Live like an international spy at this luxury ski retreat
- Posted by
- Alessia Armenise
- Published
This stylish hotel nestled in the Austrian mountains will make you feel like James Bond for a weekend (or more).
When it comes to ski resorts, the beauty of the slopes is never enough and the big names in the game (from Courmayeur to St. Moritz) know it well.
So, what makes Austria stand out from the crowd? Well, Sölden boasts more than 144 kilometres of slopes, forests and lakes making it a perfect destination for the outdoors lovers all year around. When it comes to skiing, though, Austria really shines. Being one of the most organised countries in Europe means that the infrastructure in Sölden is amazing – which means you will never have to worry about being stuck on a ski-lift or on a snowy route with your car – and this, on holiday, is a huge plus.
Bonus point: going from London to Innsbruck is extremely easy and cheap (Easyjet flies there) which will make your ski holiday a bit sweeter on the bank account. Now, you only need to book a good hotel…
The need-to-knows
Location
Being a ski retreat in the mountains, getting to Das Central is not like getting to Cambridge but it’s quite straightforward and definitely worth the hassle.
The first step is a direct flight from London to Innsbruck where you will be greeted by a small airport, surrounded by stunning mountains, usually covered in snow during winter. Here you’ll need to jump in a car and drive a bit more than an hour through rivers, forests and amazing Austrian landscapes.
Das Central is at the bottom of a mountain, in a village populated by skiers. You can have a walk around but, really, the place to be here is in the cosy hotel or on top of the slopes.
Style
The style of the hotel could be described as traditional chic. A lot of wood and warm colours make sure that the atmosphere is comforting and familiar without missing out on the luxury.
A real retreat in the mountains, the hotel only has rooms and suites (no individual family accommodations) but the design of the rooms, the lobby and the restaurants emulates a classic chalet, which makes it feel a lot cosier than a classic hotel.
Rooms
The rooms are spacious and comfortable. A massive window overlooking the mountains makes sure that the room is always full of light, even on the stormy days.
The same style found in the lobby is kept in the rooms. Wood and cream tones make the room feel sleek, yet still warm and inviting – and a great home away from home for a weekend of skiing. The beds are big and comfortable, positioned at the end of the rooms near the window.
The bathroom is modern and features a big bath tube that will be the perfect remedy to a long day on the slopes.
Amenities
The crown jewel of Das Central has to be the spa. Located on the ground floor of the hotel, this space is big enough to never make you feel like you are surrounded by people.
There is a big indoor swimming pool with windows open on the outside world, which means you can still enjoy the view of the snow on the mountain.
You will also find a spacious relaxation room just next to the pool, which is the perfect spot to enjoy a bit of well deserved down time after a day on the slopes. The additional, smaller one on the upper floor is made entirely of glass, so you can enjoy the panorama while comfortably wrapped in a soft robe.
Then there’s the numerous saunas, hammam and steam rooms, where you can relax the muscles – and a Jacuzzi is the perfect end to any day. Be careful though, as the Jacuzzi area is no-swimsuit only: if you are wearing a swimsuit, you risk to be schooled for being too dressed up.
Food & Drinks
ice Q
The ice Q restaurant is located 3,048 metres above sea level and is surrounded by 250 three-thousand metre mountains – yes, that’s a lot of mountains to be surrounded by. If you are a film buff, you will certainly recognise the restaurant from the silver screen: ice Q is the spectacular location of the James Bond film SPECTRE. Léa Seydoux sleek office is, in fact, the restaurant’s main dining room.
The fantastic panorama would be enough to book a table but, luckily, the food is also delicious. And sipping a good glass of wine while looking over the immensity of the Austrian mountains – what could be better than that?
Feinspitz
The hotel’s main restaurant offers both traditional Austrian delicacies – like the famous schnitzel – and international cuisine to satisfy their varied clientele.
During dinner, they also keep their salad bar open and unlimited – perfect for anyone who’s extremely hungry or keen to keep their evening meal on the light side.
Ötztaler Stube
The à la carte restaurant within Das Central is all about shining a light on (the frequently overlooked) Austrian cuisine.
On their menu you will, of course, find a delicious schnitzel, but not only that. Tyrolean specialities are created with seasonal and local ingredients by head chef Michael Kofler and his team, to give the clients a real taste of the Alps. Believe us, nothing beats a creamy fondue and a glass of wine after a long day on the slopes.
How to get to Das Central
Considering the location (in the middle of the mountains), we advise you avoid being _too_ adventurous: just take a flight to Innsbruck airport, followed by a car journey (one hour circa, depending on the weather) to the hotel.
Stylist.co.uk tips for a great stay
- Make sure you book a table at the ice Q well in advance. The restaurant is now a real attraction and can get booked up quite quickly.
- Innsbruck airport is not exactly the biggest one which means that there is not always a queue of taxis waiting outside. Book your car in advance to avoid waiting in the cold.
- Exchange some euros before you leave. You will find a cash machine in the village but you never know how the weather could be. Better to be safe than sorry.
Pictures: Provided by the hotel / Getty