GRAND HOTEL SAVOIA OPENS ITS DOOR FOR A STUNNING SUMMER SEASON
A visit to this stylish sanctuary nestled in the Italian Alps is the summer break that dreams are made of
If ever there was a resort to allow hectic business leaders the chance to replenish mind, body and soul, then the Grand Hotel Savoia Cortina is it. Situated in the Alpine town of Cortina d'Ampezzo in the heart of the Dolomites, this Radisson Collection Hotel has been an icon of Italian elegance for more than 100 years. And this month it opens its doors for the 2023 summer season, with a whole host of delights on offer.
After you’ve admired the glamour and character of this stunning hotel, why not start off your day the best way possible - a yoga session followed by a swim in the grand pool? After that, you could head to the blissful Savoia SPA to relax in the sauna and jacuzzi, before finishing up with a bespoke wellness or beauty treatment. If fitness is your thing, the onsite gym offers state-of-the-art equipment, along with personal trainers to help you with your goals (but remember, you are on holiday).
Gastro lovers won’t be disappointed, with the Savoy Ristorante offering a wealth of local and traditional dishes reimagined with a mediterranean twist, complemented by a wide selection of wines from premium international offerings to local vintages. For something more casual but still delicious, stop by the Pizza Palace for a gourmet slice of freshly baked pizza made with local ingredients. When the day is done, head to the Sports Bar to watch a live football match or skiing competition, followed by the 1224 Terrazza Bar Lounge (named after Cortina’s altitude). Here you can relax with a cocktail in hand taking in the cinematic views of the Dolomites mountain range listening to a jazz band, DJ set or even a grand piano concert under the stars.
While you’d be forgiven for wanting never to leave the confines of the Grand Hotel Savoia, the surrounding area is too stunning to miss, and the best way to experience it in all its splendour, is on a hike. More than 400 kilometres of signposted trails mean walkers of every ability will find the perfect route for them, whether meandering through lush forest or taking a more intrepid route through the peaks. The surrounding lakes are truly magical, such as Lake Sorapis, which gets its turquoise colour from glacier dust and is accessible only by foot or helicopter. And for a truly original experience, why not visit one of the area’s many mountain huts? Originally serving as overnight shelters for mountaineers they have evolved to become lush refuges, offering homemade cooking to be enjoyed al fresco, with some even boasting hot tubs and saunas.
Shopping opportunities in the town are vast, and a recent resurgence of the local craft scene means lovers of original artisan furniture will be spoilt for choice. At night, the streets of Cortina d'Ampezzo come alive, with bars and restaurants spilling out onto the streets like something from a movie. Indeed, Cortina d'Ampezzo has been used as a filming location more than once, and during the 1950s - a Golden Age of Travel - played host to stars from Audrey Hepburn to Frank Sinatra.
A lively social diary complements the year-round entertainment, such as The Design Weekend in early July, dedicated to local design and sustainability, and classic car race, the Coppa d’Oro delle Dolomiti later in the month. Discover all that today’s best thinkers, speakers and inspirational figures have to offer at Cortina’s annual TEDX event in August, while in September, the Best of the Alps Golf Cup comes to the town as well as the two-day food festival, the Queen of Taste.
Beautiful surroundings, incredible food and endless opportunities to relax and reset. What are you waiting for? Buon viaggio!