DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat Review: Alps’ Best-Kept Secret

DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat is a wellness lodge in Val Venosta (Vinschgau), South Tyrol, that for my part comes remarkably near perfection. 

Whereas this family-run property makes a superb base for exploring Vinschgau and close by Lake Reschensee, the actual draw is the lodge itself. DAS GERSTL isn’t only a place to remain; it’s a vacation spot.

With its in depth wellness amenities, scrumptious half-board eating, and a full program of actions, each indoors and outdoor, your expertise doesn’t rely on the climate. Rain or shine, a keep at DAS GERSTL is certain to be distinctive.

As when you wanted another excuse to fall in love with this lodge, DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat can also be deeply environmentally aware. Sustainability and regional duty are on the coronary heart of its operations, from sourcing merchandise regionally, to accountable water administration and lowered power consumption supported by the lodge’s personal photovoltaic system. Efforts to attenuate packaging and plastic additional underscore its dedication to lowering waste.

Right here’s why DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat, a member of Vitalpina® Motels Südtirol, needs to be your subsequent getaway within the Italian Alps.

Execs and Cons of Staying in DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat

The Location

The DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat sits at 1,500 meters above sea degree, perched excessive above the village of Burgeis (Burgusio) in Higher Val Venosta. Set alongside the identical winding street that results in Kloster Marienberg (Convento Monte Maria), the lodge enjoys a secluded mountainside place overlooking the Ortler Alps.

A lot of the pleasure of staying at DAS GERSTL lies in merely taking within the panorama, an unbroken sweep of snow-capped peaks rising above 3,000 meters. This view is ever-present, whether or not from the terrace, the infinity swimming pools, the eating room, or the visitor rooms. 

As tempting as it’s to stay inside the lodge’s cocoon, the encompassing space provides lots to discover. Highlights embody Lake Reschensee (Lago di Resia) with its sunken tower, essentially the most iconic landmark of Val Venosta.

Throughout our winter keep in DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat, we hiked from Kopferbrücke in Rojental Valley to Reschner Alm, a managed alpine pasture hut overlooking Lake Reschensee. We had deliberate to ski on our second day, however the climate hindered our plans. 

Skiers are effectively positioned, with a number of close by areas to select from: Erlebnisberg Watles (14.5 km of slopes), the Schöneben Ski Space (65 km of slopes), and Sulden am Ortler (44 km of slopes). Simply throughout the border in Austria, Nauders provides an additional 75 km of runs.

For these touring with out a automotive, the lodge makes entry straightforward with a each day complimentary ski shuttle to Watles and a three-times-weekly service to Schöneben (accessible for a further charge).

Past snowboarding, visitors can be part of guided winter hikes and snowshoe excursions a number of occasions every week, led by the lodge’s in-house guides. These outings are complimentary and embody transportation in addition to gear comparable to snowshoes and climbing poles.

When you choose to discover independently, you’ll discover loads of inspiration within the sources and binders crammed with tour concepts for each season, positioned beside the reception.

Instantly from the lodge, hikers may stroll to Schliniger Alm in addition to Kloster Marineberg (Abbey of Monte Maria). 

Wellness Space

The spotlight of staying in DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat is its expansive 858 m² wellness space.

The 17-meter indoor infinity pool, seamlessly linked to a heated out of doors whirlpool, feels cinematic, worthy of a scene in The White Lotus. With unobstructed views of the Ortler Alps, it feels as if you’re swimming straight towards the peaks. 

Fully separate, a second heated out of doors infinity pool is encircled by a terrace, providing equally placing vistas. Each swimming pools open early, inviting visitors to take a morning swim earlier than a bountiful breakfast.

The expansive sauna zone, which opens at 11 am, options 7 saunas, 5 indoor rest rooms, a tea bar and lounge, an out of doors whirlpool, an indoor whirlpool, a chilly plunge pool, and an out of doors terrace and backyard. 

The 85°C panoramic sauna is especially placing, because of its sweeping mountain views and spaciousness. Right here, sauna masters lead two to 3 each day infusion rituals, every with its personal theme. I particularly loved the Celtic and Style of France periods, elevated by thematic music and, after all, important oils.

Good to know | Company can benefit from the wellness space till 3 pm on their day of departure at no additional cost. 

Eating & R30 Philosophy 

The Gerstl household is dedicated to sourcing components regionally from South Tyrol’s Vinschgau area, supporting environmentally aware producers and lowering their ecological footprint, since shorter transportation routes imply decrease emissions. To focus on their dedication to native produce and seasonality, all merchandise sourced inside 30 km carry the R30 seal. 

When you’re inquisitive about DAS GERSTL’s suppliers, you’ll be able to choose up an R30 brochure at reception, which particulars all of their native companions. It’s also possible to buy your favourite R30 merchandise from the lodge store: Gerstl’s Stoankeller. 

Breakfast (7:30 – 11 am), a day snack (2 – 4:30 pm), and dinner (6:30 – 9 pm) are all included within the fee. The bistro is open between 12:30 pm and 4 pm for lunch (additional cost). 

Particular Diets & Intolerances | Company with gluten or lactose intolerances are absolutely accommodated, supplied the lodge is knowledgeable upfront. Vegetarian choices are available and require no prior discover. Vegan choices are additionally supplied, although they carry a further charge, as they fall outdoors the lodge’s R30 philosophy.

Breakfast

Breakfast lovers will probably be delighted by the beneficiant and complete choices at DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat.

The breakfast buffet is a formidable unfold, with nearly every thing you can want for. Many gadgets carry the R30 seal, alongside in-house specialties like jams, juices, ham, and salami. Germans and Austrians will probably be in heaven simply trying on the bread varieties.

The made-to-order breakfast menu contains eggs cooked any type, crepes, and each day specials. The French toast particular was significantly delectable. Menu gadgets made with R30 components are clearly highlighted in daring.

Espresso drinks and freshly squeezed orange juice are served to the desk. 

Good to know | In contrast to dinner, breakfast is open seating, so be sure you seize a coveted window-side desk.

Afternoon Snack 

From 2 to 4:30 pm, visitors can get pleasure from a collection of savory and candy snacks from the Genussecke, all complimentary. The savory choices embody soup, vegetable strudel, salami, cheese, and recent bread.

The candy choice options an array of selfmade desserts that style as pleasant as they give the impression of being. The eagerness fruit cake, particularly, was heavenly.

On sunny days, snacks could be savored on the terrace with a view. In any other case, you’ll be able to get pleasure from your snack within the bistro space. 

Dinner

With themed evenings all through the week, dinner at all times feels assorted and interesting.

On our first night on the lodge, the theme was “Gerstl’s Kitchen Celebration.” For every course, visitors stroll into the kitchen to choose up their chosen dish from one among a number of stations. It’s a enjoyable and interactive expertise, because you get to look at the cooks put the ending touches on every plate. Aside from the principle dish, which had three choices (vegetarian, fish, meat), all of the programs have been vegetarian. 

We additionally skilled the connoisseur gala dinner, a multi-course tasting menu, and an Italian-themed night that includes dishes impressed by Sicily, Tuscany, and South Tyrol.

In lots of motels, half-board eating can turn into repetitive after just a few nights. At Das Gerstl, nonetheless, it’s one thing to stay up for, as every night brings one thing new. 

As a result of DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat goes above and past for its visitors, it additionally provides a collection of cheeses and selfmade ice cream, accessible alongside the featured dessert of the night.

Lounge & Bar 

The lodge’s marble bar & lounge is a heat, inviting house, a lot beloved by visitors. The bar itself is crafted from pure marble sourced from Lasa in Val Venosta.

It’s the proper spot to get pleasure from an aperitivo earlier than dinner, or espresso at any time of day. The cocktail menu options signature drinks made with the GERSTL Gin, developed particularly for the lodge by the SECCI distillery in Malles. 

At check-in, every visitor receives a welcome drink voucher, redeemable for any drink of their selection. 

The Rooms

There’s a huge collection of rooms and suites in varied sizes, every providing totally different facilities, together with choices with personal saunas, whirlpools, and even an unique suite that includes its personal infinity pool and backyard.

All rooms characteristic balconies with panoramic views of the Ortler Alps, together with minibars (stocked on request), safes, and TVs. I particularly appreciated the espresso maker with Alps Espresso pads and the kettle paired with three forms of South Tyrolean Kräuter Rebellen teas. Every room additionally contains considerate extras like a sizzling water bottle and a climbing backpack, excellent for an lively keep.

In step with the lodge’s R30 philosophy, bogs are stocked with Gerstl’s very personal R30 beauty line together with cleaning soap, bathe gel & shampoo, conditioner, and physique lotion, developed by Marion Gerstl – the host’s sister – in collaboration with pharmacist Dr. Martina Garber. These merchandise are constituted of native mountain herbs, minerals, and spring water. 

Exercise Program 

One other perk of staying in DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat is their assorted exercise program. Every week, visitors can register at no additional cost for a wide range of actions together with a mixture of:

Yoga

Pilates

Health coaching (purposeful coaching, fascia rolling, aquagym)

Forest bathing 

Guided hikes all-year-round 

Guided e-bike excursions in summer time 

Particular early morning sauna infusions just like the Cocoa ceremony 

Service and Workers

All through the lodge, we loved constantly heat {and professional} interactions with the employees. The reception workforce was particularly useful, and the eating employees have been polished and attentive. We additionally appreciated being personally escorted to our room after check-in. All in all, Das Gerstl is run by a really distinctive workforce.

Early Examine-in | If you wish to use the wellness space in your day of arrival earlier than the official check-in time (3 pm), you are able to do so for an additional charge (18 EUR throughout our keep).

Late Examine-out | After check-out (11 am) in your day of departure, you should utilize the spa amenities till 3 pm. Company may benefit from the complimentary afternoon snack. Do you have to like to increase your keep into the night, additional cost applies (18 EUR throughout our keep).

Gerstl’s Stoankeller | This temperature-controlled store options R30 merchandise on the market. You should purchase native honey, tea, jam, speck, and extra. 

Climbing Tools | Company can borrow climbing backpacks (supplied in your room), in addition to climbing poles and snowshoes, all at no additional cost.

E-bikes | Company can lease trendy e-bikes (additional cost) from the lodge immediately. When you have your personal e-bike, you should utilize the charging stations (additional cost).

Ski/Bike Storage | Company can retailer their ski or bike gear within the storage room.

Vitalpina® Motels Südtirol High quality Assure

Das Gerstl Alpine Retreat is a member of Vitalpina® Motels Südtirol, a group of 30 family-run motels in South Tyrol, united by shared values of sustainability, high-quality regional delicacies, gradual journey, wellness, and nature. Each host goals to attach visitors with their area and a extra aware way of life. 

Staying at a Vitalpina lodge means selecting a verified high-quality lodging that absolutely immerses you within the South Tyrolean mountains. Company get pleasure from help for out of doors actions, together with gear rental, guided hikes, and maps; healthful meals made with regionally and regionally sourced components; and thoughtfully designed wellness choices, from spa remedies and sauna infusions to bespoke packages.

We love the model as a result of every lodge is embedded in nature, permitting visitors to step outdoors and instantly join with the gorgeous outdoor. 

Extra Vitalpina® Motels Südtirol:

This assessment was created in collaboration with Vitalpina® Motels Südtirol. All opinions, experiences, and impressions expressed are totally my very own.

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