In the Heart of the Austrian Alps: Jagdhof Hotel & Spa from Relais & Chateaux
As I write this post, I've just finished my trip through Bavaria and western Austria, where I discovered exceptional panoramas, super-cute chalets, and (of course) enchanting luxury hotels. The Jagdhof clearly fits in with the latter category. Featuring a pure Austrian style, this establishment is the perfect place to spend a few days: cuisine that's to die for, one of the best spas in Europe, and a highly attentive, top-notch staff.
As soon as you arrive in the Stubai Valley, you're immediately struck by the beautiful surroundings. The hotel, hidden among 80 mountaintops, is the ideal place to stay in every time of year. In winter, it's a paradise for skiers from October to June, situated in one of the largest ski resorts in Austria, while summer brings large grassy expanses and hiking season. What's more, Innsbruck is only 20 minutes away by car, the perfect destination for cultural tourism!
A Relais & Chateaux Establishment
As you may know, I'm very attached to the famous Relais & Chateaux catalog and its establishments, each more memorable than the last! The spirit of the brand is present at Jagdhof, thanks in part to the hotel's family-based management. In 1956, Leo and Margot Pfurtscheller opened a café in the valley, transforming it into a hotel 21 years later. Today, their son Armin and his wife Christina are at the helm of this splendid establishment.
Tyrolean Ambiance
There are 71 rooms and suites, each featuring a décor in which the mountains steal the show. I love the bold Tyrolean look with its wood paneling, antique furniture, and trinkets reflecting local traditions; the result is a warm and cozy atmosphere. And don't worry about feeling crowded! The double bedrooms offer 40 m² of space while the largest suites approach 115 m².
The Crème de la Crème? My Master Suite!
I had the pleasure of staying in the establishment's top suite: the master suite, called the “Kirchdachl.” Spread over 94 m², the suite has two bedrooms, a spacious bathroom with a central heart-shaped bathtub, a rustic seating area, and a balcony overlooking the mountains. Here you won't find the modernity of some of the hotels I've visited in the past; rather, the emphasis is on a perfect coexistence of tradition and comfort.
Stylish Austrian Cuisine
After settling into my master suite, I head to the dining room, where a selection of cakes awaits guests throughout the afternoon. It's hard to resist the famous apfelstrudel (a local specialty), which is delicious! In the evening, we return to another dining room (there are 6 in total!) to try the 5-course set menu. We're offered local cuisine with a more modern vision, much to my delight! We love the well-prepared and tasty dishes on offer, all served with a bottle from their excellent wine cellar, one of the best in the region. Finally, we give in to temptation and take a tour of their treasure trove of wine, featuring 20,000 bottles. Prices range from a reasonable 30 € to nearly 10,000 € for certain great vintages!
For more gourmet cuisine, the Hubertus Stube Restaurant is the perfect choice with its new Austrian cuisine and numerous culinary awards. But my favorite is without a doubt the smallest restaurant at the Jagdhof: a former cable car converted into a mini-restaurant with only 6 seats that serves fondues (reservation required). Unfortunately our stay is only for one night… but don't miss out on this experience if you plan to visit for a few days!
The following morning, we head to breakfast to discover an enormous buffet: plenty of mouthwatering dishes to start the day off right. There's a large selection of all the sweets you can imagine, from classics to local specialties. I thoroughly enjoy my soft brioche served with multiple flavors of home-made jam!
The Spa: One of the Best in Europe
As for the Jagdhof's best asset, it's without a doubt the 3000 m² spa overlooking the mountains, both indoor and outdoor according to the season! The amenities on offer are exceptional, including more than 20 types of baths, saunas, and relaxation rooms. First off, there's a section with an indoor and outdoor pool, surrounded by deckchairs either on the grass or sheltered behind the large glass doors. It's the ideal playground for guests both young and old, attracting many families.
But as you know, I prefer peace and quiet, and I find what I'm looking for at the 700 m² Spa Chalet, spread over two floors; it's reserved for adults, and silence is required. A jacuzzi, saunas, three differently-themed relaxation rooms with huge lounge chairs, fireplaces, balconies with a view, and a tea bar… It's an idyllic place, and I happily spend a few hours there. And the icing on the cake? There's a 100 m² private spa that you can reserve for yourself! Perfect for a relaxing moment for two, allowing you and your other half to enjoy a space of your own, served with a glass of champagne! A unique experience that you can't miss! I can't tell you how many spas I've visited at this point, but this one is definitely among the best I've seen in Europe (alongside the Relais Bernard Loiseau!).
The Verdict
In summer or winter, the 5-star Hotel Jagdhof is an absolute gem, the perfect place to spend a peaceful vacation in the heart of the Austrian mountains. Easy to reach from Innsbruck, it's a very relaxing location, featuring a pure Tyrolean style. I was completely drawn in by the soul of the establishment, which came across immediately. What's more, the service was very professional and friendly. The hotel's secret weapon is its fantastic 3000 m² spa, which not only offers plenty of amenities, but also possesses a charm and luxurious quality that I've rarely found in Europe. It's a wonderful place to explore for couples, families, lovers of beautiful houses, and fans of Relais & Chateaux.
I loved:
I disliked:
Practical Information
Thank you to the Jagdhof for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!
