They are oases of peace, relaxation and beauty. They are little escapes between mountains and valleys, rural expanses and urban realms. When it's dark and uncomfortable outside, these bright spots between Bolzano, Munich, Hamburg, Vienna and Zurich help you to simply switch off, let yourself be pampered and think of nothing but yourself.

San Luis Retreat Hotel & Lodges

Dolce Vita meets alpine aesthetics
Nature all around - and at "San Luis" you are right in the middle of it. The architecture of the luxury resort with chalets and tree houses is based on natural materials such as wood, glass and clay. The interior of the house is as well thought-out as the shell. For example, there is a barn-sized bathing hall with an open fireplace in which a fire crackles. The other open fireplaces in the clubhouse or on the terrace have a not less romantic charm. Don't miss the warm and soothing bubble bath in the middle of the lake. It's best to decide which bath to take first on the thickly upholstered sofas in the bright relaxation rooms - although there's a good chance you won't get up again that day. Prices on request.

Signature Treatment: The name of this treatment is no exaggeration! The masterly facial ritual "luxury facial care for him & her" (from € 148) has a deep effect. This is ensured by the intensive cleansing of the face, neck and décolleté, which already introduces the first anti-aging active ingredients into the skin while it is being cleansed. Then it is ready for the massage and the whole boost of phytohormones, which ensure a radiant, smooth complexion. The result: a masterpiece!

Vöranerstraße 5
39010 Hafling
Italy
sanluis-hotel.com

Hotel Gnollhof

Relax with an unobstructed view of the Dolomites
There are many favourite places in the wellness area of the "Hotel Gnollhof". For example, there is the terrace, where you can spend some time wrapped in a cosy bathrobe, even in winter. Or the relaxation rooms, with their comfortable loungers waiting for you to enjoy the spectacular panorama from here, and not just between sauna visits. Or perhaps you would prefer to take a dip in the well-tempered infinity pool at 1160 metres above sea level, where you can't help but feel like you're floating in the mountains. It's best to make the most of every single seat and let yourself be carried along by the tastefully designed cosiness throughout your stay. Because with so much relaxation, it is impossible to make a decision anyway. Double room from € 94,- per person.

Signature Treatment: If you book a facial treatment and are first massaged on the feet, you may be taken aback for a moment. But the astonishment immediately gives way to a wonderful feeling of well-being during the "Pharmos de Luxe Treatment" (at € 119). Because the subsequent facial with cleansing, peeling, skin analysis and care is based on the Pharmos concept, which is carried out with a fresh aloe vera leaf, among other things. Incidentally, in the Pharmos products themselves, water is replaced by the plant's organic original juice. The final treatment is a special massage for the head, face and neck.

Gufidaun 81
39043 Chiusa
Italy
gnollhof.it

Park Hotel Mignon

Bathing with pleasure
At the "Park Hotel Mignon" you don't just bathe in the pool. Here you take baths in the wonderfully fragrant South Tyrolean hay. In addition, the Park Spa also offers aroma cosmetic baths, which are tailored to personal needs and have a purifying, regenerating or relaxing effect. The other highlights are designed to be like a trip around the world. Relax in the "Bamboo Forrest" on warm rocks, in the "Glacier Ice" ice grotto, which provides the necessary cooling after a sauna, or in the "Mediterraneo", the room that beckons with its warm and humid climate all year round. Double room from € 189,- per person.

Signature Treatment: The "Gsund Belvita Treatment" (at € 99) pampers you from head to toe. Albeit in reverse order. But that doesn't really matter. It is much more important that all herbs and ingredients used have a purely natural basis. You can feel this with all your senses. Those interested learn that this is the Phyto Staminal Rosalpina & alpine herbs line from the Piroche company in Merano, which is used for all the steps - from the soothing foot bath to the moisturising body wrap to the face and décolleté massage.

K. Grabmayrstraße 5
39012 Merano
Italy  
hotelmignon.com

The Silena - The Soulful Hotel

Slowness, silence, mindfulness and deceleration
So much peace and relaxation that you don't even know where to start. Perhaps with the high-quality Dedon lounge furniture, which is of course set up according to a sophisticated feng shui concept (which also runs through the rest of the house) and on which you can consider in which of the countless saunas, rest areas, lounging mats, rocking chairs or hanging "birdcages" you should relax next with steaming herbal tea. The soothing colour concept of dove and night blue, natural tones and soft green also does its bit at the roof terrace spa. Double room from € 270,-.

Signature Treatment: The "Advanced Bio Lifting Face Treatment" (at € 168,-) with the products of the South Tyrolean natural cosmetics of Team Dr. Joseph lasts almost two hours. Enough time for a comprehensive skin diagnosis, a lymph-stimulating massage, herbal steam compresses, a peeling and a deep cleansing with cupping glasses. A special serum is incorporated with the flower stamp lifting massage, and then the treatment is completed with an intensive mask and day care.

Birchwaldweg 10
39037 Vals
Italy
silena.com.

Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti

Feel good in the middle of the forest
If you could build harmony, it would look like in the "Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti": The resort stands in the middle of the forest, natural materials such as wood and stone can be found from the reception to the rooms to the 5000 m² spa. Even the bathrobes follow the elegant design line of the house. Once the latter has been laid on one of the comfortable loungers, lengths can be taken in the tonalite-covered sports pool, for example. Incidentally, the water area is the epicentre of the Lefay SPA Method's energetic path. Sauna lovers can sweat their way through different temperatures and humidity levels from the "White Tiger" to the "Black Turtle". Mineral treatments take place in the saltwater lake and salt grotto. Double room from € 360,-.

Signature Treatment: The "detox path" through an impressive mountain cave leads through the salt cave, after which you float on the salt lake to then enjoy phytotherapy and relaxation. The treatment, which lasts almost two and a half hours, is rounded off by a detox scrub, a detox massage and detox manganese therapy with mineral manganese ions extracted from rodolite, enriched healing mud, horse chestnut oil and gentian and aescin extracts. At € 240,-.

Via Alpe di Grual 16
38086 Pinzolo (TN)
Italy
dolomiti.lefayresorts.com

Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort

The Adults-Only retreat for body, mind and soul
The luxurious hideaway at the foot of the Texelgruppe Nature Park combines "Mediterranean well-being with Alpine joie de vivre", which can be felt throughout the hotel. The six floors of well-being in the Preidl Spa with a sauna tower, the private spa for couples and a wellness garden become an experience. A sleep coach ensures, for example with the Tranquillity-Sleep-Massage (from € 90,-), that one is accompanied by sweet dreams for a long time. The relaxation offer is rounded off by a Medical SPA for health checks and aesthetic medicine. Double room from € 434,-.

St. Zeno Street 13
39025 Naturno near Merano
Italy
preidelhof.it

Hotel Therme Meran

Bathing with pleasure
Wellness to the power of three? This is no exaggeration at the "Hotel Therme Merano" thanks to the three wellness oases! In the Rooftop Sky Spa you swim high up in the infinity-brine pool and discover the surrounding peaks through palm leaves, while in the Garden Spa you literally stay on the ground in the newly designed indoor area with comfortable relaxation loungers as well as indoor and outdoor pool or in the textile outdoor sauna. And then there is the Merano Thermal Baths, which can be reached through a "bathrobe tunnel" and where you can feel the newfound lightness thanks to 25 times of water, waves and bubbling. Double room from € 148,- per person.

Piazza Terme 1
39012 Merano
Italy
hoteltermemerano.it

Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort

Where stone pines meet Zen
Family holiday and relaxation? Action and relaxation? Here, on the outskirts of San Vigilio, opposites are combined. Because in the "Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort", young and old can splash around together in the (adventure) pools in the family wellness area or rest in the cuddly nests. Speaking of peace and quiet: you can find it in the Adults Only Dolomites Sky Spa. There, you can literally immerse yourself in the backdrop of the Dolomites in the infinity pool or think about how to indulge in culinary delights later in the outdoor relaxation lounge by a romantic fireplace. Wrapped in a cosy blanket, the spacious sun terrace can also be enjoyed in winter. Double room from € 318,-.

Signature Treatment: In the "!QMS Classic" anti-aging treatment (at € 134), the skin is first cleansed and exfoliated down to the pores to prepare it for the subsequent algae modelling. The moisture kick works thanks to the 70 percent natural soluble collagens that revitalize the complexion.

Valiares street 44
39030 San Vigilio di Marebbe
Italy
myexcelsior.com

Hotel Panorama Royal

Source of energy, strength and joie de vivre
Here you can draw from the full to sustainably regain the energy that all too often falls by the wayside in stressful everyday life. The luxurious ambience of the hotel in Bad Häring in Kufsteinerland with its power spots already leads you on the right path. The rest is taken care of by the hotel's own health concept "Our-way-of-Healing", which runs through all treatments and cures and is accompanied by the expertise of the team around the Ayurvedic physician Aruna Bandara. The millennia-old tradition is combined with modern Western knowledge. You can let the treatments take effect in the sauna village or in the relaxation rooms, which have a meditative effect thanks to dimmed light, pleasant warmth and pleasant sounds and bring the triad of body, mind and soul "into the ideal state of conscious relaxation". Double room from € 106,- per person.

Signature Treatment: Which of the special Ayurvedic herbal oils, pastes or powders are used in the Sharwangha Abhyanga synchronous massage (at € 185) is first discussed with the therapists. After all, the treatment, which is carried out by two therapists at the same time for just under an hour, is intended to restore the personal (dosha) balance.

Panoramastraße 2
6323 Bad Häring
Austria
panorama-royal.at

Hotel Schwarzbrunn

source of recreation
The name of the hotel is not far-fetched, nor is the concept of the spa. Because here everything revolves around the pure water of the Schwarzbrunn spring, which rises directly above Stans. It's no wonder that wellness focused on the element of water begins here in the fresh mountain lake outside and doesn't end in the mystically illuminated rock pool inside. The well thought-out treatments for him and her become an all-round pampering programme, which you can mentally prepare for on the golden cushions of the noble wooden loungers or let them linger there. Double room from € 122,- per person.

Vogelsang 28
6135 Stans
Austria
schwarzbrunn.at

Hotel Bayerischer Hof

The Rooftop Spa above the roofs of Munich
When you read on the hotel's website that you can look forward to "wellness at the highest level", then this is to be taken quite literally. Because the Blue Spa of the "Hotel Bayerischer Hof" was designed by star architect Andrée Putman and extends over four floors, where you can swim in the pool with a view over Munich on the rooftop, among other things. A bio sauna with colour therapy in the ladies' area, the mixed Finnish sauna and a classic aroma steam bath almost go without saying. Just like the healthy culinary offer in the Spa Bar, which is also not withheld from the guests of the Day Spa. Room rates on request. Day Spa admission: from € 43.50.

Signature Treatment: The Niance luxury treatment (around € 120) lasts around an hour with products from the Swiss luxury brand Niance, which contain glacier water and algae components. Thanks to bio-nanotechnology, the cell-renewing active ingredients can penetrate particularly well during ultrasound and myolifting, ensuring a fresh smooth complexion (especially around the eyes).

Promenadeplatz 2–6
80333 Munich
Germany
bayerischerhof.de

Weissenhaus Grand Village Resort & Spa by the sea

A scent journey in the castle at the Baltic Sea
Deep relaxation and regeneration are the result of a time-out in the 2000 m² Schlosstherme on the Baltic Sea, which incidentally also includes the "Restaurant Courtier" in the castle, decorated with two Michelin stars. But first to the wellness! After a visit in the pleasantly warm brine whirlpool under the open sky, a first feeling of lightness sets in. Whether you explore the sauna area before or afterwards, swim back and forth between the 20-metre-long indoor and outdoor pools or prefer to work on your fitness in the cardio area is, of course, up to you. Double room from € 450,-.

Signature Treatment: During the St. Barth Harmony full-body massage (from € 59), you sink into a soft spa bed and enjoy the Caribbean scent of the scented candle. The choice of aromas is the only decision you have to make. Afterwards, you have to be careful not to relax so much that you fall asleep and miss the massage with the warm coconut oil. Avocado oil strengthens the skin mantle, refreshingly tangy camphor menthol oil relieves any last tensions. Before returning to reality, you are pampered with a head massage with fragrant aloe vera gel.

Parkallee 1
23758 Weissenhaus
Germany
weissenhaus.de

Severin's Resort & Spa

Rest and Recreation
A hotel here could hardly be more beautifully situated in terms of landscape: directly on the mudflats on the east side of Sylt and behind it stretches the picturesque village of Keitum. Anyone who sets foot outside the door can walk for hours with or against the fresh breeze and be enchanted by the North Sea, the mudflats and the dunes. Aired through and with red cheeks it goes then to the relaxation in the 2000 m² large Spa of the five-star resort. There you can swim under a glass roof and warm up again in one of the themed saunas or in the hammam, or indulge in a treatment. "Arrive, take a deep breath and feel good" is not the motto of "Severin's" for nothing. Double room from € 360,-.

Signature Treatment: Oriental bathing culture awaits with the Hammam experience (at € 198), where the body is first pampered with water showers and then with a head and foot massage. Massages also lead through the rest of the treatment. There's the exfoliating massage, which allows the skin to breathe a sigh of relief before sinking into a "cloud of bubbles", the soapy foam massage. After the final full body oiling, a fresh mint tea and an oriental delicacy are served.

Am Tipkenhoog 18
25980 Sylt
Germany
severins-sylt.de

Almwellness Hotel Pierer

Wellness and herbal wisdom
Nature is known to have a calming effect on the senses. In the panorama sauna of the "Almwellness Hotel Pierer" on the Teichalm in Styria, you infuse yourself with alpine herbs from the surrounding area at 1237 metres above sea level, and the next hikes can be planned, at least mentally. Whether you can really make it into the great outdoors? Well, at least on the sun terrace in the Almspa or in the new, 20-metre-long infinity pool, which is heated all year round, with a view of the Hochlantsch. All resolutions will be forgotten by the time you float on one of the waterbeds in the relaxation rooms to the sound of soft music. Double room from € 258,-.

Signature Treatment: In "Pierer's Aroma Massage" (at € 79) it is not only the perfectly executed grips that relax the muscles, rather the experience is supported by the essential oils, which also have their effect on the soul. The energy zones from the back to the soles of the feet are gently kneaded for 50 minutes, leading the body into a deep relaxation that lasts for a long time. A moisturising body wrap and a face and décolleté massage complete the offer.

Teichalm 77
8163 Teichalm
Austria
hotel-pierer.at

The Ritz - Carlton, Vienna

Letting go in the urban oasis
The Ritz-Carlton Spa is located in the second basement of the luxury hotel, but you arrive in relaxation heaven. Or of physical exercise. Or both. Because here, everyone finds their own way to do something good for body, mind and soul. Whether it's swimming in the 18-metre pool to the sound of underwater music or using the fitness equipment in the gym to train your strength and stamina. Relaxation zones and heated recliners provide peace and quiet, and the treatments in one of the treatment suites with Susanne Kaufmann products are pure luxury for all the senses. Double room from € 368,-. Day Spa from € 40,-.

Signature Treatment: If the body needs a break, then The Ritz-Carlton Signature Experience (at € 230) is just right. Tea is served as a welcome to the 20-minute aromatic foot bath with alkaline salt and witch hazel. This is followed by a long, fragrant "oil bath for the senses" with lavender, ylang-ylang and patchouli. The body feels warming aromatic oils during the massage and the jojoba wax peeling stimulates the circulation.

Schubertring 5-7
1010 Vienna
Austria
ritzcarlton.com

Loisium Wine & Spa Hotel Ehrenhausen

(Wine) bliss in a luxurious ambience
Here in southern Styria, design is valued at least as highly as enjoyment and relaxation. The latter can be found in the 1400 m² spa of the "Loisium" in the middle of the vineyards. For example, during a tour of the various saunas, which will delight rookies and pros alike, or in one of the two partner infrared cabins, or while taking a few relaxing lengths outside in the 25-metre pool, which is of course heated all year round. Among the special highlights are the beauty & spa treatments with products from Saint Charles or [comfort zone] or the in-house spa butler, who reads all your wishes from your eyes and serves them up to your couches. Double room from € 190,-.

Signature Treatment: "Shine like a Grape in the Sun" (€ 89) is the name of the treatment that should definitely be booked here. In addition to the classic Saint Charles facial, the neck and décolleté are also pampered with the finest grape seed oil. However, many consider the final treatment to be the real highlight. No wonder, because a sommelier serves a selected eight glasses of wine.

Am Schlossberg 1a
8461 Ehrenhausen on the wine route
Austria
loisium.com

Damülser Hof

In the realm of the elements
Air, water, fire and earth are the four elements as we know them. At the "Damülser Hof" in the Bregenzerwald, they combine in the spa to form Luwafeer - a great whole that strives for the well-being of its guests. Let's breathe the mountain air that strengthens our body and inspires our senses, let's feel the water that makes us feel its power through constant movement - in the panoramic indoor pool, in the Kneipp pool or in the aroma steam bath. The fire in the saunas and infrared cabins brings inner peace, our thoughts become clear and we find our centre. We can feel the power of the earth in the relaxation rooms with their unique view. Double room from € 150,-

Signature Treatment: Rose has a mood-lifting effect, lavender is calming and calendula is anti-inflammatory and soothes irritations. So far, so well known. The effect of the blossoms through the steamed fragrance stamps after a facial cleansing is intense, which you will notice at the latest during the herbal stamp massage for face and body (at € 62,-), which, in addition to its healing effect, also stimulates the circulation. The final day care, which is also tailored to the personal skin needs, provides the glow.

Damüls 147
6884 Damüls Bregenzerwald
Austria
damuelserhof.at

7132 Hotel

Water, march!
The Grisons architect Peter Zumthor had 60,000 slabs of Vals quartzite laid in the spa's bathing area, where bathing in the highly mineralised water from the St. Peter's spring naturally has a special significance. In addition to the fire bath, there is also an ice bath, a blossom bath, the spring grotto and the outdoor bath, which is heated to a pleasant 36 degrees even in winter and offers a view of the fantastic mountain landscape of the Vals Alps. The adjacent spa is dedicated to physical well-being and leaves nothing to be desired with massages, body treatments and acupuncture. Double room from € 630,-.

Signature Treatment: If the surroundings are already full of Valser quartzite, you should let the natural stone get even closer to your body. For example with the "Valser Stone Massage" with peeling (at € 197,-), which is one of the signature treatments of the hotel. The procedure: Before the "Hot Stone Massage" the blood circulation is stimulated with a dry brush massage. Thanks to the subsequent peeling, the skin becomes velvety soft and very tender.

7132 Vals
Switzerland
7132.com

The Dolder

Grand luxury with a view
The architecture of the castle-like city resort overlooking Lake Zurich is impressive, and it continues right through to the last corner of the huge spa. There is the pool, for example, which looks as if it is in a rocky gorge. Or the free-standing Sunabur loungers filled with warm pebbles. Or the Jacuzzi terrace from where you can enjoy the sunset. The other highlights can also only be strung together: ladies' and gentlemen's spa are separate, an aroma pool, steampots releasing scented steam, free-swinging rattan nests with personalised music, kotasu footbath ... Double room from € 694,-, Day Spa incl. treatment from € 240,- per person.

Signature Treatment: The combination of exfoliation and massage make the body treatment a must-try in the spa menu at The Dolder Grand. Hydraheaven by Dr Burgener (at € 240) starts with a footbath and exfoliation, followed by a dry body scrub that activates circulation and prepares the body for the moisturizing treatment by Swiss luxury cosmetics brand Dr Burgener. The meridian massage in the waterbed, the mini-facial and a final foot massage let you float back onto one of the recliners after 90 minutes.

Kurhausstraße 65
8032 Zurich
Switzerland
thedoldergrand.com

Picture Credits: Alex Filz, Park Hotel Mignon Merano, Stefan Schuetz, Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti, James Bedford, Hotel Therme Merano, Michael Huber, www.guenterstandl.de, Pavel Laurencik, Zanella-Kux Photography, Benjamin Monn, Harald Eisenbereger, The Ritz-Carlton Vienna/matthewshaw.co.uk, Loisium, Jeremy Mason McGraw, Nico Schaerer, Heinz Unger