Forestis, nestled high in the Dolomites, offers a unique retreat that blends modern luxury with the raw beauty of the Italian Alps. It’s a place designed to connect you with nature, whether you’re seeking adventure or quiet relaxation.
When planning my trips, I always look for places that offer a bit of everything, and Forestis certainly does. It strikes a wonderful balance between an active getaway and a serene wellness escape. I found that making even a short stay here felt incredibly rejuvenating for me and my family. The fresh mountain air and the stunning scenery really do wonders.
Mountain Views
The Dolomites are the undeniable highlight here, and the panoramic views are simply breathtaking. From almost every vantage point, you’re treated to sweeping vistas of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you pause and just breathe it all in.
I remember one particular afternoon while the kids were having a quiet moment indoors; I stepped out onto the terrace with a cup of tea. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the mountains. It’s moments like these, where the natural beauty is so captivating, that I find most memorable and wish I could bottle up.
Design and Atmosphere
Forestis stands apart from the more traditional alpine chalets in the region. Its design is modern and minimalist, yet incredibly warm and inviting. Think clean lines, natural materials, and thoughtful details that create a chic, comfortable ambiance.
When I first walked into the main building, I was struck by the contrast between its contemporary feel and the history it holds. It was once a sanatorium for the Austro-Hungarian royal family, and that sense of healing and tranquility still permeates the air. They’ve done a beautiful job of honoring that past while Gcreating a luxurious present.
The interiors feature a lot of wood, which brings a natural warmth, complemented by a neutral color palette of creams, grays, and blacks. Even the curated selection of items in the on-site boutique reflects this understated elegance, with simple, quality pieces that feel very of the place.
Accommodations
Forestis offers a range of rooms and suites designed to maximize the stunning mountain views. The Tower Suites are particularly special, offering floor-to-ceiling windows that open onto private terraces. Imagine waking up and stepping outside to that view – it’s truly unparalleled.
For families, or for those who simply appreciate extra space, the suites offer more generous windows and slightly lower vantage points than the Tower Suites, but still provide fantastic views. They also come with slim balconies, perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or an evening digestif with that crisp mountain air. The Penthouse Suites are the ultimate indulgence, featuring private saunas and infinity pools with incredible outlooks.
Even the more standard rooms are well-appointed, with comfortable beds and all the amenities you’d expect from a luxury hotel. I always appreciate the small touches, like the plush robes and slippers provided. It’s these details that make a stay feel truly special.
What to consider when booking?
Which room offers the best views?
While all rooms offer beautiful scenery, the Tower and Penthouse Suites provide the most immersive and dramatic mountain vistas due to their high vantage points and expansive glass. If those aren’t within your budget, the standard suites still offer excellent views from a slightly lower perspective.
Culinary Delights
The dining experience at Forestis is a true highlight, focusing on a “forest-to-table” concept. The dinner menu is a tasting affair, with options for four or seven courses. I found the meals here to be some of the most memorable of my entire Italian travels. The chefs work with fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients, so the menu changes daily, ensuring a unique culinary journey each night.
I was consistently impressed by the creativity and quality of the dishes. From delicate homemade pasta to perfectly cooked local meats and unique creations featuring wild herbs, every meal felt like a celebration of the region’s flavors. Even simple ingredients are elevated with expert preparation and presentation.
Breakfast is a delightful buffet spread with pastries, fresh fruits, and those wonderful hand-pressed juices. There’s also an a la carte menu for made-to-order items. For lighter meals, the bar offers snacks and lunch favorites, while the new Yera restaurant provides a wider variety of lighter fare for lunch. The wine tasting room, designed to feel like a natural wine cave, is also a wonderful addition.
My dining insight:
When dining with me, especially with the children, I find it’s often best to opt for at least the four-course tasting menu on the first night. This gives us a real sense of the chef’s style and the local ingredients. If the whole table enjoys it, we can then easily extend to the seven courses for subsequent nights. It’s also great to note that the hotel offers half or full-board options when booking, which includes the tasting menu, and I highly recommend considering this to fully experience the culinary offerings without worrying about separate checks each meal.
Activities and Wellness
Forestis is designed for those who love the outdoors. In the summer, hiking trails are easily accessible right from the hotel. They offer complimentary guided hikes tailored to various fitness levels, which is a fantastic way to explore the surrounding landscape safely and learn about the area.
When winter arrives, the focus shifts to snow-based activities like guided ski and snowshoe outings. Beyond the physical activities, there’s a strong emphasis on wellness. You’ll find yoga and meditation rooms, and complimentary classes are offered throughout the week.
The spa is a sanctuary within Forestis, featuring an indoor-outdoor heated pool with stunning mountain views. There are also comfortable nooks and daybeds for relaxation. I appreciated that you don’t need a spa treatment to enjoy these facilities; they are available for all guests. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring.
A spa tip:
Don’t miss out on the unique spa treatments that incorporate local elements. For instance, the hot stone massage uses stones and wood pieces that guests can intuitively choose for their treatment, connecting the experience to personal well-being. They also offer more esoteric treatments like tree circle ceremonies. These are not your standard spa offerings and provide a deeper connection to the natural and historical context of the location.
Exploring the Area
Forestis is located in Brixen, Italy, high in the Dolomites. Reaching the property involves a scenic, albeit winding, drive up the mountains. A rental car is highly recommended to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace, especially if you are traveling with a family and want the flexibility to stop at different viewpoints or charming towns.
The drive itself is part of the experience, offering increasingly dramatic mountain vistas as you ascend. Once you’re settled in, the town of Brixen is about a twenty-five-minute drive away, offering a taste of local culture and amenities. For international travel, Innsbruck Airport in Austria is about an hour and a half away, or Bolzano Airport in Italy, though smaller, is closer.
There are numerous hiking and skiing trails nearby. I particularly enjoyed the Santa Maddalena Panorama Trail, which is an easy loop with incredible views that truly make you feel surrounded by the alpine beauty. If you’re up for a longer day trip, the famous Pragser Wildsee lake is about an hour and a half by car and offers picture-perfect scenery.
Local insight:
During the winter holiday season, I highly recommend visiting the Christmas markets in Brixen and surrounding South Tyrolean towns. They are a wonderful place to find local crafts, enjoy the festive lights, and savor traditional treats like mulled wine and freshly baked biscuits. It adds another layer of charm to an already beautiful region.
Practicalities
Are there family-friendly options?
While Forestis is an adults-only hotel for guests aged 14 and above, it is exceptionally dog-friendly. If you’re traveling with your canine companion, they can arrange for a dog bed and bowl in your suite, and there are designated areas where dogs are welcome, allowing for meals together.
What about accessibility?
Currently, the rooms at Forestis are not designed to be accessible. It’s a point to consider if any member of your party has mobility challenges, as navigating the property may require assistance. However, the hotel is deeply committed to sustainability, using local, natural materials and even offering a program where guests can opt out of daily housekeeping to contribute to tree planting initiatives.
What is the best way to book?
I highly recommend considering the half or full-board option when booking your stay. The dining at Forestis is a significant part of the experience, and having your meals included allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culinary offerings without the added thought of daily expenses. Additionally, Forestis participates in programs that can offer added benefits, so it’s worth looking into those when making your reservation.
If you’re looking for an escape that combines the thrill of the mountains with ultimate relaxation and exceptional cuisine, Forestis in the Dolomites is an unforgettable destination. It offers a chance to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature, and yourself.