All posts by fastenurseatbelts

Maldives Travel Diary – Faarufushi Maldives

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Clearest crystal blue waters, the most beautiful beaches – the best time awaits you on your Maldives holiday! You don’t even need to do Photoshop or use any filters here. I had to look at my mobile several times before I could understand that the picturesque blue sky, the turquoise water and the white beach are really real!

One of the newly opened luxury resorts in the Maldives is the 5-star paradise “Faarufushi Maldives” in the Raa Atoll, which is about 35 minutes by plane from the airport in Malé. From the airport Ifuru, it takes only 10 minutes by speedboat to get to the resort. Raa is located in the western atoll chain and is one of the larger atolls of the 26 Maldives atolls. The beautiful resort was only opened in March 2019. Here you can also relax and unwind yourself in the warm temperatures of the Maldives.

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Welcome to pure Nature

Already at the arrival, one feels that with the huge area of 411 x 173 meters, something is different about this big island that sets it apart from the others. And truly my sixth-sense didn’t deceive me!

Not as with many other islands, where everything was torn down for the construction of a resort and again “put on,” here the resort had integrated the beauty of nature in it.

Already on the way to the water or beach villa, one has to take countless pictures of the natural style. Apart from the click of the camera, the roaring sea and the flying bats, one will not hear anything on the island Faarufushi. One will not notice the silence at all, as one already feels it right after the arrival.

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

My first Ocean Villa

The 80 private villas are located either directly on the beach or above the water. On the island Faarufushi, I slept over the sea for the first time! Our “Ocean Retreat with Pool” was about 163 m2 in size and shone in friendly natural wood tones. Every morning I could watch the sunrise from my bed and had a fantastic view of the sea 24/7.

On the terrace, we could choose if we wanted to cool down with our private access to the sea or in our infinity pool.  Often I just enjoyed the view in the beach chair or the bathtub in our spacious minimalist bathroom. I didn’t like to leave our water villa for dinner or discovery tours. It was just that blissful!

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

The way to the heart is through the stomach

With three restaurants and two bars, you can embark on a culinary world tour. I personally had several culinary highlights at Faarufushi Resort. The breakfast in the Iru Restaurant could be served directly at the beach – A fantastic breakfast with an indescribable view!

But this gigantic view was topped again in the evening at the Boli Bar and the terrace of the restaurant “ECLIPSE” with a pink sunset and exquisite grill dishes.

My absolute favourite was the Athiri Restaurant on the beach with its Italian and Spanish cuisine as well as Teppanyaki.

Apropos Love…

The Maldives is probably one of the most understandably famous honeymoon destinations. But pure romance can also lead one directly to getting a taste of being married!

Why? Have you ever spent 2 weeks with your partner on a deserted island? No?!

Don’t worry! Sounds worse than it is!

But with a romantic couple massage in the Nika Spa area, all small tensions on the body are eased away and simply forgotten. And who can’t relax and glide in the breathtaking underwater world while snorkelling together?!

But the Maldives is not only a dream destination for those who have just arrived from the registry office. Also a long-lasting marriage, relationship or friendship is a reason for paradise!

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

My Recommendations

  • On the Maldives the whole year is summer but in my opinion, the best Maldives travel season is in May, June, September, or October. In these months there is generally less going on in the travel world, one gets better offers and enjoys the advantages of the low season.
  • Especially in the low season, you can fly to the Maldives for 550€-600€. Holiday pirates have mostly summarized the best deals! However, you often get a better deal if you book the accommodation and the flight together.
  • Don’t forget the sunscreen! Especially on cloudy days, you can get the ultimate tan!
  • You can definitely leave the make-up at home! The #beachlife look and the softly tanned skin will enchant you with a natural beauty that will make any make-up pale in comparison!
So let’s get started with booking your Maldives holiday!

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Faarufushi, Maldives, Fasten Ur Seatbelts

Travel Diaries Maldives – Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Recently I was lucky to visit the warm paradise of the Maldives again – five splendid days of luxuriating on private beaches, basking in balmy weather and weightless freedom. The powdery blue Indian Ocean is home to this cluster of 26 atolls, shaping a tropical nation out of coral islands and layered reefs.

Shortly before landing in Male you can admire all the paradisiacal islands! Make sure you get a window seat!! Upon arrival at Male International Airport, I was whisked away to my island of stay by speed boat. For 50 minutes, I enjoyed an endless sprawl of blue sea and surprisingly, Wi-Fi! You can post scenic Instagram stories real time.

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

As beautiful as the surroundings were, one highlight of my trip was definitely my temporary fort: the resort OBLUE SELECT. Newly opened, Sangeli’s branch is the youngest addition to long-established Atmosphere Hotels & Resorts, a brand known for their many-star deluxe accommodations in the Indian Ocean. Emphasizing a hassle-free experience, the resort offers a comfortable atmosphere amid natural attractions and supplementary facilities. You can expect very quality service; the staff is extremely friendly and always ready to gift you with a smile.

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Sangeli is made for fun!

I stayed in a Beach Villa, which tops the list of their various rooms. Think white-washed house with wooden fencing, straw accents for ambiance and cozy bedroom. The private villas are designed to be both trendy and traditionally Maldivian, combining modern luxuries with an airy feel. The best example of its dynamic design is the amazing outdoor bathroom, equipped with a showerhead and tub. The Deluxe version also features a mosaic tiled ‘pool’ that added pops of color to the clean space.

Of course, the Beach Villa’s winning point is that it is right in front of the beach. I loved being so close to the sea front, with a sandy strip of the beach smack dab at my door! It’s like having my own sand kingdom. There’s nothing more relaxing than lounging on the day-bed on the sundeck.

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Making the best of this set-up, I spent most of my time in or near water. How could anyone resist the turquoise lagoons and extensive reefs? Snorkeling is a must. I enjoyed the beautiful corals teeming with small-reef fish. Professional guides (for both snorkeling and diving) will take you to the outer reefs as well as the inner lagoon for vibrant underwater sights.

You can sign up for courses at the TGI Dive & Watersports Centre. There are also a range of watersports you can do; I went kayaking as the cooling waters were hard to resist. And when I was fueled up on sleep and food, I played volleyball at the Recreation Center. If you’re feeling sore after a long day out, make sure to drop by the ELENA Spa! There’s also a yoga pavilion if you need to stretch out your muscles.

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Speaking of food, Oblu Resort comes with two specialty restaurants: Just Grill, which serves fresh seafood and meat grills, and Simply Veg, gourmet vegetarian meals. I thoroughly enjoyed eating at their main restaurant The Courtyard, which caters a buffet. Their freshly made burgers are delicious.

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

And you can’t go without experiencing the stunning sunset at the sunset bar. Help yourself to the unlimited selection of beverages and watch the sun sink into a sky of watercolors. After a long, serene moment, nightly entertainment comes out to spice things up! I had so much fun every evening with their Music & DJ Nights – there’s even a live music show every week.

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

If you are currently planning a trip to the Maldives, I highly recommend an Oblu Sangeli resort stay. In fact, you should definitely take advantage of the great opening offer I found! For 2100€ to 2600€ per person from now until January, you can enjoy an all-inclusive 7-day holiday. It includes flight tickets from Germany, hotel shuttle services (the speed boat between airport and resort) and full coverage of food and beverages, as well as alcoholic drinks and cocktails.

You can also refer to The Serenity Plan on the resort’s website, which gives a detailed look at what experiences they offer. Apart from dynamic dining and free-flow beverages, you also get full access to the Recreation Center, seasonal activities, complimentary excursions and a one-time sunset fishing experience. Active people in particular will love it since they can enjoy a range of non-motorized water sports as well, such as paddle boarding, kayaking and pedalos.

Sounds like a dream right?

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Oblu Select, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Oblu, Maldives, Oblu Select Sangeli

Andermatt – A hidden gem in Switzerland

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Nature and outdoor lovers in Andermatt are like a match made in heaven! I would even call Andermatt in Switzerland an insider tip because it is only a 90-minute drive from Zurich and yet you experience pure nature. Although I was on-site during the summer holidays, I could relax incredibly and was able to roam the small towns without much hustle and bustle. If you are planning a short trip or a longer active holiday in Switzerland, you should not underestimate the beauty of Andermatt.

How to get to Andermatt?

From Zurich Airport you have several options to come to Andermatt. You can either take the train and enjoy just under 3 hours driving through the mountains or rent a rental car and reach Andermatt within 1 ½ hour.

We drove from the airport by train to Andermatt. The train journey is incredibly fast. However, you have to change the train about 3-4 times. When you do arrive in Andermatt, you do not really need a car. You can reach everything on the spot by a train or bike. Inside, everything is within easy walking distance.

What to do?

Andermatt offers so many activities that you will not get bored. We borrowed e-mountain bikes, for a day, from the Mammoth Store directly across from our Radisson Blu hotel.

Within less than 2 hours, we drove past the famous Teufelsbrücke to the Göscheneralpsee, a beautiful reservoir that is not so popular, even on Instagram. We also had to drive about 5 minutes of the whole ride the main road. Other than that, you can enjoy the full ride to the fullest at every beautiful place and make pit stops anywhere you want. Take a look at the small lake beyond the campsite. The campsite is about 4km before the Göscheneralpsee. The family-run restaurant right on the Göscheneralpsee is also worth a visit. After a successful trip, we had an Aperol. The return to Andermatt took only 50 minutes.

But you do not have to drive that far to reach about 1800m altitude. The mountain railway in Andermatt drives you directly up to Gütsch and can you get a fantastic view of the Taldörfer and the Alps. At the top, there are numerous hiking routes. We decided to go down the mountain because we really wanted to pet the cows. On our way back to the valley, we made a little stop for a memorable picnic, which we were able to take from the hotel.

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Where to stay?

Most of you have probably heard of the Chedi Hotel in Andermatt. But it is not the only place to be in Andermatt. Our hotel, the Radisson Blu Hotel Andermatt, was opened at the end of 2018 and is the perfect base for a relaxing or active holiday in the mountains. Here you are ideally kept whether you are enterprising and at the same time would like to use the great fitness and wellness facilities. My personal highlight was the view from the swimming pool and the gym. Also, the fitness equipment is the most modern and latest the market has to offer. The sports offer definitely motivated me to go to the gym every day.

Honestly, that was badly needed because I could not stop myself from eating voraciously at breakfast. Mainly only fresh and local products were offered, which of course I had to try at all costs! On the second day, I restrained myself a bit and prepared a fresh omelette and waffle.

Absolutely impressive is that no palm oil is used in the whole breakfast buffet.

In the evening, in the restaurant, we “Spun” a combination of Italian and Swiss food. There is something for everyone on the map. The spaghetti with truffles or, of course, the main “Surf and Turf” tasted excellent!

In an emergency, the very friendly waiters were always there to give us a tip. I like to pass on an insider tip! Normally I would not have ordered the dessert “Anderwald” before the nut nougat cuts, but I still dream of that refreshing dessert to this date!

Speaking of dreams … After a full day in the fresh air and a short sauna before we went to bed, I slept like a baby in our spacious Scandinavian-style room.

I often think of this great stay even now, because it was a completely perfect holiday for me and, definitely, not for the last time in Andermatt!

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

Radisson Blu Andermatt, Radisson Blu, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Andermatt

A Look at My Photography Equipment

LaCie, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Photography Equipment

Words go a long way in describing a place, but photos speak louder. Here’s a quick look at my photography equipment, chosen for adaptability and durability. The key is finding a good compromise between price and how the products fit your needs.

Sony Alpha 7ii with 24-70mm lens

No travel blogger is without their camera, and mine is the Sony Alpha 7ii. Lightweight and quality, its mirrorless characteristic enables easy carry. It’s great for travelers because the full-frame camera and interchangeable lenses allow for a wide variety of shooting styles.

My go-to (fondly acknowledged by photographers) is a 24-70mm lens for its balanced low-light performance and zoom flexibility. I find it a good fit for beginners – it is designed with the human eye in mind so there’s a distinct lack of distortion, resulting in a more natural subject view. Mostly, it is picked for versatility since anything through 50mm allows sharp close-ups and good portrait focus.

View this post on Instagram

#Repost @thephotogear • Le kit de voyage idéal ?

A post shared by Sony Alpha France (@sonyalphafrance) on

Dji Osmo Pocket

The tiny and intelligent Dji Cosmo Pocket is another must-bring! Thanks to the 3-axis gimbal that adjusts to your every move, you no longer have to worry about jerky film captures. The single-handed design is convenient as well, although what I love most is the range of its effects. ActiveTrack, Motionlapse and its 3×3 Panorama functions really diversified my shots and all recorded in 4K quality.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B0oLFJwl3lQ/

Dji Drone Mavic 2 Pro

Aerial shots and wide-panning captures do so much to show landscape; drones add versatility to scale and angles. I love bringing my Dji Drone Mavic 2 Pro on holidays or even weekend hikes and have it scope out the terrain when I take breaks. Each battery supports around half an hour of flight time so pack extras for longer footage.

Luftaufnahmen und weiträumige Aufnahmen tragen so viel dazu bei, die Landschaft zu zeigen; Drohnen erhöhen die Vielseitigkeit von Maßstab und Winkel. Ich liebe es, meine Dji Drone Mavic 2 Pro auf Reisen mitzunehmen und die Umgebung mit ihr zu erkunden. Jede Batterie unterstützt etwa eine halbe Stunde Flugzeit, also packt Extras für längere Aufnahmen ein.

LaCie, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Photography Equipment

LaCie, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Photography Equipment

iPhone Xs Max

Sometimes the perfect shot appears in front of you… and you don’t have your camera. My iPhone Xs Max is a pinch-saver and its dual 12MP rear cameras work magic – sharper definition, light-shadow balance, high color accuracy and depth control in the editing panel. It’s extremely high-capacity too, storing up to 512GB.

But what to do with these infinite photos?

Between the flexible cameras mentioned above, my fingers never stop moving. Tack on minute changes in exposure and scope, trying different filters, and I easily amass albums of material.

An easy mistake is running out of memory space and accidentally losing brilliant photos while deleting unwanted ones. To ensure that I have enough memory space for every shoot and to backup older collections, I always keep external drives with me.

The hard-carrying troopers are my Lacie Mobile Drive and Rugged Portable Hard Drives.

Compact and light-weight (only 0.4 kg), the Lacie Mobile Drive is a one-click solution to backing files and folder mirroring. Complementary USB-C and USB 3.0 cables connect to newer computer models and legacy laptops, meaning you can upgrade your work station with no compatibility issues! It works with both Mac and Windows.

Cashing out for more memory space is worth it. I can store up to 500K high-resolution photos or up to 165 hours of video files without skimping on photo quality to fit in more.

That said, while the Mobile Drive’s aluminum casting is sturdy, it’s not designed to last in the wild. What I always have with me is the Rugged Portable Hard Drives – thick rubber sleeve adding extra protection for the already shock, drop and rain resistant product. The Rugged line offers a few different options! There’s the super compact Rugged Mini, the regular USB-C and USB 3.0 version, one with high speed SSD, and even one that runs one self-encrypting technology for high-secrecy projects.

48 hours in Dresden – Travel Guide to Dresden

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

When it comes to travelling, why go so far when you have so many great places nearby! Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg are the most famous cities for a city break in Germany. However, I keep writing and telling everyone that Germany has so much more to offer. Last year, I was in Heidelberg and gave an account of it. This summer took me to Dresden. I am still going back and forth from the baroque Old Town on the Elbe. A visit to Dresden offers a diverse range of activites, since not only culture enthusiasts but also shopping lovers will get their money’s worth!

Warum soll man eigentlich so weit verreisen, wenn man so viele tolle Orte in der Nähe hat! Berlin, München und Hamburg sind die bekanntesten Städte für einen Städtetrip in Deutschland. Allerdings schreibe ich immer wieder, dass Deutschland so viel mehr zu bieten hat! Letztes Jahr war ich erst in Heidelberg und habe darüber berichtet. Diesen Sommer hat es mich nach Dresden verschlagen! Ich bin immer noch hin und weg von der barocken Altstadt an der Elbe! Ein Besuch in Dresden ist super abwechslungsreich, da nicht nur Kulturbegeisterte, sondern auch Shoppingliebhaber voll auf Ihre Kosten kommen!

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

How to get to Dresden

Many roads lead to Dresden as well as to almost all places in the world. If you live in Germany, you should consider the distance based on the faced whether the person is traveling by car, train, or plane. We flew from Cologne, which was very pleasant. The flight does not even take an hour, and the small airport in Dresden makes the arrival and departure totally easy. The central station is, of course, central and is approached by almost all major cities within Germany. Of course, you can also consider whether you want to travel by bus rather than by car.

For all those living outside of Germany, I would always recommend taking the flight path. If there is no direct flight to Dresden, you can also drive from or to Dresden within 2 hours.

Auch nach Dresden führen wie zu fast allen Orten auf der Welt viele Wege. Wer in Deutschland wohnt, sollte anhand der Entfernung abwägen, ob er mit dem Auto, der Bahn oder dem Flugzeug anreist. Wir sind von Köln aus geflogen, was total angenehm war! Der Flug dauert noch nicht Mal eine Stunde und der kleine Flughafen in Dresden macht die An- und Abreise total einfach! Der Hauptbahnhof liegt natürlich zentraler und wird von fast allen Großstädten innerhalb Deutschlands angefahren! Natürlich könnt ihr auch überlegen, ob ihr anstatt mit dem Auto mit dem Bus anreisen möchtet.

Für alle außerhalb Deutschlands würde ich immer den Flugweg empfehlen! Sollte es keinen Direktflug nach Dresden geben, kann man auch innerhalb von 2 Stunden von Prag oder Berlin aus nach Dresden fahren.

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

 

What to Do

As already mentioned, there are countless possibilities when it comes to enjoyable activities in Dresden. But (!!) I especially liked that I could see all the main attractions, where the city thrives just after the 2 days of my arrival Dresden so, I didn’t miss out on anything.

I would start your tour at the Neumarkt, where you are at the same time directly at the Frauenkirche. On Neumarkt, you will find numerous cafes and restaurants overlooking the Frauenkirche. In good weather, you should definitely enjoy a glass of wine with a view of the Frauenkirche.

From here it is only a few meters to the Elbe. You will pass the Fürstenzug, Residenzschloss and the Augustusbrücke. Despite the construction of many new buildings and reconstructions, there is still a certain charm from the past infused here.

In particular, you will notice on the way to the Zwinger Palace, how clean the Old Town and the sights are.

If you are already looking forward to a little compensation for the sightseeing program, you can walk straight from the kennel garden to the shopping center “Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden.”

If you have no fixed program in the evening, I would definitely look at what movie in the open-air cinema is running. You cannot only watch entertaining movies but also sit right in front of the Elbe. Things can get hardly more romantic than that!

On the second day, the merged parks of Schloss Albrechtsberg, Lingnerschloss, Schloss Eckberg, and Saloppe, are definitely worth a visit. It’s best to go by tram. Just get information shortly beforehand, which train goes there. The journey takes about 25 minutes.

I have listed all the places in the Google Maps view again. You can even save the map in your app so that the locations are always displayed on your map in Dresden.

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Wie bereits erwähnt gibt es unzählige Möglichkeiten an Aktivitäten in Dresden! ABER (!!) besonders gefallen hat mir, dass ich nach den 2 Tagen in Dresden schon den Hauptkern sehen konnte und mich dafür nicht abhetzen musste!

Ich würde eure Tour am Neumarkt starten, wo ihr gleichzeitig auch direkt an der Frauenkirche seid! Direkt am Neumarkt findet ihr zahlreiche Cafés und Restaurants mit Blick auf die Frauenkirche. Bei schönem Wetter sollte man auf jeden Fall ein Glas Wein mit dem Blick auf die Frauenkirche genießen.

Von hier aus sind es nur wenige Meter bis zur Elbe. Ihr kommt am Fürstenzug,  Residenzschloss sowie an der Augustbrücke vorbei! Trotz der vielen Neubauten und Rekonstruktionen besteht immer noch ein gewisser Charme aus der Vergangenheit.

Insbesondere wird euch auf dem weiteren Weg zum Zwingerpalast auffallen, wie sauber die Altstadt und die Sehenswürdigkeiten sind.

Wer sich jetzt schon auf einen kleinen Ausgleich zum Sightseeing Programm freut, kann vom Zwingergarten direkt in Richtung Shoppingcenter „Altmarkt-Galerie Dresden“ laufen.

Solltet ihr abends noch kein festes Programm haben, würde ich auf jeden Fall mal schauen welcher Film im Open Air Kino läuft. Ihr seht nicht nur unterhaltsame Kinofilme, sondern sitzt auch direkt vor der Elbe. Romantischer geht es kaum!

Am zweiten Tag lohnt es sich die verschmolzen Parkanlagen von Schloss Albrechtsberg, Lingnerschloss, Schloss Eckberg und Saloppe anschauen zu fahren. Ihr kommt ihr am besten mit der Straßenbahn hin. Informiert euch einfach kurz vorher, welche Bahn dorthin fährt. Die Fahrt dauert ca. 25 Minuten.

Alle Orte habe ich euch nochmal in der Google Maps Ansicht aufgeführt. Ihr könnt die Karte sogar in eurer App speichern, so dass euch die Orte immer auf eurer Karte in Dresden angezeigt werden.

Where to stay

It’s like they always say save the best for the last. You do not have accommodation yet for your trip to Dresden, and are still looking for something right in the city center? Well then, not to worry I have found the perfect place for you. The Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe is located right in the heart of the Saxon capital. Location and staff have earned 10 out of 10 points from me. We were greeted so warmly at the reception on arrival, that I felt very comfortable.

Also, in my exclusive room, I did not miss anything when it came to viewing the city’s beauty. From my room, I could look directly at the Neumarkt and admire the magnificent Frauenkirche.

With the window closed, I had absolute peace in my comfortable room, and with the window open, I was sprinkled by the soothing sounds of a violinist during the day. Personally, I love it when I can hear something of the city life and could spend hours sitting by the open window. But I’ve also enjoyed spending time at the desk in my spacious and modern rooms. I just felt good all around.

In the morning, I always went directly to the fitness and wellness area from the elevator to start the day and afterwards enjoy the rich and fresh breakfast buffet. Additional pluses are available for the champagne for breakfast, the very freshly prepared buffet, the freshly squeezed juices, and the selection of local produce.

Even the dinner on the terrace overlooking the Frauenkirche has everything to offer. You can get anything from local to international cuisine.

The Lillet Wild Berry is a must for all aperitif lovers!

As you can see, you can experience a lot in Dresden. So, nothing should stand in the way of your next girlfriend, couple, or family trip.

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Das Beste kommt bekanntlich zum Schluss! Ihr habt noch keine Unterkunft für eure Reise nach Dresden und sucht noch etwas direkt mittendrin?

Da habe ich das passende für euch gefunden! Das Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe befindet sich direkt im Herzen der Sächsischen Hauptstadt! Lage und Personal haben 10 von 10 Punkten verdient! Wir wurden direkt bei der Anreise so herzlich an der Rezeption empfangen, dass ich mich direkt sehr wohl gefühlt habe!

Auch in meinem exklusiven Zimmer hat mir nichts gefehlt! Ich konnte von meinem Zimmer aus direkt auf den Neumarkt schauen und die prachtvolle Frauenkirche bewundern.

Bei geschlossenem Fenster hatte ich absolute Ruhe in meinem komfortablen Zimmer und bei geöffnetem Fenster wurde ich tagsüber von einem Geigenspieler berieselt. Ich persönlich liebe es, wenn ich etwas vom Stadtleben mitbekommen kann und hätte stundenlang am offenen Fenster sitzen können! Aber ich habe auch seit langem wieder die Zeit am Schreibtisch genossen in meinem geräumigen und modernen Zimmern. Ich habe mich einfach rundum wohl gefühlt!

Morgens bin ich immer direkt mit dem Aufzug in den Fitness- und Wellnessbereich gefahren, um fit in den Tag zu starten und danach das reichhaltige und frische Frühstücksbuffet zu genießen! Zusätzliche Pluspunkte gibt es für den Sekt zum Frühstück, das sehr frisch zubereitete Buffet, die frisch gepressten Säfte und die Auswahl von lokalen Produkten.

Auch das Abendessen auf der Terrasse mit Blick auf die Frauenkirche muss sich nicht verstecken! Es wird alles von lokaler bis zu internationaler Küche angeboten.

Der Lillet Wild Berry ist für alle Aperitif Liebhaber ein Muss!

Wie ihr seht könnt ihr in Dresden so einiges erleben! Der nächsten Freundinnen-, Pärchen oder Familienreise steht also nichts mehr im Weg!

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dresden, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Travel Guide, Steigenberger Hotel

Dream Wedding Venue in France

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Anyone who said “yes” this year or knows that they‘ll soon get engaged should definitely visit this wedding location near Bordeaux. You want a wedding à la Meghan and Harry? However, in the small family circle? I recently booked the stylish Villa La Tosca. Idyllically located in the countryside and directly on the sea, you can say the yes-word at Villa La Toscana or even relax after the wedding!

Wer dieses Jahr „Ja“ gesagt hat oder weiß, dass er sich in diesem Jahr noch verloben wird, sollte sich unbedingt diese Hochzeitslocation in der Nähe von Bordeaux anschauen! Du willst eine Hochzeit à la Meghan und Harry? Allerdings im kleinen familiären Kreis? Da habe ich vor kurzem die stilvolle Villa La Tosca.

Idyllisch im Grünen und direkt am Meer gelegen, könnt ihr in der Villa La Toscana euch das Ja-Wort geben oder aber auch euch nach der Hochzeit entspannen!

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Why in Lanton?

The quiet village of Lanton is just a 30-minute drive from the Bordeaux Airport. The village itself seems to be relatively unknown for being a pearl by the sea! From windsurfing, sailing to oysters sipping in the fishing village, and enjoying delicious wine, nothing is missing for you to relax in the four communities that belong to Lanton. The enthralling atmosphere there should not be underestimated. You can also take a day trip to Bordeaux as the distance is short with nothing in the way. You can also explore the vineyards in the area or visit the famous sand dunes “Dunes of Pilat.”

So you do not have to worry about your wedding guests! They’ll always busy somewhere. 😉

Der ruhige Ort, Lanton, liegt nur maximal 30 Fahrminuten vom Flughafen Bordeaux entfernt. Die Ortschaft an sich scheint noch relativ unbekannt zu sein dafür, dass sie eine Perle direkt am Meer ist! Von Windsurfen, Segeln bis zum Austern schlürfen im Fischersdorf und leckeren Wein genieße, wird euch zur Erholung in den vier Gemeinden, die zu Lanton gehören nichts fehlen! Auch die Umgebung ist nicht zu unterschätzen! Einem Tagesausflug nach Bordeaux steht auf Grund der kurzen Entfernung nichts im Weg. Ihr könnt auch die Weinberge in der Umgebung erkunden oder aber die bekannte Sanddüne „Dunes of Pilat“ besuchen.

Um eure Hochzeitsgäste müsst ihr euch also keine Sorgen machen! Sie sind immer gut beschäftigt. 😉

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Villa La Tosca

Those who can not do much in terms of time are best kept in the Villa La Tosca. The luxurious villa with its eight noble and individual rooms offers a very friendly ambience. The staff of Villa La Tosca attach great importance to making you feel at home!

On the ground floor, there is a large fully stocked kitchen, which you can use at any given time, and can also prepare everything there on your own. From the kitchen, you get into the exclusive living room with a beautiful old wooden staircase. Conveniently you always pass the bar before you go up to the room.

From the bar and most of the rooms, you can look directly over the beautiful garden overlooking the sea or the Bay of Arcachon.

During the day it is worthwhile to do a mudflat walk, and in the evening we always sneaked out of the back door to the sea to enjoy the pink sunset.

At low tide, the infinity pool in the green oasis invites you to linger on. In this quiet and dreamlike environment, you can not only relax 100% but also say “yes” to each other.

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Wer zeitlich gar nicht viel unternehmen kann, ist bestens in der Villa La Tosca aufgehoben! Die luxuriöse Villa mit ihren acht noblen und individuellen Zimmern bietet ein sehr familiäres Ambiente! Die Mitarbeiter der Villa Tosca legen großen Wert darauf, dass man sich heimisch fühlt!

Im Erdgeschoss befindet sich eine große gefüllte Küche, die man zu jeder Zeit selbst benutzen kann, aber auch gerne alles zubereiten lassen kann. Von der Küche aus gelangt man ins exklusive Wohnzimmer mit einem wunderschönen alten Holztreppenhaus! Praktisch ist, dass man immer an der Bar vorbeikommt bevor man hinaufgeht aufs Zimmer.

Von der Bar aus und aus den meisten Zimmern schaut man direkt über den herrlichen Garten aufs Meer bzw. auf die Bucht von Arcachon!

Tagsüber lohnt es sich eine Wattwanderung zu machen und abends haben wir uns immer aus der Hintertür ans Meer geschlichen, um den rosafarbenen Sonnenuntergang zu genießen.

Bei Ebbe lädt der Infinitypool in der grünen Oase zum Verweilen ein! In dieser ruhigen und traumhaften Umgebung kann man sich nicht nur zu 100% entspannen, sondern auch das Jawort geben.

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding

Bordeaux, France, Fasten Ur Seatbelts, Wedding