With its boulevards, birdsong and oleanders, the city of Merano feels like a northern Italian Shangri-La. Known for its sunny microclimate, this poignantly pretty town was a Habsburg-era spa and the hot destination of its day, favored by the Austrian royals plus Freud, Kafka, Wand Pound. The city's therapeutic traditions have served it well in the new millennium, with a new generation hotel Giardino Marling which is surrounded by apple orchards.

This five-stars luxury hotel offers its guest a tennis court, indoor and outdoor swimming pools and a wellness center with saunas and a steam bath which contemplate the old saying “it is a chip of the old block”.  Despite the palm trees, you're closer to Vienna than Rome. Hotel is only 15-minutes train ride from Merano which you can visit thanks to the Merano card provided by the hotel.

The hotel is set at an altitude of 360 meters in Marling/Marlengo above Merano with a capacity of approximately 100 guests in several room´s categories: standard, comfort, deluxe and suites with a view of nature, which meet the highest standards in terms of cleanliness, equipment, or individual needs of each client; pets are welcomed as well. All rooms are furnished in an elegant wooden design with parquet floors and balconies overlooking the garden.

Thanks to its surrounded mountains at a height of more than 3000 m, the hotel is also an ideal starting point from where tourists can discover the beauties of South Tyrol organized by the hotel guide or try Nordic Walking. For others, the neighboring town of Merano offers a rich cultural and sporting life, where music and theater festivals take place, horse races and a visit to the botanical garden is an unforgettable experience.

For those who want to breathe a pleasant alpine Mediterranean climate combined with a full day stay in the spa, they can indulge either in an indoor or rooftop pools, a pool with a salt water, saunas (Finish, infra, herbal and steam), and massages. New Spa area on the third floor will capture your imagination with its flair and breathtaking views. After an exciting day, guests can relax and get pampered during a massage or cosmetic treatment.

Highlight of your stay is the dining, Breakfast in the form of rich buffet tables of domestic farm products is a preparation for what follows a day of sports or relaxation. An unforgettable dinner awaits you in the form of several courses or a selection from the menu. During our stay we enjoyed delicious meat, cheese, or vegetarian dishes; silver cutlery is a matter of course with a rich selection of wines.

Therefore, if you are looking for home away from home with delicious cuisine, rays of activities and outstanding wellness Giardino Marling is the perfect spot for you. More information and booking can be found on its official website.

Photos: hotel archive and author