South Tyrol, South Tyrol… Where is that again? Germany? Or no, Austria? And you can ski there, right? Wrong, wrong, wrong. Or, well, not mega-wrong but a bit wrong. South Tyrol aka Sudtirol is located in Italy, in the northernmost point to be precise. You wouldn't expect that since you hear more German than Italian, but it really is Italy. And yes, you can absolutely ski there during the winter season, but even more interesting (and fun) is the fact that the weather in South Tyrol is good for more than 300 days a year. And how: the sun almost always shines between the peaks of the Dolomites and on the Mediterranean landscape. In addition, the nature is spectacular (mountains everywhere), the lakes and rivers are endless (#plop versus #plon) and the views are phenomenal. Read: hike-galore. Anyway, South Tyrol, and specifically the Val Venosta area, is a truly surprising summer destination thanks to the peace and space of the Alps and the well-known frivolity of Italy. And top hotels. If you're not convinced yet: check those pictures.

In fact, everything in Val Venosta is located along a long pass, a beautiful route through the mountains. If possible, start with the Messner Mountain Museum, a museum as an ode to the mountains and everything related to them, founded by Reinhold Messner, an Italian (extreme) mountaineer. Sounds boring, but it is anything but. The museum is spread over five different locations, of which the main building in Bolzano is the most spectacular. Although… The museum in Scholss Juval is also worth a visit. A perfect start to your transit journey. Via Castel Firmiano, 53, 39100 Bolzano (top photo), messner-mountain-museum.it

Hotel Paradies
About a 50-minute drive over the mountain pass from Bolzano you arrive at Hotel Paradies, a paradise indeed. The hotel opened its doors in 1974, but has received several successful upgrades over the years and is now one of the most beautiful addresses in the area. During the summer months you can spend a lot of time on one of the Ibiza-style day beds on the edge of the pool, with – of course – spectacular views over the Alps. Then, when the sun is low, take a tour through the beautiful surroundings. This can be done relatively briefly, between the fragrant orchard and the hotel's 5000 m² estate, or long, through the picturesque mountain pass. And then join the fantastic chefs of the hotel restaurant. The morning of day two is for – seriously, do it – the hotel spa. Then you can get back to it again. Quellenweg 12, Laces, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy (photos above)

Hotel Hanswirt
You only have to spend half an hour in the car for the next stop et voila, you are at Hotel Hanswirt. There is indeed not a word of Italian in there, Hotel Hanswirt, but that should not spoil the fun at all: the hotel is Italian-Alpine chic from the books, a classic fairytale building between the mountains and in the middle of a large, beautifully landscaped garden with another beautiful swimming pool. Tip-top summer material. The smallest rooms in the hotel are a bit frumpy, but the joke is that one level up is literally two euros more, and from the moment the rooms are called suites, it's a ball. And yet… You mainly go here for the restaurant. The restaurant, which is covered with beautifully grayed wood from ceiling to floor and everything in between, serves one delight after another. Geroldplatz 3, Partschins (photos above and below)

(No room? A little further on is Hotel Funggashof, also recommended. A little less beautiful for the eye, but just as good for the inner person: Am Graben 1, Naturns)

Hotel Sand
It is a great holiday in Val Venosta: a little further on you will find our fourth favorite hotel in the region: the new Hotel Sand, a picture of a hotel largely constructed from futuristic-looking square wooden huts on stilts. A nice contrast with the medieval towns, castles, monasteries, small museums and rural villages in the area. The guest cabins (that's an understatement by the way) are built around, indeed, a Bali-there-is-nothing-like-panoramic outdoor pool. The hotel is run by the Bernhart family, whose youngest members in particular created a contemporary holiday destination. On the site you will also find a beautiful natural pond and the Bernhart family organizes extensive wine tastings in addition to guided walks (enough to learn about the local natural beauty). Worth a reservation alone. There's an indoor pool, a luxurious spa and the Stelvio National Park on your doorstep is perfect for all kinds of outdoor adventures. Mühlweg 2, Kastelbell-Tschars

Bierkeller
A little further up the pass, about 20 minutes by car, between the fruit trees and on the edge of a forest you will find one of the nicest restaurants in the region: Bierkeller in the village of Laces. It is unexpectedly cozy, and although simple it is also unexpectedly wonderful. Try to get a spot on one of the wooden benches and tables outside and be served by men wearing lederhosen. The menu includes items such as a spicy half rooster that is just right, which also applies to the ham. And for the spareribs. Beer on the side, don't do anything about it anymore. Oh, be sure to stop in on the way to the next stop silandro where you can find a great outdoor pool (springboard with a view).

Biohotel Panorama
The final stop of your trip through South Tyrol must definitely be Lake Reschen, a fairytale lake with a tower in the middle. Not far from there is the last and fifth hotel on this list of favorites: Biohotel Panorama. A young and modern hotel where the rooms with the bath in front of the window are unmissable. Via Nazionale, 5, 39024 Malles Venosta

Image left via @martinival

You can read how, what and much more about South Tyrol here: South Tyrol