I’ve been meaning to write a post about Rosa Alpina since staying there in 2016 which I know is quite an extraordinary lapse between visiting and writing. You may well be wondering why indeed I’ve bothered at all, but I have a good answer: I’ve recently had quite a few conversations about how resorts tend to be crap at some element of something and because Rosa Alpina was so smashing at so many things, I’ve found myself recommending it a lot.
The downside is this: it is expensive. Not slightly, but very. But if you have oodles of cash tucked away and want a properly excellent holiday somewhere alpine and you care deeply about the food being mouthwatering, the mountains being on your doorstep, and the rooms being absurdly comfy so that if whoever you’re holidaying with wants to ski or hike but you’d prefer to recline and enjoy the food and view, you’re set.
Here’s the stuff you need to know //
The Vibe / Upmarket and moneyed – but not showy. Think cute Alpine retreat nestled in a little ski resort in Italy’s San Cassiano where delectable food is served up around the clock and the spa is home to both treatments that’ll pummel your sore muscles into submission and views across the Dolomites. Expect to rub shoulders with off duty cashmere-swathed Europeans – including the Pizzinnini family who’ve helmed Rosa Alpina for three generations – looking ruddy of cheek after an afternoon on the slopes or wandering around.
The Rooms / Eminently comfortable and homely, but luxurious, with grey and cream colour schemes. Mine had a log burner, and a balcony overlooking the mountains, along with a bath and double sink (I enjoy double sinks so very much, so will continue to mention them when possible despite it probably seeming terrible gauche).
The Food /… Is outstanding. From the fondue-only restaurant that’s the stuff of any turophile’s dream, to the stone-baked pizzas being served up in the Wine Bar & Grill to the seriously awe-inspiring creations that emerge from the Michelin-starred St. Hubertus restaurant, I can guarantee that there’s no chance of having a bad meal.
The Spa / It’s not huge but what is there is all really beautiful, with windows in the pool and sauna so you can see the Alps when in them. I reckon you could pick any treatment here and be pleased, but based on my experience, I’d recommend going for an Alpine Herbs Muscle Relief massage to ease tension before sitting in the sauna overlooking the evergreens.
Nearby Stuff To Do & See / There’s a little town right on the doorstep, 130km of ski slopes about five minutes from the hotel, and lots of sporty things to do should you want to. I went for a long hike up the mountains and then enjoyed the little town and spa the rest of the time.
The Official Information /Winter: Rosa Alpina offers double rooms from €440 per night based on two adults (€220 per person) sharing a Double Deluxe Room. Rates include breakfast, taxes and services and exclude tourist tax. For further information and reservations please call Rosa Alpina on + 39 0471 849 500, email info@rosalpina.it or visit www.rosalpina.it
Summer: Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa, San Cassiano has rooms available from €385 per night based on two adults sharing a Deluxe Double room. Rates include breakfast, taxes and services and exclude tourist tax. For further information please visit www.rosalpina.it
I visited Rosa Alpina in my capacity as journalist on a press trip. I was not expected nor did I offer to write about it on here, and have done so of my own volition.