Berlin has a reputation. It’s known as a city of hedonism, wild 24/7 partying, anything goes clubs, trashy bars and even trashier patrons. That’s what we love about it – its bad reputation. But there is another side to Berlin, a more sophisticated grown up Berlin, where luxury is paramount. Over the last ten years, Berlin has got her luxury on. It wasn’t until the mid 2000’s that the gastronomic/bar scene started to take off. With more Michelin stars than Hamburg, you also get good value for money like nowhere else! Now things have become ever chicer, with a marked improvement in quality, international influences, more stylish interior design and truly creative ideas.
This can also be witnessed in the slew of new five star luxury hotels –The Eddington, The Q Hotel, Das Stue, The Sofitel and the Waldorf Astoria taking up residence in buildings old and new. Grown up Berlin is full of new innovations and stylish locations, all eager to buy into the luxury market. Here’s some of favourite upscale addresses.
The Guerlain Spa at the Waldorf Hotel
Step into pure heaven on the light-infused 5th floor spa that also boasts a swimming pool, a steam room. Each cutting-edge customized treatment starts with a footbath and massage. Then you’re taken to your own divine treatment room that is sprayed in the Guerlain scent you choose. Also on offer are hydrotherapy, Vichy showers, and massages for one or two. The pampering is just what you expect from the Waldorf – 5 star, all the way. Top tip for Berliners! You can drop in and use it as a day spa.
Marcell of Berlin 
A young upscale high-fashion label Marcell of Berlin creats basics and evening fashion for sophisticated women. The concept store on in the Schlüterstraße, offers Marcell’s creations along shirts from 5Preview, jewellery by Tina Lilienthal, bags by Jerome Dreyfuss, sunglasses by Thierry Lasry and shoes by Melissa, which was created in cooperation with Vivienne Westwood.
A modern gourmet temple located in the historic Edison courtyard, the restaurant has been awarded with two Michelin stars. Daniel Achilles – “awarded as Chef of the Year 2014 by Gault&Millau. Not surprising, when you taste the exotic German flavors that have been creatively re-imagined into a world class fusion of thoroughly international sensations.
Big stars needs big lofts. Over recent months, a little birdie told us that George Clooney and Jennifer Lawrence were guests. Each Berlin Loft benefits from an open-plan living and dining area that features a, 5.1 Cinema system, 75” TV, high-spec Kitchen, a dining table for 12 guests and either a grand piano or fussball table. It’s the perfect place for party, ask George! Take a virtual tour yourself.
While Ka De We is the biggest and best luxury store in town, Quartier 206 on Friedrichstrasse gives it a run for its money in terms of atmosphere and ambience. Set in an extravagant Art Déco style, there are is over 8,000 square meters of retail space filled with brands like Gucci, Cerruti, La Perla, Louis Vuitton, Bottega Veneta, Brille 54, to name a few.
This world innovating bar opened in June. The concept you choose you cocktail by its smell. The menu card was designed by mixologist Henning Heisse, who also happens to be a perfumer. Guests smell signature scents by from Georgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and Guerlain and pick the matching cocktail. Specialty bar snacks match the olfactory experience including a macaron with raspberries and vanilla that compliments ‘Signorina’ by Ferragmo.
IC! Berlin 
Berlin’s very own IC! Berlin have hit the topend market perfectly, with their Onono glasses and lenses. Made from the long horns of Indian Oxes, these glasses are still the ultimate in luxurious funky, handmade eyewear. The collection has been presented at Mido in Milan, the Vision Expo East in New York, the Silmo in Paris and the Ioft show in Tokyo. Seeing in believing.
The Mandala Suites Breakfast Room
This terrace is absolute Berlin secret, but we are sharing it you. It’s makes a damn fine breakfast location on the rootop at the exclusive five-star hotel, the Mandala Suites
This shop in Mitte does exactly what its name implies, sells a huge range of Whisky and Cigars. An absolute consoeur’s paradise. They have an online store as well.