Forestis

Location & Setting

Set high above Bressanone in South Tyrol, this retreat sits at roughly 1,800 meters on the southern slopes of Plose, looking straight toward the serrated limestone of the Dolomites. The approach winds through dense spruce and larch; once there, the horizon opens and the sense of quiet is immediate. In winter, a discreet forest path links directly to the Plose ski area, while summer brings trails and meadows right to the doorstep—so the landscape feels like an extension of the hotel rather than a backdrop.

The altitude and orientation give unusually clear light and long sun hours; when clouds lift, the views take in a wide sweep of UNESCO-listed peaks. Despite the remote feel, transfers from Bolzano or Innsbruck are straightforward, and Bressanone’s historic center is close enough for a half-day wander if you crave a change of scene.

Design & Suites

Architecture follows a principle of reduction. Three slender, timber-clad towers rise from the treeline and are linked to a restored early-20th-century building by an almost invisible glass corridor. Materials are tactile and local—stone underfoot, soft woods on walls and ceilings, and vast panes of glass framing mountain theatre. The towers hold 40 south-facing Tower Suites; additional categories occupy the historic wing, and two bi-level penthouses crown the ensemble with private rooftop terraces.

Interiors keep lines calm and warm: beds face the landscape, closets are walk-in, and generous balconies carry daybeds for star-gazing. The penthouses add showpiece extras—an indoor fireplace, a spruce-wood sauna and a private rooftop pool—yet the mood stays restrained. Lighting is gentle, colours are forest-toned, and the overall effect is cocooning without fuss.

Dining

The culinary idea is “forest cuisine,” which leans into foraging, fermentation, and low-waste techniques. Expect broths perfumed with mountain pine, grains and roots in thoughtful combinations, and fruit preserved from short alpine summers. Breakfast is a highlight—seasonal juices, local dairy, and breads still warm—while dinner moves through multiple courses that balance comfort with craft.

For something different, Yera—a dramatic, cave-like dining space introduced recently—extends the concept with a tasting menu built around wild herbs, spruce tips, mushrooms and house-made infusions. It’s intimate, atmospheric, and a natural fit for the property’s ingredient-first philosophy.

Wellness & Activities

The spa draws on four regional trees—spruce, larch, mountain pine and stone pine—and pairs them with the elements of spring water, mountain air, sunlight and climate. Signature rituals use tree oils, heated stones and rhythms tuned to “tree frequencies,” while meditative Wyda sessions (often called the Celts’ “yoga”) encourage slower breathing and grounded movement. Facilities include a serene indoor-outdoor pool, saunas (Finnish and bio), steam rooms, and quiet relaxation spaces oriented to the peaks.

Outdoors, days can be unhurried or active: ski-in/ski-out access to Plose in winter; guided hikes, e-biking and sunrise viewpoints the rest of the year. Evenings tend to end at the bar with infusions and pine-scented cocktails, or back on the balcony listening to the forest settle.

Practicalities & Verdict

This is an adults-only address welcoming guests aged 14 and over, which keeps the ambience hushed. Dogs are accepted on request (with a small nightly fee), and there’s a designated dining area for guests who prefer to keep four-legged companions close. Service style is polished but unobtrusive; packages commonly include breakfast and dinner, and there’s on-site parking plus shuttle options.

For travelers seeking an elemental alpine escape—serious spa time, restrained design, and front-row mountain drama—Forestis delivers a coherent vision. The combination of south-facing suites, thoughtful wellness grounded in place, and direct access to the outdoors makes this property as compelling for a snow week as for a slow summer stay.