Travel with us to the Austrian Alps: Discover the world of Susanne Kaufmann
Susanne Kaufmann is an iconic skincare brand in the Skins collection. To really get to know the brand, our Skins Experts travelled to its origins: the breathtaking Austrian Alps. Skins Experts Nienke shares her special experience.
We arrive at Hotel Post Bezau, Susanne Kaufmann's family-run hotel. This one is in that distinctive Austrian architectural style, with lots of dark wood and beautiful details. We check in and go to see our rooms. The first thing you notice is that all of Susanne Kaufmann's grooming is there. The shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap and even hand lotion. What a treat.
But the most special thing? The view. From my room, I look out over a valley, with characteristic Austrian cottages at the foot and imposing mountains beyond. All I hear are birds, occasionally interrupted by the soft sound of a car in the distance. The mountain air is fresh and crisp. It feels like I have walked into a postcard.
Then it was time for relaxation. We got to enjoy everything the Susanne Kaufmann spa had to offer us. This is also where you can find the origins of the skincare brand. About 30 years ago, she took over the family hotel. At that time, it was mostly busy for them in the summer, when the weather was nice for cycling and hiking. To attract visitors all year round, she decided to develop a spa.
In the town of Bezau, they work mainly with local products: from the ingredients for the food, to the wood of the houses. Susanne also wanted local products for her spa. When this turned out not to exist, she decided to make it herself. Today, she still works with the same people as when she started. With the same philosophy as when she started: making her products locally. As her brand became well known and a demand for her products emerged worldwide, production also had to grow. By investing in her suppliers and producers, they grew along with her brand.
We arrive at Hotel Post Bezau, Susanne Kaufmann's family-run hotel. This one is in that distinctive Austrian architectural style, with lots of dark wood and beautiful details. We check in and go to see our rooms. The first thing you notice is that all of Susanne Kaufmann's grooming is there. The shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand soap and even hand lotion. What a treat.
But the most special thing? The view. From my room, I look out over a valley, with characteristic Austrian cottages at the foot and imposing mountains beyond. All I hear are birds, occasionally interrupted by the soft sound of a car in the distance. The mountain air is fresh and crisp. It feels like I have walked into a postcard.
Then it was time for relaxation. We got to enjoy everything the Susanne Kaufmann spa had to offer us. This is also where you can find the origins of the skincare brand. About 30 years ago, she took over the family hotel. At that time, it was mostly busy for them in the summer, when the weather was nice for cycling and hiking. To attract visitors all year round, she decided to develop a spa.
In the town of Bezau, they work mainly with local products: from the ingredients for the food, to the wood of the houses. Susanne also wanted local products for her spa. When this turned out not to exist, she decided to make it herself. Today, she still works with the same people as when she started. With the same philosophy as when she started: making her products locally. As her brand became well known and a demand for her products emerged worldwide, production also had to grow. By investing in her suppliers and producers, they grew along with her brand.
Of the classic Austrian architecture at the front of the hotel, you don't see anything at the back. The spa is modern, made with lots of wood and tall windows. There are saunas with different temperatures, pools, sun beds and more. The heated whirlpool is outside and has great views of the Austrian countryside.
Many of Susanne Kaufmann's products are inspired by holistic rituals. Holistic rituals are care routines that focus not only on appearance, but also on the well-being of body and mind. The premise is that true beauty comes from within, and that inner balance and health contribute to a radiant appearance. The products are therefore designed to create a spa moment. So you can be transported to the Susanne Kaufmann spa in Bezau for a moment, but from the comfort of your own bathroom.
This holistic nature of the brand is also evident in the next day's activity. At a quarter to 7 in the morning, Susanne Kaufmann herself is ready to take us on a hike through the mountains. She tells us that nature is an inspiration for her products, through its ability to heal itself. She shows us a fresh green twig, clearly newly grown on an existing spruce. Every year, nature grows and blossoms, in its own strength. She also uses that power to heal the skin.
After the walk and a hearty breakfast, we are given a tour of the factory. As mentioned earlier, Susanne Kaufmann works locally as much as possible; so the factory is just a ten-minute drive from the village. We see how the products are made and what immediately stands out is the amount of handwork involved. For instance, the packaging boxes are folded by hand and the pumps are attached to the bottles by hand. The lip balm is too small to produce by machine and is therefore made entirely by hand. Even the rosemary sprigs for the bath oil are hand-picked and placed in the vials.
The whole experience of this trip was unforgettable: from the delicious local food to the fresh mountain air and the relaxing spa facilities. What I take away from this visit is that beautiful skin starts with taking proper care of both body and mind. It's about what you eat, how you exercise and the mindset you live with. Proper skincare is a powerful complement, to strengthen and balance the skin. Besides the effect of the active ingredients, the skincare ritual is also a valuable moment of relaxation and self-care. In my view, these are the ultimate tools for radiant skin.
Many of Susanne Kaufmann's products are inspired by holistic rituals. Holistic rituals are care routines that focus not only on appearance, but also on the well-being of body and mind. The premise is that true beauty comes from within, and that inner balance and health contribute to a radiant appearance. The products are therefore designed to create a spa moment. So you can be transported to the Susanne Kaufmann spa in Bezau for a moment, but from the comfort of your own bathroom.
This holistic nature of the brand is also evident in the next day's activity. At a quarter to 7 in the morning, Susanne Kaufmann herself is ready to take us on a hike through the mountains. She tells us that nature is an inspiration for her products, through its ability to heal itself. She shows us a fresh green twig, clearly newly grown on an existing spruce. Every year, nature grows and blossoms, in its own strength. She also uses that power to heal the skin.
After the walk and a hearty breakfast, we are given a tour of the factory. As mentioned earlier, Susanne Kaufmann works locally as much as possible; so the factory is just a ten-minute drive from the village. We see how the products are made and what immediately stands out is the amount of handwork involved. For instance, the packaging boxes are folded by hand and the pumps are attached to the bottles by hand. The lip balm is too small to produce by machine and is therefore made entirely by hand. Even the rosemary sprigs for the bath oil are hand-picked and placed in the vials.
The whole experience of this trip was unforgettable: from the delicious local food to the fresh mountain air and the relaxing spa facilities. What I take away from this visit is that beautiful skin starts with taking proper care of both body and mind. It's about what you eat, how you exercise and the mindset you live with. Proper skincare is a powerful complement, to strengthen and balance the skin. Besides the effect of the active ingredients, the skincare ritual is also a valuable moment of relaxation and self-care. In my view, these are the ultimate tools for radiant skin.
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