In the northern landscape of Italy’s South Tyrol sits one of the world’s most unique hotel experiences, so well designed to fit into the surrounding landscape that you may miss it upon first glance.
OLM Nature Escape, a multi-award-winning Aparthotel concept, not only fully integrates with the surrounding land, but is a hotel built and run by a dedicated team eager to push the boundaries of possibilities in self-sustainable hospitality.
In just one year, the team at OLM has garnered both regional and global attention with their boldly executed vision.
If the beauty of the Ahrntal/Valle Aurina is not enough of a reason to plan a trip here, this stay may change your mind.
We were thrilled to stay on-site for a few days to discover what this entirely self-sustaining urban lifestyle hotel holds. Read on for an in-depth look through our Editorial Director’s first-hand experience at OLM.
Rooms
33 self-contained units, most with a kitchenette and many with a private Finnish sauna and standalone bathtub await visitors to OLM. Beds all face outwards to glass frontage, meaning panoramic views of the Ahrn Valley or the natural pool within the center.
Aparthotel rooms are clad entirely in warm larch wood, and natural materials are used throughout, accented by small touches like a fresh bowl of local apples upon arrival.
Each unit also features an outdoor terrace, with seating and a swing, whilst there are dedicated spaces for yoga, remote work, and relaxation in each apartment too.
This is hotel “apartment” living like you’ve never experienced before.
Design
OLM was designed and developed by the local South Tyrolean firm, Andreas Gruber Architects, deliberate in its goal to organically emerge from the valley as a carbon-neutral, green-electricity generating lifestyle hotel. The circular design may look futuristic at first glance but is quickly absorbed into its organically derived design elements.
33 modern-farmhouse style units encircle a central courtyard, with a breathtaking focal point: a natural swimming pool surrounding the indoor-outdoor infinity pool.
Certainly, an intimate connection to self cannot be ignored in a place where nature rules.
Locally sourced sustainable wood is at the center of the design of OLM, a nod to the characteristic farming origins in the valley, and floor-to-ceiling windows breathe life throughout. Next door, the gentle lull of cowbells.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of what drives OLM owner Christian Lechner. And his OLM Eco Aparthotel is the first in South Tyrol to have achieved total energy independence.
The property generates all of its own power needs (in fact, a surplus) from renewable sources, including hydroelectric, photovoltaic solar, and geothermal technology, eliminating reliance on the mostly fossil fuel-powered mains grid.
Food & Drink
If the hotel’s design concept was not innovative enough, OLM has pioneered a culinary concept whereby guests can choose between cooking in their apartment kitchen or onsite dining, providing a flexible and relaxed environment for each guest to tailor their stay.
Head chef is South Tyrol native Berni Aichner, who served for many years as sous-chef to three Michelin-starred Norbert Niederkofler.
A kind and passionate chef with intimate knowledge of how to craft the valley’s produce into an elevated art form, Aichner graciously spared some time to walk me through the garden and little farm ground on the property, breaking off a sprig of rosemary to take in its rich fragrance; pointing over to some of the animals raised right on the grounds.
This stewardship for the land and care for ingredients is unmistakably translated into the on-site restaurant, Prenn°. OLM Dinner, a local night featuring dishes crafted to showcase the region’s bounty, is a particularly special treat, but any lunch or dinner here is truly a breath of fresh air amidst the surrounding traditional Austro-Italian fare.
Don’t feel like dinner out? Then tap into the hotel’s apartment-style cooking concept and prepare a meal in your room’s kitchen with the OLM Shop’s local and organic market ingredients. The freedom to cook at home or eat out is a travel luxury in itself, especially if traveling for work.
Along with carefully selecting ingredients in the shop and restaurant, Aichner and his team offer a locally sourced breakfast each morning. This comprises freshly baked Tyrolean bread, homemade muesli and organic, free-range eggs from South Tyrolean producers. All jams, honey, spreads, cakes and pastries are locally and organically produced.
OLM has a well-stocked wine offering too, with around 60 local, consciously-selected labels available. Natural, organic and biodynamic wines ensure that even here, OLM’s footprint is as small as can be.
Spa & Wellness
If an in-room traditional Finnish sauna is not enough, then OLM’s onsite Eco Spa is beyond a self-care luxury. Along with the natural outdoor bathing pool, there’s a heated indoor pool connected to the heated outdoor pool.
The spa circuit is first class. Relax in one of the saunas (our favorite was the sauna with views across the pool to the mountain backdrop), then rotate between the steam room, cold water walking path, and relaxation room.
Book a spa treatment of your choice for a complete rejuvenation vacation.
Activities
South Tyrol is known fondly as the ‘valley of 1,000 possibilities’, and the landscape is undoubtedly set up for year-round outdoor adventure. OLM expertly facilitates these for guests. It is possible to hire e-bikes to explore the area, and the staff are simply some of the most genuine and helpful people eager to help you explore this beautiful home.
There are more than 400 kilometers of hiking and biking trails, and winter visitors can hit the slopes of nearby Skiworld Ahrntal or embark on snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures. Cable cars and narrow-gauge railways offer panoramic views of the Dolomites, and summer brings white water rafting out of the nearby Campo Tures/Sand in Taufers.
Special thanks to the OLM team of warm-hearted, exceptional professionals and stand-out hospitality members Laura, Enid, and Dagi, and to Berni Aichner for taking the time to share about his beautiful culinary project come to life.
Check out OLM Nature Escape for yourself:
Website: olm.it
Address: Via Unterwalburgen, 21, 39032 Campo Tures BZ, Italy
Email: info@olm.it
Phone: +39 0474 430900
Instagram: @olm_nature.escape
