My Creative Cup of Tea

January 24, 2026

#MCCOTPlacetoStay {29}

Bühelwirt

S.Giacomo in Valle Aurina

South Tyrol

Italy

At the center of St. Jakob, a small mountain village located in the Northern part of Upper Adige – in the heart of the Aurina Valleyan, the Bühelwirt stands on a rise. This historic hotel was built in 1910 by Maria Steger and her sister Notburga , two enterprising women from the “Roanerhof. A few years ago, the property came by inheritance to Michaela Haller, the great-grandchild of Maria. A beautiful and priceless heritage to be grateful for, to cherish and preserve for the future generations to come. A duty to honor the legacy of the brave and successful female founders and follow into their footsteps with authenticity, dedication and boldness.

'For me, the daughter of the first-born, it was the ideal time. I had completed my studies, I was the mother of two little girls, wanted to make a start on my career and was looking for a challenge. The hotel had always fascinated me and my grandparents needed support. A lot of trust was placed in me, and I was very soon given free rein.Then, after a few years, my husband Matthias joined in the adventure by my side.' tells Michaela.

These past few years, the Bühelwirt in Ahrntal has thus become Michaela’s and Matthias’s project of the heart. A project of a lifetime they are so proud of. As committed-to-the-environment new owners, nature lovers, and proud ambassadors of slow tourism, they have turned their establishment into a one-of-a-kind certified eco-hotel. A welcoming home for relaxation seekers surrounded by a breathtaking local untamed Nature. More than just a hotel, a truly special place, a real power spot in the South Tyrolean mountains where you can take a deep breath, experience the originality of nature, and enjoy a perfect break in Ahrntal, far from the stress of everyday life.

Fulfilling the desire of Michaela and Matthias to usher in a new era that celebrates a fresh contemporary spirit and the “good old” genuine South Tyrolean hospitality, architectural duo Armin and Alexander Pedevilla has designed and built a modern extension to the main old building, fusing history with a contemporary, sustainable and purist architecture. Making the most of what was available on site and, using exclusively local materials and elements of traditional craftsmanship. The new building boasts six storeys and accommodates 20 panoramic rooms, a wellness spa and the restaurant extension.

For the two hosts, who are first at all two caring human beings, sustainability is not to be considered as the last trend to follow. Managing their resort in the most sustainable way possible without compromise, is a daily purpose. An heartfelt commitment. It is rooted in their life core values. Offering their guests a 100 % organic, 100 % true, 100 % natural experience staying at their place is a priority of theirs. No surprise then if they have been awarded the South Tyrol Sustainability Label, that represents their commitment to environmental protection, social responsibility, and economic sustainability.

At the Bühelwirt, the electrical energy is 100% green, generated with the power of water in the Alperia hydroelectric power plants. Moreover Mineral and natural water bottles have been removed from the drinks order list as a water filter system filters provides mountain water that is biologically purified and freed from all dry residue. To pamper the visitors, natural and eco-friendly cosmetics-Zero Waste Cubes by Team Dr. Joseph- are available in each hotel room.

According to the eco-conscious and inspiring owners "True luxury lies in mindful selection and valuing what really matters. We prioritize quality over quantity and invite you to experience a special atmosphere: a pause in which you can rediscover the simplicity and the beauty of life." An invitation to enjoy an essential, genuine and slow living.