FRESH FROM THE FARM EVERY DAY
We arrive at the Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof; the fresh mountain air combined with the stunning panoramic views of the Alps creates a majestic atmosphere. As soon as we enter the resort we’re impressed by the unique ‘Tyrol meets India’ vibe. My favourite thing to do when arriving at a new destination is to discover all of the location’s hidden treasures, so after a warm welcome we leave our bags in the room and head downstairs to explore. We’re told that if we leave now we could join one of the hotel’s herb forays. We meet Verena at the medicinal herb garden and she points out a few of the herbs harvested and used for treatments at the Resort.
Our herb foray takes us through gorgeous Alpine scenery, over verges and past streams. I’m surprised at how many wild herbs can be used to create medicines; with each herb plant we come across Verena explains how to turn them into medicine… it’s like magic! When we get back to the hotel a herb buffet has been set up outside the farm parlour, we make our own herbal tea blend and sit in the garden watching the sun shining over Lake Thiersee. I know I’ll forget how to blend such a perfect cuppa when we get back home, so I purchase a few teas and tinctures from the hotel’s farm shop.
THE LINDHOF FARM
It’s not just herbs the Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof team forage for. The resort has its very own farm and farmer. After our foray we meet farmer Chris for a tour of the Lindhof farm where we find lots of tiny vegetable plants, which will soon grow to nourish the guests of the resort, and herbs, which are not only used in the kitchen to flavour the dishes and teas, but are also used in the spa for treatments! As we stroll through the field, he points out chard, tomatoes, beans and little pumpkin plants along the way…
Fresh, locally grown ingredients form a major component of Ayurvedic teachings. The foods eaten during a course of treatment should be familiar and of the highest quality, which is why the Lindhof farm is a perfect addition to the resort. Top-quality local foods full of wholesome goodness, just a stone’s throw away from the kitchen!
BREAKFAST DELIGHTS
When the sun rises at Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof, we enjoy an invigorating start to the day – a delicious breakfast buffet based on European Ayurveda. The pièce de résistance for me was the honeycomb – oh my, the honeycomb! In May the resort took delivery of a new beehive and three new colonies. Farmer Chris looks after the bees, and the honeycomb, which we so lovingly scoffed, was his hard work!
Visit the Sonnhof’s farm shop and take some Ayurveda treats, teas and tinctures home to use after your stay. Or visit the Ayurveda Resort Sonnhof’s online shop and have them delivered straight to your door!
