Image courtesy of Aman Rosa Aplina
We sat down with Hugo Pizzinini, Owner and Managing Director, Aman Rosa Alpina, to learn how his family's 1930s mountain retreat evolved into a world-class destination. Set to re-open under the renowned Aman brand in summer 2025, the chalet-style hotel sits in the spectacular Dolomites, offering an idyllic setting for both winter and summer stays. Read on to learn how the resort's new spa and luxe amenities will combine with the warmth and personal service the Pizzinini family is known for to create a superb alpine experience.
Fora: You have a rich family heritage intertwined with the hotel. Would you tell us about the original hotel?
Hugo Pizzinini: Aman Rosa Alpina has been owned and managed by my family since 1939. Following in the footsteps of my parents and grandparents, I am now the third generation of the Pizzinini family to proudly be at the helm of the property. Rosa Alpina was originally a farm with a small inn for mountain skiers and hikers. Over time, with my family's vision and ambition for the property, Rosa Alpina became an established hotel. I returned to Rosa Alpina more than 25 years ago and together with my wife, Ursula, have transformed the family business into a world-renowned alpine retreat. In the next chapter for the property, we are excited to reveal Aman Rosa Alpina to both long-time loyal guests and a new generation of luxury travelers as we unite the Pizzinini family’s heritage with Aman’s philosophy of intuitive service, and a home-away-from-home experience.
Fora: Can you share a personal memory about the hotel from when you were a child?
HP: A particularly special memory from my childhood is learning how to prepare a traditional strudel for our hotel guests and the delicate buttery and sweet vanilla aromas which would fill the kitchen. It sparked my interest and passion for culinary excellence, and remains one of my favorite desserts to this day.
Image courtesy of Hugo Pizzinini, Owner and Managing Director, Aman Rosa Alpina
Fora: Tell us about the partnership with Aman and what that has meant for your family and the hotel.
HP: As a hotelier, my ambition has always been for Rosa Alpina to be the best hotel in the region, with an experience that creates memories that will remain with a guest far beyond their stay with us. I believe my family’s fundamental value of providing an earnest and highly personalized service, together with an authentic alpine charm and elevated amenities, has been an integral part of the property’s transition from a modest inn into a luxury destination. In an exciting and strategic evolution for the property, in 2020, we partnered with Aman Resorts – the world’s preeminent hospitality brand. The long-term partnership aligns our shared value of placing guests at the heart of everything we do and delivering a warm hospitality that is akin to being welcomed into a family home.
Fora: Are there any notable visitor requests that stand out?
HP: We welcome guests from around the world, and as a hotelier, our ambition is to create unforgettable experiences, sometimes making possible what might seem impossible. For example, one of our guests requested to see the Dolomites in a unique way, so we curated a bespoke private helicopter tour over the breathtaking mountains and valleys, followed by a romantic picnic filled with local delicacies and champagne to enjoy while surrounded by the luscious alpine vistas. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience which made their stay with us even more special.
Image courtesy of Aman Rosa Alpina
Fora: What can we expect that's new or improved when the hotel reopens?
HP: The property will open as Aman Rosa Alpina in summer 2025. The extensive refurbishment has been overseen by long-time Aman collaborator Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects and includes a complete renovation of interior spaces including newly remodeled guest rooms as well enhancements to the exterior of the hotel. Guests can expect a seamless union of the Pizzinini family’s esteemed heritage with the brand’s philosophy of intuitive service and exceptional design, delivering an experience that exceeds all expectations.
Fora: Dining is a huge part of the hotel experience. Tell us about the hotel's restaurant.
HP: When Aman Rosa Alpina reopens, we will be introducing brand new restaurants and epicurean experiences to the hotel. Honoring the property’s legacy as an exceptional culinary destination, Aman Rosa Alpina will offer guests a diverse and extensive culinary offering, including private dining spaces for intimate celebrations. We look forward to sharing more details soon.
Fora: Spa getaways are more than just about luxury. How does the hotel's spa address wellness?
HP: Aman’s wellbeing concept is centered around longevity and the wellness offering at Aman Rosa Alpina will integrate a holistic spa treatment menu with highly personalized transformative wellness experiences that address emotional, mental, and spiritual health. Responding to a demand among our guests for enhanced wellness experiences, Aman Rosa Alpina will have an exceptional spa which is almost double the original size and incorporates an outdoor swimming pool and jacuzzi facilities, alongside bespoke spa and wellness experiences, ensuring guests will feel rejuvenated and relaxed long after their stay with us.
Image courtesy of Aman Rosa Alpina
Fora: What are some of the hotel services that make Aman Rosa Alpina special?
HP: Alongside the exceptional architecture and design, iconic location and tailored guest experiences, it is the genuine hospitality and highly personalized service which has sat at the heart of the property since 1939 that elevates the experience and makes a guest’s stay with us extra special. For us, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all' approach and a good hotelier can put themselves in their guests’ shoes and anticipate their needs to create a seamless and elevated hospitality experience. For example, for guests heading out to hike or ski the snow-capped mountains, we will prepare their custom-fitted ski equipment and clothing, with a heated boot room for extra comfort, before transporting them to the mountain.
Fora: The hotel is located in the charming village of San Cassiano. What are your favorite local spots that our followers won't want to miss?
HP: San Cassiano is a Unesco World Heritage area and year-round destination known for its incredible mountain landscapes and being a world-renowned ski destination during the winter months. My favorite time of year in San Cassiano is the summer and autumn seasons though. The breathtaking natural landscape of valleys and mountains is a sight to behold and an antidote to the stress we feel in our everyday lives. I am a keen skyrunner and our guests interested in the sport often join me on the trail runs – it is very special to see the wonder and awe of the mountains through the fresh lenses of our guests. Many guests are surprised by how much there is to do in the summer, with biking and hiking adventures, Via Ferrata routes, trail running, historic World War I sites to explore and more.
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