My newest abroad journey took me to the Austrian Alps, which was a spot I fell in love with final summer time on a solo journey to Graz, Salzburg and Innsbruck. I’m often all about visiting locations as soon as and transferring on to someplace new, however there was one thing about Austria that made me sure I might return. Final month I packed my suitcase for an additional solo journey to Austria, however this time the main target wasn’t on travelling round a number of cities. It was to expertise an eco-friendly spa break within the Austrian Alps, on the well-liked Gartenhotel Theresia ****SUPERIOR.
In a really uncommon press journey trend, the main target of this journey was about slowing down, switching off, and having fun with the wellness spa services. I may try this, proper? As I used to be travelling alone, I knew I might be 100% egocentric with my time so I gave myself the problem to spend minimal time on my cellphone and most time within the second, having fun with the resort as a daily visitor and taking all of it in. So right here’s how I obtained on…
Introducing Gartenhotel Theresia
Gartenhotel Theresia ****SUPERIOR is a 4-star, eco-friendly resort within the coronary heart of Saalbach Hinterglem. The boutique resort has 53 rooms and has been family-run by the Brettermeirs for generations. Within the winter Saalbach Hinterglem is a well-liked ski resort and in summer time it turns into a haven for outside actions within the mountains (mountain climbing, mountain biking and extra). The summer time months are one of the best time to expertise a Gartenhotel Theresia ****SUPERIOR spa break, when you may profit from the resort’s spa advanced, therapy rooms, indoor and outside swimming swimming pools and recent, natural menus. The resort additionally focuses on sustainability as considered one of its core values, which made me prefer it much more. I couldn’t wait to go and expertise it for myself.
Checking In
After a fairly drive by way of quaint some villages and previous dramatic snow-capped mountains, I arrived at Gartenhotel Theresia****SUPERIOR. The outside was traditional and alpine in type, with vivid pink flowers hanging off all of the balconies. The doorway to the foyer felt stylish and classy, and I used to be met with a heat welcome from the reception crew.
A Suite with a View
The receptionist personally checked me in and took me as much as my room. She gave me a fast orientation of the room and its options, which included a spacious lounge space, complimentary mini-bar of juice, nonetheless and glowing water, an opulent lavatory and separate bathe. However one of the best bit was undoubtedly the balcony and its unbelievable view of the Saalbach mountains. I may really feel the recent mountain air, I may see chairlifts transferring within the distance and I may hear a faint hum of cowbells chiming within the distance. It appeared like a quintessential setting for a spa break within the Austrian Alps.
The Mountain Inexperienced Spa
Naturally, the Mountain Inexperienced Spa was a spotlight of my keep at Gartenhotel Theresia****SUPERIOR. Unfold out throughout a number of ranges each above and under floor, the spa is a labyrinth of saunas, whirlpools, steam rooms and jacuzzis. One of many saunas was a unadorned sauna, however in true British trend I didn’t dare to enter it, in worry of what I’d discover on the opposite facet.
There are a complete of three swimming pools together with an indoor pool (nice for lengths), outside pool and outside BIO pure swimming pond (not for the faint hearted). In line with the eco-friendly values of the accommodations, the swimming pools have the minimal degree of chlorine to maintain pores and skin comfortable and completely satisfied.
Surrounding the outside swimming pools are solar loungers and an outside jacuzzi; this was my favorite space in the entire resort. I additionally cherished the relief room which had particular person loungers and cabanas; the right place to return earlier than and after your spa remedies or simply to learn a e book and escape. The Mountain Inexperienced Spa is a member of the Well being & Spa Premium Lodges, which is a cooperation of Austria’s 45 finest wellness and well being accommodations.
Throughout my keep I booked in for the Rose Dream physique therapy which began with a full physique exfoliation adopted by a head, neck and shoulder therapeutic massage. The therapy came about on a waterbed which made me really feel completely weightless and helped me to zone out. I cherished the rose aromas and the scrub left my pores and skin feeling extremely comfortable.
The Bio Delicacies
The resort prides itself on serving recent, natural and native produce of their important restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the left facet of the menu is a in depth checklist of all of the meals gadgets which were domestically sourced. I cherished seeing which native areas the recent meals had come from. It included fruits, meats, eggs, greens, cheeses, butters and extra. I stayed full board on the resort so had an opportunity to attempt all 3 meals.
Breakfast was an honest buffet together with eggs made to order, recent fruits, continental cheeses and cured meats, recent breads, salad, pastries and granola, yoghurts and seeds. Lunch was additionally a buffet, which was extra restricted with solely 2-3 savoury choices (all the time one pasta dish) however every part I attempted was easy and attractive.
Dinner was an a la carte expertise within the formal a part of the restaurant, however the decisions are pretty restricted. The waiters carry you the night’s dinner menu at breakfast and ask you to pick out which dishes you’d like, which I discovered a little bit unusual as I had no concept what I might fancy consuming that night time. Nonetheless, I went together with the method and my chosen dishes had been introduced out to me in a flawless trend. The dishes are fine-dining in type, however bursting with recent, natural flavours. I bear in mind making an attempt the beetroot soup (a primary for me) and being completely blown away by the style. Afterward I came upon that the explanation friends are requested to decide on their night meals prematurely is to minimise meals waste, thus making the resort extra sustainable.
The Surrounding Space
Though the main target of my journey was the resort spa break, I used to be itching to get energetic and discover the encircling space. The resort beneficial that I visited the Saalbach’s ‘finish of the valley’, a visually spectacular and mountainous valley with waterfalls, rivers and streams (a ten minute drive from the resort). In addition to the unbelievable views, there’s additionally a excessive rope course with zip traces and an aerial assault course that may be excellent for households and adrenaline junkies.
The tip of the valley was so so lovely and it felt like entering into Jurassic world. Those who take the 30-45 minute stroll to the tip of the valley can reward themselves with a cease in a conventional mountain restaurant serving meals and drinks (remember to carry money although as playing cards aren’t accepted).
The Verdict
The Gartenhotel Theresia ****SUPERIOR was a dream place to return for a break within the Austrian Alps. I’m glad that on this journey I did handle to change off greater than typical, which felt like a refreshing change. With a lot deal with wellness, natural product, rest and nature, it felt straightforward and pure to calm down right here. The workers are attentive and the services are incredible and though I used to be travelling alone, I by no means felt lonely. I can think about the resort would have a very completely different really feel within the winter (and could be twice if not 3 times as busy) however visiting in the summertime felt particular, like I had all of it to myself.
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Getting There
The closest airport to Gartenhotel Theresia ****SUPERIOR is Salzburg, which is roughy a 1 hour 15 minute drive away. Alternatively you may fly into Munich but it surely’s a 3 hour switch. If you happen to’re in want of an airport switch, I might advocate reserving with 4 Seasons Journey. They took me to and from the airport and had been very swift and dependable.
Watch the video under for a better take a look at Saalbach Hinterglem and The Gartenhotel Theresia ****SUPERIOR
What do you consider my eco-friendly spa break within the Austrian Alps? Have you ever ever considered travelling a little bit additional for the last word spa break? If you happen to loved this publish please go away me a remark within the field under. Jess x
This weblog publish has been created in collaboration with The Austria Nationwide Vacationer Workplace. All phrases, photographs and views are my very own.