I'm travel editor of the UK's biggest and best lesbian magazine Diva, which means when I'm not hunting down Deutschland's hot spots, I'm exploring the great and the glamorous gay scenes around the world.I've been pretty suprised by the diversity of Germany and just like my idol Marlene Dietricht, now 'I always keep a suitcase in Berlin'.
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Spas in her eyesLotte Jeffs takes some time out in Germany’s fabulous spas
Jet-setting really can take its toll. After a solid month flitting from plane cabins to hotel rooms, dancing in dyke bars around the world, being plied with cocktails by well-meaning locals who also insist I sample a certain dish (or seven), and waking up without remembering when or how I managed to get to bed – there was only one thing for it…
Detox!
The problem was, I didn’t want to sacrifice my gloriously nomadic lifestyle to be holed up in the priory for two weeks. No, I’d need to find a destination that I could explore via its spas and wellness retreats.
So once again, Germany came a calling.
Right across the country, traditional mineral spring resorts meet five star spas, offering something for every kind of detox junkie out there.
I started off in Bad Driburg, a quaint little town about 100km from Düsseldorf. I’d heard the Gräflicher Park Hotel Spa (http://www.graeflicher-park.de/) had been given a fab makeover and the spa now takes advantage of the beneficial effects of the local natural spring water and the rich mud cut from the region’s bogs. I simply had to check it out.
I chilled in the spa garden, got involved in some complicated bathing rituals, and let a rather attractive German lady pummel me senseless with hot stones.
Next stop Bad Pyrmont, near Hanover, and the Hotel Fürstenhof – opened in 1783 it’s said to be the first “Kurhaus” (spa hotel) in the world. I love a bit of history so took my still weary body for a good soak in the Jacuzzi and made time for a little full-body massage.
Although a trip to Café Caldo (Hanover’s iconic gay bar) was tempting, I spent the night in a room here with only The L Word season 5 box set for company, and actually I felt far better for it.
And talking of traditional spa towns, Baden-Baden (so good they named it twice), is where royalty and European aristocrats hung out in the 18th and 19th centuries – today it appeals to queens of a different kind who get a taste of the high life at places like Brenner’s Park-Hotel & Spa (http://www.brenners.com/).
Delving even further into the Black Forest (ooh err!) I find Hotel Traube Tonbach (http://www.traube-tonbach.de/).
Here I experienced a traditional German hay wrap – a detoxifying treatment where you’re wrapped in wet, organic hay for twenty minutes. Not as glamorous as I’m used to perhaps, but I’m always up for trying new things!
By this point I was feeling buffed, coiffed and thoroughly detoxed – but I couldn’t even contemplate going home before heading to my spiritual home – Berlin – and spending an afternoon at one of my all time fave spas in the world.
The Liquidrom (http://www.liquidrom-berlin.de/).
The most bananas thing about this spa is its underwater concerts. Float weightlessly in the 34°C saltwater pool and be soothed by meditative underwater music and surreal projections. It’s like being cradled in Mother Nature’s bosom. Mmmm….
For just €80 you get day admission for the sauna and spa, two visits to the tanning solarium at 6 minutes each and a 30 minute massage of your choice – bargain! This is by far my top tip for German spas, so what are you waiting for girls? Grab a dressing gown and slippers and indulge in some well-deserved R&R.
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