One of the first cable railways in Europe was built here in 1912 on the Vigiljoch near Merano in the Italian Alps. The old hotel, which also dates from that period, has now been replaced by a stylish modern health spa, designed by Matteo Thun, where stressed-out urbanites and jetsetters can find peace and relaxation. Still today, the only way to reach this mountain-top retreat is by cable car?or on foot. The only reminder of the old hotel, is the shape and style of construction of the restaurant.The new hotel building is a long, linear structure curving gently at one end. With its larchwood façades and green roof it hugs a mountain ridge 300 m below the peak, tracking along the wooded terrain like a raised contour. Integrated within the building is the “paradise garden” with a couple of larch trees that seem to grow right out of the structure. This garden separates the health spa area from the bedrooms. Located at the southern