Built in 1624, Castel Fragsburg was originally used as a hunting lodge for local lords. That still holds true today, however, 330 years after its founding, new owners the Ortner family reimagined the spot as a unique destination and escape rooted in the real, but with a dusting of fairy-tale like magic. This includes culinary creativity at One Star Prezioso, a healing spa deriving ingredients from the flora and fauna of south Tyrol, and a focus on preserving the richness of the past with modern cues. The result is a decidedly one-of-a-kind experience.
“It’s difficult to put Castel Fragsburg into words,” says Alexander Ortner, owner of the Fragsburg, a Relais & Châteaux property. “It is something you have to experience.” From the moment guests take their first breath of pure, Tyrolean air coupled with sweeping views of the valleys and peaks, you know you've landed somewhere special. “Where people come together and evolve their wishes and dreams," adds Ortner.
Enhancing this are the myriad of dining and spa options on offer, all mindful of the natural surroundings. It's fitting given Ortner and his family preserved and maintained many of the building's original structures and give attention to every detail. "Every single piece of furniture, which has been collected over the last 60 years by my family, holds a little piece of our establishment’s soul and embodies refined simplicity."
That ethos comes across each touchpoint from the rooms and suites, to the menu at Prezioso, to the treatments at the Alchemistic Healing Spa. “It’s a place where you can experience change and strive for fulfillment," adds Ortner.
This is achieved through embracing the environment. Thrill-seekers can paraglide above Merano, explorers will enjoy a hike through the Fragsburg Waterfall (the highest in the region), and others will simply sit and reconnect with nature gazing at the Dolomites or Lake Vernago. But for those who don't ever want to leave the property—count us in that group—the focus on restoration and rejuvenation goes more than skin deep.
At the Alchemistic Healing Spa, an incense ritual inspired by the ancient traditions of herbal medicine guide guests on their quest of self-discovery. The property's herbalist, Renate De Mario Gamper, acts as a sage. "My personal favorite is the Biophilia Experience where [De Mario Gamper] takes guests on a magical hike [where] she shows how they can harness the power of nature, medicinal herbs, flowers, and trees to boost their everyday health and well-being.”
Nourishing the soul is fantastic, but when there's a One Star restaurant on-site, we can't help but be intrigued. Chef Egon Heiss's Prezioso celebrates his surroundings through the menu. "We value and appreciate the local products," says Heiss whose tasting menu focuses on highlighting innovative flavors while maintaining sustainability. "Besides the fresh products from our Fragsburg Soul Garden, it is very important for me to maintain a personal relationship with our local suppliers.”
Alpine cheese is sourced from local farmers, meat from the next village, and freshwater fish from the Passiria Valley. “In this way, we authentically represent our region to international guests and at the same time we give local farmers a platform,” says Heiss.
With a clear connection between mind, body, and soul, Castel Fragsburg has achieved the impossible: balance its historic roots with the wants of today's travelers. Open annually from April through November, the hotel briefly shutters for updates, refreshes, and a hint of the Fragsburg magic. "[It's] where life and love are celebrated and where desires are fulfilled," says Ortner. Quite the storybook ending.
Hero image: Castel Fragsburg
All photos courtesy of Castel Fragsburg
