Built in 1951, and still run by the founding family, the Bareiss is a traditional five style resort which is much more than just a simple luxury hotel.
The style of the building recalls the excitement of the 1950’s, when the world was looking forward to a new modernist era. The architecture and styling reflects the energy and charm of the times, whilst being up to the minute in terms of luxury and facilities. It’s the kind of place you could imagine a young Princess Margaret and her set enjoying.
The staff are warm and welcoming, and dressed in traditional costume - a different colour each day - which is both unusual and attractive.
We opted for a room in the country house, which is very much the heart of the large complex. When we entered our room, we were immediately drawn to the terrace, with its splendid views of the magnificent surrounding hills.
“A wide choice of outdoor pursuits, coupled with period luxury and great food”
Blonde wooden floors and furniture were accompanied by coral coloured thick padded drapes at the windows, both elegant and functional, keeping out the winter chill, as did the double glazing. Our bed was electric, enabling us to adjust it for comfort, and we especially like the very well placed and easily controlled reading lights - a detail which is sometimes less than well thought out even in the finest hotels.
The bathroom was large, traditional in style, and with ample supplies of deliciously fluffy towels and top of the range toiletries. We enjoyed using the beautifully appointed large desk, something from an earlier, more expansive time.
The Bareiss has a very comprehensive spa, with sauna, steam room, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a natural pool, Jacuzzi, and all the treatments you might dream of. I indulged myself in a fifty minute massage, which reached and soothed places I didn’t even know I had!
After a day of hiking in the surrounding hills, and feeling rather virtuous, we opted the next day to try the Culinary day, which is an optional half board style experience. It begins with either a poolside or restaurant full breakfast, which was magnificent, and held us over until coffee and freshly baked home-made cakes in the afternoon, accompanied by piano music, which we enjoyed greatly.
Then dinner in your choice of restaurant - there are seven in all, including our favourites the Dorfstuben and Kaminstube. (Some of the restaurants have the same menu, so check if you are seeking something new.) Then finally, in case you are still a little peckish, a midnight snack at the bar.
If you are a wine buff you will enjoy the huge wine cellar, and if you like to shop, there is a small mall which has all kinds of intriguing gift items, clothes, sporting goods and the like. You can even get your hair done in the hotel's own beauty salon.
This large and luxurious hotel manages to maintain the small, intimate family owned atmosphere that we like so much, whilst at the same time having enough facilities in the complex and things to do in the area to make the Bareiss ideal for a week long holiday break.