Some places have a way of making you exhale the moment you arrive. Mair am Ort Living is one of them. Set in the sun-drenched village of Parcines, just outside Merano, this intimate boutique hotel sits at the foot of the Texel Group Nature Park, where Alpine scenery meets the gentle, Mediterranean spirit of South Tyrol. Surrounded by vineyards and endless apple orchards, it's the kind of place where everyday life quietly slips into the background.

Known as the western gateway to the Merano region, Parcines is an ideal base for exploring mountain trails, local wineries, and the area's famously relaxed way of life. Yet despite its proximity to some of South Tyrol's best-loved attractions, the village has held on to its authentic character and easy-going charm - a quality that makes it feel wonderfully unhurried.

That sense of authenticity begins with owner Doris Schiefer. Raised on the Sittnerhof farm in Merano, she developed an early appreciation for nature, craftsmanship, and South Tyrol's rich traditions. After spending more than 25 years running three successful fashion boutiques, she exchanged the world of retail for hospitality, opening her own stylish guesthouse in 2006. Guided by a keen eye for design and an instinct for creating welcoming spaces, she gradually transformed her vision into what is now Mair am Ort Living.

In 2017, together with her husband Martin, she carefully reimagined the family's historic farmhouse as the boutique hotel it is today - preserving its heritage while giving it a fresh, contemporary identity. Their goal was never simply to create somewhere beautiful to stay, but to breathe new life into a centuries-old home and pass it on to the next generation. Today, their daughter Claudia continues that story as the hotel's junior manager, while their son Andreas and his partner run the nearby restaurant Buss'l & More. Hospitality isn't a concept here - it's a family tradition that's been lived for generations.

The story of Mair am Ort stretches back even further. Dating to the 15th century, the property has long been woven into the history of Parcines. Once one of the region's important Maierhöfe - traditional farmsteads that played a central role in local life - it has witnessed centuries of South Tyrolean history. In the 1960s, Doris's father-in-law, Ubald Schiefer, recognised the potential of the historic estate and converted it into a guesthouse. Today, traces of that remarkable past can still be found throughout the property.

While history provides its foundations, Mair am Ort Living feels unmistakably contemporary. Original architectural features sit comfortably alongside clean lines, natural stone, warm timber, and carefully chosen designer pieces. Soft textiles, earthy colours, and thoughtful details create interiors that feel elegant without ever becoming overly formal. Whether you're curling up with a book beside the fireplace or lingering over a coffee in the light-filled lounge, everything invites you to slow down and stay a little longer.

Doris's background in fashion subtly shapes the hotel's aesthetic. Rather than making a statement, her influence reveals itself through harmonious colour palettes, timeless furniture, and thoughtfully curated décor. It's this understated attention to detail that gives Mair am Ort Living its distinctive personality - stylish, welcoming, and quietly confident.

At Mair am Ort Living, centuries-old stone walls provide the backdrop for contemporary interiors, creating a balance between heritage and modern comfort that feels entirely effortless. Warm timber, natural materials, and a calming palette of earthy tones set the scene for a stay that's as stylish as it is restorative.

Among the property's standout stays are three adults-only rooftop suites, tucked away in a beautifully restored former barn. Added in 2020, these spacious retreats combine historic character with understated luxury across 60 to 70 square metres of thoughtfully designed living space. Floor-to-ceiling views stretch across the Vinschgau Valley and surrounding mountains, while forest-inspired wallpaper, soft shades of blue and grey, and carefully curated furnishings create a soothing, cocoon-like atmosphere. Each suite also features a freestanding bathtub and a private infrared sauna - ideal for unwinding after a day spent exploring the mountains.

The twenty Deluxe Double Rooms are equally generous, offering between 45 and 50 square metres of living space, each complemented by a spacious panoramic terrace. Dark oak flooring, designer lighting, oversized windows, and inviting seating areas lend the rooms a timeless elegance, while individually selected design pieces ensure that no two feel exactly alike. The best moment of the day? Stepping onto the terrace just after sunrise as the first light spills across the Merano valley.

The hotel's wellness area continues the sense of calm. A Finnish sauna, bio sauna, and steam bath invite guests to slow down and recharge, while an ice fountain and sensory showers provide a refreshing contrast before retreating to the peaceful relaxation lounge. Overlooking the Mediterranean-style garden, it's a place designed for doing very little - and enjoying every minute of it.

Outside, tranquillity comes naturally. A 25-metre heated lap pool is perfect for an early-morning swim, accompanied only by birdsong and sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. A second heated pool offers a more leisurely alternative, giving both dedicated swimmers and those simply looking to unwind plenty of space to enjoy the water throughout the day.

The Mediterranean garden completes the experience. Ancient olive trees, slender cypresses, fragrant lavender, and rosemary create an atmosphere that feels more Italian than Alpine, while generous lawns offer plenty of quiet corners to stretch out with a book, bask in the sunshine, or simply savour the stillness.

Mornings at Mair am Ort Living have an unhurried rhythm to them - the kind that makes every day feel a little like Sunday. There's no rush, no timetable to keep, just the quiet pleasure of easing into the day over a breakfast that's worth lingering for.

The generous buffet celebrates the best of South Tyrol, from freshly baked bread and flaky croissants to seasonal fruit, creamy yoghurt, homemade muesli, and eggs cooked to order. Regional cheeses and cured meats take centre stage alongside fresh fruit juices, fragrant teas, and expertly brewed coffee, creating a breakfast that's both wholesome and indulgent.

Served in the hotel's beautifully redesigned breakfast room, the experience feels every bit as considered as the food itself. Flooded with natural light, the space pairs clean-lined contemporary design with warm textures, elegant lighting, and an atmosphere that invites you to slow down. It's the sort of place where a second cappuccino feels less like a choice and more like a given.

When the weather is on your side, breakfast naturally spills out onto the sun-drenched terrace. Overlooking the village and surrounded by greenery, it's one of those spots where time seems to stretch. Guests linger over another coffee, lose themselves in a good book, or simply sit back and enjoy the gentle pace of life unfolding around them.

Come evening, there's no need to venture far. Just a two-minute stroll from the hotel, on the village square of Parcines, you'll find Buss'l & More, run by Andreas - son of the Schiefer family - and his partner, Szilvy. Together, they've created a relaxed neighbourhood restaurant where genuine hospitality and honest cooking go hand in hand.

On warm summer evenings, the spacious terrace fills with locals and visitors alike, while live music on Wednesdays adds to the easy-going atmosphere. The menu brings together Alpine traditions and Mediterranean flavours, with everything from wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood to perfectly cooked meat dishes.

Our highlights? The paccheri with fresh seafood is a standout, as is the beautifully cooked beef fillet served medium-rare with green pepper sauce, buttered sugar snap peas, and rosemary potatoes. Finish with a classic tiramisu and a glass of Reserve del Conte from the renowned Manincor winery, chosen from a thoughtfully curated wine list that celebrates both South Tyrol and beyond.

Parcines enjoys one of South Tyrol's most enviable settings, where the gentle, Mediterranean-influenced Merano region gives way to the dramatic peaks of the Texel Group Nature Park - the largest protected area in South Tyrol. Thanks to its sunny position on the southern edge of the Ötztal Alps, the village enjoys a remarkably mild climate, making it an inviting destination for outdoor adventures in every season. Here, vineyards, forests, and rugged mountain landscapes exist in effortless harmony, and switching off comes naturally.

With around 240 kilometres of hiking trails, the region offers something for every kind of walker. Gentle Waalwege - historic irrigation paths that meander through orchards and vineyards - give way to alpine routes leading towards 13 peaks rising above 3,000 metres. Whether you're looking for a leisurely family walk, a challenging summit hike, or a section of the celebrated Merano High Mountain Trail (Meraner Höhenweg), there's no shortage of unforgettable routes.

One of our favourites begins with a ride on the Texel Cable Car before joining the Merano High Mountain Trail towards the Nasereit mountain hut. From there, the path leads to one of the region's most spectacular natural landmarks: the Parcines Waterfall. Plunging nearly 100 metres into the valley below, it's widely regarded as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Alps, where the cool spray offers welcome relief on warm summer days. The trail then winds past the secluded mountain farms of Tabland before following the historic Parcines *Waalweg* back towards the village - a wonderfully varied hike that captures everything that makes this corner of South Tyrol so special.

If you're in the mood for a change of pace, the Peter Mitterhofer Typewriter Museum offers one of the area's most unexpected cultural highlights. Few visitors realise that the inventor of the typewriter was born here in Parcines, making the museum a fascinating tribute to one of South Tyrol's great innovators. From the earliest experimental prototypes to beautifully preserved later models, the collection traces the evolution of one of the world's most influential writing tools. Interactive exhibits invite visitors to sit down, type a few lines, and experience the unmistakable rhythm of mechanical keys for themselves, while learning more about Peter Mitterhofer's remarkable life and pioneering work.

Back in the village, it's impossible to miss the late Gothic Parish Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, whose striking tower has watched over Parcines for centuries. The church is also one of the defining views from Mair am Ort Living, particularly in the soft light of early morning or at sunset, when the surrounding mountains create an almost storybook setting. Step inside and you'll discover elegant Gothic architecture and an intricately carved high altar - one of the village's finest cultural treasures and a fitting reminder that history is never far away in this part of South Tyrol.

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True to the Mountain Hideaways philosophy, every image in this story was captured during our personal stay.

All images © Lena Sulzenbacher, 2023

Published: 2023 | Last Updated: 19.07.2026