Anyone who’s discovered the rejuvenating benefits of a weekend or mini-break knows that it doesn’t have to be a long time to be a good time! If you’ve been burning the candle at both ends, or work’s been stressing you out, get yourself a last minute flight to Austria and book a revitalising spa break to take in the health giving properties of the famous thermal pools of beautiful Bad Gastein. There now; you can feel that stress melting away just thinking about it, can’t you?
Relax, Restore, Rejuvenate
This stunning little town nestled into the Austrian Alps has become a hugely popular centre for health. Extoling the natural healing powers of the local thermal water, practitioners have built an entire philosophy around it. The world-renowned Gastein Cure is promoted as preventative healthcare, said to strengthen the immune system and offer a host of general health and well-being benefits.
That thermal water feels every bit as good as it sounds, so here’s how you can reap the rewards and hurry up and relax!
Felsentherme
This luxurious thermal spring spa resort is set amidst the stunning surrounds of Salzburgerland, in the Gastein Mountains. The views alone are enough to slow your heart rate and lull you into a state of bliss – but that’s just the beginning.
Wellness
You can relax and soak in the healing waters in the outdoor thermal pool, complete with waterfall, take a dip in the indoor pool to cool down, and there’s even a water slide if you’re feeling energetic.
But the piece de resistance at Felsentherme is the picturesque sun deck, located at the highest point in the resort, where you can book in for a host of wellness and pampering treatments against the absolutely jaw-dropping backdrop of the alpine scenery. Choose from balancing massages and activating or relaxing wellness treatments tailored to your individual requirements. Body bliss.
Beauty
The extensive range of beauty treatments available range from short 15-minute pick-me-ups to full-day pampering session, complete with healthy lunch. Treatments include such exotic indulgences as Ayurveda marigold treatments and the original Gastein haybath. And P.S – it’s for men too! Other items on the beauty menu include:
- Manicures
- Pedicures
- Facials
- Toning wraps
- Cellulite treatments
Felsentherme Gastein is located at Bahnhofplatz 5, 5640 Bad Gastein.
Tel: +43 6434 2223 0
Alpentherme
Also situated in Salzburgerland, Alpentherme offers an alternative experience for beauty, wellness and even sports. Divided into themed areas, there’s something to enjoy no matter what mood takes you.
Looking to just chill out to the max and do nothing as a couple? Relax World has spring-fed outdoor thermal pools, as well as indoor pools, a sun bathing area, water massage lounges (yes, as good as they sound!) and views to infinity. A romantic couple’s heaven.
Time for some girly me-time? Head to Ladies World, which is a haven of all things lovely and lady-ish, including a tea bar, treatment rooms, panoramic rooftop terrace, tanning beds and steam baths.
Alpentherme Gastein is located at Sen. W. Wilflingplatz 1, 5630 Bad Hofgastein. An all-day adult ticket starts at €31 (treatments extra). Tel: +43 6432 8293 0
A Yoga Break
If you’ve already discovered the benefits of yoga (or you want to), there’s no better place to salute the sun than in Bad Gastein. After spending a weekend in this charming spa town, why not consider carrying on the health theme and booking in for a 10-day yoga programme? Suitable for all levels, the “Source of Inspiration” autumn yoga programme includes yoga, Pilates, anti-stress techniques, healthy eating workshops and much more. You know you want to – ommmm…
Source of Inspiration autumn yoga programme will run from Oct 21-30th. For more information or bookings: tel +43 6432 3393-225
Explore Bad Gastein
While you’re perfectly entitled to spend every moment of your weekend or mini-break being pampered with endless spa, health and beauty treatments until your fingers crinkle, if you want to float back down to earth for a while to explore the town itself this article offers a taste of what you’ll find. Maybe after that Gastein haybath…
How to Get to Bad Gastein
From the UK you can choose to fly into a number of airports that will connect you to Bad Gastein, including Salzburg, Munich and Vienna. The fastest and most convenient way route is with a direct flight from London Gatwick to Salzburg Airport. Flight time is under two hours and British Airways offer one way flights from as little as £39.
Once you land, the fastest way to get directly to your accommodation in Bad Gastein is with a fast, friendly and cost-effective shuttle transfer service with Shuttle Direct. From Salzburg the journey takes around an hour and 25 minutes by road.
Where to Stay
Hotel Lindenhof – Minutes from the thermal spa, the train station and the cable car, the Hotel Lindenhof offers a warm welcome, stylish contemporary décor and fantastic inhouse facilities, including a sauna, sun terrace and restaurant. With tranquil views and an ideal location, you’ll be able to lap up the pampering and discover the ‘real’ heart of Bad Gastein from this lovely hotel.
Hotel Salzburger Hof – With jaw dropping views of the mountains and within steps of the famous thermal spa, the on-point facilities of the Hotel Salzburger Hof mean you can get your pampering at home or away! The hotel’s elegant décor, free Wi-Fi, onsite restaurant and cocktail bar, and two spa areas with a range of treatments, wrap you in a luxurious stay in the midst of the mountains, with the town centre on the doorstep.
Alpenhotel Simader – The exterior chocolate-box perfection of the Alpenhotel Simader is perfectly complemented by its exquisite surrounds, just a short walk to the centre of town and the famous thermal spa. With free Wi-Fi in the library, an inhouse sauna, an elegant traditional décor and balconies to drink in those incredible views, this tranquil and ambient hotel leaves nothing to chance.
About Shuttle Direct
Shuttle Direct is the number one provider of shared and airport transfers in Europe and North Africa. Make a booking online via our secure, easy to use system and our friendly drivers can meet you at any airport, train station or cruise terminal and take you directly to your final destination. With shared and private services to suit every budget, we’ll take care of all your onward travel arrangements for a fixed price.
