Magdalener Hof

Bold, fun and casual, it’s hard to believe that Magdalener Hof was once a mere rustic barn. Affectionately known simply as ‘Magda’, personality flows from this mountainous bolthole of style. Famed for its lively restaurant scene, al-fresco dining in the beautiful gardens and terraces, and not forgetting the fabulous pool - it is no wonder that this is a popular hotspot just on the edge of downtown Bolzano.  

When the land was bequeathed to owner Jakob Ramoser’s father in 1978 by his mother, her only request was that he build something he loved. A passionate cook, Magdalener Hof was originally created as a restaurant with rooms.

Now on the third family generation, Jakob Ramoser has set about an ambitious programme of refurbishment – he is a hip creative innovator and has brought a new sheen of chic style and playfulness to this corner of northern Italy. Merging the best of Tyrolean heritage with a new minimalist design template, the hotel is a cosy hug of Alpine loveliness overlaid by clean urban lines and flecks of fun. Inside, wood-beamed ceilings hint at its altitudinous DNA; and cutesy overflowing flowerpots and flourishes of handcrafted Bolzano lace contrast with raw timbers. New contemporary touches come in the form of deep pile sofas in shades of dark chocolate, parked by angular side tables, topped with fashion photo books. 

Owner Jakob Ramoser has injected his nomadic styling aesthetic into the concept; think clubhouse velvet with a classy New Yorker Martini bar - fun, casual and atmospheric. Alongside CK Architects based in Meran, the space is framed in smoked oak woods, anthracite flooring, moody plum, graphite greys and cool partner, petrol blue. Jaime Haydon designed the bar loungers and armchairs from Wittman, and the dining chairs 'ONA' are from Freifrau.

Brother, Bastian Ramoser, has adorned the walls with nostalgic sepia collages of Bolzano life sourced from his gallery.

Accommodation is pared-back and unusually spacious, the bedrooms, some sporting cute little balconettes, are monochromatic with steely glimmers of mother-of-pearl grey. The huge windows let in streams of light and allow you to daydream over the patchwork of green that makes up your private view onto the jade mountains, old churches and flower-strewn valleys that circle it. Bathrooms are sparkling white modern affairs, with chunky wooden vanity units with generous helpings of luxurious Italian hemp oil skin products.

Down a stone-stepped pathway that cuts through the lawn, a curved swimming pool awaits for afternoon chill time, with the all-hours cocktail bar and dapper pool boys creating a party scene for those that want it. Equally, staring at the mountains might be as active as you’d like to be at the cool new kid on the Dolomite block.

Madga’s bedrooms are a soothing palette of white linen, steel-grey throws and polished pine flooring. Welcoming touches include fresh fruit and a silver platter with a decanter of local wine. The huge windows let in streams of light and allow you to daydream over the patchwork of green that makes up your private view onto the jade mountains, old churches and flower-strewn valleys that circle it.

Bathrooms are sparkling white modern affairs, with chunky wooden vanity units with generous helpings of luxurious Italian hemp oil skin products.

Some rooms come with bijou balconettes which facilitate further gazing at the view. On one side is nestled a cosy, cushioned seat-for-two, perfect for morning coffee or a cold drink as the sun sinks behind the mountains and anticipation for the evening grows.

Hotspot of Bolzano, Magdalener Hof has refurbished its popular hotel restaurant under the motto of seductive luxe. The dining and bar lounge zones have all had a style facelift and make for a cool refuge on the outskirts of city life. The bar exposes its chunky heritage beams, and the restaurant spills over to the suntrap terraces (where you can also take breakfast).

The food here is always a reason to have fun; hence the vibe in the evening is always lively and insanely popular. Homemade pasta pitches alongside fresh lobster, steaks, and vegetable feasts, bringing the flavours of Italy, the Mediterranean, and the Alps to the table. After dinner, descend to the cavernous Lounge Bar where a dimly lit cellar has been transformed into a perfect spot for one more drink, or maybe two.

Those that enjoy activity on holiday are in for a treat. Magdalener Hof took a clever design decision to renovate the fusty meeting room into a state-of-the-art gym. For fitness fanatics, the gleaming equipment from Life Fitness is a dream come true or for anyone keen to work off too many strudels. Poolside, weekly yoga classes are a rejuvenating way to inhale fresh mountain air whilst perfecting your sun salutations.

Located in the posh suburbs of Bolzano (Bozen), close to the buzz of city life, the hotel sits cradled between the awe of the Dolomites and downtown. There are several National Parks within walking distance of Magdalener Hof for those wanting to get up close to nature. The steep-sided walls of Runkelstein Castle built on a rocky outcrop in 1237 make a worthwhile day trip. Be sure to explore Bolzano’s pretty, pastel streets and weekly markets filled with regional produce and artisan craftsmanship.