Forestis Dolomites

High among the rugged panorama of Italy’s Dolomites, whispers of clouds melt away beneath you and the snow-capped peaks meet the infinite sky, forming a hypnotic landscape whose awe-inspiring beauty has taken over 250 million years to form. A scene as mesmerising as this is worthy of a hotel that’s equally impressive, and you’ll find this in Forestis Dolomites. 

Once a sanatorium, this spa hotel near Brixen draws on the power and simplicity of nature and the ancient knowledge of the Celts to create a wellness experience that fulfils both body and soul. The expansive spa is one of the jewels in the hotel’s crown, showcasing the healing properties of mountain and stone pines, spruce and larch in rituals inspired by Celtic tribes, and seven different saunas.

The rooms and suites here are simple yet elegant, providing richness through the luxury of their natural materials. Dolomites stone bathrooms and blonde wooden walls sourced from storm-felled trees create a sophisticated neutral canvas on which the wonders of your window views can shine. As befitting a luxury hotel in the Dolomites, the Penthouse Suite at the top of the tower comes with its own pool, from which you can soak up the majesty of your UNESCO-protected surroundings.

The restaurant tables are arranged in an amphitheatre style, allowing all diners to enjoy an uninterrupted view of the pine-scattered scenery. Dubbed ‘forest cuisine’, the chef creates dishes using produce from the mountains and surrounding farmland. A drink on the hotel’s rooftop bar is the perfect sunset pastime – work your way through their menu of herbal concoctions, infused with local trees and shrubs.

Activities wise, nature is your playground. The hotel features a ski-in, ski-out entrance from which you can access the lifts of Plose mountain resort, while snowshoeing and frozen river walks allow you to make the most of exploration on wintery days. In the summer, hire a wooden boat to navigate the emerald green mountain lakes, and of course take advantage of the magnificent hiking trails on offer.