Thanks to its unique geographic shape and location, Italy has something for travellers across all seasons. We recently journeyed to the north of the country and into the Dolomites to stay at My Arbor, a tree hotel that makes you feel like you are floating amidst the forest. Find out why this adults-only wellness property needs to be on your bucket list.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
My Arbor wellness hotel review
Hotel: My Arbor
Address: San Leonardo 26, 39042 Bressanone (Brixen), South Tyrol, Italy
Location: Plose mountain, just over 1,000 metres above sea level, overlooking Bressanone
Style: Contemporary alpine treehouse hotel surrounded by forest, with a strong focus on nature, wellness and South Tyrolean design
Best for: Couples, wellness breaks, hiking, skiing, romantic escapes and travellers looking for a peaceful Dolomites retreat
Accommodation: Suites including the 38m² Nest Suite, 46m² Hangout Suite and 100m² Treetop Suite
Wellness: 2,500m² SPA Arboris with indoor and outdoor pools, panoramic whirlpool, cold plunge, five saunas, relaxation areas and fitness room
Prices starting from: €265 per night, depending on room, season, and inclusions.
Setting the scene
The design of the property makes you feel like you are staying in a tree hut
Having already visited Rome and Bologna on a recent Italian adventure, we headed north on the train to Bolzano. After a quick change to a local train for the last part of our journey, we were surprised that everything was now in German.
Alighting at Bressanone/Brixen, we were met by a gentleman who was to transport us to our final destination: My Arbor, a unique tree hotel set amid the Dolomite Mountain Range. Winding our way up, it was interesting to see the more Germanic style of houses across the peaks and valleys.
My Arbor was conceived and is run by Brixen locals Markus and Renate Huber. The architecture by Tage Architects consists of a box atop stilts that gives a floating, tree hut-like appearance, making the arrival experience at the property incredibly awe-inspiring.
We were welcomed by the friendly team and escorted to the bar for a welcome drink, where we got to take in the magnificence of our surroundings while sipping cocktails crafted from the in-house gin infused with the local spruce – how divine.
The room
Our Nest Suite was roomy with exceptional views
Despite being the entry-level option, our spacious Nest Suite carried the tree hut theme upstairs into a warm cabin-like interior with wood panelling. Atop the bed, two spa bags awaited, filled with the comfiest (and most stylish) hooded robes I’ve encountered at a hotel, along with matching green slippers. These were soon to become our uniform for the duration of our stay.
For guests looking to zone out or catch up on a book, a double day bed set into the window allows for immersion in the captivating mountain views. Coffee or cocktails are best enjoyed from your private balcony.
The King bed was super comfy and difficult to get out of and also offered wonderful vistas, while a huge shower kitted out with amenities from Italian brand Team Dr. Joseph made for the perfect way to awaken in the morning.
Even though the view was wonderful entertainment, we were surprised that the TV didn’t have an option to stream, nor any smart TV apps.
Spa and sauna
No matter the season, the indoor/outdoor pool is a wonderful spot to while away the hours
The pièce de résistance of the property, if I had to choose just one, is undoubtedly the 2,500 sq-m spa. One level is dedicated to the indoor/outdoor swimming pool, where users are cocooned amid the mountains. The weather during our stay went from snow to mist to sunshine, and every different day gave us a new magical experience.
Relaxation areas and the 10 treatment rooms are also on this level. The spa prioritises products infused with local flora and fauna with various skin and wellbeing benefits. I was lucky enough to try the signature massage, which blended Swedish movements with acupressure for a totally relaxing experience.
On the level below, guests are treated to a number of different saunas that are set to varying temperatures. This level is swimming costume-free and also offers a large outdoor Jacuzzi next to a cold plunge pool, which I tried and failed to get into in the snow.
Be sure to join one of the sauna infusions for a sensory delight
One of the highlights for us was the Aufguss Spa Infusion sessions. Hosted by sauna maestros, guests sit in a large sauna with a view that frames the mountains. Each session ranges in heat intensity from low to high.
On our first night, the only session left was the most intense, so we thought we’d give it a go, even though we had no idea what to expect. The sauna maestro explained in German, Italian, and English that the session would last for about 10 minutes and get up to 90 degrees, but we could leave at any time.
With that, he turned on some Germanic rock music, put snow balls on the fire and started spinning material in time with the beat to make the heat more extreme. There were fans, ice chips thrown, and sweat galore: it was so amazing! As newbies, we had to bow out just before it ended, but that didn’t stop us from going to about four other sessions during our stay. The lower intensity ones had more tranquil music and didn’t get quite as hot. They even had a selection of healthy snacks and drinks to enjoy al fresco post-infusion.
Dining
The stylish restaurant sets the scene for dinner
Decked out in white and black with wood accents, the restaurant serves both breakfast and dinner. The former is an abundant affair that caters to both those looking for a healthy, wellness experience and those on a more indulgent vacation. Fresh fruit, a selection of smoothies with healing properties, local and international cheeses, and freshly-made bread complement an à la carte menu of eggs and other classics.
The theme for dinner changes daily and we enjoyed both a South Tyrol and an Italian evening. Guests are treated to a buffet of delights from salads to fresh meats alongside a menu of changing starters, mains, and desserts. They even serve delicious palate cleansers between courses. There’s a full vegan menu and the cuisine we sampled was utterly exceptional. My favourite was on the Bella Italia evening when I had the most enchanting Spinach Soufflé with Mozzarella.
An extensive wine list serves both local and international favourites, while the cocktail list prioritises local ingredients and flavours. I loved my Liquid Strudel and the range of mocktails was cleverly curated too.
Things to do
Whether you visit this exceptional property in the summer, spring, autumn, or winter, you won’t be short of things to do. Plose Ski Resort is right there for alpine or cross-country skiing; sledging, biking, hiking, and forest bathing are all on offer for wellness enthusiasts.
In-house wine tasting experiences showcase local varieties, and guests also receive a Brixen Südtirol Guest Pass, which gives you access to regional attractions like museums, mountain lifts, and cultural tours.
Getting there
My Arbor is located above Bressanone (Brixen), at just over 1,000 metres on the Plose mountain, so it is easiest to reach by car or transfer from a nearby airport. The closest airports are Bolzano Airport (BZO), around 50 minutes away by car, Innsbruck Airport (INN), roughly 1 hour 15 minutes away, and Verona Airport (VRN), around two hours away.
For those travelling by train, Bressanone/Brixen railway station is the nearest station. It has regular connections to Bolzano, Innsbruck, Verona, Venice, Milan and Munich, making My Arbor surprisingly accessible without a car. From Munich, trains to Bressanone take around three and a half hours, while Innsbruck is approximately one and a half hours away. From the station, you will need a taxi or hotel transfer to make the final ascent to My Arbor.
If driving, My Arbor is accessed via the Brenner motorway (A22), with Bressanone/Brixen providing the closest motorway access. For a car-free stay, the hotel is therefore still a viable option, but it is worth arranging your onward transfer from Bressanone station or the airport in advance. The hotel provides parking for guests and can assist with organising transfers and local transport.
Frequently asked questions: My Arbor
Yes. My Arbor sits at just over 1,000 metres above sea level on the Plose, one of the sports mountains of the Dolomites, above Bressanone. It works particularly well for travellers interested in hiking, skiing, nature and mountain experiences, while Bressanone provides access to a historic South Tyrolean town.
The hotel is in San Leonardo, above Bressanone (Brixen) in South Tyrol, northern Italy. Its elevated position gives it a forest setting with views towards the surrounding Dolomites.
Yes. My Arbor is positioned as a retreat for adults, making it particularly suited to couples and travellers looking for peace and quiet rather than a family resort atmosphere.
Very much so. The secluded forest setting, treetop suites, extensive spa and packages specifically designed for romance make it particularly well suited to couples.
Yes. SPA Arboris covers 2,500m² and includes five saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, a panoramic whirlpool, cold plunge pool, relaxation areas, cuddle nests and a fitness room. Sauna infusions and a programme of activities are also offered.
The hotel’s location on the Plose makes it a strong base for mountain activities, and its concierge can arrange guided hiking tours and other outdoor experiences. The hotel also runs guided hikes and forest-bathing activities.
Yes. The Plose is a winter sports mountain, and the hotel’s concierge can arrange ski passes, ski hire and ski services. This makes My Arbor particularly convenient for guests who want a luxury wellness hotel combined with skiing.
The area is suited to hiking, skiing, mountain biking, forest bathing, sightseeing and exploring South Tyrolean towns and villages. The hotel concierge can arrange mountain guides, hiking tours, ski instructors, e-MTBs and other experiences.
Yes. Bressanone is one of South Tyrol’s historic towns and provides a useful contrast to the hotel’s mountain setting. My Arbor is positioned above the town, allowing guests to combine a nature-focused stay with time exploring its streets, architecture, shops and restaurants.
A car can be useful for exploring more widely around the Dolomites, but it isn’t essential for making the most of the hotel. My Arbor’s concierge can organise activities and excursions, while guests receive the Brixen South Tyrol Guest Pass, which provides free public transport throughout South Tyrol as well as access to a range of cultural and activity programmes.
The verdict
The region is renowned for its hospitality, and the team here have clearly been handpicked as the best of the best. Every single interaction that we had was positive, and the staff anticipated our needs before we even thought about them.
My Arbor is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for architecture, wellness, and skiing enthusiasts. Its commitment to championing local produce and makers means it immerses guests in a unique part of Italy, and the professional team makes life a walk in the park. I’ve been dreaming of our time here fondly since my return home.
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