Lena Terlutter: Family travel with style
Fashion blogger and travel expert
20 February 2020
Fashion entrepreneur Lena Terlutter loves to travel and is inspired by foreign cultures for her stylings. She also lives out this passion together with her family. We asked the fashion-savvy travel expert for tips on unusual family trips.
Lena Terlutter - Fashion Entrepreneur, Influencer and Mother of Three Daughters
Her love for the beautiful things in life, her exquisite taste as well as her flair for business brought Lena Terlutter to the top of the fashion and lifestyle scene. The mother of three from Cologne is not only the founder of the prestigious fashion store "Boutique Belgique" and designer, but also a well-known fashion and lifestyle influencer. Lena is also part of the Vogue community and works with the most prestigious luxury brands. On her blog and social media channels, Lena shares her latest fashion discoveries and gives insights into her exclusive lifestyle. Together with her husband and three daughters, the designer expands her horizons on many trips and finds new inspiration there.
An old Indian proverb says, "If you love your child, send him on a journey!". Because travel broadens the horizons, inspires and stimulates the mind. Plus, of course, it's a lot of fun and a great way to experience exciting adventures! That's why passionate globetrotter Lena Terlutter takes her whole family on her travels, where they all find inspiration in their own way. The influence of their shared adventures can be found in Ms. Terlutter's classic fashion stylings and appealing interior designs.
Questions for Lena Terlutter
What three words best describe you?
Creative, active, communicative.
The best moment of the day ...
I love snuggling with my kids in the morning and then having breakfast together.
What inspires you?
Travelling, because nowhere do I find so many impulses and new ideas as on the road.
Your lifestyle in five words ...
Extravagant, elegant, classy, enjoyable and adventurous.
Which person has influenced/inspired you the most?
My parents, because they taught me taste from a young age and shaped me with their sense of aesthetics. We went to the museum every Sunday, but my parents were never obsessive or dominant. They never tried to impose their tastes on me, but supported me to develop freely. I admire that - and I hope that I can pass these values on to my children as well.
Your philosophy of life is?
Give every day the chance to be the best day of your life.
What does travel mean to you?
For me, travel means freedom, inspiration, adventure, culture, enjoyment, curiosity and expanding horizons.
Which country did you travel to last?
My last trip was to Croatia, where we "hopped" from island to island. It was beautiful: crystal clear water and lonely, hidden bays - I can only recommend this to every family.
What is your ultimate favorite place?
Oh dear - I have so many! Rome, Andalusia, Barcelona, Capri, Saint-Tropez, Formentera or Puglia - how am I supposed to decide?!
I love this place because...?
Hm, if I had to choose a place, I would probably choose Formentera. The island enchants me with its hippie feeling, its unagitated lifestyle, its beautiful bays and its proximity to Ibiza. I also have so many memories of Formentera, as my husband and I used to go there often as a couple and then later we would visit the island with our kids. A lot has changed over the years, but the emotions are still the same.
What does your perfect vacation day look like?
My perfect holiday day starts with a long, leisurely breakfast, before it then goes off on a boat. We sail to small bays, enjoy our lunch on the beach and stroll in the evening through a small old town, where we then go to an idyllic place for a delicious meal.
Do you have a favourite hotel and if so, what makes it so special?
I love "Le Sirenuse" in Positano or "La Mamounia" in Marrakech. Both hotels combine traditional and modern design, are of the highest quality and leave nothing to be desired. I love to fully immerse myself in other worlds and find new inspiration.
What do you expect from a perfect hotel room?
I love fancy designs in hotels because they inspire me.
Do you have a favorite restaurant?
Yes, thousands! Eating out is my greatest passion.
A perfect evening ends for you with ...
... a glass of rosé and my husband.
Your current favorite song?
"Love of my life" by Queen.
Which destination would you recommend to families?
I find that the Balearic Islands of Menorca, Mallorca, Ibiza and Formentera are great for family travel. They are easily accessible, offer a relaxed lifestyle, unique hotels and beautiful scenery.
What do you always have on hand when traveling with your kids?
Wet wipes and gummy bears (laughs)!
Can you still remember your own first family vacation?
Yes, of course! When our first daughter was born, we went to the south of France and did a tour through Provence - that was beautiful!
An adventure holiday in South America or a beach holiday in the Maldives?
Definitely adventure in South America!
The perfect Instagram picture: a quick snapshot or professional staging?
A snapshot, it's more authentic.
Is your husband patient with photos?
Yes, it is his job as a photographer (laughs)!
Your personal beauty tip when travelling?
The Glow Drops by Dr. Barbara Sturm - they make the complexion glow even on long journeys!
What do you always carry in your hand luggage?
My handbags - because I'm afraid of the luggage getting lost ....
The interview was summarized by Anita Fuchs.
LENA'S FAVOURITE HOTELS FOR PERFECT FAMILY TRIPS
Le Sirenuse
POSITANO, ITALY
Nestled in the picturesque hills of the Amalfi Coast, the charming Hotel Le Sirenuse is located in the heart of Positano and offers breathtaking views of the bay. Steeped in history, the hotel is an oasis of peace and tranquillity and impresses with its loving design, luxurious furnishings and intimate atmosphere.
Double room from € 315 / night | lesirenuse.it
La Mamounia
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO
The beautiful and detailed palace hotel enchants with luxurious oriental flair. The five-star hotel is located near the main square of Marrakech and pampers its guests with Moroccan art of living at the highest standard. The rooms and suites offer incredible views of the gardens, the Atlas Mountains and the Koutoubia Mosque.
Double room from € 430 / night | mamounia.com
Hotel Vilòn
ROME, ITALY
In the heart of Rome, Hotel Vilòn offers a luxurious island of tranquillity between 16th century walls. The high-quality and detailed furnishings of the rooms and suites in the Art Deco look and the inviting Borghese Palace Garden offer an intimate feel-good ambience in which you immediately feel at home.
DZ from € 450 / night | hotelvilon.com
Capri Palace
CAPRI, ITALY
The beautiful resort is reminiscent of an 18th century Neapolitan palace. This classic Italian look has been combined with a modern Mediterranean aesthetic and artful design, inviting you to linger and relax. Excellent restaurants and the exclusive Capri Beauty Farm round off the stay at the Capri Palace and guarantee pure Italian feeling.
Double room from € 434 / night | capripalace.com
Borgo Egnazia
SAVELETTRI DI FASANO, ITALY
The award-winning Borgo Egnazia is located in Puglia, where the hills of the Itria Valley gently slope down to the Adriatic Sea. The unique property is inspired by the shapes, materials and colours of a typical Apulian village and enchants with perfect service, Mediterranean delicacies, an Apulian spa as well as unique interior design.
Double room from € 350 / night | borgoegnazia.it
Picture credits: Lena Terlutter; Le Sirenuse; Alan Keohane; Stefano Scatà; Holden Creative; Gianni Buonsante
This article appeared in the Falstaff TRAVEL issue Spring/Summer 2020.