We were tired, very. After a year that have happened many, many things we needed a break. And since, after all, we never stop working, we want to tell you how it went. We started in a group with old friends and, as always, we have them involved in our initiatives. Choosing the second goal three rigid criteria: proximity, offer multiple, relax, packed my bags, left for South Tyrol. Direction of Merano. Mission Journal: try some structures. Unofficial mission: test the new Spa. What can we say in Merano? It 's a lovely town where the traditional hospitality high-efficiency Adige is softened by the beauty of nature, from manicured gardens, modern architectures that are able to merge seamlessly with the existing structures for centuries. To take a virtual tour of what Merano is and what it offers you should look at the site http://www.meranodintorni.com/ , there you will find every little detail. We decide to split the group and experiences a part of us (the laziest!) Come to 'Steigenberger Hotel Terme, others decide to head towards Avelengo. Haflinger is about a quarter of an hour's drive from the center of Merano, just go up but we are now in an alpine environment, an excellent starting point for walks and to get to the start of the ski Merano 2000. The hotel we chose is the Sonnenheim, like many other family-run and good value for money: the rooms are spacious and clean, The wellness area is adequately equipped and the kitchen is fairly treated. The common areas have sacrificed much, and in summer a large terrace with views over the valley becomes enjoyable. The following day (day spectacular) we decide to go walking in Merano 2000 and calmly follow one of the many paths of the plateau. The shelters are open, the view is breathtaking and the location very easy. Friends Helen and CVS (the lazy justified the group) have dealt with the re-discovery of Merano and its offer: Castle Tyrol, Trauttmansdorff and Touriseum (travel in the birth and development of tourism in this region), then in eclipse "Wellness" hotel (which is a four star hotel designed by Matteo Thun, beautiful, by the way). The next day was decided, a full day at the Spa. Two caveats: there are no problems for parking, which is underground, and an agreement with the huge Terme (€ 7 to be paid along with entry to the Spa let you leave the car for the day) and if you decide to stay at Steingenberger as the couple friend of ours you do not even need to leave because the hotel is directly connected to the spa through a tunnel. And if you think that the Baths are an old thing you are completely off the road, come and see this beautiful cube of steel and glass by Matteo Thun, where design, style, materials and expertise in offering you complete to create an unmissable atmosphere. Pure pleasure for everyone: 13 swimming pools inside, and no salt, at temperatures ranging between 18 ° and 35 °, 12 outdoor swimming pools, in a park of your dreams with a soft carpet of grass and perfect, fountains , lake, beach volleyball court, kids area and more. They're not missing anything that can commit to a full day. The saunas have different temperatures, turkish bath and the flavorings are very pretty, what we have by far the favorite is Sanarium a bio-sauna with the aroma that is the most relaxing and harmonizing we can be. The bravest among us have even tried the cold shower: virtually a real bucket full of "fresh" water is discharged him when you decide to pull the rope! Fantastic! We will not dwell on the wonder of massages and treatments which we have willingly submitted because we want you to commit the sin of envy, we advise you (if you're a couple but no) packets with a bathroom at the apple, wine or serum of milk, perhaps followed by a massage ..... Each of us chose a different treatment, and we must all admit that we liked. The staff is friendly and competent and excellent products. Suffice to say that the area of \u200b\u200bthe spa is 1,400 square meters with 26 rooms, just to pamper yourself. After a day like this, before going to dinner we grant you a beer (Forst course) and then off to dinner at Castle Fragsburg where the cuisine of Alois Haller proves to be a great experience for quality. 360-degree quality kitchen, environment, service and atmosphere. One also wonders panorama of the room. The next day we leave Elena M. CVS and continue their holiday and we throw ourselves to the discovery of the Val d'Ultimo. A St. Walburg decide to stop. The sites are very impressive, but the spectacular nature ... captain in a three star hotel (right in the center of the country) where everything seems to be there by chance. We will explain better: the operator (employee? Owner?) the lady in the room not to mention the cook in the kitchen, everyone seems to have abandoned a few moments another activity, which would do well to return as quickly as possible. The structure itself is not totally negative, but there are aspects that we were left with so many glaring questions: If the door opens automatically to let us in without difficulty, even with bulky luggage, however, leads us into a sort of local hall, the reception is to Featured in the oldest part and the rooms are in the new one (which seems to still being completed), the request to have extra pillows, the response was "I do not know if I have." By contrast loe rooms are large, our with terrace, start with the card but television in the room is as big as a PC screen. There is a wellness area (defined area seems too optimistic), not only is there no linen provided (rental only € 2 each.) But there is not even a locker room where you change to get back in the room. We want to mention the food, we have the best memories of the university cafeteria. The only consolation is that, after a breakfast certainly below any standard of Alto Adige, ask the bill and leave the hotel.
