Last year, I had the pleasure of experiencing a weekend at the Ayurveda Parkschloesschen in Traben-Trarbach, Germany. Nestled in the vineyard hills by the scenic Mosel river, the five-star health resort is a comfortable eighty-minute drive west of Frankfurt International Airport.

What drew me to the Parkschloesschen, a beautifully appointed hotel with magnificent outdoor spaces (hello, redwood!), is their strict adherence to the principles of Ayurveda. From the delicious vegetarian food, to the various forms of therapy, treatments, yoga, and meditation, everything’s rooted in the holistic Ayurvedic lifestyle. I particularly loved the details such as hot water and Ayurvedic teas that correspond to my doshas always being available; fresh flowers on the dining tables; the babbling brook rushing by the dining room windows; the knowledge, caring staff that would remember my preferences and sensitivities; and the wifi-free hotel. Talk about a true detox! Hint: If you go on a little hike along the vineyards behind the hotel, you can manage to pick up a wifi signal, but I loved that the hotel itself is an (almost) electrosmog free haven.

Another thing that’s rad is their special radio in each room. Play with the dial to find your favorite mantras being chanted by monks. You’ll think you’re in an ashram in India but you’re in a nice hotel in Germany. The vibes work either way. Speaking of a divine touch, the Buddha Museum in town belongs to the same owner as the Parkschloesschen; admission is free for hotel guests. Highly recommend.

After dipping my toe in the Ayurvedic waters, I’m ready to jump into the deep end for a three-week Panchakarma intensive. Is this retreat cheap? No. But you get what you pay for. The treatment rooms are clean, quiet, and inviting; the practitioners well-trained and kind; the atmosphere’s truly enjoyable. And I’m not the only one who’s a fan of their authentic practices as the Ayurveda Parkschloesschen has won the World Luxury Spa Award in the category Luxury Ayurveda Spa in 2016 (and previously in 2014).

Checking in to the Parkschloesschen is a wonderful way to unplug and recharge mind, body, and soul. Evening lectures on all things Ayurveda round out the experience. “To make the world healthier, one person at a time!” is their mantra and they’re doing a great job at it. I invite you to explore this jewel of a health resort.

Hitting the Reset Button: Awesome Authentic Ayurveda in Germany