This is the fourteenth and final part of our series on “tips for a sustainable weekend getaway.”

Eco-friendly travel to Milan

Milan train station is easy to reach from anywhere in Europe. However, as the journey from the DACH region takes a couple of hours, we recommend taking the night train. There are direct Nightjet connections from Munich and Vienna.

Read more about the sustainability of night trains in our blog post on the best night train routes in Europe.

A cheaper option (sometimes for less than 50 euros) is to take the long-distance coach. Click here for Flixbus connections to Milan.

From the station you can easily get to the Hotel Milano Scala and at weekends you can also get around the city by tram.

“We are located in the heart of Milan. This means that you can connect to all three main light rail lines (red line M1, yellow line M3 and green line M2).” – Hotel Milano Scala

Tip: Get the Milan Pass Light for 24, 48 or 72 hours. This pass gives you free travel on all public transport, an audio guide for your mobile phone and a 10% discount on entry to many attractions.

Sustainable accommodation at Hotel Milano Scala

Centrally located, the Hotel Milano Scala was the first zero-emissions hotel in the city. In fact, it was named one of the “World’s Most Eco-Friendly Hotels” by National Geographic Traveler. The hotel generates its own green electricity using geothermal probes. On the inside, you’ll find a green exterior, eco-chic interiors, classical music at breakfast, and regional cuisine made with organic ingredients. But our highlight is definitely the rooftop terrace with a bar, seating, and a rooftop garden that supplies the restaurant and bar with fresh herbs, vegetables, and berries.

To get a taste of what it’s like, we recommend this short (1.5 minute) promotional video on YouTube.

A sustainable weekend in Milan – here’s what it could look like

Friday is for culture

If you take the night train, you can get to Milan from Vienna and Munich in about 12 hours – it will be around 8 o’clock in the morning.

Even if it is too early to check in (2 p.m.), we recommend that you go straight to the hotel. Here you can store your luggage and have breakfast (until 10:30 a.m.). Afterwards, you will be ready to explore the city.

Historic Brera, Milan Cathedral and Museums

The Hotel Milano Scala is located in the historic Brera district. The main attractions, including the Cathedral, are just a few minutes walk away.

Milan Cathedral is open to visitors on Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm (please note the dress code).

If you are satisfied with a view of the Cathedral from the outside, the Hotel Milano Scala recommends a visit to the Milan Castle as an alternative. The Castello Sforzesco is open on Fridays from 10 am to 5:30 pm (last tour at 4:30 pm) and often hosts exhibitions and events.

Another alternative is the Pinacoteca di Brera. One of the most important art museums in Italy and within walking distance of the hotel. The art on display focuses on Italian Renaissance painting and the Baroque period.

Eco-friendly midday snack at Soulgreen

Soulgreen is the perfect place to take a break and snack after your cultural experience. Here you will find organic food such as bowls and freshly squeezed juices in an appealing environment. In addition, the café supports a project that provides free meals and clean water to children around the world through its “Proud to Give Back” program (Open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.).

After 2 p.m. you can check into your hotel room and relax at the hotel or visit one of the many other museums in the city if you haven’t had enough. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, La Traviata. The restaurant uses regional (organic) ingredients and offers a classic and elegant atmosphere.

Milan’s La Scala

One of the most famous opera houses in Europe, if not the world, is only a five-minute stroll from the hotel. Evening performances usually begin at 8 p.m. Check the Teatro alla Scala schedule here.

Price: The best seats at La Scala will set you back around 500 euros, but cheaper seats can be had for as little as 20 euros.

Eco-Shopping, art and architecture on Saturdays

What is a weekend in Milan without shopping? After all, Milan is considered one of the most famous fashion and design cities in the world. But how do you shop in a sustainable way? For starters, you could do some window shopping – just stroll past Milan’s chic stores and admire the window displays.

Window shopping in Via Montenapolene

“Via Montenapoleone – the heart of the “Quadrilatero della moda” – is within walking distance and our guests like to take a look at the street.” – Hotel Milano Scala

Via Montenapolone is considered the second most expensive street in the world after New York’s Fifth Avenue. You’ll find the biggest names in fashion right here. There are jewelers, famous Italian shoemakers, etc. Of course, in most cases this has nothing to do with sustainability – but a peek never hurt nobody 😀 

Vintage scene in Milan

Milan’s vintage scene is more sustainable. Second-hand clothes make ecological sense. But again, we have to warn you: it’s not cheap! In the Navigli district, along the Navigli canal, there are many vintage shops where you can discover used designer clothes, accessories and more. It’s definitely more expensive than fast fashion, but of higher quality.

In the old town of Milan you will find the vintage fashion store Cavalli e Nastri. It is located (along with other vintage stores) in Via Gian Giacomo Mora.

Eco-fashion in Milan

Milan also has some lovely boutiques specializing in sustainable clothing. Here are a few of our recommendations:

#1 Panpepato: A small, friendly boutique where fashion designers Martina and Eva sell their handmade collections for women and children. You can also find handmade jewelry and accessories.

#2 Progetto Quid: This fashion project sells surplus stock and fabrics donated by Italian fashion brands. They employ women who would otherwise have no chance of finding work.

#3 ASAP LAB: ASAP stands for “As Sustainable As Possible” and here you will find cashmere products made from recycled wool, for example, as well as small accessories such as elegant leather pencil cases. (Please note that the shop has somewhat unusual opening hours, including a lunch break. It’s best to check if the store is open before your visit).

Vegan Cherry Bomb Burger for Lunch

Have you ever seen Flower Burger on Instagram? Those are the beautiful selfies with colorful vegan burgers. The eye-catching and meat-free burgers were invented by two artists from Milan who opened their first two Flower Burger restaurants there. The concept is now spreading as a franchise. It is open from 12:30.

If you eat here, don’t forget to take a selfie 🙂

Bosco Verticale – Green urban architecture

For a little relaxation in the afternoon, take a trip to the Bosco Verticale – the vertical forest. These are two green skyscrapers that have a positive effect on the city’s microclimate. (Read more in our blog article on green urban development).

The Bosco Verticale is located in the Isola district. Here you will find parks, cafes, bars and lots of young people. This is the place to be if you want to be part of Milan’s young nightlife.

Departure and Sunday highlights

If you decide to take the night train and have to be back at work on Monday, it is advisable to leave on Saturday evening and spend Sunday relaxing at home.

If you are still in Milan on Sunday, here are two highlights for that day.

#1 Antique market in the Navigli district: Every last Sunday of the month there is an antique market in the trendy Navigli district (where the vintage shops are located, along with many cafes and art galleries). You can find the current dates here.

#2 Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli: At the hotel you can still enjoy a wonderful breakfast on Sunday morning and check out is at noon. We recommend that you have breakfast a little earlier so that you can attend the Sunday brunch at Capra e Cavoli (between 12 and 15:30). This is an eco-restaurant with a cozy and eclectic interior with many upcycled objects. It has an open kitchen and a garden. It feels just like being at a friend’s house.

And with that pleasant feeling, you’ll be reluctant to leave Milan – but I’m sure it was a great weekend, full of experiences and a small ecological footprint to boot.

Der Beitrag A sustainable weekend in Milan – Insider tips from Hotel Milano Scala erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Welcome to Erlangen

The Franconian city of Erlangen attracts many business travelers. The Erlangen Tourism and Marketing Association (ETM) and the Hotel Luise itself report various statistics on overnight stays. But why not combine business with pleasure? Perhaps together with a loved one? In any case, getting here is no problem. As Bavaria’s “smallest city”, Erlangen has excellent connections to the international rail network and can be reached from anywhere by environmentally friendly train.

Hotel Luise – one of the most sustainable hotels in Europe

First of all, we would like to introduce you to your accommodation, the Hotel Luis. This family-run hotel is managed by Ben Förtsch, the third generation of his family to do so. He continues the ecological beliefs of his parents and is considered a pioneer of sustainability in the hotel industry.

You will find hotel rooms made from renewable materials, astronaut showers that use minimal water, urban gardening, upcycling, and more. A total of 250 sustainable initiatives have already been implemented, all of which are displayed on the Wall of Change. (By the way, the hotel with the Wall of Change is currently a finalist for the German Tourism Award 2024). Hotel Luise is often held up as a role model – and the team is well aware of this role and is happy to build on it.

By choosing Hotel Luise as your accommodation, you are reducing your carbon footprint and support the hotel’s commitment.

A weekend in Erlangen – Ideas and insider tips

Between nature and culture, city life and nature. Erlangen has something for everyone. Laura Heufelder from Hotel Luise gave us some insider tips on what a sustainable weekend in Erlangen could look like for you:

Friday: Arrival, wellness and exploration

After arriving at the Hotel Luise, you can relax with a little wellness. The spa area includes a Finnish sauna, a Vitarium, a steam bath and infrared cabins.

Afterwards you may rent a bike (there is a bike rental right at the hotel) and cycle the few minutes to the city center for dinner. Laura recommends the organic restaurant Das Muskat.

Saturday: Enjoy culture and nature

On Saturday, you will get to know Erlangen and the “French flair of the Huguenot city”. We especially recommend the

• Palace garden with orangery and the
• Botanical Garden

But there are also many small streets, cafés and shops to discover while strolling through the city.

If you are in Erlangen in the summer, Laura also recommends the Erlanger SchlossStrand, which gives you a real vacation feeling. Here you can enjoy a snack in a deck chair on the (sandy) Schlossplatz and watch the world go by.

There are many events in Erlangen that are worth attending. Highlights include:

• Erlanger Poetenfest (every year on the last weekend in August)
• Comic-Salon (International Comic Fair in May or June, accompanied by exhibitions and comic art throughout the city)
• Erlanger Bergkrichweih (Pentecost festival that attracts about a million visitors each year)

Sunday: Explore the surroundings

“Sunday is the perfect day for a hike or bike ride in the beautiful Franconian countryside,” says Laura.

Excursion to Marloffstein

Marloffstein is a beautiful destination that can be easily reached from Hotel Luise after an organic breakfast. We would like to emphasize the breakfast, because there is a wide variety of fair trade and organic products, honey from the hotel’s own beehive and a cozy greenhouse.

After checking out, you can store your luggage at the hotel and use the rented bike for excursions.

The community of Marloffstein is located about seven kilometers northeast of Erlangen. Here you will find Marloffstein Castle, from which hiking and biking trails lead to the surrounding castles of Adlitz and Atzelsberg.

The nature through which you travel is captivating, with forests and ponds (e.g. the “Märchenteich” near Marloffstein).

“It is worth stopping at one of the Franconian restaurants along the way to enjoy Franconian specialties. – Laura from Hotel Luise

You have now experienced a lot – history, culture, nature, exercise, wellness, vacation – all in one weekend and with a small ecological footprint. Would this be something for you? Let us know in the comments!

Save this article for your next weekend trip!

Der Beitrag Insider tips for a sustainable weekend in Erlangen erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

This is the ninth installment in our “Tips for a sustainable weekend getaway” series. Every three weeks, you can expect a new green idea on our blog!

Vacation naturally and enjoy the lifestyle

The Baltic Sea is wonderful in any season: the sea, the horizon, sandy beaches, dunes, wild oats and fresh air. Many good reasons to grab your partner and a beach bag and head to Timmendorfer Strand. Timmendorfer Strand is a real hotspot on the Baltic Sea thanks to its magnificent promenade. See and be seen. Well-kept, sophisticated.

Here you will find the sustainable and special Lifestylehotel SAND, which we want to recommend to you in this blog article.

The hotel is located on the second row of the beach and is super beautiful, bright and stylish, designed with natural materials and beach feeling in mind.

Friday: Starry sky over the Baltic Sea in a sleeping beach chair

After work it’s off to the sea! A plan that promises to be fun.

For travel to Timmendorfer Strand, the following options are available:

• BlablaCar and Flixbus (cheap and sustainable option)
• Train (Timmendorfer Strand station)
• By car

Once you arrive at the SAND Lifestyle Hotel, you can check into your room, freshen up and head straight to the beach for a stroll. Either on the promenade or barefoot down to the water. Along the promenade you will find many restaurants to start your weekend with a cozy dinner.

Sleeping in a beachbed

Back at the hotel, you have the option of sleeping on the comfortable and sustainable COCO-MAT mattresses in your hotel room or booking the beach chair on the roof terrace (available until October) and spending the night under the stars. (The beach chair used to be on the beach, but unfortunately the local authorities often shone their flashlights in it, so it was moved to the roof of the hotel 😉 )

“A warm and cozy atmosphere, an open-air setting, a glass of sparkling wine, private atmosphere, letting your soul drift, forgetting time for a few hours and escaping from everyday life – that’s what we call true luxury“. – Marion Muller, owner of the Lifestylehotel SAND

Saturday: Late breakfast and beach day

You can sleep in on Saturday morning. After all, SANDBreakfast is available until 1 pm!

At the front cooking station you can order egg dishes made with fresh organic eggs and enjoy a rich breakfast buffet with regional organic products.

After a hearty breakfast, it’s off to the sea. If it’s warm enough, you can swim or play other sports like volleyball and frisbee, write love messages in the sand (and take pictures of them), take selfies, rent a beach chair, read, and relax.

Dinner recommendation: „”We recommend the restaurant “Bartmans Kitchen” within walking distance to our SAND guests” – Marion Muller, Lifestylehotel SAND

Excursions in Timmendorfer Strand

If the beach is too windy, too hot, or too cold, there are plenty of things to do:

#1 Kurpark

The Kurpark is a park in Timmendorfer Strand with trees, flowers and green meadows. Here is also the Trinkkulturhalle in a round glass building. Admission is free and you can see works of art by performance artist “Anja”.

#2 Fishing harbor of Niendorf

Niendorf has a beautiful fishing harbor where fishermen go out to sea in the early morning hours and later sell the day’s catch. There is a small kiosk where you can get refreshments and watch the boats.

#3 Sea Life

One of the biggest attractions in Timmendorfer Strand is Sea Life. The aquarium is home to around 2,500 marine animals, with sharks and sea turtles being the main attractions. Of course, Sea Life is not really sustainable. However, the Sea Life Trust is involved in a number of projects for marine sanctuaries, species protection and clean seawater. Still, you should think carefully about whether you want to support the aquarium – or whether you would rather dive into the Baltic Sea with a mask and snorkel to watch the fish 😉

Sauna on the roof – at the Lifestylehotel SAND

Before spending your second night at the hotel, you can round off an eventful day with a visit to the sauna. The sauna at Lifestylehotel SAND is located on the roof terrace, which makes the visit even more special. Afterward, treat yourself to a refreshing homemade iced tea and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. After all, you are booking the sauna just for the two of you.

Sunday: Enjoy the sea one last time

Check-out is at 11 a.m. You are welcome to leave your luggage at the hotel, have breakfast until 1 p.m., and maybe go to the beach before you end your weekend at the Baltic Sea and start your journey home full of new impressions and energy.

Save this article for your next weekend trip as an inspiration!

Der Beitrag A sustainable weekend for two by the Baltic Sea – With hotel recommendations and activity tips erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

This is the seventh installment in our “Tips for a sustainable weekend getaway” series. Every three weeks, check our blog for a new green idea!

Family weekend at a hotel

It doesn’t always have to be an extended vacation. A weekend getaway can bring you and your family together for a great time you’ll never forget. Getting away from the daily grind and routine while discovering new things together will strengthen your bond and allow everyone to take a well-deserved break!

Raising sustainability awareness among children

“Sustainable” is not really a concept children can relate to. But nature, the environment, animal welfare and justice are often more present in children than in adults!

“You can educate your children all you want, but in the end they will follow your example” – an oft-quoted proverb about education

If you want to instill environmental awareness in your children, there’s no better way than to lead by example. We dedicated an entire blog post to this topic, including how you can use your vacation to do just that.

Another important thing is getting children out into nature! In our blog post about insects, we quote zoologist Lars Krogmann, who complains to Deutschlandfunk Kultur that many children simply lack experience and contact with nature, and are therefore denied important opportunities to appreciate small animals such as insects.

Sustainable Hotel Weihrerhof at the Wolfsgruben Lake

Lake Wolfsgruben is located at an altitude of 1,200 meters on the sunny Ritten plateau and one of the cleanest bathing lakes in Italy. The Hotel Weiherhof, owned by the Pichler family, is located directly on the shore. In summer there is a beautiful lawn for sunbathing and in winter the lake itself is a huge ice rink.

Friday / Arrival

An ideal weekend begins with a train ride. Not only for its environmental friendliness, but also because it is a special experience for young and old. All major trains stop at the Bolzano train station. From here it is only 500 meters to the valley station of the Rittner cable car, which will take you and your family to Oberbozen in about 12 minutes, where a hotel shuttle will be waiting for you.

Info: The Ritten Card is included in the room price. With it you can use the cable cars and all other public transport free of charge and enjoy free admission to more than 80 museums. Children under the age of 6 can use public transport for free. The card can also be sent to you in advance.

After checking in, the first thing to do is explore the outdoor area. There is a playground with a trampoline for the kids and, fittingly, right in front of the sundeck, so you can start your short break with a delicious drink and still keep an eye on the kids.

In the summer, the lake is ideal for swimming, and on cloudy days you can go pedal-boating, rowing, or kayaking (life jackets are available for rent). A walk around the lake (or part of it) is also a great way to stretch your legs after the train ride.

In the evening a homemade menu with regional ingredients awaits you. Of course, the Pichler family always offers a vegetarian or vegan option.

Tip: The Seagschichtn, 12 stories about Lake Wolfsgruben, are available for reading aloud. The in-house library also offers books for adults about the region (in addition to other bestsellers and the “Book Blinddates”).

Saturday:

Wake up to a game of tennis or a refreshing dip in the lake while the rest of the family is still asleep. Or why not enjoy breakfast on the terrace, followed by a short hike to energetically special places – maps and descriptions of these places of power are available in the rooms.

At noon finally visit the spa area. The highlights are the indoor pool and the boathouse sauna. In the indoor saunas there is a children’s sauna from 14:00 to 15:30, which is not quite as heated.

Perhaps mom or dad would like to indulge in an afternoon spa treatment with BergSea Natural Cosmetics ? During the spa time, the rest of the family can return to the lake.

Sunday:

In the winter you can have a morning swim in the pool, breakfast and then go ice skating or curling on the lake. In summer you can swim in the lake again. You can take the historic narrow-gauge railway, which is free with the RittenCard. You should plan a few more hours on the Ritten, because the children will love the historic red train 🙂

Overview of offers for children:

Hotel Weiherhof offers the following extras for younger guests:

• A game box in every room
• High chairs, cribs
• Children’s playground with trampoline (visible from the terrace)
• Children’s menu in the evening
• Tennis court (tennis lessons can be booked)
• Lake and indoor swimming pool
• Pedal boats, rowing boats, SUP and life jackets for rent
• Sauna for children
• Nature to experience

Overview of offers for parents

• Indoor pool with counter-current system
• Boathouse sauna
• Lakefront lawn
• Bestseller library
• Ritten Card (free use of public transportation including cable cars)
• Signature treatments with the BergSea cosmetic line (natural products with Wolfsgruben lake water)
• Relaxation in nature
• Relaxing evenings at the hotel bar or on your private balcony

What do you value most in a family weekend?

Save this Weekend trip for later inspiration! (By the way: It’s also a great winter destination 😉

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Need some time off? Just to be by yourself and relax? Then treat yourself to a whole weekend alone! The South Tyrolean Hotel My Arbor is the perfect place for this – because “My” is already in the name and the focus on the very personal wishes and needs of the guests is essential here. But before we introduce you to this special hotel, let us allay any fears you may have about traveling alone! 😉

The trend toward solo travel

As a solo traveler, you’re not alone – in fact, you’re right on trend. According to a Booking.com survey of 27,000 travelers in 33 countries, 59 percent plan to travel alone in 2024.

Of course, as with any trip, you should do some research to find out what kind of accommodation will suit your weekend alone. After all, you likely don’t want to sit just among couples or find yourself surrounded only by families with children. You may want to get away from the hustle and bustle. At the Adults Only Hotel My Arbor near Brixen you will find a diverse mix of vacationers: young and old, families and friends, couples and singles.

For some general tips on what to consider when planning, we recommend this interview about Solo-Travel:

Tree hotel on stilts in the spruce forest of South Tyrol

My Arbor is an unusual and unique hotel. It stands on 34 meters high stilts in the middle of a spruce forest. Each of the 104 suites has a balcony with a wonderful panoramic view of the South Tyrolean mountains. A highlight is the 2,500 square meter spa area with an infinity pool, panoramic whirlpool, five saunas and yoga rooms. The perfect setting for a little me time!

Your weekend alone at My Arbor might look like this

Friday:

Arrive at noon and either take a shuttle from the Brixen train station to the hotel or leave your car with the dedicated concierges. As part of the service, the concierges will bring your luggage to your room while you enjoy a welcome apéritif.

After checking into your room, head straight to the spa and relax from your journey. In the afternoon, enjoy themed sauna infusions with the infusion masters.

In the evening, you can look forward to a 5-course menu of your choosing using local ingredients. The sustainably managed hotel has its own small farm and sources fresh vegetables directly from there or from other (organic) farms in the area.

Saturday:

Start the morning active with a yoga or Pilates session before breakfast. The breakfast buffet features local products and homemade specialties. This continues into the afternoon! If you want to sleep in, it’s no problem at My Arbor. You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast until 2:00 p.m!

But if you would like to get out into nature, take the gondola up to Plose at lunchtime. It is free with the BrixenCard that you receive as a hotel guest. Once at the top, you can enjoy a leisurely hike to one of the traditional mountain huts. You can take in the breathtaking panorama of the Dolomites and strike up a conversation with one or two other hikers. In the mountains of South Tyrol, people are on a first-name basis, even with the elderly 🙂.

Back at the hotel, pamper yourself at Spa Arboris, and after dinner, end the evening with a cocktail/mocktail at the bar accompanied by live music.

Sunday:

On the day of your departure, you will enjoy another sumptuous breakfast. You will also have the opportunity to use the spa for free for the entire day before heading home.

If you would like to see more of the surrounding area, we recommend a trip to Brixen (about a 15 minute drive). Brixen has many beautiful buildings, such as the Baroque Cathedral of Brixen or the Cloister of Brixen with its medieval frescoes. Some shops, such as the gift shop TRIGON ART, are also open on Sundays (11 am to 6 pm). This shop has been selling all kinds of decorative knick-knacks (some of them sustainably produced) for over 40 years, and you might just find a souvenir or two – for those who stayed at home – or just for yourself!

Save this article for your next Solo Weekend on Pinterest

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Are you flirting with the vegan lifestyle or already living it? How about a completely vegan weekend in South Tyrol? Perfect for relaxing, trying it out or maybe showing your partner how diverse a vegan lifestyle can be 😉 South Tyrol is home to the first completely vegan hotel in Italy. It not only offers climate-friendly cuisine but also great activities for couples or active vacationers.

LA VIMEA – A completely vegan hotel in the town of Naturno

LA VIMEA, located in the tourist town of Naturno in Val Venosta, South Tyrol, is the ideal place to relax and take some time off. The adults-only hotel offers daily yoga sessions and a wellness area complete with a saltwater pool, natural swimming pond, sauna and Ayurvedic treatments.

A special feature is the vegan theme. Here, vegans will find a hotel where they won’t have to ask about ingredients or find bacon served at the table next to them. As for the cuisine, you can relax and enjoy the surprising creations of Chef Luca Sordi. But there’s more! For the team of LA VIMEA, vegan doesn’t only apply to food, but to all other aspects of life. For example, the furnishings are made entirely of plant-based and cruelty-free materials. You won’t find leather or sheepskin here.

Veganism is more climate-friendly

One benefit of a vegan lifestyle: It tends to be more climate-friendly. According to the German Federal Environmental Agency, a vegan diet produces about 40% less CO2 emissions than a conventional diet that includes dairy and meat products. Of course, this doesn’t apply to every single meal, but to the diet as a whole. To make the eco-advantage perfect, LA VIMEA also sources its food as regionally and seasonally as possible.

LA VIMEA weekend specials

The vegan hotel offers some special deals tailored to weekend stays. What we particularly appreciate: South Tyrol is easily accessible by train from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. So nothing stands in the way of a sustainable and vegan weekend. 🙂

Romantic vegan getaway

2 Nights | 2 People | 999 Euro | Offer valid from March 29 through November 3, 2024

LA VIMEA has recently launched a new package for couples. It’s called “Romantic Vegan Getaway“:

When you arrive on Friday, one of the most beautiful double rooms with balcony will be waiting for you. And to start the weekend off right, you will receive a welcome gift of organic vegan chocolate and a bottle of Prosecco Rosé (with or without alcohol). Afterwards, perhaps a refreshing dip in the saltwater pool or the natural swimming pond.

Between 5:30 pm and 6:45 pm, an aperitif platter with small snacks and a signature cocktail or mocktail is available – even in your room upon request. For dinner, dress up and enjoy the restaurant’s vegan cuisine. Afterwards, especially on warm summer evenings, we recommend a short evening stroll through the village of Naturno, with its 6,000 inhabitants, to enjoy the special atmosphere.

On Saturday, an active outdoor experience awaits you. The hotel will provide you with two modern e-bikes for the whole day. Breakfast will be served at the hotel and 2 picnic lunches will be packed for your bike tour.

Tip: Download beautiful bike tours around Naturns on komoot.

After a day of activity, dinner at the restaurant will taste even better. Especially if you relax at the spa first.

On Sunday, you will check out late, giving you time to relax after breakfast. Perhaps you would like to start the day with a yoga class on the sundeck in front of the hotel. Community yoga is an integral part of the hotel here. And as an extra highlight you can enjoy the forest sauna for one hour. At 15:00 your journey home begins.

Active Vegan Getaway

3 Nights | 1 to 2 People | 645 Euro p.p. for 2 persons in a double room, 825 Euro for 1 person in a double room | Offer valid from March 29 through November 3, 2024

Another weekend offer from LA VIMEA is the “Active Vegan Getaway“. It includes 3 nights with organic vegan half board. For two full days, you will receive e-bikes and packed lunches, as well as 2 green smoothies to boost your energy.

During your stay, you can also take advantage of the hotel’s spa facilities and yoga classes to round out your active weekend.

If you would like to read more about vegan travel, we recommend the following article, which covers the topic in more detail:

Save this article as an inspiration for later!

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Your best friends from school, college, or sports team – you used to see them almost every day, but now they all live somewhere else. Isn’t it time for a reunion? STURM in Mellrichstadt is located (almost) in the center of Germany and can be reached by train from all sides – the perfect place for a sustainable weekend trip with friends.

Organize a sustainable get-together with friends

• Planning: Even in the planning and invitation stages, you can make sure you don’t print fancy cards or send large email attachments. Phone calls and text-only messages have the smallest carbon footprint and can have the same anticipatory effect if you write them in a witty way. Maybe write a sweet poem. Or send secret agent-style messages?
• Getting there: The biggest climate impact of a weekend trip is caused by the journey to the destination. The STURM scores here due to the easy accessibility of the Mellrichstadt train station and the limited travel time for everyone.
• Accommodation: Choose sustainable accommodations with green power, sustainable materials, local organic food, and waste reduction. Calculations show that it actually makes more sense for the environment to choose a sustainable hotel with existing infrastructure than holding an event in the great outdoors.
• Activities: Of course, seeing each other and having fun is the most important thing. But a little social program is also part of it. In this blog post, we will show you what the STURM guests like to do at these reunions.

Biosphere Reserve Rhön – Experience nature

STURM is located in the Rhön low mountain range in Germany, a UNESCO recognized biosphere reserve. It is a model region for the sustainable coexistence of man and nature.

The official website of the Biosphere Reserve Rhön with current projects and dates can be found here.

The low mountain range is characterized by an interesting natural landscape with two moors (Red Moor and Black Moor) and numerous hiking trails. There is very little light pollution, not only ensuring that you will have a fantastic starry sky above your meeting. But also that many insects and other creatures remain in their rhythm. There are also cultural events and nature programs in and around the Biosphere Reserve.

What could a reunion weekend with friends look like?

Summer sport event

“Without wanting to categorize genders, we noticed a clear tendency for men to engage in sports events in the summer,” says STURM’s Kira. The area is great for biking. “Here in the Rhön, the roads are usually less busy and long serpentines with easy – but sometimes challenging – curves make for a sporty feeling. Not to mention the typical sweeping views over endless fields as a reward before the descent from the plateau.”

After a day of sports, they tend to spend the evening at the bar, which offers various specialty beers. “They chat, laugh, and of course plan the next tour,” Kira continues.

Relax with wellness and beauty

“Women tend to come here for a cozy girls’ wellness getaway. A private group yoga class with our yoga instructor Verena in the morning, followed by a hearty breakfast in our organic restaurant. The rest of the day is spent in the spa area. They read, relax and of course enjoy a special beauty treatment. Another highlight is the sauna meditation with Katha.

After dinner, the cozy corners in the lounge would be ideal for “extended conversation” – preferably over a delicious organic cocktail or mocktail.

Everyone wants to be heard – my tips for the meeting

Tip 1: Leading a group discussion 

This may sound a bit uncool and formal at first, but especially if the group is larger and you haven’t seen each other in a long time, I can recommend leading a discussion group. One person speaks after another. I experienced this once at a meeting. Everyone was sitting around a large table, but of course everyone was talking to the person next to them. Then a woman spoke up and said: “Now I’m going to ask you all to be quiet, and we will let everyone speak in turn.” She then decided who would start and facilitated the group. It was great!

Tip 2: Consider a joint project

Another experience I would like to pass on is that the best way to bring a group together is by doing a joint project. Maybe there’s something you’d like to get involved with? Or do you have an idea for a craft project? Perhaps there are classes or seminars that you could attend together. Think about it. And if you find something, you’ll come away not only with fond memories, but also with a new hobby, something you’ve made, or a good reason to stay involved at home!

Save this post for your next sustainable weekend with friends!

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