First, a little geography: Burgeis, a village of about 900 people, sits at 1,200 meters (nearly 4,000 feet) on an open hillside in the Vinschgau, South Tyrol’s westernmost valley. Strolling through, you pass traditional farms and meadows with grazing cows right among the houses, and at the very heart of the village stands the Hotel Weisses Kreuz (White Cross).
Admittedly, from the outside it looks like a fairly ordinary hotel, but the modern additions and especially the historic manor house deserve praise. The Ansitz zum Löwen, across from the main building, is a true hidden gem whose creativity, character and design are second to none.
We stayed, for example, in Room 509, an incredibly cozy wood-paneled parlor. All the paneling, including the floorboards and ceiling, is original, dating from a time when mountaineering was still in its infancy, and was lovingly brought back to life by highly skilled restorers. In the middle of the room stands a modern white bed, and there is a whimsical minibar and an enormous bathroom whose modern fixtures don’t clash in the least with the room’s historic character.
The main building is a little more streamlined. The modern rooms in the newer wing all have glass fronts with perfect mountain views, and below them are an outdoor pool and a lovely spa with an indoor pool, sauna, steam bath and treatment rooms. The lounge and restaurants are more playful than in most hotels, so you feel as if you were in a little village that you need not leave, whatever the weather.
The boss
Much of the credit for the colorful mix and positive atmosphere goes to Mara Theiner, the latest generation of a family that has run the house for six generations; her grandmother ran it before her. Mara is always upbeat, looks after guests personally and is full of fresh, forward-thinking ideas, all of which rubs off on the staff and guests alike.
NEW CONSTRUCTION
In 2022, the Weisses Kreuz unveiled a completely new spa, not an addition but a reconstruction of the existing one. The beautiful garden was enlarged, the indoor pool turned into a light-filled winter garden with panoramic windows, and there is a new relaxation room with cozy daybeds, plus, of course, a brand-new 20-meter infinity pool.
Also new are a minimalist yoga and meditation room and a bright, glass-walled gym with state-of-the-art cardio, strength and free-weight equipment.
NEW SPA SUITE
The new Vitea spa suite is spectacular, too: 75 square meters (800 square feet) with a whirlpool tub, private sauna, south-facing loggia with panoramic views, a huge bed, a rain shower and many other wonderful details.
GASTRONOMY
Food is at the heart of the house and has won several awards. Chef Marc Bernhart also serves a gourmet tasting menu at MaMesa, an intimate fine-dining room with just six tables, combining local ingredients with Mediterranean flavors and Asian influences. Highly recommended.
Ideal for
The Weisses Kreuz is a great place to spend a long, stress-free stay in the mountains, wanting for nothing. Note: it is an adults-only hotel, welcoming guests 14 and older, so it is not a family hotel.
Pretty Hotels recommendation
Book one of the historic rooms in the Ansitz; they are truly spectacular.
Prices
Doubles from about 175 euros per person, including breakfast and dinner.
Booking & Contact
Hotel Weisses Kreuz
Familie Theiner
Burgeis 82
39024 Burgeis/Mals (BZ)
South Tyrol, Italy
Tel. +39 0473 831307
