A Dolomites getaway reveals the beauty of Italy’s Dolomites with a stay at Hotel Chalet Mirabell, outdoor adventures in South Tyrol, and a day trip to the Alto Adige wine region. A perfect blend of luxury, nature, and culture.
The Dolomites have become one of Europe’s most talked-about destinations—and with good reason. When I mentioned my plans to visit, nearly everyone responded with, “I was just there!” or “That’s on my list!” Tucked in Italy’s South Tyrol region, these jagged peaks have long been a haven for European wellness seekers, and now travelers from around the world are discovering their charm.
This dramatic mountain range in northeastern Italy is unlike anywhere else. With 18 soaring peaks—some reaching nearly 10,000 feet—and a landscape marked by steep cliffs, deep valleys, and sheer rock walls, the Dolomites earned their status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason.
Whether you’re drawn to the thrill of skiing or hiking, the peacefulness of alpine meadows, or the indulgence of luxurious spa retreats, the Dolomites offer the ideal escape. In this article, I’ll share my stay at the elegant Hotel Chalet Mirabell, explore the surrounding countryside, and take a flavorful detour through the nearby Alto Adige wine region.
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Traveling to the Dolomites
The easiest gateway to the Dolomites is from Venice Airport (a three-hour drive) or Milan Airport (a four-hour drive). But if you’re expecting a traditional Italian experience, you’re going to be surprised.
South Tyrol was part of Austria for 550 years, only becoming part of Italy after World War I. The result is that this region feels more Germanic than Italian. The architecture, food, and language all reflect the centuries of Austrian rule. I only hear Italian sparingly, and the people are still proudly Austrian. No surprise, since their families have been in the area for generations.
Alto Adige may be Italian, but its soul remains Austrian. Photo by Dena Roché
Hotel Chalet Mirabell, a Perfect Base for Your Dolomites Getaway
After weeks in Europe with either a jam-packed work schedule or sightseeing schedule, my husband and I were excited to arrive at Hotel Chalet Mirabell in the heart of the Dolomites, about 40 minutes north of Bolzano. The idea of doing nothing was so enticing that we looked like kids at Christmas when we pulled up to the gate.
While the other buildings in the small town of Hafling look like German ski chalets, the five-star Hotel Chalet Mirabell is sleek and modern. The family-owned property has 70 rooms and suites, four mountain villas, and is one of the largest wellness hotels in the Dolomites.
The check-in process is conducted over drinks and sweets on the main terrace, which overlooks a spectacular property featuring two swimming pools, a natural swimming lagoon, and numerous seating areas that offer privacy and stunning views—so many places to enjoy doing nothing.
Our first glimpse of the beautiful grounds at Chalet Mirabell. Photo by Dena Roché
Garden Suite
There are 10 different types of rooms, each designed for couples, families, or groups of friends. We selected the Chalet Garden Deluxe. On the ground floor, these rooms offer easy access to the adult, infinity-edge pool and feature a private hot tub and sitting area on the secluded patio.
Inside, the room was a modern take on an alpine lodge, featuring warm, light woods and neutral tones. The focal point of the room was the two-person infrared health cabin. I’ve never seen this in a hotel room before. Our own private spa!
Our spa within a spa. Photo by Dena Roché
Dining at Hotel Chalet Mirabell
The hotel offers all-inclusive packages that include breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I loved this because it meant we didn’t need to expend energy going anywhere to eat, which aligned with our plan to do nothing.
The property caters to both couples and families, striving to accommodate all needs. The dining areas are separated, allowing those with children to be together, while those seeking a more relaxing and romantic vibe are accommodated in quieter spaces.
My husband and I ate in the Romantik Stube dining room. Guests have the same table for every meal throughout their stay. The room features panoramic windows that offer a stunning view, especially at sunset.
This may be a wellness hotel, but I can promise you’ll never be hungry here. At dinner, the meal was a multi-course affair that began with a trip to the extensive buffet. One could easily make a meal of the seafood, meats, salads, and breads available. The hardest part is exercising restraint.
One of my favorite aspects of staying at luxury European hotels is the extravagant breakfast buffet. I feel like Alice in Wonderland with everything screaming, “Eat me, drink me.” We started our day with a variety of juices, including strawberry and mango, strong coffee, and a selection of eggs, pastries, yogurts, and fresh fruits.
Dinner with a stunning view. Photo courtesy Chalet Mirabell
Spa Time
While there are plenty of adventures waiting outside the hotel’s doors, my husband and I were most excited to check out the wellness activities we had come to Chalet Mirabell to experience.
Like the restaurant, the nearly 65,000-square-foot spa is separated into a family spa and an adults-only spa. Since it was raining on our first day, we decided to head to the family spa, which features a large heated indoor pool connected to an outdoor pool through an ingenious gate.
The chalet-style space is gorgeous with daybeds rimming the pool area. The outdoor pool had steam rising above it, thanks to the weather, and was still warm despite the drizzle. Some built-in loungers and jets called for us to sit and relax.
The family spa also features a large Finnish sauna, a quiet room with heated waterbeds, a sunbathing lawn, and a relaxation room with great views, floating loungers, and my personal favorite: a couple’s swing, which is like a hammock, if Hermès made hammocks.
The family indoor/outdoor pool. Photo courtesy Chalet Mirabell
Premium Adult Spa
The adult spa is larger than the family spa, offering numerous areas to explore, including its gorgeous outdoor pool, hot tubs, and outdoor Kneipp circuit.
Inside, there are nude steam baths, Finnish saunas, and sensory showers. If you’re on the shy side, please note that the family spa amenities require you to wear bathing suits.
My husband and I recharged at the tea bar before settling into one of the large, quiet rooms, which featured fireplaces and blankets to curl up beneath and relax.
Relax in one of the many saunas in the spa. Photo courtesy Chalet Mirabell
Spa Treatment
A visit to the spa wasn’t complete without a treatment to soothe my chronically knotted back. I opted for the 80-minute Ayurveda Abhyanga service.
The massage began with me sitting in a chair for a scalp and neck massage, a treatment I had never experienced at any other spa before, and then transferring to the table for a full-body massage. According to my therapist, this service is supposed to be done with gentle strokes, but I beg her to go deeper to make a dent in my trigger points.
The spa offers a wide variety of massages, facials, and body treatments, using one of my current favorite product lines, QMS, and Dr. Joseph Hightech Natural Cosmetics.
Post spa bliss. Photo courtesy Chalet Mirabell
Outdoor Adventures in the Dolomites
While we were tempted not to leave Chalet Mirabell, the Dolomites are too beautiful to miss. I convinced my husband to go on an easy hike to a nearby waterfall. From the hotel, there are over 150 miles of trails to explore on the picturesque Tschogglberg plateau. The hotel also offers guided hikes and complimentary mountain bikes.
In winter, Chalet Mirabell is just a free shuttle ride away from the Merano 2000 ski resort, which offers runs for all levels and a ski school. The area also provides a cross-country ski circuit. If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your jam, the hotel runs guided snowshoe hikes from the property.
Exploring the Dolomites. Photo by Dena Roché
Day Trip to Wine Country
If you’re a wine lover like me, take advantage of Chalet Mirabell’s location in the Alto Adige wine region. Not surprisingly, it’s considered one of the prettiest wine areas in the world, and many of its top wineries are about an hour away from the hotel.
Known primarily for its cool, crisp, high-altitude white wines, you’ll have fun exploring varietals like Kerner, Gewürztraminer, and Sylvaner.
Dolomite wine country. Photo Credit: Dena Roché
Book a tasting on the terrace of Elena Walch’s Vigna Castel Ringberg, a castle built by the Habsburg Dynasty in 1620. The winery is known for its Beyond the Clouds label, but you may also want to try its Pinot Nero Ludwig, the winner of Italy’s best pinot noir this year, proving the Alto Adige can do more than whites.
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Nearby Kellerei Kurtatsch is one of the oldest wine cooperatives in the region, dating back to 1900. Nearly 200 families are involved in making their wines. Don’t miss trying the Müller Thurgau.
Conclusion
Hotel Chalet Mirabell and the Dolomites worked their magic on my husband and me during our Dolomite getaway. After a few days of soaking up the spa atmosphere and perfecting the art of doing nothing, we left refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of our European adventure.
Relaxed and recharged! Photo courtesy Chalet Mirabell
Ready to plan your own escape? Explore more unforgettable experiences across Italy and discover wellness getaways around the globe at Wander With Wonder—where we share the stories that help you find your next wow moment.
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