March 24, 2026 (Trafoi, Italy) – In May 2026, Hotel Bella Vista in Trafoi will open its new wing, designed by Matteo Thun – a project that interprets the dialogue between nature and architecture in the heart of Stelvio National Park. Inspired by the idea of a “nest” in the mountains, the building combines contemporary design, high-altitude panoramas, and new spaces dedicated to wellbeing. At the foot of Ortler, the highest peak in South Tyrol at 3,905 meters, in the heart of Stelvio National Park, Hotel Bella Vista in Trafoi has been, for generations, a top-tier retreat for those seeking peace, nature, and genuine hospitality.
The family-run hotel traces its roots back to 1875 and today begins a new chapter: in May, a new wing will open, designed by architect Matteo Thun, who shares a long-standing friendship with Olympic champion Gustav Thöni, co-owner of the hotel with his family.
“For me, it is an incredible emotion to see this project realized together with my friend Matteo. We have talked about it for years, and finally seeing it come to life here in Trafoi is something unique. It is a symbol of a friendship that endures over time and the love we share for these mountains. We have also finally given the legendary ‘Valanga Azzurra’ its own beautiful space,” says Gustav Thöni.
This project originates from a childhood memory: the eagles over Trafoi and the silence of the mountains. At the foot of Ortler, a contemporary nest takes shape – a light and intimate architecture that integrates seamlessly into the alpine landscape. “Each space is designed as an opening to nature so that the true protagonist always remains the landscape,” explains architect Matteo Thun.
Connected to the historic building, the new wing features a light exterior wooden structure and an organic architecture that blends perfectly with the surrounding nature. Large windows frame views of the peaks of Stelvio and the Engadin Dolomites, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior and bringing the panoramas into the hotel spaces. Here, nature is not merely a backdrop, but the absolute protagonist, and the generous areas surrounding the building represent true luxury – a renewed concept of alpine hospitality based on the balance between contemporary design and local tradition. A nest in the mountains where architecture is constantly in dialogue with the surrounding nature.
The expansion was developed in phases, like a natural evolution that respects the place where it stands. While the architectural project is signed by Matteo Thun & Partners, the interiors were curated by architect Christina Biasi von Berg of Studio Biquadra in Merano, a long-time collaborator of Matteo Thun, while the structural, executive, and urban planning aspects were overseen by engineer Wolfgang Oberdörfer.
The first phase, completed in December 2025, created the new lounge bar with a fireplace, “Home of Gold”: an intimate and enveloping space that tells the sporting history of Gustav Thöni and the legendary “Valanga Azzurra.” It is not only a convivial space but also an architectural narrative, where the warmth of the fire and natural materials converse with the memories of an era that shaped skiing worldwide. At the same time, the new reception was completed, designed as a connection point between the historic 1875 building and the new wing – a transitional space symbolizing continuity between past and present, alpine tradition and contemporary vision.
With the opening in May 2026, the experience is further expanded with 24 new suites facing the imposing Stelvio landscape. Large panoramic windows frame the peaks, while interiors offer seating and relaxation areas where natural light becomes a design element. Each suite is conceived as a privileged observatory over the mountains – a quiet retreat where the view becomes part of the living space.
In the new project, wellbeing is a natural extension of the landscape. Among the innovations is a large wellness area reserved for adults, with a spa and a relaxation zone fully immersed in the mountains. The infinity pool opens toward the Trafoi Canyon like a suspended terrace, while a large panoramic window frames the peaks and enhances the sense of depth in the view.
Swimming here means immersing oneself in a horizon without boundaries, where the water reflects the sky and the mountains become part of the sensory experience. Next to the pool is a large hot tub with stunning landscape views, yoga and fitness rooms, and four new saunas: infrared, bio-sauna, Turkish bath, and family sauna. The “Fire and Ice” relaxation area, with fireplace and snow shower, transforms the primal dialogue between fire and ice – elements that have always defined Alpine identity – into a sensory experience. Outside, the panoramic sauna finds a new location immersed in nature, next to a small natural lake fed by a spring on the property.
The outdoor “Nature Arena,” a relaxation area embracing the surrounding mountains visually, invites contemplation and reconnection with the rhythms of the environment. Here, wellbeing is born from nature and returns to nature – in harmony with its rhythms and seasons. Families also have dedicated spaces, including a children’s pool, family sauna, and the adventure slide “Waterfall.”
With this new wing, Hotel Bella Vista redefines alpine hospitality, based on the balance between humans and nature, tradition and the future. In this nest beneath Ortler, true luxury remains the same as always: space, silence, and an ongoing dialogue with the high mountains.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Hotel Bella Vista will open its new wing in May 2026.
Address
Hotel Bella Vista
Trafoi 11 | 39029 Trafoi
South Tyrol | Italy
About Matteo Thun & Partners:
Matteo Thun and his five partners lead his architectural and interior design studio based in Milan and Munich. Since 1984 the studio embraces a holistic and responsible design philosophy to create iconic schemes, products, and brand visions for a global clientele.
All renders courtesy of Matteo Thun & Partners.