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A beach-bum with a book is the usual version of me you will find on holiday. Sand, sea and sun is what I\u2019m used to.<\/p>\n
But as the clock hit 4am one crisp morning in the Dolomites, I found myself sat alone watching dawn break on top of a mountain. <\/p>\n
My legs were aching from the fast-paced climb to race the sun over the peak; the air so clean my lungs almost couldn\u2019t cope. They radiated with the freshness that lingered in the morning mist, rather than the London smog that I regularly take in on my morning commute.<\/p>\n
I wasn\u2019t in the relaxed and half-asleep state of mind I usually am as I lounge around on my beach holidays. No, I was invigorated and more awake than ever \u2013 taking in the burning oranges and red hues as they broke over the horizon.<\/p>\n
Surrounded by jagged rocks and towering trees, maybe the occasional wild bear or wolf that I was blissfully unaware of (thank god), I tried to imagine what the valleys looked like covered in snow as the cowbells tinkered softly in the distance.<\/p>\n
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Winter is peak season for the Dolomites after all, but this peacefulness of off-season summer is much more appealing to me. It was quiet, rejuvenating and simply stunning.<\/p>\n
The sunset hike I had just completed was the first of the year, organised by the five-star Hotel Granbaita Dolomites, which I may go as far as to say is one of my ultimate wellness destinations.<\/p>\n
When I think of wellness, doing the bare minimum and recharging tends to come to mind \u2013 but this hotel nestled in the Dolomite Mountains, in the heart of Selva di Val Gardena, proves that wellness is so much more than that.<\/p>\n
The Puntscher-Perathoner family run the hotel, which even boasts staff guides equipped to help you hike the mountain\u2019s trails that range in difficulty \u2013 from beginner to experienced \u2013 or by cycling through the valleys. <\/p>\n
There\u2019s also Pilates and yoga in the great outdoors, as well as water Pilates in the hotel\u2019s indoor-outdoor pool, not to mention full-body workouts.<\/p>\n
After a day packed with these heart-racing activities in the surroundings of vivid green and stony mountains, your body will be feeling a pleasant ache \u2013 the sign of a day lived to the fullest.<\/p>\n
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But you can\u2019t stay at Granbaita without immersing yourself in their state-of-the-art spa to recuperate. And when I say this isn\u2019t just any old spa, I mean it.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the most incredible spa I have ever been to. There are multiple steam rooms and saunas, of varying heats, and once you\u2019ve raised your body temperature why not step into the snow shower?<\/p>\n
Yes, you read that right. Now your muscles are thanking you, take a nap on the heated water beds before basking in the sun outside in the jacuzzi.<\/p>\n
Get some laps in the pool while looking out into the mountains and then go and float in the salt baths. <\/p>\n
Your classic spa treatments are available but the traditional Arnica wrap of the Italian region was exceptional.<\/p>\n
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After a full-body massage, I found myself being covered in Arnica cream before being sealed in a wrap, and engulfed in a water blanket \u2013 which left me feeling totally weightless.<\/p>\n
It may not be one for those of you who are claustrophobic, but it sent me into a blissful sleep as I felt the aches of my earlier hike seep away.<\/p>\n
When it comes to fuelling your body after a day of hiking and biking, the hotel has a recommended menu that changes daily \u2013 although you are free to pick and choose the dishes you want.<\/p>\n
The traditional hay soup is certainly something you\u2019ll want to try but every single dish is delicious \u2013 not to mention the staff are all very aware of allergens.<\/p>\n
The hotel restaurant doesn\u2019t require a booking but if you fancy something a little, well, fancier, why not try the Ristorante Gourmet Granbaita, which includes multiple courses \u2013 some of which are even prepared in front of you.<\/p>\n
Did I mention that every single table has a view?<\/p>\n
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However, throughout your trip you\u2019ll need to be wary of the fluctuating weather. <\/p>\n
The mornings were cold and crisp, but as soon as the sun broke through I found myself with rather pronounced burn lines. <\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be me. Take SPF. <\/p>\n
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This destination isn\u2019t your stereotypical Italy. In fact, I flew from London to Innsbruck, which is actually in Austria, then got a car transfer to the hotel across the border.<\/p>\n
And you can tell the Dolomites are not just a collection of snow-capped mountain peaks, but a melting pot of Italian and German culture as well \u2013 with most of the locals speaking both, as well as Latin and English.<\/p>\n
I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the \u2018active getaway\u2019 \u2013 a holiday I never thought would really be for me.<\/p>\n
Despite a non-stop trip exploring the mountains, I had never felt more rejuvenated.<\/p>\n
Flights from London to Innsbruck start at \u00a367 and the transfer from the airport to the hotel are dependent on the number of people travelling and where you are transferring from.<\/p>\n
SkyAlps has announced a direct flight route will be available from London to Bolzano in December which will make travel more convenient.<\/p>\n
Room rates start at \u00a3131 per night which includes breakfast and there is no minimum stay.<\/p>\n
Most activities are complimentary e.g. hiking, biking, skiing and snowboarding \u2013 you will be informed of any activities that aren\u2019t included.<\/p>\n
Massages start from \u00a347 as does the Arnica Pack.<\/p>\n