CASTELROTTO, SOUTH TYROL

The Schgaguler

Situated in the heart of the Dolomites, in the immediate vicinity of the skiing area of Val Gardena, the Schgaguler, an elegant sanctuary for lovers of luxury and timeless Alpine style, attracts curious explorers seeking a peaceful yet adventurous escape.   

Jutting out along a sleepy road in the UNESCO heritage-protected mountain village of Castelrotto, the 42-room architectural marvel is a far cry from the calculable Alpine lodge. Sculptured and cubic, with interiors that are awash in local chestnut, muted palettes and floor-to-ceiling windows commanding views over the famous Alpe di Siusi, the family-run Schgaguler reveals a contemporary spin on Scandinavian-alpine meets Japanese-modern.

Upon arrival, we’re immediately taken by the simplicity of the interiors. Rich tones are set against the smooth resin flooring; bespoke chestnut carpentry creates a clean backdrop for Martin Schgaguler’s wondrous landscape photographs, and linen and felt accents — set against designer furnishings that are worthy of a nod from even the most fastidious design buff — create a casual sense of luxury. Behind the monolithic concierge desk, the front-of-house greets us with a smile, before we’re whisked away into the hotel’s bar for afternoon aperitivos and homemade apfelstrudel.

Schgaguler offers a total of 42-rooms and suites which range from the two-storey Gable Suite — with soaring, five-metre-high windows — to the split-level Town Suite, which features two bedrooms and views of the historic town centre. If you’re travelling as a family or with larger groups, opt for a two-bedroom Family Suite. The hotel’s standard rooms on the other hand, range from an intimate Classic Room Nº1, set on the second and third floors with south-facing balconies, to The Gable Room. These airy, top-floor chambers are hemmed in beneath the hotel’s sloping saddle roof and feature double height ceilings with unique views of the Sciliar massiv. Providing ample space for rest and relaxation, the rooms also boast hand-made mattresses, walk-in closets and free-standing hammam-style bathtubs that come equipped with locally-sourced Alpine salts.

For a high-calibre Alpine-Mediterranean culinary experience, the Schgaguler restaurant is a crowd pleaser. With the aid of local farmers and growers, alpine specialities are skilfully reinvented daily, with a seasonal menu that is characterised by the attentive service. 

Insider Tip
For dinner, snag a table by the restaurant’s picture window to experience twilight mountain views accompanied by a regional wine pairing chosen by the in-house sommelier.

Off piste, retreat to the hotel’s Spa for a lesson in the art of getting away from it all. Sample signature massage therapies, which combine high-quality South Tyrolean products by Vitalis Dr. Joseph, before heading outdoors for an after-dark dip in the whirlpool.

Insider Tip
Relax at the Spa’s multiple sauna complex, which includes Bio and Kelo saunas, Steam Bath and Melmarium — a mud bath combining heat, infrared and water vapour.

Be sure to extend your stay beyond the slopes and see another side to the Dolomites with a choice of experiences expertly curated in-house. From night-hiking and moonlight tobogganing in the winter to a guided journey to the Lake of Antermoia to crown off your summer.

Schgaguler is open from December to April and May to October. The hotel lies a short bus ride from Seiser Alm Cableway, which provides direct access to the ski slopes of Compatsch. Schgaguler is part of Design Hotels.

schgaguler.com | @schgagulerhotel