ALPINELIFESTYLE

NEWS ABOUT LIFE, STYLE & HOTELS ISSUE NO 01⁄2014

2 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

IMPRINT: Publication: 3 x yearly, Media Owner and Publisher: Prime Time Tou-ristik & Marketing GmbH, Registered office: Schmiedgasse 38/1, 8010 Graz, responsible for content: Thomas Holzleithner & Hardy Egger, Editor-in-Chief: Martin Novak, Managing Editor: Astrid Gaber, Editors: Marion Kirbis, Pia Unger, Jessica Braunegger, Sandra Suppan, Sandra Gloning, Florentina Welley, Layout: Tomislav Bobinec, Printed by: Medienfabrik Graz, published in: Graz, Acknow-ledgements: Thanks to students on the Journalism & PR degree programme at FH Joanneum University of Applied Sciences for their assistance

/ IN THIS ISSUE /

2 / EDITORIAL & IMPRINT /

3 / OPENING /

TYROLEAN MOUNTAIN SPLENDOUR

4 / COVER STORY ALPINE LIFESTYLE /

BECAUSE IT IS GENUINE

7 / FASHION /

LENA HOSCHEK

8 / ARCHITECTURE /

NEW CHALLENGES NEED NEW DESIGNS

9 / ALPINE ITALY /

EMOTION LIVES UP! ALTA BADIA NOW

12 / GÜNTHER HLEBAINA, DAS KRONTHALER /

“A DESIRE TO INSPIRE”

14 / CULINARY DELIGHTS /

16 / CONSTRASTS /

MAJORCA & SRI LANKA

18 / SOULMATE MUST HAVE /

20 / NEW MEMBERS /

24 / WELLNESS /

26 / HOTEL DIRECTORY /

Welcome.

Journeys are always made in faith and anticipation. A belief in images, reports and

recommendations - promises that raise certain expectations. These expectations are

often met, indeed often exceeded, but can also be disappointed. And that is not be-

cause the promises are not true. It is because those making them have other values

and other ideas. Because they live in a different world.

You can, however, always rely on promises made by a soul mate. A soul mate sees and

experiences the world just as you do. This magazine aims to be your soul mate. That is

a challenge, and only you can decide whether we meet it.

The first issue focuses on life in the Alps at the interface of untamed nature and gua-

ranteed visitor enjoyment, where a centuries-old tradition meets modern interpretation.

Travel with us through the Alpine regions for a taste of what the Alps can offer. Let us

whet your appetite for the rich range of sporting and cultural activities. Discover the con-

trasts of the Alpine winter - regions where winter is summer or spring.

And if your Soul Mate has you hooked, you can continue your journey online. Your desti-

nation: www.lifestylehotels.net. The web page also allows you to order future issues and

give us your feedback on what we can improve to be your perfect soul mate.

Happy reading!

Thomas Holzleithner & Hardy Egger

Editors

THE SOULMATES

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 3

AS A RULE, GUESTS DO NOT SEE A HOTEL UNTIL IT IS FINI-

SHED. THEY RARELY SEE HOW IT HAS BEEN DEVELOPED. YET

BEFORE A HOTEL IS READY FOR VISITORS, A LOT OF HARD

WORK AND GREAT CREATIVITY GO INTO THE DESIGN AND

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS.

Fiss, Tyrol: “You will always have pleasure in your work if you are

passionate about the project”, says Alexander Walser from the alps-

lodge hotel in Fiss, Tyrol. He was involved in development from the

outset, and has made a telling contribution to the style and character

of the hotel. Walser is a perfectionist. A key aspect for him was there-

fore investing enough time in the planning process for every detail to

be discussed and agreed upon. Over the course of two years, the

Praxmarer brothers worked with him to turn his ideas and require-

ments on paper into reality.

From character to characteristics

Building in alpine regions poses a number of problems. Before in-

novative ideas can be implemented, good arguments and strong

communication are often needed in popular tourist destinations such

as Fiss. This has also been Walser‘s experience. “We had to make

a number of compromises in our project. There are certain expec-

tations, and very precise requirements, on how an alpine hotel must

look, so that it fits in with the characters of the town.” He wanted to

make the alpslodge different, to stand out from many similar, almost

interchangeable hotels.

From plan to reality

And he succeeded. With an exclusive site in Tyrol‘s largest skiing re-

gion with direct access to the slopes and trails - the ideal option for

guests, who can ski right up to the hotel door. The concept did, howe-

ver, complicate the construction project. To avoid problems at the buil-

ding stage, Walser worked with firms from the region: local firms are

familiar with the prevailing local conditions and able to work and adapt

to them. Walser is particularly proud of the panoramic views from every

one of the 25 rooms. Floor to ceiling windows open up the hotel to the

full and ever-changing beauty of the Tyrolean mountain landscape. Lo-

cal materials used as modern design features are a stylish reflection of

Tyrolean charm and warmth in the welcoming interiors.

From the ice to an oasis

The panoramic roof terrace with Zen garden and the Sky.Relax. area

are a great place to relax, unwind and concentrate on the good things

in life. The alpslodge combines lifestyle and nature with alpine charm.

Fiss is one of the sunniest places in the Tyrol with around 2000 hours

of sunshine a year – a bright prospect even in winter. The sun-kissed

Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis plateau is Alexander Walser‘s home region. To him,

the chance to live and work where others come to relax and unwind is a

dream come true. STOP

/ OPENING /

TYROLEAN MOUNTAIN SPLENDOUR IN YOUR HOTEL

1. The alpslodge hotel under construction.2. The perfectionist Alexander Walser is not afraid to get his hands dirty.3. Each material for the hotel was carefully selected.

Photo: Frank Praxmarer

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more information:www.lifestylehotels.net/alpslodge

4 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

Photo: Shutterstock

ALONGSIDE ROMANTIC NOTIONS

OF A PERFECT WORLD AND MY-

THICAL, INVINCIBLE NATURE IS

THE MODERN REALITY OF LIFE IN

THE ALPS. THE LOCAL POPULATI-

ON CAREFULLY AND EFFECTIVELY

BALANCE TOURISM, TRENDS AND

TRADITION. THEY LIVE THEIR LIVES

AWAY FROM THE STEREOTYPES

AND THE CLICHÉS, ENGAGINGLY

GENUINE IN ALL SENSES OF THE

WORD.

The Alps are a place of pathos, wild-

ness and raw emotion. All genuine,

authentic aspects of Alpine life are

nurtured and cherished. And the Alps

have genuine riches in abundance.

Ike Ikrath from Hotel Miramonte in Bad

Gastein has seen how the Alpine envi-

ronment influences and is reflected in

many aspects of people‘s daily lives. The

bleakness of the mountains is mirrored in

purist architecture and minimalist design

that focus on the essential.

“The good things in life are simple”, ag-

rees Hannes Fleisch from the MO Lodge

in Gaschurn. He cites tradition, local

crafts, nature and rustic authenticity as

treasures that the Alps have to offer. The-

se are treasures whose charm does not

come from a desperate attempt to please

all comers. Treasures like this inspire and

enchant by their very nature.

Part of the Alpine life is an understanding

that simplicity is a luxury in itself. Less in

the Alps really is more. Less stress, less

noise, less bustle. They cannot penetrate

this oasis of calm. Peace, rest and relaxa-

tion reign in this beautiful landscape. In the

Alps, effort is what you invest in those acti-

vities that you genuinely enjoy - and only in

BECAUSE IT IS GENUINE

those activities. Walking and winter sports

can both exhaust and exhilarate at once,

as nature offers new strength. Against the

backdrop of the everyday, these contrasts

and contradictions are what make the Alps

so magical. Not for nothing do many hotels

in the Alps see themselves as hideaways

for the stressed and weary; as places of

retreat where individualists can find a tem-

porary home and be close to nature.

Our concept is rooted in sustainability,

and that must be reflected in practice.

We benefit from nature, and owe nature

our investment in return.

For Florian Partel, the responsible use of

resources is an integral and essential part

of Alpine life. That is why the manger of

Gradonna Mountain Resort in Kals am

Großglockner is committed to the local and

the sustainable.

The hotel is a low-energy house and the

suites and chalets are made completely of

wood. Almost all work on the hotel from

erecting the shell to fitting the interior was

carried out by firms from East Tyrol. In win-

ter, CO²-neutral wood chip heating with an

auxiliary solar collector keeps guests warm

and cosy. On the hillside above the hotel is

a spring which has been developed to sup-

ply the entire hotel with fresh spring water.

We want focus to be on nature, and that

is not possible if we crowd the lands-

cape.

The sustainability concept is reflected in

the style of the hotel. Not only does the

Gradonna Mountain Resort lie in the moun-

tains, but the mountains also, in a manner

of speaking, lie in the hotel. “Where the Gra-

donna now stands, there were once huge

boulders. The boulders were chiselled, cut

and polished and laid in the foyer”, explains

Florian Partel. A simple, successful and

authentic way to bring the essence of the

region into the hotel. Despite its modern

design, the entire façade is shingled, and

that is style typical of the region.

Inside, the focus is on natural materials.

The woollen rugs in the lobby and loden-

covered seating are traditional features

often encountered in the Alps. Imported

flowers are nowhere to be seen. Large

glass sections reveal and frame the natural

landscape, which needs no further orna-

mentation.

Fine food in a modern ambience - at

breakfast on the alm.

Kathrin Glanzer and her team from Berg-

land Sölden in Tyrol have a real passion

for local products, and work to give their

guests a true taste of the region. They

want to be able to tell guests where every

single product in the kitchen comes from,

from the Alpine cheese to the milk from

the mountain dairy. Many hoteliers in the

Alps work on this principle. “Our sourcing

standards shape our gourmet cuisine. We

need the very best local products if we are

to retain a pure and authentic flavour”, be-

lieves Hannes Fleisch from the MO Lodge.

Regional specialities can introduce visitors

to Alpine life in a way that engages all their

five senses.

The essence of being a good host is

not something you can teach; it is part

of your personality. Hospitality comes

from the heart.

This principle underlies the daily work of

Andreas Lederer and his team. That is why

guests at “Lederer’s Living” in Zell am See

are addressed using the informal “du”. “Du

breaks down barriers. It puts the guests

and the hotelier on an equal footing”, exp-

lains Lederer, who sees himself not just as

manager but also and more importantly as

the host. He spends much of the day in the

lobby and to him, this is the “living room” of

the hotel. The living room is where you re-

ceive friends; people you would say ‚du‘ to

- hence the hotel‘s name: Lederer’s Living.

In the mountains, everyone is on Du-terms

according to an old climbing and hillwal-

king custom. A custom that pushes the

stress and formality of work into the back-

ground and brings people closer together.

The city dwellers in particular who come

here on holiday are looking for a strong

and all-embracing contrast to their usu-

al urban lifestyle. They draw energy and

inspiration from nature.

Diana Karsai, hotel manager from The

Crystal in Obergurgl, Ötztal, is familiar with

the trends that travellers have brought and

/ ALPINE LIFESTYLE /

TEXT MARION KIRBIS

1. Bad Gastein 2. Urban design meets Alpine features at the Hotel Miramonte.

Photo: Hotel The Crystal

Foto: MO Lodge

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continue to bring to the Alps. She has

seen again and again how a feel for

design and urban elegance have in-

fluenced Alpine architecture. The in-

ternational influence is most evident

in the spa sector.

What guest expects and want from

their beauty treatments can vary wi-

dely. That is why Kathrin Glanzer at

Bergland Sölden is constantly adapt-

ing her facilities and services to meet

her guests‘ needs. A desire for a

more international range was behind

the introduction of Nuad Thai massa-

ges, for example.

However, the main trend over recent

years has in fact been a return to

more natural, local treatments. Alpi-

ne Stone uses garnet from the Ötztal

valley. The cold and hot stones are

used in the hotel‘s very own massage

technique with a special oil to ease

tenseness and pain.

The concept has been so popular

that the hotel‘s own skincare line is

now available to purchase, so that

guests can continue to enjoy the

power and energy of the Ötztal Alps

once they return home. Karsai from

The Crystal has had a similar experi-

ence. “Guests from all over the world

take home our Alpine care products

and some great spa tips. And if they

have enjoyed a few days of altitude

training with us, that genuinely helps

their workout at home.”

At the same time, Glanzer and Karsai

have also noticed a growing interest

amongst the locals for the new me-

thods that the guests introduce. Int-

roductory offers give locals a taster

of the spa services on offer, and are WHAT DOES HOME MEAN TO YOU?

Places and people who are important to me; sometimes even just a moment or a smell. KATHRIN GLANZER / BERGLAND SÖLDEN

Coming home – a feeling of security and wellbeing. Drawing new strength; an inspiring space for new ideas. FLORIAN PARTEL / GRADONNA MOUNTAIN

RESORT

Home is the place that is uppermost in your thoughts, and to which you have the strongest ties. IKE IKRATH / HOTEL MIRAMONTE

Home to me is not just the place where I grew up in the love and security of my family and the stuff of so many memo-ries, it is also a place where I can com-pletely relax. A place where I can let go and just be myself. A place where I have put down roots and always look forward to returning to. DIANA KARSAI / HOTEL THE CRYSTAL

Home is a concept that defies universal description. The feelings we each asso-ciate with home are too personal for that. ANDREAS LEDERER / LEDERER’S LIVING

Experiencing nature, smelling the rain, seeing the hills, enjoying the truly good things in life that you only find at home. HANNES FLEISCH / MO LODGE

a great way for them to (re)discover regio-

nal cuisine and excellent wines. Ike Ikrath

from Hotel Miramonte believes this wealth

of factors has created a wholly new “Alpine

shepherd luxury lifestyle”.

The tourists bring new trends to the

mountains. In return, they take back va-

lues that we have kept and preserved.

Fleisch from the MO Lodge is convinced

that these two influences can be produc-

tively combined, in care for the old and an

openness to the new and modern. For Par-

tel from Gradonna Mountain Resort, too, it

is important that “his” people pass on their

skills and passions to the guests. Guests

can learn a lot from the staff who have lived

in the Alps for so long. “Irmgard, our ‚herb

fairy‘, has been studying Alpine plants for

years. She shows our guests where to find

fresh herbs and how best to use them.

That is not something you can just learn

at a seminar: you need that passionate

interest from the very beginning.” Guests

appreciate and admire such interest and

such passion. Above all because they are

genuine. People who come to the Alps

learn or remember how to stop and take

a step back; how to pay more attention to

the genuine, authentic attractions of nature

herself. STOP

1. Tradition in the fabric of the building. The team at Bergland Sölden are in touch with their roots.2. “The locals are enthusiastic about the new methods our guests bring,” says Kathrin Glanzer.3. Ike Ikrath4. Peace and relaxation make the Alps the perfect antidote to everyday stress.5. Wood shingle is typical of the architecture of East Tyrol. “So of course we employed a local firm” - for Florian Partel the logical choice.6. Handmade: unique features, including hand-crafted furniture, and products from the region create a warm and welcoming atmosphere in the MO Lodge.7. Sölden was and is a ski resort.8. Andreas Lederer sees himself first and foremost as the host.9. Diana Karsai is proud to run the first ever hotel at 2000 m that operates with 100% renewable energy.

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Photo: Felsch Johannes

Photo: Klaus Vyhnalek

more information:www.lifestylehotels.net/hotels

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 7

/ FASHION /

Long before her love of traditional design,

she had already developed her own unique

style: nostalgic and feminine, yet uncon-

ventional.

Where did the little girl find such inspirati-

on?

The answer is television. “On a Sunday,

there were always these programmes from

the 50s”, Hoschek remembers. She would

often run to her grandmother‘s wardrobe

afterwards and dress up in Nana‘s 50s out-

fits. Even as a pupil at the private Catho-

lic secondary school Sacré Coeur, the girl

from Graz would spend her pocket money

on fashion magazines and wear what she

liked – and that despite the school‘s strict

dress rules.

After finishing school, Hoschek went on to

study fashion design at the Vienna Fashion

School. The highlight of her training was,

however, an eight-month placement with

Vivienne Westwood, whose unconventi-

onal style had long impressed and inspi-

red her. Back in Austria and aged just 24,

Hoschek set up her very first atelier in the

heart of Graz – and the first chapter of the

“Lena Hoschek” success story was writ-

ten...

Two more ateliers in Vienna and Berlin ope-

ned soon afterwards, all beautifully fitted in

50s retro style as the perfect backdrop to

Hoschek‘s latest collections.

Now available in Lena Hoschek‘s ateliers

is the 2014/2015 autumn/winter collection,

“Femme Totale”. Hoschek has drawn inspi-

ration from stars such as Marilyn Monroe

and Sophia Loren, designing garments that

turn the wearer into a very special type of

woman, “a muse who is wicked yet elegant;

seductive and incredibly strong. A woman

who dresses for herself above all, but who

still knows exactly what an impression she

is making”, the designer explains.

High-quality materials including cottons

and silks; sensual, curving silhouettes and

deep colours such as petrol and chocola-

te, combined with lace and sequins: this

autumn and winter will once again bring

a shine and a sparkle, if not a discreet

bombshell or two. Yet the collection does

nothing to excess, as the cosier tones of

“Vintage Rose” or “Mud” give a calmer,

more relaxed touch – and turn the fiery red

of “Flames” or “Red Hot Lips” into a great

everyday look.

The 2015 spring/summer collection will

be all about traditional folk design - the

couturière is picking up on a theme she

explored in 2003, for example, with her

playful spring/summer collection “Mexi-

co”. This time, the location is Africa for a

collection excitingly entitled “Hot Mama

Africa!”. A collection that is all it promised

to be: “Hot Mama Africa!” was presen-

ted at the Mercedes Benz Berlin Fashion

Week 2014, and visitors enthused about

the vivid fabrics, colourful accessories

and the hourglass look that defines the

collection‘s prêt-à-porter range.

To match the garments in her “Lena Ho-

schek” label collections, the designer

also creates shoes and bags. Hoschek

stocks an exciting children‘s range, scent

(with some unusual ingredients like cas-

tor), the “Sleepy Time” pyjama range and

cat-eye sunglasses collections (currently

in partnership with Robert La Roche).

Lena Hoschek has even designed a cola

bottle and a hotel suite – yet still has time

for a haute couture line. Creations from

the “Lena Hoschek Atelier” range from

extravagant show pieces to individual

wedding dresses – and of course, eve-

rything is tailor-made, as the designer

assures us.

And for those seeking a less fanciful

style but still in excellent quality, Lena

Hoschek‘s “Tradition” line in traditional

dress could just have their dream dirndl.

Silk jacquards and cotton prints from

Austria, fulled fabrics from South Tyrol,

top quality velvet ribbons and hand-

worked ruching from France – with

colourful and creatively named dirndls

such as “Heidi”, “Gundi”, “Martha” and

“Liesi”, the self-styled “fabric blood-

hound” Hoschek has spared no effort

or expense to make her grandmother

proud – and delight people the world

over with her stylish creations.STOP

A 13-YEAR-OLD GIRL ONCE HELPED HER GRANDMOTHER TO MAKE DIRNDLS -

AND IN THE PROCESS DISCOVERED A PASSION FOR TRADITIONAL HANDICRAFTS.

NOW, 20 YEARS ON, THAT LITTLE GIRL HAS BECOME ONE OF AUSTRIA‘S MOST

FAMOUS FASHION DESIGNERS, COUNTING KATY PERRY AND CHARLOTTE ROCHE

AMONG HER CUSTOMERS. WHO ARE WE TALKING ABOUT? LENA HOSCHEK.

LENA HOSCHEK TEXT SANDRA SUPPAN

1. Designer Lena Hoschek2. The „Hot Mama Africa!“ collection presented at the Berlin Fashion Week.

Photo: Getty Images

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Photo: Peter Mayr

8 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

/ ARCHITECTURE /

NEW CHALLENGESNEED NEW DESIGNSWHITE WALLS, ALMOST BLACK TIMBERING, AND TWO OR THREE STOREYS HIGH – A TYPICAL ALPINE HOUSE. YET IN SOME AREAS, THIS STYLE OF BUILDING

HAS CHANGED SIGNIFICANTLY OVER RECENT YEARS. STRICT PLANNING REGULATIONS IN THE ALPINE VALLEYS ONCE DICTATED THE TYPE OF ROOF AND ITS

PITCH, AND REQUIRED WHITE STONE WALLS AND A TIMBERING FOR THE UPPER STOREY. IN MANY PLACES, THESE REGULATIONS NOW NO LONGER APPLY. THE

TRADITIONAL MODEL USED FOR SO MANY DECADES HAVE NOW BEEN REDEVELOPED IN TYPICAL REGIONAL STYLE, AND A WHOLE NEW STYLE OF BUILDING

HAS BEEN BORN.

TEXT PIA UNGER

Saalbach Hinterglemm, Salzburg:

The starting point for both traditional

and modern buildings is the “Einhof”

or “Eindachhof” farmhouse, where

the living quarters and farm are in one

building. Throughout the Alps and in

particular in the broader valleys, this

type of farm was the predominant

architectural style. The Einhof form

has been changing and developing

since the 16th century. Faced with

the region‘s changeable and unsettled

weather, locals needed a way of kee-

ping dry as they moved between the

different parts of the farmstead. The

solution was to put everything in one

building: kitchen, bedroom, cowshed,

grain store and hay store.

The upper storeys of an “Einhof” were

made of local timber such as larch or birch.

Timber was and is a fundamental Alpine

building material. It weathers well and is

readily available. Buildings that draw on the

Einhof style make great use of timber, both

inside and out. “Our beds are made of un-

treated Arolla pine, which lowers the pulse

rate and helps ensure deep sleep”, explains

Alexander Schwabl, manager of the Alpin

Juwel hotel in Saalbach-Hinterglemm.

The regional style inspired by the Einhof

can also been seen in the of the basic

design of the Alpin Juwel: the gable roof,

a dark wood shingle façade, the white

walls of the lower storeys and the typical

balconies that would have been passage-

ways in a 19th century Einhof. This typical

Saalbach-Hinterglemm building was given

a modern extension in 2012. “Our job was

to bring together the old and new so that

they complemented rather than clashed

with each other”, says Christian Althaler

from the architecture firm Moritz und Ha-

selsberger.

Unlike some other municipalities in Pinz-

gau, Saalbach-Hinterglemm is extremely

open to modern buildings. The new Alpin

Juwel extension was not the first modern

building in the town, but it was certainly

the largest. “New challenges need new de-

signs. In the past, people used familiar, tra-

ditional structures, and over time have ad-

apted these structures to the tourist trade”,

explains Althaler.

Familiar and traditional, yet modern: that

was part of the concept for the new Alpin

Juwel. As in traditional, rustic buildings, the

main focus was on natural materials for

both interior and exterior. The new exten-

sion was built entirely of timber, and that

included the load-bearing walls. Here, too,

a key feature was the shingle façade in un-

treated larch.

A less traditional feature is the extending

sections of the façade - a result of the hill-

side location. These unique features give a

panoramic view of the Kitzbühel Alps and

the centre of Saalbach-Hinterglemm. STOP

Photo: Hotel Alpin Juwel

1. Modern architecture with traditional features in the heart of Saalbach-Hinterglemm.2. The proud Schwabl Family at the opening of the extension.

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Photo: Hotel Alpin Juwel

more information:www.lifestylehotels.net/alpin-juwel

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 9

This holiday haven is nestled in the Dolo-

mites, a stunning UNESCO world heritage

landscape. But that is not the only thing

that attracts the tourists. Alta Badia also

has luxury hotels, designer chalets, gour-

met food and mountain huts for those who

know how to party. And what would Val

Badia be in summer without the obligato-

ry ice bucket challenge - posted on face-

book and youtube, of course. The ALSIce

Bucket Challenge has even been taken by

some of South Tyrol‘s brass bands, who

have marched throughout car washes with

trumpet in hand before upending the bu-

cket. Star visitors such as Michelle Hun-

ziker have also taken the icy shower. The

presenter doused her blond locks in the

exclusive Hotel Fanes to a lusty “holare-

di-di”. As you can see, life in the Dolomite

farming valley of Alta Badia is bang up to

date, and not all conversation turns on ravi-

oli tirolesi, bad weather and poor service in

the pub. And any local who does get tired

of the crazy tourists can simply switch to

Ladin for a private word with others in the

local rhaeto-romance-speaking populati-

on. Up on the distant peaks at over 3000

metres, down below in the valley in the

“Viles”, the traditional hamlets, and in the

many workshops and craft shops: visitors

to Val Badia will always find an open door

and a friendly welcome. The range of acti-

vities for holidaymakers is endless, even for

rainy days. Browse the smart shops in Cor-

vara for the latest fashions. This town now

famous for winter sports is the home town

of figure skater Carolina Kostner and was

the location for Sylvester Stallone‘s action

/ ALPINE ITALY / LADIN FOR BEGINNERS: THE BEST PLACES FOR MOUNTAIN MAGIC, SPA BREAKS, SPORT, ART, GOUR-

MET FOOD AND DRINKS ON THE SLOPES. THE SOUTH TYROLEAN VAL BADIA VALLEY IS NOW A HOLI-

DAY OASIS. CALM AND PEACE REIGN ON THE MOUNTAINS - OR HOW DOES IT GO...

EMOTION LIVES UP!ALTA BADIA NOW

TEXT FLORENTINA WELLEY

film Cliffhanger. Tourists will find eve-

rything from Luis Trenker to Frauen-

schuh from Kitzbühel. Or what about

a drink and dance at the Posta Zirm

or Murin Hotels, or a gourmet meal in

St. Hubertus restaurant at Hotel Rosa

Alpina in San Kassian? Nature lovers

will enjoy the wonderful walks to the

“Viles”, small Ladin hamlets with tra-

ditional “Paarhof” two-building farm-

steads and wooden barns. Art lovers

gather at private viewings in the Mi-

curà de Rü cultural institute in St. Mar-

tin, Thurn, the home village of Gilbert

Prousch. A few hundred metres further

up the hillside are the design and ar-

chitecture exhibitions in the Ciastel de

Tor castle. Exhibition themes include

life in the “Stuben”, or “Stua” as they

were then known - one-roomed living

quarters. In front of the museum entran-

ce is a piece of graffiti chiselled into the

ground in all five Ladin languages “Ne sté

a vene tia tera, tia vita”: do not sell your

land, your life.

A trip for the emotions

The range of cultural and sporting acti-

vities on offer in Alta Badia can be over-

whelming. However, visitors now have a

simply and easy tool to find just what they

are looking for. “Dolomiti-Super-Summer”

and “Dolomiti-Super-Ski” have the perfect

tourist programme. Everyone from deman-

ding pleasure-seekers to stressed parents

with small children, from sports prodigies

to globe-trotting culture vultures, can ac-

cess a customised holiday programme at

a click of the mouse. The holiday confi-

guration tool is the stress-free way to put

together your very own daily itinerary from

the wealth of sporting activities, cultural

events, sightseeing highlights, hillwalking

trips etc. on offer in all holiday regions in

the Dolomites. Food, hiking, biking, cul-

ture, history, or a trip for the emotions? No

problem – just one click is all it takes. Tou-

rists simply enter their profile (sporty type,

family, hiking enthusiast or youngster), and

the pulse rate (low for more relaxed trips,

medium for more demanding activities

and high for high-octane adventure) - af-

ter all, this is sport, not murder. That‘s all

you need to organise a great day out. In

winter, there‘s a special bonus for skiers:

the rail and ski lift link between Kronplatz

and Sextner Dolomiten/Hochpustertal val-

ley. The trip is even free for holders of the

“Mobility Card Pustertal”. For those requi-

ring overnight accommodation or further

excitement – anything from a gourmet ski

safari to snowshoe walks and horse riding

in the snow – should simply contact the

tourist office in La Villa. They will organise

everything from luxury chalets to agritou-

rism breaks. The only thing no longer on

offer is heli-skiing; Val Badia thinks green.

Sleeping pods and alpenglow

Every holiday season, the local hoteliers,

hut owners, artists, sportspeople and

chefs set out to prove once again that tradi-

tional Ladin culture can and does still pro-

duce great minds and talents. No wonder

that they keep the tourists happy and the

region buzzing. A perfect example of un-

derstatement in Alta Badia is Moritz Craf-

fonara, who runs a mountain hut. “People

are no longer looking for luxury alone,” he

says. He believes the valley must be able

to offer other attractions for its visitors. And

when Craffonara makes plans, the world

soon knows about them. As it did two ye-

ars ago, when Craffonara teamed up with

the star architect Ross Lovegrove to create

a bedroom under the stars right in front of

his hut. The model of the floating pod can

be seen up at 2076 metres on the Piz la Ila

plateau. The enterprising Ladin was alrea-

dy attracting VIPs to the peak back in the

1970s. Gunther Sachs once complained

that it was nice enough in the mountains

but there wasn‘t any seafood, so the ama-

teur pilot simply took a quick trip to Venice

for some lobster. Since then, the lobster

spaghetti at his hut has become legendary

- as have a few other things. “It is still good

to see that all the stars who visit our hut to-

day behave just like normal, sensible peo-

ple. Everything depends on how you treat

them.” Craffonara knows what he‘s talking

about. Hansi Hinterseer, Gerhard Berger,

Florentina Welley ist Lifestyle-Expertin. Sie co-produzierte den österreichischen Spielfilm „Die toten Fische“, machte Kos-tüm für „Before Sunrise“ und schrieb für sämtliche Lifestyle-Medien über Mode und Design. Bevor sie als freie Journalistin für den freizeit-Kurier engagiert wurde, war sie Modechefin bei der Zeitschrift WOMAN. Nebenher kuratiert sie Kunstprojekte und Ausstellungen.

Photo: Freddy PlaninschekPhoto: wisthaler.com

Photo: LAPerlaGW

1. Ciclisti vor der Dogma Pinarello Lounge im Hotel La Perla, Corvara2. Die alten Viles in Pransarores, Alta Badia3. Los gehts vom Piz Sorega mit dem Dolomiti Superski-Pass

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10 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

INFORMATION:

Tourismusverband Alta Badia

I-39033 Corvara, Tel. +39 0471 836176

Tourist Board Alta Badia

I-39036 La Villa, T +39 0471 847037

www.altabadia.org, www.suedtirol.info

Dolomiti Superski

www.dolomitisuperski.com

www.dolomitisupersummer.com

www.dolomitisupersummer.com/de/lifte

Mobility Card Pustertal

www.skipustertal.com

www.moviment.it

Huts

www.moritzino.it, www.lasvegasonline.it

www.bioch.it

Aksel Lund Svindal and Zucchero all enjoy

the panoramic views from the hut out over

the snow-covered Marmolada and the pale

cliffs of the Fanes. And when the evening

sun, the Enrosadüra, sets the Dolomites

aglow, it is time for an aperitif in a colour to

match the sunset.

Take the gondola lift up to the Piz or spend

a sunny day climbing the Jägersteig to the

Lagazuoi, and you will feel the world be-

longs to you and you alone. That is the ef-

fect of the stillness and beauty of the land-

scape, the woods and the night sky. Those

who live and work here want to ensure that

the mystery of these mountains, the ma-

gic of this landscape, does not disappear.

More and more hoteliers are working to

preserve the character of their home region

in the face of the tourism boom.

One such hotelier is Michil Costa, pre-

servationist and cultural activist. He cam-

paigns for new buildings in the traditional

alpine style, for the Ladin minority and for

children‘s charitable projects in Nepal. “We

often confuse tourism with mass incursi-

ons, with soulless, run-of-the-mill places

that give tourists what they expect. But a

place gets the visitors it deserves. Tou-

rism is not about turning our towns into

an amusement park because that‘s what

the tourists like. It is about an exchange

between visitor and host, and such an

exchange is only possible if we retain and

Well then: that could just sum up local gour-

met cuisine – or indeed culinary creativity in

the whole of the Val Badia. The best things

are those you make yourself, and with local

ingredients, of course. This is now an ac-

cepted wisdom, and that is thanks partly to

award-winning chef Norbert Niederkofler.

He runs the kitchen at the St. Hubertus re-

staurant in Hotel Rosa Apina and provides

the delicious catering for the ski safari in

the huts in winter. Quite by the by, he

also works all year round on the regio-

nal reintroduction of old fruit and vege-

table varieties, for example “mountain”

artichokes, a Peruvian variety that can

flourish even at high altitudes. Niederkof-

ler is working with farmers to return to

sustainable lamb and beef production,

helping to ensure that Val Badia has the

smallest possible ecological footprint

for its food production. This focus on

authenticity, nature and cuisine is not

simply a passing craze. The valley is

now home to many smaller agritourism

farms, and business is strong. One is

the Maso Alfarei, a little farmhouse abo-

ve St. Leonhard. Order their delicious

ravioli tiroles with a glass of house red,

and you will take a trip back in time.

Everything is just as it was 50 years

ago. Quite simply beautiful. STOP

preserve our culture and our landscape –

the most important resource that we have

– our ‚way of life‘, if you like,” says the man

who runs the Hotel La Perla in Corvara.

And that is the very essence of Alta Badia‘s

charm. The poetry of pure air – and clear

heads; the feeling that time passes more

slowly here, despite the odd all-nighter in

trendy lounge bars like Altrove, La Sieia

and La Vedla. High up on the mountain,

torches flicker in the snow at the Las Vegas

Lodge, and the DJ in Club Moritzino calls

“avanti ragazzi, benvenuti” out into the cold

– but you are still up and fit for the slopes

the next morning. There‘s something about

the air up there.

Ravioli tirolesi, bacon and

“schuettelbrot” bread

Here in the Dolomites, people take leisure

seriously. I‘m relaxing with an aperol sprizz

in the midday sun at the Mountain Lodge

Las Vegas, listening to a conversation bet-

ween two ladies whose children are run-

ning around in the Piz Sorega adventure

and fitness park. The conversation has tur-

ned to fruit. What are you cooking today?

Dumplings. What kind, plum dumplings?

No, I‘m doing curd dumplings. Why curd?

What about the plums? Well, I‘ll just stew

them and add them afterwards. So no

plum dumplings? No, the dumplings are

better if you keep the plums on the side.

1. Sassicaia cellar in Hotel La Perla, created by Helmut Pizzinini, Corvara2. Las Vegas Mountain Lodge, Piz Sorega3. Bar Altrove, sculpture by Helmut Pizzinini, Colfusc4. Art trail to San Kassian; sculpture by Lois Andivalfarei5. and 6. Sample some delicious Turtes at the Malga Alfarei, Pedraces7. Stylish chalets at Hotel Fanes, San Kassian8. Home-made cheese from an agristourism farm Lüch da Pcëi in San Kassian

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Photo: Freddy Planinschek

Photo: Willeit Gustav

Photo: Las Vegas Lodge

Photo: Florentina Welley

Photo: Florentina Welley

Photo: Hotel Fanes

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 11

1. NORBERT NIEDERKOFLER

The organic cuisine of Ahrntal‘s Norbert

Niederkofler has long been internationally

renowned. His cookbook from last autumn

is already out of date, as he himself says.

That shows just how fast things are chan-

ging – even in regional cuisine. “To me,

cooking is part of our culture. In culture

and in cooking, roots are very important,

and we want to keep those roots: to take

inspiration from our roots in terms of pro-

ducts and traditional methods, and bring

these into the modern world. This is our

way of ensuring that our mountain life and

environment is not forgotten, but still alive

and intact for coming generations.”

Niederkofler‘s inside tip: A meal out in

winter at one of the ski huts, for example

Saraghes or Bioch. Delicius in Sankt Kassi-

an has the best Ladin specialities. STOP

2. REINHARD PLANK

FASHION DESIGNER

The man from South Tyrol studied design

in Vienna before travelling further afield. His

shoes and hats are now available from the

world‘s leading avant garde fashion bou-

tiques, including “Monika” in Corvara. His

“PIPPI” shoes, in the spirit of their name-

sake Pippi Longstocking, are designed for

lightness, freedom and energy. “I want my

shoes to make people‘s journeys easier,

and give them light and cheerfulness on

the way,” says the designer from Sterzing.

Plank‘s hats also give a nod to the original

Alpini hat. STOP

3. HELMUT PIZZININI

SCULPTOR

Ladins are a class apart. The c.v. of the

ex-hotelier is testimony to this. His grand-

father set up one of the first hotels in La

Villa in 1927. Although Pizzinini ran a hotel

in Sardinia as a young man, the energetic

hotelier was not content with catering to

the needs of his tourists. After his mother

sold Hotel La Villa, Pizzinini threw all his

energy into art and architecture, working

with a number of leading architects. He

developed the artistic concept for Bad

Cannstatt swimming pool near Stuttgart,

and is still designing buildings in Val Ba-

dia today. These include a spa and a wine

cellar for Ciasa Salares in Armentarola.

Pizzinini‘s wooden sculptures are also

sought-after items for bars, private houses

and exhibitions from Alta Badia to Milan,

Venice and Vienna. His motto: “Art is a

living moment that never ends.” STOP

4. ANDY VARALLO VICE-PRESIDENT,

DOLOMITI SUPERSKI

As sport is his passion, Varallo has turned

pleasure into business. When he heads out

for a run on his bike in the summer, you can

be sure he‘s also trying out the latest pro-

gramme. His latest programme. Varallo has

made the glories of summer in this winter

paradise accessible to everyone, summer

at 2000 metres between Piz Sorega, Piz La

Ila, Col Alt and Pralongià. “The way of life

here is simple. You are in touch with nature

the moment you step out the door, in both

summer and winter. That is why tourists

should have as many sources of informati-

on as possible, to make sure that they get

the very best out of all we have to offer.”

Varallo‘s winter highlights: L‘Murin, Ho-

tel La Perla in Corvara, the Edelweisshütte

hut, Las Vegas Lodge at the Piz Sorega,

the wine bar at Hotel Majun in La Villa,

the “Ice-berg” and the new Toccami wine

lounge in Corvara. STOP

5. MORITZ CRAFFONARA

CLUB MORITZINO

The 70-year-old has been running his hut

for nearly 50 years, and has been known

to land there in his aeroplane. A fan of the

Frecce Tricolore and on first name terms

with a star or two, the amateur pilot still

has dreams - and a habit of turning them

into reality. Together with his son Alexan-

der, he is currently planning the next coup:

this autumn, high up on the beautiful alpi-

ne pasture at Piz la Ila against the stunning

backdrop of the Dolomites, he hopes to

present the new Lamborghini. It goes wi-

thout saying that the event will draw lea-

ding international journalists, and the Alta

Badia panorama will appear on TV screens

around the globe. “Work to live and not live

for work is my motto.” STOP

6. ALEXANDER CRAFFONARA

CLUB MORITZINO

Alexander Craffonara, junior partner, is de-

finitely a chip off the old block. Breakneck

biking downhill in summer and uphill in the

snowcat in winter, Craffonara junior now

manages service, the kitchens and the DJ

line-up. In winter, incidentally, the kitchens

welcome award-winning chef Marco Spi-

nelli. When Alexander gets Club Moritzino

rocking, visitors as well as friends party

with him – some even online: he is a great

communicator. “In winter, the world comes

to me. Between the seasons, I go out into

the world.” That is his recipe for success.

And there‘s something else, too: “We‘re

never in a rush here – it‘s not like we‘re on

holiday”. STOP

7. MICHIL COSTA

Michil Costa is a hotelier and trade unio-

nist, and fundraises for children in Nepal.

He also runs an amazing bicycle and mo-

torcycle museum in his hotel. The collec-

tion of over 100 Moto Guzzis, Aprilias and

many other models was build up by his

father Enrico. Today, Michil Costa‘s guests

enjoy private trips in the 1940s motorcycle

and sidecars. Another popular photo motif

is the old 1920s hotel postbus that does

runs round the valley to pick up guests.

“We should try and do something new with

each day that we are given,” believes Michil

Costa. “Luxury in the modern world is time,

space and peace.” STOP

8. GANES

The era of the brass band in Val Badia is

over, as this Ladin pop trio has proved.

Sisters Elisabeth and Marlene Schuen

and their cousin Maria Moling from Wen-

gen decided to form a girl band. Marlene

used to play the violin and was for some

years a singer with Hubert von Goisern.

Their fourth album “Caprize” has just been

released. “Caprize is our motto. It means

we operate outside and beyond set bound-

aries and norms – we make pop music in

Ladin!” STOP

/ ITALIEN ALPIN /

WONDERFUL PEOPLEIN THE HEART OF THE MOUNTAINS AND YET COSMOPOLITAN – THAT IS ALTA BADIA NOW. THE REGION WAS MADE FAMOUS BY THE SKI

WORLD CUP DOWNHILL COMPETITION, BUT THE CLEVER LADINS HAVE COME UP WITH ONE OR TWO OTHER WAYS TO KEEP THE OUT-

SIDE WORLD COMING. THE HOTELIER MICHIL COSTA WORKS ON SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AND THE GREEN ECONOMY; RESTAURATEURS

MORITZ AND ALEXANDER CRAFFONARA BRING INTERNATIONAL STARS AND MUSICIANS SUCH AS ZUCCHERO TO THE VALLEY; MULTI-

TALENTED ANDY VARALLO AT DOLOMITI SUPER-SKI WITH HIS DOLOMITI SUPER SUMMER RUNS AN EXCELLENT WEBSITE OFFERING

CUSTOMISED PACKAGES. AND THEN, OF COURSE, THERE ARE THE ARTISTS. ALPINE MUSIC, NOT FORGETTING THE ROCKING YODEL-

LERS OF THE “GANES” TRIO, IS NOW KNOWN FAR BEYOND THE REGION‘S BORDERS. SCULPTORS SUCH AS HELMUT PIZZININI AND LOIS

ANDIVALVAREI HAVE NOW ALSO CREATED AN ART TRAIL THROUGH VAL BADIA. IN OTHER WORDS, CULTURE IS ROOTED IN THIS REGION.

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Photo: Freddy Planinschek

Photo: Florentina Welley

Photo: Willeit Gustav Photo: Florentina Welley

12 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

According to your website, “longing”

was behind the establishment of

Das Kronthaler. What exactly do you

mean by that?

Günther Hlebaina: There is a story be-

hind the Das Kronthaler hotel project.

For many years, we ran a family hotel on

the shores of Lake Achen. A great place,

but with a very narrow market. We kept

losing guests when the children got to

their teens, because the young people

didn‘t want to come to a “children‘s” ho-

tel any more. We began to wish that we

were able to keep our guests for longer.

We sought to create a new type of hotel

to expand our range of accommodation -

and we succeeded.

What does “longing”, “desire”, mean to

you personally?

Hlebaina: My primary role is that of a hoteli-

er. I am a “front man” and often work directly

with our customers. My “desire” is to ensure

100% satisfaction for our guests, and to of-

fer them entertainment and inspiration. Inde-

ed, that is part of our hotel philosophy.

You goal in planning was “Back to our

roots”. How far is it possible to live out that

goal of authenticity in a modern hotel?

Hlebaina: Roots and authenticity can

mean a number of things. In the hotel its-

elf, we have kept or uncovered a number

of original features. For example, you can

see the rock formation on which the hotel

stands. The name is also a return to the

hotel‘s roots. Das Kronthaler comes from

the people who erected the first section of

the building, Christine and Ottmar Krontha-

ler. Much of the material that we have used

is also original. We have tried not to go

to far afield, and have largely used locally

sourced materials. These are aspects that

are important to us.

How do you reconcile design with au-

thenticity?

Hlebaina: Quite easily, in my view. The

hotel design now is one of clear lines and

simple forms, just as it used to be. Traditi-

onal hostelries tended to be fairly plain, not

ornate or kitschy. So you see, tradition and

modernity have in a way now merged.

What does authenticity mean to you

personally?

Hlebaina: I am someone who is interested

in the past, even if I am focused on the fu-

ture and moving forwards. Where I come

from is important to me. I am from Styria,

those are my roots, that is my home region,

and I will never forget that.

Your website describes nature as a

source of energy. How can nature‘s

energy be harnessed, both within and

outside the hotel?

Hlebaina: I believe that the atmosphere we

have created in the hotel is itself energising.

I like to quote the guests who tell me that

even entering the hotel is something spe-

cial. There are people with a great feel for

such things who can sense that energy. For

my own part, I find the ambience extremely

pleasant. Beyond the hotel walls, the magic

is in the location. The hills, the dense forest

and the lake – just the view itself is a source

of energy to me.

What leisure activities do guests here

most enjoy?

Hlebaina: We have an absolute wealth of

options. There are the mountains for hill-

walking and rock climbing at altitudes of

2500 m. But there is also lots to do down

below in the valley. Breathtaking cycle rou-

tes, running and walking, golfing, and a

host of water sports on the lake - in short,

our guests are never short of activities!

Spa options are of course also on offer?

Hlebaina: Absolutely, in fact probably the

best option is to combine sporting activi-

ties with our great spa services. That is the

perfect way truly to relax after all that exer-

cise. However, we are definitely not setting

ourselves up as spa hotel in the strict sense

of word – that is not what we are, our cli-

entèle is quite simply younger. Our guests

are full of energy, and while they may not be

all young, they are young at heart.

Does the focus on the na-

tural also extend to your

spa facilities?

Hlebaina: We are taking a

regional approach in our spa

area. We try not to important

methods from Asia, but to

instead concentrate on what

we have here. Our approach

is one of simplicity in both the

therapies and the materials

used. Everything is, as far as

possible, local.

Do your guests agree that lu-

xury lies not in the exclusive

but in the natural?

Hlebaina: Absolutely. I think we

are seeing the dawn of a new era,

an era in which people will noti-

ce and value the simple things in

life much more than they used to.

Where the focus was once on ever

greater luxury, I believe we are now

increasingly returning to simplicity

and to nature.

You mentioned before that you

enjoy sports. Do you see sport as

part of spa and health activities?

Hlebaina: Yes, indeed I do. I was a ski

instructor and skier for many years, so

skiing is up there as one of my top fa-

vourite sports. But summer sports are

also important. I find great inspiration

in running; it is my way of blowing the

cobwebs away. A run can also become

an energetic walk depending on your

mood. These are all ways in which I can

genuinely relax and find inspiration for

new projects.

CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATER, GREEN FORESTS AND MAGNIFICENT MOUNTAINS. THIS IS LAKE ACHEN,

THE “ACHENSEE”, A PARADISE OF SPORT AND LEISURE IN THE TYROLEAN ALPS. GÜNTHER HLEBAI-

NA HAS RUN DAS KRONTHALER HERE FOR SEVERAL YEARS. WE SPOKE TO THE VISIONARY HOTELI-

ER ABOUT HIS LOVE OF SPORT, LONGING AND DESIRE, AND THE POWER OF THE ALPS.

/ GÜNTHER HLEBAINA, DAS KRONTHALER /

“A DESIRE TO INSPIRE”

TEXT JESSICA BRAUNEGGER

1.

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 13

How would you define the alpine way of

life?

Hlebaina: I would say it is defined by a

certain unassuming simplicity, a practi-

cal outlook on life and an appreciation of

things like good service. That to me is the

essence of the alpine way of life. STOP

1. The magic of Lake Achen tempts hotelier Günther Hlebaina out on regular walks along the banks of this former commercial waterway2., 3. and 4. Luxury in Das Kronthaler is simplicity and the natural

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more information:www.lifestylehotels.net/das-kronthaler

14 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

Another excellent regional food is fish.

Char and Arctic char, farmed from wild

fish, can be used in a wide variety of

dishes. For example, Arctic char is de-

licious slow-cooked in the oven, and

char coated in flour and fried skin side

down. Karl uses local herbs to give

each fish an unmistakable and unique

flavour.

As we watch the award-winning chef at

work between his steaming pots and

pasta dough, we can see what is impor-

tant to him. Produce must be fresh, local,

and sustainable: for Michael Karl, these

are absolutely essential quality criteria.

The char and Arctic char come from the

Austrian Federal Forests Association‘s

(österreichische Bundesforste) “Wildkul-

tur”, fish farms that breed only from wild

fish. Careful sourcing and excellent pre-

paration make for mouthwatering fish.

In the face of the booming fast food busi-

ness, the gourmet chef wants to encou-

rage his customers to take the time for

good food - and guests at the Gradon-

na Mountain Resort have the chance to

cook with a Gault-Millau chef in exclusive

cookery classes. Our cookery class with

Michael Karl showed us just what a plea-

sure slow food can be. STOP

THE RECIPE FROM OUR SOULMA-TE MICHAEL KARL

For the dough: knead together the pasta

flour, egg yolk, whole egg, olive oil and a

pinch of salt to form a firm dough. Wrap

the dough in cling film and leave to rest in

the fridge for 12 hours. Roll out the dough

as thinly as possible on a floured surface

(c. 2-3 mm). Cut out c. 10cm-wide circles

with a cutter and brush off the excess flour.

For the filling: finely grate the boiled potato

and mix with the ricotta, masterwort pesto,

wild herbs and lemon zest. Season well.

Pipe walnut-sized portions of filling onto

the circles of dough. Brush one side of the

dough with beaten egg. Fold over the dou-

gh and press together. Pinch together the

ends so that it looks like large tortellini. Cook

in salted boiling water for 6 minutes. STOP

RAVIOLI TIROLESITHE LOCAL GERMAN-SPEAKERS CALL IT SCHLIPFKRAPFEN; THEIR

ITALIAN NEIGHBOURS AFFECTIONATELY REFER TO IT AS RAVIOLI TI-

ROLESI. EACH REGION HAS ITS OWN FILLINGS FOR THIS PASTA SPECI-

ALITY. IN EAST TYROL, THE KING OF PASTAS IS FILLED WITH POTATO,

AND IN SOUTH TYROL WITH CURDS AND SPINACH.

Kals am Großglockner, Eastern Tyrol:

The regional delicacy is found in the Italian

Alps and over into Switzerland and the Tyrol,

and is known under many names. Schlipf-

krapfen, Schlutzkrapfen, Kärntner Nudeln,

ravioli and cjalzons are just a few of its in-

carnations. Michael Karl, head chef at the

Gradonna Mountain Resort, has put his own

slant on the classic dish. The chef with four

Gault-Millau toques has drawn inspiration

from the region and its diversity to reinter-

pret this East Tyrol speciality.

Karl showed us his new version of ravioli

tirolesi in an exclusive cookery class. Eve-

rything from the dough to the filling is made

by hand. The key component apart from

the egg dough itself is the filling. Ricotta, a

little potato, salt, pepper and a selection of

mountain herbs, and the most important in-

gredient: masterwort. “This herb is native to

our region and is picked by our ‚herb fairy‘.

Masterwort is what gives the dish its unique,

hot and slightly bitter note.” Mastwort is only

to be found on Alpine mountain pastures at

altitudes of between 1400 and 2700 metres,

growing in the rocky and limy soil.

/ CULINARY DELIGHTS /

TEXT PIA UNGER PHOTOS MARION KIRBIS

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 15

BEYOND THE PURITYLAW

Not just a poor man‘s cheese

The Tyrolean cheese-making tradition is one

of the oldest in Austria, and graukäse - lite-

rally “grey cheese” - is the queen of the local

cheeses. Its importance was recognised

by the EU with the award of the “protected

designation of origin” quality seal, DOP. This

means that production, preparation and

processing must follow a set procedure,

and take place within a defined geographi-

cal area. Unlike most cheeses, graukäse

is made without rennet and was therefore

traditionally an affordable food even for the

poorer sections of the population. Today,

nothing remains of the “poor man‘s meat”

image: the local speciality is now an integ-

ral part of both rustic and gourmet Tyrolean

cuisine. Graukäse can be eaten marinated or

hot, for example in kaspressknödel or cheese

dumplings. That is the favourite graukäse

dish of Thomas Lieb, who runs the Käserei

Lieb cheese dairy. He has specialised in the

production of this Tyrolean delicacy, running

the family dairy that is now in the hands of

its fourth generation of cheese makers.STOP

THE RIGHT WINEERWIN SABATHI RECOMMENDSMUSCAT BLANC À PETITS GRAINS

Krepskogel, 2013

Depth, elegant aroma, marshmallow and cloves, subtle suggestions of anise on the nose and palate,rigid, expressive structure (marl soil), as fine and elegant as a true star

/ CULINARY DELIGHTS /

SAY “CHEESE”!CHEESE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT INGREDIENTS IN THE ALPINE KITCHEN, AND THE RANGE OF

REGIONAL CHEESES IS AS VARIED AS THE DISHES IN WHICH THEY ARE USED. EACH ALPINE COUNTRY

FROM AUSTRIA TO ITALY AND SWITZERLAND HAS ITS OWN UNIQUE CHEESE-MAKING TRADITION. REGIONAL

CHEESE SPECIALITIES HAVE A LONG TRADITION IN THE ALPS, AND ARE AN ASPECT OF LOCAL CULTURAL

HERITAGE THAT MANY CHEESE FACTORIES SEEK TO PRESERVE.

/ CULINARY DELIGHTS /

A taste of herbs

Appenzeller is a wonderful Swiss cheese

produced in the Cantons of Appenzell Aus-

serrhoden, St. Gallen and Thurgau. During

the maturing process, its rind is repeatedly

rubbed with an oil from local herbs, roots and

blossoms known as kräutersulz. This is what

gives the cheese its unique tangy flavour. Kä-

serei Muolen in the Canton of Thurgau is one

of the cheese dairies that has specialised in

Appenzeller. Much devotion and hard work

are involved in the production of this hand-

made cheese. STOP

THE RIGHT WINEERWIN SABATHI RECOMMENDS CHARDONNAY

Pössnitzberg, 2012

Complex aroma, floral notes of hawthorn, subtle suggestions of white peach, spicy notes and white nougat, amazingly fresh, elegant Burgundy with smoky-mineral finish

Fresh from the mountain pasture

Stilfser cheese is a unique speciality, the

only cheese from South Tyrol to bear the

EU DOP mark. Stilfser is produced to strin-

gent specifications with fresh milk from

South Tyrol‘s mountain dairies, and a spe-

cial culture added during the maturing pro-

cess. Only two South Tyrol cheese dairies

currently produce this tangy cheese. One

is the Milkon Werk Bruneck, which is com-

mitted to sustainable production, working

to ensure that southern Tyrolean mountain

pastures can continue to provide the best

milk for this cheese in future. STOP

THE RIGHT WINEERWIN SABATHI RECOMMENDSSAUVIGNON BLANC

Pössnitzberg, 2012

Notes of fresh grapefruit, cold minerality – strong notes from the marl soil, spicy-herbal, inner densi-ty, full-bodied, excellent length

Italy is the country of pasta, and Italian pas-

ta, under the 1547 Purity Law, can strictly

speaking only contain durum wheat and

water. In Eggerhof in South Tyrol, they take

a slightly different view: egg pasta is one of

South Tyrol‘s specialities.

At 1200m above sea level, the former dai-

ry farm produces around 80 tonnes of the

golden-yellow delicacy every year. Along-

side traditional fusilli, fettuccini and tagli-

atelle, Nikolaus Lantschner and his team

also produce some unique culinary speci-

alities.

The team hand-makes around 20 different

types of pasta, including fettuccine with

wild garlic and mountain herbs, red wine

ondonelle and fusilli with nettle, mint and

hazel leaves. Local sourcing, sustainability

and animal welfare are the factory‘s top pri-

orities. STOP

Eggerhof, Gewerbegebiet Neustatt 3

I-39040 Aldein (BZ)

TEXT PIA UNGER

TEXT JESSICA BRAUNEGGER

“My wines are a modern interpretation

of tradition.”

I am honoured to run the family vineyard,

and continue a wine-growing tradition that dates

back to 1650.

Erwin SabathiWine Maker

www.sabathi.com

Photo: Shutterstock

16 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

Majorca, Spain: For example Svenn Ru-

dow, who loved the island so much that he

stayed. He runs the Hotel Tres in the capital

Palma, and never tires of relating Majorca‘s

glories. “Majorca has everything from high

mountains to long, white, magical beaches.

The landscape and natural environment are

so rich in their diversity that the island is a po-

pular setting for advertising shoots by major

corporations. Palma, on the other hand, is a

small town on a grand scale. A host of mu-

seums and galleries, excellent shops and

superb food, that is all available right here.”

Ultimately, however, it is the lovely weather

that has kept Rudow here. Even in winter,

the weather on the island is glorious. Palma

also has an excellent infrastructure, with an

ever-growing shop and restaurant scene to

serve the most diverse needs of its visitors.

One of the Norwegian‘s favourite restau-

rants is La Canela, which serves culinary

specialities from all over the world. Accor-

ding to Rudow, the Italian barman mixes the

best cocktails on the entire island. Rudow‘s

top recommendation is the “Diablo”, a vod-

ka sour drink – with added chilli for the most

adventurous spirits.

An inside tip from Rudow for avoiding the

tourists in Palma is the Arume, the city‘s

best Japanese restaurant. He enthuses

about the head chef‘s amazing creations,

and how interested customers can watch

the great man at work from the bar. Rudow

has another tip for night owls and cocktail

lovers: the Brassclub. Sip a drip from Rafa

Martin, the world‘s third best cocktail mixer,

to relaxing music from around the globe.

The amazing range of drinks are best enjo-

yed in the unique atmosphere of the bar, un-

der a ceiling made of around 3400 bottles.

Those wanting to escape the hustle and

bustle of Palma and explore the rest of the

island can hire a car for a personal tour, and

discover Valldemossa, Deya and Soller. Vall-

demossa is famous for its cafés, and Cala

Deya has enchanting beaches and blue-

green sea. Excellent fresh fish and other

regional delicacies are available at the cafés

and restaurants along the beach. The per-

fect conclusion to a tour of the island is a

glass of freshly pressed orange juice from

the orange groves of Soller.

Another hotelier caught by the magic of

Majorca is Luis Seminario. He runs the

A PLACE TO TAKE HOMEWITH YOU

Font Santa Hotel and Can Simoneta inland

of Palma and the Convent de la Missió in

Palma. The hotels are strongly reminiscent

of Majorca‘s typical fincas, and surely sym-

bolise the Spanish way of life more than

any other on the island. Seminario has a

Spanish proverb he likes to share with tou-

rists. “Spaniards work in order to live.” In

western countries, he believes, it is usually

the other way round, which is why visitors

to the island should take a step back from

the everyday bustle and learn from the Ma-

jorcans how to enjoy every hour of the day.

The hotelier also reminds his guests not to

underestimate the sun, even in winter, and

make sure they have adequate protection.

This piece of advice is essential for those

unwinding on Cala Mondrago beach, a

great inside tip for beach-lovers. Stretch

out in the shade of the umbrella pines,

picnic, patronise the beach bar or go for a

swim in the nearby bay. Another must-see

recommended by Seminario is the show

Son Amar. This is the ultimate Spanish ex-

perience, with musicians, magicians and

street artists and a tempting array of Spa-

nish delicacies.

Over recent years, Majorca has not just

attracted a growing number of hoteliers,

but also and even more significantly ar-

tists. One of those artists is Asma Kocjan

TEXT SANDRA GLONING

/ CONTRASTS MAJORCA /

Photo: Hotel Font Santa Thermal & Spa

“THERE ARE PLACES THAT YOU VISIT, LEAVE AND PROMPTLY FORGET. THEN THERE ARE

PLACES THAT YOU TAKE WITH YOU WHEN YOU LEAVE. MAJORCA IS ONE OF THOSE PLACES:

AN ISLAND THAT NEVER FAILS TO TOUCH ITS VISITORS; THAT MAY ATTRACT OR REPEL,

INSPIRES AND FUELS LONGING AND DESIRE.” THIS WAS HOW THE TRAVEL WRITER JAKOB

STROBEL Y SERRA FROM THE NEWSPAPER F.A.Z. DESCRIBED THE BALEARIC ISLAND, AN

ISLAND THAT HAD FASCINATED HIM AS IT HAS FASCINATED COUNTLESS OTHERS.

1.

3.

2.

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 17

Sri Lanka has always been an oasis of

calm, of endless sandy beaches and

magical turquoise seas. There is such a

wealth of sights and sounds to discover

in the former Ceylon that choosing your

destinations is hard. Dr. Petra Hollmann

from UTMT – Underneath The Mango

Tree Resort recommends a tour of the

south of the country by land and sea.

Relax on land

Every Saturday, local residents of the

fishing town of Dickwella go to the

farmer‘s market to stock up on regional

fruit and vegetables. Visitors can also buy

spices, tools and clothes, and chat to the

stallholders.

The huge paddy fields that shape the face

of the valleys are best explored by bicycle.

With its feet in the water and its head in

the sun, rice is Asia‘s staple. The extensive

dam systems and hillside terracing in the

mountains make Sri Lanka‘s rice fields a

unique and very special experience.

(Under)water adventures

From Mirissa to the southernmost tip of Sri

Lanka, sailing and snorkelling trips are an

adventure to remember. The rich plant and

animal life, the colourful underwater world of

the Indian Ocean fascinates locals and vi-

sitors alike. Swim with the turtles or watch

whales and dolphins: this is simply an unfor-

gettable experience.

Another unique way to experience the wa-

ter is canoeing in Dickwella lagoon. This is a

great vantage point for admiring the rich land-

scape, watching animals in their natural habi-

tat and observing the local way of life.

Find out on these trips just how breathtakingly

beautiful Sri Lanka truly is. STOP

/ CONTRASTS SRI LANKA /

FEET IN THEWATER AND HEAD IN THE SUN

from Austria, who finds the island‘s unique

atmosphere inspiring. Her favourite places

are in the north, away from the tourists,

where she feels a strong connection with

nature and the Spanish approach to life.

As Majorca is home to many artists, art

tours are also available. These take visitors

around the various galleries and are an op-

1. The Font Santa Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness was built in the style of a traditional Majorcan finca.2. Soul mate Luis Seminario runs three hotels on Majorca.3. Swimmers can explore Majorca‘s many secluded bays.4. Art in the foyer welcomes guests to the Hotel Convent de la Missió.5. Hotel Tres puts its own, modern slant on Majorcan architecture.6. Soul mate Svenn Rudow likes to spend his evenings in La Canela in Palma.

Photo: Hotel Convent de la Missió4.

5.

6.

Photo: Hotel Tres

portunity to engage directly with the artists

themselves.

It is hardly surprising that Majorca continu-

es to attract and fascinate with the richness

and diversity of its people, culture and cui-

sine. This is not simply a holiday island, it is a

place that people take home. STOP

Dr. Petra Hollmann is a gynaecologist and the doctor responsible for the

ayurveda spa at the UTMT resort. In Sri Lanka, she and

her husband are living out their dream of their own

hotel at the seaside.

more information:www.lifestylehotels.net/mallorcawww.lifestylehotels.net/sri-lanka

Photos: Gernot Gleiss

18 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

THE SOULMATE

ERWIN SABATHI PREMIUM WINE, SAUVIGNON BLANC PÖSSNITZBERG

DER PÖSSNITZBERG – FROM A UNIQUE WHITE WINE TERROIRCharacteristics: Notes of fresh grapefruit, cold minerality, a suggestion of salty sea air – strong notes from the marl soil, spicy-herbal, inner density, full-bodied, excellent length. The Pössnitzberg vintages have strong mineral notes, an extremely salty palate, a rigid structure, and age beautifully. The com-bination of factors such as sea level, the warm winds meeting the cold air; the bleak and extremely limy soil (marl) are what make these steep and craggy vineyards with their ancient vines so unmista-kable and the wine so authentic. www.sabathi.com STOP

DONNA

Design: Hans Hopfer, Manufactured by: Neue Wiener Werkstätte

Available at the Neue Wiener Werkstätte flagship store, Schottenring 35, 1010 Vienna. Discover interior design concepts for the home, dining, the bedroom and the office, and model hotel rooms, office space and window displays presented on around 500m² of exhibition floor for the professional audience. Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-17:00Donna: The soft curves of a star. Donna is a lesson for anyone who thinks modern design means cubes and straight lines only. These soft curves are an invitation to retreat – into a comfort zone that is ever modern through changing fashions. The Donna has an aura that is unmistakable no matter what the surroundings. Armchair, sofa or love chair: Donna is the perfect host, inviting family and friends to gather in cosy and relaxed companionship. www.nww.at STOP

DESIGN FURNITURE SPECIAL for The Soulmate readers:

10% discount on all products in the Neue Wiener Werkstätte online shop: nww-design.com

Exclusive furniture, upholstery and living accessories for your home.Discount code: “soulmate2014”, valid until 31 December 2014.

SMARTWATCH 3 SWR50. FOR THE LONG VIEW.

• GPS sensor• Waterproof (IP68 rated) & wrist straps in various colours• All activities at a glance directly on your wrist• SmartWatch with AndroidWearWith or without a smartphone connection, at home or on the road: be free with the SmartWatch 3 SWR50. Record all points on your route with the integrated GPS function even without a smartphone connec-tion - perfect for joggers; view your route in detail at home with Goog-le Maps. And the internal 4 GB memory means you can enjoy your favourite music with no smartphone connection.www.sonymobile.com STOP

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 19

WHAT‘S YOUR DRIVE?

Experience dynamic design, state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge components with the new BMW Bike Generation. The design and colours give the entire new BMW Bike collec-tion an unmistakable and striking presence, with typical BMW dynamics thanks to the unique frame design. The new BMW Bike range has the perfect answer to all cycling needs - for pro-fessionals, amateurs and speed addicts. www.bmw.at STOP

LIFESTYLEHOTELS The Book TENTH EDITION

LIFESTYLEHOTELS The Book TENth in new XL format: over 420 pages presenting 100 unique LIFESTYLE-HOTELS, leading the way in the modern hotel business and epitomising individual lifestyle. The jubilee edition with its all new „TOUCH & FEEL“ layout is a guaranteed inspiration for design-loving travellers. Each hotel has a four-page feature with a detailed description, „best room“ information and large photographs. Interviews on design and development with the CEOs of LIFESTYLEHOTELS and the directors of INNOCAD, 13&9 Design, XAL, Viteo and KAPO/Neue Wiener Werkstätte give an insight into pioneering and visionary minds. www.lifestylehotels.net/shop STOP

XPERIA Z3 COMPACT.

FOR THOSE WHO WANT THE BEST.

• High dust and water resistance rating – IP65/68• Up to 2 day battery life: long lasting performance• 20.7MP camera: high quality images and videos• Compact design with 4.6“ HD-DisplayIts robust casing protects the Xperia™ Z3 Compact from knocks, bumps, rain and weather - whatever you are doing, from a stroll along sandy beaches to crazy water fights in the garden. The IP65/68 dust-tight and water-tight Xperia™ Z3 Compact is perfect for every moment, every situation and every adven-ture that life has to offer. www.sonymobile.com STOP

20 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

NEW MEMBERSA WORK OF ARTIN WOOD AND GLASS

June 2014 saw the opening of the Zillertal‘s

very first golf course, in Uderns. Perfect con-

ditions for beginners, enthusiasts and pro-

fessionals on this eighteen-hole course nest-

led between the Tux and the Zillertal Alps.

The Sport Residenz Zillertal opened in De-

cember 2014, and has direct access to the

65-hectare golf course. What other course

can offer such breathtaking views? Golfers

in summer and winter can soak in the beau-

ty of the Zillertal mountains, the Hochzillertal

ski resort and the deep green of the course.

Stylish design that reflects the surrounding

landscape shows how this hotel is in tune

with its environment, and reveals a new and

exciting face of sustainability. STOP

GOLF IN ZILLERTAL VALLEY

Arrive – Enjoy – Relax. That is the philosophy

of Evi Fersterer and Josef Fersterer Junior,

who have established the Art & Ski-In Ho-

tel Hinterhag. Perched high above the town

of Saalbach, the hotel has amazing views

of Austria‘s largest skiing region, Saalbach-

Hinterglemm. The main objective in the con-

struction of this glass and timber masterpi-

ece was to modernise the traditional. Wood

throughout the hotel‘s interior creates a

warm and cosy ambience - wood that Sepp

Fersterer himself collected and worked be-

fore he died. On the sunny side of Saalbach,

that timber has been used to create an ar-

chitectural masterpiece. Artworks by Antho-

ny Eyton, Manfred Bockelmann, Daniel Mafe

and Evi Fersterer herself make living in this

hotel between the ski slopes, fun parks and

trails quite simply a unique experience. STOP

/ SPORT RESIDENZ ZILLERTAL, UDERNS /

/ ART & SKI-IN HOTEL HINTERHAG, SAALBACH /

Photo: Michael Huber

Photos: www.sportresidenz-zillertal.at

more information:www.lifestylehotels.net/hotels

NEW MEMBERSThe team at the Das Graseck hotel firmly

believe that enjoyment is key to health.

They focus on every aspect that under-

pins the wellbeing and health of their

guests. The hotel‘s owners, two doctors

from Klinikum Garmisch hospital, have

developed a model unique in the region,

a model that combines a relaxing holi-

day with scientifically proven preventive

healthcare. Connected to the hotel is

the Gap Prevent preventative medicine

centre, where guests are offered an in-

dividual check-up. Quite apart from this

service, Das Graseck is committed to its

guests‘ health. The spa is a treat for body

and mind - as are the panoramic views

out over Garmisch-Partenkirchen from

the biosauna and the quiet room. Great

views are thanks to the hotel‘s hillside lo-

cation, accessible by cable car. Guests

can also sample the delicious, healthy,

natural cuisine at the hotel‘s two restau-

rants and a great mix of sport and rela-

xation out of doors. Das Graseck will be

opening this coming season to offer the

stressed and weary all they need for both

health and relaxation. STOP

/ DESIGN HOTEL TYROL, RABLAND // SPORT RESIDENZ ZILLERTAL, UDERNS /

A SYMBIOSIS OF DESIGN AND NATURE

/ DAS GRASECK, GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN /

CHECK-UP ON HOLIDAY

Discover the Design Hotel Tyrol: elegance

without a trace of Alpine kitsch. Newly re-

novated, the family-run hotel in Rabtal, near

Meran, is bright, spacious and close to na-

ture. The hotel is the perfect place to relax,

set amongst picturesque apple orchards

and with magnificent views of the mountains

of Texelgruppe Nature Reserve. The exten-

sive spa area includes a large open air pool,

an outdoor pool in the rock and a pool bar.

Guests can forget the stress and worry of

everyday life in the Turkish steam bath, the

Finnish garden sauna and the infrared and

hay saunas. A culinary treat is guaranteed in

the hotel restaurant, which serves Mediterra-

nean and Alpine delicacies. STOP

Photo: Patrick Schwienbacher

Photo: Das Graseck

22 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

/ FOR FRIENDS HOTEL, SEEFELD /

“To be at ease - “friends” - with yourself

means both valuing and taking respon-

sibility for yourself” is Toni Innauer‘s phi-

losophy. The former Olympic champion

runs the energy and exercise programme

at the For Friends Hotel. The Zwölf Tiroler

sports programme that he has developed

is a unique combination of sport and phi-

losophy. Jürgen Hager helps guests with

sporting activities, and he wants them to

rediscover genuine pleasure.

As we all know, food and pleasure go

hand in hand, a principle they follow at

the For Friends Hotel. Award-winning

chefs Norbert Niederkofler and Rainer

Gugl concoct mouthwatering delicacies

using local and seasonal products, which

are accompanied by wines selected by

the leading sommelier Matthias Tanzer.

The five restaurants turn food and drink

into a voyage of discovery.

Just like the herbs for the gourmet di-

shes, the products for the spa treatments

are also sourced in the Tyrol nature. Many

have recognised the healing power of na-

ture over the years, for example Gertru-

de Strecker - known as the Kräuterhex‘

vom Lottensee: the “herb witch of Lake

Lottensee”. She chose to live near the

source of that healing power, where For

Friends Hotel now stands.

The “sleeping giants” of the Seefeld

Plateau are the epitome of stillness and

strength, and have been a source of

energy and power for the locals of Mö-

sern for centuries. In Seefeld, the former

Olympics venue, soak in the breathtaking

views of the northern Limestone Alps and

watch the stress and bustle of everyday

life fade into the background. End your

journey here, and a whole new journey

begins.

Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and

Albrecht Dürrer were inspired by this town

perched high in the Tyrolean hills - the

“Schwalbennest” or “swallow‘s nest” of

the Tyrol. “One look at a book and two

at life moulds the mind spirit” - „Ein Blick

ins Buch und zwei ins Leben, das wird die

rechte Form dem Geiste geben“, believed

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Visitors to-

day can find peace and strength in the li-

brary that bears his name. They can also

experience local and international artists

at a wide range of exhibitions, workshops,

readings and concerts.

FOR HOTEL MANAGER WOLFGANG EDER, GUESTS ARE LIKE GOOD FRIENDS AND

SHOULD BE TREATED WITH THE SAME OPENNESS AND RESPECT. JUST AS FRIENDS

WOULD, GUESTS SHOULD FEEL COMPLETELY AT EASE IN HIS HOTEL AND ENJOY

EVERY CREATURE COMFORT – HOTEL SHOULD BE A HOME FROM HOME.

HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

Photo: For Friends Hotel

And the very landscape and countryside

that surrounds For Friends Hotel is a beau-

tiful, magnificent picture. The architect re-

sponsible for the hotel, Arkan Zeytinoglu,

has created a architectural jewel combining

tradition and functionality in perfect harm-

ony with the Tyrolean landscape. The mo-

dern but unobtrusive building with its spa-

cious terraces has a 360° panoramic view,

and is the perfect place to spend a day in

the sun and revel in the joy of nature.

Excellent service ensures guests feel at

home in their new surroundings, and can

draw new strength and inspiration from

the Tyrolean mountain landscape around

them. STOP

RS

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 23

THE ALPS,A PLACE OF PATHOS, WILDNESS AND RAW EMOTION

THE ALPS,A PLACE OF PATHOS, WILDNESS AND RAW EMOTION

24 ⁄ ⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ / ISSUE NO 01 / 2014 /

SPAThe Geinberg5 is the first and to date the only

business in Austria to receive the “Signum

Virtutis”, one of the world‘s most prestigious

awards in the sector. This seal of excellence

is just one of many prizes proving that the

Private Spa Villas in the Innviertel region of

Upper Austria have indeed turned their vision

into reality: to offer an exclusive, private spa

retreat with every conceivable luxury.

Each of the 21 suites has its own private spa

area. Guests have their own free-standing

bath, Finnish sauna and steam shower inside

- and outside on the terrace is an outdoor ja-

cuzzi and specially designed natural bathing

pond. Their very own gangway leads to a

private bathing “cove” for relaxing far from

prying eyes. And guests need not even put

wishes into words - thanks to a butler who

practically reads their minds. Butlers bring

drinks, dishes from the gourmet kitchen of

the Aqarium and anything else guests need

at any time of day or night.

Guests wishing a spa experience beyond

the villa need look no further than the sty-

lish two-storey “Exklusiv Spa” with a lounge,

extensive relaxation area and indoor and

outdoor pools. As the Geinberg5 Private Spa

Villas are part of the VAMED Vitality World,

guests can also enjoy the “world of wellness”

at the Therme Geinberg Spa Resorts. This

facility of over 3000m² includes three diffe-

rent pool areas and offers exclusive spa and

anti-ageing treatments. The two spa oases

are connected by the spectacular oriental

section, where guests can immerse them-

selves in the ancient hammam steam bath

PRIVATE SPA WITH BUTLER

THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF SPA TREATMENTS, AND EACH HOTEL TAKES A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO PAMPERING ITS GUESTS. TWO HOTELS, THE GEINBERG5

PRIVATE SPA VILLAS AND LOISIUM WINE & SPA RESORT SÜDSTEIERMARK, HAVE CHOSEN INNOVATIVE WAYS OF INTRODUCING THEIR GUESTS TO A NEW TYPE

OF SPA EXPERIENCE.

ritual which has its origins in the Ottoman

Empire. Hammam specialists develop an

individual ritual for each guest that will take

him or her through the serail mud bath, the

hot room and the arcades to the roof garden

and sauna.

The hotel‘s commitment to offering guests

such a wealth of beauty, relaxation and spa

treatments and facilities has won it the major

“Seven Star Global Luxury Award”. For the

manager Manfred Kalcher, this international

award demonstrates just how many peop-

le seek the perfect spa experience for their

holiday. STOP

more information:

Geinberg5 Private Spa Villas

office@geinberg5.com

+43 7723 85015555

www.geinberg5.com

Photos: Geinberg5 Private Spa Villas

⁄ LIFESTYLEHOTELS.NET ⁄ ⁄ 25

SPA

Taste the full glory of the southern Styrian

wine trail at the LOISIUM Wine & Spa Re-

sort Südsteiermark in Ehrenhausen. The

hotel offers magnificent views of the rolling

hills of southern Styria, and like its sister ho-

tel in Kamptal is a breathtaking example of

modern design. Guests, wine lovers and spa

lovers are invited to discover a new side to

the “good stuff”.

Wine spa: the hidden values of grapes

At the heart of the LOISIUM Wine & Spa

Resort Südsteiermark is the 1400m² LOISI-

UM wine spa, offering exclusive wine and

beauty treatments from AVEDA, VINOBLE

and COMFORT ZONE. Spa experts swear

by grape‘s valuable components such as

resveratrol, a red grape vine extract that has

a similar effect to Botox, and effective anti-

oxidants. Other valuable substances include

viniferin, which soothes and cleanses, and

grape seed oil, for centuries considered a

magical cure. The spa and relaxation area

with saunas and an outdoor pool which is

heated all year round, spa lounge with open

fire, sun terrace and “vineyard” for sunba-

thing is the perfect place for sheer relaxation.

NEW: Medical Spa

Everything in life relies on our body - which

is why we should take care of it. From Ja-

nuary 2015, guests at the LOISIUM Wine &

Spa Resort Südsteiermark will be able to

spare themselves some unpleasant trips to

the doctor. At the resort‘s new “Medical Spa”

run by Merkur Recreation, a team of profes-

MEDICAL SPA IN THE VINEYARD

sionals are on hand to treat and advise vi-

sitors. The doctors, sport scientists and

medical masseurs know the human body

and what it needs better than anyone else.

Alongside measurements and tests using a

range of equipment, with results analysed

in the lab, the team also provides individual

and comprehensive preventive medical ad-

vice. This unique combination of standard

western medicine and traditional Chinese

treatments ensures absolute rest and revita-

lisation for both you and your body. STOP

more information:

LOISIUM Wine & Spa Resort

South Styria

hotel.steiermark@loisium.com

+43 3453 28800

www.loisium.com

Photos: Loisium Wine & Spa Resort South Styria

HOTEL DIRECTORY AUSTRIA

Achenkirch / Das Kronthaler

Bad Gastein / Hotel Miramonte

Ehrenhausen / Loisium Wine & Spa Resort Südsteiermark

Fügen / Alpinahotel - family lifestyle

Fiss / Alpslodge - life.style.hotel.fiss

Fiss / Hotel Gebhard

Gaschurn / Montafon Lodge Luxury Lodgehotel und Spa

Geinberg / Geinberg5 - Private Spa Villas

Graz / Augartenhotel art & design

Graz / Roomz Graz

Gumpoldskirchen / Landhaus Moserhof

Innsbruck / Hotel Maximilian Stadthaus Penz

Innsbruck / The Penz

Kals am Großglockner / Gradonna Mountain Resort

Kaprun / Lederer‘s Living

Krems / Arte Hotel

Längenfeld / Naturhotel Waldklause

Lermoos / Mohr Life Resort

Linz / Spitz Hotel

Mattsee / Seewirt Mattsee

Mayrhofen-Hippach / Life & Spa Hotel Stefanie

Mellau / Sonne Lifestyle Resort

Mondsee / Iris Porsche Hotel & Restaurant

Mösern / For Friends Hotel

Obergurgl / Hotel The Crystal

Pörtschach / Lake‘s - my lake hotel & spa

Sölden / Bergland Sölden

Saalbach Hinterglemm / Alpin Juwel

Saalbach Hinterglemm / Art & Ski-In Hotel Hinterhag

Salzburg Stadt / Arthotel Blaue Gans

Salzburg Stadt / Hotel & Villa Auersperg

Salzburg Stadt / Hotel Villa Carlton

Serfaus / Alfa Hotel

St. Anton am Arlberg / Anthony‘s Life & Style Hotel

St. Anton am Arlberg / Arlmont Hotel

St. Wolfgang / Cortisen am See

Stegersbach / Falkensteiner Balance Resort

Sulztal an der Weinstraße / Vincent Hotel

Uderns / Sport Residenz Zillertal

Wien / Das Tyrol

Wien / Hollmann Beletage

Wien / Hotel Zeitgeist Vienna Hauptbahnhof

Wien / Roomz Vienna

Zell am Ziller / Tirolerhof

BELGIUM

Brussels / Hotel Bloom!

CYPRUS

Limassol / Londa Hotel

CZECH REPUBLIC

Prague / Hotel Yasmin

DENMARK

Copenhagen / Andersen Hotel

FRANCE

Paris / Hidden Hotel

Paris / Hotel Félicien

Paris / Hotel O

Paris / Legend

Paris / Seven Hotel

Paris / The Five Hotel

GERMANY

Berlin / H‘Otello K‘80

Dresden / QF Hotel

Garmisch-Partenkirchen / Das Graseck

Husum an der Nordsee / Thomas Hotel Spa & Lifestyle

Langweiler / Klosterhotel Marienhöh

Munich / Anna Hotel

Munich / Cocoon Sendlinger Tor

Munich / Cocoon Stachus

Nuremberg / Art&Business Hotel

Northeim / Hotel Freigeist

Sankt Englmar / Berghotel Maibrunn

AUSTRIAEHRENHAUSENLOISIUM WINE & SPA RESORT SÜDSTEIERMARKp. 25

SRI LANKADICKWELLA SOUTH, BATHEEGAMA WEST, MATARAUTMT UNDERNEATH THE MANGO TREEp. 17

AUSTRIAGEINBERGGEINBERG5

p. 24

SPAINCAMPOS - MALLORCA FONT SANTA HOTEL THERMAL SPA & WELLNESSp. 16-17

AUSTRIAGASCHURN/HOCHMONTAFONMONTAFON LODGE LUXURY LODGEHOTEL UND SPAp. 4-6

AUSTRIABAD GASTEINHOTEL MIRAMONTEp. 4-6

AUSTRIAKAPRUNLEDERER’S LIVINGp. 4-6

SPAINPALMA DE MALLORCAHOTEL TRESp. 16-17

St. Peter-Ording / Strandgut Resort

Stuttgart / V8 Hotel

Sylt / Hotel Strand am Königshafen

Timmendorfer Strand / Sand

Timmendorfer Strand / SeeHuus

GREAT BRITAIN

London / Sanderson

London / St Martins Lane

GREECE

Chalkidiki / Eagles Palace Hotel & Spa

Crete / Elounda Gulf Villas & Suites

HUNGARY

Budapest / Lanchid 19

ITALY

Amalfi Coast / Casa Angelina

Kaltern am See / Gius La Residenza

Lombardy / Hotel Larice

Milan / Maison Moschino

Merano / Arosea Life Balance Hotel

Merano / Art&Design Hotel ImperialArt

Merano / Design Hotel Tyrol

Merano / Miramonti Boutique Hotel

Rimini / i-Suite

Sardinia / Cala Caterina

Sardinia / La Coluccia Hotel

Siciliy / Hotel Monte Tauro

Terlan / Napura Art & Design Hotel

Venice / Ca‘Sagredo Hotel

Venice / Palazzina G

Venice / Palazzo Barbarigo

NETHERLANDS

Amsterdam / Sir Albert

PORTUGAL

Albufeira / Vila Joya & Joy Jung Spa

Lagos / Vila Valverde

Madeira / Quinta da Bela Vista

SPAIN

Mallorca / Convent de la Missió

Mallorca / Font Santa Hotel Thermal Spa & Wellness

Mallorca / Hotel Can Simoneta

Mallorca / Hotel Tres

Mallorca / Hotel Zhero – Palma

SWITZERLAND

Grindelwald / Aspen Hotel

Orselina-Locarno / Villa Orselina

Weggis / Post Hotel Weggis

Zurich / Hotel Plattenhof

Zermatt / Hotel Firefly

TURKEY

Bodrum / Doria Hotel Bodrum

Istanbul / A‘jia Hotel

Istanbul / Adahan Istanbul

Istanbul / The Sofa Hotel

CHINA

Nanjing / Kayumanis Nanjing Private Villas & Spa

INDONESIA

Bali / Luna2 Studiotel

MALAYSIA

Penang / G Hotel

SRI LANKA

Dickwella South / UTMT - Underneath The Mango Tree

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SPAINMALLORCA CONVENT DE LA MISSIÓp. 16-17

AUSTRIASÖLDEN BERGLAND SÖLDENp. 4-6

AUSTRIAACHENKIRCH DAS KRONTHALERp. 12-13

AUSTRIAKALS AM GROSSGLOCKNERGRADONNA MOUNTAIN RESORTp. 4-6 AND p. 14

AUSTRIAOBERGURGLHOTEL THE CRYSTALp. 4-6

⁄ ALPINE ⁄

/ HOTELS IN THIS ISSUE /

SPAINCANYAMEL CAPDEPERA MALLORCA HOTEL CAN SIMONETAp. 16-17

„Great wines must reflect the terroir;

the role of the grape variety itself is secondary.“

Erwin Sabathi

The estate was already firmly established, but business really took off in 1992

with the arrival of Erwin Sabathi junior – representing the tenth generation in the family firm.

One of his pioneering decisions was to build a new wine cellar opposite the existing facilities,

where the first vintage was produced in 2004. The construction of the cellar won him

the Styrian „Viktor Geramb-Dankzeichen für Gutes Bauen“ building award. Today, the family

vineyard is now under the sole management of Erwin Sabathi.

For his two younger brothers Gerd and Christoph,

a passion for wine was behind their decision to commit

full-time to the family business.

They are now key players in the successful estate.

www.sabathi.com

E R W I N S A B A T H IP R E M I U M W I N E