The finest design hotels in Italy’s Dolomites

Picture apple strudel, hearty dumplings and potatoes, ski slopes, forest foraging, breathtaking mountain vistas, relaxing saunas, and ultra-modern design hotels.

It may surprise you, but this isn’t Austria or Germany. Welcome to Italy’s Dolomites, particularly the South Tyrol region and its surroundings.

This enchanting region feels like a different Italy. A place with its own language, Ladin, where both Italian and German are widely spoken.

Here, grand Renaissance and Baroque monuments are swapped for castles, Romanesque architecture gives way to alpine timber structures, and the familiar buongiorno is greeted by a friendly guten morgen.

This region of Italy shares the UNESCO-listed Dolomite mountains (le Dolomiti in Italian) with nearby provinces like Trentino and Belluno.

Transferred to Italy from the Austro-Hungarian Empire after World War I, this area remains an autonomous province where history beautifully intertwines with modern life.

Here, and throughout the Dolomites, the present is a mix of fine food and wine, stunning nature, wellness retreats, and sleek, design-forward boutique hotels.

It’s a place to relax, indulge, ski, and après-ski—delivered with the precision of Northern European service and that unmistakable Italian warmth, embodying the essence of dolce vita.

The stylish hotels here blend plush white pillows with dramatic mountain views, while the drive through this striking rock formation is not for the faint of heart. It’s a quintessentially Italian spectacle, yet refreshingly unconventional.

“[It’s] a meeting point of contrasts between two – or even three, if you count Ladin, the ancient language of the Dolomites – distinct cultures: the precision and attention to detail typically German, and the joy of living that is quintessentially Italian,” says Andrea Moser, an award-winning local winemaker from Cantina Kaltern, who calls the Dolomites his home.

“Each culture complements and elevates the other, resulting in something truly remarkable. On top of that, the region enjoys an incredible climate, with nearly 300 days of sunshine each year, allowing you to go from bathing in a lake one moment to scaling heights of 3,000 meters the next.”

Reinhold Messner, the famed mountain climber, once described the Dolomites as a work of art, and his words still resonate strongly today.

The Dolomite Mountains are in constant transformation, offering a new sense of awe with each sunrise and sunset, as every angle unveils different hues and perspectives.

“The jagged peaks, towering cliffs, and rugged crags are breathtaking, and the ‘enrosadira’ — a magical phenomenon where the peaks turn pink or red at dawn and dusk — is a truly unforgettable sight,” says Ursula Pizzinini, co-owner of the renowned Rosa Alpina ski resort.

This region of Italy also offers a significant dose of rejuvenation and healing.

Teresa Hinteregger, co-owner of Forestis – a stunning ski-in, ski-out resort – explains that time spent in the Dolomites can aid in sleep restoration, thanks to its dense forests and tranquil natural surroundings.

“There’s no better place in the world to experience nature, open space, and time than right here,” says Hinteregger.

“Known for both exceptional food and awe-inspiring landscapes, we also prioritize sleep here. It’s one of the unique features of our region – the body’s healing process, thanks to the power of nature.”

In addition to sweeping views, fresh mountain air, and a rich cultural heritage, the region boasts a collection of five-star hotels and over 20 Michelin-starred restaurants, serving everything from classic alpine dishes to innovative modern cuisine.

Cocktail enthusiasts can look forward to the annual Cortina Cocktail Weekend, a must-attend event for mixology aficionados.

But perhaps the most significant aspect of the Dolomites is the way they remind us of the sheer scale of nature. Here are eight of the region’s most stunning design hotels, set in breathtaking locations that immerse you in the heart of it all.

ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti, Val Gardena

The ADLER brand is renowned for its wellness retreats, offering resorts that deeply connect guests with the surrounding natural beauty.

Nestled in the village of Ortisei, this resort is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens, creating a peaceful retreat with panoramic views in every direction.

Its personalized spa experiences provide the ultimate getaway, featuring saunas, pools, and an extensive range of innovative treatments.

Guests can indulge in vitality breakfasts, multi-course gourmet dining, and an afternoon tea spread, along with daily guided winter walks led by an in-house local guide.

The nearby ADLER Lodge Ritten offers a luxury escape with wooden suites and chalets tucked away in the forest, providing stunning views of the Dolomites' dramatic peaks. Enjoy the spa, soak, and dine under the stars.

ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti, Strada Rezia, 7, 39046 Ortisei BZ

Forestis, Bressanone

Perched 1,800 meters above sea level, Forestis offers the pinnacle of design and luxury.

With sweeping views of the Dolomites from its floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant to the spacious suites, and fresh mountain air all around, guests can ski directly in and out of this exclusive, awe-inspiring retreat.

The hotel boasts two expansive penthouses, spanning two floors each, maximizing the breathtaking views from every angle, including the private pool and spruce wood sauna.

Forestis also features a lavish spa adorned with dolomite stone accents, multiple saunas, and both indoor and outdoor pools, offering rejuvenating treatments.

Forestis Dolomites, Palmschoß 22, 39042 Bressanone BZ

Miramonti Boutique Hotel, Avelengo

A memorable filming location for the iconic Bond film 'The Spy Who Loved Me,' Miramonti Boutique Hotel wows with its Nordic minimalist design, mountain backdrop, and a steaming Japanese onsen pool.

Nestled high above the picturesque town of Merano, this stunning hotel offers a variety of dining options, from classic Italian dishes at Klassik to refined fine dining at the Panorama restaurant, and a cheese lover’s paradise at Stube, serving classic South Tyrolean specialties like raclette.

Miramonti Boutique Hotel, Via Santa Caterina, 14, 39010 Avelengo BZ

Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, Pinzolo

With its bold architectural design, organic gourmet cuisine, and cutting-edge spa facilities, Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti is a sanctuary of natural elegance, nestled among snow-capped peaks.

Perfectly located for ski enthusiasts, the resort boasts breathtaking mountain vistas visible from various spots, including the bar and the heated indoor and outdoor pools.

Speaking of pools, there are multiple options for relaxation. The 5,000-square-meter spa is the centerpiece, offering state-of-the-art wellness treatments.

The accommodation includes suites, a luxurious penthouse, and spacious private residences, ideal for larger groups. Each room is thoughtfully furnished with modern comforts and wellness features.

Guests can enjoy complimentary private transfers to the Pinzolo ski lifts, with ski passes and equipment readily available at the resort’s ski shop.

Lefay Resort & SPA Dolomiti, Via Alpe di Grual, 16, 38086 Pinzolo TN

Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus, Sorafurcia

Boasting one of the most stunning infinity pools in northern Italy – the Sky Pool – this family-run hotel is a design marvel.

Suspended above the snowy slopes, the 25-meter heated pool features a glass front and an underwater panel, offering breathtaking views of the towering Dolomite mountains.

Almost floating in mid-air, guests are left with the sensation of being on top of the world.

The recently added Heaven and Hell Sky Spa is a striking feat of architecture, featuring alpine huts that appear to hang upside down, offering a unique and breathtaking perspective of the Dolomites.

Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus, Via Furcia, 5, 39030 Sorafurcia BZ

Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cortina d’Ampezzo

Located in the iconic Cortina d’Ampezzo – known as the Queen of the Dolomites – the Cristallo Resort has also starred in films, with legendary guests such as Frank Sinatra gracing its halls.

With its art nouveau architecture blended with Viennese influences, this hotel has become a favorite among celebrities and the global elite, who enjoy the stunning setting and the panoramic spa with views of the Dolomites.

The historic property is set to undergo a major renovation ahead of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics and will relaunch as a Mandarin Oriental luxury hotel in 2025.

Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Via Rinaldo Menardi, 42, 32043 Cortina d’Ampezzo BL

Rosa Alpina, an Aman partner hotel, San Cassiano in Badia

With world-class skiing, a luxurious marble spa, and a collaboration with the prestigious Aman brand, Rosa Alpina attracts wealthy travelers while maintaining the warmth of its family-owned hospitality.

Located in the village of San Cassiano within the Alta Badia ski region, this resort perfectly balances sophistication with relaxation, featuring a yoga room, sauna, plunge pool, bar, and an array of dining options.

Chef Norbert Niederkofler, originally from Bolzano, continues to earn his three Michelin stars year after year with exquisite dishes that honor the region’s culinary traditions.

Rosa Alpina, Strada Micurà de Rü, 20, 39036 San Cassiano BZ

Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel and Spa, Ortisei

It’s impossible not to be charmed by Gardena Grödnerhof’s traditional alpine architecture, top-notch service, and lush surroundings that transform into a winter wonderland.

This destination truly connects guests with nature. Plus, with ski lifts, a ski school, and cross-country skiing trails right next to the hotel, adventure is just a step away.

Ideal for families, the resort features a kids' club, movie theater, climbing wall, and special children’s dining tables. The infinity pool offers breathtaking views of the mountains, while the Gardena spa with saunas and steam rooms provides a tranquil retreat.

For those seeking a gourmet experience, guests can indulge in a Michelin-starred South Tyrolean dining experience at the hotel’s renowned restaurant, Anna Stuben.

Gardena Grödnerhof Hotel and Spa, Vidalong, 3, 39046 Ortisei BZ

An earlier version of this article contained an error regarding when the Dolomites were incorporated into Italy.