The village of St. Daniel, in the Gail Valley in the Austrian state of Carinthia, is not exactly a hot spot. Perhaps that is precisely why dedicated travelers make their way to this rather remote place and check into the organic hideaway Der Daberer. Expect peace and solitude galore, plus a touch of southern climate: the Italian border is less than an hour away. Add a mineral-rich mountain spring, and you can see why Thomas Daberer made it his home. That was in 1928, when he opened a spa for summer guests. Two generations later, in 1978, Inge and Willi Daberer took it a step further and turned it into an organic guesthouse, a bold move at the time, and most people thought they were crazy. Today, nearly a century after it all began, their children, Marianne and Christian, carry the torch, true to their parents’ principles.
We thought that alone was pretty cool. But when we visited, it got even better.
Wi-Fi in the bedroom? A no-no. So is music blaring from speakers. Need a glass of water? Stroll down to the restaurant and fill it from the fountain, or take a carafe with you. At the Daberer, everything is a little old-school with a twist. Nature prevails, in light, colors, scents and materials, and since Marianne Daberer favors a straightforward approach, nothing is in your face and nothing feels crowded. Subtlety is a virtue here.
WELLNESS
The same goes for the spa: the pool, relaxation areas, saunas and treatment rooms (with a wide range of massages and treatments) are spread over three levels, leaving plenty of room for well-deserved, undisturbed rest. Step outside and you are in the middle of the countryside, with walking paths, a gurgling stream, a wooden cabin with a sauna and open-air terrace (see photo) and, a little farther on, a pond in a clearing, perfect for a summer dip.
CULINARY
We cannot rave enough about the food. Sustainable, healthy, local and seasonal are a given these days, but what the Daberers bring to the table, literally, is truly organic. The Gail Valley has become a Slow Food Travel destination, so take ample time for the sumptuous breakfast buffet and the carefully crafted dinner menus.
The kitchen holds four Gault&Millau toques (Hauben), one of the highest culinary distinctions in Austria.
Try the freshly baked bread, the delicious fermented vegetables, the kombucha: everything is homemade. There is no show here; they genuinely love and live good food.
And if you are more into not eating, no worries: there are all kinds of fasting programs.
CHILDREN
The Daberer is not a kids’ hotel per se, but it is well equipped for families. Instead of fries and soda, the children’s menu features down-to-earth Erdäpfel (Austrian for potatoes) and homemade ice cream. There is a playground in the garden and a playroom next to the restaurant, plus cribs, high chairs and changing mats.
IDEAL FOR
People seeking peace and quiet who want to discover a more mindful way of life, and solo travelers who want to feel at home and well looked after during their time out.
WHAT WE LIKE VERY MUCH
For example, that the Wi-Fi password isn’t pressed into your hand at check-in: Wi-Fi is available only in the Silbensalon, the hotel’s library. Instead of air-conditioning, there is fresh mountain air. Waste in the rooms is sorted for recycling, and you can bring your own slippers or borrow a recyclable pair at the front desk.
SPECIALS
A daily changing program of activities, including yoga, fascia training, guided hikes and cooking workshops.
Prices
From 107 to 200 euros per person per night, depending on room type, season and length of stay, including breakfast, lunch, dinner and all activities.
Booking & Contact
Biohotel der daberer
St. Daniel 32
9635 Dellach im Gailtal
Carinthia, Austria
