Baden-Baden is the original spa destination. The region’s organic springs have been used for bathing since the days of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. Small wonder, then, that the town was named after its primary leisure activity (‘baden’ translates from German as ‘bathing’ or ‘baths’).
Brenners Park Hotel is to Baden-Baden what the natural springs are to the beautiful, Black Forest German town itself. It is one of the seminal grand hotels in the area, having first opened its doors to international dignitaries over 140 years ago. The original property, known as ‘Stéphanie les Bains’ – for its French character – or ‘Stephanienbad’ was bought by Anton Brenners in 1872. The turn of the century established it as one of the most important spa retreats, not just in Europe, but around the world. In 1907, for example, the hotel played host to King Chulalongkorn of Siam and Laos and his retinue – just one of many royal visits over the years.
The hotel’s charms, then, are hardly a secret. 100 bedrooms offer a winning combination of supreme comfort and exceptional luxury, reflected in each room’s individual décor and furnishings, enhanced by elegant antiques and luxurious marble bathrooms. While the hotel undoubtedly retains an air of unfettered opulence, it is the unparalleled level of service from the Brenner’s Park staff that keeps people returning year after year.
Beyond the indulgences of the accommodation itself, the myriad activities available for health purists and outdoors enthusiasts are staggering. Baden-Württemberg is a region famous for its outdoor activities, from mountain biking and climbing to golf and water sports. The town itself is also home to one of the most famous casinos in the world and is a few miles from the international racecourse at Iffezheim.
Whether you’ve earned it (after a long day of exercise) or not (after a long day of pampering at the Spa), the retreat offers a wide variety of exceptional dining options, startin with the one Michelin starred Brenners Park Restaurant which offers a full gourmet experience headed up by Executive Chef Paul Stradner. Other dining options include the ‘Wintergarten’ restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes or guests may also sample some traditional Black Forest Gateau at afternoon tea in the cosy ‘Kaminhalle’. There is also the ‘Rive Gauche’, which offers Mediterranean-themed dining experiences located in the heart of the Lichtentaler Alle (the enchanting and historic park and arboretum in Baden-Baden).
More than anything else, however, Brenner’s Park is renowned for its luxurious spa facilities including a heated swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms and an extensive medical facility. In 2014, the hotel will look both to the future and its past with the opening of the nostalgically named‘’Villa Stéphanie’, a destination spa and wellness centre extending over five floors and comprising of a 500-square-metre sauna, Kneipp therapeutic pools, a plunge pool, a private fitness centre and a Hamman.
First published in Beyond Indulgence: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Indulgence-Nick-Artsruni/dp/1905904304
Address: Schillerstraße 4-6, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
Phone:+49 7221 9000
Email: information@brenners.com
Like us on Facebook!
Follow us on Twitter!
