Skiing the Dolomites & Staying at Adler Resort
Happy Friday, friends! I’m a bit behind on blog posts this week, as it has been a busy month of travel for us. However, before we shift our focus to spring and look forward to home projects in the warmer months ahead- I wanted to share one last winter hotel tour with you from our time spent in Italy a couple weeks ago. We had a fabulous time skiing the Dolomites and staying at the stunning Adler Resort & Spa. This is one of those places I’d very much like to visit again (and I don’t say that often). Click through for some winter design inspiration, stellar mountain landscape views, and a unique glimpse of Italy during the snowy season.
As cliché as it may sound, design and travel are my passions- so when those two elements intersect, I’m elated. Traveling to beautiful places gives me such a creative boost, that brings on a flood of inspiration and ideas. I’ll gladly take the worst seat on a flight in order to splurge for a beautiful hotel. I suppose it seems I mix high & low in all aspects of life, ha. Regardless, Emmett & I snagged budget flights to Italy and Dolomiti Superski is apart of our ski pass (meaning lift tickets are already covered), so we jumped at the opportunity to take a weeklong vacation to the Val Gardena region in Northern Italy… a dream winter trip. Scroll on for a peek at the hotel, spa, and some breathtaking landscapes.
Adler Resort Dolomiti in Ortisei, Italy
Emmett & I booked this trip on a whim because we jumped on a flight deal (here are my best travel tips for good deals & upgrades) … which meant we didn’t have too much time to plan, and hotels in the Dolomites were pretty booked by the time we committed. We snagged the last available room at Adler Resort & Spa, and it definitely exceeded our expectations! This modern meets traditional hotel is absolutely beautiful, has incredible food & drinks, and probably the nicest spa I’ve ever visited.
This family owned resort is nestled into the base of the canyon, in a quaint alpine village called Ortisei. The views from the hotel were top notch and it was conveniently located… in the city center, but also walking distance to the nearest ski lift or gondola. This just felt like our kind of place! I could have stayed here far longer than a week.
We had the BEST food here (which is a given when in Italy). Every morning began with an extensive breakfast buffet… fresh pressed juices & smoothies, pastries, protein, complimentary mimosas or bellinis, custom omelets & crepes, fruit, fresh honeycomb, and other farm-to-table favorites. Not to mention, coffee requests from the barista- but when in Italy, we did as the locals… ordering cappuccinos in place of our everyday americanos.
After a day of skiing (and eating on the mountain), we’d return to the hotel for our daily Aperol spritz and sauna session. We ventured outside the hotel for dinner reservations, as there were many good local restaurants to be discovered (I’m talking Michelin star good) … all within walking distance.
The Adler feels so special illuminated during the evening hours- it’s so striking against the mountain landscape once the sun sets.
The Adler Spa
As I mentioned, the Adler Spa is probably the nicest I’ve visited… and I’ve been to some seriously amazing spas across the world (I’m looking at you, Asia!). It’s divided into two sections: a family friendly spa (where clothing is mandatory), and an adults-only spa (some areas are nude, and some have quiet zones). Both have multiple saunas, pools, hot tubs, cold plunges, steam rooms, salt grottos (and salt pools for floating), treatment rooms, and relaxation spaces for unwinding… all of varying temperatures with unique benefits and mountain views.
Like breakfast, the spa facilities are complimentary if you’re a hotel guest… a major perk, that made the price worth it- especially after a long day of skiing. Emmett & I enjoyed no less than three separate saunas, the steam room, cold plunge, heated pool, salt areas, and hot tub every single day. It was incredible.
I also took advantage of the relaxation rooms, reading books by the fire in my plush robe and slippers every evening. Blissful! I’d give their spa a 10/10.
Skiing the Dolomites
I don’t know how else to say this… but the Dolomites are the most beautiful mountain range in the world. I live in a mountain town, so I don’t say that lightly. There is a reason this region was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s stunning, it’s moving, and simply otherworldly. I’d love to come back for a summer visit someday, to see them in another season.
It feels like you’re on top of the world… minus the altitude sickness. The rocky, snow capped cliffs were a delight to take in. In fact, I sat in those charming striped lawn chairs, drinking my Irish coffee, whilst making a new friend. Leave it to me to find a like minded design soul who owns a fabulous antique shop in the UK. Please go follow Deborah at Twist & Hardy. She’s an absolute delight with a stellar eye for design (I’m already scheming something from her shop).
While not exactly France, Italy also knows how to aprés. We skied from hut to hut, having amazing food & cocktails with insane views. Emmett & I don’t party too hard, but you can definitely ski to huts with bumping music, if that’s your thing.
What’s wild to me (living in the American West), is that you can ski circuits… traversing through multiple towns. You can start in Italy and end up in Austria if you feel like it. My legs were screaming by the end of the day… the runs are long, there is a little walking in between, and I severely underestimated the scale of the Dolomites.
FAQ
Honestly- so much less. It’s outrageous to ski in the states. We drove to Aspen last weekend with friends and split a budget Airbnb, meals, and even though our lift tickets were covered… we spent more over the 3-day weekend than we did for an entire week in Italy. Lift tickets cost more, food & drinks cost much more, and the lift lines are longer. I’ll say this, a spritz in Italy cost me 3 euro, and a spritz in Aspen cost me 23 dollars (I definitely didn’t order a second).
Wood cabinetry & millwork, textural faux fur, woven furniture, nude art (Adler has an impressive collection), and a strong desire to get our sauna build underway… though that probably won’t happen until autumn.
Somehow, I crammed a week’s worth of clothing & gear into my go-to carry-on luggage set from Paravel. Initially, I packed my trunk, but downsized to the carry-on… it just makes train travel so much easier! I always pack capsule clothing that can be used to create multiple outfits using the same pieces- a mix & match situation. Snow boots were a must, my ski clothing, a wool jacket, a comfy outfit for the train, and easy winter layers. Dressing for snow and winter is my strong suit, because I’m used to this climate (living in Salt Lake City)… plus, winter clothing is comfy & cozy. I pretty much live in boots and a sweater!
Related
Looking for more travel and design inspiration? I’ll link some of my favorite tours, trips, and posts for you below…
- My Best Travel Tips for Good Deals & Upgrades
- Modern Stay in Venice, Italy: Il Palazzo Experimental
- My Go To Carry-On & Luggage Set: Paravel Review
- Our Quick Italian Getaway : Venice
- Our Autumn Maine Road Trip (During Peak Fall Foliage)
- Our Quick Italian Getaway : Amalfi Coast
- 137 Pillars House Chiang Mai (+ Our Time in Thailand)
- Our Quick Italian Getaway : Florence
- A Weekend Skiing in Jackson Hole
- Party Favor Ideas for Any Bachelorette Party, Vacation, or Getaway
I really hope you enjoyed this glimpse into our winter vacation! I feel so lucky we are able to travel, experience different cultures, try new food, make memories together, and find inspiration around the world. Let me know if you have any travel questions… I’m always happy to help! This place will live rent-free in my brain until we can make it back someday. It was really special! Here’s to a wonderful weekend ahead. Back to the regular schedule on Monday!
