Liquid Gold: The Thermal Treasures of Styria

Decompressing amongst the serene and picturesque views of the thermal and volcanic region of Austria is one of luxury travel’s best-kept secrets, but one I believe everyone should experience at least once in their life. Whilst mostly known for cities such as Vienna or Salzburg, Austria is home to some of the world’s best thermal spa resorts. Thermal baths in Austria have a rich history dating back to the 1800s, when the Habsburg Monarchy were in power; however, over the years they have evolved, and today they have a huge emphasis on wellness and relaxation.

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What makes the thermal water so unique is that it is sourced from private wells within the grounds, with a temperature that must be over 20 degrees and is filled with rich vitamins and trace minerals. There have been studies conducted over the years to support the belief that thermal baths offer many health benefits depending on the ratios of vitamins and minerals present in the water. Most resorts would have this information available for clients to read when making their choices on what location might suit them best.

One of the Spa resorts I’ve personally been to, and I can say has been my absolute favourite, was the 5* adults-only “Der Steirerhof”. Nestled in the beautiful location of Bad Waltersdorf in Styria, this hotel and spa is only a 1.5-hour drive south of Vienna International Airport or a 45-minute drive east of Graz Airport. From the moment you step foot in the door of Der Steirerhof, you are surrounded by the most competent team of professionals who thrive on making your stay as seamless as possible.

Check-in was smooth sailing, with a complimentary alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink on arrival to begin your stay. The hotel itself has around 160 rooms, a 3,000 m² wellness centre with seven indoor and outdoor pools with temperatures ranging from 26 °- 38 °C, 10 saunas and a poolside bistro if a midday snack or an afternoon cake might be something you desire. It also boasts a bar with a wonderful ambience and comfortable chairs, as well as a further 80,000 m² of natural gardens and trails which make for a lovely walk. The Styrian-Mediterranean cuisine that’s on offer makes for a unique experience. The kitchen team thrives on creating culinary delights that give the guests the experience of the Styrian region whilst also enriching your taste buds. The produce for the kitchen is locally sourced, organic where possible and menus are planned according to what is in season during your stay.

What I loved about the wellness centre specifically on my stay at this resort was that it was exclusively for hotel guests. Coupled with the long opening hours, you truly felt like you had all the time in the world to wind down and really relax into the peaceful atmosphere. Due to the excessive size of the resort, it never felt too overcrowded; you had so many places and loungers to choose from, as well as a specific spa area only for women.

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Additionally, there are in-house therapists that you can book treatments with during your stay. Something that I enjoyed, and it really did contribute to those little details that set this hotel apart from many others, is that you didn’t have to worry about having your purse or wallet. If you wanted to purchase anything from the poolside bistro or bar, or even an ice cream in the wellness centre, it was as simple as signing it to your room. Yet again, making your stay as simple as possible. The thermal water in Steirerhof is known as healing water and has been said to help with a culmination of health problems including but not limited to: immune system regeneration, respiratory diseases, cardiovascular disorders and exhaustion, to name but a few.

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However, if you find yourself being a person who doesn’t enjoy spending a day sitting or lying down, don’t let this hotel turn you off. Der Steirerhof also has a daily list of activities that can cater to everyone’s needs. Whether you’re a golfer, cyclist, runner or an adventure seeker, you’ll find something that will pique your curiosity. Whilst I was there, I found comfort in their state-of-the-art gym, where I had the place to myself for my entire workout. I tried my hand at an archery class and also spent a great deal of time walking the gardens where you can stop to relax and admire the views. Tennis courts are also available to use by the guests. A short distance from the hotel is the 18-hole Bad Waltersdorf golf club, which is run by one of Austria’s most experienced golf club operators, The Murhof Group. It’s possible to combine this glorious wellness resort and the energy-rich golf club 3 minutes away and treat yourself to a Golfer’s dream holiday.

It’s very rare to find a resort where everything you need to experience peace and contentment is within the complex or very close by. Since opening its doors in 1992, the team at Der Steirerhof have worked tirelessly to build the resort that they have today, and it’s the attention to detail that they have mastered that has led to their high proportion of regular guests who enjoy the comfort and solitude within the grounds of their Resort.