The Italian Dolomites: Your New Nature and Wellness Getaway
The Dolomites in Italy, renowned for skiing, are now becoming a premier destination for nature and wellness retreats. A new hotel in the region, Sensoria, focuses on holistic wellbeing with sauna rituals, forest bathing, and relaxing hikes amidst breathtaking landscapes.
Backlit by the setting sun, Teresa Altamura gracefully conducts sauna rituals at Sensoria, a family-run Alpine lodge. The lodge, redesigned in 2022 with wood and glass, offers daily themed saunas, equine therapy, yoga, and new moon wishing. These activities are designed to attract a broader audience beyond the typical adventure seekers, especially with new SkyAlps flights from London to Bolzano.
The Dolomites' outdoor allure is undeniable, with UNESCO-inscribed landscapes and stunning mountain views. Sensoria’s design incorporates Japanese architectural principles, offering framed views of the mountains from various vantage points. One such view is the Sciliar Massif, a sheer wall of grey rock ending with the distinctive Mount Santner, known locally as the great witch’s hat. At 2,414 meters, Santner is a significant symbol of South Tyrol, despite being smaller than its Alpine neighbors.
Exploring the Alpe di Siusi
Patrick Mauroner, a local guide and fitness instructor, highlights the importance of the mountains to his family’s wellbeing. During a hike on the Alpe di Siusi plateau, the largest high pasture in Europe, he shares the history of Mount Santner and points out other notable peaks like Sasso Lungo and Sasso Piatto. The plateau’s expansive meadows, dotted with purple crocuses and lined with pine, spruce, and fir, offer a serene setting for connecting with nature.
Patrick’s family traditions include hiking a different mountain every Sunday, a practice he continues with his children. This connection to nature is fundamental to their health and happiness, a sentiment echoed by many in the region.
Wellbeing Walks in Nature
Lea Oberhofer, Sensoria’s co-owner, leads a ‘wellbeing walk’ through the Parco Naturale Sciliar-Catinaccio, South Tyrol’s oldest nature park. She encourages participants to engage with their surroundings by seeing, touching, and feeling the natural elements. This mindful practice helps individuals disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature.
During the walk, Lea asks participants to collect objects from the forest floor, giving them personal meaning before letting them go. This simple act of choosing and releasing objects fosters a sense of calm and contemplation. The walk concludes at Laghetto di Fié, a serene swimming lake where visitors relax and enjoy the tranquil environment.
In Conclusion
The Dolomites offer more than just winter sports; they provide a sanctuary for those seeking relaxation and a deeper connection with nature. Sensoria and the surrounding landscape invite visitors to experience the region’s unique blend of natural beauty and holistic wellness.