Reduce & Reserve & Relax
...and all this in Bad Tatzmannsdorf in Burgenland. "Reduce" - as the new brand for the spa and health center, the Reiter's Reserve with two hotels and 27 golf holes on 120 hectares and finally relax in the 4-star superior Hotel Avita. What more could a golfer's heart want?
There's no question that the journey can't be the destination here, as the trip takes me through the whole of Austria to the smallest and southernmost province. Whether it's worth it is the first question, which is quickly answered by the fantastic program: accommodation in the best wellness spa "Avita", champagne bath in the brand new "Reduce", golfing in Bernd Wiesberger's footsteps at Reiter's Golf & Country Club and last but not least wine tasting in the toque-awarded restaurant "Wachtler-Wieslers Ratschen" in Deutsch-Schützen. And the icing on the cake: a helicopter flight over the gently undulating landscape of southern Burgenland with Tourism Director Dietmar Lindau. No question - it was going to be an exciting weekend.
Bad Tatz - a spa town with tradition
Everything spa - that's the first impression of Bad Tatzmannsdorf and the town owes this to its carbonated healing water, which has been bubbling out of the ground here since the 16th century. In addition, the natural thermal water in combination with the local peat helps with cardiovascular diseases, spinal problems, rheumatism and metabolic disorders. But also preventively and that is probably for "everyone". In any case, these three natural healing resources in one place are unique in Austria. Yes, handicapped golfers in particular should listen carefully, as they can get first-hand help for all their back and joint complaints here - in the new 4-star superior hotels "REDUCE Hotel Thermal und Vital" . Spacious, bright and equipped with trendy furniture and colors, they are more in the lifestyle sector than in a health resort. The philosophy of the new orientation is based on 10 principles, all of which serve to slow things down, promote sustainability and - as the name implies - focus on the essentials - health. And that includes my "champagne bath", which puts me in a "good mood" ad hoc with bubbling carbon dioxide. And that is probably also part of the holistic concept of REDUCE plus - medicine mixed with the power of nature, relaxation and culinary delights. Toque-awarded chef Siegfried Kröpfl manages to make my mouth water with vegetarian and vegan dishes.
A world of its own has been created by model hotelier Karl Reiter with his golf resort and the two hotels "Supreme" and "Finest Family" on a hill above Bad Tatzmannsdorf. A "reserve", because peace and relaxation for adults are part of his philosophy at the 5* Supreme and all kinds of action is offered at the 4*Family Hotel. The resort is also a paradise for horse riders, hikers and bikers, as he shows me on a carriage ride through his "kingdom". However, I am particularly interested in the two golf courses - the 9-hole Lichtenwald and the 18-hole championship course, where an extra green is dedicated to Austrian champion Bernd Wiesberger. "Unlimited golf" is the name of the game here, practically from your bed, as the "Supreme" is located directly on the golf course and offers a fantastic view over the gently undulating terrain. Thanks to two relatively short par 4 holes, the start of the round is still very pleasant up to hole 4, a 420-metre par 4 from the back tees. The next hole is also a pure challenge: with out on the left, water on the right and a pond in front of the green. - Not for golf novices, who are better off getting lost on the 9-hole course. The final holes 16, 17 and 18, which can be viewed from the hotel balcony, also demand a reasonably good finish before you take a header into the oversized pool after the last putt.
The 4*superior Avita Resort offers plenty of water - whether in the relaxation, adventure, children's, massage, relaxation, soft or sports pool as well as in the idyllic bathing pond. Plus the 2000 m² "Avita exclusive" wellness area with its own thermal water - a health oasis par excellence. The only fly in the ointment is the excellent cuisine, which puts paid to any thoughts of losing weight. Wachter-Wieslers-Ratschen in the middle of the vineyards of Deutsch-Schützen is a real insider tip. On the one hand, of course, due to the cuisine, which, with 15 Gault-Millau points and two toques, serves a refined selection of Austrian dishes. Never before have I eaten such delicious veal patties with the restaurant's own Blaufränkisch wine as the perfect finishing touch. On the other hand, the futuristic-looking, cube-like houses right next door, which are called "Wohnothek". A puristically styled hideaway in the middle of the southern Burgenland vineyards where you can relax, read a book or, even better, taste wine. A perfect end to any Burgenland tasting trip.
www.bad-tatzmannsdorf.at www.reduce.at www.reitersgolfresort.at www.avita.at www.wachter-wiesler.at.
