THREE DAYS IN BADEN-BADEN
With a sleek art museum, heritage hotels and great food, Germany’s historic spa town is the perfect spot for some old-school R&R
Culture, heritage and great food makes this historic German spa town the perfect weekend retreat
DAY 1
The first port of call on your trip to Baden-Baden has to be checking in to the iconic 140-year-old Brenners Park-Hotel and Spa (above). A palatial residence overlooking leafy Lichtentaler Allee along the Oos River, Brenners Park marries old-world glamour with a friendly, can-do attitude to service. Room decor is elegant, featuring one-off antiques and ornate iron balconies, ideal for sipping a glass of German wine at golden hour.
THE HOT TICKET Wallstreet im Hamilton
Snag one of the eight tables that directly overlook the water at this popular restaurant and café right on the edge of the Oos.
DAY 2
It’s easy to get lost in the city – a maze of cobbled streets, peppered with centuriesold landmarks, including the Festspielhaus (opera house) and pastel shop fronts – but that’s half the fun. Stop at Museum Frieder Burda, a white box of a building dedicated to contemporary art, and in shops such as La Casa Boutique and Ines Winter Schmuck. A roll of the dice inside the famed casino – named the world’s most beautiful – is essential, with Café König’s mouth-watering array of cakes only a short walk away.
DON’T MISS Weinstube Baldreit
Almost totally engulfed by foliage, this quiet courtyard wine bar is not an easy find, much to the delight of locals.
DAY 3
Rise early to embark on a Black Forest expedition by foot, or by car in Brenners’ own VW Samba, Oskar (top). Story-book views of the Rhine Valley, lined with vineyards and apple orchards, will fill both your heart and your camera roll. Look out for roadside stalls selling Black Forest honey, a local delicacy. Then return to the city and plunge your weary legs into the healing thermal waters at one of two Roman baths: the Caracalla Spa (above) or Friedrichsbad.
THE PARTING SHOT Villa Stéphanie
Go out in style at this royal residence turned medispa, where restorative treatments seduce sybarites from around the globe with wellbeing transformations.