Luxury LifestyleMag Exclusive 2026 / Believe in The Miracle, This Hotel is The Capital Of The Miracle / By Melanie Kruger

The picturesque region of Carinthia in Austria is arguably one of the nation’s best-kept secrets, and enjoys a scenic location nestled between the Eastern Alps and the borders of Italy and Slovenia.

Characterised by snow-capped mountain scenery and crystal-clear lakes, the breath-taking Lake Wörthersee is its most sought-after spot, and is frequented by celebrities and wealthy travellers – yet it still remains relatively untapped by the masses.

It’s this, of course, that makes the location such an appealing one for a weekend escape or a longer break.

There’s a sense of prestige and exclusivity that emanates from it, and sprawling over 17 square kilometres, surrounded by lush green hills and quaint lakeside towns filled with high-end restaurants and designer boutiques, it has all the trappings of a dream destination for those looking to escape the usual tourist throng.

The Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden sits on the banks of picturesque Lake Wörthersee

In particular, Lake Wörthersee ticks all the right boxes where the main goal is to switch off from the stresses and strains of modern life, disconnect from distractions and reacquaint yourself with the present.

The perfect spot for a relaxing and restorative break where wellness is the aim of the game, think indulgent spa treatments, boat trips across the lake, and wholesome outdoor activities like nature hikes and e-bike rides.

It certainly helps that it has an iconic luxury hotel set on its shores, too – and it’s one that is steeped in history and looks fresh out of a fairytale. I was recently invited to check in at the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden to experience all that it, and this spectacular hidden gem has to offer – and what a way to do it in style.

Hotel

The Falkensteiner Scholosshotel Velden hotel is a year-round luxury wellness

Built between 1590 and 1603 by Baron Bartholomäus Khevenhüller, the hotel is steeped in a rich and storied history, originally serving as a noble residence before it was badly damaged by a fire in 1762. But that wasn’t the end for the castle, with Viennese industrialist Ernst Wahliss taking the reins in 1890 and transforming it into a hotel.

Throughout its lifetime as a hotel, it has attracted many a famous face, welcoming various notable celebrities and dignitaries through its doors – but considering it is a favourite because Lake Wörthersee remains a relatively discrete destination for those seeking a private and exclusive escape, I’ll leave their names up to your imagination.

In 2012, the hotel was taken over by the Falkensteiner Group, which is when it became the sophisticated luxury hideaway it is today – and a proud member of ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ – a prestigious luxury hotel collection that represents more than 400 high-end, independently owned hotels, resorts and spas spanning over 80 countries.

The hotel is home to a total of 104 luxurious rooms and suites, and offers a variety of world-class facilities – the most notably of which being its indulgent Acquapura Lake Spa – which is spread over an impressive 3,500m2 and boasts an array of high level features including an indoor and outdoor pool, an organic herb sauna gently infused with aromatic herbs to support relaxation and health, and a traditional high-temperature Finnish sauna designed to encourage detoxification and boost circulation.

There are also two steam baths – a classic one and a gemstone alternative that harnesses the healing power of precious stones. 

The Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden is home to a sprawling spa, outdoor pool and even its very own beach club overlooking the lake

The infrared cabin, which leverages infrared heat to penetrate deeper into the tissues and is known for supporting muscle relaxation and pain relief, was my personal favourite, and one you don’t just find anywhere.

The benefits of infrared light have been well documented and infrared therapy has emerged as a fast-growing trend amongst luxury wellness enthusiasts and health conscious individuals over recent years, with celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston all thought to be fans.

I spent a thoroughly relaxing and also very interesting morning exploring all that the spa had to offer – but more on that later.

The hotel also offers a well-equipped fitness centre, which has an array of cardio and weights machines, as well as plenty of dumbbells and kettlebells to suit all ability levels, which makes keeping up with your fitness routine whilst staying here a cinch.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll probably want to, because with the decadent food and drink offerings served up at the hotel’s Seespitz and Salons restaurants and the Schlossbar Charley Walker, you’re in for an indulgent stay.

A major highlight of the Falkensteiner Schlossotel Velden is its Beach Club. Although it isn’t strictly located anywhere in the vicinity of a beach, it has effortlessly recreated the laid-back and sophisticated vibe of a beach club, and offers lots of luxurious sun loungers, direct lake access for cooling off or trying your hand at some watersports, and a salt water pool that is heated to a balmy 28 degrees – as well as exclusive private cabanas that can be reserved through the day for 300 Euros.

There’s also a tennis court, golf simulator and a private marina where you can take a motorboat cruise around the lake and see its beautiful sights.

Rooms and suites

The hotel is home to a range of unique and spacious suites that are steeped in history – including the Romantic Suite

Of its 104 classically styled rooms and suites, 39 are located inside the historic castle. 

The highlight is the ultra-luxurious and endlessly spacious Infinity Suite, a sprawling 300m2 space designed to accommodate up to five guests and featuring two bedrooms – one with a king-size bed and one with a queen – two bathrooms, a dining area and a kitchen, with a spacious living area opening out onto a full-length terrace that offers breath-taking views down over Lake Wörthersee.

Think plush carpets, marble surfaces and impeccably well-made furniture, with quality evident in everything you touch.

It all makes for a rather luxurious experience, and guests booking this suite can enjoy a range of exclusive benefits, including a bottle of sparkling wine and regional food and drink treat waiting on arrival plus free early check in and late check out (although there are many more besides). But those lake views are what really take things to the next level – and are quite simply stunning.

There are eight other different suite types to choose from – six are one-of-a-kind, and there are a number of Junior Suites (Deluxe and Superior), each offering its own unique style and character, but always with a classic, refined and regal style in a nod to the building’s noble past. The three different room categories – Superior, Superior Twin and Deluxe, also follow suit.

I checked into a Junior Suite Superior for the duration of my stay.

Located in the modern building, this type of suite packs 58 – 78 m² of space – more than enough for little old me, to say the least. I particularly enjoyed starfishing in the giant king-size bed, and slept like a dream with the sumptuous bedding and pillows all to myself. 

The bedroom also features a rather roomy double wardrobe, and the two mahogany bedside tables each offer a handy touchscreen control panel in a hidden drawer, so that you can turn the lights on and off, open or close the curtains and control the climate and entertainment system to your liking without getting out of bed.

Suites have either lake or garden views – both equally as beautiful

The beautiful white marble bathroom let in plenty of natural light with a large window above the bathtub looking out onto the hotel’s perfectly manicured gardens (kept ‘just so’ with robotic lawn mowers silently crawling about). 

The walk-in rainfall shower was an absolute dream – with the perfect amount of water pressure (and heat) for my liking. Once you’re in, it’s hard to get out again; if only all high-end hotel showers felt like this.

The living room is again incredibly spacious, with a glass coffee table and a sofa to recline on ( plus a small desk and chair if you need to get some work done). It opens out onto a sizable balcony – where I enjoyed sitting for a quiet cup of espresso each morning, courtesy of the in-room Nespresso machine – also offered a rather lovely garden view.

To the left, I could catch a sliver of the lake, too – but if you want the full frontal then the Infinity Suite or the Seeblick Suite are your best bet.

As well as the bedside control panels, all rooms and suites also have one by the door and another in the living room, and there’s a safety deposit box hidden in a second wardrobe for storing your valuables – and there’s a robe and slippers waiting for you to ensure that you’re ready to hit the spa whenever the mood strikes.

Food and drink

The hotel offers a range of elevated drinking and dining options

Dining at the hotel is a decadent affair, with the lakeside Seespitz restaurant taking centre stage. The cuisine on offer is based around the concept of ‘slow food’ – a global movement that promotes traditional cooking, sustainable agriculture – and importantly, a deeper appreciation for both the cultural and social value of food.

Inside, the vibe is cosy yet refined, with atmospheric lighting and floor-to-ceiling windows to let the outside in.

The menu features fresh, seasonal ingredients and dishes ranging from beef tartar and whole grilled char from Burktal with lemon beurre-blanc, to succulent snails from Krumpendorf cooked in garlic butter.

The ‘Ovomaltine’ dessert was quite simply to die for – think semifreddo with a whipped salted caramel cream, making for an indulgent yet well-balanced treat that it’s impossible not to polish off in its entirety.

Lunch outside on the lakeside terrace is a must on a sunny day; opt for the wine pairings or one of the hotel’s signature ‘spritz’ cocktails and enjoy yet more of those lake views. The service is flawless too, which certainly helps.

The Seespitz restaurant offers an elegant and cosy interior and outdoor lakeside dining

Breakfast is served at the Salons Restaurant Atelier – an opulent space featuring lots of dark wood panelling and plush velvet chairs.

There’s a vast self-service buffet of meats, cheeses, fruits, yoghurts and breads to take your pick from, and you can also order from an a la carte menu for a range of hot dishes cooked to order.

You can also enjoy lunch and dinner here, where again, the ‘slow food’ concept takes centre stage.

What makes this restaurant really unique is the fact that it also doubles as something of an art gallery, showcasing constantly changing art exhibitions by talented artists – so there’s plenty to keep you entertained while you eat (if the vistas of Lake Wörthersee and the Carinthian mountain scenery haven’t got you thoroughly captivated).

For aperitifs and after-dinner drinks, the Schlossbar Charly Walker offers a sophisticated setting, often with live music, and diverse cocktail and wine menus.

To do

A boat trip on Lake Wörthersee is the best way to see the sights

Lake Wörthersee offers an idyllic setting that serves as the perfect backdrop for relaxing and unwinding – and the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden offers a raft of upscale facilities to ensure that its guests leave feeling thoroughly relaxed and renewed.

As I mentioned, the Acquapura spa is a major highlight, and honestly, one of the best I’ve seen in a hotel. Spread over an impressive 3,600m2, you could easily while away a whole day here and still want to come back for more (I know I did).

There are three indoor and outdoor pools, an organic herb sauna and steambath and a Finnish sauna, plus an infrared cabin and the Hotelschloss garden sauna with panoramic windows offering spectacular views of the lake.

Add to that a whirlpool and gemstone steambath, a water lounger relaxation room with spa cinema and private sauna suites with their own private saunas, and it really does take your usual hotel wellness experience to the next level.

It’s obvious why those who take wellness seriously come to Lake Wörthersee specifically because of this hotel – and I, for one, would certainly come back for it, too (for the wonderful massage I enjoyed, as much as anything else).

One of the highlights of my stay? The famous ‘aufguss’ with Saunameister Gerhard – something you must try at least once. I won’t spoil the surprise, but be sure to join one of the daily sessions if you’re visiting – you won’t regret it.

Beyond the spa, it would be rude not to explore the beautiful Lake Wörthersee and its scenic surroundings. Taking a boat trip around the lake is one of the best ways to take it all in – and if you have the chance, stopping off at Südsee by Kirstin and Hubert Wallner for a delicious lunch is a decision you won’t regret.

Wellness is a major theme at Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden

One of my favourite ways to explore the lake? Taking an e-bike tour to nearby Portschach and back on a Bärenbike. Doing so gives you the chance to find some more secluded parts of the lake – just be sure to have your camera on hand, because you’ll see some seriously beautiful spots along the way.

Activities like these, as well as various watersports, can all be arranged through the hotel’s wonderfully helpful concierge, Helmut, who can make a wealth of memorable experiences a reality for you, and is more than happy to do it.

Other excursions, if you’re looking to get acquainted with the local culture, include a visit to Carinthian capital Klagenfurt, where you can peruse the MMKK Carinthian Museum of Modern Art, pause for a lunch of tasty and traditional Austrian fare at the Landhaushof restaurant and finish with a wander around the nearby Kranzelbinder gemstone exhibition (before buying a few lovely souvenirs from its gift shop).

In a nutshell

For an exclusive stay on Lake Wörthersee where wellness plays a starring role, it doesn’t get much better than the Falkensteiner Schlosshotel Velden.

A stay here is like stepping into a fairytale, and from its breath-taking surroundings to the impeccable service you’ll experience throughout, it ticks all the boxes for a high-end European escape at any time of year.

Its storied history makes it all the more intriguing, and the food and drink offerings are first class.

Factbox

Address: Schlosspark 1, 9220 Velden am Wörthersee, Austria
Tel: +43 4274 520000
Email: schlossvelden@reservations.falkensteiner.com
Website: falkensteiner.com

All imagery credit: The Falkensteiner Schlossotel Velden