The slow travel movement is gaining momentum as an alternative to mass tourism, promoting meaningful experiences, genuine connections, and immersion in nature. Rooted in the Slow Food philosophy that reshaped culinary culture over 30 years ago, it is now influencing the way people explore destinations. My Arbor, a sustainable hotel perched on the Plose near Bressanone in South Tyrol, Italy, embodies this approach by offering guests a retreat where time slows and the present moment becomes the focus.
Surrounded by pine forests and overlooking the UNESCO-listed Dolomites, My Arbor is a treehouse-inspired hotel built on stilts. Designed by architect Gerhard Tauber, its structure gives the impression of floating above the Eisacktal Valley with panoramic views of the Sarntal Alps. “At My Arbor, the hectic pace of everyday life fades into the background, and the present moment becomes tangible,” says Alexandra Huber, who manages the hotel with her family. This adults-only space welcomes guests over 16 and is designed for tranquillity, making it well suited to couples, solo travellers, or anyone seeking uninterrupted calm.
The slow travel ethos continues in the hotel’s dining. Breakfast is served until late afternoon with homemade jams, fresh bread, regional cheeses, and seasonal dishes, while evening meals showcase South Tyrol’s produce through multi-course menus. Chef Matthias Hinteregger reimagines local traditions with creations such as quail breast on buckwheat with truffle or risotto with spruce shoots.
At the heart of the retreat is the 2,500-square-metre Arboris Spa, which draws on the restorative power of the surrounding forest. Treatments use essences from local trees and plants. Aloe vera supports cell regeneration and detoxification, larch promotes mental and physical release, Swiss stone pine lowers pulse and breathing for deep relaxation, mountain pine restores vitality, and spruce fosters stability and movement. Facilities include five saunas, an indoor pool measuring 18 by 6 metres, an outdoor infinity pool, and relaxation areas with mountain views. Guests can also join yoga, Pilates, or forest bathing sessions. The signature “My Time” treatment combines a 50-minute outdoor massage with rest in a nest-like space, paired with homemade sorbet and panoramic scenery.
My Arbor’s location offers year-round activities. In summer, visitors can join guided sunrise hikes to see the Dolomites glow pink or take herb walks to learn about alpine flora. More adventurous options include cycling and mountain carts. In winter, the mountain transforms into a ski area with direct access to the Plose resort and the 9-kilometre Trametsch Valley Run. All guests receive a BrixenCard, which provides free use of cable cars, regional transport, and entry to attractions such as museums.
Packages at My Arbor are tailored for personal connection and clarity. “Time for Us” is designed for couples, with romantic dinners, massages, and forest walks, while “My Tree Therapy” combines spa rituals and meditative activities in nature for deeper self-discovery. These reflect the hotel’s philosophy of prioritising quality of experience over quantity, encouraging guests to slow down and reconnect.
My Arbor presents more than accommodation. It is a way of travelling that values nature, local food, and balance. For those looking for serenity in 2025, this South Tyrolean retreat offers a transformative escape where the most valuable luxury is time itself.
