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Author: Nina Zeller

CultureAndCream Author from Munich As a graduated art historian and archeologist I know the stories of cultures, buildings and paintings - well, most of them. My job as a beauty editor has awaken my love for creams (and tons of nail polishes). I am currently writing about medical and health topics. My favourite activities? Discovering new trends and hot spots while traveling which I would like to share with you.

Parkhotel Mondschein, a Design Oasis in Bolzano

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Mondschein means moonlight and that sounds like cloudless summer nights, flickering candles and a romantic mood. The fact that the term has also been associated with retro design, urban flair and yoga sessions since May 2022 is due to the grand re-opening of the eponymous Parkhotel Mondschein in the center of Bolzano. The historic building of the Parkhotel Mondschein recently shines on the outside with a façade overgrown with ivy to the Art Nouveau balconies. Inside, shades of green, gray, and brown create a pleasant midcentury-era charm and evoke the surrounding mountains of the Dolomites, which can be admired from the total of 76 rooms and suites. Depending on your needs, different sizes are available – from 15m² petite or single rooms to 45m² suites. Once Bolzano’s first guesthouse The impressive house with its iconic white shutters and elegant stucco decorations is a listed building. It was built in 1330 as the first inn in Bolzano and was enlarged in 1890 with Belle Epoque-style additions to provide space for more guests to relax. The extensive renovation work was designed by the interior design firm Biquadra from Merano under the direction of Christina Biasi-von Berg. Special attention was paid to coherence, minimalism and subtle elegance. Materials such as wood and velvet, as well as wide corridors, high ceilings and stucco ornamentation, pay homage to the building’s long history. The furniture is dominated by clean lines and high-quality dark wood, along with comfortable upholstered beds and classic white lampshades. The original herringbone parquet flooring has been retained but refurbished, while the bathrooms have undergone a complete makeover. But here, too, the motto is: less is more. Elegant white tiles, frameless mirrors and retro-style silver fixtures blend seamlessly with the rest of the design. Parkhotel Mondschein: minimalism meets elegance To create a nice contrast to the retro design, the South Tyrolean owner family Dissertori also commissioned two artists: as part of an artist-in-residency program, they created paintings and photographs inspired by the house. Another centerpiece of the four-star hotel is the extensive palm-lined park. It is also open to external guests – whether for a sundowner, a sumptuous breakfast or a strong coffee for in between. Where life in the rest of Italy takes place on a piazza, in Bolzano it now does so in the leafy park of the Hotel Mondschein. “We wanted to create a place where people could come to rest and take time out.… weiterlesen

Healing Clay Therapy at Hotel BollAnts in the German Nahe Valley

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Products and procedures for beauty and well-being are many. From creams with retinol or hyaluron to minimally invasive treatments or holistic health cures. A rather lesser-known therapy, as simple as it is original, is offered by the idyllically located Hotel BollAnts – Spa im Park in Bad Sobernheim near the city of Mainz. Healing clay – There, in the middle of the green Nahe valley, they specialize in precisely this natural raw material. As part of Felke Med, a natural healing process designed to revive body and mind, it’s all about baths and treatments with clay. Even the ancient Romans swore by it! The discoverer of healing earth therapy in modern times is considered to be the naturopath Adolf Just (1859-1936). The German pastor Emanuel Felke adopted the booming concept at the end of the 19th century and made it known beyond the borders in his time. He even went down in history as the “clay pastor“. Healing clay: holistic effect What is so special about healing clay? The natural ingredients it contains, such as minerals and trace elements, are said to strengthen the immune system, improve blood flow, and even relieve inflamed joints and skin conditions such as acne. When the weather is good, you take your clay bath at BollAnts quite unpretentiously in the open air in small pits filled with the brown beauty elixir. Immediately afterward, you can wash off the earth in the Nahe River, which flows along the spa garden. It is a lasting as well as unique experience! In bad weather and in winter, hop into the herbal steam bath of the spacious indoor wellness area instead and apply the healing clay there. Soft skin and a wonderfully light feeling of weightlessness are the benefits. After a Felke treatment, the rule is actually: drink a lot and rest. Not so easy to do, since the 3,500-square-meter bollant.SPA offers other wellness highlights such as two pools – one of them with a panoramic view of the valley and the large sunbathing lawn! -several saunas and an exclusive retreat with Far East flair: the Prana Spa (for an extra charge). Aerial yoga meets healing sound In Hinduism, prana means life force or energy. In keeping with this, the 220-square-meter facility includes a sauna, a sunbathing area and a sun terrace, as well as aerial yoga towels. The feeling of weightlessness after the Felke treatment intensifies as you sway back and forth in the colorful fabric.… weiterlesen

Venice – Indulge in Luxury at Bauer Palazzo on the Canale Grande

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Elegance is timeless, so they say. This is especially true of houses like the time-honored Bauer Palazzo in the heart of Venice. It’s as close to the Grand Canal and St. Mark’s Square as you can get – and so wonderfully luxurious. Venice’ Bauer Palazzo in the heart of the Italian lagoon city delights with its Art Deco-inspired design from the 19th century as well as with a fabulously large roof terrace – the highest in Venice! Gourmets should be very pleased both there, on the seventh floor, in the fine-dining restaurant with the appropriate name „Settimo Cielo” (seventh heaven), as well as in the gourmet restaurant “De Pisis” with terrace and view of the Grand Canal, which is located on the first floor. Venice at its finest Since 1880, Bauer Palazzo has been welcoming guests in 191 rooms and suites that couldn’t be more chic. Murano glass, marble, and ornately printed wallpaper are found alongside ceiling paintings, crystal chandeliers, carved stucco ceilings, and gilded mirrors. Even one night in these beautiful surroundings feels as wonderfully sophisticated and romantic as a gondola ride on the Grand Canal. It is the main waterway in the “city of a thousand bridges”, the Venetians call it Canałazzo, with a length of almost four kilometers, between 30 and 70 meters wide and up to five meters deep. The first bend of the S-shaped canal is called Volta di Canal. Speaking of romance, by the way, the Bauer Palazzo was founded because of a beautiful love story! The young Austrian entrepreneur Julius Grünwald fell in love with the daughter of a respected hotel director named Theodor Bauer. The couple then unceremoniously commissioned the construction of a hotel by combining two separate properties right at the entrance to the Grand Canal. Salute among local people Today, the Bauer Palazzo is one of the “Leading Hotels of the World” and delights not only tourists with its central location, courteous service and charming ambience. Many locals also visit the cozy “B Bar Lounge” on the first floor, especially in the evenings. There you can enjoy not only creative cocktails and fine wines, but also jazz evenings and live music every year from autumn. Those seeking more togetherness should take the elevator up to the 8th floor. There, above the rooftops of Venice, guests of Bauer Palazzo will find an elegant gym equipped to the latest standards, as well as an outdoor Jacuzzi with a view of the St.… weiterlesen
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The Kranzbach – Retreat Paradise in Bavaria

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There are places that have a real myth about them. For example the legendary Hotel Sacher in Vienna or the Chateaux Marmont in Los Angeles. In tranquil Upper Bavaria, among discerning travel enthusiasts, it is the adults-only house Das Kranzbach in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. Even the immediate vicinity of the five-star accommodation slows you down: mountains, meadows, forests, wherever you look. In addition, the kilometer-long driveway with a fountain and alpine panorama is really impressive. You won’t find any other hotels or apartment buildings next door. Nothing affects the secluded idyll of the 130,000 square meter, castle-like area, which was acquired in 1913 by a wealthy British woman named Mary Isabel Portman. In keeping with its seclusion, the hotel’s premise is: no external guests, no events, no weddings or meetings. Exklusivity at its best at the “Kranzbach” This can also be found in the elegant, casual interior. The English star designer Ilse Crawford relies on natural materials. Clean chic and muted tones. With around 100 rooms and suites, you can choose from 11 categories. The winged garden rooms are minimalistic, the accommodations in the historic castle wing score with British-modern charm and the absolute highlight for all romantics and those who love peace: the tree house a few steps away from the hotel. Japanese onsen in Bavaria In addition to the exquisite furnishings, location and service (free train station transport, free use of the spa on the day of departure until the evening), we are particularly impressed by the gigantic wellness area. 3,500 square meters with eight saunas, five indoor and outdoor pools (including a Japanese onsen!) And a dedicated ladies’ area.This generosity of space is only topped by the high-quality food in the glazed dining room with a view of the Zugspitze. Especially the pancakes at the excellent breakfast are the best we have ever eaten! And: As a bedtime treat, every guest receives chocolate from the hotel’s own chocolaterie after dinner – heavenly good. Everything has been taught of That the calorie intake doesn’t go out of hand in parallel to our increased well-being, we gratefully take part in the Kranzbach activity program, which – who is surprised ?! – is just as diverse and exclusive as the whole house itself. Whether Nordic walking, Pilates, forest bathing, yoga, or even meditation. For the latter activities, there is the hotel’s meditation house in the adjacent forest, designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma.… weiterlesen

Time out in Bavaria at Lake Tegernsee

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It has been known not just since Corona that Germany has a lot to offer in terms of landscape, relaxation and enjoyment. A longing destination is and remains the Tegernsee south of Munich. There, in the town of Bad Wiessee, is a real hotel gem: the family-run 4-star Relais-Chalet Wilhelmy property . It is rightly one of the sightsleeping hotels. This branding is only given to houses in Bavaria whose overall concept is convincing in the areas of design, culture, architecture and aesthetics. Places for aesthetes with high quality standards. Mountain panorama included With the unobstructed view of the mountains and the countryside, the Wilhelmy offers a spacious temporary home in the middle of nature. The spectacular backdrop can be wonderfully enjoyed in each of the 24 rooms, two suites and two apartments, whose furnishings range from traditional to stylish and modern, so that all design preferences are covered – according to the hotel’s motto: comfort inside, powerful landscape outside. One of the highlights is the 100 square meter, detached luxury chalet next to the main house with two bedrooms, wine refrigerator, fireplace, sauna and a bathroom with a free-standing tub. Loving details such as a stylized deer, the house mascot, show how much care goes into choosing fabrics and accessories in all rooms. “We have set up everything according to Feng Shui, pay attention to a radiation-free atmosphere and use healthy water that is vitalized with the Plocher energy system,” explains owner Stefanie Ziegelbauer. Aesthetics meet wellness The boutique hotel has a spa that was expanded in 2020. In addition to bio and stone pine saunas, a salt inhalation and infrared cabin, aroma steam bath, adventure shower and whirlpool with light therapy, there is an all year heated pool with massage jets outside. If you can’t get enough of water, it’s best to make a detour to the newly designed iodine-sulfur bath in Bad Wiessee, which is very close to the Relais-Chalet Wilhelmy. Based on designs by the Italian star architect Matteo Thun, you will find an elegant and purist retreat there, where you can make water applications such as bath tubs under professional instruction. The host cooks for you Ring in or let the evening fade away is best done in the hotel’s own “distillery” room in fuchsia-colored wing chairs in front of the open fireplace. The Tegernsee and especially the Relais-Chalet Wilhelmy is a place to switch off, pause and relax.… weiterlesen

Gourmet and travel tip: Enjoy Kobe and Wagyu beef in South Tyrol

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It is considered to be the most expensive meat in the world. But is expensive better? Not always true. But the quality of meat is definitely convincing in the South Tyrolean specialty restaurant Aomi. Only a few kilometers from the spa town of Merano, the star-rated restaurant invites you to a tasting of the world’s most exorbitant beef. Exclusively Kobe and Wagyu beef in various preparation methods and compositions is served. A special kind of taste journey that restaurant manager Alexander Senoner knows how to guide. 5- or 7-course menu In a noble ambience with blue accents and Japanese elements, guests (including external ones) enjoy, for example, Lardo cream and ham pate from Wagyu and Kobe beef ravioli. Regardless of whether you opt for the 5- or 7-course menu: The highlight is always the main course with three different pieces of meat (from South Tyrol and Japan) on a plate for direct comparison. Spend the night right next door If you want to rest after an excellent dinner, you only need to take a few steps, because the Aomi is part of the Suites by Hidalgo hotel complex . There is a choice of 20 modern, functional rooms, from terrace apartments to penthouse and garden bungalows. The panoramic view of the South Tyrolean mountains is included in all rooms as well as a fully equipped kitchen with spacious living and dining area as well as access to the small but fine spa and the garden landscape with pool. Live chic and eat deliciously With the Suites by Hidalgo in the village of Burgstall, owner Otto Mattivi has created a great place for gourmets and connoisseurs. In addition to the Aomi, guests and external visitors can also dine in the Hildago Grill restaurant. There are wonderful traditional Italian dishes such as zucchini blossoms au gratin and crespelle baked with cheese. The successful concept – chic accommodation meets top cuisine – is also reflected in the new sister hotel, the Arua Private Spa Villas above Merano. They have been part of the Hidalgo Collection since 2019 and offer the highest level of privacy, along with an infinity brine pool and well-designed interior. The same applies here: Quality has its price, but it doesn’t get any better! We look forward to the next visit. Photos: Hidalgo Suites (4), Mike Badstübner (2)… weiterlesen

Hofgut Hafnerleiten – Holiday in Lower Bavaria

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When a hotel advertises to slow down, it usually means that there is no wifi and a lot of nature. The Hofgut Hafnerleiten in Lower Bavaria is such a refuge in the middle of a tranquil landscape. It offers much more than an internet-free zone with meadows and forests. Firstly, there is the property itself and its architecture. Instead of an anonymous building with umpteen rooms, ten beautifully designed themed houses with bright colors and noble materials are spread over 30,000 square meters. Each of them is unique in design and atmosphere, offers plenty of space, light and nature. Guests in the tree house, for example, spend the night a few meters above ground with a view of the sky. The house on the lake has a terrace with a fire pit and direct access to the lake, infrared cabins, cuddly beds and, like all other houses, a tea kitchen and a fireplace. In harmony with nature The Hofgut Hafnerleiten owners Anja and Erwin Rückerl implemented the special architecture together with the architect’s offices Studio Lot, Format Elf and the landscape architect Wolfgang Wagenhäuser. In addition to the ten themed houses, there are two pond suites on the site and three small single rooms, which are located in the main house. There you will also find the bar, a fireplace room, the winter garden and a large dining room. Here, guests can come together at a large table in the evening – but this is not a must. If you prefer to stay among yourself, you can have dinner brought directly to your room or into your cottage. Owner Erwin Rückerl got the idea for the Hofgut Hafnerleiten in 1999 when he opened the first cooking school on the Lower Bavaria area. The trained chef and barista master soon began to build overnight accommodations due to the great response – this is how the property took on its present form over the years. Today, five wellness cubes are also available to guests: for massages, for relaxing and saunas. In summer you can also experience an open-air treatment on a raft in the swimming pond – there is hardly any more relaxation! Be received with a lot of warmth However, as mentioned at the beginning, it is not only the facility itself that distinguishes the Hofgut Hafnerleiten (mail: post@hofgut.info) from other holiday homes and hotels that advertise with deceleration, but also the way of life there.… weiterlesen