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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Once upon a time there was a miracle…

It all happened in what is now the village of Seefeld, Austria. In the 14th century, the feared robber baron Oswald Milser ruled here. He was notorious for robbing travelers of their money and imprisoning those who did not pay until they died without bread or water.

On Maundy Thursday in 1384, the tyrannical knight came to the parish church in Seefeld. During the Catholic ritual, he demanded the largest wafer for himself and refused to kneel. The floor gave way beneath him, pulling him down like quicksand. He screamed for help, but only when the priest removed the wafer from his mouth did the ground stabilize. Eyewitnesses also reported that the wafer turned red and dripped like blood.

The wicked knight then repented – and Seefeld became a place of pilgrimage. The “miracle wafer” has been considered a relic ever since, and the “pilgrimage to the Holy Blood” continued until the First World War. In order to accommodate the pilgrims, the monastery of the Augustinian monks living there was extended with a hostel for pilgrims. This is the cornerstone of the history of today’s hotel.

From monastery and brewery to 5-star wellness hotel

In 1809 the Augustinian monastery, which also had its own brewery, was abandoned (secularized and closed). Later it was auctioned and bought by the Seyrling family from Seefeld. This is the beginning of the story of the Seyrling family, who are now the 6th generation of owners of the hotel (the 7th generation can be found in the hotel’s children’s club).

Eight family members are involved in various aspects of the hotel. Regular guests appreciate the continuity and family feel. At Hotel Klosterbräu, you will always meet the owners personally and be greeted by the same faces each time you visit. This creates a very different atmosphere than at hotels with constantly changing staff. The Seyrlings don’t (just) have a job here, they have a home to which they invite you.

Alois and Agnes Seyrling are managers and hosts with a heart. Parents of two children (Margarita and Luis), they are the picture of perfection. Alois loves to interact with guests and tell stories during long evenings in the wine cellar. She is in charge of the children and family program and supervises the housekeeping.

Special features of the hotel

The Hotel Klosterbräu is a 5-star luxury hotel – but very different from the luxury complexes of international hotel chains.

History and modernity meet here. There are old vaulted cellars as well as modern suites. International cuisine and gastronomic trends are combined with traditional regional ingredients and dishes. The former monastery bell hangs above the heated outdoor pool (which, by the way, all guests swim around as if it were about to fall on their heads).

What else you will find:

• In addition to the large outdoor pool with its beautiful sunbathing lawn and mountain panorama, the wellness area also includes an indoor pool and sauna area, the highlight of which is certainly the hand-carved wooden sauna.
• The former brewery was reactivated in 2014, and since then the hotel has been brewing its own beer, which flows from a beer fountain in the spa area.
• The hotel has its own vegetarian farm from which some of the food is sourced.
• The hotel has its own petting zoo with dwarf ponies, goats, cows and rabbits – a highlight for children.
• There is also a kids’ club for children and parents can also request a babysitting service.
• The hotel has several restaurants and dining venues, including the Romeo and Juliet Balcony for romantic moments.
• Guests can enjoy a wide range of activities, including guided hikes and yoga led by Laura Seyrling-Rieß.

Once you’re at Hotel Klosterbräu, you don’t really need anything else. The hotel is your vacation destination – maybe you’ll take a hike in the beautiful natural surroundings to enjoy the wellness and food even more afterwards.

Sustainable engagement

The world is still in order here. That’s what you experience as a guest. Fresh water comes from the faucet, healthy food from the region ends up on your plate. The Seyrlings are aware of these privileges and are socially and environmentally committed.

They rely on renewable energy and a modern energy-saving system from Siemens, promote e-mobility, and help their guests travel by train. The Seefeld ICE train station is only 3 minutes away from the hotel, and if you arrive by train, you can borrow an e-bike for free during your stay.

The Hotel Klosterbräu sets new standards with its nature rooms. The wood for the floors and furniture comes from the hotel’s own forest, and the walls are plastered with clay. Attention has also been paid to small details, such as lampshades made of hay flowers from a Tyrolean company.

For example, the hotel has a social commitment to Global Family, allowing people who have experienced serious illness, hardship, or violence to stay with them free of charge. (Read more about this in this article). The hotel also takes responsibility for its approximately 100 employees, organizing in-house training in the “Think-YOUNIQUE philosophy,” which teaches sustainable and ecological behavior.

Thanks to its sustainable efforts, the hotel is a member of Green PearlsⓇ and one of the few places in the world where you can travel sustainably.

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Tips for a successful spa day at home

Before you begin your spa day, there are a few things you should be aware of and prepare for in order to get the most out of your spa experience:

• Do all your chores (laundry, dishes, etc.) in advance so that nothing distracts you from your rest. If you can’t: close the kitchen door, put the laundry basket in a room you rarely enter, and give yourself permission to ignore these “chores. The laundry won’t get worse if you leave it until tomorrow.
• Plan ahead and make sure you won’t be disturbed. Take a day off when the children are in school or daycare, tell your partner and/or roommates that you do not want to be disturbed.
• Create a pleasant atmosphere with passive lighting and candles, and perhaps set the room temperature a little higher to make it more relaxing.
• Make a cozy corner with pillows and blankets
• Relax further with herbal tea and a good book

DIY instructions and recipes for face masks, body scrubs, and herbal stamps

Have you noticed that all eyes are on South Korea right now when it comes to skin care? The trend is called “K-beauty” and is extremely popular on social media and in stores. Korean skin care often includes rice as an ingredient.

K-Beauty Rice-Mask DIY

Here’s how to make a very simple DIY Korean rice mask that’s currently going viral on TikTok:

Ingredients:

• 1 small cup of rice (e.g. jasmine rice)
• 3 small cups of water

Preparation and use:

• Wash the rice 3 times
• Boil with the water (without salt)
• Puree the cooked rice in a blender (add more water depending on the desired consistency)
• Allow to cool and apply to face.
• Leave on for 10 to 15 minutes
• Rinse off

The DIY rice mask will last about one to two weeks in the refrigerator.

However, the K-beauty trend threatens to get out of hand. For example, there is the “10-Step Korean Skincare Routine,” which requires you to buy ten different products, each costing over 50 Euros (depending on the brand, of course). We’d rather use the DIY mask J

DIY beauty from Thailand – Recipes from the Mala Spa in Phuket

Keemala is one of the most unique resorts in Thailand. Located on the island of Phuket, it consists of several villas (all with private pools) surrounded by a natural tropical forest. They also offer a variety of massages and spa treatments (if you are interested, you can find the Mala Spa’s 16-page spa menu here).

For a spa day at home, Keemala sent us the following recipes:

#1 Soothing and hydrating mask

Ingredients:

• 3 to 4 tablespoons plain yogurt
• ½ teaspoon honey
• squeeze of lemon juice

Preparation and use:

• Mix all the ingredients together.
• Apply to face and leave on for 15 minutes
• Rinse with warm water

#2 Keemala DIY body scrub for clear skin

Ingredients:

• Sea salt (alternative: sugar)
• Coconut oil
• A few drops of essential oil (lavender or eucalyptus)

Preparation and use:

• Gently massage onto wet skin in the shower.
• Rinse off

#3 Magnesium sulfate foot bath (Espom Salt)

Ingredients:

• Foot bath tub of warm water
• ½ cup magnesium sulfate-also known as Epsom or Espuma salt (available at pharmacies or well-stocked drugstores)
• A few drops of essential oil (your favorite scent)

Preparation and use:

• Add Espuma salt and oil to the warm water
• Soak your feet for 15 to 20 minutes

“ The foot bath helps you relax and softens the skin of your fee” – Keemala

The footbath is also a great base for other foot treatments in your day spa, such as callus removal and pedicures. Afterwards, apply a thick layer of cream to your feet (see below for skin care brand tips).

DIY: Herb stamps for a wellness day at home

Maslina Resort is located directly on the coast of the Croatian island of Hvar in the Adriatic Sea. The hotel stands for “Mindful Luxury” and focuses on comfort in harmony with nature. Naturally, the spa facilities are designed with sustainability and mindfulness in mind. The Garden to Skin service applies oils and herbs from the hotel garden directly to the skin.

For your spa day at home, the spa team recommends relaxing herbal pouches.

Ingredients:

• Fresh medicinal herbs from your own garden or purchased. Rosemary, thyme, lavender and ginger are the perfect blend for relaxation and boosting the immune system.

Preparation:

• Cut a soft cloth (such as an old shirt) into squares about 6 inches square.
• Wash the herbs, remove the twigs, and place the leaves in the center of the cloth square.
• Then form a bundle and tie with string to make small herb stamps.
• Bring water to a boil and place the herbal pouches in a steamer basket over the hot water. The pouches themselves should remain dry.

Alternative: You can also lightly moisten the stamps and microwave them for about 2 minutes until they are very warm.

How to use:

• Have a friend or partner place the herbal pouches along your spine, applying gentle pressure, and relax.

Sustainable products to buy for your home spa

Consider using skin care products for your at-home day spa. Many of our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ hotel partners produce their own natural cosmetics, which you can purchase at the properties or online.

#1 BergSea cosmetics from the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol

The Hotel Weihrerhof is located at 1,200 meters above sea level on the Ritten in South Tyrol, directly on the Wolfgruben Lake. The lake is considered one of the cleanest in Italy, and the water from the mountain lake is the basis for the cosmetic line. Other natural ingredients from the region, such as hay and Swiss stone pine, are used as well. The range includes products such as natural soap, body milk, shower gel and foot cream at fair prices.

👉 Here you can find the BergSea online store

#2 Italian natural cosmetics from ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges

The ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges consist of several sustainably managed properties from northern Italy (ADLER Lodge RITTEN) to the south of the country (ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA). The owner’s family ensures that each property reflects its location, for example by building with local materials and using local foods in the kitchen.

The different regions of Italy are also reflected in the luxury natural cosmetics line: grapes from Tuscany, mountain flowers from South Tyrol and citrus fruits from Sicily. Whether you are looking for care, detoxification or regeneration, there is something for every skin type!

“ Our cosmetics line is our contribution to a holistic, nature-loving life.” – ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges

👉 Here you will find the ADLER Online Shop.

#3 Vegan cosmetics from CERVO Mountain Resort

CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland, has a special style and fragrance. It combines Swiss mountain culture with a modern nomadic lifestyle at the highest level, for which the resort has already received several architectural awards.

The Mountain Ashram Spa is also very special, combining a variety of cultures in its treatments.

“ Guests can purchase our wellness products and try some of the spa treatments at home” – CERVO Mountain Resort

One such example is the Mountain Ashram Detox Body Scrub with pine needles and sage. It refines the skin and increases circulation (through massage).

How to use:

• Massage the body scrub into wet skin in the shower.
• Start at the feet and massage in circular motions towards the heart.
• Massage for about 5 minutes.
• Rinse with warm water

👉 Click here to visit the CERVO Online Store

#4 Energy products and cosmetics according to Viktor Philippi at Gerbehof Natural Resort

The family of the Gerbehof Nature Resort practices the bioenergetic method of Philippi. This includes “bioenergetic motivation” and “stress reduction motivation”. For the latter, for example, you can book stress-relieving massages at the resort using special massage stamps and stones (onyx stones, black basalt, white jade stones).

“ We sell energy products (CDs and crystals) by V. Philippi and provide instructions on how to use them at home as a biomotivation to further strengthen your own health.” – Naturresort Gerbehof

Recommended amenity brands from sustainable hotels

Hotels that do not manufacture natural cosmetics purchase those they believe in for their spa or as room amenities.

Note: I am providing links to cosmetic brands and their stores as a service to you – neither we nor the hotels receive commissions or other benefits.

#5 The Lifestylehotel SAND on the Baltic Sea coast opts for “Björk & Berries”

When you stay at the Lifestylehotel SAND in Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea, you will find sustainable amenities in your room in the form of products from the Swedish company “Björk & Berries”.

“ Nordic, sustainable, refillable and stylish,” says host Marion Muller.

👉 Find Björk & Berries here

#6 Ayurvedic treatments and natural cosmetics at Biohotel Grafenast

The Biohotel Grafenast in Tyrol is a wonderful place for a relaxing vacation in nature and hiking and pampers its guests (after their outdoor adventures) with spa and wellness treatments. Ayurveda plays an important role here.

To extend your spa experience, you can purchase the various cosmetic products used by Biohotel Adler at the on-site shop. These include the Argan d’or brand.

👉 Click here for Argan d’or natural cosmetics

#7 TEAM DR. JOSEPH natural cosmetic products at our Green PearlsⓇ partners

Many of our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ hotels and vacation homes rely on certified natural cosmetics from Team Dr. Joseph. The South Tyrolean brand is

• vegan
• cruelty-free
• and uses (almost) plastic-free and sustainable product packaging.

The production takes place in South Tyrol and all ingredients come from the region. No wonder our local partners like OLM Nature Escape and My Arbor swear by it. In Germany, you can find the products at the romantic hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu and at STURM in the Rhön.

“ The Dr. Joseph and all other brands we use are available in our shop. Guests can also contact Markus, our certified massage therapist, for personalized advice.” – OLM Nature Escape

Tip for proper use

Among other things, Team Dr. Joseph lists their “Balancing Toner” as a “bestseller”.

Application:

• As you can see in this video, the toner is not applied with a cotton pad, but with your hands. Gently tap your décolleté, neck, and face. According to the manufacturer, tapping increases the effect.

After a day at the Green DIY Spa, it’s best to unwind in a relaxing way. Watch a movie to carry the relaxation into the evening.

Do you have any other tips? Please share them in the comments!

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Eco bonus: The Green PearlsⓇ hotels, aparthotels and vacation homes pay attention to sustainability when it comes to the ecologically challenging topic of wellness and have several interesting solutions, which we will also present here! Relaxation without a bad conscience 😉

Private spa suite with self-generated green electricity

“Our private spa rooms are especially for Italians.” This is how Thomas Steiner of OLM Nature Escape in northern Italy explains private saunas to Architectural Record magazine. Unlike many German and Austrian spa guests, Italians are not comfortable with “public nudity” and appreciate having their own private sauna in their room.

The newly opened aparthotel in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, has a total of 33 eco-apart-suites made of larch wood, each with its own kitchen. You can book additional meals and cleaning services on a modular basis.

Private Spa Suites: Apart-Suite M (53m²) and Apart-Suite L (60m²) each have their own Finnish sauna (90°C). In addition to the bathroom with shower, there is a freestanding bathtub in the bedroom next to the king-size bed. There is also a space for yoga and calisthenics and a terrace or balcony.

Sustainability: OLM Nature Escape is the first off-grid aparthotel in the Alps. The aparthotel generates all the electricity, including that for the energy-intensive saunas, using geothermal probes and solar energy.

Chalets with private spa in Tyrol

There is a small village of eleven chalets in the Alpbach Valley in Tyrol. The Hygna Chalets combine the cozy romance of a mountain hut with private luxury. Staff will deliver breakfast to your door each morning in a beautifully arranged basket. In addition you have access to the infinity pool in the former hay barn (13 meters long), yoga room, and fitness studio.

Private Spa: The Weiden Spa Chalet (61 square feet) has a private hot tub on the patio; the Wiesen Chalet (104 square feet) has a private sauna with outdoor rain shower; and the Wiesen Spa Chalet (118 square feet) has both a private sauna and a private hot tub. As an added bonus, the beds in all of them have a massage function, and in the winter, a crackling fireplace will keep you warm. A basket of firewood is provided upon arrival.

Sustainability: Electricity and heat are generated by a photovoltaic system, a geothermal system, and a pellet heating system. If that is not enough, Hygna Chalets obtains 100% of its green electricity from hydropower. There is also an innovative concept for the year-round hot tubs. They fill with fresh water only when you press the button, so they consume energy only when in use.

Luxury log cabins with private sauna

You can also enjoy your own wellness and relaxation vacation at Summit Lodges Pfunds. Built in the North American log style from local timber, the houses are designed as vacation homes. So you can take care of yourself and enjoy complete privacy in the Tyrolean countryside.

Private Spa: The two cottages “Yosemite” (120 m²) and “Yellowstone” (120 m²) have a large bathroom with a Finnish sauna and a large living room with an open fireplace and firewood.

Sustainability: The log cabins are made of polar spruce and the wood for the interior comes from the local forest and sawmill. The electricity (also for the air heat pump heating) is provided by 100% green electricity from Tyrolean hydropower.

Sustainable hotels with private spas in Germany

Spa suite in the Bavarian Alps

If you want the service and amenities of a hotel with its own private spa, the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain is the place for you. This spa hotel has a beautiful, large indoor pool with a fireplace and a sauna area for all hotel guests. But you can also book your very own private spa loft.

Private Spa: The Spa Loft (51 m²) and Spa Loft Suite (70 m²) are two-story dream rooms with large panoramic windows, a balcony and a beautiful view of nature. Equpped with their own private whirlpool and infrared sauna. There is also a spacious bathroom with shower and separate toilet.

Sustainability: The Klosterhof was created from an old monastery building, and the furnishings are made from local apple wood. A combined heat and power plant generates heat for the hotel and spa and the hotel uses modern technology (e.g. heat recovery) to be as efficient as possible. The hotel has been awarded the EU Ecolabel and was one of the first hotels in Germany to receive this certification.

Book the hotels spa area for three hours

The Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten is an extravagant wellness hotel on the Mosel River. There are three pools and a natural swimming pond, as well as a huge sauna area. The total spa area is more than 4,000 square meters.

Private Spa: You have the option to book your private spa at the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten for three hours. You and your companion can enjoy the Finnish sauna, whirlpool and aromatic steam bath all to yourselves. As an extra, you will also receive the ingredients for a herbal infusion! (Price: 59,50 Euro per person)

Sustainability: The Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten was created from an existing building. Four combined heat and power plants supply its energy. The pools use modern pool technology to operate as energy-efficiently as possible (e.g. pool covers prevent heat loss at night).

Vegan hotel with private sauna in South Tyrol

As we mentioned at the beginning, Italians in particular love to spend time alone in the sauna. So, it’s no wonder that you can also book the barrel sauna at LA VIMEA in Naturno all to yourself. (For example, with the “Romantic Getaway” package, which we also wrote about in this blog article “Weekend getaway for vegans“.

Private Spa: You can book the forest sauna privately by the hour. The hotel’s spa area also includes an indoor saltwater pool, a natural swimming pond, three communal saunas, and an adventure shower.

Sustainability: LA VIMEA was the first completely vegan hotel in Italy. This applies not only to the food but also to the hotel’s decor. The adults-only hotel has a holistic, sustainable approach that is evident throughout, from the fair-trade organic linens to the daily yoga classes.

Is a private spa sustainable?

Wellness is never really sustainable because it uses a lot of energy and water. But it is certainly more sustainable to stay at a sustainably run spa hotel every now and then than to install a hot tub and sauna at home.

If you squeezed into a sauna with ten other people, each of you would have a smaller carbon footprint, but we understand if that’s not your idea of relaxation 🙂

In conclusion, a private spa is a luxury that you can afford from time to time. However, it does help the environment if you choose sustainable accommodation that runs the spa on renewable energy and is committed to doing more. What do you think? We would love to hear from you.

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Cocoa ceremony and yoga retreats on an annual cycle

For the year 2024, Gut Sonnenhausen is offering yoga retreats based on the cycle of the year. The former stud farm south of Munich could not be more appropriate. Located in the middle of a nature reserve, you can feel the seasons. In the midst of nature, you can take a wonderful break and focus on yourself during a yoga retreat.

The yoga retreats are led by professional yoga teacher Thail De La Paz and take place in February, March, September, November, and December. The centerpiece is the Cocoa Ceremony. This shamanistic ritual focuses on the consumption of real cocoa. The ceremony is designed to “open the heart” and perfect for those interested in a guided journey to their inner self.

4-hour signature flow from east to west

Experience a complete cleansing from the outside in with the Signature Treatment at CERVO Mountain Resort in Zermatt, Switzerland. It consists of six treatment stations from east to west. The journey begins with a hammam scrub in the steam room, followed by a Bhutan-inspired hot stone herbal bath. At the third stop, choose between a Swiss stone pine or Ayurvedic Abhyanga massage in the Mongolian yurt. Followed by a break with fresh juices and fruit. The journey continues with a foot, hand, and facial treatment using the CERVO Apricot and Mountain Herb cosmetic line. Finally, the journey ends with a Tibetan singing bowl ritual.

During this treatment, you will be guided by trained therapists and leave feeling cleansed and relaxed, both physically and mentally.

Long-term pain relief

If you are plagued by all kinds of aches and pains for which conventional medicine has not yet found a cure, a stay at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu may help. Located high in the German Alps, this ecologically run wellness hotel takes a holistic approach.

“The holistic theme is important to us because it is the basis of our HolisticLife concept.”

HUBERTUS Mountain Refuge Allgäu

Signature treatments include:

• HolisticDeep: A treatment that targets the deep muscles for long-term pain relief and improved mobility. Manually treats the source of many blockages and tensions.
• HolisticReset: The holistic treatment concept is suitable for acute and chronic illnesses, tension, and sports injuries. “In a perfect symbiosis of anamnesis and therapy form, a therapeutic approach to the iliopsoas (soul muscle) and the temporomandibular joint takes place, bringing the entire body back to its baseline – RESET.”

In addition to treatments, you can enhance your well-being by hiking in the surrounding countryside, swimming, and taking a sauna – and enjoying the hotel’s healthy organic food.

Reduce stress while on vacation

Stress has a significant impact on our physical and mental health. An anti-stress treatment combined with a (short) vacation can be just the antidote. STURM in Röhn (Central Germany) offers holistic, energetic treatments performed by shiatsu practitioners Carmen and Sabine. They combine the Japanese art of healing with a mindful touch to calm the mind.

“The energetic treatments have a decelerating effect when stress levels are high – that’s why we recommend taking them at the beginning of your vacation.”

STURM

Stress management in Thailand

Our Green PearlsⓇ partner Keemala on Phuket in Thailand offers special Unwind programs for people with “high-pressure careers”. Not only do they offer exercises and spa treatments, but they also teach stress management techniques one can practice at home.

“During the retreat, guests learn how to recognize the onset of stress and to use effective techniques to consciously reduce stress.”

Keemala

The sustainable resort also offers yoga and nature experiences in the Thai jungle, as the villas are located in its canopy. Here it is important to walk barefoot to feel nature directly.

Thalasso and ocean balancing on the Atlantic Ocean

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel in Tenerife is located directly on the Atlantic Ocean and has a special relationship with the sea. That’s where Thalasso comes in, a treatment method named after the ancient Greek word thálassa = sea. It uses the powers of the sea. Including (heated) seawater, sea air, algae, sand and mud.

With Ocean Balancing, you will receive a therapeutic signature treatment in the 34-degree Thalasso Pool (seawater pool), which combines weightless floating and aqua massage.

Aroma bath with aquapuncture

Water also plays an important role in your unique spa treatment at the Hotel Luise in Erlangen, Germany. Here you can create your own herbal bath for the aroma bath with aquapuncture. The herbs are either homegrown or from sustainable suppliers in the area. Aquapuncture uses warm water from ten specially arranged jets to relax the muscles in your shoulders, back, and lower back.

Zero body floating experience

Things get more futuristic at the vegetarian Dolomite hotel Paradiso Pure.Living on the Seiser Alm. During the Zerobody Floating Experience, you lie on a warm surface and feel completely weightless.

“The Zero Gravity System provides complete relaxation for the body and mind. It allows you to float as if in the depths of space, surrounded by colorful lights and soft music. Guests staying with us in the Dolomites particularly appreciate the Zerobody Floating experience after an active day of skiing or hiking”

Paradiso Pure.Living

Exceptional wellness with the power of the forest

My Arbor is located in the middle of a spruce forest on the river Plose near Brixen in South Tyrol. This forest is the inspiration for many of the specially developed Wellness treatments. Through a questionnaire, you can be assigned to a specific type of tree (larch, Swiss stone pine, mountain pine, or spruce) and then be treated according to the properties of these trees. The hotel has a 2,500 m² wellness area with saunas, an infinity pool, and a panoramic whirlpool. The hotel’s top priority is “the satisfaction and relaxation of our guests after a spa treatment”.

Signature spa treatments on the Ritten

Even higher up in South Tyrol, at 1,200 meters on the sunny Ritten plateau, Hotel Weihrerhof is located directly on the Wolfsgruben Lake. Its spa area offers a wide range of treatments as well as three specially developed signature treatments. One of them is called “Ionad – Centering” – a ritual for unblocking the respiratory muscles. This is done by stimulating the energy pathways from the feet to the hands to the neck and head. The 70-minute treatment includes head acupressure and allows you to breathe deeply, relax, and be free.

Alpine Ayurveda

On the German side of the Alps, at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in Allgäu, you can learn about Ayurveda. An ancient Indian art of healing, Ayurveda is considered to be the oldest system of medicine in the world still practiced today. It is about holistic healing and health and includes both health and nutritional teachings.

Read more about Ayurveda wellness in sustainable hotels in our article on Ayurvedic teachings and treatments

At Das Rübezahl, Manuela Kellner, Spa Manager, and Ayurveda Therapist, will advise and treat you. Should you wish to delve deeper into the subject, you can receive detailed advice during a one-hour coaching session. During this session, you can determine your Ayurvedic type (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) or focus on specific issues such as diet, sleep problems, or life balance. You can also book treatments with Manuela, such as the Abhyanga full body oil massage.

Massages specially tailored to you

If you still haven’t found the right treatment for you, we recommend Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol. The 3,500-square-foot spa, featuring a heated outdoor pool, a panoramic rooftop pool, and seven themed saunas, is called FEEL.YOUNIQUE®. In addition to the treatments offered, you can have a YOUNIQUE massage (65 minutes) tailored to your needs. You can choose from various elements such as cupping glasses, basalt stones, fascia tools, or aromatic oils. The holistically trained therapists have a wealth of experience and will tailor the treatment exactly to your wishes and needs.

Sustainable in more ways than one

The best thing about Green PearlsⓇ Partner Signature Treatments is that they are sustainable. They take place in natural environments, using natural materials and natural cosmetics. The Spa Worlds are powered by the most environmentally friendly methods possible, and the featured hotels are committed to minimizing their carbon footprint. Not only does this mean less impact on the environment, but you can enjoy an atmosphere free of “chemicals” or artificiality. In addition, you can rest assured that the therapists are paid fairly.

Except for Erlangen’s Stadthotel Luise, all of the aforementioned partners are located in the heart of nature, so you can combine the treatments with forest bathing, swimming, or mountain hiking to further enhance your well-being. And in Erlangen? Numerous rustic pubs invite you to end the day with a relaxing Bavarian beer 😉

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Sustainable wellness – is that possible?

“You can try to avoid the fact that wellness is an energy drain, but in the end it is,” says hotelier Daniel Ganzer of Naturhotel Outside openly in an interview. If you intend to offer wellness in a hotel, you have to be aware of this issue. But: There are several ways to reduce electricity and water consumption and minimize the impact on the environment.

Pathways toward green wellness

Our Green PearlsⓇ accommodations are committed to greater sustainability in all areas. However, as you have already read, there is a special focus on the spa area. As always, there is no one “right” way, so here is a collection of what our partners are doing in this area:

• Usage of self-generated electricity, for instance from solar panels or a geothermal system. (Of course, using eco-power is not in itself more energy efficient or cheaper, but it is definitely more environmentally friendly.)
• Pools heated by a heat pump system that uses waste heat from the hotel kitchen, cold storage and server room.
• Modern pool covers that store heat at night.
• Advanced filtration systems that clean and reuse water
• Natural swimming ponds without chemicals
• Time limit for using the sauna
• The use of natural and local materials, such as locally sourced and sustainably logged wood and natural stone.
• No constant availability, e.g. for private whirlpools (instead, they are filled and emptied at the push of a button to clean and store the hot water centrally)

Other ways to identify a sustainably managed spa:

• Bath slippers, robe and towels can be brought from home. (This may not look as uniform, but it saves on laundry and mountains of waste from disposable slippers.)
• Use of natural cosmetics
• Minimizing packaging waste and disposable products (zero waste principle), e.g. by using glasses and cups instead of plastic cups.

A day of vacation, relaxation and regeneration

In fitness and competitive sports, there have been several studies on the importance of muscle recovery. Good for them: rest, warmth and relaxation, for example in the form of a massage. But wellness is not just about the physical, it also has a mental side: a visit to the spa is a wonderful opportunity to take some time off. Turn off your cell phone, get out of your business clothes, and enjoy the warmth, the water, the scents, and the peace and quiet. Really unplug. Even in your head.

Day spa offers in Austria

Sustainable relaxation at the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol

The aforementioned Naturhotel Outside is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria and is surrounded by a fantastic mountain panorama. The natural spa covers an area of about 600 square meters and is equipped with a sauna world (salt grotto 45°C, Swiss stone pine sauna 90°C, aroma steam bath and infrared cabin) as well as a heated indoor pool and experience showers. Outside, there is a natural swimming pond with a Kneipp path.

The price: A day spa voucher is available for 28 euros. The wellness day can be complemented with a brunch or dinner.

Unwind in the unique atmosphere of Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld

The YOUNIQUE Spa at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a large sauna area with seven themed saunas and various indoor and outdoor pools (open all year). One of the highlights is certainly the heated rooftop pool, featuring a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. In addition, the hand-carved wooden sauna and 500-year-old monastery walls give the spa a wonderful atmosphere. The spa area covers 3,500 square meters and offers all the amenities you need for a day’s vacation.

Price: 99 euros for the day spa, which includes a sportsman’s breakfast (10 to 11 a.m.), lunch buffet (12:30 to 14:30 p.m.) and cake buffet (15:30 to 17:00 p.m.) – wellness treatments are extra.

119 euros for a Yoga & Day Spa with yoga practice, lunch & cake snack

Day spa packages in South Tyrol on the Ritten

The Hotel Weihrerhof is located in a beautiful area directly on the shore of the Wolfsgruben Lake at 1,200 meters on the Ritten Plateau. Inside the boathouse sauna you will be able to enjoy a direct view of the water. A wonderful experience, especially in winter when the lake is frozen and surrounded by a picturesque snowy landscape. The spa also has an indoor pool. In the summer you can use the spacious lawn and take a swim in the lake..

Price: A day pass for the Sea Spa costs 57 euros, including a regional breakfast (8 to 11 a.m.) and a bathing bag (bathrobe, slippers, towel). The “Day Spa short” is just 37 euros for three hours, including a swim bag. The Boathouse Sauna is open daily from 14:00 to 19:00.

Sustainable day spa in the Allgäu

The Mountain Spring Spa at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio in Allgäu, Germany, reopened in 2021 and features a very modern design with natural materials. In addition to the heated infinity pool, there is a natural bathing lake, a Zen Garden, and a sauna area with five saunas and a plunge pool. The spa area is open to day guests by appointment. However, the number of outside visitors is limited to a maximum of ten. In addition to the spa area, day guests have access to the Mountain Move fitness area.

Price: 130 euros (Monday to Thursday) and 150 euros (Friday to Sunday). The price includes breakfast (8-11:30am), lunch buffet (1-3pm), cake (3-5pm) and a sauna bag with bathrobe and towel.

Find more wellness hotels in Germany in our blog articles:

Sustainable Spa Hotels in Northern and Central Germany

Green Spa Hotels in Southern Germany

A day of wellness in Zermatt

CERVO Mountain Resort at the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt is pleased to open its “Mountain Ashram Spa” to day guests. Admission includes access to the hot stone baths, steam rooms and saunas, as well as the Ritual Room (yoga & meditation) and the climbing wall. The entire spa area is furnished with natural materials and offers beautiful panoramic view of the Swiss mountains.

Price: For three hours, the Day Spa costs CHF 75 for adults and CHF 35 for children ages 6 to 14. Children under 6 years are free of charge.

Day Spa Package: 280 CHF (1 person) 500 CHF (2 people). The wellness day also includes brunch at the Bazaar restaurant and a 60-minute massage of your choosing.

Make your day spa visit sustainable

Finally, we recommend our article on tips for a sustainable spa visit. Learn how to make your spa day more sustainable (to a degree).

Oh and P.S.: A gift voucher for a spa day also makes a great gift!

Save this article as inspiration for your next wellness day.

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Swiss stone pine – The wonder pine of the Alps

The stone pine is a coniferous tree of the Alps up to 25 meters high. It can be found at an altitude of up to 2,850 meters above sea level. Thus, the Swiss stone pine often forms the tree line, meaning no other trees grow in higher regions. Swiss stone pines can live up to 1,000 years and can withstand temperatures as low as -40°C.

Thanks to sustainable forestry practices in the Alpine region, the Swiss stone pine is not in danger of extinction. On the contrary, the number of Swiss stone pine forests in Austria is actually increasing. The soft and light wood is very popular for making furniture. What makes it special, however, is its pleasant woody scent. The essential oils in Swiss stone pine remain in the wood for decades – even after 80 to 100 years, Swiss stone pine parlors in Tyrolean farmhouses still smell of the wood.

Does Swiss stone pine really improve sleep? In-between folk medicine and science

Swiss stone pine has a long tradition in folk medicine. Its resin has been used to make oils, ointments, and tinctures that are said to have soothing and disinfecting properties. The “active ingredient” is most likely the essential oil, which contains pinenes and phellandrene. During the flu season, the oil is said to improve breathing.

Sleep study: Swiss stone pine vs. pressboard

Scientifically, there have only been attempts to prove the health benefits. For example, a small study with 30 participants was conducted in 2003. The study examined the effect on the sleep quality of healthy adults. Over a period of four weeks, the participants in the blind study slept in rooms containing decorative wood and rooms containing pine wood. The result showed a “significant difference” (both in the ECG evaluation and in the personal interview).

• In the pine rooms, participants had a calmer heart rate and a longer deep sleep phase.
• Participants slept best in beds made of Swiss stone pine, followed by their bed at home and finally the bedroom made of decorative wood.

However due to the small scale of the study, the results should be taken with caution.

Is Swiss pine wood sustainable?

Generally, wood is a renewable and natural material that (without plastic varnishes and adhesives) completely decomposes and thus returns to the cycle. However, not all wood is sustainable. In order to obtain tropical wood, rain forests are cut down – with disastrous consequences for the climate and biodiversity. European wood is also criticized because it often comes from Romania, where Greenpeace and other environmental organizations say one of Europe’s last virgin forests is being illegally logged.

So what about the Swiss stone pine? Swiss stone pines grow in the European Alps at altitudes ranging from 1,500 to 2,850 meters above sea level. There are Swiss stone pine forests in:

• Austria
• Italy (only in South Tyrol )
• Swiss (Here the Swiss stone pine is referred to as Arve.)
• Germany (Berchtesgadener Alps)
• France (French Central Alps)

PEFC and FSC label for sustainable Wood

In almost all of these countries, the state- owend forest is fully certified with the European PEFC label for sustainable forest management. Private forests also carry the PEFC label in the vast majority of cases, and in some cases the FSC label as well.

The German Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union (NABU) has criticized the PEFC label for not being meaningful enough. The control procedures are too weak, and, the seal allows for the use of pesticides. Instead, NABU and Greenpeace recommend the FSC label as the only credible seal of approval for sustainable forest management.

When you buy wood in a store or at a home improvement center, look for the FSC label. This guarantees that the wood was not illegally harvested from virgin forests, but comes from a well-managed forest that is committed to conservation and reforestation.

The Swiss stone pine is not generally considered an endangered tree because it reproduces without reforestation. This is thanks to the pine jay. The bird stores the pine nuts for the winter, allowing new seedlings to grow each year.

Stone pine parlous in the Alpine region can be considered particularly sustainable because:

• The stone pine is not an endangered species.
• There is hardly any CO2 produced during the transportation.
• The pine room (Arvenstube) is a regional cultural asset. The wood is usually not treated with synthetic varnishes in order to preserve its positive characteristics (the scent).
• Swiss stone pine furniture made of solid wood is extremely durable.
• Unlike wood fiber materials, the use of adhesives is not an issue. (In particleboard, etc., the wood chips are held together by adhesives and solvents, which can release “volatile organic compounds” such as formaldehyde that are harmful to health and the environment).

Green PearlsⓇ Hotels and cottages with rooms made of Swiss pine wood

If you would like to experience what it feels like to sleep in a Swiss stone pine room, you can do so at the following hotels:

Wood benefits in the spa area

In addition to using pine in the bedroom, some of our Green PearlsⓇ partners are using pine to enhance the wellness experience.

At the Allgäu Hotel Das Rübezahl, the Boutique Spa features pine infrared loungers and a “pine spa”. The latter is equipped with a “body sound swinging bed” and music therapy. In addition, the hotel’s premium suites (“AlmRausch” and “RosenReich”) have private saunas made of Swiss pine. The whole experience is crowned by a panoramic view of the Alps and the royal castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

In Switzerland, the stone pine parlor is called the “Arvenstube”. You’ll find one at the Bella Vista Biohotel in Zermatt. “The Arvenstube is located in the Alpine Spa, and there are four waterbeds in it, which leads to total relaxation,” the team reports. “Swiss stone pine lowers the resting pulse rate! The scent is soothing and invites you to linger”. For many guests, the pine room is an absolute highlight.

Beads and cubes for the indoor climate

Other of our partners use Swiss stone pine accessories. In the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu you will find Swiss stone pine cubes and a Swiss stone pine heart with the “Lust auf Leben” logo in all hotel rooms. These are not just decorative elements. “The scent creates a pleasant warmth in the room,” the owners report. Many guests love them and buy them in the shop to take home. There is also a carafe of Grander water with a pine ball in the room.

Hotel Okelmann’s in Lower Saxony also uses Grander water carafes with a pine wood ball. The water, revitalized according to Johann Grander, flows through the pipes throughout the hotel, allowing you to refill your carafe over and over again. These carafes are available as souvenirs in the Okelmann’s Concept Store.

Wood for indoor climate improvement

In addition to the aforementioned hotels with Swiss stone pine, there are other Green PearlsⓇ partners with interesting wood concepts. At Naturresort Gerbehof on the German side of Lake Constance, all furniture is made from spruce felled in the hotel’s own forest and handcrafted on the hotel’s farm. “Our furniture is not varnished, only coated with sustainable organic wax. This allows the wood to breathe,” they tell us. It does mean that the cupboards and beds have to be waxed and adjusted more often, but that’s nature.

In the vegan hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol, 100 percent untreated regional larch wood was used for most of the rooms and spaces. The special feature: The wood was felled during the waning phase of the moon. “This makes it more resilient and energetic,” they say.

Learn more about Moonwood in this blogpost.

Taking advantage of the health benefits of Swiss stone pine while on vacation

The Alpine region is one of the few unspoiled areas left on our planet. In Tyrol, South Tyrol and Allgäu you will find large nature reserves and alpine national parks where you can enjoy nature. The quality of the air, water and forests is excellent, and fortunately there are many opportunities for sustainable tourism, of which our Green PearlsⓇ partners are a prime example.

Scientifically, the effectiveness has not been sufficiently proven, but the personal experiences of our partners and their guests are consistent with the preliminary results that Swiss stone pine wood increases our sense of well-being.

Have you ever stayed in a Swiss stone pine room? Share your experience in the comments! We look forward to hear if you agree with our findings.

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Der Beitrag Swiss stone pine: Does the miracle sleeping aid really work and how sustainable is it? erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

Wellness & Health at the Lifestyle Resort

Hotels and resorts in the “lifestyle” category cultivate a special, individual atmosphere (similar to boutique hotels). Here you can discover not only new places but also yourself. Unlike a hotel, a resort is a sprawling complex. In the case of the Kurfürst, this means, among other things, that there are four pool facilities. Three of these pools are heated year-round. The fourth one is a beautiful natural swimming pond that requires no chemicals.

Majestic sauna area

In addition to the various swimming pools, the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten offers a variety of saunas, steam baths, and a forest infrared sauna. In total, the wellness area covers more than 4,000 square meters.

You can relax in the “Himalayan Salt Sauna” or the “Aroma Steam Bath”, both at 50°C, or go to extremes. For example, there is the “Chinese hell” at 95°C and an “Earth Sauna” at 110°C. As you can imagine, you’ll start to sweat pretty quickly 🙂 Afterward, you can relax in one of the relaxation rooms or on the loungers around the forest infrared sauna.

Tip: If you like, you can also book a private spa here! However, you should book in advance.

TCM by KURFÜRST Institut

Health is a big issue at the Zum Kurfürsten lifestyle resort. The two areas of wellness and nutrition are embedded in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM by KURFÜRST includes various treatments and therapies of Chinese medicine.

If you are new to this field, you can start with a body analysis (including a print-out) and work with the TCM therapists to find a solution to your problems and concerns. Perhaps you often feel stressed or out of balance. TCM treatments can provide natural relief. There are also offers for people with sleep disorders and for pain patients.

The opportunity you get from the healing medicine treatments is that you can make a permanent change and take that change with you into your everyday life after your vacation.

The life energy Qi in free flow

Only in the perfect harmony of Yin and Yang can the life energy Qi arise and flow freely – Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten

To allow the energy to flow freely, the entire hotel with its 95 rooms and the resort area have been furnished according to the principles of Feng Shui. This includes the colors and design of the furniture. In general, the resort takes great pride in the exquisite design of the property and grounds. Nothing has been left to chance.

Culinary delights at the Lifestyle Resort zum Kurfürsten – healthy and sustainable

At the resort, a late riser’s breakfast buffet awaits you until 12:00 a.m. For lunch, you can arrive in your bathrobe for a snack in the bistro, and in the evening you can dine stylishly and casually in the “Cook & Style” half-board restaurant. For a more elegant dining experience, the B-Fine Restaurant offers a 6-course menu in an exclusive setting.

Wherever possible, the ingredients used come directly from the region. The hotel works with local suppliers and has seasonal purchasing criteria.

To reduce food waste, the menu has been reduced to five menus, and the kitchen turns leftovers into animal feed for local farms.

Are you vegan or vegetarian? No problem: “Vegetarian and vegan options are a matter of course for us,” they say.

Sustainability is part of the lifestyle

The Zum Kurfürsten Lifestyle Resort strives for sustainability in all areas. The first important point is that the resort was created from an existing building. This is much more ecological than a new building. The huge wellness offer is of course a big challenge. A start is the 20-meter natural swimming pond and the heated pools with special covers to retain heat at night. Slippers are only available on request. For sustainable energy generation, the Green PearlsⓇ partner operates four of its own combined heat and power plants using natural gas. This has reduced annual CO2 emissions by 30 percent.

Enjoy the resort and its surroundings

There is much more to say about this wonderful wellness resort. You can enjoy the spa area, fitness facilities and restaurants in good weather or bad, and still be in an exciting environment. Your starting point is the town of Bernkastel-Kues with its medieval marketplace. From here it is not far to Trier with its famous Porta Nigra or the gemstone city of Idar-Oberstein. A boat trip on the meandering Moselle is a must. Go with the flow!

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Der Beitrag The Qi flows at the Moselle – Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.

SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, Bad Herrenalb, Black Forest | Baden-Württemberg

Bad Herrenalb is a climatic health resort known for its healing waters. The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA has its own thermal swimming pool. Here, the mineralized groundwater comes out of the ground at over 20°C. As a “Bioland Gold Partner”, more than 90 percent of the food is organically grown.

Highlights

• 1000 square meter spa area with saunas, steam bath and sun terrace
• Indoor mineralized thermal swimming pool
• Selfness Center with meditation, yoga, forest bathing and TCM therapy
• Fasting cures

Hotel Das Rübezahl, Schwangau | Bavaria

The Das Rübezahl Romantic Hideaway & Spa is located in the romantic surroundings of Neuschwanstein Castle and other royal castles. If you are planning a wellness vacation as a couple, this is the perfect address. A new spa garden has just opened in the spring of 2023.

Highlights

• 2,500 square meter spa garden
• Natural swimming pond
• Massage tent
• Heated outdoor pool
• Bavarian Salt Grotto

HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu, Balderschwang | Bavaria

At 1044 meters above sea level in the foothills of the Alps, you will find an architectural gem at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio Allgäu. Here a holistic approach to physical and mental well-being is taken.

Highlights

• “Mountain Spring Spa” with various saunas
• Infinity pool with a fantastic view of the Alps
• Yoga platform and yoga retreats (including special offers for men)
• Tai Chi, Qi Gong, Ayurveda
• Beauty and massage treatments

Klosterhof • Alpine Hideaway & Spa, Bayerisch Gmain | Bavaria

In this family hotel, you will find a special health concept. Owner and hotelier Dr. Andreas Färber runs the Artemacur Health Center, which is directly connected to the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa. The focus here is on diagnostics and a holistic approach that also includes nutrition and the psyche.

Highlights

• 1,500 square meter spa area
• Heated outdoor pool, sauna area
• Indoor pool with fireplace
• Brine bath (saltwater) for floating
• Artemacur Health Center

Naturresort Gerbehof, Friedrichshafen | Baden-Württemberg 

Located in the beautiful Lake Constance region, you will find both a sustainable country hotel and vacation apartments at Naturresort Gerbehof. The special offer includes bioenergetic meditation according to Viktor Philippi. This meditation is said to have physical effects (e.g. stimulation of the immune system and metabolism) in addition to mental relaxation.

Highlights

• Indoor spa with sauna, sanarium and brine grotto
• Outdoor spa with sauna, Kneipp pool, sunbathing area
• Beauty treatments with natural cosmetics
• Bioenergetic meditation
• Forest meditation and meditation walks

STURM, Mellrichstadt | Bavaria

Located in the middle of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Rhön region, the STURM offers an ideal place to unwind. Outside, there is a 30,000 square meter nature park with a snack garden, fruit trees and herb beds. The fruits are used in the kitchen and guests are welcome to taste them directly from the tree or bush.

Highlights

• RHÖN-SPA with sauna, steam bath and fresh air grotto
• Cosmetic treatments with natural cosmetics
• Massage treatments
• Barefoot path
• Natural swimming pond and large garden landscape

Sustainable wellness hotels – a contradiction?

At first glance, sustainability and wellness don’t go together. Sure, pool and sauna consume a lot of energy. And energy not only consumes resources – it also costs money. As hotelier Marc Traubel of HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio tells us in an interview, the motivation for saving electricity used to be purely financial: “Now it’s saving resources, before it was saving money.” Back then, when his father started implementing various measures in the hotel to save energy, Greta Thurnberg was not yet born.

The German Wellness Association or the German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) also entice their members, especially with the money savings that come with switching to LED light bulbs, economical toilet flushing, less towel washing and less food waste.

But while saving money may have been the start (or still be a good motivator), it’s long past being the only factor. On the contrary, many of us are even willing to spend more money – for example, on green electricity instead of coal power.

The German Wellness Association has the following tips on how wellness can be made healthier, more environmentally friendly and less expensive:

• Already during construction, attention is paid to environmentally friendly construction methods (insulating materials, PVC-free pipes, ecological paints, joint adhesives, etc.).
• For wood and furniture, natural materials from the region or with the FSC seal are used.
• Technical systems for heat recovery
• Technical systems for water recovery
• Use of daylight and LEDs
• Energy supply via renewable energies
• Reduction of laundry
• Environmentally friendly cleaning
• Certified natural cosmetics

What we also find important: The health idea is not limited to a spa area, but is further pursued at all the above-mentioned partners in southern Germany. The optimum is that you get in harmony with yourself and nature and thereupon generally become more conscious in your everyday life. What do you think?

Missed the first part? Here you can find the most beautiful sustainable wellness hotels in Northern and Central Germany.

Save these hotels for your next wellness getaway!

Der Beitrag Sustainable Wellness Hotels in Germany (Part 2: Southern Germany) erschien zuerst auf GREEN TRAVEL BLOG.