Features Mann Overboard

Alpine Charm in Austria: Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof

Photo courtesy of Hotel Tennerhof

Kitzbühel, Austria, best known for its world-class skiing, is the jewel of the Austrian Alps. This quintessential Tyrolean village exudes sophistication and enchants visitors with its charming town, upscale shopping and thriving dining scene. Here, stroll the pedestrian-friendly old city and get lost in its picturesque collection of colorful buildings and distinctive local architecture surrounded by breathtaking mountain peaks. No matter the time of year, visiting Kitzbühel will not disappoint travelers seeking an authentic Alpine experience.

Boasting the most extensive ski terrain in Austria and conveniently part of the IKON ski-pass network, plenty of adventures await for all skill levels and interests. Kitzbühel is also home to the famous Hahnenkamm World Cup Races which attract ski enthusiasts from far and wide to witness one of the sport’s most legendary ski races, The Streif. Held every January since 1937, the event draws world-class competitive skiers vying for victory on what is regarded as one of the world’s most difficult downhill ski slopes.

Think Kitzbühel is just a winter wonderland? Think again: as spring ushers in warmer weather, wildflowers begin to bloom, revealing a vast network of hiking and mountain biking trails. Swim in the pristine waters of the nearby lakes, rent an exotic car and cruise through the twists and turns of the mountain roads, or play a round of golf at one of the area’s four courses.

Setting the standard for 5-star luxury in Kitzbühel, Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof has been welcoming guests for decades. It was the first hotel in the area to be awarded the prestigious 5-star designation, and even today it remains a family-owned-and-operated property committed to preserving the historical traditions of the region while seamlessly integrating understated elegance with top-of-the-line amenities.

Perched above the town center, the inviting Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof draws guests in with its graceful allure. From the moment you step foot on its idyllic grounds, you feel the hotel’s rich history and always receive a warm and friendly welcome. With the property dating back centuries, no detail was overlooked as it evolved over the years. In each of the 39 spacious rooms and suites, six nearby chalets and all of the common spaces, guests will find antique furnishings, many from the owner’s personal collection, hand-picked and exquisitely designed textiles and interesting local works of art. No two guest rooms are alike, adding to Hotel Tennerhof’s charm. Some offer cozy, wood-burning fireplaces and most have terraces showcasing panoramic views, but all capture the heart and soul of Kitzbühel. For larger groups, families or extended stays, the chalet suites are a fantastic option and include state-of-the-art finishes, including a private sauna and steam room and expansive terraces.

While a young man, author Ian Fleming called Kitzbühel and Hotel Tennerhof home. Referring to his years spent in Kitzbühel and Hotel Tennerhof as his “golden time,” it is no surprise that Kitzbühel’s fairytale-esque medieval village, dramatic landscape and aura of adventure inspired his most famous character, MI6’s 007. Today, Fleming’s Tennerhof residence has been aptly named “The James Bond Room” and can be reserved in advance by guests.

As an award-winning Leading Spa Resort, Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof invites guests to enjoy the “Spa de Charme,” a relaxing oasis providing personalized services, including indulgent massages and rejuvenating body treatments. Guests also have unlimited access to the wellness areas featuring a Finnish sauna, cold plunge, steam room and climatized relaxation area overlooking the gardens and beyond. There are two swimming pools, one indoor and one outside, located on the property. Both are an ideal spot to unplug and enjoy a quiet moment.

Be sure to spend some time in the stylish lobby bar, which provides daily afternoon service of tea and cakes. In the evening, it transforms into a lively gathering spot where guests can sit by the roaring fire or watch the sunset on the outdoor terrace while enjoying evening cocktails and live music.

Given Kitzbühel’s international reputation, dining options are plentiful, from traditional Tyrolean fare to upscale Italian cuisine. Relais & Châteaux Hôtel Tennerhof offers two dining choices, including the Tennerhof Restaurant, the property’s fine dining option serving contemporary cuisine in a romantic setting, and Römerhof Stüberl, situated in a nearby traditional Tyrolean farmhouse and serving Austrian classics such as Raclette, Fondue and Wiener Schnitzel.

What makes Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof stand out is the individualized and unparalleled service it provides to its guests. From arranging a helicopter sightseeing tour to a privately curated Alpine adventure, the friendly, knowledgeable and well-trained staff tend to every detail with impeccable courtesy. Not to mention their complimentary shuttle service to and from the town center, the gondola in winter and any of the nearby golf courses in summer allow visitors to easily access everything Kitzbühel has to offer.

To start planning your custom itinerary to the Austrian Alps, contact The Destination Designer and experience the magic of Relais & Châteaux Hotel Tennerhof.