Nestled in the imposing mountain landscape of South Tyrol a new chapter is beginning for the long-established Hotel Bella Vista in Trafoi. Following an extensive renovation, the property celebrates its grand reopening on May 22, 2026 with an architectural concept that brings together nature, tranquility, and design in a remarkable way. The driving force behind this new direction is South Tyrolean star architect Matteo Thun, who has developed a hospitality concept for his longtime friend Gustav Thöni that is as contemporary as it is sensitive to its surroundings.
The roots of this project go back a long way. Both men have known the mountains around Trafoi since childhood, first crossed paths at youth ski races, and have remained connected over the decades. From this closeness came the idea of reimagining the Bella Vista not as a pure design project, but as a place where landscape, memory, and architecture come together.
Architecture in Dialogue with Nature
The result is a new hotel wing that settles into the alpine landscape like a contemporary nest. A light timber exterior structure, light-filled suites, and open sightlines toward the surrounding nature define the new look. The new building with 24 suites connects to the historic main house dating back to 1875 and integrates harmoniously into the environment of Stelvio National Park.
At the Bella Vista, the goal is not to stage spaces but to open them up. Generous glass surfaces create fluid transitions, blurring the boundaries between inside and out. The suites feel like a cocoon with a view, where light and landscape take center stage.
The interiors follow the same clear principle. Materials, proportions, and lighting have been chosen to keep nature ever-present. The lounge bar "Home of Gold" pays tribute to Gustav Thöni and the legendary "Valanga Azzurra" connecting alpine history with modern design.
Wellness, Retreat, and New Spaces for Families
The new adults-only spa (ages 16 and up) offers a deliberate counterpoint to the active mountain world. The highlight is the year-round heated infinity pool, which opens above the Trafoi Canyon and lets water, sky, and rock blend seamlessly into one another. Five different saunas, from the bio-sauna to the panoramic sauna set amid nature, along with the generous relaxation area "Fire and Ice" featuring a fireplace and snow shower, create intense contrasts between warmth and cold. The offering is rounded out by yoga, Pilates, meditation, and breathing hikes.
At the same time, the Bella Vista remains a place for families. The new family spa with a children's pool, family sauna, and adventure slide brings active fun into the mix. Outside, an approximately 53,800-square-foot adventure world expands the possibilities, while the nearby Trafoi Canyon becomes a natural playground. In the supervised children's program, new friendships form quickly over crafting, wood carving, and campfire evenings.
Culinary Tradition, Six Generations in the Making
The Bella Vista has a long history. The property has been family-owned since 1875 and is currently run by the sixth generation. This connection between tradition and the present shapes the kitchen as well. Many ingredients come from the family's own farm. Meat, milk, cheese, eggs, and apples form the foundation of a cuisine rooted in regionality and short supply chains. At the same time, the exceptional location at the Stilfserjoch is reflected on the plate: South Tyrol, Lombardy, and the Engadin all meet here.
Alpine classics blend with Mediterranean lightness, and traditional dishes are reinterpreted with a fresh perspective. Carefully selected wines from South Tyrolbring the region into the glass during tastings. Hiking trails, summit tours, and nature experiencesbegin right outside the door. In winter, Trafoi impresses with a small, peaceful ski area, while nearby Sulden offers additional options. The result is a place that unites tranquility and activity, retreat and adventure in a truly distinctive way.
The redesigned Bella Vista in Trafoi is not simply a design hotel, but a property with genuine character, shaped by landscape, history, and an idea born from true connection