Slowly, we climb up the mountain through refreshingly green nature. High and higher, pass farmhouses, mountain churches, pastures, cows, until you reach the top of the Gradonna-country at 1500 meters above sea level, in Kals at the imposing Großglockner. Exceptionally and very conservatively, modern architecture fits into the surroundings. The main house with restaurant, spa and swimming area is the core of the Gradonna. Here are the 130 magnificent modern rooms and tower suites. Clear lines and subtle decoration gives the beauty of nature the direction.
Luxury in harmony with nature
At the Gradonna nature is at home. Moment – does it not mean the Gradonna is at home in nature? In the case of this green hotel pearl, both is true. The juicy green meadows and the imposing mountains of the nationalpark Hohe Tauern are simply everywhere in Gradonna Mountain Resort. The XL window fronts let the nature into the house, which is confusingly reflected by the mirrors in the room. From the outside, the large windows reflects the mountains like true nature. One can hardly distinguish between reality and mirror image
The view from the window: a postcard motif could not be more beautiful
The stone floor (Kalser marble) for example, was lifted, cut and reinstalled during construction. Why? Because they wants to give back to nature what they take. And because the special power of this place of energy is preserved. The roofs of the 41 self-catering chalets (up to a maximum of 8 persons) are landscaped, so that they seem to sink from above into the lush nature. Once you have parked your car in the garage, you do not need to get it out. Golfcars (or in winter snow cats) brings the guests to the chalets. The garbage is here to put in the front of the door. This is because the waste separation is taken very seriously and sorted by the staff.
The attachment with nature can be felt in Gradonna every second
After a (guided) excursion into the surrounding mountain world, a herbal hike (which walks the same day into the kitchen), the mountain bike tour, various bathing alternatives wait for the guest – not to me, as I decide instead of a active-strenuous day to relax after having breakfast at the pool and spa: Here I find the solar-heated natural pond, the indoor pool and the heated outdoor pool, which I quickly select as my favorite place. Speaking of the heated outdoor pool, the wonderful temperature owes the pool the heat recovery from the hotel’s own wood chip plant.
Cozy retreats ensure maximum recovery
My absolute favorite place: the XL egg, in which I return to read between different sauna and steam bathing visits. Huge amounts of towels are looked for in the wonderfully minimalist designed spa area by the way in vain. They are available at the spa reception. Surprising, but already this small measure leads to the reduction of laundry mountains. At the spa reception I also came across the cushion menu. Of course I’ve try it. Until I sink into my bed in the evening, there is already my swiss stone pine cushion to promote healthy sleep. Did I slept better? I slept fantastically, but whether it is the pine cushion, the Aloe Vera mattress, the fantastic mountain air, the pinewood in the room …?
Good morning, wonderful day!
The day I start with a fantastic (wrap-free!) Breakfast – in good weather on the terrace in front of incomparable natural scenery. Great that mountain air makes hungry, for what delicacy shall I stand? With XS-portions I try different muesli variants, various wholewheat-breads from the XL selection, Pancakes and finally hang on the professional juice press and wish me to have a even model also at home.
Regionality is important at Gradonna
There are no oranges in vain, for they do not grow in this area. Instead, there are carrots, cider dumplings, apples (from Kuenz in Lienz), cucumbers & Co. from the region. There are also local suppliers for the meat, the fish and the milk – not for nothing was the hotel awarded the “Bewusst Tirol” (“Tirol Conscious”) seal. The hand-picked tea is served by the Chiemsee Tea facory, the coffee specialties are from Illy from nearby Italy and from a small coffee estate in neighboring Lienz. On the other hand, tablecloths are dispensed with for the sake of the environment – the slates on every square are much more beautiful anyway.
Why go into the distance – here regional resources are used
Even the carpets are made in the region. The sculptures and paintings come from local artists. And the fantastic retro backpacks, which are made available to the guests for hiking, are also from Austria. The small company Estel produces the beautiful models.
Culinary delights around the clock
What to look forward to after the extensive breakfast and the sportsman’s snack (which is, of course, not a snack, but a wonderful meal)? The dinner – self-talking with local ingredients – is one of the many highlights of the day. When I look at these pictures here, I immediately remember the wonderful taste.
Pure nature – also for the young guests
In Gradonna, even the kids feel comfortable. With its own restaurant (if the parents want to eat in a relaxed atmosphere) and a fantastic natural kindergarden, the next generation is well supplied. Here, consciously, too much toys are abandoned, because even for the offspring, the nature holds enough playing possibilities: Here barefoot experiences are made, water is kicked and on hikes the little ones discover the fascination of nature. Children happy. Parents happy. All happy.
Nature is impressive
my-GREENstyle excursion tip: The surrounding area offers numerous fantastic excursion destinations for hikers, mountain bikers and other outdoor enthusiasts in every difficulty level. The absolute highlight (in the truest sense of the word) is the panoramic view at the Adler Lounge on the Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain. The view of over 60 imposing 3000s is not forgotten so quickly.
Prices: Summer from 106 Euro per person / double room, winter from 130 Euro per person / double room. More information and booking – click here
Oh, if you want to travel environmentally friendly by train, you will be picked up free of charge in Lienz or Mittersill. And in the Gradonna do not even ski fans need their car, because the ski slope starts at the door. And for the self-catering chalets there is in the hotel a shop with wonderful products and absolutely humane prices.
Many thanks to Green Pearls Unique Places for the great organization of my stay! Green Pearls® is a great collection of sustainable and unique places all over the world, that show, that you don’t miss anything when you are travelling in a sustainbale way. On Green Pearls® everybody will find the perfect hotel for any occasion. More sustainable hotels you’ll find on greenpearls.com
