A magical retreat in the Alps , THE SECRET Sölden
In the legendary winter sports destination of Sölden in the heart of the Ötztal Alps, you’ll find THE SECRET, a mystical and magical resort that opened its doors in March 2022 following extensive renovation and expansion work. For guests who are looking for both a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a retreat in nature, the modern lifestyle hotel is the place to be.
THE SECRET is located at the top end of Sölden, where the sun shines for the whole day and you can sleep at night with the windows open to the calming sounds of the Ötztaler Ache that runs behind the hotel. Anyone who fancies a swim when they get up can do just that in the new outdoor pool, which is open from early morning so guests can submerge themselves indoors and resurface outdoors. Or the other way round.
The location of the resort may be quiet, but it’s also very central – THE SECRET is just 400 metres from the centre of town and 200 metres from the Gaislachkogelbahn cable car valley station, which in winter will get you to guaranteed snow at 3,000 metres in twelve minutes. Up here, where the BIG3 Schwarze Schneid (3,340 m), Tiefenbachgletscher (3,307 m) and Gaislachkogel (3,048 m) tower majestically, it’s like the whole world is at your feet. As are the pistes for the skiers. The three 3,000-metre peaks are accessible via cable car, meaning you can combine all three into one of the longest ski runs in the Alps.
After a long and eventful day in the mountains, the evening is time for dinner at the hotel. And a special one at that. The informal restaurant LA’LIV serves up delicious indulgence from the Alps and beyond, and interprets it with a fusion of French and Alpine influences. Seasonal produce from the region is harmoniously and boldly combined with the flavours of Provence – resulting in dishes like Charolais beef with local vegetables or Ötztal char with a Chardonnay emulsion. And after that? The best option is to make your way back up, but not up the 3,000-metre giants this time – up to the roof of the hotel. Here, you’ll find the spectacular THE VUE sky bar.
This bar has a partially glazed ceiling that offers a view of the star-studded night sky, state-of-the-art video and sound installations and an extravagant, unique interior, all of which has helped it become a popular venue for occasions like weddings and birthdays. The interior, with floor-to-ceiling windows that face the striking mountain landscape, and the large terrace create the ideal setting for such events.
Guests can book the whole resort or just the sky bar for their exclusive use, so THE SECRET team work according to people’s specific ideas and needs to ensure everything runs smoothly. And because no event is complete without the right drinks, THE VUE boasts an international bar menu featuring cocktails, classics and signature drinks created by bar manager Lukas Keppler and his team for their guests using products from local gin and vodka distillers. It’s like a fusion of international and Alpine that’s a perfect fit for the cosmopolitan style of THE SECRET.
