I spent a gorgeous weekend within the trendy 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 referred to as being a improbable ski resort residence crammed with beautiful alpine surroundings, glorious 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 gorgeous climbing and biking vacation spot with a set of attention-grabbing chalet inns to remain in, a few of which pleasure themselves on being eco-friendly.
The mountain village resort Saalbach-Hinterglemm occupies a very fairly nook of Austria. With meandering streams trickling via deeply carved valleys, rolling inexperienced pastures dotted with grazing bell-adorned cows and postcard-pretty chalets all enveloped by the towering peaks of the attractive Alps – it’s straight out of a scene from the Sound of Music!
From the skin, the Gartenhotel Theresia lodge appears 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 ‘lodge 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 workers – very admirable qualities and sadly nonetheless a uncommon discover in a lodge!
Inside I used to be warmly greeted by a pair of dirndl-clad receptionists and one of many homeowners, an environment friendly however delicate woman who was clearly passionate in regards to the lodge and its environment.
After a fast welcome chat, I used to be intrigued to search out out extra about her and the lodge’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 can disappear.”
One of many receptionists then confirmed me round. The decor was a powerful combine of latest and conventional—assume cowhide-print sofas and stylish fashionable particulars juxtaposed with historic pictures and actual log fires.
Strolling round it was apparent that compassion and a progressive ideology flowed all through the lodge, from the aged resident cat who wandered the corridors, to the pure swimming space crammed 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 gimmick, they’re a real ardour of the homeowners.
My lodge tour ended with the receptionist handing me a keycard for the standard 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, adorned with aptitude and featured loads of pine and native oak.
I opened the patio doorways to let within the contemporary mountain air and sunk closely into the mattress. Mendacity on the bedside cupboard was a e-book titled “Out of the Head and into the Coronary heart” by Franz X. Buhler – a really apt alternative!
The following day, I explored the attractive native environment courtesy of a steep scenic cable trip and a brisk streamside stroll. Then, I returned to the lodge to appease my aching muscular tissues 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, after all, used solely natural merchandise.
Meals is likely one of the lodge’s most important options and is taken very severely on the retreat. Beginning with a breakfast buffet, then lunch, afternoon tea, and ending with a night five-course connoisseur dinner, they guarantee no visitor leaves hungry!
At every sitting, ultra-healthy and hearty regional conventional meals (all natural, regionally sourced, and fantastically introduced) are served aspect by aspect. The lodge prides itself on catering to vegetarians, vegans, and victims of any allergy symptoms.
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 lodge with a real coronary heart.
Gartenhotel Theresia is a comfy family-run, eco-friendly 4-star lodge housed in a captivating conventional picket chalet constructing which affords visitors rest, glorious wellness facilities, and so they may even organize outside actions and excursions for you.
My favorite lodge highlights included a contemporary spa space full with indoor and outside swimming pools (eco-friendly after all there was no chlorine right here!), an onsite sauna, steam room, a gymnasium, a spa with a terrific vary of therapies and a zen-like rest space.
My room was very pleasantly adorned with a picket beds full with cosy duvets, balcony and beautiful views of the Alps and soundproof home windows.
The meals was additionally glorious and so they served up natural, regionally sourced meals in a buffet fashion dinner. The workers had been additionally tremendous pleasant too and wearing conventional Austrian costume.