Hotel Gfell, Völs am Schlern, South Tyrol
An Alpine Retreat Carved Into the Hillside
A Seamless Expansion of Heritage
When tasked with transforming the beloved South Tyrolean restaurant Schönblick into a boutique retreat, the architects behind Hotel Gfell refused to disrupt the landscape that makes this place so magnetic. Instead of building upwards, they embedded the new guest rooms directly into the hillside—a design decision that both protects the natural panorama and immerses guests in it. Arriving at the rooms is part of the experience: guests pass through a rustic barn, a bridge between past and present that links Schönblick’s roots with its new, contemporary expression.
Design in Dialogue with Nature
Inside, the palette is deliberately elemental. Durmast wood in deep tones, raw stone, and coarse linens create an atmosphere of alpine restraint elevated by modern precision. Thickly woven fabrics and natural cotton soften the edges, while every detail speaks to a design ethos of luxury through simplicity. The restored exterior preserves the inn’s traditional charm, but within, the new open-concept reception, lounge, and breakfast hall radiate contemporary elegance. At the heart of it all: a column fireplace, a striking centerpiece that reinvents the alpine hearth as both sculpture and gathering point.
Guest Rooms with a View
The hillside integration allows every guest room to open dramatically onto the landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame pine forests, rolling meadows, and mountain peaks—turning each room into a live canvas of South Tyrol’s natural theater. Rebuilt beneath a soaring wooden truss, the rooms nod to traditional farmstead architecture while offering every modern comfort. Here, rustic soul meets refined precision: an environment designed as much for contemplation as for comfort.
Wellness in the Landscape
The hotel’s wellness area carries the same design philosophy. A sauna, a serene relaxation room, and a terrace extend seamlessly into the hillside, allowing guests to unwind with uninterrupted valley views. The design doesn’t fight for attention—it dissolves into the setting, letting nature remain the true protagonist.
DNA Hotels Verdict
Hotel Gfell is a masterclass in restraint: a retreat that expands heritage without erasing it, embedding luxury quietly into the land. By building into the hillside rather than over it, the architects have created a sanctuary where architecture and nature exist in perfect equilibrium. For travelers seeking alpine serenity framed through a lens of modern design, this South Tyrolean hideaway is as thoughtful as it is unforgettable.
