The under-the-radar province of South Tyrol in Northern Italy is characterized by dramatic views of the Alps and its distinct blend of Austrian and Italian cultures. Located a scenic two-hour drive from Verona, the small village of Naturno is surrounded by picturesque vineyards and sits in the shadow of the majestic Dolomites, where the towers of medieval structures hint at the area’s rich history. This enchanting landscape is the setting for Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort, one of Europe’s best multi-award-winning wellness retreats and a haven for health-conscious enthusiasts seeking transformational well-being experiences.
For a resort that easily falls within the boutique category—it only has 71 guestrooms and five suites—Preidlhof stands out with an impressive number and variety of wellness facilities, including six outdoor and indoor pools, ranging from a rooftop infinity pool that is the stuff of Instagram dreams to a 1950s-themed thermal indoor pool and lounge. As a result, the property feels incredibly private, and the service is personalized.
However, the resort’s six-story sauna tower, offering an impressive 16 sauna and steam room experiences, is the show’s real star. Ranging from an eucalyptus-scented wine sauna inspired by South Tyrolean wine cellars to an olive grove sauna with herbs and views of the orchards, guests are encouraged to work up a sweat and reap the benefits of it (among which are improved heart health, a boost in metabolism, and radiant skin).
An exhaustive list of treatments and classes is designed to support guests in their wellness journey. Multi-day retreats are an excellent way to focus your experience on-site—my three-day sensorial retreat included a forest bathing hike in the hills surrounding the resort, a color healing massage, and an aroma therapy test and massage. I also gave the Kneipp experience a try. Pioneered by a 19th-century German priest, the method is based on the idea that exposing the body to temperature changes (hot and cold) stimulates its natural self-healing abilities.
Food is an essential part of the wellness ethos at Preidlhof. The menus follow the Mediterranean diet, with many meals free of gluten, lactose, soya, and sugar. Flavor, though, is something every dish is bursting with. Guests enjoy indulgent dinners, cocktails, and live music at two elegant restaurants with outdoor seating and scenic panoramic views. And given that the resort has a wine cellar with over 400 bottles, you can rest assured that some indulgences are encouraged here.
Top Takeaways
Location: Naturno, Bolzano, Italy
Rating: Five-star
The Vibe: Modern wellness sanctuary set against idyllic views of vineyards and dramatic snow-capped peaks of the Dolomites
Food+Drink: the hotel considers food part of its guests’ wellness journey. Its award-winning restaurants serve fresh Mediterranean-inspired food from local purveyors and the resort’s gardens without compromising artful presentation and visual appeal.
Amenities: 6 pools; Hot tubs; 7 Sauna experiences; Multiple lounges and relaxation spaces—including the world’s first Deep Sea Relaxation Room—2 Fitness centers; Med-spa with an in-house doctor
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel? The sheer variety of wellness experiences, treatments, specialists, and facilities. The sauna tower, however, and the deep sea relaxation room are unique to this wellness resort. We are also obsessed with the beds with heaters on each guest’s private balcony, allowing you to enjoy the lush mountain vistas at any time of the day or night.
5 Nearby Attractions: The Texel Group Nature Park, Bolzano, Lake Garda, Innsbruck (Austria), Verona
Any Personal Neighborhood Recs? Take the cable car (Funivia Unterstell) to the Merano High Mountain Trail mountain station. The views over the entire valleys are absolutely breathtaking, but most people come here to hike through the beautiful Alpine landscapes of the Texel Group Nature Park.
Rooms: 71 guestrooms and five penthouse suites (including a dedicated sleep suite)
Pricing: from $297 for room only; three-day retreats start from $294 per person
Closest Airport: Innsbruck Airport (80 miles) and Venice Marco Polo Airport (160 miles)
