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.
It isn’t until waking from a deep slumber that we truly experience the majesty of this mountain retreat. Each Tower Suite — sprawling across two newly-built structures adjacent to the original chalet
— offers breathtaking views of the sawtooth-shaped Dolomites. The simplicity of the room design is meant to evoke a sense of peace, encouraging guests to relax and embrace the beauty of the surrounding area. If there’s a case study on sustainable hospitality, and how to perfect it, Considerate Collection hotel FORESTIS should be the subject. From the moment you arrive, you’re whisked away into a world where the term ‘environmental consciousness’ isn’t just marketing jargon, but the core ethos of the hotel — in fact, it’s a way of life here.
As its name suggests, the hotel focuses on the four elements of the forest: air, water, earth, and fire. It’s hard to resist the urge to cosy up on one of the Tower Suite balconies with a good book, filling your lungs with that crisp alpine air which instantly clears your mind and calms your spirit. However, venturing out onto one of the many snow-blanketed footpaths promises moments of nature-immersed contemplation (or muscle-burning action, depending on your disposition).
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.
Our precious days at FORESTIS mimic each other perfectly. Mornings are for adventure in the snowy mountains, followed by a much-needed piping hot cup of the deliciously potent Italian Bombardino, a boozy, brandy-spiked eggnog. It is served at what could well be the smallest ski chalet in Europe, recognisable both for the tattered wooden skis hung on the exterior, and for the owner, who greets you like an old friend. As you feel the tipple warming you from the inside, you’re best to retire your skis for the day or risk imminent embarrassment down a double black diamond ski run.
The afternoons of our trip are dedicated to retreating to the spa, spending hours enjoying the act of dolce far niente, the ‘sweetness of doing nothing’. We float from the heated indoor cabanas to the
outdoor pool, marvelling at the rugged views or tasting snowflakes falling from the sky. FORESTIS brings you back to the sublime simplicity that nature offers. Neither of us feel compelled to check our emails or fiddle with our phones, mindlessly scrolling — we are present in each and every moment. By the end of each day, we feel wonderfully refreshed yet decidedly ravenous, and promptly head to the main dining room.
Tapping into the hotel’s sustainable ethos, not a single ingredient has hailed from far outside the surrounding region. The butter is sourced from a local dairy farm just a few kilometres down the road, whilst your roast pork is accompanied by small mountain apples that are pickled and preserved from the autumn season. Every plate is presented with sheer elegance and meticulous precision, mirroring FORESTIS’ minimalist architecture and mountain-inspired aesthetics. Here, nature can truly be tasted in every mouthful.
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.
Share this article
Latest stories
Where to stay: our pick of new hotels that bring their destinations to life
From a Japanese island retreat to a Danish coastal hideaway, we look at seven new member hotels that take their cues from the landscapes around them. Each brings its own perspective on design, wellbeing and a sense of place, whether deep in the mountains or by the Mediterranean. Helenekilde Badehotel,
Celebrating five years of the Considerate Collection
What does it mean to travel considerately? It might be a centuries-old farmhouse given a second lease of life in Transylvania; a Venetian landmark carefully restored with a heating and cooling system that uses lagoon water; or an island kitchen serving a plant-based feast made with seaweed gathered just offshore.
Making tracks: a train journey taking in six European cultural capitals
It’s official – inter-railing is back, as travellers increasingly swap flights for the speed and ease of Europe’s rail network. Think zippy connections, city-centre arrivals, and stress-free border crossings: train travel is one of the fastest, most convenient, and still sustainable ways to explore the continent. Get ready for a
Independent Minds: Sheila Kyarisiima, The Pinnacle Kigali
High above Kigali on Rebero Hill, The Pinnacle offers sweeping views across the city, bringing contemporary luxury together with a strong sense of place. What began as a private family retreat has evolved into a destination that celebrates Rwanda’s culture, creativity and community. Here its founder, Sheila Kyarisiima, shares the
