Miramonte

Miramonte Hotel is unlike most of its belle époque siblings which adorn the once acclaimed 'Monte Carlo' of the Alps resort, Bad Gastein in Austria. Originally built in the 1950s as bank offices, the commercial architecture of the mid-century modernist era gives it an altogether more cubic, functional form perched high above the Habsburg skyline.

Architect Ike Ikrath was no stranger to Bad Gastein and is married to the local hotelier, Evelyn, owner of the family hotel Haus Hirt down the hill. The couple ventured into acquiring the 'white box on the hillside and in so doing, created what is today the iconic Miramonte Hotel. Ike was keen to preserve the 50s gist and proportions, as well as using it as a canvas for his other passions: collecting vintage and mid-century furnishings, lighting, colour blocking and finding a home for the design classics.

Gleaming in white with horizontal timber plank wrapping, the Miramonte is crowned by its iconic logo masthead which sits proudly on the rooftop, a landmark of modernism set against the mountains. It is fitting that this favoured enclave got a creative makeover, whereby the design culture of the era has been restored and recaptured. The ground floors are decked with Bertoia chairs, abstract marquetry, beautiful original black-green stone flooring, herringbone parquet, and panorama windows. Ike commissioned colour legend, Ernst Muthwill to fine-tune his concept in creating the Miramonte. The concept was to create a suite of colours to echo the purpose of the space as well as being able to greet the guest with colour. Ike's trained eye led to exploring the architectural colours of Le Corbusier, and he experimented with these colour concepts in his hotel. Mid-century colour narrates the Miramonte: bleu outremer foncé, céruléen, orange, rouge vermillon cinnabar red, and ocre jaune claire canvas Ike's furnishings. A sophisticated bolthole that speaks of European elegance in a relaxed adult vibe, Miramonte effortlessly translates the Alpine coolness of Bad Gastein. 

It smartly captures the adventurous with the glamorous - a tres chic and decidedly stirred and not shaken retreat for ski, yoga and summer chill pads.

Staying at the Miramonte is all about experiencing famed Bad Gastein and getting out into the mountains for ski thrills, hikes or gourmet expeditions. However, that doesn’t mean that your room can’t be a place that you’ll want to linger a while in. We’re firm believers in your bedroom as your sanctuary – a place to recharge and feel cosy while you prepare for the next adventure.

Taking inspiration from the surrounding mountains, Miramonte’s rooms make use of wood sourced from the forests, cow hides from the nearby herds and a neutral colour scheme which allows the majestic mountain panorama to shine through. Coffee machines, slippers and iPod stations mean it’s easy to settle in. We like the Panorama Suite which comes with a large balcony bedecked with a hammock.

Spa-ness takes on an urban vibe at the Miramonte and extends well beyond the confines of the hotel walls - using the Alps as the backdrop to its wellness boxset. Inside the spa-zone of chilled, uplifting eggshells, powder blues and grassy greens, is a youthfulness of style which sits well within the in-house AVEDA Spa - experts in holistic nature and Ayurveda wellbeing. We love their Green Science Skin Renewing Treatments - and for the gents - there's plenty to groom and tone. The famous Thermal Waters of Bad Gastein flow directly into the hotel for some serious radon therapy, helping to cure the aches and pains of urban life. Yoga also features high on the wellness menu here, with serious yoga instructor programmes throughout the year and a real highlight - Yoga-Open-Air. Literally, a step from the hotel door sees you in the forests and mountains - a fave escape is the 60 mins yoga session next to the waterfall - a dreamy setting.  So though the spa here is not massive, it is big on using its location to its full advantage - ommm in the Alps.

The location of the Miramonte is a hillside perch situated at the foot of the Graukogel Mountain, the elevated position of its decking making for perfect gazing out across the Gastein Valley. It's just a short stroll into town down the hill past its sister hotel, Haus Hirt, and the forest & mountain trails pass right next to the hotel entrance, so you're always just steps away from adventure. The Miramonte is a retreat location for dreamy alpine chill time in Salzburgerland.