Lefay Wellness Resorts might just be the hidden luxury gem you never knew you needed.
Nestled in the heart of the Dolomites, Lefay Dolomiti Resort & Spa is the rare kind of ski resort that caters to everyone and not just those who love carving up the slopes. The original Lefay Wellness Resorts outpost is on Lake Garda, but the Dolomiti location opened in 2019 and boasts the region’s largest spa (at more than 50,000 square feet), a verified sustainable ethos and Michelin-star dining—all just minutes from the gondola.
Just shy of a three-hour drive from Milan, Lefay Dolomiti—which is part of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection—sits above the village of Pinzolo, part of Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino’s largest ski area and the fifth largest in Italy, with 93 miles of alpine runs, four snow parks and 25 miles of cross-country trails. The striking A-frame property is tucked among the trees, with the lobby, bar and expansive reception area at the top.
Designed by architect Hugo Demetz, the resort blends into its surroundings. Studio Alberto Apostoli led the interior design, incorporating locally sourced materials to reinforce this ethos.
The vibe of Lefay is effortlessly relaxed. During our February stay, it was mostly couples and a few families, with the mix of guests shifting around school holidays. Spa robes are the norm by day, but come evening, outfits range from smart casual to full-on glam—there’s no strict dress code, just classic Italian style. Still, we never felt out of place in jeans and cozy sweaters. Guests are largely from Italy, but Americans, Germans, French and British visitors are also major contributors to check-ins.
Rooms & Residences
Lefay’s 88 suites and 21 residences marry modernity with alpine charm. Locally sourced wood and stone, paired with minimalist design, create a calming aesthetic. Bathrooms are spacious and stocked with Lefay-branded chestnut-scented toiletries, while cozy details like faux-fur throws and fireplaces add warmth. Natural elements continue throughout with teak screens, wood floors and rich textural finishes. Every accommodation includes a furnished private balcony to enjoy the fresh mountain air.
There are five suite categories. The Prestige and Deluxe Junior Suites are cleverly designed 670-square-foot spaces with seating areas that flow onto balconies, with bathrooms separated by open slatted walls. The only difference? Prestige Suites have pool and mountain views, while Deluxe Suites overlook the valley and village.
For those seeking extra space, the two-bedroom suites (just shy of 1,000 square feet) are ideal for families. The 708-square-foot Exclusive Spa Suites have a black marble-clad circular jacuzzi tub and a private sauna. For VIPs, the three-bedroom, 4,630-square-foot Royal Pool & Spa Suite offers a full kitchen, dining for eight and a vast terrace with a private heated whirlpool. You may want to declare residency in the bathroom, as this marble enclave includes an indoor jacuzzi, a shower, two saunas and a private treatment zone.
The most exclusive of the 21 Residences, the Penthouse, spans over 3,100 square feet, with a massive terrace, a whirlpool, a spacious living area and three bedrooms with a private sauna and treatment area.
We stayed in Residence No. 24, a one-bedroom, 1,000-square-foot unit with a living and dining area, a half bathroom and a well-equipped kitchen. The generous bedroom featured a spacious bathroom with a shower, double sinks, a freestanding tub and a walk-in closet. The sofa converted into a bed for our son, allowing us all to have our own space.
For VIP arrangements, contact General Manager Alessandro Angelaccio ([email protected]).
The Spa: Luxury Meets Approachability
Lefay’s 53,820-square-foot spa—one of the largest in the Dolomites (and even the Alps)—delivers a world-class wellness experience that feels refreshingly approachable. Spread across four levels, it houses three pools (including a showstopping heated indoor/outdoor pool, whose rising mist begs for an Instagram reel), 20 treatment rooms, extensive hydrotherapy, saunas, an adults-only thermal area and a large, 24-hour gym with Equinox-level amenities.
Lefay’s spa philosophy merges classical Chinese medicine with western science, with five energy and therapeutic zones designed to rebalance and rejuvenate through temperature, humidity and phytotherapy. The weekly complimentary wellness schedule makes it easy to dip your toes into the different zones, literally and figuratively.
We loved the Aufguss sauna ritual, where scented steam creates a relaxing aroma, and sauna stretching—both led by Enrico Milani in the Finnish sauna—which was perfect for loosening up tight muscles.
The Cold Experience, also with Enrico, is where we walked barefoot on the frozen ground before alternating between hot and cold baths—an exhilarating way to prep our legs for the slopes. Best of all, it got us fully engaged in the spa experience rather than “just” lounging (though we did plenty of that, too).
Lefay’s signature treatments use proprietary nutricosmetic products infused with alpine botanicals like juniper, Val di Genova mud and mountain salt. I tried the Change of the Wind (Scambio nel Vento) massage with Jessica Lanzi, a therapist with 13 years of experience. This slow, deep massage left me completely refreshed and recharged.
For personalized spa programs, Spa Director Fabrizio Castellani ([email protected]) can guide guests through the extensive menu of treatments and activities.
Skiing—and Winter Alternatives for Non-Skiers
The Dolomites are famously stunning, and the peaks around Madonna di Campiglio are particularly breathtaking. Snow-capped spires and dark green pines frame the miles of meticulously groomed slopes. Lefay makes it effortless to enjoy it all, with ski butlers handling equipment, warming ski boots and providing complimentary rides straight to the gondola less than a five-minute drive away. Guests can rent top-tier gear and purchase ski passes directly at the hotel.
For non-skiers, concierge Filippo Maturi ([email protected]) regularly arranges snowshoeing, ice climbing, winter hikes and even horse-drawn sleigh rides.
Good to know: Lefay’s Kids Club (for ages three to 11) is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. While children are welcome in certain areas, the spa’s treatment and sauna zones remain an adults-only retreat (16-plus).
Dining: Elevated and Exquisite
All the skiing, spa rituals and mountain air build up an appetite, and Lefay Dolomiti more than satisfies one’s cravings. Overseen by Executive Chef Matteo Maenza (who trained with Alain Ducasse and Anne-Sophie Pic), the resort’s culinary program is decadently (and delectably) extensive.
At Dolomia, the all-day dining restaurant, breakfast is a buffet overflowing with local meats, cheeses, yogurts, fresh-baked breads, cakes, an omelet station and a make-your-own juice bar. Lunch and dinner highlight seasonal, locally inspired dishes like smoked trout, homemade speck and hand-cut pasta, alongside international favorites. The roast chicken — cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and a juicy center — was so good we ordered it five times in seven days. Spa menu options are always available for those seeking lighter, health-conscious choices without sacrificing flavor.
Grual, which was just awarded its first Michelin star this year, offers a fine-dining journey through the mountains. Inspired by the region’s natural landscape, Chef Maenza sources ingredients from progressively higher elevations, creating a dining experience that mirrors the surrounding peaks. Courses like mountain potatoes with herb pesto and rosehip ketchup from the valley, risotto with local Nostrano Stravecchio cheese from the mid-altitude pastures and saddle of roe deer with red cabbage and polenta from the high mountain tell a story of ascent through flavor. Desserts, like chocolate and caramel petits fours shaped like mushrooms, made for a whimsical finish while local wine pairings heightened the entire experience.
As we departed, Communications Director Mirella Prandelli shared exciting news: Lefay is expanding with a new Crans-Montana, Switzerland, project underway and more Italian locations in development.
If our time at Lefay Dolomiti is any indication, we can’t wait to see what’s next.
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