July: Niedermair Nature Retreat

Minimalism at Its Finest

High above Merano, nestled among the vineyards of Partschins, lies the Niedermair Nature Retreat. With great sensitivity, respect for tradition, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability, young hotelier Sebastian Kuen had his family’s more than 600-year-old establishment renovated last year. The result is nothing short of remarkable—an achievement recognised by Connoisseur Circle readers who placed it third in the ranking of South Tyrol’s finest nature hotels. Our Hotel of the Month.

Situated at an altitude of approximately 750 metres, with an unobstructed vista across the Adige Valley to the Ifinger, the Kuen family’s former inn has been reimagined as a 4-star boutique hotel that has lost none of its inherent charm. On the contrary, natural stone now replaces conventional tiles, while untreated larch wood substitutes for varnish. Jasmine and wild herbs are poised to cloak the façade entirely in the near future.

Within the 32 rooms and suites, expansive panoramic windows and balconies dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior. Complementing this are oak floors, substantial linen fabrics, and furnishings crafted to endure for generations. The Sky Suite boasts its own whirlpool and two private terraces—one for that first coffee in the morning sun, the other for an evening sundowner. At the spa, the Niedermairs follow the principle of “less is more.” A sauna, relaxation rooms, a yoga room with clay plaster for a natural indoor climate, and an infinity pool that seems to float above the vines do not require any special staging or activity programs.

Most of what is served in the restaurant is grown right next door. Brother Johannes and father Hans-Peter press their own Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Blanc, and Kerner grapes into wine—unfiltered and without additives. The cuisine follows the seasons and the quality of regional produce, with a keen sense of balance between Alpine heritage and Mediterranean lightness.

At Niedermair, sustainability is not merely a buzzword—it is a way of life. Photovoltaic and solar systems supply approximately 70 percent of the property’s energy requirements, with a biomass heating plant fueled by locally sourced wood providing the remainder. Guests seeking to enjoy a few spontaneous summer days at Niedermair are in for a special indulgence. On select dates in July, the hotel is offering guests a 10 percent last-minute discount, valid for stays from July 5–13 and July 20–26. Sunny days above Merano, the Panorama Pool, the adults-only wellness garden, and yoga with a view await everyone who considers peace and quiet a true luxury.

Niedermair Nature Retreat, Vertigen 8, 39020 Partschins/South Tyrol, from EUR 144 per person per night in a double room. www.hotel-niedermair.com