Engel Ayurpura Review By Frances Geoghegan

Our owner and founder Frances Geoghegan gives us the lowdown on her recent stay at Italy's Engel Ayurpura.

The Location

This stunning little gem is located high in the Dolomites in the Southern Tyrol, a remote little spot in a ravishing setting framed by the mountains looking down deep into the valley below.

The Accommodation

Engel Ayurpura has just 15 rooms, all located on the upper floors to make the most of the sublime views. The striking building’s frame is made from larch wood with wall-to-ceiling glass, it is light-filled without clutter, and gives main stage to the view over the ever-changing colours of the mountains as the clouds drift in and out. Rooms are contemporary with clean lines and modern furnishings, and all have balconies with comfy chairs and woollen blankets to keep you warm in the early mornings or cool evenings. The rooms are created with absolute comfort in mind, and their top suite even has its own sauna and a custom-made Hasten’s bed.  

The Wellness Concept

Engel Ayurpura is owned by the Kohler family, 5^th-generation hoteliers who have lived in the area since the early 1800’s and who already have a thriving traditional property next door – Hotel Engel Gourmet & Spa. They decided to open a fully focussed Ayurvedic Spa in 2023 as Carmen, one of the owners, saw the transformational effects first hand on herself following stints spent in India practising Ayurveda, and I have to say, they have made their version as authentic as it can be outside the motherland. Diagnostics and programmes are prescribed according to your dominant dosha by Dr Vaidya Swami Nath Mishra - an expert pulse diagnostician and a specialist in Panchakarma.

You have the Classic Ayurvedic treatments like Abhyanga and my favourite, Shirodhara. There are 4-day Taster Programmes, but their big focus is on Panchakarma Detoxes for 7, 10, 14 or 21 days. Most of the therapists have been trained in India, and are very adept to traditional Indian healing. There is Yoga in the morning, with the 07h30 class aimed at the more proficient, and the later 08h30 class for those newer to Yoga or who just want a gentler stretch. My Yoga teacher Shaun was outstanding and effortlessly accommodated all-comers across levels and expertise. There is also normally a meditation class or talk in the late-afternoon.

Dr Mishra likes schedules to be quiet and gentle, with lots of time out to relax and regenerate. You will have two treatments each day, which are normally back-to-back, lasting a few hours. The treatments are deep and unravelling, and you certainly wouldn’t be up for much after them, which is the whole point. The cuisine is authentic and nourishing, and served up to knock-out mountain views.

The Facilities

There are a collection of relaxation lounges and a heated outdoor infinity pool and panoramic Sauna to enjoy, with guests welcome to walk through the gardens to the hotel next door to make use of the indoor pool, fitness centre and Spa.

Are there any drawbacks or things to be aware of?

While Engel Ayurpura is set in a spectacular mountain location, it is worth noting a couple of practical points:

• The property is located relatively close to a road, so at certain times there can be some audible traffic noise. This may be noticeable in otherwise very quiet moments, particularly for light sleepers. 
• It sits directly next to its sister property, Hotel Engel Gourmet & Spa. While this is convenient for shared access to additional facilities, it does influence the overall atmosphere. 
• Guests at the neighbouring hotel include families and non-wellness travellers, which creates a noticeably different ambience compared to the calm, fully immersive Ayurvedic focus of Engel Ayurpura. 
• Shared facilities include a sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, and swimming pool. However, the experience feels distinct: 
  • Engel Ayurpura is quiet, structured, and wellness-led 
  • Hotel Engel Gourmet & Spa has a more traditional alpine hotel feel with a broader mix of guests and activities 

The Verdict

Engel Ayurpura is a real find - it offers a very sincere version of Ayurveda, and all the staff are kind and considerate. The countryside is idyllic, the alpine air crisp and pure, and with SkyAlps’ new twice-weekly service from London to Bolzano, (which is just 30 minutes drive away), it has never been easier to get to this side of the Dolomites