Best of Winter Hideaways: This Year's Most Beautiful Relaxation and Activity Hotels
Winter is coming and we're already looking forward to having fun in the snow and cozy feel-good moments. These top addresses are among the best winter hideaways of the year.
October 29, 2024
Die Hochkönigin
© Carmen Hutter
For anyone seeking the perfect combination of winter sports, wellness, and exquisite cuisine, the Mountain Resort HOCHKÖNIGIN is the place to be. Nestled amidst the majestic mountains of the Salzburger Land, this four-star superior hotel lies just steps from the ski lift, providing guests with direct access to the Hochkönig ski area, part of the renowned Ski amadé. Here, you'll find top-quality slopes, the most modern lifts, and wonderful snow conditions. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, guests can enjoy sledding, cross-country skiing, and winter hiking. After a day in the snow, guests can unwind with the resort’s extensive wellness offerings, promising relaxation at its finest: The QUEEN SPA entices with saunas, experience showers, relaxation rooms, and treatments, as well as an outdoor infinity pool, an indoor "chill lake," and a whirlpool. The new adults-only TIARA SPA offers a serene escape for adults with a thermal pool, Finnish sauna, and two terraces. The hotel’s activity program (complete with a fitness room) includes everything from body styling and yoga to personal training. Rounding out the stay is the refined alpine cuisine, focusing on fresh, regional ingredients—a key reason why HOCHKÖNIGIN is recognized as a gourmet hotel and was recently awarded a Michelin Key.
the HOCHKÖNIGIN - Mountain Resort
Hochkönigstraße 27, 5761 Maria Alm, Salzburg, Austria
+43 6584 7447 • hochkoenigin.com
The Central
© Rudi Wyhlidal
Located in the heart of the picturesque Ötztal, hotel Central in Sölden is the ideal retreat if you're looking to combine luxury and nature in winter. With direct access to one of the best ski areas in the Alps, this five-star hotel offers its guests an unforgettable winter experience. After an active day on the slopes, guests can immerse themselves in 2,000 square meters of wellness enjoyment and indulge in alpine treatments. The absolute highlight is the new Summit Spa with an infinity pool. The award-winning gourmet cuisine—including the renowned restaurant “Ötztaler Stube”—delights with regional specialties and fine wines from the hotel’s own wine cellar. From stylish suites with mountain views and warm service to unique winter activities beyond skiing, hotel Central in Sölden promises pure alpine luxury for a relaxing winter holiday.
The Central
Auweg 3, 6450 Sölden, Austria
+43 5254 22600 • central-soelden.com
Chalet Falk
Chalet Falk
Whether skiing, snowshoeing or tobogganing right on the doorstep, Chalet Falk in the Nockberge Biosphere Park offers a perfect retreat for a slow-paced winter vacation in a unique location for those seeking ultimate privacy without having to forego the amenities of a five-star hotel. With space for up to 8 people and absolute privacy, the chalet promises pure relaxation and maximum comfort. Surrounded by snow-covered forests and alpine meadows, guests can enjoy the crackling of an open fire, relaxation in the warm outdoor pool and spectacular mountain views from the panoramic sauna. The spacious architecture with natural materials and the detailed interior create a feel-good atmosphere in which luxury and nature merge harmoniously.
Chalet Falk
Falkertweg 5, 9546 St. Oswald
+43 676 4734934 • Instagram: @chaletfalk
Grossarler Hof
© GROSSARLER HOF
As idyllic as Großarl itself, the GROSSARLER HOF offers a serene escape where time seems to stand still, inviting guests to enjoy peaceful days in the snow. As part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this lovingly managed property radiates a cozy atmosphere, paired with the highest standards of quality and elegance. In winter, the snow-sure valley (part of Ski amadé) promises endless fun on the slopes for winter sports enthusiasts, but romantic moments are also assured: when the hotel’s surroundings transform into a winter wonderland, the cozy terrace beckons for warm hours by the fire. In the Erlenreich Relax & SPA, guests can fully unwind, indulging in the skilled hands of the wellness team. Culinary delights await in the Jagastub’n, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, offering a dining experience that impresses on every level.
GROSSARLER HOF, an SLH Hotel
Unterbergstraße 76, 5611 Großarl
+43 6414 8384 • grossarlerhof.at
LifeSteil
© LifeSteil
Colorful, urban, and unconventional: this is the vibe of the LifeSteil Apartment Resort in the beautiful Ötztal. The luxurious apartments exude a youthful spirit with modern interiors combined with alpine coziness. The wellness area, complete with an infinity pool and sauna landscape, promises carefree hours and countless joyful moments. At the in-house Botanik cocktail bar, guests can enjoy exclusive drinks in a relaxed atmosphere. It's perfect to unwind. Whether for a rejuvenating wellness stay or as a base for winter activities, LifeSteil offers a unique blend of nature and comfort in the heart of Tyrol.
LifeSteil apartment resort
Hintere G. 26, 6441 Umhausen
+43 5255 20720 • lifesteil.at