In some hotels, the spa area is reserved for hotel guests only. However, some of our Green PearlsⓇ partners also open their spa areas to day visitors. This is perfect if you don’t have the time or money for a full spa vacation. We’ve selected some of our favorite day spas in the DACH region and present their sustainable day spa options. What’s special (and best!): Not only is the health of people considered, but so is the protection of nature.

Sustainable wellness – is that possible?

“You can try to avoid the fact that wellness is an energy drain, but in the end it is,” says hotelier Daniel Ganzer of Naturhotel Outside openly in an interview. If you intend to offer wellness in a hotel, you have to be aware of this issue. But: There are several ways to reduce electricity and water consumption and minimize the impact on the environment.

Pathways toward green wellness

Our Green PearlsⓇ accommodations are committed to greater sustainability in all areas. However, as you have already read, there is a special focus on the spa area. As always, there is no one “right” way, so here is a collection of what our partners are doing in this area:

• Usage of self-generated electricity, for instance from solar panels or a geothermal system. (Of course, using eco-power is not in itself more energy efficient or cheaper, but it is definitely more environmentally friendly.)
• Pools heated by a heat pump system that uses waste heat from the hotel kitchen, cold storage and server room.
• Modern pool covers that store heat at night.
• Advanced filtration systems that clean and reuse water
• Natural swimming ponds without chemicals
• Time limit for using the sauna
• The use of natural and local materials, such as locally sourced and sustainably logged wood and natural stone.
• No constant availability, e.g. for private whirlpools (instead, they are filled and emptied at the push of a button to clean and store the hot water centrally)

Other ways to identify a sustainably managed spa:

• Bath slippers, robe and towels can be brought from home. (This may not look as uniform, but it saves on laundry and mountains of waste from disposable slippers.)
• Use of natural cosmetics
• Minimizing packaging waste and disposable products (zero waste principle), e.g. by using glasses and cups instead of plastic cups.

A day of vacation, relaxation and regeneration

In fitness and competitive sports, there have been several studies on the importance of muscle recovery. Good for them: rest, warmth and relaxation, for example in the form of a massage. But wellness is not just about the physical, it also has a mental side: a visit to the spa is a wonderful opportunity to take some time off. Turn off your cell phone, get out of your business clothes, and enjoy the warmth, the water, the scents, and the peace and quiet. Really unplug. Even in your head.

Day spa offers in Austria

Sustainable relaxation at the Naturhotel Outside in East Tyrol

The aforementioned Naturhotel Outside is located in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park in Austria and is surrounded by a fantastic mountain panorama. The natural spa covers an area of about 600 square meters and is equipped with a sauna world (salt grotto 45°C, Swiss stone pine sauna 90°C, aroma steam bath and infrared cabin) as well as a heated indoor pool and experience showers. Outside, there is a natural swimming pond with a Kneipp path.

The price: A day spa voucher is available for 28 euros. The wellness day can be complemented with a brunch or dinner.

Unwind in the unique atmosphere of Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld

The YOUNIQUE Spa at the Hotel Klosterbräu in Seefeld, Tyrol, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and offers a large sauna area with seven themed saunas and various indoor and outdoor pools (open all year). One of the highlights is certainly the heated rooftop pool, featuring a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. In addition, the hand-carved wooden sauna and 500-year-old monastery walls give the spa a wonderful atmosphere. The spa area covers 3,500 square meters and offers all the amenities you need for a day’s vacation.

Price: 99 euros for the day spa, which includes a sportsman’s breakfast (10 to 11 a.m.), lunch buffet (12:30 to 14:30 p.m.) and cake buffet (15:30 to 17:00 p.m.) – wellness treatments are extra.

119 euros for a Yoga & Day Spa with yoga practice, lunch & cake snack

Day spa packages in South Tyrol on the Ritten

The Hotel Weihrerhof is located in a beautiful area directly on the shore of the Wolfsgruben Lake at 1,200 meters on the Ritten Plateau. Inside the boathouse sauna you will be able to enjoy a direct view of the water. A wonderful experience, especially in winter when the lake is frozen and surrounded by a picturesque snowy landscape. The spa also has an indoor pool. In the summer you can use the spacious lawn and take a swim in the lake..

Price: A day pass for the Sea Spa costs 57 euros, including a regional breakfast (8 to 11 a.m.) and a bathing bag (bathrobe, slippers, towel). The “Day Spa short” is just 37 euros for three hours, including a swim bag. The Boathouse Sauna is open daily from 14:00 to 19:00.

Sustainable day spa in the Allgäu

The Mountain Spring Spa at the HUBERTUS Mountain Refugio in Allgäu, Germany, reopened in 2021 and features a very modern design with natural materials. In addition to the heated infinity pool, there is a natural bathing lake, a Zen Garden, and a sauna area with five saunas and a plunge pool. The spa area is open to day guests by appointment. However, the number of outside visitors is limited to a maximum of ten. In addition to the spa area, day guests have access to the Mountain Move fitness area.

Price: 130 euros (Monday to Thursday) and 150 euros (Friday to Sunday). The price includes breakfast (8-11:30am), lunch buffet (1-3pm), cake (3-5pm) and a sauna bag with bathrobe and towel.

Find more wellness hotels in Germany in our blog articles:

Sustainable Spa Hotels in Northern and Central Germany

Green Spa Hotels in Southern Germany

A day of wellness in Zermatt

CERVO Mountain Resort at the foot of the Matterhorn in Zermatt is pleased to open its “Mountain Ashram Spa” to day guests. Admission includes access to the hot stone baths, steam rooms and saunas, as well as the Ritual Room (yoga & meditation) and the climbing wall. The entire spa area is furnished with natural materials and offers beautiful panoramic view of the Swiss mountains.

Price: For three hours, the Day Spa costs CHF 75 for adults and CHF 35 for children ages 6 to 14. Children under 6 years are free of charge.

Day Spa Package: 280 CHF (1 person) 500 CHF (2 people). The wellness day also includes brunch at the Bazaar restaurant and a 60-minute massage of your choosing.

Make your day spa visit sustainable

Finally, we recommend our article on tips for a sustainable spa visit. Learn how to make your spa day more sustainable (to a degree).

Oh and P.S.: A gift voucher for a spa day also makes a great gift!

Save this article as inspiration for your next wellness day.