Amy McPherson enjoys a stay at Felder Alpin Lodge, an exclusive luxury lodge in the Dolomites.
The Italian Dolomites make a mesmerising picture, and many are lured by images of silvery peaks protruding from lush green meadows in summer, and the blanket of white offering snow adventures in winter.
It is, as it should be, a very popular destination, but in a world where mass tourism has somewhat made beautiful destinations undesirable, where good experiences can be distorted by traffic and crowds, I found myself basking in the glorious views of the mountains from a private little heaven that is Felder Alpin Lodge.
Nothing quite says luxury than the word ‘exclusive’, and this is what Felder Alpin Lodge is offering luxury travellers to the Dolomites. Your own exclusive corner of the mountains.
Perched on a small hill in the village of Villanders in the Eisack Valley in South Tyrol, accessed by winding mountain roads that turns into a narrow gravel access road before reaching the lodge, this is where you could hide away from the world when you really wanted to. The location is perfectly quiet and yet, still within proximity of all the adventures that the Dolomites have to offer.
I had arrived late in the night and as the taxi pulled up the gravel driveway, the proprietor of the property, Claudia Rier, greeted me with an embrace. “Welcome! You must be tired, time for some wine and dinner?”
And such was the genuine friendliness I experienced in the next two days of my stay that I can only associate with those who are so passionate about what they do.
Passion, is key when it comes to living and breathing the mountains. “I am a proud South Tyrolean,” said Claudia, as she began to uncork a bottle of local South Tyrolean wine. “I think, it’s very common if you ask people here who they are, they’ll tell you they are South Tyrolean first, Italian second.”
“Everything we offer here, we want to show you the best of the region. From the wines to the activities, everything is about South Tyrol, everything has a story!”
We listened as Claudia told us about the story of the man with a fascination about Greek culture who decided to make Greek wines in the Dolomites. Then we are told of the story of the traditional whip cracking communication method used by remote farming communities when telephones and internet did not exist.
“So apparently there is a ‘whipping’ party nearby tonight!” We laughed. “But no, no, it’s not what you think.”
Claudia, and her business partners Tom Erlacher (the owner) and Matthias Hofer had thought a lot about what they wanted this property to be, and their passion about their part of the Italian Dolomites is evident in the full experience.
Architecturally, it is a stunning property. A recreation of a traditional mountain farmhouse exterior, its foundation dates back to the 11th century, with subtle blending of modern designs and comforts within. Three generous sized double bedrooms can accommodate up to six people and the property has a sauna and relaxation space, a plunge pool that looks out to the mountains, outdoor and indoor dining areas, a fully furnished kitchen that comes with a private chef and a cosy reading or chillout area for some ‘me’ time.
Did I mention the private chef?
Elena Vian has worked in restaurants in Italy, France, the US and Australia. Trained in haut-cuisine, she decided to come back to her mountain roots for a better lifestyle.
“I like being back in the mountains,” she said, as we relaxed around her the next morning enjoying a breakfast that she had been preparing since dawn. “The big kitchens are exciting, but here, I am less stressed and I can cook the way I want.”
As we feasted on fresh berries, cured meats, muesli and eggs made to our taste, she busied herself in the kitchen making fresh breads and focaccias for our packed lunch to go. As part of the experience staying at Felder Alpin, guests can also choose to spend an afternoon on a cooking class with Elena, but today, we head out with Matthias to enjoy one of the most exciting (for me, personally) activities in the Dolomites: the via ferrata at Passo Sella, a popular mountain pass with surreal postcard perfect Dolomites view.
Being a professional mountain guide, Matthias knows every corner of the Dolomites. As we hiked and climbed, he pointed to the valleys and peaks that surrounded us, giving us a sense of just how far and high we’ve gone.
As part of the stay in Felder Alpin, the guests have access to a private concierge who can arrange activities as desired. Via Ferrata is just one of the many options, among which are helicopter rides and transfers, cycling tours, hiking tours, horse riding, wine tasting and tours, and of course, various snow sports in winter.
“Whatever the taste and adventures our guests want,” said Claudia. “We will create the Dolomites experience you want.”
A day out in the mountains is tiring work, and coming back to Felder’s welcoming doors is like having my own home in the mountains. As we showered and had some time to relax in the garden, Elena was working her magic in the kitchen. Bottles of wines were already being uncorked and soon, we sat around the dining table once again to be treated to some haut-cuisine with a touch of heart.
Having a private lodge to yourself, where everything is catered and tailored for, is a luxurious experience. At the same time, staying at Felder is like staying at friends’ place. It’s people like Claudia, Elena and Matthias that makes the journey memorable, and I guess, is what makes staying at Felder more special, than say, staying in a big resort.
All hotel images (C) Felder Alpin Lodge. SkyAlps aircraft (C) zulupictures
Tell Me More About Felder Alpin Lodge
Felder Alpin Lodge Oberland, 19, 39040 Villandro BZ, Italy
T: +39 335 847 4817 E: info@felder-alpin.com
The exclusive use of the lodge, privately catered for up to six people is from € 6,900.00 per day, with a minimum of three nights stay. Visit website for full list of services included.
Felder Alpin Lodge is approximately 45 minutes’ drive from Bolzano airport. Recommended transfer with Concierge Dolomites
FLY WITH Sky Alps from London Gatwick directly to Bolzano, the heart of the Dolomites. While the airline is small, the service is friendly and you’ll get a taste of South Tyrol as soon as you board, with complimentary wines from the region and the warm hearted welcome onboard. The landing and take off from Bolzano Airport is spectacular Flights from €184 per person one way from London to Bolzano.
