Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof
Skiing the sky-high peaks of the Italian Dolomites is one of the main draws of the a honeymoon in the slopes sitting next to the Austrian border. But the region has earned a reputation for more than just world-class winter sports. Chefs are playing with local cuisine here adding international flair to fine dining restaurants that offer award-winning fare and views that are just as jaw-dropping. Book a room and pull up a seat at one of these tables honeymooning in the finest of foodie fashion.
Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof (Above)
The first five-star hotel in Ortisei, 54-room Gardena was converted from a private home into one of the valley’s top resorts over 90 years ago. If you’re planning a winter honeymoon, the ski slopes sit right next door with a cableway leading up to the renowned Val Gardena. After a day of hiking around the surrounding trails, linger over a lavish dinner at the one Michelin-starred Anna Stuben restaurant, where chef Reimund Brunner and the sommelier will map out the perfect dinner for two prepared with the finest local ingredients and vino. Think Italian pastas like tagliatelle and tortelloni filled with ricotta, shrimp and pecorino.
Photo: Courtesy of Ciasa Salares
Ciasa Salares
Let Italy’s youngest Michelin-starred chef woo you and your new hubby during one of the most picturesque picnic set-ups possible. You’ll be treated to a white table clothed-meal overlooking the pastures and woods of the surrounding Fanes Park. Chef Matteo Metullio will present the perfect spread of local delicacies to top off your honeymoon feast, from suckling pig to smoked guinea fowl, plus the most delicious of Italian desserts like white chocolate-filled sesame cannoli. If this wasn’t lavish enough, make your way through a guided tasting of 40 chocolates paired with fine wines and spirits at the restaurant’s Chocolate Room for a sweet way to end the evening.
Photo: Courtesy of Alpina Dolomites Lodge
Alpina Dolomites Lodge
Set on Europe’s largest high-altitude plateau, the Alpe di Siusi, you’ll feel like you’re literally sitting on top of the world here with sweeping views across the mountains from the panoramic pool. The lodge’s philosophy revolves around relaxation, so all you and your other half have to worry about is which couples’ treatment you’re going to indulge in next. After a spa day, continue the theme with a meal that centers around going local and green with a blend of Mediterranean, regional and international flavors served up with some of the most stunning views of the cragged peaks.
Photo: Courtesy of Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa
Rosa Alpina Hotel & Spa
Serious foodies after a gourmet fix will be in for a treat at the two Michelin star Restaurant St. Hubertus nestled in the Rosa Alpina Hotel. Once upon a time a tiny pizzeria, starred chef Norbert Niederkofler has over the last 20 years transformed the spot into one of the top restaurants in the region. Make yourself at home in one of the eatery’s lodge-style rooms that are a modern play on rustic chic with a menu that’s just as eclectic. Work your way through a Dolomite-themed meal of eel and chamomile from Venosta Valley, lamb from the Isarco Valley and pigeon from Moncucco farmstead. You can even take dinner al fresco to a private mountain hut for two picnicking at an altitude of 6,500 feet.
Photo: Courtesy of La Perla
La Perla
Think of La Perla as an antique-inspired Alpine escape, where rooms as swathed in sumptuous fabrics and balconies look right out to the slopes. The restaurant is just as romantic with its Old World vibes, from the rustic wood-paneled walls to the candle-lit tables spread throughout six intimate dining rooms. Curl up at one of the tables and prepare for a meal of South Tyrolean cuisine at the Michelin-starred La Stüa de Michil, paired with one of the wine cellar’s 30,000 bottles.
See More: Italian Honeymoon Idea: 3 Days in Venice