In an age where luxury is no longer defined by opulence but by experience, authenticity, and purpose, St Martin Chalets in Austria’s Lungau region delivers the kind of alpine escape that discerning travellers crave—and few have discovered.
Tucked away in the UNESCO-designated Salzburger Lungau Biosphere Reserve, this ten-chalet eco-village is quietly becoming Europe’s best-kept secret for elite travellers looking to reconnect with nature without compromising on comfort or aesthetics.
Where Design Meets Sustainability
Forget the sterile minimalism of five-star city hotels. The charm of St Martin Chalets lies in their raw elegance—timber-framed architecture that pays homage to traditional alpine craft while subtly incorporating the latest in eco-tech. Built entirely from locally sourced, untreated wood, each chalet is insulated with pure sheep’s wool, powered by photovoltaic panels and green energy, and finished with natural materials down to the larch wood windows and granite countertops.These aren’t rustic cabins. Think handcrafted larch kitchens, spa-style bathrooms, heated boot rooms, and panoramic views of snow-dusted peaks or flower-drenched meadows. Add to that underfloor heating, triple-glazed windows, and a curated library, and you’ve got the perfect mix of comfort, privacy, and consciousness.
The Last Luxurious Quiet Place
In a world overtaken by mass tourism, Lungau is refreshingly off the radar. And that’s by design.
Located just 20 minutes from the elite ski slopes of Obertauern, this high-altitude region enjoys deep snow until May, yet is blissfully absent of the crowds you’d find in Kitzbühel or Courchevel. It’s a haven of “soft tourism”, where the land leads and visitors follow.
Come in winter for snowshoeing, quiet forest hikes, and festive traditions like Krampus parades. Or escape in summer for paragliding, hiking over 1,000km of marked trails, mountain biking through pine forests, or golfing just minutes from your chalet door.
Even in shoulder season, there’s magic here: rutting deer at dusk, alpine herbs foraged in the wild, blueberry cakes in local inns, and intimate Biosphere Reserve hikes led by your host Jodi, a certified UNESCO ranger.
Bespoke Luxury for Families, Couples—and Dogs
Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or a four-legged companion, the experience is tailored, not templated. Every chalet is unique. Most sleep six comfortably, with options for larger groups, children’s lofts, or even romantic couples’ getaways.
Dogs are not just welcome—they’re pampered. Think water bowls, welcome treats, private dog corners, and morning Mur River walks straight from your doorstep.
What’s more luxurious than being made to feel not like a guest, but like family?
Luxury With a Legacy
In a region where traditions still matter—where hay is cut with the moon’s cycle and cheese is cured using ancient family recipes— St Martin Chalets isn’t just a place to stay.
The project began in 2006 with a radical goal: to create Austria’s first zero-carbon, zero-waste luxury holiday village. Back then, locals scoffed at what they called “gingerbread houses.” Today, those same chalets are featured in the global press as examples of next-gen eco-luxury.
From crystal-energized spring water in every room to a commitment to zero plastics, every detail reflects a deep respect for place, people, and the planet.
Why Now?
With climate change making many alpine resorts less reliable for snow, Lungau’s unique geography—a cold, dry valley with inverted temperatures—is proving to be one of Austria’s most climate-resilient winter playgrounds.
And for the luxury traveller who values exclusivity, meaning, and memorable experiences, St Martin Chalets offers not just an escape.
This is not just where you stay.
It’s where you feel something real.
