Luxury Ski & Spa At Adler Dolomiti

My mornings at Adler Dolomiti follow a ritualistic pattern: stretch out languorously in my exquisitely spacious, crisp-sheeted bed. Slip on my fluffy bathrobe and pad to the double-fronted French doors to slide open the curtains, cup of tea in hand. Step onto my generous balcony and marvel at the scenery, which I can only describe as resembling a scene from The Sound Of Music captured in a snow globe. 

Morning routine complete, breakfast calls. The dining room at Adler Dolomiti is large and winding, cleverly designed to fit the maximum number of guests whilst maintaining a feeling of intimate exclusivity thanks to cosy nooks. Guests are assigned “their” table for dinner to give the sense of returning home in the evening, but are free to choose their spot for breakfast and lunch, all beneath sweeping views up the Val Gardena mountains. With free-flowing coffee and juice, we amble between the egg station and abundant fresh fruit platters, taking the occasional pastry (or five).

As with other Adler properties, Adler Dolomiti has a plethora of activities on offer: from sound baths and yoga classes, to hiking, skiing and Nordic walking. For skiers, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more seamless start to the day. The rental shop is immediately next door (note: this is a part of the ski school, so guides pick up their guests at the same spot). Guests are assigned a locker complete with boot heater for the duration of their stay, handily accessed by a super-modern key card system. From there it is a short walk to the Alpe di Siusi gondola, which takes you to a plateau at 2000 metres. Guides take groups of guests up daily in either intermediate or advanced groups, with a maximum of ten guests per guide. 

Whether you choose to spend a full day at the spa, or treat it as a very wholesome Après option, Adler Dolomiti has seemingly endless saunas, pools and experiences. The pools and saunas are loosely split into two sides — family friendly and adults-only — each with their own network of saunas, steam rooms, pools and relaxation areas. The main pool starts inside before emerging into the stunning al fresco vista. Just above is a steaming hot pool, with sporadic jets and hidden seating areas accessible only by quaint bridges crossing the water. 

A short meander up a winding path takes you to the adults-only area: a self-contained Mecca for spa enthusiasts and home to three daily Aufguss sauna rituals, each of varying intensities, led by an infusions master. Post-Aufguss, guests troop out to the winding lake that laps the sauna for a cold plunge, before retiring into the fire-lit heated pool. There is something entirely magical about watching the sun set on Val Gardena as the vibrantly-dressed skiers descend the slopes.

Naturally, the spa experience is supplemented by optional add-ons, with private or couple treatments ranging from facials and massage, to wraps and scrubs. The salt grotto is also open daily (booking required) for 90-minute sessions. You begin by winding your way down the steps into the natural Himalayan salt cave, surrounded by dancing light and a wall of gentle humidity. The shallow pool is heated to body temperature and filled with Dead Sea salt, designed to cleanse and regenerate the airways and skin as you float. Next, it’s time for a quick rinse, before heading into the infra-red sauna. With zero sound or natural light, there is a feeling of being suspended in time, allowing for the deepest relaxation. It’s the perfect antidote to a stimulating day of outdoor activities. One of the most recent additions to the Adler Dolomiti spa ritual is the Cryo Box: a three-minute invigorating experience at -160ºc. The low humidity cold has a plethora of benefits: stimulating collagen production, promoting muscle recovery, and boosting metabolism.  

A spa day is neatly punctuated by trips to the relaxation areas generously laden with healthy snacks such as fresh fruits, vegetable crudités, and tubs of dried fruit and nuts. 

If you’ve visited an Adler property before, you’ll be familiar with their dining concept. Bountiful buffets are followed by daily primi and secondi courses from the à la carte menu, followed by a return to the buffet for extensive dessert options. Breakfast and dinner are included for all guests, with an optional lunch and afternoon tea famed for its moreish apple strudel.  

Adler Dolomiti is approximately a two hour drive from Verona airport, and a 1.5 hour drive from Innsbruck airport. Both are served by regular flights from London.

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