My new favorite hotel near Vienna: historic city trip meets relaxing wellness in nature at Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach. Not far from St. Stephen’s Cathedral and other sights in Vienna’s historic city center, the hotel has created an oasis of well-being in the Vienna Woods. This special location makes the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach a unique place to stay near Vienna.

In this hotel review of the Schlosspark Mauerbach, I’ll tell you how we liked our stay and whether the hotel is the right choice for you too.

→ TIP: At the end of this article you will find a code with which you can save €100 on your booking at Hotel Schlossberg Mauerbach!

My Review of Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach near Vienna

Location & Accessibility

The Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach is just 25 minutes by car from the beautiful historic city center of Vienna and is located in the middle of the green Vienna Woods.

You can also reach the city center quickly by bus. The hotel also offers e-bike hire, which you can use to explore the green surroundings or reach the center of Vienna in just under an hour.

The concept of Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach

Originally built as a business hotel for conferences in the Vienna Woods, the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach has been transformed into a tranquil wellness oasis in recent years. The spa areas of the adults-only hotel are not only cozy, but also equipped with modern facilities. The hotel is located in a romantic park where there is something to discover at every corner: a water lily pond with a shady pavilion, secluded benches by a small waterfall or quiet footpaths where you can stroll under the green canopy of the forest.

This makes the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach a unique accommodation that combines a city trip to Vienna with nature and relaxation. During the day, you can explore the impressive sights in the city, while in the afternoon you can lie in the sun by the pool or unwind in the forest sauna. It’s the perfect mix of discovery and relaxation!

The Rooms & Suites Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach

The adults-only hotel is not only in a particularly idyllic location, but also very quiet thanks to its manageable size. The hotel has a total of 80 deluxe double rooms and six junior suites. Many of the rooms have direct access to the greenery thanks to their own terrace.

Junior Suite

During our stay at the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach, we slept in a junior suite. It is particularly spacious and has a separate seating area with a cozy double bed, which is located behind a room divider.

The bedroom leads directly into the large bathroom, which is separated by a glass wall. In addition to a shower, there is also a large corner bathtub, which provides warm relaxation, especially on winter evenings.

Like the entire hotel, the rooms are both cozy and modern.

Wellness

The so-called Park Spa is very spacious and offers plenty of room for privacy and tranquillity. There are loungers and retreats both indoors and outdoors.

The heated pool is also partly indoors and partly outdoors, which makes it the perfect place to swim all year round.

The large sauna area opened in 2020 with a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, steam bath, relaxing quiet rooms and a cool ice lounge where you can refresh yourself after a sauna session.

My absolute highlight in the hotel is the forest sauna: this is located in a separate outdoor pavilion and embodies “relaxing in the forest”. Two saunas made of different types of wood and with different temperatures offer a view through glass under the green canopy of leaves. Behind it is an outdoor relaxation area surrounded by trees and offering complete privacy.

The wellness area at the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach is the perfect place to relax after a city tour of Vienna and end the day in comfort. Of course, beauty treatments and massages are also on offer, providing additional pampering.

Fitness & Activities

Both the hotel and the surrounding area make the hearts of sports enthusiasts beat faster. The gym at Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach is very well equipped and you can swim laps in the pool. The surrounding area is also ideal for jogging in the park, mountain biking through the Vienna Woods or canoeing in the neighboring town of Tulln on a small side river of the Danube.

Each room has a small gift for guests on arrival: a book with 70 tips for things to do around the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach for foodies, history lovers and nature fans with lots of ideas for excursions. A great idea!

Culinary delights at the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach

A stay at the Hotel Schlosspark Marbach not only includes breakfast in the morning at the generous buffet or a cake break in the afternoon, but also a very high-quality and delicious dinner: every day there is a different dinner menu with dishes that have regional influences from traditional Austrian cuisine, but are also internationally inspired. Salad, starter and soup as well as various desserts and a great selection of cheeses are offered on the buffet and are different every day. The main course is served à la carte and you can choose from three options: There was always a dish with meat, one with fish and a vegetarian/vegan option.

Whenever possible, the ingredients used are sourced locally from farmers and producers in the surrounding area.

During our stay in summer, we naturally preferred to sit on the terrace overlooking the park and enjoy the sunset. However, I also thought it was great that the hotel restaurant has a large conservatory, so that even on cold or rather uncomfortable days you have the feeling of sitting outside.

Tavolata Menu

For a special dinner, the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach offers a so-called Tavolata menu. This consists of a total of four courses with various small dishes to share. The concept reminded me of tapas, but with mostly traditional Austrian dishes. There is also a wine pairing with local wines, which complemented this dinner wonderfully.

A great experience for a special occasion or as a delicious end to a trip to Vienna.

Résumé of our stay at the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach

My new favorite address for a city trip to Vienna! Especially if you not only want to enjoy this beautiful city, but also want to unwind and “recharge your batteries”. The idyllic location, surrounded by the lush greenery of the Vienna Woods, the comprehensive wellness offer and the delicious and varied food have absolutely won me over. I can therefore only warmly recommend the Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach for your next trip to Vienna.

RABATTCODE:

As a special bonus for my readers, the hotel has given me an exclusive 100€ discount booking code, which you can enter either

• enter when booking on the → hotel website
• or simply mention the code at reception during your stay at Hotel Schlosspark Mauerbach

The minimum stay is two nights & the code is valid until 30/12/2025

→ Receive a 100€ discount with the code VOYAGEFOX100

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Welcome to Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda – or as I like to call it: Wellness Heaven! A complex which towers elegantly over Lake Garda like a royal castle. The resort is so perfectly integrated into the surrounding landscape that you have the feeling of floating in the clouds. In this hotel review I tell you why the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda is for me the most beautiful hotel on Lake Garda.

My Review of the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda

Location & Accessibility

The Lefay Lago di Garda is located – as the name suggests – on the beautiful Lake Garda in the north of Italy. Specifically, in Gargnano on the Riviera dei Limoni. The best way to reach the resort is by car. From Munich it is a 5-hour drive to the Lefay. The last part of the journey by car is quite adventurous: Due to the high location above Lake Garda, quite a few meters of altitude must be climbed by car. But it’s worth it: from the entrance gate it’s only a few meters, past cypresses to the reception at the lobby.

Fun Fact: The Lefay has its own helipad – so if driving is too long for you, you can also arrive by helicopter.

The concept of the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda

As I have already hinted, the name Lefay stands for a wellness paradise for me. We already stayed at Lefay Dolomiti a few months ago and were so in love after our visit that we couldn’t wait to visit the second resort on Lake Garda.

Wellness, relaxation and well-being is at the heart of the Lefay philosophy, which runs through the entire resort. This is characterized not only by the 4,300 m² spa area, but also by culinary delights and elegant moments of well-being. The most diverse levels of wellness are covered – since we all have different perceptions of what pure relaxation means to us.

The Suites at the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda

All suites at Lefay were completely renovated, modernized and refurnished in 2021. This gives them a very modern and at the same time cozy ambience with top facilities. Normal rooms do not exist in all the Lefay resorts. Even the “smallest” room category are the 50 m² Junior Suites. After that, there is no limit to the size and luxury level of the suites.

Sky Suite

We stayed in a heavenly Sky Suite. With 134 m², this suite category offers not only a lot of space but also privacy. The name “Sky Suite” comes from the height and the view of the suites. The side which looks onto Lake Garda is completely windowed and surrounded by a large terrace. Especially when the clouds hang a little lower over Lake Garda, you have the feeling of being in heaven.

The suite consists of a total of three rooms, which are arranged one after the other: A living area with minibar and separate chamber for suitcases and jackets. Behind it is the bedroom with toilet, walk-in closet and a dreamlike bed, from which you look directly over Lake Garda. The view upon waking up was simply stunning! We slept with the blinds open every night to marvel at the sunrise over the water in the morning.

At the end of the suite is the huge bathroom, whose highlight, besides a rain shower and freestanding bathtub, is the private glass sauna. A sliding door leads from the bathroom out onto the terrace, where a private Jacuzzi awaited us! It is located in the middle of the terrace, but still protected from outside glances. Thus, you can enjoy maximum privacy and enjoy the view undisturbed.

→ Book your Suite at the Lefay Lago di Garda here for the best price!

Wellness

The Lefay is the perfect retreat to relax and simply unwind. Both indoors and outdoors are numerous wellness oases.

Outside, the infinity swimming pool looks out over the beautiful panorama of Lake Garda. However, the most popular is the heated wellness pool, with various aquatherapy massage jets. The pool leads from the indoor area to the outside and is heated to a pleasant temperature. Thus, it can be used at any time of the year. Additionally, there is a large whirlpool outside, which is partially covered by a “cave”.

Heated Wellness Pool

Indoors, the wellness area is the heart of the resort and goes over several floors! Here are my personal highlights:

• The Adults Only Spa area with the panorama sauna – it is made of glass and offers fantastic views. Great aroma infusions take place here several times a day.
• The Salt Cave – as in the Lefay in the Dolomites, there is a cozy grotto with a salt lake in which you can float weightlessly – similar to the Dead Sea.
• The Spa treatment area with couple suites – The Lefay Spa method combines ancient knowledge from Chinese medicine with the latest scientific research and treatment methods. We reserved a partner treatment consisting of an aroma bath, a Bamboo massage, snacks and relaxation. The Couple Suites are decorated according to specific themes. Overall, they are very cozy, however I found the newer massage suites at Lefay Dolomiti to be even nicer.
• For those who don’t want to miss out on enough exercise during their vacation, there is a top-equipped and glassed-in gym with a view.
• The Lefay Spa Shop – This is where the in-house produced care and beauty products are sold. Some of these can also be found in the suites as amenities. My husband in particular is a big fan of the Lefay Spa series.

Panorama Sauna

Breakfast & Restaurants

Indulgence plays a central role in the Lefay concept. And it doesn’t matter if you prefer to eat consciously and lightly, or if you prefer to treat yourself – you’ll find everything here! The products used in the two restaurants at Lefay Lago di Garda come largely from the region and the dishes change with the season.

La Limonaia

The main restaurant La Limonaia serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast consists of a buffet with a live cooking station for hot food. I especially loved the juicer, which allowed me to create a fresh juice daily. However, for a hotel of this class, I would have loved an additional à la carte menu with hot dishes.

Lunch and dinner are served exclusively à la carte. What I find fantastic is that in addition to the set dinner menu, there is a daily changing menu, as well as a new spa menu every day with light, conscious food. This way, the dinner never gets boring, even during a longer visit. The dishes here are locally inspired, with a unique touch. Both in terms of taste and price the dinner at La Limonaia was absolutely high class.

Gramen

For a special dinner, the gourmet restaurant Gramen is the right choice. Here the finest seven-course menus are served, and all without meat! There is both a vegetarian / vegan menu, as well as one with fish. However, dishes can also be ordered à la carte. We opted for the vegetarian menu with wine accompaniment and were very surprised at how varied and flavorful the dishes were prepared. Even my husband, who usually prefers meat, ate all the dishes and enjoyed this special evening very much. The ambience and the first-class service put the crown on the whole experience!

Lounge Bar & Pool Bar

There is a bar both by the pool and in the lobby for drinks and snacks. During our visit in October, the bar was already closed due to the cooler weather, but the lounge bar in the lobby was in full operation! It’s the ideal place for a leisurely aperitif in the evening or a “nightcap” before bed.

Résumé of our stay at the Lefay Lago di Garda

I have already mentioned it, but I can only emphasize it again and again: The Lefay Resorts are dreamlike wellness resorts for the ultimate relaxation. Especially for couples who want to enjoy a romantic getaway and tranquility, it is a paradise.

While the entire resort is not designed as an Adults Only Resort – only some spa areas & the Panorama Sauna are exclusively for adults – we hardly saw any children during our visit. The concept is primarily designed for adults.

Together with the first-class food and service, as well as the gorgeous panorama that can be enjoyed from every corner of the resort, Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda is for me the most beautiful hotel on Lake Garda and an ideal resort for a special occasion and to escape from everyday life.

→ Click here to book your stay at the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda

We had a sponsored stay at the Lefay Resort & Spa Lago di Garda, which doesn’t influence my opinion and review about the hotel.

Probably the most unique hotel in Barcelona, the Cotton House Hotel in the Catalan metropolis takes its visitors 150 years back in time. In this hotel review of the Cotton House Hotel Autograph Collection in Barcelona, you will find out what makes the hotel so unique and whether it is the right choice for you!

My review of the Cotton House Hotel Barcelona

Location

The Cotton House Barcelona is located in the city center on the famous Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes street, within walking distance of many attractions such as La Rambla, the Cathedral or the Sagrada Familia. There are also numerous restaurants and shopping opportunities in the area. Thus, it is the ideal starting point for a sightseeing tour on foot.

The Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes is a busy and therefore quite loud street, but despite this fact, it was pleasantly quiet in the hotel. This is especially due to the fact that many rooms, as well as the bar and terrace, face the quiet courtyard.

From the airport only took us about 20-25 minutes to get to the hotel by taxi, despite the central location.

The Rooms at the Cotton House Hotel

Bright, cozy and to feel comfortable. This describes our room at the Cotton House Hotel ideally! Our Cotton Room with courtyard view and balcony surprised me, because despite the cozy 28m² it seemed spacious and open.

The sink is located in the entrance area, while the toilet is in a separate room. The shower as well as a bathtub are also in a separate area – so the entire room can be used as a shower!

The attached bedroom is cozy, with a large bed and cozy cotton bedding. Thanks to the balcony, the room is also very bright and inviting. The location to the courtyard I personally found  great, because it was very quiet at night.

The concept of the Cotton House Barcelona

As is typical of Marriott’s Autograph Collection properties, The Cotton House Barcelona also has its own unique style and history:

You may have wondered where the name Cotton House comes from. In the 19th century, the building was home to the ‘Cotton Textile Foundation’ – the best tailors and textile processors from the entire region gathered here. For this purpose, the house was restored and designed with attention to detail. In 2015, the complex was restored again and opened as the Cotton House Hotel, of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. But the charm of the late 19th century was retained. Especially the first floor and the second floor of the hotel with the old library and the restaurant with fireplace remind of a museum. It’s a very special ambience in the heart of Barcelona.

Rooftop 

The hotel’s sixth-floor rooftop terrace overlooks the iconic Sagrada Familia above the city’s skyline. There is also a suite on this floor with a private terrace and this magnificent view.

The rooftop terrace includes a small pool as well as some sun loungers and chill out corner. Actually, there is also a small bar up here, however, the service during our visit, despite fantastic weather, was unfortunately not available, which was a bit sad.

Wellness 

On the upper floor of the building there is also a small treatment room for massages and treatments, as well as a small gym. Due to the small size, no couple massages can be offered here, only individual treatments, but guests of the hotel can also use the larger spa area of the neighboring partner hotel free of charge. I opted for a treatment at the Cotton House. The “Heavenly Cotton” massage more than lives up to its name and was a welcome relaxation after all the walking around Barcelona.

Breakfast and Restaurant

The Batuar restaurant is the heart of the hotel, along with the beautiful library. The large terrace of the restaurant faces the quiet courtyard and is very cozy designed with numerous plants and lounge furniture. During sunny weather, it radiates almost a tropical charm and invites you to relax and enjoy the whole day. Breakfast is also served here in the morning.

A small breakfast buffet with cold dishes and sparkling wine is set up indoors. In addition, various hot dishes such as waffles, Eggs Benedict and Co. can be ordered fresh.

In the evening, the Batuar restaurant is an elegant dinner location – both indoors and on the terrace – which is also popular with guests not staying at the hotel. The menu varies each season, as it is largely inspired by the season’s regional produce. My personal highlight was a polenta dish with mushrooms and truffles – a true flavor explosion. Only the desserts with cheesecake served with Parmesan foam or smoked pudding with basil sorbet were a bit too extravagant for me. I prefer the Spanish classics! But the rest of the menu was fantastic!

Résumé of my Review of the Cotton House Hotel Barcelona

A gorgeous location in the heart of Barcelona coupled with an elegant and historic ambiance. The Cotton House Barcelona is the most beautiful hotel in Barcelona I have ever stayed in – and there have been a few! It’s both a great hotel for a special occasion and an elegant alternative to basic city hotels during a city getaway! A place to feel completely at ease and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

→ Click here to book your stay at the Cotton House Hotel Barcelona

You’re planning a trip to Barcelona and don’t want to miss the best sights?

→ Here you’ll find my favorite sights & photo spots in Barcelona 

We had a sponsored stay at the Cotton House Hotel Barcelona, which isn’t changing my opinion and honest review of the hotel in any way.

A place of relaxation in the heart of the Dolomites. Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is a modern and at the same time cozy wellness resort that combines luxury, relaxation and culinary. In this post you can read my full hotel review of the Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti.

My Review of the Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti

Location & Accessibility

Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is located above the small village of Pinzolo, surrounded by green mountains and forests in Trentino. By car it is only an hour away from Lake Garda or 4.5 hours from Munich. A visit to the resort can therefore be wonderfully combined with a road trip through Northern Italy and is an ideal stop to relax and unwind in between hikes and sightseeing. In winter, the region is also a paradise for skiers, making Lefay a great destination all year round.

The concept of the Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti

Currently there are two Lefay resorts in Italy, one in the Dolomites and another on Lake Garda. Both resorts are luxurious wellness oases.
When you arrive at the resort and enter for the first time, you will notice the wonderful combination of modernity with the coziness of a chalet: a dark & elegant design, many wooden elements, warm colors and fireplaces.

Luxury is redefined at Lefay, because here it means sustainability, tranquility, getting back to nature and having time for yourself. Therefore, wellness is omnipresent at Lefay and the 5000m² spa area is very diverse. Indulgence and culinary delights also play a major role in the concept – but more on that later.

The Suites at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti

Even the smallest room category at Lefay Resort & Spa is the Junior Suite, just under 60m² in size. It is equipped with many natural materials, a high-quality interior design and many windows as well as a balcony, from which the beauty of the Dolomites can be enjoyed.

Our Royal Pool & Spa Suite

We slept in a Royal Pool & Spa Suite. And as the name already implies, this room category is ultra luxurious and very generously designed with 315m². The centerpiece of the suite is the private spa area with sauna, indoor whirlpool and treatment beds. It is fully glazed, and looks out onto the private terrace with views over the valley and mountains in the background. At the same time, however, it is protected from outside glances.

The living room invites you to relax and linger, has a dining table, its own bar and even a fully equipped kitchen. Through a sliding door the spacious outdoor area opens up with sun loungers and a heated jacuzzi, from which the view can be enjoyed wonderfully. In addition to the terrace, the living room has a balcony overlooking the pool and the main building.

Super cozy is the bedroom with an electronic fireplace, which can also be found in the living room. The bedding in the Lefay is incredibly soft and the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in. The bathroom is also eye catching with black marble. A great highlight in the double shower is the integrated window overlooking the forest (this can of course be covered if desired.) In addition, the bathroom is equipped with in-house luxurious skin care – and shower products.

Wellness

The 5000m² wellness area is the heart of the Lefay Resort & Spa in the Dolomites. Both indoors and outdoors you can relax perfectly here. The large outdoor pool is heated and thus invites you to swim even in winter. In summer you can sunbathe in cabanas and enjoy the view.

Inside, the spa area is divided into different floors and offers various wellness options. Be it fitness in the super-equipped gym or relaxation in the salt grotto, where there is even a pool in which you can “float” like in the Dead Sea. There are also several indoor pools and whirlpools.

The Lefay Spa Method combines traditional Chinese knowledge with Western techniques to offer a special and wide range of spa treatments. I myself tried a Relaxing Energy Point massage, which was recommended to me by the spa team. It is a mix of a classical massage with the activation of various points on the body, which provide for an ideal energy flow and relaxation. In fact, it was a unique experience, which made me feel very calm.

I also booked a Couple Ritual together with my husband. We have chosen “The Chalet”. The ritual takes place in a special treatment room, which looks like a rustic mountain hut. Here we first had a bath, followed by an oil massage and let the whole experience end with relaxation with a drink by the fireplace.

Wellness is the soul of Lefay, which is clearly felt by guests. The selection is so varied that you can try a new wellness method every day without anything being repetitive. The incorporation of natural elements, as well as the view of the mountains, ensure a connection with nature.

Breakfast & Restaurant

Dolomia

In the main restaurant Dolomia, both lunch and dinner are served as an à la carte menu, as well as breakfast as a buffet. In addition to the breakfast classics, the buffet also includes sparkling wine and a juicer with which fresh juice can be prepared as desired. You can also order simple egg dishes like fried eggs, but I would have loved a separate menu with Eggs Benedict, waffles & Co.

For lunch, there are various snacks as well as delicious salads and sandwiches. But my favorite part of Dolomia is dinner: the menu includes several courses influenced by authentic Italian cuisine from the region, using primarily local ingredients. In addition, there are changing daily specials and a “spa menu” with healthy choices.

An eye-catcher in the restaurant is the open kitchen as well as the impressive wine collection in a glass room, which stands in the center of the restaurant. Here are primarily great wines from the region, but also noble drops with international origin.

Grual 

For a special occasion, Grual is the right choice. The fine dining restaurant is named after the mountain behind Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti and the menu is inspired by the forest and the mountains. This means that all dishes and ingredients used are of local origin, organically grown and found in the region. Including meat, fish and vegetarian dishes. We enjoyed a great eight-course meal here and accommodating special requests were no problem. However, you should plan plenty of time for this dinner experience – but the matching wine accompaniment to the menu shortens the waiting time

Lounge Bar

Probably the most beautiful restaurant area is the lounge bar on the highest floor of the main building. It is elegantly furnished with comfortable leather sofas, a fireplace, a library, and a well-stocked bar. The surrounding glass facade opens up a great panoramic view into the valley. It is the perfect place for an aperitif in the evening and thanks to the terrace also for lunch. At lunchtime, dishes from the main Dolomia restaurant can be ordered here.

There is also a separate cigar room in the lounge bar with special finds to smoke. However, we ourselves do not smoke and therefore only admired it from the outside.

Résumé of my Review of the Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti

Our three days at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti flew by as we enjoyed every moment. We didn’t even leave the resort during this time to make sure we could enjoy our amazing suite, spa services and the dining possibilities to the fullest. It was definitely not our last visit to Lefay! We loved the concept and definitely want to try the resort again in the winter when the gorgeous landscape is covered in snow.

→ Click here to book your stay at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti

Read next:

→ The best places to visit in the Dolomites

We had a sponsored stay at Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, which does not influence my opinion and review about the hotel.

When I think of beachfront All Inclusive resorts usually the first thing which came to my mind were big hotels with small rooms and mediocre Service. But that completely changed when we checked in the SANI Resort in Halkidiki, Greece.

The SANI Resort is a family-run business, which is managed with a lot of heart and attention to detail. It is not a classic large resort, but rather a combination of five great hotels in boutique style… but you read more about it in this hotel review of the SANI Resort.

My Hotel Review of SANI Resort

The Location

SANI resort is located on the Halkidiki peninsula in the north of Greece. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki. Here we were already expected by a SANI driver and with the private transfer the trip to the resort took about 45-50 minutes.

Halkidiki is known for its great beaches and the azure blue water, as you usually only know from the Maldives. In addition, I was positively surprised by the weather – from the Greek islands like Santorini, Ios and Co. in the south of the country, we are actually used to strong winds. However, it was completely different here: The region is much less windy and the SANI bay is ideally protected from gusts of wind.

The SANI Concept

What makes SANI special is that it is not a typical large resort, but rather consists of five different SANI hotels as well as its own marina with boutiques, cafes and restaurants. We stayed at the SANI Club, which is why this hotel review focuses on that hotel in particular. But no matter in which of the five hotels you stay, you always have the possibility to use all restaurants, pools, beaches & Co. Only the SANI Asterias has an exclusive beach and pool.

However, the SANI complex includes much more than hotels and beaches: a large part of the resort are vast pine forests and wetlands, which provide a home for numerous bird species. At certain times of the year, flamingos also make their home here. Therefore, there are hiking trails and bicycle paths on the resort, which invite you to enjoy the nature.

The SANI has a great focus on sustainable tourism and is expanding its concept year after year with higher and higher goals. The entire resort is operated with a Zero Single Use Plastic as well as Zero Carbon Footprint principle. So in 2020 it became the first carbon neutral resort in Greece.

The Hotel SANI Club

The SANI Club is located at the very edge of the SANI Resort and is surrounded by forests and a beautiful blue bay. This makes it the quietest and most idyllic of the five SANI hotels and ideal for relaxation. The hotel is located on a hill, so every room overlooks the blue sea.

Our Suite at the SANI Club

We stayed in a bungalow suite with private pool. The suite is reminiscent of a private villa and includes a large living room, as well as a huge bathroom with free-standing bathtub and rain shower, and a cozy bedroom. However, this room category is also offered as a multi-bedroom version, which is ideal for larger families or friends traveling together.

The highlight is undoubtedly the private terrace with dining table, lounge area, sun loungers and a private pool. I also loved that each garden has its own olive tree, which reflects the Mediterranean feeling.

Our suite unfortunately did not look directly at the sea, as it was located in front of the main pool (most pool suites, however, have the direct sea view), but still a fantastic view of the sunset. Since SANI Resort is located on the west coast of the Halkidiki Peninsula, the sunsets are beautiful and romantic every evening.

→ Click here to find more room categories at SANI Club

Activities 

As mentioned earlier, all SANI guests have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of all SANI hotels, which guarantees that you will never be bored. Since we only stayed at SANI Resort for a few days, it was impossible for us to try all the activities, but here are some of my favorites:

Pools at SANI Club

In total, the SANI Club Hotel already has two pools. The larger one is popular with families, as it has a shallow pool for children and offers a great view of the sea. Especially dreamlike is the view of course at sunset, when the water reflects the colors and thus turns into liquid gold.

My favorite pool is the infinity pool at Sani CLUB. It is particularly idyllic, surrounded by trees and very quiet. Perfect to enjoy the sun in the afternoon.

Beaches

Around SANI Resort there are a total of seven kilometers of white beaches with sunbeds and umbrellas for sunbaths and relaxation. My favorite is the Bousoulas Beach Club. Whether it’s relaxing by the crystal clear water, having a great lunch with refreshing cocktails or enjoying the sunset at dinner with music in the evening – Bousoulas Beach is always a great place to be. The water is not only incredibly blue, but the entrance to the water at this point is very shallow, so you can walk into the water for several minutes without having to swim.

Sport

Whether tennis, soccer, water sports or cycling. In the SANI Resort you not only find ideal lounging, but also sporting compensation. Unfortunately, we had no time to test everything ourselves, but will make up for it next time A highlight are without question the sports academies for children, in which the little ones can learn various sports and even scuba diving or sailing.

Nature

To explore the great variety of nature at SANI Resort, guided tours are offered into the swamps and forests to observe birds and flamingos. Also, I can absolutely recommend you to take a bike ride or hike on the grounds, as the paths lead past gorgeous views. It is hard to believe that all this is part of the resort – I have never experienced anything like it. SANI clearly has a focus not only on luxury and relaxation but also on getting out into nature.

Marina

The SANI Marina is the central point of the resort and as the name suggests, a real harbor for boats and yachts, which invites you to stroll. Here you will find fashion boutiques, but also small stores where you can find everything you need, as well as great cafes and restaurants, which are included in the SANI Dine Around concept. You can read more about this in the next paragraph…

Spa

Wellness and relaxation are part of every vacation for me, which is why I always like to test the spa areas. Here, too, you can choose between a total of 5 spas. The Sani Club, for example, has a great selection of treatments and wellness in The Club Spa. Our relaxing massage and body scrub were perfect to end the day. There are also saunas, a steam room, and cold pools in the spa area that can be used, and the tranquil garden invites you to meditate.

Breakfast and Restaurants

In total, there are 27 restaurants in SANI, which every guest can use, no matter in which of the five SANI hotels you’re staying. So it surely never get boring! And the great thing: When booking half or full board, you can decide every day where you want to eat. At the resort this is called the SANI Dine Around concept.

Of course we couldn’t try all 27 restaurants during our stay and the choice wasn’t easy, but here are my favorites:

Breakfast – at SANI Club

Even when it comes to breakfast, you can decide every morning what you feel like: a lot of choice and buffet in the Olympos Buffet Restaurant or more quiet in the Club Lounge or in the Pines Bar. I myself love á la carte menus, which is why we usually had breakfast in the Club Lounge. Here you can order dishes like avocado toast, waffles or Eggs Benedict from the menu. In addition, there is a small buffet, with fresh fruit, a hot and cold section and fresh pastries.

Ouzerie – SANI Club

My favorite restaurant at SANI Club is the Greek taverna Ouzerie, right by the sea. It spreads a quaint and traditional Greek charm with white staircases and wooden tables on the terrace, which offer an ideal view of the sunset. The food was simply unique: traditional and local, with lots of great dishes which were ideal for sharing and trying through! A wonderfully romantic evening with a great glass of Greek wine.

Lima – at Porto SANI

Another one of my favorites that you can’t miss during your visit to the SANI Resort is the Lima Restaurant in the Porto SANI Hotel. As the name suggests, it’s Latin American cuisine with influences from different regions. The vibe is very modern and young with a live DJ and stylish ambience. But the highlight is without a doubt the food! No matter if you love meat or eat vegetarian. We had among other things soft tacos with pulled beef with truffle mayo, which were incredible, skewers on a mini grill, croquetas, the best churros with a heavenly dulde de leche cream, … I can not rave enough! Definitely try it of you’re staying at the SANI Resort yourself!

Cabana Restaurant – SANI Club

Mediterranean feeling in an elegant ambience with great live music. The Cabana Restaurant is ideal for a romantic dinner date for two. But not in a stiff fine dining atmosphere, but rather relaxed and stylish at the same time. The chef comes from the Cote d’Azur, which is why you can taste the Mediterranean sun in all the dishes. I can recommend the homemade truffle pasta with a great glass of white wine – simply something to dream about.

Lunch – SANI Marina

For lunch, we preferred to stroll through the marina and let ourselves be inspired. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian, Greek or a crepes … everyone is guaranteed to find something in the many small restaurants.

Résumé of my Review of the SANI Resort

You probably already realize… the SANI Resort is unique and impossible to cover in just one hotel review, because it is so versatile. However, all five hotels have one thing in common: an incredibly warm hospitality and the family closeness to the guest. Most travelers are regulars, which speaks not only to the hotel itself, but also to the detail-oriented service.

Whether you’re traveling as a family or as a couple which prefers peace and privacy, there’s a hotel and activities to suit every preference. If you are looking for the perfect mix of relaxation, unique nature and fantastic food, then SANI Resort is the ideal place for you!

→ Click here to book your stay at SANI Club

We had a sponsored stay at SANI Resort in Greece, however, this does not influence my opinion and rating about the hotel.

Welcome to a real fairytale castle! The castle Schloss Lieser was built in 1884 on the Moselle River. Today it is one of the most romantic hotels in Germany, where you can feel and see the pomp of the 19th century at every corner. In this hotel review, I’ll give you all the details about our stay at Schloss Lieser and whether the hotel is the right choice for you!

My Hotel Review of Schloss Lieser

Location & Arrival

The hotel is located directly on the beautiful Moselle River in the west of Germany. Only about 35 minutes away from Trier or 1 hour 45 minutes from Frankfurt. Since the castle is located in the small sleepy village of Lieser on the Mosel Road, it is best reached by car and is ideal for a weekend getaway or as a stop during a longer road trip through the region.

Surrounded by vineyards and overlooking the Moselle River, it has a very romantic view, which is at its best from spring until the golden autumn. During this time you can also do great hiking or biking in the area. Either to various wineries or to the castles in the region. Also a visit to the suspension bridge Geierlay (about 50 minutes by car) is very worthwhile!

Despite the historic building, the hotel has been modernly renovated and equipped. Thus, under the castle garden is an underground garage for cars, which is not visible to the naked eye. Upon arrival, we are kindly welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine from the region and get a small tour of the castle.

The rooms & suites at Schloss Lieser

Since the architecture of the building was preserved true to the original, no rooms at Hotel Schloss Lieser are alike. Each of them is individually furnished and built.

Introducing them all is beyond the scope of this post, however, we were allowed to take a look at different room categories and here are my favorites:

→ Book your stay at Schloss Lieser now here!

Our room: Deluxe guest room with a Moselle River view

Our room was one of the few corner rooms with one window overlooking the Moselle and a second one overlooking the vineyards and Cottage House.

Like all the rooms, it is decorated in a historic ambiance with beautiful furniture & art. But at the same time very modern with a TV, coffee maker as well as air conditioning. Our bathroom unfortunately had no window, but a large shower and a bathtub. We were welcomed in our room with fruits, sweets and a bottle of sparkling wine from the region.

Guest Rooms in the Cottage House

The castle complex also includes a Cottage House. It is an old stone house with a courtyard and fountain, which today houses an event hall, but also guest rooms. Even though they are not located directly in the castle, these rooms are just as beautifully furnished and have a special advantage: they look directly onto Schloss Lieser! For this reason, this room category also has a special charm and is – besides the guest rooms in the castle – the most affordable option in the hotel.

Emperor Suite

In addition to the rooms, Schloss Lieser also has four junior suites, three suites and ONE very special category, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful in the hotel: The Emperor Suite with three massive rooms and direct views of the Moselle River. The bedroom with a freestanding bed leads into the spacious bathroom, where there is a large whirlpool bathtub for two. But the heart is the living room in a truly royal ambience. There is a sitting area by the fireplace, a large dining table, and a winter garden with another seating area. Unfortunately, the fireplace can not be used due to fire regulations of the heritage building, but still gives the room a beautiful atmosphere.

By the way, the large living room can also be booked separately for meetings or wedding ceremonies.

The concept of Schloss Lieser

Both the building itself, as well as the interior of the hotel Schloss Lieser, have enchanted us directly and made me feel like in a fairytale. Everywhere you can discover beautiful details. For instance, the cozy library with numerous books or even an original chapel, to which guests have access at any time. But not only the ambience in the castle is royal, also the service is first class. The team is international, young and was always extremely accommodating and helpful. In Germany, we have rarely experienced such good service!

The Wine Cellar

Wine plays a major role throughout the Moselle region and is grown as far as the eye can see on the picturesque vineyards. For this reason, Schloss Lieser not only has its own winery, but also a wine cellar in the castle with an extensive collection of local and international wines.

Tip: On weekends, a wine tasting takes place in the wine cellar every Friday and Saturday evening, during which great wines from the region can be tasted. The price is 39,- EUR per person and includes not only the wines but also accompanying snacks. We liked the tasting so much that we directly ordered some bottles for home – maybe also due to the fact that we were already a bit tipsy after six different wines…

Spa & Wellness

The old walls of the hotel even include a wellness area on the ground floor with a large pool and various saunas and steam baths. Ideal to relax a bit in the evening or during a rainy day. There is also a small gym with various equipment.

In addition, there is a small spa area where different massages and cosmetic treatments can be booked. Staying true to the wine motto, I opted for a peeling with grape seeds as well as a grape seed oil massage. It was super relaxing and the perfect way to end our stay.

Breakfast & Restaurant

Culinarily we loved the selection at Schloss Lieser so much that we, during the entire stay, have not even eaten outside the hotel once.

A special highlight was the dinner, … but more on that in a moment!

Orangerie

Breakfast is served in the Orangerie. There is seating indoors, but also on the sun terrace in the summer! A buffet of hot and cold dishes is offered in the restaurant, as well as sparkling wine. Additionally, egg dishes such as omelets or Eggs Benedict can be ordered from the menu. I found it especially great that breakfast was available until 11 am – that way you can sleep in and start the day in a relaxed way.

Restaurant Puricelli

Now to my highlight: In the restaurant Puricelli, everything is just right for a wonderful evening: Both the taste and the ambience as well as the service make the Puricelli first class! The menu changes depending on the season and has strong French influences, but still draws inspiration from international cuisine. As much as possible, the ingredients for the dishes come from the region. Interestingly, there are no set prices per dish on the menu. Instead, you can choose between a 3 to 5 course menu price, while each course can be chosen freely! This means that dessert can also be ordered 5 times if you want For the main courses, there is a choice with meat, a fish variant as well as a vegetarian option. The menu can be additionally accompanied with a wine pairing for each course.

We were so delighted with our dinner at Puricelli that we returned again on the second evening. The prices are quite justified for the quality as well as the size of the dishes – a 5 course menu cost about 90 Euros per person.

Puricelli Bar

The Puricelli Bar is open from 4 pm and offers not only great drinks, but also snacks and main course dishes. So if you just want to have a small meal in the evening without ordering a multi-course menu in the Puricelli restaurant, you can do that here as well. Otherwise it is the perfect place for a “nightcap” in the evening

Résumé of my review of Hotel Schloss Lieser

If you are looking for a very special stay in a royal ambience, you will love Schloss Lieser. Especially for a romantic getaway for two with good wine, food and wellness it is dreamlike. While children are also welcome at the castle, the hotel is designed more for adults.

Despite the pomp, the atmosphere in the hotel is not stiff and put on, because the employees in the hotel are very young and warm and you feel directly welcome as a guest.

We had a great weekend at Schloss Lieser, which we enjoyed to the fullest. In combination with exploring the castles and wineries in the area, a bike ride along the Mosel or a visit to the suspension bridge Geierlay, the hotel is a great getaway destination.

→ Book your stay at Schloss Lieser hier!

We had a sponsored stay at Schloss Lieser, but that does not affect my hotel review or opinion of our stay.

The enchanting capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam, is the ideal destination for a city getaway with friends – all year round! During our last stay, we stayed at the W Amsterdam and in this post you can find my review of the hotel!

My Review of the W Amsterdam

Location

The W Amsterdam is located right in the center of Amsterdam, making the hotel the ideal location for a walking tour around the city.

Nevertheless, it is only 20 minutes by cab from Schiphol Airport to the hotel and quick to reach after a flight.

The concept of the W Amsterdam

As is typical for the W brand, the hotel’s concept is young, hip and fresh. The rooftop of the hotel is considered a hotspot in Amsterdam. Not only for hotel guests, but also among locals and tourists who are not staying at the hotel. On the top floor you’ll find WET, an outdoor lounge with the only infinity pool in Amsterdam, which overlooks the city. But even in winter, the Mr. Porter restaurant, as well as the W Lounge and the unique spa area of the W Amsterdam, are a real magnet.

The Rooms

The W Amsterdam consists of two buildings located opposite to each other, on a small street. First there is the historic Bank building, which was actually once a bank. The rooms and suites in this building are elegant and classic, but at the same time modern.

However, we stayed in the modern Exchange building. The overall style of the building is young, hip and playful. This is also reflected in the rooms and suites.

Since I was traveling with a friend, we opted for a double room with two beds and were amazed at how spacious the Wonderful Exchange category rooms are (just one level above the entry-level Cool Exchange).

Overall, the room consists of one large space with an open bathroom, a rain shower, the two beds, as well as a sofa, bar and a huge window front, which in our case overlooked the city. The toilet is in a separate small room.

For couples and close friends, this is the ideal room category, but they don’t offer much privacy due to the open bathroom. However, I loved that the block with the sink and a makeup area, is very central in the room, allowing two people to get ready at the same time without stumbling over each other.

Spa & Fitness

The so-called Away Spa in the Bank building of the W Amsterdam is a highlight of the hotel and the most beautiful spa area I have ever seen in a city hotel.

From the spa reception, a staircase leads down to the basement, which looks very elegant but also cozy with black tiles and atmospheric lighting. There’s a large pool with lounge beds and a Jacuzzi, and another area with a sauna, steam room, ice bath and fire bath.

To ensure that it is never overcrowded and that there is always enough privacy, the spa area must be reserved. This is of course free of charge for hotel guests, but guests from outside the hotel can also book the popular spa area.

The treatment rooms, on the other hand, are located in another area, which is designed as a huge safe (in reference to the fact that the building once functioned as a bank). The treatment rooms are designed dark and cozy as well. We enjoyed a relaxing oil massage here as well as a facial. I thought it was great that the loungers and the blanket were heated, as I usually start to freeze quickly during massages.

Of course, a well-equipped gym is also part of the spa area!

Restaurants & Co.

As mentioned above, the W Amsterdam is a popular hotspot in Amsterdam, both among guests and visitors who are not staying at the hotel, and this is, in addition to the spa area, especially due to the restaurants and lounges in the hotel:

WET

WET is the hotel’s unique rooftop pool, which is the only one in Amsterdam that looks out over the city’s rooftops. Still, I placed WET in this category because it’s primarily a rooftop lounge. In the summertime, cocktails and the gorgeous view over Amsterdam (especially at sunset!) can be enjoyed at this location.

We were ourselves in the winter in the hotel, but still dared for a few photos in the water, which sadly was not heated…

W Lounge

The W Lounge is also located on the top floor of the Exchange building. A great and elegant bar with fireplaces and cozy seating. Not only cocktails are served here, but on weekends a DJ plays starting at 6 pm. Therefore, it gets crowded quickly, but hotel guests have priority at the entrance and always get a seat.

credit: marriott.com

Mr. Porter

Now to my favorite: On the highest floor, right next to the W Lounge is the restaurant Mr. Porter. It is a steakhouse with sharing concept and absolutely amazing! We had a great evening at the restaurant, which has a unique atmosphere. The interior is elegant and modern, the kitchen is open, which allows you to look over the chefs’ shoulders, and the food is world class! In fact, Mr. Porter is one of the best and most popular restaurants in Amsterdam, which is why it is always busy. A reservation is definitely recommended for this reason.

In the center of the restaurant is a large round bar, around which you can also sit and dine. Directly behind it, a DJ plays hip music. I’m a huge fan of restaurant concepts that combine good food with great atmosphere and music, and Mr. Porter embodies this absolutely perfectly!

Dining at Mr. Porter is a must do if you’re staying at the W Amsterdam!

Both Mr. Porter and the Duchess restaurant in the Bank building serve breakfast in the morning. There is a small buffet, but the main part of the food can be ordered á la carte. We ourselves unfortunately didn’t have time to test the breakfast, but it looked very good!

The Duchess

In the Bank building of the W Amsterdam there is another restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The interior style of the restaurant, which was awarded with a Michelin star, is based on the roaring Twenties and is very elegant.

We will surely try this restaurant during our next visit!

credit: marriott.com

Résumé of our stay at the W Amsterdam

Hip and Fun! The W Hotels are especially popular with younger guests, as they are not just for overnight stays, but have so much more to offer! The W Amsterdam also lives this concept to the fullest with a special interior style, hip bars and restaurants. Nevertheless, I never felt the atmosphere as “too loud & wild”, but rather very elegant and pleasant, because you can always retreat to the quiet room or in the relaxing spa area. For me, the W Amsterdam offers the ideal combination of relaxation and get-togethers with friends and like-minded people, in the heart of the Dutch capital. Young couples and friends will feel absolutely at home here!

→ Click here to book your stay at the W Amsterdam with VIP Benefits

The W Amsterdam is part of my Hotel Collection with A Small World. Book your stay through the Collection and you’ll receive unique benefits like free breakfast, an upgrade to your booked room, up to $100 hotel credit and more! Plus, you’ll find the best available rate for each hotel. Signing up for my Hotel Collection is completely free – and best of all, you can use it for any of your future hotel bookings and ALWAYS enjoy the free benefits!

→ Click here to sign up for my Hotel Collection and book your next stay!

We had a sponsored stay at the W Amsterdam which doesn’t influence my opinion about our stay or this hotel review.

Portugal is becoming more and more popular as a travel destination. This is not only because of the beautiful coastline and historic towns but also because of its wine regions. In the picturesque Douro Valley there is a romantic resort of the Six Senses chain, which we visited in late summer and immediately fell in love with the region. In this post I will introduce you to the Six Senses Douro Valley Hotel, give you my honest review and share with you all the details about the resort and what our overall experience was like.

The Six Senses Douro Valley Review

LOCATION

The Six Senses Douro Valley Resort is beautifully situated in the middle of the vineyards on the banks of the Douro River, which the Douro Valley in Portugal owes its name to. Although the wine region is only 1.5 hours from the city of Porto, it has its own microclimate, which is why the Douro Valley is warmer and drier than the coast. Sunny weather can be enjoyed until late autumn and summer usually begins in the spring months.

Due to the very quiet location, the Six Senses Douro Valley can ideally be reached with a private shuttle transfer from Porto, which the resort organizes for its guests. A rental car also offers a suitable solution, especially if you are planning a longer trip through Portugal.

The concept of the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort

Not only the location of the resort but also the architecture of the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort enchants its guests. The main building is an impressive, newly restored 19th-century villa. During the restoration, the original design was retained and the building expanded. The modern extension is almost identical to the style of the main building, with the buildings flowing into one another. When walking through the grounds of the resort, you feel transported back to a bygone era.

The Six Senses Douro Valley isn’t your typical stuffy luxury hotel. All Resorts of the Six Senses Resorts Brand are characterized by the focus on the well-being of the guests and offer a special experience with all senses. Sustainability and good food with local products is an important factor, which can be found in all houses.

We were already enamored after our first stay in a Six Senses Resort – 2019 in Vietnam – and are therefore big fans of the concept.

The outdoor premises

The Six Senses Douro Valley is located in the middle of a spacious area, which consists of a private forest, a garden, an orchard and vines. For this reason, many of the ingredients for the restaurants, especially fruit and herbs, are homegrown. The Resort even offers a Six Senses wine and olive oil.

Even a waterfall, hidden retreats like cabanas, and gorgeous views can be found while strolling through the resort.

Main Pool

The heart of the large outdoor area of the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort is the spacious pool overlooking the surrounding vineyards. On sunny days the pool is the ideal place to relax while resting on the comfortable sun loungers. The pool bar offers both drinks and lunch snacks that can be enjoyed directly on the lounger. A highlight is the little ice cream stand, where you can order homemade ice cream all afternoon free of charge. This little treat is typical of all Six Senses resorts around the world and one of the many “little highlights” that make a stay at Six Senses so special.

Six Senses Spa

As a wellness resort, the spa area of the Six Senses Douro Valley is particularly spacious and extends over several floors. The highlight is without question the large indoor pool with several basins and a 60-minute water circuit. You switch from a warm pool to an ice pool and then into the large pool with several massage jets. Afterwards you turn a few tracks with underwater meditation music. This was an entirely new experience and I have never seen anything similar in any other resort.

Furthermore, the Spa hosts several saunas, including an infrared chamber and a glass-enclosed sauna with a view of the forest.

Sports fans also get their money’s worth in the well-equipped gym. In addition, there is an outdoor sports area on the edge of the forest. Here you can work out on a plateau overlooking the river or take part in yoga classes.

On our last day we treated ourselves to a massage and I absolutely loved it! First of all, I really liked the treatment rooms with large windows. But especially the massage was unique and one of the most relaxing I have ever experienced! The Six Senses therapist found and treated my tense areas precisely. In my opinion a must-do when visiting the Six Senses Douro Valley. 

Thanks to the spacious spa, the Six Senses Douro Valley is a wonderful relaxation hotel all year round and always worth a visit – in summer as well as in the colder seasons.

Rooms and Suites

Poolvilla

We spent our nights in one of the only two pool villas in the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort. It is located in a separate building with a private garden with terrace and pool. The villa consists of two floors with a large living room and a fully equipped kitchen on the lower floor. A staircase leads up to the bedroom and the bathroom with bath. The villa is the ideal choice for couples who want to enjoy special peace and privacy. The second pool villa even has two bedrooms and is therefore ideal for families or friends.

The Valley Building

The latest expansion of the Six Senses Douro Valley only opened in July 2022. The Valley building features both rooms and suites, all of which have access to a shared garden and gazebo, as well as a heated pool and whirlpool. All rooms are designed for two guests, but here’s the special thing: The building’s suites & rooms can be connected offering a great experience for families and larger groups.

Courtyard Suite

The final room category of the Six Senses Douro Valley Resort that we where able to glimpse in was also the one that I liked best. The Courtyard Suite is located in the resort’s main building – a former 19th-century mansion. What is special about the suite is not only the glass-enclosed bathroom with a view of the vineyards and the free-standing bathtub in the living room, but also the large balcony in the courtyard of the building with a view of the resort grounds.

Breakfast & Restaurants

In the Six Senses Resorts, everything revolves around the senses, and therefore also around taste. In the resort, the culinary focus is on the taste of Portugal – especially of course the Douro Valley. Almost all ingredients come from local suppliers or even from the resort’s own cultivation.

The „Vale de Abraão“ Restaurant

A seasonally changing dinner menu is offered in the resort’s main restaurant. In the open kitchen, you can look directly over the shoulders of the chefs as they prepare your meal. The restaurant itself is very cozy with a large fireplace and is furnished the style and matching of the villa.

Breakfast is also served here. It consists of a small buffet with lots of fresh fruit, local freshly baked pastries and more. In addition you can order from an extensive à la carte menu. The day can start relaxed by enjoying your breakfast on the terrace of the inner courtyard.

Summer garden

In the summer months there is another restaurant in the garden of the Six Senses Douro Valley. It is a BBQ concept that is completely outdoors – including the open kitchen. The menu features a “sharing menu” with local dishes, all of which are served as part of a four course menu. All courses are accompanied by matching wines and a port wine for dessert. It is an unforgettable experience with exceptional great food!

Bars

In addition to the Quinta Bar, which serves drinks, snacks and small dishes throughout the day in the main building, a real highlight of the Six Senses Resort is the Wine Library. Due to its unique location in the Douro Valley, wine plays a major role in the resort and the Wine Library is fully dedicated to this theme. Every evening you can take part in a tasting of local wines. A wine sommelier will find the right drop for everyone, selecting from several hundred bottles. And at the automatic wine bar you can order a delicious wine with your room card at the push of a button.

Activities in the Six Senses Douro Valley

The special nature of the Douro Valley offers a lot of opportunities to experience the region outside of the resort.

For all guests, the Six Senses offers free bicycles or e-bikes, which make exploring the hilly landscape particularly enjoyable. Guided tours through the region or to the neighboring small town are being offered with optional tastings in the surrounding port wineries. Some wineries are even within walking distance, eliminating the need to hop on a bike after enjoying a few glasses.

Among the best activities for sports fans is a kayak tour on the Douro River. From the water you see the landscape and vineyards from a completely different perspective. This activity should be on everyone’s must-do list while visiting the Douro Valley.

In addition to the activities outside the resort, there is also plenty on offer within the walls of the Six Senses Douro Valley: starting with tile drawing courses (typical for the region), do-it-yourself projects in the Earth Lab, yoga classes and much more. Everyone is guaranteed to find something fun to do among the selection!

→ Click here to book your stay at the Six Senses Douro Valley

The Six Senses Resorts are part of my hotel collection with A Small World. Which means that booking with us gets you extraordinary benefits like free breakfast, an upgrade, 100 USD stay credit and more! Additionally you will find the best available rate for each hotel. The sign up to my hotel collection is completely free and the best about it: You can use it for any other hotel booking in the future to ALWAYS enjoy the free benefits!

→ Click here to sign up for my Hotel Collection and book your next stay!

Résumé

A stay at Six Senses Douro Valley is not just an overnight stay in a hotel, but rather an unforgettable experience for all the senses. The valley is the ideal place to switch off and enjoy, to escape from everyday life and recharge your inner battery. Especially for couples, friends and families with older children, the Six Senses Douro Valley is the perfect place. Ideally, a stay can be combined with two days in Porto in order to combine sightseeing in the port city with subsequent relaxation.

→ Find more reviews about my favorite hotels around the world here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Six Senses Douro Valley, which does not influence my opinion and review about the resort.

When the days getting colder and shorter, I’m a big fan of cozy wellness days. Exactly for that reason we decided to spend a long weekend in the mountains of Salzburg in Austria and the Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort has been on the top of my list for that!

The hotel has a long family tradition and is run with a lot of heart und love for details by the family Hetteger for two generations already. In 2019 the Edelweiss got completely renovated and extended. The charm of the resort is warm and cozy but at the same time ultra modern and luxurious.

In this Hotel Review I’ll tell you about all the details of our stay at the Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort!

One day at the Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort

The Edelweiss in Grossarl

Location & Arrival

The Edelweiss is located in Grossarl in the beautiful part of Austria called “Salzburger Land”. Grossarl a popular village among tourists throughout the whole year. The Edelweiss is located right next to the lift station which leads up to the Kreuzkogel mountain which is a famous ski slope in the winter season – read more about this below!

After arriving at the hotel we drove directly in the garage where a lift led us in the “Alpenlounge” Reception for Check-In where the amazing staff has already been waiting for us with a welcome drink!

The Rooms & Suites

Junior Suite

We stayed in a Junior Suite “Melisse Deluxe” which has a balcony overlooking Grossarl and the surrounding mountains. The interior is very cozy with a sofa and soft blanket. The open bathroom has a spacious rain shower and two sinks while a high tech toilet is located in a separate little bathroom.

When we entered the suite, a plate with pralines and two wellness bags with slippers and towels for the spa have been waiting for us.

Premium Suites

If you prefer to have more space or when you’re traveling together with family or friends, the Premium Suites are the ideal choice.
The Premium Suite “Lavendel” has two separate bed rooms, a big walk-in closet, a bathroom with a tub and a huge balcony with sun beds.

The Premium Suite “Lavendel”

The Premium Suite „Feuerlilie“ has been my favorite room thanks to the cozy interior. This suite also has two bedrooms but both have separate bathrooms. Additionally you can find a living room with a modern wall-mounted fireplace in the heart of the suite which makes a warm ambience. Located on the highest floor of the hotel, the suite offers an amazing view from the big terrace. The whole facade which is facing the terrace is glassed and can be opened via sliding doors.

The Edelweiss Mountain Spa

I’ve been especially impressed by the huge wellness area, which spreads over several floors and has several indoor and outdoor areas. It’s without any question one of the most beautiful spas I’ve ever seen in a hotel! Beside severals saunas, cozy relaxing areas and great pools they also have a modern gym, a hairdresser and even a spa bar at the Edelweiss Mountain Spa!

Thanks to these unique facilities the Edelweiss won the Wellness Heaven Award in October 2021 which is rating the best wellness hotels in Europe and Asia!

Adults Only Areas

The spa is divided into family friendly and adults only areas which means that every guest can find the ideal place to unwind. The Adults Only wellness area has several glassed panoramic saunas which are offering lovely views to the mountains while you’re sweating. Several warm and cold pools can be found indoors and outdoors – my favorite one for cold autumn days was definitely the warm outdoor jacuzzi. The relaxing areas are very cozy and offer lots of space. During warm days you can even lay outdoors in the sunshine.

Infinity Pool

To start our day we loved to swim a few rounds in the beautiful sports pool but our personal favorite has been the “Adults Only” infinity pool with warm water. You enter the water indoors while a sliding door in the pool leads outside. This means that you can enjoy it during all weathers. During the late afternoons we always came to the infinity pool to overlook the valley and watching the sun going down while sitting in the comfortably warm water.

Family Areas

But of course the Edelweiss is extremely family friendly as well and has a separate family wellness area with different saunas, an indoor pool, a baby water playground and the highlight: the big sliding park with five water slides! They are not only made for kids but also for adults which like to have a little adrenaline rush! We especially had a lot of fun using the floating ring slide!

P.S. Parents which like to enjoy a bit of togetherness at the “Adults Only” area can bring their children to the lovely kids club. It opens from morning until evening and has professional employees which watch the children with many creative activities.

Beauty Mountain Spa

Of course you can also book beauty and massage treatments at the Edelweiss Beauty Mountain Spa. Especially impressive is the Turkish Hammam. It is a very romantic setting and perfect for a relaxing wellness treatment for couples!

The Edelweiss in the wintertime

As already mentioned above, the Edelweiss has the ideal location right next to the lift station, which makes it to the perfect resort for ski lovers in the winter months. Every room gets a private ultra modern locker at the ski depot which stores your equipments warm and dry. So whenever you’re in the mood to go skiing you can just hop in your warm clothes and walk a few steps to the lift. After the downhill guests of the Edelweiss can ski directly back to the depot, leave their equipment there and head directly to the wellness area. So you can go literally from the slope to the sauna in a matter of minutes!

During our stay at the end of September we of course didn’t had snow yet but this gives us another reason to come back to the Edelweiss in the wintertime!

P.S. You can rent your complete skiing equipment directly at the hotel which will be waiting for you after the check-in!

Breakfast & Restaurants

The food at the Edelweiss is definitely worth the luxury status and has been a real highlight every single day!

Edelweiss Mountain Cuisine

The main restaurant of the Edelweiss is the award-winning Edelweiss Mountain Cuisine which serves breakfast and dinner. In the morning you enjoy your breakfast from the huge and rich buffet which leaves no wishes unfulfilled. Additionally you can order fresh egg dishes at your table. The best part of the buffet has been the “drinks room” in which you can create your own juice and even find Kombucha or champagne to start the day.

For dinner they serve different five-course menus every evening. The first course can be chosen from the salad and cheese bar while all flowing plates will be served à la carte. Every day they have one vegan, a local and an international menu which always has been incredibly delicious and surprising! Compared with a pairing wine and a cocktail at the stylish hotel bar after the menu, your dinner turns into an unforgettable evening!

Beside the Mountain Cuisine Restaurant, the Edelweiss offers even more culinary highlights:

• The Petrus Fine Dining Restaurant serves special five or seven course menus with perfectly paring wines
• Sirloin Grill & Dine is the hotel-owned Steak Restaurant which is ideal for a cozy evening
• Last but not least: Kork & Gloria : The perfectly equipped wine cellar of the Edelweiss with many local and international specialities which lets the heart of all wine lovers beat faster!

RÉSUMÉ

My personal aspects for a perfect wellness vacation are a combination of warm coziness, relaxing spa facilities, great food, a special ambiance and modern luxury. All this describes the Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort in Grossarl! Thanks to the unique hospitality and warmth, we experienced as soon as we set foot through the door until the very last second of our stay, the Edelweiss turned into my favorite resort in Austria!
No matter if during the winter months to go skiing or in the summertime to enjoy the nature of the mountains: The Edelweiss is the perfect wellness resort for couples and families, in which the family Hetteger clearly put their whole heart and passion! We are already very much looking forward to our next stay

Click here to plan your own stay at the Edelweiss!

Read more reviews about my favorite hotels around the globe!

We had a sponsored stay at the “Edelweiss Salzburg Mountain Resort”, which doesn’t change my opinion and review about our stay!

Summer in Europe is my favorite time of the year and this season we visited one of our bucket list destinations which has been on our list for quite some time: The green Greek island Corfu! We stayed in the brand new Angsana Corfu which only opened in June 2021 and this is my hotel review about this amazing resort:

The Angsana Corfu

LOCATION & TRANSFER

The Angsana Corfu is just a 20 mins car ride away from the airport in Corfu. A driver picked us up outside of the airport with the private hotel van of the Angsana! This means that you don’t have to care about getting a taxi and can be completely carefree starting from the second you landed!

Rooms & Villas

We stayed in two different room categories during our stay. The Angsana Corfu has a wide selection starting from standard rooms, to suites with amazing views and lastly 37 villas with up to four bedrooms!

Ionian Sea View Suite

This room category is perfect for couples who like to have a lot of space with a separate living area, a bedroom, spacious bathroom with a freestanding bathtub and rain shower. My personal highlight is the terrace from which you can overlook not only the main pool but also the Ionian Sea and nearby green mountain. Outside you’ll find a sitting area and a relaxing sun bed to enjoy the views and the sunshine.

Two-Bedroom Villa with Pool

The villas are the perfect options for families or friends traveling together or simply for couples which like to have some extra privacy and luxury. From one-bedroom up to four-bedroom villas there is the perfect choice for all kind of travelers! They all have one thing in common: A big private pool and a sunny terrace overlooking the sea.

While the main building with the rooms and suites is very modern the villas are constructed in a traditional European style which is very beautiful and reminded us of a finca. Of course they are brand new as well but I would say that they are more cozy than the main complex. I loved that our two-bedroom villa not only had a spacious living room but also a kitchen and eating table where you can cook your own meals if you’re in the mood for it! On both sides of the living room is one bedroom each and they both have their private bathroom with bathtub and shower. From the bed we were looking at our verandah with an amazing sunrise right behind it every single morning! I can highly recommend to book an in room breakfast which will be delivered right to your terrace with your food of choice – there is no better way to start the day!

The Concept of the Angsana Corfu

As soon as you set foot in the hotel you feel that the resort is brand new with a modern but cozy interior as well as a friendly and motivated staff. You can find many stylish places all around the resort like the sunrise pool bar, the lobby or most of all: the insane pool. Thanks to the higher location of the resort on a hill you can enjoy uninterrupted views in almost every direction!

The Pool

The centerpiece of the Angsana Corfu and what lets the resort stand out from others is the incredibly huge infinity pool which offers unparalleled views over the Ionian Sea and the surrounding. Especially during sunrise the pool transforms into a huge mirror which reflects the most beautiful orange and golden colors of the sky which makes a spectacular scene! It is absolutely worth the early wake up call But also during the day the pool is the ideal place to relax and bask in the sunshine in one of the many loungers or cabanas while sipping a cocktail from the Sunrise Pool Bar!

The Beach

If you’re the kind of person that loves to put their feet in the sand instead of laying at the pool, you will love to hear that the Angsana Corfu has a private beach! It’s located downhill right under the resort and can be reached via a short shuttle ride. The beach itself is sandy and offers several cabanas and sun beds to relax. The water is very calm and clear with round stones in the water. Make sure to walk the beach all the way to the end to find my favorite spot: Behind a picturesque rock is a little bay to go in the water. Since most guests stay at the sunbeds close to the Beach Bar this spot feels like a private beach just for yourself! During our stay at the beginning of July 2021 the bar was still constructed but they plan to open it soon to offer a selection of cocktails and snacks right at the beach.

Wellness

With a main focus on wellness and well-being the Angsana Spa & Gym are incredibly huge with many treatment possibilities, private trainings or sunrise yoga.

The Gym

The gym is honestly the biggest one I’ve ever seen in a hotel: They have a group training room and a single training room, one with all strength machines and another one with all cardio machines which overlooks the indoor pool! Yes your heard it right: beside the one outdoors the Angsana has a second pool indoors for aqua sport sessions. Outdoors is a separate Yoga terrace with a panoramic view! We usually don’t often work out when we’re traveling but this incredible gym was way too tempting not to try it!

The Spa

After an exhausting workout it’s time to recharge the batteries in the Angsana Spa which is the biggest Spa in Corfu! It has a very new but warm and cozy interior with couple and single treatment rooms which all have incredible views in different directions. For couples I can recommend to book a recharging treatment which includes a combination of a relaxing bath & massage in one of their couple rooms with bathtub. The relaxing area is spacious and light with floor-to-ceiling windows but can be divided into several sections for extra privacy.

Breakfast & Restaurants

Main Restaurant Ruen Romsai

The Breakfast is served at an extensive buffet in the casual all day restaurant Ruen Romsai. You’ll find many options from Greek delights to International cold & warm classics, local fruit and fresh pastries or you can order freshly prepared egg dishes. Even though the buffet has been amazing I have to give it one minus point for not including classics like French Toast or Eggs Benedict to the included menu. These items will be charged extra which is usually not common for luxury resorts. But beside that everything has been excellent!

Botrini’s

Ettore Botrini’s is a Michelin-starred chef which creates dishes which are inspired by local ingredients but with a modern twist! We ordered a set menu at Botrini’s which was not only very delicious but also surprising. I highly recommend it for a special and unforgettable evening – but prepare yourself to eat a lot of food! All together we got eight courses including the Amuse Bouche. P.S. Ask for their homemade Sangria – it is very refreshing and the perfect summer drink!

Koh

My favorite restaurant at the Angsana Korfu is the Koh which serves different Asian fusion specialties in a very authentic way. Our favorite: The Wagyu beef with truffled mashed potatoes! The quality of the meat and the taste of the whole dish is simply amazing just as their sushi!

Sofrito

Of course you can’t miss the delicious Greek cuisine when you’re coming to Greece! The signature restaurant of the Angsana Corfu called Sofrito is the right place for it. The Greek chef knows exactly how to prepare Corfiot dishes in a traditional way but also cooks own variations with a special twist. Paired with local wines you will instantly arrive in Greek heaven!

RÉSUMÉ

No matter if you’re traveling as a family, couple or friends – the Angsana Corfu is a wonderful resort for everyone with a huge gym for fitness lovers, fine dining for food lovers and an incredible pool & beach for sunshine lovers. It guarantees a relaxing vacation with many great memories and combines your visit in Corfu with an extra level of wellness and luxury!

Click here to organize your own stay the Angsana Corfu

Find more reviews of my favorite hotels around the world here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Angsana Corfu.

Where tradition meets modernity, luxury and the calmness of the mountains: The Forestis Dolomites is a new hotel in South Tyrol, Italy which defines hospitality in a complete new way. Read in this review, what makes this extraordinary hotel so special.

Hotel Review: The Forestis Dolomites

LOCATION

The Forestis Dolomites is idyllically settled over a valley in the heart of the Dolomites overlooking the lush green forests and of course the majestic mountain shapes right behind it. The best way to reach it is by car – we stayed in this hotel to enjoy a relaxing break during a road trip through Tyrol in the summertime. The Forestis has the perfect location to immerse into this spectacular nature and completely switch off for a while.

The hotel is just some minutes away from a charming little town called Brixen which is the oldest one in Tyrol.

Rooms

The hotel complex consists of different buildings which are all connected. The smallest one is a traditional mountain hut with regular rooms and suites. This building has already been a little hotel prior the construction of the three spectacular towers. In these brand new complexes are the Tower Suites situated and – at the top of two of the towers – even a two-storied Penthouse.
All rooms & suites offer an amazing view in the direction of the mountains but naturally the higher Towers Suites and the two Penthouses have a greater vista over the scenery.

The Penthouse of the Forestis Dolomites

This is one of the most spectacular rooms we ever stayed at! The two penthouses of the Forestis are designed with natural elements, a minimalist style while offering a maximum of luxury, privacy and tranquility at the same time.

You enter the Penthouse right in the living room with a fireplace, an open kitchen and the big balcony. Behind it is the walk in closet and the bathroom with natural signature Forestis bath amenities. The bedroom is connected to the balcony as well and has a huge glass front which offers the most spectacular view of the Dolomites right from your bed! But no worries – thick curtains can turn your bedroom into complete darkness to sleep.

A wooden door leads upstairs to your private sauna with Dolomites view and of course to your very own rooftop sundeck with a huge heated pool. It’s without any doubt the best place to enjoy the spectacular mountain vista – especially during sunrise!

The Forestis Spa & Pool

All areas of this unique hotel connect the four natural elements and the Spa & Pool area is a perfect example for it. Again the design is modern with many wooden elements. The area is open for all guests and beside the treatment rooms you’ll find saunas, quiet areas, a snack & tea bar and the big heated stone pool. It is indoors and outdoors as well so you can use it in all weathers!

During the warmer months you can enjoy the view from one of the sun beds and soak in the crisp mountain air and warming sun.

Sport lovers will enjoy the fitness rooms and yoga sessions with the most spectacular view!

Breakfast & Restaurant

Forestis Cuisine

The “Forestis Cuisine” is a place like no other. Never in my life have I seen a restaurant which is as perfectly designed as this step shaped restaurant. It has floor-to-ceiling windows which can be completely opened to enjoy your breakfast outside.

The cuisine of the Forestis Dolomites is inspired by nature and connects South Tyrolean traditions with modern ideas while using natural ingredients of local farmers. Every dish is not only a piece of art for the eyes but also a tasteful experience which will leave you speechless. The menu changes daily depending on the seasonal ingredients.

Breakfast

There’s no better way to start the day than with the fresh breakfast buffet of the Forestis Dolomites. The options are various and again made out of local products like fresh veggies, milk products, sausages and so much more. My favorite part of the buffet has been the juicing room to create your own juice out of fresh veggies and fruit. Additionally you can order hot dishes from the à la carte menu at your table.

The Bar

No matter if during the day to enjoy a teatime on the sunny terrace or for a fancy cocktail in the evening. The Bar & Lounge of the Forestis is the ideal place to enjoy the hospitality of South Tyrol while being surrounded by nature.

RÉSUMÉ

As travel bloggers we’ve already stayed at numerous hotels all around the world but non of them have ever been comparable with the Forestis Dolomites. The concept is thought out to perfection just like the design and hospitality. If you’re looking for a quite place to immerse into nature, soak in the tranquility and treat yourself with delicious dining options and natural luxury than the Forestis Dolomites is your perfect choice! Especially Couples or groups of friends will enjoy this adults only hotel in the heart of the Dolomites.

Click here to organize your own stay the Forestis Dolomites

Find more reviews of my favorite hotels around the world here!

We had a sponsored stay at the Forestis Dolomites.

One of the most legendary hotels in Austria is the Stanglwirt in Kitzbühel. It is hosting its guests since 400 years already and has been continually growing since then. That’s how the small guesthouse turned into a 30 acres huge hotel complex over the time. But despite the size it didn’t loose the traditional Tyrolean comfort.
Read in this blogpost why the wellness and organic hotel in Tyrol is the perfect place to relax – throughout the whole year!

The Location

The Stangwirt is located in Going, Tyrol in the middle of the Kitzbühel alps. The view to the 2344 m high mountain “Wilder Kaiser” is one of the hallmarks of the hotel and can be enjoyed from almost every angle of the complex. The hotel Stanglwirt has the perfect location to go hiking in the summertime and skiing in during the winter since you’re surrounded by the most magical mountains.

The Hotel Concept

The Stanglwirt is rather an experience world than a simple hotel. Due to the size of the complex you can discover something new all the time and everyone will find a suitable activity.

The best part is the huge wellness and sauna world (read more about it below) but even tennis & golf courts, an animal farm for children and much more can be found. The Stanglwirt is well known for having an own Lipizzan stud which can be visited anytime. Guests can even bring their own horses with them during the stay if they plan a riding holiday. The Lipizzan horses can be watched through a huge glass wall in the hotel lobby.

We never missed the typical Tyrolean hospitality and coziness during our stay. And even though the Stanglwirt is very traditional with many wooden elements, it is at the same time modern and at the highest standard. We’ve rarely seen such a great combination of tradition and luxury before.

Since the Stanglwirt has been the last stop of our road trip through Italy and Austria this September, we finally took some time off to relax and recover without leaving the hotel complex only once!

Our Room

We stayed in one of the Sonnensuiten (sunny suites) in the newest part of the hotel. The suite has been completely designed with furniture made out of arolla pine wood and has a fire place which gives the room a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Our Suite consisted of a walk-in closet, a huge bath room with private sauna, a bedroom and living room with a fire place and a large balcony with an incredible view to the Wilder Kaiser mountain.

Breakfast & Restaurant

The Hotel Restaurant

The breakfast and dinner gets served at the hotel restaurant. For the “Stanglwirt breakfast” you can enjoy a wide variety of dishes from the breakfast buffet. They use many organic products from their internal production. The wide selection is enormous – you can choose from berries over freshly prepared egg dishes to oysters and champagne!

For dinner they had a daily changing multi-course menu which really amazed us! The restaurant combines tradition with indulgence in a very unique way – especially the “Topfen strudel” (a traditional dessert) has been delicious!

The restaurant “Stanglwirt”

The historical restaurant “Stanglwirt” is serving Tyrolean Cuisine with homemade dishes from in-house products. The unique and famous feature of this restaurant is the “cowshed window”. In the evening it offers a view into the barn with the cows lying and resting in the straw. The cows live on meadows in the mountains during the summertime but starting from the beginning of fall they come back home to the Stanglwirt.

Wellness

The enormous 12.000m² wellness and sauna world is one of a kind and divided in a family and adults area. Both do have an indoor and outdoor area with several pools, saunas and much more!

One of my favorite parts has been the “rocky landscape” which got constructed with real rocks from the surrounding mountains and offers a panoramic view through the huge window. It’s completely indoors but makes you feel like you’re in a tropical jungle.

A swim in the warm salt water pool while enjoying the crisp air and mountain view, has been my favorite way to start the day early in the morning.

Specials

One of the reasons why we fell in love with the Stanglwirt in Austria is that it not only cares about pleasure & luxury for it’s guests but also about the environment & sustainability – for decades already! They use local products for every possible occasion – beginning from the wood for the furniture to the carpets out of sheep wool or the homemade butter and cheese. Since 2017 the Stanglwirt is an official cooperation partner of the WWF for a sustainable future of the hotel.

RÉSUMÉ

No matter if you’re traveling as a family or looking for a quiet couple trip – the Stanglwirt in Austria is a relax & wellness world in the Kitzbühel Alps for all age groups. We enjoyed our stay to the fullest and finally found some time to recover!

Click here to read more reviews of my favorite hotels around the globe!

We had a sponsored stay at the hotel Stanglwirt in Austria.

To enjoy the last days of summer we visited the luxury hotel Das Central – Alpine. Luxury. Life. in Sölden in September. The hotel surprised us with pleasure for all senses and relaxing luxury in Tirol. The mix of tradition, nature and wellness has been one of a kind…

THE LOCATION

Das Central is located in Sölden in the middle of the wonderful Austrian Ötztal. Surrounded by three “Three-Thousander” mountains the hotel offers incredible views in any direction.
With a gondola you can reach the top of the Gaislachkogl mountain which is only ten minutes away.

THE HOTEL CONCEPT

The slogan of the hotel is “Alpine. Luxury. Life.” and promises relaxing luxury which starts the moment you arrive! Everything is about indulgence, well-being and the unique nature of Tirol. We felt very welcome from the very first minute since the hotel has a luxurious but cozy interior and the staff was always extremely kind with a smile on their face.

What makes Das Central so special is not only the perfect location to explore the surrounding and to go skiing in the wintertime but it is also the ideal hotel for a spa holiday. That’s how we had the perfect mix of exploration & wellness

The Rooms

Das Central has many different room categories so couples, families and friends will find the perfect opportunity. No room is like another and all are designed with elaborate details.

Junior Suite

During our time at the Das Central we stayed in a Junior Suite with one living and one bed room. Every morning the first thing I did was stepping outside to our terrace to enjoy the crisp air and incredible views while sipping a tea.
I really liked that we had two bathrooms – a smaller one with a toilet plus shower and a second one connected to our bedroom with a huge bath tub to relax.

The luxurious Presidential Suite

During a tour through the hotel we especially fell in love with the 205 m² huge presidential suite! In an exclusive chalet style they built a luxurious suite with two bedrooms, a sauna & whirlpool together with many more amazing details! It would be the perfect accommodation for a family or friends for an unforgettable stay in Tirol.

More Room Categories:

Breakfast & Restaurant

Gourmet Breakfast

The breakfast and the dinner will be served at the high crowned hotel restaurant Feinspitz. In the morning the food gets served at a gourmet buffet. Additionally you can choose from the à la carte menu with fresh egg dishes. From 7-11am we had enough time to enjoy every part of the breakfast to the fullest: From the fresh juices, local products and the international dishes.

Incredible cuisine 3048m above sea level

Around ten minutes away from the hotel is the gondola located which leads to the top of the Gaislachkogl. Here – 3048 m above the sea level – is the gourmet restaurant ice Q  located where we enjoyed an exquisite 3-course-menu. The glass restaurant offers an incredible view over the Ötztal Alps and has been the most memorable food experience during our travel!

The award-winning Restaurant Feinspitz

In the evening the dinner gets served at the restaurant Feinspitz with a daily changing 5-course-menu (which is also available as a vegetarian option). Every dish has been a highlight for us cause the composition of the tastes and the presentation have always been perfectly arranged.

A well sorted wine cellar

In 2016 Das Central got voted as the best wine hotel in Austria. The well sorted wine cellar of the house includes more than 30.000 bottles with a some rare pieces. No matter if wine expert or simply wine lover – the well informed staff finds the perfect choice for everyone.

The Spa Area

Water world Venezia

After an adventurous day in the Ötztal or during a gloomy day the best idea is to relax in the water world Venezia!
As the name already implies the water- and sauna area of Das Central is designed like Venice. We spotted the reconstruction of famous bridges together with a huge screen which almost gave us the feeling to be actually in Venice.

All together ten different saunas and steam baths, a whirlpool and a huge Venice Pool are located on three floors so you can literally spend hours to relax. If you’re courageous enough you can cool down with crashed ice from the ice fountain after your sauna session.

Alpine. Luxury. Spa.

The spa area of Das Central has a wide catalogue of massages, beauty- and body treatments which are incredibly relaxing. During a rainy day we enjoyed a full body massage which has been very calming. I have been very pleasantly surprised by the heated massage bench which I never experienced in any other hotel before.

Specials

During the most beautiful and sunny day of our stay in Sölden we did a road trip to the glacier road in Sölden which is located just around the corner! Every guest of the hotel has the possibility to rent the brand new BMW model. In our case this has been a BMW 840i convertible with x-drive which has been the perfect choice to cruise through the mountains on a sunny day.

RÉSUMÉ

Das Central in Sölden is the perfect choice for a mix of a wellness, exploration and pleasure – and in the wintertime also for skiing. During our stay we felt right at home thanks to the warmth of the staff and the cozy atmosphere so we are already looking forward to return

Click here to book your stay at Das Central now with the best prices!

We had a sponsored stay the hotel Das Central in Sölden.

Do you look for a place to stay in Santorini to have some of the islands best views while enjoying a bit of luxury in Greece? Maybe you should check out the Grace Hotel Santorini.

Hotel Review: Grace Hotel Santorini

THE LOCATION

The Grace Hotel Santorini is located in the village Imerovigli, far away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist groups. From the hotel you not only have an amazing view to the famous village Oia but also to a very special viewpoint: The Skaros Rock is located right in front of the Grace Hotel. You can hike up to the top or around the rock to reach the picturesque church Theoskepasti.

THE HOTEL CONCEPT

The Grace Hotel is a member of the Auberge Resorts Collection which is a group of different luxury resorts and hotels around the globe.
Like almost all buildings in Santorini the Grace Hotel is built in the traditional way of the famous white houses you probably know from pictures.
The reception, rooms and restaurant are located on different levels along the cliff which are connected via stair cases. One advantage of this is that all rooms and suites have a direct view to the Aegean Sea and the Skaros Rock! This view is especially incredible during sunset.

Our Room

Category:

Deluxe Room with Plunge Pool

Our Room has been located one level above the pool with a wonderful sea view.
To the room belongs a private terrace with a seating area and sun chair. We really loved the plunge pool which has been perfect to refresh during the hot afternoons or to enjoy the incredible sunsets!

Inside the room the interior  has been traditional but still modern and cozy with white and blue elements. The center of the room is the cozy bed and a well equipped mini bar with Nespresso machine.

Behind it we had a spacious walk in shower and the bathroom which is equipped with a well sorted collection of amenities from a Greek brand called Apivita.

As a welcome gift every guest gets a wooden box with bags and other details to collect their travel memories and to take them back home.

Check out all the different Room & Suite Categories of the Grace Hotel Santorini HERE!

Breakfast & Restaurant

The breakfast gets served daily until 11am in the restaurant at the pool. Every evening you will find a menu on your room with the theme and the dishes which will be served the next morning. The menu always has five courses (yes, you heard it right) in combination with homemade pastries and jams. Due to the daily changing topics like f.e. “Greek” or “Tropical”, your breakfast will never get boring!

Santoro Restaurant

The restaurant of the Grace Hotel Santorini is called Santoro and serves traditional Mediterranen Food but in a very modern and high class variation. It opens at 7pm for dinner and I can highly recommend you to book a table for sunset to enjoy the amazing food in a romantic & private atmosphere.

Specials

As already mentioned above the Grace Hotel is located directly in front of the iconic Skaros Rock which is a popular viewpoint in Santorini. You should start your hike either early in the morning or during sunset to avoid the midday heat which can be stronger than you might think. We almost melted during our hike back to the hotel! If you decide to do the hike definitely don’t miss the Theoskepasti church which is only accessible if you walk around the rock.

During the hot afternoons the best place to be is the main infinity pool! It has an incredible view over the caldera with several smaller islands in the background.

RÉSUMÉ

The Grace Hotel Santorini offers a very private and exclusive ambience for a romantic couple getaway – maybe even for your honeymoon?! We have been really amazed by the incredible views the hotel offers from almost every corner and loved the quiet location in Imerovigli.

→ Book your stay at the Grace Hotel Santorini here!

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The Grace Hotel in Santorini is part of my Hotel Collection with A Small World. So when you sign up via my Collection Link you will get extraordinary benefits like an upgrade and 100 USD stay credit plus you find the best available rate as well. The sign up is completely free and the best about it: You can use the benefits for any other hotel bookings in the future and always get these VIP benefits for all your stays! 

→ Click here to sign up for my Hotel Collection and book your next stay!

We had a sponsored stay at the Grace Hotel Santorini.

The Periscope Hotel Athens is the perfect place to stay during a city trip in Greece. It has a modern & urban style to relax while being close to the best sightseeing spots!

THE LOCATION

Located in Kolonaki the Periscope Hotel Athens is surrounded by a hip & young neighborhood. The best Shopping places, Restaurants, Bars & Cafes are located within a walking distance of only a few minutes.
Even the famous Acropolis is not far: around 15-20 mins to walk or a few minutes via taxi. From the rooftop of the hotel you can see the most famous site in Athens which looks especially impressive during sunset.

THE HOTEL CONCEPT

The Periscope Hotel is member of the Design Hotels & YES! Hotels Group: A very modern & fresh hotel group with a passion for art. Every hotel is designed in a very unique way: Like the NEW Hotel which has a vintage vibe or the urban Periscope Hotel we stayed at.

The 22 Rooms and Suites have been completely renovated in summer 2018 and offer a stylish design which reminded us of a big city loft.

The Lobby is called the “Periscope Lounge” and is a great place for a meeting or simply to relax. Throughout the whole day you can grab some free snacks, soft drinks or coffee at the bar which is such a great invention!

Our Room

We stayed in the wonderful

Penthouse Suite

This Suite is the biggest one of the Periscope Hotel Athens and has a size of 50 sqm with a living room, huge bed and spacious bathroom. Everything is concepted open which makes the room look even bigger.

Through a sliding door of the huge glass facade you can step outside to your balcony where a staircase will lead you up to the best part of the Penthouse:
Right on the roof of your suite you find a private jacuzzi with a relaxing area to enjoy the wonderful view over the roofs of Athens. You can even spot the famous Akropolis from up here.

Other Room Categories:

All rooms of the Periscope Hotel are designed in the same stylish way like the Penthouse Suite with unique photography art pieces from Athens and modern room features.

The Breakfast

The breakfast usually gets served as a buffet in the Periscope Lounge. Due to many new restrictions in times of COVID-19 they decided to collaborate with the amazing brunch cafe “Queen Bee”. It’s located just around the corner of the hotel and takes you around 2-3 minutes to walk. In the cafe you can choose from the rich breakfast menu: My favorites have been the avocado toast with poached eggs or the amazing homemade pastries.

Another highlight in Athens: The NEW Hotel

If you are looking for an amazing place to enjoy some cocktails or amazing food not far from the Periscope Hotel, I can highly recommend you the NEW Hotel. It’s another Design Hotel of the YES! Hotel Group. The interior has a special charm with retro elements combined with modern art while the huge roof terrace offers an amazing view over the city and to the Akropolis.

RÉSUMÉ

The Periscope Hotel Athens impressed us by the unique modern but still cozy design and by the friendly staff. We felt very welcome from the very beginning we checked in until we had to leave Athens again !

It is such a great city hotel in the heart of Athens which will be the perfect place to come back after a sightseeing tour or business meeting!

Find all hotels in Athens of the YES! Group HERE!

Click here to check out my other Reviews of the best hotels all around the globe!

We had a sponsored stay at the Periscope Hotel.