Debut in the Dolomites for the Aman Rosa Alpina

Whether snow-capped peaks, green pastures or the warm colours of autumn with the Enrosadira in all its beauty, one's gaze remains inebriated when, having opened the windows, one finds oneself in front of those extraordinary Dolomite peaks: Lagazuoi, Piz Cunturines and Varella. And then not far away still the profile of Sas de Pütia, Gherdenacia, Sassongher and Sella. Add to this astonishing nature a tradition of Ladin hospitality that for over three generations has made San Cassiano, a small village in Alta Badia in South Tyrol, a popular destination for world tourism. This is the story of the Rosa Alpina, formerly Relais & Chateaut, one of the oldest hotels in Alto Adige, which as of today, after a restyling lasting more than two years, begins a new course, becoming Aman Rosa Alpina, with the famous brand arriving in the Dolomites after Venice (the next is Rome). Nothing remains of the old Alpine hotel, built in its historical part in 1939, and it has been completely transformed into a modern and refined design hotel. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy of Denniston, who designed the restyling, has completely rethought the spaces while maintaining the delicate balance between innovation and respect for the Alpine environment. Wood, natural stone and black metal accents characterise the new design, with a double-height lobby welcoming guests in a refined atmosphere dominated by the Dolomite peaks.

Five years ago, the Pizzini family, with Hugo and Ursula still at the helm, sold 49% of the business to entrepreneur Vladislav Doronin, president and managing director of Aman, a brand synonymous with ultra-luxury hospitality and lifestyle, with the aim of preserving the place and its traditions but also expanding its horizons. "The project with Aman was born almost by chance," emphasises Ugo Pizzinini, "after Doronin came to the Rosa Alpina, first as a guest, and then became a friend and partner. I signed the agreement with my children in mind, who were young at the time, with a wide margin for flexibility. For now this transition is an important step, we have pondered it and I am satisfied with the work done so far. The partnership with Aman allows us to honour our family's legacy by joining a brand renowned for its attention to detail and respect for place. Our nature, the spirit of the region, the authenticity and excellence that has always characterised us remain unchanged and our guests will always find it"..

Ugo Pizzinini has personally supervised the renovation (the investment is almost 60 million euro), emphasising certain elements: sociability, liveability and sustainability. "I could have done 78 rooms and instead there are 50: priority spaces (on average 80 square metres but you can also reach 150 square metres; average prices from 1800 to 2000 euro per night) with large terraces, overlooks and 33 have a sauna. The underfloor heating is powered by a hydroelectric plant'. Super innovative is the Spa with three swimming pools (one 22 metre outdoor pool), hydromassage and a 220 square metre gym to make a real sports centre envious. For families with children, there is a play area for children and one for teenagers, three cinemas, and a play area for adults with billiards. And then again for those who decide to check out late there are rooms available. Among the many extra-luxury experiences and services (from skiing with instructors to the possibility of arriving by helicopter to super gourmet dinners) there are also tailor-made lunches and dinners in the Pizzinini family's two private refuges. And in honour of Ugo's passion for wine, there is now a wine cellar (35,000 bottles) for tastings. The staff (100 employees) is the real jewel in the structure's crown 'because a quality service can only be provided if it has adequate personnel,' Pizzinini concludes. 'We are happy that all the front lines followed us in this adventure and today we have a more than consolidated team. In short, of the old Rosa Alpina the great tradition, the high service, the care for beauty and taste remain unchanged "above all our nature remains, the one that makes us precious, our fossils, our atmospheres," adds Ugo Pizzini, "and above all our commitment to preserving it.