Sublime Stays
Set in the foothills of the Leoganger Rocky Mountains in Austria, Forsthofgut Naturehotel is a ski-in, ski-out resort with breathtaking views
and unparalleled slope access.
Extraordinary experiences that feel more like new worlds than luxury hotels
Written by Caitlin White
Photography by Patrick Langwaller
What began as a simple forestry station in 1617 has developed into a 400-year-old luxe hostelry in western Austria. Located at the foot of the Leogang Mountains, NATURHOTEL FORSTHOFGUT is still owned and operated by the original founders, the Schmuck family, five generations on. With 109 rooms and suites, this property is a tranquil alpine escape renowned for its direct access to ski slopes during the winter—which transform into excellent hiking and biking trails in warmer months—and its spectacular destination spa.
“This property is a tranquil alpine escape renowned for its direct access to ski slopes and its spectacular destination spa.”
Forsthofgut translates roughly as “forest farm estate.” That theme, along with the region’s natural splendor, is reflected in almost every part of the property. The serenity and sense of escape found in the forest is a major component of the waldSPA, which is the first of that brand in Europe. Updated in 2021, the expansive facility includes a chemical-free swimming lake during the summer months, an onsen bathing area, an infinity pool, a Finnish lake sauna, and a 30,000-meter garden. There is an adults-only zone and a separate family-friendly area with baby and children’s pools, and three distinct water slides.
The hotel’s culinary philosophy highlights three kinds of cuisine: Alpine-Mediterranean dishes, a vegan menu, and R50 offerings—made with ingredients sourced within 50 kilometers of Forsthofgut. Additionally, Mizūmi is an on-site Japanese restaurant, Restaurant 1617 is reserved for celebrating traditional Austrian specialities, and the hotel’s Botanist Bar is a haven for an elegant cocktail or a nightcap.
With grounds that extend over 1.5 acres, the limited number of rooms ensures an atmosphere of seclusion. Accommodations like the Chalet Suites and the Garden Loft Suites—which come with a private loggia—and the three-bedroom Thoman Alm cottage offer options for families and groups, as well as for couples seeking a relaxing mountain getaway. forsthofgut.at/en/nature-hotel.com
A Palatial Sojourn
“Each of the 53 private riads that make up the village-like property is unique, outfitted with designs crafted by Moroccan artisans.”
When it comes to elegant hotels, the ROYAL MANSOUR MARRAKESH is the epitome of Maghreb luxury. Each of the 53 private riads—traditional houses with a courtyard or garden—that make up the village-like property is different, ranging from one to four bedrooms and outfitted with local designs crafted by Moroccan artisans. Some of the riads are equipped with roof terraces that offer sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains, while subtle details such as zellige tiles, carved plaster, and custom furniture and rugs ensure the interiors are equally stunning. The Grand Riad in particular is almost 20,000 square feet and includes the ultimate luxury—a private pool and hammam. The hotel’s four signature restaurants mean guests can enjoy elegant international cuisine: La Grande Brasserie from Michelin-starred chef Hélène Darroze offers French fare, La Grande Table Marocaine specializes in traditional foods from the region, Sesamo is the place to indulge in Italian delights, and Le Jardin’s menu is a fusion of contemporary Asian and Mediterranean dishes. Bars and lounges scattered throughout provide myriad opportunities to unwind. For even more relaxation, the Moorish-style spa offers facials, body wraps and massages, hammam treatments, and wellness programs. royalmansour.com
Italian Gem
Porto Piccolo’s playground on the Adriatic
Spectacular cliffside views define the PORTOPICCOLO SISTIANA RESORT, which is Tivoli Hotels’ first foray into Italy. Although it opened just last summer, this 58-room resort already has a timeless aura, thanks in part to the car-free environment that’s a hallmark of this area on the Gulf of Trieste, close to the Duino Cliffs Nature Reserve. The private beach and luxury marina ensure guests can slip into a lifestyle that revolves around basking in the resplendent water and sun.
The property’s mixed-use development includes 20 residences, a partnership with Purobeach club, and the soon-to-open 38,000-square-foot spa, part of the distinguished Tuscan wellness brand Terme di Saturnia. For now, a wellness zone in the hotel is equipped with a sauna, a steam bath, a Jacuzzi, and a relaxation area. The fitness center features state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, cardio machines, weight stations, and daily group-fitness classes.
And what would any Italian hotel be without food? Within the beach club, the Purobeach Restaurant offers a mix of dishes for lunch and dinner influenced by Marrakesh, Miami, and Melbourne. The Azul Lounge is the place for terrace-side drinks and all-day dining, and Ocyan’s breakfast buffet and fresh Mediterranean cuisine for dinner are additional options. tivolihotels.com/en/tivoli-portopiccolo-sistana
Photography by Francisco Rivotti
