The striking spa tower has 56 stunning spa suites, representing cutting edge technology and minimalist interior design. Each showcases modern interiors and furnishings of the highest quality. Each features a private wellness oasis bathroom, with egg-shaped bathtub, separate sensory shower, and private sauna. The local Ragaz thermal water is piped directly from its source in the nearby Tamina Gorge, and is temperature-regulated, meaning guests benefit from free-flowing, on-tap thermal water to use for everything from tooth brushing to showering to drinking.

The anniversary special package is available until 30 June and includes:

- 3 nights’ accommodation in a Spa Suite Loft including one complimentary night
- Generous buffet breakfast
- Fresh fruit and Ragaz water daily
- Access to the spa
- Free access to the Tamina Therme thermal pools
- Fitness and relaxation lessons
- One gourmet dinner in the Bel-Air Restaurant
- 3 hours of time in the Andeer Private Spa
- One Grand Resort Gold Bath with 23-carat gold
- Gold Temptation Massage (50 minutes)

Source: Treatment Abroad

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

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