Almwellness Hotel Pierer is a four-star superior retreat high up on the Teichalm alpine plateau in Styria’s Almenland Nature Park. Surrounded by lush wildflower meadows and dark-green pine forests, Pierer offers a harmonious blend of luxury and nature that has made it a benchmark for wellness vacations in Austria. The Pierer family has cultivated this mountain haven for decades, instilling it with heartfelt hospitality and a deep respect for the alpine environment. At the heart of the experience is the expansive AlmSpa & Almgarten, spanning 5,000 m². Here, time seems to slow down. You can float in the panoramic infinity pool, literally “swimming in the middle of the natural spectacle” of rolling hills and distant peaks. In the adjacent outdoor whirlpool and natural swimming pond, fresh spring water rejuvenates you as you gaze over unspoiled landscapes. The spa’s array of saunas includes an Alpine herbal sauna – infusing local wild herbs for aromatherapeutic benefits – and a sky-high panorama sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows for spectacular views. Cozy relaxation rooms, like the “Waldruhe” (forest peace) room, feature waterbeds and hay-packed loungers, so you can nap enveloped by the scents of hay and pine. Skilled therapists deliver massages using regional treasures like Styrian pumpkin seed oil, arnica flowers, and alpine salt stones, melting tension after a day in nature. Every aspect of wellness here leverages the power of the Alps – from the energizing mountain-crystal steam bath to daily sunrise yoga and guided breathing exercises that kick-start your morning with alpine vitality. Culinary delights at Pierer are equally rooted in sustainability and regionality. The hotel practices a “farm-to-fork” philosophy centered on what they call “Alpine pleasure”. Their state-of-the-art Almarium natural kitchen is the creative heart of the hotel, where chefs transform colorful alpine herbs, seasonal vegetables, and the best regional organic meats into gourmet masterpieces. The hotel’s own herb gardens and nearby farmers supply much of the produce. Guests savor these flavors in multiple beautiful settings – from a rustic-styled restaurant with panoramic pasture views to a chic wine lounge. A lavish breakfast buffet offers organic eggs, local cheeses, homemade spreads, and fresh-baked breads still warm from the wood-fired oven. Come evening, multi-course dinners pair regional recipes with modern culinary techniques: perhaps free-range Almenland beef seasoned with meadow blooms, or forest mushroom risotto with fresh goat cheese. Pierer’s commitment to indulgence extends to its remarkable wine cellar – a three-story, climate-controlled vault housing 8,000 bottles of fine wines and spirits. Wine tastings here are a highlight, where the hotel’s sommeliers guide you through Austria’s biodynamic wines or help you select the perfect bottle for your evening meal. Activities and nature experiences abound, making the most of Pierer’s solitary location at ~1,250 m elevation. Each day might begin with mindful meditation on the yoga platform or a gentle guided stretch class (the hotel’s unique A.L.M. program focuses on combining Activity, Lifestyle, and Mindfulness). Step outside and you’re directly on trails that wind through the nature park’s alpine pastures and forests. Guests can join guided hikes to hidden herb gardens and panoramic lookouts, or, in winter, snowshoe treks across silent snowfields. Mountain bikes and e-bikes are available to explore scenic routes right from the hotel, and a small ski lift for winter fun is nearby. After dusk, the lack of city lights means stargazing is spectacular – the hotel even arranges occasional astronomy nights or bonfire gatherings under the clear Styrian sky. Throughout your stay, you’ll feel the warm presence of the Pierer family and their team, who treat guests like friends. They infuse local tradition into the experience – from a weekly Styrian folk music evening to little touches like placing a fresh alpine flower and a handwritten weather forecast on your breakfast table each morning. Sustainability is woven quietly but surely into Pierer’s operations: the hotel runs on 100% green electricity, sources mainly regional organic ingredients, and has been recognized with environmental certifications (it proudly carries the Austrian Eco-label). It even crafts its own spring water into sparkling house lemonade and supports local craftspeople by decorating with regionally made furniture and textiles. Almwellness Hotel Pierer truly “sets the tone for wellness vacations”, as Falstaff magazine noted. It invites you to indulge in alpine luxury without compromising your eco-conscience – allowing you to recharge, find balance, and savor the best of Styria’s natural and cultural riches, all in one elevating stay.