Set in splendid isolation in a peaceful Bavarian valley between the Karwendel Mountains and Zugspitze Glacier, Schloss Elmau Luxury Spa Retreat & Cultural Hideaway is perhaps the most iconic hotel in Germany. Renowned for its storybook castle good looks, Schloss Elmau was built in 1916 by Dr. Johannes Müller, an author, philosopher, and theologian. Its vast footprint includes—as well as 162 rooms and suites, 10 restaurants, six swimming pools, and four spas.

The spa resort of Rosapetra is located a few minutes from Cortina, the storied town known as the Queen of the Dolomites. Meaning ‘pink stone’, the hotel takes its name from the nearby Tofane Massif, whose magnificent rocks burn pink at sunrise and sunset. Its superb spa has a heated indoor pool, myriad saunas, a Turkish bath, and treatments including thalassotherapy — all the ideal tonic for days exploring the surrounding mountains. We also love Terraza26, Rosapetra’s terrace.

Set in an impeccable location, Forestis stands at 1,800m and seems to float among the clouds, overlooking the snaggle-tooth peaks of the Dolomites, including the Geisler Gruppe Massif. Embraced by dense woodland and special energy, the original building was built by the Austrian monarchy as a sanatorium in 1912 and continues today to boost its guests’ well-being as a spa hotel. Its glass and stone spa features treatment rooms, silence rooms, and endless saunas, as well as an indoor-outdoor pool.

Saltus is located on the edge of a forest, high up in the secluded mountain village of San Genesio, and yet not far from Bolzano in South Tyrol. The Dolomites’ first eco-hotel, its superpower is the Forest Spa, nestled deep in the spruce forest, which is entirely chemical-free and an oasis of purity and tranquility. Two Sky Pools are heated all year round and have spectacular 180-degree views of the Dolomites. There are daily yoga, meditation, and bathing sessions to relax the body and mind.

Naturhotel Leitlhof is nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, and is one of Europe’s only carbon-neutral hotels, generating all of its own power and heat, as well as having its own farm at Mühlhof with a herd of Angus cattle. Its 2000 m2 spa and wellness area has wonderful mountain views, sauna and steam rooms, and treatments powered by Alpine ingredients. There is a Water World with an indoor and outdoor pool, experience showers, and a waterfall.

A luxurious treehouse hotel, My Arbor is a stylish refuge on the Plose mountainside, seemingly secluded in the wilderness of the Dolomites, while being a short drive from the ancient bishop's town of Brixen (Bressanone). Here, time slows down to suit the rhythms of each guest, whether that means breakfast at midday or a swim after sunset. The in-house Spa Arboris is an expansive 2500 m2 Eden of indoor and outdoor infinity pools, sauna infusions, and outdoor relaxation rooms.

A legendary Tyrolean address that has been welcoming guests for more than 400 years. Set at the foot of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range in Going, it is a quick ten-minute drive from ritzy ‘Kitz’ and its brilliant ski scene. Its newly designed spa runs the gamut from natural whey baths and healing massages to reflexology and body wraps. There is a vast saltwater pool with views of the Kaiser, a saltwater steam grotto, and a Swiss stone pine sauna, as well as family-friendly areas.

Set in the Salzburg Alps, the family-run Rupertus is guided by a climate-neutral philosophy and places its soul-soothing wellness offerings at its heart. Its spa boasts an herbal steam bath, an Alpine hay bed, infrared cabins, and an adults-only sauna with views over the mountains. You can swim in any season, too, either in the swimming pond or heated infinity pool; as well as lounge in style in the garden or on the sundeck. The organic restaurant is a highlight, with five-course dinners.

Powered by the surrounding nature of the Bregenzerwald Valley, the 19th-century hotel offers numerous detoxes and retreats throughout the year, from yoga to traditional Chinese medicine. The Susanne Kaufmann Spa combines cosmetics expertise, therapists, a medical team, and 25 years of know-how to create treatments that push for positive change in life and body. There are also saunas, swimming pools, and nourishing dishes inspired by the region. We also love the hotel’s Scandi-style rooms.

Built in the Art Nouveau style, with its recognizable cream facade and pale blue shutters, Villa Honegg re-opened in 2011 with breathtaking spa facilities that include a beautiful outdoor infinity pool with panoramic views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, Finnish saunas and steam baths and a further indoor pool, serenaded by underwater music. We love to visit in the warmer months, when the hotel is enveloped by flowering meadows and dense forests, with endless footpaths to explore.