Negotiating the narrow bends of the Dolomite mountains for the first time was a hairy, yet moving experience. The sheer scale and incredible natural beauty of the landscape make an unforgettable impact. Hotel Rosa Alpina sits in the heart of the iconic mountain range in the historic town of San Cassiano in Badia and it was our heavenly Dolomites destination.
Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Skye Gilkeson
Hotel Rosa Alpina
Walking through the doors of Hotel Rosa Alpina from the evening chill was like being enveloped in a cosy yet luxurious blanket.
We happily left the porter to park our car as driving in the Alps can be beautiful bit tricky.
He then delivered our bags to our room while the receptionists met us with a smile.
The setting echoed the warm welcome. Candles and chandeliers sent a soft glow throughout the reception and the seating area beyond, followed by the gentle hum of jazz music from the lobby bar.
Guests were nestled into elegant seating areas, decorated in natural hues and fresh-cut flowers to match.
Warm and welcoming lobby seating area and bar at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Hotel Rosa Alpina has been owned by the Pizzinini family for the past 70 years.
Three generations have lovingly cared for the property and their guests and it shows.
From the moment we arrived, we felt like part of the family; welcome and at ease. For a 5-star hotel, it was refreshingly intimate and entirely unpretentious.
Hotel Rosa Alpina has been in the Pizzinini family for three generations. Mementoes proudly help share the hotel’s history and create a warm and relatable feel. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Carefully curated details promoting wellness can be found in every corner of Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Junior Suite at Hotel Rosa Alpina
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Having been on the road from Bellagio for ten hours we couldn’t wait to see our room.
Our Junior Suite was gorgeous. It was a true suite with plenty of room to unpack and unwind.
Furnished with large, hand-crafted, pale wooden pieces and cosy knitted accents, it had a homely, luxury cabin feel.
My favourite part of the space had to be waking up to a clear view of the mountains. It was like we had our own private viewing gallery of The Dolomites.
Chocolate made in house & fresh apples – the perfect welcome gift Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Junior Suite at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Soft, leather lounge in our Junior Suite at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Dining area in our Junior Suite at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Bathroom in the Junior Suite at Hotel Rosa Alpina in Badia, San Cassiano, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Beautiful bathroom in the Junior Suite at Hotel Rosa Alpina in Badia, San Cassiano, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
St Hubertus Restaurant
Whether you’re in need of a hearty start to the day to prepare for a day of hiking, a glass of rich, red wine before dinner, a fun Fondue date or some Michelin-star magic in the mountains at St. Hubertus, there’s no need to leave the comfort of the hotel to have your culinary cravings met.
Restaurant Bar and Grill at Hotel Rosa Alpina in Badia, San Cassiano, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Restaurant Wine Bar & Grill
Sliding into a seat at the Restaurant Wine Bar & Grill was the perfect way to relax after a long drive up the mountains and the ideal introduction to Rosa Alpina. A glass of local red wine was just what the cool mountain air called for.
The staff gave us great recommendations and we enjoyed a tipple with a delicious organic steak, vegetables and homemade ricotta gnocchi.
The atmosphere was casual, yet romantic – white tablecloths and candlelight, incredible food and impeccable service. It was exactly what we needed.
Restaurant Wine Bar & Grill, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Ricotta Gnocchi with cheese and mushrooms at Restaurant Wine Bar & Grill, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The mouthwatering organic menu at the Restaurant Wine Bar & Grill, Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Restaurant Limonaia
The breakfast at Hotel Rosa Alpina stands out as one of the most well-considered and health-conscious buffets I’ve ever seen.
Guests sat at immaculately dressed tables set with white tablecloths in the cosy indoor setting or closer to the pines on the deck outside, overlooking the valley.
Sophisticated yet comfortable breakfast setting at Restaurant Limonaia, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A wellness hotel at its heart, everything on offer is made from scratch using local ingredients (many organic), with a great deal of care.
Whether you’re a guest with food allergies or health concerns or you just like really delicious whole foods, you will find it hard not to sneak back for second helpings here.
Delicious healthy breakfast on offer at Restaurant Limonaia, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Superfoods, raw nuts, seeds, and dried and fresh fruit sat lined up in individual bowls. Bircher muesli and yoghurt were accompanied by a variety of local raw honey and homemade jams.
A range of milk (rice, soy, cow’s dairy) were available, along with fruit smoothies and green juices, prepared daily.
Warm, tempting baked bread from steamed on another table opposite a leg of ham and thick rounds of smelly cheeses and the chef on hand to ask you how you like your eggs.
Home-made jams at Restaurant Limonaia, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Fresh superfoods, nuts, seeds and local fruit at Restaurant Limonaia, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Champagne for those in a celebratory mood. Restaurant Limonaia, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Of course, there’s a pastry corner with pastries hot from the oven, cakes, tarts and an extensive gluten-free section (rich chocolate cake, treats and bread – not a dry rice cake in sight).
It’s a good thing most of the hotel guests were heading off hiking or biking after breakfast.
Incredible local cheeses are on offer alongside freshly carved ham from the bone at Restaurant Limonaia, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Cakes, slices, and other treats are baked daily at Restaurant Limonaia, Hotel Rosa Alpina, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Michelin Star Dining at The Restaurant St. Hubertus
Headed up by Executive Chef Norbert Niederkofler, The Restaurant St. Hubertus is a foodie’s dream.
Earning its first Michelin star in 2000, the restaurant offers a particularly special dining experience.
Only seating about 10 tables, diners are wooed with a carefully curated, intimate culinary experience, showcasing local ingredients and the team’s world-class skills.
Lobby Bar
The very refreshing cocktail “Hugo” in the Lobby Bar at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Canapés served with cocktails at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
One of the most relaxing moments we had during our stay was spending the early evening relaxing in the lobby bar.
A pianist played and sang jazz and cover songs as the chill set in outside.
We relaxed with a couple of aperitifs and canapés as we eased our way into the night.
We toasted over a “Hugo” cocktail and commented on how lovely it would be if we could extend our stay we were so comfortable and relaxed.
Relaxed, comfortable seating area in the lobby at Hotel Rosa Alpina. The perfect spot for an aperitif. Image © Skye Gilkeson
A very relaxing working afternoon in the lobby bar at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Main street of the gorgeous town of San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Things to do in San Cassiano
At 1537 metres above sea level the historic village of San Cassiano in Badia has weathered war and many cool winters, emerging from a farming area to a tourist town over a number of centuries.
The main street is home to gorgeous boutique hotels and apartments, cosy bars and restaurants, the beautiful parish church (built in 1782) and designer boutiques, all within walking distance of the hotel.
The village is overlooked by the stunning peaks of the Dolomites where visitors venture out during summer and winter for a dose of fresh air and adventure.
San Cassiano in Badia, Italy from the mountains. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Having only decided to visit the Dolomites a couple of days prior, we were ill-prepared when it came to planning our days in the outdoors.
That problem was quickly resolved by the lovely women at reception who essentially mapped out a suggested schedule within minutes.
We spent a day riding the hotel’s mountains bikes to nearby villages and hiking the Alta Badia peaks.
Spending time exploring Badia was one of the most rewarding experiences of our lives; breathing in the fresh air, and taking in the scenery. It was magical.
Taking in the view from Las Vegas in Alta Badia. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The Gym at Hotel Rosa Alpina
If the weather is poor or you aren’t up to the physical demands of tackling the steep terrain, the hotel gym is a great option for those after a traditional weight or cardio-based workout.
In a studio-style space, there is a row of cardio machines, free weights, mats and accessories, with help on demand should you need it.
Fitness Studio at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Children’s play area, Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Hotel Rosa Alpina Wellness Area
Next door is one of my favourite spots in the hotel – the huge indoor pool.
It isn’t something that’s been built in the basement as an afterthought. Instead, it’s a welcoming space for relaxation and healing.
You could spend hours (as we and many other guests did), indulging in each of the therapeutic areas. Soft and stylish chaise lounges are set up around the main pool (I can’t explain how comfortable they are, but I’m not denying I nodded off for a while).
A Finnish sauna, marble spa, jacuzzi, an ice bath, an additional training space, outdoor sun chairs and a relaxation zone with water, teas and fresh fruit are just some of the features of the wellness space. I can only imagine what a sanctuary the area is in winter for weary skiers.
Large jacuzzi in the pool area, Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
The perfect post-training relaxation spot by the pool at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Indoor pool area at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Hotel Rosa Alpina Spa
Just down the corridor, you’ll find the spa.
With a focus on promoting health, longevity, anti-ageing and healing the treatment menu is extensive and considered.
Utilising natural, mineral-rich ingredients (Pharmos Natur) everything from the essentials to bespoke spa therapies and packages are available.
Hotel Rosa Alpina
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The Fit Traveller was a guest of Hotel Rosa Alpina for this stay. As always, the opinions and images are authentically our own.
Relaxation zone at Hotel Rosa Alpina, San Cassiano in Badia, Italy. Image © Skye Gilkeson
Skye is the founder and editor-in-chief of The Fit Traveller.
She is a journalist, writer, photographer, intrepid traveller and a former personal trainer with a passion for helping others reach optimal health.
As a TV journalist and producer, Skye has worked for household names such as 60 Minutes, Sunrise, TODAY and Nine News. She has also written for Women’s Health, Fodor’s Travel and Yahoo7 Travel, among many others.
Equally comfortable in a 5-star resort or hiking a far-off mountain, Skye loves the unexpected and enriching life experiences that each trip brings and can often be found in a backstreet chatting to locals with her camera in hand.
Skye is based in Sydney, working to master the balance between motherhood and her appetite for adventure.
Read more about Skye’s story here.