DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat Review: The Italian Alps’ Best-Kept Secret

DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat is a wellness hotel for active travelers in Val Venosta (Vinschgau), South Tyrol, that in my view comes remarkably close to perfection. 

While this family-run property makes an excellent base for exploring Vinschgau and nearby Lake Reschensee, the real draw is the hotel itself. DAS GERSTL isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a destination.

With its extensive wellness facilities, delicious half-board dining, and a full program of activities, both indoors and outdoors, your experience doesn’t depend on the weather. Rain or shine, a stay at DAS GERSTL is bound to be exceptional.

As if you needed another reason to fall in love with this hotel, DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat is also deeply environmentally conscious. Sustainability and regional responsibility are at the heart of its operations, from sourcing products locally, to responsible water management and reduced energy consumption supported by the hotel’s own photovoltaic system. Efforts to minimize packaging and plastic further underscore its commitment to reducing waste.

Here’s why DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat, a member of Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol, should be your next getaway in the Italian Alps.

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Pros and Cons of Staying in DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat

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The Location

The DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat sits at 1,500 meters above sea level, perched high above the village of Burgeis (Burgusio) in Upper Val Venosta. Set along the same winding road that leads to Kloster Marienberg (Convento Monte Maria), the hotel enjoys a secluded mountainside position overlooking the Ortler Alps.

Much of the pleasure of staying at DAS GERSTL lies in simply taking in the panorama, an unbroken sweep of snow-capped peaks rising above 3,000 meters. This view is ever-present, whether from the terrace, the infinity pools, the dining room, or the guest rooms. 

As tempting as it is to remain within the hotel’s cocoon, the surrounding area offers plenty to explore. Highlights include Lake Reschensee (Lago di Resia) with its sunken tower, the most iconic landmark of Val Venosta.

During our winter stay in DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat, we hiked from Kopferbrücke in Rojental Valley to Reschner Alm, a managed alpine pasture hut overlooking Lake Reschensee. We had planned to ski on our second day, but the weather hindered our plans. 

Skiers are well placed, with several nearby areas to choose from: Erlebnisberg Watles (14.5 km of slopes), the Schöneben Ski Area (65 km of slopes), and Sulden am Ortler (44 km of slopes). Just across the border in Austria, Nauders adds a further 75 km of runs.

For those traveling without a car, the hotel makes access easy with a daily complimentary ski shuttle to Watles and a three-times-weekly service to Schöneben (available for an additional fee).

Beyond skiing, guests can join guided winter hikes and snowshoe excursions several times a week, led by the hotel’s in-house guides. These outings are complimentary and include transportation as well as equipment such as snowshoes and hiking poles.

If you prefer to explore independently, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the resources and binders filled with excursion ideas for every season, located beside the reception.

Directly from the hotel, hikers can also walk to Schliniger Alm as well as Kloster Marineberg (Abbey of Monte Maria). 

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Wellness Area

The highlight of staying in DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat is its expansive 858 m² wellness area.

The 17-meter indoor infinity pool, seamlessly connected to a heated outdoor whirlpool, feels cinematic, worthy of a scene in The White Lotus. With unobstructed views of the Ortler Alps, it feels as though you’re swimming straight toward the peaks. 

Completely separate, a second heated outdoor infinity pool is encircled by a terrace, offering equally striking vistas. Both pools open early, inviting guests to take a morning swim before a bountiful breakfast.

The expansive sauna zone, which opens at 11 am, features 7 saunas, 5 indoor relaxation rooms, a tea bar and lounge, an outdoor whirlpool, an indoor whirlpool, a cold plunge pool, and an outdoor terrace and garden. 

The 85°C panoramic sauna is particularly striking, thanks to its sweeping mountain views and spaciousness. Here, sauna masters lead two to three daily infusion rituals, each with its own theme. I especially enjoyed the Celtic and Taste of France sessions, elevated by thematic music and, of course, essential oils.

Good to know | Guests can enjoy the wellness area until 3 pm on their day of departure at no extra charge. 

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Dining & R30 Philosophy 

The Gerstl family is committed to sourcing ingredients locally from South Tyrol’s Vinschgau region, supporting environmentally conscious producers and reducing their ecological footprint, since shorter transportation routes mean lower emissions. To highlight their commitment to local produce and seasonality, all products sourced within 30 km carry the R30 seal. 

If you’re curious about DAS GERSTL’s suppliers, you can pick up an R30 brochure at reception, which details all of their local partners. You can also purchase your favorite R30 products from the hotel shop: Gerstl’s Stoankeller. 

Breakfast (7:30 – 11 am), an afternoon snack (2 – 4:30 pm), and dinner (6:30 – 9 pm) are all included in the rate. The bistro is open between 12:30 pm and 4 pm for lunch (extra charge). 

Special Diets & Intolerances | Guests with gluten or lactose intolerances are fully accommodated, provided the hotel is informed in advance. Vegetarian options are readily available and require no prior notice. Vegan options are also offered, though they carry an additional fee, as they fall outside the hotel’s R30 philosophy.

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Breakfast

Breakfast lovers will be delighted by the generous and comprehensive offerings at DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat.

The breakfast buffet is an impressive spread, with just about everything you could wish for. Many items carry the R30 seal, alongside in-house specialties like jams, juices, ham, and salami. Germans and Austrians will be in heaven just looking at the bread varieties.

The made-to-order breakfast menu includes eggs cooked any style, crepes, and daily specials. The French toast special was particularly delectable. Menu items made with R30 ingredients are clearly highlighted in bold.

Espresso drinks and freshly squeezed orange juice are served to the table. 

Good to know | Unlike dinner, breakfast is open seating, so be sure to grab a coveted window-side table.

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Afternoon Snack 

From 2 to 4:30 pm, guests can enjoy a selection of savory and sweet snacks from the Genussecke, all complimentary. The savory offerings include soup, vegetable strudel, salami, cheese, and fresh bread.

The sweet selection features an array of homemade cakes that taste as delightful as they look. The passion fruit cake, in particular, was heavenly.

On sunny days, snacks can be savored on the terrace with a view. Otherwise, you can enjoy your snack in the bistro area. 

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Dinner

With themed evenings throughout the week, dinner always feels varied and engaging.

On our first evening at the hotel, the theme was “Gerstl’s Kitchen Party.” For each course, guests walk into the kitchen to pick up their chosen dish from one of several stations. It’s a fun and interactive experience, since you get to watch the chefs put the finishing touches on each plate. Apart from the main dish, which had three options (vegetarian, fish, meat), all the courses were vegetarian. 

We also experienced the gourmet gala dinner, a multi-course tasting menu, and an Italian-themed evening featuring dishes inspired by Sicily, Tuscany, and South Tyrol.

In many hotels, half-board dining can become repetitive after a few nights. At Das Gerstl, however, it’s something to look forward to, as each evening brings something new. 

Because DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat goes above and beyond for its guests, it also offers a selection of cheeses and homemade ice cream, available alongside the featured dessert of the evening.

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Lounge & Bar 

The hotel’s marble bar & lounge is a warm, inviting space, much loved by guests. The bar itself is crafted from natural marble sourced from Lasa in Val Venosta.

It’s the perfect spot to enjoy an aperitivo before dinner, or coffee at any time of day. The cocktail menu features signature drinks made with the GERSTL Gin, developed specifically for the hotel by the SECCI distillery in Malles. 

At check-in, each guest receives a welcome drink voucher, redeemable for any drink of their choice. 

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The Rooms

There is a wide selection of rooms and suites in various sizes, each offering different amenities, including options with private saunas, whirlpools, and even an exclusive suite featuring its own infinity pool and garden.

All rooms feature balconies with panoramic views of the Ortler Alps, along with minibars (stocked on request), safes, and TVs. I especially appreciated the coffee maker with Alps Coffee pads and the kettle paired with three varieties of South Tyrolean Kräuter Rebellen teas. Each room also includes thoughtful extras like a hot water bottle and a hiking backpack, perfect for an active stay.

Consistent with the hotel’s R30 philosophy, bathrooms are stocked with Gerstl’s very own R30 cosmetic line including soap, shower gel & shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion, developed by Marion Gerstl – the host’s sister – in collaboration with pharmacist Dr. Martina Garber. These products are made from local mountain herbs, minerals, and spring water. 

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Activity Program 

Another perk of staying in DAS GERSTL Alpine Retreat is their varied activity program. Each week, guests can register at no extra charge for a variety of activities including a mix of:

• Yoga
• Pilates
• Fitness training (functional training, fascia rolling, aquagym)
• Forest bathing 
• Guided hikes all-year-round 
• Guided e-bike tours in summer 
• Special early morning sauna infusions like the Cocoa ceremony 

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Service and Staff

Throughout the hotel, we enjoyed consistently warm and professional interactions with the staff. The reception team was especially helpful, and the dining staff were polished and attentive. We also appreciated being personally escorted to our room after check-in. All in all, Das Gerstl is run by a truly exceptional team.

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Extra Perks 

Early Check-in | If you want to use the wellness area on your day of arrival before the official check-in time (3 pm), you can do so for an extra fee (18 EUR during our stay).

Late Check-out | After check-out (11 am) on your day of departure, you can use the spa facilities until 3 pm. Guests can also enjoy the complimentary afternoon snack. Should you like to extend your stay into the evening, extra charge applies (18 EUR during our stay).

Gerstl’s Stoankeller | This temperature-controlled shop features R30 products for sale. You can purchase local honey, tea, jam, speck, and more. 

Hiking Equipment | Guests can borrow hiking backpacks (provided in your room), as well as hiking poles and snowshoes, all at no extra charge.

E-bikes | Guests can rent modern e-bikes (extra charge) from the hotel directly. If you have your own e-bike, you can use the charging stations (extra charge).

Ski/Bike Storage | Guests can store their ski or bike equipment in the storage room.

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Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol Quality Guarantee

Das Gerstl Alpine Retreat is a member of Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol, a collection of 30 family-run hotels in South Tyrol, united by shared values of sustainability, high-quality regional cuisine, slow travel, wellness, and nature. Every host aims to connect guests with their region and a more conscious way of living. 

Staying at a Vitalpina hotel means choosing a verified high-quality accommodation that fully immerses you in the South Tyrolean mountains. Guests enjoy support for outdoor activities, including gear rental, guided hikes, and maps; wholesome meals made with locally and regionally sourced ingredients; and thoughtfully designed wellness offerings, from spa treatments and sauna infusions to bespoke programs.

We love the brand because each hotel is embedded in nature, allowing guests to step outside and immediately connect with the beautiful outdoors. 

More Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol:

• Alpenwellness Hotel St. Veit in Sexten
• Naturhotel Rainer in Ratschings

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This review was created in collaboration with Vitalpina® Hotels Südtirol. All opinions, experiences, and impressions expressed are entirely my own.

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South Tyrol Travel Guides

Val Venosta:

• Ortler High Mountain Trail

Sterzing & Wipptal:

• Where to Stay in Sterzing

Pustertal:

• Where to Stay in San Candido
• Where to Stay in Sexten

Val Gardena:

• Best Val Gardena Hotels

Alta Badia:

• Best Alta Badia Hotels

Around Brixen:

• My Arbor Hotel
• Milla Montis Hotel

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