Mmm. Think luxury, think snow fall, think thermal spa… and you get the rejuvenating Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol.

This luxury five-star hotel is like a Bond villain hideout in the snowy Austrian Alps; all wood and glass on the outside and sheepskin and fireplaces on the inside. Walking into the vast lobby, you’ll be welcomed by a roaring fireplace and equally warm front desk. If you look up you will see a magnificent antler adorned chandelier, this is just one of the many alpine interior details that decorate the Kempinski’s chic spaces. Look no further if you are in the mood for a quintessential Austrian spa retreat, this place is where all the pampering is at.

WHAT I LOVE

• Austria and the Alps is so often frequented with ski holidays which naturally Kempinski Das Tirol offers, however this is a truly wonderful to stay at during the other less snowy months as well. From the gorgeous indoor/outdoor swimming pool, expansive spa space and many outdoor activities such as hiking and biking in the surrounding grounds, Kempinski Das Tirol has so much to offer.
• With the Austrian Alps encircling the hotel, the landscape is breathtakingly dramatic with balcony rooms feature a striking view of the surrounding valley. Talk about a romantic place to sip a glass of bubbly in your robe as the sun slowly sets between the mountains…
• The luxurious spa facilities are a labyrinth of exciting rooms each with their own specific healing features. Slide to the outdoor pool via the indoor heated pool and swim through wafts of smoke whilst facing magnificent view of the alps, did I mention there is also a wonderful steamy hot tub with equally hot views? Be sure not to miss the outdoor wooden sauna and aromatic steam room – my two favourites within the spa.
• Every morning on your breakfast table you will find a gorgeous little copy of the hotel’s self published newspaper listing the weather, thoughtful quotes and insightful recommendations on activities to pursue on the day. Just the loveliest thing to have alongside your delicious breakfast selection. The breakfast buffet also boasts an immense cheese platter that is not to be missed.

WHERE TO STAY

This luxurious establishment’s superior rooms feature elegant Tyrolean style rooms with the classic chalet wooden walls and extra sumptuous beds. The soft bedding is a regal red and the rooms are all modernly kitted out with flat screen TV’s, posh glossy shower rooms and floor to ceiling clear windows. The glass door leads to your personal balcony with a spectacular views of the Austrian Alps and a patio table and sofa set for you to catch up on the latest news in your fluffy robe over a strong cup of coffee. We stayed in the classic suite which was the most beautiful little rooms. If you manage to score the corner room, you will also have an epic view of the Kempinski Das Tirol and its steaming outdoor thermal pool in all its lavish glory, this view is particularly delightful at night. If you fancy an upgrade splurge for the extraordinary Tirol Suite which features three extremely lustworthy bedrooms, a plush living room, an expansive sun deck and your very own chimney and fireplace. Alpine comfort at it’s best.

WHAT TO EAT

If there is one thing that Kempinski makes sure of, it is that you will not go hungry. Breakfast buffets are a lavish treat of tables full of croissants, cereals, pastries, meat, cheese and personalized hot food stations. For you late risers out there, you will be happy to know that at the Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol breakfast is served till noon. For the even later risers, lunch and snacks can be served at the cushy leather couched areas in the lounge on the same floor as the restaurant. I highly recommend ordering the Weiner Schnitzel, it arrives accompanied by a delicious potato salad. Classic Tyrolean fare done extremely well. The dining highlight at the Kempinski Das Tirol is most definitely dinner in the dimly lit Steinberg Restaurant. We went for a set menu and was pleasantly surprised by the high quality of delicately prepared Tyrolean dishes and rich pairing of wine. Dinner here at the hotel is a classy affair and definitely one of the best evening meals we had whilst visiting Kitzbuhel.

WHAT TO WEAR

Channel chalet chic. You will be surrounded by yummy looking ski bunnies and lots of Moncler and fur. There is no strict dress code but aim for sporty ski lux for the daytime and smart casual for the evenings. All in all, Kempinski boasts quite a casual vibe as after all it is a spa hotel and as such condones strolling through the lobby in your white fluffy hotel robe.

WHEN TO GO

For avid skiiers, the Kempinski is open all ski season (starting mid December) till Spring. As we visited purely as a Spa weekend, we were there mid November and had the pleasure of enjoying the resort at light snowfall, before the ski season started. The Kempinski also offers lots of activities during the Spring and Summer months.

UNIQUE FACILITIES

• Luxurious steaming outdoor swimming pool? yes please! Oh wait, there’s an outdoor hot tub right next to that too?? Yes, yes there is.
• The expansive Spa facilities at the bottom of the hotel include a multitude of relaxation rooms, saunas and hammam steam rooms.
• Kempinski generates a half board meal plan which is a great way for you to fully indulge on all the delicious fare they have to offer.
• For all you fondue lovers out there, the ‘Fondue Stuben’ rooms are available for private group bookings and offer traditional fondue classics.

STEPH YT TRAVEL TIPS

• If you’re not an avid skier (like me), try to visit the hotel during its less popular months, early Dec and late March would be a great time for an Austrian spa break without the peak time pricing.
• Make sure you visit the outdoor sauna section of the spa, hands down my fave part of the expansive spa. While you’re at it, check out the squishy waterbeds in the relaxation area.
• Don’t forget to pay a visit to the easily missed outdoor hot tub that is tucked in on the side of the impressive outdoor pool.
• The restaurants only serve breakfast (latest till 12) and Dinner, so be sure to pop in at accourding times. After that, a la carte food is served in the bar and lounge area. The Schnitzel is to die for.

Rooms start at £350 a night. Click HERE to book at a low price!