There are few places where luxury and wellness intertwine as seamlessly as they do at Preidlhof, an adults-only, five-star haven perched on the slopes of Naturns, South Tyrol. Framed by the ever-changing beauty of the South Tyrol and blessed with 315 days of sunshine a year, Preidlhof offers an intoxicating blend of Mediterranean vibrancy and Alpine serenity, making it a sanctuary for those seeking both romance and renewal. On arrival, the journey up winding valley roads is rewarded with the sight of the resort’s contemporary facades and lush gardens, a prelude to the refined experience within.
Check-in is a smooth, subterranean affair in the Dolce Vita building, where Irene’s warm welcome sets the tone for the stay. Bags vanish from car to suite, handled with efficiency by Thomas, leaving guests free to absorb the tranquil atmosphere and the gentle hum of anticipation that fills the air. Adam and I were there to be the first British press to experience the Energy & Healing retreat for two, a couple-focused retreat to reconnect with shared experiences over six nights and five days.
The Romantic Dream Suite: Contemporary Intimacy
Stepping into the Private Suite Romantic Dream at Preidlhof felt like crossing a threshold into a world crafted for connection. The design is unapologetically modern, with an open-plan layout that invites relaxation and conversation. The lounge area is anchored by a plush, oversized bed, practically an island unto itself, accompanied by a smart TV and elegant, understated furnishings. The palette is bold, with hot pink accents, and natural light spills in from the French doors.
The bathroom is wonderfully designed, with his and her sinks, a walk-in wet room, and an airy sense of privacy. The pièce de résistance, however, is the veranda: step outside and you’ll find a day bed, bubbling hot tub, and sun loungers, all positioned to capture the best of the South Tyrolean sun and those intoxicating mountain views. The suite is a cocoon for couples, designed to elevate both ordinary mornings and decadent evenings.
Preidlhof Layout: A Resort in Three Acts
Preidlhof unfolds across three distinct buildings, each with its own role in the guest’s journey. The Dolce Vita building is the beating heart, home to the reception, restaurants, and a rooftop pool. A short stroll leads to the sauna tower, a modernist marvel dedicated to wellness rituals, while an older, Italianate building houses the spa, a nod to the region’s heritage and the resort’s longstanding dedication to holistic health. Together, the trio creates a harmonious balance between past and present, indulgence and restoration.
Gastronomy: A Feast for the Senses
Dining at Preidlhof was a celebration of both local flavour and international flair. Each meal unfolds in the gourmet restaurant, awarded and renowned for its culinary prowess, where the service is as refined as the cuisine. Brahim, originally from Marrakech, brought effortless charm to every dinner, while Madlen from Germany and Peter at the bar ensured every glass was filled with something extraordinary.
Dinner in the VIP dining area was a nightly event: seven courses, each more inventive than the last, with themed evenings ranging from Tyrol night to an opulent dessert buffet. The sommelier curated wines by the glass, changing daily to harmonise with the menu, while non-alcoholic pairings are equally thoughtful for those who prefer abstinence. We particularly liked the Baby Veneziano, a mix of Crodino with soda and a slice of orange, all the beauty of a Spritz without the alcohol.
Breakfast was also a buffet paradise, complete with an egg station, waffles, pancakes, fresh fruit, cereals, and an impressive bread selection. Lunch was an animated affair, with a stage kitchen turning out fresh pasta and dumplings, complemented by a coffee frappe machine and sugar-free drink dispensers. No guest goes hungry, and dietary preferences are met with creativity and care. Menus are flexible, ensuring every craving is satisfied.
Activities and Entertainment: Beyond Relaxation
Preidlhof is not merely a place to unwind; it is a destination for discovery. The resort’s packed calendar includes happy hours, wine-tasting evenings in the atmospheric cellar, and dance nights with live music. The variety is impressive, and the atmosphere remains convivial yet intimate, a rare feat in luxury hospitality. For those seeking connection, these activities foster both fun and friendship, while the option to retreat into solitude is always respected.
The Sauna Tower: A Vertical Playground for Wellness
Our exploration of the Preidlhof’s wellness offerings commenced with Carmina, one of the knowledgeable managers, guiding us through the impressive sauna tower. This towering edifice of tranquillity boasted four levels of indulgence, each presenting unique experiences. We began with the hammam, an intriguing concept that harmoniously blended steam with soothing scents. The wine sauna, a delightful novelty, provided a sensory journey, while the chill-out levels promised serene moments of repose. The infrared cabin and the sauna five-element offered varied heat therapies, seamlessly leading to the invigorating cold plunge pool and the soothing salt pool.
A splendid connecting bridge whisked us to the Dolce Vita building’s fifth floor, where a nude area with an outdoor pool awaited. Here, one could bask in the sun or brave the intense 90-degree sauna, before cooling down in the frosty Snow Room at minus 10 degrees. The sauna tower’s functional training room was a fitness enthusiast’s dream, equipped with TRX ropes and kettlebells. A connecting hallway led to the spa building, featuring another gym and a Mediterranean pool with contrasting hot and cold sides.
Energy Healing for Two programme
From the very moment we crossed Preidlhof Spa’s threshold to start our journey, we were enveloped in a sense of genuine hospitality. Sabrina, the spa manager, always greeted us with her smile and always took the time to explain the week’s schedule, ensuring we felt both welcomed and understood. Sabrina’s presence was a constant thread throughout our stay, always checking in and offering gentle encouragement before each treatment, setting the tone for what would be an extraordinary experience.
Relaxation Day: Candlelit Calm and Mini Hammam Rituals
Our first full day was dedicated to the art of relaxation, a theme that was carried through every detail, from the subtle fragrance of essential oils to the soothing music in the treatment rooms. The day began with a candle massage, an indulgent ritual involving the slow melting of a homemade candle into warm, aromatic oil. The therapist, Aurora, worked the oil into my skin with long, flowing strokes, melting away all stresses and leaving my body in a state of tranquillity.
Armed with a special code to access the deep sea room, we then headed to the Sauna Tower. In the deep sea room, which is private when using the provided code, we reclined in darkness as gentle lights and soundscapes transported us to otherworldly realms. The “nebula” programme enveloped us in a cocoon of abstract lights and sounds in soft blue hues, a perfect prelude to the next experience.
I was also treated to the Kiyomi signature facial, a Japanese-inspired massage that promised to lift and firm the skin. Joya, my therapist, employed rhythmic, wave-like motions, coaxing tension from my jaw and brow. The session lulled me into a meditative state, and I found myself drifting, time slipping away. I emerged with my face glowing, my features soft, and my mind utterly serene.
The highlight of the afternoon was the Mini Hammam, a boutique experience for only a handful of guests at a time. Nadine, our therapist, led us through an invigorating Turkish coffee scrub, a decadent soap suds ritual, and a mineral-rich Moroccan mud treatment. The process was tactile and intimate, each stage awakening a different sense while leaving my skin remarkably smooth. The small group size fostered a sense of camaraderie, as if we were all initiates in a secret ceremony, emerging renewed and pampered.
Energy Day: Qigong Flow and Shiatsu Exploration
The focus shifted on our second day to the unseen forces that animate the body. Our morning began in the zen-like stillness of the yoga pavilion, where Andreas led a Chinese Qigong session. The movements, reminiscent of Tai Chi, were slow and deliberate, each corresponding to one of the five elements—fire, air, wood, metal, and water. Andreas explained their significance, guiding us through each form with a gentle authority. The exercises felt purposeful, offering a deeper sense of intent and connection than I had found in most yoga classes.
In the afternoon, I was introduced to Andreas’s unique approach to Shiatsu. Lying on a traditional Chinese mattress, I surrendered to his intuitive touch. While Adam’s massage focused on physical issues, mine delved into emotional layers, eliciting fleeting images, sensations, and a profound sense of letting go. The treatment felt like a dialogue with the subconscious, a journey inward that left me feeling both grounded and subtly transformed.
Water Day: Floating in Silence, Embraced by Salt and Sound
The third day celebrated water in all its healing guises. We began in the salt pool at the top of the sauna tower, where Leonardo and Aurora, clad in sleek wetsuits, orchestrated a water massage unlike anything I had experienced. Floating on their arms, I was gently rotated, rocked, and stretched, the warm saline water supporting and dissolving all weight. The sensation recalled the safety of the womb, timeless, silent and deeply therapeutic.
The journey continued with a splendid session in the spa, guided by Eleonora. The thermal bath, infused with the healing properties of local spring water and enriched with aromatic oils, was a treat for the senses. As jets of water massaged my body, I felt the tension of daily life slowly dissolve. The sensation was both invigorating and soothing, a perfect prelude to the mini aroma massage that followed. Choosing a specific body part for focused attention, I found the massage not only relaxing but deeply satisfying. The unique combination of thermal water and skilled massage left me feeling rejuvenated.
Playfulness Day: Laughter Yoga and Colour Healing Massage
The next day was marked by a joyous celebration. It coincided with my birthday, and what better way to commemorate the occasion than with laughter yoga? Led by the vivacious Aurora in the yoga pavilion, the session was a delightful blend of breathing exercises and spontaneous laughter. Initially, the laughter was forced, but soon it transformed into genuine mirth that enveloped the group. This experience underscored the importance of gratitude and laughter in daily life.
Following the laughter yoga, we ventured into the realm of colour healing with a massage and colour test. Guided by therapists Jola and Eleanora, we were curious to discover our colour choices. Adam selected yellow, while I veered towards orange, colours we typically did not gravitate towards. The garden room, where the massage unfolded, resonated with the harmonious sounds of church bells and nature, enhancing the sensory experience. This unique setting amplified the therapeutic effects of the massage, leaving us both deeply relaxed and contemplative.
Mindfulness Day: Apple Journey and Aroma Test with Massage
Mindfulness Day dawned with an intriguing exercise known as the Apple Journey. Under Eleonora’s gentle guidance, we embarked on a mindful exploration of eating an apple, engaging all five senses. This simple act of focused attention was a profound lesson in gratitude, encouraging us to appreciate the food we often take for granted.
The day culminated in an aroma test and a subsequent massage. We were invited to sample various aromatherapy oils, selecting those that resonated most with us at that moment in time and reassembled our feelings and needs. These choices informed the oils used in our massage, a sensory journey that was both enlightening and deeply pleasurable. The thoroughness of the massage, combined with the personalised aroma selection, made for an unforgettable experience that lingered in both body and mind.
Sunrise Hike and Hotel Activities
No birthday celebration would be complete without a touch of adventure. In the early hours of the morning of our “Playful Day”, we embarked on a sunrise hike up the Giggleberg with our guide Reinald. As we ascended, the sky transformed into a canvas of shifting colours, culminating in a breathtaking view of the sunrise over the Dolomites. This awe-inspiring spectacle was a fitting start to a day filled with laughter and connection.
Preidlhof offers a plethora of activities, catering to all tastes. From hiring e-bikes and Vespas to exploring the region in a Porsche, the possibilities for exploration are endless. Each activity is crafted to complement the retreat experience, ensuring guests leave with a treasure trove of memories.
Reflections on the Retreat
Our time at Preidlhof was nothing short of transformative. The retreat’s unique blend of activities and classes offered a myriad of opportunities for growth and relaxation. The hotel’s facilities and staff were exemplary, ensuring every aspect of our stay was comfortable and memorable. Most importantly, the retreat provided a rare opportunity to embrace stillness and enjoy quality time with Adam.
Reflecting on this journey, I felt a renewed sense of self and purpose. The retreat transcended mere relaxation; it was a catalyst for change, prompting me to incorporate more mindfulness and laughter into my daily life. The experience left an indelible mark on my soul, and I eagerly anticipate returning to this haven of healing and connection.
Dolce Vita Hotel Preidlhof
Via S. Zeno, 13
39025 Naturno BZ
Italy
