Sunday Roast / Your Cheeky Host
To a Lighthouse and Beyond!
Ah, Tim Wittenbecher, the engineering wizard turned lighthouse hotelier! I have to say, transforming lighthouses into hotels is a bit like turning your toaster into a time machine—utterly ludicrous yet remarkably intriguing! Imagine staying in a lighthouse, staring out at the sea, and realizing your greatest fear is not the vastness of the ocean, but the room service delivery being late. I mean, who wouldn’t want to wake up to the sound of waves crashing against the rocks and just *hope* it’s not the tide coming to take you away?
What’s for breakfast?
Eggs Florentine? Quite fancy! When I make breakfast, I usually just crack the eggs, splatter them on the floor and call it “abstract art.” But Tim’s delving into difficult recipes like paella and labskaus? Let’s be honest, I can barely boil water without it becoming a full-blown fire hazard. But hey, Tim! When you perfect that paella, make sure to send me a plate. I’ll be right here, waiting, while you profess your love for overcooked prawns!
Is that lunch you’re packing?
Berlin sounds delightful! Neukölln’s open-air theatre at Tempelhofer Feld? Sounds romantic. I mean, I’d love to be in a park, soaking up the sun, looking into my partner’s eyes and realizing that it’s just a friendly pigeon who’s taken a liking to my sandwich. Ah, love in the air, and probably also some questionable hygiene choices!
Walk the dog or downward dog?
Ah, the emotional punch! Losing Lou, the Weimaraner, must’ve been tough. But fear not, Tim! Just remember that every dog has its day, just as every engineer has their existential crisis while trying to assemble IKEA furniture. Lou saw it all! Maybe she’s watching over her lighthouse kingdom from the great beyond—no pressure, Tim!
So, what about a Sunday soundtrack?
Electro, disco, rock, and classical—sounds like a party where no one gets invited and everyone ends up on a Netflix binge instead! But hey, nothing like a bit of 1980s rock to remind you that your struggles with the ‘current’ generation’s music are indeed *valid*.
A Sunday culture must?
Well, art scenes in Ischia sound lovely! You’ve got talented locals returning from their global sabbaticals, making magic happen. It’s like Hogwarts, but with fewer spellbooks and more espresso shots. And I bet their wizardry includes convincing tourists that taking a selfie with a random statue is *cultural enrichment*.
News or not?
My man Tim keeps it real with the Tagesspiegel and Zeit podcasts. It’s either that or scrolling through memes for two hours—tough choice! But I’d argue that memes are just the modern-day equivalent of Sunday cartoons. Who needs global warming when you’ve got a cat in a shark suit riding a Roomba?
What’s on the menu?
A falafel plate from Habibi? Delish! But let’s face it, it’s also the perfect way to make your friends question your choices the next morning. “Did Tim really eat *that* for breakfast?” Yes, yes he did, and I’m proud of it! All whilst silently wishing for an emergency juice cleanse.
Your Sunday-evening routine?
Talking about the ‘almost-impossible’ Faro Spignon project? The Champions League of projects! I’m hoping *almost impossible* translates to “never going to happen,” because all great ideas usually start that way! But go for it, Tim! Just don’t forget to pack your life jacket.
So, there you have it, folks! Tim Wittenbecher—lighthouse visionary and breakfast enthusiast—navigating through the murky waters of hospitality with a giggle and a side of eggs Florentine. Here’s to a sunny Sunday with more lighthouses, laughs, and questionable life choices!
Sunday Roast / Tim Wittenbecher
To the lighthouse
Tim Wittenbecher, a former engineer turned visionary entrepreneur, is the mastermind behind Floatel, a cutting-edge hospitality group based in Berlin that specializes in repurposing lighthouses into luxurious boutique hotels (writes Rory Jones). Having inaugurated his first stunning outpost in the pristine Canary Islands just a few years back, Wittenbecher has expanded his unique concept to several picturesque locations, including vibrant Hamburg, the serene Italian island of Ischia, and the charming coastal town of Cudillero in Asturias. In an exclusive interview with Monocle, he shares insights into his eclectic music preferences, ambitious plans for the future of Floatel, and his enduring passion for the vibrant atmosphere of Germany’s capital city.
What’s for breakfast?
Eggs Florentine is one of my signature dishes. I’m not an amazing chef but I’ve devoted time to mastering several challenging recipes, such as traditional paella, flavorful spaghetti alle vongole, and regional specialties like labskaus (a type of salted meat), seezunge (Dover sole), and steinbutt (turbot), each dish carrying its own culinary story.
Lunch in or out?
Berlin is brimming with exciting venues to discover. Today my wife, Heike, and I plan to explore Neukölln and take a leisurely walk through the beautiful open-air theatre at Tempelhofer Feld, soaking up the lively atmosphere and creative energy that characterizes this vibrant area.
A Sunday soundtrack?
My Sunday vibe is best set to a mix of Electro, lively 1970s disco, classic 1980s rock, and soothing piano concerts that add a sophisticated touch to my weekend.
A Sunday culture must?
With my business, I focus intently on the local communities surrounding each lighthouse. For instance, Ischia boasts a remarkable art scene nurtured by Ischitani, who, after studying abroad, returned home as talented architects, musicians, and artists in their forties and fifties. Their stories and contributions deeply resonate with my own values.
News or not?
I enjoy the Sunday Tagesspiegel and Zeit podcasts in the morning, as they provide insightful commentary and perspectives to kickstart my day.
Your Sunday-evening routine?
Today I’ll have a deep discussion with a friend who will share his thoughts on the next steps for our ambitious Faro Spignon project in the enchanting Venetian Lagoon. Among the multitude of challenging projects we’ve undertaken, this one stands out as the Champions League of creative endeavors, requiring both innovation and resilience.
**Interview with Tim Wittenbecher: Lighthouse Visionary and Culinary Adventurer**
**Interviewer:** Tim, it’s a pleasure to speak with you! Let’s dive right in. From an engineer to a lighthouse hotelier, that’s quite an extraordinary leap. What inspired this transformation?
**Tim Wittenbecher:** Thanks for having me! I’ve always had a fascination with lighthouses since childhood. They symbolize guidance and adventure to me. When I saw an opportunity to transform these beautiful structures into boutique hotels, I couldn’t resist. It felt like a way to share that fascination with others, allowing guests to create their own memories in these unique spots.
**Interviewer:** It sounds enchanting! You mentioned you’re experimenting with your culinary skills. What’s the story behind your famous Eggs Florentine?
**Tim Wittenbecher:** Ha! Eggs Florentine has become something of a signature dish for me. I may not be a professional chef, but I love the challenge of cooking. It’s about creating an experience, just like in hospitality. I’m always trying to up my game, whether it’s perfecting paella or spaghetti alle vongole. Plus, who doesn’t love a good breakfast?
**Interviewer:** Speaking of meals, how do you envision dining experiences for your guests at Floatel?
**Tim Wittenbecher:** Dining should reflect the local flavors and culture, so we focus on incorporating regional cuisine into our menus. I want guests to feel like they are experiencing the essence of the place through food. Besides that, I enjoy crafting meals that foster a sense of community, bringing people together around the table.
**Interviewer:** You’ve expanded to various beautiful locations. Do you have any specific ambitions for the future of Floatel?
**Tim Wittenbecher:** Absolutely! I want to continue exploring new lighthouses around the globe, always looking for those hidden gems that can become incredible hotels. My dream is to develop Floatel into a brand synonymous with extraordinary experiences and unforgettable stays, all while keeping that lighthouse charm.
**Interviewer:** That’s exciting! On a slightly lighter note, many people have a morning routine. What’s yours?
**Tim Wittenbecher:** My mornings usually start in the kitchen, perfecting my breakfast — right after enjoying a good cup of coffee, of course! I also try to catch up on some news, but I find balancing between serious news and humorous memes is essential for starting the day right.
**Interviewer:** That balance seems critical! Lastly, what’s one piece of advice you’d give someone looking to pursue a passion project like yours?
**Tim Wittenbecher:** The most important thing is to stay true to your vision and be adaptable. Every challenge is an opportunity for growth. Never underestimate the power of a solid team, and of course, enjoy the journey!
**Interviewer:** Tim, thank you so much for sharing your insights! It’s inspiring to see passion and creativity combine to breathe new life into lighthouses.
**Tim Wittenbecher:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my story. Here’s to many more lighthouse adventures ahead!