Food is medicine here at Ayurveda Sonnhof and recipes are prepared using organic produce from the Sonnhof’s own Lindhof farm in Thiersee and neighbouring farms and markets. The Sonnhof’s resident Indian chef, Balvinder Walla creates magic in his kitchen. Breakfasts are a dream: fruits, mueslis, a host of fabulous bread and yoghurts, cereals and nuts, cheeses and meats.

For those who are here to just relax and rejuvenate, a four-course treat awaits you at lunch and dinner times. And surprisingly alcohol and coffee are also available. Among a plethora of Ayurvedic herbal teas. Dinner my first evening comprised salad from the fabulous buffet, cauliflower mousse on a courgette and orange Carpaccio, carrot and ginger soup.

Followed by a choice of an Ayurvedic or vegan fish and vegetable option. I had a filet of plaice with veggies. All beautifully cooked and flavoursome. Desserts are fabulous too – Mango cream with avocado was sensational.

If you’re on a special diet then your food intake will be restricted to just one main meal a day with a small breakfast and soup in the evening.

Yoga is recommended here and there’s a daily bulletin detailing all activities. Choose from Qi Gong to a guided forest walk, as well as meditation and relaxation sessions. If you’re doing the Panchakarma you’ll be asleep or resting most of the time – according to guests I spoke to.

My other treatments included an amazing stamp massage, known as Jambira Pinda Sveda. Here the therapist tapped me all over with a muslin bag filled with rice and herbs. Apparently, the concoction is anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant. This gorgeous warm compress helped me to deeply relax. A most welcome state.

I also experienced a divine Abhyanga and Shirodana: a full body massage with two therapists suited to my particular dosha, followed by flowing oil over the head and forehead. An out-of-this-world experience that was as spiritual as it was relaxing.

On my final day – two days is far too short – I received an incredible Khadi Basti massage. My therapist Wolfgang made up a circular nest using flour and oil (on my lower back), then gently poured in warm oil. I sensed a huge release from my base and sacral chakras, and for the first time in years, my stomach felt warm. I was also aware of a rush of energy to my previously cold feet. I felt happy warm and nourished. And didn’t want to get up. Neither did I want to leave the warm cocoon that is Sonnhof.

Chatting to owner Johann later, I asked him what the locals had thought of the original hotel turning to Ayurveda. “They thought we were mad at first,” he smiles. “And thought we’d only last a couple years.

“Now 30% of our staff comes from Thiersee. We are the area’s largest employer and our staff tends to stay with us. Dr Sharma has been with us for 10 years now. That consistency is very important.

“And Many locals come here for Ayurveda treatments now.”

And his favourite treatment? “I love the Pizzichilli,” Johann reveals. “It’s a fantastic oil massage with two therapists and is great for boosting the immune system.

“I love the fact we can combine walks in beautiful nature with the treatments,” he adds. “We don’t have any Pharma here. People are looking for an alternative and natural medicines now.”

He tells me that guests come from Austria, Switzerland, the UK, Italy, Norway and France. Some from the Middle East. And they stay an average of 10 days.

Why does he think Ayurveda is so popular? “Ayurveda works on the mind, body and spirit. It’s totally holistic,” he shares.

“We bought a local farm two years ago, where we grow much of our produce for guests. When you eat an egg that’s fresh from your own farm, it’s not only healthy but it’s a return to natural farming methods. A return to nature.

“We must reconnect with the land again to become well.”

Johann is right. I went to Sonnhof to write a review of the hotel and the Ayurveda treatments but soon realised I very much needed healing myself. So I’ve booked a 10-day Panchakarma retreat for next month.

It’s no understatement to say that my experience at Sonnhof European Ayurveda has given me a whole new focus on life. And I am sure it will have the same positive effect on you too.

Sonnhof European Ayurveda
Hinterthiersee 16
6335 Hinterthiersee, Tirol, Austria
www.sonnhof-ayurveda.at
Tel: +43 5376 5502 Fax: +43 5376 5902
E: info@sonnhof-ayurveda.at

Getting There
Airport transfer times: Innsbruck 45 mins to 1 hour.
Salzburg 1hr 20 mins. Munich 1 hour 30 mins.
Gina travelled from Gatwick to Innsbruck with easyJet. www.easyjet.com

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