Take a step away from the real world and immerse yourself in the wholesome serenity of Stanglwirt
If you’re someone, like myself, who enjoys reading a feel-good love story, you’ve probably come across one (or many) set against the backdrop of a gorgeous lodge hotel complete with warm pine decor, overstuffed armchairs beside open fires, charming employees, cosy decadence at every turn and, of course, surrounded by lush green forests and mountains.
But such a place only exists in the overactive imaginations of romance writers, right?
Wrong.
It exists in real life and it’s called Stanglwirt.
‘Heaven on earth’
This beautiful resort originated in 1609. Surrounded by the majestic Wilder Kaiser range, it is both an organic farm and five-star resort that has continued to evolve while being a family-run property for more than 400 years. In fact, it is the only organic farm with an integrated luxury hotel built around it which means that the hotel is harmoniously in line with the farmland. There is also a children’s farm – their own little paradise, where they can be a bit louder – not always in keeping with a five star hotel! Kids also have their own waterworld space in the spa so that every target consumer group has their own world and no one has to make sacrifices. Luckily for the Hausers, who run the resort, they had the space to create these worlds.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about this family-run green spa hotel and Tyrolean farm, is its commitment to sustainability. As an eco-friendly, bio-hotel, the Hausers’ approach to new ideas, plans and buildings is uncompromisingly environmentally friendly and projects are consistently implemented using only natural materials, with local Arolla pine wood having become the most important and influential building material in the hotel.
Described as ‘heaven on earth’, today it is one of the most sought-after luxury resort destinations in Europe. With 170 rooms and suites along with world-class amenities, an unmatched level of personal service and activities for every season, Stanglwirt is consistently welcoming new guests and long-time regulars every year, including celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Celebrity clientele
In fact, Arnie is just one of many movie stars and sports icons that have graced the halls of Stanglwirt. As you walk through the corridors, you can see framed photos of everyone from Muhammad Ali and Pamela Anderson to Hilary Clinton, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jason Statham.
Speaking to Elisabeth and Maria Hauser (senior staff members and daughters of the current owner, Balthasar Hauser), I learned that ‘family’ plays a huge role in the running of this stellar hotel. According to Maria, her grandmother, Anna, was integral in creating the relaxed, friendly ethos that seems so appealing to the Hollywood elite. During Anna’s time, there was just the farmhouse with the inn which had four tables and she was known as the ‘singing hostess’, always happy to perform for the guests. People would come from grand hotels in the surrounding areas to experience her singing and cooking. She had guests like Clark Gable and Bing Crosby and didn’t see any difference between a local or a celebrity.
A famous anecdote that has been passed down through the family tree is that the Empress of Persia once arrived unannounced at Stanglwirt with her entourage. The four tables were already full with local workers and, instead of turfing them out in favour of her high profile gate-crashers, the unflappable matriarch simply asked the locals if they would mind sharing the table with the Persian royalty and they all dined together.
The Spa
The spa is unlike anything I have ever seen before in my life. At 12,000 square metres, it is truly enormous. I wandered around happily for about 30 minutes on my first day there without a clue where I was going and I kept discovering new areas. There are multiple relaxation areas, at least three pools (one specifically for lengths), a designated children’s area where they had a movie projecting on one of the walls, a nude adult area and an entirely separate floor for the treatment rooms. You can choose from several saunas and if you’re into the ice-bathing trend, there is a plunge pool or an overhead bucket option to choose from. I would have tried the bucket but it was in the quiet area and I felt that emptying my lungs on a panicky high C would not be in keeping with the relaxed vibe.
A day later, however, I did go back and forth from the sauna to the cold plunge pool a few times and found it utterly invigorating. If money was no object, that’s what I would install in my home for maximum wellbeing every day!
My facial
On my second day, I was informed that there was a facial booked for me with a therapist called Celine. Well, if I thought this was going to be a relaxing facial, I was all kinds of wrong. It was a hydrafacial and, as it happened, it was exactly what I needed. It started off with a very pleasant, superficial cleansing of any makeup or debris on the skin and then came a light steaming. Lovely. Then, out of nowhere, the soft-spoken therapist began systematically squeezing blackheads, spots, pores and anything that even looked like it might dare grow into a blemish on my face. Rigid as a board and unable to inhale deeply in case I let out a yelp of pain, I waited for the torture to be over and thankfully, after about three minutes it was! A machine was then employed to clean the skin even further and ensure everything from the previous excavation was fully removed. This was followed by a mask which was designed to draw out any leftover impurities from the skin.
Afterwards, still a bit shook, I chatted to Celine about why spot-squeezing was used in the facial when it is so discouraged for us to do at home. She explained that while you should never do it yourself, it’s actually beneficial to have it done in a beauty treatment because trained professionals can do the extra cleansing steps required after you pop the blemishes. My skin did feel amazing afterwards, to be fair, so all’s well that ends well.
The amenities
It’s hard to believe that one place can offer so much at such a high standard but Stanglwirt does it with ease. As well as the spa and wellness experience, highlights include (deep breath): a special kid’s pool and family wellness area; an indoor fitness garden with a gym; ski and snowboard school; 14 tennis courts; tennis school; a golf school and driving range; a 160-acre farm providing a true farm-to-table culinary experience; a riding school featuring Lipizzaner horses; multiple restaurants; and a seemingly endless number of activities on property or within a few minutes drive, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, and so much more.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, it’s also dog-friendly!
Horse-riding
It’s over 25 years since I’ve had a horse-riding lesson so it was with a little trepidation that I made my way to the stables in the Stanglwirt resort. I was greeted by Catrin, who proceeded to show me where the Lipizzaner horses are kept, chat about the various things they’re used for (lessons, carriage rides, etc) and how they spend their time. It is thanks to Balthasar Hauser’s love of horses and Lipizzaners in particular that, since 1980, Stanglwirt has been home to Austria’s first private Lipizzaner stud. He wanted a particular aesthetic for his hotel and he bred these horses for their white coats, thinking they would fit in beautifully with the sky and scenery around them. Apparently, the horses graze in the enclosed meadows in the morning for a while but prefer to come in when it gets hot, to avoid the flies in summer. There are also some open fields on a nearby mountain where they are brought every so often so they can run free (happy tears emoji).
I was then brought to my horse – Sigmundo or Siggy for short – a gentle giant with a gassy disposition. The indoor paddock is situated right beside a huge window that looks into the hotel reception area so people can watch while having their morning coffee, but I didn’t let that put me off. We started with a little walk around the large rectangular area, with Catrin explaining that I should always walk at his side, in his eyeline, and slightly behind, so that if he were to speed up for any reason, he wouldn’t bump into me!
After our brief getting-to-know-you period was over, I was up on the saddle and Catrin was guiding us on another lap so I could get used to my elevated status. Within a few minutes, Siggy and I were trotting as one and I have to say, despite the fact that I was indoors and being carefully monitored by a professional trainer, I felt a rush of freedom and exhilaration that only comes when you’re doing something outside your comfort zone.
It was all over too soon but I left with a renewed appreciation for horses and the fearless folk who ride and work with them on a daily basis.
The food
I’m not sure what I can say to accurately portray the standard of food available at Stanglwirt. From the fresh sushi station in the evening to the smoothie making stand and multiple omelette and pancake stations at breakfast, I made a holy show of myself on the first day before I learned to pace myself. The breakfast had everything I could hope for and plenty more besides, and that was just the buffet. The restaurants had exquisite menu options to cater for every taste as well as delicious traditional Austrian dishes that were a delightful discovery for all of us on the trip. Special shout-out to the Kaiserschmarrn – a sweet fluffy pancake made with rum-soaked raisins, torn into bite-sized pieces, caramelized, and served sprinkled with powdered sugar and jam – which was on another level entirely!
The overall experience
To say I loved my time at Stanglwirt is the true definition of an understatement. During one of my chats with the Hauser sisters, they told me that the guests had given them their slogan: ‘At Home at Stanglwirt’.
It’s an apt description. Despite the luxury and the vastness of the rooms and communal areas, the hotel still manages to feel utterly cosy and homely while you’re there. From the exceptional food and drink to the glorious spa, from the charming staff and breath-taking views to the infinite amenities and wonderful entertainment, it was a dream come true. And the fact that it achieves this level of excellence while also being a bio-hotel that cares deeply about the welfare of its animals and the environment is the ripe, red cherry on top of an already mouth-watering cake.
I sincerely hope to return one day but if for some reason I don’t, I will hold the memories of my time at Stanglwirt very dearly and be forever grateful for the unforgettable experience.
For more information, see stanglwirt.com
