Text by Nina Prehofer
Or near enough. We are on a journey to visit the “Crazy Hollmann Collection” in Trieste, Paris and on the Turracher Höhe pass, discovering the unusual, the unexpected and the magical.
More than just a sea view
Surely we have all dreamed of a charming little stone house perched on cliffs above the Adriatic; a cosy refuge for dolce far niente where the sounds of the sea lull you to sleep. Robert Hollmann, actor and hotelier, had that dream too – and turned it into reality. He created the seaside “Hollmann am Meer”, not far from the town of Trieste and Miramare Castle. Robert Hollmann affectionately calls his Italian residenza his “Schwalbennest” (swallow’s nest), despite the fact that the 120 m2 building can house up to six people. How lucky we are that the restless spirit has always loved sharing his joys with others, and we can immediately hire the apartment for a relaxing holiday.
Hollmann Trieste, Italy
Here on the coast near Trieste, we have a private beach with a small jetty for bathing – and that is something special, if not an absolute privilege. A morning dip in the sea is one of the most invigorating wake-up rituals there is. The evening ends with a barbecue on the terrace, but before then, you have a whole day to explore or sunbathe. After a wonderful stay in Trieste, it is time to move on. To France.
Paris
Paris – despite or perhaps because of many strokes of fate, still the city of love. The Hollmann apartment is situated in the heart of Paris on the Île Saint-Louis, one of the two Parisian islands on the Seine. Just stepping into the stylish flat with its beautiful wooden flooring, and walls painted in striking blue with white wood panelling… it is love at first sight.
Hollmann Paris, France
The typical French windows let light stream into the living room and give you a wonderful view of the Seine. The quiet bedrooms look out onto the courtyard, and two luxurious bathrooms with baths and showers are an absolute treat, not just for the ladies. Up to six guests can be housed here. Those inspired by the host of local markets can whip up delicacies of their choice in the kitchen, which is equipped with a great range of Le Creuset products and Hollmann porcelain. Take a stroll along the nearby shopping streets before visiting one of the typical brasseries for a glass of red wine.
Following the call of the mountains
We have had our fill of the city and are travelling on to Austria, to the Turracher Höhe pass and a little corner of paradise. When the sun rises over Turracher Höhe and the centuries-old Swiss stone pine wood comes to life, all you can hear is the gentle symphony of the Carinthian Alps. Outside from the roofs of the old granaries, the birds strike up their morning chorus, making you want to stay just a little bit longer.
Hollmann am Berg, Turracher Höhe/Austria
Or rather, come back again. To all “Crazy Hollmanns”, and that includes those in Vienna and Sri Lanka as well as Trieste, Paris and the Turracher Höhe pass. Whether or not you have experienced as much by the end of your journey as Phileas Fogg on his journey around the world, is not important, for it will have been simply magical.
Hollmann Beletage, Vienna/Austria
UTMT Beach & Spa Resort, Dickwella South Sri Lanka
The “Hollmann Collection” is a MEMBER OF LIFESTYLEHOTELS
