48 Hours In Austria With Rolls-Royce

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The Rosewood Schloss Fuschl

The panoramic views are reason enough to bookmark the Rosewood Schloss Fuschl as the place to stay in Austria. Impossible to beat, the surrounding dramatic landscape and scenic lakeside location are a must for nature lovers. The water of the lake is akin to that of the Maldives, a mesmerising mix of turquoise and deep jade – and clean enough to drink, we’re told by the welcoming staff. From the outdoor pool club and lakeside deck you can gaze across the two-mile stretch of water to the opposite side of the lake, where the snow-capped peaks of the Alps glisten majestically on the horizon. Traditional alpine touches are abundant throughout the hotel – think roaring fires, sheepskin throws and hand-painted murals of the surrounding forest –  all of which add a homely touch during the cosy winter months. In the bedrooms, rain showers, full marble bathrooms, and seriously comfy king-size beds are all noteworthy, but it’s the perfectly framed views of the lake from floor-to-ceiling balcony windows, that prove to be the real star of the show.

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EAT + DRINK

Schloss Restaurant

The hotel’s fine dining spot serves up culinary delights from the surrounding Salzkammergut region, with a focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Expect authentic Austrian dishes, including freshwater fish; caught directly from Lake Fuschl, plenty of variation on local deer, as well as Austrian veal – innovatively served nose-to-tail. Sustainability efforts mean that little is wasted here, and produce is all sourced from local farms within a 100km radius. The artfully curated wine selection is hard to ignore, particularly as you pass through the hotel’s meticulously presented wine room en route to dinner. Wall-to-wall wine and champagne fridges will be sure to pique the interest of oenophiles – and the rest.

Restaurant Brunnauer

Short-stay guests tend not to stray from the restaurant offering (all six of them) at Rosewood Schloss Fuschl, but with a Rolls-Royce as your companion you’d be forgiven for wanting to find any excuse to get back behind the wheel. The city centre of Salzburg is a 15-minute drive away, perhaps not far away enough for petrol-heads, but a good excuse to show off your wheels to passersby – and, from first-hand experience, the Cullinan Series II is guaranteed to turn a few heads. Head to Restaurant Brunnauer for refined, yet modern dishes including Salzburg shrimp and scallop served with a vivid pea cream, souffléd pigeon breast, and saddle of deer in a grape reduction. Weather permitting, opt to dine on the outdoor terrace to enjoy chef Brunnauer’s creations while taking in the sights of the neighbouring Fortress Hohensalzburg.

Seeterrasse

The perfect lunch spot, Seeterrasse truly is a feast for all the senses thanks to those awe-inspiring views of Lake Fuschl. The restaurant undoubtedly comes into its own during the summer months, where indoor/outdoor dining stretches on to the med-inspired al-fresco terrace. But all-year-round, there’s really no better way to take in the scenic surroundings than here in Seeterrasse’s sun-dappled orangery. Enjoy freshly shucked oysters washed down with a glass of local sparkling rosé, before moving on to traditional Austrian fare. Serving lighter bites, from wiener schnitzel to bouillabaisse prepared with fish from the lake below, it’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries after a brisk morning hike.

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TO DO

Take a roadtrip through the stunning Austrian countryside

With an increasingly urban-focus and the ‘daily driver’ of many of its owners, the Series II reflects this change with an emphasis on clean, monolithic surfaces that emphasise the 4×4’s generous proportions and commanding presence. Gliding through the Austrian landscape, you’d expect a car of such power and size to feel weighty and the engine to noticeably thrum, but glide is exactly what it does. Whizzing past spruce forests and ambling through quaint villages, being behind the (heated) steering wheel of a Rolls-Royce no longer feels like an intimidating quest, but rather an effortless jaunt that unites with each twist and turn of the road. Unnervingly quiet for its size, the heads-up display comes into its own as it’s all too easy to tip into over-speeding territory, thanks to Cullinan’s incredibly serene drivability and comfort. And comfort really is key here. Be it passenger, or driver, it’s a luxuriously easy place to while away an entire day, gawping at the mountainous landscape, waterfalls and striking azure lakes that punctuate villages dotted with buildings resembling real life gingerbread houses.

Art lovers, tastemakers and those with a penchant for one-offs, will be drawn to the infinite bespoke possibilities that commissioning your very own Rolls-Royce entails. Those lucky enough to embark on this journey, can personalise every detail to their exact vision with no limitations. From replicating real constellations in the starlight headliner – transforming the roof of your car to a star-filled night sky, to custom paint-colours and embroidered motifs, the scope for stamping your identity is endless.

Immerse yourself in nature

If you’re lucky enough to be experiencing the scenic beauty of Lake Fuschl, and its surrounding area, from behind the wheel of a Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II, it’s probable, or even likely, that you’ll find it hard to tear yourself away from the dream drive. However, while paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking and cycling may pale in comparison as modes of transport, an idyllic paddle – or kayak, for the not-so-brave – across the glassy lake is a must. Admittedly, Rolls-Royce cars have been likened to luxury ‘land yachts’ in the past, but don’t miss the chance to recreate your very own Notebook moment. It doesn’t get much more romantic than boating in this very spot. Back on dry land, join herb expert Martina on a mindful nature walk, as she takes you from the hotel’s doorstep to the forest beyond, sharing insights along the way about the region’s abundant plant life, birds and agriculture.