Naturhotel Waldklause is a “jewel made of wood, glass and stone” – a stunning design & wellness hotel tucked into a serene forest clearing in the Ötztal Valley of Tyrol. Family-run by the Auer clan, this multi-award-winning retreat seamlessly blends modern architecture with nature’s grandeur. The hotel is constructed almost entirely from natural materials – locally harvested timber, glass walls framing mountain vistas, and stone from nearby quarries – achieving a harmonious dialogue with the surrounding woods. At 1,200 m above sea level, Waldklause offers panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and dense evergreens from every angle. Each of its 59 guest rooms and suites is an oasis of comfort and sustainability: you’ll find larch wood floors, furniture crafted by regional artisans, organic linens, and even sheep’s wool insulation for coziness. The commitment to ecology is total – the hotel holds both the Austrian EcoLabel and the European Ecolabel, and it was built to stringent low-energy standards without sacrificing any creature comforts. In fact, luxury here is entirely eco-chic. Step into the light-filled natural SPA and you’ll be greeted by the scent of Alpine herbs and the sound of a gentle stream. This expansive wellness area features an indoor-outdoor pool fed by mountain spring water, a panorama sauna with views of the forest, a herbal steam bath, and relaxation lounges lined with fragrant Swiss stone pine. Skilled therapists provide massages and beauty rituals using all-organic products – allowing guests to recharge with a “forest bath” for the body and soul. As a guest, you also enjoy complimentary access to the famous Aqua Dome thermal baths (a short stroll away), but many find Waldklause’s own spa so enchanting that they linger on site, soaking in the outdoor hot tub under tall pines or curling up by the fire in the glass-walled relaxation room while snowflakes dance outside. Cuisine at Waldklause is equally rooted in sustainability and regional pride. The on-site restaurant – an elegant space paneled in 300-year-old reclaimed wood – is certified organic and a proud Slow Food supporter. Abundant breakfast buffets and five-course gourmet dinners celebrate local flavors: expect Alpine cheeses, free-range lamb from Ötztal farmers, seasonal veggies and herbs from nearby gardens, and breads from the village bakery. The kitchen caters to vegetarian and vegan preferences with creative flair, and every meal is a “pure pleasure for all the senses,” as noted by delighted guests. In the afternoons, a wellness buffet offers wholesome soups, salads, and sugar-free desserts, so you can indulge without guilt. Sustainability is “practiced, not just preached” here. Waldklause operates on 100% green energy and biothermal heating. All lighting is energy-saving LED, water is conserved and treated responsibly, and only eco-certified detergents and cosmetics are used on the property. The hotel was Tirol’s first to achieve carbon-neutral operations, and it continuously innovates: from an on-site electric car charging station to incentives for guests arriving by train. The Auer family’s philosophy is to “live in harmony with nature without compromise,” a value passed down through generations. You’ll feel this ethos in touches like furniture made from storm-fallen trees and the absence of minibars (to save energy – a chilled spring water carafe is provided instead). Yet, nothing feels lacking – on the contrary, the experience is one of abundance and genuine care. In every season, Waldklause offers immersive nature experiences: guided hikes straight from the hotel’s doorstep into the protected Ötztal wilderness, yoga sessions on a yoga deck encircled by trees, wildlife watching tours, and even occasional edutainment talks on local ecology. Many guests simply enjoy sitting on their balcony, breathing in pure mountain air perfumed by fir trees and listening to birdsong – “pure nature,” as the hotel promises. After a day of adventure – whether skiing the nearby slopes, mountain-biking, or ice-climbing – returning to Naturhotel Waldklause feels like coming home to a warm embrace. It’s no surprise this haven is rated “Exceptional” by visitors for its heartfelt service and eco-conscious luxury. At Waldklause, you truly “arrive, relax, enjoy” – all with the peace of mind that your blissful vacation is also kind to the planet.