Exclusive:
We discovered an exclusive escape loved by A-listers tucked away in Italy’s Dolomites mountains, where you’ll find unbelievably beautiful views, fine dining and a first-class spa
If you’re a keen traveller, you may have a bucket list of hotels you’re dreaming of one day staying at. Forestis, a super-chic alpine hideaway high in Italy’s South Tyrol mountains, was one of mine – and, recently, I was lucky enough to visit for an unforgettable few days.
A picturesque drive from Innsbruck or Bolzano airports (or, slightly further away, Verona and Venice) and through the mountain town of Brixen, there’s a feeling of calm the moment you step through Forestis’ doors and into the serene reception. Here, you’re handed a welcome drink of water with pine syrup made by local farmers – an indication of how the surrounding nature has influenced this extra- special hotel.
The original building was constructed in 1912 as a sanatorium for Austrian royalty, its location chosen for the purity of the air and water. Due to the start of the First World War, however, it never opened, and the building was abandoned for decades. Fast forward to 2020 and Forestis opened as a stunning five-star hotel, since then attracting A-list stars such as Justin and Hailey Bieber, who have been spotted holidaying here, and Brad Pitt, who visited to ride his motorbike around the corkscrew roads.
The rooms at Forestis
Most of Forestis’ 62 rooms are located in three ‘towers’, with only two suites per floor, all with panoramic views over dense alpine forests. Behind that are towering snow-topped peaks, and – despite the celebrity guestlist – it’s this view that steals the show.
The wood-panelled rooms are chic and minimal, with the focus on the floor-to-ceiling glass wall stretching from wall-to-wall. It’s the first thing you notice when you enter, and it’s hard to take your eyes from it. It leads to a private terrace, which is peaceful and the ideal place to enjoy a good book and morning coffee or an apple-based snack from the complimentary minibar (the region is known for its apples). I’m not normally one to spend much time in my hotel room when on holiday, but the ones at Forestis really are hard to tear yourself away from.
Forestis also has an uber-exclusive 10-person villa, complete with butler and private chef, for the ultimate in luxury (think Kardashian levels of holidaying).
The spa at Forestis
If you do want to venture out but not too far, then Forestis’ spa is the place to base yourself – and it’s not hard to spend much of the day here. There’s a large indoor/outdoor pool (overlooking the view, of course), teas and healthy snacks to help yourself to, two cold plunges and five saunas; it’s worth flagging to British sensibilities that four of these are no-swimwear zones (although towels are allowed).
One nice touch is the timetable of wellness activities Forestis offers, several a day and all free to join, including guided hikes and meditation. You have to try the 15-minute sauna rituals, with herbal aromas, shaman- like music and vigorous wafting of towels – unusual, for sure, but definitely therapeutic. Finish with a dip in the cold plunge if you’re brave enough.
The food at Forestis
Evenings at Forestis begin with an aperitif by the fire or out on the terrace, and this hour soon became one of our favourite parts of our day. Here, staff expertly mixed us innovative cocktail creations, such as a Bloody Mary topped with parmesan foam and black truffle, and let us sample homemade liqueurs, including one made with porcini mushrooms (so surprisingly delicious that we wished we could bring a bottle back with us). Service throughout Forestis is flawless yet friendly, more warm and attentive than fusty silver service.
Guests are allocated the same table for each breakfast and dinner of their stay – curved banquettes that give privacy and views – and mealtimes are a major event at Forestis.
The kitchen focuses on what it calls ‘forest cuisine’: local, foraged and inspired by the surroundings. There’s an a la carte menu at dinner but you really should opt for one of the two incredible seven-course tasting menus, which change every day, paired with a wine from the list of 800-plus bottles (go local with a South Tyrol Lagrein).
Breakfast is just as impressive, with possibly the most extensive and aesthetically pleasing array of fruits, meats, cheeses, cereals and plenty more that you’ll ever see; there’s even an entire room for making your own juices.
Learn more
A luxury adults-only hotel in Italy’s Dolomites mountains, with stunning views, a focus on nature, and suites you’ll never want to leave.
What to do in the local area
Due to its remote location there’s not a huge amount to do in the immediate local area. However, there are a number of scenic walks from the door to the surrounding forests (see if you can spot some of the foliage and flora used in the restaurant’s dishes), plus ski routes on nearby Plose mountain in winter; this isn’t a well-known destination for serious skiers, though – “it’s more of an added bonus,” say staff.
The hotel also runs cooking classes. But really, Forestis is a place to relax, recharge and truly marvel at the spectacular nature around you, on a getaway you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry.
How much does it cost to stay at Forestis?
Suites at Forestis start from €850 per night at double occupancy for two people including breakfast.