After 100 days of renovation works and staff training the day has finally come: With the opening of the “Das Tirol”, Kempinski Hotels opens its first property in Austria. The luxurious hotel has a lot on offer: it is the only five-star-hotel in Kitzbühel and the surrounding area that has direct access to the slopes.

Kempinski The Spa is an oasis where guests can feel at ease and relax and was labelled as a Leading Spa. Moreover it belongs to the distinguished circle of The Leading Hotels of the World – being the only hotel in this sought after ski resort.

“We are very proud of everything that has been created here in the last three months,” says General Manager Henning Reichel. For weeks everything on the big construction site in Jochberg has been adapted to meet the Kempinski standards. The result: Alpine materials and naturalness, wood, leather and loden dominate the picture. Reichel has brought the “charm of the Tyrolean mountains” into his hotel. “The Kempinski Das Tirol is highly individual,” states Reichel. The hotel is a luxurious, chic, elegant and comfortable alpine resort with great views and excellent service.

118 superior double rooms, 13 junior suites, 16 suites and one Penthouse suite. Two restaurants with distinctive menus on offer: The Steinberg and the Sra Bua by Wini Brugger restaurants. Down-to-earth cuisine from the Tyrolean mountains and surprising taste sensations from Asia. Together with his team of around 150 employees, General Manager Reichel wants to make their guests’ stay unforgettable. “We want to excite them with the best service and provide eye-opening experiences”, he says.

A special opening offer is valid until 25 December – the superior double room starts at € 200 a night including breakfast. The Kitzbühel Ski Special is available for three, five or seven nights. The package includes a ski pass per person for two, four or six days depending on the number of nights in the hotel, breakfast buffet and evening meal and entrance to Kempinski The Spa. Depending on the duration of the stay, two people pay either € 906, € 1532 or € 2136 for the superior double room.

Source: ITCM

The Royal Spa Kitzbuehel is a five-star luxury hotel in Jochberg, seven kilometres from the ski slopes of Kitzbuehel, with direct access to the ski area. The spa‘s signature treatment is the “Mountain Stone Massage” using warm mountain crystals. This hotel is the only one in and around Kitzbuehel in Tyrol which has been accepted into the renowned hotel association The Leading Hotels of the World.

The four-star Theresia Gartenhotel in Saalbach Hinterglemm offers spa facilities and organic gourmet food in a modern interior decorated with contemporary art.

The Spa Hotel Wiesenhof in Pertisau offers quiet relaxation in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The property is surrounded by 70,000 square metres of countryside looking out over the Lake Achensee.

The Hotel Cervosa in Serfaus is centred around its 2200-square-metre spa faciliites with 11 themed saunas and steam baths including a Tyrolean sauna, Moorish steam bath, and Roman Laconicum.

The Alpenresort Schwarz is located on a sunny plateau in Mieming, close to Innsbruck and is popular with both spa seekers and families. The hotel was one of the finalists in the European Excellence Awards 2010.

Other alpine spa hotels featured in the brochure include the Im Weissen Rossl on the banks of Lake Wolfgang, Interalpen-Hotel Tyrol in Telfs-Buchen, and the eco-friendly Biohotel Stanglwirt in Going am Wilder Kaiser.

Source: OnTheSnow.com

The new spa hotel and resort offers a panoramic view of the impressive mountain view of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The interiors have been predominantly designed to reflect the character of the regional Alpine environment. This is achieved using elements that are found in the surrounding landscape.

The Tauern SPA Kaprun consists of a spa and treatment, sauna world and restaurants covering an area of approximately 48 000 square metres.

The thermal spa and the hotel are distinct for the unique Alpine character and modern design throughout. Sophisticated and holistic approach makes the project a notable one. The spa area is situated in the south, creating a protected outdoor space. Open towards the valley in the east as well as the access route in the west, it accentuates both the beauty of the countryside and the clarity of the architecture.

Each of the 160 rooms by ZEYTINOGLU architects are adorned with high-quality materials that mirror the alpine landscape. The use of natural oak together with fresh and bright colours helps in creating a warmth ambience. The use of lilac, orange, green and red in contrast with calm shades of natural beige communicates a sense of well-being and security.

The 4 Star hotel features 160 rooms and suites. Other features are: spa with rest areas, fireplace and lounge; indoor water world; World of Water outdoor spa; Spa Kidstein indoor and outdoor pools; spa cuisine, market, restaurant, sauna, bistro, summer bar, a café in the foyer; Spa Saunas; 17 spa treatment rooms; and sport and fitness facilities.

Source: WIDN

The first thing guests will notice is the impressively vast amount of treatments available on location. Browsing through the list you are spoilt for choice, even if you were to spend two weeks at the Falkensteiner Hotel.

Both seasoned spa goers and spa virgins will find treatments and massages to their liking – be it old classics such as classic facials or full body massages and peelings or intriguing nouveau specials using methods and ingredients from all over the world or local speciality treatments using local products from Styria.

Among the highlights guests will find several offers aimed specifically at couples, added with a romantic touch in the Private Spa.

Friendly, experienced staff are on hand to offer advice on treatments and to pamper you every step of the way.

The 2,300 m² Acquapura SPA wellness and water world with thermal water and unique “Styrian natural wellness” is the centrepiece of the hotel and lives up to the highest expectations.

It should be noted that contrary to many modern spas there is in fact a proper pool for swimming enthusiasts in the open air, as well as a warm pool with jacuzzi jets that extend from the inside onto the sunny terrace.

Several types of saunas are available in the relaxation area, catering to everyone’s specific taste. The cosy outside part impresses not only with a massive whirlpool but a traditional “Erdsauna” which adds a special touch.

“Erdsaunas” were historically the first Finnish saunas, built into little hills. The one at the Falkensteiner Hotel does in fact not simply look retro, it has been built with wooden beams that are several decades old and add to the authentic feel.

For visitors that prefer extra privacy, two senior suites are available, equipped with their own sauna and a little whirlpool. Additionally, apartments for families with hotel service can be bought as holiday homes or rented out right on the property.

But the Falkensteiner Hotel is not only about relaxing and idling. The beautiful area in northern Styria is perfect for hikers, mountain bikers and Nordic walkers.

The hotel offers an extensive sports and activity programme for those who desire to take part, everything from yoga and Pilates to bike tours and water aerobics are on offer on a  daily basis. The hotel also offers a fully equipped gym.

Right across the property an 18 hole golf course is located where guests at the hotel will receive 25 per cent off the green fee. Nine more courses can be found in the area, among them the impressive 45 hole course in Stegersbach.

After a day at the luxurious spa or an active day in the beautiful surroundings you can go dine in the fine hotel restaurant, where you are spoilt for choice with local specialities using only the finest ingredients as well as international specialities.

Special attention should also be given to the wine list: It offers a great selection in wines both local and from other prominent Austrian regions. The friendly, attentive staff are always on hand with their excellent service.

After dinner you can retire to the spacious, light and airy hotel bar which has an extensive drinks list from local wines to exotic cocktails in a laid back atmosphere before retiring to the comfortable, spacious, well designed rooms.

The hotel aims to give its visitors the perfect relaxation experience and leave them feeling relaxed and rejuvenated and this it certainly does.

The Falkensteiner Group has spa and wellness hotels as well as family hotels and city hotels throughout Austria, Croatia, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia and South Tyrol. For more information on the excellent selection click here

Source: austriantimes.at

Aurelio Lech, which opened in December 2008, provides all the sophistication and comforts of a world-class hotel combined with the ambiance and elegance of a private residence. Each of its nineteen bedrooms and suites were individually designed and offer cozy, chic and extremely luxurious amenities. The resort’s 14 deluxe double rooms and five suites and junior suites all offer views of the snowy slopes.

The resort offers two spas, including the Spa at Aurelio Lech which is a holistic day spa with exclusive treatments, a modern fitness center complete with the latest equipment and a personal coach, several indoor pools including an activity pool, an extensive thermal suite and a tranquil meditation center where guests relax in front of an open fire. The Ski Spa has a herbal sauna, aroma vapor bath, cooling-off pool, blossom bath, adventure showers, Jacuzzi, Techno-Gym equipment and treatment rooms. At 23 meters in length, one of the resort’s two swimming pools is the largest and deepest swimming pool in Lech.

The hotel’s butler and concierge service can arrange a variety of activities, including heli-skiing and heli-boarding in the Arlberg Mountains. There’s also Nordic walking, tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ice-skating, snowshoeing, paragliding and much more.The resort has professional instructors and fully certified ski guides. The Lech Ski School is one of the first of its kind and was established in 1925.

One part of the Hotel Aurelio, “The Aurelio Club”, can be rented exclusively as a chalet with nine rooms, its own spa, including a swimming pool, chimney room lounge and a separate meeting room.

Rates for a deluxe double room range from 675 euros to 1,500 euros per night, depending on the date; while suites range from 900 euros to 2,200 euros a night. A video of the hotel can be viewed here.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers’ Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

Source: Luxist

All-new Treatments
Aurelio Spa has a new, innovative treatment list for its guests this season. On offer are traditional facials, body massages and partner treatments; as well as unique treatments like caviar compressions and diamond facials.

The highly-trained team at Aurelio Spa use only the finest product lines from the acclaimed Ligne St. Barth and Valmont spa brands. The products of the Valmont series consist of extracts of alpine herbs and pure glacier water from the Walisian Alps (producing results that celebrities swear by). The Signature treatments are the Diamond Peel, a combination of fruit and micro-abrasion, with a diamond-topped tool leaving skin smooth and fresh (duration: 110 minutes; price: €230), and the Caviar compression using essential oils, in combination with caviar, to stimulate circulation and tightening of the skin (duration: 45 minutes; price: €65).

The applications of the St. Barth product line bring a breeze of the Caribbean to Lech. Active and nurturing agents of exotic plants, flowers and fruits allow guests to indulge in a world of Caribbean wellness. The signature treatment, the “St. Barth Freshness“, is a facial and décolletage treatment including a hand massage, using papaya and pineapple or cucumber mousse. A nurturing hand massage with the essence of bourbon vanilla, beautiful lilies or the Caribbean tiaré flower, complete the relaxing experience (duration: 90 minutes; price: €153).

Also brand-new this season is the “Hits for Teens” spa program, designed especially for the needs of younger guests, including applications of the St. Barth Homme line with nurturing substances for male skin. Skiers will particularly enjoy the “Ski massage”. This stress-relieving full body massage, including head and foot reflexology, using stimulating menthol and eucalyptus oils, expels the exertions of an exhausting day on the slopes (duration: 50 minutes; price: €85). For day spa guests, the use of the Aurelio Spa is €45 per person for three hours.

The Facilities
The Aurelio Spa, which opened in December 2008, offers unique, contemporary and sensual facilities. The stunning wellness area includes two indoor activity pools, thermal cubicles, cool-down experiences and relaxation areas, a large sauna area, providing classic sauna, organic-herbs sauna, a swimming pool (the largest in the area) offering sound and light therapy, an aroma steam bath, a jacuzzi, experiential showers and a fitness room. The wellness area creates a calm atmosphere through colors and forms, allowing for complete relaxation. Guests can experience a complete relaxation retreat in the tranquil area by the open fire with views of the wintergarden outside. The Vital Bar offers fresh fruit, various types of tea and light snacks. The Marlies Möller Hair Spa rounds off the wellness concept at Aurelio Spa.

Source: BREAKING travel news

Since the 1990s Austrian destination spas have been developing progressive wellness and balance treatments that tip the scales toward technology and holistic healing. In the last few years, resorts have become more innovative and eco-conscious by combining natural local elements with the latest advances.

During the winter months, Austrian spas remain open alongside the popular ski slopes and winter attractions. But this new mother of one chose to survey the spas with her husband during the summer, when prices are lower.

One of the more artistic resorts to emerge is Rogner Bad Blumau in the Styrian thermal spring region, a short ride from Vienna. The colorful buildings and vast thermal pools resemble nothing more than a Dr. Seuss book. Its creator, Friedrich Hundertwasser, was a renowned sculptor and artist who believed straight lines prevent man from harmonizing with nature.

Like most spas in Austria, Bad Blumau offers therapies that go beyond steamy scented baths. Included in the menu of soul-balancing services is a Vedic Indian Astrologer that leads yoga groups in the Vulkania waters and performs astrologic life therapy.

Does it work? Who cares?

The landscape and architecture is more profoundly therapeutic than having leeches detoxify your blood, which became popular a couple of years ago after Demi Moore raved about her Austrian spa trip.

One of the more popular treatments to evolve from the philosophy of balancing the mind with body is sound therapy, or sound massage. Various metal bowls are placed on your body and lightly struck to harmonize your body and mind.

Adding the local elderberry to the experience enlivens the senses and stimulates the mind to relax, hence the puddle-like feeling you get when you try to get up.

For a life-changing experience, spend a few days floating under the moonlight in pools of naturally heated, mineral-rich water. When the clock strikes 11 p.m., shadowy figures drift indoors to rinse in the heated indoor labyrinth of lounges.

I had heard that Europeans tend to bathe nude in thermal waters, but only once did I ever encounter a man a little too natural for my American eyes. My first thought was that I must have wondered into a men’s lounge.

In the Salzburg region, spas scattered among among lakes and mountains promote the purity of the air and water. Not far from the German border, the Mavida Wellness Hotel & Spa in Zell am See boasts the finest technology and trained therapists. The Floatarium is supposed to suggest what it feels like to be in a mother’s womb by using high salt concentrates in a water tank. But this mother found out that if you are still healing from breast-feeding, you might want to skip this experience.

Another contemporary calming mechanism is the Floating Couch, which is basically a waterbed that you rest upon while a long list of concoctions are massaged and lathered into the skin. Needing to heal parts of my salt-soaked body, I chose goat’s milk and honey.

Yet another invention to accentuate nature, The Blue Box recreates life in the clouds by using a vibrating bed, color therapy and sound. The real thing, however, is not far away. Riding a bike around the lake before jumping into the crystal blue water and staring up at the mountains also works. Sometimes, the most gracious part of a spa vacation is the adventure it offers your soul.

Source: post-gazette.com