Latest news with #Kneipp
Daily Mail
25-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Hotel review: Andronis Arcadia, Santorini
Perched on a hillside in the picturesque village of Oia, Andronis Arcadia is a secluded resort with incredible views, capturing the essence of Santorini's natural beauty. With 114 suites and villas, this expansive yet intimate resort stands out as a tranquil retreat from the island's lively energy. Its combination of chic design, modern indulgence, and timeless charm makes it one of the most memorable stays in Santorini. Rooms and facilities From the moment I stepped into the hotel, I was mesmerised by the view: a seemingly infinite stretch of blue where the sea and sky blur into one. Each room at Andronis Arcadia faces west, so all guests can enjoy Santorini's famous sunsets. From my private terrace (every room has one, as well as a small pool), it was impossible to tell where the horizon ended, the deep blue waters of the Aegean merging effortlessly with the sky. Every aspect of the hotel's design feels intentional. The suites and villas embrace an organic, earthy aesthetic with natural tones of stone and wood, perfectly mirroring the landscape of Oia. Think clean lines, airy spaces, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the rooms with light and showcase those incredible views. The resort has the largest infinity pool on the island: a spectacular centrepiece that feels as endless as the sea itself. It's one of the most peaceful places to take in the island's panoramic beauty and the swim-up bar and soothing beats of the resident DJ add even more luxury. Food and drink The culinary offerings at Andronis Arcadia take already fabulous Mediterranean cuisine to a new level, with inventive and often surprising twists. The hotel's signature restaurant, Pacman, offers Greek classics adapted into innovative sushi rolls for a unique fusion of flavours that you won't find anywhere else on the island. The fresh, local ingredients mean dishes are every bit as vibrant as Santorini's landscape. Wash it down with an expertly crafted cocktail while listening to live DJs. For meat lovers, the Beefbar restaurant is an absolute must. Specialising in anything protein, this upscale restaurant redefines the traditional steakhouse with Mediterranean influences – think quesadillas with wagyu beef and mash with jalapeños. Mornings begin with delightful breakfast spreads featuring fresh pastries, Greek yogurt with honey and other local delicacies, all served outdoors so you can take in the sunrise. Hotel highlights The Evexia Spa was one of the main highlights of my stay. It offers a range of treatments, all designed to restore balance and well-being. I opted for a full-body massage, and the therapist's expertise combined with the serene environment made for a deeply soothing experience, leaving me rejuvenated and completely at ease. The spa also has signature Kneipp pools: a special 'L' shape with one side cold, the other hot. Different shaped stones that ignite reflexology points in the base of the feet line of each pool's floor, for a unique water therapy experience. Blissful! What to do Nearby Try the local fine dining option Visit Lycabettus restaurant at the Andronis Suites just up the road for cliffside fine dining. There's a nine-course tasting menu packed with amazing ingredients from lobster and scallops to wagyu striploin and red shrimp tartare. With the restaurant's iconic views over Oia, it was by far one of the most beautiful places I have ever eaten. Hop on the ferry to Paros Andronis Minois, on the nearby island of Paros, is the perfect place to continue with the relaxation. While Andronis Arcadia offers dramatic caldera views and high-energy sophistication, the Paros retreat delivers a more laid-back, island escape. There's a second-to-none dining experience at Olvo, the hotel's renowned restaurant, while the nearby town of Naoussa is fantastic for an evening out. You can soak in the vibrant local culture, explore charming shops, and enjoy the buzzing nightlife.
National Geographic
27-03-2025
- National Geographic
Eat your way along this culinary hiking trail in Germany
As I meandered down the narrow dirt path of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail in Saarland, Germany, my eyes were drawn to the vibrant green moss that covered the forest floor like a shag carpet from the 70s. The thick grove of beech trees lining the pathway loomed over us, their smooth, gray bark reflecting the few rays of sun that broke through the dim light. A burbling stream that ran alongside the trail broke the silence. Rounding a corner, there were two large wooden crates in a small clearing by a picnic table. I opened the lid of one and it was surprisingly stocked with about six-dozen bottles of local Karlsbrau beer. The other was filled with bottled water and apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice). These crates are called GenussTrühen — food chests, also referred to as "supply stations" — and were recently introduced to the roughly 6.5-mile Stausee-Tafeltour trail, a circular route that pairs scenic hiking with curated culinary stops. This type of active vacation is currently trending, according to the 2025 Hilton Trends Report, with nearly one in five travelers seeking out culinary experiences, 69 percent enjoying being active while traveling, and 20 percent opting for outdoor adventures. And with the German Hiking Institute recently re-certifying the region as a premium hiking destination for the third time since 2015, now is the time to hike the Stausee-Tafeltour trail. The trail The Stausee-Tafeltour trail is one of more than 100 traumschleifen (dream loops), which are part of the larger eco-friendly Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, a long-distance hiking trail that spans roughly 250 miles in the western part of the country. To achieve certification as a premium hiking destination, the region must meet 34 criteria, including user-friendly trail markings, silence, untouched landscape, historic buildings and monuments, inns or huts, and benches and rest areas. Along the Stausee-Tafeltour path, hikers will find lush forests, wooden bridges, wide-open fields, scenic benches, trickling brooks, horse pastures, and charming villages. Points of interest include Scheiden — the highest village in Saarland — with views of nearby France and Luxembourg, the Kneipp facility (foot bath), and SeeGarten. The last stretch of the loop takes hikers through a shady area with a grove of dramatic green and copper ferns, with roots and rocks strewn across the path. Keep going until you reach a sweeping view of Losheim Lake. The trail continues, hugging the lake. Visitors can also purchase a ticket to wander through the whimsical SeeGarten with an array of flowers, shrubs and grasses, as well as a lily pond, nature pond, and water playground with interactive stations to keep children entertained for hours. What to eat In the U.S., when setting off for a day hike, I typically pack snacks and plenty of water. Along the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, look for the trail signs with the chef's hat and the word tafeltour (table tour) and you'll find gastronomy that is easily accessible for hikers. The Stausee-Tafeltour trail was recently awarded a RegionalGenuss (regional enjoyment) certificate, which means culinary offerings (nothing commercial) from the area can be found on the trail, such as in the chests, vending machines, and at local restaurants. Not only are these options a way for hikers to nourish themselves, but also a way for them to get to know the culture of the region through its specialty foods and beverages. The GenussTrühen are stocked by local residents and are kept full April through October. A sign is posted with pricing and there is a box where hikers can leave money, paying on the honor system. The person that provides the supplies keeps the money. My time on the trail ended at jovial Hochwälder Brauhaus, where I rewarded myself with a warm meal and a cold beer. I filled my belly with a regional favorite, homemade saaraländische kartoffelstippchen (potato dumplings) with mushroom sauce at a table overlooking the lake. Additional dining at the lake is also available at the SeeGartenBistro, Restaurant Maison au Lac, and Seehotel-Losheim. Where to stay For those who want to travel farther on the Saar-Hunsrück-Steig, hotel accommodation is available in Losheim at the Seehotel-Losheim, Pension-Gasthaus Scheidener Stuben, Hochwälder Wohlfühlhotel, or camping at Wellnester Losheim am See. Keep in mind that for a multi-day hike, you'll have to carry your supplies with you, but at least you won't worry about finding something to eat and drink along the way. How to do it The start and end point of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail is at the Tourist-Information am Losheimer See. From Frankfurt, it can be reached by taking a The start and end point of the Stausee-Tafeltour trail is at the Tourist-Information am Losheimer See. From Frankfurt, it can be reached by taking a Deutsche Bahn train from Frankfurt to Merzig (about three hours), then take bus R1 from Merzig train station to Losheim train station, or take bus R401 from Mettlach train station to Losheim reservoir. Get off at Stausee Infostand, Losheim am See. This story was created with the support of the German National Tourist Board. Travel + Leisure, U.S. News & World Report, Fodor's, Lonely Planet, and USA Today 10Best. She focuses on adventure, wellness, luxury, and sustainable travel. Her work can be seen at Sharael Kolberg is a Southern California-based travel journalist with more than 20 years of experience. Her byline has appeared in, and. She focuses on adventure, wellness, luxury, and sustainable travel. Her work can be seen at
