Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa San Cassiano

Tucked into Italy’s spectacular UNESCO-protected Dolomites lies the charming mountain village of San Cassiano, and at its heart, Rosa Alpina.

Providing unparalleled access to the winter destination of the Dolomiti Superski, this elegant retreat is also the ideal base for experiencing the region’s natural beauty and outdoor pursuits in summer and autumn.

For years this gracious family-run hotel and spa with its renowned three Michelin-starred restaurant has been a home-away-from-home.

But it is not just its exceptional facilities and quiet glamour that makes it the perfect Aman Partner Hotel: It is the warmth of its discreet and impeccable service, and its timeless sense of peace.

Rosa Alpina’s first stone was laid in 1850, when a vidum, a parish priest house, was built using a donation made to the Church by a prosperous San Cassiano family. The parishioners ran a small restaurant in the house, and offered lodging to guests.

At that time San Cassiano had little more than 100 inhabitants and the village consisted of the church, the vidum, the school, the sexton‘s house and about ten cabins in the mountains.

Luxurious Rooms and Suites
Accommodation includes 52 spacious rooms and suites, a three-bedroom penthouse, and the three-bedroom Chalet Zeno.

Celebrating local hospitality with an elegant, refined Alpine atmosphere, each has been individually designed in a unique and authentic mountain-inspired style featuring a blend of local antiques and fine materials. Especially ideal for families, a number of rooms and suites are interconnecting.

Rosa Alpina Private
Enjoy seclusion and privacy within Rosa Alpina for a time together with family and friends. We can arrange from two to up to five suites to be connected with their own entrance and hallway on the same floor.

The Penthouse offers a living and dining space, including a small kitchenette with access to three suites. Chalet Zeno offers three double bedrooms and a spacious living area with dining and kitchen areas and its own private garden.

Loft Suite
Utterly unique, each of the state-of-the-art Loft Suites in the wooden Chalet wing offers traditional elegance with a modern twist. They are open plan and encompass approximately 50m² with a 10m² south-facing terrace. Reflecting local style with modern touches.

An open fireplace provides a welcoming focal point, while a relaxing sitting area and natural wooden floors from an old Austrian farmhouse add warmth to the sophisticated decor.

Supremely comfortable beds offer goose down duvets, while spacious marble bathrooms, each with a hammam shower and a bathtub, complement this very special hotel experience.

Suites
The perfect intimate retreat in the Dolomites, a number of our 44-58m² Suites are situated over two floors, with the living area separate from the bedroom. The Suites are furnished according to different themes which reference local culture.

The comfortable living area offers a sofa and either a fireplace or a tiled stove. The bathrooms feature a walk-in shower, bathtub and double basins.

Penthouse
A private refuge located on the top floor of the Engelstrakt. Housing one master suite, including its own private Finnish sauna with forest views and two additional bedrooms, all with hammam showers, a living room with a dining area, bar, kitchen and fireplace, the newly renovated Penthouse on the fourth floor spans 180m² and offers fabulous views of San Cassiano and the surrounding Dolomites peaks.

The Penthouse has a private access via an internal elevator. For utmost guest comfort, this generously appointed accommodation combines mountain charm with Italian elegance and designer furnishings, offering an outstanding contemporary retreat for families and friends.

Châlet Zeno
Chalet Zeno combines the ultimate comfort with superb service in the finest location to ensure the holiday of a lifetime. A contemporary mountain-style chalet, Chalet Zeno offers three double bedrooms and a spacious living area with exposed wooden beams and an inviting fireplace.

An elegant bar divides the living space from the dining and kitchen areas. The private garden offers an outdoor Finnish Sauna and a Jacuzzi. Chalet Zeno comprises one master suite, one suite and one Deluxe Room, for a maximum of six guests. The suites feature generous bathrooms with hammam showers.

DINING AT ROSA ALPINA
With four unique dining venues to choose from, Rosa Alpina promises a truly gastronomic experience. Breakfast on Limonaia’s sunny terrace overlooking the forest. Savour family style Italian dishes with gaze-worthy mountain views for lunch and dinner in the Wine Bar & Grill, also open for dinner.

As the stars come out, head to intimate Fondue Stube or feast on 3 Michelin Star + 1 Green Star cuisine by Executive Chef Norbert Niederkofler in world-renowned St. Hubertus.

Executive Chef Norbert Niederkofler
Chef Niederkofler’s culinary roots can be traced back to the Valle Aurina, a small valley near Bolzano in the province of South Tyrol. It was his father who inspired in him to develop a love of home cooking using high quality local products.

Norbert began his formal training in Germany, before moving to Switzerland, the USA, Austria and back to Germany, where he was trained by renowned chefs Jörg Müller and Eckart Witzigmann.

He then returned to Italy, gaining further expertise under Nadia Santini. In 1994, Norbert joined the team at Rosa Alpina and began working toward the opening of Restaurant St. Hubertus, which took place in 1996.

Norbert says: “When I was 18 years old I had a great goal in mind: I wanted to see the world. And I had a second goal, a much more moderate one: I wanted to be a chef.

With a lot of discipline, I was able to combine both my wishes. I experienced ups and downs. My success is the result of clear ideas and goals, and the fact that I always question myself and try to remain humble.

Michelin starred restaurant St. Hubertus
The domain of legendary Chef Norbert Niederkofler and his team, Restaurant St. Hubertus has earned three Michelin stars celebrating Niederkofler’s ‘Cook the Mountain’ philosophy.

Only local and seasonal ingredients are used in regional dishes that reflect the beauty and vivid character of the mountains. Named for the patron saint of hunting, the restaurant opened in 1996 – at that time just a tiny space within the hotel’s pizzeria.

After being awarded a Michelin star 2000, the restaurant replaced the pizzeria with today’s look: Nine tables grace the dining room, while the chef’s table overlooks the kitchen and one romantic table rests beside the open fireplace. A second Michelin star followed in 2007, and a third in 2018.

In 2020 the restaurant was one of 13 out of the 371 starred restaurants in the Michelin guide to be awarded with its newest distinction, a green ‘star’, symbolised by a leaf.

This has been introduced to recognise sustainable gastronomy and distinguish restaurants that are taking responsibility in the conservation of resources and the protection of biodiversity, as well as in reduced consumption of non-renewable energy.

Wine Bar & Grill
This atmospheric restaurant with its Italian family style cuisine, authentic wood-fired pizza oven and convivial bar shifts seamlessly from day into night. Its menu is simple yet creative, offering a refreshing take on local cuisine inspired by the ‘Cook the Mountain’ culinary concept.

Executive Chef Norbert Niederkofler along with Chef Fabio Zammarano and the entire St. Hubertus team oversees the curation of tasty and diverse dishes reflecting their sublime natural setting. A wide range of international wines are available.

Open daily from noon to 2pm and from 6.30pm to 9.30pm. Pizza is served every evening, except on Thursdays

Fondue Stube
An intimate venue serving iconic cheese and meat fondues, Fondue Stube offers a relaxed dining experience ideal after an active day in the mountains. Round off your meal with a chocolate fondue, bringing back the best of childhood memories.

Limonaia
For a hearty start to a day in the Dolomites, the light-filled restaurant Limonaia, offers an extensive breakfast to be enjoyed over crisp white table linens with wide-windowed forest views.

A range of multigrain breads and buttery croissants are home baked daily and served alongside jams, fresh fruit, cereals, yoghurt and eggs prepared as you desire.

To drink, choose from freshly squeezed juices, espresso and cappuccino, different blends of coffee and a wide selection of teas and infusions. A variety of biological and gluten-free products are available. Breakfast is served every day from 7.00am to 10.30am.

Lobby & Bar
The spirit of this welcoming space lies in tradition and warmth, and its inviting atmosphere reflects this. Quiet, intimate and relaxed, the Lobby & Bar features a wood-beamed ceiling, a magnificent fireplace and the gentle strains of live piano music nightly.

Whether over a glass of champagne, an indulgent afternoon tea or a cigar in the Fumoir, this is the ideal place to chill out.

HOLISTIC WELLNESS IN THE DOLOMITES
Wellness is an important focus for Rosa Alpina, and the hotel’s comprehensive spa is a serene haven in which guests can relax after an active day in the outdoors. An adults-only area ensures peace and tranquillity apart from the family-friendly facilities.

Nine tranquil treatment rooms are complemented by two indoor heated swimming pools with garden and forest views – one for families and one exclusively for adults.

Other facilities include a Jacuzzi, yoga studio, fully equipped gym and hydrotherapy areas including a Turkish hammam, a Finnish sauna, a Bio sauna and a cold plunge pool.

The spa menu offers an extensive range of massages, facials and specialist treatments. A number of treatments are offered in collaboration with Aman Spa, incorporating Aman’s all-natural skincare products.

Wellness treatments
Drawing on the healing power of nature, Rosa Alpina’s spa menu includes body scrubs and wraps, massages, facials, foot reflexology, specialist therapies and a range of beauty treatments, as well as signature spa journeys.

All are customised to suit individual needs after a personal consultation. Every treatment begins with a soothing foot ritual incorporating mountain herbs, natural salt and Aroma essential oil, and the treatments themselves are enjoyed by candlelight, with gentle music.

After your treatment, relax with herbal tea and healthy, homemade refreshments in the calming spa lounge. Movement options include yoga, Pilates and personal training.

Pool for families
Our heated indoor swimming pool for families enjoys a magnificent view of our private garden and the forest. Temperature 26° to 30°C or 78,8° to 86°F. Length 13m or 42,65 feet. Width 6,5m or 16,40 feet. Open from 7am to 8pm

Sauna and spa
A Turkish hammam, a Finnish sauna and a relaxation area are the perfect spot where to unwind after a day spent outdoors. Open from 7am to 8pm

Adults-only Spa Facilities
A child-free area where tranquillity reigns, this peaceful wing of Rosa Alpina’s extensive spa is reserved exclusively for the use of those aged 16 and over.

The adults-only facilities include an indoor, heated swimming pool and relaxation area with uninterrupted forest views; hydrotherapy facilities comprising a Turkish hammam, Finnish sauna, Bio sauna and cold plunge pool; a yoga studio; and a fully equipped gym. Open from 2.30pm to 8pm

Indoor pool and relaxation area
Our adults-only indoor pool is surrounded by an extensive relaxation area and outdoor deck with forest views. Natural black serpentine stone provides a dramatic yet soothing contrast with untreated spruce, creating an atmosphere of supreme peace and tranquillity.

Steam and Sauna
A serene marble-clad Turkish hammam, a Finnish sauna and a Bio sauna are available for total relaxation after a strenuous session on the slopes, hiking in the fresh mountain air, or working out in the gym.

The Bio sauna is surrounded by woodland giving you the sensation of being in the middle of a forest. After a refreshing shower, spend a quiet moment in the dedicated relaxation area. These facilities are for adults only. Open from 2.30pm to 8pm

The Yoga Studio
Located on the first floor with large windows overlooking the woods, the light-filled Yoga Studio inspires the perfect mindset for your yoga and Pilates practice.

Offered on request, sessions are led by experienced practitioners and can be tailored to individual fitness and health goals. Try our signature 80-minute yoga session, which combines aspects of Hatha and Raja yoga.

The former focuses on physical asanas (postures) aimed at stimulating ligaments’ elasticity with consequent muscle stretching, while the latter integrates acquired benefits with breathing techniques, for complete mental and consequently physical relaxation.

During the Summer months we offer personalised yoga sessions in the meadows on the mountain. Our yoga sessions are on request and payment is required.

The Gym
Located on the first floor next to our yoga studio, our state-of-the-art gym with woodland views makes working out less effort. Guests must book the Gym in advance with reception. Open from 7am to 8pm

The Library
This wood-panelled, sunlit space filled with books and comfortable sofas around a central fireplace overlooks the forest through floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Relax with a novel by the fire or step out onto the terrace to breath in the pristine mountain air. This is the perfect spot to unwind or enjoy some alone time.

The Terrace
Set above the hotel’s forest-fringed garden, Rosa Alpina’s wooden Terrace is the ideal spot for catching the brilliant Dolomites sunshine. Enjoy an alfresco breakfast, lunch or even dinner in the summer months, or savour a coffee in winter.

Games Room and Cinema
The Games Room and 12-seat cinema provide plenty of scope for indoor entertainment, ideal for whiling away lazy hours in the company of family and friends.

Boutique
A treasure trove next to the main entrance, our boutique sells a range of exclusive room fragrances, handmade teddy bears, Marzotto cashmere blankets, Italian bags, handmade knives by Coltelleria Lepre, and more. You can also purchase wines from our cellar – our sommeliers will be happy to assist.

The Pizzinini Family Mountain Cabins
Our guests have access to two private mountain cabins at 2,000m – each offering unrivalled privacy and an unparalleled back-to-nature experience where the earth touches the sky.

The first is ideal for those wishing to spend a day in the mountains, using it as a base to explore or as a unique venue for personalised lunches. The second, Cabin Trugnei, is a two-storey cabin perfect for overnight excursions for the adventurous.

All meals are delivered by the hotel, and in summer, mountain bikes are provided for those wishing to descend via an exciting downhill trail. Please note that an overnight stay in Cabin Trugnei can only be booked with a minimum stay of three nights at the hotel.

Family
To meet the needs of our many guests with children, Rosa Alpina offers a whole range of services including 24-hour babysitting, allowing you to spend your family holiday in the wonderful South Tyrol totally relaxed and carefree.

While restaurants have baby flatware, bibs, highchairs and children’s menus available, rooms and suites can include everything from cots and soft toys, to bottle warmers, humidifiers, sterilisers, diapers, baby wipes, children’s bathrobes and kids’ slippers.

We even have a children’s amenities line. Bathrooms throughout the hotel are also fully stocked with everything a parent could need. Babysitting can be arranged upon request.

Children’s activities can easily be arranged, and include cooking classes and guided outdoor activities ranging from mountain biking and rock climbing to cross country skiing, tobogganing and ice skating. Baby buggies can also be provided.

ACTIVITIES AND EXPERIENCES 
Rosa Alpina offers unrivalled access to all the natural, cultural and historic aspects of the UNESCO-protected Dolomites, including Alta Badia – voted Queen of the Alps by the prestigious Italian Touring Club.

This magnificent area includes the expansive Dolomiti Superski and Sella Ronda networks of varied pistes, making the hotel ideal for hosting mixed ability groups of skiers and families during the winter season (December to April).

At an altitude of 1,537m, San Cassiano offers access to 1,200km of slopes and 450 lifts – all with one ski pass.

From June to October, the hotel serves as the perfect base for those wishing to explore San Cassiano’s breathtaking natural surroundings in the sunshine, whether hiking, climbing, cycling, sky running, paragliding, mountain biking or simply picnicking.

The annual Maratona dles Dolomites road bicycle race – open to amateurs – is a huge attraction each summer. To best enjoy all that the Dolomite region has to offer, Rosa Alpina tailors personalised itineraries for the adventurous and seasonal experience at their private mountain huts.

Perfect for a pre or post stay at Aman Venice, Rosa Alpina is just three hours’ drive north of Venice. Rosa Alpina is also two hours south of Innsbruck, it is extremely accessible and an ideal stop to be incorporated into an itinerary.

Holiday in the Dolomites in Summer
The majestic Dolomites play host to an unforgettable alpine experience: The diverse landscape with its jagged peaks, emerald-green meadows, peaceful valleys and idyllic villages is a veritable playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

While in winter, Dolomiti Superski offers vast skiable terrain (ranked among the world’s top ski destinations) for every level, Summer and Autumn brings exciting outdoor adventure with hiking, mountain biking, road biking, climbing, multiple via ferrata routes, sky running, running and golf.

Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park
The mountains of Fanes circle a vast amphitheatre of undulating pastures. Here you will find multiple easy but satisfying hiking trails, and a number of peaks can be summited for breathtaking views.

Famous sites include the Armentara Meadows, a small but highly diverse area with an impressive variety of floral species. The Fanes High Alpine Pasture with its lithic amphitheatre known as the ‘Marmots’ Parliament’ is another stunning spot and the setting of the Ladin legend, ‘The Empire of the Fanes’.

Then of course, there is the Conturines Cave in which the bones of multiple prehistoric bears, the ‘Ursus Ladinicus’, were discovered in 1987. Guided excursions can be easily arranged.

Puez-Odle Nature Park
Showcasing a very different but equally magnificent landscape to Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, Puez-Odle includes the mountains of the Odle group, the Putia group and the high-plateau-like Puez group.

The famous Dolomite high route no. 2 – known as ‘the high route of legends’ – winds through this area with its raw beauty. All the rock strata typical for the Dolomites can be found here, as well as Jurassic and Cretaceous rocks, while flora is characterised by dwarf rhododendrons, artemisia and buttercups.

The region’s fauna is well represented, with chamois, marmot, mountain pheasants and golden eagles often spotted. Guided excursions can be easily arranged.

Hiking and walking in the Dolomites
Hiking is the perfect way to experience the beauty of the Dolomites, offering plenty of opportunities to drink in the views, picnic amid wild flowers and simply enjoy the peace and tranquillity of nature.

Families and casual walkers will enjoy strolling through the sunny Armentarola and Stores Meadows, and along the Larch and Meditation Trails. Those who prefer longer hikes will appreciate Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and Lagazuoi Mountain.

There are also the famous trails used in the First World War, and the guided hike to the cave at 2,800m in which the remains of prehistoric cave bears ‘ursus ladinicus’ were found in 1987.

Mountain biking in The Dolomites
One of the most thrilling summer sports in the region, mountain biking offers an exhilarating way of exploring Alta Badia’s natural wonderland. Routes for all levels meander through forests and meadows across enchanting countryside, while exciting downhill trails are perfect for experienced riders.

Hotel guests can use Rosa Alpina’s mountain bikes on a complimentary basis, and we are happy to arrange the rental of more technical bikes.

Cycling in The Dolomites
Without question one of the most dramatic and stunning mountain ranges on the planet, the Dolomites and their jagged spires have poetically been referred to as “God’s backyard.”

With their awe-inspiring beauty, the Dolomites have also been the primary inspiration for some of the most legendary and historic stages of the Giro d’Italia.

Such famed climbs as Passo di Pordoi, the Marmolada, the Passo Gardena and the Passo di Campolongo (just to name a few), have tested the strength and stamina of the world’s fittest cyclists for decades.

Following each day’s ride, you’ll look forward to relaxing in the spa and refuelling on homemade Italian pasta, bruschetta, tiramisu and some of Italy’s finest wines at Rosa Alpina’s restaurants.

Climbing in the Dolomites: Via Ferrata
The possibilities offered by this immense natural gymnasium are innumerable and should be made the most of, the only condition being that this incredible gift of nature is respected completely.

From alpinism to sports climbing, routes of all types and grades exist, weaving their way up an infinite number of splendid rock faces, seemingly created for what here in the Dolomites has historically been one of the major sports.

And then there are of course the protected ‘Via Ferrata’ and equipped paths, “invented” here, enabling easy access to the summits of the greatest and highest Dolomite peaks.

Mountain Guides
For those guests who dream of climbing one of the famous north faces of the Dolomites, or try a memorable via ferrata or ski a deep couloir, Rosa Alpina work closely with Diego Zanesco. Every itinerary is unique, created individually to suit your style, taste and preferences.

Diego and his wife Franziska and their team are experts on the Dolomites and offer first-hand experience and recommendations. All their trips are tailor-made that reflect our guests’ requirements and culture.

Golf in the Dolomites
From June to October, golf lovers can enjoy a quiet game on the new 9-hole, par 72 golf course just a few kilometres from the centre of Corvara. At an altitude of 1,700m, the course offers spectacular views but is not too tiring, with a height differential of only 45m.

The layout of the holes, following the gentle reliefs, makes for an entertaining and creative game. The simple wooden clubhouse offers changing rooms and showers. There is also a putting green, a practice green and two professional assistants.

Alta Badia in Winter
To ensure that your ski holiday in this remarkable snow-sport destination is as exhilarating, seamless and enjoyable as possible, Rosa Alpina offers the following services.

• Ski pass – Ski passes provided at reception
• Ski rental – Your skis, snowboard and other equipment will be delivered to the hotel the day of your arrival or at your preferred time
• Ski School–please book your ski guide in advance
• Snowshoeing – ice climbing – ski touring – Our mountain guides coordinated by Diego Zanesco will meet you at the hotel upon appointment
• Cross country skiing (Mindful skiing) – Begin just 3km from the hotel
• Sledging – Please enquire at reception for sledge rental and advice on routes

Ski Service
Rosa Alpina offers a professional ski fitting service. After completing the ski equipment form with all your details and preferences including ski type, shoe size and helmet size, all your equipment is chosen and stored.

In the morning, our staff prepares everything you need for your day’s skiing or snowboarding, and delivers it to our ski shuttle for your convenience. The shuttle runs continuously throughout the day between the hotel and the Piz Sorega lift station.

The Dolomites – A Unesco World Heritage Site
Since 2009, the Dolomites have been listed as a Unesco Natural World Heritage site and are as such one of the world’s specially protected natural and cultural monuments.

The Dolomites’ bizarre rock formations extend across a 150km by 80km area. With its highest peak, Marmolada (3,334 m) and 17 others, all higher than 3,000 metres above sea level, the Dolomites offer breathtaking scenery and unforgettable views.

Geology of the Dolomites
Formed 200 millions years ago out of the primeval ocean, today the Dolomites reach 3,000 metres into the sky.

The Dolomites owe their name to the French Déodat Guy Sylvain Tancrède Gratet de Dolomieu (1750- 1801) who “discovered” the chemical composition, i.e., stratified calcium magnesium carbonate, of their unusual rock.

Dolomieu, a nobleman and member of the French Institute, was also a geologist, and in 1789, he collected rock samples and sent these to the geologist Nicholas de Saussure for examination.

He had been intrigued by the rock’s abnormal reaction to chloral acid, since it reacted less violently to this acid than other calcium-based rocks.

The geological history of the Dolomites is represented by the numerous fossils and minerals that have been found in the area. The sedimentary rocks unveil a large number of easily accessible fossils and minerals.

Flora and fauna of the Dolomites
The Dolomites are rich in vegetation and animal species, making them a delightful natural environment to explore and discover while on holiday in Alta Badia.

Flora
Thanks to its position and geological conformation, Alta Badia boasts an extremely rich and characteristic flora. In the valleys it is possible to find the most beautiful species of meadow flowers, while delicate alpine flowers grow in the rocky zones and on glaciers.

At the beginning of spring, when the meadows are not yet green, they are covered by a blanket of white crocus, which is then replaced by bright yellow dandelions.

The spring gentian, the primrose, the buttercup and the mountain soldanella can be found in the more humid meadows. The anemone is found in the high meadows whilst the anemone hepatica grows in the woods.

However, the most beautiful season as far as plant wildlife is concerned is from June until late August. During this time the auricula, various species of gentian, the nigritella, the daphnia, the saxifrage, the columbine, the campanula and various species of lily come into flower.

The mountain slopes are made even more beautiful by the evocative red rhododendrons. There is also a vast variety of wild herbs which are used for our “Cook The Mountain” dishes served at the St. Hubertus. Others such as arnica for example are used in the spa to treat sore muscles after sports activities.

Fauna
The mountains and the woods of Alta Badia offer a unique attraction for those who love the animal world. The rustling of wings, the running of a roe-deer, the cheerful scurrying of a squirrel, the singing of birds and the perfect flight of an eagle help to animate the different aspects of this world which surrounds us.

In the high mountains the reliefs have caused the bigger four-legged animals to acquire an extraordinary agility. This vital quality gives them a sureness of step which means they always tread in the right place without ever slipping.

The most noted example is the chamois. A springy hoof with several sections that can separate independently from each other makes the chamois the king of the mountains. Chamois are found in the gorges of the Sella, in the Puez – Gardenaccia group, in the valleys of the Setsas and especially on the Fanes plateau.

It is often possible to encounter herds of 20 to 30 chamois. Whilst in the summer they venture up the mountains to heights of 3,000 metres, they spend the winter in the high mugo pine woods.

The legends of the Dolomites
While the Dolomite mountain range has revealed many of its geological secrets, the origins of its ancient and hospitable people, the Ladin, is still shrouded in mystery.

Living in the heart of the Dolomites, the Ladin have their own language, culture and traditions, as well as a rich repository of myths and legends, passed from father to son.

These ancient stories are full of princesses and dragons, mountains and lakes, and are sure to enchant young and old alike. The ladins of the Dolomites don’t distinguish between “myth” and “legend”, they talk about “contìe”, true stories.

Website: www.rosalpina.it

Rooms: 52

Price: from 483 EUR per night