The Schloss Elmau Valley Experience
Rachel O’Hare enjoyed a luxury spa retreat and cultural hideaway in upper Bavaria, 100km south of Munich
Schloss Elmau was built during World War 1 by renowned philosopher Dr Johannes Muller, positioned 1000 metres above sea level and flanked by thick forest on all sides. The spectacular landscape encompasses crystal clear lakes, rushing streams and the backdrop of the imposing snow-capped Alps.
It was reminiscent of The Sound of Music when I visited in mid-September with bright blue, cloudless skies and a rolling meadow filled with wildflowers. King Ludwig II’s fairy tale palace, Neuschwanstein Castle, rises out of this landscape with its majestic turrets.
Schloss Elmau played host to the G7 summit in 2015 and 2022 you can certainly understand why this 5-star superior resort was chosen. Trudeau jogged with his security team throughout the Alpine trails and Boris Johnson charmed staff and swam in the lake in this secluded haven. Celebrity guests and sports people are commonplace including the 90’s German supermodel Claudia Schiffer.
The resort comprises of two distinct hotels, aptly named The Hideaway and The Retreat.
Rebuilt in 2007 The Hideaway consists of 115 rooms and suites, Badehaus Adult Spa, Oriental Hammam, family spa, nature spa, 4 restaurants, a tea lounge, jazz bar, a concert hall, a bookstore and a library.
The resort consists of 47 rooms and suites, an adult spa and onsen, library lounge, boardroom, a yoga pavilion and a summit pavilion. The ambience of the hotel is impressive yet relaxing, blending décor from Iran, India and Indonesia. The outcome is relaxing and inviting, and you immediately sink into your surroundings. A representation of the Hindu god Ganesha was chosen by owner Dietmar Mueller- Elmau, “Ganesha is a symbol of being able to discern between good and bad,” Dietmar said. His love affair with the East is clearly reflected throughout the hotel.
Personal wellbeing retreats are a feature of the resort. During my stay, I experienced an ‘Individual Massage’ within the Badehaus Adult Spa. An old school spa featuring endless saunas, steam baths and oriental hammam. The spa has been crafted from 200-million-year-old Jurassic limestone from nearby Solnhofen.
One point of difference with Schloss Elmau is that it provides a worldwide historical and cultural programme consisting of 200 concerts, readings and film screenings during the year. During my stay, I was most fortunate to attend a concert by Ludovico Einaudi a world-renowned composer and pianist who composed his work ‘Seven Days Walking’ while staying at Schloss Elmau.
The diverse range of cuisine on offer at Schloss Elmau is befitting of its superior 5 -star status. Luce D’Oro is the fine dining 2-star option created by Head Chef Christoph Rainer. He blends exquisite dishes from French-Japanese cuisine. The result is beautiful yet delicious dishes. This restaurant is less formal than most Michelin star experiences and has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Indian, Pan- Pan-Mediterranean, Sushi and Sashimi, Thai and Bavarian cuisine are featured in the resort’s other restaurants.
I also experienced The Elmauer Alm hike and lunch during my stay. We were guided through a gentle 30-minute walk and then rewarded with delicious local Bavarian delicacies in Schloss Elmau Alm. The restaurant was built in 1924 and is set in beautiful Alpine pastures.
One of the highlights of my stay was a Jivamutki yoga class taught by the very knowledgeable Johannes Mikenda. The class took place in The Pavilion, an impressive wooden structure, but I saw classes taking place on the outdoor yoga platform. Various yoga retreats with one of the world’s best yoga teachers make Schloss Elmau possibly one of the most exclusive yoga retreats in the world. Also on hand with advice is Dr Imke Konig, a renowned traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and one of the best in Europe.
Children are highly catered for at Schloss Elmau and a programme of edutainment with soccer camps run by Thomas Albeck, youth trainer for the German Bundesliga feature throughout the year.
The range of educational activities includes literature workshops, zoom photo courses, science lab, chess academy, a manga workshop drawing course and hands-on woodcraft workshops.
Local places of interest include the city of Munich, Linderhof Castle, Neuschwanstein Castle, Innsbruck and Herrenciemsee Castle and can be arranged through the hotel’s concierge.
Other activities include aquatics swim camp, racing bike tour weeks, tennis, archery, alpine wildlife safaris, fly fishing, kite surfing and golf.
Schloss Elmau provides a year-round sanctuary for its visitors. Its appeal is wide. Catering for the active, culturally discerning, families and couples alike. The number of repeat visitors is a testament to this - notably prominent world leaders of the G7!
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