Members Enjoyed Cuisine, Tennis, Hikes, and Cattle at Austria’s Bio Hotel Stanglwirt
From June 30 to July 6, 25 adventurous members embarked on The Cliffs’ Austrian Summer Experience. Representing six of the seven communities including Valley, Mountain Park, Glassy, Walnut Cove, Keowee Falls, and Keowee Vineyards, the six-day trip included five multi-course dinners, a private four-hour hike, a world-renowned spa, and a five-day PBI tennis camp working alongside four tennis professionals at Bio Hotel Stanglwirt.
Starting as a family farm over 400 years ago, Bio Hotel Stanglwirt is a five-star resort with humble beginnings. Still owned and operated by the original family, Balthasar Hauser, his wife Magdalena, and their children currently live in and run the resort, where they are considered the “royalty of Austria.”
Members, joined by Adri Atkinson, Mountain Region Director of Racquet Sports, began their trip on Sunday evening, with a plated seven-course group dinner in the hotel’s main restaurant. Monday morning’s breakfast buffet, which featured various stations and an abundant assortment of offerings, proved to be a wonderful meeting spot for members to connect. That evening, members had a once-in-a-lifetime dinner experience in the hotel’s restaurant Gasthof where they dined on a delectable five-course meal on the other side of the window from the farm’s grazing cattle, almost as if dining together. Magdalena Hauser made her rounds throughout the evening, meeting members of The Cliffs and welcoming everyone.
Tuesday commenced with an exclusive hike up Wilden Kaiser Mountain led by knowledgeable local tour guides. The two-mile hike and private tour ended at the resort-owned hut where farmers reside seasonally to care for the farm’s cattle. Members indulged in fresh cheese, homemade bread, cake, and traditional Austrian singing before making their return trip back.
The remainder of the week, members were able to explore all the resort’s offerings. Amenities included a world-renowned spa with various pools, saunas, and relaxation rooms, Lipizzaner horse breeding program, wellness and fitness programs, a golf driving range, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, and boutique shopping. As part of the trip fell on the 4th of July, the hotel also put together a special group dinner complete with group pictures and sparklers to celebrate the holiday.
Friday was bittersweet knowing the adventure was coming to an end. The experience, scenery, mountains, and history enjoyed by everyone was unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended. The success of this trip was inspiring, and we look forward to hosting future trips with more members for years to come.
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