Marco Perathoner, Chief Marketing Officer, Hotel Granbaita Dolomites
Sleek and chic, family-owned Hotel Granbaita Dolomites is a year-round destination. Following an extensive renovation, Marco Perathoner reflects on its latest incarnation.
Words by Emma Kennedy
Selva di Val Gardena, a picturesque village beside the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to Hotel Granbaita Dolomites. Opened in 1961 by Marco Perathoner’s grandfather, Richard Puntscher, the five-star hotel is a luxurious tribute to the interwoven history of the Puntscher-Perathoner family and is still very much a family affair. While the far-reaching views of the Dolomites have remained the same, the hotel has undergone many structural and aesthetic changes in the intervening years. Having recently completed the final phase of renovations that began in 2019, the result is a contemporary interpretation of traditional style.
On arrival, the hotel’s bold, dark wood exterior creates a strong silhouette against the rugged backdrop. The spacious lobby, decked in a dark medley of natural materials – glass, stone, leather, and wood – is warm and welcoming, and the pared-back aesthetic extends through to the lounge, bar, and dining areas. With walls left free of artworks, the views of the mountains sing out like vivid paintings. Overhead, a ceiling of modern wood-cut panelling floats off into the distance, supported by vast pillars that rise dramatically out of the floor like trees. Its simplicity is striking, with decorative notes delivered in a rich palette of blues and earthy tones found on the sofas and chairs that gather in groups en route to the dining areas.
The design-led opulence of the ground floor is echoed in the Garden Rooms – the generous suites on the floors below, where warm wood-clad walls are offset by sections of dark granite and carved panels. Decked in high-end comfort with thick rugs, deep sofas, and sumptuous soft furnishings, again, the choice of natural materials feels at one with nature. With a terrace leading onto manicured gardens, and more magnificent views of the mountains beyond, our Dolomites Suite came with the added luxury of two bathrooms and felt more like a beautifully appointed apartment than a hotel.
The 2,000 sqm Savinela Spa, is a showstopping labyrinth of volcanic saunas, steam rooms, salt baths and much more. The large indoor pool leads through sliding glass doors to the outdoor pool and suddenly you are swimming in the crisp open air, gazing up at the Dolomites. It’s quite magical – like cold water swimming – without the cold.
It’s self-evident why the renovations have elevated the Granbaita from a 4-star to a luxury 5-star hotel, and as they prepare for the start of the ski season ahead, I caught up with Marco to hear more.
Could you tell us a little about the hotel’s history, and what it looked like when it first opened its doors in 1961?
Since it was constructed in 1960, the hotel has undergone countless structural changes, a major one being the introduction of the first swimming pool in 1978. The next significant renovations happened between 2007 and 2009, when the Savinela Spa was established along with the addition of the outdoor swimming pool, and the garden. However, it was the major redevelopment of the Granbaita Dolomites in 2019 that transformed the hotel into a five-star establishment. The most recent updates in 2023/24 focused on giving the hotel a contemporary and architecturally modern look while staying true to its roots. The design concept, led by Rudolph Perathoner Architects in close collaboration with the Puntscher-Perathoner family, reinterpreted the idea of a traditional mountain hut using wood extensively both inside and outside. The renovations involved a complete overhaul of the main building, including the reception, bar, dining room, wellness area, featuring high windows and distinctive wood cladding that have now become the hotel’s new architectural hallmark. The interior design uses high-quality materials like smoked oak wood, grey natural stones, and regional fabric coverings, creating an elegant yet timeless atmosphere. The renovations also included 35 rooms and suites, blending contemporary architecture with advanced technology and luxurious materials. The renovations were concluded in the summer of 2024, following the completion of the remaining 21 rooms and suites.
How has tourism in Val Gardena changed over the years?
Originally, tourism in Val Gardena was mainly centered around the summer season, with many guests travelling and staying for several months during the summer. I recently found a document stating the minimum stay for a guest was three weeks. After the first ski lifts were built, the valley had the opportunity to add an additional season – the winter season. Skiing quickly became a popular sport, and the winter season continued to evolve to the point where it became the main season of the year. For many years, we operated the hotel for four months in the summer and four months in the winter. However, in recent years, autumn has also begun to attract more tourists, including international visitors. It’s a calm season and perfect for relaxation. You can still enjoy the crisp autumn days on the mountain peaks, covered in autumnal shades – it’s a great time to unwind, as everything moves at a slower pace.
What are the daily logistical challenges of operating a hotel at high altitude in the winter months?
Nowadays, there aren’t many significant challenges, as our region is well connected with the necessary infrastructure, and the Val Gardena area is always well-prepared for the winter season. Of course, it’s essential to have well-functioning heating systems, but I wouldn’t define that as a “challenge.” The area is equipped to handle the winter conditions, and we have robust systems in place for transport and deliveries, ensuring a smooth operation behind the scenes.
What do you believe to be the main advantages of being part of a family-run business?
The familial atmosphere and attention to detail are among the main advantages of being part of a family-run business. There’s a personal touch in every aspect of our operations, from the way we welcome our guests to the care we put into every service we provide. Decisions can be made quickly and with a deep understanding of our guests’ needs, allowing us to be more flexible and responsive. We take great pride in our heritage and tradition, which drives us to maintain the highest standards while constantly evolving. The passion we have for what we do is shared across generations, creating a unique and warm environment that truly feels like a home away from home for our guests.
How would you say guest expectations have changed over the years and how do you keep up with the ever-changing demands of today’s traveller?
It’s difficult to make a direct comparison because our clientele has changed significantly since we upgraded to a 5-star rating in 2019. The shift from a 4-star superior to a 5-star hotel brought a different type of guest with different preferences and needs. Despite these changes, our family-run approach allows us to be highly responsive to all guests’ requests, ensuring that we provide a tailored and memorable experience. We stay updated on current trends and strive to continuously enhance our offerings and meet the demands of today’s travellers.
As a hotel that now opens all year round, is it a challenge attracting guests outside of the ski season?
Yes, the winter months are always very busy for us, and the season has evolved quite significantly in recent years. During the summer, the main months of July and August are particularly popular with our Italian guests. A challenge, however, is the autumn season, as it has only recently been discovered by visitors. Nonetheless, we are optimistic that this season will continue to grow in the coming years. We offer a serene and relaxing atmosphere with stunning autumn landscapes, perfect for those looking to unwind. We are closed during April and May for a short break, allowing us to prepare for the upcoming busy periods.
Luxury is all about detail. As a five-star hotel, what small details do you offer that sets you apart from the rest?
We always place a strong emphasis on the services we provide. Our goal is to ensure that every guest enjoys a carefree and memorable experience. We take pride in attending to every request with the utmost care and attention. From personalised welcome amenities to tailored recommendations for activities and dining, we strive to exceed expectations with thoughtful details that make each stay unique. It’s these small touches and our dedication to exceptional service that set us apart and truly embody the essence of luxury.
The Hotel Granbaita’s wellness offerings are extensive. Could you tell us what treatments and experiences guests can expect?
At the heart of our Savinela Spa, we focus on alpine treatments that utilise natural products derived from local plants and flowers, known for their beneficial active ingredients for both body and soul. Our spa offers a range of treatments inspired by traditional alpine wellness practices, providing a unique and rejuvenating experience. In addition to these, we also feature various Eastern treatments that incorporate techniques from different cultures to best enhance relaxation and well-being.
And finally, after a full day’s activities, I imagine you have a lot of hungry guests. What culinary delights are on the menu when it comes to refuelling them?
To cater to our guests’ appetites after a full day of activities, we offer a comprehensive half-board option at our hotel. Each evening, guests can enjoy a daily menu as well as a “Vital” menu with lower calorie options. Additionally, we provide a variety of à la carte dishes featuring both local and international ingredients. For those seeking a more refined dining experience, we have our Granbaita Gourmet Restaurant, which is open to both hotel guests and external visitors. Here, we offer three tasting menus as well as an à la carte menu. The menu, crafted by our Executive Chef Andrea Moccia, is designed with a focus on high-quality ingredients and meticulous research to deliver a truly unique gourmet experience.