Preidlhof is a family-run destination spa retreat ideal for anybody looking to escape the daily stresses of life to a sanctuary of wellbeing. Tucked away in a hillside in the village of Naturns surrounded by lush views of the mountains, valleys, orchards and vineyards, there couldn’t be a more ideal setting to regenerate the mind, body and soul surrounded by the healing powers of nature.
Located in the north of Italy bordering Austria, Preidlhof is a 2-hour drive from Innsbruck, Austria or Verona, Italy which is just a 2.5-hour flight from the UK with flights running throughout most of the year. The hotel also offers complimentary transfers from Naturns train station.
The Hotel
On my arrival, I was warmly greeted and offered a glass of sparkling wine and hot towel in the welcome area before being shown to my room. Preidlhof combines high-quality service with luxurious facilities to ensure a comfortable stay and it’s clear that the owner, Mr Ladurner, who has been involved in the day-to-day running of the hotel for the past 20 years, truly cares that guests are completely relaxed and stress-free during their stay. The facilities are vast with a 6-floor sauna tower hosting 6 saunas, 7 pools and 6 relaxation areas and despite all 70 rooms of the hotel being booked during my stay, it was rare to see other guests around the spa and I never had to wait to use the facilities. The atmosphere of the hotel has more of an Austrian than Italian influence with cosy chic interiors, facilities and food and all the staff speak English, German and Italian.
Rooms
There are just 70 spacious rooms and suites in the hotel spread over 2 separate buildings. I stayed in a Wellness Suite Me which was incredibly spacious at 56sqm with a large south-facing balcony overlooking the valley and mountains which had a serene and natural feel to it. There’s also a day bed which can be made up to sleep outdoors under the stars - I didn’t have the chance to as I visited in October when the nights were chillier but still had a chance to sit out in the morning thanks to the heater and blankets provided. The suite itself was fitted with magenta furnishings which symbolises the healing colour and included a walk-in shower, plenty of wardrobe space, a generous number of plugs and USB sockets, separate WC, lounge area with a flat-screen TV and a spacious mini bar equipped with a Nespresso machine and sleep-enhancing herbal teas. Wellness bags are also provided with towels, slippers and a bathrobe for the spa as well as a belt bag for any outdoor activities.
On arrival I found the mattress was too hard for my liking but a quick call to housekeeping ensured that this was changed over when I was at dinner. Preidlhof understands the importance of sleep and the rooms have been prepared to ensure that guests have a peaceful and uninterrupted sleep; the WIFI is switched off between midnight and 7am so that you aren’t disturbed by radiation and there's a pouch filled with beautifully scented sleep-inducing herbs as well as a “Good Night’ menu which offers 12 different mattress toppers and pillows.
Dining
The cuisine at Preidlhof incorporates regional South Tyrolean dishes with a Mediterranean influence using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients from their own gardens or local farmers. There is one restaurant at the hotel and guests are allocated the same table for breakfast and dinner; as I was on a retreat programme I was given a table in the wellness dining room which offered a 7-course Wellness Healing Gourmet menu in the evenings, designed to enhance a mindful eating experience with plant-based and lactose/soya/gluten/refined sugar-free dishes. There’s also the chance to substitute dishes from the normal menu. I particularly liked the fact dinner was a mix of waiter service and self-serve from the dining room which made the gourmet dining experience feel less formal.
It’s impossible to feel hungry at Preidlhof with food served at almost all hours throughout the day. Breakfast is served until 11 for those wanting a leisurely morning with an extensive variety of foods including homemade butters, jams, honey, seeds, breads, meats, yoghurts and cheeses and a chef serving egg dishes. There’s also a juicer where you can prepare your own combination of fresh juice with fruits and vegetables provided. A lunch buffet with a variety of salads, pasta, cakes, breads, meats and fish is served from 2 – 5 to allow for guests to fit this around their spa or activity schedule. Preidlhof's Tyrolean location is blessed with 315 days of sunshine a year, so I was lucky to be able to enjoy lunch on the sun-soaked terrace most days and experience the stunning panoramas of the orchards and mountains.
Should you feel any pangs of hunger in between this time, there are also snacks available in the Vitamin lounge in the sauna tower.
The Wellness Facilities
The Spa Facilities