Rosewood Hotels and Resorts LLC

07/01/2024 | Press release | Archived content

A Restorative Lakeside Retreat, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl Reimagines Rich Traditions Of Austrian Countryside To Offer Unparalleled Luxury Experiences

Press Release

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A Restorative Lakeside Retreat, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl Reimagines Rich Traditions Of Austrian Countryside To Offer Unparalleled Luxury Experiences

Discover the restored 15th-centry castle where charming Alpine heritage meets enriched and elevated luxury at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl.

July 01, 2024

Perched upon the breathtaking blue waters of Lake Fuschl and the base of the Austrian Alps, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl opens its doors as an enriched, elevated luxury resort that allows guests an intimate and rare experience of the Austrian landscape and its cultural heritage. Rosewood Schloss Fuschl both preserves and re-births Austrian traditions through its thoughtful restoration of the 15th-century castle and embracing of the natural surroundings through sustainable practices. The property features 98 furnished guestrooms, including 42 suites and six chalets, and sits as the gateway to Austria's Salzkammergut region offering unparalleled access to its exquisite scenery. Guests can enjoy guided fishing excursions on the lake, forest foraging with an expert herbalist, and local-led cooking demonstrations in nearby alpine huts; complemented by a bespoke Asaya® Spa rooted in Austrian wellness philosophies, and a leisure beach club, Schloss Fuschl See Club, with direct access to the water. This opening marks Rosewood Hotels & Resorts' second property in Austria following the opening of Rosewood Vienna in 2022.

A Symphony of Design and History

Originally constructed in 1461 as a hunting lodge for the Prince-Archbishops of Salzburg, Schloss Fuschl served as the backdrop for legendary hunts and court gatherings for over three centuries. The property has hosted an illustrious array of guests over the years, from iconic film stars, like Romy Schneider from the famed Sissi film trilogy partially produced in Schloss Fuschl, to esteemed foreign dignitaries. Its transformation into a luxury hotel in 1947 marked a new chapter, captivating global attention for its unparalleled beauty.

In the property's new iteration as Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, every aspect of the design pays homage to its rich history and the region's mountainous natural surroundings. The entire resort is inspired by the local flora and fauna, with public spaces including the spa and guest rooms designed by international design firm G.A Group and heritage suites and chalets designed by Austrian-based interior design firm, Bauer Stahl, to reflect the palettes of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Hand-painted mini bars depicting the four seasons by local Austrian artist Marie Hartig are featured throughout all guestrooms, seamlessly blending heritage with contemporary luxury.

An Immersion of Austrian Cuisine

From alpine breakfasts, lunch, and dinners featuring local products, to afternoon tea with seasonal Strudel sessions, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl presents a dynamic food and beverage destination, ranging from Salzkammergut-inspired cuisine to seafood delicacies from nearby farms and suppliers, with a collection of six food and beverage outlets including the bar, all designed by German-based interior design firm, DiPPOLD Interior Design Studio.

The crown jewel of culinary offerings is the Schloss Restaurant with both hearty classics and innovative dishes like the Blunzn Gyoza with sauerkraut and beurre blanc and a saddle of Mattigtal lamb with black truffle. The menu celebrates the diverse flavors of the region, accompanied by a carefully curated selection of over 1,400 regional and worldly wines and rarities, which have been collected in the Schloss Fuschl wine cellar for decades.

"Preserving the legacy of Rosewood Schloss Fuschl while enriching its 'A Sense of Place™' philosophy with unparalleled programming and cherished partnerships is our goal," states Radha Arora, President of Rosewood Hotels & Resorts. "At Rosewood, we're dedicated to curating experiences that not only celebrate the rich history of this iconic destination but also invite guests to embark on a journey of discovery and connection. Through expertly activities, we pay homage to the storied past of Rosewood Schloss Fuschl while ushering in a new era of luxury and cultural immersion. It's a testament to our commitment to honor tradition while embracing innovation, ensuring that every moment at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is as unforgettable as it is authentic."

Schloss Bar, the resort's main beverage outpost inspired by the natural brilliance of the Salzkammergut region with a hand painted walls by Marie Hartig, offers guests a central place to gather for exquisite classic cocktails crafted by engaging bartenders. Guests can enjoy a drink next to the historic low timberline fireplace, originally dating back to 15th-century and recently reinstated by Rosewood Schloss Fuschl. The intimate Whisky Room is an extension of the Schloss Bar and provides a space for smaller gatherings with a moody design, offering a wide selection of dark spirits, Schnaps, and wines, along with exclusive bar snacks. The Sisi Tee Salon, a nod to the property's history as the setting of the iconic Sissi film trilogy, is a haven of tranquility with a soft design, inviting guests to unwind over a drink or light meal throughout the day. With a vitrine adorned with tempting cakes and pralines and afternoon tea service, curated by pastry chef Jeremie Baessler, this residential style lounge exudes warmth and hospitality.

Set against the backdrop of Lake Fuschl, Seeterrasse offers a relaxed all-day dining atmosphere, with a selection of 'alpine to the sea' dishes, perfect for leisurely lunches or sunset dinners. Closer to the water, the Schloss Fuschl See Club brings the spirit of a luxurious beach club to the Austrian Alps, inviting guests to spend leisurely days and enchanting evenings by the lake lounging on exclusive cabana rentals open to hotel guests and external visitors alike. The menu features a selection of seafood, local fish from Lake Fuschl, complemented by live entertainment and seasonal music programming.

For wine enthusiasts, the rustic Vinothek and Terrace provide a cozy meeting space to enjoy Austrian classics paired with hearty meals prepared at the kitchen counter. Only Austrian wines are served, and the menu features local products specially produced for Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, enhancing the authentic dining experience.

"Rosewood Schloss Fuschl is more than just a castle-it's a gateway to Austria's breathtaking Salzkammergut region. From the moment guests arrive, they're enveloped in the timeless charm of Salzburg's royal retreat. Our design pays homage to the region's rich heritage, with suites reflecting the colors of the seasons and public spaces adorned with carefully restored historical elements," states Sascha Hemmann, Managing Director of Rosewood Schloss Fuschl. "We're proud to partner with local artisans and embrace traditions like intricate craftmanship and herbalism, offering guests a truly immersive experience. And with our commitment to sustainability, we're not just preserving history-we're building a brighter future."

A Lakeside Haven for Wellness and Restoration

As guests step into the Asaya® Spa at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, they are greeted by a sense of tranquility and luxury that permeates every corner of the space. The 1,500 square meter spa embodies the brand's steadfast promise to holistic wellness, encompassing Rosewood's pillars of well-being - emotional balance, fitness and nutrition, physical therapies, skin health, and community engagement.

Boasting an array of bespoke wellbeing experiences, the Asaya Spa features both indoor and outdoor infinity pools, three saunas and one steam bath, and eight thoughtfully designed treatment rooms. The fitness center, featuring Technogym equipment, provides a place to engage in invigorating workouts, while the hair salon offers professional services to help guests look and feel their best. For guests focused on expanding their health journey, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl offers carefully curated two- to three-day retreats centered on biohacking, dynamic aging, and invigorating body wraps and scrubs, and holistic paths to well-being, including detoxes and sleep improvement.

All-Season Alpine Experiences and Activities

Whether embarking on private after-hours tours of various local museums with private concerts, hot air balloon excursions over the Alps, or dirndl-making workshops focused on authentic Austrian clothing, each curated Rosewood Schloss Fuschl experience invites guests to explore the essence of Salzburg. The expansive resort offers a variety of mountain experiences, from guided hikes and stargazing to eco-friendly boating on electric vessels and excursions with local master fisherman who has been responsible for operating the adjacent Schloss Fuschl Fishery since 1987. With the backdrop of the Austrian Alps, guests can explore the winter customs of the region, tobogganing fun under the starlit sky, participating in Whip cracking competitions to exploring the region's authentic seasonal Christmas markets.

Exclusive Access to Local Craftmanship

Partnering with esteemed galleries and local artisans, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl offers exclusive access to the world of contemporary art through private after-hour tours. The resort also offers a unique local program that immerses guests in the rich cultural heritage of the Salzkammergut region. One standout experience is the Austrian umbrella atelier excursion where guests get exclusive access to the Kirchtag Umbrella Store and Workshop established in 1903.

Cultivating Sustainable Partnerships and Minimizing Ecofootprint

By sourcing most ingredients and materials from within a 100-kilometer radius, the resort not only ensures freshness but also reduces carbon emissions associated with transportation, minimizing its environmental footprint. The Schloss Fuschl honeybee colony produces local honey and plays a crucial role in pollinating the surrounding flora, contributing to the ecosystem's health. By harnessing the natural thermal properties of the lake, Rosewood Schloss Fuschl reduces its reliance on traditional heating and cooling methods, thus conserving energy, and preserving the delicate balance of the aquatic ecosystem.