DOLCE VITA HOTELS LAUNCHES SAUNA RETREAT LED BY SAUNA MASTER WORLD CHAMPIONS

Published: 19th August 2024
Read Time: 9 mins

Brits can now book a seven night wellness retreat with sauna infusions, shows and rituals

Dolce Vita Hotels
launches sauna retreat 20-27th October 2024
Led by Sauna Master World Champions
To include sauna infusions, sauna shows and rituals
It comes as sauna culture heats up in the UK
FREE to guests of Dolce Vita Hotels
Sauna imagery here (hotel imagery below)

August 2024: Sauna culture is catching on in the UK, with community saunas popping up in popular hotspots like Brighton, Kings Cross, Stratford and Hackney. Even offering the traditional Aufguss - a German term translating to “infusion” which describes a multi-sensory wellness ritual - Brits are starting to understand the humble sauna isn’t just about sweating out toxins.

And this trend is here to stay. At the UK’s first ever Sauna Summit in May 2024, the Sauna Society revealed that more than 30 sauna pop-ups have appeared already this year, with the sense of community being at the heart of its rapid growth.

The Aufguss offers a physical, mental and emotional sauna experience and is performed by a sauna master or ‘Aufgussmeister’. Following in the footsteps of countries like Finland, Germany and Italy, the UK hosted their first National Aufguss Championships just last year. The Aufguss World Championship then sees sauna master’s from around the world showcase their skills in performing the Aufguss ritual, where they are judged on their creativity, skill, knowledge and showmanship.

Now, Brits can experience a Sauna Retreat led by Sauna Master World Champions with Dolce Vita Hotels, a collection of four family-run wellness hotels in wellness hotspot, South Tyrol. The retreat - Sauna Around Week - will take place 20-27th October 2024 with traditional Aufguss, sauna shows and rituals performed daily. The best part? It’s free to guests who are staying with Dolce Vita Hotels.

How it works:

In a stellar line up, this year will be led by two Sauna Master World Champions, Michael Niedermair, the reigning Italian Sauna Master Champion and two-time World Vice Champion from South Tyrol, supported by Kasia Klajn, former World Champion. Sauna events will take place across each of the five and four-star Dolce Vita properties ALPIANA, Preidlhof, Lindenhof and Feldhof, located in Lana and Naturno.

Through their inclusive hotel hopping concept, which allows guests to use the facilities of each hotel, free of charge, guests can move freely between properties to see the champions in action whilst staying at just one. Each hotel is just a short walk or drive away making it easy to transition between them.

If you can’t make it this year, don’t panic, as Dolce Vita Hotels hosts the Sauna Retreat annually in April and October, with Dolce Vita Hotels also home to two Sauna Master World Champions who work at the wellness hotels.

Explaining what’s involved in a sauna infusion and sauna show, Sabrina Telfser, Sauna Master and Spa Manager at Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort says:

“A visit to the sauna has many benefits from strengthening the immune system, circulation training to relaxation of the body and mind. According to sources, the origin of saunas dates back to the Stone Age and over the centuries that followed, different types of saunas have developed. We have the Finns to thank for the tradition of sauna infusions (called “Aufguss”). The sauna plays an important social role in their culture and others.

During an Aufguss, water and ice with essential oils are poured onto the stones of the sauna oven. The steam produced increases the humidity in the sauna and makes the heat more intense. By using different rhythmic movements of a towel, accompanied by background music, the Aufgussmaster creates an intense and enjoyable multi-sensory experience. Many sauna visitors forget about the heat during the Aufguss and therefore stay in the sauna longer. It takes approx. 10-13 minutes and can be optimised and intensified by using essential oils and aromatherapy during sweating. In the Aufguss, we use various utensils to distribute the air, in particular special towels and fans.

There is a wide variety of different types of Aufguss and rituals in the sauna; classic, relaxing, themed, show, singing bowl rituals, incense rituals, scrub in the steam bath and so on. At Preidlhof there are between 3-6 different infusions every day, from the classic Aufguss to a scrub in the steam bath to themed or special show Aufguss. The show Aufguss is a special kind of ritual. It’s like a short theatre play in the sauna. The sauna masters tell a story with the help of scenography, costumes, utensils, fragrances and music. It’s a truly emotional and enriching experience. There has even been a World Championship for show Aufguss for many years”.

What does it take to be a Sauna Master and Champion:

Sabrina continues: “About 10 years ago, I completed my training as a sauna master. After the basic training, I have attended various further training courses in this field over the years. In Italy, there are various ways of training to become a sauna master. The sauna masters are then certified by the Italian Sauna Association AISA. Aufguss masters are determined at national qualifying rounds in the participating countries and then take part in the Aufguss-World-Championship. I was able to take part in 2018. It was a great experience.”

With a combined 38 pools, 32 saunas, 28 rest rooms and 5 SkySpas, Dolce Vita leads the way when it comes to award-winning wellness. With expansive spa areas offering extensive facilities, from infinity pool panoramas to sauna towers, each property offers a sanctuary of relaxation and rejuvenation in nature.

South Tyrol is well and truly on the wellness map, and Dolce Vita Hotels are the ideal spot to embrace sauna culture whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or would like to embrace your inner sauna master. Find out more here.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Prices: The Sauna Around Week is free to guests of Dolce Vita Hotels. Room prices start from 171 euros per person per night, approx. £147 (includes 3/4 board - breakfast included, afternoon buffet and dinner included.

Please see further information about individual properties below and on the website here: https://www.dolcevitahotels.com/en/

All hotel packages can be found here: https://www.dolcevitahotels.com/en/offer-prices/offers

About Dolce Vita Hotels:

Dolce Vita is a collection of four family-run active and wellness resorts in South Tyrol, Italy – ALPIANA, Preidlhof, Lindenhof and Feldhof, open in spring, summer and autumn seasons. With a range of family-friendly and adults-only hotels, Dolce Vita Resorts cater for both couples and families. An oasis of wellbeing, Dolce Vita offers the largest spa and wellness facilities in South Tyrol, made up of 38 pools, 32 saunas and 5 SkySpas. Spread across the tranquil landscapes of Lana and Naturno, when you book one superior hotel, you benefit from the facilities and services of all four, free of charge. Through their exclusive hotel hopping concept, whether it’s enjoying the region’s culinary delights in a choice of 5 gourmet restaurants, or basking in multiple infinity pools set against the backdrop of stunning mountain vistas, all the properties are just a short walk or drive away.

About Preidlhof Luxury Dolce Vita Resort:

Preidlhof is a five-star, adults-only wellness destination in Naturno. Owned and managed by the Ladurner family for over 50 years, the hotel features 71 vibrantly designed rooms and suites, including penthouse suites with a private butler and outdoor beds ideal for stargazing of an evening. With a first-class reputation as a leading holistic, preventative and medical health retreat, every stay offers the opportunity for physical, social, emotional, psychological, and spiritual regeneration. Preidlhof offers over 5500m² of wellness space with exceptional therapists, treatments and transformational wellness retreats to experience. It has an impressive 7 pools and 7 hydrotherapy pools as well as a dedicated, six-story Sauna Tower with incredible views of Val Venosta and the Ortler Mountains, comprising 16 sauna, steam and relaxation spaces including the world’s only Deep Sea Relaxation Room. In the restaurant, a seven-course gourmet dining menu is served alongside the traditional à la carte, where guests can enjoy local produce and ingredients grown and harvested on the property. Also available, the ‘Wellness Healing Gourmet Menu’ is designed to enhance the experience of mindful and sensual eating, with a plant-based menu free of lactose, soy, gluten and refined sugar.

Images: HERE

Prices: From 216 euros per person per night, approx. £186 (includes 3/4 board - breakfast included, afternoon buffet and dinner included)

About ALPIANA Green Luxury Dolce Vita Hotel:

For guests looking to slow down and reconnect with nature, the four-star superior wellness retreat, ALPIANA, is a garden paradise harmoniously integrated into the luscious green mountain landscapes of Lana. Run by the Margesin family for three generations, the hotel consists of 59 elegantly designed rooms & suites blending South Tyrolean warmth with modern style, with select suites also showcasing outdoor beds for guests to sleep under the stars. Nestled amongst picturesque apple orchards, meadows, chestnut groves and mountain forests, ALPIANA is a natural sanctuary to unwind and recharge. The expansive 2,000m² spa is spread across three levels, complete with a finnish panorama sauna, an infinity, natural & brine pool and a SkySpa offering mountain vista views. Enjoy gourmet dining inspired by the seasons and surrounding landscape, and sip cocktails in the Bar & Lounge.

Images: HERE

Prices: From 189 euros per person per night, approx. £162 (includes 3/4 board - breakfast included, afternoon buffet and dinner included)

About Feldhof Dolce Vita Resort:

Owned and loved by the Perathoner family, the four-star superior spa hotel in Naturno, near Merano, blends South Tyrolean warmth and modern interiors. Catering for families and couples, the spa is split into adults-only and family-friendly areas. In the 2000m² adults only SkySpa across two floors, guests can enjoy uncompromising views from the thermal water infinity pool, with additional steam rooms, relaxation and treatment rooms. Meanwhile, children can enjoy a full schedule of activities through the varied children’s programme, make a splash in the indoor adventure pool or take on the exhilarating 80m tube slide. Adults can accompany their tiny tots to the baby and toddler pool with water games and slides, and also take advantage of the inclusive childcare service so they can have some ‘me time’. Meanwhile, the whole family can enjoy the family spa equipped with a sauna and family steam bath with mild temperatures suitable for children. In the restaurant, enjoy a blend of Mediterranean and alpine cuisine with regionally sourced ingredients.

Images: HERE

Prices: From 177 euros per person per night, approx. £152 (includes 3/4 board - breakfast included, afternoon buffet and dinner included)

About Lindenhof Pure Luxury & Spa Dolce Vita Resort:

Nestled in the charming village of Naturno, the five-star Lindenhof hotel is perfectly catered to families. Following a major construction by the Nischler family in 2018, the hotel is complete with 80 modern and minimalist rooms that combine modern materials with traditional Tyrolean interior decor. In the restaurant, enjoy a 5-course gourmet menu where new dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients are created every day. Families will rejoice with a vast indoor pool fitted with a spiral slide, along with multiple games rooms and family rooms, where adults can leave the children to play whilst they relax in the spa. Taking an innovative approach to family wellness, the 5000m² spa is split into adults-only and family-friendly wellness areas, with a dedicated family spa suitable for children. Also, with extensive fitness areas including a rock-climbing wall, and with guided mountain bike, hiking tours and extensive fitness programmes on offer, it’s the ideal sporting retreat for those looking to get active. Lindenhof also offers adults-only months in March, November and December.

Images: HERE

Prices: From 171 euros per person per night, approx. £147 (includes 3/4 board - breakfast included, afternoon buffet and dinner included)

Travel Details:

Closest airports to all hotels: Bolzano, Verona
Closest railway station: Bolzano (44km to Naturno)
Direct flight route from London Gatwick to Bolzano on Wednesday and Saturdays via SkyAlps

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