Angelika Schmid had already got to know the historic villa above Merano as a little girl; her parents were frequent visitors and finally took over as managers in 1982. The restaurant with guest rooms was transformed – according to the vision of her father Karl – into a beauty farm focussing on spa treatments, diet and exercise; the concept was so successful that Villa Eden became a magnet for countless celebrity guests and the no. 1 spa address in the whole of Italy. When daughter Angelika, a qualified lawyer, took over the helm in 1993, she maintained this course and has continued to develop the services offered, keeping a close eye on the changing requirements of the guests. The hotel’s reputation is defined by wellness, aesthetic medicine and top-class cuisine – one of 'The Leading Hotels of the World'.
Every guest at Villa Eden enjoys complete freedom and flexibility. We provide the space, the nature, the expertise, the services and the opportunities. Our credo is: everything is possible; nothing is compulsory. If you are just looking for peace and quiet, and a harmonious retreat for complete relaxation, you are also very welcome. It’s all about the individual and their very individual path to health and well-being.'
Angelika Schmid, Hotelière
Situated in the heart of Merano’s most elegant villa district, the elongated listed building, whose architecture reflects its rich history, blends into the extensive park landscape. Shaded by old pine and palm trees, you stroll past oleander bushes in flower and fragrant almond trees before reaching the round-shaped lounge terrace, where you can enjoy moments of relaxation. A little further on, the pool complex presents its sweeping panorama over the neighbouring vineyards to the Merano mountains – almost as if a large, green-framed window were opening. Villa Eden is a private retreat, perfect for longer stays and – more importantly – to stay healthy, energised and beautiful for longer: three doctors and a trained team of experts are available at the hotel’s Medical Longevity Centre to provide individual advice, holistic support and targeted treatment. There are many sides to absolute well-being and no limits here: preventive medicine or in-depth regeneration; coordinated fitness programmes or health through nutrition; relaxing spa treatments or aesthetic procedures – all are accompanied by a high level of expertise and performed with the support of state-of-the-art technology. For example, ‘ultherapy’ uses ultrasound to repair damage in the depths of the skin in order to restore its elasticity on a long-term basis. Microneedling with the Morpheus8 breaks through the skin barrier and stimulates the renewal of collagen and elastin production – the results are fabulous, by the way. Epigenetics are decoded by analysing the living hair root beneath the skin’s surface to discover changes and counteract deficits. An exclusive natural cosmetics line, which was developed together with a biologist, and a small, excellent range of certified organic food supplements support your personal health journey. Exercise is essential: You can either do your training in Villa Eden or take a walk in the picturesque surroundings – to the famous Trauttmannsdorf Castle with its enchanting gardens or to the arcades in Merano’s old town centre.
You might already have guessed that the 5-star hotel also goes its own way when it comes to interior design: instead of the expected Alpine chic with lots of wood and stone, you are greeted by a glamorous elegance that pays homage to the history of the hotel. High rooms with stucco ceilings, mirrored wall elements and fine materials such as marble and velvet together with exclusive, timelessly classic design interiors create a stylish feel-good atmosphere. The 25 spacious suites are all furnished differently and each is dedicated to one of the world-famous celebrities who have often stayed here. However, they all share the same in high-quality design, attention to detail and focus on maximum recuperation and a good night’s sleep for the guests. The suites are a wonderful private haven of peace where you can feel at home and in good hands.
Dusk gently replaces the bright, sunny day. Golden light shines from the windows of the villa, casting a spell over the darkness of the park. A feeling of inner peace and balance returns – and also a feeling of gratitude for this rediscovered self-awareness. The thought of the evening ahead, which begins at the bar or in the cosy lounge area and is crowned with an outstanding menu by award-winning chef Marcello Corrado, creates a sense of anticipation. At Eden’s Park Restaurant, uncompromising quality is the guiding philosophy, celebrating a cuisine which is sustainable and refined, healthy and enjoyable in equal measure. Guests can enjoy fine dining in a variety of ways – with five or seven courses; regional South Tyrolean cuisine or Italian specialities; vegetarian or vegan options. Fresh, local produce – many directly from Eden’s own garden – is transformed into delicious, perfectly presented creations of the highest culinary artistry, proving that a healthy diet does not mean doing without. A first-class wine to accompany the perfect feel-good menu is of course a must: a characterful white Gewürztraminer; an elegant Pinot Noir and other fine wines come from the traditional Schloss Rametz winery, which is run by Angelika Schmid’s brother Stanislaus and sister Brigitte. If you get the chance, visit to the estate’s vinotheque – your palate and your health will thank you.
'Cuisine plays an important role in our holistic wellness concept. Excellent gourmet cuisine, created by a renowned Michelin-star chef, is central to our philosophy, because delicious food is a source of good health.'
