FORESTIS, Dolomites, Italy

FORESTIS is a design-led spa hotel in the Dolomites, standing high on the slopes of the Plose mountain above Brixen, surrounded by dense forest and facing the jagged peaks of South Tyrol. It combines a historic early-twentieth-century building with three slender timber towers that rise like tree trunks from the forest. It is a place of deep calm, built around nature, natural materials, forest cuisine and a spa inspired by trees. It is minimalist, adults-oriented and quietly spectacular.

Location: Dolomites, Italy

FORESTIS stands alone at around 1,800 metres in Palmschoß, on the south slope of the Plose, above the cathedral city of Brixen (Bressanone) in South Tyrol. Below lies the Eisack Valley; across the valley, the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, fill the horizon, from the Geisler peaks to the Sella and beyond.

The Plose area is known for its pure spring water, excellent mountain air, mild climate and above-average number of sunny days, which is why, more than a century ago, this site was chosen for a sanatorium. Brixen's railway station is around half an hour away, with good train connections to Innsbruck, Verona and Munich, and the hotel can arrange transfers. Innsbruck and Bolzano airports are both within about an hour and a half.

Rooms and suites at FORESTIS

There are 62 suites. Around 20 are in the restored historic house, the original building on the site, and 40 Tower Suites are spread across the three new towers. Each Tower Suite is around 55 square metres, with walls and ceilings of spruce, floor-to-ceiling glass and a covered terrace facing the Dolomites. The towers were designed by South Tyrolean architect Armin Sader to take up as little ground as possible, leaving the forest largely untouched.

At the top of two of the towers are the Penthouse Suites, duplexes with private rooftop pools and some of the best views in South Tyrol. Larger groups can rent the five-bedroom FORESTIS Villa exclusively. Interiors are pared back and almost free of decoration, relying instead on wood, stone, light and the view. Guests are welcome from the age of 14, which keeps the atmosphere serene.

Facilities at FORESTIS

The spa covers almost 2,000 square metres over two levels. Its philosophy is based on the teachings of four native trees, mountain pine, spruce, larch and Swiss stone pine, and treatments use oils and products made from them. There are four saunas, an indoor-outdoor pool with forest views, relaxation rooms, a gym and a yoga room, and recently added private spa suites. Daily activities include meditation, forest walks and Wyda, a Celtic form of yoga.

The cuisine is described as forest cuisine, created by Executive Chef Roland Lamprecht from local, natural ingredients, with a focus on what grows in the surrounding woods and from nearby farmers. The main restaurant is terraced so that every table looks out through floor-to-ceiling windows towards the Dolomites. The newest addition, YERA, is a restaurant built into the mountain in the forest, taking forest cuisine to a new level. There is also a rooftop bar and garden terrace.

The mountain moment

The great FORESTIS moment is sunset over the Dolomites. As the sun goes down, the pale limestone peaks across the valley glow pink, then orange, then deep red, a phenomenon known locally as enrosadira. From a Tower Suite terrace, the rooftop bar or a booth in the terraced restaurant, the whole range lights up in front of you.

In winter, the hotel is ski-in, ski-out to the Plose ski area, with around 40 kilometres of slopes. In summer and autumn, forest paths, high trails, biking and paragliding begin from the door.

Why FORESTIS is one of the best mountain hotels

FORESTIS earns its place because it is one of the most original and beautifully conceived mountain hotels in Europe. Its architecture is daring yet respectful of its setting, its spa and cuisine are rooted in the surrounding forest, and its views of the Dolomites are among the best of any hotel. It is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

It is quiet, contemplative and not aimed at young families or party-goers. But for couples and anyone seeking stillness, beauty and nature, it is a genuinely transformative place to stay.

When to go to FORESTIS

Winter brings ski-in, ski-out access to the Plose and the hotel at its most cocooning, with snow on the forest and steam rising from the outdoor pool. Summer and early autumn are ideal for hiking, biking and paragliding from the door, and September and October often bring clear, settled days, perfect for watching the Dolomites glow at sunset. Late spring is the quietest time. Note that guests must be at least 14 years old, and the Penthouse Suites with their private rooftop pools book up early.