Preidlhof is a family-run destination spa retreat perfect for those looking to escape the daily stresses of life and immerse themselves in a sanctuary of well-being. Nestled on a hillside in the village of Naturns, the retreat offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, valleys, orchards, and vineyards, creating an idyllic environment to regenerate the mind, body, and soul while being surrounded by the healing power of nature.
Located in northern Italy, close to the Austrian border, Preidlhof is just a 2-hour drive from Innsbruck, Austria, or Verona, Italy. It's also easily accessible with flights from the UK, taking approximately 2.5 hours. The hotel offers complimentary transfers from Naturns train station, making it convenient for guests to arrive and unwind in this tranquil retreat.
The Hotel
Upon arrival at Preidlhof, I was warmly welcomed with a glass of sparkling wine and a hot towel in the reception area, a lovely touch that set the tone for my stay. The hotel combines exceptional service with luxurious facilities, ensuring every guest enjoys a comfortable and relaxing experience. It's evident that the owner, Mr. Ladurner, who has been overseeing the hotel for the past 20 years, genuinely cares about guest satisfaction and aims to create a stress-free environment for all.
The hotel's vast facilities include a 6-floor sauna tower with 6 saunas, 7 pools, and 6 relaxation areas. Despite the hotel being fully booked during my stay, I rarely saw other guests in the spa areas, and there was never a wait to use the facilities. The atmosphere of Preidlhof blends Austrian and Italian influences, reflected in the cosy chic interiors, amenities, and food. The staff are multilingual, fluent in English, German, and Italian, which added to the ease and comfort of my stay.
Rooms
Preidlhof offers just 70 spacious rooms and suites spread across two separate buildings. I stayed in the Wellness Suite Me, which was incredibly roomy at 56sqm. The suite featured a large south-facing balcony with stunning views of the valley and mountains, providing a peaceful, natural atmosphere. It also included a daybed that could be made up for outdoor sleeping under the stars—though I didn’t get the chance to try this as I visited in October when the evenings were chillier, I still enjoyed sitting outside in the mornings thanks to the outdoor heater and provided blankets.
The suite was tastefully decorated with magenta furnishings, symbolising healing energy, and was equipped with a walk-in shower, ample wardrobe space, numerous plugs and USB sockets, a separate WC, a lounge area with a flat-screen TV, and a generously stocked mini-bar with a Nespresso machine and sleep-enhancing herbal teas. Wellness bags were provided with towels, slippers, a bathrobe for the spa, and a belt bag for outdoor activities.
On arrival, I found the mattress a bit too firm for my liking, but a quick call to housekeeping had it swapped out while I was at dinner. Preidlhof truly understands the importance of sleep, and the rooms are designed to ensure peaceful, uninterrupted rest. The hotel ensures the Wi-Fi is switched off between midnight and 7am to reduce radiation, and each room comes with a pouch of soothing sleep-inducing herbs and a “Good Night” menu offering a selection of 12 different mattress toppers and pillows.
Dining
Preidlhof’s cuisine beautifully blends regional South Tyrolean dishes with Mediterranean influences, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients from their own gardens or local farmers. The hotel has one main restaurant, and guests are assigned the same table for breakfast and dinner. As I was on a retreat programme, I was seated in the wellness dining room, where I enjoyed a 7-course Wellness Healing Gourmet menu in the evenings. The dishes were thoughtfully designed to enhance the mindful eating experience, with plant-based, lactose-free, soya-free, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free options. If desired, guests can substitute dishes from the regular menu. I particularly liked that the dinner service combined waiter service with a self-serve option, which helped create a more relaxed atmosphere for the gourmet dining experience.
At Preidlhof, it’s impossible to go hungry, with food served at almost every hour throughout the day. Breakfast is served until 11am, offering a wide variety of options including homemade butters, jams, honey, seeds, breads, meats, yoghurts, cheeses, and a chef on hand to prepare egg dishes. There’s also a juicer where you can create your own fresh fruit and vegetable juice combinations. For lunch, a buffet is available from 2pm to 5pm, offering a selection of salads, pasta, cakes, breads, meats, and fish, allowing guests to enjoy their meal around their spa or activity schedule. With 315 days of sunshine a year, I was fortunate enough to enjoy most lunches on the sun-drenched terrace, taking in the stunning views of the orchards and mountains.
If you ever feel a little peckish between meals, snacks are available in the Vitamin Lounge in the sauna tower, ensuring you're always nourished and satisfied.
The Spa Facilities
There’s no question why Preidlhof has earned numerous accolades over the years, including being named one of the ‘Best 30 Spa Resorts of the World.’ It’s truly an ideal destination for a luxury spa getaway. The hotel’s standout feature is the six-floor sauna tower, which was purposefully designed to make the most of the breathtaking panoramic views. According to a report, the land on which the tower is built sits on a high-energy field, and many guests have shared a deep sense of energy connection during their visits.
The spa is an absolute haven, offering 18 pools, saunas, Jacuzzis, and relaxation areas, including two rooftop infinity pools, a thermal pool, a wine sauna, an olive sauna, and hydrotherapy circuits. Throughout the day, the spa hosts sauna infusions—an experience where water mixed with essential oils is poured onto hot stones in the sauna. An Aufgussmeister then directs the hot, fragrant steam using rhythmic towel movements, often paired with music or dance, for a truly immersive experience. One thing to note: while the saunas are naturist, you have the option to cover up with a towel if you prefer.
The spa stays open until 11pm, and one evening I strategically dined early to enjoy the peacefulness of the ‘Fifties Pool,’ a beautiful heated thermal water pool with hydro jets and soothing underwater sounds. Afterward, I lounged on the swinging beds and relaxation pods, the perfect end to a rejuvenating spa day.
The Treatments
The spa at Preidlhof offers over 70 holistic healing, beauty, and preventative health treatments, alongside a selection of programmes designed to help guests achieve their specific wellness goals. From the moment I stepped into the spa reception, I was greeted by a soothing atmosphere, with calming cream tones that immediately put me at ease. My first experience was a thorough consultation with Dr Angerer, followed by an HRV (Heart Rate Variability) test to measure my body's energy efficiency. The results were shared with the spa team, allowing my treatments to be specifically tailored to my individual needs. The personalisation of my experience was remarkable, and I truly appreciated how every aspect of my stay was crafted to support my healing journey.
Here are some of the standout treatments I experienced:
Glowing Flow: This treatment began with a consultation with Stefano Battaglia, named one of the ‘5 Best Healers in the World’. Following this, I experienced the 'Holistic Treatment of the Year', which involved osteopathically-based manipulations designed to release long-held trauma. The immediate sense of peace and calm I felt after this session was profound.
Zen Shiatsu: During this treatment, I lay on a futon while Andrea, my therapist, worked on pressure points to restore balance throughout my body's meridians. I left feeling both deeply relaxed and revitalised.
Ancient Healing Session: This personalised session combined elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine and other ancient therapies. Through a blend of touch and massage, it helped to release blocked emotions, bringing a sense of emotional clarity.
Facial ‘Fresh’: A hydrating and plumping facial, this treatment used a special tool to enhance ingredient absorption into my skin. While the product worked its magic, I was treated to a wonderfully soothing hand, head, and neck massage. My skin looked refreshed and glowing afterward.
And of course, I couldn’t leave without trying the Deep Sea Relaxation Room, a one-of-a-kind experience that’s the only one of its kind in the world. After entering my individual code, I reclined on a beanbag as 12,500 LED lights illuminated the room, accompanied by calming sounds and vibrations. The feeling of my mind and body unwinding into deep relaxation was truly unique and deeply restorative.
This holistic, personalised approach to wellness is just one of the reasons why Preidlhof continues to be such a renowned destination for transformative spa experiences.
The Activities
Preidlhof offers a wide variety of activities, catering to every guest's preferences, from transformative sessions exclusive to retreat programme participants to fitness classes, meditation, sauna infusions, hikes, and even an outdoor climbing wall. Whether you're looking to relax or stay active, you can tailor your experience to suit your needs. During my 4-day stay, I opted for a more active schedule but still found there wasn’t enough time to experience everything I wanted to.
One of my favourite activities was forest bathing with Irmgard, a local from a nearby village. She shared fascinating stories and insights about the area and nature, creating a deeply enriching experience. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Face Gym and Laughter Yoga sessions, which introduced some fun new exercises to incorporate into my daily routine. The Savouring Mediterranean Herbs class was another highlight, offering a chance to learn about the flavours and benefits of local herbs.
For those looking to explore the beautiful surrounding area, Preidlhof offers complimentary hire of Vespas and quad bikes, or for a touch of luxury, you can also rent a Porsche for a fee to enjoy the scenic drive in style.
Who's Preidlhof for
This adults-only retreat is the ideal destination for anyone seeking to disconnect from the pressures of daily life and reconnect with their inner self. At the heart of Preidlhof’s philosophy is a truly integrated approach to holistic healing and emotional transformation, ensuring guests experience profound relaxation and personal growth during their stay.
Find out more about Preidlhof here or call to speak to one of our specialists on +44(0) 203 886 0082