A call from South Tyrol
We're open - three words that sound at least as great as a declaration of love in times of coronavirus reached me from the Passeier Valley in South Tyrol. The "Andreus Golf Lodge" had just reopened its doors there, the little 5-star sister of the Andreus Resort with the 4-star "Sonnenalm", which is part of the friendly Fink family's portfolio. All three offer a luxurious break with passionate hoteliers, fine dining with a wine experience alongside highly enjoyable spa impressions and, of course, golf on the 1st tee.
The trip to the 1st May weekend in South Tyrol was surprisingly relaxed despite the difficult entry requirements with quarantine regulations beforehand: a passport through Austria was enough and we were in South Tyrol without any Italian border controls! Whether you then take the pass road from Sterzing over the Jaufen towards Meran is up to you. It took us through meters of snow up to 2000 meters. How nice to arrive in the Passeier Valley in the middle of spring with blossoming fruit trees and lush green meadows. St. Leonhard in Val Passiria/Passeiertal was our destination and if you head towards the golf course of the same name, you will inevitably come across the Andreus Golf Lodge , whose exterior with wooden struts blends in harmoniously with the rural surroundings. Small, fine and luxurious - that's how this adults-only hotel presents itself at first glance with an infinity pool and natural bathing lake in the outdoor area, surrounded by a romantic garden with small secluded corners, daybeds and partly native, partly exotic plants. Skilfully staged, especially in the evening with stylish lighting.
What is particularly striking on entering the hotel are the works of art - whether freestanding cult figures, abstract murals or harmonious accessories - everything is well placed. And there you are right in the heart of the hotel, the lobby.
Even if this is not intended to be a hotel test like the one for Connoisseur Circle, the image and atmosphere here are definitely worth describing in more detail. Circular on different levels with a seating area and fireplace, the entrance area is the interface between the reception, restaurants, bar, the two living areas and the spa and wellness area. The local architects deserve great praise for creating an absolutely harmonious atmosphere. The bar alone, which shimmers in different colors, is an eye-catcher, as is the wine vault with an excellent selection at the entrance to the restaurant to set the mood for the perfectly coordinated 6-course menu. The rustic "Finki's Stubm" is a reproduction of a Törggelen parlor and the cigar lounge with its elegant interior is actually far too good just for smokers. The lounge with library and, above all, the outdoor terrace with modern rocking chairs and turquoise textiles as a splash of color are also harmonious. So much for the first impression, which immediately arouses sympathy and is topped off by the attentive and unagitated service. For me, this is always a confirmation of the 5-star quality and a contrast to other hotels. It goes without saying that in a hotel that is only four years old and offers 5-star quality, the accommodation is excellent. But here you can also feel Helga Fink's happy hand, who puts her personal stamp on the styling with granite, wood and glass with a great deal of feminine intuition. 33 suites, some with a jacuzzi on the terrace, and loungers with a view of the surrounding mountain panorama offer such a homely interior that there is no risk of low spirits even in bad weather. Of course, the spa area is also one of the "places to be". Covering 4,000 square meters, the "Spa-radies" shines with modern aesthetics and magnificent views of the picturesque mountains of the Passeier Valley. The various sauna areas, two-storey relaxation rooms, relaxation and infrared loungers as well as the sauna bar with fresh fruit, spring water, teas and vital juices are spacious. And those who have never worked up a sweat in a loft sauna can do so here and then relax in the saltwater pool or in the cuddly nests with a magnificent view of the valley from above. You are then spoiled for choice when it comes to treatments: One of the signature treatments is the 80-minute Aqua Haki Flow experience. The guest's body is pulled over bands in the water, stretched, felt and perceived - absolutely relaxing. I opt for the "Vinoble Select" program because I have been able to convince myself of the effectiveness of the products since Luise Köfer founded the cosmetics series in Styria. And - the fact that an 80-minute perfect application produced a result worth seeing should of course be mentioned here. There are now over 200 spas in 14 countries worldwide that offer this product line with wine extracts, which speaks for itself - and for the hotel, which is also stocked with the best wines. With so much on offer, you could almost forget the real reason for the trip - and that is, of course, golf!
After all, you stay at the two Andreus Resorts almost on the 1st tee, can book the academy for the course and play here at discounted prices. For me, the GC Passeier-Meran is one of the most distinctive courses in South Tyrol and no other polarizes like it. The reason for this is the 18, sometimes confusing, courses that run uphill in terraces, over hills and past streams and hide the greens behind all kinds of bushes. Long hitters can safely leave their wood in the bag and would do well to focus on strategy rather than length. One of the most striking holes here is the 9th - the "fox hole". A par 3 with a steep downhill tee shot to the green and a "birdie" as a lucky score. In any case, a card is helpful here - for the uphill and downhill, the ball search and also for lingering with particularly beautiful views.
My tip: You have to play this course several times to "conquer" it.
Further information:
www.suedtirolerland.it www.andreus-resorts.it
offers.andreus-resorts.it/allgemein-destination/
www.golfinsuedtirol.it www.golfclubpasseier.com
