Schloss Elmau

Character and identity

A thousand metres up in the Bavarian Alps, an hour south of Munich, Schloss Elmau is a sprawling cultural retreat across two buildings, the original Hideaway and the more contemporary Retreat, totalling 162 rooms and suites. The setting is the draw: Wetterstein peaks, wildflower meadows, mountain streams. Inside you'll find ten restaurants (including Michelin-starred French-Japanese Luce d'Oro), seven spas split between adult and family use, a 300-seat concert hall, a bookshop, two gyms and a yoga pavilion. The register is grand but unstuffy, presided over personally by owner Dietmar Muller-Elmau, who is hands-on around the property daily.

Who's it for

Bottom line

The reason to come is the total package of mountain setting, deep spa and medical programme under Imke Konig, and a level of cultural and culinary range you rarely find in one alpine property. Book The Retreat for floor-to-ceiling Wetterstein views and the larger room footprint, plan around a concert or fondue night at Elmauer Alm, and come in shoulder season for the hiking and quieter spa.