The Schgaguler Hotel –member of THE AFICIONADOS– is a modern luxury resort of stunning architecture and design in the UNESCO heritage-protected mountain village of Castelrotto overlooking the famous Alpe di Siusi.
Milan-based studio Peter Pichler Architecture was commissioned to completely overhaul the Schgaguler – a family hotel in the third generation. Pichler took the family's penchant for natural materials and beautifully betrayed their passion in every aspect of the house, which re-opened in 2018. The designs of architect Peter Pichler can be considered traditional, although their sleek, pointed and stark lines may not look it; they are deeply inspired by nature and the surrounding vernacular architecture. The building is decisively contemporary and as such is wonderfully at odds with the more traditional rustic scene that populates this Alpine hotspot. Yet the sculptured, cubic and almost skeletal white-framed façade is entirely at home here, evoking the snow-capped geology of the Dolomites. The interior design is eminently simple; floor-to-ceiling windows, bespoke carpentry, and a clean alpine aesthetic married to design.
Comfort borrows from Italian cool, the Danish principles of hygge and a touch of sweet sophistication in the Japonesque detailing. Sophisticated and uncomplicated, the Schgaguler Hotel is a modern luxury retreat with spacious designer bedrooms and large roof-top suites, a fabulous wellness spa with pools, a gourmet restaurant and a fireside bar that opens onto a large terrace affording views towards the nearby Sciliar mountain.
The juxtaposed beauty of South Tyrolean traditions and the traits of modern design give this style den its distinctive hallmark - an alpine hotel that captures the dramatic eye candy courtesy of the facing Dolomites.
Spacious, bright rooms and roof-top suites – all with balcony, foster a precisely engineered sense of calm; decorated in soft palettes of warming cereal tones set against smooth resin flooring; linen accents; bespoke chestnut carpentry and designer furnishings that add elegance in form.
Accents of good design pepper the rooms at the Schgaguler – with free-standing bathtubs from Monica Graffeo, Wishbone Chair from Hans Wegner, Takeshi Nii iconic folding chairs on the balcony, Bjhon Washbasin by Angelo Mangiarotti and lighting from Santiago Roqueta.
True to the bountiful cuisine legacy of South Tyrol, Austrian and Italian alpine classics fuse with Mediterranean Italy under the direction of Chef Rosario Viscome.
Breakfast represents the basket of local foods from the immediate vicinity - happy hens, local butter and cheeses from the mountain pastures and house-baked breads. The restaurant favours familiar dishes which have been re-worked and the tasty cuisine served on halfboard terms celebrates the flavours of this region from the Alps to the Mediterranean with great finesse and creativity. The food and beverage aspects of the hotel are under the knowledgeable hand of family member Sandra Schgaguler - who has applied her sommelier skills in curating a superb local wine list with highlights from local vineyards from Valle-Isarco and the region of Bolzano.
From the organic morning coffee to the late-night house Grappa from Castelrotto – it is all about those details that make you feel so naturally welcome in the Alps.
The spa is situated in the subterranean level and architectural detailing again celebrates the use of local materials in a modern context. Two indoor pools, an outdoor whirlpool, sauna (Finnish, Organic, Steam), The Melmarium mud bath and fitness studio complete the cycle of in-house wellness.
Natural cosmetics from Vitalis Dr. Joseph, which are produced in South Tyrol, headline the extensive wellness & skincare menu.
The Schgaguler Hotel is home in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, being located at the foot of the ski region Alpe di Siusi situated in the mountain village of Castelrotto/Kastelruth near to the Seiser Alm and skiing in Val Gardena. Castelrotto is a historical village and part of the "Borghi più belli d'Italia", northeast of the city of Bolzano (approx. 20km away).
The Schgaguler is situated in the skiing area Alpe di Siusi and in the immediate vicinity of the skiing area of Val Gardena. Three to four times a week Gottfried Schgaguler accompanies guests on skis through the Dolomites including the Sella Ronda and the mountain hunter's round which cross the whole Dolomite area. On the various excursions, you will be taken to the most beautiful and best ski huts to stop for refreshments. The retreat becomes a culinary experience. Ski the entire Dolomiti Superski ski area without stress and with priceless insider tips. Car-free into the ski area - the ski bus stops in the immediate vicinity of the hotel and takes you to the lifts every 10 minutes.
The namesake of the owning Schgaguler family, the hotel is now in its third generation with each member being hands-on from the restaurant to the ski safaris. Martin Schgaguler is the pioneer behind the new look Schgaguler Hotel who worked closely with the Milan-based Architect, Peter Pichler.
"Good architecture and design are the concepts that today, I believe are pivotal in surpassing guest expectations of modern luxury and satisfaction in a hotel environment.” explains Martin Schgaguler and "it was this foundation in thought that inspired the simplistic interiors that are juxtaposed to the wild natural drama of the Dolomites – we are still very local, in a very modern way.”
Hiking and tobogganing under the full moon – an unforgettable winter experience on the Seiser Alm. When the guests’ eyes shine with happiness as brightly as the stars in the night sky above the Seiser Alm, then they are on an unforgettable adventure with Gottfried Schgaguler. He will guide you on three different full moon nights into the winter-white landscape of the UNESCO-protected high alpine meadow.
Team:
Architects: Peter Pichler
Photographer: Rene Riller
