We’re not sure about you, but winter calls for snuggling up on the sofa with a cup of tea and a movie. But on the other hand, a wellness infused weekend with saunas, Turkish baths, heated pools and salt rooms don’t sound half bad either. If you’re planning a trip to Italy and aren’t much of a skier, here’s a slower option for your escape – take the weekend to retreat to a spa. Whether your on your own, with your loved one or dearest friend, it’s time to spoil yourselves.
1
bressanone, alto adige
FORESTIS is a natural refuge immersed in the total silence of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its surroundings have a calming and regenerating effect on the body and on the psyche, stimulating not only a great night’s sleep but also a regeneration of the mind. Wellness and nutrition are two fundamental aspects of this hotel: the SPA is inspired by the natural doctrine of the Celts who were closely tied to the natural world and believed that there were supernatural forces in every aspect of nature. FORESTIS combines the four natural elements: spring-water, mountain air, sunshine and a mild climate to the minimal, natural design of the SPA; whereas the devoted principle of the four trees: mountain pine, sprice, larch and stone pine is integrated with the signature treatments as each of these trees contain active ingredients that allow the human body to regenerate. As for the cuisine, Executive Chef Roland Lamprecht believes thoroughly in the benefits of natural, authentic, earthly food and therefore creates a cuisine that combines fresh ingredients sourced from either nature or local farmers with his creative, contemporary abilities. WEBSITE
2
Valdaora, alto adige
Suspended en plain air, the SPA of Hotel Hubertus in Valdaora is the Studio Noa’s second project following the infinity pool of 2016. The views are extraordinary, overlooking the mountain peaks and is suspended 15 meters above ground level. Talk about ground, this is a groundbreaking establishment that turns the concept of wellness upside down – literally. On the top, a relaxation area and seated whirlpools with a view and down below, two saunas, a nude whirlpool, and an ice room. The wellness journey doesn’t end here however, you can spend an entire day relaxing in the five outdoor pools, log cabin sauna, panoramic alpine sauna, textile barrel sauna, or dolomite cave steam bath at the Alpenreych Park followed (or preceded) by a strengthening and revitalising treatment. WEBSITE
3
Hotel Rosalpina,
San Cassiano, alto adige
Situated in the Alta Badia, amidst the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Dolomites, RosaAlpina is a winter wonderland that welcomes guests in a mesmerising space dedicated to design, bliss and haute cuisine. As an Aman partner hotel, RosaAlpina pays particular attention into the ‘mood’ and ‘feel’ of the space, providing a ‘zen’ atmosphere from the moment you wake up to the moment you fall asleep. Wood and stone touches complement a serene Alpine-inspired palette in the 50 rooms and suites of the hotel and the SPA is a haven that overlooks the snow capped panorama. Swim in the indoor heated pool, take a sauna (Turkish and Bio Sauna) or plunge into the ice pool. There is also an adult-only area for that extra peace and quiet (yes we love kids but SPA time is SPA time). Expect an array of treatments from massages to scrubs, wraps and facials with a special soothing foot ritual incorporating mountain herbs, natural salt and Aroma essential oil to begin. A number of treatments are offered in collaboration with Aman Spa, incorporating Aman’s all-natural skincare products. WEBSITE
4
hotel petrus, brunico, alto adige
Hotel Petrus in Brunico is a very sweet, family run hotel that prioritises the power of Nature in everything they do: design, cuisine and of course, wellness. As you arrive to Hotel Petrus you immediately feel like life has suddenly taken a step back and you begin to live and breathe the surroundings. Purely fresh and earthly – and as you take a trip to the Dahòame spa you would never think that you’d be spoilt for choice on which relaxation room to nestle down in. There is the Lana Room, where you’re introduced to the positive effects of wool as well as the Hay Barn and Cirmolo Room filled with Swiss Pine – a multi sensorial experience both visually, physically and mentally appealing. As well as a large swimming pool there are four saunas and a steam room with varying temperatures that range from 45°C to 85°C. A fun formula is also the Wood & Water fitness area, a gym that runs on water resistance. Finally, there are numerous spa treatments that combine movement to aromatherapy, as well as baths. One we suggest to try is the South Tyrolean honey-milk bath, which, as you can guess from the name infuses honey with milk that contain firming properties for your skin. WEBSITE
5
hotel pföesl,
bolzano, alto adige
At Hotel Pföesl you’re entirely immersed and surrounded by the freshest and purest uncontaminated nature. Wake up to the crisp, fresh air of the Dolomites and savour a warming and purifying infusion before making your way to the holistic naturaspa. Do you know that liberating sensation of walking barefoot in the grass? or in the sand? well, here there is a nature trail in which you walk among various elements such as pebbles and bark to stimulate your circulation and ground down into mother earth. Another thing we cannot get enough of is the essential oils infused in the various saunas for a complete relaxation and purification experience: from lavendula to chamomile, pine and melissa – all with different beneficial properties. Finally, make the most of the numerous treatments offered from energising to detoxifying as well as an Aroma Gemstone Chakra Massage with sound healing for the yogis! WEBSITE
