Bio- & Naturhotel Chesa Valisa sits on a sunny mountain terrace 1,200 m up in the Kleinwalsertal Alps, where Austria meets the sky. This remarkable hotel began as a simple Walser house in 1507 and today stands as an organic and climate-neutral sanctuary seamlessly blending tradition and modernity. Run by the Kessler family for four generations, Chesa Valisa honors its rich history – the original timber “Stammhaus” from the 16th century remains lovingly preserved as the hotel’s heart, its weathered beams and antique parlors telling stories of ages past. Yet around this venerable core, the Kesslers have constructed contemporary extensions using sustainable Vorarlberg timber architecture. These newer wings, with their clean lines and huge windows, demonstrate how to build in harmony with the Alpine environment. Local larch and stone, sheep’s wool insulation, living roofs – every element reflects regional ecology and craftsmanship. The result is a stunning ensemble of three buildings – old and new – that feels like a village unto itself, surrounded by panoramic mountain views and open to nature on all sides. Chesa Valisa operates on a philosophy of balancing five pillars: unspoilt nature, healthy living architecture, mindful nutrition, vitality & fitness, and art & culture. This holistic vision permeates your experience as a guest. You breathe pure alpine air from your balcony (there are no roads directly by the hotel – the location above Hirschegg is blissfully tranquil). Your room is a haven of natural materials: hardwood floors, furniture hand-carved from local wood, organic cotton linens, and zero electromagnetic pollution by design. At night, the silence is profound, broken only by distant cowbells or a babbling brook – a far cry from city life. Each day at Chesa Valisa begins with a bounteous organic breakfast featuring eggs from a nearby farm, fresh fruit, and house-made Bircher muesli – enjoyed perhaps in the glass-walled winter garden with 360° mountain vistas. The hotel’s culinary program is 100% certified organic and deeply rooted in the alpine seasons. Their gourmet restaurant (and casual parlors for all-day dining) source ingredients from trusted regional partners – cheeses from Bregenzerwald dairies, lamb and beef from Kleinwalsertal farmers, herbs and salads from their own gardens. Lunch and dinner are a celebration of what mindful, modern Alpine cuisine can be: light, nourishing, yet indulgent. You might savor wild herb soup with nettles picked steps away, rainbow trout from a mountain stream in a delicate lemon balm sauce, or hearty Vorarlberg cheese dumplings reimagined with a contemporary twist. Vegan and vegetarian offerings abound, and everything – down to breads, pastries, and fruit juices – is made in-house or by local organic producers. Guests often comment on feeling more energized and “clean” after eating here, a testament to the purity of the ingredients and the love in the cooking. Chesa Valisa’s dedication to well-being is also evident in its newly expanded AlpinSPA and health programs. The spa, built of warm spruce wood and natural stone, features an indoor pool and an outdoor panorama pool fed by spring water, seemingly floating above the valley. There are several saunas (herbal, Finnish, steam) and a unique “Waldnebel” outdoor cold mist shower to cool off like in a forest fog. Skilled therapists offer everything from classic massages to Ayurveda treatments – indeed, the hotel has an in-house Ayurveda specialist and even hosts multi-day Panchakarma retreats. Yoga and meditation are integral here: a yoga instructor leads daily sessions in a beautiful studio or on the lawn, and special yoga retreat packages are a fixture in their calendar. Staying active is encouraged with guided hikes (the hotel provides a free lift pass in summer, making it easy to reach high trailheads), morning fitness classes, and in winter, guided snowshoe walks. Come evening, you might find live music in the bar or even a vernissage, because art and culture are a proud pillar of Chesa Valisa’s identity. The Kessler family actively supports local artists and social projects, curating art pieces throughout the hotel and occasionally organizing cultural events – from classical concerts to storytelling nights. This artistic flair gives the hotel a soulfulness; modern paintings adorn historic Stube walls, and sculptures dot the garden, sparking conversation and contemplation. Despite its high standards of luxury, Chesa Valisa maintains a down-to-earth, familial warmth. The Kesslers and their team greet you by name, are eager to share the best secret hiking paths or explain the history of that 500-year-old carved door in the lobby. Their commitment to sustainability is comprehensive: the hotel runs on 100% green energy, uses solar panels for hot water, has eliminated single-use plastics, and participates in the Alpine Pearls initiative for climate-friendly mobility. In fact, Chesa Valisa was the first hotel in Vorarlberg to be certified climate-neutral, and they continue to reduce and offset emissions to go beyond neutrality. By proving that “economy and ecology don’t have to be opposites”, the hotel showcases how one can enjoy full comfort with a clear conscience. At Biohotel Chesa Valisa, the centuries meet the future in a dance of sustainability, comfort, and culture. As you sip an organic herbal tea on the terrace, gazing at pink sunset clouds caught on jagged peaks, you feel not just a guest in a hotel – you feel part of a living philosophy. Chesa Valisa invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and experience “vacation without compromise” – where your well-being, nature’s balance, and even a touch of artistic inspiration all flourish together.