looking for a new beginning. They made a tepee, where they lived together with their children coming from previous relationships and the three common as patchwork family.

The amber-colored bag is from the new collection. A moderate hippie look that also works well at home

Sweet: In leather framed, colorful clutch with embroidery and fringed pompons

Cool Leather Boots – for a perfect Ibiza look

Their first findings, which they had discovered on a trip to Morocco, they were selling on the beach of Benirras directly from the back of their rickety Mercedes transporter. Later, they managed to get a stand at the famous hippy market of Las Dalias – that was a breakthrough for their current success with a total of three stores in Ibiza and a showroom in Barcelona.

Aren’t they extremely chic? Turquoise peacock chairs and matching side table

In spite of the demand, each part of the World Family Collection is produced 100% handmade, designed by Merel, lovingly decorated with Indian borders and Moroccan beads. And why have Alok and Merel called their label “World Family”? “Because we all have different backgrounds with own traditions, customs and habits. But we all have in common, that we share this beautiful planet called earth.” BvH

I love these colorful cushions!

Interior and Fashion under one roof – to me, this is the perfect store!

Help, I can not decide!

Even from the outside the World Family Store is an eye catcher

In love with this elaborate embroidered dress. Is this possible? Cecilie says: Yes!

Adiós, World Family, we will be back!

Contact World Family Ibiza:

Crta. San Juan, km 17
07810 San Juan, Ibiza

www.worldfamilyibiza.com

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All Guerlain Spas are equipped with elegant crystal decorations. The guest chooses between classical cosmetic and anti-aging treatments. There’re also Gym-, Pilates- and Yoga-offers

Are you still looking for a special present for your best friend or simply want to relax after the stressful advent time or the upcoming feast days? Then I have the ultimate tip for you: a Spa-Treatment in the Guerlain Spa Waldorf Astoria Berlin – plunge, immerse, dream.

Before and after the treatment, Laura serves me a cup of tea

In the middle of the pre-Christmassy advent hurly-burly a heaven of silence welcomes me in the luxury hotel Waldorf Astoria Berlin – opposite the Memorial Church and the Zoo train station. Lots of spas exist in the dark vaults. However the Guerlain Spa in the Waldorf Astoria resides at about a 1,000 square meters, light flooded fifth floor with a view over the city. Each of the lavish rooms has daylight, which both people and employees appreciate a lot.

My personal changing room with my own, private bath

A spa treatment at Guerlain Spa Waldorf Astoria Berlin is a journey into another world. At the wardrobe I’m getting rid of my coat and the other ballast. I drink a tea and choose under the Guerlain perfumes the traditional scent Shalimar, which accompanies me during my stay.

Welcome to the footbath- and relaxation lounge

In my personal changing room with my own, private bathroom I cuddle myself into a fluffy bathrobe of the brand Boco Terry and am first led into a footbath-lounge. After the footbath it gets onwards into the treatment room that is held in comfortable, warm colors. And of course it smells like Shalimar.

At first my feet are getting bathed …

My today’s fairy godmothers name is Laura and she indulges me with a 1½ hours facial treatment – the Complete Facial – with Guerlain products, which includes a cleaning, a peeling, massage, mask and Hyaluron-eye pads. They work true miracles! In the end I get a light day makeup and am again ready for the outerworld. Unfortunately. Because my scent-journey is over and I have to go back to the wild life of Berlin. BvH

… and then massaged by Laura

This is where I’m getting spoiled: one of the six treatment rooms with body- and facial treatments. A big plus: every treatment room disposes of daylight

Whilst Laura’s applied moisturizing mask spoils my skin, I dream myself onto another planet

In the end I get a light day makeup and am again ready for the outerworld

Tip I:

So much luxury has its price: the Complete Facial costs 170 Euros. The price includes the usage of the thermal spa area. For hotel guests the Guerlain Spa costs 15 Euros per day. The spa area is inclusive if you book an application from 60 minutes onwards. External guests use the thermal bath in connection with a booked application for a surcharge of 40 Euros. There is no need for an extra charge from a 90 minutes application onwards. It’s best to book during the week, then the thermal bath won’t be crowded.

A Vichy-shower is also offered – for everyone, who likes a showering-off whilst lying – as well as a bathtub for hydrotherapy

Tip II:

‘Beauty Revelation’ is a combination of facial- and body treatment, exclusively created by Guerlain for the Waldorf Astoria in Berlin. During the whole body massage, muscle relaxation and manual lymphatic drainage are combined.

A pool shaped as a cloud: the thermal bath presents itself like a heavenly kingdom with sauna, steam bath, ice-fountain and adventure showers …

… and a whirlpool

This is where it goes to the sun deck in the sixth floor with a view over Berlin

The Guerlain Spa at Waldorf Astoria Berlin is the only one in Germany. Here you can see the lobby with comfy chairs

One is more beautiful than the other: The Guerlain perfume flacons with classics like Shalimar, Chamade, Aqua Allegoria or La Petite Robe

The Guerlain products

Afterwards I feel deeply relaxed and visibly refreshed

Contact:

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Rıfat Özbek was born in Istanbul, studied architecture in London, then moved on to study fashion at Central St Martins. In 1985 he started his own fashion line ‘ÖZBEK’ based in London

In 2005, Turkish fashion designer Rifat Özbek was looking for cushions to decorate his country home near Bodrum. Discouraged by the scratchy textiles and synthetic stuffing pervading the home décor marketplace, Özbek and his partner, Erdal Karaman, decided to design their own pillows, an endeavour that led to the launch of Yastik – Its name means ‘cushion’ in Turkish. Now, ten years later, Özbek has shops dedicated solely to cushions in Istanbul, Izmir and London, as well as retail spaces in exclusive department stores such as the ‘Bon Marché’ in Paris.

Rifat Özbek received twice the “Designer of the Year” award by The British Fashion Council. His work has been featured in many exhibitions including the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Pecci Museum in Prato and the Stedeligk Museum in Amsterdam. This pic shows the shop in Istanbul

What sets Özbek’s designs apart: incredible textiles, rich and intricate patterns, and high-quality down stuffing, which includes dried lavender. Özbek’s attention to detail contributes to his unique vision and steady success. While the back of a cushion might be overlooked by others, Özbek treats the back panel as of equal importance. In fact, the designer intends for both sides of the cushion to be used, and the ‘backs’ often feature contrasting patterns or colors. “Just like a small brooch can uplift a dress, cushions are the brooches of sofas”, says Özbek.

“Yastik means cushion in Turkish, and that is quite simply all we sell”, explains Rifat Özbek. For starters, there are one hundred different colors and patterns to choose from

Yastik stores, including one in Istanbul’s Nişantaşi neighbourhood, are an experience all their own, with dozens of varieties of cushions displayed against stark white walls, creating a gallery effect. At any given time, Özbek stocks more than 100 patterns, drawing inspiration from everywhere: the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech, tribal contemporary paintings, and centuries-old mosaics and tiles.

The pillows come in three sizes, in both rectangular and square shapes, and range in price from 60 €

Each cushion design is produced in limited runs. “You don’t want to go to someone’s home and realize you have the same cushion,” he says. “We keep adding new patterns all the time, and there are some cushions, like those made from vintage fabrics like antique velvet, that we only make a single pair of.” BvH

“Cushions are like brooches”

Yastik cushions are produced in limited editions using hand woven Ikats and Suzeni embroideries

Sourced in remote areas of Central Asia and Uzbekistan, these centuries’ old textile designs have their own language and stories are told using colour, weave and pattern

To add the ultimate sensual touch:

A handful of lavender flowers is added to the luxurious down filling in each cushion: “Just enough to suggest a sense of tranquillity.”

A handful of lavender flowers

Patterns and motifs change. It always come back to new designs

Yastik has gathered an exclusive celebrity clientele: Tilda Swinton, Donna Karan, Jemima Khan, Rupert Everett, Femke Janssen, Cindy Sherman, Daphne Guinness, Daniel Craig, Aerin Lauder, Monica Bellucci, Elizabeth Hurley, Lily Allen, Graham Norton

Contact:

Şakayık Sokak 13/1
Teşvikiye, Şişli
İstanbul,Turkey
www.yastikbyrifatozbek.com

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I really like her collection: Designer Dorothee Schumacher and me

When the magazine Vogue invites to ‘Vogue Fashion Night Out’, fashion enthusiasts from all over the place are streaming through the Republic to attend the event, which is celebrated in Berlin and Dusseldorf for the seventh and in Vienna for the first time.
Berlin is buzzing and legions of shopping victims and fashionistas follow the sales marathon that has been initiated by Vogue. It is an international shopping initiative with all the big shops along the Ku’damm and the Friedrichstraße participating. For this special shopping night the luxury boutiques and department stores came up with really cool ideas to convince their fashion conscious clientele to consume. Discounts, so-called ‘Special Editions’, and special campaigns of the respective label tempted the mainly female audience until midnight.

The colors of fall mirror the current Minx collection: rusty nuances and auburn, combined with rosé-, nude and coral colors. Very intriguing: the auburn petticoat

Prosecco, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres ensured that the good mood resembled maximum excitement. The fashion label ‘Minx’ which set up a pop up store at the Sofitel Hotel offered high-end appetizers and creations from ‘Minx’ designer Eva Lutz from the current fall winter season. ‘Minx Brand Ambassadors’, for example actress Nathalia Wörner who advocates the campaign ‘Kindernothilfe’ (editors note: children in need), which is supported by ‘Minx’ with a special edition, also mingled among the fashionable crowd.

Actress and ‘Minx Brand Ambassador’ Nathalia Wörner in front of the ‘Minx’ special edition: 45% of the profit is being donated to Kindernothilfe (Editor’s note: children in need). Bravo!

The celebrity concentration on such events is above average, after all each label equips one or the other VIP with their chic clothes. At the Schlüterstraße Vogue’s editor in chief Christiane Arp chatted vividly with Dorothee Schumacher in her flagship store while listening to live music from flutist Kathrin Christians. On this evening you could have one of the so-called ‘Pouches’ a kind of clutch made from the same fabric as the current Schumacher collection, personalized with your own monogram. While in the meantime sipping a delicious ‘Radical Flower Cocktail’, an exquisite drink that might have been quite healthy if it hadn’t been for the Gin.

Designer Dorothee Schumacher and Vogue’s editor in chief Christiane Arp with a ‚Radical Flower Cocktail‘

Veronica Pohle welcomed Designer Jelena Radovanovic of the label ‘Holy Ghost’ at her boutique. With her stunning looks Radovanovivc resembles a model herself and can easily compete with the three hired models that presented her puristic appearing collection.
Iris Jorde’s boutique ‘Amorph’ was temporarily so crowded, that walking was nearly impossible. The clothes on the racks were sorted from left to right like there was no tomorrow. Doesn’t matter. I’ll come back and take a look at the things my fashion-focused eyes have scanned when the run is over. Without celebs, without prosecco and without excuse. BvH

Veronica Pohle’s Boutique shined brightly illuminated through the autumnal appearing night. The cold temperatures can neither stop nor irritate a real fashion victim

‚Holy Ghost‘-Designer Jelena Radovanovic resembles a model herself

Prosecco in pink as a special edition at Veronica Pohle

Gorgeous and simple: Veronica Pohle presents the fashion label ‘Holy Ghost’ in her Boutique

‘Amorph Black’ at the Schlüterstraße in Charlottenburg …

… was temporarily so crowded, that walking was nearly impossible

Abstract prints and graphic optics, as seen at ‘Amorph’ are super hip. The skirt from ‘MGSM’ gets a big like!

One of the nicest shops altogether: Dorothee Schumachers flagship store at the Schlüterstraße

‘Pouches’ a kind of clutch made from the same fabric as the current Schumacher collection, personalized with your own monogram

Shop ’til you drop

Live music: Flutist Kathrin Christians masterful performance was fantastic

Shopping-Paradise

Too bad I can’t buy this lamp from Dorothee Schumachers Shop. It would fit perfectly into my apartment

Especially for this event designer Eva Lutz travelled to Berlin, so she could welcome the customers herself

Minx also designs evening fashion like this gorgeous, golden robe. MyStylery is thrilled!

The lingerie-boutique ‘Agent Provocateur’ came up with a special idea for the event. A barely dressed model posed in the shop window and presented sweet slips with an even sweeter smile

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The record department at “Urban Outfitters” at Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California

I really miss my old collection of long playing records. Good to know, that in 2013 the multinational clothing giant “Urban Outfitters” started to add records to its range – including cult bands like The Ramones or Lou Reed. Of course the revival of the vinyl is not Urban Outfitters invention itself, but the way of their optical presentation as well as the positioning in the shops is a feast for the eyes and a smart decision.

The condemned live longer

Moms and daughters shop ‘til they drop, while less fashion-interested dad or boyfriend waits in the record department. The LPs are reprints and unfortunately not vintage, however there is an offer of turntables in a retro look. Happy shopping!  BvH

Nice combination: vinyl and coffee at the Urban Outfitters shop in London

Good idea: A room divider out of longplaying records, seen at the interior fair Maison et Objet in Paris

Contact:
www.urbanoutfitters.com

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