BERLIN HOTEL: Michelberger Hotel

Michelbergerhotel
Warschauer Straße 39/40 10243 Berlin
Telefon: +49 302977859-0
Telefax: +49 302977859-29
reservations@michelbergerhotel.com 

There are so many things to love about this hotel we don't quite know where to start. Created from the need to have a place to 'house' all this friends Tom and his partners have created a hotel that has the look and feel of a large creative community. Tom we think is a wise man - handing over creative freedom to an eclectic bunch of 'doers' who have made this hotel appealing by catering for our desire to be part of a modern creative commune.  One of the creative team, Werner Aisslinger, explains his part, "my approach was to do a collage world, not a clean, designed world. It shouldn’t be something where everything is clean and perfect, but rather one with something family-like in it, a bit of chaos. It’s not so much ambitious architecture or interiors stuffed with details.” Aisslinger, the creator of the world-famous Loft Cube living concept, was excited to join in creating what he calls a 'new typology of hotel'. 

“Tom and his team wanted community at every level, not an anonymous place where you just check in”, he says. Aisslinger has created a relentlessly personal space that combines mix-and-match, flea market finds with thoroughly thought-out, innovative use of space.

With 119 rooms in this detached listed house you get to choose from a variety of room sizes and rates. From small (€59, 1-2 people) to The Luxus (€119, king size bed & open wooden bath tub) ideal as a love nest, or The Big One (for travelling band or 'team' who want to stay together).  The fixtres and fittings have been creatively sourced and reused in unexpected ways. We love the bookish feature wall.

Appealing to dreamers, movers & shakers, lovebirds, soul searchers, artists, craftspeople, globetrotters, and Berlin aficionados. This hotel is set to be a home away from home for many.

All rooms are ensuite, have 6 film channels on a video loop and have wireless internet access. Breakfast 8 Euro, Bistro breakfast à la carte. Group rates (from 9 persons) available on request

TOKYO HOTEL: Ginza Yoshimizu Inn

Ginza Yoshimizu Inn
TEL(+81) 03-3248-4432
FAX(+81) 03-3248-4431
www.yoshimizu.com

The ethos behind this Tokyo Inn focuses how to live in harmony within the city and incorporates japanese sustainable lifestyle principles. Located within the urban centre of Tokyo all items used in the construction of this traditional inn have been considered. The flooring is constructed from natural thick-stemmed bamboo, and all interior walls are plastered with high quality diatomaceous earth walls.  The tatami used in the guest room is all 100% locally and organically grown. Breakfast is prepared from locally sourced farm fresh organic vegetables, meat and fish. Exquisite traditional Japanese style Hinoki and stone private bathing available. A little slice of natural and traditional living can be fully experienced here.

Our wellworld spy was a little distressed at the thought of sleeping on a self assembled 100% orgainc cotton futon, blanket, pillow, sheet and pillow case after an eleven hour flight, but revealed that it was the best sleep he had experienced in months. Room rate includes breakfast. 

Reservation can be may by telephone or enquiry form

PARIS HOTEL: Hotel Gabriel

Hotel Gabriel 

25, rue du Grand-Prieuré

75001 Paris
France
+33.1.47.00.13.38
gabrielparismarais@gmail.com

http://www.gabrielparismarais.com/

This art deco hotel has been given an ultra modern zen like makeover. The Hotel Gabriel is the first 'Detox' Concept hotel entirely devoted to wellbeing and regeneration. With the focus on your internal ecology, the Hotel Gabriel believes 'purification of the body, sleep and healthy food are the essential keys to general wellbeing'.

You'll sleep well with rooms equipped with the the the worlds first Night Cove sleep system, design by Patrick Joulin and sleep disorder expert Professor Damien Léger. Night Cove provides light and sound sequences during the different phases of sleep to regulate the melatonin levels.

Awake to organic breakfast and follow with treatments in the Bioo 'detox' spa facialities and finish the day at the detox bar serving a wide variety of antoxidant drinks and teas. We are checking in and never checking out!

LONDON FOOD: Saf Restaurant

Saf Restaurant
152-154 Curtain Road
London
EC2A 3AT
020 7613 0007
Lunch 11:30pm-3:30pm
Dinner: 6:00pm-10:30pm
Bar food & drinks: 11:00am - till late
Open Sundays for lunch (check website)

Saf is a raw food restaurant, located in Shoreditch, East London. Its clean and modern design, themed menus created by Executive Chef Chad Sarno and UK Head Chef David Bailey, and friendly staff create a warm atmosphere to grab a light lunch, sit and savour a cocktail or even indulge in a 7-course meal.  You may have to order a mocktail if you are on a detox, but you won’t feel left out as the  quality of ingredients used here, whether it be food or drinks,  it is exquisite.

We recommend trying the Beetroot Ravioli - cashew herb ricotta, carrots, balsamic figs and pumpkin seed oil. The wine list has been created by the talented Jo MaCanta, and lists the best vegan, organic and biodynamic wines from around the globe hand picked by the friendly Californian who is always willing to spend a few minutes talking wine (or anything) at your table.

With something for everyone (even those who like their food warm) we recommend a visit here next time you are in London.

NEW YORK FOOD: Baby Cakes

Baby Cakes NYC
248 Broome Street
+212.677.5047
www.babycakesnyc.com

Vegan desserts anyone? This is your spot! We have no complaints about this wonderful bakery. Everything is vegan and all-natural. Organic and delicious alternatives free from the common allergens: wheat, gluten, dairy, casein and eggs. Rest assured, all sweeteners have been chosen responsibly and used sparingly. Cupcakes, cookies, muffins are so moist, soft and delicious. The founder Erin McKenna knows how to please the sweet tooth without the calories or the processed harmful stuff we normally find in baked goods. Stop by for a snack as you walk around the Lower East Side and treat yourself to a piece of sweet heaven. Buy the book to recreate once back at home.

PARIS FOOD: Rose Bakery

Rose Bakery

46, rue des Martyrs 75000 IXème
30 rue Debelleyme, IIIeme

Far from French fiddily food and a mile from the classic Parisian brassiere, Rose Bakery is a unique (organic and ethical) gem that you’ll want to keep coming & coming to: breakfast, lunch and tea. This charming, welcoming, fun and utterly delicious concept is enlightening trendy Parisians on the simple pleasures of treats like carrot cake, date slice, savoury tarts, boiled eggs with marmite on toast and lunches rich in salads (rejoice if you find their beetroot & avocado) and the most perfect risotto in town. Always packed and always spot on, there are two to choose from. The first one near Montmartre is a little higgidly piggidly but bursting with life, while the second, in La Marais is more clean-lined with an industrial but a warm heart.

Whichever one you visit, watch out for the French eating cake with a glass of red and homesick Brits gulping down scones with tea. You’ll also find organic baked beans, cereals, nut butters, teas, apple juices, Lara bars, EmergenC, the freshest organic fruit and veg and the odd vegan or wheat free wonder-cake.

PARIS SHOP: Merci Merci

Merci Merci
111 Boulevard Beaumarchais - 3rd
+33 (0) 1 42 77 00 33
www.merci-merci.com
Open daily Monday to Saturday 10am-8pm
Metro Saint Sébastien Froissard

A concept store with a conscious. The creators of Bonpoint have created the first bio-concept store in Paris.

Located in a sun-lit loft, you can browse from flower shop to furniture to haberdashery. This 1500 square metre light industrial space even houses a second-hand bookshop where you can grab a tea and read from the donated collection of books. This is lifestyle shopping with a cause. Famous designers have joined the team and are gifting their profit margin to charities in Madagascar. Have we finally found guilt free shopping? We think so.