Did you know? Studies show that being active outdoors can reduce stress and promote well-being. Especially on vacation, many people find it easier to consciously unwind, let go of their routines, and take time for exercise, deep breathing, and rest.

Hotels with daily yoga programs

OCEANO Health Spa Hotel – Tenerife, Spain

Located on Tenerife, right on the Atlantic Ocean, the OCEANO Health Spa Hotel enjoys pleasantly long summers. Here, yoga is practiced in the light-filled studio or on the rooftop terrace, accompanied by sea breezes and sweeping ocean views. During the summer, guests can enjoy the outdoor morning program, “Awakening by the Sea.” In addition to yoga, the program includes fitness, stretching, and relaxation exercises.

• More information about OCEANO’s yoga offerings and the Yoga Escape Special
  

Tip: The OCEANO is a great choice for solo (female) travelers. If you’re planning to travel alone, you’ll find plenty of like-minded people here.

LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel – South Tyrol, Italy

The adults-only LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel in Naturns offers plant-based cuisine and a focus on relaxation and mindfulness. One particular highlight in summer: the outdoor yoga deck surrounded by greenery. Set amidst a garden, natural swimming pond, and mountain backdrop, daily yoga sessions take place here and come included with your stay.
The yoga program (back yoga, Hatha yoga, or yoga flow) begins as early as 7:15 a.m. and lasts until 8:30 a.m., and silent and sound meditations, mindfulness walks, and Yin yoga are offered in the evening.

• Learn more about the yoga classes at LA VIMEA
  

ADLER Lodge RITTEN – South Tyrol, Italy

A new highlight awaits here: In 2026, the ADLER Lodge RITTEN built a new yoga pavilion nestled in the heart of the South Tyrolean mountains. Thanks to its large, openable windows, the indoor and outdoor spaces blend together seamlessly, keeping nature ever-present.

“Many yoga sessions are also moved outdoors in the summer,” reports the hotel. Daily sessions featuring elements of Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin Yoga, and Ashtanga are offered. The “Yoga Morning Stretch” is offered from 7:30 to 8:20 a.m. Advance registration is required, and the session is free of charge.

• Click here for more information and the schedule for the weekly yoga program at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN.

ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA – Sicily, Italy

Are you looking for somewhere warmer than South Tyrol? Would you rather stay by the Mediterranean than in the Alps? At the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, yoga is also a regular part of the weekly program. Set against the backdrop of the Mediterranean landscape and close to the sea, Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin yoga sessions are held regularly—some outdoors and even on the beach—at various times, including in the afternoon or early evening.

• Click here for the weekly program at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA.
  

Tip: The resort also offers childcare services.

Gili Lankanfushi – Maldives

A “Wellness Package” featuring daily sunrise yoga will be available in the idyllic Maldives until December 2026. The package also includes a private session with the “resident yoga master.”

• Here, you can learn more about the Gili Lankanfushi Wellness Package, which includes yoga, and view prices and dates.

Yoga retreat in summer 2026

If you’re looking for a particular type of retreat, we have a few options for you here:

Hotel Das Rübezahl – Allgäu, Germany

The Hotel Das Rübezahl offers yoga amidst the Allgäu mountain landscape. The hotel, located in Füssen (with a view of Neuschwanstein Castle), also includes two mountain huts. At Rohrkopfhütte, the hosts have built a “yoga platform” with a fantastic view that guests are welcome to use.

There are also three yoga retreats this summer, which include outdoor sessions by the lake or in the mountains:

• Summer Light Yoga Retreat featuring Vinyasa and Yin Yoga (June 12–14, 2026)
• Back Health & Balance Retreat (June 26–28, 2026)
• Yoga & Resilience Retreat (July 17–19, 2026)

Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel – South Tyrol, Italy

At the Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel, the summer retreats combine yoga, mountain scenery, and plant-based cuisine. Sessions are held indoors and outdoors with views of the Dolomites, and are complemented by hikes and wellness activities.

The retreats are led by Marnie Spögler, a Canadian yoga teacher, among others. We introduce her in more detail in this blog post about yoga teachers who are also hosts.

• July Yoga Retreat: Somatic Embodiment Yoga, Vinyasa, Hikes, and an Overnight Stay at a Mountain Cabin (July 19–25, 2026)
• August Yoga Retreat: Vinyasa, Yin, Somatic, and Restorative Yoga (August 24–28, 2026)

Please note: The August retreat is already fully booked—however, those interested can sign up for future dates.

Puri Dajuma – Bali, Indonesia

Nestled among tropical gardens, rice paddies, and the sea, Puri Dajuma will offer its new “Sacred Sanctuary Retreat” for the first time in summer 2026. This eight-day program includes yoga, Balinese rituals, and stays at two locations in western Bali.

Guests will practice yoga in the mornings and afternoons, first with a view of the rice fields and later right by the sea. The program also includes Balinese massages, hikes, cultural ceremonies, and regional cuisine.

• Dajuma Sacred Sanctuary Yoga Retreat (8 days / 7 nights; available on various dates)

Hotel Korinjak – Island of Iz, Croatia

At the Hotel Korinjak, yoga is an integral part of your stay, included in the room rate. Sonja Jakšić has led the sessions for more than 20 years and guides them according to the island’s natural rhythm.

In early summer, sessions often take place right by the sea, and later in the summer, they are held under shady pine trees accompanied by the scent of the trees and the sound of cicadas. The classes primarily focus on gentle Hatha yoga for all experience levels. The following retreats are also offered:

• Gokul Yoga Retreat (May through June 7, 2026)
• Ivica Pađen – “It’s never too late for yoga” (through June 27, 2026)
• Lea Lončar Yoga Retreat (June 27 to July 4, 2026)
• Gabriele Yoga Retreat (July 4 to 11, 2026)
• Shakti Dance® Yoga Retreat with Nataša Siri Amrit (July 5 to 10, 2026)

Other Green PearlsⓇ hotels offering outdoor yoga classes this summer

Relais del Maro – Liguria, Italy

The Ligurian Albergo Diffuso Relais del Maro does not offer regular yoga classes at the hotel, but yoga instructor Aimee Denkman’s “Healing Arts Garden” is just a few minutes’ walk away. There, she offers classes and sessions in various yoga styles several times a week, always surrounded by Mediterranean nature.

• Information about the summer yoga program at the Healing Arts Garden in Borgomaro.
  

My Arbor – South Tyrol, Italy

Built on stilts among the trees, My Arbor uniquely blends the forest and wellness. In the summer, the program includes forest yoga, forest bathing, and outdoor morning breathing and meditation sessions.

• Click here for the weekly program at My Arbor
  

Naturhotel Outside – East Tyrol, Austria

Located in the heart of Hohe Tauern National Park, Naturhotel Outside offers outdoor yoga sessions once a week in the summer—for instance, by the natural pool, under the large lime tree in the garden, or on the yoga deck.

The combination of mountain air, water, and tranquility makes these sessions especially relaxing.

• Visit the Naturhotel Outside website for more information.
  

Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa – Berchtesgaden, Germany

In the summer, yoga classes are held in the outdoor pavilion of the Klosterhof, surrounded by greenery with a view of the Berchtesgaden mountains. The classes primarily focus on Hatha yoga, which is ideal for beginners. The schedule can be found in the weekly guest program.

• More information about Yoga at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa
  

Megasaray Club Belek – Turkey

The family-friendly Megasaray Club Belek Resort on the Turkish Riviera offers beach yoga right by the sea. While children are being looked after or participating in the vacation program, parents can practice yoga on the beach—accompanied by the sound of the waves.

• Learn more about the spa and wellness offerings, including yoga, at the Megasaray Club Belek.
  

Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort – Tyrol, Austria

The Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort also offers outdoor yoga sessions, weather permitting – with a view of the Tyrolean mountains.

• Learn more about the yoga classes at the Stanglwirt here
  

Hotels for independent yoga retreats and unique yoga locations

“While we don’t offer guided yoga classes, we do have what might just be the most beautiful spot for your own practice,” says host Klaus Pichler of the Hotel Weihrerhof. “Our dock right on the lake. Early in the morning, when the sun rises over the water and everything is still, a natural space for movement, breath, and mindfulness emerges. No class, no program—just the lake, light, and tranquility.”

OLM Nature Escape – South Tyrol, Italy

The OLM Nature Escape in Arnthal, South Tyrol, also describes itself as a great place for yoga practitioners. The suites include a designated yoga area (complete with a mat), and the Wild Garden offers “many quiet spots for outdoor yoga and meditation.” There is also a dedicated yoga room.

Naturresort Gerbehof – Lake Constance, Germany

The Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance attracts many guests who are interested in alternative healing methods. The resort offers fasting retreats, wellness programs, and bioenergetic massages. Yoga enthusiasts enjoy practicing in the stone circle or outdoors in the garden. Yoga mats are provided upon request.

Yoga at hotels committed to sustainability

Summer 2026 offers plenty of opportunities to rediscover the joy of outdoor yoga, whether at a retreat, during a morning session by the sea, or on your own on a wooden deck by the lake. What sets Green PearlsⓇ hotels with yoga programs apart is their commitment to nature. On the hotel websites, you can learn how each hotel is dedicated to organic cuisine, renewable energy, species conservation, waste reduction, and more.

After all, when you practice yoga in nature, you’ll truly appreciate how beautiful and worthy of protection the natural world is.

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Vegan Fine Dining as an Experience: OMNIA Plant-Based Restaurant at Paradiso Pure.Living in South Tyrol

A restaurant with just six tables. A nine-course menu. And a tattooed female chef who can cook up stories from the mystical forest.

At OMNIA plant-based restaurant in Paradiso Pure.Living Vegan Hotel in the Dolomites, vegan cuisine is elevated to a theatrical experience. Executive Chef Aggeliki Charami is one of the most exciting voices in South Tyrol’s plant-based fine dining scene. Her menu tells stories and is full of mystery—and at OMNIA, she personally presents each course. Before that, however, you’ll get a glimpse into the kitchen, where fermentation techniques such as koji and SCOBY are explained. The entire evening is an intimate “Meet the Creator of Your Dish” experience, and the restaurant has already received multiple awards in its first year, including from Gault&Millau and Identità Golose.

• Web link: Omnia Plant-Based Restaurant
  

Intimate, minimalist, and intense: The Secret Forest Dinner at the Klosterhof in Bayerisch Gmain

One table. Twelve seats. A location you’ve never been to before.

At the “Secret Forest Dinner” at the Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa, fine dining is celebrated in a unique way — without the typical restaurant setting. Instead you will find nature, ambiance, and surprises.

Head Chef Sascha Förster and his team will prepare the dishes right before your eyes. You’ll sit at the Chef’s Table with the other guests, watch each course come together, and learn about the techniques, ingredients, and creative ideas behind them. The experience is all about the atmosphere and making new connections.

• Web link: Secret Forest Fine Dining Experience
  

From farm to table: Stanglwirt in Tyrol

Luxury, organic farm, and celebrity chefs.

Did you know that the Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort considers itself an organic farm before anything else? “Our farming has shaped the resort for generations and is central to who we are,” they explain. They source meat and dairy products directly from their own production.

Guests can experience this in a variety of ways, such as by taking the Kaiserschmarrn class offered as part of the weekly program. There are also culinary experiences featuring well-known personalities (past guests have included Sally from Sally’s Bakery and Sarah Wiener, for example).

• The next highlight, for which you can already sign up, is the “Kitchen Party — Spoon and Glass” with Tim Mälzer and other renowned chefs. Date: November 12, 2026

Culinary Night Ride: Experience the Rittner Bahn in South Tyrol

Four stops, four courses, an evening aboard a historic train.

At 7 p.m., board the historic Rittner Bahn at the Oberbozen train station. Take in the scenery as you travel to four stops, each with a different restaurant serving a course. One of these establishments is the Apipura hotel rinner, a Green PearlsⓇ hotel with its own organic apiary and a member of “Bio Fair Südtirol.” The culinary journey is accompanied by wine, juices, and music. The journey ends around midnight.

• Here you will find the upcoming dates for the Culinary Night Ride
  

Cheese Fondue with a View of the Matterhorn: Bella Vista, Zermatt

Fondue is as much a part of Switzerland as its mountains. Here, however, it’s presented in a particularly special way.

At the Bella Vista Zermatt hotel, you can enjoy fondue served from a wooden barrel on the terrace. As you let the regional cheese, such as that from local producer Walker, melt in your mouth, your gaze can wander directly to the Matterhorn.

Two barrels are enough for eight people, and a “nightcap” is served at the end.

• Web link: Fondue with a View of the Matterhorn
  

Alpine apas-Show-Cooking: OLM Nature Escape

Tapas in South Tyrol? Here, dining is a social experience.

OLM Nature Escape offers tapas-style dining with show cooking. Hot and cold dishes are prepared right before your eyes and served family-style. Everyone gets to try everything, and everyone is guaranteed to leave satisfied.

At the Apéro Dinner, the tapas are inspired by cuisines from around the world, while at Olm Local, only regional products and dishes are used.

• The APÈRO Dinner is served every Thursday, and OLM Local is available every Wednesday and Saturday for €35.00 per person; these options are offered exclusively to guests of the aparthotel.

Slow Food Workshop at Schloss Lerchenhof, Carinthia

How is bacon actually made?

That’s exactly what you can learn at Schloss Lerchenhof. During the “Fascination with Speck” workshop, you’ll experience the entire production process of speck, from the raw ingredients to the finished product, over the course of a two-day program.

You’ll gain hands-on experience, learn traditional techniques, and develop an appreciation for the time and expertise that goes into making these products. It’s a true “nose-to-tail” experience. After the curing period, you’ll receive 500 grams of bacon shipped right to your home.

• Here are the dates for the bacon workshop
  

Farm-to-Table & Insights: ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol

A look behind the scenes at a farm-to-table resort.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN is known for its farm-to-table concept. Here, you won’t just get fresh produce on your plate; you can also take guided tours from the kitchen garden to the kitchen. There, you’ll see how the kitchen staff prepares meals for around 90 guests each day, including the planning, processes, and teamwork involved. Additionally, you can visit local producers, such as the “Rittner Milchbuam,” who supply milk and yogurt.

A little piece of Liguria for you to create: Relais del Maro

Bella Italia. In Liguria, you’ll get hands-on and learn how to make authentic pasta and pesto.

The Relais del Maro is an Albergo Diffuso in the small village of Borgomaro (in the Imperia hinterland), and it is deeply rooted in the region. The hotel recommends the following culinary experience:

• Pesto Workshop at Petricor: Learn to make pesto the traditional way using a mortar and freshly harvested basil.
• Cooking Class at Tenuta della Prea: Make pasta, eat together, and listen to stories.

The small classes combine cooking with conversation and culture. They’re perfect if you want to eat and learn something new.

Game cuisine with a twist at Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance

Enjoying meat mindfully—but how?

At Naturresort Gerbehof, the game served comes from the surrounding area. Host Bruno Wagner and his son are hunters and are familiar with the local wildlife.

The resort’s approach involves short supply chains, transparent sourcing, and respectful treatment of the animals. Game meat differs from conventionally produced meat due to the animals’ free-range lifestyle and natural diet. Among the culinary highlights is venison during hunting season (closed season is February through April); a recipe is available here.

Conclusion: Food as a gateway to the world

Food experiences, such as plant-based fine dining, traditional culinary arts, or cooking together, can make travel more meaningful. You take home not only impressions, but also knowledge, conversations, and memories. The key is to appreciate and respect food.

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Is it possible to tell if a product is sustainable just by looking at the price?

The clear answer is: No, even though we humans tend to equate quality—and sustainability, for that matter—with a higher price. “What costs more is worth more” is a common misconception. And a look at current data confirms that it’s not that simple.

A 2025 study by the Federal Environment Agency shows that there is no clear correlation between travel costs and sustainability.

Sometimes, more sustainable trips are cheaper; other times, they are more expensive. There is no evidence of systematic price increases due to more sustainable measures, accommodations, or activities. This is primarily because sustainability accounts for only a small portion of total expenses. How you travel matters much more: shorter distances, different modes of transportation, and the accommodations you choose often influence the price more than sustainability factors themselves.

Especially interesting is that travelers for whom sustainability is a key factor actually spend less money per day, on average!

“The price isn’t the problem”

Professor Harald Zeiss (research focus: sustainable tourism) shares this view. For him, price is not a reliable indicator. He says gut feelings, such as the suspicion that arises when seeing a “green” 500-euro trip and thinking “something’s not right here,” can be misleading.

Low prices aren’t always the result of poor conditions and indifference toward the environment; sometimes they stem from political or economic factors, such as when countries actively promote tourism.

All-inclusive resorts are not automatically unsustainable either. A large portion of the money often stays in the country. Employees are paid, and in the best-case scenario, food is sourced locally.

With the addition of the Megasaray Club Belek on the Turkish Riviera, Green PearlsⓇ now includes an all-inclusive resort. At first glance, you see a massive hotel complex with every amenity imaginable: plenty of pools, a spa, various restaurants, fitness and sports facilities, and a beach. However, the resort’s commitment to sustainability becomes clear upon further inspection: electricity comes from its own solar park, regional products are sourced, green spaces are largely planted with native, drought-resistant plants, and employees are treated fairly and paid well.

• If you’d like to learn more about their sustainability efforts, you can find them listed under “Green Initiatives” on the Megasaray Club Belek microsite.

So, what is our conclusion? Just because something is cheap doesn’t mean it’s unethical. And expensive does not necessarily mean sustainable.

But…

… is it really as simple now as looking for the cheapest deal and heading off on vacation? Not quite. Price can certainly be a clue, especially if it’s extremely low for what’s included. For example, consider the €500 package tour that includes flights and all-inclusive meals. But what counts as “extremely low,” and what’s reasonable? To find out, we reached out to hoteliers in the Green PearlsⓇ network and gained interesting insights into how prices are calculated in the hospitality industry.

What factors determine the price of a vacation package?

(Unsurprisingly), a large portion of the cost of a vacation goes toward paying people a fair wage.

Marion Muller from the SANDcollection explains:

“The most significant cost factor is labor costs, followed by the cost of goods sold—that is, food, materials, and products.”

When an offer is extremely cheap, this is often where the low price originates. In other words:

• Lower wages for employees
• Cheaper or imported food
• Simpler, cheaper materials
• Lower quality service and facilities

Host Marion believes that responsibility comes at a price. This belief is reflected in the accommodations, such as the quality of the materials, food, and working conditions. At SANDnature on the German Baltic Sea coast, for instance, guests sleep on handmade (and therefore quite expensive) COCO-Mat beds made from natural materials, enjoy regional organic products for breakfast, and the staff are paid fairly and receive a wide range of benefits and training.

For that reason, Marion Muller does not offer “dumping prices.” Nevertheless, a night’s stay with breakfast at SANDnature starts at just 99 euros—a bargain for such a popular vacation spot as Timmendorfer Strand on the Baltic Sea.

An overview of the main price components for your vacation

The price of a trip usually consists of several components:

• Transportation (air, rail, and transfers — often one of the biggest cost drivers in terms of both price and sustainability)
• Accommodation & Infrastructure (buildings, maintenance, energy, water)
• Staff (service, kitchen, housekeeping, and management—one of the biggest cost drivers in a hotel)
• Food & Supplies (regional vs. imported, organic vs. conventional)
  Sustainability measures (e.g., waste management, certifications, and training)
• Occupancy and business model (quantity versus quality, seasonal fluctuations, pricing strategy)
• External factors affecting price (e.g., government grants or subsidies, global events).

You can either cut costs or make strategic investments in each of these areas. So, when you see an extremely low-priced offer, ask yourself this simple question: In which area are they likely cutting costs to offer this price? Because, as the hoteliers in the Green Pearls® network agree:

The cost doesn’t disappear. It just gets shifted.

Hidden vacation costs: “Someone always ends up paying.”

Caroline Pescoll, the sustainability officer at ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges, says, “Very low prices often suggest that the real costs are being passed on elsewhere.” Sustainability also means paying fair wages, investing in environmental and climate protection, and supporting the local economy.

Johann Steinwender of Schloss Lerchenhof in Carinthia, Austria and the team at Croatian Hotel Korinjak agree: if prices were too low, they would be unable to uphold their commitment to fair labor practices and regional economic development.

“Responsibility comes at a price—not in the sense of being “expensive,” but in the sense of fair and realistic prices that support quality, sustainable business practices, and regional structures.” – Johann Steinwender, Schloss Lerchenhof

Fair wages and quality: Areas where compromises should not be made

As you now know, a large portion of travel costs goes toward staff. Food and other supplies are also major expenses for hotels. This is often where you can see how sustainable an offer really is.

Ursula Wagner of the Naturresort Gerbehof on Lake Constance speaks of “appreciation”: for employees, high-quality food, and the work that goes into producing it. According to her, organic products, fair pay, and quality cannot be achieved at rock-bottom prices.

Alexander Thurm, the owner of Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu region, agrees. “Extremely cheap trips can hardly be sustainable,” he says. In addition to fair wages and regional economic benefits, quality is also a factor. Opting for high-quality, durable products that are free of harmful substances is better for the planet, but it’s not cheap.ig.

Quantity over quality: The problem with the “cheap is best” principle

Low prices in the tourism industry often rely on the principle of “quantity over quality.” Marco Spiss of Summit Lodges Pfunds highlights this. His two vacation log cabins (each with a sauna and a fireplace) are nestled in the heart of the Tyrolean Oberland, a popular tourist region. Low prices are usually only possible through high occupancy rates and large volumes. The well-known consequence of this is overtourism. In an interview with us, Spiss discusses how overtourism threatens nature and how we can steer tourism in a more sustainable direction.

Ben Förtsch of the Hotel Luise in Erlangen is very clear about his position:

“Cheap all-you-can-eat-and-drink vacations tend to ruin tourist destinations rather than promote them. Being cooped up in hotel complexes with nothing but fresh air and sunshine, yet never venturing outside, cannot be the point of traveling. Going on vacation should be accessible to everyone. But that doesn’t mean flying should be so cheap. It doesn’t mean cheap, cheap, cheap.” – Benjamin Förtsch, Hotel Luise

Price is one factor to consider in the tourism industry, but it’s not the only one. When planning a trip or choosing accommodations, it’s important to understand the system behind it and pay attention to where your money goes. This is not just a matter of budget travel; it’s a universal principle.

The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb recommends the following approach:

“Instead of asking, “How cheaply can I travel?” ask yourself, “What impact do I want my trip to have?” – SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA

“Travel deserves to be affordable”

The Relais del Maro also emphasizes: “Travel should be affordable, but not at the expense of the planet.” Built in the small village of Borgomaro in Liguria, the 4-star hotel is an “Albergo Diffuso.” This means that it is spread across several former residential and commercial buildings in the village. Here, tourism is part of the solution, not a problem. Tourism has prevented residents from leaving the countryside, and the empty buildings have been given new purpose. The village has been preserved.
Despite the sustainable renovation of the buildings and numerous initiatives focused on regionality and the environment, the Relais del Maro’s starting rates are well below the Italian average at 115 euros per night. According to Momondo, the average cost of a double room in Italy is between 159 and 220 euros per night.

Cheap travel at the expense of people and the environment: When should we worry?

Finally, we would like to point out that cheap travel deals can sometimes be a cover for scams or exploitation. According to the Consumer Advice Center, travel is the fourth most common topic in which consumers feel they have been deceived. For example, Oliver Buttler, a travel expert at the Baden-Württemberg Consumer Advice Center, told the Berliner Morgenpost that people repeatedly fall for fake offers. They book and pay for extremely cheap flights, only to later discover that these flights never existed.

This often happens through sites like Skyscanner or other third-party providers that do not accept liability for fraud. Therefore, Oliver Buttler recommends booking directly with the airline or accommodation provider. This ensures that the offers are legitimate.

Direct bookings are fair

At Green PearlsⓇ, a platform that clearly and transparently outlines a hotel’s commitment to social, environmental, energy, and food initiatives, we also recommend booking your stay directly on the hotel’s website.

This ensures that your money goes entirely to the accommodation (i.e., without any commission deductions). In some cases, the hotel will also reward you with a small extra (e.g., a welcome drink at the Relais del Maro, free parking at the Klosterhof – Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayrisch Gmain, or other benefits).

Red Flags with Low-Cost Offers

When booking a trip, the following factors should prompt you to do some research, especially if you prefer sustainable travel:

• Flight + Hotel + All-Inclusive at an extremely low price
• Unrealistically perfect photos + little real information
• Pressure (“only today,” “last seats available”)
• No information on the origin of food
• No transparency regarding working conditions

We also recommend avoiding tour operators or platforms that promote extremely unsustainable travel options, such as “fly to New York for a shopping weekend,” “skiing in Dubai,” or “elephant riding in Thailand.” Common sense can often help you determine if a travel option is responsible.

Taking responsibility for one’s own decisions

Ultimately, it’s not about the cost of your trip, but its impact. You can spend a lot of money traveling—there’s no upper limit. However, you don’t have to do that to travel more sustainably. You can choose an affordable hotel that supports the environment and the local community. At the same time, you can skip the cheap flight and buy the more expensive train ticket. The important thing is to make conscious travel decisions and not just go for the cheapest option.

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Babymoon Special in the Romantic Hideaway Hotel Das Rübezahl

A top address for couples is the Hotel Das Rübezahl in the Allgäu. Set against a mountain backdrop with Neuschwanstein Castle and other royal castles, the area is super romantic. For couples, the sustainable hotel offers a range of services, from engraved love locks to horse-drawn carriage rides. There is even a babymoon special.

• Starting at 900 euros per person, you can enjoy 3 nights and a variety of spa treatments (for him: a beer bath with hops and malt and a full-body massage; for her: a 60-minute facial, back massage, and foot bath). In addition, there’s a culinary indulgence program featuring breakfast, lunch, afternoon cake, and a 4-course dinner. Alternatively, you can enjoy a snack at the hotel’s own mountain hut (at 1,320 meters).

Pregnancy Spa at Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa

You’ll find a similarly relaxed atmosphere at the Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain. The 1,500-square-foot spa area is the perfect place to unwind. Or enjoy the privacy of one of the suites, which include a private whirlpool and infrared sauna.

In addition, the Klosterhof houses a health center run by the hotel’s owner and physician, Dr. Andreas Färber. Special offers for pregnant women include prenatal massages (starting at 12 weeks) and lymphatic drainage. The kitchen is happy to accommodate special dietary needs (e.g., gestational diabetes), and the bar offers a wide selection of mocktails.

With the Klosterhof Babymoon Package (three nights starting at €658 per person), you’ll receive full board, private floating time in the Alpen-Soledum brine bath in the spa area, and a 50-minute massage for two. Depending on the stage of pregnancy and individual needs, expectant mothers have a wide range of options available.

Togetherness in your own chalet

Another popular destination for couples is the ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol. Spend your babymoon in a modern, private wooden chalet surrounded by the beautiful mountain scenery of the Dolomites and enjoy the bio-sauna all to yourself. Drinks and meals are included in the price. According to the “farm-to-table” principle, most of the products come from the farm or the surrounding area.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN Babymoon Special offers an indulgent experience for both of you:

• 3 massages for her (1 x Harmony, 50 min, and 2 x Premaman massage, 50 min)
• 3 massages for him (1 x Deep & Detox, 50 min, 1 x Harmony, 50 min, and 1 x massage with arnica oil)

In addition, you will find a bottle of non-alcoholic “Rocco Sparkling” and fresh fruit waiting for you in your room or chalet upon arrival. Prices (including the all-inclusive package) start at 548 euros.

Is it possible to go on a babymoon by yourself?

Why not? Even as an expectant mother, you deserve some time off before the joys (and stresses) of parenthood begin. For example, Lena Meyer-Landruth went on a solo babymoon in Tyrol. While her husband, the singer Mark Forster, was working in South Africa, she stayed at the Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Hotel.

Babymoon Special at the Stanglwirt

• The Babymoon package at the Stanglwirt includes two or three nights of accommodations with breakfast featuring organic products from the hotel’s farm. The package also includes a non-alcoholic sparkling wine upon arrival, a romantic dinner for two, and a 30-minute spa treatment for her.

The massive wellness area, spanning 12,000 m2, featuring a rock pool, relaxation rooms, and a sauna area, will be at your disposal. So will the daily vacation program and the wide range of sports activities.

Here’s another special treat: your new addition to the family will receive a gift, as well as a “baby voucher for their first vacation at the Stanglwirt.” This means your child is “cordially invited” on their first visit.

Prices range from €1,160 to €1,888 for two people for two nights and from €1,640 to €2,732 for three nights, depending on the room category.

Babymoon getaway with wellness tailored to your taste

Not all hotels that are well-suited for babymoons offer special packages. For example, we recommend the STURM, located at the foot of the Rhön Biosphere Reserve. It’s an ideal place for a couples’ getaway, with nature right at your doorstep to help you unwind. Together, you can stroll through the herb and snack garden and sample the ingredients that will end up on your plates at dinner. The Rhön Spa at the STURM offers wellness for the body, mind, and soul with a garden sauna, a fresh-air grotto, a steam bath, and various natural cosmetic treatments and massages. Or how about taking a yoga class together, followed by a dip in the swimming pond? It’s simply lovely.

The Benefits of Sustainable Hotels for Your Babymoon

If you need more reasons to spend your babymoon at a sustainable hotel like those featured here, consider the following:

• All the babymoon hotels mentioned prioritize indoor air quality, ensuring you’re in a natural, toxin-free environment
• Healthy organic food, some of which comes from the hotel’s own farm, provides you with everything your body needs in a delicious way.
• You’ll enjoy wellness treatments using natural cosmetics.
• The hotels generally prioritize environmental protection and CO₂ reduction to preserve the world for future generations

Can you think of any other benefits? Or have you already been on a babymoon? Then share your experiences!

This is an update from April 18, 2023

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Single holidays with children – even as far as Cambodia, for children aged 6 and above

Cathy from MOMMYTRAVELS in London has traveled to over 50 countries with her now 14-year-old daughter. After initial trips within the UK, they traveled together to Oman and Cambodia when her daughter was just five.
(Note: Cathy is not necessarily a role model for sustainable travel, but her experiences traveling alone with a child are valuable nonetheless.)

Cathy writes:

„While some people travel with their baby almost from day one, most of us prefer to take it slow—starting with local day trips before embarking on long-haul flights and full itineraries. That’s exactly what I did.“

An important point: Increase both travel distance and program intensity slowly.

Cambodia is an example of a country where long-distance travel works well. Valentin from Canvas & Orchids Retreat explains:

„We are the ideal choice for parents traveling alone with children aged six and older. Guided excursions, such as boat trips and village walks, provide opportunities for shared adventures while our floating tents offer safety and comfort. The peaceful surroundings make it easy for parents and children to bond over new experiences.“

Do you need to hire a special tour operator for singles and children?

Some parents say: Yes, it can help, especially because of the group or chat exchanges beforehand. However, many consciously choose not to do so. Cathy writes that it’s also possible to plan the trip individually.

„You don’t have to limit yourself to solo parent-friendly travel. Depending on your children’s ages, a twin room or a room with a sofa bed could work wonderfully. Self-catering accommodations often offer more space and flexibility.“

One particularly attractive self-catering option is the OLM Nature Escape in the Ahrntal Valley in South Tyrol. The circular aparthotel offers apartment suites of various sizes — each with its own kitchen. If desired, the °PRENN restaurant can still be used for breakfast and gourmet dinners. Cleaning, meals, and service can be booked as extras—a flexible system that adapts to your needs.

Travel tip: A more sustainable vacation with children in Switzerland

At the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, children under the age of nine stay for free in their parents’ room. Hostess Fabienne Anthamatten explains:

„In addition to plenty of outdoor activities, we have a play area with a library where children and their parents can spend time together.“

Another plus: Zermatt is car-free, and nature begins right on your doorstep. Children will particularly enjoy the glacier trip to the Gorner Glacier, followed by a visit to the ice sculptures in the Glacier Palace—even in summer!

Making sustainability tangible for children

A vacation at the foot of the Matterhorn is an impressive and educational experience. Fabienne Anthamatten witnesses the retreat of the glacier firsthand every year. She regularly visits the glacier with her family and sees how it is shrinking. Read our article, “Glacier-friendly travel“, to learn more.

Children understand topics such as waste prevention, environmental protection, and animal welfare. Abstract concepts, such as flight emissions, are more difficult to grasp, and many adults struggle with them as well. However, even young children can easily understand that traveling by train is more environmentally friendly than flying or driving.

Packing and eco friendly travel tips for single parents traveling with children

Anyone who has traveled with a child or children will tell you the same thing: pack light.
Of course, you can’t do without extra luggage entirely; a change of clothes is essential. Nevertheless, you should plan accordingly so that you can carry your luggage on your own and not have to rely on help. Deutsche Bahn offers assistance upon request, but you can’t rely on it to work reliably..

Should children travel with their own suitcase?

My answer is clear: No.
One backpack is enough – and yes, the stuffed animal has to fit in it, too. While having their own trolley is exciting for children, you’ll end up pulling two suitcases and carrying the stuffed animal and neck pillow.

The golden rule for solo vacations with children is: Make it as easy as possible for yourself!

Reserve seats on the train in advance (ideally at a table or in the family compartment), send your luggage ahead, or use hotel transfers. At the Ritten, the ADLER Lodge RITTEN and the Hotel Weihrerhof cover the cost of transporting your luggage—which is particularly convenient since you must first take the cable car up to the high plateau. Another point to consider: After long days of travel, don’t wait for the bus or walk long distances. Especially when everyone is already irritable due to fatigue and overstimulation, it won’t do you any favors. Instead, order a shuttle in advance to take you from the train station to the hotel for less stress.

The all-inclusive ADLER Lodge RITTEN offers space for rest and relaxation. It is particularly recommended for families with babies or older children. For energetic little ones, we recommend the family-run Hotel Weihrerhof, which offers a warm welcome to children. The lake is right outside and the playground is next to the terrace, so you can relax with a cup of coffee while keeping an eye on your child.

Also located on the Ritten is the Apipura hotel rinner, featuring its own apiary. Here, you can learn all about bees, explore a bee nature trail, sample various honeys at the breakfast buffet, and enjoy apitherapy. In addition to the garden playground, there is a playroom for rainy days. Additionally, the historic Renon railway stops right in front of the hotel, making it easy and convenient to get around.

Involve your child in the planning

Cathy sums it up well:

„Involve your children. Babies don’t plan itineraries, but with older children, it’s worth discussing the trip in advance. Making decisions together—or compromises—is simply more fun.“

Here’s an extra tip from Green Pearls®: Don’t just talk before the trip; talk while you’re on the road, too. Ask, “What do we want to do today and tomorrow?” This question promotes independence and anticipation. In the evening, reflect together: “What was fun? What was particularly great? What was stupid?” It also makes your trip much more relaxed if you explain the daily routine. For example, you could say, “We’re going down to dinner now. Then, we’ll rest in our room for half an hour. After that, we’ll go to the beach and eat ice cream.”

Schedule breaks—yes, really!

All solo travelers with children agree: Plan generous breaks. A packed daily schedule may work for adults, but not for children. It’s better to plan in stages: breakfast, break, outing, break, pool, break. And don’t forget to take breaks yourself. If your child is ready and open to it, don’t feel guilty about using the hotel’s childcare services. Your child will have adventures with other children their age, and you’ll have a few hours to yourself.

Hotels with kids’ clubs and babysitting services

At the AKI Kids Club at the ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA, children can make crafts with natural materials collected from the beach or go on discovery tours of the Sicilian countryside. Meanwhile, parents can relax in the thalasso pool with a view of the sea or enjoy a solitary walk on the beach.

In addition to a Kids’ Club, the Hotel Klosterbräu in Tyrol offers babysitting services and activities for teenagers, including a youth room with a pool table and video game consoles. The Kids’ Club provides pizza-baking activities, visits to the hotel’s petting zoo, and insights into the hotel’s farm.

The linked article provides more information about sustainable accommodations that offer childcare and babysitting services.

Digital consumption while traveling

Cell phones and tablets have become an everyday part of life for many families, so it’s unrealistic to leave them at home when going on vacation. In my opinion, clear agreements are helpful: lots of screen time during the journey and fixed time slots once you arrive. The important thing is to establish a vacation routine that works for everyone and is clear: different rules apply on vacation than at home. Explain this in advance, and especially with older children, find a mutual solution instead of just dictating rules. Also important: stick to it yourself!

Can single fathers also travel with their children?

Of course! However, many fathers report experiencing prejudice. Author D.W. Gibson humorously describes this phenomenon in his article, “The Bizarre Case of a Dad Traveling Alone with a Baby.” While traveling alone with his one-year-old daughter and 32 diapers, Gibson found that the most difficult thing was enduring the looks and reactions of others. In the end, he simply concludes: “We managed.”

“Kids won’t remember anyway.” —Really?

Finally, here is a thought from World Adventurist, a mother who has traveled to over 30 countries alone with her four children:

„The idea that children don’t remember traveling is a misconception. They may not remember every detail, but they do remember feelings, experiences, and formative moments. Travel teaches them adaptability, empathy, and openness. And even if they don’t consciously remember everything, the value of the experience in the moment remains.“

Now it’s time to take the plunge! It’s not just about creating memories for the future; it’s also about spending time together in the present. And it’s about guiding children on their journey to becoming open-minded and empathetic individuals.

By the way, there are organizations such as Global Family that help single parents in difficult circumstances who cannot afford a vacation with their child. The aforementioned Hotel Klosterbräu in Tyrol and the sustainable SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA in Bad Herrenalb, Germany, are among its partners and offer families free stays.

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But vacations can sometimes be exhausting. The variety of offerings entices you to rush from the sauna to a treatment and then to dinner. However, don’t be afraid to take moments to rest without worrying about missing something =) Doesn’t it sound tempting to forget about time while enjoying a good book? What about an extended nap wrapped in a fluffy blanket in a cozy spot? Or a stroll through the hotel garden?

Most hotels have special locations and quiet oases designed for just such moments of rest—places that can look very different. Our partners are sure to have the perfect spot for you, and they may even inspire you to create your own peaceful retreat at home.

Take a breather surrounded by greenery

Studies show that spending even a short time in nature can measurably reduce stress hormones. For example, researchers at MedUni Vienna found that spending just 20 minutes in the forest reduces cortisol, a physiological stress marker, in saliva. No wonder, then, that it is particularly easy to recharge outdoors in nature. For this, exploring a garden or taking a short walk in a nearby forest is just the thing. With a gentle breeze in your hair and the sun on your skin, surrounded by the rustling of green leaves, it’s wonderful to take a deep breath.

A healing climate, a snack garden, and quiet moments in the Black Forest

Speaking of “breathing deeply”: Did you know that the Black Forest has particularly fresh air? When you stay at the Hotel SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, you’ll find yourself in a health resort with a beneficial climate. Feel free and healthy as you relax on a lounger on the sun terrace with your eyes closed, or take a tour of the hotel’s snack garden and taste the delicacies growing in the raised beds. Activities like these stimulate several of your senses at once, which helps lower your stress level.

Tip: If you want to be undisturbed, hotel gardens are often less crowded during the day.

Discover your new favorite places in Mediterranean nature

Sometimes, tranquility isn’t found in just one place, but rather spread gently across a village, garden, or landscape. That experience awaits you at the Relais del Maro in Liguria. The sustainable Albergo Diffuso is located in Borgomaro, a small, quiet village with only about 800 inhabitants in the Imperia countryside. Its rooms and houses are spread across several historic buildings interspersed with narrow streets, a church, and Mediterranean nature. In the main building, you will find a beautifully landscaped garden with a pool — a place to arrive, read, and relax. Here, tranquility is not staged but experienced naturally in the rhythm of the village, far from the hustle and bustle.

Peace and quiet on a secluded, natural beach

Further south in Sicily, a different yet equally profound form of silence awaits. The ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA is located on a secluded beach that can only be accessed via the resort. Surrounded by orange groves, fields, and rolling hills, the resort offers sweeping views of miles of wild, sandy beaches stretching to the horizon where the sun sinks into the sea. In this spacious, luxurious complex, it’s easy to find your own personal retreat, whether it’s barefoot on the beach, on a cozy island in the garden, or in your room overlooking the calm sea. Here, untouched nature and vastness ensure that everyday life quietly fades into the background.

Built silence: How the architecture at STURM invites relaxation

But tranquility can be found not only outside in nature, but also indoors. Picture being out in the wind, rain, and cold, and then stepping into a cozy, warm room.

In recent years, the sustainable Hotel STURM has extensively studied how to create tranquility through architecture. At the end of 2023, the hotel opened a new relaxation room in the RHÖN-SPA designed by Professor Matthias Loebermann. Loebermann has worked with STURM for a long time and was awarded the Best Architects Award 24 for his work.

First “reset chamber” then relaxation

Before entering the relaxation room, guests pass through a deliberately designed threshold called the “ÜberGang” (transition). This architectural space acts as a mental reset, allowing guests to leave everyday life behind step by step and become more relaxed. Beyond it, a room opens up, panelled with natural silver fir. The subtle scent of the wood, its vertical structure, subdued lighting, and spacious double loungers create an atmosphere that does not distract but rather calms.

But that isn’t all. At the end of 2025, STURM took it a step further by opening its own House of Silence in the middle of the garden overlooking the natural swimming pond. Designed once again by Loebermann and built using sustainable timber construction methods, this place provides inner peace through its architecture alone.

Light exercise is a guarantee for well-being

Exercising (in nature) can promote general well-being, strengthen the immune system, and build endurance and strength. Low-impact activities like yoga and swimming are good options.

Swimming with a view — relaxation in water

Many of our partner hotels have pools in their spas where you can swim or relax at your own pace. Have you ever been to a natural swimming pond, for instance? At Naturhotel Outside, you can enjoy one surrounded by a 360-degree mountain panorama. It was even expanded in 2025. As you swim, you can relax and unwind while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

The great thing is that the water not only invites relaxation, but also gentle activities such as swimming a few laps, which contribute to general well-being. So do treatments, massages, yoga, meditation, and the sauna. Many of our Green Pearl hotels offer a wide range of services for this kind of relaxation.

A special indoor climate for your downtime

It’s not outdoors, but The Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol has created a special climate for you. Make yourself comfortable on the loden sofa and enjoy the pleasant room climate, thanks to the local larch wood and loam walls.

The Zirben Suites have cozy nooks and freestanding bathtubs made of regional stone. Here, you can relax in complete privacy.

Wellness for the soul

Do you know why swimming is so good for your body? Water pressure helps push blood out of the veins, which relieves the heart. Additionally, moving underwater provides low-impact exercise for your whole body, protecting your joints and promoting mobility. But your mind and spirit benefit, too. Contact with water and movement in it can boost your self-confidence while reducing stress hormones. Simply relax and enjoy being in your element.

Floating on water

While floating in the Soledom at the Klosterhof Alpine Hideaway & Spa, you can relax and truly “float away.” Thanks to the water’s 15% salt content, you will feel almost weightless in it`s Reichenhall brine. This type of “floating” strengthens your nerves, positively affects skin conditions and allergies, and helps you find inner harmony. You can also experience healing brine water when you swim in the infinity panoramic pool at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN in South Tyrol.

Relaxation rooms and oases of tranquility

In addition to exercising in the water, it is beneficial for us to relax in a quiet environment. Why is it that when we relax, our mind recovers? Inner tension often manifests physically. Thankfully, we can help our souls by relaxing externally. Inner peace follows.

Many wellness areas of the Green Pearls have quiet oases set up for a peaceful time-out.

One example is the Arvenstube at the Hotel Bella Vista Zermatt, where you can relax on comfortable waterbeds in a Swiss stone pine room.

But what if you could be indoors and feel surrounded by nature at the same time? In the relaxation room next to the forest sauna at the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, you can cozy up on a comfortable lounger and take in the unobstructed view of the lush greenery and beautiful landscape. Gentle scents and the natural warmth of a crackling fire surround you. Here, it’s easy to be in the moment and find complete peace.

The Hotel Luise, located in the heart of Erlangen, proves that oases of calm aren’t limited to the countryside. On the green roof terrace, you’ll find a surprisingly quiet place above the city’s rooftops. In a small glass house, you can enjoy a break in any weather, shielded from the hustle and bustle yet still enjoying the view of the greenery. It’s a beautiful example of how space for tranquility can be created in an urban environment.

Inspiration for your own retreat

Many of the calming ideas offered by our Green Pearls® partners can inspire your own home. Natural materials, such as wood, linen, and stone, create a warm and calming atmosphere. Indirect, subdued light sources instead of bright lighting help you unwind. Gentle scents, such as those from an aroma diffuser with essential oils, can ease the transition from everyday life to relaxation.

It’s also important to look outside. A window with a view of greenery, the sky, or a plant is ideal—without a screen. Perhaps a small routine: a cup of tea, a book, or a few quiet breaths. No big plans, no goals. Just a place where you can simply be.

This is an update from October 25, 2022.

Do you have a place of retreat like this at home? Let our Green Pearls® partners inspire you! And if you found this post inspiring, feel free to save it.

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Concepts such as organic farming and permaculture strengthen local cycles, rebuild soil, promote diversity, and create and secure fair jobs. “Farm-to-table” is not just a marketing phrase here; it’s the essence of the cuisine.

5  hotels with their own farms in Germany, Austria, and South Tyrol

#1 ADLER Lodge RITTEN, South Tyrol 

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN, a consciously managed five-star hotel in South Tyrol’s Ritten region, has incorporated a farm-to-table concept from the beginning. On around 4,000 square meters of land right next to the main building, a diverse farm garden with fields, fruit bushes, and herb gardens has been created. Summer wheat, potatoes, various vegetables, berries, and aromatic herbs grow there.

The garden is not only a source of produce, but also an experiential space with paths, benches, and signs indicating what is currently growing.

The cottage garden is tended by Christian Fink and his girlfriend Johanna, who also run the neighboring Viehweiderhof farm. They take a natural, diverse, and ecological approach: they grow mixed crops in the beds and plant flowers that strengthen the soil and attract pollinators. The bees at the lodge benefit from it as well—and provide the honey for the breakfast buffet.

Farm-to-table concept by Cristian Cinquemani

What was once a labor of love for Chef Hannes Pignater is now continuing. His successor, Cristian Cinquemani, the chef at ADLER Lodge RITTEN, is keeping the open kitchen concept alive by using local organic ingredients, homegrown produce, and interacting directly with guests, while adding a touch of island flair from his native Elba to the cuisine.

#2 Hotel Klosterbräu, Tyrol, Austria

The Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld continues the establishment’s more than 500-year history with its own agriculture. The Augustinian monks cultivated the land of the former monastery themselves, engaging in arable farming, growing hops for the brewery, and raising livestock. Today, Alois Seyrling, the hotel’s owner, is reviving this tradition with a sustainable, contemporary, and consistent approach to organic farming — but with a vegetarian twist.

Since 2017, the Klosterbräu has run the vegetarian farm “Sigis Sauhaufen” according to organic and biodynamic principles. The fields on the parish hill are fertilized with compost made from the hotel’s organic waste. They grow potatoes, herbs, hops, and fruits such as apples, all tailored to their needs. A special project is the so-called “Plateau Potato” – unique in color and taste.

Hotel with farm and petting zoo

Their farming activities include animal husbandry and plenty of space: a free-range chicken coop with around 200 laying hens of old and rare breeds provides eggs for breakfast, among other things. Complementing this is a private petting zoo with goats, miniature cattle, and other small animals. The hotel is therefore particularly well-suited for providing your children with hands-on farming experience.

#3 Naturresort Gerbehof, Lake Constance, Germany

At the Bio Hotel Naturresort Gerbehof, agriculture is approached holistically. The hotel and farm are one entity, both certified 100 percent organic and part of a consistent cycle. As a member of Bioland, the business promotes mindful use of resources and intergenerational responsibility.

Here, the Wagner family cultivates organic apple and pear orchards spanning around 22 hectares. They sell part of the harvest to regional retailers and use the rest for their own processing, producing apple juice, distillates in their distillery, and breakfast buffet products on site. The farm also has pasture land for horses, free-range chickens, and a small herd of wild boars.

The Naturresort Gerbehof is also a prime example of how the hotel industry and climate protection can coexist. They’re consistent in their approach to energy and resources. For instance, they grow miscanthus grass on site and use it as fuel for heating and as bedding for the horses; later, they use the resulting horse manure as fertilizer on the fields. Additionally, they use rainwater cisterns and their own well for irrigation

#4 My Arbor, South Tyrol 

Though not directly adjacent to the hotel grounds, the luxurious My Arbor wellness hotel near Brixen has established an agricultural connection through its Agricoltura Pura project. About 170 kilometers away, near Albisano on Lake Garda, approximately 20 hectares of land are cultivated according to the principles of regenerative agriculture – as a large-scale permaculture project featuring fruits, vegetables, olives, grains, wine, and herbs.

Focusing on healthy soils, biodiversity, and functioning natural cycles, the project prioritizes long-term soil fertility and diversity over short-term yields. The harvested products are sent directly to the hotel, where they are processed fresh in the kitchen or refined for use throughout the year. The result is pickled vegetables, jams, preserves, and homemade oil, among other things.

#5 Gut Sonnenhausen, Bavaria, Germany

The principles of permaculture also guide agricultural practices at Gut Sonnenhausen, a hotel near Munich. In an interview, hotel gardener Marie Louise Troll tells us that permaculture is also a response to the climate crisis.

“We have been dealing with the effects of climate change on water resources and the increased occurrence of extreme weather events for years. Permaculture principles help make agriculture more resilient in the face of these changes.” – Gut Sonnenhausen

The Gut Sonnenhausen garden covers 2,700 square meters of vegetable cultivation, 500 square meters of culinary herbs, and an additional 25 hectares of nature surrounding the hotel with fruit and nut trees. To learn more (or pick up some tips for your own garden), you can participate in the hotel’s free “Gartentreff” (garden meeting).

Looking beyond the horizon— when agriculture changes more than just the menu

In the affluent DACH region, in particular, many hotels are showcasing the creative potential of their agricultural practices. However, travelers who look beyond the horizon—both literally and figuratively—will realize that organic farming has a different meaning in other parts of the world. It’s not only about taste, quality, and transparency; it’s also about securing livelihoods and real future prospects for local communities.

#1 The Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, Nepal

The Pavilions Himalayas — The Farm was founded with a clear vision: to help local farmers transition from conventional to organic agriculture and secure their livelihoods. The fields surrounding the resort are home to seasonal vegetables and herbs, and the resort produces eggs and milk that are used in Nepalese cuisine. The food is fresh, pesticide-free, and in harmony with the seasons. Even the ingredients used to make dal bhat, curries, and momos come directly from the resort’s own land.

More important than the harvest, however, is the transfer of knowledge. In addition to learning organic farming techniques, local farmers have learned the basics of entrepreneurship and now supply the hotel kitchen with organic produce, providing themselves and their families with an income.

Douglas and Insuba Maclagan, the founders of the Nepalese eco-resort, have been involved in social projects related to education, health, and employment for nearly 30 years. They deliberately avoid a profit-oriented approach, instead focusing on using tourism to have a positive impact on the region, its people, and the tourism sector as a whole.

• To learn more about their impressive story, read our blog post about impactful tourism. 

#2 Canvas & Orchids Retreat, Cambodia

At the Canvas & Orchids Retreat, a sustainable resort featuring luxurious, partially floating tent villas nestled in nature, agriculture starts small. Yet it has a far-reaching impact. The resort’s farm grows basic vegetables, such as eggplants and cucumbers, as well as herbs, for daily cooking. This reduces transportation distances and ensures the freshest ingredients.

Guests taught the Cambodians how to farm chickens

In addition, the retreat intentionally incorporates the neighborhood and the guests. One particularly nice example is that returning guests with experience in poultry farming helped local families set up small chicken farms with their expertise and equipment. Today, these families supply the retreat with eggs and meat. Thanks to the initiative of these guests, a special farm-to-table connection has been created that continues to sustain livelihoods and strengthen local structures to this day.

Back to earth – and to more conscious travel

The Green PearlsⓇ hotels featured here demonstrate how travel can become more grounded. When you visit, you connect with more than just a place; you connect with what grows there, too. You can see vegetable plants, smell regional herbs, and enjoy food that could hardly be fresher.

At the same time, by vacationing at one of these hotels, you support people who practice responsible agriculture, whether in the Alps, on Lake Constance, or on the Tatai River in Cambodia. To us, this is what sustainable travel is all about: enjoying consciously and giving back to nature.

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What to keep in mind when winter hiking—tips from real hiking experts

Alessa Konrad from Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol believes that winter hiking is the ideal way to experience nature. Located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, the hiking hotel is surrounded by snow-covered peaks reaching three thousand meters high. It’s an environment with an almost magical atmosphere in winter, but it can also be challenging and demanding. Alessa’s recommendations for the right equipment are accordingly clear:

„It is important to wear sturdy, waterproof winter boots with good traction, as well as warm, layered clothing, a hat, and gloves. Depending on the conditions, hiking poles and crampons are recommended to ensure stability..“

Planning is just as crucial. Only use approved winter hiking trails, keep an eye on the weather and snow conditions, and adapt your tour to the shorter days of winter. One often-overlooked aspect is:

„It’s also important to drink enough – ideally warm tea from a thermos, since you lose fluids through exercise, even in winter.“

Bonus tip: Hiking concierge Karin Steiner always carries a bar of chocolate in her backpack during tours—for quick breaks or when energy levels start to dip.

A tour tip from Naturhotel Outside

The Wohlgemuth Almen-Runde in the Tauern Valley is ideal for those who want to experience the quiet enjoyment of winter hiking. The 2.7-kilometer, easy-level trail mostly follows the Tauernbach stream and passes winter meadows and snow-covered larch trees. Along the route, hikers are rewarded with impressive views of the Hohe Tauern mountains. Quiet, close to nature, and far away from the hustle and bustle of skiing.

Winter hiking in South Tyrol

Family knowledge and alpine experience

#1 My Arbor on the Plose near Brixen – with Alexandra Huber

In South Tyrol, it’s also clear that the best recommendations come from those who have known the mountains for generations. Around 15 minutes from Brixen lies the adults-only hotel My Arbor on the Plose. When asked what you need for winter hiking, hostess Alexandra Huber responds: “Just warm clothing and good footwear.”

Guided winter hikes are led by Günther and Hannes, her father’s brothers. They both know the Plose trails like the back of their hand. Three free winter hikes are offered each week as part of the regular program, and private tours are available upon request.

Even if there isn’t snow around the hotel all the time, the conditions in the mountains are still excellent:

„There isn’t always snow at My Arbor at the beginning of winter, but there is plenty in the mountains.“

After the tour, the spa and culinary delights beckon you to unwind. The cuisine at My Arbor is sure to be a hit. If would like to learn more, we interviewed the hotel’s head chef and bread sommelier for our blog.

Ahrntal: Quiet paths and clear rules

#2 OLM Nature Escape – with Thomas Steiner

The farther you venture into the Ahrntal Valley, the quieter it becomes. Thomas Steiner of the energy-self-sufficient aparthotel OLM Nature Escape reports ideal conditions:

„We have wonderful snow in the winter“

The hotel recommends winter hikes in Rein, Weißenbach, and, in particular, Kasern, which is located at the northernmost point of Italy. Here, winter hiking is secluded, peaceful, and scenically impressive.
Another  particularly atmospheric hike is the trek to the Kofler Lakes near Rein in Taufers. The hike features high-altitude, frozen lakes at over 2,400 meters, snow-covered forests, and a backdrop that slows you down just by looking at it.

At the same time, risks are handled very transparently in the Ahrntal Valley. Some winter hiking trails are not cleared or gritted and are only accessible when conditions permit. Studying avalanche reports is part of the preparation process here (and everywhere else!). Respecting such limits is also part of sustainability.

Ritten: Winter has many faces

#3 Hotel Weihrerhof – with Klaus Pichler

Winter does not necessarily mean snow in every place. Klaus Pichler of the Hotel Weihrerhof on Lake Wolfsgrubener See on the sunny Ritten plateau openly states:

„We usually get snow in the winter. And even if it doesn’t snow, we still have the frozen lake for ice skating, hockey, and curling.“

Even without snow, you can still enjoy exercise, fresh air, and mindful experiences at this time of year. Whether ice skating or hiking through the frosty, albeit snow-free, landscape.

PS: In the vast ice field, you will also find a hole that the hotel has cut out for ice bathing.

#4 ADLER Lodge RITTEN – with Sofia Rabanser

Also on the Ritten is the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, composed of wooden lodges surrounding a small pond which often freezes in the winter. Sofia Rabanser provides insight into the activity program and recommends a guided winter hike to the Earth Pyramids. The hike takes about an hour and offers a unique natural feature and fantastic views of the Dolomites. However, her bonus recommendation is the newest addition to the program: a hike with the hotel’s own alpacas.

All activities are included in your stay at the ADLER Lodge. The hotel will reopen at the beginning of February.

Sustainable winter vacations in Germany: Winter hikes and peaceful retreats

Winter retreat just outside of Munich

#1 Gut Sonnenhausen – with Alexandra Baeten

Winter hiking also reveals its serene side in the Alpine foothills. Gut Sonnenhausen, located near Munich, sent us a video capturing snow-covered meadows, the sound of crunching snow, and a sense of tranquility—perfect for experiencing the winter season, even in the lowlands. Take a stroll through the landscape park or hike along the high-altitude circular trail.

Hiking with Bergbaschdi in the Allgäu

#2 Hotel Das Rübezahl – with Alexander Thurm

In the Allgäu region, Bergbaschdi, the hiking concierge, guides guests through the countryside, even in the winter. Alexander Thurm, a member of the host family at Hotel Das Rübezahl, reports:

„There is guaranteed snow on the mountain, but it is only sporadic in the valley. Depending on conditions, guided hikes will continue to take place with or without snowshoes.“ (January 23, 2026)

Snowshoes, poles, crampons, and headlamps for evening tours can be borrowed free of charge. After your hike, relax and unwind in the Roman-inspired spa, enjoy the private infrared saunas in select rooms, and sample the highly acclaimed cuisine. Recommended reading: We have previously discussed and featured chef Erik Wendt on our blog.

Austria: Guaranteed snow in Seefeld and Pfunds

#1 Hotel Klosterbräu – with Familie Seyrling

In Seefeld, Tyrol, you can enjoy snow cover for most of the winter. Here, the luxurious Hotel Klosterbräu, housed in 500-year-old monastery walls, recommends winter hikes starting right at the hotel: an easy tour through the Möserer Valley, or a moderately difficult circular hike around the Gschwandtkopf with panoramic views of the Inn Valley for more advanced hikers. The hotel provides an overview of all winter hiking trails on its website.

#2 Summit Lodges Pfunds – with Marco Spiss

As demonstrated by a special tip from the Tyrolean Oberland, winter hiking doesn’t always have to take place in the morning or during daylight hours. Marco Spiss from Summit Lodges Pfunds recommends enjoying a picnic under the moonlight in Pfundser Tschey, a high valley far from brightly lit cities that offers perfect conditions for stargazing.

After a leisurely 30-minute winter hike, you will find yourself in a natural setting that is particularly rare in winter: true darkness. With the help of an expert guide, you can discover constellations in the clear night sky while keeping warm with hot punch or mulled wine and a small snack.

Good to know: The Moonlight Picnic lasts for around two to three hours and takes place on selected dates. The next full moon nights, which offer the best conditions for stargazing, are on 1 and 3 February 2026. The new moon (ideal conditions for stargazing) occurs on 17 February 2026. Registration is required as the number of participants is limited.

Important: If you plan to be out after dark, make sure you’re prepared with a headlamp, etc. Be sure to check that it is charged beforehand. Even if you plan to be back before dark, you may misjudge the length of your tour, or something unexpected may happen. To ensure you can safely get down from the mountain, always carry a charged pocket flashlight or, better yet, a headlamp in your hiking gear (a cell phone flashlight is not sufficient). Also, always inform someone in the valley about your planned tour and expected return time.

Walk quietly and see far — experience a winter like no other

From snow-covered forests in Hohe Tauern National Park to sunny high plateaus in South Tyrol to groomed trails in Tyrol to the Tyrolean Oberland under the moonlight, winter hiking reveals the power of slowness. It requires no lifts, noise, or spectacle. All you need are good shoes, a little preparation, and a willingness to embrace the season.

Conversations with the guides reveal: Winter hiking is an invitation to reconnect with nature.

Is it winter where you live, too? If so, you can lace up your hiking boots right now. Take with you what winter can teach us: peace, clarity, and an eye for the essentials.

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We don’t want to stop you from traveling

In our opinion, travel has many advantages. It contributes to understanding and change, and it is the basis of life for many people around the world. If you are interested in this topic, please read the following articles after this blog post:

• “Are we still allowed to fly?”
• Social sustainability
• Traveling in times of climate change

Hotels shape society—research confirms this

Hotels are among the key players in the tourism industry. Consequently, their influence on the development and sustainability of our travels is significant.

The FutureHotel study by the Fraunhofer Institute confirms that hotels are playing an increasingly important role in society due to the growing tourism sector. Not only do they shape their guests’ travel experience, but they also influence working conditions, the regional economy, and local communities. The study states that hotels can initiate social change by providing safe, healthy, and inspiring environments that open up new perspectives.

Some of our Green Pearls® partners go to great lengths to achieve this. In our article on charity hotels, for instance, we discuss Pavilions Himalayas – The Farm, a hotel founded exclusively to support the local Nepalese population—70 percent of its profits go to children’s projects. Additionally, farmers in the surrounding area have been trained in organic farming and now have a ready market for their produce.

Social projects of our Green Pearls® partners

Of course, not every sustainable hotel needs to become an NGO. And you don’t have to devote your entire life to the public good, either. However, one can always share some of their prosperity.

What could that look like in practice? We asked Green Pearls® accommodations which social projects they support. Find inspiration—or simply enjoy the fact that your stay is promoting social initiatives around the world.

Let’s start in Cambodia, a beautiful yet troubled country. Many regions are still marked by a history of war, child poverty, and, in some cases, human trafficking.

Projects in countries of the Global South: Cambodia as an Example

Social engagement is firmly anchored in the identity of the Canvas & Orchids Retreat. Host Valentin tells us that it was obvious to him:

“Nature conservation only works if the local population benefits directly.”

Many of today’s employees used to make a living from illegal logging or poaching. Now, they are trained professionals who share their knowledge of the region and the rainforest with guests.

Two of the newly completed projects:

• Clean drinking water for the school in Tatai: After the school’s water supply was contaminated with waste, the Retreat team worked with other local companies to install a collection system.
• Construction of the Koh Kong Khnong School: A dilapidated, two-room, wooden hut was replaced with a new, safe school building in cooperation with NGOs, creating a long-term impact on the community.

Here’s how you can get involved as a guest

As a guest, you can easily get involved right on site:

• During village tours on Koh Andet Island, you can meet local families and learn about their lives.
• Mangrove tours directly support the community of Koh Kapik.
• During excursions, you can plant trees or donate school supplies.
• Support local producers by purchasing handicrafts or regional specialties, for example.

As Valentin sums it up: “Every stay helps strengthen the livelihoods of the people here.”

Focus on social projects: Green Pearls® hotels situated within more affluent regions

Now, we will focus on our Green Pearls® hotel partners in wealthier regions of the world – the main topic of this article. Many of these hotels are involved in an impressive number of social projects. The following examples are just a few of the many projects they undertake—chosen because they particularly touch our hearts.

It’s striking how sustainable accommodations impact their local communities. They support the people in their immediate surroundings, create opportunities, and promote local initiatives. Support for more distant countries usually takes the form of donation projects. For instance, several of our partners are affiliated with WIR (Water Is Right), an organization dedicated to providing clean drinking water in impoverished regions.

Supporting people with disabilities and those with an increased need for assistance

Social engagement is often about participation and inclusion, particularly for those who have fewer opportunities in everyday life or on the job market. Some of our Green Pearls® accommodations are prime examples of that commitment:

The OLM Nature Escape in Sand in Taufers, South Tyrol, supports the Sägemüllerhof in Gais, a work rehabilitation project for people with mental illnesses by

• Purchasing products from the Sägemüllerhof sewing workshop
• Donation shares on select items in the hotel shop
• Guests can donate directly at the front desk or request more information

The Klosterhof — Alpine Hideaway & Spa in Bayerisch Gmain — is also a customer of one of these workshops. “We continuously collaborate with the workshops at the Hohenfried facility in Bayerisch Gmain,” the hosts tell us. The products and workpieces are incorporated into everyday hotel life and truly appreciated.

ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA offers a monthly gourmet menu

The luxurious ADLER Spa Resort SICILIA came up with a wonderful idea to promote inclusion. Every month, the resort hosts a special evening of indulgence for people with disabilities or increased assistance needs. What makes this event unique is that the guests not only enjoy a gourmet menu, but also help organize the evening. They set the tables, help in the kitchen, and welcome other visitors. It’s an evening full of encounters that shows how much connection can be created when barriers come down. “This is a project that is truly close to our hearts,” says Sofia Rabanser.

Inclusion in practice at the Green City Hotel Vauban

The Green City Hotel Vauban in Freiburg takes it a step further. Ten of its 20 employees have disabilities.

The integrative concept is intentionally designed to be holistic:

• From the beginning, only regional craft businesses were commissioned for the construction
• Organizations such as Vereinigung Freiburger Sozialarbeit e.V. (Freiburg Social Work Association) and Freiburger Stadtbau GmbH (Freiburg City Construction Ltd.) stand behind the social mission
• The experienced integration company Hofgut Himmelreich from Kirchzarten provides training and further education

This hotel exemplifies what can be achieved when inclusion is considered not an add-on but the core of one’s actions.

How other Green Pearls® hotels are getting involved – sorted by theme & briefly introduced

In addition to the initiatives mentioned earlier, our Green Pearls® network is involved in many other projects. Many hotels are involved in several areas at once.

To avoid making this article too long, we have organized the projects by topic and provided concise summaries. You may find an idea here that you would like to support, whether at home or on the road.

TOPIC 1: Water & essential supplies

Clean drinking water is one of the most fundamental resources, yet it cannot be taken for granted in many regions. To actively give back, several Green Pearls® accommodations are committed to this cause. My Arbor has supported regional aid organizations for years through its “MY WATER campaign.” For this purpose, spring water from the 1,870-meter-high Plose mountain is bottled and sold for a good cause. In recent years, tens of thousands of euros have been donated to organizations such as Südtirol Hilft, the White Cross, and the Wünschewagen.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN is setting an example as well by providing a public refill station on the hiking trail—a project that benefits hikers, locals, and guests alike while reducing the need for plastic bottles.

You can find more water projects by Green PearlsⓇ partners in the linked article.

TOPIC 2: Animal welfare

The protection of young wild animals is important to many people. That’s why Summit Lodges Pfunds supports Kitzrettung Tiroler Oberland, the Tyrolean Oberland Fawn Rescue, every year. Drones are used to track down fawns and move them to safety, away from mowing machines. Host Marco Spiss regularly participates in these missions — protecting young animals is important to him, and he actively promotes it.

The SANDcollection (SANDnature and SANDglow) has partnered with the WDC to offer a donation option for porpoise conservation in the North Sea and Baltic Sea through its booking engine. The two sustainable lifestyle hotels are located not far from the North Sea and Baltic Sea coasts. With a little luck, you may be able to observe whales there in person.

Here you can find more information on the topic of animal welfare when traveling.

TOPIC 3: Promoting neighborhood assistance and local expertise

Neighborly assistance means taking responsibility for one’s immediate surroundings—where one lives and works. The Hotel Bella Vista in Zermatt, Switzerland, demonstrates this commitment by supporting the organization “Nachbar in Not” (Neighbor in Need) and local youth programs every year, while the Naturhotel Outside in Matrei, East Tyrol, strengthens regional cultural and sports clubs and enables its guests to connect with local producers.

The LA VIMEA Vegan Hotel in Naturns, South Tyrol, promotes local knowledge by regularly organizing alpine herb courses with a regional expert who shares ancient knowledge about medicinal plants and demonstrates how to make natural cosmetics.

In general, many Green Pearls® hotels rely on local guides—from hiking guides to nature educators—to showcase regional expertise and compensate them fairly.

TOPIC 4: Strengthening education, children, and families

Education is one of the most important foundations for future opportunities, and sustainable hotels can provide valuable impetus in this area. The SCHWARZWALD PANORAMA, for instance, has a long-standing project called “SchwaPa Biokids,” in which children learn about the connections between nutrition, the environment, and climate protection over the course of a school year.

The Naturresort Gerbehof supports the children’s project Sternenland and encourages its guests to donate by offering discounted rates for guests who waive room cleaning services.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN has supported the expansion of a nearby public playground—a place that benefits locals and guests alike. Gut Sonnenhausen participates in projects run by Children e.V. and provides accommodations for charity events. Meanwhile, SANDnature and SANDglow support young people in the region through their involvement with Round Table Germany.

Auctioning for a good cause—an idea you can also implement at home

Finally, we learned about another initiative from Hotel Das Rübezahl that is as simple as it is ingenious. Once a year, the hotel staff organizes a heartwarming evening where lost items from the Rohrkopf hut and the hotel, including donated sports equipment, vouchers, and small treasures, are auctioned off in a relaxed atmosphere. The proceeds benefit the mountain rescue service.

What begins as a cheerful gathering culminates each year in an impressive donation, which the host family, the Thurms, generously adds to at the end.

You can organize something like this at home, too. A small auction among friends, at the office, in a club, or in the neighborhood would be perfect. Everyone brings something to auction, and the proceeds go to a cause you care about. This way, items that would otherwise gather dust become tangible help for others.

How much should one actually donate to social projects?

The answer is individual—but there are inspiring models. Oxford philosopher Toby Ord, founder of Giving What We Can, suggests making a “Further Pledge” to donate all income above a deliberately low standard of living because doing so can make an incomparably greater difference for others. On the other hand, author Rutger Bregman inspires many people to donate 10% of their income, a concept promoted by Giving What We Can.

How wealthy am I?

If you’re curious about how privileged you are on a global scale, you can easily find out. The online calculator “How Rich Am I?” shows you where your income stands globally — often with surprising results that change your perspective and strengthen your desire to give back.

Regardless of your approach, small amounts, creative ideas, and conscious sharing can make a big difference. This includes consciously choosing your travel destinations and accommodations.

Do you have any other ideas or examples? Write them in the comments.

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Ancient Greek and Roman doctors recommended cold baths to improve health. In Northern Europe, winter bathing has been a generations-old ritual, typically combined with a sauna and conscious breathing. In Russia, the Alps, Japan, and Tibet, immersion in cold water is also deeply rooted as a method of strengthening the body, clearing the mind, and experiencing nature in its purest form.
This long history shows one thing: Cold is a simple and effective ancient tool. Yet every moment in cold water feels different.

Ice bathing is lierally taking the plunge

Perhaps it is precisely this blend of tradition and personal experience that makes taking the first step toward the cold so unique. It reminds you of your strength and allows you to perceive yourself differently. Jumping into cold water or taking a deep breath of winter mountain air brings you back to what is essential.

Have the benefits of ice bathing been proven scientifically?

Many people, including top athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, report increased energy, improved mood, and a sense of inner strength after ice bathing. There is evidence that cold stimulates blood circulation in the short term, reduces stress hormones, and releases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters, such as endorphins. However, as with saunas, the scientific evidence is inconclusive.

Some smaller studies show positive effects on inflammation markers, metabolism, or the autonomic nervous system, while others find no clear health benefits. Most importantly, long-term effects, such as those on the immune system, have hardly been proven to date. Medizin-Transparent currently rates the data as “insufficient” because many studies have few participants or do not use control groups.

This means that ice bathing may feel good and be personally beneficial, but its health benefits have not yet been proven scientifically. Therefore, pay close attention to your body, start slowly, and seek medical advice if you have health conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, asthma, or epilepsy), are pregnant, or feel uncertain.

Sustainable accommodations with ice bathing options

At OLM Nature Escape in the Tauferer Ahrntal Valley in South Tyrol, you can experience this power surrounded by pristine mountain scenery. The hotel’s natural swimming pond, nestled between glacial streams, mountain lakes, and the Pojer waterfall, offers the perfect opportunity to mindfully immerse yourself in the cold. With every breath and moment of silence, you will feel your body and mind react to the cold, and experience the benefits of alternating between cold and warmth when you warm up in the spa with a sauna, heated outdoor pool, or herbal massage. Here, ice bathing is not a test of courage but a ritual that brings you closer to nature.

The ADLER Lodge RITTEN invites you to experience the power of the cold in a unique way. Every winter, an opening is made in the ice of the frozen natural lake. Before stepping into the clear mountain water, the cold trainer will prepare you mentally in the forest relaxation room. Breathing techniques, meditation, and mindfulness will help you accept the cold as part of the experience, not as a threat. After your icy moment in the fresh mountain air, you will feel energy and inner strength spreading through you. The lodge also offers a barefoot trail around the tree saunas that takes you over moss, gravel, bark, and pinecones. This experience activates your reflex zones, improves your posture, and allows you to immerse yourself deeper in nature. At the ADLER Lodge RITTEN, the cold becomes an invitation to get to know yourself anew.

At the Hotel Weihrerhof, ice bathing is pure and unadulterated. In winter, a hole is cut in the frozen Wolfsgrubner Lake. In the middle of a nature reserve, without distractions, the only focus is the direct, immediate connection between you and nature. The clear, cold water has a calming and invigorating effect—a unique sensation that lingers long after.

Guided ice bathing in the detox program

The Hotel Das Rübezahl, located in the Allgäu region, explores the topic of cold in a holistic manner. Therapist Jürgen Fuetterling developed a concept combining cold therapy, breathing exercises, cellular health, and nature coaching. Deliberately simple, his approach can be integrated into everyday life without any aids. The goal is to push you to your limits to increase your resilience, reduce stress, boost your energy, and promote mental clarity. You will feel the effects not only at the moment of immersion but also long afterward in your mood, sleep, and focus.

Tip: During the detox week in March and April 2026, guided ice bathing will be part of a comprehensive health program.

At STURM, you can enjoy the cold without any program. There is no specific ice bathing offer, nor is there a need for one. The hotel’s natural pond is open year-round. And its appeal lies in the freedom it offers: you decide when you’re ready for the cold water.

It is a conscious, self-determined ritual. No course, no pressure, no guidelines. Just you, the pond, and a refreshing experience that invigorates your body.

Is ice bathing without ice? Yes!

If you prefer a gentler approach, My Arbor offers a great alternative—a cold plunge pool. Although it’s not a traditional ice bath, the experience is similar. After the sauna, your body heats up and your blood vessels dilate. A brief dip in cool water between 46 and 59 °F causes your blood vessels to constrict, which stabilizes your circulation. At the same time, your immune system is activated, and you experience the same refreshing clarity as with ice bathing. The cold plunge pool at My Arbor is safe, gentle, and effective, making it accessible to everyone at any time.

The Naturhotel Outside in the Hohe Tauern National Park in East Tyrol offers ice bathing — also known as cold bathing — in its new natural pool. The pool is equipped with an air blower that keeps the water in constant motion, preventing the surface from freezing over.

Even when winter has a firm grip on the country, the pool remains open. You can dive in at any time and let the clear, wintry freshness flow through you — an intense nature experience accessible in every season.

As you can see, cold therapy is not just a trend; it’s an ancient practice that strengthens the body and mind in a simple, effective way.

Please share your experiences with us. We look forward to hearing from you!

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