PH
The hotel focuses on staying kind to the environment, the mind and the body
But any reservations I had about swapping my salopettes for yoga pants were swiftly eliminated upon arrival at Holzhotel Forsthofalm.
Focusing on staying kind to the environment, the mind and the body, the hotel – situated in the stunning province of Salzburg – marries breathtaking views at an altitude of 1,050 metres (3,400 feet) with daily activities set among the mountainous landscape, alpine meadows and vast forests, as well as fitness and yoga classes on site.
Made entirely from local stone, glass and timber known as moon wood, the smell of the place alone had me sold before my luggage had even hit the floor.
On arrival we were guided straight to the Sky Spa to be greeted by picturesque panoramic views, and it comes complete with an outdoor rooftop pool, five treatment rooms and various relaxation spaces and saunas – a welcome break from basement spas of London.
The spa programme is individually tailored to the guest and their emotional state of mind, meaning it’s a menu with a difference.
Each therapist uses the powers of locally foraged plants and herbs to assist with your general wellbeing.
Chaotic city life felt like a world away as I sank into a waterbed after a massage with a bit of reflexology thrown in.
PH
I thought I’d tried nearly every style of yoga until I came to Holzhotel Forsthofalm
As a mastered yogi, I thought I’d tried nearly every style of the practice under the sun, until I landed at Forsthofalm.
I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Budokon yoga, which pushed me to my limits both physically and mentally by throwing martial arts, meditation and animal movements into the mix. It’s a far cry from your everyday Vinyasa flow.
Before dinner at the golden hour, I’d wind down with restorative yoga alfresco.
The practice could be yin (a slow pace, holding poses for up to six minutes) or the hotel’s own “six senses yoga”, which focuses on sounds and sensations rather than sight.
Doing balances among the fresh mountain breeze with just the gentle noise of cowbells from the mountainside was mesmerising and perfect for yogis of all levels.
With no snow in the equation, climbing, Nordic walking, free riding and downhill racing are all popular activities here but, feeling pretty chilled out from all my new yoga shapes, herbal remedies and moon wood sleep, I opted for a guided hike.
In the summer it’s safe to visit territory by foot that wouldn’t be possible in winter.
The hike to the springs took my breath away, in more ways than one.
It was physically demanding from the altitude and combined with spectacular scenery that would give New Zealand a run for its money. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Something about the altitude combined with all the activities made me sleep like a baby and be hungry like a lion.
The chefs at Kukka, the hotel’s open kitchen, charcoal grill and buffet cater for all, from varied vegan and vegetarian options to fresh fish and steaks for the carnivores among us.
One evening we enjoyed barbecuing our own canapés on the outdoor fire pit, including monkfish slices, wild salmon and smoked tofu.
PH
The smell of the place alone had me sold
And you’d be mad not to wash down the local delicacies with natural wine or my ultimate in the detox/retox experience, Kombucha prosecco.
So whether you’re looking to be horizontal and cleansing, or mixing downward dog with downhill biking, the Alps in summer manages to cater for adrenaline junkies and the more Zen among us.
Come snow or sun, I’ll be back with bells on.
Double rooms at Holzhotel Forsthofalm (+43 6583 854 555, forsthofalm.com/en) start at approx £131 per person per night.
