Since 1939, Rosa Alpina was a firm favourite with the high altitude summer crowd for its Alpine classicism and biscuit tin, San Cassiano location. Then Aman took the mantle in 2003, and its Ladin roots (once a farm and inn) were thrust through the group’s contemporary prism – the hallmark smooth, clean lines, subdued hues and angular furniture. Rather than end three generations of stewardship, Aman have kept the Pizzinini family firmly at the helm, respecting their hotelier pedigree and, ultimately, preserving something no amount of glass, steel, blonde woods or Michelin stars can buy: soul. Long-time Aman collaborator, Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston Architects has rolled up his crisp sleeves and integrated the notion of Alpine cosiness into Aman’s famously restrained aesthetic with clever lighting, tactile biscuit, tawny, milky fabrics reflecting the surrounding pine forests and snow-capped peaks, and abundant cubic fireplaces warming the pared down rooms with low-slung sofas.
The latter, while cosy spots for mountain berry teas and thick hot chocolate are theatre seats for the dramatic pine-and-peak surroundings – a flush of green in warmer months and snow-globe scenes come winter. Guests can paraglide above this, whoosh down the endless runs forming the Dolomiti Superski area, gallop through the fragrant pine-forests from the saddle, or simply take a remedial walk through the UNESCO-listed landscape with its crisp, lung-cleansing air. And with Aman’s new, finely tuned spa (steamy infinity pool, gurgling hot tub and gold standard holistic treatments), and Cotoletta alla Milanese then tiramisu at the Grill, there’s always something worth trudging back-to-plush-base for.
Address: Strada Micura de Rue, 20, 39036 San Cassiano BZ, Italy
Price: From about £1,600 per night.
