The Wellness Holiday Boutique's review of Preidlhof

If you're looking to truly switch off, reset, and take care of both body and mind, Preidlhof in South Tyrol, Italy, is a retreat I can’t recommend enough. Set on a peaceful hillside in the village of Naturns, with views across mountains, orchards and vineyards, this adults-only wellness hotel is a sanctuary in every sense of the word.

After a busy few months, I booked a 4-night stay on one of their wellness programmes and arrived feeling a bit frazzled - but I left feeling calm, centred, and genuinely lighter.

First Impressions: Thoughtful, Warm, and Welcoming

Getting to Preidlhof was surprisingly easy, just a couple of hours’ drive from either Verona or Innsbruck, and they even offer a free transfer from Naturns train station, which made things even more seamless.

When I arrived, I was greeted with a glass of sparkling wine and a warm towel - simple touches, but they made me feel instantly at ease. The team were so friendly and attentive, and I could sense straight away how much care has gone into making this place feel special.

The Hotel: Where Comfort Meets Care

Preidlhof is overseen by Mr. Ladurner, whose passion for hospitality and wellness shines through. The hotel combines South Tyrolean charm with Mediterranean influences, creating a luxurious yet laid-back atmosphere.

Facilities include:

• A six-floor sauna tower with panoramic views

• Seven pools and jacuzzis

• Six relaxation zones, including rooftop and garden spaces

• A Vitamin Lounge for light snacks and teas

• Multilingual staff who made every interaction effortless
  

Despite being fully booked, I rarely crossed paths with others in the spa - testament to how well the space is designed for privacy and peace.

My Wellness Suite: Spacious, Stylish, and Built for Rest

I stayed in the Wellness Suite Me, which was beautifully spacious with a private balcony looking out over the valley and mountains. There was even a cosy daybed outside for sleeping under the stars (I didn’t brave it in October, but with the heater and blankets, I still loved my mornings out there with tea).

The magenta tones in the décor are said to represent healing energy, and everything in the room was designed with wellbeing in mind - from the herbal teas and wellness bag to the “Good Night” menu with a choice of 12 pillows and mattress toppers. I found the mattress a bit firm at first, but housekeeping happily changed it while I was at dinner.

One thing I really appreciated: Wi-Fi is automatically turned off overnight to reduce radiation, and every guest gets a little pouch of calming herbs for better sleep. It’s thoughtful details like these that made the stay feel so restorative.

The Food: Mindful, Nourishing, and Delicious

Dining at Preidlhof was one of the highlights of my stay. I was on a retreat programme, so I had meals in the wellness dining room, where I enjoyed the 7-course Healing Gourmet menu - plant-based, free from gluten, dairy, refined sugar and soy, but still full of flavour and beautifully presented.

There’s so much flexibility too. If you want to swap a dish from the regular menu, it’s never a problem, and the mix of table service and self-serve options creates a relaxed, unpretentious vibe.

Throughout the day, there was always food on offer. Breakfast runs until 11am (great if you're taking your time), with everything from homemade jams and breads to freshly made juices and egg dishes. Lunch is served buffet-style from 2pm–5pm, with plenty of light options to suit your spa schedule. Most days, I enjoyed lunch outside on the terrace, soaking up the sunshine and the views of the mountains.

Between meals, I loved popping into the Vitamin Lounge for herbal teas and snacks—it’s located in the sauna tower and always had a peaceful, nourishing feel.

The Spa: Six Floors of Bliss

Preidlhof’s spa really is something special. The six-floor sauna tower is built on what’s believed to be a high-energy field, and whether you believe in energy work or not, the calming, grounding atmosphere is undeniable.

The spa includes:

• 18 pools, saunas, and jacuzzis

• Two rooftop infinity pools

• A wine sauna, olive sauna, thermal pools, and a peaceful ‘Fifties Pool’ with underwater music

• Evening sauna sessions with essential oil Aufguss rituals

• Relaxation rooms with swinging beds and panoramic views

I made the most of the later spa opening hours, often dining early so I could enjoy the peace of the sauna tower after dark. Floating in the warm pool with soft underwater sounds and no one else around was pure magic.

The Treatments: Personal, Holistic, and Deeply Restorative

From the moment I arrived at the spa, I felt looked after. My stay began with a consultation and HRV test (Heart Rate Variability), which gave the spa team insight into my body’s current state and guided my treatment schedule.

Some of my standout experiences:

Glowing Flow

A powerful and emotional treatment with Stefano Battaglia, named one of the world’s top five healers. This was more than just a massage—it was a release.

Zen Shiatsu

A gentle but effective therapy working on energy meridians. I felt a calm, clear energy afterwards—deep relaxation without feeling sleepy.

Ancient Healing Session

A blend of traditional Chinese and ancient therapies designed to shift blocked energy. Emotional and energising in equal measure.

Facial ‘Fresh’

A deeply hydrating facial with a cooling tool and a wonderfully relaxing head, neck, and hand massage. My skin was glowing afterwards.

And then there was the Deep Sea Relaxation Room - a totally unique experience involving 12,500 LED lights, soft sounds, and a feeling of floating into deep meditative rest. It’s hard to describe, but it felt like my nervous system had completely reset.

The Activities: A Little Bit of Everything

Whether you want to stay active or take it slow, Preidlhof offers a huge variety of daily activities. I chose a more active approach and still didn’t manage to try everything I wanted to.

Some of my favourites:

• Forest bathing with Irmgard, who shared beautiful local insights about the landscape

• Face Gym and Laughter Yoga, which were unexpectedly fun and energising

• A class on Mediterranean herbs, where we tasted and learned about their healing properties
  

You can also borrow Vespas, quad bikes, or even rent a Porsche for a scenic mountain drive - such a fun touch for anyone wanting to explore.

Who's Preidlhof for

This retreat is ideal for:

• Anyone feeling overwhelmed and in need of real rest

• Solo travellers looking for space, reflection, and warmth

• Wellness seekers craving emotional healing and balance

• Couples or friends who want a meaningful spa holiday in nature

  
  

Preidlhof isn’t just a luxury spa hotel - it’s a place where deep relaxation meets inner transformation. Whether you're drawn to the holistic therapies, the breathtaking setting, or the incredible food and facilities, it offers something truly special for anyone looking to feel better - body, mind, and soul.

If you're ready to start your own wellness journey at Preidlhof, enquire here or call to speak to one of our specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082