All posts by fastenurseatbelts

Wellness- & Genusshotel Der Eisvogel – Lifestyle meets tradition

In the beautiful Hallertau region, only 50 minutes from Munich, the tradition of Bavaria and a modern lifestyle concept meet at the Wellness- & Genusshotel Der Eisvogel. Combining the two allows guests of the hotel to experience a new dimension of relaxation.
Pleasure, health, cosiness, leisureliness, balance as well as busyness – these are the pillars on which the hotel concept is based and ensures a feel-good atmosphere.
The hotel is equally suitable for a short break from stressful everyday life as for a longer holiday. The cordiality of the hosts rounds off the travel experience, leaving no wishes unfulfilled for the guests.

Dreamlike living at Wellness- & Genusshotel Der Eisvogel

Warm colours, exclusive fabrics, spacious rooms flooded with light and attention to detail in the furnishings create a pleasant atmosphere from the very first second. Picking up on the colours of Bavarian nature, the rooms are traditional as well as modern and thus fit perfectly into the hotel concept. Guests are offered plenty of space to feel at home in the rooms, which are decorated in berry tones, soft natural colours or the colouring of kingfisher feathers. Arriving and feeling good has top priority here – that’s how a holiday should be.
Good days begin with a good breakfast – complemented by cordial service, an extensive selection of dishes, many regional products as well as homemade delicacies. There is no better way to start a holiday day.

Wellness and pleasure for all the senses

Those who want to do something good for their well-being have the opportunity to do so in the 1,600 square metre spa area. Here, guests can unwind or let themselves be pampered by the numerous treatments offered by qualified masseurs. Relaxation rooms invite you to unwind, while the spa suites are ideal for couples to take time out. Various saunas and the bathhouse strengthen the body so that guests can fall into their pillows refreshed in the evening. Feel good, lean back and enjoy the time out – at Hotel “Der Eisvogel” every guest will find what they need to relax.

Let your soul dangle in the Wellness- & Genusshotel Der Eisvogel.

Not only the indoor, but also the outdoor area as well as the surroundings of the hotel decelerate the guests. The beautiful park invites you to go for a walk, have a nice chat or read a book. Those who want to explore the region can choose between city programmes, relaxation in nature or sporting activities. The Hallertau is not far from Regensburg, Munich, Landshut and Ingolstadt, so spontaneous excursions are always possible. The region is equally suitable for cycling or hiking tours. In the summer months, the hotel rents out e-bikes and a golf course is also part of the hotel property – guests will look in vain for boredom.
Other excursion destinations in the area include the German Hop Museum, the Abusina Roman Fort and boat trips on the Danube and in the Altmühl Valley.
Whatever the hotel guests feel like, at the Wellness- & Genusshotel Der Eisvogel they can create and enjoy their individual perfect time-out at will.

Villeroy & Boch Perlemor – Like a vacation by the sea

Villeroy & Boch Perlemor

A WEEKEND LIKE A HOLIDAY AT THE SEA – It’s Friday evening. A sun-drenched weekend awaits me. When I close my eyes, I remember back to the fantastic days by the sea. I feel the soft sand under my feet. The fresh sea water ripples around my legs. The light summer dress blows in the salty breeze. Pure happiness flows through my body. I was especially impressed by the evening walks on the beach. People were bubbling with lightness. There was laughter and dancing. The love of pleasure, the love of being, was celebrated. The candlelight from the restaurants wrapped the whole ambience in an incredibly soothing atmosphere. It was pure inspiration.

This weekend, I’m whisking my girlfriends away from their everyday lives. Not only culinary, especially the ambience should spoil them. With the trendy Pottery collection Perlemor I take my loved ones on a journey to the magical beach. I stroll through the market and buy fresh fruits, vegetables and fragrant herbs. The wine is chilled. The scent of fresh bread wafts from my kitchen into the garden. The lanterns are wildly scattered on the table. Cool, fresh watermelon pieces lie in the sand-colored bowls. The crisp lettuce looks especially beautiful in the coral-colored bowls. Music plays from my boombox, the candles glow. My girls fall into my arms, beaming with joy. We are at home, enjoying the moment. We feel as if we are sitting on a wide sandy beach, surrounded by the lightness of the many people celebrating their vacations, doing nothing and the magical moment of the moment. Inspired by my vacations by the sea, I created the ambience, the feel-good atmosphere that makes my girlfriends forget about everyday life. Thank you enchanting Perlemor!

Perlemor – Tableware by Villeroy & Boch – THE DESIGN & FUNCTION

The lightness and light-heartedness of the trendy design of the new season reflects the love of the beach. The tableware is available in two colors. The delicate Coral is in unique harmony with the sand-colored collection. Wonderfully fitting is the symbolism behind the color Coral. It stands for new energy, joy and vitality and strengthens the need for friendship. The color combination in Perlemor Sand with the bluish stripe suggests the horizon from the blue sea along the endless beach. The flowing effect glaze makes each piece a unique work of art. The shades of color make each plate, cup and bowl a must have. The noble finish guarantees a relaxed wash in the dishwasher. Also the quick heating in the microwave is possible with the Perlemor – tableware.

Villeroy & Boch – THE BRAND

Since its foundation in 1748, the Villeroy & Boch brand has combined passion with design expertise and innovative strength. In a long tradition, it embellishes the environment of its clientele with a stylish touch and transforms the dining table into a real eye-catcher. With innovative, stylish products, Villeroy & Boch inspires people’s “savoir vivre”. Through its diversity, it offers the opportunity to create an individual home. Precious materials, innovative shapes and structures conjure up the desired ambience that underscores the culinary delights.

Dining & lifestyle is celebrated at Villeroy & Boch. Rooted in European culture, the renowned premium brand shapes global dining culture. In addition to its headquarters in Germany, Villeroy & Boch is represented in more than 125 countries. It is an international lifestyle brand and spoils customers around the globe with unique design.

The Cretan Malia Park Hotel – Holidays in Style

In February, we were finally able to embark on a long-planned trip to Crete. The five-star rated, Cretan Malia Park Hotel, on the beautiful Greek island of Crete, is only 30 minutes from Herakilon airport. If you want to explore the largest Greek island, you should definitely book a rental car. However, whether it is necessary at the Cretan Malia Park Hotel is another question!

On site, you will find a spacious complex with beautiful gardens, a hotel beach, several restaurants and bars and much more. We chose the hotel not only because of its special design, but also because of its sustainability concept. This is not an empty word here, but a holistic approach that contributes to the well-being of the guest.

The Cretan Malia Park – Architecture in harmony with nature

The hotel was built back in 1989 on the site of a campsite. In 2019, it was completely redesigned. The renowned Vana Pernari Architecture Studios was in charge of the revitalisation work. The brief was that the work should integrate a symbiosis of tradition and contemporary aesthetics into the existing hotel concept. This was implemented perfectly.

The predominant design element – Bohemian Chic

Especially with the architecture of the outdoor area, we immediately thought of the term “Bohemian Chic” This trend in fashion and design is derived from the French term “Bohème”. It describes an unbound and unconstrained design in which individualism rather than conformism sets the priorities. The individual elements, with their plain and simple shapes, blend harmoniously into the larger whole. The eucalyptus trees, cypresses, palms, cacti, olive trees, pine and many more southern plants in the outdoor area harmonise perfectly with the clean and stylish ambience of the hotel.

The rooms – spacious and elegant

There are 13 blocks in Cretan Malia Park with a total of 204 guest rooms. The buildings of the hotel complex integrate into the landscape. It is not one of the classic hotel bunkers. No building is higher than two storeys. We chose a junior suite with a sea view. The suite was very spacious with about 35 m2. The size and category offers such amenities as the daily Cretan breakfast at Mouries and the minibar filled with local products.

Our suite at Cretan Malia Park combined tranquillity and seclusion with bohemian chic. The retro look décor with high quality textiles, designer furniture and regional artwork is luxurious. It is a successful attempt to bring the colours and cheerful feeling of the beautiful nature inside. The sleeping and resting area is comfortable, and we always started the next day well rested.

Family Friendly

We were able to spend a really relaxing and eventful holiday with our 12-month-old daughter. There are many activities for the little ones. This way, the parents also have plenty of time to enjoy the holiday and get to know other parents. Not without reason, this hotel is considered one of the most family-friendly hotels in all of Crete and Europe. I was particularly impressed by the design of the Little Explorers Kids’ Club. The organic garden for children also conveys the hotel’s green programme to the youngsters. In the afternoon, “The Crush” offered a scoop of ice cream for the children and delicious pastries with coffee for the adults. For older children or adults, there is an outdoor cinema evening in “The Place” area several times a week or you can simply relax in the hammock during the day. We discovered our new common hobby there: table tennis!

The culinary offer

The Mouries

The cosy restaurant in Cretan style with its open kitchen is a highlight both in the morning and in the evening. The breakfast in particular was very appealing to me personally, as you are surprised with delicious delicacies from their own garden in a quiet atmosphere!

Almyra by the sea

If you love Italian cuisine, the “Almyra” restaurant right by the sea is the place to be! Italian delicacies accompanied by the sound of the sea and chic Mediterranean interior design – what more could you want?! My personal recommendation is the octopus!

The Beach Shack

If you want to enjoy some casual snacks or drinks right by the sea, you should settle down in the cosy lounge chairs at the beach bar. From late morning to late evening, you can indulge yourself here!

Ecolignum Scala – a bed for the whole family

Familienbett, Scala, ECOLIGNUM, Fasten Ur Seatbelts


At home: we spend about half of our lives here. Especially in recent years, you were often locked up in your own 4 walls for days on end without leaving them. Whether home office or quarantine, one thing has become clear: a home is more than just a room. This starts in the entrance area, continues through the kitchen, the living room and above all into the bedroom. In bed, you rest from everyday life, spend time with your partner and process what you have experienced in your sleep. It is therefore all the more important that you feel comfortable and secure.

This is where the SCALA family bed from the manufacturer Ecolignum comes into play. The timeless and natural design of the solid wood bed frame creates a cosy ambience in every bedroom.

SCALA – there’s no place like home

A dream made of wood! The natural flair of oak wood is a wonderful basis for a cosy bedroom. The robust bed frame blends well with other wooden elements such as picture frames in the Scandinavian living style. Other natural materials such as linen and cotton can be combined particularly harmoniously. Beige is a good choice of colour because it has a warm and grounding style. We spend an average of 219,000 hours asleep in bed, so it is all the more important to feel comfortable in the comfort of your own home.

240 x 200 cm, that’s all you need to say. For two, there’s enough space for reading, cuddling and everything else you do in bed. But there is also enough room for the little ones who like to fall asleep in their parents’ arms at night. And if your four-legged friend likes to sleep at the foot of the bed, there’s a cosy place for him too.

Familienbett, Scala, ECOLIGNUM, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Ecolignum – come to stay

If Ecolignum stands for anything, it is for longevity. The world is in a state of constant, unstoppable change. Everything has to be faster, better and more satisfying. One thing is forgotten in the process: Quality. That is why Ecolignum has set itself the task of creating a haven of peace. A place where you can be in harmony with nature, where you can find peace and reflect on what is important.

Fairness is a decisive factor in the eyes of the brand. The bed is made exclusively from Holt, which grows in European, sustainably managed cultivation areas. The tree grows for 79 years before it is felled to rest for 12 months. Each slab of wood is checked in elaborate manual work.

Sustainable into the future

Ecolignum also wants to give something back. With every family bed sold, a portion of the proceeds is donated to charitable associations, organisations and schools. These care for the existence of forests in Germany, for example, by planting young trees. On the other hand, the furniture manufacturer has also been helping those who do not have it so easy since 2016. As a member of the SOS Children’s Villages, the organisation “Safe the Children Deutschland e. V.” and “Kindernothilfe e. V.”, children in the region are helped. One more reason to sleep well in your own SCALA.

With the “Second Life” project, the brand is increasingly focusing on sustainability. Discontinued models, returns and B-merchandise are given a new lease of life, as they are available at particularly low prices.

Boutique Hotel in the Mountains above Merano

Boutique Hotel Miramonti, South Tyrol, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Italy has always been beautiful, but we’ve never experienced it quite like this.

Boutique Hotel Miramonti brings you eye-level with the mountain ranges of North Italy, sitting 1,230 meters above sea level at Merano. A 30-hectare forest edges the estate to offer a haven of natural beauty; on the other side, Etsch Valley and the Vigilijoch stretches below the neighborhood.

Inside are elegant yet cozy living spaces tailored to various preferences. Likewise, the cuisine is prepared mindfully and dining spaces range from formal to intimate.

Stay here to feel on top of the world!

Boutique Hotel Miramonti, South Tyrol, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Rooms

Five themes range across Hotel Miramonti’s 44 rooms – only the breathtaking view unites them.

Light wood and minimalism characterizes Owner’s House; earthy tones and clean lines give the Style Rooms a modern touch. The Lofts carry Nordic influences, merging different textures to create a homey ambiance. To experience South Tyrol’s character, stay at the Craftsmen’s Homes. Want simple rooms with nature as the focus? The Explorer Rooms are perfect for wanderers.

Cuisine

We lucky visitors get three different restaurant styles.

The Panorama Restaurant features a wrap-around floor-to-ceiling window for those views. Lunch and dinner are carefully cooked and plated to reflect the kitchen’s philosophy, “slow food”. It’s starters like whiskey-cooked organic chicken, potato-chestnut-gnocchi for appetizer, and savory veal for mains.

Klassik Restaurant is a more casual setting, letting you enjoy good company in comfort. They offer after lunch bites but mostly cook up dinner. Vegetarian and vegan dishes are featured regularly on the menu, which changes depending on the daily produce haul.

Miramonte Stube offers an honest, cozy, authentic South Tyrolean meal. The wood-paneled parlor, warm lighting and Alpine Dinner combo is a must-try if you’re about the ‘local experience’. You definitely feel like you’ve gone back in time, sampling hospitality of the 1800s.

If that’s not enough, be sure to grab a drink at the MM Bar or take a seat at the terrace. The views truly span as far as the eye can see.

Relaxation & Rejuvenation

From the infinity pool which runs into the breathtaking landscape to the sheltered, forest sauna – everything about Hotel Miramonti’s spa is meant to rejuvenate. The facilities aren’t gaudy and overly glamorized; instead, they’re designed minimalistic so that you can calm your mind. The Onsen Pool is as relaxing as a full-body massage.

To stay active, you can book yoga sessions and personal training with their coach-cum-therapist. You’re also free to wander the forest, whether with a trained wildlife educator or alone.

Experiences

Still need a reason to visit? Miramonti has no shortage of experiences, seasonal or cultural.

The Ski Arena 2000 is a winter paradise, with over 40 kilometers of snow runs. Horse riding is another tradition at ‘Hafling’, which carries over the seasons. In spring, Bike & Wine tour is a delightful experience, as is a tour of Castel Trauttmansdorf’s gardens. Summer is all about forest walks, the Partschinser Waterfall, Lake Garda swims and hiking. And of course – stunning autumn is best for Alpine walks and grape harvest.

From horse riding to sleigh rides, cycling to wine tours; you can do it all with Hotel Miramonti.

Boutique Hotel Miramonti, South Tyrol, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Plastic free to go, please!

When the skies clear up and the outside is beckoning, nothing sounds more tempting than a picnic. The first thing I do when I prep my picnic basket is grab my go-to containers – all from Villeroy & Boch’s To Go collection.

Environmentally-friendly products don’t have to be plastic; this collection is made with high-quality porcelain to be both reusable and stylish. They’re suitable for work places and other occasions too.

Villeroy & Boch, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

To Go Coffee Mug – Succulent

The To Go mug comes in a variety of colors and patterns; the Succulent version is a beautiful white base with a mint green flower print. Aesthetics aside, its silicone seal ensures your drink stays inside. Coupled with the sleeve to protect you from heat, it handles both hot and cold beverages. What makes it perfect for all-day use is that it is microwave-friendly; heat up your coffee or tea anytime!

ToGo & ToStay Lunch Box

These stackable lunch boxes come in white and mint green, separately or as a combo set. With a practical silicone strip that holds them in place, they’re ideal for transporting food. Best yet, the porcelain material make them tasteless and non-toxic; the taste of your food won’t be affected at all. Simply pop it into the microwave to heat up your food, and into the dishwasher for cleanup.

ToGo & ToStay Lunch Box (glass)

You don’t always have to carry a big lunch box around. What I love about this To Go collection is the variety of sizes and shapes their lunch boxes come in. The rounded glass lunch box is perfect for keeping fruits and other colorful items, adding a dash of color to any photos you might take! It’s also great for meal prep since you can look through the glass to keep track of food volume and freshness. I like to use it for smaller, bite-sized food storage.

ToGo & ToStay Glass Bottle

Another frequent-use product that benefits from being plastic free is the ToGo&ToStay Glass Bottle. Have you ever been frustrated with how heavy thermoses can be, yet desperately wanting to bring some hot water out with you? This To Go product is made with sturdy, non-toxic glass and wrapped with a silicone sleeve. Not only is the bottle protected, it’s also a relief for your hands, whether you’re carrying cold or hot drinks. The slim outline makes it practical for every bag, yet offers a generous 0.5 liter capacity.

If you’re looking for something environmentally-friendly, functional and beautiful, definitely check out the To Go collection!