THE BATH BUG!

Barbara McCarthy found a hotel in Bad Hofgastein which incorporates all the important elements....

- RACHEL BERESFORD & ROHAN SMYTH

The elements meet in Bad Hofgastein - air, water and ice.

Winter is coming, which means one thing for me - skiing. As a massive ski fan, I expect a lot from my resort. It has to have excellent snow conditions with varied skiing, great ski huts, easy access to lifts, cater for kids and, importantly, have lots of water. There's no skiing without swimming in my book and Bad Hofgastein overdelivers.

Whenever a town starts with 'Bad' meaning 'Bath' in English, you're in for a treat. The Austrian resort in the middle of the Salzburger State and part of the Amade Ski region, is home to hot thermal springs, outdoor swimming, incredible views and light food.

My 10-year-old daughter Romi and I flew to Munich and took a direct train. After three hours flying past beautiful scenery, playing cards, we landed at the Hotel Impuls, just a short pick up from the train station. Because of its accessibility, it’s a great spot for a weekend ‘flying’ visit.

The Hotel Impuls hotel offers amazing food, yoga retreats, a spa, lots of art and Radon balneotherapy treatment. People come from all around the world to the hotel and the region to treat rheumatic pain with the mineral rich baths.