Three ligneous structures erupt unobtrusively from the valley offering views of unimaginable magnitude. The landscape, an otherworldly lunar façade capped in snow and bursting with dense verdant forestry. Pale mountains of dolomitic limestone form its fanged peaks. Intimate, tranquil, rejuvenating. The peaceful alpine retreat is warmed and illuminated by the sun. Purified by spring water from the mountain. Strengthened by the rich woodland air. Regenerated by the merging winds of the Dolomites and the Mediterranean Sea.

Nestled deeply in the Tyrolean Alps lies Forestis Dolomites retreat. Bathed in sunlight this adult-couples-only hideaway is intimacy incarnate – with its surrounding landscape, minimal, seductive architecture, and seclusion from the rest of the world. Forestis claims ‘peace as a new luxury’. With the Italian alps of the nearby Plose ski Resort offering speed and adventure, this peaceful alpine retreat sinks leisurely into nature for a stay of pure rest and rejuvenation.

Historical Sanctuary

In the years leading up to the First World War, the Austrian Monarchy discovered the site in which the retreat sits amidst the South Tyrolean alps. They recognised the health benefits of the perfect climate and started to build a climate sanatorium for tuberculosis patients. Despite never making it to completion, the site, when discovered again at the turn of the century, was recognised still for the near supernatural benefits of its water, air, sunshine, and climate. The retreat utilises these natural elemental energies to create its green ethos of worldly, physical, and mental mindfulness. The hotel has now extended beyond the classic wooden chalet – that now houses its bar and lounge – to three towering wooden buildings. These modern, minimalistic Scandi-chic structures house luxury apartments and suites, all with unobstructed views of alpine paradise.

Getting intimate with nature in a private penthouse for two

Nature is at one with the soaring apartment structures in the Pine and Spruce wood panels structuring the suites’ interiors and balconies. Dolomite stone amalgamated with beeswax form the chic bathroom amenities with a nod to modern Scandinavian minimalism and elegant Italian style. Without forgoing the comforting essence of the classical Alpine chalet. The two-storey penthouse suite with king-size bed, private rooftop pool, terrace, and sauna is perfect for a lavish romantic getaway. Sunshine through massive glass screens that envelop the southern façade naturally light and warm the suite alongside an open fireplace for couples to cosy-up after a day on the slopes. Not only is the space elegant, open, and snug but it even offers a complementary no-so-mini-mini-bar for pairs to indulge in wine or champagne from their rooftop pool. Soaking up the peaceful energy of the retreat as the sun sets, a blush warming the mountains an amorous pink.

The dining experience at Forestis is no less intimate than the bedroom suites. With curved dove grey booths offering both a cosy tête-à-tête for lovers and an outstanding view. No backs are turned to the floor-to-ceiling glass wall that fronts the restaurant, allowing guests to dine opposite the Puez-Geisler Nature Park and mountains that the hideaway is sheltered within. The aptly named Forest Cuisine served in the restaurant is sourced from local farmers and the surrounding nature. The consequential gastronomy created honours the landscape, local cultural traditions, and creative modern cookery. With a new menu each evening, holiday-goers can choose between a five-course meal, seven-course sharing plates, and more. Authenticity, diversity, and the natural world embody the dining experience at this peaceful alpine retreat.

The spa, with its mineral infused indoor-outdoor pool of mountain water clouding the air in soothing fumes, is exalting of the retreats organic forest home. The spa continues the Forestis holistic use of quartets. With the four elements now joined by four healing stones, woods, and trees. The mountain pine, spruce, larch, and stone pine that adorn the Tyrolean Alps are combined within the spa treatments to reflect this practise, alongside their numerous healing qualities that made the site an ideal health resort.

Peaceful Plose Ski Resort

Alongside the spa there are so many opportunities to hone the mind and body at Forestis. From the fitness room, Wyda yoga lessons, to hiking. However, the celebrated Plose ski resort is a stone’s throw from the secluded retreat. Ski-in-ski-out access to the slopes is second to none. Guests can go from the toasty ski room to the piste and back again through a short, secluded forest trail. The Italian resort covers over 40 kilometres of beautifully groomed piste, with the main body hovering above a weighty 2000m. Together with South Tyrol’s longest valley run and panoramic views of the Dolomites, Plose is the perfect partner to the serenity of Forestis. Engulfed in the lush forestry and invigorating mountain air of the slopes all day. Then pampered in luxurious ease by morning and evening, romancing guests at Forestis experience a whole new way to enjoy a ski holiday. With peace and privacy.

This lavish romantic getaway is every bit the luxurious, peaceful Alpine retreat of modern dreams. Peace, nature, intimacy, and indulgence define the Forestis Dolomites hotel. With effortless style Forestis brings the rejuvenating mountain air and the tranquil landscape to their guests’ bodies and minds. Through ligneous architecture, forest foraged cuisine, and water from the Mountain itself. Peace is a luxury at Forestis Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy.

Article by Georgina Barrett