Hotel Hubertus Elevates Wellness Experience with Architectural Spa Expansion
Hotel Hubertus has recently completed a significant architectural expansion of its wellness amenities, including a refreshed lobby, an enhanced bar, and a spectacular panoramic sauna. These new additions continue the resort's tradition of bold design, following the notable 2016 Sky Pool, an 82-foot cantilevered structure, and the 2022 Heaven & Hell sauna with its distinctive cold plunge area. Each new facility echoes the hotel's minimalist aesthetic, drawing inspiration from the alpine architecture of the Dolomites.
The Sky Pool, a heated infinity pool, projects over the valley and is supported by local timber beams. Similarly, the panoramic sauna, also constructed from locally sourced wood, features a gabled roof design that is mirrored in its lower section. These architectural choices not only create visual interest but also reinforce the hotel's connection to its natural environment.
Nestled in the pristine, serene region of northeastern Italy, Hotel Hubertus offers unparalleled views of the tall, jagged limestone peaks and clear blue lakes characteristic of the Dolomites. The primary objective of these wellness spaces is to maximize guests' exposure to the stunning vistas from the hotel's mountainside location, which faces east. Just above the resort lies Kronplatz, a renowned ski destination that transforms into a haven for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts during the warmer months, offering a diverse range of outdoor activities.
When the opportunity arose to refresh the remaining spa and social areas of Hotel Hubertus, the design team embraced the same philosophy of contextual responsiveness and grandeur. The newly envisioned lobby now incorporates a bar and a state-of-the-art panoramic sauna, cleverly integrated beneath a verdant roof that extends from an expansive grassy terrace. This thoughtful integration ensures that the new structures harmonize with the landscape, providing a continuous flow between indoor luxury and outdoor splendor.
The new sauna replaces a collection of smaller cabins and is distinguished by its intricate herringbone-patterned wood paneling. It offers a variety of wellness experiences, including guided infusion rituals at a high temperature of 180 degrees Fahrenheit, bio-based treatments at a more moderate 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and soothing steam baths at 112 degrees Fahrenheit. Regardless of the chosen treatment, guests are consistently treated to breathtaking panoramic views, reinforcing the immersive natural experience.
This approach stands in stark contrast to many resorts, even those in close proximity, which often relegate their wellness facilities to basements or locations hidden from captivating scenery. At Hotel Hubertus, every area, including all guest accommodations, offers views of the valley and the majestic mountains in the distance. The minimalist design philosophy ensures that the surrounding landscape remains the central focus, allowing guests to fully appreciate the natural beauty. The overarching goal is to deepen Hotel Hubertus's integration into its natural surroundings, making it an integral part of the stunning environment.
Markus Gasser, the second-generation co-proprietor of the resort, emphasizes that the hotel's architectural enhancements are now unified. He states, "It looks like one piece of architecture now. We made sure these enhancements stayed true to the surroundings but have a contemporary look and feel." This commitment to both tradition and modernity is evident in every detail of the renovation, creating a cohesive and visually striking experience for guests.
Instead of adhering to conventional chalet aesthetics, the renovation prioritizes the natural scenery as the main attraction. The design consciously steps away from typical alpine motifs, allowing the majestic landscape to speak for itself. This thoughtful approach ensures that the hotel's architecture complements rather than competes with the stunning environment, enhancing the overall guest experience.
Gasser shares the resort's rich history, explaining, "Hotel Hubertus began as a place for my grandfather to gather with friends after a day of hunting. Over the past five decades, we’ve slowly but surely expanded it into what it is now. The focus has always been on providing our guests with the best amenities possible, doing everything to help them enjoy the area, not necessarily maximizing our profit margins." This long-standing dedication to guest satisfaction and appreciation for the local environment continues to guide the hotel's evolution.
The significant transformations implemented by Gasser and his family have been feasible precisely because the establishment maintains a small, independent operational model. Unlike larger hotel chains, which often require extensive approvals from supervisory boards or external investors, the family-owned nature of Hotel Hubertus allows for greater agility and a more personalized approach to development. This autonomy enables them to make swift decisions that prioritize enhancing the guest experience and preserving the unique character of the resort.
Gasser further elaborates on their strategy, stating, "While we’ve expanded over the years, we’ve kept the room number below 75. The idea is to have our most loyal customers come back time and time again and have something new for them to discover each time." This focus on maintaining an intimate scale fosters a sense of exclusivity and ensures that the hotel can continuously innovate and surprise its repeat guests with fresh experiences and improved facilities.
The strategic expansion of Hotel Hubertus's wellness facilities underscores its dedication to offering a unique guest experience. By prioritizing seamless integration with the natural environment and adopting a contemporary architectural style, the resort continues to distinguish itself. The family's vision, rooted in a commitment to quality over mere profit, ensures that each enhancement contributes to a holistic and memorable stay amidst the stunning backdrop of the Dolomites.