Peak Perfection
Leah Pierce enjoyed an indulgent Alpine retreat at the newly opened Grand Hotel Ampezzo in Cortina, Italy
There is something so special about waking up, drawing the curtains and looking out onto a crisp mountainous landscape at the break of day. Enrosadira is the natural phenomenon of the Dolomites that tints the mountain peaks pink and red at sunrise and sunset. This for me is what defines an Alpine retreat and makes it far more remarkable than a traditional coastal break.
The Hotel
I spent my stay in Cortina d’Ampezzo at The Grand Hotel Ampezzo, a brand new five-star spa hotel located in the centre of Cortina. It is situated only 150 metres away from Cortina’s famous bell tower, known locally as el Cianpanín, as well as being conveniently located next to the main retail and hospitality hub. When not indulging in the Longevity Spa at the hotel or experiencing the abundance of outdoor activities, it provides the perfect location for luxury shopping, from seasonal boutiques, to Dior, Loro Piana and Louis Vuitton; this seemingly quaint town has so much to offer. I flew into Venice Marco Polo Airport and took a two hour inland transfer - a peaceful journey through the Italian Alps. It is incredibly convenient and accessible, with private transfers diligently organised by the hotel’s concierge, making the journey seamless from the moment you touch down, to the second you pull up on the doorstep of The Grand Hotel Ampezzo. Despite being a brand new construction, the hotel’s exterior mirrors the traditional Alpine architecture whilst also encapsulating elements of Habsburg architecture. Giving it a striking appearance set against the mountainous backdrop.
Rooms and Suites
The hotel is home to 70 rooms, with 24 of these being dedicated suites, including Junior, Premier, Deluxe and the 110 square metre Ampezzo Royal Suite. The hotel carries a cream and black theme throughout, which feels so chic and rejuvenating. Something a little different from what I expected from an Alpine hotel, but ultimately refreshing.
Incorporating 13 types of marble into its design, from Botticino marble in each bathroom to a captivating Verdi Alpi green marble in the Longevity Spa and Royal Suite, the hotel itself feels incredibly grand and upscale. With 360 degree views of the surrounding region there are plentiful amounts of windows and terraces, with each open space painting a breathtaking picturesque setting. Each room is equipped with ample wardrobe space, an expansive bathroom, desk area, mini fridge, coffee machine and a flat screen TV. For those staying in a luxury room or suite, a customisable pillow menu is offered to ensure a personalised and blissful night’s sleep. The hotel pays homage to its gorgeous surroundings and local artists, featuring photography by Giuseppe Ghedina; his custom black and white prints are a core design feature of the hotel’s interior.
The Longevity Spa
The star of the show for me personally is the Longevity Spa. Offering over 40 treatments from signature massages, inspired by Alpine and longevity rituals to total body cryotherapy sessions, welcoming both hotel guests and outside visitors. Complete with both a Finnish and bio sauna, hamman, heated pool, and an ice room - just to name a few. At the spa guests are welcome to enjoy use of the state of the art gym. Curated with elite TechnoGym equipment, personally customised with a one-of-a-kind cream colourway, making a workout feel like an act of privilege. The Longevity Spa alone is reason enough for a return trip to The Grand Hotel Ampezzo. I experienced a fantastic full body massage, which sent me into a state of complete relaxation. This followed by the expansive thermal suites they offer makes for the most perfect post-hike ritual. My idea of a bio-hacking paradise.
My Experience
Although Cortina is more commonly known as a world-class ski destination, my summer experience there was nothing short of spectacular. Cortina is so very rich in Italian culture, from the traditional workings of its rifugios to the pride locals take in hospitality and the preparation of traditional Italian dishes. It was at Rifugio Ospitale, just a 10 minute drive away from the hotel where I participated in a cooking class, and was taught the traditional ways in which canederli are made. Poached gently and served drizzled in a rich melted sage butter and Parmesan, these small bread balls packed with speck and local cheeses kept me going back for more. Following from my cooking experience, I spent the afternoon wandering the Ampezzo Valley; a beautiful, gentle trail-hike which sits alongside the stream.There are many leisurely hikes around Cortina, for those wanting to soak in the beauty of the Dolomites, but may want to take things a little slower.
As the first evening began to draw in, I enjoyed a delectable aperitivo in the Ampezzino Cafe, the hotel’s casual fine dining area. It is here where guests can also enjoy the breakfast service, consisting of local fruits, meats, cheeses and freshly cooked-to-order options. It was in Cortina where brothers Luigi and Silvio Barbieri resided and gathered various Alpine plants and herbs that ultimately went to make the Aperol, the aperitivo we all know and love today. Aperitivo was followed by a gala dinner at the in-house Cucina restaurant. Think classic Italian cuisine infused with contemporary fine dining techniques. All dishes are made with the finest local ingredients and served with unrivalled levels of hospitality.
One of my favourite memories of the trip was hiking up Cinque Torri, and enriching myself with the history of the open air museum, a former military and artillery base used by the Italian soldiers during World War One. You can observe the traditional observation posts and trenches here in a surreal but tasteful manner. A short hike from the open air museum sits Rifugio Averau, where I indulged in a well-deserved lunch. The panoramic views offered made for a breathtaking spot to enjoy lunch and, of course, an Italian espresso, before the hike back down.
As daylight faded, I headed over to The Grand Hotel Savoia - The Grand Hotel Ampezzo’s sister hotel - where I was kindly given a tour of their rooms and spa facilities. The Savoia is more of a traditional Alpine hotel when compared to Ampezzo. Think wooden finishes, roaring fires, fur carpets and throws; but grand nonetheless. The Savioa is home to Cortina’s famous 1224 Bar Lounge & Terrace, branded “the place to be” whilst in Cortina. Similar to The Grand Hotel Ampezzo, a divinely broad menu is offered here, ranging from traditional pasta dishes, grills and salads to the most indulgent tiramisu I’ve ever had.
Final Thoughts
I wasn’t sure what to expect of Cortina with it being my first time in the Italian Alps, yet I am already planning my return. A combination of the hospitality offered by the Grand Hotel Ampezzo staff and the luxurious interior of the hotel, made for a remarkable experience. The surrounding area has an extensive list of activities from hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, canoeing and rafting, setting this destination apart from traditional coastal and city breaks. The Grand Hotel Ampezzo sets the tone for a fantastic luxury Alpine retreat.
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