Can I Stay Forever?

 What begins as a business trip to Austria soon turns into a deeply restorative journey of self-discovery. Surrounded by the Alps, crisp mountain air, lush meadows (and, of course, a few contented cows), I check into the Hotel Post Bezau by Susanne Kaufmann - a haven of sustainability, relaxation, and reconnection with nature. I’m here to delve into the world of Susanne Kaufmann Skincare - a brand I’ve loved for years - and to uncover the story behind its visionary founder. My two-day itinerary? Pure indulgence: a sound bath, a rejuvenating spa treatment, and an abundance of nourishing soul food. Intrigued? Keep reading.

Day 1: Hotel Post Bezau by Susanne Kaufmann

This family-run hotel, with 170 years of history, blends Austrian tradition with minimalist modernity. The spa’s floor-to-ceiling windows and serene silence - just the rustling wind and birdsong - set the tone for deep relaxation.
Welcomed warmly, I indulge in an Ectoin Repair Facial, featuring the brand’s latest serum designed to regenerate and protect the skin. The silence feels unusual at first, but soon, it enhances the experience. After 60 minutes, my skin looks refreshed, feels soothed, and seems to have absorbed the spa’s tranquil energy.
It’s no surprise Hotel Post Bezau has earned the World Spa Award five years running - this was easily one of the best facials I’ve ever had.

Day 2: Date with Susanne

Susanne greets us outside the hotel, ready to take us to the production facility and warehouse in a nearby village, where she works with sustainable agriculture pioneer Ingo Metzler. Everywhere we look, animals - goats, chickens, rabbits - are thriving. Proof? The goats have a wellness station in the barn that is intended for self-massage. Coolness factor? 10/10. These same goats provide the whey used in Susanne’s bath products. The farm relies solely on hay milk, richer in vitamins and fatty acids like omega-3 and linoleic acid, making it especially nourishing for the skin.
The tour leaves our group in awe - Susanne’s brand has championed solar energy and green electricity for over 17 years. The standout? A solar-powered emulsion mixing unit that recycles excess energy. Every machine runs on solar or green electricity, and water comes from a private mountain spring. Big thumbs up!
Another standout is the direct connection to nature - rosemary and thyme are grown on-site, and the pine sprigs in Susanne Kaufmann’s signature bath oils come straight from the forest behind the production facility. My personal highlight (besides the animals)? The warehouse, built entirely of wood - twice as costly, but a true investment in sustainability.

I already knew Susanne Kaufmann was rooted in thoughtful, sustainable practices, but seeing it firsthand revealed so much more. So much nature, authenticity, positive energy, knowledge, well-being, passion - and so much proper relaxation. 

Susanne Kaufmann: “Producing locally, focusing on regional partners, and fostering long-term collaborations with our suppliers gives us a major advantage in sustainable business practices.”