Hotel La Perla is exactly what any luxury traveller might desire at a ski resort – an excellent ski-in ski-out location (the only 5 star hotel in the area that offers this luxury), exceptional old school hospitality from the heart, spectacular food, après ski, relaxation facilities, spa and delightful accommodation with great alpine character. Read up to find out about this unique hotel in more detail.
Location
The Dolomites is a UNESCO World Heritage site surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. Nestled in the quiet, cozy corner of Corvara village, La Perla is one of the very few remaining family owned five star luxury hotels in the Dolomites. The hotel was originally the home of the Costa family and was built in 1931 next to what later became Italy’s first ski lift, built shortly after the second World War.
For me, Corvara is the best ski village in South Tyrol. It is in the heart of Alta Badia where locals speak their own language, Ladin, and the region is known for its exceptional food, local traditions and wealth. Alta Badia has certain tax privileges from the Italian government which makes it a prosperous economy. The added bonus for skiers are the ski lifts which are faster, warmer and more modern than in other areas of Italy.
Corvara is located approximately three hours by car from Venice (closest international airport) and private transfer (the only way to reach the village) costs approximately €300.00 depending on the vehicle you choose. La Perla is in the heart of the village, a couple minutes walk from the main street.
Accommodation
La Perla has only 51 suites and rooms, a beautiful intimate size, yet big enough for great evening atmosphere.
We stayed in a gorgeous Romantik Dolomites room with plenty of space, a walk in wardrobe, beautiful renovated bathroom with heated floors, and a balcony with views over the Sassonger.
Even though I consider this hotel ultimately romantic, if you bring a child with you, they could sleep on the large day bed. The ambiance of the room is elegant and alpine, very homey. This atmosphere is exactly what the owners had in mind when they created La Perla – they wanted every guest to feel at home on their vacation in the Dolomites.
Dining
Another wonderful feature of La Perla is scrumptious dinner that is included in the room rate. Many luxury hotels have moved away from the half board concept, yet La Perla spoils their guests with the most elegant a-la-carte dinner every night in an ultimately welcoming dining room. Every guest has its own table for the duration of the stay.
Half board restaurant Les Stues is designed in Ladin tradition and consists of five dining rooms, each decorated in its own colour scheme, much like a traditional Ladin home. This creates a very intimate feel and often a big family or a group of friends staying together could have the whole dining room to themselves. Dinner starts with a sensational salad bar, full of hot and cold Ladin and Italian starters. The salad bar alone was enough to keep me full, but what followed was a choice of three entrees, mains and deserts. The options vary on most days so the guests staying for a long time don’t get bored.
And desert buffet is purely sensational for those with a sweet tooth. Very hard to resist!
The second restaurant Bistrot Dinner Club adjacent to the bar, offers an upscale bistro menu in an elegant atmosphere with mood lighting and discreet booth seating. With only thirteen table be sure to make a reservation in advance, as it is a very popular spot with the locals.
True gourmands will be spoiled at La Perla with a Michelin starred La Stua De Michil and exquisite wine cellar with a multi-million dollar collection of some of the best whites and reds Italy has to offer. The restaurant is a small, wood-panelled space, tucked away between two 17th century Stubens, or rooms in English. I didn’t have a pleasure of dining here yet, had to leave something for the next time, but I hear that head chef Simone Cantafio has a talent for marrying colours and flavours in a way that perfectly blends the East and West in his culinary tradition.
A special mention has to be made to the La Perla happening bar. Every night it fills with guests and locals from all over Corvara, as it is known for its exceptional entertainment, a new act every night. No night goes without cocktails and dancing, it’s filled to the brim with smiling faces and excited travellers ready for a night out. So don’t leave your party shoes at home, bring something for the dance floor to La Perla.
Relaxation
After a day on the slopes I loved coming back to a beautiful hotel, changing into a fluffy bathrobe and heading off to a relaxation area for a steam and swim. La Perla has a steam room, sauna, rock pool and day beds for the guests to spend a couple of hours soothing their muscles every evening before dinner. Those who’d love a little more pampering could book in a massage or facial.
All In All
La Perla is my favourite Alpine hotel in the Dolomites and one of the best in Europe. I highly recommend it for couples looking for luxury, amazing food, ski in – ski out accommodation, romance and warm personalised service.
