THE FONTENAY SPA, HAMBURG

Since the inauguration of the spectacular Opera House by starchitects Herzog & De Meuron, the German city of Hamburg, listed by the New York Times among the places to visit in 2017, has become a must-see for the discerning travelling crowd. Open and cosmopolitan, the port city has recently gotten a further injection of glam thanks to the launch of The Fontenay, the first 5 star luxury hotel to open its doors in the metropolis in the last 18 years. Immersed in a green area on the shores of the Alster Lake, a stroll away from the trendiest shopping districts, and designed by architect Jan Störmer in a sensual shape mirroring the fluid lines of the lake, the uber-luxury hotel aims to become the perfect urban retreat. All rooms and suites are decorated with plush custom-made furniture in chic tones of beige and turquoise. Culinary offerings range from John´s Restaurant, a sleek eatery where the food is regional with a modern twist, to the Lakeside fine dining restaurant, the playground of Michelin starred Chef Cornelius Speinle. But what makes this destination a real retreat is the 1000 sqm panoramic rooftop Spa – the first in a German speaking country featuring treatments by legendary brand La Mer. Unwind admiring the sail boats gliding on the lake while lounging on the sun terrace or idling in the infinity pool. Retreat in a sumptuous Spa Suite to experience an array of massages such as the Thermo-Stone, or a revitalising therapy such as the Nordic-inspired Alster Body Ritual using energizing birch oils and essences, plus a glass of champagne (120 minutes, € 350). La Mer´s opulent therapies include The Energizing Body Treatment that thanks to a scrub with pure diamond powder will give you the smoothest baby skin (90 minutes, € 270). While the La Mer face soins are a girl´s best friend: the Lifting Facial instantly contours the features (60 min, € 220); the Radiance Facial imparts that special glow that makes you look like you are in love (60 min, € 220). But it is La Mer´s Signature Miracle Broth Facial (90 min, € 320), using the famous elixir by the maison coupled with proprietary massage techniques, that is truly transformative. And will make your trip to Hamburg worth your money.