AUSTRIA

OVERVIEW

The ‘hills are alive’ with the sound of…quite literally, music. Vienna was the birthplace of Mozart, Joseph Haydn and Schubert, therefore turning it into the European capital of classical music. Unsurprisingly other 18th and 19th century composers were then drawn to the city. Making Austria a perfect destination for music lovers combining a weekend of Baroque architecture with classical concerts, art galleries with Michelin-starred restaurants.

A simple 2 hour flight from London, Vienna also makes the perfect weekend break. Add to that the month of December and you’ll find yourself in Christmas market heaven. Stop off for tea and cake at century-old cafés, schedule a coffee pitstop in the trendy 7th district or return there in the evening for cocktails. Whatever your preference, Vienna is a feast for the eyes and stomach.

The world-renowned Steirereck restaurant is found here but, perhaps surprisingly, Vienna also boasts Nordic-inspired restaurants as well as super cool Japanese dumpling bars. Take a tour of the Opera House, swot up on your Freud before stopping by the museum dedicated to his work, visit the market for foodie gifts for your return. It truly does make a perfect weekend away, for young and old.

Vienna is a handsome, lively city and pleases me exceedingly

Frederic Chopin

CURRENT FAVES

ISCHGL


ELIZABETH ARTHOTEL

Located opposite one of the lift stations and less than a 3 minute walk to the centre of town, Elizabeth Arthotel is a modern, fun hotel filled with art from the owner’s impressive art collection. The rooms are modern in design with rain showers, iPads to control the lighting and vast balconies to enjoy the views. The spa area has an indoor swimming pool, sauna and steam and the hotel is also home to one of the best restaurants and après ski bars in town.

KITZBUHEL


HOTEL KITZHOF

This 170-bedroom hotel, situated a mere 5-minute walk from the centre of Kitzbuhel, boasts a wellness area with indoor pool, spa and popular hotel bar and restaurant. Inspired by old Tyrolean farmhouses, this elegant retreat combines natural splendour and design.

LECH


HOTEL KRISTIANIA

The Kristiania is a luxury boutique hotel in one of Austria’s chicest resorts, Lech. Less than a 5-minute walk from the centre of town, the hotel has a feel of a private residence with unique individually designed bedrooms, sumptuous après ski lounge with open fireplace and Kaminzimmer restaurant for dinner with over 7,000 bottles in their wine cellar to choose from. The small wellness area has a sauna and Jacuzzi with massage treatments on offer.

VIENNA


SANS SOUCI WIEN

Sans Souci is in the arts district of Spittelberg meaning it’s fairly clear of tourists. Although the building dates back to 1872, the Yoo group has brought in their contemporary and sleek design throughout. With a fully equipped spa with indoor pool, fitness centre and restaurant you have everything you need under one roof.


GRAND FERDINAND HOTEL

With sleek, open-plan rooms and a rooftop members’ pool with a spectacular view, Grand Ferdinand is our top pick. The bedrooms are crisp and spacious in design and there are not one, but three restaurants to choose from. However it’s the rooftop infinity pool that really puts this hotel at the top of its game. Open from 7:30AM to midnight, this must be one of the best viewpoints to see the city in all its glory.