KCR Winter 2025 2026 Mag V3 FINAL - Flipbook - Page 110
Hotel Das Central, Austria - Alpine Luxury in
Tyrol and James Bond
Tucked deep within the Ötztal Valley of Tirol, Sölden is the kind of alpine destination that seems too dazzling to be real. It’s a blend of classic
Tirolean charm and modern alpine chic, dominated by jagged peaks
and shimmering glaciers. But it’s also one of the few places in the world
where you can ski, hike and dine in the shadow of 007.It featured in the
2015 Bond movie Spectre.
Hotel Das Central is a family a昀昀air, now in the capable hands of Angelika Falkner, whose father welcomed the 昀椀rst guests 55 years ago. It sits
right in the heart of the village yet retains a sense of calm away from the
bustle of the main street. Expertly blending 昀椀ve-star hospitality with a
relaxed vibe, you can saunter about in your ski or hiking gear then slip
into something more glamorous for dinner.
Spectre, and delivers exquisite culinary creations inside a gigantic glass
cube. Next to it is 007 ELEMENTS, which o昀昀ers a comprehensive cinematic walk through the making of the 昀椀lm and 007 history.
Back in the hotel, soaking in the rooftop pool surrounded by snowcapped mountains, I can’t help thinking that Das Central delivers 5 star
pampering and much more. After all, where else can you spend a day
on the slopes, then relax in your private in-room sauna before dining in
true Michelin style?
http://www.central-soelden.com/
Rupert Parker
Adventure is quite literally at the doorstep. In winter, there’s access to
145kms of prepared slopes and 31 state-of-the-art chair lifts and cable
cars. In summer, 1,600kms of marked and signposted hiking trails crisscross the nearby mountains.
There are 125 individually styled rooms and suites, including junior
suites with panoramic mountain views, wellness suites with private
spas, and lavish penthouse suites up to 105m². As part of the hotel’s
2023 renovations, 31 brand-new rooms and suites were added to the
property.
We stayed in Wellness suite Söldenkogl which blends alpine luxury with
modern design. Sleek wooden 昀氀oors and rustic colours blend seamlessly
into the natural world outside. The extensive balconies, overlooking the
mountain stream, not only have spectacular views of the Ötztaler Ache
and Söldenkogll, but also include a private spa area with sunroom and
sauna.
The modern bathroom has both walk-in shower and deep bathtub,
double washbasins and Valentina & Philippa natural care products. An
enjoyable surprise is the all singing/dancing Japanese toilet with heated
seat. Of course 昀氀at screen TV, private safe, free Wi-Fi, Nespresso co昀昀ee
machine, 昀氀u昀昀y bathrobe, spa bag and bath slippers all come as standard. A nice touch is the hiking backpack hanging beside the door.
After an action-packed day in the mountains, the star attraction is the
new state-of-the-art Rooftop Summit Spa on the 4th and 5th 昀氀oors with
an impressive 17m in昀椀nity pool. It appears to 昀氀oat among the Alpine
mountain peaks, suspended in the air, 17m above Sölden. Complementing the pool is a rooftop whirlpool on the adjacent sun terrace.
The Summit Sauna Area includes a brine steam bath, Finnish event sauna, bio panorama sauna, and cold water plunge pool, all with mountain
views. The spa o昀昀ers holistic massages, beauty treatments using natural
and organic ingredients, and a new cryotherapy chamber – try, if you
dare to take the -110 °C plunge experience. It promises regeneration and
wellness.
Das Central has three main restaurants. You can enjoy a gourmet
breakfast and an evening 5 course tasting menu in the hotel restaurant
Feinspitz. Every night is a feast, there are salad and antipasti stations
and service is impeccable. Even better, owner Angelika Falkner tours
the tables to enquire about your stay
For 昀椀ner dining choose the acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant
Ötztaler Stube and indulge yourself. Head Chef Stefan Speiser crafts
seasonal haute cuisine, ingredients locally sourced and sustainable, culminating in stunning desserts. And don’t miss out on the wine pairings,
both from Austria and the rest of the world
The third restaurant, Marend Stube is a more intimate, traditional,
pine-panelled room, with traditional heart-carved wooden chairs and
a-la-carte menu. Snacks and light meals are available during the day at
the Summit Bistro & Bar. There’s also a Bar & Cigar Lounge.
You can also dine high above the hotel. Accessible via Sölden’s Gaislachkogl gondola, Ice Q is perched at 3,048 m, making it the highest
gourmet restaurant in the Alps. It had a starring role in the Bond movie,
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
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