Hotel Weißes Kreuz

An architectural smörgåsbord of modern design and history, the boutique hotels Weißes Kreuz and sibling Mansion zum Löwen span the centuries being at home at the heart of the ancient commune of Burgeis (Burgusio). With parts dating back to the 13^th Century and a family tree of pedlars on this spot back to 1871 – no wonder then, that sweet heritage anchors within these renovated walls.

Timbers of every ilk sweep through the three distinct faces of the Weißes Kreuz Hotel with the oldest wing being in the Mansion zum Löwen. Walnut, birch and smoked oak host the thick bucolic walls and capture the soul of former farmhouse barns, resplendent Renaissance home to the Bishop and lodgings for the merchant traders heading along the Romanesque Via Claudia Augusta.

The trio of interiors within each building speaks of their provenance: contemporary design flourishes permeating the aged heritage quarters, modern crisp accents fuse a palette of traditional materials and layered textiles usher smooth, subtle accents of easy luxury. Peeled back history slips seamlessly into the era of the 21^st century with confidence. Freestanding bathtubs underneath twisted rafters or soak against walls dating back to the 13^th Century. Spoilt for choice connoisseurs of interior design will face the quandary – just which house will be your ‘home” in South Tyrol.  

Three generations of ‘home’ reside at both the Mansion zum Löwen & Weißes Kreuz, and although these hotels narrate the many modern faces of luxury, their design style is as distinctive as the very DNA.

Throughout the rooms at Hotel Weißes Kreuz, there’s a continuation of its unique style of merging history with a modern hand. The hotel’s determination to showcase the past in tandem with today’s needs for the modern traveller was a brave choice and the result is extremely successful and eye-catching.

The Loft Suite Valetta is simple, stylish and pleasing, with the noble walnut beams framing the room beautifully; a white free-standing bathtub finishes the scene with confidence. The top floor suite reveals the stark linear design of its wooden roof with glazed triangle window, and an elevated level where a double bathtub resides temptingly. Some of the rooms and suites seem almost masculine in their styling, with dark glossy floorboards and a black, brown and grey colour scheme. One of our favourites is the Pfistersuite - in the oldest parlour of the historic Mansion zum Löwen. Wood panelling more than 800 years old jostles with thick walls and lancet windows, all the while you’re enjoying a bubble bath and a privileged look to the past.

A fabulous 20-metre infinity pool sets the tone for serious well-being within the spa, which is over 1,300 square metres dedicated to mind and body. The elemental spa, chillax, and wellness hub, which includes a fitness and yoga studio, is cast in local Sarner porphyry quartz rock. Hustled together with the timbers of the aged farmhouse, it creates an ambience of well-being overlooking mountain vistas.

Alpine Rose, Arnica and Edelweiss rally around natural skincare products of Dr. Joseph and Piroche Cosmetics in an extensive spa menu of massages, treatments and touches of Alpine healing are on offer. A fabulous outdoor heated swimming pool and sauna facilities including a sensory spruce dry sauna invigorate your stay here.

Situated in the heartlands of stunning Venosta Valley (Vinschgau), Hotel Weißes Kreuz & Mansion zum Löwen are located in the centre of Burgeis (Burgusio) just north of neighbouring South Tyrol villages; Mals (Malles) and Glurns (Glorenza).  Burgeis (Burgusio) has been cast, as indeed scarred, by history and time, where princes, Bishops, monks, traders and peasants have left their mark – etched in history Burgeis (Burgusio) captures the essence of Alto Adige.

With the great outdoors of South Tyrol on your doorstep – summer treks include Via Claudia Augusta, the Marienberg Abbey that overlooks the Fürstenburg Castle perched at 1,350 metres, the Medieval splendour in nearby Glurns, or hike around the Ortler mountains including the stunning views up to the “King Ortler” at 4000 metres. In the winter months, Burgeis (Burgusio) is a bijou ski, sledging and snow walking destination that affords pure Alpine eye-candy views in every direction, chocolate-box villages, great pistes with the sunny aspect of 18km Watles just a 10-minute drive away. Not forgetting, the Ski Arena Venosta Valley which includes 5 ski areas, with 36 lifts and 150 kilometres of slopes.

The Theiner family took up residence here back in 1871, it is a wonderfully envious position to find yourself today as the generation that has reformed this house into a fabulous hotel of style. Once pedlars, family Theiner have been an essential part of village life and as the owners of the Weißes Kreuz Hotel and not forgetting the refurbishment of neighbour, Mansion zum Löwen, the family will continue their legacy of playing host. 

With energy, tenacity, a passion for hospitality and a clever eye for style Mara Theiner is at the helm, supported by her family and handpicked colleagues.