Luxury Relaxation With A Tyrolean Twist

Spa With a View

Not that I want to spend too much time in my room, of course… Here for a long weekend, my itinerary is packed – first and foremost with some serious R&R.

The spa has also undergone a partial refurb, with further updates in the pipeline. Split into two main areas, one is ‘textile-free’, meaning strictly no clothes or swimsuits allowed (and yes, it’s mixed sexes). The two large swimming pools and outdoor salt-water whirlpool/Jacuzzi are in the textile zone, along with generous lounging areas, daybeds, sauna, steam rooms and treatment rooms.

Day one, I stick with the swimsuited section. But much of the modernisation work’s taken place in the textile-free area, which includes a gigantic sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Alps, as well as a small outdoor infinity whirlpool.

I opt for a shiatsu session (€95/£85 for 50 minutes) with Markus, the lead therapist who, radiant and calm in equal measure, embodies holistic wellness and mountain-dweller fit. He and his team are passionate believers in proactive good health. Here, a visit to the spa and sauna is just sensible self-care, rather than indulgent pampering – that’s the Tyrolean way – and if their glowing skin and active lifestyles are anything to go by, it’s a formula that clearly works.

A shiatsu virgin, I’m unsure what to expect. Rooted in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, it literally means ‘finger pressure’, and involves lying on a mat while Markus releases blockages in my energy flow via gentle pressing, sweeping motions and some very light joint movement. Markus tells me I’ll feel heat in my skin when the ‘unblocking’ is working, and he’s right, but it’s hours later that night and the following morning when I really notice the benefits. I feel like I’ve had an almighty stretch, all lengthened and smoothed out. My joints – particularly through my spine – feel oiled, somehow.

The Great Outdoors

The spa tends to be pretty quiet in the mornings, because many guests head out after breakfast to make the most of the Alps, aka one of Mother Nature’s best playgrounds.

During summer months, there’s hiking, mountain biking, cycling and wild swimming to enjoy. In winter, it’s all about embracing the snow. With limited time, I forgo the lifts and walk into Seefeld for a two-hour cross-country ski lesson. You can book this yourself separately, or Astoria can help with arranging kit hire or an active package deal – prices vary depending on the length, number of people and time of year.

Afterwards, I traipse into Seefeld and warm up with some steaming glühwein. Small enough to explore in an afternoon, there’s a few streets of shops, a casino (the nightlife highlight), a handful of bars and a pretty market square (just head towards the tall church spire and you’ll find it). The best bit, though, requires a 10-minute hike up the country lane tucked just to the left of the church.

Leading onto an open meadow, a smattering of fir trees scattering shadows and sun-rays across the snow, this is where I find Seefeld’s most beautiful views.

But drinking in those Tyrolean peaks from a bubbling Jacuzzi back at Astoria – knowing there’s a big glass of wine waiting to be enjoyed later, curled up by that fire – is pretty hard to beat.

How To Get There

Doubles at Astoria Resort Seefeld (astoria-seefeld.com/en) cost from €175 (approx £157/AED 737) per person, per night (two sharing) on a full-board basis. Includes use of spa facilities, but treatments need to be booked separately.