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Located in the sleepy hamlet of Armentarola just above San Cassiano, this retreat stands across the road from the slopes and ski lift.
Feel as if you’re right up in the peaks at this reinvention of a remote ski hideaway. A brand renowned for its soothing spas, it’s no surprise that COMO’s offerings are so tranquil, and here they’re set to a spellbinding backdrop of Dolomite Mountain views.
Set off directly from the hotel’s doorstep to the Alpe di Suisi. A quieter spot away from the crowds, these slopes are ideal for fresh legs and families, whilst more seasoned skiers glide through to the wider Val Gardena ski area. Guided adventures are popular, and an abundance of expertise means guided snowshoe treks, cross-country skiing and winter walking are also on the cards.
Perched upon a plateau at the giddy height of 1,900m, your day-to-day life really couldn’t be further away. Amid snowy blankets of glistening white — all thanks to a positively wintry altitude from December to April — the hotel is designed in line with the landscape; its sleek integration into the mountains beginning with a faux rock crevice for an entrance.
Inside, the subtle COMO Shambala signature scent of eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and geranium weaves through the hotel, where views of the Sassolungo and Sassa Piatto peaks take centre stage.
A perfectly placed spa escape — owing to such secluded surroundings — when guests here don’t feel like soaring down the slopes, a soothing sanctuary awaits to indulge the senses. Especially on days of soft snowfall, pair a swim through the still waters of the 22-metre pool with the warm mists of the Finnish herbal sauna, both branching into the cool of the outdoors. Restore tired muscles with an extensive menu of wellness sessions; from deep flow yoga to deep tissue massages (or perhaps a traditional Tyrolean hay bath), COMO really know the way to relaxation.
Far from forgotten well into the summer months, adrenaline-seekers in search of a winter rush may find themselves swapping the Dolomiti Superski for something a little more on the summery side. Snowshoes become walking boots, and two skis become two wheels in hiking and mountain biking adventures through the meadows and forests of the Alpe di Suisi. Or, if a leisurely lifestyle is more appealing, head to St Vigil Seis to play an 18-hole round of golf against a truly breathtaking backdrop.
Whether they’re mini-pros or first-timers, bringing your youngsters out to the Italian ski scene is nothing short of a breeze on the Alpe di Suisi. Small and subdued, the ski-in ski-out area lets little ones find their feet on the pistes with ease, away from the experienced adults taking on the steeper slopes.
Understanding that time without the tots is important too, as evening draws near COMO’s kids’ club transforms the yoga studio into a snug cinema, so you can savour a few hours of fine dining.
Meaning ‘peace’ in Sanskrit, the very name of COMO Shambala evokes a feeling of repose. Inspired by an age-old South Tyrolean tradition, the signature treatment of this sanctuary is rather unconventional, namely a regenerating mountain hay bath. Accompanied by a gentle facial treatment, sink into a bath of mountain hay, allowing its natural qualities to stimulate circulation, warmth and joint health.
Located in the sleepy hamlet of Armentarola just above San Cassiano, this retreat stands across the road from the slopes and ski lift.
In the heart of San Cassiano, overlooked by pink-hued granite peaks, this charming hotel is instantly welcoming and effortlessly stylish.
Languidly hovering in the space between recreation and relaxation, there’s no seasonality in which this pine tree-shrouded mega-lodge comes into its own — it excels in them all.