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WHERE RETREAT AND CREATIVE EXCHANGE MEET: APPLY FOR THE LIBKEN SUMMER ACADEMY IN THE UCKERMARK
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WHERE RETREAT AND CREATIVE EXCHANGE MEET: APPLY FOR THE LIBKEN SUMMER ACADEMY IN THE UCKERMARK

Making summer plans already? How about a creative retreat in the countryside? Well, we happen to have just the place for you. Nestled in the outskirts of the quaint village of Böckenberg in the Uckermark lies a hidden gem called Libken. Housed in a four-story residential building, once home to agricultural workers, Libken now serves as a haven for artists, thinkers, and activists with residencies of up to three months. Last summer, the Cee Cee team embarked on a two-day excursion to experience a “mini-residency” at Libken, delving into creative workshops in the garden. The experience left us yearning for longer stays in this inspiring environment. While Libken’s exterior may retain the simplicity of its prefabricated origins, inside, it boasts a tastefully modern design. The building features eleven studio apartments, some dedicated to painting and drawing. In addition to the kitchens in the individual apartments, a spacious kitchen on the first floor serves as a communal cooking space; we delighted in preparing homemade pasta with wild herbs sourced from the surrounding area. Additionally, two multifunctional rooms are available for movement workshops, yoga, dance, exhibitions, and more. However, it was the expansive garden that truly captivated us. Here, one can wander among fruit trees, gather around the fire, or engage in lively discussions around the table. Libken provides everything that is needed for a rejuvenating retreat: spaces for solitude and focus, opportunities for the exchange of ideas, and room for creative expression and experimentation. Whether seeking a solitary escape or planning a group retreat, Libken caters to all needs. The breathtaking views from the garden windows serve as a constant reminder of the tranquility found in nature. If you’re tempted to leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind this spring or summer and embrace new perspectives, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Libken team via email.

Text: Nina Trippel / Photos: Alexander Gehring & Stephan Bögel

Libken, Ort Böckenberg 17, 17268 Gerswalde; map

@libken_

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VELELLA — CHELSEA TUROWSKY’S MUTABLE SPACE FOR OMAKASE DINNERS, POP-UPS AND PRIVATE EVENTS

VELELLA — CHELSEA TUROWSKY’S MUTABLE SPACE FOR OMAKASE DINNERS, POP-UPS AND PRIVATE EVENTS

Cutlery made from butter, edible ceramic potatoes, sugary jewels… I’ve been following Chelsea’s work — an extraordinary combination of art and culinary experiences — for many months. Since 2018, New York-born artist and chef Chelsea Turowsky has established a foothold in Berlin and become an integral part of its creative scene ever since. Whether it’s food and beverage consulting, catering and events, or residencies and omakase dinners in various restaurants, Chelsea has sent waves through Berlin’s creative and culinary scenes with her work. At the end of last year (2023), she announced her latest project: Velella. The new space in Gesundbrunnen — right next to her cooking studio where she has been implementing her food concepts for several years — welcomes us to create new memories together. Velella is designed to be a mutable space. You can host private events there and have Chelsea and her team create a mind-bending concept for the food and drinks, or you can rent the space and kitchen (which is fully equipped) and take the reigns. In the future, pop-ups and workshops where local brands can come together and chefs can use the kitchen will be hosted here. Nevertheless, Velella remains Chelsea’s personal playground and the space reflects the interior of her impressively creative mind: find artifacts collected on her travels, hand-sewn linen cloths, her private collection of ceramics and glassware, muted tones, and silver accents. As in Chelsea’s work, she has created an intimate atmosphere that offers a deep insight into her life and a kitchen that feels informal and light.

Since January, Chelsea has been hosting omakase evenings at Velella on weekends, where you can experience an integral part of Japanese gastronomy. It is Chelsea’s opportunity to surprise her guests and combine the sophistication of fine cuisine with her artistic interpretation and personality. The dishes are precise but spontaneous, and leave room for the new and unknown — remaining one thing above all else: exciting. At Omakase, the chef decides what goes on the plate, so be sure to bring a spontaneous and open mindset along with you. The night will be full of delightful surprises, but one thing’s for certain: as you enter the kitchen with its large terrazzo Chef’s Table and Chelsea greets you with a warm smile, the evening will be a very special one.
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Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Marie Staggat

Velella by Chelsea Turowsky, Koloniestr., 13359 Berlin–Gesundbrunnen; map

The next Omakase dinners will take place on 09.,15. and 30.03.2024. You can send reservations or rental requests via message on Instagram.

@velella.studio
@chelseaturowsky_​

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PRECISE, UNUSUAL AND WELCOMING — PFEIFER

PRECISE, UNUSUAL AND WELCOMING — PFEIFER

The salon is impressive, even from the sidewalk. The pink salon chairs provide just the right balance between the simple wooden drawers and the ceiling-high mirrors. Pfeifer has been located on Zionskirchstraße, near Teutoburger Platz, since April 2022. It’s obvious as you look through the window how much passion Fee, Irina and Steffen inject into their craft. They take the time to work with you to bring out the best in your hair. Thanks to their experience, they can create effortlessly natural results that are individually tailored to you. Whether it’s a cut, color or foil highlights, their clients always leave with a smile on their faces. And, no matter your gender, everyone pays the same for their haircut or color. Since I’ve been a customer at Pfeifer, my hair has become a means of personal expression — from a short bob to tapered bangs, from a pixie cut to a buzz cut — I wouldn’t have dared to be so bold before going to Pfeifer. And since then, I no longer trust anyone else with my hair.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: JF & Robyn Steffen

Pfeifer, Zionskirchstr.68, 10119 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Tues–Sat

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TIME OUT IN ITALY — YOGA AND ARTIST RETREATS AT VILLA PRAVERNARA
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TIME OUT IN ITALY — YOGA AND ARTIST RETREATS AT VILLA PRAVERNARA

Slow, conscious, connected living. While it may sound simple, I often find it challenging to let go and make room for downtime. If you resonate with this struggle, a week at Villa Pravernara could be just what you need. Discovered by Sheila, along with her parents Be and Andreas, and her partner Yona, in northern Italy during the summer of 2022, the villa offered a sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of city life in Berlin. Sheila recognized its potential to provide an escape, not only for herself but for others as well. Dating back to the 1600s, Villa Pravernara sits halfway up a hill, overlooking the valley south of the small town of Valenza, an hour from Milan and Turin. Despite being unfamiliar territory for the family, they managed to restore the villa while preserving its timeless charm.

Starting August 2024, week-long yoga and meditation retreats will be available at Villa Pravernara, catering to various levels, languages, and budgets. Skilled instructors will be invited to lead sessions in Ashtanga, Jivamukti, Vinyasa, Yin Yoga, and Somatic Movement — allowing guests to choose the practice that resonates most with them. Additionally, the villa provides ample space and freedom for artist retreats — welcoming artists, music producers, authors, and anyone seeking a haven to focus on their creative processes within the 1400-square-meter grounds. With two large terraces, multiple living rooms, and a professional kitchen, guests have plenty of room for relaxation and downtime. Yona Whale ensures that guests are well-fed with full catering services, offering vegetarian and vegan dishes prepared with fresh, regional and seasonal ingredients. Start your day with yoga in the former orangery, explore the serene surroundings during the afternoon, and wind down with warm summer evenings on the terrace. Villa Pravernara serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty of taking time for oneself.

Text: Robyn Steffen / Photos: Hannes Maria Meier & Eva Tuerbl

Villa Pravernara, Strada Pratovernara, 15048 Italien–Valenza, Alessandria; map

Information about the next yoga retreats can be found here.

@villa_pravernara

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DRILLER QUEENS: THE INCLUSIVE HANDYMAN PLATFORM FOR YOUR HOME

DRILLER QUEENS: THE INCLUSIVE HANDYMAN PLATFORM FOR YOUR HOME

In theory, you can do it yourself. At the very least, you can watch a “how to” YouTube video and figure it out. But putting that theory into practice is a different story. What do you do when the hole is too big, the dowel doesn’t hold and you don’t know for sure where the power lines run? Then you need to hire a professional craftsman for the job, right? Not necessarily! Sometimes all you need is someone handy who has taught themselves and mastered the trade. Someone who wants to lend a hand and share their knowledge (and tools) without the mansplaining. It’s a good thing the Driller Queensexist: the first inclusive handyperson platform that’s open to all genders and consists of a team in which over 80% identify as female, trans or non-binary. But that doesn’t mean cis men aren’t welcome, on the contrary. The Driller Queens’ mission is to uphold inclusion because excluding people based on their gender is a huge problem in the industry and one of the reasons they started in the first place. Driller Queens are here to help you so that mirror hangs straight, the lamp lights up, the curtains stay in place and the chest of drawers remains safely screwed to the wall.

In other words, the people who come to your home via Driller Queens have know-how and tools, but also soft skills such as communication and respect. So you can feel comfortable and safe in your home. This platform does all that and they do it with a sense of humor. I recommend following them directly on Instagram so you never forget this wonderful service exists if you ever need it. Special services are also offered, such as cat solutions (cat nets in front of your windows). And of course, there are things the Driller Queens don’t offer, such as removing floor coverings. On the website, you can get an overview by reading their service list. Now you can finally fix things in your home that have been wonky or broken for far too long. At least that’s what I’m doing, and I’m already looking forward to ticking off the boxes one by one.

Text: Nina Trippel, Photos: Arte, Driller Queens

Driller Queens

@drillerqueens

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