If you are overwhelmed by anxiety and crave a remote luxury hotel in the very North of Italy where you can hide out and ward off stress, you might be enticed by Hotel Pfösl. The property is in Nova Ponente, in the South Tyrol region, at an altitude of 1,375 meters. It’s nestled in the middle of a dramatic valley overlooking the Dolomites (Italian Alps), a few steps from a forest. Hotel Pfösl is undoubtedly the ideal choice for those who are keen on nature and have environmental awareness because it is one of the few hotels in Europe awarded the KlimaHotel, which means that it is certified for being environmentally friendly. After being completely renovated by Bergmeisterwolf Architects Studio, the hotel reopened its doors last June with three new chalets built close to the forest, 18 impressive suites with gardens, a new swimming pool, a new outdoor sauna with outdoor Kneipp and a panoramic restaurant. 

Rooms and chalets 

Guests looking for an absolute privacy are offered the new Arolla Pine Suites with a private garden. Inside, the decor is modern and minimalist, the furniture is made of wood with handmade textiles and art crafts objects. 

I suggest that you book one of the three chalets immersed in the woods. They are 60 square meters and inside each has a beautiful fresh pine scent combined with other essential oils. They have a spacious living room with a double bed and table and another single room equipped with two beds, which make the chalets comfortable and suitable for families or groups of friends. Spending a night in the chalet is an unforgettable experience, the big windows allow guests to sit back and star gaze. If you are lucky, you might even spot a falling star.

Nature Spa 

From the chalets, there is no need to go back to the hotel lobby if you want to head to the spa. An underground passage makes the Nature Spa easily reachable. The wellness area includes a 25-meter infinity pool, different types of saunas, a steam bath and the new panoramic outdoor sauna. Don’t miss the lavender and the straw bale sauna. 

Several relaxation areas might tempt you to take a nap or read a book without distractions. 

The restaurant

Breakfast’s buffet is a sea of abundance, with different kind of bread, juices, local cheese and delicious cold cuts. From 2 pm to 4 pm a salad buffet with soups, dumplings made with leftover bread, cakes and fresh cream is always available. Everyone can enjoy their meal in the garden, outdoor or sitting by a window. 

Dinners are memorable, chef Markus and his team seduce guests with innovative dishes made of natural ingredients, with particular attention to special requests from vegans and guests who have food intolerance or allergies. 

One of my most memorable meals there was my char with roasted potatoes and alpine herbs and an exquisite mushroom soufflé. 

Outdoor activities 

All around the hotel there are hiking pathways and during the winter season, ski slopes are pretty close. Donkeys, goats and ponies seem to play their role and hang out peacefully in the idyllic landscape. 

Check out the daily wellness programs guided by competent staff and professional fitness coaches. You can go for a mountain bike ride and even exercise in the forest.

Address: 

Rio Nero 2, Nuovo Ponente (Bolzano), Italy

ph. +39 (0)471616537https://www.pfoesl.it/en/hotel-dolomites/1-0.html