Forestis Dolomites Hotel Review: Adult-Only Wellness in the Alps

Perched at 1,800 metres above sea level in South Tyrol, the Forestis Dolomites hotel pairs minimalist alpine design with a sprawling wellness programme and an adults-only policy that keeps the atmosphere quiet. Editorial reviews from Travel + Leisure and other outlets have repeatedly praised the property’s mountain views and spa focus since it reopened in 2020. This review compiles verified editorial coverage, booking data, and traveller feedback to give you a grounded look at what the hotel actually delivers.

Last checked: 2026-06-25

Adults Only: Yes · Location: Bressanone/Brixen, South Tyrol, Italy · Property Type: Boutique wellness hotel · Chain Affiliation: SLH & Traveller Made · Amenities: Outdoor and indoor pool, fitness, restaurant, bar, room service, free Wi-Fi · Reviews: Updated 2026 on TripAdvisor, described as best for luxury seclusion

What is the nicest hotel in the Dolomites?

Several luxury properties dot the Dolomites, but the Forestis Dolomites hotel consistently appears near the top of editorial roundups and traveller rankings. Its combination of a remote forest setting at 1,800 metres, a strict adults-only policy, and a wellness programme large enough to rival standalone spa retreats gives it a distinct position in the region. Travel + Leisure described the property as “a wellness getaway for the mind, body, and spirit,” while Condé Nast Traveler noted that the views alone justify the trip.

The hotel sits above the town of Bressanone, near the Plose ski area in South Tyrol. Built as a sanatorium in the early twentieth century, the building stood abandoned for decades before a comprehensive renovation brought it back as a 62-room hotel in 2020. That history of solitude carries through to the current guest experience: the property markets itself as a place to disconnect, not a base for nightlife.

The bottom line: Forestis Dolomites earns its top-tier reputation through a specific combination — altitude, design consistency, wellness depth, and an adult-only rule — that few other Dolomites hotels replicate.

What is unique about Forestis Dolomites?

Three features set the Forestis Dolomites hotel apart from other Alpine retreats: its minimalist architecture, its dedicated wellness infrastructure, and its dining concept. Editorial reviews consistently describe the interiors as restrained and intentional. Travel + Leisure called the property “minimalist but expertly curated,” with wooden furnishings, muted tones, and an absence of decorative clutter. Every room includes a furnished balcony, satellite TV, and a lounge area — but the key design choice is the floor-to-ceiling glass that frames the mountain scenery.

The spa occupies roughly 2,000 m², which is unusually large for a 62-room hotel. Facilities include an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor heated pool, multiple saunas and steam rooms, a fitness centre, and dedicated treatment rooms. Booking.com listings confirm yoga and meditation programming as part of the regular offering. The scale means guests can find quiet corners even when the hotel is at capacity.

“Reserved for guests over 14 years of age.”

— Luxe Wellness Club, describing the hotel’s age policy

Dining follows a “Forest Cuisine” philosophy that emphasises locally sourced ingredients. The restaurant is shaped like an amphitheatre, with tiered seating that gives every table a view of the surrounding mountains. According to Travel + Leisure, dinner options include a four- or seven-course tasting menu alongside à la carte choices. The kitchen focuses on South Tyrolean ingredients — game, cheese, apples, and herbs — prepared in a contemporary style.

Pros and cons of Forestis Dolomites

The trade-off: Forestis delivers a focused luxury-wellness experience, but guests pay a premium for seclusion and design quality. It is not a one-size-fits-all property.

Is Forestis Dolomites adult only?

Yes. Multiple travel sources describe the Forestis Dolomites hotel as adults-only, and editorial coverage from Luxe Wellness Club specifies that the property is “reserved for guests over 14 years of age.” The KAYAK listing also labels the hotel as adults-only, and no source contradicts that classification.

This policy has a direct effect on the guest experience. Traveller reviews on TripAdvisor frequently mention the quiet corridors, the absence of children in common areas, and the calm atmosphere in the spa and dining room. The rule aligns with the property’s positioning as a wellness-first retreat rather than a family destination.

Best for these traveller types

• Couples: The adults-only rule, private balconies, and spa access make it a natural choice for romantic getaways.
• Wellness seekers: Yoga classes, multiple saunas, treatment rooms, and both indoor and outdoor pools support multi-day wellness programmes.
• Luxury solo travellers: The quiet atmosphere and design focus appeal to solo guests who value privacy and restorative time.
• Honeymooners: Editorial reviews and traveller photos highlight the setting as especially suited for post-wedding trips.
• Nature lovers: The Dolomites setting offers direct access to hiking and skiing, and the hotel’s altitude puts guests above the tree line for wide views.

What this means: If you are travelling with children under 14, Forestis is not an option. For everyone else, the age policy is a deliberate benefit that shapes the entire stay.

Who owns Forestis Dolomites?

The specific ownership of the Forestis Dolomites hotel is not publicly detailed in standard travel or booking sources. What is confirmed through listings on KAYAK and editorial coverage is that the property operates as part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio and is also a member of Traveller Made, a network of luxury travel advisors. These affiliations signal that the hotel meets the quality and service standards required by both organisations, but they do not disclose the underlying ownership structure.

The building itself has a layered history. Originally constructed as a sanatorium in the early twentieth century, it sat empty for decades before being acquired and comprehensively renovated. Travel + Leisure confirms the hotel reopened in 2020, which suggests the current ownership group took control during the renovation phase. No additional investor or family names appear in the available sources.

Pricing overview

The Forestis Dolomites hotel operates at a premium price point consistent with its SLH membership and its positioning as a luxury wellness retreat. Traveller reviews on TripAdvisor and editorial coverage note that the cost is a common topic of discussion among guests, with most reviewers describing the pricing as high but justified by the setting, spa, and design. Exact rates vary by season, room category, and booking channel, and no single verified nightly rate applies year-round. The property’s high transactability — meaning guests frequently convert from research to booking — suggests that demand supports the pricing structure.

The pattern: Ownership may not be publicly visible, but the SLH and Traveller Made affiliations provide a reliable quality benchmark. Pricing is premium, and advance booking is advisable.

“One of the most spectacular views in Europe.”

— Luxe Wellness Club, editorial review

Location and how to reach Forestis Dolomites

The Forestis Dolomites hotel is located at Palmschoss 22 in Bressanone, South Tyrol, in northern Italy. The property sits above the town near the Plose ski area, at roughly 1,800 metres above sea level. Bressanone itself lies in the Isarco Valley, about 40 kilometres from the Austrian border, and serves as the nearest urban reference point for the hotel.

Travel options include:

• By air: The closest major airport is Innsbruck (approximately 80 km north). Verona Airport is roughly 170 km south, and Munich Airport is about 220 km north. Several private transfer services operate routes from all three airports.
• By train: Bressanone train station is on the Brenner railway line, with direct connections to Innsbruck, Verona, and Munich. From the station, the hotel is a 15-minute drive uphill.
• By car: The A22 Brenner motorway exits at Bressanone. From the exit, the hotel is accessible via a winding mountain road. Parking is available on site.
• Hotel transfers: KAYAK listings indicate that transfer services can be arranged through the property, though specific pricing is not listed.

The altitude and location mean the road can be affected by snow in winter. Four-wheel drive or winter tyres are recommended for self-driving guests between November and April.

Why this matters: Forestis is deliberately remote. The journey is part of the experience, but it also means guests should plan transfers ahead of arrival.

Alternatives to Forestis Dolomites

While the Forestis Dolomites hotel is a strong choice for its specific combination of adults-only policy, minimalist design, and wellness scale, several other properties in the Dolomites cater to overlapping needs. These alternatives are drawn from general knowledge of the region, not from specific inputs, and should be researched independently.

• For more traditional Alpine luxury: Hotels in Ortisei and Corvara offer classic mountain hospitality with family-friendly programming, which Forestis deliberately avoids.
• For a spa-first experience: Properties in the Val Gardena area with dedicated wellness centres may appeal to travellers who want spa access but prefer a less isolated location.
• For ski-in/ski-out convenience: Hotels directly on the slopes in the Sella Ronda circuit provide easier winter access than Forestis, which requires a short drive to the Plose lifts.
• For budget-conscious travellers: Smaller guesthouses and agriturismo properties in South Tyrol offer lower rates, though they lack the spa infrastructure and design focus.

Forestis differentiates itself through its strict adult-only policy, its design consistency, and its large spa relative to room count. The alternatives above trade off one or more of these features for other benefits such as location, price, or family suitability.

“Every room here has widescreen views of the craggy Dolomites.”

— Condé Nast Traveler

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Travelers seeking precise pricing and room details can consult the Forestis Dolomites pricing guide for a thorough analysis.

Frequently asked questions about Forestis Dolomites