Finding Winter Wonderland: A Christmas at Forestis

Location:

Forestis enjoys a truly unique location in the heart of the Dolomites, nestled amidst breathtaking scenery. Situated near Brixen, the closest train station, it offers easy access from major cities like Bolzano. The resort's secluded setting provides a sense of tranquility and magic. While its ski-in/ski-out access and proximity to excellent slopes make it a winter wonderland. With easy-to-navigate roads and close proximity to other renowned ski resorts like Kronplatz and Ortisei, Forestis offers the perfect base for exploring the stunning Dolomites.

The resort:

Forestis exudes a unique blend of luxury and warmth. The atmosphere is curated yet incredibly welcoming, making guests feel instantly at home. Every evening, a crackling fire pit is lit outdoors, creating a magical ambiance perfect for warm summer nights or cozy evenings curled up with blankets in the winter. The hotel bar serves up a delightful array of creative cocktails, adding to the sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The state of the rooms and facilities is impeccable, further enhancing the overall luxurious experience.

The rooms:

The rooms at Forestis are a haven of tranquility and sophistication. Designed with a minimalist aesthetic, they seamlessly blend modern comforts with the natural beauty of the surrounding environment. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites, while natural materials like wood and stone create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each room is meticulously appointed with luxurious linens, plush bathrobes and all the modern amenities you could desire. Whether you choose a cozy room or a Tower suite, you'll find yourself enveloped in a sense of peace and serenity. Furthermore, the hotel is committed to sustainable practices. Ensuring a minimal environmental impact and a harmonious coexistence with the surrounding nature.

One of Forestis's best features is that all rooms, regardless of category, boast stunning views of the Dolomites. There are truly no 'bad view' rooms. The rooftop deck, accessible to all guests, offers panoramic 360-degree vistas. If choosing between suites in the historic building or the modern 3 Towers, consider the following. While the original building offers charming period features and delightful wooden balconies, the Towers provide an unparalleled experience with floor-to-ceiling windows. Offering breathtaking panoramic views. Witnessing sunrise flood the open-plan Tower suites with light is truly awe-inspiring. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preference for classic charm or contemporary luxury.

For the ultimate luxury, consider the Penthouse suites. These exclusive accommodations boast private rooftop infinity pools, glass-fronted saunas and breathtaking panoramic views. The loft-style design, complete with fireplaces and an included wine & mini-bar, offers unparalleled privacy and indulgence. The bathtub itself features enchanting forest views, adding to the sense of tranquility.

The Spa: The Forestis Spa is an oasis of tranquility. The centerpiece is the exceptional indoor/outdoor pool. It is heated year-round, perfect for relaxing muscles after a day of skiing or simply enjoying a leisurely afternoon. Comfortable loungers and private double nooks surround the pool, all offering stunning mountain views. Facilities include a sauna and separate non-clothed section with separate sauna and cold plunge etc.

When it came to treatments, I particularly enjoyed the "Forestis Detox Ritual," a truly rejuvenating experience. It included an invigorating body scrub, followed by a warm wrap and a deeply relaxing skull massage. The highlight, however, was the subsequent private spa bath for two, infused with invigorating mountain salts.

The restaurants:

Dining at Forestis is a culinary highlight. Breakfast is a sumptuous affair with a generous buffet featuring homemade jams, marmalades, breads and an array of fresh fruits. Guests can also order hot dishes à la carte, ensuring a personalized start to the day.

The 7-course dinners included in the half-board option were a culinary highlight. The menu changes daily, offering a delightful surprise each evening and showcasing the chef's creativity. We appreciated the flexibility to swap certain dishes for à la carte options. It was particularly helpful for me as I'm not a big soup fan (though the soups at Forestis were consistently exceptional!). The dining room itself is beautifully designed with private round booths, perfect for intimate dinners or easily accommodating larger groups. We loved having an assigned table for our entire stay, eliminating the need for reservations and allowing for flexibility in our daily schedule. The amphitheater-style design ensures that all tables enjoy stunning views.

Forestis also features a second restaurant, offering a relaxed lunch menu and welcoming dogs for dinner. The à-la carte bar and snacks menu includes delicious options like Wiener Schnitzel with homemade cranberry sauce and perfectly crisped fries. As a juice enthusiast, I particularly appreciated the extensive selection of local apple juice varieties.

The activities:

Forestis offers a wealth of seasonal activities. In winter, the hotel transforms into a ski paradise, with convenient ski-in/ski-out access via a dedicated path from the heated boot room. Individual lockers are provided for easy storage of your gear. While we chose to prioritize sightseeing and the spa experience during our visit, we can easily envision ourselves enjoying the slopes on a future trip.

During the warmer months, the surrounding area comes alive with opportunities for hiking, biking and exploring the stunning Dolomites. The hotel can assist with arranging guided hikes, bike rentals and other outdoor adventures.

Forestis offers daily group guided mountain tours and other wellness experiences included in your room rate. Request the weekly rotating schedule.

The surrounding area:

The Dolomites offer a wealth of attractions beyond Forestis. Nearby Kronplatz boasts the renowned MMM Corones museum by Zaha Hadid, offering stunning views from the summit. We were fortunate to enjoy a memorable meal at AlpiNN restaurant on Kronplatz, savoring breathtaking views despite a sudden snowstorm.

Lago di Braies is a must-visit, offering picturesque icy walks in winter and the chance to rent a rowboat in summer. Lago di Carezza provides an easy and scenic circular hike year-round, surrounded by enchanting forest landscapes. Winter enthusiasts will delight in the opportunity to ice-skate on several natural lakes in the region. Including Wolfsgrubener See — a personal favorite.

The charming towns of Bolzano and Brunico offer delightful restaurants, shops and vibrant Christmas markets. Ortisei is another fantastic destination, perfect for skiing and winter walks in the colder months and a great base for cycling adventures in the summer.

Forestis is the perfect destination for couples and honeymooners considering the sense of seclusion and the highest level of comfort and stunning views. Their suites provide solo travelers that want to get away from it all and recharge in a tranquil place (particularly the Tower and Penthouse Suites). This is also the perfect spot for mothers and daughters on a spa/nature focused getaway who will come home feeling well-bonded, pampered and refreshed. Families with older teens (14+) are welcome and those with adult kids will definitely have a blast. They can also enjoy private dinners at their gorgeous Wine Cellar, which can also be booked for private tastings. The resort is dog-friendly (enquire in advance).

For ultimate relaxation, I recommend a minimum stay of three nights. You will want to spend at least a full, lazy day not leaving the resort! 90% of guests opt for the half-board package, which makes perfect sense given the lack of comparable dining options nearby. We thoroughly enjoyed our 7-course dinners, but appreciated the flexibility to adjust our meals. On nights we desired a lighter option, we easily swapped dishes with selections from the seasonal à-la carte menu. Allowing us to enjoy a leisurely night swim in the spa afterwards.

How to get there:

By air:

• Bolzano (BZO): Approximately 1 hours drive from Forestis. Seasonally from the UK & Other major EU cities.

• Innsbruck (INN): Approximately 1:55 hours drive. Seasonally from the UK & Other Major EU cities.

• Verona Airport (VRN): Approximately 2:30 hours drive.

• Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE): Around 3:30 hours drive.

• Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP): Approximately 4.5–5 hours drive.

By train:

• Bressanone/Brixen: 29 minutes from Forestis. Taxis are available from this station.

For those that wish to avoid road transfers altogether:

• Opt for a Helicopter: Nearest helipad is under 10 mins from the resort.

Tips for reaching Forestis:

• Consider a Car Rental: Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the Dolomites region.

• Book Transfers in Advance: If you prefer a more relaxed journey, consider booking a private transfer from the airport or train station to Forestis. (Reach out to the Concierge)

• Check Road Conditions: If traveling during winter, check road conditions before you depart, especially if driving yourself.

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