Parkhotel Mondschein

An urban sanctum of relaxed glamour located in Bolzano, South Tyrol, Parkhotel Mondschein is the parkland hub that kindles design, music, the arts, culture, mindfulness and nature. 

This heritage-listed building, clad in white shutters, is a true architectural chameleon – a Wunderkammer of historic stucco, wide corridors, high ceilings, ornate carpentry, stonework and original herringbone parquet. Parts of the house date back to 1330; the medieval was then married to Belle Époque additions in 1890. The renovation saw the creative direction by planning studio Biquadra, based in nearby Merano, with designer Christina Biasi-von Berg at the helm narrating the project. Their motto to 'breathe new life into what already exists, adapt to the requirements and spirit of the time' perfectly encapsulates Parkhotel Mondschein's transformation.  

Remodelled over the centuries, 'Cinematic Italian' is the interior design mantra that consummately knits the restored historical elements to the nostalgia, style and flamboyance from the height of Italian film and design of the 1960s. Mid-century pieces are recast with a modern hand and a subtle coherence colours its history and surroundings – softly smudged grey, moss green and tawny browns, oiled woods, and statement white lighting reflecting the natural hues of the mountains. "In the redesign, beautiful materials, good quality and intelligent design were top priorities. We wanted to create a place where people can relax and take a break. You don't need a lot for that, but what little you have has to be first class," says Moritz Dissertori, host at Hotel Mondschein. 

A liberal place-to-be, Parkhotel Mondschein also adds another dimension with its use of contemporary artwork and commissioned pieces from the likes of interdisciplinary artist Irene Fernández Arcas creating installations, combining drawings, paintings and photography, and Dominican-French artist and photographer Karla Hiraldo Voleau. Curating a cultural hub, the hotel showcases both photography and paintings plus its roster of young talents, authors, wine producers and DJs keeps the curious visitor's mind nicely fizzing.

Onsite yoga studio, Arise, located within the ancient walls of the Mondschein, is geared to complete the circle of balance and mindfulness with a rota of guest instructors. There's also the statement 48m² dark green tiled pool, clad in terracotta flooring for those who seek to chill poolside.

Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects is Parkhotel Mondschein's easy access to nature. Located adjacent to the park, you can wander at ease among the shade of ancient trees and listen to the stillness of the mountains. Swathed in authenticity and creature comforts, this new city bolthole is set to be a scene-stealer. 

Perfectly condensing the needs of a city lodging, the hotel has a selection of bedrooms. Out of its 76 rooms, you’ll find bijou beds, airy suites or dependable doubles. All come with the high-quality furnishings of a carefully considered renovation including smooth parquet flooring, comfortable beds, soothing dark wood furniture and classic white lampshades.

The colour palette is muted and refined, creating a chic ambience and in the bathrooms, which were completely stripped back and renovated, sleek white tiling wraps the upmarket features, with frameless mirrors and retro-style silver fixtures completing the modern-luxe look.

At Parkhotel Mondschein, you won’t have to move far to get your first meal of the day. In fact, you’ll start with beautiful granola bowls topped with fresh fruit, yoghurt and mountain honey, excellent coffee, green juice and for those that need that little bit extra – a wholesome eggs Benedict to set you up. Host and family member Moritz Dissertori says of their small but perfectly formed breakfast menu, “We prefer a well-curated breakfast menu with dishes pleasing to the eye. This also allows us to greet the guests with a smile in the morning and to accompany them at the start of their day,” So, no fighting over the buffet then.

The hotel's local hotspot, Luna Restaurant – housed in the oldest inn of Bolzano dating to 1320 – is under the creative direction of chef Mathieu Domagala, A South Tyrolean with French roots, a perfect foodie marriage; he cooks up the classics of Italian cuisine and the highlights of the Mediterranean from bowls of steamy handmade pasta, fresh fish from the Adriatic coast, organic meats and an army of vegetables and fruits plucked for the hotel's gardens - it is the doorstep bounty of South Tyrol.

In the summer, you can have dinner in the garden, enjoy tasty plates around the pool, or find a shady spot under the centuries-old trees. 

Sightseeing or mountain pursuits taking their toll? Take the stress out and stretch at the in-house yoga studio, located within the ancient walls of the Mondschein. With a rota of yoga teachers, each with their own method, you could come here just for this!  There is also a gym, sauna and relaxation room - perfect for reviving jet lagged souls or topping up the replenishment after a day in the Dolomite fresh air.

Clasped by the snow-dusted, UNESCO-protected Dolomites, Parkhotel Mondschein is located in heart of Bolzano, the capital of South Tyrol, in northern Italy. A picturesque city, Bolzano is easily strollable, its cobbled streets home to Gothic architecture, churches and plazas where you can stop for a drink in one of the cafes or sample the hybrid Austrian-Italian fare at a homely restaurant. In summer, many head out on hikes into the valleys, peaks and lakes of the Dolomites, and winter brings snow and ski to the region.