Constance Tsarabanjina Madagascar

Tsarabanjina is a small, idyllic private island off the north-west coast of Madagascar about 65 kilometres from Nosy Bé, only accessible by boat or helicopter.

The beaches of the three picture-book coves are snow-white, and the crystal clear water is teeming with fish in all the colours of the rainbow – a paradise for divers and snorkelers.
The Constance Tsarabanjina resort has 25 wooden bungalows with sea views and private verandas. Each of the 45 square metre houses is named after local flowers, trees or marine animals – this unique idyll is not disturbed by anything, as extras such as phones or televisions are not available.
Read more

In the Borgo Egnazia in Apulia

There is no question about it, the region in the south of Italy, located at the heel of the boot so to speak, is still a real insider tip. And this despite the fact that one can now fly directly from Vienna to Brindisi.

Apulia offers romantic towns, secluded bays on dream beaches and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Trulli: old, cone-shaped round houses made of solid natural stone. Adjacent to them lie fields where the world’s most aromatic tomatoes ripen, and groves of olives for Italy’s best olive oil. In contrast to the hectic north of Italy, the clocks tick a little slower here. Relaxation is therefore guaranteed, for example at the 5-star Borgo Egnazia Hotel in Apulia, which won the Condé Nast Spa Traveller Award in 2017.
Read more

Almdorf in the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve

The Almdorf at the foot of the Turracher Höhe is a special place for me – to recharge my batteries, indulge and get inspirations.

Located on two sunny Nockberge plateaus, it is like living in an old village, but also like in a modern luxury hotel. In rustic huts or exquisite wooden chalets at 1,500 metres above sea level. Hardly surprising, as owner Prince Alfred of Liechtenstein puts great emphasis on natural luxury. Treat yourself to clear mountain air, fine spirits from the wine cellar as well as relaxation baths in private hot tubs after extensive hikes. Gourmets also get their money’s worth thanks to fresh organic products from the region with Carinthian and Austrian specialities. And the innkeeper will even serve you these delights directly at your hut.
Read more

Shipping into the sunset on a yacht

– in the VILA VITA Parc in the Algarve

Because the Algarve offers pure sunshine and miles of sandy beaches, it is one of my summer hot spots. Portugal’s southernmost region is also known as a golfer’s paradise. I can warmly recommend the 5-star resort VILA VITA Parc, a member of the exclusive ‘Leading Hotels of the World’, to fans of this sophisticated lifestyle. The luxurious rooms, the suites with rooftop terraces and the villas with butler and private pool are situated in the middle of a 22 hectare subtropical park and offer a spectacular view of the rock formations in the Atlantic Ocean. The hotel’s own luxury yacht and crew are available for a perfect waterfront excursion. So what will it be? An adventure trip to hidden caves? A bikini tour to the most beautiful beaches of the Algarve? Or a romantic cruise into the sunset with a glass of champagne on deck?
Read more

Deluxe relaxation on the Isola delle Rose

in the new JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa

Venice is always worth a trip for me. A stay at the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, which was ranked among the 25 best new hotels in the world by the Conde Nast Traveler, is the crowning glory. Located on the private Isola delle Rose, it offers a fantastic 360-degree view of Venice and the lagoon. The hotel, designed by star architect Matteo Thun, elegantly combines city trips with wellness breaks: the spa has won several awards, Giancarlo Perbellini’s restaurant Dopolavoro has been decorated with a Michelin star. If you like it more down-to-earth, you can enjoy a chic picnic in the spacious gardens of the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa: a ‘chic-nic’ including freshly pressed oil from olives grown and processed directly on the hotel island.