“I recently traveled to the Dolomites and absolutely fell in love with this region.”
With that simple line, our UJV Advisor Nathalia Castella captures what many discover when they finally set foot among these jagged peaks: a place that is at once dramatic and disarming, where trails wind toward rustic kitchens and valleys open into views that feel cinematic and lived-in. Unmistakably Alpine.
“For mountain lovers, hikers, bikers, skiers, and families—it’s a dream,” she shared.
Yet what resonated was more than the limestone peaks. It was the cultural duality: think
Italian warmth threaded through Austrian traditions.
“In South Tyrol, you hear German and Italian in the same village. You taste strudel
alongside tagliatelle. It’s that blend that makes the region unlike anywhere else in
Europe.”
This is the Dolomites, through Nathalia’s lens.
Dolomites At a Glance
What surprised Nathalia most was the sheer scale. She expected peaks, but not such breadth—wide, light-filled valleys.
“Switzerland feels vertical—imposing peaks that rise abruptly from the valley floor. The Dolomites, by contrast, are vast and visually open. Their unique composition creates spires and massifs that seem sculpted by centuries of weather, with trails and villages in between, more navigable, more interconnected. And while alpine culture is shared, here it’s filtered through a tri-lingual, deeply regional lens that sets it apart.”
Experiencing the Peaks
For Nathalia, the Dolomites are best experienced in motion. Traversing high-alpine ridgelines linked by lifts, pausing for lunch at remote rifugi where hearty mountain fare arrived alongside panoramic views. Hiking felt grounding and meditative, with well-marked trails and endless horizons.
“The mountain biking was among the best I’ve done—challenging, highly technical
in places, but rewarding. Lift access adds a layer of efficiency without diluting the
adventure.”
“The air was crisp and bright, scented with grasses, pine, and sometimes livestock
gave it texture,” she recalled. “It’s the kind of air that wakes you up and stays with you
long after you leave.”
And always, a soundscape: the quiet, timeless echo of cowbells across meadows and forests, a reminder that life here is lived at the mountain’s pace.
Flavors that Linger
Nathalia remembers knödel, polenta, venison stews, crisp alpine wines.
“There’s something gratifying about a meal that tastes like it belongs exactly where
you’re eating it. Bold, grounded, and satisfying.”
In South Tyrol, menus appear in both Italian and German, a cultural layering that turns dining into a lens for understanding the region itself.
Your Gold Nugget Selling Points
To Nathalia, the Dolomites rise beyond the category of “just another mountain range.” They carry a dimension and cadence that make them worth anchoring as a destination in their own right—not a scenic bridge between marquee cities, but a centerpiece.
Here are the levers that make the Dolomites easy to position and compelling to sell:
- Versatility
Year-round appeal: skiing in winter, hiking and cycling in summer, with wellness, gastronomy, and cultural immersion always in season. - Pairing Power
Multi-leg potential: easily combined with Venice, Verona, Milan, or Lake Garda—yet compelling enough to stand entirely on their own. - Momentum
Rising allure: with the 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, the Dolomites are stepping into the global spotlight. Now is the time to get clients in ahead of the surge. - Access
Effortless connections: fly directly into Bolzano, or link seamlessly through Verona, Venice, or Milan.
For advisors, this is Europe at its most layered—Alpine drama, Italian warmth, and Austrian influence—all in one destination that lingers long after the journey ends.
Stays That Define the Dolomites
While Nathalia only experienced COMO Alpina Dolomites during her trip, she highlighted a collection of properties that capture the region’s range—each with its own character, suited to different travelers.
- COMO Alpina Dolomites | Alpe di Siusi
Perched high on Europe’s largest alpine plateau, this sleek, design-forward retreat pairs sweeping views with COMO’s renowned wellness program and ski-in/ski-out access. For modern luxury rooted in nature, this is the match. - Hotel Ancora | Cortina d’Ampezzo
“Family-owned and steeped in heritage—it feels like stepping into Cortina’s story.” says Nathalia. A boutique gem with old-world charm, set in the heart of Italy’s most glamorous mountain town. - Hotel de Len | Cortina d’Ampezzo
Warm, stylish, and sustainable. Known for its rooftop spa overlooking Dolomite peaks, it’s ideal for clients craving a modern take on mountain living without losing soul. - Lefay Resort & Spa Dolomiti | Pinzolo, Madonna di Campiglio
“A temple of wellness,” Nathalia noted. Built in natural wood and stone, home to one of Europe’s largest spas. A fit for health-conscious travelers, families, and anyone seeking balance.
Seasons in the Dolomites
- Summer → sunshine, outdoor adventure, cultural immersion.
- Fall → quieter, perfect for photographers and slow travelers.
- Winter → skiing, wellness, stargazing after snow.
- Spring → blooming meadows, fewer tourists, peaceful reset.
Nathalia’s visit was in late summer.
“It felt like a perfect in-between: warm days, cool nights, and enough space to feel like you had the mountains to yourself. It’s particularly appealing to families and active travelers looking for variety and access,” she noted.
Nathalia’s Insider Tip
Distances matter.
“Distances in the Dolomites look short on a map, but mountain roads make
drive times longer. That’s why we recommend combining two properties; say
Cortina + Alpe di Siusi, or Pinzolo + Cortina, for a deeper, more balanced
experience.”
“And what’s truly special? These regions are interconnected by footpaths, bike
trails, and chairlifts. Your clients can literally traverse the mountains in motion.”
Beyond the Expected
For Nathalia, “the Dolomites are Italy’s hidden masterpiece—ready to wow both first-timers and seasoned Italy travelers.”
“With UJV Europe, it’s not just about booking a hotel,” she said. “It’s about crafting
seamless, multi-leg journeys with the kind of insider support that gives advisors
confidence.”
If she could leave you with one impression? Presence.
“The Dolomites draw you in and hold your attention—not with flash or spectacle, but
with subtlety, scale, and substance. You come away sharper, lighter, more awake.”
The Dolomites are best remembered in fragments.
“Go slow,” Nathalia advises. “This is a place best experienced in motion, but with
intention.”
Advisor note
Position the Dolomites well, and you’ll give clients a journey that feels layered, original, and unforgettable—backed by UJV’s Europe team.
Ready to reframe Europe for your clients? Anchor the Dolomites with your UJV Europe specialist. From multi-leg itineraries to insider access, your Europe team is here to plan, connect, and elevate every journey.This is UJV Europe, redefined.