Dolomites, Val Adige, South Tyrol, Merano

Val Adige, essence of South Tyrol, full of natural charm and authentic character, paradise for lovers of nature, outdoors activities and wellness.

If it would be just me, myself, and I, you would find me strolling around Merano town, shopping, sipping wine in one of the bars, or enjoying swimming pool of my luxury hotel with spectacular view. But I’m good in stepping out of my comfort zone for the first hand knowledge, and that is why my clients are with me which is much appreciated.

Somehow, everything is kind of walking distance in Dolomites. I mean, I made my way hiking from Val Badia to Val Gardena, and then from Val Gardena to Val Adige, and I’m not even a hiker by nature. Many of my clients are way more hikers than I’m, and I must be quick to answer their questions “where”, “how”, and “what is the best itinerary”.

To get to Val Adige, our little group started at the morning from Ortisei (St. Ulrich) in Val Gardena. Private transfer to Schermoos parking above Bolzano (1 hr drive), then picturesque hike through the Altopiano Salto (courtesy of Dolomite Mountains on-site company specialized in outdoor activities, ski and hiking itineraries of any complexity). This was easy and mostly flat hike through the pastoral meadows of the plateau, even for such lazy hiker as I’m.

Dolomite Mountains

The finish point of our hike was absolutely charming, owned by adorable family Hotel Saltus which is “family dream comes true” kind of things.

Just 8 km from the lively Bolzano town, in picturesque mountain forest surrounding, Hotel Saltus is a sanctuary to relax, breath, deep in infinity pool, enjoy eco spa, and be pampered by people who are in total harmony with where they are and who they are.

I first met Claudia Mumelter, young and charismatic part of the family, during the TRUE Dolomites travel show, and I put 3 exclamation marks on her business card which meant Claudia really made me interested and excited even before I had chance to see her property. When we’ve seen each other again at Hotel Saltus (well, we shared few fun moments through the travel show before), that was a friends’ reunion, truly, even I’m a bit of senior here in regards of age.

Then I had chance to meet Claudia’s sister Nadja who is more discreet and even a bit shy in comparison with flamboyant Claudia. Among many other things, Nadja stays behind artistic and holistic part of the project. While we were exploring the property, she created cute watercolour portrait of each of us, representing our personalities as she caught them when we were browsing around. I have mine, my signature Armani sunglasses on.

I wish I had more time to unwind and live full experience, but I had tough agenda allowing only couple of hours to explore this little gem and reunite with these amazing people so dedicated to their dream. Yet the owners and staff made this short visit a true quality time with their hearty warm hospitality, delicious lunch, and human approach to every detail if it is relations, architectural design or connection to nature.

I would call Hotel Saltus organic. I mean, in big meaning of this word. When anything artificial, superficial, unnatural just stays away naturally without visible effort. Yet, you don’t feel guilty here when you help yourself with one more glass of wine or fork of pasta. Relax, unwind, breathe, repeat.

As you can see, I took lots of pictures. It simply means that aesthetics of Hotel Saltus speak my language. There is nothing not to love.

A bit about location of Hotel Saltus (which is always important thing): you are just 8 km to Bolzano, and there will be cable lift connecting San Genesio Atesino with Bolzano very soon (under renovation). There is an air company SKYALPS which flys to Bolzano from few European hubs. Let me know if you want more details about it.

Spa town Merano is about 40 min drive. And oh… Your hike started right from the door.

Official site Hotel Saltus

So, here we are, town of Merano, another signature spot of this area. No, no, no, not the place for heli-ski or hard core hikers. It is a sleepy spa town where wellness is a heritage. A mild Alpine-Mediterranean feel, surrounded by mountains and known for elegant promenades, thermal baths, gardens, and a charming city center.

But yet, there is a lot around for outdoor activities lovers, and even ski slopes are not that far.

Another pure gem discovered during my visit to Val Adige: Hotel Miramonti.

I adore (and feel deeply connected) when hoteliers are in heart-whole love with their property and moved forward by their dream of perfection routed to the place with its unique nature, landscape and heritage. Such perfection is never perfect, but this is a beauty of it.

I was not staying at Miramonti, just visiting for site inspection (which was a treat considering handsomeness of the place), and dinner (which was delight not just for tastebuds but also for aesthetic sensibility).

On the business cards of Klaus Alber it states “host and owner”, no capital letters. And that is something you feel when you meet Klaus in his natural habitat. No capital letters, no pressure, no pretentious things. “You’re a free spirit, in charge of your life – so why not take your hands off the steering wheel for a while, and let go?” – that is what you read when open Miramonti web.

Hotel Miramonti official site

And that is what you effortlessly feel when you are at Miramonti.

Miramonti is not just close to nature, it is within the nature, and as natural as it can be. The greenery, the reflections on the surface of swimming pools, the ever changing light, the smell of freshly roasted coffee.

And well… I’ve been in this business for a while – I know from the first glance if people who work for hotel are happy… or not. When they are, the guests (my clients included) will be happy too, no doubts. Miramonti is the place. I was sitting next to Klaus at the event of dinner, and I told him that I enjoyed watching the staff serving us. They were smiling, laughing, exchanging jokes with guests and Klaus himself, and they were doing their job with dedication and easiness which is always pleasure to watch.

The refine details of Miramonti are mostly contribution of Carmen, the Klaus’s wife. And I take off my hat, sincerely. It is exquisite work, and nothing was neglected, not a little thing.

My visit to Val Adige was rather short. Morning hike through Altopiano Salto, hearty lunch at Hotel Saltus, charming dinner at Miramonti, and overnight at Chateau Mirabell. The last one was spectacular in regards of landscape and views but, in my opinion it lacks personal touch of other two. Still amazingly beautiful.