A warm welcome at LANSERHOF near Tegernsee, relaxing in the spa next to the fireplace, everything is well thought of for an all-around feel-good factor, with soft robes, warm towels and hot Basensuppe wherever you go, delicious lunchtime with smoked tofu and bean pasta
We visited two very different spa concepts or mountain resorts to experience the beautiful Bavarian nature, regain strength and prepare for the festive season ahead. I think just before Christmas or right after the holidays is the perfect time to get away from it all and to focus on your inner self. Think of all the things you achieved last year and make new plans to start the upcoming new year.
Lanserhof near Tegernsee and Sonnenalp in the Allgäu have two very different ideas of well-being and depending of what you want or in which physical stage you are, we recommend to check out one or the other. Let IRMA tell you what to expect and the benefits of each one:
SONNENALP
When you arrive at Sonnenalp, you might think you just drove up the driveway of a mountain resort in Colorado. This might be also because their second sister hotel is indeed in Vail, Colorado and the giant resort which overlooks the Bavarian Alps reigns in splendor on the top of green hills.
You might get lost in the long hallways your first night, but after finding your way around going for your morning swim in the outdoor pool is quite a pleasure overlooking the mountains and the gardens.
The breakfast buffet is how I picture breakfast at Sissi’s castle in Possenhofen. It is one of the largest selections of everything from Bavarian cold cuts to healthy muesli variations, homemade jams and breads to smoothies à la minute.
The thing that I like is that they are really taking care of you: The waitress in the dirndl with a friendly smile, the masseur from Russia with his strong grip while giving me their signature Wave Balance massage with Ayurvedic oils by SEVEDA or my hiking instructor taking me on a magnificent pathway. And at night, here comes their own selection of fine wines which has been created together with the winery of Berthold Salomon. Culinary enjoyment is central to a stay here, so it is more a pampering idea of wellness rather that a minimal approach.
IRMA’s résumé: Stay a weekend and spend as much time outdoors as possible. Use the outdoor pool instead the indoor pool and treat yourself to their ultra-relaxing Wave Balance massage or a Watsu therapy, which combines water and shiatsu. Take a selection of their house wine home with you.
LANSERHOF
The first thing I noticed is that my busy eyes got a rest the minute I entered the Lanserhof. The white corridors of the medical spa, the minimalist architecture and the conifer garden in the courtyard of the hotel make you calm down and take a rest from it all. My day starts with a Craniosacral therapy and I feel instant harmony after the first 15 minutes. It is followed by an oil and salt scrub. By now I feel truly cleansed and when my salt-infused body soaks in a 37°C bath, I know these first couple of hours already are worth taking a break. The rest of the day seems to be spent between the sauna, steam bath and sole pool and my body feels like a toddler having fun scrolling around when I take a walk after lunch through the beautiful countryside.
Lanserhof is all about reduction and that also works for the culinary side. It is more about quality (organic linseed oil for seasoning, for example) than quantity. There is not much choice but a delicious, well-thought-of menu, which makes you look inside and feel you inner self. When I feel slightly hungry in afternoon, I snack on their Basensuppe (alkaline soup) which tastes delicious and gives me instant strength. At night their tea bar looks inviting, but if it’s relaxing you are after, choose your comfortable bed instead for a very good night’s sleep.
IRMA’s résumé: Minimum stay one week, maximum health benefit: you will learn a lot about your health and well being (every guest gets a personal check up from a doctor upon arrival). Also great for a digital detox.