We're blessed with a truly international team at SUPERMARQUE, who hail from Brasil, the UK, France, Austria, Switzerland and Peru. Not bad for a 'German' team.

 

Our global roots are something we're immensely proud of, and we’ve gathered our team’s ultimate, off-the-beaten-track recommendations for your next trip.

 

Mel, from Brazil, recommends risking your life on a dodgy boat to get to Ilha das Couves, considered one of the most beautiful and idyllic beaches in all of Brazil. Go via Ubatuba in the south east to find someone who will take you - it's only accessible with locals who know how to get you there. You'll jump over the waves for 20 minutes in what feels like a motorised canal boat, but don't worry, you'll get to wear a life jacket. The island is privately-owned, with is a part reserved for visitors. A very serious recommendation, worthy of Surf Porn. If Freddie comes to Brazil, Mel is taking him there.

Ilha das Couves. Image: terra.com

Josefa, who grew up in the South of France, says to go and see the Calanques if you haven't - or go see the wild flamingos and horses at Parc de Camargues, or head into Aix en Provence for their gorgeous town centre markets on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Treat yourself to a stay at Chateau La Coste.

Chateau La Coste. Image: architectours

Freddie, who's from the UK, says every time he goes home he's struck by the beauty of the country he left behind. For a unique sense of escape and isolation without compromising on good weather, head out in a van like in hit the road towards the islands of Uist and Barra in the Outer Hebrides, off Scotland's northwest coast. Uist is what people picture when they imagine the “real” Hebrides: vast, empty white-sand beaches and a landscape that’s more water than land in places. Remarkably, warm water from the Gulf of Mexico comes to these beaches thanks to the Gulf Stream, and it's one of the only places in the world where you'll hear Scottish Gaelic spoken in public. 

Uist island. Image: visitouterhebrides.co.uk

Tristan, who's Austrian, recommends Altaussee. It's a beautiful small town at a lake at around 700-800m. Besides looking amazing, the town also has a bunch of old mines which led to its prosperity in the medieval period. Later, the mines were used by the Nazis to hide stolen works of art. What makes it special however, is the fact that the town also has a rich history of serving as a retreat for various artists, authors and thinkers. (Sigmund Freud, Klaus Maria Brandauer etc.) They also filmed parts of the James Bond movie "Spectre" there.

Altaussee. Image: Airbnb

Queen Christine, Managing Director, who is Swiss-Peruvian, loves the freedom of the mountains in Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland. Swiss people have to walk up mountains to look down at the rest of the world... but also to gain perspective of how small we are in the world. It’s perfect for a classic road trip, a spot of hitchhiking, and after a strenuous walk in the mountains, a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of la Maggia river, where you'll find that the stones are warm from the sun. It's no coincidence that it's also where our SUPERMARQUE Latte di capra soap is hand-made.

Image: ticino.ch

Josh, who is home-grown, recommends to start your journey through Germany’s wine country at the German Wine Gate in the Palatinate. Grab a glass of local Riesling, stroll beneath the iconic arch and let the vineyards lead the way. From here, every road seems to end at another winery, village or panoramic viewpoint. Come hungry, leave with a few bottles of wine.

Image: rlp-tourismus.com

Marc, our Founder, who grew up partly in Holland, recommends Zandvoort, the  quintessential Dutch beach town sometimes known as "Amsterdam's beach", just 30 minutes from Amsterdam Central Station. It's not just known for its beautiful, long sand beaches and vibes - it also has high-octane motorsport, expansive coastal nature, and laid-back beach club culture all within a few square kilometres.

Image: beachhouse.nl

Words by FREDDIE WOLFF