Tirol's Spa Hotels: Health & Beauty in the Alps

Describing the Lanserhof as a spa hotel is somewhat of an understatement to say the least. This mighty location perched on a lush plateau to the south of Innsbruck has developed a reputation in recent years as Tirol's number one wellness spot. It has specialised in detoxes and spa treatments according to the teachings of F.-X. Mayr. Further options include fasting regimes, dietary advice, burnout prevention, medical cosmetics and pain therapy. Yoga and pilates classes offer relaxation in the mountains, while three saunas plus an indoor pool and an outdoor pool soothe away aches and pains on rainy days. The rooms, which are between 25 and 100 square metres, offer fine views of the mountains along the Inn Valley.

The Astoria Resort Seefeld is one of the leading family-run hotels in Austria. It is managed by Elisabeth Gürtler, former director of the famous Vienna Opera Ball, and has been awarded five-star superior status. Gürtler has brought all the luxury and opulence of the world-famous ball in the Austrian capital to Seefeld, including in the new rooms recently added to the hotel. Perched high above the village of Seefeld, this hotel offers outstanding food and a wide selection of spa and beauty treatments plus three outdoor pools – one of which is 20 metres in length – as well as a small naturally filtered outdoor swimming pond, five saunas, fine massages and a range of wellbeing options including qi gong and mindfulness training. Dogs are welcome.

Located on the northern shore of Lake Achensee, Tirol's largest body of water, the five-star Posthotel Achenkirch is a stylish family-run hotel with lots of natural wood and stone. The kitchen team uses produce from the local region to create healthy and hearty dishes. A large spa area offers six pools, two whirlpools, a ladies-only spa, a gym and even a separate restaurant where guests are welcome to dine in their fluffy bathrobes. Mindfulness and wellbeing highlights include qi gong, tai chi, yoga and even kung fu courses taught by a shaolin master from China. Children under the age of 14 years are not allowed in the spa.

Surrounded by lush meadows and rolling hills, the four-star superior Juffing in Thiersee is the perfect place for those looking to get away from it all. The large and modern spa is only open to guests staying at the hotel and includes a large panoarama sauna plus an indoor pool, an outdoor pool and several chillout rooms. One of the hotel's two libraries can be found in the spa area. Time to dive into your favourite book! The hotel is also known for its organic food and activities such as tai chi and guided walks with qi gong in the forest. The hotel is open to adults only.

The Schalber Wellness-Residenz, like the entire Upper Inn Valley region, is ideal for families. This spacious five-star superior hotel has two separate spa areas: one for families with children and one for adults only. Highlights include saunas and a 20-metre outdoor infinity pool with magnificent views. The garden has a waterfall, ponds, fountains and a sunbathing lawn.

The north-facing balconies at the Quellenhof in Leutasch offer guests fine views of the Wetterstein Mountains plus a perfect panorama of the 25-metre-long pool in the hotel garden. The outdoor spa area, which remains open in winter, is among the highlights at this four-star superior residence near Innsbruck. A bathhouse with a chillout room is complemented by a saltwater whirlpool and a nude terrace. The rooms are simple and elegant. Bookworms will enjoy the library, while wine lovers can sample some of the fine bottles in the hotel cellar. There are a total of five saunas. Activities include yoga, pilates and qi gong.

The family-friendly Stock Resort Finkenberg is located in the southern part of the Zillertal Valley and boasts five-star luxury in park-like surroundings. Its raised position above the valley floor gives it a majestic and authoritative air. Inside is a large spa area also open to non-residents. There are no fewer than twelve pools, including a 25-metre-long sport pool plus a whirlpool, a saltwater pool and a children's pool with a 70-metre-long rubber ring slide. As if that wasn't enough, there is a large gym area (part of which is outside), eleven saunas, a friendly massage team, a hairdressing salon and a ladies-only spa. Childcare services are available for children aged three years and above.

Enjoying a peaceful and sunny location on the Mieming Plateau, the Schwarz Alpenresort offers five-star luxury for all the family. It is divided up into several buildings, giving parents with children (including babies) the opportunity to get away from it all. Childcare services are available. Highlights include a 92-metre-long water slide and an outdoor family whirlpool. There are nine pools (one of which is 25 metres long) and nine saunas plus a daily activity programme and an excellent restaurants offering vegetarian and vegan options.

This huge four-star superior hotel in the Tannheimer Tal Valley is all about the flow. The element of water in its many forms provided the inspiration for the design, with the roof made from driftwood. Inside there are eight saunas, including an event sauna with themed infusions and special effects. The large Aqua World has an 18-metre-long pool. There are two separate saunas for families and those who prefer to keep their (swimming) gear on. Pilates, fitness training and guided walks mean there is plenty for those who like to stay fit and active on holiday.

Solid wood, leather, natural materials: the family-friendly five-star Hotel Jagdhof in Neustift in the Stubai Valley is an homage to the authentic beauty of Tirol. The spa area has four whirlpools (both indoors and outdoors), an open-air pool, a nude area, a chillout chalet and a library with an open fireplace. Every day there are activities such as yoga and pilates. Childcare is available for up to eleven hours a day for children aged four years and older. The restaurant serves a selection of healthy and hearty food.

Situated just outside the village, just a stone's throw from the railway station in Zell am Ziller, this four-star superior hotel is ideal for families with children. Some of the rooms are traditional with wood panelling and cosy decor typical of Tirol. The spa, which is also open to non-residents, has a more modern vibe. It is home to seven saunas and steam rooms, three pools (also open in winter) filled with chlorine-free spring water – one of which is 25 metres long – plus six chillout areas and a gym. There are activities every day and childcare services six days a week.

The Almhof in Gerlos is ideal for families with young children and babies. This four-star superior residence is located next to the easy beginners' ski slopes in winter and in the heart of the hiking area in summer. The interior is characterised by lots of natural wood and a modern, stylish look. The Spa Tower is an eye-catching five-storey building with floor-to-ceiling windows offering fine views of the surrounding mountains. Facilities include an outdoor whirlpool, an outdoor sauna, chillout rooms and yoga sessions overlooking the Alps. There is a separate spa for families with children.

The clue's in the name at the Naturhotel Waldklause in Längenfeld. This hotel in the Ötztal Valley merges perfectly into the surrounding forest, not least thanks to its wood facade. The hotel spa has a 15-metre-long outdoor pool open all year plus five saunas – including a Tree Sauna – and a saltwater whirlpool. Each room has its own spring with fresh mountain water and either a terrace or a balcony. The hotel is not suitable for children.

One of the highlights at the Hotel Post is without a doubt the indoor-outdoor pool. Guests can swim straight from the indoor pool within the large spa area to the heated outdoor pool surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Zugpsitze massif. The four-star superior hotel's spa area also has everything else you would expect, including a selection of sizzling saunas as well as a saltwater pool and an ice grotto to cool off. Rooms and suites at the Hotel Post are luxurious, while the food is of the highest standard.

Relaxing and getting away from it all – that is what the Kaiserhof in Ellmau is about. This five-star hotel complex perched above the valley floor has a large spa area with wonderful views of the Wilder Kaiser. The highlight is the 18-metre-long rooftop pool. Or maybe the naturally filtered swimming lake. Or the event sauna? Or the chillout room with heated waterbeds? It's hard to decide! Don't forget to enjoy a sumptuous meal at the hotel restaurant.