A discreet, whispered luxury composed of a thousand attentions and devoid of ostentation.A sought-after escape, which has a very specific imperative: slowness as a luxury of life. The beautiful season at Steinbock Castle is a feeling all to be experienced by indulging one’s desires and needs, surrounded by the poetic allure of the dwelling: rest in its noblest sense, physical and mental well-being, exceptional pleasures of the palate, the superlative pleasure of the Private Spa.
Nestled in the charming historic village of Villanders/Villandro, at 880 meters above sea level, which geographically represents the heart of South Tyrol, this exclusive mansion dating back to the 15th century, redeveloped while preserving the precious historical heritage of the place, is now an elegant and discreet structure,where history dialogues with architecture and the past is interwoven with the present through an extemporaneous taste.
Here the surrounding natural scenery blends harmoniously with the ancient walls of the castle, which has recently been renovated by young owner Elisabeth Rabensteiner: now available to guests are 12 suites, each a small masterpiece of elegance and privacy, featuring century-old parquet floors, rounded wenge wood furniture, local stone and soft lighting.
Pure sensuality pervades the moments in the private saunas and elegant baths designed by Antonio Lupi: The new Private SPA service allows people to choose their favorite essence for the bath, and while sipping a drink at the Castle bar, the bath and sauna are brought to the perfect temperature.
Castel Steinbock is a buen retiro dedicated to hedonists of taste in all its forms, in an informal and relaxed but particularly refined setting, with many hidden and charming nooks and crannies, similar to small speakeasies where one can indulge in a cocktail or cigar.
Instead, the two distinctive Stubes are designed to share a love of food and wine specialties, masterfully orchestrated by Tomek Kinder, a two-toque Gault-Millau award-winning chef and cosmopolitan spirit, who keeps South Tyrol in his heart by offering cuisine inspired by taverns but made contemporary, where old-fashioned tastes blend with current techniques and needs.
A unique gourmet experience that turns into sublime soulful food. Noteworthy is the castle’s wine cellar, which already delighted the palates of the counts: under its Gothic vaults are stored more than 800 labels, many of them “outsiders,” from South Tyrolean rarities to Burgundy, from Franciacorta to the Wachau Valley.
At Steinbock Castle, Breakfast Royale is served in the Suite at no extra charge or at the Court Stube. Dinner and lunch are served à la carte.
Steinbock Castle proves to be the perfect “headquarters” as a base for a romantic break, capable of regenerating body and soul. Outside the structure, it is nature that steals the show, with the Dolomites having fun drawing the panorama, with the Odle of Val di Funes, Sasso Putia and the peaks of the Alpe di Siusi at the forefront.
Steinbock Castle is located, just a few minutes from Klausen/Chiusa, on the eastern side of the Sarentine Alps, specifically below the Villanderser Alm (Villanderer Alp), one of the largest and most beautiful alpine pastures in Europe, ideal for gentle walks or excursions by bicycle and e-bike. This green plateau is particularly rich in trails, all well-marked and located between 1,700 and 2,500 meters above sea level: a dense network of paths and refuges, winding through alpine meadows, pastures, ponds, streams and marshes, dotted with picturesque huts and churches.
Popular is the Mugo Pine Trail: there is no shortage of a distillery where the essences with their intense aroma and beneficial effects can be tested and purchased. Pleasant is the hike to Bad Dreikirchen, three pretty Gothic chapels set next to each other, which have become an alternative destination for an affordable but evocative walk.
Steinbock Castle
Via Defregger 14
39040 Villandro – Italy
www.ansitzsteinbock.com
