When you arrive at Adler Balance the first thing that strikes you is the view. The Dolomites sit right there in front of you, and it is genuinely breathtaking. You usually check in during the afternoon, which means you arrive to afternoon tea. It looks good and it feels welcoming, and the team make sure you are comfortable from the first minute.
The rooms
The rooms are cosy and comfortable. The bathtub opens onto the bedroom, which will make you wish you had come with someone special. On your own, it is no hardship either: you can lie in a bubble bath and look at the mountains. Or you can leave the room entirely and go to one of the many classes running all day long.
The activities
There are so many options that you will certainly find something you enjoy, and you will meet lovely people along the way. It had been a long time since I met so many friendly people in a hotel.
The programme includes yoga, sound baths, pilates, various core training sessions, Aufguss rituals in the sauna, hiking, and biking with three levels so you can pick the one that suits you.
The food
Adler Balance is a full board experience and every meal is delicious. You can choose the healthy side of the menu or the classic Italian and Dolomites cooking. Whether you want to lose weight or you want steak and champagne, you are equally welcome, and nobody will make you feel otherwise.
The medical side
Most guests come for the spa. Some do a programme, but it is not compulsory here, and that is worth knowing before you book.
The consultation with the doctor is complimentary and exists so that your treatments are chosen properly rather than at random. I was very happy to meet her. Her ideas and her suggestions were genuinely useful, and it made me want to come back for a full programme, because the philosophy behind it is very interesting.
The spa
The treatment rooms are beautiful, with big windows, which is a blessing for the therapist as much as for the client. The protocols are good, and honestly this is the best value for money I have seen in a very long time, so you can spoil yourself without feeling guilty about it.
The facilities are excellent: several saunas, depending on whether you would rather be naked or not, an ice bath, a hammam, an outstanding pool, various outdoor spaces and a relaxation area.
Ortisei
Ortisei is a charming town with lots of small shops, plenty of restaurants and cafés, a great deal to do outdoors and scenery that does most of the work for you.
How the days actually went
The days flew by. I felt full and empty at the same time, in the best sense. There were so many activities I wanted to try that I did not get through them all.
Every morning I started with a swim in the indoor and outdoor pool. I went hiking, which was truly outstanding and a blissful few hours. A great spa and good meals on top of that. A happy time.
In winter
In winter it turns into a snowy fairy tale, with what they call super ski, so you can combine skiing and wellbeing in the same stay.
To recap
- A great spa.
- Amazing value for money, probably the best of any property on Serenity Ways.
- Good food, with a genuine choice between healthy and indulgent.
- Friendly guests, which is not something you can design into a hotel.
- Attentive service.
- Comfortable rooms.
- An extensive activity list.
