Nestled in the picturesque alpine town of Bad Gastein, the designers of The Cōmodo reimagine an old, abandoned spa hotel into a bold design destination. With 70 meticulously curated rooms, the new design seamlessly merges mid-century modern aesthetics with the serene charm of its mountain surroundings, embodying a fresh take on alpine luxury. Rooted in Bad Gastein’s legacy of wellness and nature, the hotel balances creativity with tranquillity. Designed by Berlin-based visionary Piotr Wiśniewski and architect Barbara Elwardt of weStudio, The Cōmodo represents the first in a series of design-forward properties slated to redefine hospitality worldwide. Framed by dramatic cliffs and sprawling valleys, The Cōmodo’s architecture is a tribute to mid-century modern design with a contemporary alpine twist. Bold geometric shapes, vibrant hues and an inviting interplay of textures define its interiors. Original terrazzo floors are juxtaposed with rich wine and bottle-green accents, while natural oak and pine add warmth and authenticity. The hotel showcases the work of European artisans, with bespoke tapestries, prints and furniture. “We wanted every corner to tell a story,” say the designers, whose collaborations with rising and established talents like Berlin-based AMBERDESIGN infuse the space with curated charm.
Each room is a modernist haven, offering a playful yet sophisticated aesthetic. Ranging from Mountain View Rooms to Garden Suites, the accommodations combine thoughtful luxury with functional design. Vintage furniture, oak parquet flooring with underfloor heating, and freestanding bathtubs (in selected suites) create spaces for both comfort and inspiration. Some rooms boast sweeping vistas of the Gastein Valley, while others open to serene forest views. At the heart of the hotel, the lobby hums with life – a communal living room filled with books, artwork and curios. A central bar and restaurant flow into a summer garden, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces. Bad Gastein has long been renowned for its therapeutic properties, drawing royals and wellness-seekers since the 19th century. The Cōmodo continues this legacy with a spa that offers treatments inspired by the healing properties of Gastein’s mineral-rich mountain water. With anti-inflammatory and regenerative benefits, the water anchors the spa’s ethos. Guests can enjoy tailored treatments using luxury Saint Charles products, alongside traditional massages, facials and innovative magnesium therapies. The spa also features saunas, treatment rooms and an indoor pool for ultimate relaxation.
Under the culinary direction of Berlin-based chef Max Jensen, The Cōmodo offers a menu of modern Austrian cuisine rooted in a farm-to-table philosophy. Ingredients are sourced from local farmers, ensuring sustainability without compromising flavor. Guests can enjoy organic wines, classic cocktails and dishes that blend traditional techniques with creative flair. Art plays a starring role at the hotel, with over 140 unique pieces by AMBERDESIGN adorning the hotel, inspired by the natural beauty of Bad Gastein. Gerrit Engel’s photography and Jeppe Hein’s interactive art further enrich the visual narrative. Fundamental, a Berlin design agency, has also crafted exclusive vases and candleholders, adding another layer of sophistication to the interiors.
Bad Gastein, once a retreat for Europe’s elite, is experiencing a creative resurgence – and The Cōmodo stands at its forefront. The town’s blend of brutalist and Belle Époque architecture, paired with sweeping natural vistas, creates a unique charm. Whether skiing across 220 kilometres of slopes in winter or exploring sunlit trails in spring, visitors will find a perfect blend of adventure and tranquility.
