ADLER is a renowned Italian resort brand synonymous with wellness. It is particularly apt their motto is ‘Let your soul fly’. They have six resorts and lodges spread throughout areas of outstanding natural beauty in Italy, with a seventh arriving in the not-too-distant future. We visited the original ADLER in Ortisei, which opened in 1810, to discover the key to their success.
Hotel
Spatially, it is an expansive resort, as the owners have acquired other properties throughout the decades. Stylistically the décor varies, with the most historic part of the hotel being at the reception area and their iconic spa with the most up-to-date designs. What is constant throughout is their firm belief in sustainability. Take, for example, the newly constructed Lakeside Sauna area, where they’ve used spruce wood from the local area, Fleres stones from Upper Eisack Valley, and natural crushed clay. The design blends in with the native environment with an abundance of birch, willow, and larch trees creating a serene environment.
The resort is independently owned by the seventh generation of the Sanoner family, who still live in Ortisei, and is situated in the heart of the Alpine village. You are a short stroll from the best shops, restaurants, and bars in the region and it is also within walking distance of the ski lifts. Whilst Ortisei is incredibly popular with Italians and Germans, it is still very much an undiscovered gem for the rest of the international market.
Room
ADLER might have 108 rooms, but they’ve tried to keep the categories simple: single, double, and family rooms. The double rooms have some variations from ALDER Nido, cosy double rooms without balconies to the more glamorous junior suites with panoramic views of the Dolomites. The spectacular mountain range is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Alpine lodge vibes are very much in evidence with wooden panelling aplenty, and there is the occasional depiction of the Val Gardena forest on the decorations on the walls. The bathroom even includes a picture window to the bedroom to give the illusion of a chalet feel. You will find plush robes and slippers provided on your bed as you enter, and it isn’t an uncommon site to see hotel guests strolling around in bathrobe attire.
Food and drink
The rooms are great value because they do include the half-board experience. You’ll get a sumptuous buffet breakfast, a light buffet afternoon tea comprising of cakes and fruits, and ending with a multi-course dinner at their restaurant. The highlight is their dining experience. With a starter and dessert buffet, as well as a four-course a la carte menu, this is generous hospitality at its finest.
Attention to detail is everything. During breakfast, for example, you’ll find unusual offerings like homemade vegan butter and hummus. During dinner, they will check all your dietary requirements to make sure your dishes are not an afterthought. They have numerous South Tyrolean specialities and Austrian specials that you rarely see in the United Kingdom. These include cocotte with smoked meat and Graukäse cheese dumplings, perfectly comforting food after an active day of skiing or hiking. Saving room for desserts is a must, given the enticing sweet treats on offer such as Sachertorte and Linzertorte.
Spa and wellness
This is ADLER has made its name and set itself apart from other five-star resorts in the region. The 3,500 square-metre AGUANA Water World includes numerous heated and unheated, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, as well as saunas, Turkish baths, a whirlpool and a private salt grotto.
Every aspect of the spa is meticulously thought out. The brand-new Lakeside sauna includes an organic hay sauna – the sweet and warming smell of dried grasses is known to aid in metabolism. Their steam blow ritual in their sauna, known as Aufguss, occurs three times a day. The benefits of the experience include improved blood circulation and cardiovascular strength, helping to boost the immune system and eliminating toxins.
It is no surprise to see their spa treatment menu is 40 pages long with decades of experience in wellness. Often the treatments are linked with ingredients from the local area. With ADLER Vitamins, they use raspberries grown in the mountains for your massage, as they have strong anti-oxidative and regenerative properties. They’ve also invested in a cryo box. The cryotherapy is administered to guests in three-minute sessions at a temperature of up to minus 160 degrees Celsius. There are numerous health and beauty benefits including weight loss, promoting collagen synthesis and counter cellulite. They also have a line of wellness and beauty products, which makes for an ideal gift for friends and family.
There is no excuse to not embrace the great outdoors as plenty of activities are included in your stay. They are guided ski tours and snowshoe hikes with difficulty levels ranging from intermediate to advanced. There are also daily hikes and bike tours with knowledgeable local guides. They include free hire of backpacks, hiking poles, hiking maps and bicycle helmets.
It might come as a surprise, but you might encounter historic cultural sites during your hike such as the San Giacomo church. It is the oldest church in the valley and is thought to date back to the 13th century. You will also come across adorable animals from alpacas to Alpine cows.
In a nutshell
This wellness retreat has been embraced by knowledgeable families for decades and it is no surprise they have an extremely high returning guest rate. You too should discover why the ADLER brand is the best in the business when it comes to wellness in Italy.
Factbox
ADLER Spa Resort Dolomiti offers rooms from €198 per night on half board.
Address: Strada Rezia, 7, 39046 Ortisei BZ, Italy
Phone: +39 0471 775 000
Email: info@adler-dolomiti.com
Website: adler-resorts.com/en/adler-spa-resort-dolomiti
Photography (excluding cyclists) courtesy of Alex Filz.
