Last Updated on February 21, 2024

A Magical Hideaway at the Gateway of the Dolomites

While the mountains have always held a special allure for me I had yet to venture into the Italian Alps until recently. I was very excited to be taking a trip to the giddy heights of South Tyrol in Northern Italy to a stay at ADLER Lodge Ritten, an enchanting five-star retreat perched at the gateway to the majestic Dolomites.

ADLER Lodge Ritten Location

Ritten is an area where both German and Italian are spoken. Although officially part of Italy it proudly maintains a Tyrolean cultural identity. Adler Lodge Ritten is situated on a sunny plateau 1154 m above sea level, in an area which is fortunate enough to have 300 glorious days of sunshine a year. It’s conveniently located just a short 20-minute drive or cable car ride away from nearby Bolzano, the gateway to South Tyrol.  From here you can explore the city’s boutiques, restaurants, and cultural sites.  Next time, I’m planning to visit the Iceman Museum where you can meet Ötzi, the naturally preserved Neolithic man who spent 5,300 years frozen in ice. Bolzano and the surrounding hill towns also host Tyrolean Christmas markets.

This stunning peaceful retreat is nestled in wooded hills, offering picturesque views of the sculptural peaks of the Dolomites. It is bathed in sunlight and surrounded by breathtaking nature, it is remarkably close to transport links, with the Colle Renon station just a five-minute stroll away. A charming historic narrow-gauge mountain train runs between Collalbo to Maria Assunta and is worth a trip just to capture wonderful views of the Dolomites.  Or, you can get off at every stop and start a hike on one of the numerous trails which lead right into the natural green of meadows and forests.

ADLER Lodge Ritten’s mountain location invites you to move around with minimal impact, thanks to the complimentary use of electric bikes and a shuttle service to Oberbozen/Soprabolzano, where you can enjoy a scenic cable car ride down to Bolzano. Upon arrival, guests receive a RittenCard, which provides free travel on all the region’s excellent public transport. The joy is, that if you wish, you can easily have a car-free holiday.

Ritten is a haven at all times of the year, it was especially green and beautiful at the time of my visit in June, and it’s also meant to be lovely in the Autumn, perfect weather for hiking and cycling. Nearby you can access a network of well-connected trails suitable for all skill levels. For travellers arriving by air, the nearest international airports are Innsbruck (85 miles/136km) and Verona (108 miles/174km). I flew to Milan and travelled by car to the resort, which takes approximately 3 hours, an enjoyable drive through beautiful Italian towns and countryside. The hotel has an arrangement with SIXT cars which can be hired at a reasonable rate. 

About ADLER Lodge Ritten

ADLER Lodge Ritten opened in 2019, making it one of the more recent additions to the esteemed family-run ADLER Group. Managed by the seventh generation of the Sanoner family, there are currently a total of six resorts, this one in Ritten, three in the Dolomites (including the stunning Adler Spa Resort Dolomiti), another in Tuscany and their latest venture in the heart of the Mediterranean in Sicily. They fall into two different categories – larger spa resorts and smaller, exclusive lodges like the one at Ritten.

ADLER Lodge Ritten was dreamt up by Andreas and Klaus Sanoner in collaboration with architect Hugo Demetz, who created a strikingly handsome structure that beautifully combines traditional Alpine styles with decorative African-influenced motifs inspired by the owners’ travels. During my stay, I met Lukas, one of the younger members of the Sanoner family, a charming young man who has also been very involved with the design concept and who was very enthusiastic about this elegant lodge and excited about the Adler group’s plans for the future.

The main lodge and the chalets that surround it are skilfully crafted using fragrant Tyrolean wood with vibrantly printed timber walls. The spacious reception, lounge and bar area are semi-open plan and boast floor-to-ceiling windows carefully designed to optimise the incredible views of the majestic Dolomite mountains that envelop the lodge and to create a wonderful sense of freedom and lightness. They are built of natural materials with contemporary elements that seamlessly blend tradition with a fresh and modern approach. Plank floors and textured wood walls, plush leather sofas, upholstered chairs, wood burners and cool cowhide rugs, give Ritten a cosy African lodge feel, perfectly styled for all seasons.

The lodge has just 42 rooms, which means it never feels crowded and ensures you get the opportunity to get to know the staff, who are dressed in attractive traditional Tyrolean costumes and during my stay were super friendly and helpful. The lodge has an all-inclusive arrangement, including a wide selection of daily activities tailored to each season.

Accommodation at ADLER Lodge Ritten

The property offers 22 suites, including two generously-sized Panorama suites, as well as 20 chalets, suitable for grown-up families or groups of friends, some of which are clustered around a pretty small lake. Each accommodation option features a balcony with views of the verdant landscape. All the rooms all constructed from wood and glass, drawing inspiration from African safari lodges and neighbouring alpine chalets.

My suite was spacious and airy and exuded a stylish and relaxed ambience. With wood-panelled walls and flooring made from pale spruce and larch planks and floor-to-ceiling glass doors which opened out onto a large balcony where you can sit and immerse yourself in the beautiful natural surroundings and listen to the symphony of rustling leaves and chirping birds.

Furnished in a contemporary style, the room had a charcoal grey chaise lounge, a desk and a king-sized bed dressed in crisp white linen with a red tartan throw with a matching poof and thick wool rugs. A cool vintage trunk housed a mini fridge packed with complimentary soft drinks and snacks and there was an espresso coffee machine together with tea-making facilities. The bathroom had the wow factor, with a walk-in rain shower and its own dry and steam bio-sauna. Complete with luxurious Adler products, a towelling robe and a jute bag. Every room is equipped with complimentary WIFI and a digital TV with free movie channels.

Sustainability at the Lodge

The Sanoner family actively engage and contribute to the local community, prioritising sustainability at every step and embodying a philosophy deeply rooted in the natural and cultural surroundings of their establishments. Every aspect of the lodge has been designed with sustainability in mind, from the location through to the architectural design and its final execution. They take into account sustainable construction techniques, and environmentally friendly materials, and establish responsible supply chains. This commitment extends to incorporating energy-efficient air conditioning systems and sourcing local food and you’ll find recycling waste bins in the bedrooms.

Activities and Experiences at Adler Lodge Ritten

Holistic Spa and Saunas

Relaxation comes in every form at the lodge, the holistic spa is spread across four areas. It features a stunning inside-outside saltwater infinity panorama pool artfully positioned so you can drift weightlessly and gaze upon the magnificent mountains.

The opulent spa offers a selection of invigorating massages and treatments using Adler’s very own active products. I had a wonderfully luxurious full-body massage, my masseur used herb-filled pouches infused with warm natural oils to detox, moisturise and soothe my limbs.

In the main lodge, you can indulge in the Turkish bath or, just a short stroll away, along a forest path, you’ll find three saunas nestled beneath the shelter of majestic larch trees.

These elegant Finnish and herbal saunas are crafted with wood and glass, here you can tap into the healing power of nature with a hay sauna, infused with the essence of local Alpine herbs and dried flowers, whilst admiring the natural outlook. The lodge also provides an Aufguss ritual which needs to be booked in advance. These multisensory wafting steam rituals, which last about 10 minutes are run by a Saunameister, who provides a real sensory delight accompanied by the aromas of essential oils and selected music. Afterwards, you can surrender to peaceful bliss in the tranquil relaxation pavilion.

Yoga and fitness

The lodge has a fitness studio fully equipped with state-of-the-art technogym machines. There’s a programme of daily yoga and fitness classes. All are included in the package and can be booked very easily by adding your name to the board in the reception area.

Hiking, Cycling and Skiing

No matter the time of year, you’ll discover a diverse and harmonious daily schedule that enables you to fully embrace the great outdoors. The ADLER team are always ready to introduce you to the wonders of South Tyrol. Among these complimentary offerings are a wide range of guided hiking and mountain biking trails that weave through the mountains and cater to individuals of all fitness levels. For example, you can enjoy an exhilarating uphill cycling expedition to Mount Corno del Renon, majestically positioned at an elevation exceeding 2,000 meters.

We went on a guided hike with Alec who was able to impart a wealth of local knowledge, our walk took us across lush green hills and meadows adorned with a kaleidoscope of wildflowers. So very beautiful and reminiscent of the picturesque landscapes in ‘The Sound of Music’.

The area was much loved by the renowned Austrian neurologist and the founder of psychoanalysis Sigmund Freud, he described it as “A place where I can be alone with a forest nearby” only to confirm that, “here on the Renon it’s divinely beautiful.” We walked to the Renon Earth Pyramids, which are unique wonders of nature that should not be missed. The glacial towers of clay are natural formations that have been shaped over millennia. These stunning structures feature cone-shaped mounds with large balancing stones, gradually transforming and eventually disappearing due to erosion and the forces of nature.

If needed, you can rent essential outdoor gear like hiking poles, backpacks, and bike helmets for a nominal fee.

During the winter months, you can engage in activities such as skiing, sledging or snowshoeing on the gentle slopes of the Corno del Renon.

Additional Activities

For tailored and chargeable private experiences, the ADLER team can arrange various activities with local guides to suit your preferences. Options include llama and alpaca trekking, horseback riding (with lessons) during spring and summer, and skiing, sledging, and snowshoeing in winter. Beyond the plateau, easily accessible attractions include museums, castles, lakes, and botanical gardens. Additionally, you can plan your trip to coincide with regional sporting events like the autumn half-marathon hike along the chestnut trail or the renowned Törggelen season, where you can indulge in local food and wine tastings at vineyards, traditionally held in wine cellars by wooden wine presses known as Torggl. Delicacies such as chestnuts, sausages with sauerkraut, and barley soup are still enjoyed today.

Dining at ADLER Lodge Ritten

Dining at the lodge is a pleasure from start to finish. The kitchen embraces a farm-to-table approach, allowing guests to savour the flavours of the region with fresh, seasonal, excellently cooked food for breakfast lunch and dinner. There is a self-service buffet for breakfast and lunch, with the addition of tasty afternoon cakes and snacks.

Dinner is a splendid five-course affair in the stunning dining room, which a choice of matched wines. The lodge offers a great selection of cocktails, wines, beer and soft drinks. Drinks are drinks available all day and included in the all-inclusive package.

Chef Hannes Pignater skilfully utilises ingredients from the lodge’s farm and garden, which yield an array of produce such as summer wheat, potatoes, vegetables, berries, and aromatic herbs. The menu changes daily based on seasonal availability. The lodge also produces its own grain, used for delectable pasta and pastry dishes, and features an on-site beekeeper who offers a unique tasting experience with truffle, raspberry, and mead-infused honey specialities. Additional supplies are sourced from local farmers.

During our stay, for one particular lunchtime, a chef from the team at Ritten made Kaiserschmarrn on the terrace. This traditional Austrian dessert is like a huge fluffy pancake which is cooked until golden brown, then torn into small, irregular pieces with a spatula. Served warm, dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by a fruity compote… utterly delicious!

Visiting ADLER Lodge Ritten

Imagine a place where time slows down, and the chaos of the world fades away, ADLER Lodge Ritten offers just that, a magical hideaway, perched at the gateway to the Dolomites. Whether you seek thrilling adventures or peaceful relaxation, this retreat provides the option for either or the perfect balance for both.

ADLER Lodge Ritten is an ideal tranquil destination for friends, honeymooners, and couples yearning to reconnect with nature.  Children under 8 years old are not allowed at this property.

ADLER Lodge Ritten, Stella, 20, 39054 Soprabolzano BZ, Italy