Feeling the pressure? Check into a wellness wonderland
Need to take time out? Discover a guilt-free haven in the Austrian alps
You don’t have to be a stressed-out celeb to need a bit of R&R every now and again. Just like Victoria Beckham on her recent luxe break to a spa hotel in the Black Forest, we could all do with inhaling some crisp air, recharging the batteries, and soaking our eyes in spectacular scenery. And you don’t need the Beckhams’ bank balance, either. We’ve found a gem in the Austrian Alps that’ll leave you so relaxed and pampered, you’ll be floating home. In fact, the only thing they don’t do is stroke your hair (although we’re pretty sure they’d oblige if you asked). And, even better, their eco credentials are off the scale, so you’ll leave wearing a smug smile – that’s one more thing to Insta-brag about!
SLEEP
Driving up the winding roads to Leogang, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped straight onto the set of The Sound Of Music. The chocolate box houses, epic mountains and distant jangle of goat bells immediately whisk you away from your bulging email inbox. Forsthofalm Hotel itself is 6km out of Leogang – a popular ski resort in the winter, which comes alive with hikers and mountain bikers in the summer and autumn. We’re welcomed into this retreat with a glass of fizz, and led to the bar, which looks straight onto the alps. In winter, you can ski right up and grab an Aperol, while the warmer weather makes this spot a brilliant sun trap. Owner Markus Widauer took over the family business in 2008 and has strived to make this bio hotel as eco-friendly as possible. The building is constructed using moon timber (wood cut according to lunar phases), which is felled between November and January, and is believed to aid sleep. The rooms are cosy and calm, and range from doubles to luxury suites, but all have a terrace where you can take in the stunning views.
WORKOUT
While the hotel is a great place to relax, there is also a daily fitness programme included in your room rate. Start your day with sunrise yoga or meditation, mix things up with trampoline Tabata or TRX classes, or feel the burn with boxing and body pump-style sessions. The fitness suites have huge windows, so you can gaze out over the pine forests while you’re getting your sweat on. The rooftop boasts a heated swimming pool, sun terrace, steam room and sauna, plus a well-equipped gym.
If you fancy venturing out of the hotel, there are many hiking routes on your doorstep, and guests have a free pass to the local cable car. Thrill- seekers should check out the nearby Flying Fox XXL zip-line experience, which can be booked via the hotel from 79 euros, and will take you across 16,000 metres of adrenaline-fuelled alpine madness. Forsthofalm has developed a spa ethos, and creates its own “Nature’s Kiss” oils from fresh herbs and flowers, picked in the local area. You can choose from a massive range of options, including energy, brain, love, muscle, and soul.
EAT
In-house restaurant KUKK is award winning and, if you opt for full-board, you’ll be treated to a breakfast that includes a smorgasbord of choices, such as freshly cooked eggs and bread, plus an afternoon tea selection of salads, soup, sandwiches, cakes and desserts. Meanwhile, dinner time is more intimate, where the nightly four-course feast is top quality and always rounded off with a trip to the impressive cheese board. The hotel also boasts remarkable vegan offerings and a fantastic selection of (hangover-free) organic wines.
Forsthofalm is 52km from Salzburg Airport, and rooms cost from 140 euros a night. Book via Forsthofalm.com