Refugium Rochus

As soon as you enter the grounds on the edge of the forest, with the old magnolia tree, fan palms, grasses and oleander bushes gently swaying in the wind, you immediately feel what’s then confirmed inside the house with its design suites: People have put their heart and soul into their work here. In fact, the hosts in the Oberplanitzing wine village in Kaltern have created exactly the kind of retreat where they themselves would like to recharge their batteries. And that’s always a good idea. Especially if you have a knack for design, art and a feel-good atmosphere like the couple who run the house—one originally a farmer, the other a teacher. Rochus’ parents used to run the “Waldrast” inn in the building. Together with his partner Harald, a good dose of courage and the desire for a new start, he banished the 60s vibe from the house and let the present move in instead. With exposed concrete, untreated larch wood, glass, earth tones, durable design and lots of art in the form of oil paintings, grid graphics, and photographs. Clear, simple and minimalist. Each of the six luxurious studios, which have been accommodating guests since summer 2022, is unique—and at the same time a tribute to people who are important to the couple. Such as Rochus’ grandfather, a Tyrolean freedom fighter, who is said to have been not only magnanimous but also forward-thinking. The covered loggia of the “Georg” suite, where you have a view of everything, the hills, the vines, the changing colors of the Latemar, is a nod to this. Grandma Josefine loved to be outside, so the apartment named after her has two balconies and a window front to be very close to nature. What the grandparents would have appreciated, we like at least as much. But it’s best to come and see for yourself.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The creative details such as wall cladding with wooden shingles, raw logs on which decorative accessories are placed, a historic workbench full of plants and a kitchen built into the cupboard (with doors that fold shut)
• Not only is it green and in full bloom outside, but the interior is made even more beautiful by fresh flowers and houseplants.
• The quiet and relaxing location between vineyards and orchards, as well as the exciting South Tyrolean combination of palm trees and mountain panorama
• How naturally the ensemble, surrounded by a natural stone wall, blends into the landscape.
• Here, thinking outside the box is writ large : Discarded drawers serve as breakfast boxes. And the hosts fill them daily with delicious products from South Tyrol, according to personal preferences: Freshly ground coffee, homemade jams, muesli, farmhouse ham, smoothies and crusty bread.
• On a lounger in the Mediterranean garden, you’ll quickly forget about all your allegedly important appointments.
• The Design Studios combine the advantages of a suite with the facilities of a vacation apartment, i.e. luxurious surroundings and a small kitchen for preparing South Tyrolean delicacies.
• The inner courtyard, the so-called Piazzetta, is the heart of the Refugium. People meet here to taste wine, have an aperitif or enjoy breakfast in warm weather.
• Sustainability is a top priority. The entire house has been renovated according to ecological criteria and energy-efficiently refurbished. Local businesses are given preference in the choice of products, and emphasis is placed on ecological materials and preventing waste.
• Rochus and Harald are happy to reveal their personal favorites to their guests—like the little bench on the way from the Refugium towards Tröpfltal, where you can enjoy the view of the vineyards and absolute silence.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The suites can accommodate one to three people; they are between 34 and 80 square meters in size.
• Some of the studios are suitable for combined bookings—great for a vacation with friends or family, where everyone has their own space but you can also spend time together.
• High-quality care products, coffee, home-grown herbal tea, high-quality olive oil and vinegar are provided.
• Stille und Kinder, die kreischend Fangen spielen, sind leider ein Widerspruch in sich, daher gilt hier: Adults only!
• Dogs are welcome for an extra charge in the studios with direct access to the garden.
• All inclusive: Bed linen, towels, kitchen equipment, parking, WIFI, the final clean, a lockable bicycle garage
• Relaxing in the clay sauna is included in the price after a hike or mountain bike tour.
• Every guest receives the mobil & activ Card allowing them to travel for free on all public transport; the bus stop is just a hundred meters from the house.
• And action! The hiking mountain Mendel, the old town of Bolzano, museums, wine villages, fine restaurants: All this can be explored wonderfully from the Refugium Rochus, much of it also by bike.
• Lake Kaltern is located around seven kilometers from the accommodation —incidentally, the warmest bathing lake in the Alps.

Credits: Davide Perbellini, Erich Dafunt, Franziska Unterholzer