Our Review of Villa Eden - The Private Retreat: An Adults-Only Medical Spa in Italy
- WellnessHolidayBoutique
- Nov 3
- 7 min read
Villa Eden – The Private Retreat in Merano is one of Europe’s original medical spas, with a long-standing reputation for combining scientific expertise, biohacking principles, and holistic wellbeing. Add to that its family heritage, Michelin-starred dining, and mountain backdrop - and Merano’s own sunny microclimate, boasting close to 300 days of sunshine annually - and it felt like the perfect place to experience a more refined, restorative side of wellness.
I’d heard so many wonderful things about Villa Eden, but nothing quite prepared me for the calm that washed over me the moment I arrived. Tucked away in the heart of Merano and surrounded by the soft green of the mountains, Villa Eden feels like a world apart - private, peaceful, and beautifully refined.
What makes it even more special is that it’s family-run. Founded by Angelika’s father and now lovingly overseen by her, Villa Eden has a warmth and continuity that’s rare to find. Her brother runs Castel Rametz, the family’s wine estate and museum just a short distance away, where visitors can explore centuries of viticulture and enjoy tastings in its historic cellars - a lovely nod to the region’s culture and history.
It’s also an adults-only wellness retreat, which enhances the tranquillity and makes it ideal for anyone seeking complete peace and quiet.
Getting There
Getting to Merano was straightforward. There are twice-weekly flights from Gatwick to nearby Bolzano Airport with Sky Alps, just half an hour away, but most visitors choose to fly into Verona, Venice, Innsbruck, or Milan, all of which have excellent connections to South Tyrol. I flew into Verona, where my friendly driver met me in the arrivals hall. From there, we followed a picturesque route through the mountains, a journey of around an hour and a half that wound gently through vineyards, apple orchards, and alpine valleys - the perfect prelude to the tranquillity that awaited in Merano.
First Impressions
After the drive through the South Tyrolean hills, I was greeted by the most serene atmosphere - birdsong, fresh mountain air, and staff who instantly made me feel at home. The hospitality here is something special; it felt less like checking into a hotel and more like being welcomed into someone’s beautiful home.
The hotel is immaculate, elegant without being showy. Every corner feels designed for peace and quiet, from the manicured gardens to the terrace overlooking the valley. There’s a deep sense of calm that slows you down almost instantly. And with Merano just a short walk away, it’s the perfect balance between quiet seclusion and easy access to local life.
The Serenity Junior Suite
I stayed in the Serenity Junior Suite, a bright and tranquil space that perfectly reflects Villa Eden’s understated elegance. Each room at the retreat has its own distinct decor and layout, giving every guest a sense of individuality and charm.
My balcony overlooked the gardens, complete with a sun lounger and a small table and chairs - a peaceful spot to enjoy the morning light or unwind with a book after treatments. Inside, the neutral palette, soft textures, and gentle lighting created a calm, restorative atmosphere that made it easy to relax and disconnect. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and I loved waking to the soft sound of birds and the scent of mountain air drifting through the open terrace doors.
There was a cosy sitting area where I spent quiet afternoons reading or simply unwinding, and every detail felt designed for comfort and ease. The bathroom was spacious and beautifully finished, complete with a deep bathtub and bath salts provided - the perfect way to end the day. From the window, I could see the vegetable gardens below, a peaceful reminder of Villa Eden’s connection to nature and nourishment.
Dining & Nutrition
The food at Villa Eden is one of its many highlights - elegant, nourishing, and perfectly aligned with the retreat’s wellness philosophy. Nutrition is one of the core pillars of the wellness programmes here, and it’s clear that every dish is crafted with the same care and precision as the treatments themselves.
Guests can choose between a gourmet menu and a detox menu, served in separate dining rooms to create the right atmosphere for each experience. The gourmet menu offered beautifully balanced dishes that felt indulgent yet light. Every plate was a work of art - beautifully presented, colourful, and full of flavour. Portions were generous enough to satisfy, yet never heavy or excessive. Meals were relaxed yet refined, and the service was quietly attentive. The staff even remembered my preference for sparkling water at each meal, small gestures that made dining here feel personal and unhurried.
For guests following a wellness or longevity programme, each meal is supported by tailored nutritional supplements, thoughtfully arranged on the table before dining begins. It’s a small but telling detail that reflects Villa Eden’s integrative, biohacking-inspired approach - addressing wellbeing from the inside out.
If you opt for the detox programme, it’s worth noting that coffee and alcohol aren’t included, keeping the focus entirely on cleansing and nourishment. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover lupino coffee - a naturally caffeine-free alternative made from lupin beans that’s only found in Italy. Smooth, nutty, and comforting, it quickly became my new morning ritual.
Breakfast each morning was a joy: freshly pressed juices, vibrant vegetables, healthy cakes, pastries, and seasonal produce from the region.
For those seeking a deeper gastronomic experience, The Tasting Room at Villa Eden offers a sophisticated menu where wellness meets fine dining. It’s an elegant space that showcases the creativity of the chefs while staying true to the retreat’s focus on balance and vitality - proof that healthy cuisine can also be truly indulgent.
Wellness & Longevity
At Villa Eden – The Private Retreat, wellness goes far beyond relaxation, it’s about longevity, prevention, and optimisation. The philosophy here is rooted in cellular longevity and modern biohacking, combining advanced medical diagnostics with holistic therapies to help guests rejuvenate, detoxify, and regenerate at a deep cellular level.
Programmes are overseen by Dr De Nobili, an expert in anti-ageing medicine, nutrition, and biohacking, whose calm confidence immediately inspires trust. His team of specialists design bespoke programmes that integrate nutrition, movement, diagnostics, and treatments tailored to each guest.
Guests can undergo specialised medical assessments, such as DNA testing to determine the ideal dietary profile, epigenetic hair-strand analysis to assess biological ageing, and even blood oxygenation therapies using ozone.
One of the most fascinating diagnostics I experienced was the epigenetic hair analysis, part of Villa Eden’s focus on biohacking and longevity. It offered a detailed look at how my genes are expressing themselves, highlighting vitamin deficiencies, environmental sensitivities, and even foods to limit to optimise immunity and wellbeing. My report recommended supporting vitamins such as B12 and Biotin, rebalancing fatty acids, and avoiding certain foods and chemicals - a scientific yet deeply personal guide to improving resilience and energy.
I also tried Cellgym, a form of intermittent hypoxic training that simulates high-altitude conditions to enhance oxygen efficiency, metabolism, and cellular regeneration. It felt surprisingly gentle but left me with a noticeable lift in energy and mental clarity - a real cellular reboot.
For skincare, the spa uses the VisioFace 1000 analysis, an advanced facial imaging system that measures hydration, elasticity, and pigmentation. From these results, therapists create a personalised facial with products precisely matched to your skin’s needs - a level of detail that perfectly reflects Villa Eden’s medical-meets-holistic ethos.
What makes the spa truly unique is that every treatment is personally tested by Angelika herself, the owner. She’s the embodiment of her philosophy - radiant, poised, and proof that her approach works.
During my stay, I experienced a range of treatments - each one distinctive, yet seamlessly connected:
Deep-tissue massage – released layers of tension I didn’t even realise I was holding.
VisioFace-guided facial – left my skin noticeably smoother and more radiant.
Signature Body Cast treatment – a warming, detoxifying wrap that firmed and revitalised.
Dry cryotherapy – on a floating water bed below freezing; it eliminates damaged cells and boosts regeneration. Challenging but incredibly rewarding.
Touch for Health – a kinesiology-based session exploring mental-emotional links to organ function and meridian flow. Deeply grounding and transformative.
Each session complemented the next, from muscular release to cellular regeneration and emotional alignment, creating a complete longevity and wellness journey.
The spa facilities are serene and beautifully maintained, featuring an indoor pool surrounded by glass walls, an outdoor sauna overlooking the mountains, and tranquil relaxation areas to unwind between treatments. Group wellness activities are also part of the experience; I joined a power walk with Mirko, followed by yoga and aquagym sessions, all set against the stunning alpine landscape.
One afternoon, I took a short walk to the Botanical Gardens of Castel Trauttmansdorff, a breathtaking open-air garden with terraces overlooking Merano. It was a peaceful complement to my stay, a reminder of how strongly nature and wellbeing intertwine in this part of Italy.
By the end of my stay, I felt lighter, clearer, and deeply restored - physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Our Final Verdict
When I arrived, I was tired and a little scattered. By the time I left, I felt calm, clear, and completely renewed. Villa Eden – The Private Retreat isn’t just beautiful - it has a soul. Its blend of family heritage, medical excellence, and heartfelt hospitality creates something truly special.
As I checked out, I was handed a small takeaway bag with a bottle of water and a crisp local apple - a thoughtful gesture that perfectly captured the care that defines this place. Apples are a symbol of Merano, where the surrounding orchards produce some of the finest fruit in Italy. It was the perfect reminder of this region’s natural abundance - and of Villa Eden’s quiet, genuine attention to detail.
If you’re looking for a place where science meets serenity, where biohacking and longevity are balanced with warmth and human touch, Villa Eden in Merano is exactly that - an intimate, nurturing, and deeply restorative adults-only wellness and longevity retreat in Italy that stays with you long after you’ve gone.
Who’s Villa Eden For
Villa Eden is ideal for:
Wellness travellers seeking a scientifically grounded, medical-style retreat with a personal touch.
Anyone focused on longevity, anti-ageing, or cellular health, looking to combine diagnostics with relaxation.
Solo guests or couples who value privacy and personalised attention - its small size makes every experience feel bespoke.
Professionals in need of a reset, whether physical, emotional, or lifestyle-related.
Those who appreciate refined comfort without excess - where service is discreet, food is nourishing, and results are tangible.
It’s less suited to those looking for high energy or social group retreats; Villa Eden is about stillness, restoration, and precision wellbeing. Ready to Book Your Wellness Retreat at Villa Eden - The Private Retreat?
If you're interested in booking your wellness retreat to Villa-Eden - The Private Retreat, enquire here or call to speak to one of our specialists on +44 (0)203 886 0082.