The desire to travel through Europe and experience the unmistakable level of hospitality that these hotels and resorts provide is greater than ever, and the statistics show there is no slowing down anytime soon. A recently released report by the European Travel Commission (ETC) explores how Europe’s tourism recovery is maintaining its momentum. Despite economic headwinds, and though inflation and increased travel costs are squeezing consumers’ wallets, travel spending is still prioritized over other discretionary expenses. In fact, Europe’s tourism is reaching about 95 percent of 2019 international tourist arrival levels, and the latest data shows that one quarter of reporting European destinations have surpassed pre-pandemic levels of foreign arrivals.
As InterGlobix readers are always on the lookout for unique travel opportunities, we wanted to explore several of our favorite finds for 2023—from a resort that has been graciously hosting guests for more than 400 years to a few that an exceptional hospitality company plans to open later this year. At the core, these options promise to deliver over-the-top levels of hospitality, treasured localized experiences, and an unparalleled quality of amenities and services. Where will your European travel journey take you this year?
STANGLWIRT | Going am Wilden Kaiser, Austria
stanglwirt.com/en
Stanglwirt is both an organic farm and a five-star luxury and wellness resort that offers an elevated level of hospitality and personalized services. It has been welcoming guests for over 400 years with genuine Tyrolean hospitality and an outstanding array of top-quality facilities for leisure, sport, and relaxation. In addition to 170 spacious rooms and expansive suites plus meeting and event spaces, highlights include an authentic spa and wellness experience with multiple saunas and steam baths; a special kid’s pool and family wellness area; an indoor fitness garden with a gym, ski and snowboard school, and tennis school (with 14 courts); a golf school and driving range; a 160-acre farm that provides a true farm-to-table culinary experience; a riding school featuring Lipizzaner horses; and a seemingly endless number of activities on property or within a few minutes, including downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, golf, tennis, fishing, hunting, and so much more.
THE OMNIA | Zermatt, Switzerland
the-omnia.com/en/
THE OMNIA combines sensual pleasure with subtle luxury to create a harmonious and all-encompassing travel experience in this contemporary interpretation of an American mountain lodge. Located at 5,400 feet above sea level with stunning views of the Matterhorn, here you will enjoy traditional hospitality with contemporary amenities and services from the moment you arrive. Each of the chic guestrooms—18 rooms and 12 suites—feature floor-to-ceiling windows, customized furnishings, and a unique design. An indoor / outdoor swimming pool, outdoor Jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and a Roman caldarium invite you to unwind. Chef Tony Rudolph serves an inventive, locally sourced vegetarian menu that can be personalized with fish and meat offerings for world-class dining.
DAS EDELWEISS | Grossarl, Austria
edelweiss-grossarl.com/en
DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort is the perfect destination for travelers seeking a localized luxury hotel experience in this beautiful region of Austria, which is ideal for savvy travelers pursuing year-round activities or those searching for a blissful spa and wellness escape. The resort is perfectly positioned several meters away from the valley station of the panorama gondola, which grants perfect access to the ski paradise Großarltal-Dorfgastein during the winter months and is the starting point for hikes and other activities at the adventure mountain Grossarl during the warmer months of the year. The third generation of the Hettegger family operate the resort, where they promise an elevated level of amenities and services in a warm and hospitable environment. Guests enjoy spacious, contemporary suites in the traditional alpine style; the 75,347-square-foot EDELWEISS Mountain Spa with an internal aqua park, two outdoor pools, numerous saunas, and separate areas for families and adults; and multiple toque-awarded culinary opportunities that include locally-inspired cuisine, creative dishes from around the world, and vegan delicacies—all sourcing local ingredients.
COMING SOON
The next two hotels are scheduled to open later this year and promise to be stunning additions to the hospitality world, with both providing guests a unique opportunity to enjoy culturally immersive travel experiences in elevated accommodations. While we wait for Travel Charme Hotels & Resorts to reveal more about these exciting new openings, we wanted to be sure you can begin planning your visits now.
GRAND HOTEL AT STRAUBINGERPLATZ | Bad Gastein, Austria
travelcharme.com/hotels/straubinger
This grand dame invites you to rest within yourself, to contemplate the moment, and let yourself be moved. The five-star Grand Hotel Straubinger in Bad Gastein shows timeless character in an environment spoiled by nature.
SALÒ SÌ | Brescia, Italy
travelcharme.com/hotels/salosi
Hotel Salò Sì Lago di Garda is the new luxury hotel in Salò that full of character and wonder. It stands in a unique position overlooking the lake, the mountains of the Upper Garda Park, and Mount Baldo. Beyond the hotel offerings, the spa will be a destination on its own.
