Silence represents a source of continuous healing, regeneration and creativity
– Patrizia Bortolin

Italian destination spa Preidlhof in South Tyrol has been certified as a “Quiet Stay” by Quiet Parks International, a non-profit organisation committed to the preservation of quiet places for over 50 years.

Preidlhof’s certification follows a detailed audit involving the measurement of noise pollution as well as checks to ensure the resort promotes silence and internal and external regeneration.

To protect the essential need for silence and reconnect guests with both nature and their inner world, Preidlhof has rolled out five new holistic experiences – conceived by Preidlhof’s spa director and transformational wellness coach, Patrizia Bortolin.

Each one embraces silence and teaches guests to observe and appreciate the benefits it can bring to their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

"Silence represents a source of continuous healing, regeneration and creativity. I discovered its healing power on many meditation retreats, only to understand also that the silence of the mind is necessary to fully benefit from the regenerating silence of nature, and vice versa," says Bortolin.

The new journeys are available to all guests on Preidlhof Transformational Wellness retreats or programmes and fall under the class discipline. Retreats have a starting cost of €1,292 (£1,099, US$1,543) per person.

The new experiences include:

1. Scent of Silence

Enjoy the peace and quiet of the mountain after sunset with a walk along the stream running alongside Preidlhof or along the Adige River. The walk is led by Bortolin and is said to enable guests to find a sense of inner peace through contact with nature, Vipassana meditation and self-observation.

As a mindfulness and yoga Nidra teacher, Bortolin has been practising the Vipassana meditation technique for years. The practice aims to bring about a deep awareness of self. Other benefits of this walk are better sleep and the freeing of thoughts.

2. Mindfulness in natureRegain self-control, enjoy being in the present and manage emotions and thoughts with greater awareness. The mindfulness sessions take place in Preidlhof’s Lemon Garden or in the olive grove surrounded by lavender, orange trees and aromatic herbs.

Contact with the different scents, colours and sounds of nature are included to help boost concentration, promote relaxation, improve one’s mood and reduce stress. An integral part of the session is the “Mediterranean Ritual” using fresh herbs. Avoiding words and using only gestures, smells, touch and sight, this session helps guests learn to enjoy the "little gifts" nature offers, such as the aroma released from a pinch of rosemary.

3. Kneipp in nature

A short distance from the hotel is the striking 100-metre high Parcines Waterfall, and here guests are encouraged to open their mind and let stagnant emotions flow.

Here, Juraj Brezina, a silent and contemplative therapist, together with specialist guides, accompany guests on a Kneipp experience in nature. The treatment first developed by German abbot Sebastian Kneipp in the nineteenth century involves immersing the legs up to mid-calf in basins containing river stones.

The water is delivered at a pressure that stimulates circulation while the stones contribute to a natural foot massage. Normally performed in artificial tanks, this practice yields even greater benefits when carried out in a natural environment. There are also nocturnal and silent ascents along the waterfall and wild swimming in lakes and streams in enchanting locations.

Accompanying guests is Irmgard Moosmair, a 73-year-old with great spiritual wisdom and local guides.

4. Mindful LivingGuests are guided to learn to live everyday life with a conscious and beneficial approach for the soul in a “Mindful Living” session with Stefano Battaglia, Preidlhof’s master therapist and named one of the “Five best Healers in the World” by Tatler Spa Guide 2020.

The experience might be a tour of Lake Vernago, a sensory immersion in the woods on Monte Tramontana or climbing Monte Sole, depending on whether one needs to see life from above and reach the summit, or to awaken one’s senses and see the wood from the trees on the forest floor.

5. Apple Journey

This new exclusive sensory analysis experience takes place on the Mediterranean Terrace with enchanting views of the apple orchards surrounding the resort. Guided by Norma Jean Botticelli, a young neuropsychologist and experiential trainer, guests learn to taste, observe and develop the natural intelligence of their senses using apples for which the Val Venosta region is famed. Science, experience and play combine to discover new facets of oneself and the world around us.

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