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If you’re looking for the ultimate escape—a place where relaxation, luxury, and breathtaking mountain views come together in perfect harmony—then let us introduce you to an Italian Alps town that has it all – Ortisei!

Specifically, staying at ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, tucked away in the Dolomites in Ortisei, will guarantee an amazing spa experience coupled with adventure and charm.

From the moment we arrived, we felt like the entire environment was designed to melt our worries away.

Every second of every day was about wellness, rejuvenation, and soaking in the sheer beauty of the Dolomites.

This wasn’t just a vacation; it was an experience we’ll be dreaming about until we return.

A Room with a View

Our room at ADLER was everything we could have hoped for—spacious, cozy, and incredibly comfortable.

The natural wood paneling and elegant alpine decor created a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it the perfect retreat after a day of exploring.

But the best part?

The breathtaking view from our balcony.

Every morning, we woke up to a stunning panorama of the Dolomites, with the sun casting a golden glow over the peaks.

It felt like waking up in a postcard.

To top it off, when we arrived, we were greeted with a chilled bottle of champagne and a beautiful fruit spread waiting for us. It was such a thoughtful touch that made our stay feel extra special from the very first moment.

A Spa Experience Like No Other

ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI is truly a paradise for anyone who loves to be pampered (raising my hand right now!).

The spa is divided into family-friendly and adult-only areas, so whether you’re visiting with kids or seeking a quiet retreat, you’ll find your perfect space.

One of the absolute highlights of our stay was the private spa experience for two.

This was next-level relaxation. We had our own little private sanctuary that felt like stepping into another world.

It started with time in the sauna together, followed by a rinse, and then one of us would nap on the comfiest bed ever while the other got a massage.

Then we switched, and then we switched again for a body scrub. Finally, to top it all off, there were two tubs waiting for us, filled up with warm water, where we soaked and sipped on champagne.

It was one of the most romantic and rejuvenating experiences we’ve ever had.

Another must-try is the adults-only spa area. We created our own little sauna ritual that we did every morning and highly recommend!

We moved from the steam sauna to the dry sauna, then braved the cold plunge before finishing in the jacuzzi.

It was an invigorating cycle that left us feeling completely refreshed.

The resort also offers a Himalayan salt sauna, a hay sauna (it smells amazing), and a salt grotto where we could float while listening to peaceful underwater music.

If you’re a fan of hydrotherapy, their AGUANA Water World is the place to be.

With both indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpools, and panoramic mountain views, we easily lost track of time just floating and taking it all in.

The Perfect Base for Exploring Ortisei

While we could have easily spent every moment in the spa, we did take time to explore Ortisei.

This charming mountain town is known for its stunning scenery, incredible hiking trails, and rich woodcarving tradition.

We hiked on trails within walking distance of the resort and discovered lifts all around town that make skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer super accessible.

Unfortunately, since we visited during the off-season, they weren’t running—but we’re already planning to return, alternating between winter and summer each year.

Yes, I said each year.

Sometimes, you stumble on a place that is worth endlessly repeating, and ADLER DOLOMITI and Ortisei fit the bill.

Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Ortisei is a hiker’s paradise. In the summer months, the trails around town offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites.

There are scenic paths leading to places like Seceda, Alpe di Siusi, and Resciesa. The well-maintained trails vary in difficulty, making it easy for both casual walkers and experienced trekkers to find something we’d love.

For those looking to take their adventure up a notch, there are guided alpine excursions available, including sunrise hikes, via ferrata climbs, and even paragliding for the truly adventurous.

And if you’re visiting in winter? This region transforms into a skiing wonderland with some of the best slopes in the world.

The Art of Woodcarving

Ortisei is also famous for its woodcarving heritage.

This tradition dates back centuries, and we could still find family-run workshops creating intricate sculptures, figurines, and religious art.

We wandered through several local shops, admiring the craftsmanship and even bringing home a few small handcrafted pieces as a keepsake to add to our nativity every Christmas.

Dining at ADLER: A 5-Star Culinary Experience

One of the best things about staying at ADLER is that breakfast and dinner are included in our nightly rate—and let us tell you, the food is on another level.

While there are great restaurants around town, the hotel’s restaurant is a five-star dining experience. Each meal felt more like an event than just eating.

Breakfast was a dream, with an incredible spread of fresh pastries, local cheeses, fruit, and made-to-order eggs. And dinner? Absolutely unforgettable.

We enjoyed gourmet multi-course meals that were both delicious and nourishing, making us feel like we were indulging while still embracing the overall wellness theme of the resort.

We liked to dress up a bit for dinner, though it’s not required—just another touch that made the experience feel extra special.

Winter Magic: Skiing in the Dolomites

Though we visited in the warmer months, we’re already planning a winter trip to experience Ortisei’s ski scene.

The town is part of the Dolomiti Superski area, which connects over 1,200 km of slopes across 12 ski regions. That means endless runs, breathtaking snow-covered landscapes, and some of the best après-ski relaxation we could ask for.

What makes skiing here extra special is the seamless blend of sport and wellness.

Imagine spending the day gliding down perfect powder, then returning to ADLER to soak in the heated pools and unwind in the sauna. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and self-care, and one we plan to take advantage of ASAP!

The Ultimate Mountain Escape

Aside from the spa and dining, everything about ADLER is designed for comfort and relaxation.

The resort itself is set within a 9,000 m² park, blending nature and luxury seamlessly. The rooms are spacious, cozy, and beautifully designed with natural wood paneling and panoramic mountain views.

One of our favorite memories? Just sitting and staring at the mountains from our balcony, from the jacuzzis, from the sunning area—anywhere, really.

The Dolomites have a way of making you feel small in the best way possible, like you’re part of something truly majestic. We still dream about those views and honestly wish we could live there.

Would We Go Back? 1,000,000% Yes.

Without a doubt, we’ll be returning to ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI. Next time, we want to go during ski season to experience the slopes and then unwind in the spa at the end of each day.

The idea of skiing through the Dolomites and then relaxing in the whirlpools, saunas, and steam rooms? Absolute perfection.

If you’re looking for a place that combines luxury, wellness, adventure, and the most stunning mountain scenery you’ve ever seen, ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI needs to be on your list.

It’s more than a hotel—it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Tyler Fox

Tyler is our Managing Editor and Writer. After spending years reading, writing, and obsessing over travel (while taking trips as often as possible of course!), he aims to give readers the best and most balanced experience possible when exploring the site.

_{**Travel Off Path was a guest of ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.**}

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We all know Milan for its grandiose edifices and art galleries, high fashion, and ornate Duomo––is there truly a more beautiful Gothic cathedral?––but there’s no denying it’s a bit out of the budget for the average traveler.

Between $202-a-night on hotels, and $107 on meals and transportation every day, a one-week city break in Italy’s elegant Northern metropolis does not come cheap, and that’s without factoring in the long wait to get into museums and hordes of tourists.

Luckily, there is this off-path gem a short 55-minute train ride from Milan that’s both comparatively cheaper and less crowded:

What Is Turin Famous For?

The capital and largest city of Piedmont, an alpine region in northwestern Italy, Turin is everything tourists wish Milan would be:

A different side of Italy than that you might be hoping to find if it’s Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast you’ve got your heart set on, it’s not exactly a maze of pastel-colored houses and cobblestones––in fact, it’s oftentimes called Paris of the East due to its Belle époque cityscape.

It has Milan’s grandiose architecture, with beautiful wide avenues lined by stately buildings, and the unrivaled food scene, except it’s not exactly overpriced nor crumbling under the weight of mass tourism as its sisterly metropolis.

It is best characterized by its plethora of Savoyard monuments, most notably Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Madama, and public squares so magnificent they look like palace courtyards, bordered by cafes that exude Old World charm.

Turin Is One Of Italy’s Most Historically-Significant Cities

Turin is also incredibly rich in history, having served as the first capital of Italy when the country was unified in the 19th century, and prior to that, it was the seat of the House of Savoy, one of Europe’s wealthiest royal houses.

A visit to Turin can be summarized in people-watching alfresco as you sip some cappuccino at Piazza Castello, exploring palaces, browsing the shops at Via Roma (Turin’s liveliest thoroughfare and its response to Paris’ Champs-Élysées), and strolling the scenic Po riverside.

Of course, there are some attractions you shouldn’t miss out on, like the soaring spire that dominates the skyline: Mole Antonelliana. Upon its completion, it was the tallest masonry building in Europe and now a permanent home to the National Museum of Cinema.

If you’re not a cinephile, you can still take a lift to the top of the Mole for around $9.41 (the views of Turin’s grid-like design backed by snow-capped mountains are breathtaking).

To our fellow museum geeks, the local Museo Egizio, opened as early as 1824, is one of Europe’s greatest collections of Egyptian artifacts, and when visiting the richly-decorated, marble-domed Chapel of the Holy Shroud, look for the Holy Shroud itself.

Yes, according to ancient tradition, the linen cloth used in Jesus’ burial is right here in Turin––some archeologists will dispute that, but in the very least, it’s a beautiful Baroque church worth checking out.

Unique Things To Do In Turin In 2025

Looking for unique activities to make your time in Turin even more memorable?

There’s no visiting Turin without sampling its world-class cocoa products:

Chocolate-making is a long-standing Torinese tradition, so much so it is considered one of Europe’s chocolate capitals.

It’s no wonder the Turin Chocolate Tasting Experience is a best-seller on GetYourGuide, combining sightseeing with visits to local chocolatiers, for only $39.77.

All that talk of food making you hungry yet?

You should definitely add this market tour, guided by a cesarina (an Italian female home cook) and topped with lunch back at hers, for $145.47.

This Is How Affordable Turin Is

On that note, Turin is surprisingly affordable by Northern Italy standards.

Considering it is so close to Milan, being under an hour away by train, you’d expect it to be as expensive as the Capital of Fashion––in reality, hotels here average a much-cheaper $165, and tourists will find themselves spending $77 on meals per day.

In reality, prices can be way lower, even:

The cheapest private room in Turin in summer, with an external bathroom, will set you back by $40 per night, at Hotel Serenella, while the 3-star Green Class Hotel Astoria, in the heart of the historic center, costs $80 to book.

Don’t mind splurging a little?

The luxurious Grand Hotel Sitea, on the well-frequented Via Carlo Alberto, and just behind Piazza San Carlo, has overnight rates starting from $196 for single rooms, a superb breakfast included.

You could always treat yourself to dinner with a view at an upscale restaurant, though we’d argue finding an affordable, locally-run trattoria where dinner seems to have been prepared by someone’s nonna is much more satisfying.

Try Pizzeria e Panozzeria La Sarda for delicious $8 pizzas, or the highly-rated Monegato Primi Secondi a Nessuno for excellent homemade pasta (and A+ service that won’t break the bank).

You get the gist of it:

Turin is relatively cheap, it has beautiful architecture, and it’s the perfect alternative to Milan if you can’t stand the Instagrammer crowds.

Are we really surprised, then, Europe-based travel agency TUI has named it best European getaway this February?

Vinicius Costa

Vini, our senior lead writer at Travel Off Path, has over 60+ countries under his belt (and currently weaving tales from Paris!), and a knack for turning off-the-beaten-path experiences into informative stories that will have you packing your bags.

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Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!

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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com

Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.