The Kranzbach – Retreat Paradise in Bavaria

There are places that have a real myth about them. For example the legendary Hotel Sacher in Vienna or the Chateaux Marmont in Los Angeles. In tranquil Upper Bavaria, among discerning travel enthusiasts, it is the adults-only house Das Kranzbach in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.

Even the immediate vicinity of the five-star accommodation slows you down: mountains, meadows, forests, wherever you look. In addition, the kilometer-long driveway with a fountain and alpine panorama is really impressive. You won’t find any other hotels or apartment buildings next door. Nothing affects the secluded idyll of the 130,000 square meter, castle-like area, which was acquired in 1913 by a wealthy British woman named Mary Isabel Portman. In keeping with its seclusion, the hotel’s premise is: no external guests, no events, no weddings or meetings.

Exklusivity at its best at the “Kranzbach”

This can also be found in the elegant, casual interior. The English star designer Ilse Crawford relies on natural materials. Clean chic and muted tones. With around 100 rooms and suites, you can choose from 11 categories. The winged garden rooms are minimalistic, the accommodations in the historic castle wing score with British-modern charm and the absolute highlight for all romantics and those who love peace: the tree house a few steps away from the hotel.

Japanese onsen in Bavaria

In addition to the exquisite furnishings, location and service (free train station transport, free use of the spa on the day of departure until the evening), we are particularly impressed by the gigantic wellness area. 3,500 square meters with eight saunas, five indoor and outdoor pools (including a Japanese onsen!) And a dedicated ladies’ area.
This generosity of space is only topped by the high-quality food in the glazed dining room with a view of the Zugspitze. Especially the pancakes at the excellent breakfast are the best we have ever eaten! And: As a bedtime treat, every guest receives chocolate from the hotel’s own chocolaterie after dinner – heavenly good.

Everything has been taught of

That the calorie intake doesn’t go out of hand in parallel to our increased well-being, we gratefully take part in the Kranzbach activity program, which – who is surprised ?! – is just as diverse and exclusive as the whole house itself. Whether Nordic walking, Pilates, forest bathing, yoga, or even meditation. For the latter activities, there is the hotel’s meditation house in the adjacent forest, designed by the Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Through the high glazed windows of the building you feel practising the down looking dog in the middle of nature..

In the evening we play darts in one of the fancy salons and sip our espresso martini, then we go to bed. A little overwhelmed by the many impressions, the comfort and the impressive “everything and everyone has been thought of” mentality of the house. The Kranzbach is rightly a place surrounded by a myth.

All photos: Das Kranzbach