Ortisei might be the gateway to the Dolomites, but up here at Niblea, the views stretch wider, the air feels fresher, and the mountains take center stage.
Perfectly placed between the vast alpine pastures of Alpe di Siusi and the jagged drama of Seceda, this family-run retreat makes light work of adventureโskiing, hiking, or simply soaking it all in.ย
Just a short drive from the village buzz, yet blissfully removed from the crowds, Niblea is where the landscape dictates the pace: unhurried, awe-inspiring, and impossible to resist.
During her stay at Niblea, our Editorial Director, Sarah Ludwig, caught up with Daniel Moroder for a behind-the-scenes look at the hotelโs thoughtful evolution.
From recent renovations to sustainability initiatives, she took a deep dive into how this family-run retreat is shaping the future of alpine hospitality.
Keep reading for the full story.
Design
Formerly known as Hotel Piciuel, the property underwent renovations in 2006 and was transformed once more into the 4-star Hotel Niblea in 2020. The original chalet building remains, blending seamlessly into the new design. Owner Matteo Reller was insistent that only local businesses would be used to design the bespoke wooden furniture used across the hotel and to be reflective of the traditional style of South Tyrol.
Beneath the main hotel, the newly designed wellness area brings the outdoors inโfloor-to-ceiling glass framing sweeping views of the valley, where the misty niblea clouds, the hotelโs namesake, can be seen rolling into the valley.
Rooms
At Niblea, donโt be surprised if owner Matteo is the one handing over your room keyโthis is a family-run retreat where hospitality feels refreshingly personal. The rooms strike that perfect alpine balance: spacious yet cocooning, all warm wood and modern-chalet elegance, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing the Dolomites in high definition.
The ten newly revamped Prestige rooms sit in the same wing as the reimagined spa, offering sweeping views over Ortisei and Seceda. No matter where you stay, indulgence is effortlessโdrinks and snacks can be delivered straight to your room or the wellness area, with no extra charge.
Food + Drink
Dining at Niblea is as much about atmosphere as it is about exceptional food. Mornings begin with a carefully curated local gourmet breakfast, while evenings bring a multi-course prix fixe menu exclusive to hotel guests, ensuring an intimate, unhurried experience.
Each night, guests return to their own table, with weekly themed dinnersโincluding Tyrolean nightโkeeping things fresh. The sommelier, who also happens to be owner Matteo Rella, personally selects wine pairings from the hotelโs standout wine cellar, and those looking for a full experience can start the evening with a glass in the newly opened wine lounge.
Meanwhile, over at the bright and welcoming Lounge Bar, bartender Bruno mixes up handcrafted cocktails, fine wines, and spiritsโall best enjoyed with panoramic views as the backdrop.
Amenities
Nibleaโs new wellness area is a real drawcard, allowing guests to unwind in the accompaniment of some of Italyโs most picture-postcard views. Whether itโs the pretty buildings of Ortisei, the dramatic Seceda rocks, or the towering Dolomite peaks in the distance, these panoramas can be soaked up from across the wellness areaโs facilities.
Guests can alternate between the panoramic Finnish sauna, Turkish bath, and dedicated relaxation room or step outside to the sun terrace and lawn to soak up the mountain air. The showstopper? A heated infinity pool that begins indoors before stretching right to the edge of the property overlooks the hills and valleys below.ย
Aside from the wellness area, Hotel Niblea is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the outdoor experiences South Tyrol has to offer. Reception will happily call the hotel shuttle to bring guests into Ortisei (just a few minutes drive), and there are hiking and biking trails aplenty.
Come winter, the hotelโs well-equipped ski room ensures boots, skis, and gear are stored with easeโso guests can focus on carving tracks through the snow.
Sustainability
Alongside a design that champions local businesses and materials, Reller and his team have made thoughtful choices to keep their footprint on the fragile mountain landscape as light as possible.
The kitchen relies on seasonal, regional produce, single-use plastics are kept to a minimum, and all furniture is crafted from sustainably sourced wood. Energy-efficient measures run throughout the hotel, and to encourage guests to explore without a car, every stay includes a complimentary Val Gardena Mobil Card, granting free access to all South Tyrol bus services.
Discover Hotel Niblea for yourself:
Website: www.niblea.com
Phone: ย +39 0471 797351
Email: ย info@niblea.com
Address: Via Pineies, 3ย |ย 39046ย Ortiseiย |ย Italyย |
Instagram: @hotelniblea
