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VIGILIUS MOUNTAIN RESORT |
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MERANO SUD TIROL, ITALY
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There's more to Italy's picturesque South Tyrol region than yodelling,
lederhosen, beer and dumplings, and this remarkable new hotel proves it.
The Vigilius Mountain Resort, perched 1,500 metres up the side of the Vigiljoch mountain near Merano and accessible only by cable car, is described by
its architect, Matteo Thun, as a 'luxury playground for adults'. Thun, who is from the area, used only local materials in the building. The low-lying structure - made of larch wood and glass with grass on part of the roof - is meant to represent a fallen tree and the new life it will bring to the mountain. With the help of its friendly and professional staff, experienced managers and the hotel's mountain dog Rocky, the Vigilius has done just that.
When not out hiking or paragliding over ancient villages with the resort's Xtreme Team, guests can dine at one of two excellent restaurants - one offering traditional Tyrolean cuisine, the other more seasonal Italian fare, watch The Shining (among other DVDs) in the screening room, get a scratchy but circulation-boosting hay bath in the cutting-edge spa, or recline between the glass fireplace and quartz swimming pool. And if you still have time on your hands, staff will arrange to hire a Ferrari for a tour of local vineyards. Vigilius Mountain Resort certainly gives South Tyrol something to yodel about.
WHEN TO GO
Any time: South Tyrol gets about 300 days of sunshine a year; wine-lovers should book for November's international wine festival in Merano.
ROOM TO BOOK
Any on the second floor at the front with mountain views.
CONTACT
Vigilius Mountain Resort, Vigiljoch, Lana, South Tyrol, Italy (00 39 0473 556600; fax: 556699; www.vigilius.it; Design Hotels: 0800 169 8817). Doubles from €275
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