Nestled in a sunny valley surrounded by alpine mountains and rolling vineyards, Villa Arnica awaits for your arrival. Just a few weeks ago, Sven and I had the pleasure of escaping to this gorgeous Italian design hotel for a relaxing weekend and proper dose of ‘la dolce vita. What we experienced was a dreamy getaway where laidback luxury mingles perfectly with historic charm, nature, and a supreme sense of calm.
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Design & Accommodations
Built in 1925, Villa Arnica has always served as a guesthouse and hotel. The interior design concept by Studio Biquadra blends curious mid-century details and contemporary elements with artisan craft that honors the villa’s historic grandeur. The result? A warm and inviting design language that connects the past to the present. In every corner, you’ll discover a small but thoughtful detail that gives you the feeling you’re visiting the home of an old friend. The collection of vinyl records in the Salotto, the artful ensemble of vintage furniture and lighting, the fresh bouquet of flowers on your bedside table plucked straight from the garden only a few hours before your arrival; each and every detail invites you to connect deeper to your surroundings. All of Villa Arnica’s ten rooms and suites are entirely unique — each with an individualized character guided by the property’s original architectural soul. During our visit, Sven and I stayed in a beautiful Standard Room which featured a soft and soothing pallet swathed in neutrals, cool blues, and pale greens. The bed was spacious and enveloping, and each thoughtful detail made us feel completely at peace.
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Vibes & Amenities
Relaxation is the main program at Villa Arnica, especially since the hotel is adults only. The house and grounds teem with tranquility. The longer you visit, the more connected you begin to feel to nature, yourself, and the present moment. Tucked all around the lawn, garden, and poolside, there are ample spaces to lounge and retreat. Palms, pines, lavender, and vegetables all share the same soil — a rambling mix that’s somehow both Mediterranean and alpine. Outside in the garden is the perfect place to be immersed in nature without compromising on a single comfort. We spent several hours each day lounging on our sunbeds by the poolside, combined with the periodic dip to cool down from the afternoon heat. The smell of lavender that drifts through the garden lulls you to sleep after a swim, and of course the Pollhouse restaurant is there to cater to your every need. Daily yoga classes are also apart of the all-inclusive Villa Arnica experience which take place in the beautiful glass-enclosed yoga atrium just behind the Pollhouse. During our stay, I began my morning with an hour of yoga and the practice was gentle and sublime.
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Local Surroundings
Even though you’ll feel miles away from the bustle of the outside world, Villa Arnica is in-fact incredibly well located within the comune of Lana. The estate itself is situated in-between a cluster of apple orchards and vineyards central in the town, giving you both privacy and convenience to experience all that Lana has to offer by foot or bicycle. For those curious to explore the surrounding area on two-wheels, Villa Arnica has several bicycles ready for your use. Sven and I loved the biking adventure we took through the rolling hillsides and South Tyrol landscape; we chose to visit one of the neighboring vineyards for an afternoon of winetasting and snacks. There are also many restaurants and cafes in town that are easy to reach by foot, as well as plenty of hiking options to explore near by.
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Farm-To-Table Breakfast
A gourmet breakfast is served every day until 11am, and every ingredients is either picked fresh from Villa Arnica’s own garden or sourced from a local producer. While some items of the menu are standard, such as our favorite poached eggs with crispy toasted bread, many of the delicacies brought to your breakfast table will change with the season. The in-house chef prepares a delicious spread of pickled vegetables, herbal infused creams, and fruit salads from the ripest picks in the garden. In keeping with South Tyrol’s artisan baking tradition, breads are spiced with a flavorful blend of fennel or dried fruit. Even the most simple breakfast staple, such as bread or coffee, is worth writing home about.
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AD – This blogpost was written in collaboration with Villa Arnica
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AD – This blogpost was written in collaboration with Villa Arnica
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