Heal From Within at The Best Wellness Hotel in Austria: Park Igls

I remember seeing brochures for Park Igls Medical Spa Resort in Austria at my parents’ house long before I visited for the first time in 2007. What finally convinced me to go was its ideal location: less than 150 km from my parents’ home south of Munich, and perfectly situated on the route between there and Bologna, Italy, where I was living at the time. With a reputation as the best wellness hotel in Austria, I absolutely had to try their F.X. Mayr Cure program (which I did on my first visit).  

Cosiness by the fireplace

Even back then, before the renovations, I was struck by how spacious and thoughtfully designed the resort was. Nearly two decades later, that sense of space—generous but never impersonal—is still one of the things I love most about Park Igls. It’s a place that feels expansive without losing its warmth, and that’s a big part of why I keep coming back after all of these years. Let’s dive into more about what makes this wellness resort one of a kind! 

Bright, soothing colours at the guests’ tea bar

Parish church of Igls

Why Park Igls Is One of My Favourite Wellness Hotels

I have to start by highlighting that Park Igls won the “Best Destination Spa” category in the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence. Well deserved!

So, where do I begin? 

View of the Patscherkofel mountain from the hotel park

First, the location itself is magical! Park Igls is set on a sunny mountain plateau with direct access to well-marked hiking trails in every direction, right from the hotel door. The nearby village of Igls is charming, with authentic little shops ideal for picking up souvenirs. Innsbruck is just a short trip away if you’re in the mood for a bit of city life (especially during winter when hiking isn’t always an option). 

Impressive view from the Goldbichl

The suites are spacious and have light-filled panoramic windows that are absolutely stunning. I like to spend much of my time in the therapeutic sauna area, the indoor pool, and the cozy tea bar with its inviting seating nooks, perfect for unwinding after a day outdoors. Let’s not forget to mention the panoramic fitness room with its jaw-dropping views of the Alps. 

Panoramic fitness room with views of the Alps

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love the hotel’s healthy and exceptional culinary delights, though I don’t eat much of it with my fasting schedule. But I did enjoy a light, alkaline lunch a few days before my departure, which was delicious. The medical lectures are a highlight, too—they’re so informative and clearly presented, especially on the latest findings in complementary medicine. The spa offers an extensive range of medical and aesthetic treatments, which is absolutely heavenly (I had two Shiatsu massages during my most recent stay!).  

Indoor pool

Feel Rejuvenated With Every Breath Through IHHT  

When you stay at this beautiful mountainside spa retreat, you’ll also have the chance to try a new wellness therapy offering called IHHT, which stands for Intermittent Hypoxia-Hyperoxia Therapy. During this treatment, you’ll wear a mask that gently alternates between low and high oxygen levels, all while your oxygen levels are carefully monitored. It’s a relaxing and innovative way to recharge and restore from the inside out during your stay. 

Cozy seating nooks

Step Into Serenity and Fresh Air at The Resort Park 

Connect with nature in the newly expanded hotel park (the “Park” in Park Igls), where wide-open spaces and breathtaking views of the Tyrolean Alps invite you to relax and recharge. Stroll through the barefoot path, discover the Kneipp water therapy facility, or unwind by the natural pond and sunbathing lawns. The park also has a bowling course, a putting green for golfers, a kitchen herb garden, and direct access to the indoor pool (during the summer). There’s really something here for everyone! 

A marvellous hiking area: the Ullwald forest

Restore Balance to Body and Mind With the F.X. Mayr Cure 

“Renunciation builds character! Without renunciation, there’s no true pleasure.” – A quote for you from yours truly! 

One of the several dining room areas

In a world where it’s all about consuming, moving on to the next task, chasing goals, and seeking constant stimulation, it’s a privilege to slow down and learn to let go. Many people have never even tried it, and honestly, most don’t know how to slow down. The constant rush of the world around us makes it tough for anyone to really embrace the idea of taking it easy or living with less. This is what the F.X. Mayr Cure has taught me through renunciation, which is another reason why Park Igls is one of my favorite spa and wellness hotels. 

The park at Park Igls

My Experience in the F.X. Mayr Program at Park Igls 

My approach to the F.X. Mayr Cure Program at Park Igls may look a bit different than that of other resort guests. Many people do this program to slow down from everyday life, but since I live in the Swiss Mountains, I’m already living this lifestyle daily. So, I’ve chosen an approach instead that focuses on the physical and mental health benefits I get through the fasting program. 

F. X. Mayr Cure breakfast

This completely eliminates the need for meal planning, shopping, or cooking—no kitchen or fridge required. I’m served two small meals a day (about 400 calories total) with a 19-hour intermittent fast for two weeks. I find it difficult to follow a strict fasting program at home with temptations around every corner, which is why I value the support of the F.X. Mayr Cure Program at Park Igls. The sense of renewal I experience after the detoxification process during fasting not only improves my physical health, but my mental as well. 

F. X. Mayr’s table habits

Make the F.X. Mayr Wellness Journey Your Own 

Park Igls is the best wellness hotel in Austria for those new to the F.X. Mayr Cure seeking a getaway with a medical focus. Unlike my own strict approach, Park Igls also caters to guests who want a relaxing break with the added benefit of medical services available, tailored to their specific needs. When you stay at this resort, you have the flexibility to experience the F.X. Mayr Cure in its original form, as I do, or adapt it to your personal preferences. That’s the best part about staying at this resort: you can make the entire wellness journey your own. 

Feeling inspired? Find more hotel reviews, slow travel, and wellness content by following along on my Instagram

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