Schloss Elmau

I have stayed at Schloss Elmau a number of times since 2020, most often with a very dear friend and sometimes by myself, and each time it has been a wonderful, magical experience. After a recent five night stay in early July I can reaffirm what I wrote in 2020 and what numerous other guests have noted, that Schloss Elmau is a magnificent luxury hotel, spa, nature and yoga retreat, and multifaceted cultural center, with a program every month that includes numerous concerts of outstanding classical and jazz musicians, and talks by well-known writers and thinkers--during my first stay Nobel Economics Laureate Joseph Stiglitz was a guest. Schloss Elmau is located in a magnificent semi-protected natural area with breathtaking mountain scenery, and wonderful hiking, skiing and biking opportunities at its doorstep. It’s all of that but it is much more. At least from my experience it is unique in the world for how it combines all these attributes. I’d like to mention in this review just one of the numerous unique world class aspects of Schloss Elmau in its role as a ‘cultural hideaway’-- its program that attracts some of Germany’s and the world’s best authors to stay and give talks, including Nobel literature prize winners such as 2018 Nobel laureate Olga Tokarczuk and Booker prize winners Julian Barnes, Zadie Smith, and Ian McEwan. On some occasions on short notice a famous historian or political figure may arrive for an unexpected stay and give a talk—an experience I had in autumn 2022 when on very short notice the renowned British historian Timothy Gordan Ash arrived for a stay and discussion on the fate of Europe and the Ukraine war. One of the highlights of my various stays has always been a chat with the erudite and friendly Dr. Martin Lau, a specialist in German literature and theater who helps coordinate Elmau’s program for literature and arrangements for visiting authors. Martin, who can often be found at the book store, has given me and my partner wonderful recommendations for reads of contemporary German literature, and introduced us both to some of best works of contemporary German authors which we have both appreciated greatly.

This was a very unique experience. Beautiful hotel complex surrounded by incredible nature. Hikes, tennis, golf is about 30 minutes away. It rained a bit while we were there, but that didn't bother me. I loved the relaxation spaces. And the spa treatments were wonderful. Great breakfast and we had a huge room in the Retreat Section, which seemed a bit more relaxing than the main Hideaway Building.

Magnificent location in the Bavarian Alps, in a region of mountains, woodlands, rivers and lakes, and picturesque villages, churches and castles. Spacious well-equipped suites with incredible views, and multiple facilities . . . top quality restaurants, jazz bar, lounges, swimming pools, spas, fitness centres. The Concert Hall regularly hosts notable performances from acclaimed musicians. Wide range of indoor and outdoor activities are on tap. The staff service is exceptional.

I visited Elmau for the second time a while ago and I am yet again blown away by the unprecedented finesse found at Elmau. Schloss Elmau is luxury that is difficult to define. Every little detail is perfect, from the furnishing, the staff, the food and the spa; but none of it is overwhelming, nor up in your face, unlike many other ‘luxury’ hotels. It’s discrete, and undeniably perfect. An under appreciated aspect of Elmau, which is yet again so very hard to describe, is the feeling of being so productive, yet calm. You feel like you’ve improved the self, rested thoroughly, yet without feeling sluggish. You leave the hotel well rested and with a bright outlook on life. I thoroughly enjoyed the alpine environment; while a little bit grey like it often is in the early post-winter season, it was still absolutely breathtaking. The mountains are as always beautiful, enhanced by the dark spruce forests surrounding the castle. My room was also, in every aspect, brilliant. As with the rest of the hotel, the rooms are also wonderfully furnished. Minimalistic, yet warm and inviting. I’ve never slept so well in any other bes and waking up to that view of the alps, was, to say the least, amazing. I must though mention that their coffee might be slightly watery. I don’t know if this is because I’m more used to stronger coffee, or if I’m ordering the wrong thing, but it’s always better to go with a cappuccino or an espresso, which is much better. To summarize; Schloss Elmau is not only the best hotel, but the best place you could ever visit. It is one of the few exceptions to “There’s no place like home”.

We stayed as a three generation family in February and all enjoyed an excellent holiday. The staff were very responsive to our requests, especially the sports concierge team who arranged our skiing and other activities and dealt well with all our changes of plan. A great strength of the hotel is that there are always good alternatives for what to do whatever the weather or inclinations of the group (for example, we had a surprisingly enjoyable excursion on e-MTBs with studded tyres). The children in the party very much liked playing with sledges just outside the hotel, as well as the family spas and kids club. The cultural programme, comfortable bedrooms, good food, and the beautiful setting all added to our enjoyment of the week.