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Escape

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Time for what matters: tranquillity, enjoyment and conscious moments at 1,100 meters

And then there was this place, not exactly in the middle of nowhere, but still far enough away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A place to unwind and recharge. At 1,100 metres above sea level, in the heart of SalzburgerLand, the Priesteregg Premium ECO Resort has been welcoming those who need a little time for themselves for several years now. Surrounded by nature, it offers all the wonderful things you want to enjoy on holiday: good food, stylish accommodation, and, above all, welcoming hosts. Last summer, they expanded the resort to include three lakeside cabins. They offer up to two bedrooms and an open-plan kitchen/living room. A private bathing bay, an open-air bathtub, and a panoramic sauna are also part of the offering. Green luxury par excellence.

A place of tranquillity
The resort comprises a total of 18 individual chalets and villas. Around 80 kilometres by car from Salzburg, it is nestled in the almost untouched nature of the Pinzgau region. And the intention is to keep it that way. Because even though the Priesteregg Premium ECO Resort is a real little mountain village with all the amenities, the focus is always on a relaxed atmosphere. Or as the two owners, Renate and Huwi Oberlader, put it: “In our Priesteregg, the clocks tick a little slower. It’s a place of tranquillity, of inner contemplation. A place where body, mind, and soul are in harmony. The people here also have their hearts in the right place.”Bookings from June 2025.

And they planned their paradise just as carefully: every chalet, every extra detail, and all the other highlights, such as the 34-degree sky pool or the Lapland smoke sauna, have been gradually integrated into the overall concept of the holiday mountain village. This also applies to the three new lakeside cabins. The former mountain chalets have been lovingly redesigned and feature large glass fronts on the upper floor, offering views of the bathing lake and the bay. Here, you can enjoy breakfast in the morning or simply wake up and think: Where I am, that’s where I want to be. Breakfast itself is served in the chalets and is best enjoyed after sunrise meditation on the meditation bench or yoga on an elevated platform in the middle of the forest. But that’s just a tip. Sleeping in is also good sometimes.

A place of enjoyment

Enjoying what nature gives you, combined with an exclusive experience. That’s probably the best way to sum up what awaits you at the Priesteregg Premium ECO Resort. And if it can be put into words, then the menu at Huwi’s Alm is the best proof. Pinzgau delicacies, plus modern variety, and most importantly: many items – such as the crispy bread – are homemade in the stone oven. Because enjoyment is best experienced on site. The same applies to the hearty bacon and jams. The recipes for the latter come from Véronique Witzigmann, the daughter of Austrian chef Eckart Witzigmann. She also likes to visit Priesteregg herself. Other basic ingredients, such as milk and butter, are also purchased from surrounding farms and are sometimes available in the village shop. And that’s where the natural element comes into play again.

It would be entirely feasible to quantify the resort’s sustainability in numbers. But it’s better to experience it firsthand. Because as natural as the resources are, they also resonate with the senses. A place that stays with you – in your memory, in your emotions, and perhaps even as a new inner attitude. For anyone who has experienced the tranquillity that spreads between alpine huts, meadows, and bodies of water will take a piece of this slowness home with them. The Priesteregg Premium ECO Resort is more than an exclusive retreat – it’s a statement for a mindful lifestyle. For quality over quantity, for conscious enjoyment instead of hectic consumption. It’s not about experiencing as much as possible, but rather the right things. The gentle rippling of the water, the crackling in the fireplace, the taste of real, handmade bread. Perhaps it’s precisely this simplicity that lingers in your memory. Because it’s become a rarity.

Photos Copyrights: Priesteregg Premium ECO Resort © guenterstandl.de

A former aristocratic residence, the Borgo dei Conti Resort in the heart of Umbria radiates in new splendour after an 18-month restoration by the Milanese architectural firm Spagnulo & Partners

Perugia, the historic capital of Umbria with its magnificent squares, fountains, and palazzi, is considered by many italophiles to be one of the most beautiful places in the country. Twenty kilometres from the hustle and bustle of the city, a 5-star luxury boutique hotel has awakened from its slumber, welcoming guests to a 16-hectare estate.

From artist’s residence to luxury hotel
The Milanese architectural firm Spagnulo & Partners invested around a year and a half in the renovation, and Maître de Maison Antonello Buono is more than satisfied with the results: “After 18 months of intensive work, in which we saw this venue reborn through every small but precious detail, the day of the reopening is a moment of great joy for all of us. The result of this journey – the enhancement and repositioning of the Borgo dei Conti Resort – demonstrates a striking degree of uniqueness of which we are very proud.”

The estate itself comprises two buildings: the aristocratic villa (21 rooms and suites) and the charming country house La Colonica (19 rooms and suites). Today the villa houses 21 renovated rooms and suites, complemented by a lounge-bar, a welcoming lobby, and a library. In the former orangery greenhouse La Limonaia, the gourmet restaurant Cedri and the wine cellar are housed.

Harmonious accord
The stately flair of this luxury hotel is impressive: the historic stucco, the wrought-iron elevator, and the imposing staircase bring the atmosphere of bygone times to life. Art lovers will find inspiration in the valuable collection of the Babini family, the owners. Timeless design classics by Meridiani and Cassina blend into the historic ambience – an exciting overall concept inspired not only by Umbrian Renaissance painting but also by the colours of nature. Local craftsmanship and regional materials such as Etruscan terracotta from Montone, stone from San Terenziano, and textiles by Giuditta Brozzetti appeal to all the senses and perfect the feudal setting.

Particular attention was paid to preserving the historic elements during the renovation. In the 120-square-metre Count’s Suite and the 60-square-metre Countess’s Suite on the main floor of the villa, the original fireplaces, magnificent frescoes, and wood-beamed ceilings from the 19th century were restored. Both suites can also be used together and offer a magical view of the greenery of the large garden areas.

Infinity pool and carefreeness
A highlight of the extensive park is the infinity pool, surrounded by olive trees and sun loungers. This setting truly highlights the authenticity of the venue and the charm of the luxurious estate. Strolling among the centuries-old oaks and beeches, long avenues, and small gardens, you can lose track of time and enjoy views of the surrounding Umbrian hills. Just 15 kilometres from Borgo dei Conti, which is part of “Relais & Châteaux”, lies Lake Trasimeno – Italy’s fourth-largest lake. With its picturesque bays, small islands, and mountain panorama, it’s the perfect destination for a day trip.

Upon your return, relax in the new spa at Borgo dei Conti, where the focus is on wellbeing, anti-aging, and sustained balance. Whether in the salt room, the hydromassage pool, the Finnish sauna or the Turkish bath – relaxation is guaranteed.

Photos Copyrights: Borgo dei Conti Resort, Dario Garofalo, Diego de Pol