When holidaymakers think about living la dolce vita in Italy, sightseeing in Rome or taking a boat on Lake Como might spring to mind first. But if you travel to the most northern province of Italy — South Tyrol — you’ll find a hidden gem with wellness and relaxation at its centre.
In the foothills of the Dolomites mountain range there are charming towns, pretty streams and lush greenery. If you’re looking for a European holiday where you can truly recharge your batteries in a picturesque setting, then ALPIANA Green Luxury Dolce Vita Hotel — near the spa town of Merano — is a brilliant option.
Family run since the 1970s, Alpiana is proud of its ‘small luxury’ ethos, which involves staff getting to know and taking great care of guests staying in the resort’s 59 rooms and suites. Some visitors have been returning for decades thanks to this mix of genuine hospitality and the hotel’s tranquil scenery.
Alpiana is a hideaway in the middle of nature, with inspiring mountain views, sweet-smelling gardens and the sound of birdsong and distant church bells filling the air. The pool area is in the midst of all of this, and with heated pools plus a salt water pool, it’s easy to lose track of time relaxing in the water.
In South Tyrol, sauna is much more than something to be done on an annual spa trip, it’s a way of life for many people. Alpiana is representative of this, with ample spa and sauna facilities and a range of treatments available at an additional cost, from facials to manicures and pedicures.
For those wanting something extra special, you can book a private spa evening making the most of those unspoilt mountain views, plus Prosecco, strawberries and chocolate for 150 euros (for two people, for two hours.)
Because spa and sauna culture is so important for the South Tyroleans, Alpiana is part of a hotel hopping offer that allows its guests access to spa facilities in other luxury hotels in the area.
Part of Dolce Vita Hotels, when you book at Alpiana, you can use the facilities of all four hotels in the Dolce Vita collection; Feldhof, Lindenhof and Preidlhof, free of charge. Collectively the hotels have 38 pools, 32 saunas and five sky spas, so while it’s all about relaxation, it’s definitely not repetitive or boring. For an extra cost you can book in for treatments at these hotels, too — Preidlhof’s vegan facial is a real treat.
Of course, life’s all about balance, and as well as encouraging stillness, Alpiana has a programme of activities centred on gentle, joyful movement. From morning yoga to pilates to meditation (all included in the cost of your stay) to cycling tours (15 euros per person for half a day) there’s something for everyone.
The hotel also provides a South Tyrol guest pass which can be used to gain access to public transport, for those who want to explore the local area more — just ask at reception.
It wouldn’t be a wellness holiday without some food and drink that feels good for the soul as well as the hungry stomach.
Alpiana is three quarter board, which means that breakfast, lunch (salad; antipasto buffet; warm dishes of the day), afternoon cakes, and dinner are all included. There’s an excellent selection, with a focus on healthy, seasonal food, so you’ll never be peckish. For guest who are vegan or partial to plant-based dining, the options are extensive and really delicious.
A ten minute drive leads to Kränzelhof, an organic winery that shares Alpiana’s small, family-run credentials. Here you can try a relaxed tasting session and a walk around the winery’s seven gardens complete with pops of modern art before stocking up on a bottle or two to take home. (Some of the vineyard’s bottles are playfully named after zodiac signs, making for a fun souvenir.)
When it’s finally — sadly — time to head home, there are nearby transport links including Bolzano and Verona airports and Bolzano train station. So, the next time you’re considering an Italian getaway, don’t forget about the understated luxury of Alpiana and South Tyrol. La dolce vita, indeed.
Rates start from £162 per person per night, including three quarter board.
ALPIANA – green luxury, Via Prevosto Wieser 30, 39011 Foiana/Lana near Merano, South Tyrol – Italy
