Movement on the mountain, relaxation in the valley; it’s the simplest of mantras, but an ethos that underlines the philosophy of a remarkable hotel in the Dolomites.
The Cyprianerhof has a unique, warm and welcoming ambience where once within its cosy natural-wood aura, you can’t help but feel at home, comfortable and relaxed.
But step outside, and that outlook changes with a whole range of energetic and active programmes amid the marvellous Dolomites landscape.
From snowshoeing across remote terrain, winter hiking and ice climbing, to alpine and cross country skiing, via ferrata and ski tours, the emphasis is on the great outdoors. This spills over into the summer season, when the snowy slopes become lush green walking and mountain biking trails.
Tailored expectations
The over-riding aim is for guests to enjoy exhilarating and invigorating activities, yet also tailored to individual fitness levels and expectations.
And then return to the comfort of a hotel with sumptuous rooms, marvellous dining experiences and the Similde Spa and pool as well as four different saunas, a steam room and various relaxation areas.
There is also a menu of massages and spa treatments to ease aching muscles or reinvigorate the body and mind supported by a mix of healthy and wholesome cuisine throughout the day.
The five-star Cyprianerhof Dolomiti Resort sits within the legendary Rosengarten, a mountain range in the Dolomites that extends between the Tires, Eggental and Fassa valleys.
Located in the village of Tires al Catinaccio, the hotel is a few miles from Bolzano, a city often described as the gateway to the Dolomites and run by the Damian family with the youthful energy of Michael and Monika, as the third generation at the helm.
Global influences
Michael oversees the day-to-day running of the hotel, while Monika heads a team in the kitchen, aiming to push the boundaries of cuisine inspired by a blend of traditional and modern Italian food coupled with wider European and global influences.
The wood-finished interior and exterior reflects a natural and holistic ambience of a residence built around the site of an existing Gasthof, which was originally opened in 1962 by their grandparents Luis and Inge Damian with 12 rooms.
When their parents Martin and Margreth took over in 1985, expansion began and the idea of the Cyprianerhof as a “Wanderhotel” or activity hotel began to evolve.
“My father was passionate about hiking in the mountains and tried to make it more appealing,” said Michael, 28.
“This philosophy of getting people to enjoy the mountains has grown organically; we know how it can be meditative going up there.”
Natural surroundings
With the Cyprianerhof that has grown over the years, particularly with snow-shoe hiking with guided hikes included in the price of a stay, and routes often getting more challenging during the week as guests build stamina.
The hotel has developed further with the swimming pool and wellness area, though the emphasis today is very much that wellness exists both inside and outside of the hotel, with activities in the mountains and then the lovely spa and sauna to return to.
“It is a combination of both,” said Michael, “of going outside and having exercise and fresh air, walking through forests and mountains, coming back, reflecting on what was achieved and then relaxing in the hotel. Our guests love it and see how healthy it is for the mind and for the body.”
The emphasis is on exercise, relaxation and contentment. Indeed, the hotel’s guide is entitled “Instructions for Happiness”, with a subtext of “consciously enjoying life.”
The hotel’s construction is intended to reflect the natural surroundings; dominated by oak and pine and locally sourced products.
It also has a cultural lounge with a grand piano for classical concerts and opera performances and there are plans to introduce other creative activities, as well as a gym, yoga room and climbing wall.
Scents, sounds, tastes and aromas
Of the 85 rooms, 13 are specifically for single occupation. There are also family rooms and dogs are welcome.
The swimming pool and relaxation areas are ‘connected’ to the outdoors via expansive windows that draw in the natural light from the stunning landscape, with the indoor and outdoor pools interlinked.
The two glass and wooden hay barn saunas are where guests can relax independently or enjoy an aromatic experience with a sauna master introducing scents and aromas as part of a specific experiences.
The connectivity with the senses, of course, extends into the dining experiences with a range of tastes and flavours.
Monika Damian, 39, leads a team of four chefs in the kitchen, each bringing their own expertise in areas of starters, main courses, desserts and menu management and design.
“The aim is to cook traditional food with a modern twist and also source as much produce as locally as we can,” she said. “We work with local farmers, and we also have a nose-to-tail concept to ensure that nothing of the animal is wasted. We are into sustainable cuisine and are always changing the menus.”
Award-winning wine selection
Expect to see dishes such as South Tyrolean spinach dumplings, pink-roasted pork fillet stuffed with an asparagus fern, juicy oxen goulash, veal tartare or vegan pulled pork made from king oyster mushrooms on the menus.
Having worked in the hotel since 2012, one concept that proves popular is a range of smaller plates so people can taste different dishes without over-eating.
“They can always request the same plate again if they want more,” added Monika.
The wine selection at the Cyprianerhof is extensive and was recognised in the “Carta Vini Italia Award” at the Milano Wine Week Awards 2023, which showcases the best Italian wine lists.
With an emphasis on food, drink and the surrounding terrain, the hotel’s sommelier Silvia Bertoncello regularly leads hotel guests on a journey through the flavours of South Tyrol with wine and cheese tastings, as well as suggesting wine pairings with the daily menu.
Carezza ski area
The hotel has a ski room and is linked to the slopes of the Carezza ski area via a new cable car nearby.
With around 40km of slopes, with easy blues and reds, plus blacks down from the higher points above 2,300m, the ski area has a racing connection.
It is run by Florian Eisath, an accomplished downhill and Giant Slalom racer, who represented Italy at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in South Korea.
“Carezza for me is one of the most beautiful resorts in the world with its landscape,” said three-time Italian champion Eisath. “The Dolomites are special because you ski close to the mountains, but you also have an open view across the valley.”
With skiing nearby and access to remote wild snowshoe and hiking trails, the Cyprianerhof is a gateway to a wonderful winter landscape around Tires in the Dolomites.
And after an exhilarating outdoor day amid the beautiful terrain, there’s a cosy, luxurious, atmosphere to return to with the best of accommodation and cuisine.
The Details
Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort, Via S. Cipriano 69, 39050 Tires al Catinaccio, South Tyrol, Italy.
Tel: +39 0471 64 21 43
Website: www.cyprianerhof.com
Email: hotel@cyprianerhof.com
To reach the hotel there are direct buses to the resort, or you can take a taxi from Bolzano Railway Station, or Bolzano Airport and it takes about 30 minutes from the city of Bolzano up to the hotel at Tires. For further directions please click here.
Type of Hotel: 5-Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 85 rooms
Price Band: Medium
Insider Tip: Go at your own pace at the Cyprianerhof and enjoy what suits you best from active winter hikes, snowshoe trips and skiing, or simply relax in the spa and enjoy the wonderful cuisine. Whatever you decide, make a point of using the different saunas and the ceremonial sessions led by the ‘sauna masters’.
Additional Information: Lift passes for the Carezza Ski area are €58 to €63 a day, for more information visit: www.carezza.it. I flew from Bolzano direct to the UK with Sky Alps. For more information, please visit: www.skyalps.com.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Mark Nicholls is an award-winning freelance travel writer and author, based in the UK and has written for a range of national titles, specialist magazines and international websites and operated as a war correspondent in locations such as Iraq and Afghanistan.
Photographs courtesy of Cyprianerhof Dolomit Resort
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