After nearly three decades of exploring spas, wellness centers, and retreats around the globe, I’ve had my share of transformative moments. Yet, only a handful truly stay with me—those rare places that transcend expectation and leave a lasting mark. These are the places that change how you live, love, and connect with the world. Preidlhof, nestled in the storybook village of Naturno, South Tyrol, is one of those places. It’s not just a retreat; it’s a revelation.
There’s something timeless about heading to the mountains for answers. It’s an ancient tradition—a deliberate act of seeking clarity, healing, and growth. When you journey to a place as remote and breathtaking as South Tyrol, you’re signaling to yourself that you’re ready for transformation. That’s exactly why I found myself at Preidlhof, invited to experience their Integrated Healing Retreat, a week-long program designed to address healing on every level. I arrived not as a seasoned spa critic, but as a pilgrim—someone ready for renewal.
There’s something timeless about heading to the mountains for answers.
The Preidlhof Way
A well-thought-out relaxation room
Preidlhof is no ordinary spa destination. It’s a world-class retreat shaped by the vision of Patrizia Bortolin, a wellness pioneer and alchemist who has built a team of exceptional healers. Patrizia’s approach, embodied in her award-winning concept, “The Preidlhof Way,” is rooted in balancing hedonic (pleasure-driven) and eudaimonic (meaning-driven) wellbeing. Her guiding mantra, drawn from Rumi, reads: “Wherever you are, whatever you do, be in Love.” The phrase is displayed prominently in the reception area and handed to guests on small cards. (Mine sits beside my computer even now, a quiet reminder of my time there.)
The Integrated Healing Retreat that I experienced at Preidlhof is nothing short of transformative—one of the most impactful spa experiences I’ve ever had. Designed to detox and realign on emotional, physical, energetic, and mental levels, the retreat follows a daily rhythm, each day introducing a fresh theme and intention. Sunday is “Immersive Wisdom,” Monday is “Let Go,” Tuesday is “Sensoriality,” and so on, culminating in “Celebration” on Friday.
A Profound Synergy
The journey began with a mountain hike, an initiation of sorts. Guided by Irmgard Mossmair, a 70-something South Tyrolean herbalist and naturalist, the experience was more than a walk—it was a communion with nature. Irmgard, with her fairy-like aura and encyclopedic knowledge of the flora, felt like a part of the mountains themselves. The herbal ritual we performed wasn’t just grounding; it was a blessing from the land, preparing me for the transformative week ahead.
The White Silence Lounge
The rest of the retreat was a symphony of challenges and revelations. I experienced medical wellness and acupuncture with Dr. Alexander Angerer, deeply moving Glowing Flow sessions with Stefano Battaglia, whose intuitive touch released long-buried tensions, and an Ancient Healing session with the serene Martin Kirchler. Then there was Yaku Shiatsu with “Captain” Andrea Martinelli, whose skillful work restored a sense of grounding, and the ethereal Sound & Quartz Ritual with Aurora Kusch.
What set Preidlhof apart was the profound synergy among its practitioners. Each healer brought their unique expertise—Dr. Angerer’s precision, Stefano Battaglia’s intuition, Aurora Kusch’s spiritual energy—but together, they created an experience that felt intentional, seamless, and holistic. It was as though they spoke a shared healing language, each session building on the one before it.
Group classes led by psychologist Norma Jean Botticelli added another dimension to the retreat. Sessions on mindful eating, yoga Nidra, voice yoga, and even laughter yoga were gentle yet impactful, each one another piece in the puzzle that gently guided me toward balance.
Serene Spaces
The glorious sauna tower
Then, there were the spaces themselves—the sauna tower and the indoor thermal pool. Preidlhof’s six-story sauna tower wasn’t just an architectural marvel; it was a sensory journey. Each level offered a unique combination of heat, scent, and experience, from herbal steam that warmed your chest to cold plunges that jolted you back to life. It quickly became a daily ritual I savored.
The thermal pool felt otherworldly. Its warm, mineral-rich waters embraced me as soft light danced off mirrored walls, creating a cocoon of tranquility. Time seemed to dissolve as I soaked and floated, the tension of everyday life melting away with every moment. By the end of the week—on a highly restricted diet, no less—my body felt lighter, my gut happier, and my mind clearer. But more than that, I felt aligned. My experience at Preidlhof wasn’t just healing; it was a reminder of how to live—with intention, presence, and love.
Preidlhof is more than a destination—it’s a doorway to transformation. Whether you’re seeking clarity, healing, or simply a chance to reconnect with yourself, this magical retreat in South Tyrol offers more than an escape. It offers a way forward. So, when you’re ready, answer the call of the mountains. They’re waiting to welcome you.
The Healing Waters of Naturno: A Timeless Journey
As my time at Preidlhof unfolded, I found myself captivated not just by the present-day magic of the retreat, but also by the rich history that surrounds it. The enchanting town of Naturno, tucked into the sunlit valley of South Tyrol, is far more than a picturesque Alpine escape—it’s a place steeped in the soothing, restorative power of its mineral-rich springs. These waters, revered for centuries, have long drawn visitors seeking renewal, offering a connection to a tradition of healing that dates back millennia.
Picture this: The Roman Empire at its height, with the Via Claudia Augusta—a vital trade route—carving through the heart of Naturno. Soldiers and merchants, weary from their journeys, would pause here to soak in the natural springs, letting the warm, mineral-rich waters ease their aches and revive their spirits. The Romans instinctively understood restoration through the healing power of nature.
The Renaissance of Wellness
The thermal pool
By the 16th century, Naturno had evolved into a beacon for health seekers. Its bathhouses became famed refuges for those seeking relief from ailments like rheumatism, arthritis, and poor circulation. Locals and travelers alike immersed themselves in the therapeutic waters, believing in their almost mystical ability to rejuvenate body and soul. Long before modern medicine, these springs were cherished as nature’s own elixir, offering a soothing embrace to all who entered.
But, as centuries passed, Naturno’s healing springs faced a quiet decline. By the mid-20th century, advancements in medicine and shifting health trends left these treasured waters under-appreciated. By the 1960s, the historic bathhouses had closed, leaving the once-sacred springs to flow unused into the Adige River—a silent lull in a long and storied legacy.
Yet some traditions are too precious to fade entirely. In 2012, the springs were lovingly restored, ushering in a new era for Naturno’s wellness heritage. This revival reestablished the town as a sanctuary of healing and relaxation, where visitors could once again experience the life-giving properties of its mineral-rich waters.
The Ladurner Family Legacy
This deep connection to healing and tradition is beautifully echoed in the story of the Ladurner family, the stewards of Preidlhof for over 50 years. Their vision has transformed what began in 1966 as a modest guesthouse with just nine rooms into a globally celebrated wellness haven. But despite its world-class status, Preidlhof retains the warmth and intimacy of a family-run retreat. Under the leadership of Klaus Ladurner, the resort has become a beacon of holistic health, seamlessly integrating ancient wisdom with modern innovation. The Ladurners’ hands-on approach—whether in the thoughtful design of the six-story sauna tower or the personal touches woven throughout the resort—makes every guest feel like part of their extended family.
A Tradition That Endures
Patrizia Bortolin, left, and author Mary Bemis
Today, Naturno’s healing waters remain a timeless draw. From Roman soldiers to Renaissance bathers and modern wellness enthusiasts, these springs have quietly whispered their promise of renewal across the ages. Their legacy reminds us that sometimes, the simplest remedies—a warm soak in nature’s own mineral bath—can have the most profound impact.
As I soaked in the restorative offerings of Preidlhof, I couldn’t help but reflect on the layers of history and care that make this place so unique. The ancient legacy of Naturno’s springs, the Ladurner family’s dedication, and the profound synergy of the healers all come together to create something timeless. Their story, like the waters themselves, flows with transformation, resilience, and devotion to the art of renewal.
Whether you come for the Alpine beauty, the Mediterranean warmth, or the centuries of healing tradition, Preidlhof is more than a destination—it’s a sanctuary where body and mind can find harmony.
Mary Bemis
Mary Bemis is Founder & Editorial Director of InsidersGuidetoSpas.com. An advocate for all things spa, Mary forged a vocabulary for spa reportage that is widely used by those who cover the issues today. Recently honored as a Top 30 Influential Voice Transforming Wellness by Medika Life, Mary is an inaugural honoree of Folio’s Top Women in Media Award. Her spa media roots run deep—in 1997, she launched American Spa magazine, in 2007, she co-founded Organic Spa magazine, and in between serving on the ISPA and NYSPA Board of Directors, she was on the launch teams of Luxury SpaFinder and New Beauty magazines. Named a "Wonder Woman of Wellness" by American Spa magazine, Mary was honored by the International Spa Association with the distinguished ISPA Dedicated Contributor Award. She is a special advisor to the non-profit Global Wellness Day.
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