After a sparkling day in the snow and sun of the glorious Alps, nothing beats warm bubbles and a pair of soft hands. Austrian spa’s and wellness offerings are among the best anywhere. Maybe better. Here are ways to wellness in Soelden and Oetztal
Aquadome, Langenfeld.
Go on, dream a little. This modern fantasy spa-world has everything you can imagine to sooth away the strains of the slopes. Among the near-dozens of indoor saunas, steam rooms, salt grottos and plunge pools, eventually you’ll find a door. When you’re ready, step outside into two magnificent outdoor pools sized like football fields and shaped like giant wine glasses. One soothes with mineral rich waters, another pummels with super-powered jets. An ideal evening’s activity and perfect for stormy weather days. aqua-dome.at
The Central, Soelden.
Five-star indulgence from a beloved five-star Soelden institution. The wellness offering here stretches across an dizzying three storeys, a cosseting theatre of relaxation called Waterworld Venezia. Indoor pool, 10 saunas and steam baths, 16 treatment rooms and unparalleled views of the Oetztal mountains. This is spa-ing as both science and art. www.central-soelden.com
Hotel Edelweiss and Gurgl, Obergurgl.
Newly refurbished for this winter in a warm fusion of traditional Tyrolean and sleek design, this 75–room piste-side hotel is rightly proud of its Glacier Spa. With panoramic views onto glittering mountains and glaciers, indoor and outdoor pools, herb saunas and jungle showers beckon. Don’t miss the bubble-tastic panorama whirlpool. www.edelweiss-gurgl.com
TOP Hotel, Hochgurgl
High in the Ötz Valley above 2000 meters, this exceptional Relais et Chateaux five-star is a real high-mountain hideaway. Superlative service and top Tirolean hospitality extends from the room and restaurants to the TOP Mountain Spa where luxurious treatments, diverse saunas and glorious relaxation rooms await. An outdoor panoramic whirlpool overlooks slopes and peaks. Try the unique beer bath treatment — enzyme rich and makes you feel hoppy all over. www.tophotelhochgurgl.com
Alpen-Wellness Resort Hochfirst, Obergurgl
A dream alpine getaway for more than 80 years, this elegant five-star retreat combines luxury with stylish Tyrolean service. Relaxation is a priority and a pleasure in an extensive wellness area of heat and pools. Enjoy a Clarins, Ligne ST Barth or Sisley Paris treatment and don’t miss the underwater bubble massage benches in the outdoor pool beneath snow-covered summits of Obergurgl. www.hochfirst.com
