I spent a lovely weekend within the fashionable eco-hotel Gartenhotel Theresia situated in Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Salzburg’s Austrian state.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is a picturesque Austrian magnificence spot nestled within the coronary heart of the Austrian Alps. It’s generally known as being a incredible ski resort house stuffed with attractive alpine surroundings, wonderful snowboarding alternatives, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
Through the winter it attracts many winter sports activities lovers and through the remainder of the yr, it’s a lovely mountain climbing and biking vacation spot with a set of fascinating chalet lodges to remain in, a few of which delight themselves on being eco-friendly.
The mountain village resort Saalbach-Hinterglemm occupies a very fairly nook of Austria. With meandering streams trickling by deeply carved valleys, rolling inexperienced pastures dotted with grazing bell-adorned cows and postcard-pretty chalets all enveloped by the towering peaks of the gorgeous Alps – it’s straight out of a scene from the Sound of Music!
From the surface, the Gartenhotel Theresia resort seems to be usually very Austrian; the spectacular facade is made up of lashings of sturdy pine woods, flower-bedecked balconies and shuttered home windows all fused to make one very picturesque chalet. Though, its conventional exterior belies its fashionable modern interiors and forward-thinking ethos.
A self-proclaimed ‘resort with a coronary heart’, the chalet-style inn is an eco-retreat with a philosophy of sustainability and welfare.
They solely serve regionally produced, animal welfare-friendly natural meals, take part in resource-saving administration and have a coverage of social duty for all their staff – very admirable qualities and sadly nonetheless a uncommon discover in a resort!
Inside I used to be warmly greeted by a pair of dirndl-clad receptionists and one of many house owners, an environment friendly however delicate girl who was clearly passionate concerning the resort and its environment.
After a fast welcome chat, I used to be intrigued to seek out out extra about her and the resort’s eco philosophies – a topic which was additionally near my coronary heart. Her reasoning was easy however straight to the purpose “If we don’t take care of nature then it would disappear.”
One of many receptionists then confirmed me round. The decor was a formidable combine of up to date and conventional—assume cowhide-print sofas and stylish fashionable particulars juxtaposed with historic images and actual log fires.
Strolling round it was apparent that compassion and a progressive ideology flowed all through the resort, from the aged resident cat who wandered the corridors, to the pure swimming space stuffed with mountain spring water and the weekly exercise programme which aimed that can assist you get again in contact with nature – its inexperienced credentials aren’t only a advertising and marketing gimmick, they’re a real ardour of the house owners.
My resort tour ended with the receptionist handing me a keycard for the normal Austrian ‘nude’ sauna (which I took with a nervous giggle!) after which the important thing to my room for the weekend. The room was cosy, embellished with aptitude and featured loads of pine and native oak.
I opened the patio doorways to let within the recent mountain air and sunk closely into the mattress. Mendacity on the bedside cupboard was a guide titled “Out of the Head and into the Coronary heart” by Franz X. Buhler – a really apt alternative!
The following day, I explored the gorgeous native environment courtesy of a steep scenic cable experience and a brisk streamside stroll. Then, I returned to the resort to assuage my aching muscle groups within the Mountain Inexperienced spa.
The spa space consisted of an indoor swimming pool, a alternative of two saunas (with or with out swimwear!), a jacuzzi, a panoramic gymnasium and a therapy room the place I skilled an indulgent aromatherapy therapeutic massage which, in fact, used solely natural merchandise.
Meals is likely one of the resort’s predominant options and is taken very critically on the retreat. Beginning with a breakfast buffet, then lunch, afternoon tea, and ending with a night five-course gourmand dinner, they guarantee no visitor leaves hungry!
At every sitting, ultra-healthy and hearty regional conventional meals (all natural, regionally sourced, and fantastically offered) are served aspect by aspect. The resort prides itself on catering to vegetarians, vegans, and victims of any allergic reactions.
When it was time to take a look at, my keycard to the nude sauna could have remained unused however I left the Gartenhotel Theresia refreshed, renewed and happy to have skilled a keep in a resort with a real coronary heart.
Gartenhotel Theresia is a comfortable family-run, eco-friendly 4-star resort housed in an enthralling conventional picket chalet constructing which provides visitors leisure, wonderful wellness facilities, they usually may even prepare out of doors actions and excursions for you.
My favorite resort highlights included a contemporary spa space full with indoor and out of doors swimming pools (eco-friendly in fact there was no chlorine right here!), an onsite sauna, steam room, a gymnasium, a spa with a fantastic vary of remedies and a zen-like leisure space.
My room was very pleasantly embellished with a picket beds full with cosy duvets, balcony and gorgeous views of the Alps and soundproof home windows.
The meals was additionally wonderful they usually served up natural, regionally sourced meals in a buffet fashion dinner. The workers have been additionally tremendous pleasant too and wearing conventional Austrian costume.
