Since 2009 the Dolomites, comprising 18 peaks which rise to above 3,000 meters and cover 141,903 ha, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area features some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes anywhere, with vertical walls, sheer cliffs and a high density of narrow, deep and long valleys. In this context, the Italian Alps of South Tyrol are a paradise, not only for skiers but also for the many visitors that what to break away from their city life to immerse themselves in nature and in the hot tubs of the amazing spas available in remote locations. Here, as reported by the New York Times, are some of the best options for skiers and nonskiers that want to indulge in the beauty of these mountains while restoring their bodies and minds.
Adler Mountain Lodge – Situated at 1,800 m above sea level, near Alpe di Siusi, this Alpine spa resorts, which rethought mountains’ traditional wooden huts as modern temples of rest, opened in 2014. The main hotel and a dozen surrounding chalets for rent are fronted by full glass walls, offering a jaw-dropping view. Facilities include a spa saltwater heated pool that from inside to the outdoor Jacuzzi, two pinewood saunas, all-inclusive meals thrice-daily meals, and all-hours self-serve bread and cheese buffet and bar.
Vigilius Resort – This forest spa, at 1,500 m above sea level on Monte San Vigilio, opened in 2003 and was the first eco-resort in the area. Indeed, during its first year of activity, it won more than an award its use of natural material and extreme sustainable energy efficiency. With no roads and cars reaching the resort, the only way to get there is by cable car, thus the air couldn’t be purest. The glass-fronted sauna and indoor-outdoor heated pool allow guests to become part of the impressive view of larch trees and mountain peaks.
San Luis Retreat – Located in Avelengo this resort, opened in 2015, is a collection of chalets and “tree houses” on stilts spread around a 5800 sq. m lake in an unspoiled reserve, set in 40 hectares of alpine park. The individual cabins of one or two floors have a fireplace, a private hot tub on the deck and a sauna with a panoramic glass wall, so guests can enjoy romantic dips in their private spa. According to the website: “its lodges are structures intended to facilitate primordial encounters with nature.”
In a central wood-beam lodge there is the dining room of the full-board resort and the main sauna and steam room. There is also a heated pool that opens the outside and a Jacuzzi on a pier in the middle of the lake.
Ilona Catani Scarlett