KING OF MY CASTLE.
A Spa weekend is like taking a deep breath. You let loose, get rid of any mature burden, sip gallons of infused water and gain fresh energy. Those wellness weekends are beyond precious and once you’ve found your personal sanctuary you’ll always come back and recharge. In my case it turned out that there is not only one happy place, but two. Let me introduce you to the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden:
read – massage – yoga – repeat
The moment we got picked up from the train station by a shiny, burgundy colored Rolls Royce (what a ride!) that transported us past the twinkling Wörthersee to one of the most famous hotels in the world, we knew that we’re gonna take a lot of deep breaths here… After a complete renovation in 2007 and a recent modernisation, the Schlosshotel Velden now has a lot to offer for us time-out hungry Millennials (and basically any other age group). What once was associated with happy-go-lucky TV (still love Roy Black though) has now turned into a holistic place for health and happiness. I might have gained an extra kilo after indulging in all the gorgeous home-made pastry (try the Valrhona choc dessert!) and cinnamon waffles with caramelized pumpkin seeds. Or is the delicious Wiener Schnitzel at the lake-view restaurant Seespitz to blame? However, the culinary experience is definitely mouthwatering and most of all: mood-lifting.
eat well – take long walks – clear your head
The iconic, canary yellow castle surprised me on so many levels. It offers an incredible mix between history (the main building dates back to the 16th century), tradition (e.g. the kitchen focuses on regional products) and modern design (the South Tyrolean interior designer Bea Mitterhofer did an amazing job here). In the garden you’ll find the new wing, a concrete building that hosts the majority of the 104 rooms & suites. Inside you’ll find marble bathrooms with wooden accents, a fireplace, the most comfortable beds and a balcony-with-a-view situation, that will make you never wanna leave your room. Well, just until you’ve discovered the hotel’s own Acquapura Spa, which by the way is open for public (if you crave a nice DaySpa experience with friends)!
the feeling of euphoria and relaxation
And when I say Spa I mean a 3.600m2 Wellness heaven, featuring a Garden- and an Indoorpool, a fitness area, a Sauna zone (steam sauna, infrared, bio-herbal), beauty & vitality treatments (Tipp: try the 30min hydration facial) and an à la carte Bistro. This calming area with it’s exclusive lake view, the fresh tea booth, the most comfy daybeds (seriously competing with my own bed) and the relaxing pool dips makes the train ride from Vienna to Velden more than worth the journey.
Image yourself snoozing in one of the countless hidden nooks after the best full-body massage/sea salt scrub finish or (free!) Yoga class. This certain feeling of euphoria and relaxation is what makes such Spa Weekend so very addictive. It can do wonders for your soul. And this is priceless.
Digitorial in collaboration with Falkensteiner Hotels // Concept & Realisation: Carola Pojer & Patrick Böcker
