Having met while studying hospitality management, Carmen and Klaus bonded over a shared dream: to open a small boutique hotel that would attract dynamic international travellers seeking a calm respite from a chaotic world. So when the opportunity arose to take over what is now the Miramonti Boutique Hotel in South Tyrol, they knew it was exactly the place they had been searching for.
Take us through the beginnings of the hotel.
Carmen and I met while attending a hotel management school, where we became a couple. Having been introduced to the hospitality industry by our parents, we had both dreamed of owning our own hotel. In 2012, we had the opportunity to acquire Miramonti Boutique Hotel in South Tyrol off the back of the financial crisis, which ended up working in our favour. The idea behind the hotel was to have an international appeal. We love the boutique hotel atmosphere and wanted to be among the leading hotels in the Alpine region, combining architecture, design, and fine cuisine. We want to give our guests the greatest possible freedom and stand out from other luxury hotels in the region; that’s why we’ve created three evening restaurants with distinct identities where guests can dine à la carte.
Describe where we are – the landscapes, the culture and dynamics specific to the area.
We are located in sunny Hafling, above the town of Merano. Hafling is a very rural area situated at an elevation of 1,250 meters – a high plateau ideal for hiking, soaking up the sun, and skiing in the winter – and it is the home of the Haflinger horses. The people here are very hardworking and down-to-earth. The location allows us to remain open all-year round. South Tyrol is known for its diverse landscapes, especially the Dolomites with their striking peaks and wide alpine meadows. The region combines dramatic mountains with gentle valleys and beautiful lakes. Culturally, South Tyrol is unique: German, Italian, and Ladin influences shape everyday life, language, and traditions. This mix is especially visible in cities like Bolzano. The cuisine is also distinctive, featuring local specialties such as Speck, dumplings, and apple strudel.
We love nature and the countryside, and firmly believe it is the greatest architect.
What makes a good hotel?
Warm hospitality – meaning a place with people and a vision behind it – met with professional management, international appeal, efficiency, and authenticity. Of course beautiful, thoughtful architecture and design, high-quality fabrics and materials, and genuine products are also important. You should be able to sense the effort and the sincerity.
What kind of feeling did you want to create?
Architecture and design evoke a sense of well-being. The space must feel harmonious and have a cohesive concept, where its creators have put thought into building something that lasts. At Miramonti, we aim to convey a feeling of warmth and modernity, and foster a young dynamic environment. True materialism radiates a sense of well-being. Nature sets the cycles and rhythms for us. We embrace the authenticity of the four seasons. The experiences we offer are always connected to nature: porphyry and verbena treatments, forest bathing, hiking, wine tasting and so on.
Creating lasting impact
Our goal is to make a luxury hotel sustainable. That is why we launched a sustainability initiative years ago. We realize that this is an ongoing journey. With the support of the Terra Institute, we have completed our sustainability program and are GSTC-certified. Guests at the hotel can sense our commitment to sustainability, and they are often surprised by the innovative ideas they encounter at various touchpoints.
Miramonti Boutique Hotel
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