On the third day of my Salzburg adventure, I focused on indulging in the spa features that Naturhotel Forsthofgut had to offer. It was a day of unwinding and letting go of the stress of day-to-day life, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Austrian mountains.
To start the morning, I took a delightful walk to visit the hotel’s stables and on-site farmyard, but I’ll save the details of this charming experience for another blog post focusing on family activities. As I strolled along a nearby river in front of the premises, I had the joy of watching sports enthusiasts paraglide above, adding a touch of excitement to the tranquil surroundings.
The spa facilities beckoned me, and I heeded the call. I began with a refreshing swim in the adult-only sports pool, invigorating my senses and starting the day on a revitalising note. To fully recharge, I settled into one of the whirl loungers in the open-air lake pool – imagine a jacuzzi, but in the comfort of a chair. The gentle bubbles and warm water embraced me, and I couldn’t have asked for a more rejuvenating experience.
Before indulging in the lake pool, I decided to partake in the onsen ritual at the waldSPA. Inspired by the traditional bathhouses of Japan, this ritual involves washing before each bath, using the waldSPA exfoliating soap to prepare the body for a serene soak. It was a time to reflect and be present in the moment, truly embracing the art of relaxation.
At noon, it was time for the highlight of my day – a 50-minute meTIME waldSPA massage. The experience was individual, personal, and entirely tailored to my needs and well-being. As someone who enjoys taking on challenges, my shoulders and neck often get tense, so I asked Gabriela, the skilled masseuse, to focus on these areas. The massage left me feeling thoroughly pampered and renewed, the perfect remedy for loosening tensions and melting away stress.
Feeling revitalized, I couldn’t resist taking a dip in the bathing lake, surrounded by the tranquil Seehaus. The cold water provided a refreshing and invigorating experience – a true delight on a warm day. The benefits of a cold bath include improved circulation, reduced inflammation, and enhanced mood.
After a relaxing day at the spa, I retreated to the Bergstille room, where large panorama windows offered views of the picturesque surroundings. With my audiobook, “The Maid” by Nita Prose, playing softly in the background, I felt completely at peace, absorbing the beauty of the moment.
As the hours whisked away, it was time for dinner. I returned to restaurant 1617, a place that had already impressed me with its culinary excellence. Each meal looked like a work of art and tasted heavenly. On this particular evening, my dinner consisted of a fresh salad from the delicacies market, followed by a delightful Grilled Vegetable Tartare with a brioche and roasted onion mayonnaise (a vegan option), and a creamy Beetroot soup (also vegan). For the main course, I savored a crispy Friedpike-perch fillet with spelt semolina dumplings, creamed kohlrabi, cucumber, and lovage – a truly delectable dish. The dessert buffet tempted me with its array of sweet delights, and I enjoyed a plate of bright cake pops, a heavenly hazelnut and chocolate cake, and a refreshing raspberry parfait slice.
The standard of food at the hotel was beyond fantastic, and during my stay, I learned that Michael Helfrich, the hotel’s head chef at “echt. gut essen,” had been awarded a prestigious prize recognising the hotel’s exceptional culinary performance.
To cap off the evening, I savoured a delightful mocktail in the bar, celebrating the blissful day I had experienced. A leisurely evening stroll amidst the tranquil ambience of Salzburg’s natural beauty brought my day to a perfect conclusion.
Stay tuned for more adventures as my Salzburg journey continues, filled with captivating moments and unforgettable experiences.
To close today’s post, here are a couple of videos from my balcony concerts featuring songs from the sound of music. The story on which the film was based was centered in and around Salzburg.
If you want to watch the whole balcony concert followingthe links:
Thanks to Naturhotel Forsthofgut , Saalfelden Leogang Tourist Office