Luxury Holidays in Austria: Lavish Hotels, Stunning Spas & Fine Dining in the Alps

Austria’s mountain regions are well known as all-year-round destinations for outdoor holidays and family trips, but they’re equally tailored for those looking for a luxury escape. Five-star hotels with rooftop bars and stunning spas overlooking the surrounding peaks, exclusive experiences from private hiking tours to helicopter rides, you name it, Austria’s top alpine spots have it all.

And then, there’s the flourishing gourmet scene. Austria’s culinary reputation has long been synonymous with hearty classics such as Viennese Schnitzel, Käsespätzle and Kaiserschmarren. However, the country is rapidly reinventing itself as a world-class fine dining destination, now boasting 82 Michelin-starred restaurants. And many of these award-winning restaurants are right in the heart of the Alps.

Here are some examples of luxury alpine destinations, ensuring a memorable holiday for all senses.
 

KITZBÜHEL - MICHELIN-STARRED DINING AND LUXURY SHOPPING 

Kitzbühel has firmly positioned itself as the Alp’s number one sports town, with legendary skiing in winter and more than 1,000 km of hiking trails for the snow-free months. But that’s just half the story. The Tyrolean hub also scores with luxury wellness hotels such as Schlosshotel Kitzbühel (think floating in a heated outdoor pool just minutes from the famous Hahnenkamm) and exclusive experiences like private boat tours on nearby Lake Schwarzsee or luxury shopping in the village’s many boutique shops. Foodie travellers will be delighted not just by the family-run down-to-earth eateries and traditionbal mountain huts, but also the five Michelin-awarded restaurants, including Zuma at luxury Hotel Weisses Rössl (sushi and top-notch cocktails in a 17th century ambiance) or Neuwirt (a mix of redefined Austrian classics and international cuisine).

PAZNAUN-ISCHGL: MOUNTAIN-BIKING, FOODIE ADVENTURES AND SPA DAYS 

Epic mountain biking trails, hiking tours with stunning vistas and some of the most luxurious hotels in the Alps make Paznaun-Ischgl a great place for holidaymakers valueing both outdoor activities and the fine things. We’re definitely talking good life here! Foodies can choose from four Michelin-awarded restaurants and countless other fine dining options, and should definitely put the Culinary Paznaun event series in their diaries, where local chefs create unique regional dishes that are served in selected mountain lodges (June to October). Love wellness? Look no further than the Silvretta Therme, a spa oasis with indoor and outdoor pools, saunas with mountain views, steam baths and a separate family area. Prefer flying to chilling? Try the Ischgl Skyfly zip line, reaching speeds of up to 80 km/h.

ST. ANTON AM ARLBERG - LUXURY WELLNESS AND PRIVATE HELICOPTER FLIGHTS

Guests in St. Anton am Arlberg, a traditional mountain village with plenty of five-star accommodations, can dive into their hiking, biking, canyoning and skiing adventures right from their doorsteps. Those who prefer a relaxing stay will love the wellness and spa experiences on offer, including the legendary Mountain Yoga Festival every September. Looking for exclusive experiences? Heli-hiking (the summer equivalent to heli-skiing) and private helicopter sightseeing flights are among the most sought-after, while paragliding is perfect for those looking for an adrenaline rush. St. Anton am Arlberg currently has six entries in the Michelin Guide. Head to Hospiz Alm for Austrian delights and private dining in a separate “Wine Dome”, or to Verwallstube, one of the highest gourmet restaurants in Europe at 2,085 m.

LECH-ZÜRS AM ARLBERG - A CELEBRITY FAVOURITE WITH TONS OF GOURMET HOTSPOTS

Lech-Zürs, also in the Arlberg region, is a premium place to find balance and enjoy outdoor adventures every month of the year, which also attracts royalty and celebrities. Guests can check into luxury accommodations such as Hotel Arlberg Lech (once a coffeehouse, now a five-star retreat with an XXL spa and five restaurants) or Burghotel Lech (housing one of the largest wine cellars in western Austria) for a relaxed stay in style. Named "World Gourmet Village" by Falstaff and Vöslauer, Lech-Zürs has the world’s highest density of award-winning restaurants per capita. Foodie travellers should secure their bookings at Rote Wand Chef’s Table (multi-course dinners by 2-Michelin-star chef Julian Stieger) and Griggeler Stuba, Burg Vital Resort (Michelin-awarded multi-course dinners above the village of Lech) to dive right into the scene.

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