Vigilius Mountain Resort is an exclusive hideaway reachable only by cable car – a modern eco-resort “atop a mountain, yet above it all.” Set at 1,500 m on Monte Vigiljoch, it literally has no roads – guests leave cars behind in the valley and ascend by cable car, immediately entering a pristine world of larch forests and meadows.

Designed by architect Matteo Thun, the resort resembles a fallen tree blending into the landscape: built from local larch wood and stone, with green roofs and triple-glazed glass framing panoramic Dolomite views.

Vigilius was Italy’s first hotel to be certified ClimateHouse A, proof of its rigorous energy-saving design. All energy is renewable: a biomass heating plant (fed by local farm wood chips) provides carbon-neutral heating, electricity comes from alpine hydro power, and spring water from a nearby waterfall is bottled on-site for guests (no plastic bottles here). The resort practices advanced waste reduction – food waste is fermented into biogas and compost, and even leftover ash from the biomass heater nourishes the gardens. “Eco, not ego” is the guiding philosophy imparted by owner Ulrich Ladurner.

This translates to heartfelt hospitality and holistic well-being: the spa’s infinity pool and mountain-view saunas are free of chemical additives (the water is pure mountain spring), yoga classes are offered outdoors on a panoramic terrace, and an on-site shop sells local handicrafts and produce to support the community. In the gourmet restaurants, zero-kilometer cuisine reigns – seasonal menus highlight wild herbs foraged nearby, hearty South Tyrolean farm specialties, and organic wines from Alto Adige. By night, Vigilius embraces silence (there are no TVs in rooms, but you won’t miss them), and the Milky Way overhead replaces artificial light.

Vigilius Mountain Resort invites guests to experience “luxury made simple” – where the true indulgence is breathing pure air, drinking pure water, and finding peace in untouched nature.