Faloria Mountain Spa Resort reopens in Cortina
Faloria Mountain Spa Resort, a historic hotel in Cortina d’Ampezzo, has reopened following an extensive renovation. Tasked with the refurbishment, architect Flaviano Capriotti has constructed a new central body, 13 new guestrooms, a 1000m² spa and a gourmet restaurant.
Care for the environment and sustainability were at the heart of Capriotti’s concept, with materials chosen for the project echoing the surrounding landscape. Dolomia stone – coming from the quarries in Val Belluna – is combined with brushed larch wood, the typical material used in the homes of Ampezzo, as well as blue-green majolica tiles that recall the colour of alpine ponds.
The furniture, all bespoke designed, has been manufactured by local artisans, while the majolica tiles used in the pool, spa and large lounge fireplace are produced in small batches using Murano glass grain from a small Venetian manufacturing firm.
Meanwhile, one of the distinctive details that adds personality to the hotel is the research undertaken on local alpine botanicals. Capriotti selected 10 flowers native to the Dolomites from the Florae Austriacaeatlas, which was written in the 18th century by botanist Nikolaus von Jacquin. These flowers were then reproduced on the upholstered headboards of the beds and as well as in the spa, the restaurant and other common areas.
Guests are welcomed in the new central body’s reception area, which extends to a new lounge with a bar and tiled stove – the former inspired by the traditional houses in the area, where upholstered furniture is covered with warm wool. A large opus incertum Dolomia stone wall separates the lounge area from the Bistrot, a cozy and quiet space that seats up to 40 guests.
The 13 additional guestrooms are divided into the Classic Room, Deluxe, Room, Junior Suite, Comfort Suite and Faloria Suite – all with large windows to enhance the view of the Dolomites. The rooms maintain a delicate domestic flavour thanks to elements such as the flooring and wall cladding made from brushed larch, and the padded wool bed headboards designed with botanical drawings of the local alpine flora. The wardrobes are split in two parts for a comfortable use in couple, dedicating the central area to the make-up. Elsewhere, bathrooms are entirely cladded with honed Dolomia stone and divided into three areas: vanity, shower and bathtub, toilet and bidet room.
Faloria Restaurant, which accommodates 70 people, is bounded by a glazed pavilion with scenic views of the mountain Croda da Lagoon one side and the iconic 1956 Olympic ski jump on the other. The original vintage ceiling, coffered in larch after the restoration, creates a refined atmosphere alongside woven wicker panels. Completing the restaurant is a charming ‘Stube’ – focal point of the traditional Cortina dwelling place – built with antique woodwork, and a large table, located in a private room, that can accommodate 10 guests. In the kitchen, chef Antonio Cennamo proposes an original combination of Mediterranean tradition and local dishes, whose common denominator is the excellence of the raw materials.
The new spa, the largest in the entire Alpine region, features a semi-Olympic pool, sauna, ice fountain, calidarium, vitality pool and private treatment rooms. The internal swimming pool is 25 metres long with three lanes, and is covered in blue-green majolica tiles, which recall the colour of alpine ponds popular in Cortina. There is also a large skylight on the ceiling and a large glazing wall with bronze profiles, from which guests can enjoy the view of the Mount Faloria and access the outdoor garden and heated vitality pool, which can be used in winter and under the snow. The walls of the alcoves, intimate and reserved corners, and the relaxation areas next to the pool are cladded with sanded larch planks.
Completing the offer, the garden has been entirely rethought and specifically designed to create an oasis of privacy and relaxation. All of the plants employed are local and have been articulated, while new paths and trails allow guests to appreciate the surrounding nature.
