Six Minimalist Alpine Hotels

Choreographical design headlines at these hotels of 'Less is More' in the Alps. Traditions of yore tell of lodens, checks, stags heads and dark woods. And while this is a veritable style feast, sometimes keeping an uncomplicated narrative can be more harmonious within its surroundings, creating drama from the lineal beauty of natural materials and textiles. For example, natural blond timers can be set with style against refined alpine fabrics, handmade furnishings, artworks, aged ceramic tiles and the odd antique. These elements are cast amidst the minimal and root the place into the Alps by keeping the design dialogue as simple as it gets. Admire these pure beauties that dance in the uncluttered lane of style.

Tempel 74, Austria

Strikingly modern design and humble heritage are the trademarks of these holiday apartments in the heart of the Mellau-Damüls ski region, just 500m to the ski lifts. Centuries-old alpine craftsmanship marries sharp standout architecture – folksy Bregenzerwald style of traditional diamond-shape windows, native spruce shingles and alpine shutters. Inside, the interiors are muted in the comfort of timbers framing an epic sight of the village, the meadows or the mountain peaks.

Hotel Milla Montis, Italy

A showstopper of a hotel located at 1415 metres above sea level in Maranza (Meransen), South Tyrol, created by Peter Pichler Architecture, takes its cue from the Dolomites panorama that surrounds it and the local vernacular architecture of the humble wooden barn. Although distinctively steering sharply away from alpine traditions of gabled houses and folksy interiors, the soft structure sits in harmony with the canvas of mountain peaks. Step inside to a clear, minimal eccentricity that pays homage to the view through intelligent design. 

Mesmerhaus, Austria

Minimalist interiors are concealed by the gabled heritage of this 150-year-old house of three holiday apartments which frame fabulous views across the Rhein Valley and distant Lake Constance. Located in Bildstein opposite the village church, it comes as no surprise to learn that this house was home to the Sexton. Pristine white interiors, charcoal grey and pockets of cardinal red nurture the elementary textures of spruce, oak planking, blackened steel and thick felts. The effect is alpine purism - complemented by precise architectural detailing; full-length doorways, wood-burning stoves, lacquered finishes, designer mood lighting and commissioned carpentry.

Bühelwirt, Italy

Cast in a dramatic silhouette in blackened larch wood, eco-conscious and fully organic, this timbered design bastion by architects Alexander and Armin Pedevilla sits in the beauty of Italy’s stunning Valle Aurina (Ahrntal). The contemporary interiors create a retreat with timber-clad rooms of pure design simplicity, offset with putty greys, copper lighting and the soft warmth of ancient Ladin cloth in earthy greens. 

Anders Mountain Suites, Italy

At 1850 metres, this pioneering conversion of sweet minimalist charisma in Bressanone (Brixen) South Tyrol, creates a concept-driven stay of design immersed in the mist-swirled mountain scenery of the Italian Dolomites. A low-lying minimalist profile, smoothly sculptural: tree trunk meets chiselled construct. Interiors feel wildly open and brave – panoramic windows allowing the ever-changing weather to sweep over the snow-dusted peaks, yet the use of smooth, brushed spruce wood and a roaring fire cushions its inner spaces. Sheer cinematic polish. 

ATTO Suites, Italy

An architectural-statement, this minimalist hideaway in the Dolomites is the perfect basecamp for those who appreciate design, food, comfort and doorstep nature.