A Black Forest Fairytale at Brenners Park
At the edge of the Black Forest, the tiny spa town of Baden-Baden is an idyllic escape and the perfect home of Brenners Park Hotel & Spa, one of the world’s most exclusive—and understated—wellness getaways and destination medical clinics.
I arrived in Frankfurt in the early morning and was whisked through Arrivals by a man in a smart suit. A Mercedes S-Class waited just outside the front door. The sky glowed dark blue then pink against the backdrop of forest and hills as we sped towards our final destination.
Baden-Baden has long been a playground for those seeking seclusion, fresh air, and a bit of fun, and Brenners Park has been for many, a home away from home. Designed in a warm, traditional style, gorgeous flowers perfume every room, while cushy carpets and cozy couches are settings for good conversation, laughter, and fine dining. Through the windows of the Wintergarten restaurant, guests look out onto Lichtenstahler Allee and residents cycling and ambling along. The music of the Oos River is like a symphony to the scene.
Upon arrival at Brenners, I was shown to my room in the adjoining health-centric property, Villa Stéphanie. With just 14 rooms and suites, the property is directly connected to the spa and clinic and has its own discreet entrance, lounge and restaurant. Here, a guest may stay anywhere from 3 nights to 3 months depending on the her individual journey.
Over the next three days I experienced the best of Baden-Baden and Brenners. The spa town has been luring leisure-seekers for hundred of years with the enticing promise of healthful hot springs and nature, culture in Baden-Baden has flourished. Home to numerous museums, two Turkish baths, luxury shopping, local cafes and restaurants, a world renowned opera house, theater, and a gorgeous Belle Epoque casino, Baden-Baden’s cultural footprint is impressive. At the time of my visit, the Museum Frieder Burda contemporary art museum showcased the thought provoking and philosophy-driven work of Karin Kneffel, whose show was preceded by the American artist, James Turrell.
Dining at Brenners is equally as tasty and diverse. The property boasts three restaurants and its popularity with locals creates a dynamic feel to each venue. Fritz and Felix, the newest concept playfully blends the traditional style of the hotel with contemporary design and fresh, creative cuisine. The main dining room features a massive open-fire grill as centerpiece. Wintergarten the property’s fine dining restaurant. In the evenings, guests dine under the stars in a glass enclosed garden room. Across the Oos and five minutes from the hotel, Rive Gauche Brasserie is the perfect stop before a night at Baden-Baden’s glamorous Belle Epoque casino.
Brenners solidifies Baden-Baden’s long tradition of health and wellness with its world class spa clinic specializing in detox and rejuvenation. Perfect for big birthdays, milestone events, resolutions, or simply to get away, it’s no wonder that the hotel has been beloved by so many for over 150 years.
