Years ago, I moved from Cologne to Jerusalem and was surprised by the many connections between these two places. After all, the Roman Empire created a cultural area around the Mediterranean whose influence can still be seen and experienced today.

Rome – the origin of a global empire

When discussing the Roman Empire, the Eternal City is simply the place to start. Rome grew from a small city-state into a vast empire spanning three continents.

A center of power for over a thousand years

Rome was founded in 753 BCE, which marked the beginning of the Roman Empire. The empire lasted for 12 centuries and underwent various eras. The Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE, marking the beginning of the Middle Ages in Europe. The Eastern Roman Empire, however, continued to exist until 1453, when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks.

Rome was a city of millions with sophisticated water and sewage systems, fortified roads, and a functioning fire department in the first century A.D. Even today, numerous monuments bear witness to Rome’s former glory: the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Appian Way—all of which illustrate how highly developed and cultured life was in ancient Rome.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to Rome to experience the spirit of Roman times. In line with the “Second Cities” movement, many other places in Europe have preserved their Roman heritage. And they are all located near our sustainable hotel partners. 🙂

Following in the footsteps of the Romans in Europe

Immerse yourself in the world of the Romans: the Roman town of Aguntum near Lienz

Near the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol lies the Roman town of Aguntum – a fascinating archaeological park with an adjoining museum. Under Emperor Claudius (41–54 AD), Aguntum was declared a municipium, or town. Here, you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the everyday life of the Romans. Mosaics, jewelry, tools, and other everyday objects offer a glimpse into a bygone era. Excavations have also uncovered parts of the city wall. Other notable features include the atrium house, a residential building with an open courtyard; the craftsmen’s quarter; a large thermal bath; and a macellum, a circular market building.

Highlights include:

• The reconstructed impluvium, which is a water basin in an atrium house.
• Interactive stations that bring history to life
• Guided tours and events are also available, as well as a viewing tower with a view of the excavation site.
• Hiking like a Roman legionnaire

The Roman Empire was conquered on foot, so it’s no surprise that the Romans were known for their well-built paths and roads. One such road, the Roman Trail, still runs across the Ritten in South Tyrol today. It was recommended to us by the APIPURA hotel rinner.

Fun fact: The Romans invented advanced footwear for their long journeys. The famous Roman sandals were part of soldiers’ standard equipment (incidentally, only men served as soldiers, which is why we’re not using gender-neutral language). The number and shape of the straps indicated rank. Today, however, we recommend modern hiking boots for the Roman Trail—preferably from sustainable brands, of course. 😉

The trail itself is considered a historic bypass route around the impassable Eisack Gorge. Wheel ruts from carts and the name “Römerweg” (Roman Trail) suggest a long history, although it is unclear if Roman troops ever passed through. What is certain, however, is that emperors and kings used the Römerweg on their way to Rome in the Middle Ages. This approximately 10-kilometer-long (6.2-mile) hiking trail takes you past several sights and the famous earth pyramids. It’s definitely great if you like combining nature experiences and historical sights!

After your hike, relax in the wellness area of the APIPURA hotel rinner, which features a rooftop whirlpool. The hotel is famous for its organic cuisine and honey. Fun fact: Honey was an important ingredient in Roman cuisine and medicine.

Wellness à la Roma: Bathing like in ancient times

Roman bathing culture was legendary in antiquity and remains so today. Public baths were places not only for hygiene, but also for socializing, leisure, and enjoyment. Whether in the frigidarium (cold bath), the tepidarium (lukewarm bath), or the caldarium (hot bath), bathing was a ritual that benefited the body and soul.

You can still see traces of this ancient heritage today, such as at the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region. Many guests come for the view of the famous Neuschwanstein Castle. However, those interested in the region’s history will discover an even older treasure right next door: the Roman villa on the Tegelberg.

About four kilometers from the hotel are the ruins of a second-century Roman villa rustica (country house). The excavated bathhouse, which has original mosaics and colorful frescoes, is especially impressive due to its well-preserved structure. The small frigidarium (cold bath) with a barrel vault and round-arched windows has been reconstructed at the Munich State Archaeological Collection – from there, it was once possible to see as far as the hill of the castle in Füssen.

The ruins are now accessible for free directly at the valley station of the Tegelbergbahn cable car. It’s a great place to experience Roman history up close and enjoy wellness like a Roman.

At the sustainable Hotel Das Rübezahl, you can also immerse yourself in ancient Roman culture. The Therme Romana, located in the clothing-optional wellness area, pays homage to ancient bathing culture. The host team deliberately designed it in the spirit of this history. In this stylish setting, which features natural materials and warm lighting, you can relax, sweat, and bathe just as the Romans did 2,000 years ago.

Conclusion: Experience and preserve the past

When you follow in the footsteps of the Romans, you travel not only to a distant past but also to the origins of our modern culture. Much of what shaped the Roman Empire, from roads and thermal baths to architecture, can still be seen in everyday life today.

However, historical sites are more than just fascinating photo opportunities. They are a valuable part of our cultural heritage and, therefore, an important aspect of sustainable travel. After all, sustainability means protecting existing treasures, passing on cultural knowledge, and traveling responsibly.

By visiting Roman excavation sites, you are contributing directly to their preservation, whether through admission fees, attention, or appreciation. Many of these sites, such as the Roman villa on Tegelberg, are open to the public and rely on visitors like you to experience them respectfully.

So, buckle up—or lace up your hiking boots—and join us as we explore one of the most fascinating empires in history. You’ll be surprised at how alive history can be today.

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Our sustainable Green PearlsⓇ accommodations offer several options for a truly unplugged vacation:

• In Paris, in a hotel with room equipped with a shield against electromagnetic pollution
• In Liguria, in an Albergo Diffuso with a bio-electric switch
• On a Croatian island or in the Peruvian jungle, where there is no Wi-Fi and reception is very poor.
• With “digital detox” offers

We will tell you all about these options in a moment. But first: Why should you even consider an Internet-free vacation? Well, there are a lot of reasons.

What digital media is doing to us

Digital media is great. The Internet, applications, communities, networks, games – the digital world offers information, knowledge, fun, and entertainment. But like everything in life, it also has its downside.

For example, brain researcher Martin Korte of the Technical University of Braunschweig told the German Press Agency (dpa) that too much cell phone use is detrimental to creativity. Excessive use of digital media eliminates idle time, which is when ideas (usually) come to mind.

Attention decreases

In addition, studies have shown that multitasking significantly reduces work performance and attention span. This is logical: when you are doing and thinking about many things at once, your attention and quality suffer. Studies have even shown that the mere presence of a cell phone reduces attention. That’s because when your phone is on the table in front of you, part of your mind is occupied with the thought that you could quickly check it to see if you’ve missed anything, if an email has arrived, if you should maybe check the news again, and so on.

The good news: Visual stimulation and digital media can also be beneficial for the brain!

However, it is important to

– avoid multitasking and

– take enough breaks.

Electrical sensitivity

Another issue is the electrosensitivity of some people. Although not scientifically proven, it is recognized that people who consider themselves electrosensitive experience real health problems caused by the presence of cell phones and electrical devices. Symptoms include headaches, sleep disturbances, skin irritations and dizziness.

Parisians flee to hotels to escape “radiation stress”

The Paris hotel Le Pavillon was the first in France to offer special rooms for people with electromagnetic hypersensitivity. The hostess, Barbara Tascijevic-Porwoll, explained this to us in detail:

“There are more and more people who are sensitive to electricity and cannot tolerate any kind of electromagnetic pollution, mobile phone or antenna radiation, which causes them significant health problems. That is why we have shielded three of our 15 rooms at Hotel Le Pavillon against radiation, especially for these guests. (…)”

Special protection of walls, floors and windows

The rooms and bathrooms are protected by a special black shielding paint on the walls and ceiling, which is not visible to the clients, as the room is painted, tiled and parquet floored as normal. The floor is equipped with a special shielding grid. The paint ensures that electromagnetic radiation from low-frequency alternating electric fields and high-frequency electromagnetic waves is shielded. The electrical wiring is specially grounded and connected to the shielding. In addition, all rooms in the hotel have curtains that block high-frequency radiation through the windows.

 Offer to a specific customer group

We regularly receive requests from guests who specifically book our shielded rooms. We even have guests from Paris who book these rooms to give their cells a rest from the constant radiation stress at home, which has become omnipresent nowadays. Doctors specializing in electrosensitivity also refer guests with this condition to our hotel.

Due to the fact that there is little to no Internet reception in these rooms, our “regular” guests are less satisfied, especially if they want to work on their PCs. For these guests, we have special mobile routers that they can use to boost the signal or connect via cable.

Hotel rooms with mains disconnect switch (bio-electric switch)

The Relais del Maro in Liguria has equipped all its rooms with a mains isolation switch. This means that at the push of a button, all electronic devices in the room are cut off. No standby, no running appliances, no lights.

“Since there is no electricity running through the cables, there is less electromagnetic radiation,” says hotel manager Martina Dellerba. She is convinced that this significantly improves the guests’ sleeping comfort. Guests have reportedly told her that a week with the button was “like therapy” for them.

The location of the Relais del Maro certainly contributed to this. The Green PearlsⓇ Hotel is an Albergo Diffuso spread over several old residential and commercial buildings in the picturesque village of Borgomaro. Located in the hinterland of the coastal city of Imperia, it is a hidden gem for relaxation and authentic vacations.

Unwind on a Croatian island

Another great example of an unplugged vacation is Hotel Korinjak on the Croatian island of Iž. Here, it’s easy to really go offline because Wi-Fi is only available in public areas and not in the rooms. So you can relax and unwind without the constant interruptions of push notifications and email.

Hotel Korinjak is located right by the sea, surrounded by a fragrant pine forest and olive grove. It is a place of peace and relaxation that focuses on sustainable tourism, vegetarian/vegan cuisine and spiritual experiences. In addition to the classic vacation offerings, you can participate in yoga or meditation classes, or find inspiration in various workshops.

Offline adventure in the Amazon rainforest

If you’re looking for an adventure where you can completely disconnect, then Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica in Peru is the place for you. Located in the heart of the dense Amazon rainforest, there is no internet or cell phone reception here. No 5G, no Wi-Fi – just you, the jungle, and fascinating nature.

Sure, you’ll take countless photos of exotic plants, wildlife, and stunning scenery on your travels. But your family and friends will have to wait to admire your impressions – because you are truly offline. Only in case of emergency is there a radio that you can use to contact the city.

This intentional digital break gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, travel more mindfully, and take in the experience with all your senses-not just through your phone screen or camera viewfinder. A stay at Inkaterra Reserva Amazónica is not only an adventure, but also a special form of slowing down.

Digital detox made easy

In addition to places without Wi-Fi, there are hotels that have developed special digital detox packages. Check out this article for an overview of sustainable accommodations that offer programs to help you take a conscious break from your digital life.

A great example is the Hotel Weihrerhof in South Tyrol. Here you can switch off with the “Data-Detox-Plus-Package“. We don’t want to give too much away, but if you want to get away from your smartphone, there’s a surprise waiting for you so you can focus on nature, your companions and yourself. Instead of screen time, you can enjoy hikes on the Ritten, peaceful hours at Lake Wolfsgruben or relaxing moments in the “SeaSpa”. An invitation to let your body and mind truly unwind.

Dare to switch off completely!

Whether it’s shielded hotel rooms, hidden islands without Wi-Fi, or jungle lodges without a network, there are many ways to leave the digital world behind for a while. Brain researcher Korte makes an amusing comparison: “Being constantly on the phone is like always carrying chips and chocolate with you. The danger of constantly reaching for them is high! So take the plunge and leave your phone at home when you go on vacation, but also in your everyday life, and enjoy your surroundings.

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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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A place where love of nature meets lasting enjoyment and genuine South Tyrolean hospitality. What makes this hotel so special? A family that has been welcoming guests with heart and dedication for three generations. A kitchen that uncompromisingly focuses on organic food. And an attitude to life that makes you take a deep breath from the very first moment.

Whether you are traveling with your family, seeking peace and quiet in nature, or are passionate about bees and ecological management, the APIPURA hotel rinner has many surprises in store for you, both big and small.

Pure nature above Bolzano

Green pastures, deep forests, rolling vineyards and spectacular views of the Dolomites – the Ritten is a very special place. The high plateau above Bolzano is one of the sunniest regions in South Tyrol and combines everything that makes nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet happy in a small area.

Fifteen charming villages are scattered across the plateau in the Sarntal Alps, inviting you to hike and enjoy. At the same time, Ritten is one of the most sustainable holiday destinations in the region.

Car-free transportation

The RittenCard was introduced in 2011: it allows you to use all public transportation for free, including the historic Ritten narrow-gauge railway, the cable car to Bolzano and the mountain railway to the Ritten Horn. It also gives you free admission to some 80 museums and exhibitions, such as the Ötzi Museum or the Messner Mountain Museum.

The historic narrow-gauge railway stops at the “Rinner” station, right in front of the APIPURA hotel rinner. And as a guest, you will receive the RittenCard for your stay, so you can leave your car at home, or even better, leave it at home. Bolzano and the Ritten are easy to reach by train from many cities in Austria, Germany and Italy.

Tip: The region is also perfect for e-biking! The Ritten Tourism Association offers weekly guided e-bike tours, which are also free with the RittenCard!

Regional Highlights

The Ritten is a wonderful place for leisurely or active hiking (in winter with snowshoes), mountain biking or simply relaxing in nature with children. Besides the Rittner Bahn and the Rittner Seilbahn, which make the journey an adventure in itself, Karin Rinner from the host family has revealed her favorites.

• The Rittner Horn with its 360-degree panorama of the Alps                                                                                                     Whether you reach the top on foot or by cable car, you will be rewarded with a 360-degree view that, on a clear day, stretches all the way to the Ortler Group. In summer it is a dream for hikers and mountain bikers. In winter it is an insider tip for quiet skiing and snowshoeing.
• The Earth Pyramids                                                                                                                                                                                  A true wonder of nature and a symbol of the Ritten: these bizarre, tapered clay formations, created by erosion, look almost otherworldly. On the Earth Pyramids Trail you will pass several of these impressive formations. A homemade earth pyramid adorns the staircase of the hotel 😉
• Ötzi the Iceman                                                                                                                                                                               At the South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology in Bolzano, you can get up close and personal with South Tyrol’s most famous citizen: Ötzi, the 5,000-year-old glacier mummy, fascinates with his story and his amazingly well-preserved equipment from the Neolithic Age. Ötzi carried a bag with three flint tools (a scraper, a drill and a carving tool), a bone needle and a piece of mushroom for making a fire.

Bees, organic and mountains: The story of the APIPURA hotel rinner

Today’s APIPURA hotel rinner welcomes guests from all over the world and began as a labor of love centered on beekeeping. For three generations, the Rinner family has had a close relationship with nature, and more specifically with bees. This special relationship not only shapes the history of the hotel, but also the hotel experience today.

In 1966, Manfred Rinner’s grandparents laid the foundation for a very special hotel. At that time, they planned a pure bee house with an apiary apartment in a cleverly chosen location. Easily accessible, sheltered from the wind and with a climate that is perfect for the little pollinators. On the lower floors of the house, there are honey stores, a centrifuge room, a workshop and a queen breeding room. Outside, in the front yard, the first bee colonies were soon humming.

But during the construction phase, the idea took on new forms. Inspired by the development of tourism in the region and driven by the desire to welcome guests, the bee house was converted into a guest house with comfortable rooms, showers and toilets. Paul Rinner and his wife Resi continued to develop the unusual hotel concept and, in close cooperation with researchers, focused on innovative approaches such as Api-Wellness, where participants inhale the air from the beehive.

A hotel with deep roots and new ideas

Today, Manfred Rinner runs the hotel with his siblings and family, remaining true to the values that have characterized the hotel from the beginning: sustainability, regionality, and a close relationship with bees. At the same time, he brings fresh ideas to the table, such as a consistent focus on organic quality and cooperation with “Bio Fair Südtirol”.

Organic Ambassador Manfred Rinner

For Manfred, regional is not enough. Since 2023, the APIPURA Hotel Rinner has been the first hotel to be awarded the “Bio Fair Südtirol” label – a sign that only regional, certified organic products are used in the kitchen and that these are combined with fair work and social justice. For the host, this is not just a question of quality, but an expression of a deep ecological conviction and the approach that organic can also be regional.

This is also evident in his respectful approach to food as the hotel’s executive chef. In the kitchen, the approach is holistic – nose to tail for meat, root to leaf for vegetables. What others might consider a “cut” here is transformed into aromatic broths, fine sauces, or creative side dishes. Not only does this create intense flavors, but it also consistently combats food waste.

In the region, Manfred is a dedicated ambassador for organic products. He is actively promoting the organic idea and inspiring producers to switch to organic farming.

Senior partner Paul Rinner – Passionate organic beekeeper

An encounter with senior partner Paul Rinner is also an experience. The beekeeper knows everything there is to know about bees and is always happy to talk to guests who have questions and are interested in learning more. Maybe there is something you have always wanted to know about bees or beekeeping. Be sure that Paul Rinner can answer your question.

Paul started beekeeping at the age of twelve and is still out and about with his colonies. He translates the diversity of South Tyrol into a wide range of honeys. From mild apple blossom honey to strong alpine honey, each drop reflects the landscape through which he and his bees pass.

Naturally, the entire apiary is certified according to Bioland guidelines, as is the natural beekeeping and the absence of chemical medication.

Unique: Relax with bee-scented air

Another special feature of the APIPURA hotel rinner is the aforementioned wellness concept, which can only be found there: Api-Wellness. Based on the methods of Jürgen Schmiedgen, a certified organic and apitherapeutic beekeeper, senior partner Paul Rinner combines decades of beekeeping knowledge with modern findings from natural medicine and science.

The heart of the treatment is the beehive air. Enriched with essential oils, pollen and other aerosols, and scented with propolis, wax and honey – sucked directly from the beehive. Gently, naturally and without disturbing the bees. While the bees continue to work, you relax on a wooden bed and breathe the air through a mask with an inhalation system – without any direct contact with the animals.

The effect? Calming, invigorating and soothing. It has also been shown to relieve the symptoms of allergies.

If you prefer a more traditional spa experience, there is also a hot tub and barrel sauna on the roof.

A vacation with a clear conscience – for the whole family

APIPURA hotel rinner is the perfect place for you and your family if you are looking for a relaxing yet sustainable vacation. A family atmosphere awaits you, creating a home away from home for young and old alike.

Your children can play in the garden playground or in the indoor playroom while you enjoy the breathtaking views or relax in the wellness oasis. It’s also a great place to bring grandma or grandpa for a multigenerational vacation.

A special experience for children is the bee learning trail created by the Rinner family.

Tip: There are special family rooms for 4 to 6 people!

In short: a stay for all the senses

APIPURA hotel rinner is the ideal place to enjoy nature, make lasting impressions and relax completely. Here you will find the perfect mix of activity, enjoyment and awareness. Experience a prime example of sustainable tourism in terms of travel, region and accommodation. It doesn’t get much greener than this!

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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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What is TCM, exactly?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a collection of healing methods (from different eras) that originated in China. The most famous of these is acupuncture, which is now in widespread use throughout the world. Elements of Taoist philosophy and some perspectives that clearly contradict Western research have not been adopted in the “West”, but a reference to “Qi” as “life energy” has.

Sustainable wellness hotels with a TCM approach

At the following Green PearlsⓇ hotels, you can discover and try TCM and other healing methods. They all share a sustainable approach to human health and, more broadly, to the health of nature.

#1 Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten – TCM expertise on the Mosel

At the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten, everything revolves around your health and relaxation – according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The hotel is fully committed to this healing method and offers a variety of treatments, from acupuncture and cupping to personalized nutrition and exercise programs.

It is best to begin your stay with a personalized analysis. Ingrid Grubisik is the hotel’s experienced TCM therapist. With her extensive training and years of practice, she will help you address your individual needs.

Personalized and sustainable

During a personal interview and physical tests, you will be given a plan for your stay (as well as for the time after you return home). This includes a nutritional plan based on the Five Elements (5 Element cuisine is also part of the hotel concept) and recommendations for appropriate exercises and treatments.

The wellness hotel on the Moselle River has several pools, a large natural swimming pond and a sauna world. The water flows in a cycle developed with a Feng Shui master from Beijing. The hotel itself is designed according to Feng Shui principles and is a confirmed place of power.

#2 SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA: Medical Qigong for Inner Balance

If you are looking for more inner balance, you are also in good hands at the SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in the climatic health resort of Bad Herrenalb. Your host, Stephan Bode, has integrated some of Buddha’s maxims into his life and hotel concept and founded a “Selfness Center“. Here you will find a large wellness area with a thermal swimming pool and a view of the Black Forest, in addition to yoga, Black Forest baths and fast diets.

Qigong with Master Khim

Qigong is an important part of TCM. It contains elements of martial arts – but with very slow and mindful movements.

Qigong stimulates the flow of qi, or life energy. External movement and internal stillness merge according to the principle of yin and yang.

At SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA you have the opportunity to book private lessons with Master Khim. He learned Qigong from Grand Master Prof. Li Shao Bo (Zhen-Qi Yun Xing Research Institute China) and is the only official representative of medical Qigong in Germany.

#3 Biohotel Grafenast: Qigong in the Tyrolean Mountains

There is another wonderful Green PearlsⓇ hotel in the Tyrolean mountains that combines Far Eastern healing methods with Western wellness treatments. Like the Lifestyle Resort Zum Kurfürsten, Biohotel Grafenast was designed according to Feng Shui principles and is considered a place of power along with its surroundings.

Here you can book Qigong with Sabine as a private lesson. Her training focuses on strengthening and relaxing the spine. It stimulates the metabolism and digestion and can also help with insomnia.

• You can find out more by reading this PDF document about the range of treatments offered.

#4 ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA: Acupuncture in Sicily

Dr. Letterio Taormina is a specialist in general medicine, but has also studied the “traditional healing methods of the East”. He is trained in Chinese acupuncture and his programs combine Western medicine with TCM. The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located on a WWF protected natural beach and is a wonderfully luxurious yet naturally designed hideaway on the island of Sicily.

On offer are: Detox, Mediterranean Health, Stress Management, Sleep Therapy and Longeviti Booster

• Click here to view the health and wellness programs at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA 

Green PearlsⓇ Hotels with other traditional healing methods

There are many more sustainable hotels among our partners that offer traditional or alternative healing methods. So if TCM is not for you, but you are still looking for alternatives or complements to conventional medicine, you may find what you are looking for.

#5 OCÉANO F. X. Mayr Center: Detoxification and Regeneration

The OCÉANO Health Spa Hotel on Tenerife combines F.X. Mayr’s therapeutic fasting with naturopathic methods such as acupuncture and oxygen therapy (as complementary treatments). Located on the north coast, the hotel offers a perfect environment for relaxation, tranquility and inner cleansing in a less touristy corner of the island. Facing the Atlantic Ocean and with a large seawater pool, the hotel has a close relationship with the sea, which is reflected in the thalassotherapy services offered at the HEALTH SPA. You will also be able to work out an exercise program with a therapist. The Health Hotel has a large fitness center and offers personal training, yoga classes and other exercise programs.

• Learn more about the F. X. Mayr program.

#6 LA VIMEA: Ayurveda and energy work in a vegan hotel

The vegan hotel LA VIMEA in South Tyrol focuses on Ayurveda, meditation and chakra work. This adults-only hotel has a swimming pond, indoor saltwater pool, and barrel sauna where you can relax. Daily yoga classes are offered (outdoors when the weather is nice), and you can also participate in singing bowl massages and forest bathing.

• Here you will find LA VIMEA’s yoga and meditation offers. You can also book various massages with Sylwia Patriok.
  

The hotel focuses on healthy and tasty plant-based cuisine. This can be an interesting experience even for non-vegans.

#7 STURM: Shiatsu and energetic massages

At STURM in Mellrichstadt, shiatsu treatments and holistic energetic massages help to balance the flow of energy. Shiatsu is a Japanese finger pressure massage technique and is performed at STURM by shiatsu practitioners Carmen and Sabine.

Nestled in the Rhön, the hotel is an ideal place to relax and recharge your batteries. The STURM has a large wellness area with a garden sauna, a house of silence and a swimming pond.

• Here you will find the wellness treatment program such as 1:1 breathing sessions or day retreats.

#8 Keemala, Phuket: Thai Rainforest Retreats

Keemala Resort offers customized retreats with holistic healing treatments, soothing massages and movement exercises. The tranquil setting in the middle of a tropical rainforest promotes sustainable healing. A leader in plastic-free and zero-waste practices, the resort also offers healthy, creative cuisine sourced from its own garden.

• Learn more about the retreats: Purify, Energize, Unwind and Rejuvenate

Why should you combine your vacation with TCM?

A vacation is the perfect opportunity to take care of yourself and balance your body and mind. In our busy lives, we often neglect to take the time to really listen to our needs, but this is the key to long-term wellness. According to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine, health is regained when inner harmony and balance are restored. This is what you can experience at a hotel specializing in TCM (or other healing modalities).

We hope that you have found the right place among the hotels presented here – for a break that will have an impact not only on your vacation, but also on your everyday life.

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A village of Nordic freshness

Lower Saxony is the largest state in Germany and is located in the northwest of the country. It stretches from the North Sea coast to the Harz Mountains. Warpe itself is a village in the middle of Lower Saxony with a population of just over 700. Fields, meadows and forests characterize the flat landscape, criss-crossed by small and large rivers.

Distances from Warpe

• You are about an hour’s drive from Bremen
• Two hours from Hamburg
• One hour from Hannover
• The Lüneburg Heath is about an hour and 15 minutes away.
• And the North Sea (the seaside resort of Schillig) is about two hours away by car.

So while it’s not really far from any of the big cities or well-known tourist destinations, it’s far enough to enjoy absolute JOMO (joy of missing out).

Nature and Mindfulness

Warpe is not for everyone. Party animals, museum lovers and action vacationers probably won’t be happy here. But if you are looking for an authentic, quiet and natural vacation, the region in Lower Saxony is perfect for you. And if you are also interested in mindfulness, sustainability and yoga, you will find like-minded people here.

Maren Geisler-Okelmann, one of the two hosts at Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in Warpe, also offers singing bowl massages by Peter Hess. The town of Bruchhausen-Vilsen is very close to Warpe. Here you will find the Peter Hess Institute, named after the inventor of the sound massage.

Eco-Hotel Okelmann’s in the 4th generation of the family

Okelmann’s Eco-Hotel is located in a building that dates back to 1879. For four generations, the Okelmann family has welcomed guests from near and far.

At the moment the sisters Kristin and Maren are in charge, but their parents Annegret and Helmut and their two dogs will also give you a warm welcome. Nature and a balanced relationship with it are deeply rooted in the Okelmann family. Father Okelmann is an enthusiastic cyclist and will be happy to advise you on bike routes and has created several tours on komoot. Maren is a trained yoga teacher and teaches guests methods to find inner peace.

16 rooms, spa and yoga

With only 16 rooms, the hotel is a true boutique gem with individual charm. The tap water is (revitalized) Grander water. A converted shepherd’s hut serves as a sauna, and there is a wooden hot tub that can be heated with wood from the hotel’s own forest.

Another highlight is the yoga room, where regular classes in yoga, meditation and mindfulness are held, as well as Reiki and the aforementioned sound massage.

• Find the latest yoga and retreat offerings here.
  

Café Heimatliebe

The hotel also includes Café Heimatliebe, where you can enjoy homemade cakes, Nordic classics and vegan coffee specialties. There is also a small concept store with sustainable products. From homemade delicacies to handmade dog accessories, you will find unique and special souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones back home.

But what can you do in Warpe?

In Warpe you can enjoy the great outdoors with

• Bicycle tours (for example along the Weser river)
• Mindfulness walk
• A hike to see the alpacas
• Forest bathing
• Geocaching

The Okelmann sisters recommend the Wolfcenter Dörverden as a special place where you can learn a lot about wolves in Germany, how to live with them and how they behave. An exciting experience for both children and adults.

The sisters also recommend Parkgarten Twietmeyer as an insider tip. This garden is private and can only be used by appointment (e.g. for photo shoots for your social media account) ☺️ Small events such as plant markets are also held here several times a year.

Warpe in Lower Saxony: An underrated gem for nature lovers

Where is Warpe, please? Now you know! It’s ideal for nature lovers who don’t need all the tourist attractions but prefer to relax in a familiar environment.

PS: Okelmann’s is also ideal for a vacation with your dog. Read more in our blog article about a short vacation with your dog at Okelmann’s.

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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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