The one thing about Forestis is that it is near impossible to sum up. Some say it’s the most regenerative experience you can ever have in your life, while others simply laud it for its knockout views of the of the toothy Geislergruppe, one of the Dolomites’ most extraordinary massifs. While the location is extraordinary, Forestis really is all about the surprises. At first, I was not a fan. It was unlike anything in Italy I had ever seen before and perhaps that’s where my naivety got me best. This is Brixen in South Tyrol, the Austrian/German chunk of the Italian Alps region gifted to the nation post-World War Two. Everything is different here. German is the first language spoken and instead of chaos, there’s a such a striking sense of order you often forget you are in Italy at all.
Style wise, the alpine chic really hits you. For the most part Forestis delivers visual sex on all levels. The main building – originally built as a sanatorium for Austrian royalty then used as a retreat for the Vatican – houses the main lobby and original early 20th century interiors. Think traditional chalet with all of the wood trimmings, minus the over-the-top gratuitous decorative tat. Elsewhere, the tiered futuristic restaurant serves minimalist vibes to the playbook, while the bar, inside and out, enjoys panoramic views of the mountains and beyond. Perhaps the most surprising thing about the place is its towers where three space age-esque towers house everything from the fitness centre to the rooftop bar and coveted Tower Suites. The design is supremely stripped back – something local owners Stefan Hinteregger and Teresa Unterthiner really wanted to emphasise in Forestis’ design language.
As for the rooms and suites, do not expect to come here to find stag horns on the walls, or my personal worst nightmare, hardcore Last Christmas-inspired chalet core. In place of all the animal skins and horns is a blank canvas. Enormous windows do all the talking, as do all the pines and deep tub bathtubs. The balconies, complete with daybeds, are the biggest highlights thanks to the sweeping views. Advice: do not close your curtains and allow all of the natural mountain light to seep through the windows as the sun pierces all the jagged mountain tops. Best room? The two-floor penthouse suite. It’s worth bankrupting yourself just for the spruce-wood private sauna, private pool and uninterrupted star gazing from the cozy bed.
Surprisingly, food is a real treat here and offer menus you would not naturally expect. The tasting menu changes nightly as the kitchen aims to be as waste-free as possible. Minimal food miles are a given as are foraged pine shoots and anything that grows on trees. Stand outs include the wild salads and seasonal raw meat dishes. It’s all very hearty, yet very light. Breakfast is somewhat of a buffet symphony of cheeses, jams, cold cuts and foraged forest fruits. All trump the hot options (except the pancakes which are worth the extra calories).
Yera, the hotel’s newly opened concept restaurant sees guests savour a three-plus hour ancient Celtic-inspired menu devoured from within the belly of a nearby underground cave. The strictly no-phones fine dining affair is the brainchild of Executive Chef Roland Lamprecht. Based on stirring the primordial senses, the entire concept is based on the fruits of the harvest, foraging produce based on locality and cooked according to inherited Tyrolean traditions. Expect pagan rituals, a soundtrack tuned to the sounds of drums and everything from fermented veg, spruce shoots, forest plants and kombucha wines, all gorged on around a fire pit – an homage to the age-old practice of gathering for a feast around the fire.
Come fun on the mountain tops, Hans is your man. He, alongside a team of trekkers, co designs all of the activities at Forestis from guided walks to private hikes. Getting out and taking in the fresh air is what this part of South Tyrol is all about, so whatever the season, the trails are endless and breathtakingly beautiful.
Fast Facts
Location: Brixen, Italy
Address: Palmschoss 22, 39042 Brixen (Bressanone), South Tyrol, Italy
The vibe: A touch of Scandi in the mountains. Here, you relax and unwind to your heart’s content.
Room Count: 62
Starting Rate: From about 920 USD per night.
Dining: High end mountain cuisine meets celtic flair. For foodies, it’s a major destination for those who want to try dishes outside of the box.
Amenities: Bar, restaurant, spa, gym.Inspiration Among the Vineyards—This Is Le Marne Relais
Brixen, Italy
