Space for Retreat, Stillness, and the Luxury of Being Unobserved

Instead of constant entertainment, you are greeted by the gentle splashing of a nearby waterfall. Instead of a poolside bar, private lakes reserved exclusively for guests – with romantic meadows for sunbathing and complimentary row- and pedal boats. The mountains of the Zugspitz Arena frame the scene – and at the center stands the Schloss itself, where the stories of three eras are brought to life. Schloss Hotel Fernsteinsee is an ensemble of three individually and lovingly designed houses: the historic Schloss, the cozy hotel, and the charming Villa Lorea next to a mountain stream. Each a retreat unto itself – together they form a nature resort with 280,000 m² of open spaces and three private lakes: Fernsteinsee, Samerangersee, and the small Quellsee. All of the grounds can be explored via historic footpaths – including the ruins of a medieval fortress on an island in the lake.

A unique experience for explorers: guests who stay at least two nights receive an exclusive diving permit for the private lakes of the Schloss – an adventure that has been ranked among the “Top 100 Experiences in the World.”

At Castel Rundegg, adults are permitted to focus entirely on themselves. No guest activity programs, no children laughing at the pool – just a very deliberate aura of peace. “Adults Only” here is far from being an exclusion, but rather a gift to those who truly value tranquility.

Glide smoothly through the water, with views of palm trees, cypresses, and the peaks of the Texel range. The 17-meter outdoor pool at Castel Rundegg melds quietly with the Mediterranean-style garden – a setting seemingly created for slow days such as these. Between old trees, blooming magnolias, and sunny spots, the historic park invites you to pause – to walk, to dream, or simply to be. In spring and summer, the garden becomes a stage for romantic dinners under the open sky – la dolce vita as only Merano can offer it: elegant, unhurried, effortlessly refined.

From the very beginning, Castel Rundegg was designed as a hotel for aristocrats and celebrities – a place where privacy, beauty, and personalized care were always the focus. That charm is still tangible in every nook and cranny. Wellness at Castel Rundegg begins with the act of consciously letting go. In the sauna, indoor pool, or day spa, guests find their own personal retreat for hours of peace and quiet. Scented massages, alpine hay baths with organic mountain hay, or a Rasul hammam in the private spa guarantee that tensions melt away, making the daily grind of the outside world nothing but a distant memory.

If you seek more than relaxation, the Medical Spa offers targeted treatments with extraordinary therapeutic benefits. Craniosacral therapy, foot reflexology, or detoxifying presso-therapy help restore balance to body and mind. This program is complemented by personalized beauty treatments developed in collaboration with the St. Martin Pharmacy. Anti-aging, detox, revitalizing peels – here, it is not about quick fixes, but rather sustainable wellbeing.

A stone staircase leads directly down to the private swimming beach, complete with its own lakeside bathhouse – a charming retreat perched just above the waterline. All you hear here is the soft lapping of the lake and the rustle of trees in the breeze. If you wish, you can rent a boat, read a book out on the lawn, or enjoy a lavish breakfast on the lakeside terrace – just as Falco, Bruno Kreisky, and Gunter Sachs did in the past.

Entering Landhaus Koller is like stepping into a more sedate rhythm. Though there is no elevator – there are rooms with history, lovingly restored and rich in authentic details. Outside, the heated pool glistens in the garden. Inside, a sauna, steam bath, and infrared cabin await. Families will find dedicated studios that meet their needs to perfection, while bookworms can retreat to the wood-paneled reading room. In the evening, the kitchen wafts the aromas of regional specialties – served in four courses and accompanied by a magnificent view over the valley.

For those for whom even that isn’t secluded enough, there is the Rinnbergalm: a rustic cabin at 1,350 meters above sea level, accessible only via a winding gravel road. No Wi-Fi, but a wood-burning stove, solar power, and a sky full of stars. Minimalist, personal, and serene – the luxury of simplicity.

The fifteen rooms and suites are charming, elegant, and thoughtfully designed – created for connoisseurs, cultural travelers, and everyone who loves the old without wanting to forego the new. Guests arriving here leave appointments and to-do lists behind. Instead: cultivated calm, moments that don’t need to be shared, conversations in the wine tavern, breakfast with the finest Wachau products, and silence in the garden.

And sometimes, when your gaze does indeed drift beyond the walls, a World Heritage region awaits just outside: Baroque towns, terraced vineyards, monasteries, and the quiet power of the Danube. Culture and nature accompany every step – gently, yet with a lasting impression. And the retreat itself? Always just one step away.

Under the leadership of South Tyrolean three-star chef Norbert Niederkofler and his sustainability initiative “Mo-Food”, Ansitz Heufler blends quiet grandeur with a strong regional ethos. Niederkofler’s “Cook the Mountain” philosophy is reflected not only on the plate, but in every element of the house: sustainability, mindfulness, and a close connection to nature are present in every detail – from the use of local materials to the respectful continuation of artisanal traditions.

Ten historic suites – each a one-of-a-kind space crafted with regional materials – tell stories that span centuries, while also pointing toward a future grounded in sustainability and care. In the former smokehouse, now a lounge bar, South Tyrolean specialties are served beside the crackling fireplace – along with that unmistakable feeling of having arrived. The historic “Hearnstube,” a masterwork of wood and marquetry, perhaps captures the house’s philosophy best of all: respectful, honest, and full of quiet strength.