This Luxury Wellness Resort Just Might Be Austria’s Most Beautiful Stay

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Austria is surprisingly (and severely) underrated. This small country, roughly the size of Maine, is more often than not overlooked by those planning European getaways. Even with its incredibly rich history, Sound of Music–esque hills, and beloved Wiener Schnitzel, it hasn’t yet earned the recognition it deserves, especially in the Alps. Stretching from the west near Liechtenstein to the eastern Vienna Basin, this region is defined by towering peaks that could rival Italy’s Dolomites, lakes so turquoise they almost look unreal, and storybook villages that feel plucked from a classic Disney film.

One of these villages, tucked into a valley framed by jagged mountains and rolling hills, is Leogang. Small and mostly known among outdoor enthusiasts, it’s home to one of Austria’s most beautiful wellness retreats: Naturhotel Forsthofgut. Built from timber and stone, the hotel almost disappears into the surrounding landscape. I visited during a crisp fall week, and as steam romantically rose from the outdoor pool, it became clear that this isn’t just a hotel — it’s the key to experiencing the Austrian Alps at their absolute best.

The History

For those who speak German, the name says it all: “Forst” means forest, “hof” means farmstead, and “goot” means good or, in this case, elevated — three words that perfectly define the property. And fittingly, the story begins with the forest. The year 1617 marked the start of it all. Originally a small forestry business and farm, the family-owned property gradually evolved over the centuries. By the 1960s, the owners began renting out two rooms to travelers — the first hint of what was to come. Eventually, a hotel was born, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, Naturhotel Forsthofgut feels both timeless and refreshingly modern. Inside, a mix of contemporary alpine design and classic Tyrolean accents creates a space that’s equally elegant and inviting.

Checking In

It’s fair to say Forsthofgut is massive. Spanning 60,000 square meters, it has a way of somehow feeling like an intimate, private retreat. With 112 rooms and suites, the hotel caters to every kind of traveler. Families gravitate toward the spacious suites, while couples and solo guests tend to favor the cozier rooms in the main building. For those craving indulgence, there are specialty suites, some with private outdoor saunas and multiple stories.

My room faced the mountains, with floor-to-ceiling glass doors that brought the outside in. My private deck looked towards the ski lift, where a gondola was busy making its way up and down the mountain. Each morning, I was excited to wake up to the view, while each night, I looked forward to seeing the stars. 

The Spa

As beautiful as the mountain views were from my room, the real magic was in another corner of the property: the spa. Billed as Europe’s first forest-inspired spa, it’s the heart of the Forsthofgut experience. Spanning across the grounds, it’s divided into three areas: the Seehaus by the lake, the Adults Only retreat, and the Family & Kids zone.

The Seehaus is the centerpiece, wrapped around a natural bathing lake and anchored by a Japanese-inspired onsen pool kept at 42 degrees. There’s also a lake pool that blends into the water, whirlpool loungers with views of the Leogang Mountains, and a lakeside sauna with views out of a dream. Inside, quiet rooms and relaxation lounges offer spaces to unwind between swims and sauna sessions.

The Adults Only section is equally impressive, designed for those who want to rest and recharge. Highlights include an outdoor sauna overlooking the hotel’s wildlife enclosure, a sports pool with a rooftop terrace, and a quiet whirlpool. Families, meanwhile, have their own dedicated wellness space, complete with a children’s water world, water workshops, and a long, twisty slide.

My days naturally revolved around the spa. Mornings started with long soaks in the steaming onsen pool, while afternoons were spent alternating between saunas and quiet rooms, often with a book and a cup of tea in hand. I’d stroll around the property in my bathrobe and slippers, passing other guests doing the same. I also made time to explore the new waldSPA Health area, a longevity-focused program that blends holistic methods with modern wellness science. Here, treatments and diagnostics go beyond relaxation, with offerings like cryo chambers, metabolic analysis, athletic training, and more, all designed to optimize health and well-being in the long term.

Beyond the spa, Forsthofgut makes the most of its alpine location. In summer, there are guided hikes and biking tours starting directly from the property, while in winter, the hotel offers ski-in, ski-out access to the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. 

Your Table Is Ready

Dining at Forsthofgut is an experience in itself. My mornings started at the Gourmet Market, which feels more like an alpine food hall than a hotel buffet. I’d fill my plate with fresh bread, local cheeses and yogurt, and bright, seasonal fruit. The juice bar was a fun stop for smoothies and sips, while the coffee station was like a little café, complete with endless cappuccinos.

In the afternoons, the hotel serves “Kitchen Greetings”— small, creative bites from the chefs that are surprisingly filling and a nice bridge between spa time and dinner. Come evening, the main restaurant boasts three, five-course menus where guests choose between Alpine, Local, or Vegan options.

Additionally, the three à la carte restaurants add another layer. Mizūmi is the most unexpected, as it’s not every day you find fresh sushi and ramen prepared in an open show kitchen in the middle of the Alps. Silva is ideal for special occasions, where fine dining plates inspired by the forest are paired with carefully selected wines. Restaurant 1617, by contrast, celebrates alpine tradition, offering classic Austrian dishes.

Evenings rarely end just with dinner. The Botanist Bar & Natural Pharmacy, styled like a 20th-century apothecary, pours cocktails infused with alpine botanicals. Upstairs, the adults-only Beletage offered a quieter retreat for sipping spirits or reading in peace.

Additionally . . .

And then, there’s what’s included: Forsthofgut is generous with its details. Guests enjoy full access to the forestSPA, the garden and bathing lake, and a waldSPA bag with robes and slippers. Practical perks are covered too, with free parking, EV charging stations, and underground spaces. The activity program is extensive—yoga classes, guided hikes, and biking tours are on offer year-round. In summer, the Saalfelden Leogang Card is a major bonus, granting free mountain lift rides and access to regional attractions. Come winter, the property transforms into a ski-in/ski-out retreat, complete with in-house ski pass service, heated lockers, and even its own toboggan run.

Families can enjoy perks, too. Rocky’s Club provides childcare seven days a week for kids two and up, with supervised meals, outdoor adventures, and creative workshops. There’s also a wildlife enclosure, a children’s farm, and a full riding stable home to horses, where guests can even bring their own.

Checking Out

Between the incredible location, endless spa options, fresh food, and the sheer beauty of the property, Forsthofgut is more than a luxury hotel — it’s a place that captures everything Austria has to offer. If Austria is still underrated, Forsthofgut is proof that it shouldn’t be.