Lana, Italy

Villa Arnica

The Mediterranean • Stay • Villa Arnica in Lana, Italy

What’s the hotel in a nutshell?

It is easy to summarise the impression of Villa Arnica, located at the end of a secluded driveway in the South Tyrolean town of Lana. By that, we would say that Villa Arnica is not a hotel. It is a feeling. This adults-only retreat takes guests on a sensory sojourn back in time. Established in 1925, Villa Arnica was more than just a guesthouse; it was a creative hub that drew artists, actors and thinkers from across Europe. Klaus Dissertori’s recent acquisition in 2019 has seen a meticulous restoration, evoking both the nostalgia of Slim Aaron’s era and a touch of Mediterranean ‘dolce vita’. This rebirth breathes effortlessness and a certain hard-to-pin-point old-world luxury without the contrived stuffiness.

What are the rooms like?

Step into any of Villa Arnica’s distinct rooms, and you’re greeted with a rich tapestry of heritage and design. Ranging from intimate double rooms to opulent suites, each space exudes individuality. We stayed in Junior Suite number 10 which had windows facing in two directions, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Merano-based Christina Biasi-von Berg of Studio Biquadra has curated the interiors, striking a balance between the villa’s original furnishings and contemporary design elements. Muted palettes of mustard, sage and terracotta dance alongside light grey walls, while Laaser marble-adorned bathrooms gleam under the soft glow of glass globe lights. The highlight? A suite boasting a freestanding bathtub, an epitome of vintage luxury. Every detail, down to the forest green window shutters, is a nod to the villa’s storied past and a celebration of modern aesthetics.

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What else?

The embrace of Villa Arnica extends beyond its architectural marvels. The expansive garden, punctuated with antique-tiled terraces and a vintage pool, beckons one into a realm of luxury and relaxation. Here, days are beautifully filled – whether spent leafing through a novel from the library, savouring the pool’s cool embrace or indulging in the art of ‘la dolce far niente’ – the sweet pleasure of doing nothing. A particular highlight for us was the a la carte breakfast menu, a refreshing departure from typical buffet-style offerings. The hotel’s culinary journey doesn’t stop there, with every meal from the garden-fresh produce to communal barbecue dinners under the pergola, celebrating Villa Arnica’s garden-to-table philosophy. As evening draws close, a cocktail bar awaits just a stone’s throw away at the neighbouring sister property, Hotel Schwarzschmied. For those with an explorative spirit, a fleet of Stilrad bicycles is at the ready, inviting guests to delve into Lana’s charms. And if wellness calls, the villa boasts a resplendent yoga studio, offering a diverse schedule of classes, ensuring both novice and seasoned practitioners find their flow amidst Lana’s serenity. Every moment at Villa Arnica is a tender ode to the simple yet sophisticated pleasures of life.

What’s the region like?

South Tyrol (or Alto Adige in Italian) stands as Italy’s northernmost province, a captivating blend where Alpine landscapes meet Mediterranean flair. Bolzano, its capital, bridges cultures, with its Austrian past and Italian present echoing in its architecture, food and festivals. Amidst vineyard-clad valleys, Merano offers thermal baths, while Bressanone impresses with its medieval charm. The majestic Dolomites dominate the skyline, drawing trekkers and skiers alike. But it’s not just about sights; it’s a sensorial journey. One day you’re biting into knödel, the next, savouring a plate of tagliatelle. Factor in the region’s trilingual prowess – German, Italian and Ladin – and you find South Tyrol isn’t just a place; it’s an experience.

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