Creators Places is our series exploring hideaways and architectural escapes where creativity, design, and nature come together. We visit places that match the vision of The Creators Club — spaces that inspire and reflect the values of authenticity and imagination. By sharing them, we invite others to find their own moments of inspiration, reflection, and pause. Each story is told through the voices of the founders who brought these places to life, and through our own experience of being there.
Set above Meran, at 1,230 meters above sea level, surrounded by forest and stone, MIRAMONTI overlooks the Etsch Valley and the slopes of Vigiljoch. The view is open, the air crisp — the kind of place that clears your head. Built directly into the porphyry rock, it feels grounded and unmistakably part of the mountain. From the moment we met Klaus Alber, founder of MIRAMONTI, there was an instant connection – the kind you have with like-minded people. That sense of openness and curiosity runs through everything he and Carmen have built here.
For Klaus and Carmen Alber, MIRAMONTI began with a mix of timing, courage, and chance. They first heard about it while in hotel school, never imagining they would one day run it. At twenty-four, they were young, ambitious, and ready to take a risk. Seven years later, during the financial crisis, the opportunity came to make the hotel their own. It took time to realize what they had achieved, but looking back, it was that blend of courage and curiosity that made it possible. Together, Klaus and Carmen balance vision and intuition — he brings structure and drive, she brings warmth and instinct. That combination defines both their partnership and the soul of MIRAMONTI.
From the beginning, their vision was clear: to move away from the clichés of alpine hospitality and build something more honest — a place that moves with the rhythm of the seasons, built with local materials, and shaped by genuine human connection. For them, nature has always been the best architect — setting the rhythm through light, colour, and season, while their role is simply to listen and respond.
That philosophy runs through every detail of MIRAMONTI. Architect Tara, designer Harry Thaler, craftsman Helmuth Graf, and carpenters from Tischlerei Bacher all helped shape it. Every material — from stone to larch wood and wool — has been chosen with purpose. They prefer working with people rather than brands; people who understand the place, the material, and the balance between the two. In South Tyrol, craftsmanship is still deeply personal — not just about skill, but about an attitude of care and respect for material. That mindset is what gives MIRAMONTI its quiet precision and authenticity.
“Nature teaches you patience – and reminds you what really matters.”
We stayed in the MONTI House, one of the newest additions to MIRAMONTI — spacious, quiet, and designed with the same care as the rest of the retreat. While the house offers privacy and independence, the connection to MIRAMONTI remains close. We joined the hotel for breakfast and dinner, where the team’s hospitality stood out: attentive, kind, and sincere. The restaurant showcased the region — simple dishes, seasonal produce, and genuine flavor.
MIRAMONTI continues to evolve, but never loses its focus. For Klaus and Carmen, the process of creation is constant — a series of small, deliberate choices that shape what the place becomes. Over the years, they have added new rooms, a forest spa, and spaces for reflection. Their latest projects — a residence for their staff and a mountain hut at Meran 2000 — reflect their belief that progress should add meaning, not scale. Both projects are close to their hearts: the staff residence as a home that mirrors the spirit of MIRAMONTI, and the mountain hut as a place to reconnect with the raw beauty of the Alps. Each decision is guided by the same principle: stay true to your values, choose quality over noise, and build with respect for people and place. Success, they believe, is not the goal but the result of creating with intention.
We spent the afternoon walking through the forest behind MIRAMONTI with Klaus, Carmen, and our children — building small huts from branches and picking wild strawberries along the way. It summed up what the place is about: warmth, simplicity, and genuine hospitality.
What stays with you after leaving isn’t just calm, but a sense of purpose — the quiet confidence that comes from things built with care. For us, that’s why MIRAMONTI belongs in Creators Places, because it shows how courage, craftsmanship, and care can shape something timeless — a place that listens to its surroundings and keeps evolving with those who create it.
Creators Places is supported by Polestar – our partner on the road – and Knab – the bank for creators.