Hamburg

As far as gifts with the potential to appreciate in value are concerned, real estate is always going to be a good investment choice. A whole new era of architectural splendour is currently being ushered in with the construction of 56 Leonard in New York’s Tribeca district. Designed by Swiss star architects Herzog & Meuron and developed by the Alexico Group this building represents a new generation of habitable sculptures; a 243m high building with glass exterior walls and a stunning Anish Kapoor sculpture in the entrance hall. This cutting edge building is already being hailed as a new ‘global landmark.’ Each of the 145 individually designed luxury apartments offer spectacular views of the Big Apple. If the sweeping NYC skyline is just a little too big for your tastes then why not opt for the beautiful German city of Hamburg? In development here is the luxury Marco Polo Tower. DC Residential and Hochtief are responsible for the development of this splendid 17 storey complex which boasts 58 executive apartments which boast modern conveniences while remaining true to the style of Germany’s historic port city. This complex is due to be completed in September 2009. More

Hamburg is a popular tourist city with many attractions for the casual visitor and the Hotel Atlantic Kempinski should surely rank up there with the best the city has to offer. The hotel first opened its doors in 1909 and since then has established a reputation for excellent service and luxurious comfort which is second to none. The hotel is situated in the hear of the city on Lake Alster and the views from the guest suites are stunning. All rooms feature a mini bar, cable TV, wireless internet access and a safe. Other amenities available include baby-sitting on request, limousine transfer, local and international newspapers and garage parking. The stylish Atlantic Restaurant on the banks of Lake Alster provides a suitably romantic environment for an intimate dinner while genuine Chinese cuisine is on offer in the Tsao Yang restaurant. Drop into the Atlantic Bar for pre-dinner cocktails or a short before bed. The spacious Alstersalon serves a sumptuous breakfast buffet each morning before your day exploring Hamburg begins. The Energy Clinic provides the spa and wellness facilities at the hotel and combines modern technology with ancient Chinese healing remedies. Whether you choose to enjoy the pool, the sauna, a massage or a traditional treatment you are sure to leave here feeling refreshed and completely rejuvenated.More

“In Love With Hamburg” is the new motto of luxury design house Rumöller and the new range of sumptuous bed linens have been inspired by the northern-German town. The sets are either checked or striped in blues and whites and as you’d expect from Rumöller are produced from the finest quality materials. Perhaps the standout feature here is that every part of the linen sets is decorated with the symbol of the City of Hamburg.More

Everybody wants to look unique – this is the guiding principle of Tina Gattermann’s designs – designs that scoff at trends and fashion. Gattermann specializes in the production of elegant evening robes and bridal gowns, using such luxurious materials as suede, cashmere, and French lace. She began sewing at the tender age of 14, when she produced her first product, a diamond-studded skirt. “Design was always my dream,” she has been quoted as saying. Effenberg agrees: “Tina Gattermann makes wonderful dresses. She even made my wedding dress!”More

The most well known and renowned female chef in Germany began her career providing catering for German film sets. Without a high school or university diploma, the Austrian citizen went from job to job until she began her own operation in 1990. First came the idea, and then came success. The chef offers an extremely relaxed and flexible party service, based more or less on delicious food and charming service. There is a relatively low amount of planning involved here, as emphasis is placed on spontaneity and nonchalance.More

Udo Lindenberg’s favorite restaurant is just a few steps away from his Presidential Suite: the Tsao Yang in the Hamburg Kempinski Hotel. Abundant light streams in through the huge windows of this Feng-Shui establishment. Stools and tables are iridescent white, while red glasses and vases create a tangible color contradiction. “The restaurant is just great,” says the German rock star. He has his own table with a view of the nearby Elster River where he enjoys his favorite: Peking duck with a number of different dips.More

For 13 years now, the luxury hotel Kempinski in Hamburg has been the place Udo Lindenberg calls home. With his four moving boxes, Lindenberg moved into the Presidential Suite (Nr. 212) and hasn’t left since. “Panic Central”, as it is called today, is equipped with a red leather sofa, a black piano, and a big-screen TV. The rocker swims 25 laps in the pool every morning, after which he sits in the sauna named “Frischhaltetüte” (German for “ziplock” bag). He then spends the afternoon painting in various rooms, including among others the ballroom.More

Bar Hamburg, Hamburg More

“Open Wardrobe” is the name of the concept which, in 1996, launched the fashion career of Hamburg-based Bent Angelo Jenson. For a monthly fee, every customer received a freshly laundered second hand suit each week. Customers were often so enthusiastic about these vintage pieces that they didn’t want to give them back again. Therefore, Jenson opened the first Herr von Eden store in 1998, a main feature of which was his self-designed suits. One of the most loyal customers is Jan Delay; he wears the elegant cuts and clean lines of Herr von Eden’s suits like a second skin. More

The view alone is worth the visit: The salon "Nicolaisen Intercoiffure" in Hamburg with sensational views of the Binnenalster sailing boats and barges.   More