Spas and wellbeing
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Felsentherme Gastein
Austria has long been renowned for its high level of expertise in the area of wellness and health-focused holidays. SalzburgerLand in particular, with its famous hot springs at picturesque Bad Gastein, is a major destination for skilled pampering with luxurious treatments and stateof-the-art facilities in idyllic, tranquil surroundings. Leading wellness hotels whose levels of excellence are judged outstanding are given the ‘Alpine Wellness’ seal of quality. Here are three of the region’s top health, fitness and wellness venues…
Gastein valley
The town of Bad Gastein is the very, grand, mother of all spa resorts. A 19th-century delight of higgledypiggledy streets with belle époque villas clinging precipitously to the slopes. The hot, radon-loaded waters have been considered a miracle cure since silver miners in the Middle Ages noticed their arthritis fading away while they worked. The Gastein Heilstollen galleries deep inside the mountainous slopes of the valley are considered one of the best therapies for rheumatic and respiratory complaints.
The area is also is one of the coolest ski resorts in Europe, part of the vast 860km ski amadé area Take the glass elevator from street level in Bad Gastein up to Austria’s oldest spa, Felsentherme Gastein (www.felsentherme.com) to enjoy the waters. The spa has wonderful grottoes and an adventure pool for children. Relax in the outdoor thermal bath while soaking up the mountain views and the radon. Lots of luxurious and wonderful treatments and excellent massages also available. The Alpentherme spa (www. alpentherme.com) in Bad Hofgastein is great for children, with lots of slides. ■ www.gastein.com, +43 (0) 6432 3393-0
Bad Gastein
SalzburgerLand | 13
