Arreviderci Franciacorta, Welkom Alto Adige

I’ve been fascinated with the Alto Adige for years. More hotel rooms than people, and the most visited area of Italy per capita! Plus they have the German sense of efficiency with Italian food and hospitality. Win!

When was the last time a gas station attendant washed your window?

Or that you got a prosciutto and mostarda sandwich grilled with an excellent espresso at a gas station? Viva la Italia! This was the selection of candy at the gas station. We drove 2 lovely hours on the Autostrada, and 25 minutes on tiny hairpin mountain turns to get to Ortesei. After L’Albereta, Grodnerhof looked like a downer. Clean and cheerful, but not elegante at first glance. We unpacked and went to explore the little village, which turned out to be an Austrian/Italian ski Mecca! Three different gondolas with excellent bus transport to over 60 slopes and a gorgeous, vibrant village with ice sculptures every 10 feet. We got back to the hotel and explored the “Wellness Center”. We were greeted by Paolo, who rivaled Massimo, and led us in a stretch class (yes, your father did this), and then went into the 3 saunas, steam room, ice room, plunge pool, swimming pool and relaxation center with 100 teas and juices and “vitality buffet”. No pics today, but some tomorrow, including the immersion sauna with essential oils, followed by cold fruit. I LOVE this place!!!As if that wasn’t enough there is a pillow menu. I went with the anti aging down pillow. And then there was the bar and dinner….And let’s not forget about the fireplace, fooseball (for Jeffrey) and live music. Total happiness.

And I leave you with:

Buona Notte / Gute Nacht