Hotel Snapshot
As summer temperatures continue to soar and rumbles of overtourism ripple across Europe, there’s a new travel trend emerging: ditch the tourist-trodden beaches of Italy and Greece for the quiet and coolness of the Alps. It doesn’t get more peaceful than Eriro, a retreat wrapped by forested mountains and lakes. Set high in Austria's Tyrolean mountains, in the shadow of mighty Zugspitze, the chalet sits 1550 metres above sea level and is accessed only by cable car from the picturesque town of Ehrwald. Once a former inn, the secluded chalet-style hideaway has been carefully transformed, with traditional Austrian kitsch eschewed in favour of stripped-back, thoughtful design: think massive slabs of wood, subtle signage, and a muted palette of greys and browns.
The Rooms
Eriro is a deeply personal project, conceived by three couples (all based in nearby Ehrwald) as an all-out homage to the region’s local traditions and landscape. Natural materials—stone, spruce wood, sheep’s wool—are continually woven throughout the property, with 90% of the building constructed from wood. Table ornaments have been crafted from driftwood, huge freestanding bathtubs are carved from tree trunks, and stones sourced from nearby riverbeds have been fashioned into lamps. There are just nine suites to bed down in, each flooded with natural light thanks to vast, floor-to-ceiling windows; all feature either a spacious terrace or balcony, ideal for stargazing.
The Amenities
Days at Eriro unfold at your own pace, with personalised itineraries moulded around each guest’s preferences. Head out on guided e-bike tours of the mountains, hike to nearby lakes, and forage berries in the woodlands; in the winter months, you can ski directly onto the slopes. Plug into Tyrolean culture by joining the hotel’s complimentary wood-carving and pottery workshops, hosted by local artisans. Going entirely off-grid during your time here is greatly encouraged; WiFi is only available on request, and there are no TVs in the bedrooms. Charging ports are deliberately positioned away from beds, and there’s even the option to lock away your phone in the hotel’s ‘cell phone coffin’—something that I wasn’t quite brave enough to commit to.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
My favorite feature of the hotel? Undoubtedly the hotel’s standout spa, which is open round the clock—enabling you to take things at your own pace and unwind at all hours. Early morning spa visits or post-dinner soaks are entirely possible (on one evening, I stayed here until midnight), while the chances of wrestling other guests for a sunbed are thankfully next to none (a personal pet peeve of mine). Hammock slings spun from sheep’s wool dangle from the ceiling, and squashy loungers are angled to face the meadows and mountains beyond. There’s a trio of plunge pools warmed to varying degrees, Finnish and spruce needle saunas, and even a relaxation room clad in tufts of hay and kitted out with infrared therapy armchairs. Here, you’ll find the only screen in the hotel, which plays a looping montage of lakes and mountains, complete with headphones for tuning into meditation music—it’s quite possible to snooze away here for hours (I did). Restorative massages, yoga classes, and breathwork sessions are all part of the hotel’s offering, too.
Food & Drink
Food at Eriro is hyper-seasonal and shaped by the surrounding landscape—almost to an extreme. There are no menus: instead, the chefs craft daily-changing three-course dinners, guided by a zero-waste strategy, and tailored to dietary requirements. Expect a modern take on Tyrolean cuisine: apple strudel is served with pumpkin ice cream and ground tea powder in place of vanilla and cinnamon, and kombuchas are brewed from mountain berries. Breakfast involves a generous spread of cheeses, cured meats, and freshly-strained yoghurt, all washed down with quince and apricot juices. If it’s not grown locally, it won’t be on your plate: nearly every ingredient comes from nearby farms and foragers (the only notable exception to the hyper-local approach is coffee, for which the hotel makes a rare concession).
Location & Neighborhood
Eriro excels in creating a sanctuary of calm, where luxury lies in the ability to entirely disconnect and take things at your own pace. The absence of rigid mealtimes and strict dress codes means you’re free to do as you please, which to me is the true marker of a real vacation. Every detail of a stay here, from the zero-waste cuisine to the thoughtfully-crafted suites, is designed to fully immerse guests in the local landscape and its traditions—while pressing pause on everyday life. It’s an intimate, ‘if you know, you know’ refuge, guaranteeing an uber-personalised stay far from the madding crowd.
Fast Facts
Location: Ehrwald, Austria
Rating: 4-star
The vibe: Serene alpine sanctuary where quiet, understated luxury meets mountain wilderness
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The unique interiors, crafted from local and natural materials, and informed by the surrounding landscape
Food + Drink: All meals are included and served at the hotel restaurant, where hyper-seasonal produce takes centre stage
Amenities: Spa, daily-changing activities, and outdoor excursions
What’s nearby? Explore the endless mountains and lakes on your doorstep; most notable is Lake Seebensee, widely regarded as one of the most scenic lakes in Austria
Rooms: 9
Pricing: Rooms start from £1,315 per night, on an all-inclusive basis
