Questions & Answers

About Ayurveda

What is Ayurveda and why is it good for me?

Ayurveda is so much more than a healing therapy or a culinary trend – it's a way of life! Health is a state of dynamic balance between the body's elements, while illness indicates an imbalance. Therefore, in addition to looking at symptoms we also consider their causes. Ayurveda offers an effective approach to balancing body, mind & spirit. Illnesses are not simply treated on a superficial level, instead balance is restored with highly considered treatments and cures. Profound regeneration, renewed energy and inner balance thus become your new companions in life.

What is the difference between the various cures?

Panchakarma programme: Panchakarma is the 'queen' of Ayurvedic treatments. In an era characterised by stress and pressure to achieve, Panchakarma offers a path to sustainable regeneration and a new sense of inner equilibrium. This treatment is a tried and tested way of preventing burnout. Panchakarma is part of an Ayurvedic cure and refers to the process of slowing down to find self and detoxify the body. The Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof practices this treatment as it was originally conceived, while simultaneously integrating it into the holistic system of European Ayurveda®. Panchakarma programmes are available as 7, 10, 14 or 21-day cures.

Detox intensive programme: The Ayurveda detox programme is also a detoxification cure, but it is not as intense as Panchakarma. The cure is designed to bring about a renewal of lightness in mind and body. By eliminating waste products, toxins and the wrong type of energy while nourishing you with specific foods and gentle exercise, excess weight is shed, and you discover fresh energy and a boosted immune system.

Rasayana programme: The Rasayana programme is a rejuvenating cure. The main objective of this programme is to regenerate the body and its organs – especially when recovering from illness - or at any time, these treatments boost the immune system and bring about internal stability, helping you to overcome fatigue and physical strain. In addition to health benefits, Rasayana has a rejuvenating effect. Targeted treatments, gentle exercise, and a diet based on your Ayurvedic constitutional type bring about long lasting regeneration in body, mind and spirit.

How long should I plan for the cure?

In principle, the longer the better. The body can better adapt to the retreat during a longer stay and the resulting detoxification process is more intense and successful. It is also feasible to achieve a much deeper experience and underlying causes of problems can be diagnosed with more accuracy.

Will I be able to get a refund from my private insurance or supplementary insurance?

Ayurvedic treatments and cures can be submitted to some private health insurances or supplementary insurances for reimbursement. Please check with your insurance company in advance as to which treatments are covered.

Please note: if you require a separate invoice for insurance purposes, please inform us before payment so that we can process it correctly as once an invoice is completed it cannot be changed.

Booking

Do you allow pets at the resort?

We regret that no pets are allowed in the hotel. However, since 2018 we have an apartment available where you may bring your pets. The apartment is just a few minutes’ walk from the hotel. Pets must not be brought into the hotel, i.e. restaurant, lounge or spa areas.

Do you have special offers or packages?
Our last-minute offers for short breaks and longer stays are available here. We would also be happy to provide you with an individual offer. Please feel free to submit your booking enquiry through our website.

What are the cancellation fees?
Our cancellation fees are as follows:
- Up to one month prior to scheduled arrival - no charge
- Between 30 to two days prior to scheduled arrival - 60% of the room rate and any booked spa treatments
- One day prior to scheduled arrival - 100% of the room rate and any booked spa treatments

To avoid unnecessary cancellation costs, we recommend you take out a travel cancellation insurance policy.

Can I bring my children?
As our guests are with us to relax and recharge their batteries, we do not allow children at the hotel. Our resort is a place of relaxation and a break away from everyday life without stress and worries.

Before your stay

Is underground parking available at the hotel?
Yes! If you prefer to travel by car, free underground parking is available for hotel guests.

How can I prepare for my cure?
To prepare before your programme at home, we will send detailed information regarding your personal stay with the reservation confirmation.

What clothes should I bring for my cure?
During the cure or during the day you are usually dressed in a bathrobe provided by us. For participation in yoga and other activities, we recommend bringing sports clothing with you and appropriate outdoor clothing depending on the season. For dinner, elegant or casual clothing is required in the restaurant.

Arrival

Does the hotel provide transfers?
We don’t offer transfers but can arrange this through an outsourced service. You are welcome to contact us at any time regarding provision of transfers.

Where is Thiersee?
The high plateau of the Thiersee valley is one of the Tyrol’s most beautiful locations, here you can discover an incomparable place of harmony and wellbeing at 900 metres above sea level: our Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof. There are several ways to get here, more information can be found here.

When can I check in or check out at the hotel?
Your room is available from 2pm on the day of arrival. You are also welcome to arrive earlier, leave your luggage with us and start your holiday straight away. Check-out from the resort is by 11am on the day of departure.

Hotel

Is there a laundry service in the hotel?
Yes! A chargeable laundry and ironing service is available at the hotel.
Is Wi-Fi available in the rooms?

Our rooms do not have Wi-Fi as we have deliberately designed them as a retreat. Free Wi-Fi is available in our lounge. If you do need to go online with your computer in your room during your stay, we can provide cables free of charge.

Activities

What activities are offered by the hotel?
We offer a weekly changing programme of different activities including various daily yoga and meditation classes, lectures or guided hikes, most of which are free of charge. Our reception team can advise you of the weekly programme on your arrival day.

What about hiking options?
Gentle walks and longer hikes are available directly from the hotel and there are various guided hikes on offer in our weekly programme. We are happy to answer queries and advise you directly. We recommend hiking to our local Pendling mountain, from there you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Inn Valley.

Are skiing and tobogganing possible in winter?
In our village right next to the hotel there is a small ski lift, another lift is five minutes away in Mitterland with one or two small slopes. Should you prefer a larger ski resort, the closest is Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser – more information can be found here. For tobogganing we have a great slope in the region, located in Mitterland. The ascent begins from the Gasthof Schneeberg and leads along the toboggan run over 390 vertical metres. From the Kala Alm you have a wonderful view and can borrow a toboggan for a fee at the Gasthaus. After a short rest stop, the toboggan takes you 3 kilometres down to the valley.

Spa Area

Can I book my Ayurvedic treatments when I arrive?
Due to high demand we recommend booking your treatments and programmes in advance. It may be possible to book some treatments at the hotel subject to availability. You are welcome to contact us with your treatment enquiries and bookings for beauty, detox or regeneration in our AyurvedaCentre by emailing spa@sonnhof-ayurveda.at.

When do I receive my massage plan?
If you have booked a relax programme, you’ll receive your massage plan and information about our hotel directly from our reception team on arrival. For cures, the treatment plan is always provided in the evening at your assigned table in the restaurant. For changes to treatments or appointments, you are welcome to communicate your wishes to the AyurvedaCentre.

Do you have a pool, or may I swim during my cure?
In addition to the fitness room, various saunas and infrared cabins, we offer an indoor swimming pool in our spa area. Swimming is not permitted during a cure as the cleansing process also takes place via the skin.

Food and beverage

Are my intolerances or allergies a problem for the kitchen team?
Absolutely not! Our kitchen team looks after the individual dietary needs and special preferences of every single guest. If you have an allergy or an intolerance, please feel free to communicate this to us at the time of booking or on arrival at the reception so we can take care of you throughout your stay.

What can I eat during my cure?
Meals will vary depending on your chosen programme. Panchakarma, detox and Rasayana cures all include a Dosha-balancing diet. More details about your meals are available at reception on arrival, or you can also read more about Ayurvedic nutrition here.

After your stay

Can I order products or capsules from home?
You are welcome to order our products and capsules from the comfort of your home. Our online shop offers a quick and easy way to purchase our products, or you can send us an e-mail with your order.