Hotel Hubertus: Sky-High Serenity in the Heart of the Dolomites

A mountain legacy reimagined with contemporary style

Set at 1,350 metres above sea level in the charming village of Valdaora, at the foot of the Dolomites, Hotel Hubertus is far more than a five-star address: it is a story of family, passion and reinvention. Created in the early 20th century as a modest guesthouse, it was taken over in the 1980s by the Gasser family. Over the decades, successive generations have shaped the property with a clear ambition: to offer a sincere kind of alpine luxury, rooted in nature and in the authenticity of South Tyrol.

A bold turning point came in 2016 with a complete renovation led by architecture studio Noa* (Network of Architecture), propelling the hotel into a new era. Without denying its past, Hubertus embraces a striking modernity, guided by a single thread: the fusion of innovative design, local materials and a strong sense of place. This courageous repositioning now places it alongside alpine luxury icons such as The Chedi Andermatt, while preserving its own identity, built on family warmth and a deep connection to the mountains.

The result is impressive: a property that feels both intimate and grand, where every detail tells a story. Hotel Hubertus is not just a place to stay; it is an immersion in a renewed vision of alpine luxury, where the spirit of the mountains meets architectural daring.

A sensory experience between sky and peaks

Staying at Hotel Hubertus means stepping into a multisensory experience designed to awaken the senses and calm the mind. From the moment you arrive, the panorama of the Dolomites – a UNESCO World Heritage site – makes an immediate impact. The view stretches endlessly across peaks, green valleys and dense forests in South Tyrol. Beyond the natural setting, it is the care given to every moment of the guest experience that truly stands out.

Service is discreet yet attentive, personalised without feeling intrusive. A sense of serenity runs through the rooms and suites, all decorated with noble materials – pine wood, raw stone, local wool – and featuring large picture windows framing the mountains. Some even come with private outdoor jacuzzis, perfect for watching the sun set in complete privacy.

Days unfold in tune with a programme of activities designed for all kinds of guests: guided hikes, downhill skiing just moments away (in the Plan de Corones ski area), open-air yoga classes and meditation sessions facing the peaks. In both winter and summer, Hotel Hubertus becomes a retreat where you live in step with the mountain, a philosophy shared by other remarkable properties such as the Grand Hotel Kronenhof in Pontresina.

The Sky Pool: an architectural feat suspended in mid-air

If one feature encapsulates the boldness of Hotel Hubertus, it is its spectacular Sky Pool. Suspended 12 metres above the ground and projecting 25 metres into the void, this infinity pool offers vertiginous views over the Dolomites, creating the sensation of swimming out into the sky. Its glass bottom heightens the feeling of weightlessness and connection with the alpine landscape.

Designed as a natural extension of the main building, the pool embodies the hotel’s philosophy: pushing boundaries while respecting the environment. The use of raw wood and Corten steel echoes the region’s traditional materials, while the clean lines express a confident modernity. This play of contrasts between tradition and innovation can be seen throughout the property, especially in the recently added wings where the rooms appear to float among the treetops.

An Instagram favourite, the Sky Pool is far more than a photogenic backdrop: it is a place for quiet, contemplation and deep relaxation. At dusk, when the peaks take on shades of pink and orange, the experience becomes almost otherworldly. Few hotels manage to combine aesthetics, audacity and emotion with such ease – a feat shared by the Grand Hotel Tremezzo, with its floating pool on Lake Como.

A wellness sanctuary inspired by the alpine landscape

The spa at Hotel Hubertus, named “Alpenreych”, pays tribute to the regenerative power of the alpine environment. Spanning more than 3,000 m², it offers a fully immersive sensory journey, combining traditional treatments with rituals inspired by Tyrolean natural medicine. Here, wellbeing is not an indulgence but a way of life.

The space features six indoor and outdoor pools, some of them heated, along with several panoramic saunas – including a suspended Finnish sauna with views of the Dolomites. Silence and natural light are carefully preserved, heightening the cocoon-like atmosphere. Relaxation rooms, with their living walls and waterbeds, invite guests to disconnect completely.

The treatment menu showcases local, organic ingredients: Swiss pine extracts, mountain hay, wild arnica and more. Therapists trained in both alpine and Asian techniques offer energising massages, remineralising wraps and purifying rituals. The approach is holistic, bringing together body, mind and environment.

This wellness sanctuary, seamlessly integrated into the hotel’s architecture, reflects the property’s essence: a quest for deep harmony, rooted in the mountain and enhanced by contemporary comfort.

Refined gastronomy balancing local roots and creativity

Beyond its spectacular setting, Hotel Hubertus also stands out for its culinary credentials. Flooded with natural light through its expansive windows, the panoramic restaurant serves refined cuisine that honours South Tyrolean traditions while embracing creative flourishes. Passionate about local produce, the chef works closely with regional suppliers to deliver an authentic gastronomic experience that evolves with the seasons.

Each evening, tasting menus take guests on a journey through South Tyrol’s valleys and alpine pastures: mountain hay risotto, venison fillet with lingonberries, handmade ravioli filled with mountain cheese… Every dish celebrates the surrounding nature, elevated by contemporary techniques. The wine list, rich in Italian and Austrian labels, is perfectly in tune with this sensory experience.

Breakfast, generous and gourmet, also deserves a mention: artisan breads, homemade jams, locally aged cheeses and freshly pressed juices are served in a calm, soft-lit setting with mountain views. The hotel also offers vegetarian and gluten-free options, without ever compromising on quality or creativity.

Here, food and mountain landscapes engage in a subtle dialogue, turning every meal into a moment of enjoyment and quiet contemplation.