Meisters Hotel Irma

The Irma is a boutique hotel that’s luxurious but not stuffy. It's been run by the same family for decades, and the owners can often be seen about the grounds. A number of gardens dot the property, including a rose garden and herb garden, and there's even a small lake  with an adjacent lawn for lounging. Guests will also find a sun terrace, roof terrace, and a summer outdoor pool. There are a smattering of other buildings aside from the main building, including  a villa housing some of the nicer suites and specialty housing such as a tree house suite and safari tent. The property has the feel of a private estate.   

Indoors, guests will find lovely lounge and dining areas. The restaurant feels like a green house, allowing diners to enjoy the surrounding greenery over their meals, while other common space has airy, sophisticated mountain style  -- expect upholstered armchairs, wood paneling, a fireplace, bookshelves, and of course, more big windows so guests can take full advantage of the views.

South Tyrol is the northernmost province in Italy and borders southern Austria. Merano is a quaint town located in the Passeier Valley, known for its natural beauty and bounty. The closest regional airport to Merano is in Bolzano, 30 minutes away by car. Innsbruck Airport in Austria and Verona Airport in Italy are the closest international airports and would both take two hours to get to by car from the Irma. Trains run from the airports as well, albeit with much longer travel times, to Stazione di Merano-Maia Bassa, a five-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms are housed in six separate locations. The main building holds the majority of the rooms, including the Standard Single and Double rooms, which have twin-size and double beds, respectively. Both room types come with private balconies, lots of warm wood accents, yellow-gold walls and/or bedding, and tasteful blue carpeting. Guests might also find antique-style furnishings, chandeliers, and floor-to-ceiling curtains.

Villa Amore houses three luxury suites, including a penthouse suite, which has its own rooftop balcony with 360-degree views and three terraces in total. Villa Amore suites are clean and more modern than other rooms in the hotel, with lots of white accents and furnishings, beautiful hardwood floors, huge bathrooms with soaker tubs, and large walk-in closets. The Residence building houses two double room suites that are beautifully furnished in white and lots of wood accents, also offering huge private balconies and large bathrooms with double sinks and soaker tubs.

For a more adventurous stay, try the suite in a tree. Natural wood, neutral colors, and simple design make the Tree House suite stand out. A staircase takes guests up to the space where there’s a wraparound balcony overlooking the entire property. Another unique option is the Garden Lodge suite. The luxury safari-style tent in the middle of the hotel grounds is open concept with heated flooring, a large terrace, and a natural hot tub filled with warm spring water hidden among the lush greenery. The last suite option is the Guest Villa, with two apartment-style rooms with  wraparound terraces.

Merano, being a great destination for outdoor excursions, is known for its hiking trails, and guests can hike the nearby (and notable) Maiser Waalweg, which runs along the left bank of the Passer River. Other outdoor activities in the area include guided mountain biking and technical bike training, canoeing and rafting, horseback riding, and rock climbing.

Being a boutique hotel allows the Irma to give its guests a more personal experience. The cuisine is no exception. Dinner, served on the terrace, includes a daily five-course gourmet meal with more than 25 different dishes. A special cheese buffet hosted by a certified cheese expert is a highlight, and includes 45 cheese varieties. A breakfast buffet is served daily on the terrace and snacks and a la carte options are available throughout the day. The Irma offers wine tasting classes and cooking classes as well. The restaurant is in a beautiful space that resembles a greenhouse. 

The hotel spa is stunning, and includes lounge spaces with mountain views, sauna and steam rooms, hydrotherapy pools, and a full range of treatments. Fitness classes are available, as well as several pools: a big indoor pool next to a fireplace, an outdoor saltwater pool, and a warm hot tub with eight percent salt.