After being in Berlin for a few days, I find myself needing to retreat from the city’s bustling and wild centre. Whether it’s the jet lag finally catching up with me or the knowledge I’ll soon be surrounded more by nature than people, I feel a sleepy smile creep across my face as the bus bumps along*. Thanking the driver, who seems surprised by the interaction (I’m sure my German isn’t that bad…), I leave the bus behind. A short walk along the house-lined streets, my suitcase following diligently behind me, and the Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann comes into view. I have found my oasis.
*I have terrible sense of direction so I prefer to take transport and walk to help get my bearings. Guests with a better sense of direction than I, can organise a limousine transfer, luxury van or book an experience with the Rolls-Royce Ghost, all with a chauffeur.
Welcome to Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann
Welcomed by Didy Didy, who is probably the happiest and most well-dressed man in Berlin, I enter the hotel and check in. Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann has been designed with the love and precision one would expect in a personally tailored suit. It’s sleek and sharp, not too flashy; the perfect balance of luxury and refinement. As we walk toward the elevator, I notice a smart grey suit to the right encased in glass.
The Premium Suite – High-end fashion
I’m staying in the premium suite. Didy Didy shows me the room, which has an elegant black and gold palette. Above the bed, and throughout the room and bathroom, are photographs and images of gentlemen and women in suits, of accessories, and even a picture of a tiger. It evokes the hotel’s ‘high-end fashion’ interior design expertly. Before Didy Didy departs, he mentions the pool and sauna. My plans are made.
The hotel is located on the outskirts of the ring (Berlin’s centre) and close enough to travel into the city. But I have no desire to leave. Guest wishing to explore Berlin can organise: a Berlin City Tour, tennis, golf, yoga (and more) sporting activities, as well as shopping at the Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann and the iconic shopping street Kurfürstendamm. Instead, I opt for a full rejuvenation, starting with the sauna.
Sauna, Rinse, Repeat – Dip into the cold plunge pool
I’ll openly admit, I’m not a regular sauna user. In Australia, we don’t have the same sauna culture as Europe. I was so excited to visit the sauna, I walked right passed the instructions. Thankfully, my sauna instincts were on par. I rinsed, and waltzed into the wet sauna with confidence. It was hot. Once the initial shock wore off, I started to relax… and sweat. Boy, did I sweat. After fifteen minutes, I step out of the wet sauna, rinse, dip into the cold (very cold) plunge pool. Then I try the dry sauna. Having grown up in the Australian tropics where humidity can reach 90% or more, I discover I enjoy the wet sauna the most.
Next stop – the pool. The pool is beautiful. There are white pillars with elegant black tiles decorating their base, along the sides of the pool. Looking through the floor to ceiling open glass doors, you can see lush greenery and to the side, some stairs which lead to a nice spot to relax in the sun. The atmosphere is one of pure indulgence. There’s no one around as I walk into the inviting water. I love to swim but rarely do it in my busy ‘on the go’ life. Even in the world of luxury hotels, there are few places that remind you to slow down and indulge yourself like Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann does. I remind myself, a holiday (even a working one) is a chance to reconnect, relax and reflect.
Sauna, rinse, swim, repeat – my new mantra, thanks to the Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann.
Outdoor breakfast and Bees
The weather has been stunning in Berlin, so I take my breakfast to the outdoor terrace rather than staying inside. Bossa Nova cafe music plays softly in the background and bees dance in and out of some nearby flowers. After a few minutes enjoying the view, the bees become interested in my very large fruit bowl, but it’s too good to share. I enjoy a cup of tea, which is expertly chosen for me by the hotel staff, before wandering through the garden.
The hotel is luxurious but also child and pet friendly. On my garden walk, I notice a trampoline. Fighting my urge to jump on the trampoline, instead I settle on the outdoor lounges, to soak in the sun, read my book and watch the day go by.
Mahala Wallace stayed as a guest of Schlosshotel Berlin by Patrick Hellmann.
Brahmsstraße 10, 14193 Berlin, Germany
+49 30 8958430
For more personalised information tips and advice, or to book this incredible holiday contact your local TravelManagers’ personal travel manager here.
