New Life and New Spaces between Lake Schwarzsee and the Zillertal Peaks – A Conversation with Anna Schultz
In every family, something new is always on the horizon. Within the private Schultz residences, a new life is currently gently enriching everyday routines: Anna and Maximilian Schultz are welcoming a little ray of sunshine—baby Maximilian, who proudly shares his father’s name. At the same time, the family business of the Schultz-Group continues to grow steadily. While the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel resembles a calm and refined uncle, the Sportresidenz Zillertal takes on the role of a sporty, modern aunt. And with THE GREEN Resort set to join the family next year, a new member will arrive: bringing a character and identity all its own.
In conversation with Anna Schultz, we explore the subtle personalities of the properties, their deep-rooted bond with the mountains, and the special moments that invite us to slow down and take it all in.
Both the Sportresidenz and the Alpenhotel are located in Tyrol, yet they seem to exist in two entirely different worlds. How would you describe the atmosphere of Kitzbühel compared to the Zillertal?
Kitzbühel, as a renowned sports town, stands for exclusivity, alpine lifestyle, and deeply rooted tradition, as well as world-famous events such as the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race.
The Zillertal, on the other hand, is one of the most active and diverse alpine regions. It offers a wide range of family-friendly experiences throughout the year and, in winter, is considered one of Austria’s most snow-reliable ski destinations.
The Alpenhotel Kitzbühel is located directly on Lake Schwarzsee, while the Sportresidenz Zillertal sits beside the golf course in Udern: two very different settings. To what extent does the surrounding environment shape each concept?
The surroundings play a defining role in shaping each concept. Architecture, materials, and guest experiences are always inspired by the landscape and the character of the region. The Alpenhotel on Lake Schwarzsee focuses on tranquility and exclusivity, while the Sportresidenz, located directly on the golf course, embodies activity and a strong sporting spirit.
Design plays a key role across your properties. How do the two hotels express their distinct characters through design?
The Alpenhotel Kitzbühel is cozy, alpine, and warm in its atmosphere, while the Sportresidenz Zillertal follows a purist, clean-lined, and sporty-modern design approach.
What immediately signals to guests that they are staying at a property of the Schultz Group, to which both hotels belong?
Beyond the individual architecture and interior design of each property, it is above all our on-site teams who give every house its soul with genuine warmth, passion, and professionalism.
Are there places within both hotels where you personally like to pause and unwind?
At the Alpenhotel, it is the view of Lake Schwarzsee from one of the Lakeside Lodges. The combination of stillness, water, and nature makes it a true place of energy.
At the Sportresidenz, it is the new Sky Sauna at the very top of the building, overlooking the Zillertal mountains, both inspiring and deeply relaxing at the same time.
What experiences tend to leave a lasting impression on your guests?
In summer, a morning dip in Lake Schwarzsee at the Alpenhotel Kitzbühel offers the perfect refreshment on a hot day. Whereas in winter, a walk around the snow-covered lake is especially memorable.
In the Zillertal, summer guests are drawn to a round of golf with the first tee right at their doorstep. And in winter, a day on the slopes of the nearby Hochzillertal-Kaltenbach or Spieljoch ski areas is highly recommended, followed by a relaxing session in the Sky Sauna.
One element unites both properties: the mountains. What role do they play in shaping the hotels?
The mountains ground us, provide strength, and offer orientation. In both hotels, their presence is strongly felt from the backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser in Kitzbühel to the impressive three-thousand-meter peaks of the Zillertal.
How do you manage to balance Tyrol’s alpine heritage with contemporary, elegant hotel architecture?
We blend tradition with modernity through innovative architecture, natural materials, genuine hospitality, and appealing aesthetics.
Both hotels, along with other properties, belong to the Schultz Group family business. Does this sense of family extend to the hotels themselves?
The familial bond runs through all our properties: personal commitment, short decision-making paths, reliability, and high quality are our core values.
In every family, there’s always new life and in the Schultz Group, THE GREEN is the next addition. What is the vision for this project?
THE GREEN in the Zillertal is envisioned as a place where people of all generations feel at home, a resort nestled between a golf course and ski area, naturally combining comfort, design, and relaxation. The opening is scheduled for December 2026.
What message would you like to pass on to the next generation about working in the hotels?
With THE GREEN, we are not only growing as a business, but our family has also recently welcomed new life. Passion for what you do is the most important thing, everything else falls into place naturally.
photos & renderings: Schultz Gruppe
