What I find great about my current favorite establishment in the Salzburger Land is that it is both a ski and a spa hotel. And that the employees define themselves as ‘guest whisperers’ – they read unspoken wishes in their guests’ eyes. That is why I love the Neudegger family’s ‘Nesslerhof’ in Großarl. Especially during winter season, this combination is just ideal: spending the late morning on the slopes, taking an afternoon dip in the outdoor saltwater pool, then relaxing with a spa treatment – and after a brief time out, one can enjoy an exquisite five-course dinner. On request, the chef even shares the recipes for some of his specialties so I can try cooking them at home – and bring a little ‘Nesslerhof’ charm to Vienna every now and then.

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Photo: © Christopher Joe Cypert

Being greeted by someone after a twelve-hour flight who has already run a bath for me, placed burning candles around it as well as lanterns in front of the windows – that does not happen very often to me! It feels good to be welcomed this way, it feels like vacation and immediate relaxation. And a whole lot of appreciation! That is how guests are received at the Phulay Bay Ritz-Carlton Reserve on the Thai island of Krabi, where each of the 54 villas comes with a personal butler. And the best part: this place remains just as delightful on all the days that follow – just as attentive, just as special.

This hotel just feels wonderful to me – because it provides a lot of privacy and the villas are secludedly spaced out in the large tropical garden. The only thing you hear is the rustling of palm branches in the mild evening breeze, the sound of the ocean, and the humming of the birds.

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This vastness, I have really fallen for it. Where else can one find something like this in Europe, where along the Mediterranean? Many kilometers of unspoilt coastline, secluded beaches, a paradise along several bays, with olive plantations, with ruins and archaeological sites from ancient times! A story-book landscape full of history, right there on the Ionian Sea! To me, the Costa Navarino on the southwestern Peloponnese represents a wonderful retreat to relax, even during midsummer – it is exactly the place where Greece is most beautiful to me. A few times already have I been there with my son: this year, we want to go again.

There are only two hotels so far, both have five stars: one is ‘The Romanos, a Luxury Collection Resort’, the other is ‘The Westin Resort Costa Navarino’. Together, they form one large resort with over 20 restaurants and bars. My favorite: the Japanese specialty restaurant ‘Onuki’.

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Some stories should have to start with ‘Once upon a time’, just as it should be with castle Weissenhaus in Schleswig-Holstein by the Baltic Sea. Once upon a time, it was run-down and almost forgotten – until a German-American software millionaire woke it up with a kiss. His goal: to turn it into one of the best hotels in the world. He has accomplished this task on every level.

Two weeks ago, I was in the ‘Weissenhaus Grand Village Resort & Spa’. My maisonette suite with terrace was an absolute hit while the breakfast, with its immense range of cold cuts, fruits and regional products of the highest quality was quite the experience. The spa was an absolute treat and Christian Scharrer’s cuisine was simply fantastic. I took an on-site cooking class and loved learning from him in such a relaxed atmosphere. And to top it all off, the Baltic Sea is right at the doorstep. Read more

Does breakfast feel different when one is sitting under olive trees? I had never thought about this – until I experienced it. My answer: yes, absolutely, it is just wonderful, especially because I can see the ocean when I look across the table! It feels like the South, so Mediterranean, like spring or summer. It feels so distant to everyday life, like a flawlessly designed vacation. And with the morning sun coming out to greet you, the wafting of a light sea breeze and the smell of herbs in the air – it is a truly captivating experience. I wish I could always have breakfast like that, at the ‘Anassa’ in Cyprus, always have dinner like I did in the restaurant ‘Basilico’. It feels almost addictive. Read more