Contessa
French Riviera-meets-Brandenburg lake. Classic white villa aesthetics in the original building, contemporary elegance in the Grand Villa. Family-run with 38 staff serving 14 rooms — that ratio says everything about the level of attention. The all-white color scheme is consistent and deliberate throughout.
The Balcony Suite in the original Villa Contessa building is the most characterful room — classic elegance and a direct lake view.
Why It Matters
Michelin 2-Key award, Falstaff Spa Award (one of Germany's best spa hotels), and ranked among Germany's 101 best hotels by Handelsblatt. A 115-year-old family property that has aged exceptionally well. The Grand Spa alone — over 500 sqm with lake views and real privacy — is uncommon for a 14-room hotel.
Two elegant white villas on the shores of Lake Scharmützelsee, roughly 50 minutes from Berlin. Built in 1910 and run by the same family for generations, Villa Contessa has that rare quality of feeling genuinely personal without sacrificing luxury. The original villa carries classic French Riviera bones — white facade, refined interiors, lounge terrace facing the water. The newer Grand Villa sits right next door and adds 8 contemporary suites. Together: 14 rooms total, a seriously impressive 500+ sqm Grand Spa with both indoor and outdoor heated pools, and a fine restaurant where the entire menu changes every single evening. Small, but very seriously good.
Where You'll Stay
8 room types available
Balcony Suite
From EUR739 / night60 sqm suite in the original Villa Contessa building — the most classically styled room in the property. Homage to the golden age of grand hotels, with refined elegance and stunning lake views from 30 sqm of balcony space.
60 sqm
Garden Room
From EUR239 / nightThe entry-level category. At 22–25 sqm it's the most compact option, but comes with a private 20 sqm terrace opening onto the garden rather than the lake. A good option if you plan to spend most of your time in the spa and at the restaurant.
23 sqm
Grand Suite
From EUR889 / nightThe flagship suite, occupying the penthouse floor of the Grand Villa. Spectacular panoramic views over Lake Scharmützelsee and the Bad Saarow promenade from all sides. 100 sqm interior plus 55 sqm of lounge balcony — one of the most extraordinary outdoor spaces in the property.
100 sqm
Junior Suite
From EUR389 / night38 sqm junior suite with a 12 sqm private terrace and lake views. A solid entry into the suite category — elegant design, modern comforts, private outdoor space.
38 sqmLounge Suite
From EUR459 / night42 sqm suite in the Grand Villa with generous 35 sqm of balcony terrace and lake views. Light-filled, open design with a comfortable lounge feel.
42 sqmMaisonette Junior Suite
From EUR389 / night45 sqm two-level junior suite with a spacious 20 sqm lake-view balcony. The maisonette layout gives a sense of space and privacy that standard junior suites rarely manage.
45 sqmSignature Suite
From EUR679 / night75 sqm suite with a private 25 sqm lounge terrace, whirlpool bathtub, and direct lake views. Located in the Grand Villa, defined by modern elegance and light-filled design.
75 sqmTerrace Suite
From EUR499 / night50 sqm suite with a whirlpool in the living area and a 25 sqm private lounge terrace with lake views. Combines spa-style in-room comfort with outdoor relaxation.
50 sqmThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Modern rental bikes available at the hotel. A 32km lakeside promenade circumnavigates Scharmützelsee, and the wider 'Land of Hundred Lakes' region has several hundred km of dedicated cycle paths.
A 170km network of riding trails surrounds the Scharmützelsee area. Two equestrian facilities — Pfauenhof and Gut Wochowsee — are in the immediate vicinity.
A scenic lakeside promenade runs directly from the hotel along the shores of Scharmützelsee — total circuit 32km.
Scharmützelsee is known for its exceptional water clarity — visibility up to 9 meters. Multiple public bathing areas on the lake are accessible from the hotel promenade.
Multi-day structured detox and health programs based on current scientific findings, including deep relaxation treatments, health-targeted therapies, and guidance toward healthier lifestyle habits.
Access to the 500+ sqm Grand Spa: heated outdoor pool, indoor atmospheric pool, hot tub, dry sauna, bio-sauna, steam bath, Kneipp baths, relaxation areas, and spa library. Pool lounge open until 22:00 in summer.
The renowned Bad Saarow Golf Club is 5km from the hotel, frequently praised in the international press. Multiple courses suitable for all skill levels.
The Bad Saarow Tennis Center is a few minutes from the hotel. Six outdoor clay courts and six indoor courts, including three Laykold Masters hard courts with the original Miami Open surface.
Partner watersports center YAAS operates on Scharmützelsee with surfboards, canoes, motor boats, and sailing yachts available for rent.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
11m x 4m outdoor pool maintained at approximately 32°C year-round. Multi-level countercurrent system for swimmers. Directly on the lakeside promenade.
Lakeside pool lounge on the shores of Scharmützelsee. Open until 22:00 in summer.
Every room and suite has a private outdoor space — balcony or terrace — with views of the gardens or the lake.
Dry sauna (90°C), organic bio-sauna (60°C), steam bath (40°C), Eisbrunnen, Kneipp baths, and heat bench.
BUILD YOUR VILLA CONTESSA PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning