Meet the forest owls and lake fish in person

Kathrin and Christian Sersch are the warm-hearted hosts of Seezeit Lodge. This extraordinary nature resort bears their personal touch. Kathrin Sersch, a trained hotel specialist and graduate in media economics, oversees guest-focused areas. Christian Sersch, a business graduate, is the go-to person for finance and technical matters.

Seezeitlodge …
... is our professional dream and a special place of power. It combines an ambitious concept with a great team of dedicated people. Exciting architecture with unspoilt nature. Vibrant culture with healthy entrepreneurship. It’s less a traditional hotel and more an inspiring world of well-being. A treasure trove of experiences – rich in imagination, spirit, and energy.

Favourite travel destinations?
Whether it’s the laid-back vibe of the south, skiing adventures in the mountains, or just wanderlust: We love trips that enrich us with unique experiences. A bit of action, some relaxation, good food, and fascinating cultures – the perfect mix!

Personal moments of relaxation?
These are often in small everyday life moments of happiness or in short, mindful breaks: recharging in nature and spending time with friends. But especially with our family – the most beautiful and charming adventure of our lives and the best way to gain a fresh perspective.

He made the leap from the Moselle river to Lake Bostalsee – and hasn’t regretted a single day. After 10 years in a leadership role at Weinromantikhotel Richtershof, Kilian Rau is now the Hotel Director at Seezeit Lodge.

How was the start at Lake Bostalsee?
Very exciting! I was involved in the project well before the hotel opened and had the chance to help shape many of the details together with Kathrin and Christian Sersch.

Favourite place in the hotel?
In my personal ranking, the fire pit wins. It’s such a special and atmospheric place!

Sun or snow for a private holiday?
If I have to choose: sun! I’m definitely an explorer. Whether it’s the Canary Islands, the North Sea, or the Dutch coast – I always go for as many places, impressions, and views as possible.

Our Head Chef has seen a lot of the world: Daniel Schöfisch graduated as a master chef from the renowned Heidelberg Hotel Management School and began competing successfully in national and international culinary competitions early in his career.

He was part of German’s National Culinary Team and has served to the likes of Pierce Brosnan and Rod Stewart. As a native of Berlin, he most recently worked as Head Chef at The Bank restaurant in Park Hyatt Vienna. At Seezeitlodge, he brings a natural and innovative culinary style to the table.

Favourite childhood dish?
Potato pancakes with apple sauce, made by grandma.

Global cuisine – which country inspires you the most?
There are quite a few! Since cuisine can vary so much within each country, it’s hard to choose just one. Every region has something interesting to offer. Right now, I find Mediterranean cuisine particularly exciting – as well as the ideas behind Nordic Cuisine.

A signature kitchen tip from Schöfisch?
Cooking is all about intuition – better to follow your gut than get too caught up in the small print.

Trained hotel management professional, Stefanie Herrig, was working as a Sales Executive at the Marriott Hotel in Frankfurt when the call of Lake Bostalsee came. We’re thrilled to have her with us now in a leadership role, overseeing all areas of sales and marketing.

She’s our talent for communicating, organisation, and making new connections. Her wide-ranging experience in front office, guest services, and banquet coordination is truly invaluable.

Oh so Seezeitlodge: What makes this hotel so special?
First, the location – hardly anyone expects a hotel like Seezeitlodge in a place like this. That makes the sense of wonder even greater. I felt it myself during my very first visit, even though we were still in the construction phase back then.

Then there’s the concept: It’s important to me that a hotel tells a story – and that story is reflected in the details. But most of all, it’s our team. They’re the ones who truly bring that story to life – and new, exciting, and fun chapters are added every day!

Frankfurt skyline or sunset at Lake Bostalsee – which view wins?
Both have their charm – it depends on the mood. The location has to be right. I would choose a rooftop bar in Frankfurt and our sun terrace at Lake Bostalsee.

Next dream destination?
My Asia adventure is set to continue with a tour around Bali – hopefully with a stopover in Singapore first.

Verena Ludwig keeps a close eye on all current bookings and the hotel’s occupancy. She’s responsible for handling inquiries via phone, e-mail, and online systems. Her role also includes guest consultations on site and preparing tailored offers. With a strong head for numbers and a love for communication, she’s a true team player and has great rapport with other departments. That ability to look beyond her own area is something she especially enjoys.

Bungee jumping or yoga?
Yoga. I don't need any extra adrenaline in my life.

A personal Seezeitlodge recommendation for our guests?
I have so many! First of all: arrive and just settle in. Enjoy the sunshine and view with a drink on our marvellous terrace. If it’s rainy, browse our library or relax in one of the hanging chairs in the lobby.

The best way to switch off and unwind?
Alone on a mountaintop. Or, more spontaneously, with a cup of coffee and a good book in a garden lounger.

This cheerful bundle of energy wins us over time and again with her open and upbeat nature. Tarlan Bakrine is responsible for the entire front office area and works closely with her team to ensure guests receive attentive, professional service. Originally from Saarbrücken, she spent several years working in the United Arab Emirates and brings valuable experience from the world of luxury hospitality to our team.

Favourite room at Seezeitlodge?
One of our Dream View Suites on the 2nd floor! The gorgeous lake view, the in-room wooden bathtub, the rain shower, and the spacious balcony make this suite extra special to me.

Breakfast at home usually means ...
... a mix of sweet and savoury. On weekends, I love making homemade pancakes – with the help of my daughter, who has great fun mixing all the ingredients.

When I have time off ...
... I spend as much of it with my favourite people. I enjoy eating out and trying new restaurants, reading and doing all the little things that bring me joy and help me relax.

A skilled craftsman, maintenance expert, and true all-rounder – Christian Kirsch leads our building and technical services with a trained hand. As a team player, he values cross-department collaboration and is always ready to jump in wherever help is needed. A qualified toolmaker by trade, he brings precision, flexibility, and dedication to his role.

Favourite spot at Seezeitlodge?
The sauna village – especially when the fire is lit.

What does a perfect weekend look like?
Three things come to mind: Unwinding at home with family and friends. Working on projects in and around the house. And a mix of barbecuing and motorcycling.

A fascination of technology at work – What fascinates you in your free time?
Anything involving wood and metal. I love hands-on projects with both.

Before joining us at Lake Bostalsee, trained hotel professional Andreas Wendel gathered years of experience as a Bar Manager in the 5-star hotels of Kitzbühel and Gstaad. Now, with his open and engaging personality, he’s the charming face behind our Bar NOX. As native of Rhineland-Palatinate, Andreas brings a modern twist to traditional mixology – with a creative spirit and a passion for experimenting. He especially enjoys crafting his own bitters, infusions, and syrups. That’s how some very unique Celtic signature cocktails made their way onto our menu.

Which three favourites would you stock in your dream speed rack?
One dream has already come true: We created our own gin! I also had the chance to help shape our bar offerings from day one, so the selection brings joy both in front of and behind the bar. If I could choose freely, I’d go for Havana Club Máximo rum, Port Ellen 8th Release whisky, and Rémy Martin Louis XIII Black Pearl cognac.

Any role models in the bar world?
If you’re diving into bar culture in Germany, you can’t avoid names like Charles Schumann and Franz Brandl. But over the years, I’ve also drawn inspiration from supervisors and colleagues. One of the best things about this profession is the freedom to constantly develop your own personal style.

In my free time ...
There’s always hustle and bustle at the bar, which is why I really appreciate a relaxed evening at home in my free time – or a laid-back Schwenken barbecue with family and friends. Or: Forest walks with my dog – that’s often when the most creative ideas come to me.

Service is her passion. Nadine Leichtle has an eye for detail and an ear for everything – whether it’s her guests or her team. She thrives on keeping the big picture in focus while still noticing the little things, a balancing act she particularly enjoys. After training in the Allgäu, she gained experience working in Munich and Gstaad, eventually taking on the role of Restaurant Manager at the Hotel Zur Tenne in Kitzbühel. What she appreciates most about Saarland? Its grounded nature combined with a welcoming worldly spirit.

Favourite dish on the LUMI menu?
My favourite is one of our à la carte dishes: roasted saddle of Peterberg fallow deer with elderberry sauce, Jerusalem artichoke, and sunflower crunch.

Your top 3 Seezeitlodge products?
Gin & tonic, granola, and our home-made bread!

When I eat out ...
... I prefer places that are small and classy. That’s why I enjoy going to small restaurants with concise menus that highlight carefully selected ingredients.

This guy is seasoned through and through – in the best way! Jannik Schmitt brings serious energy and dedication to leading our housekeeping team. After training as a hotel specialist at Weinromantikhotel Richtershof, his career took him to Schloss Lieser (Autograph Collection Marriott) on the Moselle river as Executive Housekeeper. Now at Seezeit Lodge, he thrives on a complex range of responsibilities and new challenges: Alongside day-to-day operations, he manages long-term staff planning, training programmes, deep cleaning, renovations, and new acquisitions.

Housekeeping is cool because ...
... it reflects my personality and I really enjoy managing such a large team with different nationalities. No two days are the same – and that’s what I like about it.

Is “perfect cleanliness” the magic word in the hotel industry?
Absolutely! My aim is to provide guests with a spotless and welcoming atmosphere.
And let’s be honest: who doesn't like things to be clean and perfect?

What’s challenging?
Balancing my job and family life, especially since I live a bit farther away. Thankfully, my favourite people support me in every way and help ground me after long days – outside of the world of gastronomy. I’m truly thankful for their support.

With over 20 years of professional experience, certified pool and spa manager Stephanie Schya joined our team and quickly became an invaluable expert – specially when it comes to all things sauna. She has further developed our concept with great passion, placing a strong focus on purely natural ingredients. Stephanie leads her team with joy and genuine empathy.

For me, the perfect sauna experience is ...
... when I can feel that real intention has been put into the ritual. I love it when my mind feels welcomed from the very beginning – when the rising humidity and the use of 100% natural ingredients catch me by surprise. What I truly appreciate is stepping into the sauna as an individual and coming out feeling part of a group.

Essential oils are exactly my thing because ...
... for me, there’s no deeper way to connect with the pure essence of a plant. Combined with rising humidity and the right blend of essential oils, their natural fragrance lifts me into a state of pure happiness.

Why is working in a hotel so great?
I love that no two days are the same – and that I get to guide new guests toward relaxation again and again.

From the Rhön mountains to Lake Bostalsee! Nancy Strauch made the leap from Thuringia to Saarland and now manages our Seezeit Spa. As Head of Treatments, she’s responsible for the entire area of massages, cosmetics, and wellness treatments. As trained hotel professional, Nancy brings a wealth of experience to our team – whether in restaurant, HR, or spa management. 

 What is your personal place of power – away from the spa?
In the dunes on the North Sea or surrounded by nature back home in High Rhön.

 What’s something we should know about you that’s not on your résumé?
I love festivals and live concerts by my favourite bands.

 What was your dream job as a child? And when you were a teenager?
As a child, I wanted to be an animal keeper at Erfurt Zoo; and as a teenager, I dreamt of becoming a beautician.