NATURE AWAKENS: THESE HOTELS CELEBRATE SPRING

A gentle sea breeze wafts over the North Sea, it is peaceful here in Schleswig-Holstein's Wadden Sea World Heritage Site: the Upstalsboom Wyk on Föhr is located directly on Wyk's south beach, a picturesque seaside that invites you to just unwind. The 167 exclusive rooms, lofts & suites are the perfect setting for relaxation, and you can recharge your batteries in the wellness area. The "eilun SPA" helps you recuperate with aroma massages, detox treatments and luxurious cosmetics, and the panorama sauna is the perfect place for inner contemplation. And while you swim laps in the heated outdoor pool, you can bask the spring sunshine. The culinary delights on offer also leave nothing to be desired: The "bi a wik" restaurant is known for its delicious Nordic specialties, while the "sydbar" takes you on a culinary journey. At Upstalsboom, unique service and the highest standards are combined with warmth and luxury to create an irresistable overall concept. It is not without reason that the hotel was recently named one of the "101 best hotels in Germany".

Pro tip: Take advantage of the "WinterSpecial" in spring and save 20 percent when booking by April 11. Promotion applies to the current daily room rate for new bookings for a stay between Sunday and Friday. Doubles  from €208.

Upstalsboom Wyk auf Föhr
Gmelinstr. 11, 25938 Wyk auf Föhr, Germany
+49 4681 9920 0 - upstalsboom-wyk.de

At the foot of the Arlberg in the vibrant resort town of St. Anton, the hidden-luxury hotel "Arpuria" is located right on the edge of the forest. Especially in the spring months, the location is perfect for either the last ski runs on the groomed slopes, or  the first high-altitude hikes amid glowing sunshine. In the hotel itself, the focus is on relaxation and "precious moments". After an active day outdoors, immerse yourself in the hotel's own Aria Spa and choose between the pool, saunas, relaxation zones and treatments. Guests can also look forward to a varied program of exquisite experiences – from yoga in front of the natural scenery to culinary masterclasses and wine tastings.

It is easy to feel at home at the Peternhof. The resort is located amid a fantastic mountain backdrop in the Kaiserwinkel and radiates tradition, warmth and hospitality. Your spring vacation begins here with a breathtaking view of the Wilder Kaiser, along with a whole range of activities in the alpine environs. In addition to the cozy, luxurious rooms, the hotel has a large, soothing spa with a waterworld and a wellness chalet, an indoor riding arena, tennis courts and a large park. There are 12 golf courses within a radius of just 35 kilometers and the area is ideal for hiking, walking and e-biking. A place for the whole family and anyone who seeking to be enchanted by the beauty of the mountains.

At the Hotel BLÜ in the Gastein Valley, you are right in the thick of it – the thick of the action, and the dreamlike alpine vistas , warmly embraced by the rugged mountain peaks. While the snow is still glistening on the mountaintops, the pleasant spring sun has been warming the valley, making it perfect for gentle walks, challenging hikes or the first bike tours of the year. The BLÜ is the perfect home base for all these adventures. For those who prefer to relax, the Gastein Yoga Days offer a wide range of yoga sessions, meditation and manifestation rituals.

Hotel BLÜ
Kaiser-Franz-Platz 1, 5630 Bad Hofgastein, Austria
+43 6432 6230 - hotelblue.at

Alpine tradition meets free spirits – spring is celebrated with particular intensity at the first boho hotel in the Alps. As the sun unfolds its full potential, the raffia parasols are opened again and the first guests dangle their feet in the still refreshingly cold natural bathing pond. Those who don't want to give up winter sports just yet can celebrate the end of the season high up on the perfectly groomed pistes of the Ski Amadé network, while down in the valley, nature invites you to enjoy either relaxing or fast-paced excursions. The necessary hiking equipment, information on e-bike rental and the HochkönigCard are conveniently available at reception.

Jufenalm
Jufen 10, 5761 Maria Alm, Austria
+43 6584 / 7152 - jufenalm.at

At the Waldhaus Sils in the Swiss Engadine valley, all signs are currently pointing to gentle exercise and recreation. Yoga classes with renowned trainers are held several times a week, and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, the spa offers aqua jogging to strengthen the core and back muscles. If the weather cooperates, outdoor activities are also possible. The Waldhaus has two tennis courts, and there are also four golf courses for beginners and pros within a radius of 30 kilometers. And how nice is it when you can finally end your day on the terrace with an aperitif?

Hotel Waldhaus
Via da Fex 3, 7514 Sils im Engadin, Switzerland
+41 81 838 51 00 - waldhaus-sils.ch

The open fire crackles gently while the first warm rays of sunshine are reflected in the crystal lake outside. The LaPosch is a true sanctuary, in winter as well as in spring. When nature blossoms, the Zugspitz region becomes a beautiful adventure playground and invites you to go hiking, biking and climbing. In the afternoon, guests can return to the quiet chalet village to enjoy the rustic atmosphere in one of the 16 wooden chalets or to be pampered in the wellness area – in the mystical massage room or in the privacy of their own chalet. Tip: try bathing in the fire tub – definitely a unique forest experience.

LaPosch - Your mountain getaway
Schmitte 12, 6633 Biberwier, Austria
+43 5673 21021 - laposch.at

In the Montafon, locals love to preserve their culture and long-standing traditions. It is not without reason that the venerable old mountain pastures where stone sheep and brown cattle used to graze in the sunlight, characterize the concept of the Amrai Suites. When the temperatures rise again in spring and the snow melts, the former farmlands at an altitude of 1,200 to 1,500 meters invite you to go hiking and cycling. Meanwhile, things are more relaxed in the hotel itself. Perspire, bathe and relax in the Maisäß spa and in the Stólla – even outdoors. And then there is AMRAI's Litzdamm terrace, where you can watch the springtime hustle and bustle on the Litz stream and immerse yourself in traditional Montafon cuisine.

Amrai Suites
Außerlitzstraße 23, 6780 Schruns, Montafon, Austria
+43 (0) 5556 211200 - amrai-suites.at

Just a stone's throw away from the shores of Lake Achensee in Tyrol, the Hotel Wagnerhof is the place to be for rest and relaxation. In addition to the exceptional regional cuisine, the hotel specializes in well-being, for instance in the GartenSPA with its fiery saunas, quiet rooms, and pools. In spring, people like to swim out to watch nature awaken as the region shows its most beautiful side. While the lake invites you to go for walks and hikes in the alpine pastures, the mountains call the daring up to lofty heights. With a bit of luck, there may still be some snow high up.

Hotel Wagnerhof
Wagnergasse 2, 6213 Pertisau, Austria
+4352435277 - wagnerhof.at

Read more: Skiing in spring: The best tips for the Easter vacations