You can relax particularly well in these three luxurious dream hotels
I have a soft spot for special hotels and like to spend a whole day looking for the right accommodation when planning my trip. Accordingly, almost every one of our blog posts (with the exception of day trips) contains a hotel or other accommodation tip. However, not all of the hotels we visited have made it onto the blog so far. Especially when it comes to private trips (aka “vacations”), we allow ourselves to take a breather and don’t always process everything into a blog post.
In the following lines, I will introduce you to three dream hotels that those of you who follow me on Instagram may have already discovered in one or the other story. In these three hotels, we have treated ourselves to private breaks over the past two years. Three magnificent places where you can be pampered from A to Z.
Forestis Dolomites – The wellness hotel with the most magnificent view of the Dolomites
When we were researching hotels for a long weekend in the Dolomites last fall, a handful of accommodations made the shortlist. The Bühelwirt in San Giacomo in Valle Aurina, the Hotel Milla Montis in Maranza, the Montchalet in Val Gardena, the Leitlhof in San Candido and the Forestis Dolomites near Bressanone.
In the end, the latter won the race and what can I say: I was critical! The construction of three new “hotel towers” on the Plose, which was completed in 2020, caused a mixed media response in the run-up to the event. The local heritage association criticised the size of the project and the lack of connection to the existing, listed hotel. Concerns about the aesthetics of the landscape were also expressed with regard to the sensitive peripheral location to the UNESCO promotion of the Dolomites. At the same time, however, I was also incredibly curious about how the Forestis presents itself “in reality”. Because the website is – and I’m not alone in this opinion – a stunner. And the clear, calm and visionary architectural language is very popular with design-savvy people.
So we booked one of the 55 m2 tower suites in the Forestis Dolomites for three nights (partner link). These are located in the new building consisting of the three “towers”. As soon as I stepped into the room, I was hooked! This panorama! This vastness! This successful combination of wood, exposed concrete and subtle, natural colours. A dream. The view of the Dolomites with the striking Geisler peaks and the Peitlerkofel is unique. Another highlight for me was the breakfast buffet, which topped everything I’ve seen so far. I still go into raptures today when I think of the beautifully and generously arranged buffet as well as the many homemade specialties (e.g. the most delicious pistachio cream). For me, it’s clear: the Forestis Dolomites belongs in the top ranks of my personal list of favorites.
Practical tips for a stay at the Forestis Dolomites
The Forestis Dolomites is located on the Plose, the local mountain of Bressanone. By train, the journey takes about 7.5 hours (via Innsbruck and Brixen). From Bressanone, a regular bus connection leads to the “Palmschloss” bus stop (Plancios) in about 5 minutes walking distance to the Forestis. By car, the journey takes about 4.5 hours.
Depending on the season, day of the week and room category, accommodation prices at the Forestis start at around 420 euros per night. For two nights in the Tower Suite including half board, at least CHF 1,750 must be calculated.
The Forestis Dolomites is ideally located for visiting the city of Bressanone with its impressive cathedral. At the same time, you can go on beautiful hikes on the Plose and extensive bike tours (rental bikes are available) directly from the hotel. I also recommend planning a full-day detour over the Passo delle Erbes Pass into the Funes Valley. On the Adolf Munkel Trail there, you hike directly below the imposing Geisler peaks.
Weissenhaus Grand Village Resort & Spa – The retreat on the Baltic Sea
We spent the last two days of our 14-day road trip through Denmark (starting and ending in Hamburg) at the Weissenhaus Grand Village Resort & Spa (partner link) in Wangels on the Baltic Sea. The resort caught our eye because of the two-Michelin-starred Courtier restaurant, which is part of the complex. And when we clicked through the hotel website, the decision was quickly made: the perfect setting to treat ourselves to two days of relaxation at the end of the holiday.
In addition to the great culinary program, the location in the so-called “Holstein Switzerland”, embedded in an extensive park and with direct access to the Baltic Sea, was particularly decisive for us. The history of the former castle estate can be traced back to the 16th century and can still be felt and experienced today thanks to a comprehensive restoration of the historic buildings.
Due to the various buildings and the extensive grounds, you feel less like a classic “hotel guest” in the Weissenhaus and more like a visitor to a small, charming village. The rooms are spread over different buildings – from the garden villa to the gardener’s house and the bathhouse (a gem!) to castle rooms, there is a wide range available. When it comes to culinary delights, you can choose between fine dining at the Courtier and a casual evening at the beach at the boathouse. And the wellness area is also something to be proud of!
Practical tips for a stay at the Weissenhaus Grand Village & Spa Hotel
The journey to the Weissenhaus by train takes you via Hamburg and Kiel – if you want to save time, it’s best to book a night train ticket. The resort is connected to public transport by a bus stop (Wangels-Weissenhaus). If you want to drive up from Switzerland to the North Sea coast by car, you should allow around nine hours of driving time.
Accommodation prices at the Weissenhaus Grand Village & Spa start at around 430 euros per night including breakfast. As in the Forestis, the free use of the minibar as well as access to the Schlosstherme is included in the room rate. For a fine dining dinner at the Courtier, you should plan between 170 and 220 euros per person.
During our two days on site, we did nothing more than enjoy the wellness area and walk along the beach. Instead of classic sights, a variety of sporting activities can be tried out in the immediate vicinity. The focus is on horseback riding, golfing and water sports (sailing, surfing, kiting, SUPing, etc.).
Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa – the architectural jewel
Our latest discovery is the Chais Monnet & Spa (partner link) in French cognac. This, too, was a “chance discovery” that caught our eye, especially because of the relatively “inexpensive” offer for a member of the “Leading Hotel of the World”. Overnight prices start at around 310 euros. And yes – I am aware that many of you already consider this to be “too expensive”. Nevertheless, especially with regard to hotels, I notice that the perception of price – in addition to the fact that you are undeniably privileged if you can afford something like this – also has a lot to do with personal preferences (what do I like to spend my money on and what do I don’t like to spend it on).
We made a two-day stopover at Chais Monnet & Spa on our 10-day France road trip and fell in love with Cognac despite the miserable weather. Or rather, we were inspired by the cultural and culinary potential of Cognac. Gourmets should definitely put the small town in the Charente on their “watch list” for a long weekend of pleasure.
Centrally integrated into one of the oldest cognac houses in the region, Chais Monnet & Spa offers the perfect base for this. The massive wooden beams in the main building originate from its original function as “chais” (cognac storage building) and there are over 400 types of cognac to choose from in the hotel bar. Don’t miss a dinner at Les Foudres. The Michelin-starred restaurant convinced us both visually and in terms of taste!
Practical tips for a stay at the Hotel Chais Monnet & Spa
Getting to Cognac from Switzerland takes around nine hours, regardless of whether you arrive by train or car. The train connections run via Paris.
As mentioned, prices at Chais Monnet & Spa start at around 310 euros per room per night. Dinner at Les Foudres is also comparatively inexpensive. A gourmet menu is available from as little as 85 euros.
Cognac is located on an idyllic bend of the Charente river. In addition to visiting well-known cognac wineries, you can go on extensive bike tours through the wine-growing area, play golf or visit the Musée des Arts du Cognac.
Other recommended wellness hotels in our neighbouring countries
In addition to these three luxurious dream hotels, our list of recommended wellness hotels in the 4- to 5-star range in the neighbouring countries to Switzerland also includes one or two hot tips. Below you will find more favorites linked:
- Wald- und Schlosshotel Friedrichsruhe
- The Kranzbach
- Hubertus Mountain Refugio
- Rosenalp Gesundheitsresort & Spa
- Hotel Zürserhof
- Panoramahotel Oberjoch
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