Snow Without the Ski at San Luis Retreat, Merano

A modern fairy-tale retreat, San Luis located in South Tyrol is a property like no other. The perfect winter destination for a snowy escape without the ski. Instead, ice skate on the frozen lake, snowshoe on the many enchanting trails or simply relax in indoor-outdoor spa.

At San Luis, guests arrive through serpentine roads and dense forest to the peace of luxury treehouses and lakeside chalets built from local wood with a modern interior design – black slate, raw linen, glass walls, high beamed ceilings, open fires and handmade furniture. Breakfast is served in your room and lunch and dinner are served in the main clubhouse in front of a roaring fire.

Even the spa at San Luis blends perfectly into the landscape, with open fireplaces, an inside-outside pool, hot-tubs sunk into the lake and natural therapies using local herbs and oils.

Located in Northern Italy, close to the Austrian border, this is Alpine chic for those in search of tranquillity. You can lose yourself here, clear your mind and feed your soul.

For something a little different, visit the Knottnkino Natural Theatre, located between the villages of Avelengo and Verano, 30 cinema seats designed by artist Franz Messner are positioned for hikers to sit, reflect and enjoy the changing views of the valley below.

The beautiful area of South Tyrol has some wonderful activities year-round and a diverse food and wine culture, thanks to its unique proximity to the Austrian and German border. Boasting the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and the small Alto Adige wine region which fosters over 20 grape varieties.