Curiously, South Tyrol, or Alto Adige, was originally part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and annexed to Italy at the end of WorldWar I in 1919, so it shares many cultural similarities to its northern neighbour, Austria. If you are travelling to the area from Venice (2.5 hours), then you will approach via Cortina D’Ampezzo and then over the Falzarego Pass (2,109 m). This pass witnessed some of the heaviest fighting in a gruelling mountain struggle between Austrians and Italians in the First WorldWar when they literally tried to gas and blow each other off the rock faces of the Dolomites. A war museum marks the highpoint of the pass and there is still a gun emplacement at the top of one of the surrounding mountains. One of the two great ski tours of the region actually carves a trail through the old battlefields, but don’t worry the only explosive experience will be the amazing vistas! Alta Badia forms a significant section of the Super Dolomiti ski area, one of the world’s most extensive ski terrains, connecting over 1200 kms of prepared pistes, but even if you remain in this beautiful corner you will discover a marvellous mountain landscape dotted with characteristic mountain cabins to tempt you off 130 kms of local pistes for a warm vin brulee (gluwein) or a sumptuous gourmet dish accompanied by a paired wine designed for each ski season by one of the master chefs from the top restaurants of Alta Badia and guest chefs from further afield. One of the most striking cabins adopting the master chef suggestion is Jimmi Hutte above the resort of Colfosco. Close to the top of the Passo Gardena the location is magnificent with picture perfect positioning for the afternoon sun dropping behind the Sella Ronda. In 2021/22 the guest chef was Uruguayan chef, Matias Perdomo, from Michelin star restaurant Contraste in Milan, who delivered a sublime dish of lamb, potatoes, parsley and sumac paired with Alto Adige Pinot Noir wine. Be warned though, you need to plan your visit carefully to connect back to your resort as lifts close promptly in the late afternoon and you might get marooned in Corvara needing a taxi (or infrequent bus) trip to get back to the other Alta Badia villages. If you’re ready to relax instead, you’re in the right place! South Tyrol is one of Italy’s leading wellness destinations with the highest number of spa hotels in the Alps. From heated outdoor infinity pools and forest saunas to a slew of rejuvenating treatments, a trip to the Dolomites doesn’t only offer you fresh mountain air and invigorating exercise but a chance to reset and restore your mental wellbeing, too. Nestled a quiet, cosy corner of Corvara village in this stunning landscape, is Hotel La Perla, a family-run property renowned worldwide for its distinctive approach to hospitality and to creating joyful and lasting guest relationships. In the Costa family's fundamental values in running the hotel, the guest is very much the centre of attention. Spacious and dreamy rooms exude style and sophistication. Warmth, respect, and etiquette are to the fore. Cuisine is a delight: four winter and five summer restaurants, including a one Michelin star, make for an amazing culinary experience. Mahatma is the celebrated wine cellar, a visit a must; while the indoor pool and Spa offer natural holistic treatments. Summer and winter seasons are as magnificent and different as one can imagine – the climate and recreation choices ensure an invigorating treat whatever one's disposition. Hotel La Perla Corvara 26
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