My Arbor - Dolomites

My Arbor - Dolomites in Brixen, Italy, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently receives exceptional praise for its unique "tree hotel" concept, stunning design, and comprehensive wellness offerings. It's lauded as an adults-only retreat perfect for relaxation and connecting with nature in a luxurious setting.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

My Arbor consistently garners outstanding reviews, with an impressive overall rating of 9.6 on Agoda and similar high scores on other platforms (e.g., 9.5 for location, 9.8 for cleanliness, 9.9 for comfort, and 9.7 for staff on Booking.com). Guests frequently describe their stays as "outstanding," "phenomenal," "perfectionist's paradise," and "once in a lifetime." The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing tranquility, comfort, and luxury.

Key Highlights

Guests are particularly captivated by several aspects of My Arbor:

• Design & Atmosphere: The hotel's unique architecture, perched on stilts amidst the pine trees, creates a "tree hut" feeling and a serene, calming, and modern ambiance. The design seamlessly blends with the surrounding forest, offering stunning panoramic views of the Dolomites and the Eisacktal Valley.
• Wellness & Spa (Spa Arboris): The 2,500 sq-m Spa Arboris is a major draw, featuring indoor and outdoor heated pools with mesmerizing mountain views, multiple saunas (Finnish, bio, steam bath), relaxation rooms, and a fitness area. Unique offerings include guided forest bathing experiences and "saunagus" rituals led by sauna masters, incorporating aromatherapy and varying heat intensities.
• Adults-Only Concept: The adults-only policy (ages 16+) is a significant highlight for many, contributing to a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
• Amenities: Beyond the extensive spa, the hotel offers two tennis courts, a padel court, a gym, and free WiFi. Some rooms include a hot tub.

Room Quality

The rooms, predominantly suites, are described as spacious, elegant, and extremely comfortable, designed for restful sleep. They feature modern décor, parquet floors, flat-screen TVs, seating areas, and private balconies offering panoramic views of the surrounding canopy and mountains. Many guests appreciate the wood-clad walls, ambient lighting, and a cozy window-side nook perfect for relaxation. Suites also typically include a Nespresso machine, electric tea kettle, hairdryer, bathrobes, and slippers.

Dining Experience

The dining experience at My Arbor is highly praised, especially the half-board option.

• Breakfast: A lavish buffet is served daily, featuring a vast selection of fresh fruits, artisanal breads, organic options, pastured dairy, and eggs.
• Dinner: The main restaurant offers a gourmet experience with a focus on healthy, flavorful dishes that celebrate local and seasonal produce, often sourced from the owner's family farm. Menus change daily, with themes ranging from South Tyrolean to Italian cuisine, and include a buffet of salads, fresh meats, and small dishes, alongside a menu of changing starters, mains, and desserts. A full vegan menu is also available. The dining staff, including an in-house sommelier, are noted for their hospitality and ability to recommend wines from an extensive cellar.
• Bar: The hotel features a fantastic bar, perfect for cocktails with incredible mountain views, with a focus on local ingredients and flavors.

Service & Staff

The service and staff at My Arbor consistently receive "exceptional" ratings. Guests describe the team as incredibly friendly, attentive, professional, helpful, warm, and welcoming. Many feel as though they are visiting old friends, with staff anticipating their needs. Housekeeping is also noted for keeping rooms nicely cleaned and tidied daily.

Location & Accessibility

My Arbor is nestled in the peaceful mountains of South Tyrol, specifically in San Leonardo, near Brixen.

• Mountain Access: It's ideally situated for outdoor enthusiasts, just 1,148 feet from the Sant'Andrea Cable Car, which connects to the Plose Ski Resort. There's even a new ski trail directly connecting the hotel to the Plosebahn gondola valley station. The surroundings are perfect for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
• Views: The hotel offers unparalleled panoramic views of the Dolomites, the Eisacktal Valley, and the Sarntal Alps.
• Proximity to Brixen: The hotel is about 6.2 miles (16-minute drive) from Bressanone/Brixen, a charming medieval town with attractions like its majestic cathedral, cafes, and shopping streets.
• Dolomites Exploration: While My Arbor offers guided hikes in the nearby Plose and Puez-Odle Nature Park, many popular Dolomites trailheads and attractions are a 45-minute drive or more away.
• Transport: Bressanone/Brixen Train Station is a 15-minute drive, offering routes to major Italian cities and other European destinations. The hotel provides a complimentary Brixen Card, which includes free local bus travel and cable car access. Free underground parking is available, and a car is recommended for exploring wider Dolomite attractions.

Value & Pricing

My Arbor is considered a luxury experience. While an average room price can be around $598, it consistently receives a high rating for value for money (8.8 on Booking.com, and a perfect 10.0 on Agoda), with guests feeling that the high-quality services, amenities, and overall experience justify the cost. Rates typically include a buffet breakfast and spa access, with half-board options including dinner.

Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues have been mentioned:

• Water Pressure: One guest noted slightly low water pressure in the rooms.
• Towel Heater Hours: The towel heater was reported to only work in the morning and evening, not all day.
• Sauna Opening Hours: Sauna opening hours starting at 11 AM were suggested to be earlier by one reviewer.
• Cost of Tap Water: Some guests found it unusual that the evening restaurant charges for tap water.
• Dining Staff Inconsistencies: While most dining staff are superb, a few instances of less polished service or attitude were reported, such as being challenged when a wrong order was brought.
• Wine Prices: The wine list was noted by one guest to have "sky-high prices."
• Accessibility: None of the rooms are specially adapted for wheelchair users, and the terrain around the hotel can be challenging to navigate.
• Children Accommodation: While family-friendly, children are not accommodated free of charge, as it is an adults-only property (16+).

Sources

1. booking.com
2. agoda.com
3. booking.com
4. booking.com
5. expedia.com
6. youtube.com
7. lizearlewellbeing.com
8. moonhoneytravel.com
9. timeout.com
10. throneandvine.com
11. mrandmrssmith.com
12. thehoteljournal.com