Cake recipe with chamomile tea and no eggs

Here are a few special features of the recipe—don’t worry, though; it’s super easy, just not your run-of-the-mill lemon cake:

Organic spelt flour instead of wheat flour: Spelt is considered more natural than wheat, is easier to digest, contains more minerals, and has a nutty flavor. It’s a conscious choice that benefits your health and the environment because spelt is usually easier to grow.

Oil instead of butter: Vegetable oil makes the dough moist, makes the cake vegan, and has a smaller carbon footprint than animal butter, which is considered one of the most climate-damaging foods.

Chamomile tea as a liquid: The biggest surprise is probably the use of freshly brewed chamomile tea. It makes the dough wonderfully moist and gives the cake a delicate, almost floral note. Tip: Let the tea steep well so that the aroma comes into its own. SANDnature uses “Smooth Operator” organic chamomile tea from the tea manufacturer Samova.

Turmeric for flavor and color: This “super spice” not only gives the cake a golden yellow color, but also adds light, exotic flavors.

A look inside SANDnature in Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea

The SANDnature Lifestylehotel is a place to breathe deeply. Adults only (ages 16 and up), it is designed with natural materials and a clear focus on sustainability. Located directly on the second row of the Baltic Sea, it is the perfect destination any time of year, whether you’re looking for a relaxing short break or an inspiring getaway. If you want to learn more, you can find tips for a sustainable weekend on the Baltic Sea or exciting impressions of a culinary journey here. Now, in the cooler season, the region captivates with its deserted beaches, perfect for long walks in the wind and salty air. Without the summer tourist crowds, SANDnature is the perfect place to relax and welcome the cozy season..

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Smooth Lemon Cake

Delicious lemon cake from the SANDnature Hotel with oil, oat milk, and chamomile tea

Course dessert, cake

Cuisine European, german

Keyword vegan baking

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Ingredients

• 250 g Spelt flour organic
• 2 TSP Baking powder organic
• 150 g Sugar
• 50 ml Maple syrup
• 75 ml Canola or sunflower oil
• 100 ml Oat milk
• 100 ml Smooth Operator, brewed (Smooth Operator is an organic chamomile tea from the Samova brand)
• 1 Organic lemon Juice and peel
• 1/3 TSP Turmeric Grounded
• 1/3 TSP Salt

Zuckerguss

• 200 g Icing sugar
• 4 TSP Lemon juice

Instructions

• Preheat the oven to 180 °C (350 °F) on the convection setting
• Mix the flour with the baking powder and salt
• Add oat milk, lemon juice, oil, maple syrup, sugar, and brewed Smooth Operator chamomile tea (Samova). Mix everything together well
• Add grated organic lemon zest and turmeric powder
• Place the finished dough in a loaf pan lined with parchment paper
• Baking time approx. 35 to 40 minutes at 180 °C (350 °F)

Der Beitrag Recipe from SANDnature: Smooth Lemon Cake – vegan and fresh erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ accommodations offer several options for a truly unplugged vacation:

• In Paris, in a hotel with room equipped with a shield against electromagnetic pollution
• In Liguria, in an Albergo Diffuso with a bio-electric switch
• On a Croatian island or in the Peruvian jungle, where there is no Wi-Fi and reception is very poor.
• With “digital detox” offers

We will tell you all about these options in a moment. But first: Why should you even consider an Internet-free vacation? Well, there are a lot of reasons.

What digital media is doing to us

Digital media is great. The Internet, applications, communities, networks, games – the digital world offers information, knowledge, fun, and entertainment. But like everything in life, it also has its downside.

For example, brain researcher Martin Korte of the Technical University of Braunschweig told the German Press Agency (dpa) that too much cell phone use is detrimental to creativity. Excessive use of digital media eliminates idle time, which is when ideas (usually) come to mind.

Attention decreases

In addition, studies have shown that multitasking significantly reduces work performance and attention span. This is logical: when you are doing and thinking about many things at once, your attention and quality suffer. Studies have even shown that the mere presence of a cell phone reduces attention. That’s because when your phone is on the table in front of you, part of your mind is occupied with the thought that you could quickly check it to see if you’ve missed anything, if an email has arrived, if you should maybe check the news again, and so on.

The good news: Visual stimulation and digital media can also be beneficial for the brain!

However, it is important to

– avoid multitasking and

– take enough breaks.

Electrical sensitivity

Another issue is the electrosensitivity of some people. Although not scientifically proven, it is recognized that people who consider themselves electrosensitive experience real health problems caused by the presence of cell phones and electrical devices. Symptoms include headaches, sleep disturbances, skin irritations and dizziness.

Parisians flee to hotels to escape “radiation stress”

The Paris hotel Le Pavillon was the first in France to offer special rooms for people with electromagnetic hypersensitivity. The hostess, Barbara Tascijevic-Porwoll, explained this to us in detail:

“There are more and more people who are sensitive to electricity and cannot tolerate any kind of electromagnetic pollution, mobile phone or antenna radiation, which causes them significant health problems. That is why we have shielded three of our 15 rooms at Hotel Le Pavillon against radiation, especially for these guests. (…)”

Special protection of walls, floors and windows

The rooms and bathrooms are protected by a special black shielding paint on the walls and ceiling, which is not visible to the clients, as the room is painted, tiled and parquet floored as normal. The floor is equipped with a special shielding grid. The paint ensures that electromagnetic radiation from low-frequency alternating electric fields and high-frequency electromagnetic waves is shielded. The electrical wiring is specially grounded and connected to the shielding. In addition, all rooms in the hotel have curtains that block high-frequency radiation through the windows.

 Offer to a specific customer group

We regularly receive requests from guests who specifically book our shielded rooms. We even have guests from Paris who book these rooms to give their cells a rest from the constant radiation stress at home, which has become omnipresent nowadays. Doctors specializing in electrosensitivity also refer guests with this condition to our hotel.

Due to the fact that there is little to no Internet reception in these rooms, our “regular” guests are less satisfied, especially if they want to work on their PCs. For these guests, we have special mobile routers that they can use to boost the signal or connect via cable.

Hotel rooms with mains disconnect switch (bio-electric switch)

The Relais del Maro in Liguria has equipped all its rooms with a mains isolation switch. This means that at the push of a button, all electronic devices in the room are cut off. No standby, no running appliances, no lights.

“Since there is no electricity running through the cables, there is less electromagnetic radiation,” says hotel manager Martina Dellerba. She is convinced that this significantly improves the guests’ sleeping comfort. Guests have reportedly told her that a week with the button was “like therapy” for them.

The location of the Relais del Maro certainly contributed to this. The Green PearlsⓇ Hotel is an Albergo Diffuso spread over several old residential and commercial buildings in the picturesque village of Borgomaro. Located in the hinterland of the coastal city of Imperia, it is a hidden gem for relaxation and authentic vacations.

Unwind on a Croatian island

Another great example of an unplugged vacation is Hotel Korinjak on the Croatian island of Iž. Here, it’s easy to really go offline because Wi-Fi is only available in public areas and not in the rooms. So you can relax and unwind without the constant interruptions of push notifications and email.

Hotel Korinjak is located right by the sea, surrounded by a fragrant pine forest and olive grove. It is a place of peace and relaxation that focuses on sustainable tourism, vegetarian/vegan cuisine and spiritual experiences. In addition to the classic vacation offerings, you can participate in yoga or meditation classes, or find inspiration in various workshops.

Offline adventure in the Amazon rainforest

If you’re looking for an adventure where you can completely disconnect, then Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica in Peru is the place for you. Located in the heart of the dense Amazon rainforest, there is no internet or cell phone reception here. No 5G, no Wi-Fi – just you, the jungle, and fascinating nature.

Sure, you’ll take countless photos of exotic plants, wildlife, and stunning scenery on your travels. But your family and friends will have to wait to admire your impressions – because you are truly offline. Only in case of emergency is there a radio that you can use to contact the city.

This intentional digital break gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, travel more mindfully, and take in the experience with all your senses-not just through your phone screen or camera viewfinder. A stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica is not only an adventure, but also a special form of slowing down.

Digital detox made easy

In addition to places without Wi-Fi, there are hotels that have developed special digital detox packages. Check out this article for an overview of sustainable accommodations that offer programs to help you take a conscious break from your digital life.

A great example is the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol. Here you can switch off with the “Data-Detox-Plus-Package“. We don’t want to give too much away, but if you want to get away from your smartphone, there’s a surprise waiting for you so you can focus on nature, your companions and yourself. Instead of screen time, you can enjoy hikes on the Ritten, peaceful hours at Lake Wolfsgruben or relaxing moments in the “SeaSpa”. An invitation to let your body and mind truly unwind.

Dare to switch off completely!

Whether it’s shielded hotel rooms, hidden islands without Wi-Fi, or jungle lodges without a network, there are many ways to leave the digital world behind for a while. Brain researcher Korte makes an amusing comparison: “Being constantly on the phone is like always carrying chips and chocolate with you. The danger of constantly reaching for them is high! So take the plunge and leave your phone at home when you go on vacation, but also in your everyday life, and enjoy your surroundings.

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Der Beitrag An unplugged vacation – traveling without Wi-Fi and electromagnetic pollution – are you up for it? erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

At our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ properties, a glow-up is more than just a fresh face mask or firming serum. It starts with a deep breath. With a sense of arriving at your true self. And with treatments that not only nourish your skin, but also your inner self – gently, mindfully and in harmony with nature.

Glow-up treatments for your sustainable self-care retreat

Want to pamper yourself without compromising the environment or ethics? These sustainable hotels show you what modern self-care can look like. From the Alps to the Amazon, you can enjoy treatments that nourish your skin, relax your mind, and are in harmony with nature and the region.

From alpine herbal facials to natural detoxification rituals to scenic massages, you won’t find quick fixes here, just real time-outs that will leave you glowing from the inside out.

#1 Purifying Glow at Naturhotel Outside, East Tyrol

In the heart of East Tyrol’s natural landscape, in the Hohe Tauern National Park, a facial treatment awaits you that will visibly clarify your skin and gently transport you to the tranquility of the Alps. The Purifying Glow Treatment (50 min.) combines herbal steam, exfoliation, a lymph-stimulating massage and deep cleansing – with optional cupping glasses. The newly expanded Nature Spa at Naturhotel Outside features a large natural swimming pond, an outdoor pool and an indoor saltwater pool with Deferegger healing waters. The entire spa was constructed using locally sourced stone and wood from the surrounding area. Only certified natural cosmetics from TEAM Dr. Joseph are used. Here, tradition and the healing powers of the Alps go hand in hand to ensure that you leave feeling not only cleansed, but refreshed.

#2 Augustinus Bader Facial at Hotel Klosterbräu, Seefeld in Tyrol

Luxury that gets under your skin: the exclusive facial treatments with the iconic Augustinus Bader skin care products (80 min.) pamper you with anti-aging or lifting effects – at the highest level. The Augustinus Bader Facial includes a cell-activating fascia massage and a cream mask with 40 premium ingredients. The treatment targets uneven skin tone and redness, while also supporting the development of the body’s own stem cells to strengthen the skin over the long term.

The 5-star Hotel Klosterbräu offers a huge spa area with a large outdoor pool and seven different themed saunas in the historic setting of old monastery walls. Despite its luxury, the hotel actively commits to green energy, sustainable cuisine, and the preservation of the region’s traditional heritage.

#3 Facial Fresh at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

Sicilian nature is reflected in every ingredient: This invigorating facial cleanses your skin with algae, seawater and vitamin C from local citrus fruits for a fresh, even complexion. During your glow-up treatment, relax and gaze out at the ocean. That’s because ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located right on a WWF-protected natural beach.

Particularly attractive: ADLER Resorts & Spas develops its own natural cosmetic lines inspired by each region of Italy. Click here for a PDF catalog of available treatments and products (Glow-up Facials are on page 9).

#4 Coca leaf exfoliation at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru

At UNU Spa, you become part of an ancient Inca culture: this gentle exfoliation treatment uses the benefits of sacred coca leaves combined with brown sugar and quinoa oil. The alkaloids in the leaves stimulate circulation and leave your skin feeling rejuvenated. A ritual of renewal with deep respect for nature and its healing powers.

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a beacon of sustainable tourism in Peru. Thanks to various sustainable measures for waste disposal and environmental protection, the once endangered World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu has not only been saved, but in collaboration with many other partners has become the first carbon-neutral wonder of the world. At the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel, you will not only experience the Andes with expert guides, but also relax on walks through the cloud forest with its hundreds of orchids and through the butterfly garden. Authentic wellness rituals complete your experience.

#5 Nusta Bath at Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco, Peru

Another Inkaterra property is located in the heart of the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Inkaterra La Casona is located in the historic city center and combines the charm of a colonial villa with modern comforts and a clear focus on sustainability. The boutique hotel supports regional cultural projects, works with local communities, and is actively involved in biodiversity conservation. With only eleven suites, it is a tranquil place to retreat to your own private sanctuary after an exhilarating day.

The Nusta bath is a holistic ritual with deep cultural roots. It begins with a massage with natural oils, followed by a head massage and a body wrap with slimming coca cream and fresh coca leaves. Finally, you will enjoy a hot candlelit bath with your choice of essential oils. A powerful combination of detoxification, grounding and self-care.

#6 Wellness Facial Treatment at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, Bad Herrenalb, Germany

90 minutes of total relaxation: The feel-good facial begins with a gentle cleansing and exfoliation, followed by a personalized active ingredient serum. A relaxing face, hand and arm massage and a nourishing mask round off your glowing experience. At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, you can also enjoy your own thermal swimming pool and the excellent air of the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb. In addition to wellness, the hotel also focuses on selfness and offers various options such as fasting cures or forest bathing to make you glow from the inside out.

#7 HydraFacial at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten, Mosel Region

In Bernkastel-Kues on the Mosel River, you will find another Green PearlsⓇ partner that combines sustainability with wellness and mindfulness. The Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten includes a TCM Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers a wide range of treatments.

In addition to TCM, there are modern skin care treatments such as HydraFacial. A high-tech glow up treatment. The facial cleanses your skin in four steps: exfoliation, acid treatment, deep cleansing and hydration. It is complemented by the Perk™ Face Service, which uses Rollerflex technology to further firm your skin. The matching serum is available for at-home use – so your glow lasts up to 28 days.

Glow-up goes further: From skin care to soul care

Radiance doesn’t just come from the outside. That is why more and more hotels are focusing on holistic wellness offerings that balance body, mind and spirit. And enhance your natural radiance in the process.

Lifestylehotel SAND on the Baltic Sea combines wellness with a touch of adventure. The “SANDromance” package lets you sleep under the open sky in a cozy beach bed on the roof – including sweet and savory treats and a little natural surprise. You can also book individual wellness massages with a trained physiotherapist for a personalized glow up experience.

At the Naturresort Gerbehof in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance, the focus is on inner attentiveness and a special form of presence: “Attentiveness” is what they call the conscious experience of listening to one’s inner self. Soul wellness is at the center, supported by a 100% certified organic diet, stress-reducing massages, and mental coaching under the motto “healthy thinking. Longevity is not considered a trend here, nor is glowing. Rather, both are part of everyday life, bringing body and mind into long-term balance.

DIY Glow-up at home

Finally, if you’re looking to recreate that glowing moment at home, check out our DIY Day Spa article for easy DIY recipes for natural spa moments. From Korean rice masks to homemade body scrubs. Perfect for a pampering day at home – no hotel needed, but just as glamorous!

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Der Beitrag Glow up? Yes. But sustainable, please. erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm was once a typical, traditional mountain hotel: skiing in winter, hiking in summer, and hearty South Tyrolean cuisine with pork knuckles and Kaiserschmarrn. When Valeria Caldarelli and her husband took over the then 30-year-old hotel in 1994, they could hardly have imagined what it would become: a flagship for a vegan, artistic and nature-loving lifestyle that attracts guests from 14 different countries every year.

A hotelier family goes vegan

Alexander and Maximilian Spögler, the two hosts of the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel, talked to Green PearlsⓇ about their often challenging and difficult journey to become the first vegan hotel on the Seiser Alm. It all started with their youngest sister, Franziska, who has been vegan for a long time, having not eaten animals since childhood. Who would have thought that this decision would eventually lead to several hotels going vegan!

The brothers say their mother was the second to change her diet. She became vegan overnight after being diagnosed with an autoimmune disease. This has had a huge impact on her two older sons, Alexander and Maximilian. “I think she’s fitter than all of us now! When you see firsthand the impact of diet on health, you know there has to be more to it,” Maximilian sums up.

Italy’s first 100% vegan hotel opens its doors

It was their mother, Valeria Caldarelli, who opened the first fully vegan hotel in Italy in 2016. She had been vegan herself for about ten years, but it took time (and courage) to bring her new awareness to the hotel. Together with extensive renovations, she transformed the previously conventionally run hotel “SUNNWIES” in Naturns, South Tyrol, into the adults-only LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel. But it’s not just the food that’s vegan – the entire interior, materials and cosmetics are vegan, too. She has created a nature-loving place with daily yoga and meditation classes, Ayurvedic treatments, a saltwater pool and a natural swimming pond.

In 2018, daughter Franziska and her husband Benjamin Posch (also vegan and from the hotel industry) opened the lovingly renovated country house Vegan Agrivilla I Pini in Tuscany. It is surrounded by its own organic farm, which supplies the vegan hotel kitchen with food.

The brothers Maximilian and Alexander of Paradiso Pure.Living also took a step in this direction. They were already vegan and wanted to convert their hotel completely. But it was not easy, as Alexander explains: “The Alpe di Siusi is a bit more difficult. Even going vegetarian was a very drastic step. We then marketed it as vegetarian [from 2019], but 80 percent of the food has always been vegan.” Their concern at the time was the altitude of the hotel and the clientele of the Alpe di Siusi. And their concerns were not unfounded.

The change to vegetarian-vegan: Guests stayed away and employees left

The decline was immense. According to the Spögler brothers, they lost about 80 percent of their regular customers as a result of the change. And that wasn’t all. Almost the entire team left in 2019. Then came the coronavirus pandemic the following year, which made the first few years anything but easy.

But the brothers persevered. A new team emerged, which today is about 95 percent vegan.

New team and new guests

Ethics, health and the environment are the three main reasons for a vegan lifestyle, Alexander explains when asked why he decided to go vegan. If you look at factory farming and intensive livestock farming, you automatically ask yourself if you really want to support and finance this cruelty to animals,” he adds. For him, his brother and most of their employees, all three pillars are important.

With the rise of vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, the brothers have noticed another effect: at a time when it is difficult for the industry to find employees, it is comparatively easy for them. Almost every day, they receive applications from all over Europe from people who explicitly want to work at Paradiso – because of its plant-based concept.

The situation is similar with the guests. Eight out of ten people say that Paradiso is not the right place for them, but two would only come there for this reason, the brothers summarize. In addition, since the change, new guests are coming to the hotel from farther and farther away. Vegan honeymooners travel from countries such as Israel and the United States to spend their honeymoon at an altitude of 2,000 meters, surrounded by pure nature. “We are the niche of the niche of the niche,” Alexander describes with a laugh. And that’s why some people come here. Not only vegans, but also flexitarians and meat eaters who are curious and open to the experience.

“When these components come together, the whole thing becomes more than just a hotel, more than just a place to sleep and eat. It is a place where like-minded people come together and share ideas. And that creates something unique and beautiful.” – Maximilian Sprögler

Going 100% vegan with new chef

In 2024, the restaurant switched to a completely vegan (cuisine) concept. Once again, guests stayed away. While vegetarian food was still acceptable to some, the situation was different with a purely vegan cuisine. Milk, eggs and cheese are no longer available at Paradiso since 2024. Instead, there are delicious and healthy plant-based alternatives. “Many who try it come back,” Alexander reveals.

One reason for the success of the vegan focus is the collaboration with Greek chef Aggeliki Charami. She took over the Paradiso kitchen in the winter season 2023/24. The Stuttgarter Zeitung described the young woman as the “rock star of vegan cuisine“. The Spögler brothers also expressed their enthusiasm and respect for the chef in an interview. “She is an artist, a very professional artist with both feet on the ground. That’s extremely hard to find,” says Alexander, and Maximilian adds: “We know a lot of chefs, vegan and non-vegan, and what she does is unique.”

For Aggeliki, cooking is not just about making delicious food, it is an art form. She relies on local produce as well as specialties such as the affectionately named “chicken of the woods,” a Sicilian tree mushroom. Its taste and texture are reminiscent of chicken and won over the two brothers from the start. She has also created “smoked seitan steak,” “seaweed caviar,” and an “egg” with a “yolk” made from pumpkin.

OMNIA Plant-Based Restaurant – Vegan Performance Cuisine

The Spögler brothers not only give Aggeliki a lot of freedom, they also opened a new restaurant with her: OMNIA. It seats only about ten guests in the evening. They are treated to a unique nine-course vegan meal that lasts about three hours. Chef Aggeliki herself and her team present the dishes to the guests. She tells them her story and explains the connection between the dishes they are enjoying. Guests have even been known to shed tears during this culinary experience.

One family – three vegan hotels

Valeria Caldarelli (LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel), Alexander and Maximilian Spögler (Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel) and Franziska and Benjamin Posch (Vegan Agrivilla I Pini) are all members of the same family and have achieved a great deal for vegan tourism in Italy. They were the first to have the courage to implement this concept consistently and holistically, and to do so successfully.

Alexander hopes that many will follow and appeals to his colleagues: “Believe in what you are doing and don’t do things half-heartedly! So don’t say you’re offering ‘more’ vegetarian or vegan options, go all the way!” The two are not worried about potential competition. In fact, they would welcome it.

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Der Beitrag A hotel goes vegan, loses 80% of its regular customers and many of its employees – but still succeeds erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Is taking a sauna a sin or is it healthy?

A traditional Finnish sauna has a dry heat of about 80 degrees and only 10 percent humidity. As you can imagine, the sauna heater has to provide a considerable amount of heat. According to one energy company, you could work on your laptop for 300 to 400 hours for the electricity used in a single sauna session. (Of course, the more people who use a sauna, the “better” the ecological balance becomes).

In 2022, during the energy crisis, the topic of saunas even made it onto the German political agenda. In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Schleswig-Holstein’s state premier Daniel Günther (CDU) argued that saunas should be turned off. He said they belonged to a category of luxury that people should “voluntarily do without”. Martin Niederstein, head of the German Sauna Association, countered that saunas are a beneficial way to take care of one’s health.

Taking a sauna for your health

Several studies show the positive effects of sauna on the immune system, skin and cardiovascular system. Sauna master Manuel Greifenberg agrees that “health is the number one priority”. But it can be achieved in a sustainable way. His employer, the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel My Arbor in South Tyrol, is committed to sustainable operations and produces part of its energy needs through a large solar system on the roof.

Zero Energy Sauna

A few years ago, the University of Stuttgart caused a sensation with its “zero-energy sauna”. It is operated without a power connection and runs solely on solar energy (with a thermal energy store).

It shows that energy-hungry luxury is possible without fossil fuels and harmful emissions. Or, let us say: with a lot less.

How to make a sauna sustainable

Renewable Energy

Above all, energy is the key to an environmentally friendly sauna. The “Zero Energy Sauna”, which the University of Stuttgart presented as a world first in 2022, is now a reality. And it can be found, among other places, in the OLM Nature Escape of the Green PearlsⓇ network in South Tyrol.

“Our guests sauna in an energy neutral way, as our saunas are powered by geothermal and photovoltaic energy.” – OLM Nature Escape

The circular aparthotel in Sand in Taufers is the first energy-independent hotel in the Alps and is completely self-sufficient in terms of electricity and heating thanks to geothermal probes and solar panels. What’s more, you can enjoy a sauna in complete privacy, as some of the aparthotel suites have their own private saunas.

Survey: 43% of wellness hotels use natural gas

The situation is different in a large proportion of wellness hotels. According to a survey of wellness hotels, 43% use natural gas to heat their spa areas. This means that if you simply check into a wellness hotel, there is a good chance that a fossil fuel will be burned for your sauna session, which in its entirety has a negative impact on the environment.

Environmentally friendly wood

Another environmental aspect of saunas is the wood. Wood is a natural and biodegradable material. However, anyone who uses wood should take care to preserve the forests. This is why OLM relies on an FSC-certified supplier. The saunas are made of spruce, the apartments of larch.

Excursus: Seal for wood from sustainable forests: When it comes to sustainable certification of wood, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is currently the “only credible seal”. This is the view of Greenpeace and the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU). Even though Greenpeace left the FSC in 2018 and there are also criticisms of the FSC seal, it is still the best functioning seal for forest protection and species conservation worldwide. The main point of criticism is that FSC also certifies tropical timber. Therefore, FSC-certified wood that is NOT tropical wood is the best. The PEFC label is considered less strict and is also criticized for allowing the use of pesticides.

Here you can enjoy an environmentally friendly sauna

The wellness hotels in the Green PearlsⓇ network are characterized by the fact that they all rely on renewable energies (albeit to varying degrees). In addition, you can often experience fantastic views, natural materials and other special features.

Naturresort Gerbehof: Wood from the hotel’s own forest and green electricity

Naturresort Gerbehof is located near Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance, on the edge of its own forest property and surrounded by fruit tree plantations. The wood used for the hand-carved saunas comes directly from the resort’s own forest. Only green electricity is used throughout the resort (including the saunas). To avoid wasting electricity, the saunas are operated by appointment only.

Hotel Das Rübezahl: Event-based energy boost and self-generated electricity

The weekly calendar of the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen in the Allgäu region of Germany lists the dates for “Event Infusions & Meditation.” The infusions by sauna master Istvan (who also teaches yoga and meditation classes at the hotel) depend on the mood.

Sometimes he comes in a Rastafarian cap as Bob Marley, sometimes in a Scottish skirt and bagpipes. “Sauna should be fun,” says Istvan.

In addition to the saunas in the spa area, the hotel has rooms with private infrared saunas. According to the hotel, the saunas are heated “primarily with self-generated electricity”. If the electricity from the solar panels is not enough, the romantic wellness hotel also purchases green electricity from hydropower. Automated sauna technology also ensures that the sauna is only heated when necessary.

Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt: New sauna saves water

The family-run Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt in Switzerland built a new panoramic sauna in its spa area in 2024 – for sustainable reasons. Where there is now a sauna with a spectacular view of the Matterhorn, there used to be a hot tub that each guest could fill with 280 liters of fresh water at the touch of a button. “The water consumption was immense,” says host Fabienne Anthamatten. Zermatt is located right next to the Gorner Glacier, so you can see for yourself how the planet’s largest freshwater reserves are disappearing due to climate change. The sauna (powered by 100% green hydropower) is therefore more sustainable than the hot tub. It is only used on request during the summer.

Naturhotel Outside: Electricity from renewable sources

For a true nature vacation, the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol is the place to be. The hiking hotel is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The spa area was built with regional materials and only expanded in 2024. Now, in the summer of 2025, an extended outdoor area at the natural swimming pond awaits you. The sauna is powered exclusively by green electricity. There is an in-house photovoltaic system as well as external green electricity from hydropower.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel: rooms with private sauna

The Hotel Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm, 2,000 meters above sea level, works with a green energy provider. 90% of the electricity comes from hydropower. In addition to the various saunas in the spa area (steam sauna, Finnish sauna, straw sauna and infrared sauna), there are also “JS Wellness” rooms with their own infrared sauna right next to the bed. According to the hotel, these rooms are especially popular during the ski season. The ski slope ends right in front of the hotel – so after a sauna (and shower) you can fall right into bed 🙂

Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort: Technology for luxury and sustainability

As a 5-star hotel and operator of a 2-star restaurant, the Hotel Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort surprises with its commitment to sustainability. The resort operates three photovoltaic systems and two combined heat and power plants to generate electricity and heat. The electricity for the various saunas (including a tower sauna, a panorama sauna and an ice lounge) is generated as far as possible by the resort’s own solar panels. In addition, an advanced sauna control system heats the saunas sequentially, ensuring that there are no power peaks.

Hotel Weihrerhof: Green electricity sauna with lake view

The Hotel Weihrerhof is located directly on the shore of Lake Costalovara on the Ritten in South Tyrol. From the “Bootshaus Sauna” you have a wonderful view of the lake. In summer, young and old swim in it, and in winter it is a huge ice rink where you can watch ice skaters while sitting comfortably and warmly in the sauna. “Our saunas are energy-efficient, run on green electricity and are turned down during off-peak hours,” says host Klaus Pichler, summarizing the sustainability aspects.

APIPURA hotel rinner: A round barrel sauna saves energy

The APIPURA hotel rinner is also located on the Ritten. The hotel is committed to certified organic agriculture and the “Bio Fair Südtirol” seal. The senior owner is a beekeeper and so you will find (besides the wide range of organic honey) Apiwellness in the hotel, where you can breathe the air of the beehive. For the sauna, the Rinner family deliberately chose a barrel sauna because it is very energy efficient. The energy itself comes from a district heating plant. This plant converts waste from local wood production into energy.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: Traditional Andean Sauna in Peru

In the Peruvian Andes, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers the “Andean Sauna”, which combines wellness with local traditions. The sauna is made of granite stones and is heated by heated stones. Fresh eucalyptus leaves provide a pleasant steam. Eucalyptus is widely used in Peru. The Inkaterra Hotel Group is a pioneer in sustainable tourism in Peru. The hotel is particularly committed to biodiversity and species protection, but also relies on renewable energy sources from hydropower.

Lifestylehotel SAND: Roof top sauna

At the adults-only Lifestylehotel SAND, the sauna is a real highlight. The hotel is located in the popular Baltic Sea resort of Timmendorfer Strand, right on the beach. The hotel’s roof terrace is a wonderful place to end the day. And that’s also where you’ll find the sauna. Essential oils such as lavender, lemon and alpine herbs create a relaxing or refreshing atmosphere, and the hotel also provides sauna-goers with shower bombs, loofah sponges and fresh, homemade iced tea. Book your sauna visit in advance as a private spa. Not only will you have the sauna to yourself (and your companion), but it will only be heated when you need it.

Gut Sonnenhausen: Enjoy a sauna with a view of the paddock

Gut Sonnenhausen, south of Munich, is a converted stud farm in the midst of nature. Here, environmental pioneer Georg Schweisfurth has realized his dream of building a hotel in a listed building, surrounded by organic farming and gardens. The sauna is located outside and, like the entire complex, is powered by green energy from Green Planet Energy.

Eco-Hotel Okelmanns: Sauna by appointment in a converted shepherd’s hut

In the small town of Warpe in Lower Saxony, Germany, Okelmanns Eco-Hotel is a place of peace and relaxation. People come here for yoga retreats, mindfulness exercises, or gentle nature experiences with biking and easy hiking. The hotel has a combined heat and power plant and a photovoltaic system. An old shepherd’s hut has been converted into a sauna by the Okelmann family. A special feature is that you always have the sauna to yourself. The hosts rent the sauna exclusively per room and it is only heated for the time booked. In addition to the sauna, there is also an outdoor whirlpool to complete the wellness experience.

Hotel Klosterbräu: Seven themed saunas

Seven themed saunas await you at the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. The highlight is the completely hand-carved “Heart Sauna,” but the “Bread Sauna” with the scent of freshly baked bread is something you won’t find anywhere else. The hotel, built on the site of an old monastery, has many other fairytale features. For example, there is a “beer fountain” in the wellness area. For families, there is a non-nude sauna where children feel comfortable both in terms of temperature and dress code. The hotel heats with wood chips and optimizes its energy consumption with a digital solution in cooperation with Siemens.

Show Infusion: A crazy wellness trend takes over Europe

If you are among those who find the silence of a sauna uncomfortable, there are now hotels that have turned the infusion into a real theatrical production. Damien Gabet, an Englishman, visited several saunas in South Tyrol this year for Conde Nast Traveller. The so-called show infusion is said to have been invented there.

For example, Damien has seen performances by reigning sauna world champion Michael Niedermair and his partner Kasia Klajn. The performances are tailored to a 20-minute sauna session. In one sauna scene, for example, a red devil climbs out of a chest; there are costumes, wigs, and lots of silliness with waving towels.

“There’s something a little Eurovision about it all: embracing the art and aphorisms certainly requires you to park your Britishness (read: sarcastic, snooty) at the door – next to your pants. But it’s an impressive show and I’ve (sadly, perhaps) never had more fun in a sauna.” – Travel Journalist Damien Gabet

Show infusions in My Arbor

Sauna master Manuel Greifenberg of My Arbor also plans to compete in the sauna championships (he already has a world bodybuilding title). However, he plans to compete in the “classic waving” category at the sauna championships. “I prefer the classic version, where the infusion is an infusion and not a performance,” he explains.

 “Our infusions are a place of tranquility and reflection. My show infusions are a blend of music, scent and body graphics. The guest is always the focus.” – Saunameister Manuel Greifenberg

Our opinion: We like shows and health – but only with green electricity!

So, have you changed your mind about taking a sauna? As you can see, not only is it good for your health, but there is also a lot to see and experience. However, the question of how the sauna is powered is not insignificant. “Burning fossil fuels for energy is the main cause of climate change,” says the German Ministry of Economic Development.

That’s why we say: your health is important, and if you want, you can enjoy a show sauna. But going to the sauna doesn’t have to be at the expense of the planet! If you power it with (self produced) renewable energy sources, you can have the same fun in a green way!

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What is TCM, exactly?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a collection of healing methods (from different eras) that originated in China. The most famous of these is acupuncture, which is now in widespread use throughout the world. Elements of Taoist philosophy and some perspectives that clearly contradict Western research have not been adopted in the “West”, but a reference to “Qi” as “life energy” has.

Sustainable wellness hotels with a TCM approach

At the following Green PearlsⓇ hotels, you can discover and try TCM and other healing methods. They all share a sustainable approach to human health and, more broadly, to the health of nature.

#1 Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten – TCM expertise on the Mosel

At the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten, everything revolves around your health and relaxation – according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The hotel is fully committed to this healing method and offers a variety of treatments, from acupuncture and cupping to personalized nutrition and exercise programs.

It is best to begin your stay with a personalized analysis. Ingrid Grubisik is the hotel’s experienced TCM therapist. With her extensive training and years of practice, she will help you address your individual needs.

Personalized and sustainable

During a personal interview and physical tests, you will be given a plan for your stay (as well as for the time after you return home). This includes a nutritional plan based on the Five Elements (5 Element cuisine is also part of the hotel concept) and recommendations for appropriate exercises and treatments.

The wellness hotel on the Moselle River has several pools, a large natural swimming pond and a sauna world. The water flows in a cycle developed with a Feng Shui master from Beijing. The hotel itself is designed according to Feng Shui principles and is a confirmed place of power.

#2 SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA: Medical Qigong for Inner Balance

If you are looking for more inner balance, you are also in good hands at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb. Your host, Stephan Bode, has integrated some of Buddha’s maxims into his life and hotel concept and founded a “Selfness Center“. Here you will find a large wellness area with a thermal swimming pool and a view of the Black Forest, in addition to yoga, Black Forest baths and fast diets.

Qigong with Master Khim

Qigong is an important part of TCM. It contains elements of martial arts – but with very slow and mindful movements.

Qigong stimulates the flow of qi, or life energy. External movement and internal stillness merge according to the principle of yin and yang.

At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA you have the opportunity to book private lessons with Master Khim. He learned Qigong from Grand Master Prof. Li Shao Bo (Zhen-Qi Yun Xing Research Institute China) and is the only official representative of medical Qigong in Germany.

#3 Biohotel Grafenast: Qigong in the Tyrolean Mountains

There is another wonderful Green PearlsⓇ hotel in the Tyrolean mountains that combines Far Eastern healing methods with Western wellness treatments. Like the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten, Biohotel Grafenast was designed according to Feng Shui principles and is considered a place of power along with its surroundings.

Here you can book Qigong with Sabine as a private lesson. Her training focuses on strengthening and relaxing the spine. It stimulates the metabolism and digestion and can also help with insomnia.

• You can find out more by reading this PDF document about the range of treatments offered.

#4 ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA: Acupuncture in Sicily

Dr. Letterio Taormina is a specialist in general medicine, but has also studied the “traditional healing methods of the East”. He is trained in Chinese acupuncture and his programs combine Western medicine with TCM. The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located on a WWF protected natural beach and is a wonderfully luxurious yet naturally designed hideaway on the island of Sicily.

On offer are: Detox, Mediterranean Health, Stress Management, Sleep Therapy and Longeviti Booster

• Click here to view the health and wellness programs at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA 

Green PearlsⓇ Hotels with other traditional healing methods

There are many more sustainable hotels among our partners that offer traditional or alternative healing methods. So if TCM is not for you, but you are still looking for alternatives or complements to conventional medicine, you may find what you are looking for.

#5 OCÉANO F. X. Mayr Center: Detoxification and Regeneration

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on Tenerife combines F.X. Mayr’s therapeutic fasting with naturopathic methods such as acupuncture and oxygen therapy (as complementary treatments). Located on the north coast, the hotel offers a perfect environment for relaxation, tranquility and inner cleansing in a less touristy corner of the island. Facing the Atlantic Ocean and with a large seawater pool, the hotel has a close relationship with the sea, which is reflected in the thalassotherapy services offered at the HEALTH SPA. You will also be able to work out an exercise program with a therapist. The Health Hotel has a large fitness center and offers personal training, yoga classes and other exercise programs.

• Learn more about the F. X. Mayr program.

#6 LA VIMEA: Ayurveda and energy work in a vegan hotel

The vegan hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol focuses on Ayurveda, meditation and chakra work. This adults-only hotel has a swimming pond, indoor saltwater pool, and barrel sauna where you can relax. Daily yoga classes are offered (outdoors when the weather is nice), and you can also participate in singing bowl massages and forest bathing.

• Here you will find LA VIMEA’s yoga and meditation offers. You can also book various massages with Sylwia Patriok.
  

The hotel focuses on healthy and tasty plant-based cuisine. This can be an interesting experience even for non-vegans.

#7 STURM: Shiatsu and energetic massages

At STURM in Mellrichstadt, shiatsu treatments and holistic energetic massages help to balance the flow of energy. Shiatsu is a Japanese finger pressure massage technique and is performed at STURM by shiatsu practitioners Carmen and Sabine.

Nestled in the Rhön, the hotel is an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries. The STURM has a large wellness area with a garden sauna, a house of silence and a swimming pond.

• Here you will find the wellness treatment program such as 1:1 breathing sessions or day retreats.

#8 Keemala, Phuket: Thai Rainforest Retreats

Keemala Resort offers customized retreats with holistic healing treatments, soothing massages and movement exercises. The tranquil setting in the middle of a tropical rainforest promotes sustainable healing. A leader in plastic-free and zero-waste practices, the resort also offers healthy, creative cuisine sourced from its own garden.

• Learn more about the retreats: Purify, Energize, Unwind and Rejuvenate

Why should you combine your vacation with TCM?

A vacation is the perfect opportunity to take care of yourself and balance your body and mind. In our busy lives, we often neglect to take the time to really listen to our needs, but this is the key to long-term wellness. According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is regained when inner harmony and balance are restored. This is what you can experience at a hotel specializing in TCM (or other healing modalities).

We hope that you have found the right place among the hotels presented here – for a break that will have an impact not only on your vacation, but also on your everyday life.

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Peace and relaxation through singing bowls

“The massages bring about a state of absolute relaxation that is unique. Even highly stressed people find peace within a short time.” That is how Maren Geisler-Okelmann of the Yoga-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe describes the effect of the singing bowls. The hostess is a trained yoga teacher and conducts sound therapy according to Peter HessⓇ in her courses and retreats. The Peter HessⓇ Institute is only 7 km from Warpe!

Singing bowl massage according to Peter HessⓇ

The singing bowl massage, which is a wellness trend in many places today, was developed by Peter Hess about 30 years ago. The German engineer for physical technology came into contact with singing bowls during his travels in Nepal.

According to the institute’s website, he “succeeded in adapting ancient Far Eastern knowledge from the Himalayas about sound and rhythm and their healing effects on body, mind, and soul to the needs of people in Western societies.”

It is not entirely clear how singing bowls were originally used. Some researchers even suggest that they were simply used as cooking utensils and that the tradition was “invented” later on. Others suggest that singing bowls once played an important role in Buddhism – but that the tradition has been lost.

The Peter HessⓇ Institute (PHI) now has 16 academies in 14 countries and claims to have trained approximately 10,000 people in the Peter Hess Sound Massage Method (protected in Europe).

How does a singing bowl massage work?

During a Peter HessⓇ singing bowl massage, several singing bowls are placed on the (clothed) body and sounded. The bowls, which are cast in brass or bronze, produce a gong-like sound with fine vibrations. These vibrations are transmitted to the body and are said to “release blockages” and lead to relaxation. Both physical (muscle relaxation) and mental. A singing bowl massage usually lasts between 30 and 90 minutes.

“Circling thoughts come to rest,” reports Maren vom Okelmann’s. One enters a “pleasant state in which one can let go.” The vibrations emanating from the singing bowls spread through the skin, tissues, bones, organs, and fluids of the body, creating a “gentle, internal massage.”

“Experiencing sound is a wonderful and healing thing.” – Maren Geisler-Okelmann

👉Here you can book a sound massage at Okelmann’s.

Difference between singing bowl massage and a sound bath

In some wellness and yoga hotels, you can have a sound bath in addition to a singing bowl massage. The difference is:

For a singing bowl massage, the bowls are placed on the body, while for a sound bath, the bowls are placed in the room.

A sound bath is especially suitable for groups. The vibrations of the gong are transferred from the bowl to the body.

At the Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol, a sound bath in small groups is part of the weekly program, and you can also book a “singing bowl massage with Sabine” at any time. 60 minutes cost 85 Euro and 90 minutes 120 Euro.

At Biohotel Grafenast you can experience a great combination of a Tyrolean nature vacation with an Alpine panorama and Far Eastern relaxation methods. The family-run hotel and its surroundings have been designed according to Feng Shui as a place of power, and yoga and Qigong classes are also available.

As part of its in-house treatments, the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu offers both a sound bath and a sound massage. The cost for a 50-minute sound bath is 120 euros alone and 180 euros with another person.

The sustainable hotel in Balderschwang practices an “Ayurvedic lifestyle” – both in the wellness area and in the culinary arts. The sounds and vibrations of the singing bowls are considered to be energy that “can set every single cell in the body vibrating.” This is believed to have a healing effect.

👉For more information, visit HUBERTUS Ayurveda.

Sound baths in the Italian ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges weekly program

The sustainable and luxurious ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges in Italy also believe in the benefits of sound baths and have made them an integral part of their wellness programs.

“At ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, we offer the ‘Gong Sound’ experience every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday,” the team explains. “This treatment uses the slow, rhythmic beats of the gong, punctuated by brief moments of silence.”

At the ADLER Lodge Ritten* the Klangbad takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. The location on the Ritten plateau in South Tyrol is ideal for combining an active vacation in nature with wellness.

“You may find yourself taking a short but sweet nap during the sound treatments. The gentle sounds promote such a deep relaxation that a relaxed sleep is simply part of the experience, making it even more intense.” – ADLER Lodge RITTEN

Sound bath as an included service

The German hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region, like ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges, offers sound baths as an included weekly program. In addition to the sound massage sessions, yoga and Qigong are also offered.

Meditation with singing bowls

Some Green PearlsⓇ hotels combine singing bowls with meditation. For example, the spa at CERVO Mountain Resort Zermatt in Switzerland offers a “singing bowl meditation” as part of its weekly yoga and meditation program. The sound bath helps calm the mind and release tension in the body. Guests leave feeling “more balanced and serene.”

My Arbor* near Brixen in South Tyrol offers both singing bowl massage and singing bowl meditation.

“It is a special form of relaxation that many of our guests love. They report feeling a deep sense of calm and lightness during the singing bowl treatment.” – Hotel My Arbor

What is the difference between a singing bowl massage and a singing bowl meditation?

The Keemala Resort on the island of Phuket in Thailand has answered this question. According to the resort, singing bowl massage is more about relaxing the muscles and stimulating circulation, while singing bowl meditation focuses on the mind. The goal of meditation is to achieve “mental clarity” through sounds and vibrations.

Sound Healing Retreats

If you want to delve deeper into the world of singing bowl healing, there are also a few retreats available. The Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa hosted its first “Sound Healing Retreat” with Lisa Schuster, a physician and sound therapist from Munich. The three-night retreat included various sound baths, singing bowl massage, singing bowl meditation, toning exercises, yoga, and a cocoa ceremony.

At the Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich, Germany, singing bowls and cocoa ceremonies were also combined during the “Finding Peace Day Retreat” held in the fall of 2024. The retreat was led by Thails de la Paz, who works regularly with the Sonnenhausen Estate.

Sustainable wellness hotels with a Far Eastern touch

Yoga, mindfulness, TCM, Ayurveda, singing bowls – much of the modern Western lifestyle has its origins in East Asia. In addition to the Okelmann’s, Grafenast, and HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio hotels already mentioned, the Green PearlsⓇ hotels, which are sustainably and individually managed, include many others inspired by Far Eastern culture.

Stephan Bode, owner of the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, Germany, draws his personal strength from the words of Buddha and has integrated a Selfness Center into the hotel. Here, guests are offered mindfulness training, resilience, forest bathing, and fasting cures. Singing bowl massages are an optional extra.

Heiner Buckermann designed the entire Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten in Bernkastel-Kues on the Mosel River according to Feng Shui (with the help of a Chinese master). He also integrated a TCM center into the hotel. He places great importance on the 5 elements and wants the life energy Qi to flow freely throughout the hotel.

Among the treatments available at the TCM Center is a singing bowl massage based on the 5 elements.

“Based on the five elements of traditional Chinese medicine, the goal is to achieve a healing balance of the organs, which stimulates the organism to regenerate itself. By placing and striking the body with singing bowls of different sizes, (…) qi, blood and emotions can flow freely again.” – Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten

A 30-minute sound massage costs 47 euros.

Singing bowl massage in Nepal

The Himalayan region of Nepal is where Peter Hess was introduced to singing bowls and where the trend that is sweeping the West began. At the Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm you can experience the original Nepalese version of the singing bowl treatment.

The sustainably managed resort is known for its yoga classes with Yogi Shyam Gurung, who we featured in our Yoga for pros blog post. His retreats are not only about physical exercises but also about a theoretical, traditional understanding of yoga.

Sound bowls are used here in conjunction with meditation, Reiki, self-healing, and Ayurvedic treatments.

“We offer yoga, meditation, and sound bowl sessions either as individual sessions or in small groups that know each other well,” the resort says.

Singing bowl massage in Cambodia

In Cambodia, you can receive a singing bowl massage at the Farmhouse Smiling Gecko. Buddhism is the state religion and singing bowls have a long tradition in Buddhism. It is said that singing bowls existed at the time of the historical Buddha. However, little is known about their exact origin and original meaning.

At the luxurious Farmhouse Smiling Gecko Resort, you can experience the country authentically while supporting the Smiling Gecko Project. It supports the local population through training centers, a school, organic farming, and fair employment.

Sound bowl meditation and science

Finally, it is important to note that the effectiveness of a singing bowl massage is not scientifically proven and falls within the realm of alternative medicine. However, you may find that sometimes a beautiful sound is more pleasant than a long speech 🙂

*CIN: IT021072A1QCJQTLUQ (ADLER Lodge Ritten)

*CIN: IT021011A1AE4737IT (My Arbor)

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How can I fast in a sustainable way?

Fasting (we are referring to therapeutic fasting, not religious fasting) means going without food for a period of time, either completely or partially, to give the body time to detoxify and cleanse itself. A desired effect is that after fasting you will eat more consciously and perhaps use food and other resources more consciously.

👉 You can read our article “Sustainable fasting?” here, where we explain different types of fasting, give you tips for your fasting cure, and also discuss what this has to do with sustainability.

Therapeutic fasting is one of the options for a healthy and conscious lifestyle. Therefore, it makes sense to choose a sustainable hotel for your fasting vacation. By combining your fasting cure with a stay in a sustainable hotel, you can be sure that aspects such as sustainable energy production, CO2 reduction and organic food are taken into account.

Why combine fasting and vacations at all?

Of course, you can do a healing fast at home on your own – and even go to work and go about your usual daily routine. But anyone who’s tried it (like me) will tell you it’s not the best idea. Often you don’t just want to avoid food, but you also want to take a step back from other things and find some time to rest and reflect.

Many people associate vacations with fun and “indulging” – but taking care of your health while traveling has become a trend, and indulging and enjoying increasingly means doing what is good for you.

Fasting on vacation is easier and has many advantages:

• You are in a group of like-minded people who have the same goal as you.
• There is professional (medical) guidance and support.
• Fasting food is available depending on the type of fast. So you don’t have to worry about shopping or cooking.
• An accompanying program with easy hikes, yoga, meditation, forest bathing, etc. will support your regeneration.
  Beautiful surroundings and wellness services will make your fast a real vacation.

How much does a fasting vacation cost?

For a hotel fasting retreat, including accommodation, fasting meals, support, spa and program, you should expect to pay around 1000 Euros per week. You can find an approximate price for each hotel here in the article. Exact prices are available through the links provided or upon request.

Fasting vacation in Tenerife 2025 according to F. X. Mayr

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on Tenerife has an affiliated F.X. Mayr Center – especially for fasting guests! This means that when you come here, you can enjoy the amenities of the hotel, such as the swimming pool, seawater pool, gym and yoga classes – but when it comes to “eating” and other activities, you will only be with other people who are fasting. You will be cared for by trained therapists and doctors in a picturesque setting between the Atlantic Ocean and volcanic mountains.

In 2025, three types of fasting cures will be offered:

• Classic (Ideal for beginners | for intestinal cleansing, stomach problems and as a fresh start)
• Detox (Focus on detoxification, abdominal treatment and bowel activation, especially for irritable bowel syndrome)
• Active (Combined with an exercise and training program designed specifically for you based on your fitness level)

Dates in 2025: Classic: 14 or 21 days; Detox: 10, 14 or 21 days; Active: 10, 14 or 21 days – All treatments are available year round.

Price: For example, a classic 14-day fast starts at 1,660 euros per person.

Sustainable fasting vacation in Germany 2025

#1 Fasting in a healing climate in SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

In Germany, the Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA focuses on “selfness” and fasting. It is located in the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb (which also has a healing spring) and has its own thermal swimming pool. You can see the Black Forest through the hotel’s large panoramic windows.

During a fasting cure at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, you will be accompanied by daily fasting talks and receive a special program with guided hikes, forest bathing and mindfulness impulses.

In 2025, two 6-night fasting cures will be offered:

• Fasting cure according to Dr. Buchinger
• Fasting cure with an alkaline diet

Dates in 2025: From January to December 2025, there will be several monthly dates for a one-week fasting cure at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Click here for an overview:

Price: from 1,020 euros per person (6 nights)

#2 Alkaline fasting at Gerbehof Nature Resort

The Naturresort Gerbehof is a family-run organic hotel on the German side of Lake Constance. Here you will be surrounded by orchards and forests and enjoy natural furnishings with lots of wood. There are guided alkaline fasting retreats where you avoid not only acidic foods, but also other “acidic” things like stress. Bioenergetic motivation according to Viktor Philippi is integrated.

For 2025 there are:

• Alkaline Fasting Cures (5 Nights or 7 Nights)
• MyDetox: A web-based program (app) that prepares you for your fast three days before you arrive at the Gerbehof and provides you with tips, recipes, and shopping lists for an alkaline lifestyle afterward.

Dates 2025: All year round. Some time flexibility is an advantage, as dates are set upon request.

Price: From 740 Euros (5 nights)

#3 Liver fasting at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

At Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Dr. Andreas Färber combines his medical health center with a wellness hotel. The location in the Berchtesgadener Land is not only ideal for hiking, but with its alpine nature it also provides the perfect setting for fasting retreats.

During your fasting retreat, you will enjoy the personal attention of your host, Dr. Andreas Färber, and his team of nutritional specialists.

Liver fasting according to Dr Worm

Together with TV-nutrition expert Isabell Heßmann, Dr. Andreas Färber offers regular group retreats on liver fasting according to Dr Worm. Liver fasting helps to prevent fatty liver and high cholesterol levels and is the ideal way to get rid of bad eating habits.

Liver fasting according to Dr Nicolai Worm involves 3 daily meals (shakes) and 2 snack times (vegetables). This helps to keep your insulin levels constantly low and thus promotes the breakdown of fat in the liver.

You will be supported throughout the entire fasting week and receive additional cookery events, lectures, materials and your progress will be reviewed individually.

Dates 2025: The next retreat will take place from 16 – 23 March 2025. Click here to book.

Price: from 1,820 euros per person in a double room / 2,443 euros per person in a double room (7 nights)

Fasting vacation at the Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol

High up in the Biohotel Grafenast, you have a magnificent view of the Inn Valley. The panorama is truly uplifting and an ideal setting for a physical and mental reset.

The family-run hotel has just 23 rooms and includes a spa area with several saunas and a beautiful meditation and yoga room.

Dates in 2025:

• April 4-12, 2025: Ayurvedic Fasting Week with Yoga
  
• October 2025: Buchinger Fasting Hike or Alkaline Fasting (exact date to be announced)

Price: Seminar costs for the Ayurvedic fasting week in April: 420 euros, accommodation and fasting meals from 123 euros per day

Sustainable hotels that support you during your customized fasting program

If you don’t need a group for your fasting cure, but would like to have individual support and a pleasant vacation atmosphere for yourself, then this is possible, for example, at the CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland. If you wish, you can have your personal fasting program designed and carried out here. Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, is car-free and considered one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. The resort has a beautiful spa area with a wide range of treatments to support your fasting program.

Individual fasting is also possible at My Arbor* in South Tyrol on the Plose. “We are happy to support our guests who are fasting,” says the adults-only hotel. Special dietary requirements are part of the “My Concept”, where guests are individually catered for and staff trained accordingly.

A final tip for fasting

You should do a therapeutic fasting program in an appropriate setting and not squeeze it into your daily routine. It is said:

“When we are young, we waste our health to make money, and when we are old, we spend our money on health.”

It doesn’t have to be this way. Fasting for health is primarily for healthy people and is a preventative measure that can benefit people with poor eating habits, overweight, stress, and digestive problems. The money you spend on a fasting vacation is therefore an investment in your own health and can contribute to a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle in general.

*CIN Code: IT021011A1AE4737IT (My Arbor)

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Why I love hotel restaurants

Some hotel restaurants have a separate entrance for external guests, while others require you to enter through the hotel lobby. You may also have to wait there for a while before being shown to your table in the restaurant. I love hotel lobbies: it’s a bit like an airport or train station, but much more intimate and cosy. You see lots of different faces, tourists from different countries, business travellers, lovers… yes, I admit it, ‘people watching’ is one of my private hobbies. 🙂

The holiday feeling

So order a drink in the lobby and soak up the atmosphere. As many of the guests are on holiday, a bit of holiday spirit and atmosphere will rub off on you! When my children were younger, we were always allowed to take the lift in the hotels 🙂 (After asking politely, of course). That way you can soak up a bit more of the hotel atmosphere.

Many hotel restaurants feature stunning decor, with large panoramic windows offering breathtaking views or intentionally traditional furnishings, creating the ambiance of a private cultural museum.

The hotelier’s family often runs the kitchen

Finally, in family-run hotels, the kitchen is often run by the owners themselves or one of their children. It’s a classic scenario: one child studies business and the other becomes a chef (or yoga teacher, ayurvedic trainer, spa manager, etc.). I like the fact that the owner or the son or daughter of the host family personally does the cooking.

Our picks for sustainable hotel restaurants around the world

#1 UN – The Farmhouse Smiling Gecko’s Restaurant and Chef Mariya Un Noun, Cambodia

Fine dining and a rediscovery of almost lost Khmer cuisine – all at UN Restaurant, about 60 kilometres from Phnom Penh. The restaurant is owned by our Green PearlsⓇ partner Farmhouse Smiling Gecko.

Mariya Un Noun runs the restaurant, and I highly recommend reading this Gault Millau article about her. Raised in the slums of Cambodia, sold into marriage, and later abandoned, she has transformed her life through Smiling Gecko. After training with top chefs in Europe, her restaurant is now praised by Gault Millau as ‘one of the best in Cambodia.’

What can you eat here? For example, fish with different kinds of lemongrass.

Link: UN Restaurant

#2 Mala Restaurant at Keemala Resort, Phuket, Thailand

“We welcome external guests. At the sustainable Mala Restaurant you can enjoy organically grown fresh produce, environmentally friendly (zero waste) practices and a unique atmosphere.” – Keemala

The Mala Restaurant at Keemala is beautifully situated in the middle of a tropical forest in Thailand and has been decorated with natural materials from the region. The resort is owned by a family from Phuket (not common in Thailand where there are many foreign investors).

What can you eat here? Thai and international dishes with an Indian twist (the chef is from India)

Link: Mala Restaurant

#3 Organic Fine Dining at The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, Nepal

Another very special hotel restaurant to visit as an external guest is the farm-to-table restaurant at The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm. This luxurious resort, located at the foot of the Himalayas, sits on an organic farm, providing fresh, farm-to-table food directly from its own grounds.

“We only use regional and seasonal ingredients,” they tell us. They are also part of the Slow Food movement.

What can you eat here? A weekly changing menu with fresh produce from the farm

Link: Farm-To-Table Restaurant The Pavilions Himalayas

#4 Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt – Cosy dining in Switzerland

For a more down-to-earth atmosphere and a cosy, intimate setting, try the restaurant at Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt. This small boutique hotel offers you the choice of sitting on the terrace or in front of the panoramic window with views of the Matterhorn.

Info: To avoid excessive food waste, external guests can only dine here by prior arrangement.

What can you eat here? Cheese fondue, tarte flambée, Valaisan platter or homemade soups cooked by the host mother.

Link: Hausgemachtes in Home cooked cuisine in Zermatt

Hotel restaurants in Germany you should know

In Germany there are six of our sustainable Green Pearls hotel restaurants where you can dine as an external guest.

#1 New German cuisine’ at the 2-star Eisvogel restaurant at Birkenhof***** Spa & Gourmet Resort, Upper Palatinate

Obendorfer’s Eisvogel was founded by chef Hubert Obendorfer, who over time earned two Michelin stars. In 2022, his son Sebastian Obendorfer took over the kitchen – and immediately managed to maintain the two-star level.

If you would like to combine a gourmet weekend with a wellness weekend at the Birkenhof ***** Spa & Genussresort, we recommend our blog article about a 7-star gourmet weekend, in which we introduce you to the Birkenhof and its restaurant.

What can you eat here? “New German cuisine” at its best

Link: Obendorfers Eisvogel

#2 Otto|s organic restaurant at STURM in Mellrichstadt

Every day from 6pm to 9pm, Otto|s from the STURM offers a unique open kitchen concept that combines 100% organic ingredients with a seasonal focus. The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs prepare dishes and gives you the chance to chat with them as they work.

What can you eat here? Vegetarian, vegan, fish or meat, with variety and freshness.

Link: Otto|s

#3 Slow Food at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu

HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu lies in the beautiful mountains of Balderschwang. The cuisine not only follows the Slow Food concept, but also has a strong Ayurvedic influence, which you will notice in the spices used by chef Kristian Knölke. They warmly welcome external guests and serve them the same menu as house guests. The same applies to the breakfast and lunch buffets.

What can you eat here? Regional Allgäu cuisine with a touch of Ayurveda.

Link: Culinary Mountain Experience

#4 Enjoy a changing menu at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Bayerisch Gmain

As an external guest at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, you can enjoy an evening menu created by Head Chef Sascha Förster. There are three menus to choose from every day (‘Chefs Choice’, ‘Mountain Meadow’ and ‘Cabbage & Turnips’), which you can mix and match. The ‘Cabbage & Turnips’ menu is purely vegetarian and therefore suitable for vegans.

Info: External guests can only attend by prior arrangement

What to eat here: Creative alpine homestyle cuisine

Link: Klosterhof Restaurant

#5 Romantic dinner at the Hotel Rübezahl in Schwangau, near Füssen

Hotel Das Rübezahl recently revised its culinary concept, and the Restaurant Louis II now serves both cosmopolitan dishes and authentic regional cuisine. They source their meat and dairy products from grazing animals in the Allgäu region.

As a special highlight, you can book a candlelight dinner in the Zirbenstube every day. A 5-course menu awaits you (and your loved one) in a romantic atmosphere.

What can you eat here? Allgäu classics such as Kässpatzen or Wiener Schnitzel, as well as vegan dishes with sweet potato or couscous.

Link: Restaurant Louis II

#6 Planet healthy enjoyment at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, Bad Herrenalb

“At least 90% of the food and drink we serve is organic.” – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA takes its name from the magnificent panoramic views of the Black Forest from the restaurant and terrace. In the evening, both hotel guests and external guests can enjoy a three-course gourmet dinner or dine à la carte. What’s special about this restaurant is that it strives to keep the carbon footprint of its dishes as small as possible, in line with the ‘Planet Healthy‘ diet. The menu shows the CO2 emissions generated by each dish. They also clearly mark Vegan dishes.

What can you eat here? Planet Healthy meals made with fresh local organic produce. Fish, pasta, vegetable dishes, burgers.

Link: Restaurant La Vie

#7 FARMER’S CLUB Restaurant with live music at Gut Sonnenhausen

The FARMER’S CLUB restaurant at Gut Sonnenhausen near Munich is only open to outside guests once a month – on the first Wednesday of the month. But on these evenings you can expect more than just a good meal.

What can you eat here? Organic dishes from the fire kitchen (accompanied by live music)

Link: Wednesday music at the Farmer’s Club Restaurant

Fabulous (vegan) hotel restaurants in South Tyrol

Vegan restaurants are becoming increasingly popular, but vegan-only hotels are still a rarity. South Tyrol has two – the first in northern Italy!

#1 LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel – 5-course dinner, Naturns

LA VIMEA* in Naturns is an adults-only hotel. The vegan gourmet cuisine is known for its exciting colour and flavour combinations and delights with beautifully arranged plates, sometimes including fresh flowers. The restaurant also follows zero-waste principles and has a ‘no plastic policy’.

Info: The cost of a five-course dinner for external guests is €77 (excluding drinks). You must make reservations at least 24 hours in advance.

What can you eat here? Gourmet, organic, vegan (food intolerances catered for).

Link: LA VIMEA Vegan Restaurant

#2 Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel – Vegan pizza on the Seiser Alm

The Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel** is situated at an altitude of over 2,000 metres, right on the slopes of the Dolomiti Superski area. The restaurant can be reached on skis in winter and on mountain bikes or hiking boots in summer. There is a large outdoor terrace and a cosy indoor restaurant. All food and drinks are 100% vegan. The kitchen concept has recently been overhauled by Aggeliki Charami in 2024. The Greek vegan chef is a social media celebrity and a pioneer of modern vegan cuisine.

What can you eat here? The hotel tells us that the vegan pizzas on the terrace are a particular highlight. They are baked in a special pizza oven. There are also a variety of vegan dishes and delicious desserts.

Link: Paradiso Pure.Food Restaurant

#3 Dining at the elegant My Arbor tree hotel near Brixen

“We welcome external guests to book a table for dinner in our hotel restaurant. Our head chef, Matthias Hinteregger, offers an exclusive seven-course menu of your choice, freshly prepared every day.” – MY ARBOR

‌About a 15-minute drive from Brixen, My Arbor is a wellness hotel built on stilts in the treetops. The adults-only hotel is both sustainable and luxurious.

What can you eat here? The menu changes daily and is based on different themes. Example: ‘We love South Tyrol’ day or ‘Bella Italia’ day.

Link: Restaurant Plose

Hotel-Restaurants of our Green PearlsⓇ partners in Austria

Austria also has great sustainable hotels with excellent restaurants. Again, our partner hotels focus on regional and organic produce.

#1 Outside Nature Hotel – Award-winning natural cuisine in Matrei, East Tyrol

In 2024, the restaurant at Naturhotel Outside earned 3 Falstaff Forks (90 points) and welcomes external guests year-round. Situated in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, this family-run hotel stays close to nature, a value clearly reflected in its restaurant.

What can you eat here? 6-course gourmet menu plus à la carte classics such as Wiener Schnitzel or East Tyrolean specialities such as Schlipfkrapfen (click here for the recipe).

Link: Outside Restaurant

#2 Lunch at Café Veranda at Gut Guntrams near Vienna

Café Veranda was also honoured by Falstaff in 2024, receiving 89 points in the Falstaff Café Guide. Gut Guntrams in Schwarzau/Steinfeld is surrounded by fruit trees. There is also a “Edelmacherei with farm shop’ and a crystal garden.

Info: The café is open to external guests on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays (opening hours 8.30-16.00).

What can you eat here? Game dishes and homemade cakes made from in-house produce.

Link: Cafe Restaurant Veranda

#3 Dinner at the Biohotel Grafenast with views of the valley, Tyrol

Biohotel Grafenast is located in Pill, overlooking the Tyrolean Inn Valley. It has a cosy, wood-panelled restaurant and an original parlour from the early days. The menu changes with the seasons and there is a daily dinner menu – all organic.

What can you eat here: Think game and dumplings with fresh mountain herbs.

Link: Grafenaster Organic-Restaurant

#4 Dining in the brewery cellar of the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld

Hotel Klosterbräu has been owned by the Seyrling family for over 200 years, with nine members of the family looking after guests. Among its special features is the hotel’s own brewery. Outside, guests can enjoy culinary delights in the 500-year-old vaults of the former monastery. There is a brewery cellar, a wine cellar and a grill house where they grill meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes. For a romantic dinner for two, you can also book your own ‘flying dinner’ on the Romeo and Juliet balcony.

What can you eat here? Barbecue specialities, tapas, rustic dishes, Austrian country cuisine.

Link: Culinary delights at the Hotel Klosterbräu

Sustainable gastronomy against food waste

Food waste is a huge problem in the hospitality industry. Some hotels appallingly stack food on ‘all-you-can-eat’ buffets without considering how much will end up wasted. Once food has been on the guests’ tables or the buffet, it cannot be reused. As a matter of principle, I do not attend such buffets and “offers”.

On Green PearlsⓇ you can see what each accommodation is doing to prevent food waste in the ‘Green Initiatives’ section. In addition to good planning and inventory management, many use their kitchen ‘waste’ to make homemade stocks and syrups and maintain a compost heap.

Some use cooked food left over by guests to produce biogas. Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm follows the Slow Food concept, actively working to minimize food waste. Any leftover food is either fed to the farm animals or fed into its on-site biogas plant, which in turn powers the kitchen.

Sustainable hotels that do not run their own agriculture, such as the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, Germany, provide cooked food waste to ‘ReFood’, which uses it to produce electricity, heat, fertiliser or biodiesel.

Local ingredients in the restaurants of Green PearlsⓇ hotels

Another major advantage of hotel restaurants in sustainable hotels is the regional nature of the products. The benefits are obvious:

• 0-km products cause almost no CO2 emissions from transport and storage
• Absolutely fresh (no need for modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), where the ripening process takes place in plastic)
• Strengthening regional agriculture
• Relying on strong partnerships and fair wages

There are also a growing number of star chefs (such as three-star chef Norbert Niederkofler from South Tyrol) who focus entirely on regional produce. But this also requires the courage to banish ‘exoticism’ from the kitchen. Unfortunately, many diners still expect exactly that.

Take the cheese platter in Germany. They think: ‘Oh, how nice, a fresh fig with it’. And they forget that this ‘premium fig’ has come out of a box in which each one is wrapped in thick plastic. Maybe it came by boat, or maybe it came by plane. Then it was transported by lorry. A piece of pear or cranberry could have created the same ‘wow’ effect – without travelling as far!

Sustainable cooks think about these things, and as a consumer you can support them by choosing a restaurant!

CIN:Codes

*CIN: IT021056A1J4HHYSU4 (LA VIMEA)

**CIN: IT021019A16MFGOUCR (Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel)

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Tips for a successful spa day at home

Before you begin your spa day, there are a few things you should be aware of and prepare for in order to get the most out of your spa experience:

• Do all your chores (laundry, dishes, etc.) in advance so that nothing distracts you from your rest. If you can’t: close the kitchen door, put the laundry basket in a room you rarely enter, and give yourself permission to ignore these “chores. The laundry won’t get worse if you leave it until tomorrow.
• Plan ahead and make sure you won’t be disturbed. Take a day off when the children are in school or daycare, tell your partner and/or roommates that you do not want to be disturbed.
• Create a pleasant atmosphere with passive lighting and candles, and perhaps set the room temperature a little higher to make it more relaxing.
• Make a cozy corner with pillows and blankets
• Relax further with herbal tea and a good book

DIY instructions and recipes for face masks, body scrubs, and herbal stamps

Have you noticed that all eyes are on South Korea right now when it comes to skin care? The trend is called “K-beauty” and is extremely popular on social media and in stores. Korean skin care often includes rice as an ingredient.

K-Beauty Rice-Mask DIY

Here’s how to make a very simple DIY Korean rice mask that’s currently going viral on TikTok:

Ingredients:

• 1 small cup of rice (e.g. jasmine rice)
• 3 small cups of water

Preparation and use:

• Wash the rice 3 times
• Boil with the water (without salt)
• Puree the cooked rice in a blender (add more water depending on the desired consistency)
• Allow to cool and apply to face.
• Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes
• Rinse off

The DIY rice mask will last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator.

However, the K-beauty trend threatens to get out of hand. For example, there is the “10-Step Korean Skincare Routine,” which requires you to buy ten different products, each costing over 50 Euros (depending on the brand, of course). We’d rather use the DIY mask J

DIY beauty from Thailand – Recipes from the Mala Spa in Phuket

Keemala is one of the most unique resorts in Thailand. Located on the island of Phuket, it consists of several villas (all with private pools) surrounded by a natural tropical forest. They also offer a variety of massages and spa treatments (if you are interested, you can find the Mala Spa’s 16-page spa menu here).

For a spa day at home, Keemala sent us the following recipes:

#1 Soothing and hydrating mask

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
• ½ teaspoon honey
• squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation and use:

• Mix all the ingredients together.
• Apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water

#2 Keemala DIY body scrub for clear skin

Ingredients:

• Sea salt (alternative: sugar)
• Coconut oil
• A few drops of essential oil (lavender or eucalyptus)

Preparation and use:

• Gently massage onto wet skin in the shower.
• Rinse off

#3 Magnesium sulfate foot bath (Espom Salt)

Ingredients:

• Foot bath tub of warm water
• ½ cup magnesium sulfate-also known as Epsom or Espuma salt (available at pharmacies or well-stocked drugstores)
• A few drops of essential oil (your favorite scent)

Preparation and use:

• Add Espuma salt and oil to the warm water
• Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes

“ The foot bath helps you relax and softens the skin of your fee” – Keemala

The footbath is also a great base for other foot treatments in your day spa, such as callus removal and pedicures. Afterwards, apply a thick layer of cream to your feet (see below for skin care brand tips).

DIY: Herb stamps for a wellness day at home

Maslina Resort is located directly on the coast of the Croatian island of Hvar in the Adriatic Sea. The hotel stands for “Mindful Luxury” and focuses on comfort in harmony with nature. Naturally, the spa facilities are designed with sustainability and mindfulness in mind. The Garden to Skin service applies oils and herbs from the hotel garden directly to the skin.

For your spa day at home, the spa team recommends relaxing herbal pouches.

Ingredients:

• Fresh medicinal herbs from your own garden or purchased. Rosemary, thyme, lavender and ginger are the perfect blend for relaxation and boosting the immune system.

Preparation:

• Cut a soft cloth (such as an old shirt) into squares about 6 inches square.
• Wash the herbs, remove the twigs, and place the leaves in the center of the cloth square.
• Then form a bundle and tie with string to make small herb stamps.
• Bring water to a boil and place the herbal pouches in a steamer basket over the hot water. The pouches themselves should remain dry.

Alternative: You can also lightly moisten the stamps and microwave them for about 2 minutes until they are very warm.

How to use:

• Have a friend or partner place the herbal pouches along your spine, applying gentle pressure, and relax.

Sustainable products to buy for your home spa

Consider using skin care products for your at-home day spa. Many of our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ hotel partners produce their own natural cosmetics, which you can purchase at the properties or online.

#1 BergSea cosmetics from the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol

The Hotel Weihrerhof is located at 1,200 meters above sea level on the Ritten in South Tyrol, directly on the Wolfgruben Lake. The lake is considered one of the cleanest in Italy, and the water from the mountain lake is the basis for the cosmetic line. Other natural ingredients from the region, such as hay and Swiss stone pine, are used as well. The range includes products such as natural soap, body milk, shower gel and foot cream at fair prices.

👉 Here you can find the BergSea online store

#2 Italian natural cosmetics from ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges

The ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges consist of several sustainably managed properties from northern Italy (ADLER Lodge RITTEN) to the south of the country (ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA). The owner’s family ensures that each property reflects its location, for example by building with local materials and using local foods in the kitchen.

The different regions of Italy are also reflected in the luxury natural cosmetics line: grapes from Tuscany, mountain flowers from South Tyrol and citrus fruits from Sicily. Whether you are looking for care, detoxification or regeneration, there is something for every skin type!

“ Our cosmetics line is our contribution to a holistic, nature-loving life.” – ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges

👉 Here you will find the ADLER Online Shop.

#3 Vegan cosmetics from CERVO Mountain Resort

CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland, has a special style and fragrance. It combines Swiss mountain culture with a modern nomadic lifestyle at the highest level, for which the resort has already received several architectural awards.

The Mountain Ashram Spa is also very special, combining a variety of cultures in its treatments.

“ Guests can purchase our wellness products and try some of the spa treatments at home” – CERVO Mountain Resort

One such example is the Mountain Ashram Detox Body Scrub with pine needles and sage. It refines the skin and increases circulation (through massage).

How to use:

• Massage the body scrub into wet skin in the shower.
• Start at the feet and massage in circular motions towards the heart.
• Massage for about 5 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water

👉 Click here to visit the CERVO Online Store

#4 Energy products and cosmetics according to Viktor Philippi at Gerbehof Natural Resort

The family of the Gerbehof Nature Resort practices the bioenergetic method of Philippi. This includes “bioenergetic motivation” and “stress reduction motivation”. For the latter, for example, you can book stress-relieving massages at the resort using special massage stamps and stones (onyx stones, black basalt, white jade stones).

“ We sell energy products (CDs and crystals) by V. Philippi and provide instructions on how to use them at home as a biomotivation to further strengthen your own health.” – Naturresort Gerbehof

Recommended amenity brands from sustainable hotels

Hotels that do not manufacture natural cosmetics purchase those they believe in for their spa or as room amenities.

Note: I am providing links to cosmetic brands and their stores as a service to you – neither we nor the hotels receive commissions or other benefits.

#5 The Lifestylehotel SAND on the Baltic Sea coast opts for “Björk & Berries”

When you stay at the Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea, you will find sustainable amenities in your room in the form of products from the Swedish company “Björk & Berries”.

“ Nordic, sustainable, refillable and stylish,” says host Marion Muller.

👉 Find Björk & Berries here

#6 Ayurvedic treatments and natural cosmetics at Biohotel Grafenast

The Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol is a wonderful place for a relaxing vacation in nature and hiking and pampers its guests (after their outdoor adventures) with spa and wellness treatments. Ayurveda plays an important role here.

To extend your spa experience, you can purchase the various cosmetic products used by Biohotel Adler at the on-site shop. These include the Argan d’or brand.

👉 Click here for Argan d’or natural cosmetics

#7 TEAM DR. JOSEPH natural cosmetic products at our Green PearlsⓇ partners

Many of our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ hotels and vacation homes rely on certified natural cosmetics from Team Dr. Joseph. The South Tyrolean brand is

• vegan
• cruelty-free
• and uses (almost) plastic-free and sustainable product packaging.

The production takes place in South Tyrol and all ingredients come from the region. No wonder our local partners like OLM Nature Escape and My Arbor swear by it. In Germany, you can find the products at the romantic hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu and at STURM in the Rhön.

“ The Dr. Joseph and all other brands we use are available in our shop. Guests can also contact Markus, our certified massage therapist, for personalized advice.” – OLM Nature Escape

Tip for proper use

Among other things, Team Dr. Joseph lists their “Balancing Toner” as a “bestseller”.

Application:

• As you can see in this video, the toner is not applied with a cotton pad, but with your hands. Gently tap your décolleté, neck, and face. According to the manufacturer, tapping increases the effect.

After a day at the Green DIY Spa, it’s best to unwind in a relaxing way. Watch a movie to carry the relaxation into the evening.

Do you have any other tips? Please share them in the comments!

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