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There’s no greater euphoria than marinating in a saltwater pool with a view of the Dolomites. Here at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, a luxury resort in the Italian Alps, you can soak away your worries while experiencing true mountain bliss.
All About ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges
ADLER Spa Resorts & Lodges encompasses many properties located throughout Italy, from South Tyrol to Sicily. Each specializes in a five-star wellness experience with access to world-renowned spa facilities, incredible gastronomy, and a plethora of stimulating activities.
ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI is located in the charming town of Ortisei in the nature-immersed province of Bolzano. Specifically, it’s nestled in the chronically sunny Val Gardena, known for its incredible skiing and views.
The resort itself is inviting and expansive, featuring a grand lobby with a fireplace, beautiful patio spaces and terraces, and steaming relaxation pools. Equipped with a state-of-the-art gym, a professional fitness staff, and tour guides, ADLER’s Spa Resort DOLOMITI’s facilities are unmatched and truly inspire wellness.
Every day, there are multiple activities planned for the guests that can be scheduled online up to three days in advance. I scheduled a wine tasting with a sommelier and an e-bike tour to a cheese tasting on a goat farm.
Activities at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI
The sommelier experience took place in the resort’s cellar, featuring wines from the surrounding region and Tuscany. Most of the guests were Germanic, but the presentation was in English.
Many Americans are not yet aware of the South Tyrol region of Italy, a beautiful blend of Austrian and Italian culture. Wines included a Römigberg 2021, a Lahner Sylvaner 2019, and a Prunideo 2018. Each wine was carefully described by our sommelier and paired with salami and pecorino cheese. Since it was a small group, the experience was intimate and asking questions was encouraged.
Unfortunately, there were thunderstorm warnings on the day of the E-bike tour, so that got canceled. The group leader modified it for some people who really wanted to go, but I didn’t have the proper gear to participate. Regardless, an E-bike tour is a wonderful way to explore the Dolomites and get some exercise. It’s a bonus that you can try fresh goat cheese, too.
The Cuisine
Guests who stay at Adler Spa Resort DOLOMITI have access to two restaurants, one in the main building and one in their other resort, Hotel ADLER, right next door. The neighboring restaurant is more wellness-focused and has a menu that caters to health and wellbeing. The one at Adler Spa Resort DOLOMITI was more gourmet and rich in flavors of the region. I personally was more drawn to the gourmet restaurant.
Breakfast and lunch were served buffet style, with fresh fruit, bread, crepes, omelets, parfaits, and a wide range of fresh juices. I made a point to try every juice during my stay, each better than the last. The staff are attentive, bringing drinks to your table and making sure that you are finding your way. The service was astounding for every meal.
Dinner was a more upscale experience with a multi-course menu that changed every night. The menu offered both traditional Italian cuisine and foods native to the region of South Tyrol. Guests were assigned to a specific table each night with consistent waiters. This allowed for a more personalized and “VIP” experience with the waiter getting to know you throughout your visit.
My personal favorite dish was the South Tyrol cheesy buttery dumplings which I had been sampling all over the region before I visited this resort. ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI’s were some of the best I had, ones I still dream about.
There is also a full-service bar with terrace seating that serves many creative cocktails – ones that you could also order with your meal. I had a Südtirol cocktail with gin and rosemary that was delectable.
The Accommodation at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI
The ADLER complex is enormous and it can take around ten minutes to get from one end to the other. My room was on the other side of the resort, but I never got sick of the walk there. Along the way, you pass by the restaurant, the gym, the spa facilities, and amazing views out the bright windows.
My favorite part of the room was the incredible balcony that overlooked the town of Ortisei and the surrounding mountains. Aside from a comfortable king-sized bed and a cozy sitting area, my room had one of the best, most luxurious bathrooms. I took advantage of the glorious bathtub every night I was there.
The Town of Ortisei and & The Breathtaking Dolomites
I was teased by a view of Ortisei and the Dolomites from my bedroom, so I made it my priority to venture outside and explore. The town summoned memories of the ski resort towns I visited when I lived in Colorado, adorned with vibrant buildings, charming shops and restaurants, and other spa, wellness, and family resorts.
Then, I found my way to the Alpe di Suisi cable car which glides up the side of the 2000-meter-high Alpe di Suisi Mountain featuring panoramic bird eye views of the town and surrounding mountains. The cable car ride costs $26 roundtrip and is only a five-minute walk from the resort.
I had my own personal cable car cabin, which allowed me to have a sanctuary to unapologetically “ooh” and “ahh” at the views. As I reached the top, I passed through a misty cloud which only made the reveal of the mountain range that much more dramatic.
Stunning Mountain Views
In the summer, the plateau offers a great starting point for hiking through beautiful wildflowers and lakes with stunning views of the Dolomites, specifically the mountains of Gruppo del Sella, Gruppo del Sassolungo, Catinaccio, and the Sciliar.
In the winter, the cable car is a great way to reach the Alpe di Suisi ski lifts for both cross-country and downhill skiing. The Dolomites offer a skiing experience that feels like a fairytale with some of the most dramatic views and best slopes in the world.
When I visited, my heart was swarmed with nostalgic happiness, reminding me of where I grew up. I’ve never seen such sharp, dramatic mountains. I spent about an hour and a half at the top, sitting on a bench and soaking it all in, walking into the forest, and having a hot cup of tea at Chalet Resciesa. As hard as it was to go back down, I knew I’d get a magnificent view of the mountain range from the comfort of the outdoor heated pools at the resort.
The Facilities at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI
When you stay at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, you have access to what they call the AGUANA water world, the pool and sauna landscape featuring heated outdoor and indoor pools, whirlpools, saunas, and various relaxation zones. There is access to tea and juices at every stop, only adding to the luxury. They provide robes, slippers, and towels for guests.
My all-time favorite part of the water world was the outdoor brine pool, kept at a comfortable 96.8 degrees Fahrenheit (36 degrees Celsius). With the view of a lifetime, it’s easy to spend an hour or two admiring the mountain views and enjoying the various water features and enclaves.
It was about 40 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) when I visited and I never felt cold while I was in the water. There was even a time when it was sprinkling rain. This never bothered me and didn’t seem to bother any of the other guests.
After enjoying the pool, I explored the various saunas, each offering a diverse range of heat and humidity. The steam room was my favorite, one that is nude designated. Afterward, I prepared a mug of tea, nestled myself in a relaxation nook, and finished a great book.
Spa Services
ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI also offers a wide range of spa services including body treatments, massages, facials, and more. They have a MED spa as well with cellulite treatments, laser treatments, and slimming services. They have board-certified nutritionists and sleep doctors to help get your health back on track as well.
There is also a large fitness center with personal trainers at your disposal. Some activities include yoga and pilates classes, strength training, and outdoor hiking, biking, and skiing excursions.
If You Go
When should I visit?
There is no wrong time of year to visit ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI. There are year-round activities featuring hiking, biking, and skiing. I visited in October and even though it wasn’t snowy enough to ski or warm enough to hike, I had a wonderful time enjoying the facilities and experiencing fewer crowds.
How do I get there?
There are a variety of ways to get to ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI. Most people can fly into neighboring large cities in Northern Italy such as Milan or Venice. From there, train options are available directly to Bolzano, which is about 45 minutes away from Ortisei. From Bolzano, you can take a direct bus that will drop you off right in town. You could also hire a taxi that can be arranged through the resort.
How do I book activities?
Guests can book activities three days in advance. You can make an account to save your information and view the services you booked.
Helpful Links
I cannot emphasize enough how rejuvenating my experience at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI was. The saltwater pools were cleansing and relaxing, the mountains were serene, and the meals were phenomenal. It is a wonderful couples or family escape and a great way to take advantage of skiing, hiking, and biking in the Dolomites.
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