In The Stark Baltic Sea, 27 Square Meters Of Pink

A global surge in Barbie-related products is underway, with Mattel opening a 35,000 square foot flagship store in Shanghai in March of 2009. Yet in 2007, Germany actually pioneered its own Barbie-themed getaway on the Baltic Sea in the Schleswig-Holstein region. It was part of a joint venture between Mattel and the Maritim Hotel chain.

Maritim operates 37 hotels in Germany, but one of its showpiece sites is located in Timmendorfer Strand. The Maritim Clubhotel is a resort location, sitting right on the main beach. Newly constructed, it has space, class and a host of amenities.

Including the Barbie room.

Yes, it’s an entire room that’s shockingly pink from top to bottom. Launched in September of 2007, all the furniture is Barbie-themed and custom created exclusively for Maritim. The closet is full-size with a doll-size portion. All the linens, draperies and carpets are branded. Barbie magazines, theme items and movies are available on site to play with as well.

The room is pitched as a children’s getaway zone, and has an adjoining parents’ room that can also be booked as a package. At 27 square meters, the room is a bit like a suite. A typical overnight package includes meals although half-board is available, too.

For peak season, expect to have to book in 1- 2 months in advance, especially for weekends with the room. It’s become massively popular for birthday party getaways and girls slumber parties. However, the experience is still reasonably priced, and discounted rates can be had if you book it with the parents’ room package.

In addition to the only known Barbie suite worldwide, Timmendorfer Strand also offers 6km of beach and a sea spa. It’s been a locals destination for many years, with few expat visitors. This makes it a good place to go to experience not only real Germany as the Germans do it, but also a good place to experience the world-wide Barbie resurgence firsthand. ;-)

—Marcus