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5555 – Thailand has 10 New MICHELIN Star Additions plus a new Three-MICHELIN-Star Restaurant

Thailand celebrates its second Three-MICHELIN-Star restaurant and a brand-new special award honoring chefs dedicated to nurturing the next generation of culinary talent.

Michelin has officially unveiled the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 edition, revealing the much-anticipated full restaurant selection with a total of 468 dining venues: 2 Three MICHELIN Stars (1 promoted from Two MICHELIN Stars), 8 Two MICHELIN Stars (2 promoted from One MICHELIN Star), 33 One MICHELIN Star (3 newcomers, and 4 promoted from MICHELIN Selected), 137 Bib Gourmand (13 newcomers), and 288 MICHELIN Selected (50 newcomers). Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of The MICHELIN Guide, revealed: “Thailand remains a vibrant destination for unique and diverse culinary experiences, with this year’s MICHELIN Guide brimming with exciting surprises and fresh developments. The latest edition showcases a broader range of cuisines, reflecting Thailand’s dynamic and ever-evolving food scene, driven by remarkable energy and creativity. With the growing number of MICHELIN Stars, Thailand shines ever brighter on the global gastronomic map.

Overview of Thailand’s Evolving Restaurant Landscape and Culinary Trends

According to Mr. Poullennec, MICHELIN Guide Inspectors observed a growing presence of international chefs across Thailand, bringing fresh energy and global perspectives, while incorporating local ingredients and traditions into their creations. Meanwhile, Thai chefs are advancing local cuisine with more defined and expressive regional flavors. A stronger spirit of collaboration between chefs and producers has also emerged, with many restaurants sourcing seasonal ingredients directly from small farmers and local communities. Food and drink pairings remain central to the dining experience, with non-alcoholic options made from herbs and flowers growing in popularity alongside fine wines. MICHELIN Guide Inspectors further noted the rise of chef-driven casual restaurants, plant-forward menus, and modern Thai concepts that honor traditional roots. Responsible cooking, mindful sourcing, and “borderless” or “creative” cuisine ─ where chefs blend techniques and ingredients from multiple culinary traditions ─ are increasingly shaping Thailand’s dining scene.
The Berlin-born twin brothers behind Sühring in Bangkok. (© Sühring, Diego Arenas/Sühring)
The Berlin-born twin brothers behind Sühring in Bangkok. (© Sühring, Diego Arenas/Sühring)
 

‘Sühring’ Promoted to Three MICHELIN Stars ─ Thailand’s Second Restaurant to Earn this Honor

Joining Sorn, the holder of Thailand’s first-ever Three MICHELIN Stars, is Sühring ─ a restaurant, founded by twin chefs Thomas and Mathias Sühring. The restaurant serves a modern German tasting menu inspired by family recipes, childhood memories and travels. At Sühring, seasonal ingredients are expertly prepared using traditional German techniques such as fermenting, pickling and curing; while each dish is carefully crafted and artfully presented, making the dining experience as visually captivating as it is delicious. First featured in the inaugural 2018 edition of The MICHELIN Guide Thailand with One MICHELIN Star, Sühring was promoted to Two MICHELIN Stars the following year and has retained this distinction for seven consecutive years. Its promotion to the highly coveted Three MICHELIN Stars in the 2026 edition reflects the restaurant’s outstanding culinary excellence, consistency, and commitment to the highest standards of gastronomy.
The newly-minted Two-MICHELIN-Star establishments in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 edition. (© Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie, Matylda Grzelak/INDDEE)
The newly-minted Two-MICHELIN-Star establishments in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 edition. (© Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie, Matylda Grzelak/INDDEE)
 

‘Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie’ and ‘INDDEE’ Form a Duo Promoted from One MICHELIN Star to Two MICHELIN Stars

In the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Thailand edition, the Two-MICHELIN-Star listing adds 2 new entries promoted from One MICHELIN Star:  
  • Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie, a contemporary French restaurant where Chef Anne-Sophie Pic joins forces with her trusted Japanese Head Chef, Tamaki Kobayashi, to present an exquisite menu that highlights her signature creations, including the renowned lobster dish and the thoughtfully curated Voyage menu.
  • INDDEE, a modern Indian restaurant that takes diners on a culinary journey across India through a set menu of around 10 courses that captivates with its visual artistry, memorable flavors, and meaningful stories ─ from Carabinero symbolizing Goa, to Pickled Vegetables evoking the harsh Himalayan winter, and Patra with Hokkaido Scallops reflecting the chef’s Japanese culinary experience.
Etcha and Bo.lan in Bangkok. (© etcha, Bo.lan)
Etcha and Bo.lan in Bangkok. (© etcha, Bo.lan)

7 New Entries Awarded One MICHELIN Star

Of the 7 new One MICHELIN Star entries, 3 newcomers have made it into the Guide for the first time, and the other 4 have been promoted from MICHELIN Selected.

The 3 newcomers awarded One MICHELIN Star are:

 
  • Bo.lan, a Thai restaurant offering a menu rooted in time-honored recipes and sustainability, skillfully using rare regional produce sourced from small farmers to explore Thai culinary heritage through precise techniques and elegantly simple presentations that allow the depth and balance of flavors to shine.
  • Cannubi by Umberto Bombana, an Italian restaurant offering a concise set lunch menu and a full dinner tasting experience, showcasing confident, well-balanced dishes that marry classical roots with modern techniques.
  • etcha, a restaurant where the chef curates a „borderless dining” experience, combining European techniques with Thai ingredients in his 11-course „360°” and eight-course „180°” tasting menus that highlight seasonal local produce, crafted with finesse and deep respect for native flavors.
Nusara, led by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, and Thailand’s first Korean MICHELIN-Star establishment, Juksunchae, led by Chef Henry Lee. (© Zuphachai/Nusara, Bright Peerara/Juksunchae)
Nusara, led by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn, and Thailand’s first Korean MICHELIN-Star establishment, Juksunchae, led by Chef Henry Lee. (© Zuphachai/Nusara, Bright Peerara/Juksunchae)
 

The 4 One-MICHELIN-Star recipients promoted from the MICHELIN Selected list are:

  • Gaggan, a restaurant where over 20 inventive courses unfold across five theatrical acts, each accompanied by dynamic lighting and a pulsing soundtrack, fuses bold flavors, and interactive energy to embody the essence of the celebrity chef.
  • Juksunchae, a restaurant offering a balanced and intriguing omakase menu that reimagines traditional Korean flavors through delicate, sophisticated and visually striking dishes, such as Octopus Tubu Jjigae, Truffle Mandu and Crab Bibimbap.
  • Nusara, led by Chef Thitid “Ton” Tassanakajohn—the talent behind Le Du, holder of One MICHELIN Star since 2019—offers one of Bangkok’s most intimate Thai dining experiences. With elegant olive-green interiors, gold accents, and a rooftop view of Wat Pho, the journey features welcome bites and standout dishes like Thai Wagyu stir-fry with holy basil and a quartet of regional relishes.
  • Sushi Saito, a sushi restaurant serving Edomae-style sushi crafted with Edo-period techniques, using fresh seafood flown in from Japan several times a week, and Akita rice cooked with exacting care for temperature and moisture, dispatched from the kitchen in small batches to ensure optimum quality.
 
Chef Suwijak “Mond” Kunghae of Royd, and a dish from Margo by Chef Wilfrid Hocquet. (© Songphop Dulphinitphatthana/The MICHELIN Guide Thailand, Nick Hargun/Margo)
Chef Suwijak “Mond” Kunghae of Royd, and a dish from Margo by Chef Wilfrid Hocquet. (© Songphop Dulphinitphatthana/The MICHELIN Guide Thailand, Nick Hargun/Margo)
 

Four MICHELIN Guide Special Awards

With its Special Awards, The MICHELIN Guide shines its light on talented professionals in Michelin-recommended restaurants who elevate the gastronomic experience to new heights. In doing so, they demonstrate how diverse and exciting the hospitality industry is to work in.  
  • The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award recognizes a young chef, who has proven over the past 12 months to have a unique personality and/or an identity in culinary creations. This year, the Young Chef Award, presented by Blancpain, is given to Mr. Suwijak Kunghae, the Owner-Chef of Royd, a MICHELIN-selected restaurant.Born in Phuket, Mr. Kunghae was raised in a culinary family that inspired his deep passion for Southern Thai cuisine. He honed his skills in a French restaurant, where he gained valuable fine dining experience. Upon returning to his hometown, he established Royd to celebrate the flavors of the southern sea. Collaborating with local communities, he blends traditional recipes with modern techniques, aiming to showcase to the world how Southern people eat.
  • The MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award The MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award recognizes individuals and teams, for the successful opening of a dining venue over the past 12 months, with a creative degustation concept and a cuisine approach that has made a notable impact on the local gastronomic scene. This year’s award, presented by UOB, is bestowed upon Wilfrid Hocquet, Owner-Chef of Margo.Opened in June 2025, Margo is a French restaurant that made its debut in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide Thailand under the MICHELIN Selected list. Its menu features polished French classics, complemented by a lively atmosphere and seamless service delivered by a skilled team. Though new, Margo feels instantly established ─ casual yet sophisticated, thoughtfully executed, and full of promise.
David Thompson — who earned the first MICHELIN Star for Thai cuisine in London and has mentored many of today’s leading Thai chefs and Arsen Brahaj from Albania, winner of the MICHELIN Service Award. (© Anuwat Senivansa Na Ayudhya/The MICHELIN Guide Thailand, Aulis)
David Thompson — who earned the first MICHELIN Star for Thai cuisine in London and has mentored many of today’s leading Thai chefs and Arsen Brahaj from Albania, winner of the MICHELIN Service Award. (© Anuwat Senivansa Na Ayudhya/The MICHELIN Guide Thailand, Aulis)
  • The MICHELIN Guide Service Award The MICHELIN Guide Service Award aims to highlight and encourage skilled and talented professionals who dramatically enhance customer experience. This year’s MICHELIN Guide Service Award, presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, is given to Mr. Arsen Brahaj, the Restaurant Manager at Aulis, a One MICHELIN Star restaurant in Phang-Nga.Originally from Albania, Mr. Brahaj speaks four languages and brings with him experience from Simon Rogan’s MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in Malta, where he served as supervisor. At Aulis, he leads the service and curates drink pairings that highlight local ingredients. Mr. Brahaj ensures seamless service flow ─ welcoming guests with genuine charm, explaining dishes with passion, supporting the kitchen team, and delivering a polished dining experience that leaves a lasting impression.
  • The MICHELIN Guide Mentor Chef Award The MICHELIN Guide Mentor Chef Award honors chefs whose unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation has made a lasting impact on the culinary industry. Marking a milestone for Thailand, the country’s first-ever Mentor Chef Award, presented by WP Energy, is bestowed upon David Thompson, the Owner-Chef of Aksorn (One MICHELIN Star) and Chop Chop Cook Shop (MICHELIN Selected).Mr. Thompson’s journey with Thai cuisine began in the 1980s, when he first visited Thailand and fell in love with its rich food culture. In 2001, he opened Nahm in London ─ the first Thai restaurant to earn a MICHELIN Star ─ proving Thai cuisine’s place on the global fine dining stage. He later brought Nahm to Bangkok in 2010, helping shape the identity of Thai fine dining for both chefs and diners.Beyond his own culinary achievements, Mr. Thompson’s greatest legacy lies in mentorship. Many of Thailand’s leading chefs have trained in his kitchens, carrying forward his respect for tradition and commitment to excellence. Though not Thai by birth, his career has been devoted to preserving, teaching, and elevating Thai cuisine. His influence continues to ripple through Thailand’s culinary scene, making his impact both profound and enduring.
Led by Chef Pakorn “Tan” Kosiyapon, GOAT is dedicated to thoughtful cooking that highlights Thailand’s rich natural diversity. (© GOAT)
Led by Chef Pakorn “Tan” Kosiyapon, GOAT is dedicated to thoughtful cooking that highlights Thailand’s rich natural diversity. (© GOAT)

‘GOAT’ Joins the MICHELIN Green Star Community for Its Inspiring Vision, Bringing Thailand’s Total Number of Restaurants Recognized for Mindful Practices to Five:

  The MICHELIN Green Star editorially highlights restaurants that, among the MICHELIN Guide selection, have inspired and impressed Inspectors with their committed vision for the future of gastronomy. By gathering a community of innovative establishments driven to pursue progress in the role of restaurants, the MICHELIN Green Star fosters dialogue and collaboration, encouraging establishments to inspire and evolve together. This year, the only restaurant that has newly captured the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors’ attention for its inspiring vision is GOAT, a One MICHELIN Star restaurant dedicated to thoughtful cooking that highlights Thailand’s rich natural diversity. They source ingredients directly from local farmers, fishermen, and small-scale producers, and grow herbs and edible flowers in their rooftop garden. Every item in the kitchen is used with intention ─ trimmings become fermented or compost, and oil is carefully reused. Their attention to detail extends to the décor, where reclaimed wood and recycled tableware reflect the same mindful philosophy. The newly highlighted restaurant joins the four establishments already recognized for continuing to impress the Inspectors: PRU, Haoma, Jampa, and Baan Tepa. Together, they form a community deeply committed to presenting another vision of gastronomy. The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025 at a Glance:
  • 288 MICHELIN Selected (50 new)
  • 137 Bib Gourmand (13 new)
  • 5 MICHELIN Green Star (1 new)
  • 33 One MICHELIN Star (3 new, 4 promoted from MICHELIN Selected)
  • 8 Two MICHELIN Stars (2 promoted from One MICHELIN Star)
  • 2 Three MICHELIN Stars (1 promoted from Two MICHELIN Stars)
The complete listing in MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2026 will also be available on the official MICHELIN Guide website and on The MICHELIN Guide mobile app (iOS and Android), which enables you to find every restaurant and hotel in the world selected by the MICHELIN Guide.

Caribbean Sea – Me gusta Holbox in Mexico

Contributed by feature reporter Jens Hoffmann

 

From New York to Cancún.

 

Here where the Caribbean Sea converges with the Gulf of Mexico, ancestral voices keep whispering old tales with the winds that refresh Holbox.

 

They tell the stories of the Spanish galleons that disappeared in these waters, they also tell the stories of the pirates who took their treasures, pirates like Francisco Molas.

The ferry ride to Isla Holbox (a 20 mile-long sliver of mostly mangrove and beach in the vast Yum Balam biosphere reserve), is only about a two-and-a half-hour drive northwest of Cancún. The car-free island is a tranquil, unpretentious hideaway for visitors to the Yucatán, a place to swim with gentle whale sharks, to kiteboard above its crystalline waters, and to enjoy some culture at the annual International Public Art Festival, when artists indeed paint the town.

 

The perfect location to stay is the Hotel Casa Sandra.

Nowadays people think that Molas found a crystalline source of water so beautiful that he decided to bury all his treasures here in Holbox. Who finds the source will find the treasure.

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With only 2000 inhabitants Mestizo (Maya, pirates, Spanish and Cuban), sandy streets and a secluded beach, the atmosphere of a small fishing village is jealously guarded.

 

Being a wandering island with its fishing and when it gets late, it goes to the hammock as the heritage of his life.

holbox

 

Holbox is part of the ecological reserve of ‘Yum Balam’, which covers protected areas, where unique species reside. Not only the whale shark is an attraction in this place.

The arrival of hawksbill turtles, pink flamingos, terns, white pelicans, different types of iguanas and horseshoe crabs are some examples of the natural wealth of this area. The hotel was great fun, quiet, where the blue was obvious. One day, the landlady landed in Cancun and the attraction of the Mayan land was overwhelming for her.

 

She took a small plane and flew over the island of Holbox. Nothing was more attractive than the Feast of the colors of nature, barefoot fishermen with their gold teeth, women weaving hammocks or sheathed with their heels in the sand.

 

“I want to do something here, ” she said and began to imagine in her head this project now called “the hotel with a human touch” on this very beach. Then she wanted to welcome friends from around the world and to express, through a hotel on the island of Holbox, a point of view on life: “peace and art are a great treasure for humans. ” Because of this she thought of a place on Holbox, in luxurious twenty rooms that look to the sea.

All done out of love and passion.

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The joy of giving and expressing a new way of take care.

 

Me gusta Holbox.

Adios! We Will be back soon.

 

CasaSandra

We love Dom Rep – Club Med in Punta Cana by Jens James Hoffmann

 

 

 

Destinationreport Punta Cana

by Jens Hoffmann

Welcome to Dominican Republic – the whole year around sunshine, immaculate beaches, spectacular landscapes a great country located on Hispaniola (Antilles archipelago). Punta Cana has everything that discerning travelers could wish for in the Caribbean region.

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We enjoyed the Zen Oasis Club Med Punta Cana. It offers a special relaxing area and select hotel & resort experience.

Since years Club Med has a privileged location, probably the best location on the island.
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The resort is located all the way down the beach and it has a luxury sport & lifestyle ambience that is both sophisticated and inviting.

Surrounded by blue water and a charming natural setting, stylish Caribbean setting.

And all this just ten minutes away from Punta Canta International Airport, a perfect sunny place for 365 days.

The appealing design combining asian and italiann style with a elegant but easy resort style, reflecting in the “Club”, “Deluxe” “Family” rooms, including the new (luxurious) Zen Oasis villas.

Our room was big as a suite, nice design and wide open styled.

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White and blue, where ever you look, a bit of mediterranean style catches the eye.

The bathroom was special with a seperate loo and a big rainfall soaking tub.

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I got my complete relaxation when I played golf at La Cana Golf Club. A georgous occean front golfers paradise, when you play the course you are for sure happy, fourteen holes features views of the Caribbean, with four of the toughest right alongside the water’s edge.

The entire course is planted from tee to greens in Seashore Paspalum which is environmentally friendly hybrid grass.

With the addition of the nine of Hacianda, Punta Cana Resort & Club offers a new inland golf course that is second-to-none.

Golf

 

It’s true they met challenge and created a dream. IMG_5917

During that time my wife enjoyed the revitalisation of the senses and holistic rejuvenation of body and soul in the ClubMed spa. The elegant spa is a relaxing place and the massages are really good, paired with select interior and a fine service.

Beauty treatments and massages deliver care with products from L’Occitane. You will find these items in the spa and also in your room.

Having just spent four nights at Club Med Punta Cana, the picture of style, design joy and Zen come alive.

If you love food you are right here, our palates were pampered all the time.

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To eat at the “Indigo” accompanied with the soft ripple of the sea is truly lovely. In all different Club Med restaurants the fish, meat, lobster, ceviche that melts in your mouth, grilled perch in an ginger sauce, omelettes with vegetables, nice salads, fruits are just great.
Yummy. The Club Med Punta Cana has a really intimate feeling. With only 500 rooms it was easy to find seats at every meal, easy to get drinks at the bar and nejoy the time.

This will be very welcome news for any parent who are looking for vacation.

The kids -which were at home- will be able to run from one end to the other and still be well within eye-shot. And the water is very, very calm and smooth.

We played tennis, golf (pitch & put) at the resort and skipped windsurfing and sailing.

If you’re a runner, bring your sneakers. There are numerous paved pathways that wind through Club Med Punta Cana’s beautiful property, suitable for runners.

Every week one of the after-dinner parties is “white”. Everyone is dressed in all white.

By the way, it was a fantastic “white party.”

The “Go’s” at “Creactive” are “Cirque du Soleil” performers and they teach you the trapeze and the bungie cord perfectly. We could have spent all day time at this place if we were not to busy playin table tennis, golf, tennis and enjoying the off property excursions.

Pure enjoyment awaits in the restaurants, the food at all the resort restaurants is great.

It was always something fresh and new, probably one of the nicest and relaxing resort places world-wide.
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We were the first to try out and experience Zen Oasis.

Chapeau, Club Med really did a great job. Zen Oasis is in the back of the resort a little secluded from everyone else but that is intentional.

It’s made to feel like you were at a different place and it worked perfectly.

Club Med is really known for their all inclusive and family oriented resorts.

Zen Oasis is made for adults only but people from the other parts of the resort are welcome to come (but they have to leave their kids in the other parts.

This is easy and smart. Club Med saw a need for adults needing to get away and made this whole area of the resort adult friendly.

From Zen Oasis to Indigo to the Spa and quiet beach in front of it, timeless beauty and perfect relaxation for body and soul.
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Check in: ClubMed Punta Cana

The fantastic interior design is by GG & Grace Creative Concepts.

Great job, Gaultier!

GG & Grace
The press trip was supported by Club Med.
Club Med

 

Unterwegs in Düsseldorf: Zu Gast im 5-Sterne Breidenbacher Hof

Mon amour – Breidenbacher Hof

Von Jens Hoffmann

Düsseldorf ist mein Sehnsuchtsort.

Es gibt Orte, Städte und Menschen, die entdeckt werden wollen.

Die Landeshauptstadt von NRW ist eine solche Stadt.

Der Ursprung von Kraftwerk, Beuys, Immendorff, Wim Wenders, Campino und eben dem Breidenbacher Hof.

Schon seit vielen Jahren zogen Menschen aus aller Welt nach Düsseldorf, um hier ihr zu nächtigen und sich zu vergnügen.

Ab Mitte des 19. Jahrhunderts wurde er als „Palast Hotel Breidenbacher Hof ” zur ersten Adresse der Stadt.

George Clooney, König Juan Carlos von Spanien,  Udo Lindenberg und Robby Williams waren schon hier.

Die Kombination aus Geschichte und Luxus garantiert eine behagliche Atmosphäre – nicht nur für Stars, sondern auch für uns.

Das Paradies pflegt sich dann erst als Paradies zu erkennen zu geben, wenn man es wieder verläßt.

Ja, so war’s.

Wie es sich für ein feines Grand Hotel gehört, wartet der Breidenbacher Hof mit hervorragendem Service und freundlichem Personal auf.

Das Hotel liegt nur eine Minute von der U-Bahn-Haltestelle Heinrich-Heine-Allee entfernt.

Zu den Einrichtungen gehören ein Restaurant, eine Bar, Zigarren-Lounges sowie ein Spa mit Innenpool und Sauna. Außerdem gibt es einen Flughafen-Shuttle.

Freie An- und Abreisezeiten, WLAN-Zugang im gesamten Hotel, kostenfreie alkoholfreie Getränke, Obst und Gebäck sowie einige Concierges als persönliche Ansprechpartner während und nach dem Aufenthalt.

Die Mitarbeiter sorgen ebenso aufmerksam wie zurückhaltend für die Bewohner der 106 Gästezimmern und 21 Suiten auf 9. Etagen.

Für uns war es die 903.

Alle Zimmer und Suiten sind klassisch eingerichtet und vermitteln Grandhotel Atmosphäre.

King Size Betten mit dicken Matratzen sorgen für eine schöne Nacht mit anregenden  Träumen.

Das Bad in Marmor mit Badewanne und begehbarer Regenwald Dusche macht Spaß.

Mit dem  Touch-Panel werden die Beleuchtung, Vorhänge und Klimaanlage gesteuert.

Etwas kompliziert, aber interessant.

Der Gast wird -soweit bekannt- mit Namen angesprochen und liebevoll umsorgt.

Kleine Altbier Begrüßungsdrinks standen eisgekühlt für uns bereit.

Wow, danke.

Das internationale Frühstück lässt keine Wünsche offen.

 

Weitere Informationen und Buchung:

https://breidenbacherhof.com/de/