The GERSTL Family Retreat, Vinschgau
2nd place: At the DAS GERSTL Family Retreat, every day is an adventure, and the hearts of children of all ages beat faster as unforgettable moments are created in and with nature.
Kayak on the turquoise-blue Reschensee, relax at the Venosta Spa while the kids splash around in the Aqua Fun Park or push their limits on the climbing wall—at DAS GERSTL Family Retreat, you’ll create lasting memories together. Maximum relaxation, exclusive comfort, and the warm hospitality of the Gerstl family define this new five-star family hotel, which opened its doors in May 2025.
Located directly on the lakeshore, the retreat combines sustainable luxury with a vibrant family culture. The hosts, Marion and Lukas Gerstl—themselves parents of two daughters and deeply rooted in Vinschgau—have incorporated their experience and love for the region into a holistic concept. Local artisans, regional materials, and the consistent “r30” philosophy—products and ingredients sourced from within a 30-kilometer radius—define the architecture, interiors, and cuisine.
The 66 spacious suites and studios, built in a modern timber style, offer plenty of room to relax starting at 46 square meters, along with spectacular views of Lake Reschen and its famous church tower. Guests can unwind in GERSTI’s Water World, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, baby and teen pools, as well as the Aqua Fun Park with a 76-meter-long slide. The Venosta Spa invites guests to rejuvenate with an organic clay sauna, saltwater steam bath, panoramic relaxation room, and regional natural cosmetics. A modern gym and a weekly fitness program round out the offerings for guests aged 16 and older.
Children of all ages will have a wonderful time: free childcare for babies and toddlers, age-appropriate clubs for kids and teens, exciting excursions, a climbing and bouldering wall, and unlimited water fun. At the same time, quiet retreats invite you to cuddle, dream, and relax as a family. The focus is on spending time together—whether skiing in the nearby family-friendly Schöneben-Haider Alm ski area, on the frozen lake in winter, or hiking, biking, and enjoying water sports in summer. For quality time as a couple, there are adults-only hours at the infinity pool as well as an exclusive spa area with nude saunas and a panoramic relaxation room.
Culinary offerings at the retreat also emphasize sustainability and regional ingredients. Head chef Petra Patscheider treats guests to fresh, seasonal cuisine—from live-cooking breakfasts to lunch, snacks, and the evening gourmet market. Children can eat flexibly with their parents or under supervision; babies are well taken care of.
'' Photo credits: Andergassen Florian, Pfitscher Benjamin, Alex Filz
Photos: DAS GERSTL Family Retreat, Alex Filz & Benjamin Pfitscher
All from the family
Located directly on the lakeshore, the retreat combines sustainable luxury with a vibrant family culture. The hosts, Marion and Lukas Gerstl—themselves parents of two daughters and deeply rooted in Vinschgau—have incorporated their experience and love for the region into a holistic concept. Local artisans, regional materials, and the consistent “r30” philosophy—products and ingredients sourced from within a 30-kilometer radius—define the architecture, interiors, and cuisine.
The 66 spacious suites and studios, built in a modern timber style, offer plenty of room to relax starting at 46 square meters, along with spectacular views of Lake Reschen and its famous church tower. Guests can unwind in GERSTI’s Water World, featuring indoor and outdoor pools, baby and teen pools, as well as the Aqua Fun Park with a 76-meter-long slide. The Venosta Spa invites guests to rejuvenate with an organic clay sauna, saltwater steam bath, panoramic relaxation room, and regional natural cosmetics. A modern gym and a weekly fitness program round out the offerings for guests aged 16 and older.
Everything for the family
Children of all ages will have a wonderful time: free childcare for babies and toddlers, age-appropriate clubs for kids and teens, exciting excursions, a climbing and bouldering wall, and unlimited water fun. At the same time, quiet retreats invite you to cuddle, dream, and relax as a family. The focus is on spending time together—whether skiing in the nearby family-friendly Schöneben-Haider Alm ski area, on the frozen lake in winter, or hiking, biking, and enjoying water sports in summer. For quality time as a couple, there are adults-only hours at the infinity pool as well as an exclusive spa area with nude saunas and a panoramic relaxation room.
Culinary offerings at the retreat also emphasize sustainability and regional ingredients. Head chef Petra Patscheider treats guests to fresh, seasonal cuisine—from live-cooking breakfasts to lunch, snacks, and the evening gourmet market. Children can eat flexibly with their parents or under supervision; babies are well taken care of.
'' Photo credits: Andergassen Florian, Pfitscher Benjamin, Alex Filz
Photos: DAS GERSTL Family Retreat, Alex Filz & Benjamin Pfitscher
![[Translate to en:] BABOR](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/b/csm_BABOR_Anniversary70_AnniversarySet_KeyVisual_web_quer_5_4_neu_3c7619d93b.jpg "[Translate to en:] BABOR")
![[Translate to en:] BABOR](/fileadmin/_processed_/4/b/csm_BABOR_Anniversary70_AnniversarySet_KeyVisual_web_quer_5_4_neu_2e3d39240b.jpg "[Translate to en:] BABOR")