In the last decade, Hotel Hubertus has made headlines for its bold, architecturally adventurous amenities. Now, the 75-key resort has turned its attention to the rest of its wellness areas, applying the same design language to a redesigned lobby, bar and panoramic sauna. Previous additions include the dramatic 82-foot cantilevered Sky Pool, unveiled in 2016, and the equally “devilish” Heaven & Hell sauna and cold plunge installation from 2022. Both suspended structures embrace a repurposed aesthetic while subtly referencing allomite architecture.
A panoramic sauna at Hotel Hubertus. Photo by Markus Ranalter.
Overhanging the valley, the heated infinity pool is supported by locally sourced wooden beams. Also made from locally sourced timber, the sauna features a gable roof shape that is mirrored upside down on its lower level.
The unspoiled, sparsely populated region of northeastern Italy is known for its high, jagged limestone peaks and deep blue lakes. Above all, these wellness areas have been designed to take full advantage of the spectacular views that surround Hotel Hubertus from its eastern hillside. Overlooking the resort is Kronplatz, one of the region’s top ski destinations, whose slopes become an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails during the warmer months.
Sky Pool unveiled at Hotel Hubertus in 2016. Photo by Nicho di Biasi.
When it came time to reimagine the rest of Hotel Hubertus’ spa and social spaces, it made sense to do so with the same distilled response of the site, without skimping on the effect of grandeur. A redesigned lobby includes a bar and a brand new panoramic sauna, hidden under a green roof extending from a large grass terrace.
The redesigned lobby of Hotel Huberto. Photo by Markus Ranalter.
Replacing a series of small cabins, the new sauna is wrapped in a striking wood paneling with a herringbone pattern. It hosts guided infusion rituals at 180 degrees, bio-based treatments at a much more restorative 131 degrees and steam baths at 112 degrees. No matter what guests choose, they will always have an amazing view in front of them.
This is a far cry from most resorts, even nearby ones, which tend to bury their wellness facilities underground or away from the most breathtaking views. Here, every space—including all accommodation categories—looks out over the valley and the high mountains in the distance. The minimalist design language keeps the surrounding landscape front and center. The main intention is to integrate Hotel Hubertus more fully into its natural environment.
Photo by Manuel Kottersteger
“It looks like a piece of architecture now,” says Markus Gasser, the resort’s second-generation co-owner. “We ensured that these improvements stayed true to the environment, but have a contemporary look and feel.”
Rather than relying on traditional chalet motifs, the redesign lets the landscape remain the focus.
Hotel Hubertus’ Heaven & Hell sauna and cold plunge experience. Photo by Davide Anzimani & Rebecca Paviola.
“The Hubertus Hotel started as a place for my grandfather to gather with friends after a day’s hunting,” explains Gasser. “Over the past five decades, we’ve slowly but surely expanded it to what it is now. The focus has always been on providing our guests with the best possible amenities, doing everything we can to help them enjoy the area, not necessarily maximizing our profit margins.”
Photo by Manuel Kottersteger
Many of the major changes he and his family have introduced could only have been made because the operation remains so small. Unlike a larger hotel chain, Gasser does not need to run these projects by a supervisory board or a group of outside investors.
“While we’ve expanded over the years, we’ve kept the room number under 75,” he explains. “The idea is to have our most loyal customers come back again and again and have something new to discover every time.”
Photo by Manuel Kottersteger
