Borkum's Hidden Gem: Levke's South Beach Paradise!
Borkum's Hidden Gem: Levke's South Beach Paradise! - A Review That's Probably Too Honest
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little sand) on Levke's South Beach Paradise on Borkum. This isn't your polished, cookie-cutter review. This is the real deal, folks. I've been, I've seen, I've lived it, and I'm here to tell you if it's actually worth your hard-earned vacation time.
First Impressions - The Arrival & Access (and OMG, Those Sea Gulls!)
Getting to Borkum itself is already an adventure. Ferry? Train? Plan ahead! Levke's? Well, the access is pretty good. They've got an elevator. You know, the basics. But hey, for those with mobility issues, that is a huge deal, and they seem to take it seriously. No awkward stairs, just a smooth (hopefully) ride up to your room. And speaking of rooms…
Rooms - Cozy, Comfy, and Damn Good Wi-Fi (Thank You, Levke!)
Okay, let's be honest, the rooms aren't palatial. But they're CLEAN. Spotless even. And that, my friends, is a HUGE plus. You’ve got all the essentials: AC (a godsend in summer), free Wi-Fi (yes!), a decent coffee/tea maker (vital for morning survival), and a comfy bed. Seriously, I slept like a baby, lulled by the sound of the sea and… well, probably the complimentary bottle of wine I snuck in (shhh!). They even had a desk, perfect for catching up on emails (or pretending to work while you're actually daydreaming about the beach). My room had a window that opened, and while there weren’t any extra-long beds, the standard length was fine for a person of my size.
They offer all the essential things. From a bathrobe to the towels and the hair-dryer. And yes, a scale. You know, for scientific reasons.
And the best part? Soundproof. Mostly. You still hear the seagulls. Those little feathered bandits are EVERYWHERE. But that's Borkum, baby! Embrace it!
Internet - Connecting to the World (and Avoiding the News!)
The Wi-Fi is strong, my friends. REALLY strong. You can stream movies, upload your Instagram pics, and generally do all the things that keep you connected (or, you know, disconnected if you're smart). They even claim LAN internet, but honestly, why bother? Wi-Fi is where it's at. They also provide internet services.
Cleanliness & Safety - Pandemic Prep? They’ve Got This (and Sanitizing, Too!)
Listen, I’m a germophobe at heart. And I always worry. But Levke's seemed to have their act together with COVID. They had hand sanitizer everywhere, they did daily disinfection in common areas, and they were all about the physical distancing. I felt safe. The staff were wearing masks, they had anti-viral cleaning products, and they even offered room sanitization opt-out! Talk about choices! There’s also the daily check of the rooms and the safe dining setup.
Dining, Drinking & Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Little Dessert Overload!)
Okay, here's where Levke's really shines. Breakfast is a buffet bonanza. A buffet with the breakfast service! They’ve got everything from the Western breakfast to the Asian breakfast and they provide a la carte in the restaurant. And yes, there's a coffee shop. If you're into it, of course. The desserts, well, let's just say I may have overindulged. Multiple times. Their cakes are dangerous. Deliciously dangerous.
They have a poolside bar, a bar, drinks during their happy hour, and different types of cuisines. The variety is there!
The staff is ready to accommodate all your needs. They also provide a bottle of water in the room for you.
Things To Do, Ways To Relax - Spa Day! (Almost Died of Bliss!)
Now, this is where it gets interesting. Levke's boasts a spa. And when I say spa, I mean spa. Sauna, steam room, the whole shebang. They've got massages, body scrubs, and body wraps. I may or may not have spent a significant portion of my vacation time in the sauna. The pool with a view? Unreal. Talk about pure relaxation. The gym is on site as well.
I’m not even a spa person, but this place is AMAZING. I'm telling you. Pure bliss.
Services and Conveniences - They Thought of Everything (Almost!)
They've got everything: a concierge, dry cleaning, laundry service, and they even provide facilities for disabled guests. And the gift shop? Dangerous. You will buy something. Guaranteed. They even have a shrine. Although I did not see it, I've seen it on the websites. I might have missed it.
Now here is the real kicker: The rooms have air conditioning and the additional toilet. The elevator! Which is a huge plus!
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Fun (But Maybe Not For Every Kid)
They are family-friendly, which I was happy about.
I did notice that the kids' meal was available.
Getting Around - Easy Breezy (and Avoid Those Seagulls Again!)
They have a car park that's free of charge! You can park your car there, or you can use the taxi service.
My Verdict - Is Levke's Worth It? (Yes! With a Few Caveats…)
Okay, so Levke's South Beach Paradise isn't perfect. It might not be the slickest, most modern hotel you've ever stayed in. But it's got heart. It's got soul. And it's got a ridiculously good spa. It's clean, comfortable, and offers everything you need for a relaxing getaway.
Who should book? Anyone looking for a chill vacation. Couples, families, solo travelers – everyone’s welcome! If you're on a budget, this is a decent option.
Who should think twice? Seriously demanding people. Those expecting perfection.
My Rating: 4.5 out of 5 (minus half a point for those darn seagulls… but I secretly love them).
The Quirks I Loved: The slightly quirky artwork. The friendly staff who made me feel like a regular. The fact that they embrace the chaos of Borkum, instead of fighting it.
The Real Deal is Levke's is a Hidden Gem.
The 'Book Now or Forever Hold Your Peace' Offer!
Ready to escape to Borkum and experience the magic of Levke's South Beach Paradise?
Here’s the deal:
- Book your stay within the next 7 days and receive 15% off your entire booking!
- PLUS: Enjoy a complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival!
- AND: Get exclusive access to a pre-bookable 2-hour spa access.
But hurry! This offer won't last forever. Levke's is popular, so lock in your dates now and get ready for a vacation you'll never forget. Click here to book your slice of paradise! (Or, you know, search online for "Levke's South Beach Paradise Borkum" and book through your favorite travel site.)
Don't wait. Your perfect getaway awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Nitschke Vacation Home in Watt, Aurich!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your average, perfectly-planned travel itinerary. This is… me on Borkum Island. This is going to go South Beach.
Borkum (South Beach edition) with Levke - Subject to Change, Blame the Tide
Prologue: Arrival - The Train Wreck (in a good way)
Day 1: "I'm Here! (Mostly)"
Morning (8:00 - 10:00 AM): Hamburg Hbf to Emden Hbf. The journey starts as if a romantic movie, I'm so full of anticipation. Except I'm already running late, which is peak me. I tripped over a suitcase at the Hamburg station, nearly face-planting into a display of bratwurst. Good start, Levke, really good. On the train though, the scenery outside looked majestic, the anticipation was still there.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Ferry to Borkum! This is supposed to be the magical part. Imagine the gentle lapping of waves, the cries of seagulls, the feeling of… nausea. Yep, me. Sea sickness is one of my most charming qualities. But, oh, the air! That salty, bracing, “I’m-about-to-get-sand-in-my-sandwich” air. Love it.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Check-in to the Levke Residence. Thank god, it's ready. The place is cute, the view is spectacular. Immediately ditch my luggage. This is where spontaneity reigns. I'm not even unpacking, I'm changing into my swimsuit and hitting the beach. I've been dreaming of this for MONTHS.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM): South Beach Reconnaissance and the "OMG Sea!" Moment. I'm talking a full-on, arms-flailing, joyful yell. I’m one with the beach and the sea. The sheer vastness of the North Sea, the way the sand feels under your feet… it's everything. I promptly try to build a sandcastle (it’s more of a sand mound, really), get sand in my eyes, and manage to lose my sunglasses in the waves. Victory!
Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at a local Fischrestaurant. I think I'll have the Matjes (raw herring) because… I'm adventurous (and secretly love it). Okay, maybe I'll chicken out and order the fish and chips. But the sea air is making me hungry, and the sounds, and the smell… It’s just heaven. Okay, it's decided, Matjes. With a side of fries. Because balance.
Evening (8:00 PM - onward): Stroll along the beach at sunset, attempting to look windswept and mysterious, probably just looking windswept from the wind. I'll try and capture the moment. But the photos probably going to be a blurry mess.
Day 2: "Gotta Love the Sea, Gotta Love the Sea"
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 AM): Wake up, and remember what I had decided yesterday: a swim. The water's going to be freezing, but I don't care. I'm gonna dive in! Then I'm going to regret it. The usual cycle. Followed by a long, luxurious breakfast with fresh Brötchen and coffee.
- Afternoon (12:00 AM - 3:00 PM): Beach day! Full throttle. Sunbathing (with copious amounts of sunscreen, because I am not trying to be a lobster). Reading my book. People-watching (the best sport, honestly). Attempting to skip rocks and failing miserably. There are so many people here! This is going to be fun.
- Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Explore the town of Borkum. I'm gonna discover hidden cafes and charming boutiques and the secrets of the island. Find some souvenirs, like a tacky seagull keychain and a postcard for my grandma. I hope she likes it, though. If I manage to actually find her.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner at a different restaurant, because variety is the spice of life (and I'm too lazy to cook). This time, I'm having the Krabben (crab) with my fries. Still going to order fries. Don't call me a creature of habit.
- Evening (8:00 PM - onward): I'm going to have a casual evening. Maybe a walk on the beach by moonlight. Maybe a beer at a local pub. Maybe… I'll get my act together.
Day 3: "The Tide Waits for No One (Including Me)"
- Morning (10:00 AM - 1:00 PM): This morning, I'm going to explore the area, maybe take a bike ride or a hike and embrace the fresh air. And, of course, take some photos. Because I need to prove to the world that I did something with my life, even if I just stood on a beach for three days.
- Afternoon (1:00 AM - 4:00 PM): The Lighthouse of Borkum! I'm going to climb to the top and, even if it's terrifying, take in the breathtaking views. Maybe (probably) I'll be a little out of breath from the climb. Might need to have a sit-down.
- Afternoon (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM): This evening, I'll take a relaxing sunset walk on the beach, take a deep breath of sea air, and watch the sun dip below the horizon. Is there a better end to a day? Nope.
- Evening (7:00 PM - onward): Last dinner. Maybe try a different restaurant or go again to my favorite Fischrestaurant. The sea will be calling.
Day 4: "Adieu, Borkum - Until Next Time (Hopefully)"
Morning (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM): Pack. Say goodbye to the Levke Residence. Do a final walk on the beach to soak up the last bit of the sea air. Feel genuinely sad to leave.
Late Morning/ Early Afternoon (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Say goodbye to Borkum. I'll take another ferry and train ride back to Emden and Hamburg. The journey will be almost exactly the same as before, maybe even a little worse (that's just me, really.)
Afternoon/Evening (1:00 PM - onward): Back to the real world. Sigh… and the anticipation for the next adventure begins.
Postscript: Reflections - Did I Actually Enjoy Myself?
Okay, so, yeah. I'm going to be completely honest: Borkum was amazing. Even the sea sickness, even the sand in my sandwiches. It was beautiful. It was calming. It was everything I needed. This trip was a total win.
Maybe next time I'll try to learn to swim.
Escape to Paradise: Stunning Nieuwpoort-Bad Sea View Apartment!
Borkum's Hidden Gem: Levke's South Beach Paradise - Because Let's Be Honest, You're Curious!
Alright, alright, you've heard whispers, seen the Instagram pics (probably mine!), and now you're wondering: what *is* the deal with Levke's South Beach? Is it all sunshine and rainbows? (Spoiler alert: mostly!)
So, what *is* Levke's South Beach, exactly? Is it a real beach? (Duh, right?)
Okay, yes! It *is* a real beach. It's a section of Borkum's South Beach, but apparently Levke, bless her heart (and her killer beach shack), has somehow cornered the market on awesome. It's a bit more… curated, shall we say? Think less "slightly windswept public beach" and more "carefully-arranged-Instagram-photo-waiting-to-happen, but still totally chilled out." The sand is ridiculously fine. Like, your toes will actually *thank* you. And the water… well, it's the North Sea. So, let's just say it's bracing, but refreshing in the right mood.
And the shack! Oh, the shack! I've got to tell you about the shack later. That’s a whole other story.
What's different about *Levke's* South Beach? Why is it special?
Levke, she's got a knack. First off, the vibe. It's incredibly relaxed. You’re not going to find screaming kids (mostly – gotta be honest!), or blaring radios. It feels... curated, but in a good way. Think: comfy beach chairs, windbreaks that actually WORK (life-changing!), and a general sense of “ahhh, this is the life.” The music tends to be chilled-out acoustic stuff, perfect for a nap. And the food... oh, the food. We'll get to the food!
She's got this thing too, right? Where there are little touches. Like, one time, I was there, a storm had been coming. And even with the storm gathering (which was beautiful and terrifying at the same time), Levke herself was setting up lights, these tiny little fairy lights all around the shack. Made it feel… magical. I’m getting a little too precious, aren't I? Sorry.
Okay, okay, the food! What’s the grub like? Because beach food can be… hit or miss.
Okay, buckle up. This is where Levke *really* shines. It’s not your average beach snack fare. We’re talking fresh seafood, cooked to perfection. Think: perfectly grilled fish sandwiches (the best!), crispy fries, and maybe, just maybe, Levke's own smoked salmon (I am *obsessed* with that salmon). I once saw her pull a whole roasted chicken out of somewhere, and the smell alone… Good lord. It was torture, actually. I could smell it for hours. I’m not sure if she does that daily, but it’s worth a check. And of course, there's cake and excellent coffee.
AND! They often have specials. One time, I had these… I don't even know what to call them, they were like mini-crêpes with fresh strawberries and whipped cream. I nearly wept. Seriously. My friend saw the look on my face, and he was like, "Yep, she's having a moment." He wasn't wrong. He was never wrong. I miss him… Anyway.
Is it crowded? I hate crowds!
It can get busy in peak season, *especially* if the weather is glorious. But it's not the kind of crush where you're elbowing strangers for space. There seems to be a good turnover, so you're unlikely to be stuck waiting. You can always, *always* find a spot. Just be prepared to be patient, or, you know, get there earlier. Or, and this is what I usually do, accept that you might need to wait a little, and just… relax. That's the point, right?
That said, one time, I went during a particularly sunny weekend, and it was *packed*. I arrived late, and it was… rough. But even then, the atmosphere was still pretty good. Everyone was just happy to be there. (I was still grumpy, but that’s just me.)
What's the best time to go?
Honestly? Any time. But… if you want to avoid the busiest times, aim for weekdays, or outside of the school holidays. Mornings are lovely, when the air is fresh. Evenings are beautiful, with the sunset. The off-season is a whole other experience – fewer people, but you might need a blanket. (And, you know, be prepared for the weather. It's the North Sea, people! Expect the unexpected!) I once saw this HUGE storm roll in, and the whole beach was transformed – the colours, the sounds… it was breathtaking. And the next day, it was sunny as can be. The weather’s a rollercoaster, just embrace it.
Are there any downsides? Be honest!
Okay, honesty time. Yes. Nothing is perfect. Sometimes… (and this is a minor quibble, seriously) the service can be a *little* slow. They're busy, and everything is made fresh, so you'll probably wait. But, hey, what's the rush? You're on a beach! Also, the prices are a tad higher than your average beach snack bar. But, honestly, the quality of the food (and the whole experience) justifies it. And… (this is REALLY grasping at straws) you might get sand everywhere. But, duh, it's a beach!
And let’s be honest, sometimes, the seagulls can be a menace. But mostly, they’re just keeping things interesting.
Okay, you mentioned the shack… tell me about *the shack!*
OH MY GOD. The shack! Okay, so the shack isn’t just a shack, right? It's the heart and soul of the whole operation. It’s got this… rustic charm. It’s a little bit ramshackle, in the best possible way. It's painted in bright colours (nautical blues, sunny yellows, and a hint of sea-foam green). There are pretty flowers in pots, and string lights... I could go on forever.
It isn't HUGE so it can feel a little… intimate. I mean, you get right in there, close by, with other people. But it’s always clean, always welcoming, and the smell of fresh coffee and baking bread just hits you the moment you walk through the door.Budget Hotel Guru
