OLM Nature Escape
2nd place: Nestled amid a tranquil alpine landscape in the South Tyrolean mountains, surrounded by cows, lambs, and horses, lies the Eco Aparthotel&OLM - Nature Escape: not a traditional hotel, but a charming eco-friendly aparthotel.
The name itself makes a statement: in the local dialect, “OLM” stands for “Alm” (mountain pasture) and also means “everlasting.” The innovative Eco Apart Suites in Kematen in the Tauferer-Ahrntal valley reflect all of this by combining authentic tradition with forward-thinking standards, thereby building a bridge between the past and the future.
The OLM, with its 33 suites in elegant alpine chic, is the first energy-self-sufficient eco aparthotel in the Alps. The property is completely energy-self-sufficient and is powered by geothermal energy (ground heat), solar energy, and hydropower. And it is no coincidence that the round millstones of the former mill served as architectural inspiration for the circular building. The impressive architectural designs are by Andreas Gruber. For Christian Lechner, the owner who hails from the valley, true sustainability is not just a marketing slogan, but a mission for the future. Accordingly, the OLM’s 60-meter-diameter inner circle has been designed in line with eco-friendly principles as a wild relaxation garden featuring a natural swimming pond. In the heated, 25-meter-long lap pool, which extends from the indoor sauna and relaxation rooms out into the open air, guests can take a dip year-round with a clear conscience, thanks to the property’s own electricity.
The culinary offerings also fully embrace the guiding principle of casual freedom, meeting the standards of an apartment-suite hotel. OLM head chef Berni Aichner, who served for years as sous-chef to Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler, has developed a very special, revolutionary “Indulgence at Will” concept in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser (TF Culinaria) as a consultant. Breakfast consists of hand-selected local products with a high proportion of organic ingredients; otherwise, depending on your mood, you can either enjoy a personalized “dine-around” experience in the region or use the apartment’s kitchenette to prepare your own meals. Alternatively, guests can draw inspiration from the OLM Kitchen’s culinary calendar, featuring seasonal South Tyrolean-Mediterranean specialties, which they receive about two weeks before arrival to enjoy delightful evenings tailored to their individual preferences during their stay. Highlights include dumpling evenings, APERÒ dinners, and the cocktail selection at the Prenn° Bar.
As a quiet side valley of the Puster Valley, flanked by the charming towns of Brunico and Campo Tures, the easily accessible Tauferer Ahrntal Valley lies a little off the beaten path. And that’s a good thing! More than 80 three-thousand-meter peaks create an impressive mountain backdrop and offer ideal conditions for hiking, (e-)biking, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing
Photos: OLM Nature Escape
Sustainability Everywhere
The OLM, with its 33 suites in elegant alpine chic, is the first energy-self-sufficient eco aparthotel in the Alps. The property is completely energy-self-sufficient and is powered by geothermal energy (ground heat), solar energy, and hydropower. And it is no coincidence that the round millstones of the former mill served as architectural inspiration for the circular building. The impressive architectural designs are by Andreas Gruber. For Christian Lechner, the owner who hails from the valley, true sustainability is not just a marketing slogan, but a mission for the future. Accordingly, the OLM’s 60-meter-diameter inner circle has been designed in line with eco-friendly principles as a wild relaxation garden featuring a natural swimming pond. In the heated, 25-meter-long lap pool, which extends from the indoor sauna and relaxation rooms out into the open air, guests can take a dip year-round with a clear conscience, thanks to the property’s own electricity.
Indulgence at will
The culinary offerings also fully embrace the guiding principle of casual freedom, meeting the standards of an apartment-suite hotel. OLM head chef Berni Aichner, who served for years as sous-chef to Michelin-starred chef Norbert Niederkofler, has developed a very special, revolutionary “Indulgence at Will” concept in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser (TF Culinaria) as a consultant. Breakfast consists of hand-selected local products with a high proportion of organic ingredients; otherwise, depending on your mood, you can either enjoy a personalized “dine-around” experience in the region or use the apartment’s kitchenette to prepare your own meals. Alternatively, guests can draw inspiration from the OLM Kitchen’s culinary calendar, featuring seasonal South Tyrolean-Mediterranean specialties, which they receive about two weeks before arrival to enjoy delightful evenings tailored to their individual preferences during their stay. Highlights include dumpling evenings, APERÒ dinners, and the cocktail selection at the Prenn° Bar.
Versatile Vacations
As a quiet side valley of the Puster Valley, flanked by the charming towns of Brunico and Campo Tures, the easily accessible Tauferer Ahrntal Valley lies a little off the beaten path. And that’s a good thing! More than 80 three-thousand-meter peaks create an impressive mountain backdrop and offer ideal conditions for hiking, (e-)biking, winter hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing
Photos: OLM Nature Escape
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