Luxe furnishings meets warm tree hut vibes within this multi award-winning hotel, with roots firmly planted in the Tyrollean soil. Writer Karina Janø enjoys the feeling of being nestled inside a warm and cozy birdhouse —if birdhouses came with soft bedding, walk-in closets, and a luxurious spa, that is
The five-star nature and design hotel Waldklause in the picturesque Austrian Tyrol is family-owned and effortlessly welcoming — no one is too busy to help or have a chat with you. Everyone greets each other like friends and this attitude transfers with ease to the guests as their shoulders sink lower by the minute.
It is early spring and the love of nature here is palpable; bird feeders are placed generously on the terraces where feathered friends are flying over, twigs in beaks. The sound of running water from the river and the pool further sets the tone for a relaxing, down to earth stay.
It seems the surroundings really have a blissful affect on anyone entering this small haven of tranquility. Build in 2004 by the Auer family, Naturhotel Waldklause was created on an ecological building concept. Especially when it comes to local larch wood, which was used to build with a glue-free system and solely Tyrollean sheep’s wool was utilised as insulation material.
With a strong aesthetic sense, all furnishings was carefully selected by Frau Auer, a woman that oversees not only a 5 star hotel, but also gathers herbs on mountain walks in order to bring them back and make fragrant oils, and confidently creates fresh flower arrangements for the restaurant tables just before guests are seated. Nothing is left to chance, and every little detail has been lovingly taken care of.
No surprise then, that thanks to the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2013, the hotel ranks among the 25 best hotels in the world, has 3 Lilies-Rating in the Relax Guide 2018 and as an ecological leader was distinguished with the top platinum status in the Tripadvisor Green Leaders Programme among other mentions.
The Food & Drink
Waldklause wows with its dishes, a feast for both eyes and tastebuds — and do not miss out on the delectable Austrian wine to accompany it. Every week the owners hosts a special gala dinner (leave the gala gown, bring the fancy dress), starting with a glass of bubbly before heading on to a 7-course dinner.
With both healthy and a bit naughty options for mains, rest assured the possibility of choosing fish or vegetarian cuisine is present. The principle is innovative nutrition and simultaneous detoxification, with herbs, quality fruit and veg and regional organic products.
Mornings and lunch you have an abundance of a buffet to indulge in. And ‘someone’ may have been spotted wobbling her plates and cups, and therefore prompting the attentive staff to assist her to her seat… before lighting the birthday candles on a surprise cake for a child guest.
Things to Try
If you are ready for your corona comeback, giving those tired lungs and stressed out body some TLC, this is the place to be. With the multi-story nature spa, you don’t ever have to leave the hotel to be immersed in the surroundings. Drawing on all the strength and goodness from the Alps, the spa uses pure natural products in their massages and treatments.
I try the lymphatic face drainage, which at the Waldklause means, that the calmest angel of a woman gently wraps me in towels and softly pressure my face and collarbone. The scent of the oils is nothing short of heavenly, and I decide promptly to stay forever.
With a wide range of treatments, saunas, steams and pools this is a true heaven for wellness devotees. Whether your muscles are sore from skiing, you have poor blood circulation, cellulite or acne, help is here. There are also multiple yoga, pilates and meditation classes to chose from, not to mention swimming in the outdoor heated pool while gazing at the mountains and surrounding trees.
And if you cannot get enough, free admission to the the nearby and opulent thermal spa Aqua Dome Längenfeld is included.
The nature and fresh air of the Ötztal area is an attraction in its own along with multiple year round activities, from hiking to ski touring and fun sports. In winter you can put on your cross country skis and hit the slopes just outside the hotel. But remember, going off piste in the mountains always means using a certified mountain guide for safety, like Alpinzeit.tirol.
Other options include visiting the site where the mummy Ötzi was found, perusing the cinematic installation ‘007 Elements’ or whetting an appetite at gourmet restaurant IceQ at 3,000 meters on the Gaislachkogel mountain – a filming site for James Bond movie ‘Spectre’.
The Wordrobe Verdict
The atmosphere at the Naturhotel Waldklause feels like being invited into someones warm, luxurious home with dedicated, professional service all around. The architecture in itself is interesting and the care for the environment and surrounding nature only makes it all better.
All that is left, is to completely agree with the saying: ‘In der Ruhe liegt die Kraft’ (the force is in the calm).
INSIDER’S TIP: It’s a short car ride up in the mountains from the train station in Ötztal if you wish to arrive in eco-style. The historic east-west railway is in itself a scenic experience, traveling along the mountains and rivers.
Make it happen
How: Find out more and make a booking via waldklause.at
