As always, a little geography first: Cyprianerhof sits just outside Tiers, a tiny village in the south of South Tyrol, beneath what may be one of the most spectacular rock formations in the world, the Rosengarten (Catinaccio). The peaks rise into the sky as if the tourism director had arranged them himself. Or the Damian family, who turned a small guesthouse on an open meadow into this retreat.
The Hotel
The interesting thing about Cyprianerhof is that at first it feels like a beautiful, sleekly decorated wellness hotel, with indoor and outdoor pools, various saunas, loungers, massage and relaxation rooms. But it is much more: a perfect base for hikers and skiers. Real enthusiasts head out after breakfast with like-minded guests and a mountain guide and don’t come back until the afternoon. The senior owner, Martin Damian, a passionate mountaineer himself, encourages every guest to get some fresh air. And by “fresh air” he doesn’t mean a stroll across the hotel’s meadow, but a trek into the mountains.
Less experienced guests get help, of course, with equipment too. And if, after two days, you only have the energy to walk across that meadow, that’s fine as well. Anything goes at Cyprianerhof, because the comfort here is superb. When the weather is nice, you sit on the terrace and take your 80th photo of the Rosengarten. Probably.
The Rooms
All rooms have wonderful mountain views, and the loveliest are, of course, the suites facing the Rosengarten. In all, Cyprianerhof has 85 rooms.
The Food
When we visited, it was excellent. In the evening, a multicourse dinner is served in the dining room, partly under a glass roof, and it will appeal to health-conscious eaters, too. The portions are just right, and the specialties, naturally, come from the region.
Winter Special
The Tiers cable car opened in the winter of 2022–23, and the highlight is that its valley station is right at Cyprianerhof. You can’t see it, though, because it is set into the ground just below the hotel. At the top, you arrive right at the Carezza ski area, which we highly recommend. Above all, it is very Italian, which means the cozy huts serve good coffee and terrific pasta.
Wellness
Locals would probably ask why you need a spa when you can tramp through fresh mountain air every day. But Cyprianerhof offers both. A separate wing looks after weary bodies, with treatment rooms, relaxation rooms, several saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, a natural swimming pond and even a Schupfensauna, a sauna hut of its own in the middle of the big meadow.
Ideal For
Anyone who loves the mountains and wants to spend a week in a very special place. Couples, solo travelers and families especially appreciate the hikes into the Dolomites, with or without a guide. The bonus for solo travelers: You join a group for the day and might just meet someone very nice.
Prices
Doubles with breakfast and dinner from about 190 euros per person per night.
Contact
Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort
Damian family
St. Zyprian 69
39050 Tiers am Rosengarten
South Tyrol, Italy
IT021100A1KIV7BDSF
