ITALY
ITALY
Mountain wanderers. Wine collectors. Skiers. Wellness seekers. Slow Travelers. Gourmets.
Morning mist drifting through the forest. A glass of South Tyrolean wine at sunset. The scent of pine after rainfall. Snow-covered peaks glowing pink at dusk. A silent walk beneath larch and spruce trees. Long dinners shaped by mountain traditions. Watching clouds move across the Dolomites.
Gfell can be enjoyed year-round, though each season reveals a different side of the Dolomites. From May to July, alpine meadows bloom with wildflowers and hiking trails emerge from the last traces of snow. September through November brings golden larch forests, crisp mountain air, and harvest season across South Tyrol's vineyards. Winter arrives from late December through early April, transforming the surrounding landscape into a snowy wonderland ideal for skiing, snowshoeing, and quiet days spent overlooking the mountains from the warmth of the hotel.
Located within the protected landscapes of the Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park, Gfell Hotel offers a rare sense of immersion in one of the Dolomites' most spectacular regions. Surrounded by forests, alpine meadows, and dramatic limestone peaks, the property feels removed from everyday life while remaining within easy reach of South Tyrol's cultural and culinary destinations. Silence is one of its defining luxuries, with nature providing the soundtrack throughout the seasons, and a profound sense of seclusion, where you are alone in the heart of the nature park, with no neighbors in sight, only forest and birdsong.
Architecture is contemporary yet deeply connected to the mountain environment. Natural materials, expansive glazing, and restrained interiors create a seamless relationship between indoor spaces and the surrounding landscape. The design draws attention outward, allowing the forests, changing light, and mountain views to remain central to the experience. Accommodation combines comfort and simplicity, creating an atmosphere that feels both refined and grounded in place.
Food and wellness are equally important parts of the experience. South Tyrol's unique blend of Alpine and Mediterranean influences is reflected in the cuisine, while an extensive wine cellar celebrates some of the region's finest producers. Wellness spaces offer a place to unwind after days spent outdoors, creating a rhythm that balances exploration with restoration. The result is a hotel that combines nature, gastronomy, and design in equal measure.
The surrounding Schlern-Rosengarten Nature Park offers some of the most remarkable hiking landscapes in the Dolomites. Forest trails lead through alpine meadows, dramatic rock formations, and panoramic viewpoints that reveal the region's extraordinary geological character. Seasonal changes bring wildflowers, autumn colours, and snow-covered peaks that transform the landscape throughout the year.
Nearby Alpe di Siusi, Europe's largest high-altitude alpine meadow, provides endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, skiing, and photography. Equally captivating is Lake Carezza, famous for its emerald waters and reflections of the surrounding mountains. Together, these landscapes reveal the extraordinary diversity of South Tyrol's natural environment.
Beyond nature, the region's towns and cities offer rich cultural experiences. Bolzano and Bressanone combine Alpine traditions with Italian influences through architecture, markets, museums, and local cuisine. South Tyrol's wine region is also within easy reach, inviting visitors to discover vineyards, family-run wineries, and centuries-old winemaking traditions that shape the identity of the area.
Dining at Gfell is a destination in itself, shaped by South Tyrol's unique position between the Alps and the Mediterranean. The hotel's restaurant elevates regional ingredients through refined culinary techniques, creating a menu that balances mountain traditions with contemporary gastronomy. Seasonal produce, locally sourced meats, freshwater fish, wild herbs, and ingredients gathered from nearby farms and producers form the foundation of a dining experience that reflects the landscape beyond the windows.
Wine plays an equally important role. South Tyrol is one of Italy's most respected wine regions, and Gfell's extensive cellar celebrates both local excellence and international labels. Guests can explore elegant alpine whites, structured reds, and rare vintages through carefully curated pairings that complement the cuisine. For wine lovers, the cellar offers an opportunity to discover the diversity and character of a region where vineyards climb steep mountain slopes beneath the Dolomites.
A particular highlight is the hotel's dedicated smoker, where select ingredients are slowly prepared to enhance depth, complexity, and flavour. This craftsmanship extends throughout the culinary programme, where attention to detail and respect for ingredients define every dish. Long dinners unfold at a relaxed pace, allowing guests to experience the creativity of the kitchen, the expertise of the sommelier team, and the warm hospitality that has become synonymous with South Tyrol's finest mountain retreats.
Gfell is easily reached by car from across northern Italy, Austria, and Germany. Guests arriving by train can travel to Bolzano, which offers convenient onward transfers into the mountains. For international travellers, the nearest airports are Bolzano and Verona, both providing access to the Dolomites and South Tyrol region.
Situated within a protected natural landscape, Gfell’s relationship with its environment is central to its philosophy. The hotel embraces a low-impact approach that respects the surrounding forests, wildlife habitats, and mountain ecosystems. Local sourcing reduces transport distances while supporting regional producers, farmers, and winemakers. Through careful stewardship of its setting and a strong connection to South Tyrol's natural and cultural heritage, Gfell demonstrates how hospitality can exist in harmony with one of Europe's most remarkable mountain landscapes.
Photo by Gfell, AlexFilz
ITALY
ITALY
Lovers of natural beauty. Wellness aficionados. Hikers. Cyclists. Skiers. Silence seekers.
Alpine air. 300 days of sunshine. Hypnotizing Dolomites through your window. A very deep and peaceful sleep. Holistic regeneration.
Anytime. Enjoy four season weather with snow-covered winter landscapes, spring flowers, the summer heat, and the colourful autumn.
Forestis is a modern wellness hotel in the South Tyrolean Alps in northeastern Italy. Standing 1,800 m above sea-level, the hotel is located on the southern slope of the Plose mountain, surrounded by dense forests, and providing the best views of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The hotel’s unique location was originally a sanatorium for Austrian monarchy, with natural factors such as pure spring water, a lot of sunlight, and crisp mountain air all contributing to an authentic wellness experience. The Forestis Spa combines the energy of these elements with the essence of mountain pine, spruce, larch and stone pine. Relax in the stone pool filled with the Plose mountain water. Cleanse yourself in the traditional sauna, where the tree’s essential oils are naturally released from the heat, contributing to the calming atmosphere. Practice Wyda, the yoga of the Celts.
Forestis consists of three modern towers, and the originally built main building. The architecture is inspired by the natural features of the surrounding environment - stone, glass, and wood. Each suite is complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, emphasizing the region’s air purity and the hypnotizing beauty of the Dolomites. Stay in the two-storey Penthouse complete with a fireplace, a large terrace, a private pool and a spruce wood sauna for the most luxurious experience.
Winters offer picturesque skiing in the Plose region, which has the longest valley run in South Tyrol. Enjoy ski in and ski out privileges as Forestis has a direct connection to the slopes. Alternatively, visit Sellaronda, Seiseralm or Kronplatz ski destinations, reached by car. Go snowshoe hiking though the densely forested path. Experience the beautiful mountain lake Lago di Breais (we recommend cycling for the last 10km of the journey). Take a guided sunrise hike. Go biking along Mount Plose for an intense natural experience.
The tasting menu at the Forestis’ restaurant reflects the region’s offerings as well as support local farmers. Try the exceptional mountain honey, cheese, and berries; smoked fish; and freshly baked bread with a flight of butter.
Fly into Bolzano or Verona following a scenic drive to Forestis.
*Photos property of Forestis Dolomites