Staying at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, Ortisei
“While other wellness resorts might rival ADLER in terms of facilities, this one stands out for its ability to create a deeply calming atmosphere throughout the property. ”
Nestled in the most picturesque part of the Dolomites, almost halfway between slow-paced Bolzano and posh Cortina d’Ampezzo, lies one of Europe’s leading spa resorts. Since the success of ADLER Lodge Ritten and the recently opened ADLER Spa Resort in Sicily, ADLER Resorts has gained recognition among European luxury travelers. Few people know that the South Tyrolean Sanoner family started with a single property in the ski resort of Ortisei in Val Gardena. It all began in 1810 when Josef Anton Sanoner acquired an inn. Seven generations later, the family built what we know today as ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti. Considered among the best hotels in Northern Italy, this family-run business has been so successful that it has developed two adults-only mountain lodges in Seiser Alm and Ritten, two spa resorts in Tuscany and Sicily, as well as a brand-new family resort near Brixen—all within the last decade. Some skeptics suggest that such rapid expansion might compromise quality. However, ADLER Resorts has consistently proven its excellence, leaving us to wonder how their journey will continue. Whenever I talk about spa resorts, ADLER always comes up, and ADLER Lodge Ritten, in particular, has become a favorite through word-of-mouth. Intrigued by the origins of this relatively new hotel brand, I decided on a pre-Christmas getaway to explore the ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti for the weekend.
A Toast to warm Welcomes
Speaking of location, South Tyrol has an ideal position in the heart of Europe. Halfway between Milan and Munich, Zurich and Vienna, this area benefits greatly from the strongest markets in Central Europe. Needless to say, it’s become quite challenging to find last-minute accommodations, even during the shoulder season when many hotels are closed. Luckily, the fame of ADLER’s lodges in Ritten and Seiser Alm has slightly overshadowed the ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti, allowing me to secure a last-minute booking. I left Munich around noon and arrived in the charming town of Ortisei just in time for coffee and cake hour—an unexpected complimentary treat. What better way to start a weekend than with such a warm welcome? The hotel is situated in the pedestrian area of the village, but parking and luggage services are well-organized. As soon as we stopped the car, a porter promptly took care of our luggage and vehicle. Inside the elegant and inviting lobby with its cozy fireplace, we were warmly greeted. Moments after presenting our documents, the lovely front desk attendant offered us a glass of sparkling wine and began a tour of the hotel. Although the hallways are long, walking through them never felt tedious thanks to the interesting features along the way, such as the spa reception with its shop, the fitness area, the pretty garden, and the charming bar.
Refreshed rooms for a relaxing stay
Our room was located in another building at the far end of the property, but we never felt disconnected from the main resort. In fact, I was delighted to discover we had been assigned one of the recently renovated rooms, which are currently only available in this annex. Upon stepping into our Superior Room with Balcony, the fresh scent of new wood greeted us. Bright local wood gave the foyer a spacious feel, with plenty of wardrobe space for the two of us. The woody aroma immediately transported us to the essence of South Tyrol. A vast double bed dominated the room, complemented by a modern sofa, a writing desk with a leather tabletop, and a lovely balcony with two chairs overlooking the town’s main square—a perfect spot to enjoy a bottle of red wine after dinner. Despite being in the center of Ortisei, the room was remarkably quiet, ensuring undisturbed sleep. Interestingly, I can’t even recall whether there was a television, as the hotel’s strong sense of place encourages total disconnection from the outside world. More on this later.
The essence lies in Generosity
If there is one area for improvement, it would be the minibar. While they provide complimentary coffee capsules, tea bags, an Illy coffee machine, and a bottle of still water, we missed having the option of sparkling water. Additionally, we had to request a wine bottle opener and glasses, for which a €10 room service charge was applied—a slight disappointment, perhaps reflective of the resort’s health-focused philosophy.On the other hand, ADLER Resort is incredibly generous with its welcome amenities and bath products. We received a woven bag and pouch filled with mouthwatering grissini and a delicious alpine pine syrup, which I later ordered by the box for home use. The hotel-branded toiletries were another highlight—not only do they smell amazing, but they come in generous 150ml containers that you’re encouraged to take home. The newly renovated bathroom was equally impressive, featuring a walk-in shower, a separate toilet and bidet, and plush towels neatly placed on a white leather stool. These thoughtful details added to the overall sense of comfort and luxury.
Let your soul fly
The room’s cozy vibe and high level of comfort alone justify a stay at ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti. However, most guests come for the spa experience, and it’s clear why. To maintain a consistent design across all their properties, ADLER renovated the Ortisei spa between 2021 and 2023, creating a natural yet elegant space that harmonizes with the scenic surroundings. The standout features include the newly added Lakeside Saunas (opened in 2022) and a brand-new relaxation area, both adults-only, in addition to a family spa and two swimming pools. One pool caters to families, with both indoor and outdoor sections, while the other—a perfectly heated saltwater pool—is mainly outdoor but comfortably accessible from inside. I was particularly captivated by the Lakeside Sauna building, where I spent most of my time. The rooftop relaxation rooms feature some of the most comfortable lounge chairs I’ve ever encountered, and I even found myself dozing off during the day—a rare occurrence for me, but a testament to the serene ambiance.
A Sense of place
Earlier, I mentioned the unique aura of the property—a quality my colleague and friend Felix, along with several family members, had praised. Initially, I thought their enthusiasm might be exaggerated, but after my stay, I was convinced of the hotel’s almost intangible USP. Having stayed at over 500 hotels, I can honestly say that this November weekend left me more relaxed than I thought possible. While other wellness resorts might rival ADLER in terms of facilities, this one stands out for its ability to create a deeply calming atmosphere throughout the property. Even without experiencing a spa treatment or the famous Salt Cave (which requires an additional charge), the resort’s offerings are extensive enough to keep guests entertained for a week. I could easily have spent a few more days simply alternating between the lakeside sauna and the restaurants. There’s nothing more rejuvenating than a session in the Finnish sauna, herbal sauna, or steam bath, followed by a swim in the heated pool near the fireplace in the tea lounge.
sophisticated Culinary Dreams
When it comes to dining, Italian hotels rarely disappoint, and ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti surpasses even high expectations. Each room is assigned a designated table for the entire stay, and we were fortunate to have a wonderful spot near the fireplace. The attentive servers fulfilled all our special requests with ease. The daily menu featured a classic five-course meal: a cold starter, a selection of salads, a pasta dish, a main course, and a dessert buffet. Unable to choose between two pasta options, we were graciously served both. The wine list includes excellent house wines as well as selections from Tenuta Senoner, the Tuscan vineyard owned by the hotel family. On Saturday evening, we attended the Mediterranean buffet, which turned out to be the best half-board buffet I’ve ever experienced. Highlights included fresh pasta and pizza prepared live, an extensive raw seafood bar, high-quality beef, and a tower of fresh oysters—a true culinary delight.
concluding a perfectly relaxing weekend
The evening didn’t end there. We moved to the bar, where live piano music perfectly complemented our bottle of Brunello di Montalcino. The next morning, after a blissful ten-hour sleep, we awoke naturally and were promptly served coffee before even sitting down. Breakfast was a delight, with a well-curated buffet offering live egg stations, an extensive bread selection, cold cuts, premium Italian sparkling wine (they do not serve Prosecco here), and a tempting variety of pastries. It was one of the most leisurely and enjoyable breakfasts I’ve had, lasting over an hour and a half. Suffice to say that we never had the need of having lunch during our spa day.
In conclusion, this was one of the most memorable wellness experiences of my life. ADLER Resorts truly exceed expectations, and I wholeheartedly recommend the ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti. It is no less spectacular than its sister properties and sets a standard that few can match and makes it worth the splurge. But let’s be honest, isn’t a trip to South Tyrol always worth it?
We were guests of ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti and the stay was arranged by Biss PR for editorial reasons. All above written expresses the sole opinion of our editor and has not been influenced in any way by anyone.
