[Tuesday, March 1, 2022 07:57]
From the regional special "Tennis holidays in Carinthia": Interview with Roland Heitzeneder from the Karawankenhof thermal spa hotel
We had the pleasure another interview as part of our regional special "Tennis Holidays in Carinthia" Roland Heitzeneder . Roland is the tourism director at the Warmbad-Villach Thermal Resort , which also includes the beautiful Karawankenhof Thermal Hotel . This tennis hotel offers the perfect opportunity to combine a tennis holiday with the amenities of a thermal spa year-round. Tennis & wellness, plus a huge range of sporting activities off the courts. Simply wonderful! Find out what you can experience around the Karawankenhof, what you absolutely must see, and what is typically "Carinthian" in our interview with Roland.
Briefly introduce yourself, the location of your hotel in Carinthia, and your role within the hotel
My name is Roland Heitzeneder. I am the tourism manager at the Warmbad-Villach Thermal Resort. The four-star Karawankenhof Thermal Hotel is located in Warmbad-Villach, a town in a beautiful location in the heart of the border region of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia. The hotel itself is nestled within the 20-hectare Warmbad spa park, surrounded by unspoiled nature, mountains, and lakes. The historic center of Villach is also just 3 km from our Karawankenhof Thermal Hotel. It is therefore the perfect starting point for many activities. This southern location in the Alps-Adriatic region also results in milder temperatures. Thanks to the favorable climate and the thermal water-warmed floors, outdoor tennis is usually possible from mid-March well into October. Just 500 meters from the hotel is the Warmbad Sports Park, which offers 10 outdoor clay courts and 3 indoor clay courts for professionals, amateurs, and beginners. A particular advantage of the hotel is the direct connecting corridor to the KärntenTherme Warmbad-Villach spa. This spa is Austria's most modern adventure world, spanning 11,000 m². Our guests have unrestricted access to the spa, which features giant water slides, indoor and outdoor thermal pools, a 25-meter lap pool, and a fitness area with a diverse program. A large sunbathing lawn exclusively for hotel guests and a 2,000 m² wellness area with various saunas, steam rooms, and a spacious hammam complete the offerings.
What do you think is "typical" of a Carinthian?
The people of Carinthia are very proud of their region, and rightly so. Many envy us for our magnificent lakes with drinking water quality, as well as our proximity to Italy and Slovenia. The typical Carinthian is very hospitable and has a sociable nature.
When visiting your hotel, you absolutely must see….
The old town in Villach is best explored on foot. And the eagle arena at Landskron Castle.
What are some "activity tips" away from the tennis court? What should a TennisTraveller "experience" in Carinthia?
Cycling on the Drau cycle path, hiking on the Dobratsch mountain, a walk in the Warmbad-Villach spa park followed by a visit to the award-winning cafe and confectionery, and swimming in the beautiful Faaker See lake.
Name 2-3 typical Carinthian delicacies that can also be tried at your hotel.
Carinthian Kasnudel and Carinthian Reindling
(Note TennisTraveller : the Reindling is a typical traditional pastry made from yeast dough, which is a must at Easter time in the sweet version with sugar, cinnamon and raisins.)
Where exactly is your absolute favorite spot in Carinthia and why do you find it so beautiful there?
A particularly special place is the Maibachl. The Maibachl is a thermal spring at the foot of the Dobratsch mountain, a 10-minute walk from the Karawankenhof thermal hotel. The Maibachl springs form a natural overflow from the Warmbad thermal springs and only flow during the snowmelt on the Dobratsch or after prolonged heavy rainfall. Near the main springs, two pools have formed over time, further dammed by stones left behind by bathers. These pools, now approximately 1 to 1.2 meters deep, invite visitors to relax in the 28°C thermal water.
TO THE THERMAL HOTEL KARAWANKENHOF