One of Italy's Oldest Mountain Towns Is a Perfect Winter Getaway With Festive Christmas Markets, Skiing, and Spa Resorts

"I didn't expect a three-day trip to northeastern Italy to result in a full-blown infatuation with sauna culture, pine trees, and one of the oldest towns in the South Tyrol region. For that, I credit Forestis, a mountainside spa hotel that sits nearly 6,000 feet above sea level-directly facing the craggy peaks of the Dolomites-just a short, albeit winding, drive from Brixen."

"Known as Brixen or Bressanone (the respective German and Italian names), the mountain town was mentioned in records dating all the way back to 901. Its storied past is just one of a plethora of reasons to experience the destination, though. "In addition to the wonderful art and cultural sites and places that bear witness to Brixen's long history, there are forests and the local mountain, the Plose, in the immediate vicinity," says Martina Rabensteiner, local historian and tour guide."

"Everything about Forestis is purposeful and narrative-driven. The stone pine juice you receive at check-in purportedly aids relaxation. The guest suites-located in the main historic building and three neighboring wooden towers-all have views of the soaring mountains in the distance. The over 20,000-square-foot, two-floor spa is outfitted with a range of steam rooms, saunas, and cold plunges, and all the treatments and services take inspiration from the Celts who settled the area."

A short visit to northeastern Italy highlights sauna culture, pine forests, and the historic town of Brixen. Forestis perches nearly 6,000 feet above sea level with direct views of the Dolomites and emphasizes relaxation through design and ritual. Brixen (Bressanone) dates to 901 and combines art, cultural sites, forests, and the nearby Plose mountain. The area supports hiking, museums, vineyards, skiing, and a traditional Christmas market while valuing stillness, slow mornings, and frequent sauna sessions. Forestis offers stone pine juice at check-in, suites with mountain views, a large two-floor spa, and Celtic-inspired treatments.

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