Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort
"Set the scene Near the picturesque town of South Tyrol’s Merano under the Dolomites, and within the Texel Group National Park, this is a region deeply steeped in the culture of wellness and outdoor sports. Preidlhof draws both die-hard German hikers, who use the thermal waters and saunas post mountain forays, and guests (like me) in residence for one of the transformational wellness retreats, who barely leave the premises. Owned by a private family, the hotel has become famous for not only its easy access to activities like hiking and biking, with the Dolomites as the backdrop, but for the property’s intuitive 360-degree approach to health and beauty using both Eastern and Western treatments, as well as those invented within the South Tyrol. In addition to the spa itself, the seven-floor sauna tower is the property centerpiece with multiple saunas, a steam room, rooftop pool, and relaxation area. What is the background story? This family-owned property got a €6 million overhaul in 2017, putting new blood into the over 50-year-old institution. Klaus Ladurner oversees the property, and his wife Monika runs the front office, while his parents are still involved in everything from arranging special hikes to making wine. Who are their people? Priedlhof has a star roster of therapists. Among them, Dr Angerer, who measures HRV, heart rate variability, and then custom tailors programs that combine acupuncture, supplements, and sleep clinics; Martin Kirchler, who mixes Traditional Chinese Medicine (among other ancient arts) and advises exercises to be replicated at home; and Stefano Battaglia, who has gained a cult following for his healing hands and supernatural intuition. What’s the wellness concept? Preidlhof runs the gamut: those looking for pampering (access to the amenities like a salinated rooftop pool, multiple saunas and steam room are enough for hours of blissful relaxation and included in the room rate) can order treatments à la carte, or guests can sign up for transformational wellness retreats to address issues from disturbed sleep to menopause to extreme stress to weight loss. All the treatments in the programs are also available as one offs. What are the signature treatments? Trauma release, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), treatments for disturbed sleep, forest bathing, Shiatsu, trauma release, water massage (heaven, with a heated salinated pool and piped in music), mindful eating, Kneipp, the Su-Man sculpting facial (a must), and pregnancy-focused treatments. Which therapist should I book? Start your exploration of the offerings with the lovely Patrizia Bortolin, Spa Director and transformational wellness coach, who has a gentle but effective approach on how to tackle various issues in an integrative way and will advise on a customized menu. From there your package will probably include Martin Kichler, Dr. Angerer, Stefano Battaglia, and Andrea Martinelli (Shiatsu wizard), among others. What makes it different? Preidlhof has kept up with the latest innovations, medical equipment, and high-tech gadgets. Be sure to try the HRV heart rate variability, where you can find out your biological versus actual age; the sleep suite, with features like an acoustic ceiling designed to minimize outside or surrounding noise and a menu of 12 different pillows; and a deep-sea room with 12,500 LEDs to promote even deeper relaxation. What else do they offer? The resort offers special wellness menus focused on healthy ingredients, while the spa offers cooking classes utilising herbs and flowers foraged during the forest bathing sessions. In addition to a tasting of Preidlhof’s terrific olive oil, there is a class that explores the nine types of hunger. In 2023 Bortolin will launch a “candy healing class” and “mindful chocolate freedom” to ease up self-judgement and demonization around certain kinds of food. This area is legendary for outdoor activities, for good reason. Make sure you get out for a gentle hike or bike ride. There are also guided outdoor fitness classes outdoors – check the daily schedule (they are included in the room rate). In addition to the full gym, the property has a roster of daily classes such as yoga nidra, meditation, Qi Gong (in yoga/meditation pavilion) and strength training. The lovely basement pool is a temple to the 1950s, while the fitness pool in the suite tower is perfect for laps. Preidlhof doesn’t have a hair salon but does do make-up on site (Bortolin was a make-up artist in the 1980s). The hotel has also just launched a signature beauty line that epitomizes Preidlhof’s clean ethos. It includes environmentally friendly, vegan products such as a cleansing milk and oil, serum with Vitamin C, and a moisturizing cream. Where do you stay? Well-sized rooms have huge, walk-in rain showers, terraces with infrared lamps to keep you warm in winter while watching the mountains scapes, and comfy beds with individual duvets (we aren’t convinced on the shag mats in certain spots but that’s a small complaint). We love the spa and wellness areas with lots of light and glass to capitalise on the setting, and the restaurant is made up of multiple rooms and a large buffet area (save room for the South Tyrolean treats). Anything else to mention? It might help your packing strategy to know that many of the property’s wet zones are naked-only areas. If you are shy, you might want to stick to the bathing suit options or go to the facilities when most hikers are already out for the day. In the afternoon there is a jovial group sauna activity, with music from the likes of Abba and Queen – it’s quite amusing but might be sensory overload after the serenity of the healing spaces."
