I spent a fantastic weekend tucked away within the Austrian Alps at Gartenhotel Theresia – an eco lodge that felt like a real home-from-home with coronary heart. Situated within the picture-perfect mountain village of Saalbach-Hinterglemm in Salzburg, the realm was every little thing I’d hoped for – it had wildflower-covered meadows, towering alpine peaks, and a soothing stillness I solely appear to seek out within the mountains.
I’ve at all times beloved the concept of staying someplace that was variety to the planet because it was to its friends, and this family-run lodge really delivered. From its charming chalet-style exterior to its chemical-free spa, natural connoisseur meals, and deal with sustainability, it felt like each element was designed to assist me breathe slightly deeper – and go away slightly lighter!
The place is Gartenhotel Theresia Situated?
I discovered the lodge nestled in Saalbach-Hinterglemm, a picturesque Alpine village in Salzburg that’s tucked into the guts of the Austrian Alps. It’s often called being a implausible ski resort dwelling to beautiful alpine surroundings, wonderful snowboarding alternatives, and a energetic après-ski scene.
Locals instructed me that in winter it attracts skiers and snow-lovers in droves, however through the hotter months—particularly summer time—I found for myself that it remodeled into a panoramic mountain climbing and biking vacation spot…
The mountain village resort of Saalbach-Hinterglemm occupied a very picturesque nook of Austria. I found an idyllic, charming place the place mild streams trickled by way of deep valleys, rolling inexperienced meadows had been dotted with grazing, bell-adorned cows, and postcard-pretty conventional chalets sat nestled beneath the towering peaks of the Alps. I actually felt like I used to be standing in a scene from The Sound of Music!
Saalbach-Hinterglemm – A Fast Information
- Location: Salzburg area, Austria
- Well-known For: Snowboarding in winter, mountain climbing and biking in summer time
- Vibe: Picturesque mountain resort with rustic allure and alpine magnificence
- Greatest Time to Go to:
- Winter: December to March for snowboarding and snowboarding
- Summer time: June to September for mountain climbing, biking, and spa retreats
- High Experiences: Scenic cable automotive rides, alpine walks, après-ski bars, wellness spas
What Was it Like Staying on the Gartenhotel Theresia?
From the skin, the chalet seemed each bit like the normal Austrian alpine retreat I’d imagined earlier than I arrived – with its sturdy pinewood façade, flower-filled balconies, and shuttered home windows, it was like one thing straight off a vacationer postcard.
However as soon as inside, I discovered a surprisingly fashionable and modern house with a forward-thinking, eco-conscious ethos and distinctive design particulars comparable to putting cowhide-print sofas. I noticed stylish trendy touches sitting alongside historic pictures and cosy log fires.
Describing itself as a ‘lodge with a coronary heart,’ I additionally discovered this family-run retreat was greater than only a fairly place to remain – it was a real eco-hotel, deeply dedicated to sustainability, native sourcing, and social duty.
How Eco-Pleasant Is Gartenhotel Theresia?
I came upon from the lodge proprietor that they’d a really admirable and lengthy checklist of eco-friendly insurance policies which sadly remains to be a really uncommon discover in a lodge!
- They serve 100% natural, regionally produced, animal welfare-friendly meals
- They use power from renewable sources (hydroelectric, wind, biomass)
- They recycle warmth from kitchen, laundry, and bogs to heat swimming pools and water
- They supply contemporary spring water for bathing and cleansing (mild on pores and skin and eco-friendly)
- They use EU Ecolabel-certified cleansing merchandise
- They minimise chlorine use in swimming pools – solely the authorized minimal required
- They provide fast-charging stations for electrical vehicles and bikes
- They apply cautious recycling and makes use of energy-saving lightbulbs
- They uphold a coverage of social duty for all workers
- They observe a resource-saving administration philosophy throughout operations
Inside, I used to be warmly welcomed by two dirndl-clad receptionists and one of many homeowners – an environment friendly but considerate girl who was clearly obsessed with each the lodge and its alpine environment.
After a pleasant chat, I discovered myself eager to know extra about her and the lodge’s eco philosophy—a topic that was near my very own coronary heart. Her reasoning was easy however honest: “If we don’t take care of nature, then it should disappear.” I’ve to confess, I couldn’t have agreed extra!
As I walked round, it shortly turned clear to me that compassion and progressive values permeated each a part of the lodge—from the aged resident cat padding alongside the corridors, to the pure swimming pool fed by contemporary mountain spring water, to the weekly exercise programme designed to assist friends reconnect with nature. Their inexperienced credentials weren’t only for present—they genuinely felt like a heartfelt mission from the homeowners!
What Was My Visitor Room Like?
My lodge tour ended with the receptionist handing me a keycard for the normal Austrian ‘nude’ sauna (which I accepted with a barely nervous giggle!) after which the important thing to my room for the weekend. I discovered the room was cosy, comfy, stylishly embellished, and featured loads of heat pine and native oak.
I noticed there was a sturdy wood historically pained beds which balanced consolation with a comfortable quilt, there have been additionally soundproofed home windows, and a balcony the place I sat and gazed on the gorgeous views of the Alps whereas ingesting my morning espresso.
Once I first went in I instantly opened the patio doorways to let within the crisp mountain air and sank closely into the mattress. On the bedside cupboard lay a ebook titled Out of the Head and into the Coronary heart by Franz X. Buhler—a really apt alternative, I assumed!
The following day, I ventured out to discover the attractive native environment, beginning with a steep and scenic cable automotive experience adopted by a brisk stroll alongside a peaceable stream. Later, I returned to the lodge to appease my aching muscle tissue within the calming embrace of the Mountain Inexperienced Spa.
What Was the Spa Like?
I assumed the spa space was one of many true highlights of the lodge, and it was clear that wellness was taken significantly. The amenities had been wonderful—particularly spectacular given the lodge’s measurement—and I handled myself to an indulgent aromatherapy therapeutic massage in considered one of their cosy remedy rooms, the place (naturally!) solely natural merchandise had been used.
Wellness Highlights at Gartenhotel Theresia – at a Fast Look
- Indoor and out of doors swimming pools (chemical-free!)
- A standard sauna and a nude sauna (with privateness choices)
- A jacuzzi and panoramic gymnasium
- Spa therapies which used solely natural merchandise
- A weekly exercise program to assist friends reconnect with nature
- A zen-like rest room with alpine views
What Was The Meals Like?
The meals was one of many lodge’s primary highlights, and I beloved how significantly it was taken all through the retreat. The indulgence started early every day with a hearty and assorted breakfast buffet that includes contemporary fruits, cereals, artisan breads, home-made jams, and a number of scorching dishes.
I discovered lunch was equally as tasty with an important vary of hearty soups, contemporary seasonal salads, a big number of primary programs (together with wonderful vegetarian and vegan choices), and quite a few conventional Austrian desserts for dessert.
Dinner was the actual showstopper although – I sat down every night to a fantastically offered five-course menu targeted on seasonal, natural, and locally-sourced elements. I discovered from the supervisor that additionally they hosted themed buffets, stay cooking stations, and even the occasional enjoyable fondue and barbecue evenings.
I significantly admired how the lodge additionally took dietary wants significantly, proudly catering for vegetarians, vegans, and friends with allergy symptoms. There have been additionally loads of each cold and hot drinks out there all through the day, no visitor was ever left wanting—together with me!
When it was time to take a look at, my keycard to the nude sauna could had gone unused – however I left the lodge feeling refreshed, renewed, and genuinely grateful to have stayed at a lodge with such an enormous coronary heart.
Eating at Gartenhotel Theresia – at a Fast Look
- Meal Plan: Breakfast buffet, mild lunch, afternoon tea, and five-course connoisseur dinner
- Meals Philosophy: Natural, regional, seasonal, and with a deal with being animal-welfare pleasant
- Diets Catered For: Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergy-sensitive
- Particular Point out: Presentation was lovely and each dish was full of taste and dietary worth
My Closing Ideas
To me it felt like this lodge felt hidden gem! From the chemical-free swimming swimming pools and natural meals to the very good hospitality and the wellness amenities and naturally not forgetting these breathtaking alpine views, it felt prefer it had simply acquired so many issues excellent. It was additionally a delicate reminder to me that journey may be significant, aware, and genuinely restorative!
I additionally actually appreciated how pleasant, well mannered and well-presented the workers had been – the workers had been wearing conventional Austrian apparel, together with dirndls, and so they even helped me to rearrange out of doors actions and native excursions, which made exploring the encompassing space very straightforward.
So whether or not you’re heading to the Austrian Alps for snowboarding, summer time mountain climbing, or just to recharge, then this lodge will tick many packing containers, I promise —with a heat welcome from the workers and supervisor to match!
Gartenhotel Theresia – At a Look
- Location: Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Salzburg, Austrian Alps
- Sort: Household-run, 4-star eco-friendly chalet lodge
- Greatest For: Nature lovers, wellness seekers, vegetarians/vegans, eco-conscious travellers
- Rooms: Cosy alpine decor with wooden furnishings, balconies, soundproofing, and mountain views
- Eating: Natural, regionally sourced meals served day by day (with choices for dietary wants)
- Wellness: Indoor/out of doors swimming pools, sauna, steam room, gymnasium, pure spring swimming space, natural spa therapies
- Inexperienced Credentials: 100% natural meals, chemical-free swimming pools, socially accountable staffing, resource-saving practices
- My Reserving Tip: Ask for a mountain-facing balcony room and don’t miss the signature aromatherapy therapeutic massage.
- Reserving Web site
