The Bite Magazine - Autumn/Winter 2019 - Issue 26

bite travel San Luis Hote l Snow Without the Ski at San Luis Retreat, Merano I t may be winter wonderland in South Tyrol this coming season but you won’t need your ski equipment when you visit San Luis, deemed a modern fairytale retreat. It’s the perfect winter destination for a snowy escape, but instead of ski slopes, you can ice skate on the frozen lake, snowshoe on the many enchanting trails or simply relax in an indoor-outdoor spa. The chill of the weather will have nothing on your enjoyment in this remarkable place. Guests will arrive through serpentine roads and dense forest to the peace of luxury treehouses and lakeside chalets built from local wood with a modern interior design of black slate, raw linen, glass walls, high beamed ceilings, open fires, and handmade furniture. Breakfast is served in your room, while lunch and dinner are served in the main clubhouse in front of a roaring fire. Even the spa blends perfectly into the land- scape, with hot-tubs sunk into the lake and natural therapies using local herbs and oils. San Luis is located in northern Italy, close to the Austrian bor- der, where this Alpine chic is ideal for those in search of tran- quility. It’s a place you could lose yourself, clear your mind, feed your soul, and be away from the troubles of this world. While you’re here, visit Knottnkino National Theatre, located between the villages of Avelengo and Verano, which has 30 cinema seats designed by artist Franz Messner for hikers to sit, reflect and enjoy the changing views of the valley below. With plenty of wonderful activities year-round in the beau- tiful area of South Tyrol, you’ll find a diverse food and wine culture, thanks to its unique proximity to the Austrian and German border. The area boasts the highest concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants in Italy and the small Alto Adige wine region fosters over 20 grape varieties. www.sanluis-hotel.com Images courtesy of Ann Scott Associates