The Niedermair Nature Retreat is reopening its doors in the vineyards above Merano

Following a careful renovation, this traditional South Tyrolean establishment has been reborn as a new 4-star boutique hotel—transformed yet grounded, featuring timeless design and a contemporary sustainable concept.

Close to the sky
On the Partschins Sonnenberg, 750 meters above sea level and a 15-minute drive above Merano, lies the Niedermair Nature Retreat, a hotel that looks as though it has always looked this way. And that is a compliment that young owner Sebastian Kuen loves to hear. With great sensitivity, he transformed his family’s 600-year-old business into a modern 4-star boutique hotel last year—without taking away any of its character.

Far away from everyday life yet close to South Tyrol’s secret capital, guests seeking peace and quiet as well as active travelers can enjoy unobstructed views of the Vinschgau Valley and the prospect of a vacation that combines sustainability with high-quality cuisine and wellness.

Accommodations & Well-being
All 32 rooms and suites feature large panoramic balconies and are furnished with untreated oak floors, light linen fabrics, and solid wood furniture. The highlight (in the truest sense of the word) is the Sky Suite with its own whirlpool and two private terraces—one for your first coffee in the morning sun, one for a sundowner at sunset.

In the yoga room, which Sebastian’s sister Barbara leads daily, clay plaster ensures a healthy and natural indoor climate. The spa, featuring an adults-only wellness garden, a chemical-free saltwater whirlpool, a sauna area, and an infinity pool spectacularly situated above the valley and vineyards, deliberately focuses on simplicity and regeneration, always in keeping with the motto "ten minutes of silence rather than ten thousand square meters of spa."

This is the taste of South Tyrol
What is served from morning to night on the beautifully set tables in the hotel’s own restaurant, complete with a large sun terrace, is grown right next door or sourced from local farmers. Culinary-wise, head chef Markus Holzer focuses on the rhythm of the seasons and the bounty of South Tyrol. Seasonal ingredients form the basis for his clean, flavorful cuisine, where quality sets the tone and authenticity is more important than presentation. To complement this, Sebastian Kuen’s brother Johannes and his father Hans-Peter press unfiltered wines from their own grapes—Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, and Kerner—which are bottled without any additives.

Good for the green conscience
When the Niedermair installed one of the first photovoltaic systems in the region in 2009, it had to be flown onto the roof by helicopter. Today, they’ve come a long way—though no less progressive: PV and solar systems now cover around 70 percent of the electricity needs, with a biomass heating plant using regional wood covering the rest. And in other areas as well, the Niedermair Nature Retreat consistently prioritizes sustainability. For example, the hotel is a member of the Change Maker Hotels association, whose member establishments meet high standards in the areas of climate protection, circular economy, social responsibility, and regional value creation, and are regarded as visionaries of sustainable tourism.

Further information can be found here.