As an area known mainly for its appreciation of lederhosen and the mountaineering skills of its nimble-footed residents, the South Tyrol's reinvention as (probably) the world's hippest rural region, was unpredictable.
But there's no arguing with its credentials: Michelin star restaurants, stylish bars and now, joining an already-bulging portfolio of hip hotels, the hot new Hotel Nives (00 39 0471 773 329, hotel-nives.com, from €69). A mouthwatering concoction of glass walls, pale wood and gourmet grub, the 11-room retreat in Val Gardena is perfectly placed for skiing, but there's also plenty to do in springtime.

Don't miss architect Matteo Thun's Therme Merano public spa, 00 39 0473 252 000, thermemeran.it) in Merano, and when it opens in May, Bolzano's new Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (museion.it), boasting contemporary works, in-house artists' studios and installation art projected on to the building's facades at night. Flights to Venice from easyjet.com.