Wellness hotel tester Andrea Labonte: Wellness break for Mother's Day - Three hotels that are really good for mothers

Year after year it's on the calendar, and yet it's often overloaded with clichés: Mother's Day . A bouquet of flowers, a quick phone call - and off we go. Yet mothers achieve amazing things - day after day, often over decades, they have learned to put themselves aside. They usually look after others before thinking about themselves - and in doing so, they often lose sight of their own needs. What they get in return is rarely a moment of reflection, let alone real time for themselves. So how about a change of perspective this year? Instead of flowers: a weekend that really strengthens you. A conscious time out can be so healing. It provides space for self-care, for silence, beauty and sensuality. Whether alone, with your daughter or best friend - a short wellness break becomes an invitation to draw new strength, breathe consciously and get closer to yourself again.

At the foot of Neuschwanstein Castle, surrounded by picturesque lakes, lies the King Ludwig Inspiration SPA, a 7,100 sqm adults-only hotel in Schwangau, offering a gigantic wellness area for guests aged 14 and over, offering relaxation. The centerpiece: the hotel's own natural swimming lake with an infinity pool and direct mountain views – perfect for those who enjoy a morning swim in the tranquility of the mountains. Lake lovers will definitely get their money's worth at the Hotel King Ludwig: The idyllic Alpsee, the enchanting Schwansee, and the picturesque Forggensee are just minutes away and invite you to hike, stroll, swim, or go boating – always with a view of the royal castles and the Allgäu Alpine panorama.

The hotel's spacious and newly designed spa cosmos also offers a scenic view, offering a total of 21 bathing, sweating, and relaxation attractions for mothers in need of relaxation. The hotel not only boasts an impressive natural swimming lake, but also an infinity whirlpool, a sports pool, and a nude natural swimming lake. The 70-square-meter event sauna and the hotel's own spa cinema offer a true spa spectacle. The ladies' sauna area offers exclusive relaxation moments for moms. A total of five dry saunas with varying heat levels, an infrared lounge, and a steam bath round out the multifaceted sweat area. The Fit & Fun Lodge and its varied activity program add a sporty touch. The adults-only hotel also boasts a yoga lounge. The outstanding cuisine, including the Lilien Lounge & Bar by the lake with a show kitchen or a signature treatment such as the “King Ludwig Gemstone Massage”, ensures a truly royal pampering program.

Andrea Labonte has an unusual profession: As a wellness hotel tester for the online hotel guide Wellness Heaven, she has been discovering unique spa destinations for 20 years – places that inspire with fabulous natural surroundings and bright ideas for more health and regeneration. As part of the interview series "Mindful Moments – Conversations that Touch" in Wellness Heaven magazine, she also regularly speaks with outstanding personalities from the travel industry. Her professional background: She studied business administration in Mainz and Paris and worked in marketing in various sectors, most recently for six years for one of the largest international luxury goods groups. Having tested over 500 wellness hotels, Andrea Labonte has a broad basis for comparison and knows what matters to the discerning wellness traveler.

The Reischlhof in Wegscheid is in a class of its own – an adults-only wellness hotel for guests aged 16 and over, offering warmth, quality, and space for relaxation. Situated at an altitude of 850 meters, the panoramic view over the forests of the Passau region is a tranquil experience in itself. The nearest village, Sonnen, is a few kilometers away, and thanks to the hotel's secluded location, stressed-out mothers are sure to find peace and quiet here.

The Reischlhof boasts some of the most outstanding wellness features: The spa spans a generous 5,000 square meters. Eight saunas make up the extensive sauna world, while 19 themed relaxation rooms offer space for contemplative retreat. Particularly popular are the 80°C "Event Fire Sauna" with its atmospheric lighting concept and the 47°C rock crystal steam sauna. 200 different wellness treatments can be found in the Reischlhof's spa menu. The water world's highlight is the Sky Pool on the hotel's roof, heated to 37°C and providing a wonderful feeling of warmth. The 20-meter outdoor sports pool, the indoor pool, and the 850-square-meter natural swimming lake also make the hearts of bathers beat faster.

For mothers who finally want to breathe deeply again, a quick visit to the WaldSpa is recommended. Spanning an impressive 40,000 square meters, the WaldSpa offers a unique nature experience. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of the Bavarian Forest (approximately 600 meters from the hotel), mothers can enjoy the harmonious sounds of nature far away from the stress of everyday life at home, while swinging on comfortable tree swings or loungers and savoring the moment. The wind, the rustling of leaves, and the birdsong create a calming, almost meditative atmosphere. The WaldSpa is a project close to the heart of the Reischl family, who value sustainability. "Rest and relaxation in the countryside - that is part of our mission statement. In order to preserve the nature around us, we take responsibility for our environment and surroundings," emphasizes Hermann Reischl. The WaldSpa is also home to a large yoga platform where unforgettable yoga moments can be experienced.

Mothers in need of peace and quiet can find even more nature during hikes through the Bavarian Forest National Park. A trip to the three-river city of Passau is also worthwhile. But doing nothing is also tempting at the Reischlhof. Connoisseurs will love the regional gourmet cuisine or a soothing back and neck massage.

Another hotel where mothers can certainly recharge their batteries is Das Kranzbach in Krün near Garmisch-Partenkirchen. This special retreat for guests aged 12 and over combines historic elegance with a modern mindfulness concept. The original English castle, built in 1915, is situated on a sunny clearing, nestled in nature – with sweeping views of the Zugspitze massif and the Karwendel Mountains. Mothers inevitably find peace here and can focus on what's essential: silence, time, and presence. The modern bathhouse spa with mountain views, the Japanese meditation pavilion, the yoga and Qi Gong offerings, and the 25-meter infinity pool make the Kranzbach a dream destination for mothers seeking mental and physical relaxation.

Das Kranzbach also boasts its own Lady Spa . This is located on the first floor and covers an area of ​​250 square meters. The Lady Spa features a Finnish sauna, a steam bath, and a bio sauna. This makes Das Kranzbach not only the ideal wellness destination for a Mother's Day break, but also for a relaxing holiday with friends. The view and the size of the treetop sauna are spectacular. Here, guests have the feeling of saunaing outdoors above the treetops of the Elmauer Valley. The nudist roof terrace on the 3rd floor is perfect for enjoying the magnificent panoramic view and relaxing after a sauna session. Das Kranzbach also has a few tricks up its sleeve for sporty mothers: On the yoga platform above the Lady Spa, yogis get their money's worth with the varied yoga program, such as morning yoga or Hatha yoga. The panoramic fitness room, with its wide range of modern equipment, also encourages peak performance. For guests who prefer to train in a group, the diverse Kranzbach Activity & Leisure Program offers activities such as Aqua Fit, Body Balance Pilates, and abdominal, leg, and buttock exercises.

In the area surrounding the hotel, hikes to the Partnach Gorge, strolls through the neighboring Buckelwiesen meadows, or a day trip to the historic Werdenfelser Land beckon. All mom has to do here is arrive and breathe a sigh of relief.

So instead of rushing to the flower shop this year, perhaps it's time to give mothers something more profound: a true respite in a hotel that not only pampers but also strengthens. Whether quiet retreats like the Kranzbach, wellness oases like the Reischlhof, or alpine spa destinations like the König Ludwig, all three hotels are declarations of love for what mothers truly need from time to time: recognition, peace, and space to be.

This article is from the EXPERTS Circle – a network of selected experts with in-depth knowledge and many years of experience. The content is based on individual assessments and is aligned with the current state of science and practice.