Into the Dolomites: Nicho De Biasio Reveals His Favorite Spots
Photographer and content creator Nicho De Biasio knows the breathtaking Dolomites like the back of his hand. In an interview with Falstaff TRAVEL, the South Tyrolean reveals which hotels and spas are on his hot list.
August 31, 2022
PROFILE:
Name: Nicho De Biasio
Occupation: Photographer, Content Creator
Lives in: Bressanone, South Tyrol
Web: instagram.com/nichodebiasio
What's on your travel bucket list for the remainder of 2022?
There's quite a bit! First on the list this year is Sardinia with its incredible waters and hidden beaches. I'll also be visiting Austria, where I'm looking forward to autumn hikes in the mountains and seeing the unique colors in nature during that time of the year. To finish off the year, I'm going to Lake Como.
The South Tyrol native knows the mountains of the Dolomites like no other – he shares the most beautiful spots on his Instagram. © Nicho De Biasio
What factors into planning a trip for you?
As a person who always has to plan everything to a T, I try to get the most out of every minute of my trips. At the top of the list is good food! I look for particularly good restaurants or insider tips in advance and usually make reservations before I leave. This saves me a lot of time and nerves. I also always ask locals or the staff at the hotel for tips. My travels also involve a lot of activities and adventures. And I always try to learn something about the culture of the place I visit.
Seeing the world: the photographer loves nature, but also enjoys exploring cities steeped in history. © Nicho De Biasio
Which travel experience has left a lasting impression?
There are many – but my safari trip to Kenya was probably the most influential. A unique and intense experience that really left a deep impression on me.
What are your absolute essentials for traveling? What items do you always have in your suitcase?
My camera including the necessary lenses, my drone and my MacBook. I never leave the house without it! And of course: a bathing suit, as I'm always on the lookout for places with great swimming pools.
Jumping into the deep end: the Content Creator is on the lookout for the absolute highlights – and pools – at every destination. Like here at the Sky Pool of the Hilton Molino in Venice. © Nicho De Biasio
A look at your Instagram profile reveals that you're an absolute Dolomites insider. What are you favorite restaurants in the area?
There are so many! Baita Daniel below the world-famous Seceda peaks has excellent lunch. The view from there is one of my favorite in the entire Dolomite area. For a special dinner, I like to visit Granbaita Gourmet in Selva Gardena, where Dolomite flair meets unique food in an elegant setting.
One more photo - and then off to Baita Daniel awaits for outstanding cuisine and great views. © Nicho De Biasio
Which hotels and spas are always worth the trip?
One place I've been to more than once is the Excelsior Dolomites Resorts in the middle of the mountains with a great spa and one of the best active programs. And of course the Forestis Dolomites in the middle of nature – in my opinion one of the best hotels in the region. Last on my top list is the newly opened Santre Dolomythic Home overlooking the mountains.
Forestis is among the creative's favorite hotels. © Nicho De Biasio
As a spa hotel, I can recommend none better than the Andreus Resort. The so-called SPA World is an experience that's absolutely worth the journey there, even if it's a long one.
I'm always on the lookout for places with great pools and grand views.
The photographer and filmographer has stayed at some of the best spas in South Tyrol – such as the design hotel Pfösl Deutschnofen. © Nicho De Biasio
Favorite Spot: What's a must-see?
Stevia above Selva Gardena – the place where I grew up – is great for hiking. The view there is absolutely unique. Definitely one of the best places to see the sunrise in the Dolomites. Another fantastic spot to see the sun rise and set is Great Cir Peak at Pass Gardena.
Speaking of hiking: what do you have to have with you as you head into the mountains?
The right shoe is a must for a safe hike around the Dolomites. And: a fresh T-shirt – if you're sweaty on the top on a windy day, you can easily catch a cold. Always pack enough water to stay hydrated throughout the hike. Last but not least, sunglasses and UV protection! The sun at such high altitude is much stronger than you might think, even in fall and winter. And of course I have to have my girlfriend Tamara Hofer with me. She's the best companion for every adventure – without her patience I wouldn't be able to do a lot of things, and they would only be half as nice.
Also in autumn an essential for the content creator and photographer: sun protection! Here during a stopover at Lago di Carezza, below the Karer Pass at the foot of the Latemar massif in South Tyrol. © Nicho De Biasio
Related: South Tyrol Special – The Most Beautiful Destinations
