7 August 2025  Long Life, Four Paws: A New Kind of Retreat in SeefeldWhen hotels speak of wellness, they typically think of their human guests. But at the Alpin Resort Sacher Seefeld, the latest retreat concept reaches further—to dogs. Drawing on her own experience as a dog owner, hotel director Elisabeth Gürtler has developed a program where humans and their canine companions can pursue better aging together. Set to run from August 25 to 28, 2025, this luxury retreat is grounded in one of today's most talked-about trends: longevity.Longevity as a LifestyleLongevity, once reserved for scientific journals and medical panels, has entered the mainstream. It describes not just the extension of lifespan, but the improvement of healthspan—the years one lives in good health. Central to the longevity movement is a holistic approach: personalized nutrition, physical activity, mental well-being, and increasingly, social and emotional connection.The Sacher Academy For Better Aging, which opened recently at the Alpin Resort, embraces this mindset. As the highest-located longevity program in the Alps, it blends evidence-based medicine with tailored wellness experiences. The Academy collaborates with experts in micronutrition, physiology, and preventive care, offering guests the opportunity to enhance well-being through daily routines, diagnostics, and treatments—all without sacrificing enjoyment. It is this same expertise that informs the dog-and-owner retreat. From nutrition to mindfulness, the program is designed with longevity in mind—for two and four legs alike. From Personal Inspiration to Shared ExperienceThe idea came from Gürtler's relationship with her own dog, Ella. "A dog gives us love, loyalty, and joy. It's time we give something back," she says. The retreat is not just about indulgence—it's about quality of life, supported by expert sessions with veterinarians, trainers, and nutrition consultants.Participating guests will take part in guided alpine walks, health talks, and even enjoy a "Pets Turndown Service" in their rooms. The goal? To forge stronger bonds and create sustainable routines that promote healthier, longer lives—for both species. A Portrait to RememberAdding an artistic layer to the retreat is the option to have one's dog portrayed by Mari Otberg, a Vienna-based illustrator and fashion designer. Her practice frequently moves between fashion and art, as detailed in the extensive Wikipedia entry on her career, which traces her international path through London, where she worked for Vivienne Westwood, Berlin, Paris, and Vienna. Her involvement in the retreat bridges art and personal storytelling. Each hand-drawn portrait becomes a visual tribute to the connection between dog and human.At a time when wellness is increasingly data-driven and lifestyle-oriented, the Alpin Resort Sacher offers a refreshingly heartfelt take. This retreat doesn't just extend luxury to pets—it redefines longevity as a shared journey. Images from left: Two exterior views of the Alpin Resort Sacher Seefeld taken in 2023, captured by photographer David Johansson; center: Ella, the dog of hotel host Elisabeth Gürtler, pictured during the dog-owner retreat at the resort, photo by Daniel Zangerl; right: Elisabeth Gürtler wearing a dirndl at the Alpin Resort Sacher, photographed by David Johansson. Copyright of the photos: David Johansson, Daniel Zangerl |