Forestis: Alpine Idyll

In search of an Alpine fix? Setting your intentions for 2024 is easier done here, in the fold of Forestis, a naturally-powered spa hotel in the snowy peaks of South Tyrol. The vision of natives Stefan Hinteregger and Teresa Unterthiner, Forestis opened its doors in 2020, as a year-round retreat for those seeking a nature-inspired wellness drive.

Immersion is made easy, from the 100-year-old building, carefully renovated by local architects and artisans, to the unobstructed Dolomite views from each of the 62 luxury suites and the expansive spa inspired by the Celts who once roamed the surrounding forests. The two-floor penthouse has its own pool, spruce-wood sauna and open fire, while the new Odles Lodge, an adults-only chalet situated just a few kilometres above Forestis, boasts an exclusive spa set-up.

In the winter, days can be spent skiing Plose mountain (Forestis is ski-in, ski-out), before succumbing to sybaritic pleasures, where rejuvenating treatments include the iconic ‘Tree Circle Ceremony’ based on healing woods, aromatherapy, energy flow massages and mountain pine body scrubs. The culinary experience takes its cue from the surrounding landscape, with head chef Roland Lamprecht's ‘Forest Cuisine’ making use of foraged ingredients from local mushrooms to aromatic wild herbs.

Here's somewhere that's hard to leave.