An Antithesis to Mass Tourism While the Slow Food movement revolutionized the way we think about food more than thirty years ago, the principle of conscious slowness is now spreading to another industry: tourism. “Slow travel” offers an alternative to quickly checking off sights, rushing through package tours, and vacations that are so tightly scheduled that you feel even more exhausted afterwards. Slow travel is a return to the essentials. It’s about moments of silence, genuine connections, and meaningful experiences with nature that leave a lasting impression. Rather than action and adrenaline, clarity, mindfulness, and focus form the core of the slow travel philosophy. In essence, slow travel is about relearning the art of wasting time and finding inspiration, inner peace, and new motivation in it. Slow travel is a travel trend that contrasts with, and is fitting for, a time characterized by complexity, speed, and constant availability.

A Place in Tune with the Rhythm of the Trees My Arbor, located near Brixen in South Tyrol, is a sustainable hotel that consistently embodies the philosophy of serenity and slowness. The building itself is a testament to this philosophy: built on stilts and nestled among the treetops, it appears to float above the valley. The architecture and nature engage in a dialogue that signals a shift in time. My Arbor is a place where time moves at a different pace. Or rather, it seems to stand still. Breakfast is served until late afternoon. The infinity pool beckons you to swim even after sunset. And from the privacy of your own terrace, the view extends deep into the Dolomites.

«At My Arbor, the hectic pace of everyday life fades into the background, and the present moment becomes tangible.» Alexandra Huber, My Arbor

Given this, the decision to position the hotel as adults-only seems only logical. Guests who come here are looking for peace, relaxation, and leisure. Without distractions or family programs, there is room for undisturbed conversations, deep relaxation, and an environment in which guests can embrace a slower pace of life.

Cuisine in Tune with the Seasons At My Arbor, the enjoyment starts at the breakfast table. Whether it is fresh bread, homemade jams, regional cheese and bacon, or light seasonal dishes, the buffet is a pleading invitation for unhurried enjoyment. In the evening, the restaurant becomes a stage for the Slow Food philosophy. Regional products, short transport routes, and careful processing form the basis of a multi-course dinner. Diners will experience South Tyrol through their food, from aromatic herbs to wines. Here, cuisine is an integral part of the travel experience, not an accessory.

Spa Arboris: Rituals of the Forest Another one of the hotel’s centerpieces is the 2,500-square-meter Arboris Spa. In the “Spa of the Tree,” you can put down roots, find stability, and draw strength as you leave the fast pace of life behind and rediscover your own rhythm. The philosophy behind it sounds grounded: like a tree, you grow with every experience, gather new energy for your body and mind, and experience deceleration on all levels. Every plant and tree opens up its own field of action:Aloe vera supports cell regeneration, moisturizes the skin, and has a detoxifying effectLarch clears the body, mind, and soul, helping you to let goSwiss stone pine lowers your pulse and breathing rates, providing deep peace and relaxationMountain pine awakens energy, vitality, and joie de vivreSpruce promotes rootedness, stability, and the joy of movement.Massages, aromatic essences, and treatments tailored to guests’ needs make the power of the forest tangible right away.

In addition, guests will find five different saunas, an indoor pool measuring 18 by 6 meters, an outdoor pool, relaxation areas overlooking nature, and numerous retreats at the Arboris Spa. A wide range of yoga, Pilates, breathing meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation classes complement the offerings. Those who want a holistic mindfulness experience can participate in forest bathing, where trees are therapeutic companions, not just a backdrop. The signature treatment, “My Time,” offers an especially intense experience. Outdoors in nature, the ritual begins with a 50-minute rejuvenating massage that gently relaxes and activates the body. Next, you are invited to rest in a cozy nest, enveloped in warmth with a view of the landscape, while enjoying a homemade sorbet.

Nature as a Travel Companion Slow travel always involves a deliberate encounter with nature. At My Arbor on the Plose, a unique landscape awaits, offering a different kind of fascination in every season. In the summer, guides accompany guests on sunrise tours, during which the first light colors the Dolomites pink. Herb walks allow you to experience the alpine flora with all your senses. Adventure seekers can try mountain carts on the descents or explore the valley by bike. In winter, the surroundings are cloaked in silent snow. There are ski and toboggan runs right outside, but strolling through snow-covered forests or going on a guided snowshoe hike is just as delightful. The My Arbor team offers suggestions but sets no rules — anything goes, and nothing is mandatory.

Time for Yourself – Time for Each Other

Special packages address the desire to slow down. “Time for Us,” for example, invites couples to leave everyday life behind and rediscover moments of togetherness with activities like dinner for two, a couples massage, or a walk through the woods. More information on the “Time for Us” offer “My Tree Therapy” was developed for those seeking an even deeper connection with themselves. It combines Spa Arboris rituals, meditative forest experiences, and personalized treatments. The goal is to promote relaxation and lasting clarity that extends well beyond the stay. Learn more about the “My Tree Therapy” offer

My Arbor is an Attitude Ultimately, My Arbor is more than just a hotel. It embodies a philosophy of travel that prioritizes quality over quantity. A place that does not offer distractions, but rather focuses on the essentials, on nature and the moment. By inviting guests to slow down, My Arbor provides a conscious counterbalance to tight schedules and hectic daily routines. It gives guests the freedom to live more slowly – and perhaps discover the greatest luxury of our time.