Since opening in 2005, what was once a small residential establishment has gradually developed into a special retreat that combines elegance, a connection to nature and responsible management.
In conversation, the hosts explain how a vision gave rise to a family-run business with clear values, why privacy and personalised care are becoming increasingly important to their guests, and which decisions have shaped the establishment’s journey. A glimpse behind the scenes of a place where understated elegance, warm hospitality and a commitment to nature go hand in hand.
Chalet Mirabell is a relatively new establishment. Was there a clear vision from the outset of what Mirabell should stand for, or has this identity only developed over time with the guests?
When we opened Chalet Mirabell in 2005, it was a small guesthouse and, at the same time, the beginning of a great dream. With a great deal of passion, courage and personal commitment, we have developed our establishment step by step. Every change and every investment had a common goal: to create a place for our guests where they feel completely at ease and can find true relaxation.
You stand for elegance rather than ostentatious luxury. Why is understated elegance often more valuable to you than showing off?
The fact that we are able to live and work in such a special place is a great gift to us. The stunning natural surroundings of our home are with us every day and remind us just how precious our environment is. For this reason, we use the resources at our disposal consciously and responsibly. For us, sustainability is not a short-term trend, but an attitude that shapes our daily actions.
Many of your guests are looking for a place where they can simply be themselves. What responsibilities does creating a space where discretion and privacy are a given entail?
Our guests come to us because they are seeking peace, space and privacy. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find a place where they can slow down. At the same time, expectations have changed over the years. Our guests travel more internationally, are younger and place great value on quality – not only in terms of facilities, but above all in terms of service, cuisine and personalised care. We meet these expectations with great care and are constantly evolving together with our team. This includes ongoing professional development and the promotion of language skills, so that we can always engage with our international guests on an equal footing.
Luxury is often associated with excess. You focus on quality, tranquillity and time. In your opinion, how has the concept of luxury changed in recent years?
For us, luxury does not mean excess or ostentation. Luxury means having time, finding tranquillity and enjoying space. It is often the simple things that hold the greatest value: the view of the mountains, the silence in the morning or the feeling of having arrived.
Sustainability and luxury are sometimes seen as opposites. Why do you believe that responsible business practices and exclusive comfort are not mutually exclusive?
It was also important to us to act responsibly when building and running our chalet. The chalet was built using traditional brick construction; a photovoltaic system on the roof generates part of our electricity, and we heat the property using wood chips from renewable raw materials. We use rainwater to water the gardens and for flushing the toilets. We source food and products primarily from local businesses, and we also work with craft businesses in our immediate vicinity.
The South Tyrol sustainability label recognises your commitment. Which sustainable decision has had the greatest impact on your business – perhaps even in ways that guests don’t even notice?
Our staff are a key part of our success. Around 85 per cent live right on the premises, which means we avoid daily commutes. Everyone is provided with meals on the premises – even on their days off. At the same time, we take care to reduce packaging as much as possible and avoid plastic wherever we can.
A stay at the Hotel Chalet Mirabell is all about the little details. What seemingly inconspicuous gesture makes the difference for you between good service and genuine hospitality?
As a family-run business, we’re personally on site every day. Direct contact with our guests is important to us, because hospitality thrives on attentiveness, warmth and mutual respect. Many of our guests have been coming to us for years and have become regulars and friends of the hotel. We greatly appreciate this trust.
For many people, everyday life is characterised by a fast pace and constant connectivity. How do you manage to create a place where tranquillity is not just on offer, but can actually be felt?
The spacious design of our hotel offers plenty of room for relaxation. Whether in the garden, on the terraces or in the spa, every guest can find their own favourite spot. The natural mountain surroundings also play their part in restoring harmony between body and mind.
The concept of luxury is constantly changing. Which trends do you wish to embrace – and which will you continue to steer clear of in the future?
We look to the future with confidence. We want to continue to develop our business carefully, without losing sight of our values. It is important to us to help our guests appreciate the beauty of our landscape and to offer them a place where they can recharge their batteries and take new energy back with them for everyday life.
A family business is constantly evolving. How do you manage to make joint decisions whilst using different ideas and personalities as a strength?
Our son Martin now works in the family business too. He brings new ideas to the table and is primarily responsible for marketing. At the same time, important decisions are still made jointly. In this way, we combine experience and tradition with fresh ideas and a clear vision of how our business should develop.
You run two very different establishments in Meran 2000: Chalet Mirabell and Chalet Zuegg. What do the two establishments have in common, and what does one learn from the other?
As well as Chalet Mirabell, Chalet Zuegg is also part of our family. Both establishments have their own character. Whilst Chalet Mirabell stands for tranquillity, spaciousness and relaxation, Chalet Zuegg thrives particularly on personal interaction and its relaxed atmosphere. It fills us with joy that this place is so popular with both locals and holidaymakers, in summer and winter alike. Our aim is to create a meeting place there where hospitality, quality and a warm atmosphere are a given.
Looking back on the development of Chalet Mirabell today: in hindsight, which decision was the boldest, and why did it shape the character of the chalet?
When we look back on our journey today, we feel, above all, a sense of gratitude. The move towards independence in 2005 was a bold one and came with many challenges. The extension in 2012, which added the spa area and the pool complex, marked the start of a new chapter in our development. Looking back, this decision set the course for the future and has had a lasting impact on our hotel.
Our deepest thanks goes to our staff. Many of them have been with us for more than ten years. Together, we have built something we can look back on with pride – a business that stands for quality, warmth and consistency. This shared journey is, for us, the finest proof that lasting success always stems from trust, passion and good teamwork.