Forestis Dolomites - Italian ski hotel meets modern minimalist design in a protected 1912 historical building
Recognised on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026 extended list, this ski hotel sees sculptural modernism and historical heritage cast in a beautiful blend of natural stone, glass, and wood.
By Guanlin Tan -
Share this article
Nestled high on the slopes of the Plose mountain in South Tyrol, Italy, FORESTIS has officially cemented its status amongst the world’s elite hospitality destinations. Ranked No. 68 in the extended 51-100 list of The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2026, this secluded hideaway sits 1,800 metres above sea level, offering uninterrupted views of the majestic Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conceived by owners Teresa and Stefan Hinteregger, the retreat shuns fleeting trends in favour of a holistic philosophy guided entirely by the rhythms of nature.
Exterior view of the FORESTIS Dolomites' staff house (or Mitarbeiterhaus).
Protected historical building from 1912
The architectural identity of FORESTIS is a dialogue between heritage and visionary modern design. At the heart of the property sits a protected historical building dating back to 1912, originally designed as a alpine sanatorium.
Juxtaposed against this heritage structure are three modern, sculptural suite towers that rise cleanly above the tree line. Inspired directly by the shape of pine trunks, these timber-clad towers mimic the verticality of the surrounding forest, allowing the retreat to blend into the landscape rather than dominate it.
Reception at the FORESTIS Dolomites.
Minimalist interior design
Inside, the minimalist interior design acts as a subtle frame for the dramatic outdoor panorama. The aesthetic relies on luminous, soft earthy tones and locally sourced, untreated natural materials - such as native pine wood, raw stone, and clean glass.
Every suite is south-facing to maximise natural daylight and capture the changing alpine sun. The layout is stripped of unnecessary ornamentation, replacing visual clutter with wide glass facades and unadorned surfaces that foster an immediate sense of calm and well-being.
Minimalist interiors of the FORESTIS room features native pine wood, raw stone, and clean glass.
4 Types of hotel rooms
There are 62 carefully appointed suites across its historic building and contemporary towers. Each space emphasises quiet luxury, comfort, and direct visual engagement with the pine forest and jagged peaks.
A modern minimalist bathroom to the FORESTIS room.
Room (35m²)
The entry category provides a cosy, refined space designed for two guests. It features clean-lined furnishings, a king-sized bed, a private seating area, and framed views of the alpine scenery through floor-to-ceiling glass.
Bedroom and living area view of the FORESTIS suite.
Suite (50m²)
Located within both the main building and the historic 1912 wing, these suites offer an expanded layout with a separate living space, walk-in wardrobe, and private south-facing balcony. The historic suites are lined in local pine, lending them a warm, tactile feel.
A regular hotel room or suite here approximately costs you €850 - €1,100 per night for off-peak periods, and €1,385 - €1,850 per night for peak periods.
The FORESTIS tower suite features floor-to-ceiling glass walls with unobstructed panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Tower Suite (55m²)
Positioned on the higher floors of the modern towers, these suites feature dual-aspect glass fronts that draw the forest canopy right into the room. They offer an open plan with a plush king-size box-spring bed, a sleek stone-finished bathroom, and an outdoor terrace looking straight across at the Dolomites.
A premium Tower suite, on the other hand, may cost you approximately €1,400 - €1,600 nightly for off-peak periods, and up to €2,200 - €2,450 nightly for peak periods.
The 2-storey, 200m² FORESTIS Penthouse features a private rooftop pool and open-air sauna situated on the top floor of the tower, offering completely unobstructed 360-degree views of the UNESCO-listed Dolomites.
Penthouse (200m²)
The pinnacle of luxury at FORESTIS, the Penthouse spans two storeys at the top of the towers. It features an open fireplace, a sprawling living area, and an expansive rooftop terrace equipped with a private pool and sauna overlooking the valley.
The most luxurious penthouse is priced at approximately €6,500 - €8,000 nightly for off-peak, and €10,000 - €10,250 nightly for peak.
Does this hotel suit me?
FORESTIS hotel suits luxury travellers, couples, and wellness enthusiasts seeking digital detox and physical regeneration. Its high-altitude position, 2,000 sqm subterranean spa, and quiet atmosphere make it an ideal sanctuary for adults looking to escape fast-paced urban environments.
Because of its serene ambiance, it is best suited for nature lovers, mountain sports practitioners (hikers, skiers, and trail runners), and design connoisseurs who appreciate thoughtful, sustainable architecture.