It’s summer holiday season, and if you’re anything like me, the biggest challenge isn’t packing the suitcase — it’s deciding where to go. Add kids into the mix and the decision gets even trickier. Will the hotel cater for little ones? Will your children be entertained? Is there a chance you’ll actually get a moment to breathe? Enter Alpin Juwel, a family-friendly gem tucked into the Austrian Alps, that somehow manages to tick every single box. I was lucky enough to head there for a three-night stay with the whole family in tow — and let’s just say, we’re already talking about when we can go back.
The Location
Set in the charming village of Saalbach Hinterglemm, Alpin Juwel blends beautifully into its mountainous surroundings. Built using timber and natural materials, the hotel feels calm and considered from the moment you arrive. There’s a central courtyard, an expansive 1,000m² panoramic sunbathing lawn, and views that stretch over the entire valley.
While it’s a snow-covered playground in winter, we visited at the start of summer — and it was nothing short of spectacular. Picture gentle hikes, mountain gondolas, cycling through lush trails, and cosy pit stops at alpine huts (complete with local food and cold drinks). It’s the kind of place where even the most restless kids will find space to roam and explore.
The Room
We stayed in one of the junior suites, and let me tell you — it was a dream. The space featured a separate living area, Samina Swiss stone pine beds (more on those in a minute), and a panoramic balcony that we never got tired of gazing out from. The bathroom was open-plan with a bathtub facing the mountains — the kind of detail that makes even a quick soak feel luxurious. Oh, and there was an in-room fountain providing fresh alpine water on tap. Literally.
Sustainable and Smart
One thing that really stood out was the hotel’s commitment to sustainability. From triple-glazed windows that reduce energy loss, to an annexe constructed entirely of wood, the eco-conscious choices felt thoughtful rather than performative. They use energy-saving lighting throughout, plus Grander water systems that reduce the need for cleaning products by up to 30 percent. It’s the kind of place where sustainability isn’t a buzzword – it’s just how things are done.
A Seriously Good Night’s Sleep
Now let’s talk about something every parent dreams of: proper sleep. At Alpin Juwel, quality rest is clearly a priority. The Swiss stone pine beds are made from untreated wood and contain no metal – the wood itself is known for reducing heart rate and supporting deep, restorative sleep.
They also switch off the WiFi in your room between 11pm and 7am to minimise exposure to electronic frequencies (and encourage digital downtime). There’s even a pillow menu tailored to your needs, and the mountain air at 1,100 metres above sea level? Incredibly crisp and refreshing — especially for hayfever sufferers, like me.
As an extra touch, the hotel team leave an “energy symbol” under your bed — a small but sweet gesture that sums up the Alpin Juwel experience: thoughtful, restorative, and designed to help you recharge.
For the Kids
Travelling with a very energetic three-year-old meant the pressure was on to keep him entertained. While the hotel’s kids club runs five days a week during peak season, it unfortunately wasn’t operating during our visit. That said, it didn’t stop us from tracking down every bit of family-friendly fun Alpin Juwel had to offer.
For older kids, there’s a dedicated games room with everything from billiards and pinball to classic arcade games: a nostalgic little treasure trove. And while the kids club staff weren’t around, we still managed to sneak in some fun of our own, making use of the toddler-friendly climbing wall, soft play zone and craft corner. The courtyard just opposite our room also became a bit of a playground in itself — kitted out with trikes, open space to run around in, and a giant trampoline that got a lot of airtime.
And then there was the infinity pool: possibly my son’s favourite part of the entire trip. He was obsessed with swimming outdoors, especially with that jaw-dropping mountain view stretching out in front of him. It became our daily ritual, and it was hard to drag him away.
Beyond the hotel, the area offers plenty for little explorers too. We dipped into hiking trails and family puzzle walks, and even stumbled across a mountaintop playground complete with a sandpit. Perched high above the valley, it was easily the most serene park I’ve ever sat in — my son dug away happily while I took in the fresh alpine air and views that looked straight out of a postcard.
Natural Beauty
Tucked away in the heart of the hotel is the Alpinveda Spa — a sanctuary of calm that blends ancient wellness practices with local Austrian traditions. The whole concept is grounded in natural healing: think herb-infused oils made in-house, a treatment menu inspired by the five elements, and therapists trained in Ayurveda (flown in all the way from Sri Lanka). There’s even an on-site pharmacy and a strong focus on TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), making it feel more like a holistic retreat than a standard spa. And the best part? You can dip into all this goodness without sacrificing comfort or indulgence.
The spa itself includes both indoor and outdoor pools, steam rooms, and saunas — though it’s worth noting the indoor area is adults-only. I get it. Trying to summon inner peace while a toddler cannonballs into a hot tub? Not ideal.
So, one afternoon, I carved out a rare hour to myself and headed down to explore. I’d clearly timed it well — I had the place entirely to myself, which turned a quick visit into an unexpectedly luxurious private spa day. A few laps of the saltwater pool, some time in the steam room, and a good dose of sauna heat later, and I already felt like a new person.
But the real highlight? A 30-minute reflexology session that may just have been the best foot massage of my life. After a few days of chasing a toddler and trekking alpine trails, my feet were crying out for it — and they got exactly what they needed. If you’re after some post-massage analysis of your energy flow or inner imbalances, you might be disappointed (my therapist kept it blissfully low-key). But if you’re after a treatment that sends you into full-body relaxation mode within minutes — which, for me, is almost unheard of — this is your sign to book in.
In fact, I later found out that people travel from other hotels just for the spa treatments at Alpin Juwel. And I can see why.
Eat Well
It wouldn’t be an Austrian getaway without talking about the food — and at Alpin Juwel, it’s an experience in itself. Every dish is made with a clear ethos: pure, organic, local, and proudly free from anything artificial. There are no flavour enhancers, no microwaves, and absolutely zero industrial shortcuts. Just real, nourishing food prepared with intention.
The hotel follows a zero-waste philosophy, and you can taste the care in every bite. We’re talking high-quality Himalayan salt, organic beet sugar, and heritage flours like spelt and emmer. Even the pasta and pizza doughs are protein-rich and carefully sourced. I’ve never felt so healthy while eating so well.
The Soulfood Show Kitchen is the centrepiece — a kind of interactive buffet meets open kitchen, where each dish is prepared fresh, right in front of you. There were various different options when we visited, including hearty soups, a build-your-own protein bowl station, handmade spelt ravioli, fermented spelt pizzas, and both meat and fish of the day. It was impossible not to go back for seconds. Or thirds. Dessert was just as much of a show: delicate pastries, local cheeses, and an ice cream buffet that made my three-year-old’s eyes light up.
Even the little details felt thoughtful. You’re gently encouraged to reuse your cutlery between courses (in the name of reducing waste), and on each table sits a Zanzibar plant, complete with a note explaining its reputation for bringing prosperity, filtering the air, and sparking new ideas. Whether or not you believe in plant power, there’s something undeniably grounding about that quiet green presence as you tuck into your meal.
Food here isn’t just about eating — it’s about slowing down, tuning in, and feeling good from the inside out.
Alpin Juwel: The Verdict
So how to sum up our stay?
I only wish we’d had more than four days — but in truth, it was the perfect window to reset, recharge, and get a real taste of what a family-friendly mountain escape can offer. It was just enough to whet our appetite, and we’re already mentally packing for the return trip.
My son has since asked me to print out a photo of him in the infinity pool to show his friends at nursery, and frankly, I considered doing the same for mine. As someone who’s long believed in walking as a form of wellbeing, I’m not sure why I didn’t try a hiking holiday sooner. This trip brought together so many of the things I love: time in nature, mindful movement, nourishing food, holistic treatments, and, maybe most importantly, space to slow down.
So if you’re currently eyeing a beach holiday with the kids this summer… pause. And consider heading for the mountains instead. You might just come back feeling better than ever.
Visit Alpinjuwel.at for more information. Summer rates start from Euro 160; winter rates start from Euro 190 per person in a double room (includes half board).
