La Perla 5*

Aptly named La Perla (The Pearl) is surrounded by the majestic ring of mountains known as the Sella Massif, high in the Italian Dolomites. Rightfully recognized as one of the world’s leading hotels, it offers charming rooms in the style of a Ladakh chalet and even more charming Ladakh hospitality.

The picturesque mountain town of Corvara is a veritable Shangri-La, surrounded by the Dolomites, which Le Corbusier called “the most beautiful architecture in the world.” Hotel La Perla is located in the city center, but the rooms have mountain views. In winter, you can go skiing right from the hotel on one of the most idyllic slopes in Europe.

The main roads here are well-cleared in winter, although winter tires will come in handy on high crossings (without them it’s a must to carry snow chains, which can be obtained from all car rental companies).

The hotel prides itself on not offering too much: no glossy brochures, no exotic food, no New World wines, no Carrara marble, not even minibars. On the contrary, the values ​​of the Costa family – “warmth, respect and etiquette” – permeate the most wooden place, and thanks to exceptional hospitality and professional service, La Perla has been duly included in the collection of Leading Hotels of the World. Amenities include: wine cellar maze, basement spa with indoor pool and grotto with fountain, beauty center offering massages and natural holistic treatments, Turkish bath and sauna.

Upstairs are various fireplaced lounges and the Dogma Pinarello lounge, which has everything you need for cyclists (including food specially prepared for a day on the pedals). A popular après-ski spot is L’Murin, a converted clapboard barn just across the road.

Each of the hotel’s 54 rooms has its own personality, but most are decorated with alpine wood, exotic wool rugs, decorative ceramics and views of the towering spiers of the Dolomites. The spacious Romantik rooms have large living rooms, traditional Ladin stoves and balconies. Some have four-poster beds, others have carved wooden beds. The Comfort and Standard rooms are very cozy, in the traditional Tyrolean style.