My fabulous client, Sarah, wanted some suggestions for a memorable winter break to celebrate her and husband Mick’s special wedding anniversary - something festive, with lots to see and do, and a wonderful spa hotel. I was confident Vienna would fit the bill...
For our 30th wedding anniversary last December, Mick and I wanted something special - Christmassy and full of festive charm. Our wish list was simple: a beautiful spa hotel to relax and the chance to soak in some winter magic. With the help of our fantastic travel planner, Flis, we found exactly that in Vienna.
Our journey began the day before our flight with an overnight stay near Heathrow. Flis had originally booked us into the Holiday Inn Express, but due to unexpected maintenance issues, we were moved to the Mercure hotel. While frustrating at first, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise - the Mercure was even closer to the terminal, and parking was a breeze, making our early morning start much easier.
Our 6am flight was smooth, and on arrival in Vienna, we were greeted by our driver, who whisked us away to the stunning Hotel Sans Souci, our home for the next few days. From the moment we stepped inside, we felt completely at ease. The hotel was beautiful - elegant yet inviting - and the staff were not only efficient but had a gentle, personal touch that made us feel right at home.
The hotel’s restaurant was a highlight, especially the breakfasts. They were nothing short of a feast, complete with a daily healthy shot of goodness to kickstart the day - a small but lovely touch that we appreciated.
Although we had planned to indulge in the spa for our anniversary, we couldn’t quite make it work. With only one therapist available at a time, our dream of a joint treatment didn’t happen, but the spa looked stunning, and it’s already on our list for next time.
Vienna itself was everything we had hoped for and more. The weather was freezing, and snow fell steadily each day, blanketing the city in a gorgeous layer of white. It was magical, and we felt incredibly lucky to experience it in all its festive glory. Thankfully, we’d packed our warm coats, hats, scarves and gloves, so we were well-prepared to explore.
One of the trip’s highlights was the red bus tours we booked, taking us on two different routes to see Vienna’s main sights. The city’s history is fascinating, and seeing it come to life as we toured was brilliant.
We also spent hours wandering through the Christmas markets, which were unlike anything we’ve experienced in the UK. Each hut was unique, with vibrant and authentic charm, and we brought home some beautiful decorations as mementos of our special trip.
On our anniversary night, we dined at a traditional Austrian restaurant frequented by locals. The food was delicious, and the wine was equally lovely. Mick’s silence while enjoying his steak spoke volumes - he only ever goes quiet when a meal is truly outstanding!
Although we’d originally planned a day trip to Salzburg, heavy snow kept us from making the journey. Instead, we’ve decided to save it for another adventure - and Flis will definitely be hearing from us again when we plan that trip!
The Viennese people were warm, friendly and always willing to help, which made our stay even more enjoyable. Our return flight was seamless, and collecting our car at Heathrow couldn’t have been easier - a smooth end to a perfect getaway.
A huge thank you to Flis for making everything so effortless, from booking hotels and flights to patiently answering all my little questions. She even thought of things we didn’t know we’d need!
She’s already helping us plan our next family holiday to Florida, and we’re so grateful to have her expertise guiding us.
Here’s to more magical trips to come!
