Alp & Wellness Sport Hotel Panorama

Alp & Wellness Sport Hotel Panorama is set against the backdrop of Italy’s Paganella mountain. Wooden planks form a path up the cheery yellow building, covered in paintings of flowers. Despite the Old World exterior, the lobby is updated with high ceilings, light wood floors, fur rugs, and modern red and gray sofas. The “Reading Room Chalet” features a decor that’s almost a parody of a ski lodge: light wood walls and ceiling, table cloths adorned with a ski slope scene, and buck heads mounted on the walls. One thing that’s missing from the reading room? Books.The outdoor pool offers no frills -- unless you count the view. The pool is surrounded by a stone pool deck with white plastic lounge chairs, pink, purple, and white flowers. Adjacent to the pool are a hot tub and tennis court. Enveloping the entire scene are evergreen trees and mountains. The restaurant’s decor is traditional, consisting of floral drapes and lacy white cloths covering the round tables.The hotel's remote location is more suited for visitors looking for relaxation, instead of lots of sightseeing. A five acre botanical garden, for example, is ideal for birdwatching.

The resort is located on Paganella mountain in the Northern Italian Alps, about 5,000 feet above sea level and is a six-hour car ride from Rome and 11 hours from Paris. The evergreen-covered mountains and sunny blue skies come at a price: there’s not much within walking distance -- although Castle Thun and Lago di Tovel are located within the region.The hotel is situated on the edge of the small village of Fai, close to a few private residences and another small hotel. Andalo, a bustling tourist resort, is 10 minutes away by car. The closest regional airport is Bolzano Airport, located one hour away. One noteworthy spot that is within walking distance is Pangella Bike Park down the road. Visitors can ride multiple bike trails, and transfer bikes on the ski lifts. Parking at the hotel is free.

While rooms feature modern furnishings, they are definitely inspired by the quintessential winter lodge. The furniture (and in some cases, the floors and even the walls) are made of knotty, light-colored wood, and accented by simple white bedding. There are even wooden tree trunks placed at the edges inside some of the double rooms. Large windows let in plenty of light, and offer gorgeous views of the mountains, surrounding village, and tennis courts. Private balconies help to bring the outside in. Other amenities include mounted flat-screen TVs, desks, and mini-fridges. Bathrooms, even in some of the suites, are on the small side; there are no tubs, so bathrooms aren't the place to luxuriate.

At this Northern Italian ski resort, there's a daily breakfast buffet, which features a selection of meats, boiled eggs, fruits, pastries, and more. There’s also a lunch buffet, and sit-down dinner is available. Packed lunches are available for daily excursions. In addition, the hotel features a well-stocked bar on site. Its decor is strange mix of classic and modern elements -- comfy, overstuffed chairs and Old World-style paintings, accented by minimalistic wooden tables. Skiers will appreciate an on-site ski school, ski storage, and a shuttle to the ski runs. The spa is a truly relaxing spot after a day on the slopes. It includes indoor pools with mountain views, a gorgeous Turkish bath, sauna, and treatment rooms. Bike rentals and tennis courts are fun options in the warmer months. The outdoor pool is simple but pretty, and there are sun loungers surrounding it. There is free Wi-Fi, but business travelers have complained of slow, spotty service. A 24-hour business center and laundry services round out the features at the Alp & Wellness Sport Hotel Panorama.