Salzburg Alpine Wellness Escape at the Queen Spa

The resort sits in Maria Alm at the foot of the Hochkönig in the Salzburg region, about 70 km south of Salzburg city. Everything happens on site or directly from the hotel — in winter you ski or board straight into the Hochkönig ski area, part of the Ski amadé network, and in summer and autumn the hiking trails start from the hotel. The daily programme is put up each day and includes yoga sessions, guided winter hikes, body styling classes and changing fitness and relaxation sessions, so the week has a loose shape without being a boot camp.

The spa is the main draw. The QUEEN SPA has a 17-metre infinity pool, a whirlpool, several saunas and relaxation areas with mountain views. The TIARA SPA is adults only and has a relaxation pool, a panoramic sauna and quiet zones. Several packages include a €50 spa voucher per adult, which covers a treatment such as a massage. The hotel also offers a wellness bag with bathrobe and towels for the duration of your stay, so you don't need to pack one.

Food is included on the HOCHKÖNIGIN Gourmet Board: an extensive breakfast buffet, an afternoon QUEEN Snack, and a six-course dinner with a choice of dishes. If you are on one of the hiking or wellness packages from the other hotels featured in the same programme, the board differs slightly — for example, the Ritzenhof Hike & Relax package includes a breakfast buffet, soup, salad and cake in the afternoon, and a five-course gourmet dinner in the evening.

In winter, the Hochkönig and Ski amadé lift pass is included on some packages (6-day pass on the Best Ager Week for guests born in 1967 or earlier; children ski free on the Easter Family package when a parent buys a 4- to 18-day pass). In autumn, the Hochkönig Card gives free and discounted experiences and daily free cable car rides in the region. The hotel runs a free shuttle to and from Saalfelden train station if you reserve in advance, and there is free parking and a heated ski room with boot dryers.

This is not a structured fitness retreat. There is no set training schedule and no coach-led programme — the activity is optional and the pace is yours. It suits couples, solo travellers and friends who want a comfortable alpine hotel with a serious spa and the option to ski or hike each day. Families are welcome on the family packages, and there are adults-only areas if you want to avoid children in the spa.

What's included

- Accommodation in your selected room category - Extensive gourmet breakfast - Afternoon QUEEN Snack - Six-course dinner with a choice of dishes - Unlimited access to QUEEN SPA (17m infinity pool, whirlpool, saunas, relaxation areas) - Unlimited access to TIARA SPA Adults Only (relaxation pool, panoramic sauna, quiet zones) - Daily activity programme including yoga, winter hikes and changing fitness and relaxation sessions - Wellness bag with bathrobe and towels - Complimentary parking at the resort - Free Wi-Fi throughout the resort - Heated ski room with ski boot dryers - Complimentary shuttle to and from Saalfelden train station (advance reservation required)

What's not included

- Flights and travel to Salzburg - Travel insurance - Ski passes (unless the package specifically includes one) - Ski or snowboard equipment rental - Horse-drawn sleigh ride (available at an additional charge on the Advent package) - Personal expenses - Additional spa treatments beyond any voucher included - City tax or local tourist tax, if applicable