46°38'59”N, 11°12' 32”E Miramonti, South Tyrol, Italy

Grounded into bedrock on a site that has hosted guests for almost a century, MIRAMONTI Boutique Hotel’s updated modernist structures merge aesthetically and functionally with the traditional chocolate-box architecture of the original building. Dark timber cladding is set against deep, rugged rock, blending build with landscape to create a sophisticated, airy retreat.

Lighter hues of wood and stone bring warmth to Miramonti’s stylish interiors; underfoot, there’s red porphyry in the lobby and natural oak in guest rooms. Expansive picture windows and doors bring incredible vistas into every space, from the forest sauna and Panorama restaurant to the saltwater infinity pool.

The series of new rooms designed by architects Heike Pohl and Andreas Zanier bring together materials from the forests, mountains and valleys of South Tyrol with a sharp, modern aesthetic. The architectural brilliance is carried through in the day spa, where you will find rejuvenation against a stunning natural backdrop, and the restaurants, where a focus on slow food sees menus built with local farm ingredients.

Rooms MiraMonti’s 44 rooms and suites are all uniquely decorated with local materials and vintage treasures. Some have private balconies or spa pools – but all provide the same breathtaking views and unparalleled comfort, with Hästens beds, hand-woven linen and sheep’s wool rugs. The exclusive Sky House, which seems to float above the valley, connects to the main structure of the hotel via a secret passage and bridge. Plunge into your very own onsen hot pool on the private terrace, and take in bird’s eye views of the lofty summits.

In the Loft 007 suite – a nod to the 1977 James Bond classic The Spy Who Loved Me, filmed partly in the hotel and shown in the Miramonti cinema every Sunday night – classic mid-century design touches include a Knoll bed and Eero Saarinen’s timeliness tulip table. For a more traditional Alpine stay, the rooms in the original 1932 guesthouse have been completely revamped but they too focus on all-Italian materials and continue the Scandi-style minimalist ethos, highlighting the natural beauty of the Dolomites.

How far to the nearest…

• • Neighbour 400m
  • Café/Restaurant 9.5km
  • Shop 11km
  • Town 11km
  • Ski run 7km
  • Airport 45km (Südtirol Alto Adige); 257km (Venice)

  Location High above Merano in Bolzano, Miramonti sits within an ancient emerald forest, encircled by the 3,000ft peaks of the Dolomites.

  Altitude 1,230m.

  Build Sensitive design leveraging local materials and repurposing parts of the original build. Spruce, white fir, concrete and glass construction. Bedrock beneath the hotel transformed into floors in the yoga centre.

  Environment To the north is the Texelgruppe Nature Park, where Alpine hiking leads past plunging waterfalls and turquoise lakes. In the valley, the Mediterranean climate allows lemon trees, olive groves and wineries to flourish. Mountain peaks tower on three sides, for stunning vistas in all directions. This is the heartland of the hardy Haflinger horse, which takes its name from the neighbouring city of Hafling.

  Digital detox WiFi on demand.

  Creature comforts Heated indoor/outdoor infinity pool and onsen. Welcome drinks. Nespresso machines in rooms; some also have spa baths and private balconies. Sky House includes private terrace and spa pool.

A famed health spa resort known for its healing waters, Merano’s location cradled amidst the mountains makes for a delightful Mediterranean micro-climate. The city's famous palm-dotted gardens, especially at Trautmansdorff castle, are a riot of colour from April until November. In November, the Merano WineFestival showcases the best Tyrolean wines: Schiava, Lagrein, Sylvaner and Riesling. Early December to mid-March sees ski resorts swing into action.

Engage

Hiking and skiing are the obvious pursuits amidst the towering peaks of Dolomites, but the region has much more to offer besides mountaineering and black diamond runs. Explore South Tyrol’s array of ancient castles, or take the cable car to the foot of the Val Senales glacier. Find peace beneath the boughs of ancient larch trees in Val’Ultimo, some of the oldest in Europe. Experienced mountaineers can tackle the high alpine route to the location of Ötzi, the 5,000-year old mummy found spectacularly preserved in the ice. Browse the boutiques that line the Via dei portici in the Laubengasse shopping area of Merano, or hire an e-bike in early spring and cruise across stunning passes.

Savour

Miramonti’s three restaurants and bar ensure you needn’t scale any mountains for regional delights. Panorama restaurant's expansive vistas vie for attention with the local, seasonal produce and wines showcased by the kitchen’s slow-food philosophy; Klassik restaurant dishes up vegan and vegetarian fare; and the cosy Miramonti Stube serves authentic South Tyrolean cuisine, such as classic raclette and local beef tartare. Miramonti also brews its own gut-healthy kombucha. When the chestnut harvest is ready, after the wines are harvested and pressed in the autumn, a trip to a local Buschenschänke tavern is an utter necessity: enjoy a Törggelen evening with dumplings, chestnuts roasted in butter and grape must, and sweet home-made wine.

Go slow

Sip local wines during the autumn Riesling Days in the villages around Merano. Wander the Sissi path dedicated to the Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Soak in the Merano thermal baths on a brisk winter’s evening, or search for a perfect artisanal gift at one of the many Christmas markets in the South Tyrolean villages. Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride in the home of the Haflinger, or simply stay in for pampering at Miramonti’s nature-inspired spa and sauna.