Villa Eden Leading Park Retreat, Merano. Renewed Energy in the Südtirol

words Matteo Mammoli

Art Nouveau villa in the middle of a private park stands for quality tourism in Südtirol. Renovated structure, garden, and medical spa under the aegis of Angelika Schmid

Villa Eden: a hotel with a medical wellness facility, located in a Mediterranean pre Alpine park in Merano. Today its renovation project it’s finally over. The 29 suites have now more additional furnishings and fittings. The terrace has been redesigned by the designer Luca Miazzo, as well as the park surrounding Villa Eden. Angelika Schmid, owner and property manager, welcome guests and take care of their stay. Her father, Karl Schmid – begun his career as an entrepreneur by importing Jägermeister bitters to Italy. He had the intuition to create in Merano the health resorts he had experienced in Austria and Germany.

The medical check-up is conducted upon the arrival, and allows for the personalisation of care and wellness paths. They can create programs of treatments, nutrition as well as physical activity. Eden Healths, Villa Eden’s Longevity Medical Center, has also expanded. Thanks to the contribution of Dorian Ottavian, aesthetic plastic surgeon from Treviso. And Alessandro Pasquali, exert in preventive and aesthetic longevity medicine the center came to a new live.

Emosculpt at Eden Healths

A machine of the latest generation is able to replicate on the body the effect of 20000 muscle contractions in thirty minutes. The stimulation reaches the nerve that in turn goes to radiate the muscles. A cycle of 4 sessions each at a distance of 48/72 hours allows a reduction of up to 40% of fat in the chosen area.

Emosculpt helps to increase muscle mass. It reduces cellulite and at the same time allows you to burn fat. Performing a non-invasive face lift and redefine body volumes. This treatment utilizes HIFEM® technology – high intensity focused electromagnetic energy – which induces supra-maximal muscle contractions otherwise impossible with voluntary movements during a normal workout. The device used does not emit such energy as to ionize molecules, nor can it modify cellular structure. There is no radiation, it is athermic and does not act on sensory nerves.

Cellgym simulates staying at high altitude. A scientifically validated method in which, through the alternation of breathing oxygen-depleted and oxygen-enriched air, it produces benefits for the body, ranging from mitochondrial renewal to improving the efficiency of the immune system. Among the beauty treatments, Body Cast is specific against cellulite and localized adiposity. It promotes the increase of the internal temperature in the problematic part of the body. An increased blood flow and consequent increase in local metabolism and disposal of toxins. It follows a slimming occlusive wrap with firming, toning and anti-cellulite effect.

Villa Eden, Merano – Every day on the agenda

For those who want to start the day on the move, the walk begins at seven in the morning, when the air is crisp and smoothes the face. Comfortable shoes are recommended to match the speed of the escort. A local trainer will you give you some advices about the equipment is necessary to have.

Morning are a time of joy for the inhabitants of Merano. A traffic of bicycles and smiles along the green streets, in some places limited by small and lively streams. Crossing the residential area, descending towards the center, you can admire the houses and villas of Merano. Many have sloping roofs and Art Nouveau decorations on the facade. Some are modern, with large windows and geometries reminiscent of Le Corbusier. Others are late nineteenth century, imposing, with a large square in front, hidden by flora and high wrought iron gates. All of them tell of a proud, orderly people, who take care of their spaces, who live in harmony with nature and far from the chaos of big cities.

The Sissi Promenade

You know you’ve arrived in the city center when you see across the bridge the Sissi Promenade, since 1850 a vital axis of tourism in Merano. Until 1918, it used to be called Gisela-Promenade, in honour of the daughter of the Habsburg imperial couple. The Empress of Austria Elisabeth, wife of Franz Joseph, came to Merano for the first time in 1870 with her two daughters: Gisela, fourteen years old, and Valerie, two years old. Valerie had health problems, and in the maintain of waiting for her to recover, the three stayed at Trauttmansdorff Castle, where all the rooms were restored and refurnished for the occasion. When she recovered a few weeks later, the Viennese newspapers began to write about the South Tyrolean town, praising its mild and healthy climate. Since then, Merano has become one of the leading health resorts in Europe.

The Empress at the Rametz Castle

Sissi also stayed at Rametz Castle, which has been owned by the Schmidt family for several decades. Vera Schmidt’s brother takes care of the cellar, which houses original barrels dating back to the 19th century. As well as a small museum of South Tyrolean wine and speck, of which they are producers. The castle has 3 arches’ structure. It is not uncommon to find small groups of kids gathered in a circle intent on playing cards. They come here to enjoy the landscape, while respecting the private property of others.

Marcello Corrado, Executive Chef of Villa Eden, Merano

The Mindful Restaurant, consisting of two rooms, offers a choice of calorie-calibrated or tasting menus. In both cases inspired by local and Mediterranean cuisine, with options for vegetarian and vegan guests. The gourmet dinner features research-based dishes that aim to enhance local products, using local suppliers. Executive Chef is Marcello Corrado. His work is the result of a richness of influences -partonepean roots. Corrado has gained experience in Rome, Milan, Salerno and Treviso. In 2017 at Perillà in Val D’Orcia he won his first Michelin star. A promoter of seasonal cuisine, Corrado has married Villa Eden’s gastronomic vocation. The organic vegetable garden of Eden’s Park is also a source of raw materials, further expanded with the latest renovation.