Tips for Easter holidays: Five hotels for a dream holiday in the sun

In most German federal states, the Easter holidays start in April. And many people are then drawn out into the open. The longing for warm spring air, for the first rays of sunshine and for movement is great. With the longer days, outdoor sports in nature are getting closer to start the warm season fit and slim. We have selected a few hotels for everyone who wants to be active – from South Tyrol to the Algarve, from hiking to cycling, tennis and beach to golf specialists.

1. “Gassenhof” hiking hotel in South Tyrol’s Ridnaun Valley

After the Brenner, a little behind Sterzing, the Ridnaun Valley branches off. Rather unknown, an 18 km long side valley of the Wipptal. Here, at around 1,300 meters, is the “Gassenhof adventure site”, a luxurious wellness hotel that belongs to the international association of hiking hotels. With a spectacular panorama of the Stubai Alps with their glaciers and three-thousanders.

The hosts, the brothers Manni and Stefan Volgger, run the hotel together with their wives and sisters – a real family business, with a lot of heart and passion for every guest. Head chef Stefan focuses on sustainability, regionality and seasonality, also serves a completely vegetarian menu once a week and loves it when guests look over his shoulder and pick up their plates themselves. Which often results in kitchen parties. Brother Manni also loves humor, laughing and playing “squeeze” – and hiking.

He regularly sets off with his guests to climb the surrounding peaks – from the hotel door. His knowledge of flora and fauna is impressive on his entertaining tours. Those who set off on their own will get tips for the best hut tours, including the in-house Wildn Alm, as well as backpacks and hiking poles. Back at the hotel, the loge spa, a 20-metre-long infinity outdoor pool, a yoga room and the organic beer brewed by Stefan and Manni and home-made schnapps await. Active holiday with pleasure!

2. Bike hotel “Quellenhof Luxury Resort” in Lazise on Lake Garda

A magical mix of dolce vita, adventure, spectacular nature, picturesque villages, castles and a Mediterranean climate in the middle of the mountains: Lake Garda is one of the most popular places in Germany – from spring to autumn. In the very south, above the medieval port town of Lazise, ​​the Quellenhof Luxury Resort opened in an olive grove in 2019. A rather small 5-star hotel with 68 rooms with post-modern, cubic architecture, casual luxury, a huge wellness area with five saunas, four pools filled with Grander water and a view of Lake Garda.

As a sports and active hotel, it is an ideal starting point for joggers, hikers and cyclists. Cyclists’ eyes widen when they see the bike rental shop with its range: six different mountain, city and e-bikes as well as children’s bikes. This means that guests don’t have to worry about transporting their own bikes and can explore the fantastic landscape – alpine scenery meets Mediterranean flair – with a wide variety of bikes.

The varied leisure program also includes guided hikes, trail running, playing golf (twelve golf courses in the immediate vicinity) and two in-house sand tennis courts and padel tennis courts including a tennis school. There is no better way to start the season for athletes!

3. The Cove Rotana Resort beach hotel in the Emirate of Ras al Khaimah

Beach vacation in April? On Mallorca, the Greek islands or in Portugal it is almost too cold to swim. However, there is a hundred percent guarantee of sun and heat in the United Arab Emirates. The still unknown and therefore cheaper Emirate of Ras al Khaimah, a good 90 minutes by car from Dubai, is considered an insider tip. “The Cove Rotana Resort” is located in a bay on its 65 km long coast.

The hotel is built into the hillside and has a private 600-metre-long white-sand beach. There, guests like to hang out in the “Breakers Strandbar” to enjoy a leisurely view of the sea while sipping a hookah. The spa also offers relaxation with Arabic beauty treatments, massages, a whirlpool and a steam bath. For active people there is a gym and water sports such as diving, sailing, surfing and water skiing. Children are welcome guests here – there is also a playroom and a playground for them. And of course a swimming pool. Beach holiday at its finest!

4. Sports Club “Robinson Sarigerme Park” in Turkey

Between Marmaris and Fethiye stretches one of the most beautiful and kilometer-long sandy beaches on the Turkish west coast. Here is the 4-star Robinson Club “Sarigerme Park”, a paradise for athletes. The high-quality offer ranges from water sports and clay court tennis to archery, football, beach volleyball, table tennis and boccia. Not to forget all the supple and flexible sports such as aerial athletics, yoga, Pilates or stretching.

The huge club complex consists of 269 rooms in nine different categories, which are spread over a park-like area with lots of greenery. In 2021 all rooms in the main building were completely renovated. It goes without saying that the daybeds, hammocks between palm trees or the well-fit concept in the Bali house are stylish. The herb garden is also worth seeing.

Adults appreciate the various daily activities and the upscale evening entertainment in the club. Children the program in the Roby Club, which is designed by professional childcare workers. Food is served in four different restaurants, including the popular beach barbecue. In the four bars, even single travelers can quickly make friends and make contacts. This is how the open-air training can begin!

5. Golf hotel “Palmares Beach House” in the Algarve

Golfing the ingenious way: The southernmost province of Portugal stands for the longing for sun, sand, beach, rocky bays and the deep blue of the Atlantic. Here, near the old seafaring town of Lagos, is the “Palmares Beach House”. A small but fine hotel with 20 rooms, right on a 27-hole golf course – slightly elevated with a view of the sea 700 meters away and the cliffs not far away.

Golfers rave about the well-kept, challenging and varied golf course. And the small number of rooms, which gives the modern and tasteful ambience in soft tones a touch of exclusivity. Also exclusive is the ubiquitous view over the green golf course to the white sandy beach and the sparkling sea in the Bay of Lagos. As if the gods would play golf here!