Bavaria, Germany

Schloss Elmau

Name: Schloss Elmau
Address: Bavaria

World-class Alpine resort that hosted the G7 summit

Symmetrical view of Schloss Elmau at sunset with red clouds reflected in a long courtyard pool.

Historic resort with wellness and a renowned cultural programme

Schloss Elmau sits in a protected valley in the Bavarian Alps near Garmisch-Partenkirchen, among forests and high peaks. Philosopher Johannes Müller built the original retreat between 1914 and 1916 as a cultural sanctuary for writers and artists.

After a major fire in 2005, the property was rebuilt, expanded and reopened by his grandson, Dietmar Müller-Elmau. Today, the resort comprises two hotels – the Hideaway and the Retreat – set in the Elmau Valley. And it has hosted two G7 summits in 2015 and 2022.

Rooms and suites are spread across the two hotels, which mix German alpine architecture with contemporary interiors. The Hideaway occupies the original building, while the newer Retreat, opened in 2015, offers larger suites and modern design. Throughout the resort, there are cosy lounges and libraries to relax in, as well as terraces overlooking the Wetterstein mountains and the Ferchenbach stream that runs through the property.

Wellness and culture are the two main events at Schloss Elmau. The extensive cultural programme of concerts, author readings, dance and festivals brings internationally known artists to the onsite concert hall.

There are also six spas and eight pools, including adults-only infinity pools, a hammam and a Japanese onsen, plus dedicated family areas. Treatments range from massages and Ayurvedic offerings to Traditional Chinese Medicine, and there are daily classes in yoga, Pilates, qigong and tai chi.

The resort’s 10 restaurants span Michelin-recognised cuisine, Asian-inspired dining and relaxed alpine fare, such as fondue. Just outside, you have hiking, cycling, mountain biking and wild swimming on the doorstep, plus winter sports during colder months.

Highlights

Stay in rooms and suites across two hotels that previously hosted G7 summits

Attend world-class concerts, author readings and arts workshops

Dine in a choice of restaurants featuring Alpine, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines

Join daily yoga, qigong or Pilates sessions in the resort’s wellness programme

Explore the Bavarian Alps on hikes, cycling excursions or winter sports adventures

Interior of a hotel lobby with red, brown and black sofas and wood floors, and large black columns down the right-hand side.

Interior of a hotel restaurant with warm lighting and tall wooden columns and beams, and a buffet counter down the middle of the room with tables on either side.

Exterior of a wooden terrace with a green lounge chair alongside a small river with sun shining through tall trees.

Exterior of a hotel with bright blue swimming pool and mountains in the distance, and a pink and purple sunset sky.

Exterior shot of the castle spire seen through a field of yellow flowers, with snow-capped mountains beyond.

Interior of a red and brown-lit bar counter with bottles behind the counter and a row of plush bar seats along the front.

Interior of a hotel library with floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a potted tree and two leather lounge chairs on a red rug.

Interior of a room with red walls and carpet, brown and dark grey sofas and chairs and children playing on the carpet.

Exterior overhead view of two skiers gliding along a snowy mountainside with a blue river flowing through snow and forest just below them.

Interior of a restaurant's bar seating with chairs with blue cushions along a grey stone bar seating area.

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Places to combine Schloss Elmau with

Frankfurt

Villa Kennedy

The embodiment of modern Frankfurt, this once grand family home was built in 1901 and renamed in honour of US President John F Kennedy’s visit in 1963. Although it has been extensively restored, Villa Kennedy still retains that homely family feel it once had.

The hotel boasts 163 contemporary rooms, which feature bold patterns and splashes of colour. Historic photographs tastefully remind of the Kennedys’ heydeys and the furniture has been carefully chosen to create elegant yet comfortable spaces.

In the warmer months, you can enjoy dinners and drinks alfresco in the peacefull Villa Garden, or settle in at Gusto restaurant for a dining experience dripping with a Mediterranean flair. The dishes, sophisticated in their simplicity, pair the freshest local ingredients with authentic Italian recipes.

To completely unwind, book yourself a treatment at the four-level spa, or while away the hours relaxing at the swimming pool. The hotel is just a short stroll from Museum Embankment and River Main, and a quick drive from the Old Opera and the Paulskirche, so it’s easy to head out for a spot of exploring.

Bavaria

Ameron Neuschwanstein Alpsee Resort and Spa

Set on the banks of Lake Alp, enclosed by forest and with enchanting views of the Ammergau Alps, this polished resort offers a soothing setting in which to relax. There are 136 rooms and suites to choose from. The hotel’s decor features soft colour schemes and comfortable furnishings and boast either lake or castle vistas. Upgraded rooms and suites encompass balconies and antique elements. Natural materials like wood, leather and linen combine perfectly with the original fittings of the historic buildings and contemporary design.

A complimentary breakfast is available every morning, and guests can choose from three restaurants, with expansive terraces, for the rest of their meals. The other on-site facilities include a refined bar and a café, and guests have access to saunas, a gym and an indoor pool. There’s also a kids’ club.

Berlin

Hotel de Rome

With a fantastic address on the square of Bebelplatz, Hotel de Rome is housed within a former Dresdner Bank building, dating back to 1889. Notable architectural features have been carefully retained throughout, with more contemporary touches thrown into the mix.

Upon arrival, the ground-floor reception serves as a striking entrance, with pink neon birdcages hanging from the ceiling and roomy black velvet sofas set alongside cherry-red furnishings. The refined interiors of the rooms and suites are somewhat more neutral, apart from pops of colour and vivid art paintings. High stucco ceilings and marble bathrooms add to the sophisticated atmosphere, and the polished suites encompass balconies, looking out over the square.

Back on the ground floor, guests can dabble in classic Italian and Mediterranean dishes at the on-site restaurant, La Banca – a favoured summertime spot due to its enclosed terrace garden. Next door, the La Banca Bar is ideal for a tipple, as is the rooftop terrace, with a sublime view to match.

Hidden in the former jewellery vault of the building is the impressive De Rome Spa, a particularly appealing drawcard for those who seek serenity within the city. Here, you can soak in the pool, enclosed by mosaic columns, and take advantage of the steam room, sauna and fitness centre.