Simply switch off. That’s what many of us need: turn off our cell phones, take a deep breath and get out into nature! The perfect place for a long overdue reset is the Naturhotel Pfösl in South Tyrol, which is dedicated to regeneration, balance and well-being. Its holistic vacation concept allows guests to relax in a sustainable way. To come down, however, you first have to go up, as the Pfösl is located at an altitude of 1,375 meters on South Tyrol’s sunniest high plateau, nestled in a picturesque setting of blooming meadows and rustling forests.

at the Pfösl, relaxation begins the moment you arrive. The hotel is an oasis of tranquillity and vacations here, in the always sun-drenched South Tyrolean Val d’Ega, are of the highest standard. And not just because of the spectacular setting, but also because the four-star superior hotel relies on the holistic regeneration 360° vacation concept, which strengthens the mind and body in a holistic way.

The key to greater well-being

The unique concept offered by the nature hotel in Deutschnofen is based on the four pillars of healthy nutrition, inner balance, an activity program with gentle exercise and the 25-metre-long infinity pool filled with brine water. When you take a few relaxing laps in the pleasant 35-degree water accompanied by warm rays of sunshine, you immediately feel a wonderful sense of lightness. A panoramic bio-pool with a view of the surrounding mountains has recently been added to the regeneration offer. Bathing in the crystal-clear, completely chemical-free water, embedded in a natural pond with lots of plants, is a lasting experience.

Live more beautifully

The three new, two-storey Pfösl Eco Lofts in the garden also ensure relaxation at its finest. Spoiled by a unique panoramic view and furnished with ecological, healthy materials such as fragrant, local Swiss stone pine, they offer a special sleeping experience in the midst of nature under high ceilings and on airy 60 square meters. An open staircase leads to the snug and living area on the upper floor, once again with fantastic views. Another highlight is the 30 square meter panoramic terrace with its own Finnish outdoor panoramic sauna and private sunbathing lawn. Created to perfectly showcase the surroundings once again. During the latest refurbishment, the hosts also focused on regionality, both in the furnishings and in the use of resources, which can be felt with all the senses. For example, all new accommodation features Natural Heritage feel-good sleeping systems from bed manufacturer Simmons. Unusual: the mattresses and pillows are made of 100 percent natural cotton on the outside, while the wool of the Villnöss spectacled sheep promotes a restful sleep on the inside. The wool of this ancient South Tyrolean breed is a true champion in terms of ecological sustainability in several respects and, thanks to its insulating properties, is an ideal fire barrier.

Everything is nothing without nature

Nature as a place of power always plays the leading role at the hotel, which is also reflected in the activities on offer. Be it forest bathing under the guidance of certified therapists or guided hikes, meditation and yoga sessions outdoors for more mental balance. The animal therapists August, Antonia, Arca, Amira and Ombretta also convey a sense of serenity. Once a week, the hotel’s own donkeys take you on a hike through the nearby forest, accompanied by the chirping of birds and the aroma of Swiss stone pines – not at your own pace, however, but that of the sometimes very headstrong four-legged friends.

Wellness – but naturally

Back at the hotel, relaxation-promoting treatments await in the naturaspa. The 2,000 square meter wellness area is all about primal power and naturalness. The eight saunas, which include a brine and lemon balm steam bath, a quendel steam bath, an organic lavender sauna, an alpine herb sauna, a mountain pine sauna, a hay meditation sauna and an infrared cabin, offer a variety of ways to relax. The outdoor sauna “das ritual” provides extra well-being with daily changing rituals and infusions, singing bowls and salt rubs. An absolute highlight of the naturaspa’s detox treatments are the holistic SilberQuarzit® Experiences by Kornelia Schwitzer, which the Pfösl offers all year round. The unique healing clay from the neighboring Pfitsch Valley has a deacidifying effect on muscles and connective tissue.

The full portion of pleasure

The Pfösl’s cuisine also follows the credo that nature should always lead the way: head chef Reinhard Daverda and his team focus 100% on a balanced diet that combines seasonal and regional produce with relish. For example, over 50 home-grown medicinal and garden herbs as well as various types of vegetables and salads from the hotel’s own farm garden are a daily part of his natural cuisine. Every Thursday afternoon, the smell of fresh bread gradually fills the Pfösl garden. From spring to fall, Brigitte and her sister Eva invite guests to join them in preparing dough and baking it in the 300-year-old stone oven. A very special feature: the flour is freshly ground on site and comes from the original rye variety Waldstaude, which the hotel grows itself. And the wood aroma gives the loaves a special smoky note, which enhances the taste even more. Depending on their preference, guests can then refine the dough with herbs such as caraway, fennel or coriander. The ingredients for this can be found in the raised beds next door. In this way, an old South Tyrolean tradition is revived, which is a matter close to the hearts of hosts Brigitte and Eva Zelger and Daniel Mahlknecht. Mentally and physically invigorated, you pack your suitcase after this time out at the Hotel Pfösl, which is sustainable in every respect. In your luggage: a large portion of lightness and new energy.

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