As a part of Annette's 100 review challenge for this week; 'review your favorite winter activity', I decided to review this brilliant hotel up in the Alps.
Historically I have always been in charge of travel itineraries for trips my husband and I take, for the reason that I enjoy planning these events and for the reason that I tend to kick some serious butt at it. In 2006 I planned a surprise long weekend for my hon, and took him up in the mountainous Alps. Not only was the drive from Munich wonderfully beautiful (minus the hefty speeding ticket), once we arrived in Bad Ragaz we knew we were about to have a wonderful time.
In German speaking countries, any city or town that starts with 'Bad' has to have (by law) very pure and clean air, and/or another form of natural therapeutic qualities. In the old times (and still nowadays) doctors would often recommend for their patients to either vacation in or relocate to one of these 'spa-towns' to improve their overall health. So in this case bad actually means good.
I cannot tell you the look of surprise on my husbands face once we pulled through the gate, and he realized that we were staying in a true castle. The castle is ancient, dark, beautiful and everything you would expect a castle in the Alps to be. Though old, it is nicely kept up and very clean and regal.
The room we stayed in was the size of a small studio, it was gloriously charming in all the right ways. Each morning as I opened the windows I felt like a princess, all that was missing were hummingbirds and frollicking bunnies on the lawn.
The hotel has a restaurant with good food, and continental breakfast was included.
There is plenty of things to do and explore in the area, but the main draw has to be the thermal springs and spa. It takes approximately fourteen years for this mineral rich water to trickle down through the Alps until it finally reaches the hot springs. Relaxing in this water does not only feel good, it is reportedly also good for you.
Take a lift up the 2km high mountain and watch the wildlife below you. Go skiing, snowboarding, langlaufing or snowangel making. Take a stroll through the pictoresque village of Bad Ragaz. Test your luck at the casino. Take a day trip to the breathtaking gorge nearby.. This little town has it all and then some. And did I mention you get to stay in a castle?!
It is important to note that when you visit Germany, Switzerland, Austria, well - pretty much the whole region hotels and restaurants will be different than you are used to. They are not your Marriott or Hilton resort that gets redecorated every year or two and the style of decorating will be relevant to the country the establishment is placed in. Take a look at the website if you are interested in booking, just so that you are informed of your options when staying here.
I highly recommend this hotel to everyone that might be interested in visiting the region, we have had a great time staying here! read more
