There’s something invigorating about spending a day in Italy’s mountains. Trails climb through forests and alpine meadows towards the great limestone peaks of the Dolomites, while around Merano the landscape softens into vineyards, apple orchards and wooded slopes. After walking, cycling or skiing in the fresh air, dinner tastes better and sleep comes easier.

South Tyrol has turned recovery into an art form. Saunas look out toward the peaks, pools are filled with mountain water, and treatments draw on mountain herbs, alpine hay and other traditions shaped by life at altitude. Merano has been known as a spa town since the 19th century, and today the region is home to some of Italy’s most exceptional wellness hotels, where time outdoors is matched by serious attention to how you rest.

Perhaps that’s the real appeal of being up here. Stay in mountain retreats where saunas, pools and restorative treatments are designed around time spent outdoors. Move all day, then warm up, eat well and rest deeply. By morning, you’re ready to do it all again.