The Epitome of Alpine Luxury: Forsthofalm Holzhotel

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

(Jumper from Pretty Little Thing)

Set in the heart of the Austrian Alps and rooted at 1050m high on the cusp of a mountain in Leogang, stands Forsthofalm Timber Hotel. The core essence of this eco-friendly hotel is focused around wood; so naturally, nestled in a forest, it perfectly harmonises with it’s surrounding landscape.

Last week for a few days, I resided in Forsthofalm with my best friend and for the duration of our trip we were proudly perched on the constant soaring heights of cloud nine.  This was really emphasised by the sublime surroundings that encompassed us; Forsthofalm Holzhotel oozes elegance, alpine luxury and tranquility and much of this is by virtue of the simple naturally calming material; wood.

 The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

(Jumper and red hat from Pretty Little Thing).

RELAX AMONGST NATURE

After evolving from a small mountain restaurant that was opened in 1972, Forsthofalm was reborn as a hotel in 2008. The same family who have owned it from the outset still continue to put so much love and care into the hotel and their guest’s experience (and are all so noticeably hands-on in accomplishing this). 

As humans, we have an innate attraction to nature and reap many benefits from being embraced within it. It has been found that nature can help our wellbeing and mental health; one study in particular indicates a correlation between the access of trees and green spaces with the reduction of depression and obesity.The sustainable, biophillic design that the hotel employs, really lends the opportunity to connect with nature and the owner, Markus Widauer expressed the calming effect that wood has of slowing down the heart and thus, sleeping in a room formed of wood, enhances quality of sleep, allowing for a deeper sense of relaxation (as well as a beautifully perfumed room, may I add).   

Aside from boasting a fabulous wifi connection for the (admittedly) odd update, in a world where technology is evermore at the forefront of our finger tips, this wellness hideaway yields the opportunity to indulge in tranquility and disengage yourself from “reality”.  In a recent Instagram post that I published,  I expressed my yearning for a pause button whilst relishing in the alluring panorama from my window here.

 

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang
The original restaurant preserved in all it’s original glory.

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, LeogangThe epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

THE WELLNESS SPA

The Spa is where Forsthofalm proudly sits in it’s element; for starters, there’s a 360º panoramic view over the mountains, from the pool (although a little colder than it looks in winter), the sauna and the relaxation room which was a favourite of mine.

The massages on offer are quite unique, with an eclectic mix of natural, hand picked plant, herb and flower fragrances (which the owner’s sister picks herself from the surrounding forests); your favourite smell determines the massage you will most benefit from, with a choice of scents for Brain, Energy, Love, Muscle and Soul.  How cool!?

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

WINTER SPORTS

Sitting at the bottom of a lovely long slope, Forsthofalm is a stone’s throw away from the chair lift so ski-in-ski-out has never been more applicable.  I’m a skiier who prefers to glide down the wide, rolling slopes as opposed to feeling pointlessly challenged by the steep, off-piste, sheer ice, black slopes that my family love to whizz down (cheers Mum, you daredevil!) so Leogang charmingly caters for me.  Linked with Saalbach and Hinterglemm, the Ski Circus area offers 270km of piste to revel in with almost a 50:50 split between easy and intermediate slopes which is perfect!   

Whilst it couldn’t be more ideal for snowriders, Forsthofalm also profoundly spoils the non downhill skier with an extensive wellness mountain life programme constituting of different types of Yoga 365 days a year, H.I.I.T sessions and relaxation classes as well as alternative altitudinous activities such as wild snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and sledging.

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

(Skis rented from Mietski).

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, LeogangThe epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

THE CUISINE

The natural essence of the hotel also spins out into the food with over 80% of the ingredients being organic. The restaurant caters for vegans, vegetarians and meat-eaters alike suiting a plethora of palettes. They provide a bountiful breakfast, lavish spread at afternoon tea (the different flavoured desert balls being my fave), followed be a heavenly five course dinner that may enrich your repertoire of food experiences (it did ours, with the octopus, fennel and raspberry bread to name but a few).  Regarding the beautifully presented restaurant proudly providing piste views, as Brits, we did wonder why the tables were positioned so close together, but Markus revealed his wish of encouraging the guests to converse with one another, as the hotel is all about letting your shoulders drop and having the freedom to be yourself with no barriers. 

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

The Kukka Lounge Bar prosperously conjures a sense of hygge with the roaring fire and the cozy fluffy chairs complimented by the breathtaking views.  The best bar tender in Germany designs Forsthofalm their own signature cocktails so you can expect the Crème de la crème of beverage assortments, as well as sought after Austrian sparkling wine and gin and herbal tea cocktails.  NB: For the bar crawlers among you, the hotel perhaps isn’t your best option due to the very secluded location, but rather a stop off over lunch while you’re up in the mountains.

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

 

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

 

SUMMER AT THE FORSTHOFALM

Leogang is established as having the largest mountain bike park in Europe, so as you can imagine, this resort does not subside in the summer months and instead, flourishes with plenty to offer. With e-mountain bikes, segways, hike in-hike out, bike-in bike-out to name but a few actives available here, you won’t be counting sheep… (or mountain goats), that’s for sure! (I may just have to return in Summer to let you know in depth about it… if I must 😉 )

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

 

TO CONCLUDE…

In a building that literally lives, oozing energy but simultaneously encouraging relaxation, Forsthofalm is an abode in which we could take a pause from normality whilst equally endeavouring the opportunity to really live, to revel in the present moment, to meet new people, to soak up the atmospheric views and to enrich, flourish and immerse ourselves in a positive state and connect with endless nature. 

The epitome of Alpine Luxury? Try it for yourself here – https://www.forsthofalm.com/en

 

Where nature meets fashion (Why I love wearing a wooden watch)... | Girl Going Global

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang The epitome of Alpine Luxury | My review of Forsthofalm Holzhotel, Leogang

#Wellness #Luxury #Leogang

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