I’m suspended in water in the Bavarian Alps, watching mist roll hypnotically across soaring, snow-dusted mountains as a mid-autumn sun rises. Steam radiates off the heated water around me, dissolving where it meets the early morning chill. Otherwise, all is still and I realise that despite the jet lag-induced sleeplessness that brought me here at dawn, I am, for once, perfectly at peace.
This utterly delights me as I’m not a “spa person”. Ironically, neither is the man behind Schloss Elmau, the renowned spa resort I’m in. Dietmar Mueller-Elmau, the sandy-haired 69-year-old who owns the regal property (schloss means castle in German), has made no secret of the fact that spas hold no appeal for him. Restless and endlessly inquisitive, he had no intention of returning to his family’s Bavarian hotel, having made his fortune selling his software company, which created leading hotel management systems Fidelio and Opera. But fate had other plans.
Schloss Elmau was originally built in 1916 by Mueller-Elmau’s grandfather, Dr Johannes Müller, an influential Protestant theologian, philosopher and author who vigorously advocated dissociating from self and desire. Postwar (during which the property was unlawfully seized by the state), the property passed to Müller’s children, under whose aegis hosted some of the world’s greatest performers, including Yehudi Menuhin, Alfred Brendel and Benjamin Britten. This built the hotel’s reputation as a cultural institution, one which Mueller-Elmau upholds to this day. Upon taking over in 1997, he introduced political and philosophical debates, refashioning Schloss Elmau as a “cultural hideaway” where high art could flourish, a process he likens to “putting new wine in old bottles”.
This story is from the March 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 2023 edition of The PEAK Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Wear The World On Your Wrist
These watches are proudly made in Switzerland, but prouder still are their homages to other cultures.
Shaping Healthy Confectioneries Through Science-Backed Innovation
At a time when health-conscious consumers are questioning the norms of processed foods, Glico tells us why it stands firm in its confidence.
The Home Advantage
This AI-dependent reno-tech platform is cutting out the middleman for interior designing and, recently, its financing.
Financing Art
UOB, UBS, OCBC, and Bank of America are some financial institutions involved heavily in today's art world. Why is this the case?
Airing New Possibilities
Acclaimed chefs Matthew Orlando and Will Goldfarb hope to inspire and spark deeper conversations and action around food and circular cooking at their idyllic concept Air in lush Dempsey Hill.
Taking Initiative
Nicole Robinson, andbeyond's chief marketing officer, shares how the luxury safari operator is accelerating its ground partnerships in a race against time to save the planet's remaining wilderness.
Tropical Modernism
In this three-storey inter-terrace belonging to a family of four, designer Ethan Lin of TE-EL sought to create a cosy nest that marries the disparate tastes of its owners.
A Symphony of Vintage
Antoine Bakhache, founder of Bakhache Jewellery, shares the story behind the brand's inception, its curated vintage collections, and the journey ahead.
Time is of the Ressence
Time is of the Ressence Independent watch brand founder Benoit Mintiens on creating unique timepieces by focusing on the user experience.
A Timeless Impact
The Rolex Awards for Enterprise celebrate innovators like Denica Riadini-Flesch, whose work at SukkhaCitta focuses on ethical craftsmanship.