A sanctuary of natural textures and mountain light, this member of The Aficionados invites guests to embrace the art of slow living in the beautiful wine village of Caldaro al Lago.
A seamless blend of Alpine serenity and Mediterranean ease, Das Wanda is a sleek villa-hotel cocooned by vineyards, olive groves, and the snow dusted peaks of the Dolomites. Just 12km south of Bolzano, in the wine-soaked village of Caldaro al Lago, this suite-only member of The Aficionados––a travel resource for those seeking lodgings that meld luxury, design and authenticity––is a study in effortless sophistication: earthy, organic, and quietly luxurious. It's where South Tyrolean soul meets stripped-back modernism, wrapped in natural textures and ever- changing light.
Named after the Huf family’s childhood summers at their grandfather’s guesthouse on Elba Island—Villa Wanda—this new chapter in Caldaro revives that spirit of barefoot freedom and laid-back elegance. The hotel’s aesthetic is as considered as its sentiment. Inside, tones of wet clay and soft taupe create a meditative palette, offset by brushed cement, reflective glass, and porphyry stone. Oak wood, hemp linens, and tufted cushions introduce warmth, while minimalist furniture in blond woods and mocha velvets adds quiet contrast. Lighting plays a lead role—custom fixtures and natural sunlight accentuate the intimacy of each space as day fades into dusky stillness.
Every suite is different, yet they all echo the same devotion to craftsmanship, sustainability, and pure comfort. Built into the bones of a traditional South Tyrolean house, the rooms feature smooth oak floors, natural stone tiling, walk-in rainfall showers, and dreamy Simmons mattresses. Oversized sofas invite slow mornings and long evenings, with Loewe entertainment systems and vineyard views completing the mood. Top-floor suites command sweeping panoramas of the Dolomites, apple orchards, and twisted olive trees, while corner baths and private terraces add layers of indulgence. Nature is not just a backdrop—it’s part of the design. The hotel’s indoor pool feels like a modern grotto, where dark stone and glass reflect soft blue light. Outside, a Mediterranean garden wraps around the second pool—an azure escape made for sun-drenched lounging. The spa area offers a steam sauna infused with Kneipp aromatherapy and vineyard-facing hydromassage beds, creating the ultimate sensory unwind.
Mornings begin with a farm-to-table breakfast that celebrates the land: creamy yoghurts, golden-yolk eggs, local cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruit, served with a view of the olive groves. During the day, guests can enjoy light snacks or sip local wines poolside. This member of The Aficionados’ collaboration with neighbouring restaurants—some of the best in South Tyrol—means evenings can be anything from a rustic feast to a refined culinary adventure, always within easy reach. At Das Wanda, everything is curated yet unpretentious. It’s a place to reconnect—with nature, with oneself, or with a loved one—against the backdrop of timeless beauty and thoughtful design. Adults-only, rooted in memory, and dedicated to the art of slow living, this is a retreat where the good life isn’t performed—it simply unfolds.
About The Aficionados
Founded by Iain Ainsworth, THE AFICIONADOS is a travel resource for those seeking fabulous recommendations and accommodation that effortlessly fuses luxury, design and authenticity. It comprises over 90 hotels, designer homes for private hire and guesthouses, from all across Europe and a fabulous outpost in New York, the United States, together with a selection of over 100 creatives who round out the offer of this culture and lifestyle emporium for travel and good living. The Aficionados also publishes six printed magazines: Blueprint Beauts, Farmhouse Fabulous, Casa Gorgeous, Neu Heritage, Alchemists of Italy and Eclectic Rebels.
