Just an hour’s drive from Berlin, the elegant lakeside town of Bad Saarow  offers a tranquil escape from urban life. My recent stay at the exquisite Villa Contessa , Germany’s smallest five-star hotel, was a true sanctuary of calm and refinement. Overlooking the shimmering Scharmützelsee, the villa combines timeless charm with discreet luxury — the kind that invites you to slow down, breathe, and simply be. From the soothing spa treatments to the delicate cuisine, every detai