Is there really a place called Maria Alm? Yes! Even if it does sound a bit like you’ve discovered an isolated place with an impressive name, a pilgrimage church and an idyllic mountain and meadow panorama. And in Maria Alm there is also a Josef, although his surname is Sepp. He’s the one who’s in charge of all the excitement round here with his eponymous hotel for “children over 21”, as he calls his guests.

The SEPP boasts Alpine charm, modern twists and delightful coolness – you might call it exSEPPtional. The hotel doesn’t just blend old and new, tradition and contemporary influences – it also brings all of its guests together, in line with the philosophy that you’re never alone when surrounded by others. We found out why the hotel is only open to those over 21, whether SEPP is better in summer or winter in Maria Alm and what they actually mean by “open door, open mind”..

The Salzburg resident from Maria Alm has a laid-back and likeable demeanour, and he’s younger than you might expect. You wouldn’t think at first glance that Josef Schwaiger, also known as Sepp, runs three hotels and a concept store, but he does, and he does it with immense passion, even more creativity and huge success.

If any a family were to have hotel management in their blood, it would be the Eders from Maria Alm, south of Salzburg. We are greeted in their modern hotels by a relaxed atmosphere and a distinctively chilled vibe, which makes the Eder establishments the perfect holiday accommodation – all the ski, none of the chi-chi …