What it is

An alpine wonderland with 157 rooms between two hotels, two adults-only spas with a hammam and onsen, and a two Michelin-starred restaurant among six dining options.

What it isn't

Just for grown-ups. Yes, the spas are serene and just for adults, but there’s plenty to do for wee ones, including two kids clubs, stellar “edutainment” classes (including a chess academy and wood workshop), and swim lessons.

What we think

Practically every major recent world leader has been to Schloss Elmau, thanks to its role as host in two G7 Summits (in 2015 and 2022). And no wonder. The resort is everything a boldfaced name could want, starting with the style-forward guest rooms. In The Retreat, all 47 rooms may have taken traditional Japanese interiors as their muse, with their rich horizontal wood paneling and Toto washlets; at The Hideaway, interiors are plushly adorned as if for the original circa 1914 hotel. Either way, expect unfettered luxuries, including XXL Schramm mattresses, espresso machines, Samsung HD TVs, and stone-lined bathrooms. Before your stay, be sure to plan your wellness experiences; everything you can think of is on offer here, including spiroergometry analysis and underwater massages in the 95-degree saltwater pool.

You're here because

You love to stay where fame has slept, and everyone from President Barack Obama to Claudia Schiffer have stayed here.

The Moment

Perched by the roaring fire at two Michelin-starred Ikigai, you feel like they’ve earned a whole galaxy of stars. The restaurant was named after the Japanese word meaning “what makes life worth living,” and after one bite of your Kyoto cake, you must admit: this is it.

Restaurants & Bars

Luce D'Oro - Fine dining

La Salle - Superb specialities from Europe and the Alps

Fidelio - Indian high cuisine

Summit Restaurant - Adults only Mediterranean cuisine

Tutto Mondo - Family restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine

Summit Pavilion - Sushi restaurant

Ananda Spa Restaurant - Light breakfast or Thai lunch

Kaminstueberl - Fondue

Elmauer Alm - Enjoy Bavarian Snacks and breathtaking views of the Karwendel and Wetterstein mountains

Location

High in the Bavarian Alps, a two-hour drive from Memmingen Airport.