Tag Archives: Munich

Kempinski Spa, Munich

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Kempinski Vier Jahreszeiten, Munich is found on Maximilianstraße, one of the city’s four royal avenues along with the Brienner Straße, the Ludwigstraße and the Prinzregentenstraße. This luxury five-star hotel was built in 1858 and belongs to the Kempinski chain and is also part of the prestigious Leading Small Hotels of the World group. After entering through the grand regal entrance, we were directed towards the lifts weaving our way through the smartly dressed guests.

The Kempinski Spa is hidden within the depths of the hotel, with inconspicuous signposting and little corridor lighting. Bizarrely the reception desk is situated in the main swimming pool room, I immediately got the impression they were lacking in space. It is certainly a boutique spa with small changing rooms and only a few treatment rooms. However they utilise the space well, with sun loungers and a tiny bar area giving variety for visitors.

The team here offer a large range of treatments, which are carefully and thoughtfully chosen to ensure the needs of all guests are met. I was amazed to learn about the HydraFacial options, a high tech treatment which works miracles on troubled skin. This spa was the first hotel spa in Europe to offer the HydraFacial, evidence of their forward-thinking approach. Other spa treatments focus on the seasons: massages and facials specially designed for Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.

We tried two of the body massages between us, the detoxifying Spring in Your Step for me, and more traditional Classic Massage for my friend. The classic body massage is well suited to male guests who are in need of a relaxing treatment without the faff. Using richly moisturising oils the massage calms every muscle in the body leaving you feeling lighter and brighter. I was delighted to be trying a more specialised massage… using a brushing technique, the body is stimulated and revitalised. Kathrin was one of the best therapists I have met in a long time, stopping frequently to check the pressure on each area of my body and ensuring that the massage was tailored to my needs. This massage particularly works on the lymphatic system to eliminate toxins and impurities from the body. The dry brushing is designed to awaken a sluggish system before the muscles are nourished and soothed with an oil-based massage. Kathrin worked hard on my upper back and neck to iron out my tension and knots, and left me feeling relieved and in a state of total relaxation.

Hot tea and a quiet nap by the pool completed our time at the Kempinski Spa. Considering my first impressions of this unusual spa, I found the treatments to be memorably beneficial, and the staff here definitely proved  that this is not just another hotel spa, but one which deserves to be acknowledged in its own right.

More information on the Kempinski spa here.

Many thanks to the Munich Tourist Board for their help with this trip.

Hot on the Highstreet Week 235

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I was surprised and thrilled by the shopping scene in Munich. Hidden in huddles on small side streets, the shops here are unique and characterful. Design is big on the agenda and I was pleased to discover unique concept stores, jewellery studios, stationery shops and best of all local designers. Here are my top five shops from the Munich highstreets.

Falkenberg: I want my home to look like this shop. Falkenberg owner Sabine presents a carefully curated collection of beautiful and intriguing things including fine furniture, books, clothes, stationery, candles and jewellery from designers across Europe. The best concept store in town.

A Kind of Guise: A Kind Of Guise was born from the idea of creating products which are equally well designed and of high quality in terms of both production and the materials used. All the garments are made locally in Germany, and are immaculately tailored. I loved the thick winter shift dresses and lovely shirts.

Saskia Diez: A renowned jewellery brand in Munich, the work of Saskia Diez is delicate and thoughtful. I particularly liked the ultra thin rose gold rings, and the special fragrances, Silver and Gold that she recently created.

Papierladen: It is no secret that I am a total stationery addict and this is where I got my Munich fix. An array of stylishly arranged books, pencils, paperclips and other writing paraphernalia. It is known to locals as “the one with the beautiful papers”… I couldn’t agree more.

Cheers from Downtown: Another Munich born brand who recently opened up shop to offer local designers work to the public. The team are friendly and enthusiastic and the clothes are cool and inspiring. A great place to buy a stylish German souvenir.