From December 2023, OLM Nature Escape, an extraordinary eco aparthotel, will set innovative trends in the South Tyrolean holiday hotel industry in three ways: with bold architecture in a circular shape, a pioneering culinary concept and, for the first time in the Alps, as a completely energy self-sufficient holiday home.
The name itself is a statement: OLM stands for Alm in the regional dialect and refers to the location in the middle of a tranquil alpine landscape with cows, lambs and horses. On the other hand, it means “everlasting” in the sense of an endless circle, thus building a bridge between the past and the future. This is because the round millstones of the former mill were the architectural inspiration for the circular building. Developed by Thomas Steiner (overall concept & strategy) and Andreas Gruber (architect), the OLM presents itself as a modern-urban alpine pasture in the cycle of nature. An eco aparthotel as an informal, very personal place of power for completely individual holidays.
New energy concept creates complete independence
The owner Christian Lechner, who comes from the valley, does not see genuine sustainability as an advertising phrase, but as a mission for the future. As the first holiday resort in South Tyrol and probably in the Alpine region, the 4-star superior aparthotel is completely energy self-sufficient. A unique combination of hydropower, photovoltaics and, last but not least, geothermal energy ensures a surplus of energy.
Elegant alpine character for urban time-outs
The total of 33 accommodation units are embedded in warm solid wood and convey the cosy atmosphere of a modern mountain hut. Large glass fronts open up a view of the picturesque landscape of the Tauferer Ahrntal valley from the bed. 80 per cent of the apart-suites have a kitchenette as well as their own sauna and free-standing bathtub, both with an impressive natural panorama.
In some of the suites, there are separable work areas to allow guests to work from home in the South Tyrolean mountains for a while. Guests with dogs will also find their perfect holiday home in the ApartSuites directly facing the alpine meadows. The 60 metre inner circle of the Aparthotel is designed as a wild relaxation garden with a natural bathing pond in keeping with the eco concept. Thanks to the hotel’s own electricity, guests can also bathe with a clear conscience in the year-round heated, 25-metre-long sports pool, which extends from the indoor sauna and relaxation rooms into the open air.
Innovative culinary concept
The OLM’s guiding principle is to offer guests a relaxed holiday experience. This is also reflected in the catering, which is a complete departure from the traditional half board. And with the highest quality! OLM culinary chef Berni Aichner, sous-chef for Norbert Niederkofler for many years, has developed a very special, innovative “enjoyment as you please” concept together with star chef Theodor Falser as a consultant.
Guests book rooms with breakfast consisting of hand-picked, local products with a high organic content, home-made or from regional manufacturers. They are also free to choose: Depending on their mood, they can either enjoy an individual “dine-around” in the region or use the kitchenette of their ApartSuite to prepare their own meals, with a speciality shop in the hotel offering appropriate shopping options.
Or in the evening, you can sample the APÉRO dinner offered five times a week in the PRENN° (culinary area in the OLM) with South Tyrolean-Mediterranean specialities in the finest canapés from the show kitchen. Berni Aichner also organises an exclusive OLM dinner (themed evening) with a creative tasting menu twice a week.
Best of South Tyrol with a fine pinch of Italy, France, Germany and Austria is the motto of the wine list, which is of course also excellently stocked to match the cuisine. In addition, the wines are uncompromisingly 60 organic, biodynamic or extremely natural wines.
Versatile holiday valley away from the hustle and bustle
As a quiet side valley of the Pustertal, flanked by the pretty towns of Bruneck and Sand in Taufers, the easily accessible Tauferer Ahrntal is a little off the beaten track. And that’s a good thing! More than 80 three-thousand metre peaks provide an impressive mountain backdrop and the best conditions for hiking and (e)biking. The flat valley floor also offers plenty of opportunities to take a more leisurely approach to the extensive nature experience.
The region is a paradise for winter hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing – all with guaranteed snow in the flatter valley or at lofty heights with a unique panorama. The cross-country skiing centres of Rein, Antholz and Gsiesertal offer exciting experiences, while tobogganing is fun, from meadow slopes to kilometre-long downhill runs, some of which can be reached on foot and some by cable car. In winter, there are around 70 kilometres of pistes in the “Skiworld Ahrntal” on Speikboden and Klausberg, as well as smaller family areas and the nearby Kronplatz near Bruneck. Last but not least, the snow&fun familypark tamarix and the Speikboden family fun park are not to be missed as a tip for families.
OLM Nature Escape Eco Aparthotel
Unterwalburgen 21, Kematen
39032 Sand in Taufers
Südtirol
www.olm.it