Mountain Escapes

Mountain Escapes

The pre-ski season is a fabulous time for a getaway to the mountains, with the crisp alpine air and brilliant sun sure to revitalise your spirit. Whether it be an adventurous getaway, a cozy pampering session, or just a simple trip to enjoy the dazzling landscapes, this roll call of Design Hotels™ mountain addresses will be sure to make for the ideal escape.

The majestic alpine landscape surrounding Hotel Bachmair Weissach in Bavaria is awe-inspiring. The hotel's superb views, as well as its classic Bavarian charm, lure guests to the Tegernsee Valley. Italy's Matteo Thun designed eco-hideaway vigilius mountain resort is a comforting retreat in South Tyrol, where nature co-exists with aesthetics at 1500 meters above sea level. At Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort, guests will be treated to both contemporary and traditional Austrian craftsmanship in the heart of the Kitzbühel Alps. For those who have been meaning to visit the legendary Matterhorn, a visit to The Omnia in Switzerland offers the perfect opportunity, as its 30 rooms offer panoramic views. Devotees of wellness and healthy living will be spoiled with choices at Bergland Hotel Sölden. Not only is the hotel perfectly placed for sports enthusiasts to explore Austria's ski slopes, cycle routes, and hiking trails, but they also specialise in offbeat adventures.

True Bavarian experience

Nestled in the pristine Lake Tegernsee region at the foot of the Alps in South Germany is Hotel Bachmair Weissach. This 146-room property is elegant, modern, and exudes the exclusivity of a private country club with the charm of a quaint Bavarian home. Guests can choose from a vast array of activities on offer at the hotel, including outdoor tennis courts, gym and yoga classes. The expansive property also offers unique wellness treatments at their spa, such as an herbal sauna, ice grottos and alpine hay baths. Surrounding landscape activities include paragliding, skiing, sailing and windsurfing among the mountains and lakes. The rich culture of the region has withstood the test of time, including the traditional Bavarian garb sported at seasonal festivals held throughout the year.

Austrian alpine wonderland

Surrounded by colourful mountain meadows dotted with wildflowers, alpine pastures and the steep rock formations of Wilder Kaiser mountain, Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort is a winsome destination hotel. This inspirational environment is the muse for the interior design. The hotel integrates contemporary, minimalist lines seamlessly with classic alpine textures and local materials including leather, pine, and loden to allow guests to savor the true essence of Austrian alpine living. From tandem parasailing to cycling in a part of the world's largest electric cycling area, the town is a fantasy for adventure seekers and biking enthusiasts. Hiking aficionados will be pleased with this paradise of more than 1000 kilometers of top notch and well-maintained trails.

Italian eco-beauty

The vigilius mountain resort in South Tyrol is situated on the flanks of the Vigiljoch, Lana's landmark peak. The hotel's ecological commitment is evident in the use of natural construction methods and sustainable local resources including the grass-covered roof, 300-year-old timber beams in Restaurant 1500, and internally heated clay walls in the 41 rooms and suites. The resort is reachable only by cable car, which takes guests 1500 meters above sea level, making it the perfect location for views of The Dolomites, the Valle d'Adige and the encompassing scenery. The resort offers a complimentary explore-and-move program, a fully customized activity designed to give guests the chance to actively experience the surrounding nature. In Autumn, Pumpkin and Chestnut Days like Keschtnriggl or Törggelen are celebrations of the local produce and the region's wines. Budding writers can be part of the history at vigilius mountain resort and pen down their mountain stories to share with other guests in the vigilius library for many years to come.

Bold and view-tiful Switzerland

The Omnia is located in Zermatt, the quintessential alpine getaway, home of the legendary Matterhorn. The name of the hotel, meaning -the all encompassing' in Latin, gives clues to the resort's inclusive design philosophy, where rooms are unnumbered to enhance the homely feel and private balconies offer spectacular views of the peaks. With a wide variety of winter adventures, from ice stick shooting to challenging ski and snowboard slopes like the 3800 meter Klein Matterhorn, there are more than enough opportunities to choose from. This charming town is also popular as a summer hideout. From idyllic campfire spots to activities like summer skiing, fly fishing, hiking, cycling and paragliding, Zermatt is ideal any time of year. Striving towards becoming a pollution-free environment, the only transportation vistors will see on the streets of Zermatt are horse drawn sleighs, carriages, and electric vehicles. Zermatt's culinary scene is also complemented perfectly by The Omnia's restaurant, where pure, authentic flavors shine in seasonal dishes.

Keeping it local in the clouds

The Bergland Hotel Sölden is the perfect place to get some adrenaline flowing, with numerous outdoor activities ideal for the adventurous. This 86-room resort was crafted by local tradesmen with hints of authentic Austrian heritage, from rocking chairs to oiled oak floors. Even the hotel's 1700 meter high Sky Spa keeps it local by using herbs from the hotel's garden to promote well-being. Choose from popular outdoor adventure sports like rockclimbing or white-water rafting in the steep canyons of the Ötztal, or enjoy an adventurous day at the Area 47, the valley's outdoor adventure park, or train with one of the top cyclists of the Ötztal Bike Marathon at the Bike Academy in the hotel. Bergland's Bike Week Package offers a glacier sunrise breakfast and a week of guided bike tours and hikes. Take part in special summer events such as an Austrian winemaker's table in the mountains and traditional Tyrolean cooking class at the Hühnersteign cabin. Sölden is hosting the 2012 Alpine Ski World Cup, sure to be a promising event for thrill-seekers.


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