High above Balzano within the mountainous village of Jenesien you’ll find Hotel Saltus, an oasis of wellness and design. Although contemporary, the property itself has a unique and beautiful history thanks to the family behind it. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, Saltus is no stranger to hospitality. Upon arrival, we were met with the warmest welcome as the smell of pine and fresh moss drew us into a state of pure relaxation… we had arrived.
Hotel Saltus, South Tyrol Italy
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Design & Atmosphere
So as not to disturb the natural topography of the land where Saltus stands, architects Heike Pohl and Andreas Zanier of Tera Studio created the hotel from three interconnected buildings nestled into the mountainside. Views into the surrounding nature can be enjoyed from every vantage point throughout the hotel, which are amplified thanks to the coherent use of natural materials both inside and out. Every detail, from the understated interior finishes to the minimalist mix of furniture, has been thoughtfully assembled. Yet nothing drowns out the hotel’s connection to the majestic mountainous scenery around. Every corner invites you to slow down and take in the beauty of the Dolomites, forest, and vast blue sky — scenes that often cause you to pause for a quiet moment of awe. And of course, this sense of serenity found outside is echoed in the peaceful atmosphere within the hotel lounge, spa area, and restaurant, with many beautiful details that bring warmth to the space like wooden tones, piney greenery, natural linen, and a curated assortment of patinaed Tyrolean furnishings which speak to the hotel’s history.
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Accommodations & Amenities
During our visit, Sven and I stayed in a beautiful and soothing Forest Loggia room. Graciously sized and airy, this room category offered ample space for relaxation. With floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony that expanded the entire width, we felt completely at ease. There was plenty of room to unpack within the built-in cabins and wardrobes — a feature which I imagine would be extra practical if visiting with children, hiking equipment, or during the winter months. Linen, wood, and soft hues of limestone defined the color pallet. In fact, the main element of color came from the evergreen pines just beyond the balcony. We slept with the curtains open each night so that the light from the morning’s rising sun could flood through the trees.
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Spa & Pool
When it comes to wellness and relaxation, nothing is amiss at Saltus. The expansive spaces devoted purely to these forms of self-restoration can be found in the Forest Spa, Sky Pool, and Yoga Studio. Sven and I spent the majority of our time at Saltus enjoying the spa and wellness program. Regardless of where you choose to spend your time, you’ll find a deep connection to the outdoor surroundings, even from within the massive Finnish sauna which offers 180 degree views into the green forest. And of course, you’ll find everything you need onsite, from Susanne Kaufmann’s fragrant Herbal Treats to endless snacks and tea. As the sun begins to set, it’s best to head up to the Sky Pool for an afternoon swim. The view of the rocky Dolomites painted in gold and pink light absolutely took my breath away.
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Breakfast & Dining
At Hotel Saltus, half-board is always included so Sven and I were happy to enjoy both breakfast and dinner there each day. A fresh and seasonal menu is created every day using many locally sourced ingredients based on South Tyrolean recipes — think contemporary dining meets Alpine tradition. During the morning hours, guests will find a mix of artisan bread, jam, patisserie, freshly pressed juices, selections of meats and cheeses, and other breakfast classics served à la carte. In the evening, guests are invited to enjoy a relaxed four-course dinner from an ever-changing menu. There are a few classic options that remain available each night, but Sven and I truly enjoyed the unique culinary journey the tasting menu provided. I particularly loved that each dinner experience was slow and relaxed, allowing us to take in the scenery as the mountain views faded with the evening light.
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AD / PR Stay – This blogpost was written in collaboration with Hotel Saltus
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AD – This blogpost was written in collaboration with Hotel Saltus
