Review: My Arbor, Plose, South Tyrol hotel review

Why book?

Firstly the location is a winner – set in stunning surroundings with direct access to premier ski slopes and hiking trails. Plus, for culture and shopping, the charming historic town of Brixen (Bressanone) with its excellent boutiques and restaurants is just a short drive away. And then there is the hotel itself, a remarkable treehouse hotel (the largest of its kind in Europe), perched on lofty 115-foot stilts resembling tree trunks. My Arbor, which fittingly means “my tree” in Latin, is a treehouse that's strictly for grown ups too, attracting a health-conscious, sociable and energetic crowd seeking adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

Set the scene

It's hard not to be awestruck when you catch your first glimpse – the hotel resembles a magnificent spaceship, its stark rectangular silhouette appearing to levitate above the treetops, illuminated from beneath and casting an enchanting glow that created the illusion of hovering. Ascending the stairs brought me into a modern, airy lobby and bar lounge with high ceilings and cosy contemporary decor. There's a notable tree-inspired theme throughout the space – the reception desk is crafted from a single piece of timber from the Vintl area, the staircase is designed to mimic a tree with its irregular rounded shape and large vertically hanging tree trunk pieces.

The backstory

Markus Huber, a native of Brixen and a visionary by nature, harboured a long-standing aspiration to establish a sanctuary where the seamless blend of nature and luxury would leave a mark on his beloved hometown. His wife, Renate, has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, so their combined expertise formed a solid foundation for their journey. The time was right in the early 2000s when the ski and hiking area of Plose became available for sale. They jumped at the chance to acquire the pristine yet difficult-to-build-on plot of land. The design for the hotel went out to tender, attracting architects from far and wide. Gerhard Tauber’s treehouse concept stood out as the clear winner, capturing the essence of Markus’s vision with its fusion of contemporary design and plant-inspired elements. The interior design, led by Tauber, reflects the hotel's philosophy, featuring colours inspired by the forest and using weathered, sun-darkened larch and spruce wood, along with fabrics such as loden and linen, to capture the natural textures of the local region. Since its grand opening in May 2018, the Huber family have expanded and enhanced the hotel, adding amenities such as hot tubs, outdoor relaxation nests and treatment rooms.

The rooms
There are 104 rooms in the hotel, including three luxurious suites each spanning more than 1,000 square feet and equipped with private saunas and hot tubs. Additionally, there are 14 slightly smaller Hangout suites, and the remaining rooms are smaller Nest suites. I stayed in a Nest suite, with a spacious bathroom with walk-in showers, double basins and a beauty area. Particularly delightful is the huge daybed in the corner of the room offering panoramic views through floor-to-ceiling windows, perfect for lounging at sunset with a book, enjoying the ever-changing light. Interiors employ a neutral colour palette, wooden floors and panelling, blending rustic and contemporary styles that are a far cry from the trad, slightly chintzy, wooden chalet aesthetic often associated with alpine living.

The food and drink

Mornings start with a fabulous breakfast spread of everything you could wish for and more. Fresh fruit, various types of porridge, mueslis and overnight oats, chia pudding, waffles, pancakes, cheeses and cold meats alongside breakfast classics such as omelettes, avocado toast and even a classic German white sausage dish made to order. Supper is a seven-course tasting menu of authentic dishes of South Tyrolean cuisine, elevated by the creative talent of chef Matthias Hinteregger. Starters and pudding options are via a vast buffet while diners then select a further five courses from the My Arbor Classics and main menus. The latter has a daily-changing offering and themes, such as ‘pure pleasure’ or ‘cheat day,’ with vegan options also always available. Expect hearty dishes like quail breast on buckwheat with truffle, Risotto Vialone Nano with spruce shoots and back bacon, and deer consommé with root vegetables and semolina dumplings. The pudding options are equally tempting and delicious, but I found that it was almost impossible to still have room left by then. The wine cellar – which houses 800 labels, half sourced from local South Tyrol grapes and the rest carefully selected from around the world – is a source of pride and joy for the owner.

The spa

A destination in itself, the wellness area spans 27,000 square feet over two floors, covering two distinct atmospheres with two different dress codes. The basement level is home to 10 spa treatment rooms, as well as a fully equipped fitness studio, an expansive heated indoor-outdoor exercise pool, and a tranquil relaxation area and sauna where bathing suits are customary. Descending to the subterranean level unveils a modern, stone-clad sanctuary, adopting a thoroughly European wellness approach with a firm no-swimsuit policy. Wrapped in only towels and bathrobes, guests can access three further saunas, a rejuvenating, marble-clad Turkish steam room, an icy plunge pool and a large panoramic outdoor jacuzzi pool with incredible views over the valley.

Personal coach, Saunagus master and former bodybuilding champion Manuel Greifenberg, along with his expert team, holds sway over the wellness experience at My Arbor. The Saunagus ritual, a Scandinavian twist on traditional sauna that merges relaxation with aromatherapy, is performed up to five times a day and draws crowds. Each Saunaaufguss session is uniquely tailored, with the gus master crafting their own blend of essential oils. Eucalyptus is a favourite for its stress-relieving and energy-boosting properties. The ritual comprises three 15-minute rounds, progressively increasing in heat. It begins with essential-oil-infused balls of crushed ice being smashed over hot stones, releasing fragrant steam, and increasing humidity. This infused air is gracefully circulated throughout the sauna by waving a towel with sweeping movements, almost like a choreographed dance routine. Music sets the mood throughout, starting with soft and haunting sounds of Peruvian panpipes in the first round, then transitioning to faster-paced rock sounds by AC/DC for an invigorating finale. Feeling brave? Complete the session with a liberating skinny dip in the icy plunge pool outside.

The neighbourhood

This is a prime location for winter sports enthusiasts, and staying at My Arbor also comes with the benefit of direct access to the Plose ski area from right outside the hotel. This access is provided by a specially built ski trail, which is maintained all through the season and well into spring, offering a seamless connection to the expansive resort. Thrill-seekers will love the exhilarating five-and-a-half-mile RudiRun toboggan track, which is free to use. All guests of the hotel are given a BrixenCard on arrival which allows one free ascent and descent on the Plose cable car per day. It’s also great for other activities too, as it grants free use of public transport, daily admission to South Tyrol’s largest fun pool, Acquarena, and the ice rink, as well as entry to a huge range of museums in the region (the Archaeological Museum, home of the famous Ötzi the Iceman, is included in this offer).

The service

What makes this hotel truly unique is its unmistakable identity as a family business – you can feel the warmth of being welcomed like family everywhere you go. Each staff member takes genuine pride in their role, ensuring that guests experience exceptional hospitality and care throughout their stay.

Eco effort

Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword here, it's a way of life woven into every aspect of the operation. From sourcing regional products and supporting local farmers to maintaining a plastic-free environment and utilising renewable energy sources such as the rooftop photovoltaic system, there’s a real sense of commitment to minimising the ecological footprint. This dedication to sustainability is evident in every detail, from the reclaimed wood used in construction to the vibrant bounty of the hotel’s farm – located two hours away in Albisano, Lake Garda – which produces a variety of homegrown produce that's used in the hotel's restaurant to make their delicious cakes, jams, sauces and even olive oil.

Accessibility for those with mobility impairments

There are lifts to all floors of the building and most Nest suites at My Arbor are wheelchair accessible, including the generous-sized bathroom and shower area.

Anything left to mention?

Don't miss the outdoor pool area in the grounds with the 10 cosy wooden chalets affectionately dubbed ‘cuddle nests’. These delightful open-fronted retreats come complete with heated mattresses, blankets and overhead infrared heating. Use of these for up to two hours per day is included in your room rental fee.