FORESTIS: the Dolomites’ ultimate ski-and-spa retreat

Discover snow and serenity at summit-level sanctuary FORESTIS. There, an enlightened ethos of sustainable, natural-world wellbeing finds a welcome home amongst the breathtaking peaks and pines of the Italian Dolomites.

There’s always something magical about arriving at a hotel in the evening. My husband and I have just landed in the quaint city of Innsbruck, Austria for a three-day getaway to the must-visit FORESTIS, a sustainable luxury hideaway cresting the Plose mountain range, 1,800 metres above Italy’s South Tyrolean region. Camera and ski boots in tow, we head up into the clouds. It has been a difficult few months for the ski season in Europe, with many resorts experiencing unusually warm weather so our hopes to ‘shoop-shoop’ down the mountainside are still hanging in the balance. As our lovely driver begins to ascend from the historic area of Brixen (still snowless), my eyes widen. Every tight turn around the pass reveals more and more fresh powder, until soon we find ourselves in the midst of an enchanting snow globe.

The sun has set, and the snow is quietly falling all around us as we drive through the frosty pines. It feels like venturing into the wardrobe and suddenly stepping foot into Narnia as we pull up to the front entrance of FORESTIS — the façade of the old building had been perfectly restored to its original alpine splendour. I pause for a moment, taking a deep breath of the fresh, mountain air. There’s beauty in the quiet moments of the first snowfall — the only thing you can really hear is the faint rustle of the pine needles and the muffled noises of a furry friend or two in the undergrowth. Our views out over the forest are soon blurred by the increasing frenzy of falling snow. Taking our cue, we decide to dine early, head to our beautiful Tower Suite and get a restful night, in order to make the very first chairlift in the morning.

Speckled throughout the public enclaves, circular fountains trickle slow droplets of water; the sultry sound permeates throughout the entire space. The crackling fires of the lounge tempt you to seek warmth after a long day of hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing. Nature abounds in all corners of this summit-level property, from the Celtic-inspired spa, where you’ll sip freshly brewed pine water, to the simple yet beautifully executed seasonal tasting menu, featuring dishes that sing with the freshest ingredients harvested by local farmers.

After three blissful days ‘shoop-shooping’ through the magical FORESTIS wardrobe, it is time to return to reality. With one last look back at the mesmerising views, I close my eyes and pause. I feel the brisk air on my face. I hear the faint trickle of the nearby
fountain. I smell the wonderful aroma of burning logs in the fireplace.

Then, I look out at the jagged mountains beyond. In this moment, I experience all four elements FORESTIS so lovingly embraces; the air, the water, the fire, and the earth. Soon, we are winding our way back down the twisty-turny road. I leave feeling more connected with Mother Nature — and myself — than ever before.

Photographs by Kira Turnbull

Previous

An insider’s guide to island hopping in the Seychelles

Next

A seaside staycation in Rye, East Sussex

Latest stories

Susafa: the eco-friendly farmhouse to book in rural Sicily

Trade the crowds of Palermo for something quieter, slower, and more soulful in Sicily’s rugged interior. Susafa, a centuries-old farm turned sustainable hotel, offers a different kind of Sicilian escape. This isn’t the place you come to check off sights. Instead, your days unfold gently, lingering by the pool, strolling

The ultimate Madrid city guide

Sometimes overlooked by other European capitals, Spain’s biggest city has so much to offer from world-class museums and galleries to talking-point architecture and a lively music scene. Madrileños also take food (and drink) very seriously, and whether you want to prop at the bar for the tastiest tortilla or your

Sicily on a plate: a foodie guide to the Italian island

There’s something about Sicily that sticks with you. On your skin, in your camera roll, in how quickly you develop opinions about brioche. The island is full of contrasts: volcanic cliffs and citrus groves, peeling paint and polished marble, sea urchins eaten on plastic plates next to grand old cafés

12 beautiful hotel bathtubs worth escaping to the countryside for this autumn

There’s something about the turn of the seasons that calls for a long, indulgent soak. Maybe it’s the crisp air, or the way your shoulders slump (in the best way) after a long country walk or a misty mountain trek. Whether you’re in the honey-hued hills of the Cotswolds or