Above me they floated gracefully, striped and slinky in vivid shimmering colours. With fins flapping, they sveltely waltzed between coral, serene and slow, mesmerising me into a meditative state. This was my first spa cinema, an aquarium projected onto the ceiling, set within the exclusive and classy wellness oasis of the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel. This was luxury wellness in an Austrian Castle.
This five-star hotel is styled like a Baroque castle in a distinctive ochre shade. Steeped in history it enjoys a regal presence in the heart of Velden in Carinthia surrounded by symmetrical and immaculately landscaped gardens while enjoying panoramic views over the idyllic Lake Worthensee with mountains as a backdrop. Dating back to the 17th century, modern architecture has been blended with historical grandeur to create a luxury resort.
Inside, wide corridors decorated with art works and sculptures lead to floors accommodating 105 elegant rooms and suites. The variety of room categories range from Superior Rooms to the expansive Infinity Suite. On one side there are five castle suites, each with their own character such as the Romantic Suite with a roof terrace and sauna and the Rose Garden Suite which extends over two floors with a second bedroom and views of the roses below. In the modern extension the Superior Junior Suites are styled with an elegant living wall dividing the lounge area from the bedroom and benefit from the ultra-modern touch panel controls for the modern amenities. The marble bathrooms are light and airy, flaunting an inviting bathtub positioned to soak up panoramic views and enviable views of the castle, garden or lake. The ultimate guestroom is the exclusive infinity accommodation of over 300 sq. m of living space with two bedrooms, ensuite bathrooms and living rooms.
Dining, Drinking and Wine Tasting
Breakfast at the Terrace of the Ballsaal was very impressive with a great selection of breads, all labelled amidst its vast buffet. Healthy options were plentiful with a good choice of a la carte items. The Salons Restaurant & Atelier was refined dining at its best, serving multi-course menus with efficient, friendly service. All dishes used fresh local ingredients and created with international flavour, combined with Austrian tradition. Rotating art exhibitions are an added feature as are the views from its first-floor location looking out over the lake. Aim for a table on the terrace for a fantastic view. And with an in-house jeweller, you could splash out for a special occasion with their exclusive ‘Diamond for Dessert’ package which includes a 7-course dinner menu tailored to guests’ wishes accompanied with a dazzling one-carat Triple X quality diamond for the dessert. This memorable, glittering affair is a mere £14,275 and served in any of a choice of settings, from outdoors in the the Rose Garden to the Chef’s Table in the kitchen, a private room in the spa (in bathrobes if it suits) or on a sunset cruise on Lake Wörthersee aboard the hotel’s luxury motor yacht.
Pouring a wide choice of beverages, the Schlossbar Charly Walker was excellent for cocktails, snacks and night-caps, occasionally accompanied by live music, its dark interior setting the scene for its thematic ambiance. With a wealth of knowledge on local and regional wines the hotel’s sommelier Markus Gladitsch offered guided tastings. Closer to the water’s edge, slow food sharing & tasting menus were served at the award-winning Seespitz restaurant, which holds 2 Gault Millau toques and 2 Falstaff forks. SeeSpitz Restaurant opens to the fresh air and outdoor elements in the warm months. It served dishes such as Lentils Taco, Snails from Krumpendorf, Karntner Kasnudeln (Potato & Curd Cheese Chives Butter Radishes), or Mochi Style Rib Eye Steak Dry Aged with Chives, Spicy Teriyaki, Lake Char with Honey Miso, Sesame Cucumber Tsukumone followed by, and highly recommended, Ovomaltine, Semifreddo Salted Caramel. And just steps away is the Beach Club with its chic and sophisticated style with cream loungers and cabanas complete with TVs which all face the lake and swimming pool. This is the fashionable domain attracting the “in” crowd.
What To Do
With such a refined location, it was hard to be tempted to explore elsewhere but the hotel offered local experiences which only enhanced this Austrian escape. A stroll along the promenade, shopping in boutiques and passing pavement cafes laden with sweet treats with happy conversations. Travellers arrived from boat trips in front of the hotel while walkers followed trails opening to lush alpine meadows. Alternatively the hotel offered guided e-bikes tours (Bärenbikes are designed and manufactured in Austria), along the Drau cycle path around the lake or to Pörtschach, passing fellow bikers along quiet roads, peeping into village life to an area of beauty amidst the forested area with picnicking families and Nordic walkers. (€59 per day, €40 half day for self-guided exploring). Other activities on the lake include wakeboarding, stand-up paddling and sailing. There was also a day to explore the historic alleyways of Klagenfurt, capital city of the southern Austrian province of Carinthia and a visit to the Carinthian Museum of Modern Art or Mythos Edelstein Kranzelbinder in Pörtschach with its range of fossils, minerals and gemstones that keep history alive.
The Lake
Lake Wörthersee is in the heart of the Alpe-Adria region stretching 16.5 km with a depth of 85 m, one of the largest non-sea beach and lido areas and the warmest of the Alpine lakes enjoying the mild climate surrounded by hills and villages. A must-do experience was the boat trip around the lake in the motor cruiser with Captain Robert who was keen to point out the millionaire homes, modern designs rubbing shoulders with traditional Austrian architecture and showing off the tranquility of the region. With many restaurants bordering its shores, lunch at Südsee by Kirstin and Hubert Wallner was chic and stylish with a bistro atmosphere. Delicate designs added to the aesthetic of each course, art forms, too good to eat. But we did – colourful creations full of exquisite flavours.
The 3600m2 Acquapura Spa has relaxation at its heart with loungers around every corner, a gemstone steam room, saunas of various types and pools inside and out. There is a range of treatments including Lomi Lomi Nui, the traditional Hawaiian massage but highly recommended is the neck and shoulders treatment. Do schedule the spacious Finnish sauna with the Augfuss master performing his theatre, complete with fan, towel and aromas of selected essential oil – it was hot but reviving. Relaxation is the underlining ingredient of luxury wellness in an Austrian castle so it’s easy to understand why this castle was favoured by guests such as Ingrid Bergman, Omar Sharif, Bing Crosby and the Duke & Duchess of Windsor in 1954. And recentlyhome for Formula 1’s Red Bull guests who choose this as a place to stay during the annual event.
The Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of historical grandeur and contemporary luxury. It is a member of “The Leading Hotels of the World” and has received numerous accolades, including two Michelin Keys and recognition for its exceptional spa and culinary offerings. The hotel’s rich history continues to attract guests seeking a unique and luxurious experience on the shores of Lake. Modern elegance, refined and relaxed. Whether it’s the fish swimming on the ceiling or the ripples of water on Lake Wörthersee this is a place to unwind and give in to luxury wellness in an Austrian castle especially listening to Brahm’s concert for violin (op 77) which was where it was composed.
Other Places to dine
Lunch at Landhaushof in Klagenfurt serves traditional Carinthian cuisine. The restaurant is in the same building that houses the Carinthian State Parliament, an impressive post-medieval urban property
The restaurant in Velden Casino serves excellent dishes and tasting menus, beautifully presented
Book online at https://www.falkensteiner.com/en/schlosshotel-velden or https://www.falkensteiner.com/en
There are various offers throughout the year with discounts of up to €30 per room/night and packages to include hiking, cycling, spa, yoga, golf, Wim Hof training https://www.falkensteiner.com/en/schlosshotel-velden/offers
How to book Luxury Wellness in an Austrian Castle
Double Room from €360 per night based on 2 adults sharing, includes breakfast (low season) The five-star Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World
Getting there:
Flights, twice-weekly from Stansted to Klagenfurt, (the nearest airport 2 hours, 05 mins flying time) with Ryanair and a 25-minute transfer
Ljublna (Slovenia) from Gatwick with Easyjet or Heathrow with BA – one-hour transfer to Velden
Return flights to Klagenfurt (20km from the hotel) from London Heathrow with Austrian Airlines start at £169pp.
More info links;
https://www.visitcarinthia.at/destinations/summer/woerthersee
https://www.woerthersee.com/en
For more wellness places, read here
