Menschels
Menschels Vitalresort: A reflection of history since 1928
Discover the story of Menschels Vitalresort, which has stood for relaxation and health since 1928. Experience tradition and modern vitality in perfect harmony.
The origin: Englischer Hof
The story of Menschels Vitalresort began in 1860 with an extraordinary gesture. A wealthy English lady established the English Court as thanks for the loyal service of her butler, who came from Meddersheim. His son Daniel opened “Hotel & Pension” here.
English families considered the style of the manor house and the worldly manners of the hosts to be “very British” and were happy to come to summer holidays.
From Felke-Jungborn to spa tradition
In 1919, Meddersheim winemaker Philipp Ebert acquired the Englischer Hof. His son-in-law Alfons Menschel sought advice from Pastor Emanuel Felke.
Convinced by naturopathy and the Felke method, he initially assisted during office hours Emanuel Felkes opened the “Felke-Jungborn Menschel” with his wife Johanna in 1928 — a simple accommodation without running water or central heating. Initially, guests were only received during the summer months. During the war, the property served as accommodation for officers and evacuated families, later as a retirement home. But the first spa guests returned as early as 1949.
Growth and Innovation
From the 1950s onward, continuous development began:
• 1957: Construction of the first solar house and the first heated clay bath hall.
• 1967: Construction of the south house with new guest rooms.
• 1975: First indoor swimming pool at Südhaus
• 1988: Extension of the solar house and modernization of the clay bath hall with floor-heated bathrooms.
• 1990: Conversion of the farm building into a reception with fireplace and wine bar.
• 1995: Opening of a concert hall for classical music.
A step into the new millennium
With the takeover of medical management by Dr. Matthias Menschel in 2000, the “Medical Wellness & Felke” concept was developed. His wife Dr. Gudrun Herzel has been supporting him since 2002. The new millennium brought further milestones:
• 2000: Opening of Thermeim Park
• 2002: New indoor swimming pool and 900 sqm modern wellness area
• 2003: Renovation of the south house including new balconies
• 2004: Recognition as the first organic hotel in Rhineland-Palatinate
• 2007: Extension of the restaurant in the main building
• 2010: Redesign of various guest rooms and the restaurant
• 2011: New heating system, wood chips for all houses and thermal baths
• 2014: Opening of the guest house “Igelsberg” and the “HausFelke” therapy building. Construction of the log cabin sauna and the natural outdoor swimming pool, the renovation and extension of the thermal spa to a 1,300 sqm wellness area.
• 2015:100th anniversary of Felke in Bad Sobernheim
• 2017: Renovation and openingFitness room and room of silence in the thermal spa in the park
• 2018:90th anniversary of the company “From Englischer Hof to Menschels Vitalresort” and extension of the Igelsberg house to the west by 10 rooms
• 2019: Reconstruction of the restaurant with extension of the south-facing terrace
• 2021: Certification as a climate-neutral company
• 2023: Installation of an extended photovoltaic system, which should generate around 30% of the electricity requirement
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Visions of the future
With a view to the future, Menschels Vitalresort is being continuously modernized:
• 2024: Redesign of reception, wine bar and offices.
• 2025: The historic manor house gives way to modern guest rooms.
The people behind Menschels Vitalresort
The Vitalresort's success story is inextricably linked to the Menschel family. Alfons and Johanna Menschel laid the foundation stone with the “Felke-Jungborn”. Her seven children grew into the business, and three of them carried on the inheritance:
• Dr. Thea Menschel shaped the medical focus with her knowledge of naturopathy and homeopathy
• Hanna Menschel spoiled guests with healthy delights for over 40 years as head chef
• Businessman Günther Menschel became technical manager in 1962, his wife Monika became housekeeping manager in 1967
Today, the company is run by the third generation with the support of the fourth generation:
• Dr. Matthias Menschel developed the concept of Medical Wellness & Felke and has been managing the medical practice since 2000
• Birgit Menschel, graduate ecotrophologist, is responsible for business issues, supervises the kitchen and service team and implemented the organic certification in 2004.
A family business with a future
Günther and Monika Menschel continue to support the company today with advice and assistance. Together, the Menschel family stands for tradition, innovation and natural health — values that make Menschels Vitalresort a unique place of relaxation.
