Terra - The Magic Place
Alpine gourmet retreat. Intimate, family-run, design-forward. The aesthetic weaves natural oak, pine wood, and local craftsmanship into a clean contemporary frame. This is very much a food-first destination — guests come for Heinrich's hyper-local, herb-driven cuisine, and the rooms are a gorgeous bonus.
Book the restaurant reservation before your room — dinner slots fill up fast, especially in summer.
Why It Matters
The two-Michelin-star restaurant Terra is Italy's highest-altitude starred restaurant. The 1,000-label wine list is curated by Gisela, who holds a DipWSET. The hotel itself holds a Michelin Red Key (Chiave Rosso). The Schneider family converted their grandfather's 1940s mountain inn into one of the most awarded gourmet addresses in the Alps.
Terra is a family-run, 11-room hotel perched at 1,622 meters in the Sarntal valley of South Tyrol. It's a modernist take on Tyrolean chalet architecture, owned and operated by siblings Heinrich Schneider (chef) and Gisela Schneider (sommelier), along with Karl Manfredi. The whole project was built around the restaurant — which holds two Michelin stars plus a Michelin Green Star, and is the highest-altitude Michelin-starred restaurant in all of Italy. Relais & Châteaux member since 2014.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
Design Room
The entry-level category, renovated in 2018 with serious attention to design. East or west facing (so morning or afternoon light, not all-day south sun like the suites). Each room is individually decorated with different colors and furniture — no two are identical. Direct access to the garden with private sunbeds. At 290 sq ft it's the smallest option, but the craftsmanship is there.
King size bed
Junior Suite
Spacious south-facing suite with sun all day, a private balcony overlooking the Dolomites, and a separable sitting area with sofa bed — the ideal layout for families or two couples. 505 sq ft of interior means the room doesn't feel cramped even with four people. Large walk-in closet.
King size bed + sofa bed for 2 (additional charge)Panorama Suite
The newest and most modern room at Terra. The entire south-facing wall is floor-to-ceiling glass, letting in full sun all day and framing a direct view of Latemar — one of the Dolomites' most iconic peaks. Custom-made furniture from local craftsmen, natural oak floors, and a garden with private sunbeds. Has a sofa bed, making it workable for families of four.
King size bed + sofa bed for 2 (additional charge)Pine Studio Deluxe Suite
Built entirely around the calming properties of pine wood — the scent is said to lower heart rate and improve sleep. South-facing with a generous balcony and Dolomites views. The standout in this room is the bathroom: full bathtub plus separate shower, double sinks, and bidet. No extra beds possible, so it's strictly for couples.
King size bedSuperior Room Deluxe
South-facing rooms with either a balcony or a garden terrace, all flooded with sunshine. Stylish wood decor, natural colors, and carefully chosen accessories. Each room has its own character. Can accommodate up to 4 with extra beds.
King size bedThe Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A historical trail down into the valley following the exact route the owners' mother walked to school as a child in the 1940s — 45 minutes down, about an hour back up. A personal and scenic walk through the family's history.
The hotel's signature hike, departing directly from the property. Trail 2 goes via the Auener Alm to the Auener Joch, then Trail 23 continues up to the ancient stone cairns at 2,003m. A 360° panorama of the Dolomites and Sarntal Alps at the top. The figures are linked to centuries-old legends. About 75 minutes in summer, slightly longer in winter.
Guests personally descend into the wine cellar with sommelier Gisela to choose their bottle for dinner. A signature part of the Terra dining experience.
The hotel arranges guided visits to small local wineries with tastings of South Tyrolean wines directly from the cellar.
Guided tour into the UNESCO Dolomites, with options for scenic drive only or with a leisurely hike and traditional mountain hut lunch.
The Reinswald ski area is 25 minutes by car. Known for quiet, uncrowded slopes and good snow with Dolomites views.
Guided snowshoe excursions through the pristine winter landscape away from marked paths. Available in winter season.
At 1,622m with no nearby light pollution, the night sky above Terra is spectacular. The Milky Way, constellations, and shooting stars are visible with the naked eye on clear, moonless nights.
A 700-year-old farmhouse in Sarnthein showcasing historic alpine farming life. Private guided tours arranged by the hotel (in German or Italian only).
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Complimentary rental of hiking poles and backpacks — included in the Mid-Week Special package.
Referenced in package descriptions as the end-of-evening gathering spot.
On-site wine cellar with over 1,000 labels curated by sommelier Gisela Schneider. Guests personally select their bottle for dinner.
The Terra gourmet breakfast, served daily and included in most packages. Features locally sourced products including eggs from nearby farms and award-winning local bacon.
In-room minibar in all room categories.
Landscaped garden with individual sunbeds, accessible from Design Rooms and Panorama Suite.
Personal host-led concierge service. The Schneider family are directly involved in welcoming guests and providing activity recommendations.
Outdoor forest-facing terrace off the wellness area for relaxation after sauna or treatments.
Traditional South Tyrolean hay sauna — a regional specialty using dried alpine hay for steam and aromatherapy.
Top-floor jacuzzi maintained at 35°C with views over the treetops toward the Dolomites. Included with stays; packages note access 'in the afternoon'.
BUILD YOUR TERRA - THE MAGIC PLACE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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