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The former heart of the Habsburg Empire, Austria’s lavish and sophisticated past sets the stage for its role today as the pre-eminent arts and culture destination in Europe. Here, view Klimt’s famous “Kiss” or Dürer’s “Hare”, walk through the world’s largest Bruegel collection, or get lost in the Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum), built in 1891 near the Imperial Palace to showcase the impressive collections of the imperial family. From the grand halls of Schönbrunn Palace to the medieval church of St. Stephens, the city is a living wonderland, and the former home of creative luminaries like Haydn, Schubert, Beethoven, Johann Strauss and Brahms, as well as Fritz Lang, Hedy Lamarr and Egon Schiele. Just don't forget, Vienna is a walking city, whether it's with a cup of mulled wine as you peruse the Christmas markets or a pastry as you stroll the Danube.
Definitely off-radar, ‘an insider’s boho art den’ best describes this series of lavish apartments, suites and rooms dressed in a plush melange of period styles, furnishings and artistic installations. This discreet little number is famed by writers, artists, actors and thinkers alike.
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A lovely alpine lodge for families that has had a chic, eclectic refit. Quirky design elements, stacks of well-positioned collectables and lively, modern takes on heritage prints and textiles decorate this boutique interior.
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A contemporary private den for discerning design purists, Ʌerli’s allure is a harmonious marriage of tradition meets modernity, continuing and furthering the strong architectural alpine remit of Tyrolean design.
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Put on the map in the 1965 film ‘Sound of Music’ – everyone wanted to know where those lush alpine pastures were, and wanted a slice of the pure, mountain life. It was, of course Salzburger Land, also known as the province of Salzburg, which fans down from capital city Salzburg in Austria.
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Doorstep slopes, bold architecture and an ethos of family living flood this hotel-apartment basecamp with rooftop restaurant, infinity pool and sunshine decks steps from 220km of ski pistes and mountain hikes.
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The perfect amalgamation of old and new, Benedikta breathes fresh life into Vorarlberg heritage traditions in this smoothly crafted private-hire house originally built in 1836, located in the sleepy village of Vandans clasped by the wildflower-strewn valley of Montafon, west Austria.
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Mesmerhaus, once the sexton’s home, is today a wonderful style chameleon of ornate exteriors and simplistic elegant interiors. The effect is of refined originality, a heritage house reduced to its essence through a calming language of decorative stillness.
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Ullrhaus is a hotel of muted luxury, where cool design marries Alpine soul and a minimalist edge. Located in the resort of St. Anton in the Tyrolean Alps, home to some of the Alps’ most exhilarating skiing.
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Built into the original Medieval town walls of Hall, this former guilders’ house of traditional Tirol style has stood here for well over half a century with records dating back to 1450. Today, behind the rose petal façade, lies the small Kontor Boutiquehotel.
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Close to the Tirol mountains of the Tux and Zillertal Alps, this design hotel of chilled style and nostalgic tradition, steps away from the chocolate-box picture-postcard image with creative art installations and a casual approach to life in the alps.
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A fabulous foodie haunt, this chilled riverside hotel in Upper Austria is a traditional modernist that plays with heritage, the arts and nature between the Bohemian Forests and the Danube.
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A two-star Michelin gem, this quirky 19th-century cottage lures food lovers worldwide with bold flavours, creative flair, and an unforgettable culinary journey worth every mile.
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A lair of nature wrapped by the mountains and forests with perhaps one of the best nature-inspired spas in Austria, all overlooking the Leogang Rockies. This design hotel hugs smooth modern interiors that brush up to loveliness of the Alps, complete with its own lake.
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