Stanglwirt Blends Heritage, Health and Sustainability—Guided by the Same Family for Over Four Centuries

“What do I say?” she remembers thinking. “I only have half a minute.”

So, she greeted him in her native dialect—straight from the heart. “He must have loved it,” she says.

She mentioned her family’s resort back in Austria, Stanglwirt. Having visited once before, the governor promised to return.

Much later, back at her family’s business in the Alps, a guest stood at reception asking for Maria. “I promised you I’d be back,” said Schwarzenegger, who now visits Stanglwirt and the family at least twice a year.

Though Stanglwirt has hosted many luminaries over its long history—including Bing Crosby, Muhammad Ali, Audrey Hepburn and Hillary Clinton—it is spa-loving, ski-loving and sport-loving families who keep this remarkable eco-friendly wellness resort thriving. Nestled in the shadow of the picturesque Wilder Kaiser mountain range, the resort has been sustained for over 400 years by a deep-rooted spirit of family tradition.

Maria and her siblings, Elisabeth and Johannes, help run the business owned by their parents, Balthasar and Magdalena. Together, they represent the 11th generation to leave their mark on “the Inn on the Prama,” which first opened as a wine tavern in 1564, serving silver and copper miners affected by a regional plague.

Over the centuries, the inn evolved—surviving wars, fires and financial hardship—while expanding to include a farm, a dairy, musical gatherings and more. Today, under Balthasar’s leadership, the resort features cutting-edge green initiatives, state-of-the-art spa and sporting facilities, and Austria’s first private Lipizzaner horse stud farm. Despite these advancements, Stanglwirt remains deeply connected to its agricultural roots.

“Our dairy cows provide the milk for the cheese, yogurt and cream in your cappuccino,” Maria explains. “They’re also really cute and live very good lives. That’s why my grandfather installed windows in one of our restaurants—so guests could see the cows and where their milk comes from.”

The original centuries-old “Stangl” inn, serving authentic Tyrolean cuisine, is just one of several dining options. Guests can also enjoy the Dreiklang international kitchen and Leni’s, a newer addition offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes. Much of the produce is homegrown or locally sourced and as organic as possible.

The accommodations reflect the same natural philosophy. Arolla pine is carefully handcrafted using traditional construction methods, while solid-wood furniture, plush cotton robes and towels, wool carpets and soft linen bedding underscore the resort’s commitment to sustainability and authentic Alpine craftsmanship.

The spa and sporting facilities occupy a large portion of the property, offering countless opportunities for fitness and relaxation. The sauna complex alone features five saunas and steam baths, secluded grottos, pools and tranquil lounging areas. Children are welcome in designated areas, including a playful water world with waterfalls and a slide.

Guests can indulge in a full range of treatments, such as massages, facials, baths and body wraps. A standout experience is a Rolfing session with therapist Sascha Bauer, where the body’s fascial network is aligned with gravity to promote natural posture and ease of movement. After just one hour with Sascha, I booked a 10-session program at home to continue the process.

For those seeking activity, there’s no shortage of adrenaline. Tennis (five indoor carpet courts and three outdoor clay courts), yoga and Pilates are available year-round, while seasonal offerings include golf, hiking, biking and skiing. The Stanglwirt riding school features 24 Lipizzaner horses, with the riding ring visible from the lobby bar.

Operating a resort of this scale—with 350 staff, returning guests and an extensive network of buildings—requires significant resources. Recently Stanglwirt introduced a cutting-edge power plant that converts regional wood chips into electricity, heat and biochar—efficiently and with low emissions. It is currently the only facility of its kind in the global hotel industry, showcasing a closed-loop, environmentally responsible energy system.

Fittingly, the descendants of the family who once owned the sawmill on that land now operate the plant.

“It all came full circle,” says Maria. “It’s still their business in a way—and it’s generational. That’s why I call it a story made in heaven.”

Family remains central to everything at Stanglwirt. Each sibling brings unique strengths that contribute to the resort’s success.

“We share a common goal,” Maria says, “to keep this place healthy, preserve its spirit and pass it on to the next generation.”

When not in Austria, the family spends time at their vacation home in Santa Barbara, maintaining a strong California connection.

“I had such a wonderful time living and working there,” Maria adds. “It’s still my home in many ways.”

Spotlight Munich

The quickest and easiest way to reach Stanglwirt is via Munich, less than two hours away by car. Fortunately, a layover in the Bavarian capital offers plenty to enjoy: shopping, sightseeing and, of course, stein after stein of local beer.

Book a stay at the historic Bayerischer Hof, home to its own nightclub, theatre, six bars and five restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Atelier. Recently renovated public spaces and spacious rooms—ranging from classic to contemporary—set a high standard for comfort and style.

From the hotel, Old Town Munich is easily explored on foot. Cobblestone streets lead to landmarks like Marienplatz, where the ornate Neues Rathaus and its famous Glockenspiel draw crowds daily. Nearby, the twin domes of Frauenkirche define the skyline, while Viktualienmarkt offers a lively taste of local flavors and Bavarian specialties. The Munich Residenz adds another layer of grandeur, making the area a compact blend of history, culture and energy.

No visit is complete without a stop at the legendary Hofbräuhaus München. Founded in 1589, it’s known for its lively atmosphere, communal wooden tables and traditional Bavarian music—a place where locals and visitors alike gather to enjoy hearty food, giant steins of beer and a centuries-old social tradition.