After a sparkling day in the snow and sun of the glorious Alps, nothing beats warm bubbles and a pair of soft hands. Austria’s wellness offerings are among the best anywhere. Maybe better. Here are a few of our tried and tested favorites.
1. Arlberg Hospiz Hotel, St Cristoph
The venerable 5-star Hospiz takes your wellness as seriously as its wine, as that’s saying something. Its spa zone sprawls over two expansive floors creating a world of luxe serenity. The indoor pool is a destination itself, with a bar geared up with drinks and light dishes. If you can pry yourself away, downstairs is a universe of warmth: Finnish and bio saunas, steam baths and a flash-cooling Kneipp footpath. Relaxing in the Chill Out Lounge on the giant beds is a must, before or after testing from a bounty of professional treatments and massages. www.arlberghospiz.at
2. Aurelio, Lech
Enter a sultry whispery world of cool, clean, minimalist elegance. The Aurelio’s Thermal Suite is pure indulgence for body and mind. Sauna, aroma salt steam rooms, herbal baths, sensory showers and, if you didn’t have enough of the outdoors on your skis, there’s even a snow atrium. Splashing round in the 23-meter pool will stretch out the most tested ski muscles. Follow with an Aurelio aroma oil massage, alone or as a couple. Tonic for the soul. www.aureliolech.com
3. Severin’s The Alpine Retreat, Lech
Well known for its exclusive Northern German beach resort, this is Severin’s first alpine retreat, open this winter. Every little luxury – from art gallery to fine dining – is laid on with the attention of a perfect host. The brand new sumptuous “super suite” home from home features a 400 m² spa and wellness area to pamper and preen with professional treatments. Swim in the counter-current pool and luxuriate in the waterfall, whirlpools, saunas, steam bath and infrared cabin.
Severin’s is set to be a name to remember. www.severins-lech.at
4. Rote Wand, Zug
Far down the snowy valley past lovely Lech and so-chic Zuers, the fairytale hamlet of Zug quietly awaits. Surrounded by towering peaks and accessible by ski, by horse-drawn carriage and yes, by car, this is a true alpine getaway. Its Red Spa is a sanctuary of wood-lined modernity, offering a Finnish outdoor sauna, salt-water steam grotto, bio and infrared saunas and a luxurious lounge. Take tea from a samovar before slipping into the sultry warmth of the indoor pool, leading onto the showcase moment: an outdoor pool that looks directly onto the mighty Madloch, a mountain moment to treasure. www.rotewand.com
5. ARLBERG-well, St Anton
In the heart of the village and with perfect slopeside position, the strikingly modern wood and glass complex provides public access to a world of water and wellness. Get-wet pleasures include indoor and outdoor pools with elliptical flume, waterfall and whirlpool. Steam bath, massage showers and a Finnish sauna that is only the beginning. www.ARLBERG-well.com