FONDANT NOUVEAU

Cast in fondant white with its iconic colonnaded arches, outcrops and fabulous roof-top cantilevered infinity pool wrapped in bronze, the Art Nouveau-inspired Guesthouse Gloriette is a charismatic rural rebel found in the South Tyrolean mountain-candy of Soprabolzano, Italy.

Constructed in 2018 on the site of a former hotel, Gloriette is the brainchild of the Alber family, who cleverly commissioned Lukas Rungger and Stefan Rier, the founders of architecture studio noa* to create a new modern alpine hotel, which builds on the traditions of summer holidays. The duo were creatively inspired by the sinuous curves and rounded windows of Soprabolzano’s Art Nouveau buildings, which also played to the notions of a neoclassical Gloriette –small guesthouses built in the large estates of the nobility.

Lead architect Christian Rottensteiner talks of how the design inception was inspired by “a context deeply rooted in history: the Renon mountain, Bolzano's getaway for many centuries. This is where the city's elite used to move at the beginning of the summer to grasp some ‘Sommerfrische’ in their holiday residences. With our project, we wanted to recreate that allure of the past and echo it through the arched architecture and the liberty-inspired interiors.”

They were also inclined to develop the blueprint and façade in a close dialogue: what is hidden behind the façade can be viewed from the outside without revealing too much; similarly, the use of reflective black glass allows nature to merge with the building by a mirroring projection. Looking back to traditions in the village, noa* incorporated local elements such as arches, the hipped roof and the jutting rhombus’ nodding to decorative railroad houses. At the top of the structure, the bronze-coloured spa sets the tone for a new lively architectural narrative with its cylinder-shaped cantilevered pool, a wow-factor topper for this curvaceous cool cat. Look for the continuation of the arch throughout the building as seen in mirrors, fireplaces and loungers.

Inside, the vibe is hip. Smooth resin floors play host to local timbers allowing for the feel of continuous flow. Roomy open-plan spaces are dotted with modern furnishings, vintage finds, salvaged nostalgia from times past and wildflower toned fabrics headlining the comfort dialogue. Smart, bright and modern, the Gloriette’s interior design is intentionally light and perfectly contrasts the drama of nature framed by each arched window.

A casual boutique holiday refuge that twines raw mountainous beauty with urban design, Gloriette kindles an easy-going vibe warmed by a dash of alpine loveliness –harking back to the good-old-days.

With the omnipresent infinity views of nature pure included from all the accommodation and suites, the boutique bedrooms typify modern comfort. Decorated in soft palettes with simple wooden accents, which root the feel back to the Alps – bedrooms are perfect for a spot of idle gazing. In a nod to the geometric forms mixed in with the curves and arches, some suites have cuboid bays that project from the hotel’s facade. Fitted with arched windows and built-in daybeds, these nooks feature walls and ceilings upholstered in deep-blue cotton. Opt for a boutique hotel room with a free-standing bathtub for added romance.

An ‘instagrammable’ beauty – the location alone captures the feeling of true wellness with gorgeous horizon views across the Dolomite peaks and skyline in all directions. The aerial structure is wrapped in bronzed panels and, above the pool, a canopy of crisscrossing steel rods dance in geometry across the blue waters.

Despite being a new hotel, this local family are the original Renonians and possess the heart, insider tips and passion for this special part of South Tyrol. Birgitt - the mum who knows best, is the style guru with her hotelier experience and impeccable taste. Son Andi and partner Julika are the youthful hosts who keep the Gloriette a modern refuge of relaxed charm, naturally friendly and just ever-so nice. The family live the life of rural urbanites and convey this soul throughout the walls of the new Gloriette, giving the warm sense of it having always been there. It is their shared DNA that brings the hotel to life.