Seehotel Ambach Caldaro

The spirit of the 70s in a timeless dwelling. Each building of Seehotel Ambach in Caldaro tells a tale; of the joy of living, of homecoming, and of landing in a safe harbour, from where the gaze idly roams the distance.

This is possible through the singular architecture that transforms space into form, a form in which the boundaries between the interior and exterior disappear, weaving together the spectacles both natural and man-made.

The design pieces and décor were carefully and lovingly sought out, to add their own understated presence. In doing so, they complement the surrounding nature and those immersed in it.

Here, the term «dwelling» returns to its original meaning. It is that place where we feel protected, and yet at the same time, free. Our hotel on the northern shore of Lake Caldaro becomes much more: it is a modern-day hideaway and a work of art.

A building nestled into the natural landscape like a ship in the harbour. Terraces, wall-length windows, white loggias: all opening out onto the Lake. Every balcony and window offers a glimpse of the rhythmed alternation of interior and exterior. Harmoniously set in the stunning backdrop of the lake and vine-cultivated hills, this building contributes decisively to the scene.

The uniqueness of this place and its atmosphere were embraced by the leading modern architect in South Tyrol, Othmar Barth (1927-2010). Not only was he the architect trusted by the Ambach-Maran family of hoteliers, he was also a family friend.

Shortly after designing the restaurant and swimming facilities at the family’s «Gretl am See», he was invited by Anna Ambach (1926-2014) to work on the north eastern shore of the lake. Barth spent three years here on the design of the Seehotel Ambach.

The present owner’s aunt trusted the architect completely, extending to matters of conservation: nothing could be touched without Barth’s authorisation. The aunt lived to the very end in one of the hotel suites.

Only few people know that the architect considered the property one of his most successful projects. He would often spend his holidays here, not far from his home in nearby Brixen.

During the project phase, the visionary architect had made numerous detailed inspections and studies of the area, every detail, in order to create an architecture for this place at once distinctive and unmistakable.

To do this, he looked to the language of the early 70s, choosing clear geometric lines. Ahead of his times, he included the concrete wall, which was then plastered white. The open staircase, with its long and straight ramps, is a smaller scale continuation of the landscape in which it sits. Not everyone has been enamoured with the language of Barth.

The hotel was initially derided and compared to a beached ship. Over time it was discovered, especially by lovers of architecture who recognized the value of the «Gesamtkunstwerk» or «total artwork».

THE HISTORY
In 1973 Anna Ambach inaugurated her Seehotel. For 40 years no changes were made, something greatly appreciated by the regular guests. It also turned out to be a blessing in disguise, since the building was preserved in its original state.

Anna Ambach bequeathed this precious family jewel to her nephew Klaus Maran, who now runs it with his wife Manuela. In 2014 the two took the helm of a ship which had been bereft of its captain, yet not abandoned by its faithful guests from all over Europe.

The heirs have begun a gradual programme of restoration, to adapt to today’s expectations of luxury. This labour of love was entrusted to Walter Angonese, an architect who is mindful to ensure that interventions flow in respectful continuity with the past.

The hotelier couple are masterful hosts, knowing instinctively how to make guests feel at home. Both hold Othmar Barth in the highest regard, and both wish to preserve far more than just the spirit of the building: they look to enrich it even further.

At Lake Caldaro, Walter Angonese is at home for two reasons: this is where he is from, and he has a reverence for the simplicity of Barth’s language. Nevertheless remaining faithful to the spirit of the 70s while bringing the comforts of the 21st century, without creating stylistic discontinuity, was no simple task.

For the initial renovation, the Maran family worked meticulously clearing out the hotel and improving the lighting sources. Next, the technical equipment was renewed and the bathrooms renovated to give a timeless elegance.

Carpets, fabric and upholstery were all replaced. While maintaining the original colours, design accessories were added, including armchairs and reading corners, which create a sense of liveability. In doing so, Angonese has revived the spirit of the Seehotel Ambach, in a way Barth would have appreciated.

In 2014, when Aunt Anna was still alive, the Seehotel Ambach received the award from the Autonomous Province of Bozen’s Department of Cultural Heritage, when it was named «Historic Hotel of the Year».

In 2018, the Seehotel added a spa with sauna and outdoor pool to the biotope park. The project was entrusted to Walter Angonese, who chose styles and materials from the period, adapted and reinterpreted for today.

What typifies the work of Othmar Barth is the sense of his having caught the spirit of his times. Yet he also knew how to take creative liberties to fill the gap between the natural and populated landscape. The language of architecture changes over time, but good architecture is forever.

THE FLORA & SAUNA
With its rushes and ancient willows, the protected natural area on the north-eastern shore of Lake Caldaro is a wetland biotope, bordered by a meadow with a scattering of fruit trees.

THE LAKE ECOSYSTEM
Whoever passes time here is unavoidably touched by the realm of nature. The jetty used for swimming in the lake, nudges gently through the rushes, intimating the close, familiar relationship between man and nature here.

The lake, the largest and warmest in South Tyrol, remains an important natural habitat for birds and amphibians. Even migratory birds stop to take advantage of the marshlands, peat bogs and waterfalls while they rest here on their travels.

This is why a sanctuary area has been set up, with rushes for natural protection, around the marshy woodland and brushwood. There are many opportunities to observe this rich biodiverse heritage: a leisurely stroll around the lake takes less than two hours.

THE GARDENS
Designed to be a living organism, the hotel is in constant dialogue with the lake and its seasonal changes, especially through the neighbouring park. At 11.000 square metres, the park is full of grasslands, ancient willows and birches, bordered by a meadow with fruit trees scattered.

In the immense richness of the Mediterranean flora, stand the mighty weeping willows. Here there is only space for the natural world.

When entering this place of rest, you discover a lawn for sunbathing, the Badehaus with infinity pool and the lake with its boats. Behind the lake rises the Mendola; the scene is completed with a typical South Tyrolean rural landscape, its vineyard-covered hills unfolding behind the hotel. This is the land of vineyards and wineries.

Does it take more courage to preserve or to replace? What should be preserved? Questions like these also arise in our relationship with nature. To this end in 2020, our intensively used apple cultivation, became an extension of the biotope park with various fruit trees, berries and herbs. A meadow orchard that enables an additional spatial experience.

SQUARING THE CIRCLE 
Curved and rectangular lines fill the interior. Here the world of water and rivers, the landscapes with trees and the vineyards all meet to form a compressed abstract of forms and colours. The exterior has been transferred to the interior of the hotel.

It was Barth himself who designed the greater part of the hotel furniture, before commissioning local craftspeople to produce it. For the lamps, armchairs and other pieces, Barth selected from the work of the Italian School of Design. Unique pieces were provided by designers such as Vico Magistretti, Achille Castiglioni and Emma Gismondi Schweinberger

MUSEUM & HOTEL
Recently, there have been tasteful additions to the original 70s pieces. The Maran family has researched scrupulously to find the original colours and materials to ensure accurate restoration wherever possible.

Where this was not possible, they acquired contemporary pieces suitable for their style. For furniture, particularly armchairs, chairs and lamps, contemporary Italian design pieces have been added, mainly from Gervasoni, Moroso and Artemide.

The quest for harmony is easy to sense, whether in the common areas, the nooks and corners to hideaway in, or the rooms and suites. The surfaces, colours, outlines, materials, proportions, the light: everything has been attended to, down to the smallest detail. Nevertheless, it appears completely natural. That which nature produces for itself outside, quality design produces inside.

This ambitious project brought a spa with swimming pool to complement the unique Seehotel Ambach ensemble. To extend the facilities of this inspirational 1970s hotel, a contemporary recreational landscape has been added at the lake shore. For the Ambach-Maran family, the guiding principle has been to create a continuum with Barth’s original hotel and garden architecture.

A short break to regenerate? New: the Seehotel Ambach Day Stay more…A short break to regenerate? New: the Seehotel Ambach Day Stay more…A short break to regenerate? New: the Seehotel Ambach Day Stay more…

In the same way that Barth responded to the themes in the landscape, today the existing relationship between nature and hotel is explored. The Badehaus mediates this between space. It follows the gently undulating lake shore, reflecting the surface of Lake Caldaro. In doing so, it accentuates the biotope park in the most artistic manner.

Seehotel Ambach is celebrated for its singularity. As such, the temptation to merely duplicate the hotel in microcosm has been resisted. Instead, Barth’s conceptual purism is further developed, in the European tradition of the garden pavilion. Unpretentiously single-storied, as if on stilts, the Badehaus appears to swim in the biotope, giving the illusion of a boat reaching the lake shore.

The 250m sq. spa with loggia unfolds to the rear of the park, extending to the scattered orchard. Its three wings reach in three directions: the hotel, the lake and the Mendel Pass.

For construction materials, apart from the transparent glass facades, a more transient equivalent of the concrete from the hotel building is used: wood. This is a very personal tribute Barth, a carpenter’s son.

Great care has been taken in selecting the wood, which has been finely sanded and oiled; to resemble the finished timber used in shipbuilding. The dark tones of the Badehaus contrast the Seehotel’s limpid whiteness.

As the project architect Walter Angonese explains, «In this way, the Badehaus is also in indirect dialogue with Barth’s edifice, appearing as the hotel’s shadow.»

THE FORMAL LANGUAFE OF THE ARCHITECT WALTER ANGONESE
Born in 1961, Walter Angonese is a native of Kaltern who works between his studios in South Tyrol and Switzerland. In Switzerland, he holds a teaching position as Professor of Design at the Academy of Architecture, Mendrisio (Ticino).

Angonese’s leitmotif is bold constructions, imbued with 21st century comfort, in which the formal architectural language harmonises with the materials chosen and the environments they inhabit.

SPA & WELLNESS
The Finnish sauna symbolizes the Nordic health culture, while the steam bath epitomises the southern. In between, there is the patio with whirlpool and the Rain Room in place of traditional showers. This not only commands the location, but it also opens up diverse sensory dimensions.

Paying homage to the Mediterranean loggia, the covered terrace extends far into the park, where the generously-shaded areas intersperse the sunny meadow.

Embedded in the garden is the heated swimming pool, which connects all the elements with the hotel building. At 20m long, it is elegantly sufficient for the most athletic and an enticing alternative to diving into the lake.

ROOMS
28 rooms and 4 suites in 1970s Style, all with lake views. Each is a retreat and inspiration, infused with the elements of water, air and earth. Othmar Barth also used these elements for the interior colour and form.

SUITES
The tall windows and two separate balconies open towards the lake like no other place in the hotel. This stately suite on the second floor has recently been completely renovated.

A FAMILY TALE
Until 2014, this open living space was the home of Aunt Anna, the former owner from the Caldaro hotelier family Ambach-Maran. Aunt Anna loved this place and occupied the rooms themselves. Later, the architect Walter Angonese transformed the suite, adding new furnishings and paying stylistic homage to Othmar Barth and his daring lakeside hotel project.

PANORAMA
Nothing distracts from the views and waterscape outside, which are in constant change throughout the day and throughout the year. The 1970s flair has been retained right down to the last detail. This is visible in the selection of chairs, such as the characteristic spaghetti garden chairs in plastic; a contemporary reinterpretation by Patricia Urquiola for Moroso.

THE RESTAURANT
The proximity to the lake is felt strongly in the restaurant, which seems to extend into the waterscape itself. Via the outer staircases, the wooden decks of the terraces also project out towards the lake. Othmar Barth’s visionary planning included numerous vantage points.

The house kitchen reflects the fresh simplicity of the architecture and wholesome lake panorama. The fresh garden harvest is combined with the sometimes delicate, sometimes pungent flavours which define both Mediterranean and fine Alpine cuisine.

Sorrel, rose blossom, even the reeds – everything has its place – in the dining room, on the lakeside terrace, and most certainly on the plate. Gourmet chef Albin Widmann and his team bring together the lightness of ingredients from sun-drenched Southern Italy, with traditionally-rooted South Tyrolean gastronomy in a delightfully unexpected and creative way.

It is very much with the eye that one eats first. As a culinary artist, Chef Widmann ensures each guest is just as inspired by his colourful, taste-intensive compositions, as by the lake panorama itself.

CHEF ALBIN WIDMANN
Albin Widmann discovered his passion for cooking at the age of eight, in the kitchen by his mother and grandmother’s side. His secondary loves, nature and gardening, now serve the first.

When he draws strength from the vegetable and herb garden, in the early morning and in the afternoon, or is gathering wild herbs near the lake, he is already creating new dishes in mind.

A native of Rodenegg, at the entrance to the Pustertal valley in South Tyrol, he is also a master of the art of healthy eating: thus his preference for lightness. After extensive experience at home and abroad, he was admitted to the international guild the Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs.

Having worked at the Tantris restaurant in Munich, with Hans Winkler, and the Hotel Ritz in Paris, his professional development has included the elite South Tyrolean kitchens of Hotel Castel in Dorf Tirol and Arthotel Cappella in Alta Badia.

Although working at the highest levels, Chef Widmann is a grounded team player, believer in social relations and teacher. He has been recipient of the «Trainer of the Year» award from the Südtiroler Köcheverband, the South Tyrolean Association of Chefs. His motto is «What you give will someday return.»

WINDSURFING 
When the south wind blows across Lake Caldaro in the early afternoon, multi-coloured sails can be seen reflecting in the surface of these, the warmest waters in the Alps. The windsurfing school at the lakeside resort of Gretl am See provides the opportunity to try out this sport. Guests at Seehotel Ambach receive discounts for lessons and equipment hire.

SUP & PEDAL BOATS
The lake can also be explored by rowboat or pedal boat or with a stand up paddle (SUP). The appropriate equipment is provided by Seehotel free of charge.

SWIMMING 
Pristine waters and temperatures touching 28 degrees in high summer make Lake Caldaro South Tyrol’s premium bathing lake – the Seehotel Ambach offers direct access with its two private jetties. At 20m long, the new heated swimming pool is elegantly sufficient for the most athletic and an enticing alternative to diving into the lake.

WALKING 
Extended walks through vineyards, visits to mediaeval castles and ruins, or easy hikes on well-marked nature trails. A ramble through unspoiled nature around the lake comes highly recommended. Information and insider tips about the hiking trails are available at the reception.

CYCLING
South Tyrol has an outstanding network of cycle paths, which extends to Kaltern. A tour of the lake on the hotel’s own bicycles, or longer distances on good asphalted cycle paths to the surrounding towns, even to the neighbouring province of Trentino, are thoroughly recommended. In the nearby mountains, there are also mountain bike trails for all levels of skill.

Guided MTB tours can be booked at the reception. Information and insider tips are also available there. The Seehotel provides mountain bikes free of charge, e-bikes for a fee.

YOGA & PILATES
At 8 o’clock in the morning the lake radiates peace and quietness, perfect for some relaxing exercises. During the summer months, hotel guests can join the morning yoga or pilates program on the private jetty for free. Check the weekly recreational offerings.

GOLF
The Dolomiti Golf Club is located in the town of Sarnonico, in the “Alta Val di Non“. The golf course is considered one of the most difficult 18-hole courses in the Dolomiti Mountains. It is also considered an extremely beautiful setting encircled by the incomparable majesty of the Dolomiti and the Maddalene mountain chain.

Rooms: 32

Price: from 237 EUR per night

Source: www.seehotel-ambach.com