FORESTIS – Dolomites, Italy
Drawn here by the pure mountain air and natural spring water, this was once a retreat for the Austrian monarchy and then the Pope. Now, this high altitude alpine hideaway, has been artfully transformed into a contemporary sanctuary. FORESTIS is stripped back simplicity, where nature rules; from the design, to the food and to its entire ecological philosophy. Only using local materials, the original sanatorium has been spectacularly renovated and three modern towers added, with panoramic views and all connected by an underground passage.
The hosts, Teresa and Stefan Hinteregger are involved in the entire day-to-day running, dedicated to traditional tyrolean hospitality and service. This is a place for relaxation and regeneration, whether you come in the winter or the summer.
At A Glance
Boutique Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its stunning views, tranquil spa & delicious food.Style:
Minimalist alpine luxe.Location:
FORESTIS is surrounded by nature in the midst of the forest. Located in South Tyrol, on the Southern slope of the Plose mountain.Rooms:
62 rooms & suites all with sweeping views of the Dolomites Massif.Swimming:
There is an indoor/outdoor swimming pool.Children:
This one is for grown-ups! Children over the age of 14 are able to stay.Ideal For:
Escaping & restoration.Open From:
All year round.rooms
All the rooms and suites are about the outside and the view south over the Dolomites Massif – the pointy Geislergruppe dominate the skyline. Inside, the style is sparse and total minimalism, with wood panels, stone bathrooms and fabrics woven not far away in Trentino. The Rooms are cosy with a kingsize bed and a rainforest shower in the bathroom. In the old building there are sixteen Suites, all with separate living areas and terraces that draw you outside to soak up your magnificent surroundings.
The lofty Tower Suites have floor to ceiling windows, wood burning stoves and large terraces with daybeds – where you if ask, can be made up for sleeping under the stars.
food
Every thought has been given to the jaw dropping views, and the restaurant doesn’t fall short. Designed with a terrace layout, each and every table looks out across the Massif. Outside on the terrace, fire pits keep the atmosphere intimate. The head chef, Roland Lamprecht, has worked across Europe in a number of Michelin star restaurants, and brings his unique style and love of local produce to FORESTIS. Foraged ingredients and herbs feature throughout, and there’s a daily changing tasting menu.
And for one of the best bars we have ever seen, the rooftop bar on the middle tower claims to be the highest in the world. An apéritif at sunset will never be the same.
activities
With ski in / ski out access, FORESTIS is perfectly placed for a winter sports break. Guests have instant access to the Plose ski area, with 45km of blue, red and black slopes. You can hire a guide through the hotel to take you off piste and away from the beaten track. During the summer, the mountain trails are ideal for hiking and biking, and when the conditions are right, a hot air balloon flight is one of the most magical ways of surveying the dramatic scenery. And then, there’s the Spa.
FORESTIS has taken its roots as a sanatorium and created a truly wonderful Spa experience. Looking out over the Dolomites, you can’t help but relax, and with all the facilities on offer, it’s a wonder you’ll find time to do anything else. There are indoor and outdoor pools and a choice of sauna – Finnish, bio and one in a traditional South Tyrolean wooden house. There are plentiful treatment rooms, including ones for couples, and a special silent room for total peace after your treatment. And for yoga practitioners, Wyda classes are held in the very well equipped gym.
sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of FORESTIS, not only because of the climate compatibility, but also because of the positive properties of the building materials such as stone, wood, fabric and glass. The energy supply is provided by its own plant and a wood heating system, which is one hundred percent renewable energy. For the chef, clean eating means not only using fresh, local goods, but also being mindful of packaging waste, water pollution and food waste. Overall, FORESTIS works a no-waste principle.
Furthermore, the spa products consist of one hundred percent natural ingredients and the natural water, the quality of which is identical to the well-known Plose spring water is recycled in the spa in refillable bottles.
Location
Semperbau, Italy
FORESTIS is surrounded by nature in the midst of the forest. Located in South Tyrol, on the Southern slope of the Plose mountain at 1,800 metres above sea level. To get here the nearest airports are Innsbruk Airport 90km away, (approx. 1 hr 40 transfer) or Verona Airport 195km away (approx. 2hrs 30 transfer).
