Tried and approved: Europe's most beautiful wellness hotel, Forestis Dolomites

Forestis Dolomites, a 5 stars wellness destination

Perched at an altitude of 1800 metres in the heart of the Dolomites, the mountain range of the Eastern Alps that stretches from Germany to Italy, the Forestis Dolomites offers a much gentler, more soothing destination to enjoy the winter sun. This exceptional retreat with its minimalist design embodies the very essence of well-being, inspired by the surrounding nature - the pure mountain water, the crystal-clear air, the invigorating sun and the wood of the forests. A place that calls for silence, where time seems to stand still...

A former sanatorium built by Austrian royalty during the First World War, the Hotel Forestis blends perfectly into its Alpine surroundings. Its original building still stands in the centre of the hotel, but it has been extended under the supervision of architect Armin Ader to house an incredible dining room whose layout is reminiscent of a cinema turned towards nature, as well as three elegant pillar-shaped towers of glass and steel housing the majority of the hotel's suites and penthouses, all of which enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains.

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A holistic approach to well-being

What sets the Forestis hotel apart from other luxury wellness destinations is without doubt its holistic approach to well-being, embodied in its 2,000 m2 Spa and relaxation area, with its discreet luxury and contemporary design opening out onto the surrounding nature. The treatment programme is based on ancestral Celtic traditions, with exclusive rituals.

The hotel has no fewer than six treatment rooms where signature treatments and tailor-made protocols are delivered, and five saunas where the Aufguss rituals take place - a ritual of Germanic origin during which a master of ceremonies places ice on the hot stones and then spreads his towel in the air like a fan to direct the heat vapours scented with essential oils towards the participants.

Another key feature of the hotel is the Silences Rooms, which plunge visitors into a real cocoon of calm, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and where energy and regeneration exercises are practised. The hotel also offers wellness retreats combining Wyda (Celtic yoga aimed at balancing body and mind through mindfulness), meditation and energy treatments, guided by experts.

We tried it for you: our review

This is clearly the most beautiful wellness hotel I've ever stayed at in Europe. After a 3-hour drive from Milan, I arrive in this immaculate perched paradise in the heart of the snow-capped Dolomite mountains. When I put down my suitcases in my Tower suite - with its minimalist, elegant design in wood and glass - I was amazed by the unobstructed view of nature, like a painting to be contemplated for hours on end while sipping hot tea curled up on my outdoor bench with a blanket. The experience is divine from start to finish: from the breakfast of a thousand local wonders (a butter bar, mountain honey, fine charcuterie, endless varieties of bread and cheeses, an abundance of fresh fruit, freshly squeezed vegetable juices, etc.) to the wellness facilities: the gym, the spa and its majestic half-in, half-out swimming pool.

The Aufguss ritual in the traditional 90-degree sauna is a must for detoxifying the body, just before rolling around in the fresh snow or taking advantage of the cold baths available, followed by a top-class Tree Circle Ceremony treatment (hot towel wrap, deep full-body massage with mountain herbs, alternating wooden tools and cold stones) that is relaxing, sensory and particularly well executed. Finally, after an invigorating stroll through the surrounding forest, where silence reigns like a cathedral, it's time for lunch.

A pampering 5-course dinner - a choice of classic or detox/veggie menu - offering a fine assortment of local Italian-Austrian delights: pasta (linguine or spaetzle), meat broth, al dente vegetables... A suspended moment to recharge the batteries - ideally for three nights - where you voluntarily activate the aeroplane mode to take the time to read, swim, walk, sleep or simply do nothing...’ - Fanny, Communications Director.

Prices & Information

Overnight rate: from £736

FORESTIS DOLOMITES

Palmschoß 22

39042 Bressanone BZ, Italy

Photos courtesy of Gianni Bischetti