A hotel inspired by James Bond

The Secret apartment resort in the beautiful Öztal valley transports its guests to an impressive world of refined extravagance against a breathtaking mountain backdrop.

Photo: Olaf Wiechers

The Sölden ski region in the Austrian state of Tyrol is one of the best and best known ski regions in the Alps, attracting many visitors every year. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Öztal valley, Tyrolean entrepreneur couple Barbara and Dr. Nikolaus Huter have recently converted and extended a former hotel on a 6000 m2 plot of land into a unique apartment resort without rival.

44 apartments across the existing and new building

The Secret is located right beside the Gaislachkogel gondola and has a total of 44 apartments – 23 in the existing building and another 21 apartments as well as a restaurant, a rooftop bar, a fitness studio and a spa in the new building.

The metal panel cladding on the façade is set to raise the bar in terms of local architecture. Entering the hotel through the golden doorway with its slanted wooden panels immediately offers a hint of extravagance combined with the design elements typical of Ötztal.

Inspired by James Bond

The Hamburg-based firm ‘Going Places’ drew inspiration for the interior design from the James Bond movie Spectre that was filmed in Sölden in 2015. For example, the 007 gun barrel is a recurring stylistic element in the hotel, appearing as a design element or ceiling light throughout the building.

Different materials such as wood, stone and leather combined with gleaming golden or copper-coloured metal endow The Secret with a refined charm. Countless floor-to-ceiling windows allow copious light to stream in and frame the view of the beautiful mountainous backdrop.

Impressive sky bar

One particular highlight of the resort is The Vue sky bar, the only one of its kind in the centre of Sölden. With its part glass ceiling, extravagant furniture and impressive video installations and light effects, an après-ski drink here is an unforgettable experience. In keeping with the design concept, Troldtekt rhomb acoustic panels feature in black. The same design in grey appears again in the swimming pool, which extends from indoors into the open air as a luxurious infinity pool.