We love both the beach and the mountains, and usually visit the coast during the quiet spring or autumn months. But in summer, we head to the mountains. For us, pure relaxation means fresh air, stunning peaks, and rewarding hikes. We also love friendly faces, authentic hospitality, rich culture, and incredible food.
Are you looking for the perfect wellness getaway? The Villa Verde Aparthotel can give you just that. It sit in the beautiful Merano region of South Tyrol. Let me take you on a journey to trendy South Tyrol, Italy. Today, we are exploring a wonderful piece of paradise in Algund, near Merano. Enjoy reading my travel guide: Trendy South Tyrol -A Luxury Guide to Algund & Dorf Tirol.
TRENDY SOUTH TYROL
South Tyrol’s contrasts are absolutely fascinating. On one side, you have breathtaking alpine mountains. On the other side, you find palm trees, cypresses, almond trees, and vibrant flowers that feel just like the Italian Riviera.
In the Merano region, alpine charm meets the Mediterranean dolce vita lifestyle. It is an incredibly diverse destination. Here, old traditions blend with modern luxury. You will find simple mountain huts high in the peaks and stylish design hotels down in the valleys.
Right now, a young, innovative generation is reinventing the Merano region. These young South Tyroleans travel the world to learn new skills. Then, they return to their roots, bringing fresh, modern ideas back to their homeland.
PURE BLISS IN ALGUND, SOUTH TYROL: ITALY’S GARDEN VILLAGE
Algund is a beautiful garden village nestled in nature. Surrounded by apple orchards and vineyards, it is famous for its delicious local produce—especially apples, pears, and fine grapes. Here, you will find crisp mountain air, towering peaks, and a deeply relaxing atmosphere.The village beautifully blends modern architecture with rustic charm. Right in the heart of Algund, a striking, modern parish church rises above the countryside.
Top Things to Do in Algund
- Hike the Algund Waalweg: Walk along an ancient water channel that takes you all the way from Algund to Merano.
- Ride the Leiteralm Basket Lift: Head up the mountain and hike the famous Merano High Stock Trail (Meraner Höhenweg) at $1,500 m ($4,900 ft).
- Conquer the Texel Group: If you love a challenge, hike the winding trails of the Texel Group mountains up to $3,000 m ($9,800 ft).
- Explore South Tyrol’s oldest beer brewery, complete with a fantastic restaurant and traditional beer garden.
- Make Your Own Cheese: Check the schedule at the Algund Dairy (Algunder Sennerei) to join a fresh cheese-making workshop. Their local dairy products, especially the buttermilk, butter, and cheesee, are incredibly delicious.
UNWIND AT APARTHOTEL VILLA VERDE IN SOUTH TYROL
Nestled among scenic apple orchards, the family-run Aparthotel Villa Verde sits in Algund, just minutes from the historic spa town of Merano. We spent unforgettable summer days here. Even when the weather shifted from sunshine to rain, the temperatures stayed beautifully warm.
The hotel is owned and managed by a mother-daughter trio: Heidi, Judith, and Paula. They opened the property in April 2019, designing it with an eye for detail and a perfect mix of modern, natural, and vintage styles. The design seamlessly blends a sleek modern extension with a historic Art Nouveau villa dating back to 1908.
If you are looking for an exclusive apartment with a cozy, hygge vibe in the Merano region, I highly recommend Aparthotel Villa Verde.
BREAKFAST WITH A MOUNTAIN VIEW AT THE COFFEE HOUSE
Every morning, we take a short stroll through the stylishly landscaped gardens, passing the outdoor pool and natural swimming pond. We always look forward to the sensational breakfast buffet, which is packed with high-quality, local products.
Are you on Team Healthy & Delicious? We love breakfast bowls. We were thrilled by how many toppings we could mix and match every single day.
Or are you on Team Sweet Treat? You can grab fresh croissants with homemade jams, a rich house-made chocolate spread, or order freshly made pancakes and waffles.
If you are on Team Savory & Hearty, you will love the homemade spreads like fresh hummus and guacamole, alongside made-to-order egg dishes. Freshly squeezed juices and a large selection of premium teas and coffees round out the perfect morning.
AFTERNOON COFFEE AND EVENING APERITIVOS
The Coffee House stays open throughout the day:
- In the afternoon: Order coffee, tea, and homemade cakes to enjoy on the terrace or in one of the many cozy lounge areas.
- In the early evening: Drop by for a refreshing aperitivo before heading out to dinner.
WELLNESS AND HAPPINESS IN THE SPA
Summer days here are beautifully warm. After our morning hikes, we love spending the afternoon soaking up the sun by the pool. You can cool off in the refreshing natural swimming pond, or do what we did: float and swim laps in the heated infinity pool. The panoramic mountain views from the water are breathtaking.
Looking to soothe tired muscles after a long day of hiking? Head to the various saunas and steam baths.
Afterward, wrap yourself in a fluffy bathrobe and unwind in the relaxation rooms. The soothing colors, gentle sounds, and cozy daybeds—complete with plush pillows and warm blankets—create the ultimate peaceful atmosphere. For extra pampering, you can book a relaxing massage or beauty treatment at the salon.
COZY VIBES AND MOMENTS OF PURE BLISS
For our stay, we chose the spacious Apartment L Garden, which offers 75 m (about 800 ft) of living space. This beautifully designed apartment is incredibly cozy and offers plenty of room. It is perfect for couples, a girls’ getaway, or families traveling with kids.
We slept wonderfully and woke up completely refreshed in the two cozy bedrooms. They feature a clean, aesthetic design with plenty of warm wood elements. Having two stylish bathrooms also made our morning routine incredibly relaxed.
The large living room features a comfy couch that makes you feel right at home. It includes a sleek, modern kitchenette equipped with an induction stove, a dishwasher, and all the comforts you need to cook your own meals.
Outside, a large wooden terrace and private garden invite you to unwind. It is the perfect spot to spend your evenings enjoying local market finds and regional wine while taking in the breathtaking alpine glow. The rooms don’t just look stunning in photos; they feel genuinely welcoming and cozy. We wanted to move in permanently! A huge thank you to the Aparthotel Villa Verde team for an unforgettable stay.
WHERE TO EAT: FROM CASUAL PIZZA TO FINE DINING
We absolutely love South Tyrolean cuisine. It is authentic, regional, and incredibly delicious. You will find a wide variety of excellent restaurants and inns down in the valley, as well as cozy mountain huts serving hearty local dishes up in the hills. From pizza, pasta, and traditional dumplings (Knödel) to Michelin-starred fine dining, there is something for every palate.
Below, I am sharing my top insider restaurant recommendations for the best South Tyrolean specialties.
PRO TIP: Book your table at least 24 hours in advance. Otherwise, you face long wait times, or worse, missing out on a table entirely.
SOULFOOD IN SCHENNA (WITH LIDO BEACH CLUB)
“Soulfood” means exactly what it sounds like, comfort food for the soul! At Soulfood in Schenna, every single dish is crafted with the highest quality ingredients. They pay close attention to where their produce comes from and how it is prepared.
For instance, their pizza dough is made from stone-ground organic flour, and their gourmet burgers feature premium Wagyu or Galician beef. Don’t leave without trying their incredible homemade limoncello to finish your meal.
The atmosphere here is wonderfully relaxed, and the views are absolutely dreamy. Their large sun terrace is the perfect spot to unwind with great food, excellent wine, a gentle breeze, and a stunning panorama. We loved it so much that we ate here three times during our trip! On one of those nights, a spectacular thunderstorm even forced us to move the party indoors.
Family Fun at the Lido Schenna
Right below the restaurant, you will find the Lido (Schenna’s public outdoor pool area). It features a fun water slide and a relaxing whirlpool. It is a fantastic place to hang out, where you can play tennis, go bowling, or simply soak in the gorgeous mountain scenery.
FINE DINING IN SOUTH TYROL: CULINARIA IM FARMER KREUZ
A true highlight of our trip was our visit to Culinaria im Farmer Kreuz—a Michelin-starred restaurant offering world-class dining. Following a personal recommendation from Paula at the Aparthotel Villa Verde, we made our way to the charming village of Dorf Tirol.
With immense passion, chef Manfred Kofler conjured up one culinary masterpiece after another in his gourmet kitchen, earning the restaurant a well-deserved Michelin star. Manfred and his brother Stefan Kofler, a talented sommelier, successfully ran this fine-dining spot together.
Like many innovative young South Tyroleans, the brothers initially traveled across Europe to gather experience in top-tier gourmet temples before returning home to share their expertise. During our dinner, Stefan charmed us with his brilliant, perfectly paired wine recommendations.
⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE
Unfortunately, Culinaria im Farmer Kreuz has permanently closed its doors.
OUR EXQUISITE GOURMET TASTING MENU
After an adventurous drive up the narrow winding roads, we arrived at the restaurant, perched at an elevation of 900 meters (nearly 3,000 feet). Stefan personally welcomed us and led us to our table on the terrace. The panoramic view overlooking the Merano Valley was so breathtaking it nearly stole our breath away. Up here, the mountain air was slightly cooler than down in the valley, but still beautifully mild. As twilight began to fade, a relaxed, casual atmosphere set in.
We started our culinary journey with an array of exquisite finger foods and spoon appetizers:
- The Meat Selection: Savory alpine beef tartar alongside a rich goose liver pâté paired with almond brittle and sweet cherry.
- The Seafood Selection: Delicate Passeier Valley (Val Passiria) trout mousse with crisp cucumber and sour cream, topped with char caviar, marinated sardines, crunchy tapioca chips, and a smooth avocado cream.
THE STARTERS AND MAINS: A SYMPHONY OF FLAVORS
For our appetizer, we enjoyed rich tortelli pasta stuffed with tender veal and decadent truffle, served in a creamy carbonara emulsion with leek and a savory truffle jus. To pair with this, Stefan poured a glass of Oberberg Sauvignon Blanc from the nearby Kornell winery. Grown on the sun-drenched hillsides of Eppan, this brilliant local wine is wonderfully fruity and crisp with a hint of spice.
As twilight faded into the “blue hour,” the transition from day to night brought a new magic to the terrace. Sleek designer lamps lit up our table just in time for the main courses:
- From the Sea: A perfectly seared sea bass fillet paired with earthy celery, wild chanterelle mushrooms, smoky bacon, and a vibrant herb broth.
- From the Land: Succulent Presa of Iberico pork served alongside sweet corn, a crispy potato terrine, fresh beans, and a rich, smoky barbecue reduction.
THE GRAND FINALE: DESSERT UNDER A BLANKET OF STARS
By the time dessert arrived, night had fully fallen over the valley, transforming Merano into a glittering sea of lights below us.
We indulged in a decadent white Valrhona Ivoire chocolate mousse, served with caramelized peanuts, a refreshing cherry sorbet, and a hint of lemongrass. We also sampled a selection of artisanal blue cheeses refined by the famous local affineur, Hansi Baumgartner. This included the incredible Caroblú—a cheese aged with rum and bitter cocoa beans—paired with a golden sweet-wine jelly.
To round out this spectacular culinary journey, we finished with a rich, authentic Italian espresso from South Tyrol’s own Schreyögg coffee roastery (their premium Linea Exquisit Arabica-Robusta blend).
A Magical Summer Evening to Remember
This warm summer night was the definition of absolute luxury. Spending it with loved ones, enjoying deep conversations, and sharing exquisite food and world-class wine was the perfect, unforgettable ending to our summer holiday. We truly had a magical evening. A huge thank you to the team for making our night so special.
🚶♂️ INSIDER TIP FOR HIKERS
While the restaurant is now closed, this stunning spot sits right along the famous Herrschaftsweg trail. It used to be a favorite stop for hikers looking to trade their boots for a casual, high-end lunch. If you are planning a hiking itinerary through Dorf Tirol, the panoramic views along this specific path are still absolutely worth the trek!
BEST DAY TRIPS AND ACTIVITIES AROUND MERANO
Looking to explore beyond the hotel? The region around Algund and Merano is packed with incredible outdoor adventures, historic landmarks, and cultural highlights. Here are the best things to add to your South Tyrol itinerary:
- Hike the Algund Waalweg (Algund Waterway Trail): A gentle, sun-drenched walk along ancient irrigation channels offering gorgeous views of vineyards and orchards.
- Stroll the Tappeinerweg Promenade: One of Europe’s most famous alpine-mediterranean promenades, featuring stunning panoramic views over the rooftops of Merano.
- Conquer the Meraner Höhenweg (Merano High Stock Trail): A legendary multi-day trekking route. You can easily do a single-day segment for epic mountain scenery.
- Ride the Vellau & Leiteralm Chairlift: Step back in time with a ride in the iconic vintage basket lift. It takes you straight up to great trailhead locations at 1,500 m (4,900 ft).
- Explore Schloss Tirol (Tyrol Castle): Discover the historic birthplace of the entire Tyrol region, which now houses an excellent cultural museum.
- Visit the Gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle: A spectacular, world-famous botanical garden showcasing exotic plants, themed pavilions, and stunning views.
- Relax at the Kränzelhof Estate: A beautiful, historic winery featuring enchanting labyrinth gardens and local art exhibitions.
- See the Partschins Waterfall: Marvel at the largest and most impressive waterfall in South Tyrol, dropping over 97 m (318 ft).
- Play Miniature Golf in Algund: A fun, casual activity located right in the heart of the village—perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
- Book a guided Merano Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting*.
Buon viaggio, e alla prossima!
Susan
Tried out this tip yet? Drop a comment below and let me know! Don’t forget to tag your pic on Instagram with @labsalliebe and use #labsalliebe. I won’t miss it and will leave you some love in the comments too. Can’t wait to see what you create!