A year of celebrations for the great Alpine hotels
Val Badia. The Hotel Perla in Corvara: 70 years of excellence in hospitality
On 5 June, Hotel La Perla (part of Casacosta 1956, a long-standing member of The Leading Hotels of the World in the Dolomites) opened its summer season for the seventieth time. This is a rare achievement in the contemporary hotel industry: a hotel and a family that, for seventy years, have never ceased to be a key benchmark for Alpine and international hospitality. Today, La Perla is part of Casa Costa1956, a collection of four hotels (La Perla, BergHotel Ladinia, Hotel La Posta, Bio Alpine Hotel Gran Fodà) spanning the Dolomites and Tuscany, established in different locations yet united by a single vision of hospitality. La Perla, founded in 1956 by Ernesto and Anni Costa, began as a guesthouse and has never ceased to achieve significant pioneering milestones. In the early 1980s, La Stüa de Michil opened – the first gourmet restaurant in South Tyrol to earn a Michelin star. Then, in 2005, it became the first hotel in the province to join the renowned network of The Leading Hotels of the World. A few years later, it embarked on a significant pioneering journey, aimed at developing a form of hospitality that respects both people and the environment. Today, the La Perla hotel holds the prestigious GSTC certification, confirming that its commitment to sustainable tourism remains a priority. It is also a pioneer in the so-called ‘Economy for the Common Good’, which involves a win-win relationship with its staff. Anni and Ernesto Costa have long since passed the baton to their sons Michil, Mathias and Maxi, and the third generation will soon follow, already preparing to become the custodians of this great family estate. There is meticulous attention to detail in spaces where wood takes centre stage. Family heirlooms, period furniture from the South Tyrol, tablecloths perfectly complemented by fresh flowers on tables set anew each day, and lighting that is always just right. Excellence in service, tradition and innovation in relations with guests and staff: for seventy years, life at La Perla has revolved around the dining table. What began as a simple gesture of hospitality – a family cooking for guests at a small guesthouse in Corvara in 1956 – has evolved over time into something more complex, whilst never straying from its roots. Today, three restaurants coexist under one roof, each with its own distinct character but united by the same conviction. Alongside the unmissable culinary experience, the wine experience is a must here, and of course, there are daily opportunities to discover the wonderful natural surroundings.
