The Dolomites: Italy’s Answer to a Luxury Winter Escape

The Dolomites are having a moment. And trust me when I say, as we approach winter, this spectacular corner of northern Italy is going to be all over your Instagram feed. Think mountain peaks dusted in snow, chic alpine hotels, roaring fires, long lunches in mountain restaurants, and not forgetting the picture-postcard scenery.

But the Dolomites are no longer simply a destination for serious skiers. This is where luxury, design, wellness and adventure come together, creating one of Europe’s most compelling winter escapes.

And while the mountains are undeniably the star, where you stay makes all the difference. Here are my three luxury hotel picks.

Aman Rosa Alpina

If you want the Dolomites with an unmistakable dose of Aman magic, look no further than Aman Rosa Alpina in San Cassiano. The recently transformed resort combines Aman’s trademark serenity with the character of a traditional Alpine retreat, with rooms and suites designed by Jean-Michel Gathy and spectacular views towards the surrounding peaks.

The spa is reason enough to visit, but winter is when the hotel really comes into its own. There is a ski room and ski butler service, while a winter shuttle takes guests to the Piz Sorega cable car. Aman is also offering a Winter Warm Up experience for December 2026, including ski rental and Dolomiti Superski passes. For bookings and enquiries, please visit A Luxury Resort in the Dolomites – Aman Rosa Alpina

FORESTIS

For those who prefer their luxury quiet, contemporary and deeply connected to nature, FORESTIS is the one. Perched at 1,800 metres above Brixen, this beautifully designed retreat is surrounded by forest, with uninterrupted views towards the Dolomites. Its "philosophy is beautifully simple: peace is the new luxury".

The interiors are "pared-back and beautifully considered, with natural materials, huge windows and an almost monastic sense of calm". The spa takes its inspiration from the natural world, while the Forest Cuisine follows a seasonal, local philosophy. For bookings and enquiries please visit Forestis Dolomites | Boutique Wellness Hotel in Brixen

San Luis

And then there is San Luis, the kind of place that feels made for Instagram, but is actually even better in real life. Set around a private lake and surrounded by 40 hectares of Alpine park near Merano, this exclusive retreat is made up of beautifully designed wooden chalets and treehouses.

Imagine waking up in a treehouse surrounded by snow, stepping onto your private terrace and spending the evening beside a roaring fire. It is secluded, romantic and wonderfully removed from the usual ski-resort experience. For bookings and enquiries, please visit San Luis | 5* Hotel in Avelengo / Merano - Your private retreat hotel & lodges

Of course, skiing is still the big draw to the Dolomites. Alta Badia alone has 130km of beautifully groomed pistes and access to the legendary Sellaronda. The 2026/27 Alta Badia season is scheduled to run from 4 December 2026 to 4 April 2027.

But don’t spend the entire trip strapped to skis. Go snowshoeing, try cross-country skiing, take a scenic ski safari or simply ride a cable car up for the views. In Cortina d’Ampezzo, winter activities range from freeriding and ski touring to ice skating, husky sledging and wellness experiences.

And then there is the food. Expect Italian classics alongside South Tyrolean specialities, with mountain huts serving everything from handmade pasta to hearty local dishes.

The Dolomites have always been beautiful. What has changed is the way we experience them. This is no longer just a ski destination; it is one of Europe’s hottest luxury escapes.