Cortina d’Ampezzo, a renowned mountain town in Italy’s Dolomites, is preparing to welcome a new luxury hotel, Le Graal Cortina, set to open in November. With 30 rooms, the property aims to establish a fresh benchmark in the region’s upscale hospitality sector, which has long attracted high-profile visitors since the mid-20th century.
Le Graal Cortina is the first project in a series planned by Fabrizio Di Amato, a 62-year-old entrepreneur from Rome. The hotel occupies a century-old building that previously operated as Hotel Italia. For its redesign, Di Amato commissioned Achille Salvagni, an Italian architect and interior designer known for blending classical and contemporary influences, to revamp the structure.
Salvagni, who has frequented Cortina since childhood, deliberately moved away from the conventional chalet style common in the area. Instead, he drew inspiration from the Austro-Hungarian architectural tradition, reflecting the region’s history under the empire until 1918. The interiors feature plaster bas reliefs influenced by Art Nouveau buildings found in the Austrian Alps. The hotel’s lobby is adorned with ceiling designs depicting figures of skiers, creating a dynamic connection to the town’s alpine heritage.
Guest rooms are designed to evoke the surrounding landscape, with oak paneling, Venetian chandeliers, and ceramic fireplaces offering a blend of warmth and elegance. Each room’s walls display artistic interpretations of the five mountain ranges encircling Cortina, aiming to immerse visitors in the natural environment even while indoors.
Le Graal Cortina will also showcase amenities that cater to luxury travelers, including a 6,500-square-foot spa equipped with a cryotherapy chamber and an indoor pool. Culinary offerings will be led by a notable Sicilian chef, enhancing the hotel’s appeal with fine dining options. The property will further offer unique experiences such as excursions in vintage cars and hot-air balloon rides, deepening its connection to both the area’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
By combining historical architectural elements with modern luxury and innovative services, Le Graal Cortina seeks to stand out in a competitive market known for exclusive accommodation in the Italian Alps.