Stories are remembered and help build a strong emotional bond. There are countless of them about the Sonnwies. A house characterized by a long history, small and big milestones. In a conversation with Anna, we take a look behind the scenes and dive into the philosophy and vision of this special place.
| Dolomites
In conversation with Anna Hinteregger
Member of the owner family and hotel manager Anna Hinteregger talks about her very personal relationship to the house, the region and about her great passion, hospitality.
Living, implementing and carrying on traditions
What experiences and influences have shaped your career?
Anna: Growing up in Lüsen, I have always been very close to nature and deeply rooted in rural values. The Sonnwies, our home, is marked by a history rich in tradition. It all started in 1998, when the farm was converted into a small guesthouse with 15 beds. In a very special environment, a lot of untouched nature and very close to the Dolomites, the first guests enjoyed their vacations here. Year after year the simple Bed&Breakfast has developed into a luxury hotel in combination with an organic farm and in 2002 we decided to specialize holistically in families. This niche positioning has contributed significantly to the success of the house. We grew up here and I have had a strong bond with hospitality since childhood. For several years I gained experience in renowned houses abroad, always aware that I would return to South Tyrol to make Sonnwies a very special place. A retreat for discerning families, where sustainability is paramount. I am a hostess with a lot of passion, always with the aim to combine the outstanding power of our environment with the high standard of a tradition-conscious but cosmopolitan luxury hotel to offer unique nature experiences to families from all over the world.
What makes the Sonnwies so special?
Anna: First of all, Sonnwies has always been family-run with a very natural growth and many years of experience. By focusing on a very specific target group, we know the needs of families in detail. In addition, the outstanding natural location makes the place unique: sun-drenched, pure spring water, fresh mountain air and the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Dolomites in the immediate vicinity of the resort. The ideal retreat and power place for demanding families who are looking for an extraordinary nature experience. Special emphasis is placed on raising children's awareness of nature. In Sonnwies, children playfully experience everyday life on our organic farm. During their stay, the children can feed our animals, muck out the barn, search for eggs in the chicken coop, hop in the hay, ride a pony, drive a tractor with the farmer and much more. There are also all kinds of special activities in the gardens and woods, such as planting beds with seeds, a nature treasure hunt, or painting on the wooden easel. A very special place is also our manufactory, where families learn how to prepare typical South Tyrolean dishes such as dumplings or Kaiserschmarrn. Our ultimate goal is to offer families a place with many private retreats, to relax and breathe deeply. This is combined with all kinds of authentic experiences in untouched nature.
Sustainable hosting
How does Sonnwies consistently remain true to its high standards of hospitality and service?
Our general credo is: no longer bigger, further, higher, but slower, more conscious and more sustainable. In all areas, we are constantly developing special signature services and place great emphasis on quality and regionality. These reduced offers reflect the hotel concept and ensure special guest experiences. Whether SPA treatments, our bar and culinary concept or the children's program. Our approach is less, but all the more special - something that will be remembered, with the aim that our guests will be happy to come back. We also place great emphasis on working with local and regional suppliers and artisans, and our own organic farm provides many fresh ingredients for our kitchen team. We always keep in mind that we are located in a natural paradise, which must be preserved and protected. Therefore, it is particularly important to us to work environmentally conscious and responsible in all areas of action.
What are factors that ensure that this philosophy can be implemented to perfection?
Anna: For such a comprehensive nature concept, the location plays a crucial role. We consider ourselves very lucky to be nestled in unspoiled nature with a private garden, forest, mountain views and our own alpine pasture. Providing guests with a holistic experience requires tireless commitment, sincere attention to detail, striving for improvement and quality beyond existing expectations. All of this can only be realized together with top-notch and diverse talent with high standards of service. We see our employees as our most important asset and
are always on the lookout for personalities who can help bring our philosophy to life.
New ideas and visions
Are there any new ideas that will be implemented soon?
Anna: Oh yes, we are constantly working on making our nature experience even more special for our guests. There are some new projects that are currently being implemented. These include a brand new "Creative Hub" for families. The attic of our traditional barn house will serve as a creative area where families can work with local wood, natural wool, clay, paper, dried flowers, materials from our forest, paints, crayons and much more. Children learn how to use tools and become little artists. The soft hay stored inside is the perfect surface for jumping and playing. The garden and forest are also being brought to life more and more. Another project, for example, is the newly created Culinary Garden to take our farm-to-table concept to the next level.
"Today, Sonnwies is one of the leading Families Only hotels in Europe - my personal proof that great visions become reality with determination and dedication." Anna Hiinteregger
What is your favorite cocktail on the Sonnwies bar menu?
Anna: My absolute favorite cocktail is the Handshake Whiskey Sour with egg white. I enjoy this drink most in our lounge, with an open fire, a unique sunset and the breathtaking mountain view of the Dolomites. On warm days there is nothing better than to end the evening on our sun terrace with atmospheric background music and clear mountain air.
Finally...How would you describe Sonnwies in a few sentences?
Anna: Good question. I'll try to be brief: Sonnwies is our home and a unique place of deceleration for families from all over the world, surrounded by untouched nature, the Dolomites and sustainable experiences.
