What does it mean to “feel at home” while traveling?

It means staying in small hotels where the staff recognizes you and gets to know you by the end of your vacation! The number of rooms is often a good indicator of this. In our article on unique boutique hotels, you’ll find ten wonderful hotels with just 11 to 38 rooms. However, size alone doesn’t make a hotel feel like home.

Indicators of hotels with a family atmosphere include:

• Personal flair instead of anonymous service
• Hosts who are approachable and authentic. In most cases, the hosts are a family who are fully committed to their profession, and you will meet them every time you visit.
• Rooms were designed with attention to detail, not from a catalog. They reflect the hosts’ philosophy and personal taste.
• Few rooms
• Cozy atmosphere
• Regional cuisine is served, and your personal preferences are taken into account when it comes to meals.

Why are more and more travelers looking for exactly that?

In a world that constantly demands something from us—one that is digital, fast-paced, and geared toward efficiency and mass production—many people are developing a growing desire for authenticity. Rather than staying at faceless hotel chains, more and more travelers are seeking places where they feel truly welcome and can have meaningful encounters with people, cultures, and places.

Family-run hotels offer exactly that: personal interactions with the owners, insider tips on places to visit off the beaten path, and an atmosphere that feels more like visiting friends than staying in a hotel.

Slow Travel and the Counter-Movement to Mass Tourism

The concept of slow travel also plays a role, meaning traveling more consciously and at a slower pace. Stay longer, take in more, and immerse yourself more deeply. Last but not least, many choose these accommodations because they are often sustainably oriented. Rooted in the region, owner-operated, and committed to environmental awareness and social responsibility.

Four examples of familiar hotels with heart and that personal touch

#1 Relais del Maro, Liguria — Feel at home in the heart of a village

The Relais del Maro is actually the reason we came up with the idea for this article. When you arrive, you immediately sense that this place has soul. Elena Scalambrin founded and built the Albergo Diffuso in Borgomaro with her parents—not just as a place to stay, but as a project to revitalize their hometown.

The Albergo Diffuso concept places 14 lovingly restored rooms and suites across three historic family-owned buildings that once served as residences and commercial spaces. Skilled artisans furnished each room individually, using traditional techniques and paying great attention to detail. Here, you can live among the villagers.

You can go to the main house for meals and to use the pool. This place used to be a butcher’s shop. Elena is often available to assist you, and you will grow fond of the entire village community, including the mini market, the bakery, the hairdresser, and the small church with its dedicated pastor.

#2 Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt — Family-friendly, panoramic views, and comfort

Nestled above the car-free village of Zermatt, the Hotel Bella Vista boasts direct views of the Matterhorn and offers a harmonious blend of nature, warmth, and sustainability. This small, 21-room hotel is incredibly cozy! It is built entirely of wood and features hand-crafted furniture, an open fire in the lobby, and a Swiss stone pine room in the wellness area.

The Anthamatten family runs the hotel and will make you feel right at home. Fabienne Anthamatten, for example, can give you hiking and skiing tips. She knows secret routes where you won’t encounter anyone for hours. She can also explain how you can ski all the way to Italy, starting right outside the hotel—including tips for lunch stops along the way!.

Stefanie, her sister, will often greet you at the front desk, and when she’s not there, she’s probably leading a yoga retreat. As a trained yoga teacher, she brings an extra sense of calm and mindfulness to the hotel. Mother Anthamatten also has a significant influence on the hotel, particularly through her traditional recipes that the kitchen team adopted. (Tip: Be sure to try her Zermatter hay soup!) The family also has a real mountain guide and mountain rescuer in Simon Anthamatten. He is very active in the region and organizes the “Ultraks” trail running event, among other things.

• Tip: We recommend the newly renovated “Sky Lounge” rooms located in the attic, where you can see the mountain peaks from your bed through a skylight.

#3 Hotel Okelmann’s in Lower Saxony – Arrive, take a breather, and wish you could stay forever

The charming Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in the small Lower Saxony village of Warpe is now run by the fourth generation of the Okelmann family. Sisters Kristin and Maren manage the hotel today with great dedication and a clear commitment to nature. Maren is a trained yoga teacher and singing bowl therapist who oversees the retreats and yoga classes offered there. Kristin, on the other hand, loves good food, a topic covered in our article on northern German cuisine.

Father Helmut is enthusiastic about the project, too. As a passionate cyclist, he enjoys offering personalized tour recommendations and has published his own routes on Komoot for guests.

With only sixteen individually designed rooms, Okelmann’s is a boutique hotel in the truest sense — manageable, personal, and intimate. Highlights include the small sauna in a converted shepherd’s wagon, the wooden whirlpool, and the delicious homemade cakes at Café Heimatliebe. Incidentally, the cake display doesn’t always feature what’s on the menu. Mama Okelmann likes to get creative, so new, unplanned creations often make their way into the café..

#4 Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol — a family hotel with lake access and a passion for books

On the shores of Lake Wolfsgruben on the Ritten plateau in South Tyrol lies the Weihrerhof, a place that exudes tranquility and is steeped in history. Run by the Pichler family, the Weihrerhof has only 23 rooms and offers opportunities for personal encounters and genuine relaxation in nature.

In 1967, Friedl and Zilli Pichler fulfilled their dream of owning a guesthouse with eleven rooms and a breakfast island built by Friedl himself in the lake. Today, Klaus Pichler and his family are the second generation to run the guesthouse, doing so with great dedication. Reading is one of the family’s favorite pastimes. You will find a bestseller library here that is open to guests. Manuela Pichler will be delighted if you browse through it and ask her for advice on your holiday reading. Or, you can go straight for a “blind date with a book.” The family has even published their own children’s book with stories about the lake. Fittingly, the style here is very cozy, with lots of wood, natural decorations, and lovely details.

#5 Naturresort Gerbehof — a lovingly run organic hotel

You will also find a family-run hotel near the famous Lake Constance – the Naturresort Gerbehof. It is not located on the lakeshore, however, but about five kilometers away in the middle of its own organic farm. The small, 40-room hotel is run by the Wagner family. You can meet Ursula, Bruno, and their children, Priska, Christel, and Ralph, on the website. Each family member has their own area of responsibility, and they all work together to provide passionate and dedicated service.

A vacation that’s like staying with friends

The small Green PearlsⓇ hotels featured in this article offer the comfort of a real vacation combined with the cozy feeling of arriving at a friend’s house. They offer homemade food, genuine recommendations, and plenty of space to relax. Best of all, you won’t even have to clear the table or wash the dishes at the end of the day. Sounds pretty perfect, doesn’t it?

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Some tell tales of royal splendor, while others recount great upheavals. Together, they demonstrate that history isn’t confined to museums; it can be experienced along hiking trails and in your sustainable hotel. Here, our Green PearlsⓇ partners reveal which sights their guests find particularly fascinating.

The history of Bavaria between royalty and nationhood

Let’s start with Bavaria, Germany’s most visited federal state. This remains true for both German and foreign visitors, according to a Statista survey from 2024. Thanks to its proximity to the Alps, Bavaria is an ideal destination for hiking and outdoor vacations. There is also an abundance of wellness hotels, some of which are committed to sustainability and Green Pearls™ partners.

In addition to hiking and wellness, there are historical sites to explore! Bavaria has many historical buildings that tell the story of a time when regional identity and national aspirations were closely intertwined. In the Upper Palatinate, for instance, King Ludwig I commissioned the construction of Walhalla, an impressive monument to this day. Built in an ancient style, this temple honors notable figures in German history and embodies the concept of unity long before modern German national consciousness emerged.

The House of Bavarian History in Regensburg is close by and provides vivid information about the development of Bavaria and its role in German history.

Tip: Several events dedicated to King Ludwig I will take place until November 2025, marking the 200th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

Since 2025, Neuschwanstein Castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau in southern Bavaria are a testament to the self-image of King Ludwig II, grandson of King Ludwig I. He used these buildings to create a place of retreat and a romanticized ideal of rule. Known as the “Fairy-Tale King,” Ludwig II was King of Bavaria from 1864 to 1886. Neuschwanstein Castle therefore belongs to the modern era, despite its medieval appearance.

On July 12, 2025, Neuschwanstein Castle, Linderhof Castle, Herrenchiemsee Castle, and the Royal Palace on Schachen were listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Some of the suites at Hotel Das Rübezahl and the outdoor spa offer direct views of Neuschwanstein Castle, which looks like something from a fairy tale. You won’t have to wait in line to see it! Instead, you can enjoy the warm water of the outdoor pool or your morning coffee on your balcony. The hotel offers exactly that combination of wellness and hiking vacations, which are popular at the moment, along with a hiking concierge (Bergbaschdi) and historical sights. Additionally, the hotel is sustainably oriented, using renewable energies and serving regional organic cuisine.

A hotel in a historic country estate

Some accommodations even have a rich history within their very own walls: Gut Sonnenhausen, located near Munich, for example, dates back to an early 20th-century stud farm. Over 120 years ago, Munich architect Wilhelm Spannagel built it in the English style, and host Georg Schweisfurth converted the stud farm (along with a farmhouse dating from 1800) into a sustainable hotel. Stylishly furnished, the hotel features a blend of modern and traditional elements. For instance, antique farmhouse cabinets from various sources were purchased and restored for the bedrooms.

Regional history and old borders

Germany’s history as a patchwork of principalities, duchies, and free cities is evident even today in many small, often inconspicuous traces in the landscape. Take the northern Black Forest, for example, where hikers come across old boundary stones—silent witnesses to a time when Baden and Württemberg were independent states.

Guests at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA hotel in Bad Herrenalb can follow these historical traces. Many of the stones bear the letters “B” for Baden and “W” for Württemberg. They mark a border that once separated the two regions but now symbolizes their union.

Similarly, the employees at Schwarzwald Panorama have grown together as a team as well. As host Stephan Bode told us in an interview, the team is made up of people from many different countries, all working to make the wellness hotel in the climatic health resort a pioneer in sustainability with a holistic zero-waste strategy and organic food.

The division of Germany — and what remains of it

Following the development of the federal states into an empire, then a republic (the Weimar Republic), and finally the German Nazi Reich, another significant period in recent German history was the division of the country into East and West Germany. Following World War II, Germany was divided in 1949 into the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in the west and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in the east—a division that lasted until the country’s reunification on October 3, 1990.

While the Berlin Wall is the first thing that comes to mind for many when this topic is mentioned—it was a symbol of the Cold War and the site of dramatic escape attempts—there were numerous other places along the inner-German border where the division was palpable.

One such place is Mellrichstadt, located in the Bavarian Rhön region just a few kilometers from the former border. The Berkach border memorial here commemorates the GDR’s security installations — an old watchtower still stands today, only about 300 meters from the current Bavarian-Thuringian state border. Those who want to learn more can visit the Border Museum in Eußenhausen. Together with the German Unity Sculpture Park, it makes for a worthwhile day trip..

The STURM, now a sustainable hotel and member of Green PearlsⓇ, is nearby. Built in the 1970s as a classic clinker brick building, the hotel benefited from border tourism at the time. Today, it stands for mindful organic living, eco-friendly architecture, and the serene beauty of the Rhön, showing how places with history can reinvent themselves.

Immerse yourself in the economic and migratory history of the region

The impact of diversity and exchange on regions is particularly evident in former trading cities and places of immigration. These areas continue to benefit from the knowledge, ideas, and energy of their former newcomers.

The European Hansemuseum in Lübeck, located in the north, is an impressive reminder of the Hanseatic League, a powerful alliance of cities that dominated Northern European trade for centuries. The main exhibition is available in four languages: German, Swedish, Russian, and English.

The Baltic and North Seas are also popular vacation destinations in Germany. Almost every German has visited one of them at least once in their life. The most popular places are those right on the beach, like Timmendorfer Strand, where our partner, SANDnature, is located. The adults-only lifestyle hotel boasts a natural flair and a great roof terrace.

Lübeck and the Hanse Museum are ideal destinations for a day trip — or, if you’re feeling athletic, by bike. The exhibition shows how international trade links shaped the Baltic Sea coast and how values such as trust, contracts, and alliances determined economic activity in the Middle Ages.

Huguenots

Further south, you will learn about the history of the Huguenots, who were forced to flee France in the 17th century. They settled in Erlangen, leaving a lasting impact on the city through their expertise in crafts, trade, and medicine.

Today, guided tours recount Erlangen’s eventful history as a “Huguenot city”—an impressive example of early modern migration and integration. The Hotel Luise is ideally located for exploring these historical sites on foot or by bike. It is designed to be sustainable through and through. There are “renewable hotel rooms” with “astronaut showers,” a private microforest, beehives, tables made from old refrigerators, and many other projects you should check out! The Wall of Change in the hotel lobby provides an overview where each project, no matter how small, is represented by a wooden leaf.

History isn’t always pleasant — hole prisons and nuclear bunkers

Erlangen and the surrounding citys like Nuremberg have other historically significant sites that may be difficult to understand, but which reveal a great deal about the country.

One such place is the “hole prisons,” small underground solitary cells in Nuremberg that can be visited on guided tours. Water, bread, and a little daylight – the only things that came through the “hole.”

The region contains many relics from the Nazi era and the postwar period. Examples include the former Nazi Party rally grounds in Nuremberg and the Cold War–era nuclear bunkers also located in Nuremberg.

Lake Constance – where contemporary history meets engineering excellence

The engineering prowess of the German people is a particular source of national pride. Evidence of this can be found everywhere, from the automotive industry to bridge construction, energy technology, and aerospace engineering.

The Zeppelin Museum in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance commemorates a special milestone in German aviation history.

Did you know? The first Zeppelin, the LZ 1, took off on its maiden flight from Lake Constance on July 2, 1900 — an event that ushered in a new era of travel. The museum’s exhibition displays original parts and replicas and highlights the social significance of airship travel.

By the way, you can now experience the Zeppelin Museum through an escape game! You’ll hunt for secret Zeppelin plans and play your way through history.

If you’re looking for sustainable accommodations, check out the Naturresort Gerbehof nearby. This family-run hotel is quietly located between forests, apple orchards, and horse stables. It has a sauna and spa area and is a true retreat. Children are welcome during the holidays, and outside of the holidays, you can enjoy an adults-only atmosphere.

Travel at a turning point

Just as the Zeppelin once ushered in a new era of travel, we are now at a turning point. Sustainable travel is not just a trend; it’s a conscious step toward a future that considers people, the environment, and history.

When we travel mindfully, we write a new chapter for ourselves. And who knows? Perhaps this way of traveling will one day become part of our collective memory.

Other parts of this miniseries:

Part 1: Travel to the Early Days (What Glaciers and Caves Reveal)

Part 2: Travel like the Romans do

Part 3: Castles and Monasteries in the Middle Ages (and what the rest of the world looked like then)

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At our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ properties, a glow-up is more than just a fresh face mask or firming serum. It starts with a deep breath. With a sense of arriving at your true self. And with treatments that not only nourish your skin, but also your inner self – gently, mindfully and in harmony with nature.

Glow-up treatments for your sustainable self-care retreat

Want to pamper yourself without compromising the environment or ethics? These sustainable hotels show you what modern self-care can look like. From the Alps to the Amazon, you can enjoy treatments that nourish your skin, relax your mind, and are in harmony with nature and the region.

From alpine herbal facials to natural detoxification rituals to scenic massages, you won’t find quick fixes here, just real time-outs that will leave you glowing from the inside out.

#1 Purifying Glow at Naturhotel Outside, East Tyrol

In the heart of East Tyrol’s natural landscape, in the Hohe Tauern National Park, a facial treatment awaits you that will visibly clarify your skin and gently transport you to the tranquility of the Alps. The Purifying Glow Treatment (50 min.) combines herbal steam, exfoliation, a lymph-stimulating massage and deep cleansing – with optional cupping glasses. The newly expanded Nature Spa at Naturhotel Outside features a large natural swimming pond, an outdoor pool and an indoor saltwater pool with Deferegger healing waters. The entire spa was constructed using locally sourced stone and wood from the surrounding area. Only certified natural cosmetics from TEAM Dr. Joseph are used. Here, tradition and the healing powers of the Alps go hand in hand to ensure that you leave feeling not only cleansed, but refreshed.

#2 Augustinus Bader Facial at Hotel Klosterbräu, Seefeld in Tyrol

Luxury that gets under your skin: the exclusive facial treatments with the iconic Augustinus Bader skin care products (80 min.) pamper you with anti-aging or lifting effects – at the highest level. The Augustinus Bader Facial includes a cell-activating fascia massage and a cream mask with 40 premium ingredients. The treatment targets uneven skin tone and redness, while also supporting the development of the body’s own stem cells to strengthen the skin over the long term.

The 5-star Hotel Klosterbräu offers a huge spa area with a large outdoor pool and seven different themed saunas in the historic setting of old monastery walls. Despite its luxury, the hotel actively commits to green energy, sustainable cuisine, and the preservation of the region’s traditional heritage.

#3 Facial Fresh at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

Sicilian nature is reflected in every ingredient: This invigorating facial cleanses your skin with algae, seawater and vitamin C from local citrus fruits for a fresh, even complexion. During your glow-up treatment, relax and gaze out at the ocean. That’s because ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located right on a WWF-protected natural beach.

Particularly attractive: ADLER Resorts & Spas develops its own natural cosmetic lines inspired by each region of Italy. Click here for a PDF catalog of available treatments and products (Glow-up Facials are on page 9).

#4 Coca leaf exfoliation at the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, Peru

At UNU Spa, you become part of an ancient Inca culture: this gentle exfoliation treatment uses the benefits of sacred coca leaves combined with brown sugar and quinoa oil. The alkaloids in the leaves stimulate circulation and leave your skin feeling rejuvenated. A ritual of renewal with deep respect for nature and its healing powers.

The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel is a beacon of sustainable tourism in Peru. Thanks to various sustainable measures for waste disposal and environmental protection, the once endangered World Heritage Site of Machu Picchu has not only been saved, but in collaboration with many other partners has become the first carbon-neutral wonder of the world. At the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel, you will not only experience the Andes with expert guides, but also relax on walks through the cloud forest with its hundreds of orchids and through the butterfly garden. Authentic wellness rituals complete your experience.

#5 Nusta Bath at Inkaterra La Casona, Cusco, Peru

Another Inkaterra property is located in the heart of the ancient Inca capital of Cusco. Inkaterra La Casona is located in the historic city center and combines the charm of a colonial villa with modern comforts and a clear focus on sustainability. The boutique hotel supports regional cultural projects, works with local communities, and is actively involved in biodiversity conservation. With only eleven suites, it is a tranquil place to retreat to your own private sanctuary after an exhilarating day.

The Nusta bath is a holistic ritual with deep cultural roots. It begins with a massage with natural oils, followed by a head massage and a body wrap with slimming coca cream and fresh coca leaves. Finally, you will enjoy a hot candlelit bath with your choice of essential oils. A powerful combination of detoxification, grounding and self-care.

#6 Wellness Facial Treatment at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, Bad Herrenalb, Germany

90 minutes of total relaxation: The feel-good facial begins with a gentle cleansing and exfoliation, followed by a personalized active ingredient serum. A relaxing face, hand and arm massage and a nourishing mask round off your glowing experience. At the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, you can also enjoy your own thermal swimming pool and the excellent air of the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb. In addition to wellness, the hotel also focuses on selfness and offers various options such as fasting cures or forest bathing to make you glow from the inside out.

#7 HydraFacial at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten, Mosel Region

In Bernkastel-Kues on the Mosel River, you will find another Green PearlsⓇ partner that combines sustainability with wellness and mindfulness. The Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten includes a TCM Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and offers a wide range of treatments.

In addition to TCM, there are modern skin care treatments such as HydraFacial. A high-tech glow up treatment. The facial cleanses your skin in four steps: exfoliation, acid treatment, deep cleansing and hydration. It is complemented by the Perk™ Face Service, which uses Rollerflex technology to further firm your skin. The matching serum is available for at-home use – so your glow lasts up to 28 days.

Glow-up goes further: From skin care to soul care

Radiance doesn’t just come from the outside. That is why more and more hotels are focusing on holistic wellness offerings that balance body, mind and spirit. And enhance your natural radiance in the process.

Lifestylehotel SAND on the Baltic Sea combines wellness with a touch of adventure. The “SANDromance” package lets you sleep under the open sky in a cozy beach bed on the roof – including sweet and savory treats and a little natural surprise. You can also book individual wellness massages with a trained physiotherapist for a personalized glow up experience.

At the Naturresort Gerbehof in Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance, the focus is on inner attentiveness and a special form of presence: “Attentiveness” is what they call the conscious experience of listening to one’s inner self. Soul wellness is at the center, supported by a 100% certified organic diet, stress-reducing massages, and mental coaching under the motto “healthy thinking. Longevity is not considered a trend here, nor is glowing. Rather, both are part of everyday life, bringing body and mind into long-term balance.

DIY Glow-up at home

Finally, if you’re looking to recreate that glowing moment at home, check out our DIY Day Spa article for easy DIY recipes for natural spa moments. From Korean rice masks to homemade body scrubs. Perfect for a pampering day at home – no hotel needed, but just as glamorous!

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“Yoga is more than physical exercise”

Originally from Hungary, Istvan completed his yoga training in Bali and has lived in Mexico, Peru, India and Lanzarote. He has walked the Camino de Santiago twice and is an Ayurvedic therapist and teacher of yoga, qigong, meditation and sound journeys. Now settled in Germany, he offers various programs for guests at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region. He summarizes his attitude for us: “Yoga is so much more than physical exercise; it teaches you to be in the here and now. Don’t be anywhere or nowhere, just enjoy the moment!”

“My intention with yoga is to help people experience themselves as souls and creators. Breathing is important, as is releasing your own blockages as you exhale. Letting yourself go completely. That is healing. When was the last time you let yourself go completely” – Istvan

Combining yoga, sustainability and singing bowls

Yoga Trends for 2025 – Meditative or Athletic?

Whether you’re looking for more energy or more grounding, yoga styles in 2025 will offer the right practice for every focus. We’ll show you what’s in demand right now.

For your information: Some classes have traditional yoga names (such as Ashtanga Yoga), while others have marketing names so to speak, such as “Forest Yoga.” We have used the names as they are listed

Types of Yoga for soul and depth

#1 Gokul Yoga

Gokul Yoga is based on the classical Hatha Yoga tradition and combines precise alignment with spiritual principles from the Bhakti tradition. It is unique in that the teachings have been passed down through an unbroken chain of disciples.

Gokul Yoga is not just about physical exercises, but a holistic practice that harmonizes body, mind and heart. Meditation, breath control (pranayama) and ethical living are central components – always with the goal of coming closer to oneself.

At Hotel Korinjak on the car-free island of Iž in Croatia, you can experience Gokul Yoga right by the sea. The vegetarian-vegan hotel is a retreat for mindful breaks and specializes in yoga, meditation and healing treatments.

• Click here for the Gokul Yoga offers at Hotel Korinjak
  

#2 Sound Yoga

This yoga practice combines gentle, long-held yin yoga poses with the meditative sounds of singing bowls. As the body is held in deep stretches, the vibrations of the bowls help to release blockages, calm the nervous system, and bring you into a state of deep relaxation. The sound and silence work together to create an intense experience on a physical and energetic level.

At STURM in the Rhön, this form of yoga is offered every Wednesday under the title “Yoga with Sound Relaxation”, led by Susann Kind. There are also regular retreats. The hotel itself is synonymous with conscious time-out, offering rooms with garden views and no TV, sustainable architecture, and a natural swimming pond in the middle of the gentle Rhön landscape.

• Retreats at the STURM

You can also experience Yin Yoga with singing bowls at the family-run Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe. The owner, Maren Geisler-Okelmann, teaches herself – in groups, private lessons, or even with your four-legged friend. She particularly loves the combination of sound and movement to promote deep relaxation

• Yoga classes and retreats at Okelmann’s

#3 Kundalini Yoga

Kundalini Yoga is also known as the Yoga of Awareness. It combines dynamic physical exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, and mantras to activate the kundalini energy – a dormant force at the base of the spine. The goal is to unlock your potential, gain clarity, and connect with your intuition. The practice can be energizing, challenging, and deeply transformative.

At the Relais del Maro, a charming albergo diffuso in the Ligurian village of Borgomaro, guests can take part in weekly Kundalini Yoga classes led by Aimee Denkmann in the Healing Arts Garden, just a five-minute walk away. In addition to group classes, Aimee also offers private lessons, which can be booked directly through the hotel reception.

#4 Ritual Yoga with Mantra & Cocoa Ceremony

This holistic practice combines physical movement with ritual and sound. Yoga is not practiced alone, but is embedded in ceremonies, such as the chanting of mantras or the conscious consumption of raw cacao in a South American cacao ceremony. The focus is on connection – with oneself, with others, and with the rhythms of nature. Meditation, intuition and opening the heart are central.

Gut Sonnenhausen, near Munich, Germany, offers regular overnight retreats. The retreats are based on the cycle of the seasons. Surrounded by organically farmed nature, you will experience intense days guided by experienced teachers such as Thais de la Paz.

#5 Forest Yoga

Forest Yoga is an invitation to consciously integrate the calming power of the forest into your yoga practice. Among the trees and chirping birds, it is easier to find peace and connect with nature. The fresh forest air is invigorating, while the green canopy creates a meditative atmosphere. Practicing outdoors not only strengthens the body, but also promotes feelings of grounding and mindfulness.

At My Arbor, an adults-only hotel in South Tyrol, forest yoga takes place in the middle of the forest during the summer months, complemented by classes and other offerings in the stylish yoga room. Experienced instructors tailor each session to the individual’s needs, whether beginner or advanced. The hotel is located above Brixen and focuses on relaxation, retreat and sustainable well-being.

• Yoga at the My Arbor Hotel
  

#7 Breathwork / Quantum Light Breath (QLB)

Conscious breathing is much more than just a side aspect of yoga practice – in 2025, breathwork will be the focus of many retreats. In particular, Quantum Light Breathing (QLB) is becoming increasingly popular: a powerful, meditative breathing technique accompanied by emotional music that can trigger profound inner processes. It aims to release old patterns and blockages through breathing, to find inner peace and to gain new clarity.

At the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region of Germany, QLB is offered by Istvan, the yoga teacher we introduced at the beginning of this article. The combination of breathing exercises, meditation, and experiencing nature helps you find your inner self – in line with a mindful and healing lifestyle.

• Yoga and retreats with Istvan at Hotel Das Rübezahl
  

Sporty Yoga Variations

Looking for movement, dynamism and energy in your yoga practice? Then these athletic yoga trends may be right up your alley. In 2025, many styles will combine physical challenge with mindfulness – ideal for anyone looking to push themselves while still finding their center.

#1 Yogilates

Yogilates combines the flowing movements and stretching exercises of yoga with the muscle-strengthening training of Pilates. This allows you to strengthen your core, improve your posture, and train your balance – the perfect combination of strength, flexibility, and mindfulness.

At ADLER Lodge RITTEN you can experience Yogilates as part of a retreat – with views of the Dolomites and surrounded by the tranquility of South Tyrol. The sustainable hotel consists of a main building and an annex, as well as several private chalets grouped around a natural swimming pond and along the ridge line. On the culinary side, you can look forward to an all-inclusive farm-to-table concept with products from the region.

• Yogilates at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN

Yogilates is also offered at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in the Bavarian Alps. Surrounded by unspoiled nature and breathtaking mountain views, you can intensify your yoga practice and relax at the same time. Known for its holistic wellness and yoga offerings, this health hotel provides the perfect balance of physical exercise and inner peace.

• Tip: For expectant mothers, the hotel also offers prenatal yoga and a babymoon package.
• Yoga-offers at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

#2 Back Yoga

As sitting has become the “new smoking” in our society, back problems have become widespread. So it’s no wonder that back yoga is becoming increasingly popular. This type of yoga uses various forms and postures. It focuses on stretching the back muscles and releasing tension, which reduces pain and increases mobility in the spine. In addition, back yoga strengthens your abdominal muscles, which improves posture and provides long-term pain relief.

LA VIMEA, Italy’s first vegan hotel, offers back yoga on a regular basis. At this adults-only retreat, daily yoga classes are included in the half-board rate and are led by certified yoga instructors. You also have the opportunity to participate in yoga retreats. The hotel has two well-equipped yoga rooms and a sunny terrace for outdoor yoga.

• Yoga at LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel

#3 Fascia Yoga

Fascia Yoga focuses on gentle flexibility exercises and deep stretches to release tension and revitalize the fascia, or connective tissue. Conscious breathing techniques provide optimal support for the body, resulting in improved flexibility and ease of movement. This form of yoga is particularly effective for mobilizing the back and relaxing the entire body.

The Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort offers Fascia Yoga in collaboration with experienced instructor Viktoria Koller (Viki Sports). Enjoy yoga classes in luxurious surroundings, including a large spa area with several pools and saunas, and excellent food. The hotel has its own 2-star restaurant, Eisvogel, where hotel guests get priority seating. For all its luxury, the resort takes its responsibilities seriously, including a commitment to renewable energy.

• Fitness, Spa & Yoga at Birkenhof

#4 Vinyasa Yoga

Vinyasa Yoga is a dynamic yoga practice that harmonizes movement and breathing. The asanas (postures) are linked together in a flowing sequence that not only improves flexibility and endurance, but also calms the mind. This type of yoga strengthens the body and helps you reduce stress while building a deep connection with your breath and the moment.

At Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel you can experience Vinyasa Yoga with Marnie Spögler, a member of the host family. Marnie is originally from Canada and has been teaching yoga for over 18 years. A certified Yoga Alliance teacher, she brings a wealth of experience and passion to her dynamic and energizing classes. The daily Vinyasa classes are included in the half-board rate. In addition, the hotel is offering three special yoga retreats during the 2025 summer season to help you deepen your practice. The hotel’s holistic, vegan philosophy further emphasizes this depth.

• Yoga-Retreats at the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel

Vinyasa Yoga is also offered at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld – here by hostess Laura Seyrling-Riess herself. The family-run hotel looks back on over 500 years of hospitality and was built on the foundations of a former monastery. It is in this special atmosphere that you can enjoy powerful flow sessions, a combination of movement and mindfulness.

• Yoga-Offers at the Hotel Klosterbräu

#5 Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic and challenging style in which breath and movement are synchronized in a fixed sequence. The practice follows a series of postures that are systematically structured to develop strength, endurance, flexibility, and concentration. A special feature is the meditative flow state that results from the connection between breath (ujjayi), focus (drishti), and movement.

This year, an Ashtanga Yoga Retreat will take place at the luxurious yet sustainable ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The stylish resort is located in Sicily, directly on the sea and nestled in a nature reserve, offering ideal conditions for intensive practice and relaxation.

• Ashtanga Yoga at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA

AI-Powered Yoga – The future of yoga with technology?

Finally, we would like to introduce you to another trend that is likely to become increasingly important in the future: AI-powered yoga. It combines traditional yoga practice with cutting-edge technology and is aimed primarily at people who practice at home. With the help of AI, personalized yoga classes are offered that are tailored to your specific needs and progress. The technology analyzes your movements, provides feedback on how you are performing the asanas, and adjusts the exercises in real time to help you improve your practice.

How does this fit in with the original teachings of yoga? To be honest, we’re not really sure what to make of it. So our recommendation is clear: find a qualified teacher in your area or attend a retreat to expand your knowledge. There are also a number of YouTube videos where real people show you how it’s done. From our own (pandemic-related) experience, we can tell you that you will be instructed at exactly the right moments not to clench your teeth or tilt your head back…

Green PearlsⓇ hotels focus on personalized service

Our Green PearlsⓇ accommodations continue to focus on individual attention and customized yoga experiences – without any technology. Here, experienced yoga teachers are on hand to guide you through your practice and respond to your needs. At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, for example, yoga is understood as a balance between rest and activity. You can book individual or private group classes for yourself and your friends to deepen your practice and develop sustainable routines.

Naturresort Gerbehof also focuses on a nature-based yoga experience. Here you can practice in a beautiful yoga room or directly in the garden or in the stone circle in the forest. There are no special classes, but there is plenty of space to enjoy your practice surrounded by nature.

Our hotels are designed with personalized service and individual well-being in mind – perfect if you are looking for a deeper connection to your practice and to yourself.

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Is taking a sauna a sin or is it healthy?

A traditional Finnish sauna has a dry heat of about 80 degrees and only 10 percent humidity. As you can imagine, the sauna heater has to provide a considerable amount of heat. According to one energy company, you could work on your laptop for 300 to 400 hours for the electricity used in a single sauna session. (Of course, the more people who use a sauna, the “better” the ecological balance becomes).

In 2022, during the energy crisis, the topic of saunas even made it onto the German political agenda. In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Schleswig-Holstein’s state premier Daniel Günther (CDU) argued that saunas should be turned off. He said they belonged to a category of luxury that people should “voluntarily do without”. Martin Niederstein, head of the German Sauna Association, countered that saunas are a beneficial way to take care of one’s health.

Taking a sauna for your health

Several studies show the positive effects of sauna on the immune system, skin and cardiovascular system. Sauna master Manuel Greifenberg agrees that “health is the number one priority”. But it can be achieved in a sustainable way. His employer, the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel My Arbor in South Tyrol, is committed to sustainable operations and produces part of its energy needs through a large solar system on the roof.

Zero Energy Sauna

A few years ago, the University of Stuttgart caused a sensation with its “zero-energy sauna”. It is operated without a power connection and runs solely on solar energy (with a thermal energy store).

It shows that energy-hungry luxury is possible without fossil fuels and harmful emissions. Or, let us say: with a lot less.

How to make a sauna sustainable

Renewable Energy

Above all, energy is the key to an environmentally friendly sauna. The “Zero Energy Sauna”, which the University of Stuttgart presented as a world first in 2022, is now a reality. And it can be found, among other places, in the OLM Nature Escape of the Green PearlsⓇ network in South Tyrol.

“Our guests sauna in an energy neutral way, as our saunas are powered by geothermal and photovoltaic energy.” – OLM Nature Escape

The circular aparthotel in Sand in Taufers is the first energy-independent hotel in the Alps and is completely self-sufficient in terms of electricity and heating thanks to geothermal probes and solar panels. What’s more, you can enjoy a sauna in complete privacy, as some of the aparthotel suites have their own private saunas.

Survey: 43% of wellness hotels use natural gas

The situation is different in a large proportion of wellness hotels. According to a survey of wellness hotels, 43% use natural gas to heat their spa areas. This means that if you simply check into a wellness hotel, there is a good chance that a fossil fuel will be burned for your sauna session, which in its entirety has a negative impact on the environment.

Environmentally friendly wood

Another environmental aspect of saunas is the wood. Wood is a natural and biodegradable material. However, anyone who uses wood should take care to preserve the forests. This is why OLM relies on an FSC-certified supplier. The saunas are made of spruce, the apartments of larch.

Excursus: Seal for wood from sustainable forests: When it comes to sustainable certification of wood, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is currently the “only credible seal”. This is the view of Greenpeace and the Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU). Even though Greenpeace left the FSC in 2018 and there are also criticisms of the FSC seal, it is still the best functioning seal for forest protection and species conservation worldwide. The main point of criticism is that FSC also certifies tropical timber. Therefore, FSC-certified wood that is NOT tropical wood is the best. The PEFC label is considered less strict and is also criticized for allowing the use of pesticides.

Here you can enjoy an environmentally friendly sauna

The wellness hotels in the Green PearlsⓇ network are characterized by the fact that they all rely on renewable energies (albeit to varying degrees). In addition, you can often experience fantastic views, natural materials and other special features.

Naturresort Gerbehof: Wood from the hotel’s own forest and green electricity

Naturresort Gerbehof is located near Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance, on the edge of its own forest property and surrounded by fruit tree plantations. The wood used for the hand-carved saunas comes directly from the resort’s own forest. Only green electricity is used throughout the resort (including the saunas). To avoid wasting electricity, the saunas are operated by appointment only.

Hotel Das Rübezahl: Event-based energy boost and self-generated electricity

The weekly calendar of the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen in the Allgäu region of Germany lists the dates for “Event Infusions & Meditation.” The infusions by sauna master Istvan (who also teaches yoga and meditation classes at the hotel) depend on the mood.

Sometimes he comes in a Rastafarian cap as Bob Marley, sometimes in a Scottish skirt and bagpipes. “Sauna should be fun,” says Istvan.

In addition to the saunas in the spa area, the hotel has rooms with private infrared saunas. According to the hotel, the saunas are heated “primarily with self-generated electricity”. If the electricity from the solar panels is not enough, the romantic wellness hotel also purchases green electricity from hydropower. Automated sauna technology also ensures that the sauna is only heated when necessary.

Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt: New sauna saves water

The family-run Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt in Switzerland built a new panoramic sauna in its spa area in 2024 – for sustainable reasons. Where there is now a sauna with a spectacular view of the Matterhorn, there used to be a hot tub that each guest could fill with 280 liters of fresh water at the touch of a button. “The water consumption was immense,” says host Fabienne Anthamatten. Zermatt is located right next to the Gorner Glacier, so you can see for yourself how the planet’s largest freshwater reserves are disappearing due to climate change. The sauna (powered by 100% green hydropower) is therefore more sustainable than the hot tub. It is only used on request during the summer.

Naturhotel Outside: Electricity from renewable sources

For a true nature vacation, the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol is the place to be. The hiking hotel is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The spa area was built with regional materials and only expanded in 2024. Now, in the summer of 2025, an extended outdoor area at the natural swimming pond awaits you. The sauna is powered exclusively by green electricity. There is an in-house photovoltaic system as well as external green electricity from hydropower.

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel: rooms with private sauna

The Hotel Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel on the Seiser Alm, 2,000 meters above sea level, works with a green energy provider. 90% of the electricity comes from hydropower. In addition to the various saunas in the spa area (steam sauna, Finnish sauna, straw sauna and infrared sauna), there are also “JS Wellness” rooms with their own infrared sauna right next to the bed. According to the hotel, these rooms are especially popular during the ski season. The ski slope ends right in front of the hotel – so after a sauna (and shower) you can fall right into bed 🙂

Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort: Technology for luxury and sustainability

As a 5-star hotel and operator of a 2-star restaurant, the Hotel Der Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort surprises with its commitment to sustainability. The resort operates three photovoltaic systems and two combined heat and power plants to generate electricity and heat. The electricity for the various saunas (including a tower sauna, a panorama sauna and an ice lounge) is generated as far as possible by the resort’s own solar panels. In addition, an advanced sauna control system heats the saunas sequentially, ensuring that there are no power peaks.

Hotel Weihrerhof: Green electricity sauna with lake view

The Hotel Weihrerhof is located directly on the shore of Lake Costalovara on the Ritten in South Tyrol. From the “Bootshaus Sauna” you have a wonderful view of the lake. In summer, young and old swim in it, and in winter it is a huge ice rink where you can watch ice skaters while sitting comfortably and warmly in the sauna. “Our saunas are energy-efficient, run on green electricity and are turned down during off-peak hours,” says host Klaus Pichler, summarizing the sustainability aspects.

APIPURA hotel rinner: A round barrel sauna saves energy

The APIPURA hotel rinner is also located on the Ritten. The hotel is committed to certified organic agriculture and the “Bio Fair Südtirol” seal. The senior owner is a beekeeper and so you will find (besides the wide range of organic honey) Apiwellness in the hotel, where you can breathe the air of the beehive. For the sauna, the Rinner family deliberately chose a barrel sauna because it is very energy efficient. The energy itself comes from a district heating plant. This plant converts waste from local wood production into energy.

Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel: Traditional Andean Sauna in Peru

In the Peruvian Andes, the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers the “Andean Sauna”, which combines wellness with local traditions. The sauna is made of granite stones and is heated by heated stones. Fresh eucalyptus leaves provide a pleasant steam. Eucalyptus is widely used in Peru. The Inkaterra Hotel Group is a pioneer in sustainable tourism in Peru. The hotel is particularly committed to biodiversity and species protection, but also relies on renewable energy sources from hydropower.

Lifestylehotel SAND: Roof top sauna

At the adults-only Lifestylehotel SAND, the sauna is a real highlight. The hotel is located in the popular Baltic Sea resort of Timmendorfer Strand, right on the beach. The hotel’s roof terrace is a wonderful place to end the day. And that’s also where you’ll find the sauna. Essential oils such as lavender, lemon and alpine herbs create a relaxing or refreshing atmosphere, and the hotel also provides sauna-goers with shower bombs, loofah sponges and fresh, homemade iced tea. Book your sauna visit in advance as a private spa. Not only will you have the sauna to yourself (and your companion), but it will only be heated when you need it.

Gut Sonnenhausen: Enjoy a sauna with a view of the paddock

Gut Sonnenhausen, south of Munich, is a converted stud farm in the midst of nature. Here, environmental pioneer Georg Schweisfurth has realized his dream of building a hotel in a listed building, surrounded by organic farming and gardens. The sauna is located outside and, like the entire complex, is powered by green energy from Green Planet Energy.

Eco-Hotel Okelmanns: Sauna by appointment in a converted shepherd’s hut

In the small town of Warpe in Lower Saxony, Germany, Okelmanns Eco-Hotel is a place of peace and relaxation. People come here for yoga retreats, mindfulness exercises, or gentle nature experiences with biking and easy hiking. The hotel has a combined heat and power plant and a photovoltaic system. An old shepherd’s hut has been converted into a sauna by the Okelmann family. A special feature is that you always have the sauna to yourself. The hosts rent the sauna exclusively per room and it is only heated for the time booked. In addition to the sauna, there is also an outdoor whirlpool to complete the wellness experience.

Hotel Klosterbräu: Seven themed saunas

Seven themed saunas await you at the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. The highlight is the completely hand-carved “Heart Sauna,” but the “Bread Sauna” with the scent of freshly baked bread is something you won’t find anywhere else. The hotel, built on the site of an old monastery, has many other fairytale features. For example, there is a “beer fountain” in the wellness area. For families, there is a non-nude sauna where children feel comfortable both in terms of temperature and dress code. The hotel heats with wood chips and optimizes its energy consumption with a digital solution in cooperation with Siemens.

Show Infusion: A crazy wellness trend takes over Europe

If you are among those who find the silence of a sauna uncomfortable, there are now hotels that have turned the infusion into a real theatrical production. Damien Gabet, an Englishman, visited several saunas in South Tyrol this year for Conde Nast Traveller. The so-called show infusion is said to have been invented there.

For example, Damien has seen performances by reigning sauna world champion Michael Niedermair and his partner Kasia Klajn. The performances are tailored to a 20-minute sauna session. In one sauna scene, for example, a red devil climbs out of a chest; there are costumes, wigs, and lots of silliness with waving towels.

“There’s something a little Eurovision about it all: embracing the art and aphorisms certainly requires you to park your Britishness (read: sarcastic, snooty) at the door – next to your pants. But it’s an impressive show and I’ve (sadly, perhaps) never had more fun in a sauna.” – Travel Journalist Damien Gabet

Show infusions in My Arbor

Sauna master Manuel Greifenberg of My Arbor also plans to compete in the sauna championships (he already has a world bodybuilding title). However, he plans to compete in the “classic waving” category at the sauna championships. “I prefer the classic version, where the infusion is an infusion and not a performance,” he explains.

 “Our infusions are a place of tranquility and reflection. My show infusions are a blend of music, scent and body graphics. The guest is always the focus.” – Saunameister Manuel Greifenberg

Our opinion: We like shows and health – but only with green electricity!

So, have you changed your mind about taking a sauna? As you can see, not only is it good for your health, but there is also a lot to see and experience. However, the question of how the sauna is powered is not insignificant. “Burning fossil fuels for energy is the main cause of climate change,” says the German Ministry of Economic Development.

That’s why we say: your health is important, and if you want, you can enjoy a show sauna. But going to the sauna doesn’t have to be at the expense of the planet! If you power it with (self produced) renewable energy sources, you can have the same fun in a green way!

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Wellness for the soul at Gerbehof Nature Resort

Are you open to alternative medicine? At Naturresort Gerbehof on the German shore of Lake Constance, you will find healing according to Viktor Philippi. Hostess Ursula Wagner met Viktor Philippi at a lecture in 2015 and completed her first training with him in 2016. She reports:

“At that time I was in very poor health and we had suffered many blows that had a severe impact on our family. I tried a few things. Most of them just kept me “afloat” but didn’t really help. Until I “accidentally” met Mr. Philippi. And that’s when I felt I had arrived. I quickly felt much better, both physically and mentally, and since the summer of 2016 I have been offering bio-motivation in our company.”

Nine years later, she is a staunch advocate and supporter of Viktor Philippi’s Foundation for Health. Already next week she will attend her next congress. A Theo-medicine congress in Taubenheim.

Bioenergetic Motivation

Viktor Philippi became known for the biomeditation method he developed. This method aims to identify and release energetic blockages in the body in order to activate the body’s self-healing powers. The sessions are conducted by specially trained Biosens therapists like Ursula. You lie in a relaxed position and the Biosens therapist works with his hands in your energy field without physical contact.

In the Philippi Method, certain stones also play a supporting role. For example, the Atlantis II Stress Relief Massage uses heated jade and basalt stones. Through special “programming,” they are said to help absorb “burdensome vibrations” from the body.

The Gerbehof nature resort also offers the following programs and services:

• Soul balm (4 nights with drinking cure, bioenergetic group motivation and bioenergetic liver detox)
• A little time away – recharge your batteries (3 nights of bioenergetic motivation and bioenergetic liver detox)
• Health weeks (individual period with 2x daily bio-motivation, morning and evening clearing in the stone circle, tips for healthy thinking, light meals)
• A different kind of fasting (7 nights of alkaline fasting and support program)

However, these are not fixed retreats, but rather an offer that you can customize. If you are interested in Soul Wellness at the Nature Resort, it is best to inquire directly and then explore with Ursula how the Soul Retreat can be designed for you.

One more thing: Viktor Philippi emphasizes on his website that he does not reject conventional medicine – on the contrary, he recognizes its enormous importance for physical healing. However, he also points out that it often reaches its limits when it comes to psychosomatic illnesses, burnout or depression. Nevertheless, you should always consult a physician or psychotherapist if you have serious physical or mental health problems or illnesses, and use energetic or other alternative healing methods to supplement conventional treatment if they work for you.

ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA: Holistic Healing in a Mediterranean Retreat

At ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA you will be cared for by Dr. med. Letterio Taormina. He is a general practitioner, but also practices traditional Chinese acupuncture and light therapy (phytotherapy). By combining Western and Eastern methods, he aims to provide a “holistic view” of his patients and thus achieve a “lasting psycho-physical well-being”.

“”Convinced that man is inseparable from nature, I turned more and more to the traditional healing methods of the East, especially to Chinese medicine,” says Dr. Taormina.

The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located on a natural beach in Sicily, protected by the WWF, and offers a range of health packages in the areas of detoxification, weight loss and nutrition, and stress management.

Stress management retreats during your vacation

The Stress Management Program on the island begins with a detailed initial assessment where you and Dr. Taormina will formulate your goals and create a personalized plan. A stress analysis is performed and blood samples are taken.

The program during your stay will include a special diet, a guided exercise program, and various treatments and massages. The goal is not only to help you relax physically, but also to help you release stress mentally so that you can return to your everyday life feeling stronger.

• Learn more about the medical programs at ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA
  

TCM at Zum Kurfürsten Lifestyle Resort on the Mosel River

If you are interested in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and its holistic approach, you will find it in Germany on the Moselle River. The Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten was designed by host Heiner Buckermann as a Feng Shui power place.

Several TCM therapists work at the wellness hotel. One of them is Ingrid Grubisik, who can also create a holistic plan for you at the beginning of your vacation, showing you how to achieve inner balance through diet (based on the 5 elements), exercise, treatments and meditation techniques.

• For more information about TCM by KURFÜRST INSTITUT, please visit the resort’s website.
  

Mental Detox in Bavaria at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

At the Green PearlsⓇ Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, a trained physician welcomes you and combines health with the hotel business. The host, Dr. Andreas Färber, has integrated the Artemacur health center into the wellness hotel.

In addition to health weeks and liver fasting, they offer a spiritual detox for the soul. You can do this with a short stay of only three nights. During this time, you can give up your cell phone (only if you want to, of course) and receive a guided forest bath (Shinrin Yoku) along with a health consultation. A singing bowl massage is also included.

• Learn more about the health programs at Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa
  

Wellness & health for body and soul at OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife also follows the approach of healing both body and soul. To this end, various health and fasting programs are offered in the hotel’s HEALTH SPA, but especially in the F.X. Mayr Center, which was founded by host Dr. med. Karl Matthias Rolle. It offers fasting cures and therapies based on the work of Austrian gastroenterologist Franz Xaver Mayr († 1965). Among other things, it has a special restaurant with a view of the sea, so that you can concentrate on yourself. In addition to intestinal regeneration, there is also room for “life energy regeneration“.

‘My Tree Therapy’ at the My Arbor tree hotel in South Tyrol

‘At our hotel, we place a high value on the well-being of our guests, including their mental health,’ reports the My Arbor hotel. This adults-only hotel near Bressanone is built high up in the treetops (partly on stilts). The forest is seen as a place of power where guests can ‘relieve stress and recharge their batteries’. The ‘My Tree Therapy’ package, which includes three different massages with mountain pine oil, is ideal for mental health.

Ayurveda to combat sleep problems at Inkaterra in Peru

The Inkaterra Hacienda Urubamba in the former ‘Sacred Valley of the Incas’ in the Andean region of Peru is definitely a place that appeals to the soul. You will find yourself surrounded by reddish mountains and traditional agriculture. The complex includes the ‘Mayu Spa’, a wellness area with a ‘Healing Garden’ where medicinal herbs are grown.

For people who suffer from insomnia, the herbs from the garden are used as pindas (herbal stamps). The Ayurvedic herbal stamps are heated and placed on the body with pressure and twisting movements. This not only helps to release muscle tension, but is also a useful treatment to help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

‘Resilience Impulse’ at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA is located in the German Black Forest, in the famous climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb. The wellness hotel has its own thermal swimming pool and an integrated ‘Selfness Center’. During the ‘Resilience Impulse’ you will learn various tools to sharpen your self-awareness.

This includes

• mindfulness
• breathing techniques
• meditation

The result of a heightened sense of self is that you can trust yourself more again.

There are private one-on-one sessions, group sessions, and intensive one-on-one coaching. You can find prices and more information on the website.

Sustainability and mental health – what do they have in common?

Sustainability is not just about taking care of the environment; it is also about taking care of yourself. Those who are constantly under stress in their daily lives and do not schedule breaks for their own mental health run the risk of burning out in the long run. Retreats like this one allow you to consciously pause, recharge your batteries, and go through life with more mindfulness. A sustainable lifestyle begins not only with ecological choices, but also with a conscious approach to yourself.

Whether you prefer to rely on conventional medicine and tried and true methods or are open to alternative healing methods, it’s up to you. (Unless it’s a serious illness, in which case, please see a doctor!) What’s important is that you listen to your body and your soul. At Green PearlsⓇ hotels, you’ll find a range of approaches to sustainable relaxation, from classical medicine and traditional healing to energetic treatments.

Maybe it’s time to take some time off and find out what really makes you feel good?

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Good reasons to plan your trips early

There are many good reasons to take some time at the beginning of the year to plan your travels. Depending on your latitude, it may still be gray and cold outside your window, so looking at a calendar with vacation days marked will immediately put you in a better mood.

• A 2014 Cornell University study found that planning and anticipating a vacation makes people happier – far more than planning to buy material things..
• An even earlier British study, conducted in 2002, found that travelers are happiest when the trip is planned.

Why is early travel planning sustainable?

Before you break out the big annual calendar and start sticking Post-its on it (a tip you can take seriously), here are a few talking points in case you need to convince your fellow travelers:

#1 Planning certainty and fairness

By booking early, you give tour operators, accommodation providers, transport companies and their suppliers, tour guides and everyone else involved more planning certainty. As a traveler, you may not even be aware of this. And you also make it easier for everyone else in your immediate environment (family, work, etc.) to plan when you “submit” your vacation early.

#2 More time for long-distance travel

If you are planning a long-distance trip this year, you can take more time to make your vacation more “eco-worthy”. Here you can learn more about sustainable travel destinations in Southeast Asia, the Andean region of Peru, or sustainable jungle vacations in the Amazon. If you are currently “on the other side of the world”, Switzerland may be an attractive long-haul destination for you.

#3 Time to get to know your destination

If you plan your trip well in advance, you can better engage with your destination and adapt to the culture, land and people. In this article, for example, you will learn about the dark side of Bali and how to overcome it as an eco-traveler. An Indonesian woman tells us what tourists often do wrong in Bali, and we introduce you to the eco-resort Puri Dajuma.

My personal tip: Get some books that are set in the country you are going to. Not travel guides or non-fiction, but novels and stories that get you in the mood for the country and its people!

And another book tip from the editors: the “How to…” series. (How to…) series is also highly recommended. Before and after your trip.

#4 Research green transportation options

Before you book a flight, you can also consider greener travel options. For example, did you know that you can travel to Sicily by train? Are you familiar with the new European overnight trains, or have you ever considered traveling by coach?

If the country itself can only be reached by air (in a time-efficient manner), you may be able to avoid domestic flights locally. For example, on a slow travel adventure through Thailand. Yes, you can even reach our Green PearlsⓇ Keemala on the island of Phuket from Bangkok by night train plus bus. Keemala is a truly dreamy, sustainable luxury resort that you can plan as one of the highlights of a trip to Thailand, like a weekend. 

#5 Off-season travel

Now that you have the whole year ahead of you, you can take advantage of the off-season to travel. As we wrote in our blog article about counter-cyclical travel, the off-season not only brings you financial benefits, but also helps to avoid overtourism and protect our planet.

How about visiting the popular Baltic Sea beach away from the tourist crowds, for exmaple? Marion Muller, host of the Lifestylehotel SAND, recommends spring and fall for a vacation. Then you can enjoy quiet beach walks or bike rides with the hotel’s sustainable MyBoo rental bikes.

#6 Plan regional events

With enough foresight, you can plan ahead for special events in the area and be sure not to miss out.

• In March and September 2025, three cosmic highlights await you: (March 15, 2025, partial lunar eclipse, March 29, 2025, partial solar eclipse, and September 7, total lunar eclipse). Nocturnal tourism has been declared a travel trend of the year. The Rhön Star Park, located near the sustainable STURM Hotel, is a good example. Here you will find not only a dark sky reserve, but also numerous guided tours and events around the starry sky.

• From the end of April to mid-May, the apple blossom is in full swing in the Lake Constance region. It is a dream season when the vast apple-growing area is transformed into a sea of blossoms. The Natureresort Gerbehof in Friedrichshafen even has its own apple orchards. And just an hour’s drive away is the flower island of Mainau, where over a million tulip blossoms open each spring!

• October is the time of the olive harvest in Italy and Spain. In Liguria, at the Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro in the coastal town of Imperia, there is always a big olive harvest festival at this time of year.

• In South Tyrol, the “Törggelen” takes place in October and November. People hike to various huts and feast on the fresh produce of the harvest. At the APIPURA hotel rinner on the Ritten, chestnuts are traditionally harvested and roasted over the fire in a cozy get-together.

Of course, there are many other events related to sports, nature, and hobbies. Why not do some research in your area of interest?

#7 Choose sustainable accommodations

With enough time, you can see if the accommodation is committed to sustainability. Electricity, food, social justice – if you want to travel in a fair and eco-friendly way in 2025, it’s best to choose accommodation that implements and communicates this transparently.

#8 Book directly with your chosen accommodation.

If you have chosen a sustainable accommodation like our Green Pearls, you don’t have to book through a third party, you can book directly with the hotel (that’s why Green Pearls® takes you directly to the website). It is no secret that the booking platforms receive a commission for their listing. However, when you book directly, the money goes right to the hotel. Often, the accommodations also offer a Best Price Guarantee, which ensures that you book the hotel or vacation home at the lowest current price.

What is special about mindful travel planning?

Mindful travel planning, like slow travel, is about taking your time. Time to research, compare, and think carefully about what you really want from your vacation. Planning a trip only makes you happy if you enjoy it. And that doesn’t happen when you’re clicking through pages of deals as fast as you can. It’s about prioritizing, getting to know yourself and your travel style, and then planning ahead. Sustainable travelers are usually willing to go the extra mile – because it’s worth it! For ourselves, for the accommodations and destinations, and for the planet.

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What is a place of power?

“Places of power are in vogue. But their effects are not scientifically proven.” SRF in its article on magical nature

A place of power is a geographical location in nature where, according to esoteric belief, a particular energy or earth radiation exists. Scientific methods cannot prove this; instead, people identify such places using a pendulum or divining rod.People also designate some power places based on ley lines or Feng Shui principles.

Some (or many) also use the term for places in nature that are simply beautiful and subjectively uplifting. You can probably think of an example right now, can’t you?

Places of power and tourism

Powerful sites are key attractions in the tourism industry—take Stonehenge, for example! In 2019, authorities closed Ayers Rock in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park after the Anangu people protested. They opposed the increasing number of tourists climbing their sacred mountain, damaging the environment, and trampling on their cultural heritage. Uluru holds deep cultural and religious significance for Australia’s indigenous people.

However, with our Green PearlsⓇ partners, we don’t get the impression that power places are being exploited for tourism. Instead, they often align with the personal worldview of the individual hotel hosts, particularly in the case of Feng Shui power places.

Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten – An entire hotel as a Feng Shui place of power

“The entire hotel has been declared a place of power by a Feng Shui master from Beijing.” – Zum Kurfürsten Lifestyle Resort

Feng Shui and TCM play an important role at Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten. The wellness hotel in Bernkastel-Kues on the Mosel River used to be a simple hotel for coach tours – until Heiner Buckermann took over and transformed it into the lifestyle resort it is today. Today, it boasts a 4,500-square-foot wellness area with saunas, pools and a natural swimming pond, as well as a diet based on the Five Elements and TCM therapy.

Heiner Buckermann remembers the construction phase and the Feng Shui master: “The master was visiting Germany from Beijing and met one of our TCM therapists. We were building at the time and asked for his help. The master explained the details of how to connect the energies in the place of power.”

The goal was to ensure that the entire place stayed coherent and, like a turtle’s shell, blocked negative energies. To achieve this, they directed the water from the various pools to flow in a specific way, and followed precise instructions on maintaining contact with the street or hotel staircase to protect the energy of the Power Place.

By connecting all the outbuildings to the main building, the energy can “flow freely”. The choice of materials, the polygonal tiles, the nine flags on the street – everything follows the Feng Shui rules for a place of power.

According to Heiner Buckermann, the Feng Shui instructions were all “logical” and “pleasant” and “contributed positively to the design of the hotel. The master himself then declared the entire hotel to be a place of power, and anyone sensitive to this can still feel it today.

Biohotel Grafenast – A place of power, confirmed by geomancers

Peter Unterlechner of the Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol, Austria, also believes in flowing qi and has had the hotel, now in its third generation, aligned accordingly.

“We had the grounds designed according to Feng Shui and then had them tested by a geomancer,” says Peter Unterlechner. The geomancer confirmed that both the hotel and the surrounding nature are places of power. The hotel sits beautifully in the mountains, offering stunning views of the valley.

“The panoramic location and the combination of an old house and a fresh spirit bring the power to life and make it tangible” – Biohotel Grafenast

You can create your own places of power

As you can see from the examples, you can create your own places of power by implementing certain esoteric rules.

“We have created various places of power ourselves,” reports the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu. There are various retreats in the wellness area of the Mountain Spring Spa and the “Power of Silence” place with a bonsai tree. The sustainably managed hotel is also an advocate of Ayurveda and mindfulness, offering yoga classes and retreats throughout the year.

At Naturhotel Gerbehof, the owners strongly believe in the Philippi method. They offer bioenergetic motivation sessions in-house, and there is a stone circle in their private forest where guests can experience a “meditation on the four primary elements.”

Crystal Garden at Gut Guntrams

If you are interested in crystals, the Gut Guntrams near Vienna has an impressive crystal garden with some huge exhibits. However, owner Stefan Gergley does not make any esoteric connections. He simply has a passion for crystals, petrified wood and minerals, he explains, and shares them in his private collection and his own nature museum at Gut Guntrams.

Places of power around sustainable hotels

Many Green PearlsⓇ accommodations are located near one or more places of power. The way these sites are transformed into a tourist experience varies widely.

The “Snake God’s” place of worship must not be disturbed

For example, Rajiv Desraj Shrestha, general manager of The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm in Nepal, knows of a place of power near the resort – but he won’t take you there because he thinks tourists (and people in general) are a disruptive factor.

“We have a place of power. It is a very old place of worship according to Hindu understanding, dedicated to the ‘Snake God’ and according to Hinduism can only be worshipped on certain auspicious days. In general, it is disturbed by human presence and therefore a visit is not recommended.” – Rajiv Desraj Shrestha

Temples and the “holy forest” to experience in Thailand

At Keemala in Phuket, on the other hand, the surrounding power spots are integrated into the program. They tell us there are three areas:

• The “sacred” forest: “The nearby ancient forests are said to have spiritual significance and energy.”
• Buddhist Temples: “The temples and spiritual sites in our area are known for their peaceful atmosphere and historical significance and can be visited.
• Nature and Meditation: “Special guided hikes through these power spots are part of our wellness programs and combine immersion in nature with meditation exercises.”

The enchantingly beautiful Keemala Resort is nestled in the tropical forest of Phuket.

Guests of the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol will receive a “power places booklet”.

The Pichler family, who run the Hotel Weihrerhof* on the shores of Lake Costalovara in Renon, South Tyrol, actively sought out places of natural power in the area around their hotel. This came about because the host family carefully studied the surrounding nature.

Of particular interest are the Celtic-Rhaetian sites and settlements typical of the Ritten. When exploring places of power, their goal is to “feel more and think less”. In order to understand the energy involved, they have enlisted the help of geomancer Bernd Traber.

As a guest, you will find a small booklet in your room in which you can learn more about each place and get ideas for consciously experiencing them. Afterwards you can visit them with a new feeling and let nature have a deeper effect on you.

Hotel room design inspired by a place of power in Bad Herrenalb

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA has just renovated its hotel rooms (according to Cradle to Cradle™) and created the room category “Falkenstein”. The Falkenstein is a local landmark in Bad Herrenalb, and according to hotel owner Stephan Bode, the “vibrating primeval energy” is particularly noticeable here. He wanted the new hotel rooms to reflect this: “As soon as you enter the room, you feel a unique and unbridled energy – powerful and balanced. Falkenstein is the perfect design concept for every guest who wants to feel primal power.”

Bad Herrenalb – a place of power

There are also other places of power in the area, such as one “directly above the junction of the two supercontinents of Gondwana and Laurasia”. The entire town of Bad Herrenalb is considered a healing place of power, evident from the unusually large number of twin trees, a wonder pine growing on an archway, and its healing water and climate.

The hotel team emphasizes that you don’t have to believe in the special power of Bad Herrenalb to feel it:

“Even guests unfamiliar with the special qualities of the place often confirm at check-out that they feel relaxed and energized.” – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

Recharge your batteries in Warper Wood

Sisters Maren Geisler-Okelmann and Kristin Okelmann of eco-hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe are spiritually open. The water that flows through their pipes has been revitalized using the Grander method, and the hotel offers yoga, meditation, and sound massages.

“Our power spot, almost on our doorstep, is the magical Warper Wood. We do some retreats that include forest bathing. We spend as much time there as possible.” – Hotel Okelmanns

“Heartstone” Place of Power near Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

The health hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa has a focus on medicine and is happy to offer scientifically based methods (e.g. medical liver fasting instead of other types of fasting). Additionally, you can participate in a guided forest bathing tour. The guide Jana likes to integrate the power place Herzstein into her tour.

It is only a 5 minute walk from the hotel. Lisa-Maria Standl from the hotel says: “I’ve been there several times, and even though it’s a bit esoteric, I think the word ‘place of power’ is appropriate.

Hexenbödele on the Ritten in South Tyrol

Near the APIPURA hotel rinner* on the Ritten in South Tyrol, there is a mystical place called “Hexenbödele”. It is a forest clearing with a larch tree in the middle. Legend says that devils and witches once danced here. One night, a young boy, wanting to prove his courage, visited the place. By morning, they found him lifeless—trampled to death by the witches. After this tragic event, they hung a crucifix in the larch tree to honor the boy, and since then, the witches are said to avoid the place.

In addition to the Hexenböderle, Karin Rinner from the hotel’s host family recommends the Waldner Eck and the Mitterstieler See viewpoint.

“I often visit the places of power around us because they are breathtaking sites where you can get a lot of strength.” – Karin Rinner

Stone circle in Seefeld

In Seefeld, where the sustainable Hotel Klosterbräu is located, there is a stone circle as a place of power. They built it on the Pfarrerbichl as a “magical place.” In 2000, they measured the constellation, and in 2007, they inaugurated the place of power. The 12 stones are meant to represent the 12 apostles, and in the middle, there is a way of the cross, starting from the parish church in Seefeld.

The Hotel Klosterbräu was built on the 500-year-old walls of an old monastery. The staff here likes to play with biblical names. The sunbathing area by the outdoor pool is called the “Garden of Eden.” And down in the vaults is the “Cellar of Sin“.

Places of natural power with our Green PearlsⓇ partners

As we researched the places of power among our Green PearlsⓇ partners, many emphasized the natural treasures of their surroundings.

The sea as an inexhaustible source of energy in Tenerife

At the OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on the island of Tenerife, they believe that the Atlantic Ocean, which borders the hotel, is a powerful source of energy.

“The sea gives peace and strength. You can feel and experience this source of strength and find your own rhythm.” – OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel

The sea also plays an important role in the various health therapies offered by the hotel, such as “Ocean Balancing” or “Thalasso”.

Subjective places of power in East Tyrol

The Naturhotel Outside in Matrei in East Tyrol immediately named four places that, in their opinion, are suitable for subjective experience as a place of power.:

• Zedlacher Paradise: Here you can find larches that are more than 500 years old with a trunk circumference of up to seven meters. This place is especially beautiful in the fall..
• St. Nicholas Church: This 12th century Romanesque church is the oldest preserved sacred building in East Tyrol. Research by the University of Innsbruck proved that a Roman tomb stood here 1,800 years ago. It is a 45-minute walk to the church.
• Innergeschlöss: This is one of the most beautiful valley heads in the Eastern Alps. It offers a great view of the Großvenediger.
• Glacier River Isel: The last free-flowing glacial river in Austria is also within walking distance of the hotel.

The best way to experience the power of the East Tyrolean Alps is by hiking. The Outside Nature Hotel is an official hiking hotel located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Find out more in our interview with hiking concierge Karin Steiner.

Place of Power Matterhorn

Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn, is also often described as a “place of power” – with no esoteric overtones. “The mountain is often seen as a place that gives people energy and inspiration,” reports the CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt. The nature-oriented design resort offers direct views of the Swiss landmark.

Recharge your batteries with a forest bath in South Tyrol

At the adults-only wellness hotel My Arbor*, the surrounding forest is mentioned. It not only provides “a picturesque backdrop for the hotel,” but also “a retreat full of peace and natural energy. My Arbor offers forest bathing at least once a week as part of its weekly program.

“Forest bathing is a wonderful way to reduce stress, clear the mind and harmonize body and soul. The soothing effects of the trees and pure mountain air are appreciated by many of our guests.” – My Arbor

The Riva Waterfalls in Sand in Taufers

From the energy-self-sufficient OLM Nature Escape* in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, it is only a 30-minute walk to the Reinbach Waterfalls. These are three spectacular waterfalls in the Tauferer Ahrntal. The upper and middle ones are about 50 meters high and the lower one is over 10 meters high.

According to OLM Nature Escape, the Reinbach Waterfalls are one of the most beautiful destinations in the area. Definitely an energizing place to recharge your batteries. The aparthotel itself is also a special place – the round building blends harmoniously into nature.

Do places of power work?

Many people visit a place of power and “recharge their batteries” – from nature, from pausing, from consciously pausing. There are scientists who are trying to scientifically prove the healing effects of nature (e.g. through forest bathing). There are already some indications, such as the reduction of stress hormones or a positive effect on the cardiovascular or immune system. However, we are talking about nature in general, not “places of power”.

The most important thing is that both “official” and purely subjective places of power are always a personal feeling in the sense of “that does me good”, “that gives me strength.” Visitors to places of power do not need scientific proof of this.

*CIN CODES Italien

IT021072A1L46PNBHX (Hotel Weihrerhof)

IT021072A1UOWUIDH4 (APIPURA hotel rinner)

IT021011A1AE4737IT (My Arbor)

IT021017B4CPKU6WK9 (OLM Nature Escape)

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How can I fast in a sustainable way?

Fasting (we are referring to therapeutic fasting, not religious fasting) means going without food for a period of time, either completely or partially, to give the body time to detoxify and cleanse itself. A desired effect is that after fasting you will eat more consciously and perhaps use food and other resources more consciously.

👉 You can read our article “Sustainable fasting?” here, where we explain different types of fasting, give you tips for your fasting cure, and also discuss what this has to do with sustainability.

Therapeutic fasting is one of the options for a healthy and conscious lifestyle. Therefore, it makes sense to choose a sustainable hotel for your fasting vacation. By combining your fasting cure with a stay in a sustainable hotel, you can be sure that aspects such as sustainable energy production, CO2 reduction and organic food are taken into account.

Why combine fasting and vacations at all?

Of course, you can do a healing fast at home on your own – and even go to work and go about your usual daily routine. But anyone who’s tried it (like me) will tell you it’s not the best idea. Often you don’t just want to avoid food, but you also want to take a step back from other things and find some time to rest and reflect.

Many people associate vacations with fun and “indulging” – but taking care of your health while traveling has become a trend, and indulging and enjoying increasingly means doing what is good for you.

Fasting on vacation is easier and has many advantages:

• You are in a group of like-minded people who have the same goal as you.
• There is professional (medical) guidance and support.
• Fasting food is available depending on the type of fast. So you don’t have to worry about shopping or cooking.
• An accompanying program with easy hikes, yoga, meditation, forest bathing, etc. will support your regeneration.
  Beautiful surroundings and wellness services will make your fast a real vacation.

How much does a fasting vacation cost?

For a hotel fasting retreat, including accommodation, fasting meals, support, spa and program, you should expect to pay around 1000 Euros per week. You can find an approximate price for each hotel here in the article. Exact prices are available through the links provided or upon request.

Fasting vacation in Tenerife 2025 according to F. X. Mayr

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on Tenerife has an affiliated F.X. Mayr Center – especially for fasting guests! This means that when you come here, you can enjoy the amenities of the hotel, such as the swimming pool, seawater pool, gym and yoga classes – but when it comes to “eating” and other activities, you will only be with other people who are fasting. You will be cared for by trained therapists and doctors in a picturesque setting between the Atlantic Ocean and volcanic mountains.

In 2025, three types of fasting cures will be offered:

• Classic (Ideal for beginners | for intestinal cleansing, stomach problems and as a fresh start)
• Detox (Focus on detoxification, abdominal treatment and bowel activation, especially for irritable bowel syndrome)
• Active (Combined with an exercise and training program designed specifically for you based on your fitness level)

Dates in 2025: Classic: 14 or 21 days; Detox: 10, 14 or 21 days; Active: 10, 14 or 21 days – All treatments are available year round.

Price: For example, a classic 14-day fast starts at 1,660 euros per person.

Sustainable fasting vacation in Germany 2025

#1 Fasting in a healing climate in SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

In Germany, the Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA focuses on “selfness” and fasting. It is located in the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb (which also has a healing spring) and has its own thermal swimming pool. You can see the Black Forest through the hotel’s large panoramic windows.

During a fasting cure at SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, you will be accompanied by daily fasting talks and receive a special program with guided hikes, forest bathing and mindfulness impulses.

In 2025, two 6-night fasting cures will be offered:

• Fasting cure according to Dr. Buchinger
• Fasting cure with an alkaline diet

Dates in 2025: From January to December 2025, there will be several monthly dates for a one-week fasting cure at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA. Click here for an overview:

Price: from 1,020 euros per person (6 nights)

#2 Alkaline fasting at Gerbehof Nature Resort

The Naturresort Gerbehof is a family-run organic hotel on the German side of Lake Constance. Here you will be surrounded by orchards and forests and enjoy natural furnishings with lots of wood. There are guided alkaline fasting retreats where you avoid not only acidic foods, but also other “acidic” things like stress. Bioenergetic motivation according to Viktor Philippi is integrated.

For 2025 there are:

• Alkaline Fasting Cures (5 Nights or 7 Nights)
• MyDetox: A web-based program (app) that prepares you for your fast three days before you arrive at the Gerbehof and provides you with tips, recipes, and shopping lists for an alkaline lifestyle afterward.

Dates 2025: All year round. Some time flexibility is an advantage, as dates are set upon request.

Price: From 740 Euros (5 nights)

#3 Liver fasting at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa

At Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Dr. Andreas Färber combines his medical health center with a wellness hotel. The location in the Berchtesgadener Land is not only ideal for hiking, but with its alpine nature it also provides the perfect setting for fasting retreats.

During your fasting retreat, you will enjoy the personal attention of your host, Dr. Andreas Färber, and his team of nutritional specialists.

Liver fasting according to Dr Worm

Together with TV-nutrition expert Isabell Heßmann, Dr. Andreas Färber offers regular group retreats on liver fasting according to Dr Worm. Liver fasting helps to prevent fatty liver and high cholesterol levels and is the ideal way to get rid of bad eating habits.

Liver fasting according to Dr Nicolai Worm involves 3 daily meals (shakes) and 2 snack times (vegetables). This helps to keep your insulin levels constantly low and thus promotes the breakdown of fat in the liver.

You will be supported throughout the entire fasting week and receive additional cookery events, lectures, materials and your progress will be reviewed individually.

Dates 2025: The next retreat will take place from 16 – 23 March 2025. Click here to book.

Price: from 1,820 euros per person in a double room / 2,443 euros per person in a double room (7 nights)

Fasting vacation at the Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol

High up in the Biohotel Grafenast, you have a magnificent view of the Inn Valley. The panorama is truly uplifting and an ideal setting for a physical and mental reset.

The family-run hotel has just 23 rooms and includes a spa area with several saunas and a beautiful meditation and yoga room.

Dates in 2025:

• April 4-12, 2025: Ayurvedic Fasting Week with Yoga
  
• October 2025: Buchinger Fasting Hike or Alkaline Fasting (exact date to be announced)

Price: Seminar costs for the Ayurvedic fasting week in April: 420 euros, accommodation and fasting meals from 123 euros per day

Sustainable hotels that support you during your customized fasting program

If you don’t need a group for your fasting cure, but would like to have individual support and a pleasant vacation atmosphere for yourself, then this is possible, for example, at the CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland. If you wish, you can have your personal fasting program designed and carried out here. Zermatt, at the foot of the Matterhorn, is car-free and considered one of the most beautiful villages in Switzerland. The resort has a beautiful spa area with a wide range of treatments to support your fasting program.

Individual fasting is also possible at My Arbor* in South Tyrol on the Plose. “We are happy to support our guests who are fasting,” says the adults-only hotel. Special dietary requirements are part of the “My Concept”, where guests are individually catered for and staff trained accordingly.

A final tip for fasting

You should do a therapeutic fasting program in an appropriate setting and not squeeze it into your daily routine. It is said:

“When we are young, we waste our health to make money, and when we are old, we spend our money on health.”

It doesn’t have to be this way. Fasting for health is primarily for healthy people and is a preventative measure that can benefit people with poor eating habits, overweight, stress, and digestive problems. The money you spend on a fasting vacation is therefore an investment in your own health and can contribute to a more conscious and sustainable lifestyle in general.

*CIN Code: IT021011A1AE4737IT (My Arbor)

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In the beginning: “We are a package deal”

When a relationship is new, couples often do everything together while on vacation. Many think that’s the way it has to be. Or they’re so in love that it doesn’t even occur to them to do anything separately.

The romantic hotel Das Rübezahl in Füssen in the Allgäu can confirm this. “We specialize in couples,” the host family tells us, adding: “As a rule, all couples do everything together.” On our last visit, we learned that a marriage proposal happens almost every week! It’s no wonder that most of the couples there are practically inseparable.

Traveling with different preferences

This changes over time. At least for some couples I know (and I have been married for 16 years now). You get to know each other better, accept different preferences and views, trust each other more, and maybe are just a little bit more honest. You may have started out watching the Olympics together, but four years later you admit that you’re not really interested in that and would rather do something else. It can be the same with vacations. The important thing is that you don’t see it as a problem, but as an opportunity for each part of the relationship to maintain its own character.

A partnership is about giving and receiving 

In a partnership, there is time to spend together, time when one person does something just for the other, and time for oneself. Children, work, and other people come into the relationship, and successful couples come to terms and find their way. In everyday life and on vacation. (Not that I’m always that successful, but I’m just saying that in general 😉 )

These Green PearlsⓇ accommodations frequently host pairs with different interests

#1 Hotel Weihrerhof, South Tyrol – He can go hiking, she takes a sunbath on the lake

“We often have couples with different interests at the hotel,” says Klaus Pichler of Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol. The family-run boutique hotel is located 1,200 meters above sea level on the shores of Lake Wolfsgruben, amidst the mountain panorama of the Ritten.

“ The man is usually the more active and goes hiking, biking, etc. The wife enjoys the stay at the Weihrerhof with short walks along the lake, on the sunbathing lawn or in the SeaSpa with unique treatments.” – Hotel Weihrerhof

#2 My Arbor near Bressanone/Brixen in South Tyrol – Individual time management

„From wellness and outdoor adventures to sports and relaxation, we offer a wide range of options to meet a variety of needs.“ – My Arbor

 My Arbor is a luxurious adults-only hotel nestled in the treetops with fantastic views of the Dolomites. Each week there is a varied program of guided hikes (skiing in winter), spa treatments, forest bathing, etc. to choose from. To see what such a program might look like, click here.

#3 Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt – Couples have a lot to talk about in the evening

Hotel Bella Vista is “definitely ideal” for couples with different preferences, says host Fabienne Anthamatten. Her family’s hotel in car-free Zermatt has a beautiful terrace with a fantastic view of the Swiss icon, the Matterhorn. Couples sit here in the evenings (or in the cozy lobby by the fire in winter) and talk about their day. One of them has usually been on an outdoor adventure which starts right outside the front door, while the other has been relaxing in the adults-only spa or exploring Zermatt.

#4 CERVO Moutain Resort Zermatt – A resort with a lot of possibilities

Also in Zermatt is the CERVO Mountain Resort, which consists of several wooden buildings. There are three restaurants, a spa area, a gym, a climbing wall… and the Alps, glaciers and Zermatt village shops are just outside the door.

„One person can ski during the day and the other can spend a day at the spa. In the evening, you can have dinner or après-ski together.“ – CERVO Mountain Resort 

#5 Summit Lodges Pfunds, Tyrol – One goes skiing, the other goes snowshoeing

Interestingly, at the Summit Lodges Pfunds vacation houses, it is also very common for couples to plan their excursion program separately, says owner Marco Spiss. Pfunds is a quiet and traditional community in Tyrol, perfect for a nature vacation with all the freedom you need.

“ It is often the case that one partner is on the slopes (Serfaus, Ischgl, Nauders) and the other prefers snowshoeing or simply walking on the many hiking trails in the area (especially the Tschey in Pfunds)” – Marco Spiss, Summit Lodges Pfunds

But the sustainable accommodation also offers plenty of opportunities for togetherness, such as a private sauna and an open fireplace that is stocked with firewood when you arrive.

#6 Hotel Klosterbräu, Tirol – Two activity guides to choose from

If you prefer to stay in a hotel in Tyrol, the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld is a good choice in the region.

“[Holidays with different interests] are definitely possible with us, as our two activity guides Clemens and Thomas plan on different levels. This means that if the woman (or man) wants to climb a via ferrata and the man (or woman) prefers a morning walk, there is something for everyone.” – Hotel Klosterbräu

The hotel is also ideal if you want to take your children with you. There is the hotel’s own petting zoo “Siggis Sauhaufen” and child care nearby. There is also a large spa area – something for everyone.

#7 Biohotel Grafenast, Tyrol – Nature vacation – also with children

The Biohotel Grafenast in Pill is another hotel where you can enjoy a great vacation together as a couple or with your children and where there are different options for everyone. It is located high above the Tyrolean Inn Valley and has a fantastic view of the valley. Some of the 23 rooms are equipped as family rooms and depending on the season there is a special program for the children.

„We are a great place to combine different interests“ – Biohotel Grafenast

#8 Naturhotel Outside, East Tyrol – Combined vacation in the Alpine National Park

Our Green Pearls® partner, the Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol, suggests several possible “combos” for you:

1. Outdoor sports and wellness (a new nature SPA with heated outdoor pool and a Deferegger healing water pool will open at the end of December 2024)
2. Hohe Tauern National Park and gourmet vacation (the hotel’s restaurant has 3 Falstaff forks)
3. Relaxation and shopping in Lienz

#9 Hotel Luise, Erlangen – Sustainable city vacation in Bavaria

For a sustainable vacation in Germany, there are also some sustainable hotels where you are in good hands as joint individual travelers. For example, the Hotel Luise in Erlangen:

“ Erlangen is ideally located for travelers with a variety of interests. You can take a city vacation or head out into nature – no matter which adventure you choose, you can relax in our spa after an exciting day.” – Hotel Luise

City vacation: The hotel is centrally located in Erlangen and Nuremberg, Fürth, Bamberg, Lauf a. d. Pegnitz are nearby and easily accessible by train.

Culture: Erlangen has a lot to offer culture lovers. The ComicSalon Erlangen takes place every two years and the Poet*innen Fest takes place every year. Nuremberg offers the Imperial Castle, the German Museum and other cultural highlights.

Nature: If you prefer to be outdoors, explore Franconian Switzerland (where you can climb, swim, hike, bike, explore caves, and more) – you can even bike right from the hotel to the Tennenloher Forest Nature Reserve. There are wild horses, goats, sand dunes, moors and more to discover.

Find out more about how to spend your time in Erlangen in our blog article: “Insider tips for a sustainable weekend in Erlangen” 

#10 Birkenhof***** Spa & Wellness, Upper Palatinate – Enjoy sustainable luxury

Looking for something more luxurious? Then there is a truly exceptional gourmet hotel for sports, wellness and culinary enthusiasts on a hill in the Opferpfälzer Seenland. The 5-star Hotel Birkenhof is committed to renewable energy and e-mobility at the highest level. Speaking of high standards: It is also home to the 2-star restaurant Obendorfers Eisvogel”.

“We are very good at catering to different interests. We have a wellness and relaxation offer and we are a hotel in the middle of nature with hiking possibilities, water skiing in the lake area, golf and cycling.” – Lukas Obendorfer, Birkenhof***** Spa & Genussresort

#11 Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Berchtesgadener Land – For couples who not only want different activities, but also different menus

At Hotel Klosterhof – Alpine Hideway & Spa, couples often order different meals, according to the host family. A popular variation is when one person is vegan and the other is not. In this case, there is an all vegetable “Kraut und Rüben” menu every evening.

There are often babymoon guests at the health hotel. Here the pregnant woman can participate in a special program while the father-to-be can do other things. In the evening you can enjoy the famous Barbarossa Mocktails together – each to your own taste.

#12 Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance Region – Sporty nature vacation

Naturresort Gerbehof is the perfect place for you if you want to be surrounded by a natural, organic atmosphere. The sustainable hotel is located amidst the famous orchards of the Lake Constance region and is especially beautiful during the blossoming and apple harvest season.

“ We have opportunities for wellness, hiking, biking, sailing and surfing.” – Naturresort Gerbehof

#13 Lifestylehotel SAND – Vacation at the Baltic Sea

“ We are currently experiencing a huge increase in demand for offers for couples,” says Marion Muller, hostess of the Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand. We described what such a weekend for two could look like in our blog article Baltic Sea for two.

The Adults Only Hotel offers several specials for couples. It is not necessary to do everything together with your partner. In this case, the hostess recommends the combination of the two offers “SANDromance” and “SANDstarnight”. This means ” Feel Good” for one and ” Outdoor Experience ” for the other.

#14 STURM in Mellrichstadt – Adventure and relaxation

At the sustainable Hotel STURM in Mellrichstadt in the Biosphere Reserve Rhön, most couples with different interests combine “adventure” and “relaxation”. Each partner can plan their day as they wish – one can go on an adventure tour and explore the surrounding forests, moors and caves, while the other relaxes with sauna sessions and massages.

„Perfect balance: each partner organizes the day according to his or her own wishes. End the day together with a delicious organic menu in the restaurant, followed by a drink in the lounge or in front of the fireplace.“ – STURM

Holidays for couples with different interests in Thailand, Italy, France and Nepal

#15 Keemala Villas Wonderland on Phuket – Everyone is allowed dream

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner, Keemala, on the Thai island of Phuket, has just been named “Best Resort in Thailand” and “One of the Best Hotels in the World” by the One Step 4Ward blog – after travel blogger Johnny Ward spent 18 years traveling the world.

He was there with his wife and they did everything together (yes, he just got married in 2021 – so it’s still fresh :-)). They even had their booked spa treatments moved to the same room. But you can also experience something on your own as a couple.

“Keemala caters to the needs of couples with different interests with our wellness and outdoor adventure themes.” – Keemala

Wellness: Spa treatments, yoga, wellness classes and mediation sessions

Culinary delights: Indulge in nutritious and wellness-oriented cuisine

Outdoor Adventure: Explore the rainforest and local wildlife on guided eco-tours. There are trails for all levels.

Water activities: Kayaking and Snorkeling

#16 Holidays at the Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro in Liguria

How about the idyllic setting of a Ligurian village for your vacation? Borgomaro, in the hinterland of the coastal city of Imperia, is home to the Relais del Maro – an Albergo Diffuso spread over several houses in the village.

In the morning one person goes to the pool while the other sleeps in – later one person walks through the olive groves and tastes the famous Taggiasca olives while the other hires an e-bike from the reception to cycle along the coast. In the evening you will meet again for dinner and end your day with good food and good conversation.

#17 Couple vacation at the Green Spirit Hotels in Paris

If you are looking for an eco-friendly and personalized place to stay in Paris, we recommend Green Spirit Hotels: Le Pavillon, Hotel Malar and Hotel Amélie – all located in the lively 7th arrondissement and within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, the Seine and other major attractions.

Because the Green Spirit eco-hotels are very small, you can’t do many things separately in the hotels themselves, says host Barbara Tascijevic with a laugh. But in the city of Paris, this is a matter of course!

#18 The Pavilions Himalaya – The Farm, Nepal – Safari and Yoga

Last but not least, The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm Hotel also told us that couples with different interests are very welcome. The sustainable resort in the foothills of the Himalayas runs its own organic farm, helps farmers convert to certified organic farming, and donates a full 70 percent of its income to the local Right4Children project.

There are eco-tours to explore Nepal’s stunning nature, cultural temples and festivals, and safari tours. Alternatively, one of you could lounge by the pool at the resort or practice yoga with the local yoga guru.

As you can see, there are many ways to combine different vacation desires in one place. That way, you can both get your money’s worth and still spend your vacation together. Of course, going separately is also an option, but our interests at home aren’t that far apart, at least 🙂

What are your experiences? Would you like to do something on your own on vacation? Or have you maybe already been doing it for a long time? We look forward to your comments.

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Der Beitrag Conflict issue: Vacationing as a couple with different interests erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.