Queen of Retreats reviewer Louisa Carter tells us about Vigilius Mountain Resort in Italy
This sleek, minimalistic, warm-hearted hotel sits on Monte San Viglio, 1500m high above the small Italian village of Lana in the South Tyrol and accessible only by cable car. You can feel nature’s presence everywhere, in the dramatic vistas that can be seen from almost every room and in the natural larch floorboards felled from the nearby mountainside. As my male friend says: ‘The place is like a film location but it also feels real’.
With an owner committed to sustainable development, it’s a genuine eco haven with local spring water literally on tap, not only for drinking but also for filling the impressive infinity pool and outdoor hot tub, both of which have uplifting views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Locally-inspired treatments such as the south Tyrolean hay bath bring a sense of place to the spa experiences
The gorgeous spa offers a wide and impressive choice of seriously good treatments with expertly trained and highly professional therapists who are also friendly and caring. Come for an intensive wellness holiday or just dip in and out as you so choose – there are beauty, body and holistic treatments using the signature Sodashi products and local, naturally-derived brands such as the local Trehs pine products, which you’ll also find in your bedroom. Locally-inspired treatments such as the south Tyrolean hay bath bring a sense of place to the spa experiences.
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Attend gentle group wake-up workouts each morning and join regular activities throughout the week including aqua Pilates classes and core workouts. A bespoke fitness break with a personal trainer tailored to your goals can also be arranged.
There are about four kilometres of slopes accessible directly from the resort to ski on
What you’ll really want to do is get outside – the area has UNESCO world heritage status and a mystical quality to it which is enhanced by the absence of cars, and there are lots of walking and hiking trails from the hotel ranging from easy to challenging. Nordic walking and snowshoeing is available, and there are about four kilometres of slopes accessible directly from the resort to ski on; more serious skiers can take a bus to the more challenging slopes nearby.
An engaging touch is the ‘mountain stories’ project, whereby guests have the chance during their stay to write their own stories about anything they like and entrust them to vigilius for the next 150 years. Each story becomes part of the collection of tales stored in the library and online here.
Eat comfort food in cosy, casual Stube Ida restaurant or fine dine in the modern 1500.
When you’re not spa-ing, moving or eating the most beautiful spaces to spend time in are the all-wood, spacious bedrooms, which all have views of the mountains, valley or forests, but the whole hotel is lovely, with exposed local wood, lots of glass and large open interior spaces bringing the outside in. Children are welcome, though numbers are capped to a maximum of six at any one time to maintain an atmosphere of quietness and rest for other guests.
From 330 euros per room per night.
For more wellness travel ideas check out Queen of Retreats. Queen of Retreats was founded by Caroline Sylger Jones, an author and freelance journalist who travels the world checking out spas, retreats and healthy holidays for international newspapers, glossy magazines and websites.
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