This June, I swapped Dubai’s desert heat for the cool, alpine calm of Carinthia, Austria’s southernmost state, where healing waters, folklore, and scenic beauty unfolded across a week of pure restoration.
Nestled at the crossroads of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia, Carinthia is a natural wonderland with over 1,200 lakes and rolling mountains. While winter brings skiers, summer reveals breezy weather, drinkable lakes, and lush hiking trails—where emerald valleys meet brilliant blue skies.
We landed in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and drove into Klagenfurt, Carinthia’s capital. Its cobbled streets and charming cafés hide centuries of legend—most notably the Lindwurm Fountain, a slate dragon said to have once terrorized the region until slain by knights. Nearby, a bronze figure known as the Wörtherseemandl commemorates another tale: the little man who flooded a prideful city, creating today’s stunning Lake Wörthersee.
At the lake, we dined at Maria Loretto, where sunset melted over turquoise waters. A ferry ride to Maria Wörth brought wildflower meadows, church visits, and panoramic views of Carinthia from Pyramidenkogel, the world’s tallest wooden lookout tower.
Our wellness immersion began at Hotel Warmbaderhof in Warmbad-Villach, a 5-star spa hotel with over 200 years of healing tradition. Mornings dips in the healing thermal spring pool, spa visits and facials, beautifully welcoming rooms, and a session at the -110°C Cryo Suite left me feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply recharged.
But Carinthia’s wellness extends beyond spas. At Monkey Mountain, we walked through vividly green forestry and watched the antics of the cutest Japanese macaques. Driving through the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve, we learned about forest sustainability, sipped tree-sap schnapps, and devoured hand-rolled Austrian ricotta dumplings at a local mountaintop inn.
For those dreaming of an alpine escape with rustic charm, Carinthia doesn’t disappoint. Gipfelhaus Magdalensberg offers panoramic views, regional cuisine, and cozy lodge-style comfort over 1,000 meters above sea level, perfect for hikers and history lovers alike. Meanwhile, Trattler’s Hofchalets in Bad Kleinkirchheim combine luxury with nature: think private saunas, fireplaces, and direct access to ski slopes and hiking trails.
I headed home with a glowing body, mind, and spirit. Carinthia’s healing waters, crisp air, and charming folklore had worked their magic. The weather in late spring was just right: warm sun, cool breeze, and food so fresh it tastes like summer. I am already dreaming of going back with a few friends in tow to swim in its crystal-clear lakes and soak up the lush, vivid beauty all over again.
