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My partner's mum is celebrating a milestone birthday and wants to spend it with the family. She let us know the previous autumn so we could keep her birthday weekend free. Of course! So we all head together to the 4*S Wellness Hotel Larimar.
This thermal spa hotel in Stegersbach has not only wellness, spa & outstanding cuisine to offer, but also exceptional dog-friendliness. Today I'm going to tell you what's on offer for our four-legged friends beyond the lovely rooms with their own little garden.
Arrival at the 4*S Wellness Hotel LARIMAR
After a short drive of just 1 hour and 15 minutes, we arrive in Stegersbach in Burgenland. The sun is shining and the first thing we want to do is let Murphy and Archie stretch their legs. We get out of the car and straight away spot the path leading to the enormous dog meadow.
On the meadow — where playing fetch is especially fun (see Donna above) — there are also some quality agility obstacles available, including a tunnel, A-frame, weave poles and jumps. As a bonus and a chance to cool off, right next door we find a genuinely large dog pond, where Murphy promptly opens the swimming season. Poo bag dispensers and bins are clearly visible and conveniently placed.
Since we arrive quite early, my in-laws grab us a lunchtime snack. In the meantime, Bibi, Kevin & June arrive from Germany. The joy of reunion is huge for all of us, but June & Archie are absolutely beside themselves and race around with boundless energy ;)
Up to the rooms
We step into the attractive entrance hall and are greeted warmly at reception. There we receive our room keys (key cards) along with a few helpful explanations. We take the lift down to the 2nd basement floor, where the "dog rooms" are located, and enter our temporary home.
A long hallway with wardrobe, mirror and storage unit opens up towards the bedroom and the terrace with garden. Opposite the comfortable bed for the two-legged guests, 2 dog baskets, food bowls, poo bags and even a few treats are waiting for the four-legged ones!
The bathroom features a shower, bathtub, separate toilet and a fully stocked bag for the wellness area, complete with bathrobe, slippers and sauna and bath towels. Everything is high quality and speaks of excellent craftsmanship.
On the terrace, alongside the seating area, there is also a bin for disposing of your pets' little gifts. The garden is perfect for an urgent call of nature. Thanks to the wooden dividing walls between terraces, there's no risk of any hostile encounters with the neighbours.
Spa & Wellness
We girls waste no time heading off to the warm water. Well, not quite immediately. First we meet up with the men for afternoon cake at the hotel bar, where dogs are also welcome. After a delicious sweet snack, Brigitte, Bibi and I explore the 4,500 m² wellness area.
The scent and atmosphere in the spa area invites you to linger, but we only take a quick look before heading to the thermal section. There you'll find both relaxation zones and a crystal energy room. What really draws us in, though, is the large pool, where we splash around and chat inside and out at a pleasant 36° C.
Brigitte and I even join the water aerobics session the next morning. I do intend to go to the early yoga class, but I'm "weak" and end up not signing up after all. Several treatments such as massages are enjoyed by Brigitte and Bibi, and they both look visibly relaxed afterwards.
Gourmet cuisine
Since we don't really like leaving Archie unsupervised at the moment, we ask whether the dogs can join us for meals. There is the option of dining — and also having breakfast — in the lounge, so we book a table. It's a little further to walk to the buffet, but this way our furry companions can stay with us.
Breakfast has something to suit every taste (and even late risers → served until 11 a.m.). Freshly made egg dishes or omelettes can be customised with onions, mushrooms, bacon and much more. Regional organic products — cold cuts, spreads, cheeses — as well as vegan specialities are all on offer.
In the evenings we get to choose from a 6-course gourmet menu. Salad and desserts are available from the buffet, while the soup, starter and main course are served at the table. The main course always includes a meat, a fish and a vegan option. And so that Murphy, Archie & June don't miss out, we order them — at a small extra charge — the dog menu of chicken, rice, carrot and celery ;)
And to make sure us two-legged guests don't go hungry, the pampering retreat at the Larimar also offers a lunchtime vitality buffet and the "sweet afternoon" described at the start. All in all, a wonderfully varied and wholesome kitchen, perfectly complemented by the friendly service of the staff.
Hikes in the Area
The Golf Course Loop
On Friday morning the whole family heads out on a short but lovely loop around the golf course. Just one road to cross and we're already there. We stroll through the not-quite-lush-yet greens and take the opportunity for a few photos.
We cross a small road where a few sweet ponies greet us and watch with curiosity from the other side. Behind the stables we follow the fence until we're back at the Hotel Larimar's agility meadow. We practise a little there and then make our way back to the rooms via the side entrance, where a dog shower is also available.
The Little Vitality Trail
On Saturday morning Bibi and Kevin have booked a couples treatment at the spa, so my in-laws, my favourite person and I set off in search of a dog-friendly walk. We find the little vitality trail, about 10 minutes away by car.
We walk mostly through the wonderfully fragrant forest, only having to cross one road and walk briefly along a pavement near the end. Otherwise we simply enjoy the peace and quiet of the woods together with Donna, Murphy, Archie & June.
At 4.2 km the route is easy going, and the 122 metres of elevation gain are perfectly manageable. We don't encounter a single soul in the forest that day. It's only near the residential houses that we meet any locals — and their dogs.
Watch a summary of the hike on video
And proof that Murphy was actually along for the ride :)
Verdict.
The wellness hotel Larimar in Stegersbach cleverly combines the chance for a dog-friendly holiday with relaxation and great food. All our dogs are just as welcome as we are, which is why we were able to enjoy every single day to the fullest.
*** This review of the hotel reflects my entirely personal impression and experience.
I was neither asked nor paid to write this. The stay was simply so relaxing and dog-friendly that I didn't want to keep it to myself. ***
