If you think that the only reason to visit Salzburg is Mozart, think again. For the wellness devotee, SalzburgerLand is a bonanza of luxury alpine spas, and arguably the jewel in the crown is the multi-award winning Naturhotel Forsthofgut.
The Naturhotel Forsthofgut is the lovechild of the ultimate spa hotel and a modern fairy-tale castle. Covering 60,000 sqm at the base of the Asitz slopes in the Leogang valley, the hotel comprises a network of modern annexes around a central lake. Typically alpine in style, the interior décor has contemporary chalet-appeal with sumptuous materials for nesting by log fires in the winter, when guests can ski-in & ski-out. Then with grace and ease, the Forsthofgut seamlessly transforms into its summer rendition, as the flourishing gardens take precedence and the lake becomes the main hub of activity.
Always family friendly, Naturhotel Forsthofgut caters for the needs of even the most demanding little VIPs.
Although the Forsthofgut can be a challenge to navigate, there is great pleasure in getting lost within the waldSPA, a four-story towering sanctuary of wellness for adults only, with a gym, every kind of sauna one could possibly imagine, even more treatment rooms and an expansive blueprint of relaxation space to read, meditate on the mountain vista, or just be. A generous repertoire of daily activities designed to rejuvenate the body and nourish the nervous system will facilitate further exploration. E-biking, nature walks and outdoor yoga are available in the summer. Indoor, guests can partake in guided body peels and sauna infusions using smoke, herbs or liquor – there is plenty that will strike a delightful chord.
The gym is run by Roman Huber, an impressive ex-military who teaches kick boxing and was once Austria’s fourth strongest man (!). He conducts a gym activity programme that balances high impact training along with recovery practices such as myofascial release and targeted stretching, for when you come off the mountain.
Anything but your average yoga classroom at Naturhotel Forsthofgut
The Forsthofgut successfully holds the paradox of family friendly with a quiet alpine getaway. Yes, you will occasionally see children running through the lobby barefoot and donning fairy wings, but the easy-going attitude towards families in no way infringes on the luxury aspect. The hotel houses a labyrinth of facilities; from soft play style crèches to games rooms to occupy and entertain children – from toddlers to teens. Between the two-tiered underground waterpark, orchestrating a daily list of free activities and the miniGUT – children’s farm which includes a petting zoo, stables, an adventure playground, trampolines and a cinema room – the young family has never been so well serviced.
From a taster menu creation by a private chef to a requiem of local cheeses; the four restaurants of the Naturhotel Forsthofgut will cater for all occasions and generations. Mizumi on the lake house serves sushi caught just a few kilometres away along with other fusion dishes, where everything is homemade including the ramen and the sweet chilli sauce.
Mizumi uses locally sourced fish for its Asian dishes, including sushi.
As for Salzburg’s most famous son, Mozart, “Melody is the essence of music” so is the Naturhotel Forsthofgut the essence of the Salzburg spa hotel, embodying everything you want and what you didn’t know you wanted within the same premises. Here, five generations of hoteliers have perfected a traditional and modern take on alpine luxury, integrated with the magnificence of mother nature. To find out more HERE.
Author: Juliet Brook
British Airways flies to Salzburg (SZG) directly from London Heathrow (LHR) Club Europe from £152 each-way and from London Gatwick from £160 each way, both including dedicated check-in desks, a complimentary food and drink service, taxes, fees and carrier charges. To book, please visit www.ba.com/salzburg
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