© Hotel Franks

The year is still young, and some resolutions are still holding. Many people would certainly prefer more mindfulness in their lives – and yet everyday life continues to swallow up their time and attention. Mara Frank and her mother, Cora Bethke-Frank, run the five-star Hotel Franks and know how important it is to take a break from the rat race; as experts in that regard, the hotel's staff offers the following tips for more mindfulness.

Hotel Franks
Sachsenweg 11, 87561 Oberstdorf im Allgäu, Germany
Phone: +49 8322 7060
Web: hotel-franks.com

Tranquility and water

© Hotel Franks

Sometimes it is enough to take a step back from everyday life for a moment. For Katharina Hüttlinger from accounting, the GipfelSpa is one of the most contemplative places: "Up here in the onsen pools, you seem to be above it all – or rather lying down. The view is uplifting!" Mara Frank loves the new RooftopSpa – but also the alcove behind the fireplace near the hotel reception. "I can take a break in the cozy nook, which is almost hidden," the young hotel manager reveals. Cora Bethke-Frank is a fan of the fireplace in the new bar: "The view of the crackling fire is magical." She is also delighted that families and couples are using the elaborate board games in the seating areas. "I've rarely seen so many people play Ludo ... and with not a cell phone in sight!"

Sauna yoga and Ayurveda

© Hotel Franks

Yoga is a proven practice for more mindfulness. "As soon as the temperatures allow, the wooden decks by the natural pool in the hotel garden are ideal for getting into a relaxing flow," recommends Eva-Maria Süßmair, who works in the marketing department. The wellness area at Hotel Franks goes one step further and offers yoga in the sauna. "It's also called 'sleep training – and rightly so'," explains Ralf Wiegard. "A mix of gentle stretching exercises in the sauna and meditative sessions in the fresh air is particularly effective at reducing stress and relaxing the body. The heart is strengthened and your thoughts comes to a noticeable halt."

© Hotel Franks

A trip to Franks can also be a journey within yourself. "During the Ayurveda time-out, our experienced therapists gradually bring body, mind and soul into harmony," says Madeleine Zauder, describing their mindfulness offers. "The full-body massage relaxes, strengthens the immune system and calms the nervous system." The Ayurveda package includes an individual Dosha assessment, an Abhyanga full-body oil massage, an Ayurvedic herbal oil foot bath tailored to the Dosha, Padabhyanga, an Ayurvedic foot massage, an Ayurvedic ear candle treatment and oil forehead pouring (Shirodhara). 

Natural places of power

Allgäu GmbH, Jones de Rosso 

Those who follow the call of the mountains in Oberstdorf will find a stunning natural treasure. "A walk or hike is a wonderful mindfulness exercise," says Mara Frank. The Hoffmannsruh plateau is just a few minutes' walk from the village. Framed by mountains on three sides, an impressive avenue of old sycamore trees draws a so-called line of power. In addition, a huge lime tree and a mighty tall fir express the special energy of this place. Eva-Maria Süßmair also appreciates the place; her special tip: "Be sure to walk there acyclically – either very early in the morning or at dusk, then you can feel an exceptional sense of peace."

Another worthwhile destination is the Stuibenfall. From Oberstdorf, the well-marked path leads through the scenically varied Oytal valley. The thundering waterfall only emerges from a cloud of mist late in the day. Powerful, loud and beautiful, life force plunges into the depths along with the water – and washes over vistors.

© Hotel Franks

Warm hospitality, personal service and sustainability are the top priorities for the Franks, who are running the hotel in their third generation. The hotel in the heart of Oberstdorf has been expanded and developed since 1964. The hotel has a spa area of over 3,000 square meters, with new features such as a rooftop facility with onsen pools and an infinity pool in the garden.

Hotel Franks
Sachsenweg 11, 87561 Oberstdorf im Allgäu, Germany
Phone: +49 8322 7060
Web: hotel-franks.com