Alpin garden

© Hannes Niederkofler

The golden façade of the Alpin Garden rises like a luxurious statement from the snow-covered expanses of a Northern Italian winter nature. Since the last makeover in 2020, the warm color has been the guiding concept throughout the five-star hotel. Royal grandeur and warmth reflect its value, which served as style inspiration for the design of the rooms. There's no doubt that all that glitters here is indeed gold - in the romantic feel-good rooms, in the sensual Art Spa with stimulating saunas and a large water world, in the cuddle zones and in the gourmet restaurant. Everywhere, the sparkle and glow speaks the language of luxury. When the snowflakes dance in the sky, active fans are drawn to the fascinating winter world of the Sellaronda. The hotel's own shuttle takes you to the most beautiful ski areas in the region. Not to be missed: There are daily guided ski safaris in the spectacular Dolomites.

Alpin Garden Luxury Maison & Spa
Via J. Skasa 68, 39046 Ortisei, Italy
Tel.: +39 0471 796021
Web: alpingarden.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 250 per person

Chalet Mirabell

© provided

The open fire crackles softly in the Chalet Mirabell and the Merano valley basin can be seen in all its snowy splendor through the large panoramic windows. It's the overwhelming panoramic view of nature that is so enchanting up here on the sun terrace on the Tschögglberg. There's hardly a more beautiful place for a romantic winter vacation. Active connoisseurs can hit the slopes in the nearby Meran2000 ski area, while the stunning 6,000 square meter Mirabell Spa with its own adults-only zones is perfect for warming up. The highlight is the 31-meter-long indoor and outdoor pool. Four luxurious chalets with their own sauna, designer kitchen and terrace with pool ensure absolute privacy. Dive into the heated water, breathe in the fresh mountain air and let your mind wander - what could be better?

Hotel Chalet Mirabell
Falzebener Straße 112, 39010 Hafling, Italy
Tel.: +39 0473 279300
Web: residence-mirabell.com
Price: Doubles incl. three-quarter gourmet board from € 250 per person

Gnollhof

© Alex Filz

If you dare to look out of the panoramic windows of the Hotel Gnollhof and look out onto the Dolomites from the balcony, time suddenly seems to stand still in this place of energy. Up here, on a sunny hill at 1,160 meters south of Brixen, the magic of the moment is palpable: During contemplative evenings by the crackling open fire, at the table in the gourmet kitchen, during warm sauna sessions in the wellness area or during walks under snow-covered treetops in the adjacent spruce forest. The hotel's heated infinity pool stretches through the white winter landscape, bringing the breathtaking peaks on the horizon a little closer with every swim. Bonus for skiers: the hotel's own free shuttle takes you 6 times a week to the Val Gardena and Alpe di Siusi ski areas or takes you on guided snow hikes. 

Hotel Gnollhof
Gufidaun 81, 39043 Klausen, Italy
Tel.: +39 0472 847323
Web: gnollhof.it
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 123 per person

Sonnwies

© Georg Roske

When the first snow falls in the mountains of Northern Italy, a white wonderland awakens, bringing with it a special magic for the youngest. Wintertime is quiet and yet full of adventure, especially at the Sonnwies. The innovative children's hotel is surrounded by snow-covered nature, with the toboggan run and ski lift just a stone's throw away. Little ski starters can be instructed in the hotel's own school and try out their first runs on the practice slope in the snow park. After long days on the slopes, bathing mermaids can recharge their batteries in the wellness area with 350 square meters of water. The slide world is perfect for letting off steam, while special spa treatments provide soothing deep relaxation. Climbing fans also get their money's worth at the Sonnwies in winter. The hotel climbing hall offers exciting routes all year round. 

Hotel Sonnwies
Alter Runggerweg 20, 39040 Lüsen, Italy
Tel.: +39 0472 413533
Web: sonnwies.com
Price: Family room incl. VP from € 800

Alpine Lifestyle Hotel Ambet

© Hannes Niederkofler

Here, you can slowly breathe in the cool mountain air as you swim towards the Dolomites in the mist of the heated water. The sky infinity pool with a dream panoramic view is THE highlight of the Hotel Ambet, which is enthroned at 1,450 meters. The wellness area is located in the upper area, which leaves nothing to be desired and rewards you with a breathtaking view. Those who relax here can look out over the white winter landscape and the rapid descents of the Gitschberg ski area. Thanks to the ski-in/ski-out location, you can reach the slopes directly from the hotel. Even if architectural innovation and modern details go hand in hand in the Ambet, the alpine tradition, which is reflected in the wooden construction, for example, provides that extra factor of coziness. The Northern Italian warmth with which guests are welcomed here matches this. 

Alpine Lifestyle Hotel Ambet
Ausserecker Straße 22, 39037 Meransen, Italy
Tel: +39 0472 520115
Web: ambet.it
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 143 per person

Hotel Weiher

© Max Goggi

Val Pusteria/Pustertal normally bears the romantic name Green Valley, but in winter the impressive natural landscape around Plan de Corones/Kronplatz is covered in a layer of white snow. The Issinger Weiher pond is almost magical in the middle of it all: It's a popular swimming lake in summer and one of the few natural ice rinks in the region during the cold months. If you want to spend a few days here, you should ideally stay right on the shore at the Hotel Weiher. The family-run resort stretches out like an oasis in the winter landscape and offers everything you need for a dream vacation: a relaxing spa with a heated 20-metre outdoor pool and three saunas as well as countless activity options. Because the cold winter air makes you hungry, a high-quality 7-course gourmet dinner awaits hotel guests every day. The products used come from the region. 

Green Lake Hotel Weiher
Weiherplatz 6, 39030 Pfalzen, Italy
Tel.: +39 0474 565227
Web: weiher.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 258

Nature Hotel Lüsnerhof

© Hannes Niederkofler

The Naturhotel Lüsnerhof is located between Brixen and Bruneck, in the middle of the breathtaking landscape of the southern Alpine region, and is the starting point for active adventures. In winter, the Lüsnertal is known for its fantastic snowshoe hiking routes of all levels of difficulty. And summiteers will also find their happiness in the many surrounding ski areas. The hotel itself focuses on naturellness®, a combination of nature and wellness that skillfully appeals to all the senses. The four-storey bathhouse in the Alpine garden is based on the four primal elements of life. The themed infusions in the ten saunas and the quiet islands where you can leave everyday life behind are particularly soothing. The day ends with delicacies from the herb and fresh cuisine as part of a five- or six-course menu and a home-distilled schnapps. 

Naturhotel Lüsnerhof
Runggerstraße 20, 39040 Lüsen, Italy
Tel.: +39 0472 413633
Web: luesnerhof.it
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 339

Hotel Lamm

Florian Andergassen

Anyone entering the lifestyle hideaway in the center of the small Dolomite village of Castelrotto is immersed in a world that combines down-to-earth luxury, city chic and minimalist style. The interiors of the rooms and suites whisper straightforward simplicity, while the architectural finesse is unleashed in the top-floor spa. The Skypool is modeled on a hay barn, which offers a view of the South Tyrolean sky thanks to its flexible glass roof. In the relaxation area under the roof, you can lose yourself both indoors and outdoors in the elegant wooden design or in the panoramic view of the snow-covered Alpe di Siusi. The culinary spots with Alpine-Mediterranean cuisine such as the gourmet restaurant Lampl Stube or the bistro Zum Lampl are unpretentiously modern, but big on taste. It's the perfect way to get in the mood for the next day of skiing.

Hotel Lamm
Krausenplatz 3, 39040 Kastelruth, Italy
Tel.: +39 0471 706343
Web: lamm-hotel.it
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 380

The Majestic

© Kottersteger

The snow glistens almost magically on the wide alpine meadows of the Pustertal Valley, in the middle of which rises a majestic hideaway for alpinists. Although Kronplatz, Northern Italy's largest ski area, and a number of activities are in the immediate vicinity, it's a wonderful place to relax. The timeless architecture gives the four-star superior hotel a sublime character, while the traditional Alpine interior made of wood and stone are combined with elegant elements to create a warm overall picture. In addition to the Alpine-Mediterranean gourmet cuisine, the hotel's own wellness paradise is the perfect place for moments of royal indulgence. Indoors and outdoors, you can explore the depths of relaxation in the pool or boost your health and well-being with a sauna. Highlight: the event sauna in the garden for tingling infusion experiences. How about you cool off afterwards in the cold winter air? That's luxury. 

The Majestic Hotel & Spa
In the grounds 20, 39031 Reischach/Bruneck, South Tyrol
Tel.: +39 0474 410993
Web: hotel-majestic.it
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 299

Boutique Hotel Nives

© Klaus Peterlin

When the peaks of the Sella massif are cloaked in white, the Boutique Hotel Nives officially heralds the start of winter. There are only 13 rooms here, which is one of the reasons why arriving here almost feels like coming home. Guests not only enjoy privacy, but also an exclusive feeling of living. While the snowflakes dance outside, you can indulge in peace and quiet inside the hotel. In the sauna world of the Nives SPA, guests can enjoy pure relaxation, while special treatments make stressed skin glow again. Mountain enthusiasts are drawn to the outdoors: The Sellaronda ski area is in the immediate vicinity. Northern Italian breakfast, high-quality steaks, cheese or meat fondue - the full culinary spectrum is on the menu at Nives. Must-do: Private dining in the wine cellar or in the new Big Bottle Cellar. This is, of course, accompanied by the finest wines. 

Boutique Hotel Nives
Nivesstraße 4, 39048 Wolkenstein in Gröden, Italy
Tel: +39 0471 773329
Web: hotel-nives.com
Price: Doubles incl. half board from € 440

Fink

© provided

The centuries-old town house in the Kleine Lauben in Brixen has been owned by the Fink family since 1896. In the past, the thick stone walls and the romantic, rustic vaults exuded a monastic atmosphere, but now the history of the house has been given a new lease of life as part of a general renovation. With sustainability in mind, old structures have been uncovered, into which nine new, minimalist, modern suites fit almost naturally. A high-contrast concept which, in combination with the spa and Roman bath in the inner courtyard, has a forward-looking character. The old authentic urban architecture is particularly visible in the vaulted restaurant. Here, chef Florian Fink carefully follows a simple and natural cuisine based on regional ingredients and seasonal flavors. 

fink Restaurant & Suites
Kleine Lauben 4, 39042 Brixen, South Tyrol
Tel.: +39 0472 834883
Web: fink1896.it
Price: Suite from € 320