Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort is a multi-award-winning spa hotel situated in Naturns, South Tyrol, Italy. Owned and managed by the Ladurner family, this resort combines exceptional wellness programs with the luxury, accommodation, and services of a 5-star hotel. My husband Ben and I recently enjoyed a couples retreat here, and below I share all about our experience.

Getting There: Access and Arrival

Reaching Preidlhof in Naturno involves a few steps, given its location a few hours from the nearest major airports. While self-driving offers the most direct route, the resort is also accessible by train or bus, with private transfers available upon request. To improve accessibility, the local tourism board recently partnered with a shuttle service to provide economical shared transfers from Bolzano airport at just 20 € per person, each way. The rewards of arriving at this serene destination are undeniably worth the journey.

Embracing the Preidlhof Philosophy

From the moment we arrived, the resort's philosophy, known as The Preidlhof Way, was evident. This holistic approach integrates all aspects of well-being, emphasising the balance between hedonic and eudaemonic experiences. The secret to truly flourishing, as the resort teaches, lies in harmonising the joy and beauty of the present with the deep contentment and purpose found in a renewed approach to life.

Surrounded by nature, the hotel emanates the positive power of mother nature. The environment fosters an inner peace that balances zest and serenity, allowing guests to appreciate both the pleasures of life and the satisfaction of living with intention.

Luxury and Comfort: Our Stay

Luxurious accommodations with panoramic views and thoughtful amenities ensure ultimate comfort and relaxation. One highlight is the outdoor beds, offering a unique experience that aligns perfectly with the resort's ethos of merging nature with luxury. Simply slip the provided request card on your door before heading to dinner, and the team will prepare the day bed on your balcony. If it gets too cool, you can always retreat back inside to the warmth and comfort of your room but the morning views are worth braving even the winter cold for.

Resort Amenities: A Comprehensive Guide

Preidlhof boasts extensive wellness facilities, including the renowned Sauna Tower and Mediterranean gardens, which truly set it apart. Officially certified as a Quiet Stay by Quiet Park, the resort promotes a peaceful environment conducive to relaxation and rejuvenation. My husband and I indulged in morning classes and various thermal experiences, finding each uniquely soothing. The beautiful surrounds providing the perfect settings for forest bathing and nature excursions, in line with the resort's commitment to outdoor engagement through hiking, biking, and yoga.

Unparalleled Wellness Facilities

The 5500m² wellness space includes 71 rooms and 5 penthouse suites (featuring a sleep suite), an award-winning restaurant, 10 swimming pools and whirlpools, 2 gyms, a six-floor Sauna Tower with 16 different experiences including saunas, Turkish baths, and relaxation rooms. The spa features 9 treatment rooms, 2 outdoor massage lounges, 2 gazebos, and a spa suite for beauty and holistic treatments. There is also a MedSpa, a yoga pavilion, and beautiful gardens.

Tailored Wellness Programs

Preidlhof offers a diverse array of specialised wellness programs designed to cater to various needs of wellness travellers. These programs are expertly tailored to address a range of concerns including sleep issues, menopause, stress management, weight loss, and to foster reconnection for couples.

• Zest: An Energising program focused on revitalising the body and mind.

• Traditional Journey: Emphasising traditional wellness practices and treatments.

• Integrated Wellness: Combining modern and traditional therapies for holistic health.

• Weight Management: Programs designed to support healthy weight loss and maintenance.

• Women's Retreat: Tailored experiences focusing on women's wellness.

• Glowing Flow: Aimed at enhancing beauty and radiance from within.

• Sensorial Journey: Experiences designed to stimulate the senses and promote relaxation.

• Wellness For Two: Programs designed for couples to enjoy together.

• Energy and Healing For Two: Focused on energy balance and holistic healing again for couples.

All guests taking part in a program will find their treatment itinerary in their room on arrival, not all programs begin with a consultation but the team will be on hand to assist you in the PREIDL Spa where you will meet your practitioners for each treatment or wellness session (unless directed otherwise).

A Culinary Journey: Dining at Preidlhof

Dining at Preidlhof is a testament to both gourmet cuisine and their wellness philosophy. The Wellness Healing Gourmet Menu, created by the internationally renowned Healing Chef Emanuele Giorgione with Chef de Cuisine and Dr. Med. Alexander Angerer, in-house doctor, and Patrizia Bortolin, Spa Director and Transformational Wellness Coach, is predominantly plant-based, free from gluten, lactose, egg, soy, and sugar. The menu changes nightly, featuring the freshest seasonal ingredients. Guests have the choice between this wellness-focused offering and a gourmet menu and can even mix and match. Dining here was a particular highlight, with each dish beautifully presented and bursting with flavours that reflect the local cuisine. 

Those on wellness programs are treated to these exquisite meals in a dedicated VIP wellness restaurant each evening, enhancing the exclusivity and focus on personalised health. Alcohol is available each evening however you can simply let the staff know if you’d prefer to abstain and they can remove the menu, also you will be assigned your own dedicated private table for the duration of your stay so you don’t need to worry about others influencing your decisions.

Active Wellness and Engagement

The resort’s philosophy encourages movement and interaction with the stunning natural environment. From a full schedule of inclusive fitness classes to personalised wellness programs and guided nature activities, every aspect is designed to engage both body and mind. During our stay, we participated in a customised wellness program that included treatments and activities designed to enhance physical and mental well-being, such as morning Chi Gong, forest bathing in the surrounding mountains, and relaxing massages, each with a special twist in keeping with ‘The Preidlhof Way’.

Must-Do Activities at Preidlhof

1. Taste the Wellness Healing Gourmet Menu available every evening

2. Enjoy the new organic room amenities inspired by the Mediterranean

3. Select and book your award winning Medical & Wellness Retreat

4. Visit the active counter for suggestion on sports and excursions from April to November

5. Join the many daily walks, fitness classes, workouts or yoga sessions

6. Experience forest bathing with Irmgard and holistic wellness events

7. Read the 360 Wellness Weekly Program available in your room

8. Discover 5500m² of Wellness: the sauna tower, pools, gardens, fitness & relaxation areas

9. Immerse yourself in the vintage indoor pool with heated thermal water

10. Ask for your outdoor day bed to be converted to sleep under the stars!

Traveler's Tip: Embracing the Sauna Culture

For those planning to indulge in the sauna experiences at Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort, be prepared for the traditional European approach to sauna etiquette. The sauna areas, including many of the floors on the multi-level Sauna Tower, are nude zones, designed to enhance cleanliness and the overall effectiveness of the sauna experience. Guests are encouraged to embrace this practice, which promotes a more authentic and health-focused sauna session. Towels are provided for comfort and hygiene. This approach aligns with local customs and focuses on purity, relaxation, and health benefits. There is also a dress on (swimmers required) sauna and pool area, in the Sonnenschlössl (Sun Castle) area plus the exclusive indoor thermal pool, known as the 50s require swimwear as well should you prefer.

In Conclusion: Reflecting on our stay at Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort, the unique integration of luxurious tranquility with active wellness and natural beauty makes it a premier destination for couples seeking a holistic retreat, perfect to reconnect with your loved one. With a variety of activities available both onsite and nearby, including hiking and biking, the resort also appeals to guests with mixed interests. While solo travelers are certainly welcome, the ambiance predominantly caters to romantic experiences, with couples as the primary guests during our visit. Solo visitors might consider bringing a friend to enhance their experience, or simply enjoy some peaceful solitude, perhaps during meal times. Ultimately, the effort to reach this destination is richly rewarded with unparalleled peace and rejuvenation.

How to Book: Request a quote or for more information visit our Preidlhof page here.

You can also talk to one of our Wellness Travel Specialists here to discuss tailor-making your perfect healthy holiday