How to spend the perfect weekend in the Dolomites

Updated: 22:00 EDT, 25 September 2026 FRIDAYDaily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more7.30pm The two-hour drive from Verona to family-owned Hotel Saltus (above, from £275, hotel-saltus.com) in Italy’s South Tyrol flies by as we’re mesmerised by the views of the majestic Dolomites.8pm Saltus’s restaurant celebrates local cuisine, which has German and Austrian influences as it’s close to both borders. We enjoy gnocchi di polenta with parmesan (above), sea bream and a bottle of Winkl Sauvignon Blanc 2024. 11pm The hotel’s philosophy that ‘nature is the ultimate luxury’ can be seen in the wabi-sabi design of its loggias (suites), which have polished concrete floors, muted tones and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views. SATURDAY8am We ease ourselves into the day with an early morning Pilates class before heading to breakfast in the conservatory, where we help ourselves to homemade smoothies and as much as we want from the à la carte menu.10am We take the bus to Schermoos for a two-hour hike along a section of the E5 trail, which stretches from the Atlantic coast of France to the Adriatic in Italy. Lunch at Gschnoferstall restaurant (above) helps us acclimatise to the high altitude.6.30pm Hiking is hungry work, so for dinner we head to 13th-century Castel Rafenstein. The rustic dining room clad in wood and surrounded by old photos and local art is the perfect place to satisfy a sweet tooth with apple strudel.SUNDAY10am Forest bathing may not be for everyone, but for a group of burnt-out journalists this two-hour immersion in nature helps to lower blood pressure. And, yes, tree hugging is involved.12.30pm After a relaxing massage or hay sauna (it’s a thing!) in the hotel’s Forest Spa, we swim from the indoor pool through the sliding glass wall to the spectacular 17-metre infinity Sky Pool. It’s like floating in the clouds – magical!1.30pm The only thing that could drag me away from those stunning views? Ham and burrata pizza. Luckily, the hotel’s Saltino Bistro can deliver to wherever you decide to relax. I’d recommend the Sky Terrace by the pool.