Meet Judith Volker

Judith Volker is the real estate alchemist with over 20 years of experience in luxury, authentic hospitality, tourist destination development, construction projects for private owners and investors.

Founder Judith Volker is the heart and soul of Magical Places. With a rich background in marketing, hotel management, and leadership in 8 european countries, she brings unparalleled expertise and passion to every project. Judith’s holistic approach ensures that each development is not only a success but a harmonious masterpiece.

I have always had a passion for creating beautiful spaces and maximizing the potential of every location. This passion has driven me to write hotel concepts and develop boutique 5-star superior hotels and private chalets.

I guide development projects from property scouting and acquisition through concept and finance, right up to the moment the guest walks through the door.

My work includes crafting concepts for Albergo Diffuso, Borgo Toscano, Beach Hotels, Urban Experiences, and, of course, those Magical Places that captivate and inspire."

I believe life is full of beauty and color and potential.

That’s the very reason why I love and breathe hospitality and co-living projects.

This is where life happens.

This is where amazing things take place.

What inspired me to launch Magical Places?

I think these two life events had the biggest impact:

In 1996, I had the incredible opportunity to work for Cirque du Soleil, touring Europe with a diverse team of approximately 120 peers from various countries and cultural backgrounds. It was fascinating to witness how this remarkable teamwork came together to create a fantastic show. The show itself was the star, serving as the unifying force that dissolved cultural barriers and egos. In this environment, it didn’t matter where you came from, your background, or your religion—what mattered was serving the show. This shared purpose generated a powerful synergy, a rare quality that many companies unfortunately lack."

In 2003, my then-husband and I purchased Villa Cartoceto in the heart of the historic center of Cartoceto, in Italy's Marche region. We transformed the villa into a Bed & Breakfast and Osteria, where we integrated the entire local community into the guest experience. From local products and food to the unique traditions of the area, our guests were immersed in authentic Italian daily life. The response was nothing short of magical, and we had a wonderful time running it."

These 7 years in Italy and my time with Cirque du Soleil were great sources of inspiration and they finally led me to Magical Places.

What is a Real Estate Alchemist?

A **real estate alchemist** is someone who transforms ordinary real estate projects into extraordinary, visionary developments. This term evokes the idea of combining creativity, expertise, and a unique, almost magical touch to create properties that go beyond mere buildings. A real estate alchemist blends various elements such as innovative design, sustainability, community focus, and market insight to craft spaces that are not only functional but also inspiring and harmonious.

In the context of Judith Volker and Magical Places, it means she brings a holistic, heart-centered approach to property development, turning simple concepts into beautifully realized projects that cater to specific needs, such as co-living and hospitality for the 60+ community.

" My strength lies in creating a harmonious field of resonance that allows all stakeholders to thrive, encompassing profit, property, and nature."

Bringing your business to a new level of succes !

Contact Judith Today!

It all begins with a new story ..

To take the next step:

Let's bring your vision to life!

Experience tells us

that when the right people come

together

anything can happen.

Some might call it luck.

I call it MAGIC!

Still eager to hear more ?

Here we go:

• I’m originally from the Netherlands, call Vienna my home for now and travel extensively.

• I’ve received several awards, including

• Hotel of the Year by Gault Millau Österreich (2018),

• Valore Donna Internationale by the Regione Marche Italia (2007)

• and Premio Una Provinciadi Apifarfalle by the Provincia Pesaro Urbino (2005).

• I am one of the founders of the Culinary and Art festival in St. Anton am Arlberg.

• And served as a member of the International Advisory Board of Hoteliers for Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

- In 2011, I started as consultant for the creation of the new exclusive 5-star superior Hotel Tannenhof in St. Anton am Arlberg. And became there Deputy Managing Director for eight years, I helped create exceptional guests experiences: 24 staff members serving a maximum of 16 guests 24/7,and a cuisine that earned4 Gault Millau Toques

• Since 2023 I am Hospitality Ambassador of the Transformational Travel Council

• In 2018, I earned the Seth Godin altMBA

• The Alain de Botton’s “The School of Life” provided me with a certification in Emotional Intelligence,

• I took “Visual Thinking for Business” classes at iversity,

• Destination & Leadership Management at the Management Center Innsbruck

• and Management & Development of Touristic Companies at EUROLEX SRL,

• and I have held creative leadership positions in the hospitality, entertainment, media and event industries across Europe.

As you can see, I’m into lifelong learning and that’s why my vision will even include a Magical Places academy at some point in time.