Col Raiser Dolomites Hotel

Val Gardena, Italy

The Personalities

Alpine purists. High-altitude hikers and climbers. Winter sport enthusiasts. Seekers of silence and authentic South Tyrolean culture looking for an elevated mountain sanctuary directly on the slopes..

Moments

Pure high-alpine air. Morning mist drifting across the needle-like Odle peaks. Stepping directly onto quiet trails before the world wakes up. Sunset casting the Enrosadira across the cliff faces, turning raw rock to rose pink. Nightfall bringing deep, absolute silence over the mountain. Floating in a heated outdoor whirlpool high above the clouds as dusk settles.

Best Visiting Months

From June through October, the high terrain awakens with alpine wild flowers, climbing, sunrise walks, and direct access to the iconic Seceda ridgeline. From December to April, the plateau transforms into a pristine winter sanctuary featuring direct ski-in and ski-out access to the Dolomiti Superski network, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and peaceful snowy landscapes. Every season reveals a distinct perspective of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites.

COST

Why Stay

Situated as one of the few high-altitude hotels in the heart of the Puez-Odle Nature Park in Val Gardena at 2,106 meters above sea level, Col Raiser occupies an incredible UNESCO World Heritage site. You don't just visit the Dolomites. You wake up in them, walk into them, and, after the last gondola leaves, have them almost entirely to yourself. Once the daily cable car ceases operation, a rare sense of quietude settles over the mountain as day visitors depart and only hotel guests remain.

Family-run by the Schenk family for three generations, the intimate retreat offers genuine mountain hospitality away from valley crowds with only 15 individually designed rooms and suites. The architecture pairs traditional Alpine warmth with contemporary interiors, natural wood, and handcrafted details. Guests also discover the hotel's private collection of 20th-century Alpine paintings and sculptures, offering a quiet cultural narrative amidst the high peaks.

Wellness revolves around a dedicated area complete with an indoor pool, Finnish sauna, steam bath, relaxation room, and a heated outdoor whirlpool overlooking the Sassolungo. The tranquil high-altitude setting ensures pure mountain air and an unhurried, restorative pace far away from the valley crowds.

Why Wander

Step directly outside to reach the Seceda ridgeline in early morning solitude, or set off along countless hiking and climbing routes traversing the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Scattered across these trails and slopes are small, rustic private huts that offer authentic mountain shelter and local hospitality during summer treks or winter ski days.

In winter, ski directly into the Dolomiti Superski network with over 1,200 kilometers of slopes. From sunrise walks to technical climbing, the area embraces slow mountain exploration over high-intensity sports, encouraging guests to restore mind and body through natural movement, pure high-altitude air, and the deep stillness of the peaks.

Indulge In

Refined South Tyrolean cuisine crafted by Chef Rita Schenk. Bringing decades of culinary experience enriched by stages in renowned Michelin-starred kitchens and encounters with celebrated European chefs, including Andreas Caminada and Hans Haas, Chef Rita crafts a daily changing gourmet dinner showcasing regional producers, mountain herbs, homemade pasta, and seasonal ingredients. Meals are paired with exceptional South Tyrolean and Italian wines, enjoyed in the dining room or on the panoramic terrace overlooking the dramatic limestone peaks.

Getting There

Col Raiser is located above Santa Cristina, Val Gardena, in the Italian Dolomites. The Col Raiser gondola is the only regular way to reach the hotel, creating an intentional boundary between the valley below and the mountain above. Guests leave their cars at the valley station parking area and ascend by cable car directly into the sanctuary. The nearest airports are Bolzano, Innsbruck, Verona, and Venice.

Wild Initiatives

Rooted in small-scale hospitality with only 15 rooms, the hotel minimizes environmental impact through careful stewardship of the surrounding alpine environment within the protected Puez-Odle Nature Park. The car-free high-altitude location encourages slow travel, eliminating vehicle traffic on the mountain. Seasonal menus prioritize regional ingredients sourced through close partnerships with local farmers and artisan producers, while family stewardship across three generations ensures the preservation of traditional Alpine culture and mountain heritage.

 GFELL Hotel

The Dolomites, Italy

Personalities

Mountain wanderers. Wine collectors. Skiers. Wellness seekers. Slow Travelers. Gourmets.

Moments

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.

Best Visiting Months

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.

COST

Why Stay

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.

Why Wander

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.

Indulge In

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.

Getting There

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.

Wild Initiatives

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

 FORESTIS DOLOMITES

ITALY

THE PERSONALITIES

Lovers of natural beauty. Wellness aficionados. Hikers. Cyclists. Skiers. Silence seekers.

MOMENTS

Alpine air. 300 days of sunshine. Hypnotizing Dolomites through your window. A very deep and peaceful sleep. Holistic regeneration.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

Anytime. Enjoy four season weather with snow-covered winter landscapes, spring flowers, the summer heat, and the colourful autumn.

COST

WHY STAY

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.

WHY WANDER

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.

INDULGE IN

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.

GETTING THERE

Fly into Bolzano or Verona following a scenic drive to Forestis.

*Photos property of Forestis Dolomites