The Design & Innovation Award has been based in St. Vigil for the last four years and in that time, the Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort has become our trusted base camp. The familiar surroundings saw a few new additions this year – in particular the new infinity pool with its panoramic view over the Dolomites. Owner Werner Call has expanded the hotel and created an absolute dream.
With a moment to breathe between rounds of intensive testing of award products, analysis, thorough discussions, tinkering and typing away at our laptops, you finally realise that actually, most people come here for play, not work. All around St. Vigil there are excellent opportunities for biking but nature is also close at hand, letting you leave your worries behind. Of course, relaxing and eating good food are an essential part of the daily routine.
We’ve no doubt that most bikers would be jealous of hotelier Werner Call once a year when he has access to the hottest bikes and products of the new season. He takes the opportunity when the Design & Innovation Award visits to swing his leg over some of the new test bikes. As a passionate biker, Werner isn’t just interested in the newest trends and products but in offering both activities and relaxation for his guests. All of our desires were fulfilled and it felt like the whole region, including the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, Lake Prags and the Sexten Dolomites had rolled out the red carpet for us. From guided cross-country tours to downhill at the Kronplatz, there’s something available for every taste. An undoubtedly unique feature is the freeride line directly behind the hotel, which has served as one of our test tracks over the last years. If you prefer to ride road bikes, you’ll find several legendary mountain passes nearby: the Furka pass is pretty much at your doorstep and the Kronplatz, , Würzjoch, Staller Saddle, Plätzwiesen and the Kreuzbergpass aren’t far. For gravel bikes, the region offers countless quiet roads, gravel tracks and moderate off-road sections.
But the hotel isn’t just about biking. Hiking, golf, skiing, childcare, wellness and good eating are just as important to the team running the Excelsior Dolomites Life Resort.
Look out at the Dolomites from your table in the restaurant and you’ll soon forget any notions of calorie counting. The combination of breathtaking views and gourmet food meant that despite our intensive testing regime, we still managed to go home a little heavier than we arrived – we just couldn’t resist the excellent regional food and wine. Tradition and sustainability are very important to Werner. That means both the modern and the traditional cooking is based on as many regional products as possible.
At our hotel in South Tyrol, we’ve tasked ourselves with preserving the landscape of our region, so that it remains just as attractive for the next generations as it is today. – Werner Call, Hotel Exclesior
The facade of the hotel’s new expansion is unique, continuing the silhouette of the Dolomites in the background. The rooms are sensibly integrated into the overall design of the building and take their cues and influence from the region. The substantial wooden flooring, the South Tyrolean art and the classic furniture let you feel like you’re relaxing in the Wellness area and not shut away in a private room. Of course it goes without saying that many of the rooms look out on a stunning panorama.
However, the absolute highlight of it all is the new 1,300 m2 Wellness area with its spa, infinity pool, panoramic sun terrace and panoramic sauna. The rooms are flooded with natural light and let you recover and recuperate after an active day. If that wasn’t enough, in addition to massages, there’s a second Wellness area with an indoor pool, saunas and outdoor whirlpool in the older part of the hotel.
For more info head to myexcelsior.com
Hats off to you Werner, you’ve created an idyllic dream!
