As summer yields to early autumn, the Alps reveal a quieter, more contemplative side. The heat softens, the hiking trails empty, and golden light spills across meadows still green. It’s shoulder season – a sweet spot between the high-energy bustle of summer and the thrill of ski season – when the mountains invite you to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect.
Increasingly, travellers are trading the high-octane winter sports season for this off-peak annual window, chasing the slower pace of life found at favourite destinations outside of the busiest tourism months. The rising trend speaks to our collective yearning for slowness, reconnection and restoration, and, with snowfall becoming less predictable and the future of winter sports more precarious, alpine communities are also broadening their opening dates, and what they offer, seeking a more sustainable path forward. Luckily, the shift also gives rise to a new kind of alpine getaway – one where wellness takes centre stage.
Increasingly, travellers are trading the high-octane winter sports season for this off-peak annual window, chasing the slower pace of life found at favourite destinations outside of the busiest tourism months. The rising trend speaks to our collective yearning for slowness, reconnection and restoration, and, with snowfall becoming less predictable and the future of winter sports more precarious, alpine communities are also broadening their opening dates, and what they offer, seeking a more sustainable path forward. Luckily, the shift also gives rise to a new kind of alpine getaway – one where wellness takes centre stage.
Hotel Alpiana
At Dolce Vita Hotels, a collection of five boutique hotels set amid lush mountain valleys in the Merano-Vinschgau region of South Tyrol, a new “spa-hopping” concept invites travellers to experience multiple wellness destinations in one trip. Rather than staying put in one location, guests move seamlessly from one family-run boutique property to the next, indulging in thermal pools, herbal saunas and panoramic yoga decks as they go.
South Tyrol is a place defined by harmony in contrast: once part of Austria, now firmly within Italy, the region blends Mediterranean ease with alpine rigour. You taste it in the food – dumplings alongside pasta, mountain cheeses paired with Italian wines – and see it in the culture, where the German and Italian languages intermingle and Tyrolean chalets share the landscape with Renaissance churches. Those distinctive facets play well to multi-hotel travels, where moving between properties allows you to experience more of the region – its flavours, scenery and cultural nuances – in one trip.
I arrived in late September for some spa-hopping. My itinerary began at Hotel Alpiana, nestled among the orchards and vineyards of Völlan, just above Lana in the Merano region. I would be based at the property – surrounded by crisp mountain air and sweeping views – for the duration of my South Tyrol stay, but I wouldn’t spend every day there. Instead, I’d venture out to other, nearby properties for a taste of some alternative wellness offerings.
At Dolce Vita Hotels, a collection of five boutique hotels set amid lush mountain valleys in the Merano-Vinschgau region of South Tyrol, a new “spa-hopping” concept invites travellers to experience multiple wellness destinations in one trip. Rather than staying put in one location, guests move seamlessly from one family-run boutique property to the next, indulging in thermal pools, herbal saunas and panoramic yoga decks as they go.
South Tyrol is a place defined by harmony in contrast: once part of Austria, now firmly within Italy, the region blends Mediterranean ease with alpine rigour. You taste it in the food – dumplings alongside pasta, mountain cheeses paired with Italian wines – and see it in the culture, where the German and Italian languages intermingle and Tyrolean chalets share the landscape with Renaissance churches. Those distinctive facets play well to multi-hotel travels, where moving between properties allows you to experience more of the region – its flavours, scenery and cultural nuances – in one trip.
I arrived in late September for some spa-hopping. My itinerary began at Hotel Alpiana, nestled among the orchards and vineyards of Völlan, just above Lana in the Merano region. I would be based at the property – surrounded by crisp mountain air and sweeping views – for the duration of my South Tyrol stay, but I wouldn’t spend every day there. Instead, I’d venture out to other, nearby properties for a taste of some alternative wellness offerings.
A sauna at Alpiana, and views from a sun deck across forested hills
From the moment I arrived at Alpiana, I was struck by how much space there was; not just in the architecture, but in the way the entire property invites you to spread out and breathe. Pools, terraces and lounges were never crowded: even with the hotel fully booked, there was always a quiet corner where we could swim, read, or simply do nothing.
With panoramic views across the nearby apple orchards, the hotel seems to float in a sea of green. Floor-to-ceiling glass and warm, natural wood blur the line between indoors and out, constantly drawing my eyes back to the mountains. My favourite place quickly became the rooftop pool, where I could float with the peaks in view, or retreat to the nearby saunas with their vast windows, the Alps framed in cinematic scale.
From the moment I arrived at Alpiana, I was struck by how much space there was; not just in the architecture, but in the way the entire property invites you to spread out and breathe. Pools, terraces and lounges were never crowded: even with the hotel fully booked, there was always a quiet corner where we could swim, read, or simply do nothing.
With panoramic views across the nearby apple orchards, the hotel seems to float in a sea of green. Floor-to-ceiling glass and warm, natural wood blur the line between indoors and out, constantly drawing my eyes back to the mountains. My favourite place quickly became the rooftop pool, where I could float with the peaks in view, or retreat to the nearby saunas with their vast windows, the Alps framed in cinematic scale.
A rooftop pool at Alpiana
Evenings were for refuelling. The kitchen’s focus on local, regional ingredients was evident in every dish: think alpine cheeses, Tyrolean wines and herbs picked fresh from the garden outside. Each meal felt like a celebration of place, with the food reflecting the region’s dual heritage – light Mediterranean notes layered with alpine heartiness.
Yet Alpiana was just the beginning. Embracing Dolce Vita’s spa-hopping concept, I’d slip into a robe every morning, pack a swimsuit and drift towards neighbouring properties – each unveiling its own interpretation of alpine wellness. Many guests choose to drive themselves, with a car providing the freedom to explore hiking trails and the wider region along the way, but the hotels also organise transfers between the properties.
Evenings were for refuelling. The kitchen’s focus on local, regional ingredients was evident in every dish: think alpine cheeses, Tyrolean wines and herbs picked fresh from the garden outside. Each meal felt like a celebration of place, with the food reflecting the region’s dual heritage – light Mediterranean notes layered with alpine heartiness.
Yet Alpiana was just the beginning. Embracing Dolce Vita’s spa-hopping concept, I’d slip into a robe every morning, pack a swimsuit and drift towards neighbouring properties – each unveiling its own interpretation of alpine wellness. Many guests choose to drive themselves, with a car providing the freedom to explore hiking trails and the wider region along the way, but the hotels also organise transfers between the properties.
Hotel Preidlhof
Where Alpiana whispers, Hotel Preidlhof announces itself with fanfare. Everything at this award-winning property – owned and managed by one family, the Ladurners, for half a century, feels expansive. With a sprawling spa and many pools, this is wellness on a grand stage, designed to astonish as much as restore.
Preidlhof is a 40-minute drive from Hotel Alpiana. I visited for just one day, and on arrival, the front desk handed me a bag containing robes, slippers and towels, and a day-pass key, allowing access to pools, saunas, relaxation areas and even lunch and snacks. It was a seamless process. Clearly, spa-hopping day visitors are not a rarity.
Here, the towering sauna complex is the star, offering 16 different heat and steam experiences, from meditation cabins and salt rooms to a snow-filled cryotherapy chamber. Beyond that, 14 pools beckon – infinity pools, secluded hot tubs and everything in between.
Where Alpiana whispers, Hotel Preidlhof announces itself with fanfare. Everything at this award-winning property – owned and managed by one family, the Ladurners, for half a century, feels expansive. With a sprawling spa and many pools, this is wellness on a grand stage, designed to astonish as much as restore.
Preidlhof is a 40-minute drive from Hotel Alpiana. I visited for just one day, and on arrival, the front desk handed me a bag containing robes, slippers and towels, and a day-pass key, allowing access to pools, saunas, relaxation areas and even lunch and snacks. It was a seamless process. Clearly, spa-hopping day visitors are not a rarity.
Here, the towering sauna complex is the star, offering 16 different heat and steam experiences, from meditation cabins and salt rooms to a snow-filled cryotherapy chamber. Beyond that, 14 pools beckon – infinity pools, secluded hot tubs and everything in between.
Hotel Alpiana, left, and Tyrolean landscapes | Credit: Ales Krivec/Unsplash
In South Tyrol, as in much of Austria and Germany, nudity is the norm. At first, it felt daunting to shed my swimwear, but once I surrendered, the ritual became strangely liberating. Without barriers, I felt closer to both myself and the surrounding mountains – a reminder that wellness here is as much about freedom as it is about luxury.
Preidlhof highlighted the diversity of the spa-hopping experience: the property is vastly larger than my base camp, with a broader array of pools, saunas and relaxation areas. For those seeking peace and quiet, its adults-only policy creates an atmosphere of calm, making it a distinctly different yet complementary stop on a journey through the region’s wellness landscape.
In South Tyrol, as in much of Austria and Germany, nudity is the norm. At first, it felt daunting to shed my swimwear, but once I surrendered, the ritual became strangely liberating. Without barriers, I felt closer to both myself and the surrounding mountains – a reminder that wellness here is as much about freedom as it is about luxury.
Preidlhof highlighted the diversity of the spa-hopping experience: the property is vastly larger than my base camp, with a broader array of pools, saunas and relaxation areas. For those seeking peace and quiet, its adults-only policy creates an atmosphere of calm, making it a distinctly different yet complementary stop on a journey through the region’s wellness landscape.
A sauna at Hotel Preidlhof
The next day brought me to the Lindenhof resort, where retro-modern architecture – a sleek blend of mid-century lines, Scandi simplicity, concrete surfaces and wood panelling – gives the property a distinctive character. Family-run since the 1970s, the hotel is imbued with personal touches, including photographs of past generations and paintings and sculptures thoughtfully curated by its current owner, Emma Nischler, a trained fine artist.
Unlike its quieter counterparts, Lindenhof embraces families. While adults-only zones provide calm and space, the presence of children in dedicated play areas – complete with a rainbow waterslide and rock-climbing wall – gives the resort an active, playful atmosphere. Thoughtful childcare options mean parents can enjoy some alone time while still experiencing a family-friendly holiday, offering a practical mix of relaxation and activity for all ages.
The next day brought me to the Lindenhof resort, where retro-modern architecture – a sleek blend of mid-century lines, Scandi simplicity, concrete surfaces and wood panelling – gives the property a distinctive character. Family-run since the 1970s, the hotel is imbued with personal touches, including photographs of past generations and paintings and sculptures thoughtfully curated by its current owner, Emma Nischler, a trained fine artist.
Unlike its quieter counterparts, Lindenhof embraces families. While adults-only zones provide calm and space, the presence of children in dedicated play areas – complete with a rainbow waterslide and rock-climbing wall – gives the resort an active, playful atmosphere. Thoughtful childcare options mean parents can enjoy some alone time while still experiencing a family-friendly holiday, offering a practical mix of relaxation and activity for all ages.
Relaxation at Lindenhof Resort
The hotel’s wellness offering is equally dynamic. Each day, there’s a fresh programme of activities, from guided yoga sessions and themed sauna rituals to outdoor adventures that shift with the season. There are eight pools – from a 25m sports pool to indoor and outdoor wellness pools, and even a rooftop nudist pool – alongside seven distinct saunas, including a vast panoramic infusion sauna, soothing infrared cabins and fragrant steam baths.
The Lindenhof also allowed me to experience another side of Tyrolean wellness. Having mentioned to the team at reception that I was interested in doing some cycling, they conjured up an e-bike, map and recommendations for the most scenic routes and easy bike paths around the property. Most guests, they said, like to hike or cycle in the morning, returning in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon of saunaing and relaxation.
The hotel’s wellness offering is equally dynamic. Each day, there’s a fresh programme of activities, from guided yoga sessions and themed sauna rituals to outdoor adventures that shift with the season. There are eight pools – from a 25m sports pool to indoor and outdoor wellness pools, and even a rooftop nudist pool – alongside seven distinct saunas, including a vast panoramic infusion sauna, soothing infrared cabins and fragrant steam baths.
The Lindenhof also allowed me to experience another side of Tyrolean wellness. Having mentioned to the team at reception that I was interested in doing some cycling, they conjured up an e-bike, map and recommendations for the most scenic routes and easy bike paths around the property. Most guests, they said, like to hike or cycle in the morning, returning in time for lunch, followed by an afternoon of saunaing and relaxation.
An outdoor pool at Lindenhof
I took their advice, eschewing the lure of steaming cabins and scented baths, and instead followed a nearby cycle path that meandered through apple orchards towards a cable car station. At the summit, grazing horses ate wildflowers from my hands, while a mountain hut beckoned for a lunch of schnitzel, followed by apple strudel. It was an experience I wouldn’t have had at Preidlhof or Alpiana, not because they don’t offer similar chances to explore the region’s landscapes, but because I’d stumbled onto the opportunity to do it through a chance conversation on arrival.
After several days of spa-hopping, it became apparent how each hotel reflects a different side of the region. Alpiana, with its calm, spacious design, echoed the tranquillity of the surrounding orchards; Preidlhof channelled South Tyrol’s flair for spectacle and ritual; and Lindenhof captured its family-friendly energy. Together, they offer a cross-section of what makes this corner of the Alps so distinctive. Untethered from sticking to one hotel, I was able to enjoy fresh settings – and new sauna options – daily.
Shoulder season, with its balance of sun and breeze, is the perfect lens through which to experience it all. Days are warm enough for swimming and vineyard strolls; cool enough for hikes and bike rides. It’s the season of equilibrium, and South Tyrol, with its seamless weaving of landscapes and traditions, seems made for it.
I took their advice, eschewing the lure of steaming cabins and scented baths, and instead followed a nearby cycle path that meandered through apple orchards towards a cable car station. At the summit, grazing horses ate wildflowers from my hands, while a mountain hut beckoned for a lunch of schnitzel, followed by apple strudel. It was an experience I wouldn’t have had at Preidlhof or Alpiana, not because they don’t offer similar chances to explore the region’s landscapes, but because I’d stumbled onto the opportunity to do it through a chance conversation on arrival.
After several days of spa-hopping, it became apparent how each hotel reflects a different side of the region. Alpiana, with its calm, spacious design, echoed the tranquillity of the surrounding orchards; Preidlhof channelled South Tyrol’s flair for spectacle and ritual; and Lindenhof captured its family-friendly energy. Together, they offer a cross-section of what makes this corner of the Alps so distinctive. Untethered from sticking to one hotel, I was able to enjoy fresh settings – and new sauna options – daily.
Shoulder season, with its balance of sun and breeze, is the perfect lens through which to experience it all. Days are warm enough for swimming and vineyard strolls; cool enough for hikes and bike rides. It’s the season of equilibrium, and South Tyrol, with its seamless weaving of landscapes and traditions, seems made for it.
