My Arbor — a stay in Italy’s famous treetop hotel

High in the treetops of the Dolomites, My Arbor combines the best of European outdoor living with wellness and luxury.

Built into the landscape, the views of the surrounding mountain ranges are truly spectacular and act as a tempting invitation to venture into the wilderness.

After days spent exploring the stunning scenery, My Arbor is a sanctuary to weary adventurers, offering the ultimate spa experience, five-star accommodation, and nourishing food and drink to renew and rejuvenate.

Built atop 25-metre-high stilts, My Arbor sits among the fir trees at the foot of the legendary Plose, one of the most beautiful mountains in the Dolomites.

Overlooking the South Tyrolean town of Bressanone, in the Eisack Valley, the hotel is at the very northern tip of Italy, just 40km from the Austrian border.

Variously ruled in recent history by Austria, Italy, and Germany, the region maintains a distinctly Bavarian feel, with a high proportion of residents still native German speakers.

At an altitude of 960 metres, the area is utterly peaceful, surrounded by dense forest. In summer, far-reaching views of vibrant greenery dominate the horizon, which during winter months turns to white as the mountain transforms into a popular ski resort.

A stunning treehouse hotel, My Arbor is at once both a striking architectural masterpiece, and completely at one with its natural surroundings. Built in warm, forest tones, and with pseudo tree trunks jaunting at all angles to hold it high in the air, the structure is both playful and utterly chic.

Inside, the same theme continues, with spacious open-plan common areas framing the breathtaking mountain views with bare wood, sleek minimalism, and abundant natural light.

Through plentiful use of glass, balconies, and open terraces, there is no place in the hotel that feels far from the outside. Rooms, restaurants, and spa areas alike all naturally extend into the landscape, encouraging a wonderful feeling of serenity.

It is this focus on wellness and calm which defines My Arbor, with its understated luxury serving not to dazzle, but to create an environment of comfort and self-care.

Built by Markus Huber out of love for the region, the hotel remains family-run, benefitting from the exquisite attention to detail and top-notch hospitality that such a passion project commands.

Floating high above the forest are 104 suites, all south-facing with glass fronts to absorb panoramic views of the mountains.

Suites showcase clean, modern decor, with exposed wood and warm textiles creating a feeling of a cosy treehouse hideaway. Day-beds tucked into glass corners provide a magical spot from which to watch the dramatic skyline change as the sun sets behind the hills.

With three tiers available, guests can choose from a 38 m² nest suite to a sprawling 100 m² treetop suite complete with private sauna and outdoor whirlpool.

With the environmental decision taken during construction not to install air conditioning, the only downside of the suites can be the temperature during warmer spells of weather. Guests will do well during these periods to leave open their windows, and request fans from reception to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.

The culinary offerings at My Arbor are a perfect combination of both nourishing and indulgent. Served on a large outdoor terrace, breakfast is fresh and hearty, providing all the sustenance required for a day exploring the mountains.

In the evening, the hotel’s restaurant comes to life, with cosy private booths for each room. Here, an extensive à la carte menu is served, with guests able to choose between regular favourites, or a daily changing list of specials. Dishes are small, with a suggestion of around five orders per person, meaning one can create their own personal tasting menu. From Asian-inspired seafood, to traditional Italian pasta plates, the menu is diverse and sometimes experimental.

For me, the impressive daily salad buffet was the real star here, featuring homemade breads, sun-ripened vegetables, and first-class olive oil produced at the hotel owner’s farm in Albisano.

With rooms generally booked on a half-board basis, the restaurant is buzzy and vibrant as guests congregate every evening, with friendly, knowledgeable staff on hand for every need.

With the surrounding area ripe for hiking, biking, or skiing, My Arbor greets tired bodies and minds with the ultimate spa facilities to rest and rejuvenate.

On the ground floor, far below the treetop structure, are extensive spa facilities. Here, the hotel’s own sauna master runs sauna infusions throughout the afternoon — the intensity of temperature rising throughout the day. After sweating out the day’s exertions, look after your weary muscles with a massage, or step outside to restore in the hydra pools.

From here, snuggled cosy in your robe, head to one of the private relaxation huts from which to watch the sunset.

There’s also a large indoor-outdoor pool featuring an automatic glass door through which you can swim straight into the gardens. Nestled into lush greenery, the outdoor pool area features loungers, and its own bar from which to indulge.

My Arbor’s approach to wellness is completely holistic, with an endless list of classes available to care for both body and mind; from classic gym sessions and personal training to forest bathing or Tibetan rites.

For those wishing to venture further afield, the hotel’s packed weekly activity programme also boasts guided hikes and bike tours, or guests can set out on their own with the ski lift to Plose just a short walk away.

After a thrilling ride up the mountain, grab a map and choose from a huge range of hikes, from all-day expert trails to meandering two-hour loops for those most interested in the halfway wine stop. The trails here are meticulously maintained, with clear signposting, benches, and regular carved water fountains which put UK rural infrastructure to shame.

For more of an adrenaline kick, rent mountain bikes and head to the downhill trails of Bressanone Bike Park, or in the winter, when all of this becomes snow, hit the ski slopes.

Those who love the great outdoors. Move, breathe, and renew amid stunning scenery.

A standard room at My Arbor starts at €225 per person (£194), based on two people sharing. This includes half-board and full access to the spa and wellness activities; my-arbor.com