Villa Fluggi

Once the holiday retreat of a global media guru, this fabulous retro-design, five-bedroom holiday home awaits you here in perpetually sunny Merano. 

A town gifted with natural delights – towering snow-capped mountains, thermal spa waters brimming with rejuvenating minerals and a veritable launchpad for forays into the surrounding peaks and valleys.

Imagine calling Merano home, if only for a few days or weeks. This design vacation let is gorgeous, a luxury haven the Villa Fluggi lets you immerse yourself in the smooth vintage of a lovingly curated private house, dotted with thoughtful mid-century design pieces, layered with love.

A homage to all things 60s, the villa is testament to the style icons of not only the Alps but of Scandinavia and beyond and hovers comfortably in this time-zone with glimpses of bright colour, patterned tablecloths, tropical foliage and a range of low-slung designer seating from Eames to Dieter Rams in hues of charcoal greys, olive greens and oatmeal.

Wander down the light-flooded marble edged staircase for your morning espresso, catching rays on the covered outdoor veranda, perhaps easing into a Bättig chair to ponder the day ahead. Pad through the spacious, palm-dotted garden – don’t forget sauna time in the unique wooden cabin, intertwined with a palm tree. Or simply relax in the style-laden interior, observing the overflowing greenery from the comfort of a Florence Knoll sofa.

Evenings bring the house to life under the ambient glow of subtle lighting. Situate yourself beside the well-stock Harry Thaler drinks cabinet or choose a bottle from the wine cellar and gather for South Tyrolean fare around the dining table edged by Thonet chairs.

Whether you’re travelling a deux, with family or as a house party group, this private house oozes classy retro style, and you won’t be able to resist its influence over you – how many residences do you know with a beer tap in the kitchen? Let your inner cool cat resurface - put a record on the Braun player and tune into the soulful groove of this vintage villa hero.

Sitting down at the long dining table, lined with Thonet chairs and illuminated by a dazzling flea market find- a Lobmeyr chandelier, is a culinary pleasure.

Using the skilled in-house, on-demand chef, you can experience authentic South Tyrol foodie gems with a three-course meal which might include refined mountain fare, trout from the glaciers and mushrooms and game from the forests. Breakfast feast is on the menu too, with your chef catering entirely to your whims, with perhaps a few surprises added in too.

Apertivo takes on a new art form at the house. Mix a cocktail at the oak and marble bar, pour yourself a beer from the dedicated draft tap in the kitchen or take your time in the wine cellar choosing a Lagrein or a Gewürztraminer. The garden at dusk makes a fabulous place to kick start the cocktail party. Elsewhere in Merano, appreciate the hybrid Italian /German cuisine with traditional sausage and beer stalls lining the streets or reach for the (Michelin) stars at Trenkerstube, and sample Alpine-Mediterranean fusion at this much-lauded restaurant.

Villa Fluggi is situated a few minutes walk from the heart of the spa town of Meran (Merano) in the Adige Valley of South Tyrol, northwest of Bolzano in Italy.