Ciasa Salares

Nestled on a forested slope across the street from the Armentarola lift on the edge of the Alta Badia ski resort, Ciasa Salares is a four-star property with five-star service and cuisine. The highlights of a stay here are the cheese room and the chocolate room, both available by appointment only.

• The chocolate room, with a hidden door hiding a glass wall of spirits
• The cheese room, with some cheeses aged up to two decades
• Cocun, the cellar restaurant where guests dine amidst shelves upon shelves of the best wine from all over the world

Ciasa Salares, on the outskirts of San Cassiano, is often overlooked for options in town, especially Rosa Alpina (now an Aman). But what Ciasa Salares may lack in village-proximity and design, it makes up for in its service and exquisite culinary program. A favorite for foodies Ciasa Salares is a convenient base for outdoor adventure, including winter skiing and summer hiking, and it rewards its guests after a day of activity with indulgent menus at one of its four restaurants or a trip to its esteemed cheese room and chocolate room—both of which must be reserved in advance.

There are 25 rooms on-property. Entry level categories are barebones, so we only recommend the Suite Salares room category or the Penthouse Rü Blanch. The design for these is minimalist but charming, with primarily unfinished fir and pine walls and furniture, aside from the cushioned chairs and couches. The decor reflects classic Austrian chalet influence, like painted cabinets and red patterned rugs. Each suite has a slightly different layout and color palette—some leaning more into red and raspberry hues and other into muted blues and greens—but all are spacious and comfortable with a balcony looking out at the mountains. In keeping with the culinary focus of the property, all guests are gifted with a chocolate surprise in their rooms upon arrival. The penthouse suite also comes with its own jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a beautiful glass fireplace and a terrace.

There are four dining options on-property. Bona Lüna is the lobby bar, with leather couches, high top wooden tables, golden lighting fixtures and wooden bookshelves. The sunny terrace restaurant, Infini, is a great place to enjoy a beer and lunch or some light bites overlooking the forest and rocky mountain peaks. A sprawling breakfast buffet with a la carte options is served in Sorí, the chic main restaurant, which also serves a four course evening meal that includes at least one Alpine dish and a vegetarian meal—there is a wide selection of cheese in the buffet area to choose from following the meal. The star though, is dining in the cellar restaurant Cocun, where narrow hallways and archways lead you to sleek wooden tables, and wine bottles top multiple wooden and stone shelves. The atmosphere of a tasting experience here is unbeatable and best paired with an after-dinner visit to the chocolate room where a wall of chocolate awaits. Pairings are essential at this hotel, and just as each course will have its wine pairing, tastings in the chocolate room and cheese room will be paired with ciders, beers and spirits. Wine tastings are also available in the cellar.

Ciasa Salares has a wellness center and spa with an indoor pool lined on one side with glass windows and an outdoor hot tub (that resembles a giant wooden bucket), plus a Turkish bath, Finnish sauna, whirlpool bath, solarium and more. There is also a fitness center.

Foodies seeking a stop on a skiing or hiking itinerary or a home base for activity year-round