What if we looked at the world from a different perspective – upside down on the yoga mat, leaning against sun-warmed stones, breathless in cold water, and gazing towards a church that reminds us that perspective also means knowing where we stand.
Arriving
The journey to Hotel Schwarzschmied takes us through the narrow streets of Lana. A little bit of everyday life is still packed away in our luggage. Then we turn a corner – and suddenly, the scenery shifts. It is a place that feels more like a postcard than reality. Vineyards stretch towards a picturesque church, the air is filled with the scent of rosemary and lavender, and someone is gliding through the pool. With open, protective arms, the gently curved hotel building welcomes us in.
The coffee grinder hums softly in the background. In the evening, a different kind of sound fills the air during Vinyl Hour. Light wood, vintage rugs and a hint of Palo Santo mingle with the anticipation of exploring the room: it feels light yet grounding at the same time. Here and there, stylised figures drawn in black contours appear – on the walls, on the room card … captured in familiar and unfamiliar poses. They are the work of artist Hannes Egger, inviting us to shift our perspective. To wonder what might happen if we looked at the world differently. Standing on a stool, one arm reaching towards the sky.
Sun Salutation
Or upside down in yoga? In the Glasshouse. It is something you have to experience. Was it magic? Being on the mat at 7:30 a.m. sounds almost absurd to someone who loves to sleep in. But curiosity proved stronger than the desire to stay in bed.
The reward: an old wooden floor that feels grounding, bringing us gently back down to earth. A soft breeze sweeps away the last traces of sleep. A Sun Salutation dances with the light. In the Glasshouse, we stretch, breathe and grow, surrounded by black tomatoes and enormous zucchini. Birds are chirping, and then the church bells join in. When they ring, they never do so in the background. Their presence carries through the air. Impossible to ignore.
Time to Let Go
Dong, dong, dong – the sound of the wooden marble run in the yurt gives the little ones their own rhythm, too. Mindfully, we swim towards the church. Whatever is holding us back seems to dissolve into the dark mist of the steam bath and in the clear heat of the sauna. Who dares to take the cold plunge into the icy pool? A small act of overcoming that makes us grow.
When hunger calls, we lean against the sun-warmed stones outside, twirling pasta onto our forks and challenging our palates with the contrasts of an affogato: sweet and bitter, hot and cold. Later, we order a Negroni. And then, perhaps, just one more?
We turn inward and listen. And realise: perhaps we don’t always need more. The suitcases are almost packed, carrying memories scented with rosemary. Are we the same people who arrived here? One last look back. The bells are ringing. We set off. And the thoughts linger long after.
photos: Ana Santl, Victoria Harrison, Isa Rus, Marlene Mauer, Lena Heckl Franziska Unterholzner, Steffen Metzger, Mel Bollag
