DISCOVER THE HIDDEN CHIC AUTONOMOUS PROVINCE OF SOUTH TYROL

Although the exciting energy of city life is utterly intoxicating, after a few months of smog, metro scents and street sounds a weekend trip to into nature is exactly what you need to re-energize. Rather than slip into a typical touristy weekend getaway, Material Mag has sussed out the latest chic destination for your next nature getaway. Located in the most northern region of Italy, South Tyrol merges nature and design with its mix of Germanic and Italian influences. Bordering Austria and Switzerland the area is situated on the sunny side of the Alps, offering alpine scenery while still maintaining an aura of Mediterranean lifestyle. Rather than compromising on the perks of fresh nature or chic contemporary design, the area mixes local organic charms with modern architecture, ensuring the best of both worlds. To ensure you don’t end up in a chalet with 80s décor, Material Mag has comprised our top places to stay and eat while in South Tyrol. 

Imperial Art Hotel

Situated in the center of the small city of Merano and 100 meters from a thermal spa, the chic design hotel is perfect for art lovers. The Imperial Art Hotel ensures no two suites look the same, with each of the 11 rooms being individually designed by three Merano artists. If you’re lucky enough to be booked into room 23, you’ll have the honor of sleeping under a star-strewn sky painted into the ceiling by Marcello Jori.

Prennanger Hotel

Looking for a classical wooden chalet feel while in the alps? Prennanger Hotel is the ultimate mountain lodge in South Tyrol. Wake up in the chic confines of newly designed oak wood rooms with large windows overlooking the valley before utilising the close proximity to the highest mountain in South Tyrol, Ortler Mountain. Prennanger Hotel is the perfect place to recharge in nature while still enjoying the luxuries of design.

Apfel Hotel

Located in Passeier Valley, a short drive from the Spa town of Merano, the Apfel Hotel offers peace and tranquillity to its guests by providing access to the swimming pool and sauna. Surrounded by four hectares of orchards and apple trees, the hotel is situated in country paradise. Choose from an array of amazing accommodation options from the Apple Chalet’s 200 year old barn to the old stables or the small holiday cottage all available for booking.

Gompm Alm

Try out the incredible fresh produce of South Tyrol at the Gompm Alm, located amongst the Hirzer mountain.The Alpine Hut take a creative spin on producing mouth watering delicacies created from fruits, vegetables, dairy and meat products mostly all organic and purchased from local farmers. Pick up the scrumptious gourmet picnic basket on your way up the mountain, with all food prepared by Michelin starred chef Luis Haller or take the half-day horse riding expedition up the magnificent Hirzer plateau.

Hotel Miramonti

Stay in extreme luxury in the incredible boutique Hotel Miramonti. Overlooking Meran on the sunny plateau of Tschöggelberg you’ll find ultimate seclusion and peace. Float in bliss in the weightless 16-metre salt-water infinity pool while taking in the incredible panoramic views of the city below. Then enjoy the hidden Finnish heat sauna sheltered behind the forest before taking a final dip in the courtyard Jacuzzi while feeling all the city stress melt away.