If you’re looking for an idyllic escape unlike anywhere in the world, bookmark the Grossarl region of Austria, a charming village and alpine valley just south of Salzburg. This picturesque pocket of natural beauty is surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks and lush surroundings, and is home to a five-star family-owned hotel that is truly exceptional in every way.
Das Edelweiss Mountain Resort boasts high-end design with an unparalleled commitment to wellness, and the result is a mesmerizing property that positively delights and indulges you from the inside out. The moment I arrived, the air felt crisper, lighter and the ambiance was undeniably warm and welcoming. Upon exploring the exquisite property, it seemed as if nature itself was reminding me to ease into a slower rhythm and surrender to a quiet stillness so rarely found except in precious places like this.
The resort’s architecture exudes understated elegance: earth-toned natural materials, stone, and hand-crafted woods are artfully woven into its tranquil interiors, while panoramic windows make the most of the majestic peaks surrounding the hotel. Each suite is appointed with walk-in rainfall showers, plush bathrobes, and private balconies that offer stunning views of natural surroundings, a welcome respite if you’ve spent the day on the slopes or wandering throughout the village. The overall environment radiates warmth and exquisite taste — a testament to the refined management by the Hettegger family whose commitment to an impeccable stay is felt in every detail.
The highlight of the property is undoubtedly the awe-inspiring 75,000 square-foot Mountain Spa, a multi-floor sprawling sanctuary of wellness where tranquility and luxury converge. There are separate adults only and family areas for privacy preferences, as well as a dazzling array of endless amenities including outdoor pools with mountain vistas, a bio sauna, infrared and Finnish saunas, whirlpools, and immersive face and body treatments that honor local traditions and alpine botanicals. Das Edelweiss has also recently expanded its offerings with state-of-the-art technology including the Icoone® Laser, a non-invasive treatment that improves skin elasticity, reduces cellulite, stimulates lymphatic flow, and aids athletic recovery.
“We are always on the lookout for innovative methods that help our guests feel lighter, more beautiful, and more energetic. The Icoone® Laser was a logical next step for us,” explains host Karin Hettegger.
While I did not personally get to try that futuristic treatment, I opted for a signature massage at the Mountain Spa and proceeded to spend hours luxuriating in the numerous relaxation areas — dipping from one sauna to the next, bubbling away my worries, and even napping in a designated pod in one zen room — all whilst taking in the majestic views and breathing in the brisk alpine air.
Later that evening, I enjoyed a slow yoga class and unlocked a level of peaceful serenity I still think about to this day. Das Edelweiss also offers seasonal wellness retreats with a focus on breathwork, movement, detox practices, and more for guests seeking an immersive way to embrace the Mountain Spa’s splendor in all its glory.
Perhaps it’s the resort’s holistic approach to vitality that extends beyond the spa; an unspoken ethos to reconnect with your mind and body through its offerings of yoga and fitness classes on site, guided hikes and bike tours into the charming Salzburger Land, and state-of-the-art facilities for skiing, movement, and mindfulness, to name a few. As for food, there’s gourmet mountain cuisine, a tantalizing sushi bar, and a relaxed spa bistro if you’re looking for fresh, conscious dining options that are equally delicious as they are nourishing.
Suffice to say, Das Edelweiss is an elevated wellness wonderland unlike anywhere else in the world and will always be a special sanctuary I highly recommend to others.
