Where silence, design, and authenticity meet in the heart of the Alps.

1. Ansitz Steinbock – Villandro/Villanders, South Tyrol

In the small village of Villandro, a 15th-century noble residence has been transformed into an elegant hideaway that feels like time itself slowed down. South Tyrol boasts a number of these 'Ansitz', which in principle means (noble) residency, mostly belonging to knights or similar land-owning families of the nobility. Needless to say, these places inherited an almost natural 'genius loci', the spirit of the place, or a very unique and authentic feeling that new hotels, however stylish the might be, can't replicate.
 

Ansitz Steinbock combines centuries-old wood beams and stone walls with serene contemporary interiors and one of South Tyrol’s most refined restaurants - which means quite something, as there are many top-quality restaurants in this part of the Alps.

A few suites overlook vineyards rolling down to the valley; others open to the quiet shhhh of the mountain air.

Mont-e-Val note: Ask for a corner suite and book the tasting menu — it’s a love letter to the region, paired with local wines from hidden estates.

2. Aurelio Luxury Chalet – Lech, Arlberg, Tyrol

Admittedly, 'simplicity' is not what characterizes these 5-star+ chalets, tucked away in one of the most famous ski resorts of Europe: Interiors boast the fines materials and luxury is an obvious companion in every corner. However, this top-of-the-rank feeling of quality never feels 'too much' or superficial. It just blends perfectly with the overall philosophy of the place and the Lech ski resort in general. With panoramic windows, a cedar-wood sauna, and an open fireplace, Aurelio Chalet is designed for couples seeking absolute retreat - in the truest sense of the word.

Breakfast is served in silence — just birdsong (in summer) or the sound of silence in winter - and the crackle of the fire.

What makes this special?

The answer would be - everything. Where to even start? The location? The quality of the ski resort if you are visiting in winter? The air?

Some facts, even though we believe that 'facts' can't really describe the aura this place is offering to its lucky residents: How about, in general, luxurious privacy, with a private chef (great choice - but also a difficult one, given that Lech boasts more award-winning restaurants per 1,000 capita than anywhere else in Europe).

Access to the 5-star + hotel amenities? This includes also a dedicated spa area with an 18-meter indoor pool, private cinemas, libraries, and personalized butler services. Did we forget anything? Hm, the ski instructors, but that would be a different story.



3. Berliner Hütte, Zillertal, Tyrol

And now to something completely different - or not. We leave what is normally considered 'luxury', only to enter something that is - well, luxury, but of a different sort. This luxury is authenticity. Is acknowledging a spirit of pioneering. Is complete serenity, especially in the evenings, nights, and mornings.

Because this 'Hütte', or 'hut', actually a former refuge,  is much more than that: Originally built in the 19th century by the Berlin section of the German Alpine Association, it was meant to offer a shelter to mountaineers, but also from early on, a place for tourists from which they could enjoy the high alpine region, and specifically the glaciers (which, when the refuge was built, descended well beyond this remarkable place). 

And because Berlin at that time was an imperial residency - this is reflected indoors: The main hall doesn't have anything to do with a 'hut' or a shelter, but carries clear imperial associations of greatness and 'can-do' attitude. Because whoever carried the chandelier into the very end of the Zillertal valley, and then uphill for hours to reach the glaciers - well, that person knew what 'can-do' means.

Rooms are cozy and pragmatic. Food is hearty. As is the service. But the true luxury is what we described above: When the day-travellers are gone, you have it for yourself: Serenity. The wind of the glaciers. The occassional whistle of an ibex or mountain goat, maybe the deep grawling noise of falling rocks in some majestic mountain wall. And that is luxury at its highest end.

4. Eriro, Ehrwald, Tyrol

Selecting 'five' special retreats in the Eastern Alps is never easy, as the supply of top-notch places is high, with many boasting unique character, luxury and style. However, a decision had to be made for this article, and since I did not want to do any scientific modelling, I just fell into a simple thing: personal bias.

Because this hotel, which in terms of size could also be a chalet, featuring a mere nine luxury suites, is located rather lonely abover the Ehrwald valley at 1,550m, just below the southern face of the Zugspitze, Germany's highest mountain - and I live just on the other side of the same mountain, which belongs to Bavaria, Germany. 

Nine suites, in a small luxurious hotel, some 400m above the equally small viallge of Ehrwald guarantee one thing: remoteness, serenity and luxury. In winter, you are in principle right nearby the skiing slope of Ehrwalds ski resort, while summer guests don't need a lot of hiking to feel and be right in alpine wonderland with mountain pastures, below inspiring summits of the Tyrolean alps.

While a lot could be said about this small and exclusive hideaway, I'd like to close this paragraph whith what the hosts are saying about Eriro, which I believe fits well to this hidden champion:

Eriro invites you to leave everything familiar behind and experience the mountain in its archaic originality.

5. Schloss Elmau, Bavarian Alps

This now is quite the opposite of a hidden champion: The Schloss Elmau was twice the host to the G7 Summit, in 2025 and then again in 2022. This is unique. However, while surely a proof that something must be quite alright with this jewel at the foot of the Wetterstein Range, it is not the reason why I have picked it for this small selection.

It is also not the fact that I know this one quite well, being located just 24 km from my place. I come here regularly, so far not for lodging, but to attend some of the fantastic concerts that are staged here normally a number of times each month, ranging from jazz to classic, and also including lectures of some famour people. I have seen Reinhold Messner here giving a talk.

But the true asset of this 5star+ "Luxury Spa & Cultural Hideaway" as it it named is a real strong 'feeling of the place'. The histrory of this place is truly unique: Early in the 20th century, it was a meeting place for philosophers and theologicans, who would gather in natural surroundings for classical concerts, dance evenings and lectures.

During the Nazi era, it was leased out and served as a recreation centre for soldiers on leave from the front, while after the war, injured US troops and survivors from concentration camps were brought here for recreation. Later it became again a hideaway for intellectuals, before being transformed into the luxury hideaway in 2005. And this history, the aura and truly fascinating personal histories of its visitors and guests lend this inspiring atmosphere to Schloss Elmau. 

At this point, we haven't even touched the James-Bond like sourroundings, the impeccable service. We also did not talk about what Merkel and Obama have discussed when this famous bench photo was shot. But then again, this is Mont-e-Val and not Politico. 

If you wish to wander where silence is curated and stays feel personal, Mont-e-Val will guide you there.