The Mediterranean Insider

The Dolomites, Italy

The 5 best luxury and boutique hotels in the Dolomites

The Mediterranean • Stay • The 5 best luxury and boutique hotels in the Dolomites

The Dolomite’s most stylish and personal hotel stays

Ask a dozen people about their favourite hotel, and you’ll likely get a dozen different responses. A favourite hotel is as much of a personal preference as your favourite movie, book or singer. The Mediterranean hotel scene is renowned for its luxurious and distinctive boutique hotels, each with its own unique story to tell. From charming family-run villas to five-star grand dames, these hotels offer an intimate and personal experience, regardless of size. With their striking architecture, bespoke interiors and impeccable service, these hotels are the epitome of style and luxury.

Overview: Our top 5 hotels in the Dolomites

01 Odles Lodge

02 Villa Arnica

03 Como Alpina Dolomites

04 Parkhotel Mondschein

05 Vigilius Mountain Resort

Odles Lodge

Odles Lodge in the Dolomites, is an adults only sanctuary that blends traditional alpine charm with modern minimalism. This ensemble of four cabins, each a testament to sustainable design, utilizes local materials like spruce and Swiss stone pine, and are all powered by renewable energy. Their architecture, a contemporary reinterpretation of ski chalets, features knotted pine walls, geometric angles and Swedish-inspired fireplaces. We love that amenities cater to the modern nomad, including satellite TV, wi-fi and fully equipped kitchens. Expansive glass walls and terraces invite the breathtaking mountain vistas inside, while a communal swimming pool, steam room, and sauna offer relaxation.

Odles Lodge
Palmschoss
Bressanone
Italy

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Photography courtesy of Odles Lodge

Villa Arnica

It is easy to summarise the impression of Villa Arnica, located at the end of a secluded driveway in the South Tyrolean town of Lana. By that, we would say that Villa Arnica is not a hotel. It is a feeling. This adults-only retreat takes guests on a sensory sojourn back in time. Established in 1925, Villa Arnica was more than just a guesthouse; it was a creative hub that drew artists, actors and thinkers from across Europe. Klaus Dissertori’s recent acquisition in 2019 has seen a meticulous restoration, evoking both the nostalgia of Slim Aaron’s era and a touch of Mediterranean ’dolce vita’. This rebirth breathes effortlessness and a certain hard-to-pin-point old-world luxury without the contrived stuffiness.

Read the full article on Villa Arnica.

Villa Arnica
Via Andreas Hofer, 8
Lana
Italy

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Photography courtesy of Villa Arnica

Como Alpina Dolomites

Como Alpina Dolomites, set in the UNESCO-listed Dolomites within South Tyrol’s Val Gardena and Dolomiti Superski circuit, offers a blend of luxury and nature. The resort’s design, incorporating natural quartzite stone and wood, mirrors the surrounding landscape. It features 60 rooms, emphasizing local materials and sustainability. Dining includes an alpine chalet and a mountain restaurant focusing on healthful como shambhala cuisine. The como shambhala retreat ensures holistic wellness with facilities like indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, fitness centre and beauty sanctuary, aiming for revitalization and rejuvenation.

Como Alpina Dolomites
Compatsch, 62/3
Alpe di Siusi
Italy

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Photography courtesy of Como Alpina Dolomites

Parkhotel Mondschein

Stepping into Parkhotel Mondschein is like embracing a slice of Bolzano’s rich tapestry; a historic marvel transformed for the contemporary traveller. Occupying a prominent stance in Bolzano’s core, this landmark property, dating back to 1330, captures the spirit of the city — blending its storied past with today’s pulsating rhythm. The 2022 renovation unearthed the luminous aura of the early sixties, echoing scenes straight from Italian cinema’s golden epoch. As host Moritz Dissertori puts it, it’s a space curated for guests to find solace, underpinned by impeccable quality and design. For those in seach of company, the ground floor Luna Bar is a local hotspot and floods with guests and locals come aperitivo-time.

Read the full article on Parkhotel Mondschein.

Parkhotel Mondschein
Via Piave, 15
Bolzano
Italy

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Photography courtesy of Parkhotel Mondschein

Vigilius Mountain Resort

Vigilius Mountain Resort, situated atop Mount Vigiljoch in South Tyrol and accessible only by cable car, embodies eco-luxury in harmony with nature. Designed with the “Eco, not ego” philosophy by Ulrich Ladurner and Matteo Thun, it offers tranquil rooms with panoramic alpine views, using locally sourced materials. There are no TVs, and wi-fi is off at night to enhance connection with the environment. The resort’s culinary focus is on organic, regional produce, with Restaurant 1500 and Stube Ida highlighting local flavors. The Aquiléia Spa provides holistic treatments in a 1200 square metre space. Vigilius has earned accolades for sustainability, including EarthCheck Certified Gold.