At Das Achental in Chiemgau, a region in southern Germany, Bavarian tradition meets international contemporary design through an understated elegance. Housed in a set of traditional buildings first constructed as an equestrienne farm, the space has been renovated to feature an impressive wellness area in addition to the 179 guest accommodations, an 18-hole golf course, and multiple fine dining options, all of which is backdropped by the surrounding mountains and nearby Chiemsee lake. A spotlight is shined on local craftsmanship through bespoke furniture created from aged wood, loden (wool textiles from the region) accents, and open fireplaces. These cozy, rustic details are completed with a dark color palette and design pieces from Baxter, B&B Italia, Cassina, and Kettal, lighting fixtures by Occhio, Bocci, and Fritz Hansen, and plush carpets by Jan Kath and LPJ Studios. 

Each of the rooms and suites is defined by Alpine traditions, with Austrian loden blankets and accent pillows, wood pieces like bedside tables, bedframes, and dining tables, and natural stone bathrooms. Organic toiletries are created specifically for the hotel by Chiemsee Liebe, and all suites are equipped with oversized soaking tubs. The Suite Chiemgau even has a private in-room sauna as well as a sunny, serene roof terrace overlooking the golf course. 

Bringing the aesthetics and comfort of the rooms onto the plate are five onsite dining options that offer everything from a gourmet experience to a relaxing lakeside afternoon tea. At ES:SENZ, the property’s fine-dining restaurant helmed by chef Edip Sigl, whose previous endeavors have received two Michelin stars, the focus is on the essential essence of dishes. Fresh and regional produce define the set menu, which translates the sights, sounds, and smells of Chiemgau into delectable tastes. Also under Sigl’s purview are Weißer Hirsch and the Hubertshütte. The former offers a sumptuous buffet for breakfast and regional delicacies for dinner, while the latter exudes a rustic ambiance set inside an original mountain hut. A menu highlight here includes the Achentaler Cheese Fondue. Additionally, there are Seehütte10, an ideal spot for an afternoon coffee and cake next to the property’s own lake, and the Lounge & Bar, where live jazz is played every Friday. Across all outlets, an emphasis is placed on organic, local food through partnerships with regional producers, such as Fischerei Lex and the coffee roastery Baruli.

Beyond accommodations and dining, guests are encouraged to wander the spacious grounds, where they can encounter a lake, an herb garden, and a verdant orchard. The essence of Chiemgau’s landscape is reflected in the onsite 18-hole golf course, which is defined by wetland and water areas, a nod to the resort’s moorland location. Additional golf facilities include a performance studio, fitting center, 3D simulator, and driving range with 24 covered and partly heated courts. For guests who are new to the sport, there is also a PGA Premium golf school. The relaxed pace of the region is also reflected in the newly added 2,000-square-meter wellness center. Here an outdoor/indoor infinity pool gives way to three saunas, a traditional steam bath and a brine steam bath, and “experience” showers from Dornbracht with alternating jet sprays and cascades. The relaxation room features lounge chairs, swings, and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the mountains and gardens. Much like the in-room toiletries, the treatments offered all use organic products.

Situated in the foothills of the Alps, Chiemgau is known for both the Chiemsee lake and its proximity to the mountains. Nearby are numerous opportunities for everything from windsurfing and boating to skiing, cycling, and hiking. Chiemsee itself has two islands, the Fraueninsel and Herreninsel, each of which has its own sights to see too. On Fraueninsel is a monastery, which is known for its homemade marzipan and liqueur. Herreninsel, meanwhile, is home to the Herrenchiemsee Castle, which was built by King Ludwig II in the late 19th century and is modeled on Versailles. Located less than two hours from Munich and under an hour from Salzburg, Das Achental is an idyllic retreat for urban dwellers and visitors from further afield alike. 

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