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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.

Cyprus – Soak Up The Sun In Winter And Live In Style

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Cities steeped in history, seaside hotels, and winter sunshine: Cyprus invites visitors to relax and explore all year round with its warm temperatures. Where to stay in style. Cyprus, the sunny island. When Germany is shrouded in fog and rain clouds and the days grow shorter, summer lovers like to hop on a plane and travel to warmer climes. All it takes is a good three hours in the air, and you’ll land in Cyprus, an island in southern Europe that seems to have as many sunny spots as it does archaeological sites. Marble bathrooms, sea views and cat houses The southern part of the island is Greek and belongs to Europe. Even in December, the sea is still inviting for swimming, while you are surrounded by a mix of ancient history and Mediterranean joie de vivre. Fuchsia-colored bougainvilleas entwine stone walls, palm trees sway gently in the wind, all accompanied by the sound of the waves. The relaxed nature of the islanders, combined with the mild climate, makes Cyprus a first-class destination for anyone who appreciates warmth and culture. Those who value luxury should check into the Amara Hotel in Limassol. Just a 30-minute drive from Larnaca Airport, you will find yourself in the airy, bright, modern five-star residence of the Cypriot hotel group Stademos. There are 207 stylish rooms, all (!) of which have a balcony with sea views, and some even have a private pool. The mini-bar is included, the bathroom is lined with marble, and the evening turn-down service ensures that your room is always tidy – fantastic! Opened in 2019, the Amara Hotel also offers a 3,000-square-meter spa area, extensive gardens with several infinity pools, and a sandy beach with loungers that are as comfortable as beds. A highlight for animal lovers: the many cute hotel cats that live in small wooden houses on the grounds. From truffle pasta to lobster The Amara Hotel is a five-star hotel with heart, soul, and plenty of comfort. There is a tennis court that guests can use free of charge, a family-friendly kids’ club, and The Garden café with its jungle flair and a dessert display case that rivals France’s iconic patisseries. The food at the Amara Hotel is top notch. Starting with the buffet breakfast, which includes a live cooking station offering an excellent range of sweet and savory dishes, including Greek delicacies, freshly squeezed juices, and what is probably the best pistachio croissant in Cyprus.… weiterlesen

DAS.GOLDBERG – The only Ski-In/Ski-Out Hotel In Bad Hofgastein

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In the Gastein Valley, not far from Salzburg, the family-run nature, design, and wellness hotel DAS.GOLDBERG not only impresses with its location right next to the ski slopes, but also with swings in the spa and its own coffee roastery. A five-star establishment in Bad Hofgastein that specializes in unique features. DAS.GOLDBERG has a lot to offer. Diversity is not only the buzzword of the moment in social circles. Hotels are also focusing on increasingly diverse and unique offerings. The nature, design, and wellness hotel DAS.GOLDBERG in Bad Hofgastein, Austria, is a prime example of “a different kind of vacation.” It starts right at check-in: a glass of sparkling wine with appetizers is served while you enjoy the fantastic view of the Gastein Valley and the Hohe Tauern National Park from the high plateau location and settle in. A welcome photo is taken with a stylish retro Polaroid camera and presented in a small passe-partout with the inscription “Golden Memories.” Golden memories A charming souvenir that guests can take back to their rooms like a little treasure and later take home with them. Incidentally, DAS.GOLDBERG offers studio apartments and suites, all with beautiful views of the valley or mountains. The furnishings are made from natural materials sourced from the region and feature a minimalist, high-quality design. Elements such as rocking chairs, fireplaces, and freestanding bathtubs create a wellness atmosphere even before you enter the hotel’s actual spa. It is called “Nature’s Nest” and covers 1,500 square meters over two floors. While the relaxation and reclining rooms in muted tones seem to blend in with the surrounding nature thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can relax in the whirlpool or the 22-meter-long infinity pool. Especially in winter, it is the ideal warm place to watch the snowflakes fall on the white mountain landscape. DAS.GOLDBERG – Ski-in and ski-out The highlight of the lower floor of the wellness area is the GOLD.STOLLEN. Inspired by the Gastein Valley’s past as a gold mining region and the still existing, health-promoting Gastein healing tunnel, the large, rock-like tunnel tepidarium offers pleasant temperatures and higher humidity. To create it, 420,000 kilograms of natural stone from the Hohe Tauern mountains were used. But skiing is sure to warm you up too. The valley run passes right by the hotel – the only place in Bad Hofgastein with ski-in and ski-out access! So in the morning, you can slip into your ski boots, ski a few meters downhill, and you’re ready to enjoy the snow.… weiterlesen

Verwöhnhotel Bismarck: Live Like A VIP

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Some say that true luxury is time. Others consider expensive items such as jewelry or designer fashion to be the ultimate luxury. For me, the most valuable commodity is a sense of well-being. This is particularly pampered at the Verwöhnhotel Bismarck in Bad Hofgastein, Austria. At the Bismarck you always feel at home. But everyone has their favorite season. Mine is summer. Shimmering heat, balmy evenings, the smell of sunscreen on warm skin—I love everything about it. Spending a few of these rare weeks here in a place that was once considered a summer resort with centuries of tradition only makes the joy of the season even greater. Between nostalgia and the present My new discovery: Bad Hofgastein, just over an hour’s drive from Salzburg in the sun-drenched Gastein Valley. The town is charming and cozy, with a spa park, river promenade, and traditional houses that tell of former glory days. Nostalgia and modernity are in perfect balance here. It was precisely this mixture that the first German chancellor Otto von Bismarck liked, who regularly came to the Gastein Valley for spa treatments. In his honor, the local Schmidt family named their hotel after their prominent regular guest in the 19th century. Today, the four-star superior hotel is run by the second generation: Christina and her husband Ulrich Wendler. Together with their daughter Alexandra and her partner Robert, there are four passionate hosts at the Bismarck who are always on hand without being intrusive. “How did you sleep? May I give you some tips for excursions? Did you enjoy the food?” – questions like these are often heard here. They are asked with genuine interest and create a personal connection between the hotel and its guests. Comfort with personality It is no coincidence that the Verwöhnhotel Bismarck chose its nickname. Guests are addressed by name, their preferences are noted, and their stay is arranged in such a way that they cannot help but feel comfortable. There are many regular guests who return every year. We will certainly be among them from now on, because we are very impressed by the hotel’s charming “HERZwärts” philosophy. There is no need for marble bathrooms with gold fittings or caviar for breakfast. The real luxury is the kindness of the entire team. It makes you feel like a VIP. And there is no shortage of amenities either: the Verwöhnhotel Bismarck boasts almost 2,000 square meters of spa space with four thermal pools and two sauna areas, as well as an immense 7,000-square-meter hotel garden, which, with its blooming hydrangeas and well-maintained walkways, is almost an attraction in its own right.… weiterlesen

Farm Vacation Meets Chalet Luxury: The Estate Moserhof in Austria

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400 hectares of land, 15 chalets, an estate and countless experiences: The Estate Moserhof in Penk is Carinthia’s premium accommodation for nature lovers of all ages. Whether fly fishing in the Möll, feeding alpacas in the petting zoo or simply relaxing in the private whirlpool with a view of the lake – the country estate in the south of Austria skillfully combines adventure with relaxation. The Moserhof is something very special… There are places that don’t just accommodate you, but welcome you like a warm embrace. They give you views of crystal-clear rivers, delight your ears with the sound of crackling firewood and fill the air with the aroma of freshly baked bread. Welcome to the natural chalet village Moserhof! The refuge in Carinthia’s Mölltal valley in the Hohe Tauern region calls rivers, forests, mountains and animals its neighbors and looks back on 800 years of history. Today, the former dairy farm is a chalet village that combines farm vacations with alpine luxury, run by Gerhild and Heinz Hartweger. Romantic mountain huts and alpine ambience Instead of the usual double rooms where you live next door to each other, at the Moserhof you stay in lovingly designed, individual chalets. Almost every piece of furniture is unique with a family history, or handmade by host Heinz using wood from his own forests. A dozen of these accommodations are lined up around the historic estate. A little secluded and yet only a five-minute walk away, the forest chalet, newly opened in 2024, is in a secluded location with four bedrooms on 180 square meters. It is perfect for couples, families or groups of friends who value privacy as much as exclusivity. The chalet in the middle of the forest offers a natural swimming pond with sunbathing lawn, hot tub, sauna and even its own stables and petting zoo. In the morning, you can pick up fresh eggs from the local chickens, while the rest of your breakfast is delivered to your door. At the Moserhof: hosts with heart and wood The cuisine at the Moserhof is fundamentally based on fine, authentic Carinthian cuisine with local products. Many of these – such as the eggs, but also the lettuce and herbs – are home-grown. Three times a week there is a four-course dinner at the Gutshof, created by head chef Christian. On the other days, guests can order a BBQ basket to their chalet, as each one has a barbecue.… weiterlesen

Base Fasting Self-Experiment – Health Reset In The Allgäu

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Base fasting can also be like this: lots of flavor, little sacrifice: Our author and her partner embarked on a week of fasting in the Allgäu region. An experience report… Base fasting is a real challenge for me…It is often said that less is more. This may certainly be true for many areas of life. From the heel height of shoes to fresh snow in April. But when it comes to food? Until now, I’ve always enjoyed my meals down to the last crumb or blob of sauce. But in proportion to the always empty plates, my belly got fuller over the years and my jeans were tighter. In the late summer of 2024, I decided to put an end to overeating. After all, I wanted to feel good in my body again and no longer feel bloated like a balloon animal. That requires discipline and motivation. As I was lacking both at the time and the weather was glorious, I didn’t see any need to fly to Bali for an expensive Ayurveda cure or to just make do with soups and juices on the classic Buchinger fasting cure. Instead, I decided for base fasting. Intead of an airplane I took a comfortable train ride from Munich to the Allgäu. A postcard picture with lush green meadows and happily mooing cows. I wanted to be in such a good mood again! So off I went … Day 1: Salad instead of sweetsI check into the Rosenalp Health Resort & Spa for my alkaline or base fasting adventure. The adults-only hotel run by the Schädler-Burkhart family is located in picturesque Oberstaufen, surrounded by beautiful nature. The municipality with around 8,000 inhabitants is even an officially recognized climatic health resort. It became famous in the 1940s thanks to the Schroth Cure developed by Czech natural healer Johann Schroth. The Resort Rosenalp offers this alongside programs such as therapeutic fasting and base fasting according to the Wacker method. I opt for the latter. It means being served three balanced, purely vegetarian meals a day with purely alkaline foods for a week. What do I find problematic about base fasting? Well, sweets, alcohol, bread, cheese and pasta are not included! A bit of a shock for me as a fan of Italian cuisine. Would I be able to cope with not inhaling a plate of spaghetti bolognese (with lots of Parmesan!) every two or three days, spooning up tiramisu for dessert and drinking a glass of Chianti with it?… weiterlesen

Giardino Hotels – Longevity In The Mountains

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Longevity is a term that you come across almost everywhere now. And when a hotel is involved, longevity meets lifestyle. Hotels are places of encounter. You meet other guests, other cultures – and sometimes also pioneering approaches. For example, those that can make it possible to live as long and healthy a life as possible. C&C author Nina Zeller gives an insight into the Luxury Longevity program at Giardino Hotels in Switzerland. Longevity means living a healthy life for as long as possible. This is the approach taken by longevity research. It is primarily about lifestyle; what we eat, how often we exercise, how stressed we feel and how well we sleep. This individual part, together with modern medical methods, can extend our personal health span. So what counts is not getting as old as possible, but staying healthy for as long as possible. What is the best way to support your own vitality? You can learn this at special retreats such as the Luxury Longevity program at the family-run Giardino Hotels. Two of the three Swiss hotels regularly welcome experts from the fields of biohacking, epigenetics, anti-ageing and metabolic medicine and invite guests to learn all about their health. Longevity in an alpine winter landscape or Mediterranean flair At the same time, participants can enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings during their stay. At the five-star Giardino Mountain Hotel Giardino Mountain in St. Moritz in the Engadine, it is a wintery mountain landscape with snow-covered peaks that, in combination with healthy cuisine and pretty rooms in Alpine chic, promises lasting relaxation. Further south, in the luxurious Giardino Ascona Giardino Ascona , not far from the picturesque Lake Maggiore, you are surrounded by Italian flair and a mild Mediterranean climate. Both hotels also have a dipiù spa. A successful area where you can be pampered with massages and facials or enjoy holistic Ayurveda treatments. Pools and saunas complete the wellness offer and provide an extra dose of deep relaxation – true to the Italian name “dipiù”, which means “more”. Movement, breathing, well-being Daily yoga classes are also an integral part of the Giardino Longevity programs. Diana Nicoli. from Switzerland is an expert in this field. She has been practicing asanas for over 20 years and not only holds yoga and meditation classes as part of the multi-day retreats, but also lectures on breathing techniques. “Relaxing in everyday life is extremely important for our mental and physical health.… weiterlesen

Törggelen in Naturns: The Special South Tyrolean Custom

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Törggelen is almost a fifth season in South Tyrol. The red and yellow autumn leaves before your eyes, hiking boots on your feet and young wine in your glass: these three factors are an essential part of the traditional Törggele time. This custom lasts from the beginning of October to the end of November every year, during which the wine taverns and farm taverns promise enjoyment and conviviality. Törggelen has its origins in the wine cellars of South Tyrol, the northernmost region of Italy. The name comes from the word “Torggl” – the name for a traditional wine press around which winegrowers and guests used to gather to taste the new wine of the season and celebrate the grape harvest. Classic dishes: the Törggele menu A classic Törggele menu consists of regional specialties such as barley soup, followed by hearty main courses such as South Tyrolean speck, smoked sausages or a hearty meat platter with sauerkraut and dumplings. Sweet highlight: roasted chestnuts and sweet doughnuts filled with poppy seeds, jam or chestnuts. Sweet grape must (“Sußer”) and young wine (“Nuier”) are available to drink. 5 tips for Törggele: Reservations: As the season in South Tyrol only lasts a few weeks, it is advisable to make a reservation in advance. Especially in the evening! Hiking: Combine the culinary experience of Törggelen with a hike through autumnal South Tyrol. Dress code: Törggelen is a relaxed affair! T-shirt and jeans or hiking clothes are absolutely fine. Timing: Take your time for the multi-course Törggelen menu and don’t plan too many changes of location. Local color: Many establishments offer exclusively homemade dishes with regional ingredients. This is how you get to know the authentic cuisine of South Tyrol. However, Törggelen means more than just good food and drink. The custom also celebrates conviviality. The atmosphere in the pubs is lively and cheerful, with music and singing in the evenings in many of the rustic taverns and farmhouse inns. History meets modernity in Naturns An ideal place to experience the special Törggele time: the thermal village of Naturns in the picturesque Vinschgau Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys in South Tyrol near Meran. The special thing about Naturno is not only its geographical location in the middle of picturesque vineyards and apple orchards, but also a recently discovered natural spring with thermal water. This is said to help with rheumatic complaints and stress – and thus contributes to Naturns’ wellbeing factor.… weiterlesen

Hotel Sonnenhof: TCM Specialist In The Bavarian Forest

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Hotel Sonnenhof in Kurzfassung – vier Sterne, fünf Elemente, unzählige Erlebnisse. Das Hotel Sonnenhof im Bayerischen Wald nahe Bad Kötzting setzt neben viel Komfort und einem auf TCM basierten Spa auf ein vielfältiges Aktivprogramm für die ganze Familie. Ob Tennis, Golf, Yoga oder Klangschalen-Meditation – hier findet jeder das, was er für einen erfüllten Urlaub braucht. Hotel Sonnenhof – ein Kraftort. Oft braucht es nicht viel im Leben, um sich wieder im Einklang mit sich selbst zu fühlen. Das kann ein Telefonat mit einer guten Freundin sein genauso wie ein Spaziergang im Park. Doch um nachhaltig in Balance zu bleiben, lohnt sich eine längere Auszeit, bei der im besten Fall die Summe vieler kleiner Dinge ein so hohes Energie-Level schenken, dass man lange davon zehrt. Das Vier-Sterne-Superior in Lam ist ein solcher Kraftort. Hotel Sonnenhof liefert Impulse für ein gesünderes Leben Auf dem sonnigsten Hang gelegen, den der idyllische Bayerische Wald zu bieten hat. Von dort kann der Blick uneingeschränkt in die Weite schweifen auf grüne Wiesen, Täler und grau-blau Berggipfel. Dieses Naturkino wird ergänzt durch die verschiedensten Annehmlichkeiten wie dem neuen, top-modernen zweigeschossigen Wellnessbereich, der den fünf Natur-Elementen gewidmet ist: Holz, Feuer, Erde, Metall und Wasser. Diese repräsentieren in der Traditionellen Chinesischen Medizin (TCM) die Grundprinzipien des Lebens und sind in jedem Menschen zu finden. Nur, wenn sie in Balance sind – so die Fünf-Elemente-Lehre – fühlen wir uns gut und gesund. Um diesen Zustand zu erlangen, hat sich der Sonnenhof neben mehrtägigen „5 Elemente“-Retreats auf eigens entwickelte TCM-Treatments spezialisiert wie zum Beispiel die Signature-Massage „5 Elemente“. Ausstreichungen, Haltegriffe und verschiedenste Massagetechniken in Kombination mit dem wohlduftenden „Sonnenhof-Öl“ lösen Blockaden und stärken den Energiefluss im Körper. Sechs Pools und neun Saunen „Als Außenstelle der TCM-Klinik Bad Kötzting setzen wir mit unseren Anwendungen im Hotel Sonnenhof neue Impulse für einen gesünderen Lebensstil“, erklärt Spa-Leiterin Inken Stenger. „Denn die Traditionelle Chinesische Medizin hilft bei so gut wie allen Beschwerden: von Stress über Verdauungsprobleme bis hin zu Kopfschmerzen. Jedoch ist sie vor allem eine gute Präventivmaßnahme“, so die ausgebildete TCM-Therapeutin. Den perfekten Rahmen für das Finden seiner persönlichen inneren Mitte bildet dabei der zweigeschossige Wellnessbereich „5 Elemente Asia SPA und Lebensstil“, designt von Innenarchitektin Angelika Wanninger. Im Jahr 2022 neu fertiggestellt, finden Gäste dort auf einer Fläche von 6.500 qm sechs Pools und neun verschiedene Saunen – vom Sole-Dampfbad bis zur Hüttensauna auf der Dachterrasse mit wohltuenden Kräuter-Aufgüssen. Ein Highlight ist der 25 Meter lange Infinity-Außenpool, der sich nicht nur bestens für Panorama-Selfies eignet, sondern einem auch das Gefühl schenkt, direkt in die Wolken hinein zuschwimmen.… weiterlesen

Hotel Schloss Dürnstein: The Most Beautiful Danube Panorama In Austria

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Anyone who likes waterfront accommodation will love Hotel Schloss Dürnstein just outside Vienna. The only five-star hotel in the Wachau and Lower Austria delights guests with its box seat on the Danube as well as its history. Hotel Schloss Dürnstein is located in the small town of Dürnstein of the same name. The baroque building is one of the most traditional houses in the country. Guests can take a seat on antique armchairs in the library, explore the thick walls of the centuries-old wine cellar and spend the night under time-honored chandeliers. The 46 modernized rooms and suites are all individually furnished by the owners, the Thiery family, and are as exclusive as they are charming. Tip: The newly renovated suite number 8 offers plenty of comfort on two floors and a balcony with an unobstructed view of the Danube! Wellbeing concept at Hotel Schloss Dürnstein Calmer waters can be found in the hotel’s pretty inner courtyard in the form of an outdoor pool with a magnificent view of the ruins of Dürnstein Fortress, where Richard the Lionheart was once held prisoner. If the weather doesn’t play ball, the heated indoor pool in the spa area invites you to take a dip. Two saunas and an infrared cabin round off the wellness offer. Another important part of the wellbeing concept at Hotel Schloss Dürnstein: the cuisine. The talented Austrian Nadine Stangl has been in charge of the hotel’s kitchen since the beginning of 2024 and conjures up delicious dishes with a Caribbean twist at award-winning level. Be sure to try it: The homemade pasta with lobster and the tartare from the original carrot! You should definitely enjoy your dinner on the hotel terrace – it is considered the most beautiful on the Danube. Thanks to the adjustable panoramic windows, you can sit there even in bad weather and lose yourself in the view of the flowing waters of the (not always blue) Danube. Wonderful! Excursion in the hotel’s own boat The Wachau, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only known for its enchanting landscape, but also for its excellent wines. Klaus, the sommelier, and his colleague Christina at Hotel Schloss Dürnstein serve these wines as competently as they do cordially. In addition to the terrace, the castle’s spacious wine cellar is also a good choice, as is one of the hotel’s own boats, which even allow tasting on the water when the weather is fine – fantastic!… weiterlesen

Beatus Wellness And Spa Hotel: Massages And Fondue On Lake Thun

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Beatus Wellness and Spa Hotel: Water is considered an elixir of life. After all, the human body consists of up to 70 percent of it, and the mere sight of water automatically makes us calmer, more relaxed. A vacation at the lake is therefore like a freshness cure. You can find it in a particularly lasting way at the wellness and spa hotel on Lake Thun in Switzerland. The Beatus, a five star hotel, is situated in a prime location in the tranquil village of Merligen between Bern and Interlaken – with the longest private direct lake access in Switzerland at a length of 262 meters. It is only a few meters from the 12,000 square meter hotel park to the cool waters of Lake Thun. If you like, you can sunbathe on one of the loungers on the hotel’s own sandy beach under palm trees or in a hammock between 100-year-old beech trees, your feet caressed by the soft grass. Beatus massage boat on Lake Thun In bad weather, the 2,000-square-meter wellness area, including an indoor pool with direct access to the heated brine pool outside, is the ideal retreat. A special feature of the two beautifully designed sauna areas are the changing infusions with essential oils, whose scent mixtures such as “ginger oil mojito” or “7th heaven” were created especially for the Beatus Wellness and Spa Hotel. Always included: the unobstructed view of Lake Thun and the pyramid-shaped local mountain Niesen. Even more impressive is only the special spa menu of the Beatus. In addition to classic back massages, guests can enjoy innovative treatments such as “La Stone” with Merliger marble stones, a “Lomi Lomi” treatment with organic coconut oil, a full-body treatment with pure gold, or – an unforgettable highlight! – a massage in the middle of Lake Thun (possible between June – September). For this, you go from the wellness area onto a wood-paneled boat with a treatment couch, which sails out onto the lake and stops there to relax completely under the skilful hands of a therapist in the pleasant rocking feeling of the lapping waves. Certified bike hotel A perfect complement to the water-affine wellness part of the hotel is the versatile activity program. From guided hikes and bike tours (the Beatus is certified as a Swiss Bike Hotel!) to yoga or Pilates classes and in-house wine tastings, guests can explore both the surrounding landscape and the wonderful cuisine at the Beatus in a variety of ways.… weiterlesen