Finding Alpine bliss in the heart of the Italian DolomitesAlexandra Casey The West AustralianSat, 6 September 2025 7:47AM
A countryside escape that feels like stepping into a storybook is exactly how I would describe Adler Lodge Ritten — a place where crisp mountain air fills your lungs, magnificent silence is only broken by birdsong, and time itself seems to slow.
Nestled on the sun-drenched plateau of Ritten, just outside of Bolzano in northern Italy, this lodge is more than a place to stay; it’s a gateway to an extraordinary blend of nature, culture, and slow living — a place where Italian and German cultures intertwine, and hotel guests walk around in thongs and dressing gowns.
From the moment I arrived, I felt cocooned in comfort and elegance, with nature always just a glance away. The lodge’s design is a masterclass in alpine-modern style — the warm wood, natural stone, and clean lines create spaces that are both sleek and inviting. Every suite feels like a private sanctuary, with panoramic windows framing the jagged peaks and plush furnishings that beg you to relax.
Where luxury meets nature
It’s a place unlike anywhere I’ve experienced, perfect for couples and those who want to prioritise wellness experiences and time in nature. You can easily spend hours in the outdoor sauna nestled among the trees or gliding through the heated infinity pool overlooking the valley and mountains beyond. Or if the spa is more your fancy, you can make yourself at home with the range of treatments on offer, inspired by local herbs and ancient alpine remedies.
The hotel’s accommodations come in two flavours: lodge suites and freestanding chalets. I’m staying in one of the light and airy junior suites, which features 45sqm of living, floor-to-ceiling windows, and one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever slept in.
The spacious wooden balcony boasts breathtaking views of the Dolomites, while the bathroom has a gorgeous rain showerhead and, naturally, a private sauna. There’s also a tea bar and mini bar brimming with local products, including Loacker chocolate biscuits, which are made in the region.
A small province with a fascinating history
After World War I, the province of South Tyrol broke off from Austria and was annexed by Italy, so the local cuisine is a unique fusion of Italian, Austrian, and German flavours, reflecting the region’s Alpine and Mediterranean influences. It’s why you’ll find knodel dumplings and spaghetti, and the people speak both German and Italian.
Adler Lodge’s panorama restaurant celebrates this heritage with gourmet farm-to-table menus that feel both authentic and innovative. Breakfasts are a feast of homemade breads, local cheeses, smoked meats, and fresh fruit, accompanied by artisanal jams and honey sourced from the lodge’s apiary.
Evenings consist of five-course candlelight dining with a wine list of regional gems like Lagrein and Gewurztraminer. From homemade pastas and risotto to beef entrecote and fresh mountain trout, each meal is worth writing home about.
Adventures and activities for every season
Whether you want to spend your entire trip at the lodge (and who could blame you?) or get out and explore the exquisite UNESCO-listed Dolomites beyond, there are so many ways to while away the hours. Guided hikes, e-bike tours, and Pilates and yoga classes are just some of the experiences on offer.
The hotel is merely a stone’s throw from the town of Collalbo (also known as Klobenstein), which is home to everything from charming chapels and cosy cafes to the peculiar Earth Pyramids of Ritten and traditional wooden farmhouses offering a taste of South Tyrolean life. Here, the locals greet you with warmth, and the blend of Austrian and Italian influences creates a fascinating cultural tapestry.
However you choose to spend your day, afternoons are best enjoyed on the terrace with a book and a glass of local wine, soaking up the sunset hues over the Dolomites (a phenomenon known as enrosadira).
What sets Adler Lodge apart is its perfect balance of luxury and authenticity. You’re never far from nature’s grandeur, yet you enjoy every modern comfort with understated elegance. In a world rushing forward, this is a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the simple pleasures of mountain life — fresh air, good food, warm hospitality, and the stunning beauty of the Dolomites.
+ Alexandra Casey was a guest of Adler Lodge Ritten. They have not influenced this story, or read it before publication.
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