Back to the Source – The Power of Nature by Tradition

Plunhof – Home of Generations & Innovations

South Tyrol, Italy

Ratschings, Ridnaun

Mining-themed spa hotel

4-star superior

The Volgger family

Dolce Vita Meets a Mining Heritage

Run by Paula Volgger and her eight children, the 4-star superior Hotel Plunhof in Ridnaun-Ratschings, South Tyrol, integrates a centuries-old tradition of mining into a unique holiday and wellness experience with innovative architecture, concept and content. This EU-Ecolabel-certified hotel is considered one of the world’s finest destination spas. The Plunhof focuses on its heritage and the power inherent in nature. It is a well-conceived approach that has been implemented with great skill and is highly appreciated by guests, reviewers and experts alike.

Hotel Facts at a Glance

Sleep well, naturally: 67 rooms and suites – individual, innovative and inviting
Welcoming: Hotel restaurant in 4 wood-panelled Stuben
Delicious: South Tyrolean and Mediterranean gourmet cuisine
Superb choice: 700 wines in the Bacchus cellar

Spa Minera: Saltwater whirlpool, saunas, steam room, infrared cabin, a shower temple and relaxation areas
Acqua Minera: Indoor and outdoor poolscape with 4 pools and natural pool
Fresh horizons, rest, superb views and grounding relaxation areas
Spa menu of organic & medical beauty treatments and Alpine signature treatments

Hotel Plunhof | Spa | South Tyrol | marketing deluxe

Nature on a Plate

Ripened in the South Tyrolean sun, grown on lush meadows, cultivated on gentle hills: sustainable, ecological agriculture produces high-quality, local and seasonal foods and unadulterated flavours that are reflected in the Plunhof’s culinary philosophy. Regionality is nothing new here – it’s been part of life since time immemorial.

Recipes make use of typical regional produce and are passed down from generation to generation
To accompany home-made pasta, South Tyrolean dumplings and doughnuts: select South Tyrolean and Italian wines
Wine seminars, cookery classes … and you can even look over matriarch Paula’s shoulder as she makes the Plunhof’s dumplings and doughnuts

Above and Below the Surface

Mining has shaped Ridnaun’s valley, people and traditions – and the Plunhof’s too. Its history is evident throughout, from the rooms to the world of grottos, culminating in the ‘wellness above and below the surface’ concept that underpins the Spa Minera. The power of the local ore is uniquely palpable in the destination spa, from its design by Tyrolean architect Karl Landauer, to its menu. This is where guests embark on a wellbeing journey through tunnels, grottos, the miners’ sauna and saltwater whirlpool, benefitting from the power within the rock and soil. Spa Minera was extended in 2019 and now offers 4,000sqm of facilities. The Acqua Minera, the Plunhof’s extraordinary indoor and outdoor poolscape, sets a milestone in wellness tourism.

Beauty & Renewal – Power from Rock & Soil

The spa’s range of treatments is focused on certified organic, high-tech and medical cosmetics with exclusive partners. Highly effective skincare products and Alpine signature treatments combine the power of rock and soil with the tools of biology and science. All reflect the Plunhof’s regional traditions, making use of silver quartzite mined in the mountains of the Pfitsch Valley, pure lambswool, rock salt and the local stone.

Head-to-Soul Sustainability

At the Plunhof, going back to the source isn’t just about reviving history, traditions or culinary regionality. It also means respecting the ecosystem and looking after nature’s resources without losing sight of their usefulness for the environment, the future, and above all for the people. This philosophy is palpable not only in the spa and restaurant, but also on hikes, cycle rides and mountain bike excursions, at the Plunhof’s own mountain hut and the Tötschhof farm, when fishing or skiing … and in the almost limitless possibilities for discovering nature.

7 Unmissable Experiences

Diving into the relaxation pool and emerging in the outdoor natural pool
Reviving in the saltwater whirlpool and the miner’s sauna
Detoxing the deluxe way with a silver quartzite signature treatment
Entering a world of flavours during a cookery class
Tasting wines in the Bacchus cellar
Authentic: A trip to the Tötschhof farm and Paula Volgger’s doughnuts
Enjoying the dolce vita on an excursion to nearby Merano

The Flow of Nature

Rooted

Local timbers, natural stone and references to an ancient mining tradition: discover supreme comfort and a home from home. Named after family members, the Plunhof’s rooms and suites are as unique as their namesakes and their guests.

Traditional

For 800 years, the people in the picturesque Eisack Valley in South Tyrol earned their livelihoods by mining. Hotel director Paula Volgger’s grandfather, father and brothers all worked in the nearby Schneeberg mine, now a fascinating museum.

Delicious

Between the Alps and the Mediterranean, dolce vita and mining: South Tyrolean treats and Mediterranean delights. The Plunhof’s food culture has grown out of nature, the climate and history – and is joyfully passed on.

Alive

The Plunhof’s traditions are upheld – be it at the Tötschhof, Paula Volgger’s home, or at their own mountain hut … enjoy experiences of what is often forgotten elsewhere: nature, a sense of connection, and warm cordiality.

Real

Mother Nature really knows how to show off her power, clarity and abundance here at the Plunhof. At 1,340m above sea level, she soothes our hearts on amazing hikes, strengthens our lungs with her clean mountain air, and liberates us from day-to-day worries. Rest, relaxation and renewed energy.