Castel Badia, 11th-Century Dolomite Convent: 28 Rooms, a Chalet and a Rock-Carved Spa

An 11th-century castle that became Tyrol’s first Benedictine convent and later a hotel in 1965, Castel Badia reopened in December 2025 following a renovation exceeding 30 million euros. Perched above the Puster Valley near Brunico, it now features 28 rooms, a chalet and a spa carved into the rock, under the guidance of hotelier Aldo Melpignano.

Nine centuries of history above the Puster Valley

Count Otwin founded the castle in the 11th century as a seat of justice, and his son Volkhold turned it into the first Benedictine convent in historical Tyrol. Damaged by fire in 1598, the convent was dissolved in 1785; in 1965, local entrepreneur Karl Knötig opened a hotel there. The restoration, completed in late 2025, uncovered original frescoes and plasterwork while preserving the ruins, which have been opened up as museum spaces. The project brings together Gunther Knötig, the Gasser family, Kronplatz Holding and Aldo Melpignano, whose company Egnazia Ospitalità Italiana manages the hotel.

28 rooms and a monastery chalet

The architecture is by South Tyrolean studio Null17, with interiors by Milan-based studio Droulers in collaboration with designer Marta Ferri. The 28 rooms and suites are all unique, blending wood and South Tyrolean stone, ranging from the Bella (averaging 38 m²) to the Meravigliosa (95 m² across two levels). The 167 m² chalet, a former watchtower converted into the monastery bakery in 1693, accommodates up to five guests and features a private garden and an outdoor hot tub overlooking the valley.

A spa carved into the rock

The spa, offering unlimited access for hotel guests, is hewn directly from the rock: an indoor heated pool, two outdoor infinity pools (one open from May to October), two indoor saunas and an outdoor Finnish sauna, a steam bath, a hammam, an ice shower, a herb garden, a Technogym fitness room and four treatment suites set beneath Romanesque vaults. Non-residents can access the facilities for a €100 day fee, with a 50-minute massage available as an optional extra for €110.

Stube, bar and chef’s table

Stube Badia occupies two historic rooms: a small wood-panelled Stube featuring a traditional tiled stove and the Residenzstube with its inlaid wooden ceiling. A mountain-herb bar and a poolside bar in summer complete the culinary offering. A chef’s table centred around an open hearth, led by Alberto Toè, was announced for spring 2026. In the surrounding area, the hotel recommends Norbert Niederkofler’s three-Michelin-starred Atelier Moessmer in Brunico, as well as AlpiNN at the summit of Kronplatz.

Skiing, golf and the Dolomites

The stay includes breakfast, a shuttle service to the Kronplatz ski area and the centre of Brunico, a private ski lounge at the foot of the cable car, covered parking, bicycles, a kids’ club for ages 4 and up, and, from April to October, green fees at Golf Club Pustertal. Brunico is 6 km away, Bolzano 79 km and Venice 210 km. For more exceptional addresses, take a look at our 50 best hotels in the world.