LIFESTYLE

The week started off with my usual yearly birthday blues. I always get them a week before and after. I find that there is something about getting older that is bitter sweet. The upside of having a birthday means that we get a yearly life extension and fresh start to tackle all of our dreams, wishes and goals. Yet the downside to it is that we are – one year older! I have learned to see it all philosophically, knowing that fate has a plan for us anyways, so why not enjoy the ride while we get to the destination? That’s when my phone rang and the lovely Mrs. Wagner invited me to celebrate my birthday in style and luxury at the Sofitel Frankfurt Opera. At this exciting prospect, my blues were starting to fade into whites, which I knew would eventually turn into pinks and reds.

I think it’s a very cool concept to be able to have a nice weekend holiday within your own city. What a novel idea! Who says one has to drive many kilometers away to feel rest and relaxation re-enter your body, while the evil work-demon leaves you in peace? I made an experiment and stayed inside the Sofitel for my entire birthday weekend and came out feeling happy, rested and recharged.

The adventure started with my arrival at the hotel. I was very impressed to see that the entire staff was briefed about my arrival and I didn’t have to explain anything. I was checked in quickly and shown to my suite. The first activity for my birthday weekend was the glamorous photo shooting. The first stop was on the fabulous terrace of the presidential suite, where one can see the entire magnificent Frankfurt skyline. I was quite familiar with this stunning view, because the Frankfurter Neue Presse photographed me there on New Year’s in 2016. Before the action with the photographer and stylist began, I took a few moments for myself to enjoy and breathe in the mesmerizing scene in front of me. I always feel a moment of joy when I see our skyline. For me, this is the equivalent of being at home.

The wind was blowing and the air was warm and sweet, whispering to me, encouraging me to enjoy and live in the moment. I felt like I could have stayed on that terrace for ages! Later on we took some elegant photos inside the presidential suite and on the bed as well. I have to say that Sofitel definitely has one of the most comfortable beds I have slept in. It’s really like resting on a cloud. After a day full of photo shooting – 5 locations, wearing 3 different outfits – it was finally time to rest and get ready for my birthday dinner.

Being the notorious foodie that I am, I was really looking forward to try out the Schönemann restaurant. We were seated at a large table and greeted with a cold glass of champagne. The chef himself came out and announced our menu for the evening. I really felt like a princess there, because Sofitel did everything possible to make me feel very welcomed and pampered! We started off with a fresh Caesar salad and succulent king prawns. Next was a cold refreshing gazpacho soup, made in the traditional Andalusian way. I acquired my love for gazpacho on Ibiza and was happy to have it here again. For the main course, we were served the signature dish “Coq au Apfelwein” prepared with organic chickens that are raised 30km away from Frankfurt and the city’s beloved apple wine. Last but not least, came two sweet delicacies – a heavenly crème brûlée and a rich chocolate mousse tarte. The dinner was accompanied by a savory selection of the best wines, and of course my favorite was the Rosé de Diel. We ate to our heart’s desire and enjoyed every exquisitely delicious moment.

The lovely evening was running quickly and it was 11pm already – only one hour left until the big day. It was great spending the entire weekend at the hotel because everything was under the same roof. It was time to float over to the seductive Lili’s bar, where I like the dim lights and very mysterious atmosphere. While waiting for the others to arrive and being the tequila fan that I am, I tried a few sorts at the bar and was very impressed. I always judge a good bar by the type of tequilas they have, and this one offers a rich international selection. Everyone arrived and as the time was approaching midnight, the bar manager brought out a special bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne, which they have ordered just for me. All of a sudden, becoming a year older didn’t seem so bad after all. We drank, we laughed, we danced and had a very exciting evening! I couldn’t help but smiling to myself all the way back up to my suite. Yes, turning 28 again was quite fabulous indeed.

The next day was quite relaxing because my only plan was eating a huge breakfast, going to the spa and getting a special birthday massage. Life could be much worse! The breakfast buffet at the Sofitel offers everything that the heart desires, whether a meat-eater, vegetarian or vegan, everything can be found – including delicious sparkling wine, to make the celebrations even brighter! I ate everything that my eyes and stomach desired, because I have an important rule in life: no diet on the birthday!

Later on, I made my way to the spa area. I have been to a “So Spa” in Paris and was curious to see how Frankfurt will compare. I was impressed by the decor and combination of black and white colors – very chic indeed! I received a full body massage for an hour, which relaxed me to a dreamlike state. After the massage I was really looking forward to try the Skinjay essential oil capsules in my suite shower. I have read about this new addition to the Sofitel family and was very intrigued to see if it really is as fabulous and they promise. And indeed it was. It looks like a Nespresso-like capsule, which you place into the shower hose with your favorite natural oil aroma, and it mixes directly into the water! I read that it is based on a proprietary technology called micro-nebulization, which is activated at the heart of the mixer. It’s such a cool wellness experience – definitely a must to try out.

My amazing weekend was coming to an end and it was time to check out of paradise. I was greeted warmly by name at the reception and they made sure that all my needs were met. I have stayed at many 5-star hotels before, but this was definitely my favorite birthday experience. The French really know what luxury and pampering is all about! As I walked outside and looked up at the beautiful old opera building, my birthday blues were completely gone. I looked up at the skyscrapers and knew that becoming a year old meant becoming a year stronger and wiser. I really enjoyed this birthday weekend in my own favorite city – a truly unforgettable experience.

Thank you to the amazing Sofitel Frankfurt Opera team for giving me a fairytale birthday weekend!

www.sofitel.com

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