Imposing mountain peaks, crystal clear water, green meadows (or snow covered in this case) and breathtaking natural landscapes make the region Zell am See – Kaprun unique. This is all due to the combination of glacier, lake and mountain in this region. Located in Salzburgerland, around 1.5 hours from Salzburg, Zell am See – Kaprun makes for the perfect place to experience both high octane sports but also pure unadulterated rest and relaxation thanks to the TAUERN SPA Kaprun. The exclusive 4*S TAUERN SPA resort is situated within this unique landscape at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn and on the spectacular Zeller See. It is nestled amidst the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Pinzgauer Grasberge making it the perfect starting point for sporting or leisure expeditions.
Eisbär and I visited in what was to be some of the largest snowfall Austria had ever witnessed, with many villages in Salzburgerland cut off due to the snow. Our journey was slow going from Salzburg, but our trusty driver was a dab hand at finding ways through the ever increasing snowfall. Arriving at the TAUERN SPA we were glad to be in the safe and warm, we checked in and were shown to our room, a double room premium with balcony. The room was minimalist but had everything one would need, the coolest feature was the shower room which was made of glass that could be covered with a delicate privacy curtain. The 4*S resort is open all year round and has a total of 160 rooms and suites, two of which are Senior Suites with their own sauna. All rooms and suites have a balcony with a wonderful view of the Kitzsteinhorn or the Pinzgau grass-covered mountains. Our view when we arrived thanks to the snowstorm was mostly a blanket of white but you could make out ghostly outlines in the distance of the town of Kaprun.Now what makes this hotel famous is its spa, and I use the word spa in a very loose sense as the spa at TAUERN SPA is a destination in itself. The spa covers 2,100m², it is colossal, with the spectacular Skylinepool being its crowning glory. High up on the top floor you will find Austria’s largest and most exclusive Panorama SPA. At high altitude, guests can relax with a unique view of the magnificent mountain panorama and breathe fresh Alpine air from many outlets within the spa. The TAUERN SPA and its indoor and outdoor SPA Wasserwelt has everything hotel residents or day guests could desire, including 12 different indoor and outdoor pools such as an activity pool with swim current lane, relaxation pool and grotto, high-altitude pool with seats and sports pools with numerous water attractions. There are also 10 various saunas and steam baths for energising and reviving. The 10 different saunas and steam baths with guided infusions offer regeneration and activation, these include the Panorama Saunas with fantastic mountain views, the Alpenkräuter-Sauna, the AlmwiesenBiosauna, the Salzstein-Harmonium and the Aroma Steam Bath. As I said this is not just a spa. Whilst Eisbär bared all in the adults only part of the Wasserwelt I was lucky enough to visit the Alpin Vital SPA & Kosmetik. I experienced the signature massage of the hotel, the Touch Down Massage. In this massage the shoulders, then the neck and the head area are treated to a firm massage entailing stretching, sweeping and swing movements, all applied with a special oil blend. Tension in the head and any blockages are removed to restore balance, and whilst I enjoyed the foot treatment I relaxed on a warm spelt neck cushion which I got to take home with me, it smelt like lavender so is very calming and made for a lovely gift.After a busy day on the mountain there is not much more one wants than a hearty meal, and TAUERN SPA have this sorted with the all day restaurant Lichtblick. In total there are 5 restaurants and bars including a substantial breakfast buffet, a 6- course tasting menu and regional and internationally inspired buffets providing everything you could ever want. Eisbär and I dined in the Lichtblick every night and there was always something different on offer, the staff were also wonderful in suggesting accompanying wines depending on the dishes of that evening. Serving Pinzgau delicacies and national and international dishes from all over the world there is a lot of choice, and on the nights there is a buffet one can be as greedy as one likes with multiple visits to the feast. After dinner Eisbär and I would retire to the Gipfelstürmer, the lobby bar, and accompanied by moody lounge music we enjoyed lovely cocktails whilst in the cosy ambience of the open fireplace.
TAUERN SPA was a great base from which to explore Zell am See – Kaprun, despite it not being in either town it has good bus links, so if you want to pop in to Kaprun for a spot of shopping or a slice of nightlife the public bus stops right outside the Spa entrance. Many guests never venture out, and with an extensive spa world, 5 restaurants and cosy panoramic rooms one could see why! So if you find yourself in Zell am See – Kaprun TAUERN SPA is certainly worth a visit or even a stay.
TAUERN SPA Zell am See – Kaprun
Tauern Spa Platz 1
5710 Kaprun
Austria
