Forestis Dolomites
FORESTIS is located in a spectacular location at an altitude of 1.800 metres above Brixen and on a par with the Dolomites - Unesco Natural World Heritage.
Where the Austrian monarchy once intended to create a climatic health resort with a European reputation, today a luxury retreat with the same appreciation for the uniqueness of this place, blends harmoniously into the sunny southern slope of the Plose.
The retreat, opened in 2020, pursues the philosophy of silent and minimalistic luxury in harmony with nature. That’s why the historic building has been supplemented with three modern wooden towers which are completely built of natural local materials.
The hotel is surrounded by dense forests and its name has been chosen accordingly: FORESTIS is a combination of the Italian “foresta“ (forest) and the latin word for roots.
FORESTIS sets new standards for the combination of luxury and sustainability. Everyone, even the most demanding guests from all over the world come to rest and enjoy the luxury of spending some relaxing time in harmony with nature.
Destination
Already the arrival by car is an experience itself. From Brixen the well constructed road winds its way up through over 1800 metres. The omnipresent view of the impressive mountain world of the Dolomites, the pure and fresh mountain air, the mild climate as well as the spring water from Plose - one of the world’s purest and lightest waters, which has its origin here - make this a place of power which can be felt and experienced. The abundance of sunny days in this region also helps to create the idea conditions for regeneration. Spectacular sunrises und sunsets in all facets included.
Architecture and history
Especially architecture and design fans are going to love this house because the architects of FORESTIS impressively succeeded in re-interpreting the traditional architecture of the region and combining sustainability with modern luxury. The landmarked main-house has been connected by a glass tunnel with three modern houses that are soaring to the skies like tree trunks and fit harmoniously into the surrounding forest area. Overall, the architecture gives way to the star of the house: the breathtaking view.
Rooms & Suites
Due to its southern exposure, the suites of the FORESTIS are very bright and abundant in sunshine. Natural materials and earth tones convey a feeling of tranquility and relaxation. The suites in the historic house are 50 square meters large and have 1-2 bedrooms with comfortable box-spring beds, walk-in closets and a terrace. The separated living area is equipped with a comfortable couch, a desk and a smart TV. The Tower-Suites in the towers are 55 square meters large and they have floor-to-ceiling windows and a tiled stove in the living area. On the terraces there are comfortable daybeds waiting for the guests. In every suite, guests can enjoy precious rain showers with pure spring water from Plose.
Cuisine
Forestis cuisine bears the signature of Roland Lamprecht, who has a passion for nature, more specifically „forest kitchen“. In the summer months the kitchen staff collects herbs and other natural ingredients from the surrounding forests which are either directly used or dried or pickled according to ancient traditions so that guests can also enjoy the regional aromas during the winter months. The bright and terraced restaurant has been designed in such a way that every guest is able to enjoy the fantastic view of the Dolomites; during summer also from the terrace. The breakfast buffet offers a huge variety of products without compare and in the evenings you can order à la carte before letting the evening die away with a refreshing drink at the stylish bar.
Winter Sports
Due to its altitude, the FORESTIS offers a variety of winter sports possibilities. Ski-In/Ski-Out is the magic word that excites the heart of ski lovers because just a few steps from the ski room of the hotel through a short forest path you arrive at the slope. The 45 km of pistes of the Plose ensure a balanced ratio of red, blue and black slopes. But also non-skiers will definitely get their money’s worth, for example tobogganing or on guided snow shoe hikes through snow-covered forest areas and untouched snow fields of the neighboring nature parks Puez-Geisler.
Wellness
The character of the Spa results from its great location: the pure spring water, the fresh mountain air, the large number of days with sunshine and the mild climate form the foundation of relaxation at FORESTIS. The architecture is bright, puristic and generous. It is not distracting and offers an amazing view of the breathtaking mountain world. All treatments at FORESTIS are based on the principles of the four trees - mountain pine, spruce, larch and arolla pine - all of them have different active substances which regenerate the human body deeply. You should definitely try the Signature Tree Circle Ceremony.
Leisure & Surroundings
Due to its hillside location and direct access to the woods, the surroundings invite you to go hiking or biking. During the whole year the hotel offers numerous guided hikes in all degrees of difficulty. The special highlights are the sunrise hikes early in the morning. In the hotel guests can rent backpacks, walking sticks and snowshoes for free. On the Plose there are also four bike routes which primarily go through extensive and dense forests. At the nearby mountain station you can also rent mountainbikes and e-bikes.
Only here :
Sustainability
For FORESTIS and its staff sustainability is not just a concern but a real affair of the heart. It already starts with the architecture: For every harvested tree that has been used for the facade of the hotel there have been planted two new trees. The energy supply is provided by an own plant, a pellets heating system, and 100% of the energy is generated by using renewable energy. Instead of artificial light sources FORESTIS opted for fireplaces outdoors wherever possible. All the products that are used in the kitchen are produced by selected farmers and suppliers from the region; only a few products which can’t be found there, are from other regions from Italy. In general, the whole house operates according to the No-Waste Principle. In the Spa of the hotel guests can drink the local spring water from recycled bottles and enjoy treatments with products from 100% natural ingredients. The high aims in terms of quality and sustainability can also be noticed in the inside of the hotel. Whether bathtubs made out of dolomite rock or toothbrushes made from bamboo, the concept sustainability is taken very seriously.
Wyda
At FORESTIS you do not practice Yoga but Wyda. The practice comes from the Celtic druids. Exercised in nature, it should bring body and mind into harmony and happiness and keep fit into old age. Due to its great location surrounded by nature, the FORESTIS offers ideal conditions for this kind of energy work. That’s why Wyda has been selected as a central component of the portfolio for fitness and holistic regeneration. The exercises of Wyda are similar to those of Qi Gong and Yoga but the breathtaking view of the Dolomites from the bright and light-flooded Wyda-room is quite unique.
Bar - a tree as the protagonist
The focus on nature at FORESTIS continues in the bar. Here, as well as in the kitchen, the forest is the protagonist. Every single drink becomes a piece of art with different essences made from herbs, nuts, berries, and fir needles. The ice and the glass embody the roots which are a necessary condition for being able to mix a drink. The spirit is equal to the tree trunk which is a fundamental flavor carrier. The aromas like honey and herbs are the branches and the mix made of high-quality ingredients creates a variety of flavors which can be compared to the flowers of a tree. Also the names are based on native trees, for example „"Smokey Root" (stone pine, local whisky, black walnut, beetroot, bitter), "White Tribe" (spruce, local vodka, honey, thyme, lime, egg white) or "Green Banch" (gin, wild spinach, honey, lime).
My Insider Tip
PENTHOUSE SUITES
In both outer towers of the hotel there is an exclusive two-store, 200 square-meter penthouse suite which offers a maximum of luxury privacy. This suite has a very spacious living area with a custom-made sofa, open chimney, dining-table and a stylish bar. Through the huge glass front which extends across the entire bedroom, the already spectacular view is catapulted to a whole new level. My absolute highlight: Next to the south-facing terrace on the ground floor there is a rooftop with private pool and a sauna built out of spruce wood and view of the Dolomites in the upper floor - there is nothing better than this.DANIELA STEIMEL
