We all define ‘savour’ in a different way. If you stay at the Reiters in Bad Tatzmannsdorf, however, you can be sure to find plenty to savour – in almost every form. Here, you enter a unique world and a place of tranquillity: a magnificent 125 hectares of grassland in splendid seclusion. Meadows, woods and pastures where noble Lipizzaner horses graze, sheep and goats frolic, and cattle from the Reiters’ 60-hectare farm in Styria also occasionally check in as guests. Nestled amongst the greenery are two hotel complexes, which the experienced hoteliers acquired in 2004 and have painstakingly transformed into well thought-out holiday resorts: The 4-star Superior Hotel Reiters Finest Family, designed entirely with families in mind, makes children’s eyes light up and brings a smile to parents’ faces. A little further away, the 5-star Reiters Supreme Hotel offers an exclusive adults-only retreat: with sparkling pools, ponds and a 9,000 m² spa and wellness area. A spectacular spa, surrounded by water and nature. A golf course stretching out into endless expanses. Accommodation that evolves to meet guests’ needs – from elegant rooms to fascinating, newly designed luxury suites. And with an outstanding cuisine, which draws its unrivalled quality from the freshness and excellence of the resort’s own produce. All this creates an atmosphere that transforms time into happiness and simplicity into warmth; that draws your gaze back to authenticity – something you come to appreciate afresh and relish every second of.
'What is good for our guests? What do they need to feel at home? These questions shape everything we do and define our identity. The joy of bringing joy to others – this is our motivation. We aim to create a genuine connection with our guests – through an experience of true quality. This requires commitment, respect and passion – not only from us, but also from our staff, whom we regard as part of our family and hold in high regard.'
Nikola Reiter, Hotelière + Karl J. Reiter, Hotelier & Farmer
The golden honey flows leisurely into the jars waiting to receive it. They will later appear on the breakfast buffet table, alongside ham from the resort’s own Mangalitsa pigs, homemade haymilk cheese, or cherry jam made from the now fully ripe fruit of the orchard meadows, which are also open to guests: picking and nibbling straight from the tree is very much encouraged, to complement the wellness experience with pure, sensually sweet flavour. ‘Genusswerkstatt’ (‘the art of savouring’) is the philosophy followed here – a concept that requires no grand gestures as it is simply part of everyday life. While Nikola Reiter and her staff are currently developing sophisticated delicacies from the seasonal harvest of the fruit and vegetable gardens and the farm’s own produce – which you can also purchase, by the way – her husband Karl looks after the animals over on the farm in the Pöllau Valley, where they are reared with care and in harmony with nature. This deep respect is evident, not only in the farming practices which adhere to the highest ecological and animal welfare standards, but also in the production methods: they are particularly sustainable and top quality: the cattle – all of which are rare, resilient breeds – are reared for a full three years before slaughter, rather than the usual 18 months. Only then is the optimum culinary maturity achieved. The accomplished kitchen team combines creativity with expertise, letting the authentic quality of the resort’s own meat, fish, poultry and game speak for itself. All parts are used, following the nose-to-tail principle. Every evening, guests are treated to a carefully curated dinner of exquisite creations. Anyone who has ever tasted the eight-week dry-aged steak straight from the grill will realise why the effort is worth it: every bite, a true delight – wonderfully tender and accompanied by the aroma of delicious roasted flavours.
After practising on the driving range – the largest in Austria – we decide to tee off on the 18-hole championship course; alternatively, there is a second 9-hole course. Back in our suite, it’s time to relax. The name ‘Premium Luxury Suite’ is well deserved: over a spacious 93 m², an incredibly detailed and exciting interior design concept unfolds. Elegant wood, South Tyrolean stone and natural materials create a sophisticated, blissful atmosphere of home. The smooth-operating system of doors, featuring solid wood and semi-transparent elements, allows for individual room design with flexible layouts. In a matter of seconds, an open, spacious layout can be transformed into a separate, private space – for example, with a partitioned dining/bar area or an enclosed bathroom. The freestanding Japanese bathtub and a private fitness area round off the wellness experience perfectly. The designer suites are part of a transformation that is taking place step by step. The Reiters’ vision is rooted in holistic well-being; design is merely one aspect. Many regular guests are happy to stick with the tried-and-tested comfort of the elegant single and double rooms, enjoying the art of savouring in other facets of the resort: being personally collected in Vienna or Graz and driven to the hotel, for example. Or in the unique opportunities offered by nature, golf and wellness. When it comes to the art of savouring, the owners are riding ahead of their competitors, guided by their philosophy and the perfect recipe for ensuring their guests’ lasting happiness.
PANTA RHEI Naturally, a fine wine is an essential part of the exquisite cuisine served at the Reiters Hotels. Preferably from the resort’s own vineyard: 40 hectares of vineyards on the highly sought-after Leithaberg in St. Georgen. Top winemaker Hans Schwarz performs the skilful vinification of the grapes, guided by the principle of ‘quality over quantity’ and yielding correspondingly impressive results, particularly with the red wines: the Pinot Noir, Blaufränkischer and the fruity, spicy Caberhei – good for long-term storage and which draws strong stylistic inspiration from classic Bordeaux cuvées – are all excellent. Panta Rhei means ‘everything flows’. The name could not be more apt.
Reiters Lipizzaner A spirited snort greets us as we enter the stables situated in the southern part of the grounds including extensive pastures. Here Karl J. Reiter has realised his long-cherished dream of owning his own stud farm. Few people realise that it is the largest private Lipizzaner stud in Europe. This magnificent breed, which is over 400 years old and best known for its association with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, reveals its full beauty here: the characteristic dark foals grow into noble white stallions and mares, captivating visitors with their grace and character. Alongside Lipizzaners, the stables are also home to Shetland ponies and American Miniature Horses. Stroking the horses, riding, a carriage ride through the countryside of southern Burgenland or arriving on your own horse: these are all part of the wellness experiences on offer at Reiters Supreme.
