Tonight at the bar: one of the greats — Auguste Escoffier.
If you come from hospitality or gastronomy, you surely know his name. He was, in a way, the Steve Jobs of fine dining (1846–1935) and became 89 years old.
Because in France, age isn’t something you are – it’s what you become.
In German and English we say: “I am 53 years old.”
It sounds like age is simply an attribute – something attached to you.
But in French they say: “J’ai 53 ans” – “I have 53 years.”
And that little shift changes everything.
I had long wanted to visit the Fondation Carmignac on the island of Porquerolles – the largest of the Îles d’Hyères near Toulon. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.
We were lucky: a mild autumn day, a pleasant number of visitors, and our dogs in top form. A day of hiking, a boat ride, fresh sea air, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Yes, life is beautiful. It takes about 45 minutes to walk to the famous Notre-Dame Beach – that postcard-perfect view is world-renowned. I believe even Monet once painted this very scene.
At the Fondation Carmignac, we were captivated by the kaleidoscope installation overlooking the garden, and by Feelings by Jean-Baptiste Bernadet – Vertigo. (Just like the U2 song of the same name – such a cool theme, full of motion and emotion.)
Enjoy this souvenir of sunshine, movement, art, and nature.
A total change of scenery — switching hemispheres, yet still on the same earth. This time: Australia. 🌏
I’ve travelled a lot, but somehow never made it here when I was younger. Back then, hotels weren’t quite ready to tackle the visa maze, and so the dream stayed tucked away — somewhere between curiosity and possibility. Years later, with age, a little patience, and family ties (my step-daughter lived there), I finally went. What followed was a journey of beauty, questions, and humility — a reminder of how vast and fragile our planet truly is.
Please swipe slowly — it’s worth it.
Have you noticed this too when coming back from France? It’s not just that driving on French highways feels like pure ease — calm drivers, long stretches of road framed by fields and vineyards. Even the smallest encounters seem touched by something softer.
A quick stop at the bakery, for example, can turn into a quiet reminder of grace: a grateful wave when you let someone merge into traffic, a patient smile as two cars negotiate a narrow village street, a cheerful “bonjour, Madame” or “merci, Monsieur” that feels sincere. These gestures may seem ordinary, but together they weave a rhythm of gentleness that lingers long after you’ve left.
I absolutely love it — because those little gestures of kindness are the best happiness boosters. They don’t cost anything, yet they enrich everything. It’s as if the sun you share with someone else ends up shining right back on your own face.
The art of gardening is not only about craft and hard work. After all — what good is the most beautiful garden if the gardener never sits down to enjoy it? Amid all the pruning, planting, and perfecting, we often forget that the truest reward lies not in the labor, but in the quiet moment that follows.
And today, a pearl of the Arts & Crafts movement: Tim Oulton in London. Back when we set up our hotel THE STARNBERGSEE HIDEAWAY, we furnished it almost entirely with this brand – simply timeless and unique pieces. Everything is handcrafted with the finest materials.
Enjoy browsing – and if something catches your eye, feel free to reach out to me.
PS: For me, Arts & Crafts in today’s world means celebrating craftsmanship, authenticity, and beauty that stands the test of time. Another reason for „becauseofmyage“ – aging interior meets aging ladies 🙂
I can’t wait — just a few final touches, and the brand new homepage at unique hotel spirations.com will be live! One of the highlights? The beautifully curated Bar area — a place to gather stories, share moments, and sip on a little soul.
In July, we had a very special guest:
Diana Ross— 81 years young and bursting with energy.
BecauseOfMyAge she had so much to say — and every word was gold.
It was one of those unforgettable evenings, surrounded by people who danced their way through the disco era — laughter, stories, music, and life itself.
💃 Diana, thank you for sharing your journey — the highs, the heartbreaks, and the unstoppable joy.
You remind us all:
🎵 No mountain is ever high enough.
And 🎵 STOP — in the name of love has never felt more timely.
Less scrolling. Less noise. More pages.
I’m sharing 8 of my favorite summer reads in these photos — books that feel like cool shade, deep breath, and a glass of something sparkling. Some are wise, some witty, some a little wild… but all remind me that summer is giving my mind time to wander.
Because turning off the phone (even just sometimes) is a quiet rebellion.
It’s the gift of mental vacation — of letting thoughts unfold without needing to decide. Just feeling, floating, enjoying.
What I look forward to most this season?
=> The famous lightness of being.
Tell me: What are you reading this summer?
Tonight at the Bar Talk, it’s about to get loud. Beyoncé might stop by — and we’re not sure who she’s bringing.
She once said that “her work is a source of confidence and personal power.”
And honestly? I feel the same.
I wouldn’t be who I am today without the people I’ve met — and let’s be clear:
Most of them, I met them… through or related to work.
Work is a relative word. It can mean many things.
But at its core, it simply means: you have a purpose.
If you’re in the service world, you know the feeling: “I helped someone today. I made someone smile.”
That alone can be deeply fulfilling.
Among young people, I often hear: “I need a break after school — definitely not ready to work yet.”
And yes, rest is important. But months of colourful travel? Does it really refill your soul?
Or does it eventually create a feeling of being… unneeded?
That’s what Beyoncé means — and I would even go a bit further:
What makes us truly happy — assuming our health is okay?
- Spending time with loved ones
- Practicing gratitude
- Taking our work seriously — because it brings meaning, service, and contribution.