Alpin Garden Luxury Maison

The Alpin Garden spa is spread over two levels and built around light, warm materials and views of the Dolomites. The hotel calls it the Luxury ART Spa, and the emphasis is on calm rather than scale.

The pool area is the centrepiece. Outside, a heated pool sits in the flower garden with an amazing view of Val Gardena, alongside a heated whirlpool. Indoors, a separate "Lifestyle" pool includes a massage bench and a counter-current swimming system. The indoor pool is open around the clock, which is unusual and genuinely useful if you want to swim late in the evening.

Alongside the pools, the spa includes sauna and steam facilities, relaxation areas and a treatment menu of massages, beauty and body treatments. Because the hotel is adults-only and has only 30 rooms, the spa is never crowded — the size of the property is what keeps it quiet.

Alpin Garden has around 30 rooms and suites, which is small for a five-star property and is a large part of its character. The hotel was fully renovated in spring 2020, so the interiors are current rather than dated.

Rooms fall into two broad styles: modern and alpine. Both face the mountains, and most have a balcony or terrace. Higher categories add space, a separate living area and, in some cases, a freestanding bathtub — a detail the hotel highlights for romantic stays.

Dining at Alpin Garden follows the hotel's "Art, Gourmet & SPA" idea, with a focus on South Tyrolean ingredients and contemporary presentation. Breakfast is a generous buffet, and dinner is an unhurried, multi-course affair rather than a quick meal.

The hotel also has its own bar, the Golden Bar, which works well for a drink before or after dinner.

Vegetarian and dietary requirements can usually be accommodated, but it is worth stating them when you book.

Alpin Garden sits on Via J. Skasa in Ortisei, in the heart of Val Gardena. The village centre, its shops and restaurants are within easy reach, and the hotel runs a free shuttle to Ortisei and to the ski slopes.

The location is one of the property's strongest points in winter. The Sellaronda, one of the great ski circuits in the Alps, is only a few minutes away by shuttle. The hotel provides free transport to Ortisei and to the slopes, which makes a full day on the circuit straightforward without needing a car.

Ortisei is served by road from Bolzano and by rail from Bolzano and Klausen, with onward bus connections. The main international airports are Innsbruck, Verona, Venice and Munich, all reachable by car or transfer.

Free parking is available on site. Transfers can be arranged — confirm details and any charge with the hotel in advance.

Best time to visit: winter brings skiing on the Sellaronda and the most atmospheric pool views; spring and autumn are quieter; summer opens up the hiking and via ferrata routes of Val Gardena and the Alpe di Siusi.