Leogang in Salzburgerland is a lovely family resort, with tree-lined ski pistes, cute little farms and lots of lovely mountain restaurants, it is perfect for families or those looking for a more nature-focused ski resort due to its extremely high ethical and eco policies.
One of the most impressive eco-hotels in the area is PURADIES, a 4* Superior Hotel and Chalets of the highest quality but with a clear conscience towards the environment. So much so that PURADIES as a sustainable company was awarded the Österreichisches Umweltzeichen and the European ECO label, thus standing for a careful treatment of the natural surroundings. Created from raw mountain stone, cool glass and powerful oak, this hidden paradise is nestled in Austria’s pristine Alps and offers 500,000 m² of pure well-being from the spa to its culinary offerings.
Upon arrival you drive up the expansive driveway to reception, a beautiful stone structure with stark glass panels against raw wood. Striking yet welcoming. We walk in and the smell of wood emulates everywhere, you are then met with the bar which in itself is a work of art. The bar is made up of 16,000 cubes of oak wood built into one piece of seating furniture, in which lounge, bar, art object and spiral stairs merge into each other.
Over 4.5 metres high and 40 metres long it is truly an eye-catching object. A 3.5-ton canopy, suspended from the ceiling, crowns the design highlight. You can tell that Family Madreiter, who owns and runs PURADIES, has spared no expense or effort, and this structure is a one-off in Austria and probably in all of Europe.
Behind the bar, and to keep the hotel tethered to nature, is the large two-storey glass walls looking out to the mountains and forest beyond. Much time was spent in this area as its homely yet high design and swish, a wonderful balance for an evening in Leogang.
After checking in we headed to our Deluxe Suite in the Spa wing of the building, accessed through Logan’s Run-type tunnels under the hotel. The Suite is minimalist but very roomy, colours emulate nature with greys and neutrals and a lot of untreated wood.
The suite, with combined living and sleeping area, features a box-spring bed, spacious bathroom with shower and large washbasin, separate toilet, hairdryer and cosmetic mirror, foyer with large wardrobe, free WIFI, phone, flat TV, minibar, air-conditioning, comfy lounge and daybed, reading nook, desk, large balcony with views of the garden with organic swimming pond and the Leogang mountains. T
he perfect base for a trip to the magical resort of Leogang and most importantly, one of my pet hates usually, the suite had loads of room for luggage and storage of a mountain of ski equipment.
The restaurant is equally beautiful but also has sustainability in mind with only natural, organic and local produce used in their meal presentations. Their chef follows the principle of processing local, and regional products of the highest quality from beginning to end. PURADIES promote cooperation with regional producers to save long routes of transport and ensure the freshness of the food.
Afterwards, the dishes are refined with local herbs from their own herb garden. The use of organic ingredients is a matter of course at the PURADIES. The result? Delicious and healthy food all paired beautifully with local Austrian wines. The space as well is cosy and inviting with nooks and low-level lighting creating an inviting space for a meal.
The spa is equally as beautiful and is in a separate building that houses the bar and restaurant. Completely free to guests and boasting the perfect location, you can enjoy the highest level of wellness with more than 1,000 m² of spacious alpine spa. The “INNERE MITTE” sauna house with four themed saunas is a place for moments of total relaxation after a day on the slopes.
Always accompanied by incredible mountain views from the large expansive glass windows, guests can enjoy the Swiss pine sauna, infrared cabin, special showers, and two-storey relaxation area. We certainly rushed back here every afternoon after a day on the slopes to sit back and relax before our evening activities or festivities.
PURADIES offers the usual of a beautifully designed and equipped 4* Star Superior hotel but if you are looking for that bit extra, and have the environment in mind, this is the hotel for you. Not only is the hotel built with nature in mind but the food they serve is carbon neutral, Electric mobility and a car-free arrival are essential topics for their guests. In the underground car park right opposite the hotel, guests can charge their electric or hybrid car at the e-charging stations, like the Audi Q8 we arrived in. Also, in the areas of cleaning, hygiene as well as waste separation, environmental awareness is a top priority for PURADIES.
The use of eco-friendly cleaning agents and a full recycling system is also in play behind the scenes. To treat the environment well the PURADIES guests can choose to let their towels and bathrobes be changed every day or use them a second time. The linens will be changed after three nights as standard or, if explicitly desired, every day. So if you are looking for a great ski-in-ski-out hotel with the environment at its heart, PURADIES is the place for you to explore the beautiful resort of Leogang, if you ever make it out of the spa!
PURADIES Naturresort
Rain 9
5771 Leogang
Austria
