The First Cortina by The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts will open a new five-star luxury property in the heart of Cortina d’Ampezzo, in early December 2026.
Located on Corso Italia, the property has undergone a complete renovation and transformation led by Studio Marincola Architects around the principles of conservation and wellbeing. Rather than creating another luxury hotel defined by conventional Alpine references, the design seeks to capture the character and natural beauty of the surrounding Dolomites in a distinctly contemporary and elegant way, creating a sense of continuity between the building and the landscape.
A continuous ribbon of glass panels runs through the architecture, bringing light deep into the property and framing the mountains beyond. Dolomia stone and Fir wood have been used prominently throughout the structure and interiors, to introduce warmth and tactility, while the restrained material palette allows the surrounding landscape to remain the defining visual presence.
The hotel’s 76 rooms and suites are designed around one of the Dolomites’ greatest assets: the view. Each has a private balcony overlooking the UNESCO-protected peaks, while the Enrosadira Penthouse occupies the top of the collection, and the hotel’s uppermost floor. Named for the fleeting natural phenomenon that turns the mountains rose-pink at sunset, the 140 m² (three-bedroom) residence is a singular vantage point from which to watch the light move across the peaks. A 50 m² private terrace, dedicated sauna and Turkish bath, and an intimate living room create a rare sense of seclusion. A separate dining space and fully equipped kitchen offer the freedom to settle in completely, while the option of a meal prepared by a private chef, transforms each stay into a quietly personal experience, tailored entirely to the guest.
The Wellness Suite Terrace View, offers its own secluded take on the landscape, with direct access to a private terrace overlooking the mountains, while the Jacuzzi Suite View Balcony takes a more indulgent approach, setting a Jacuzzi in the corner of the room for a front-row seat to the Dolomites. A collection of Family Suites rounds out the offering, extending the hotel’s appeal to those travelling together. Throughout, the interiors favour quiet luxury over overt ornamentation, tactile leather detailing and Saint Laurent marble are paired, in selected rooms, with ornamental water-vapour fireplaces adding warmth and texture. Open-plan bathrooms and generously proportioned showers lend a sense of space, while the deliberately restrained palette allows the Dolomites, ever-present beyond the glass, to take centre stage.
The property’s dining experiences follow the same philosophy of understated sophistication. On the ground floor, Zuma brings its internationally acclaimed interpretation of contemporary Japanese cuisine to the Dolomites. The restaurant will be open for aperitif, dinner, and after-dinner live music and DJ sets around its centrepiece bar table by night. Velo, the hotel’s signature restaurant, offers a refined interpretation of Italian gastronomy. From breakfast accompanied by sweeping mountain views to artisanal pastries and chocolates crafted in-house, and afternoon tea, the space evolves throughout the day. Flooded with natural light, its elegant yet relaxed setting provides a counterpoint to Cortina’s own vibrant energy.
Wellbeing is woven throughout the hotel through REVĪVŌ Spa, bringing the philosophy of the group’s sister luxury wellness brand to a refined Alpine setting. REVĪVŌ, whose portfolio includes a Michelin key-awarded resort in Bali, combines time-honoured Eastern traditions with contemporary approaches to spa and recovery. The spa at The First Cortina is designed by Gherardi Architetti and offers a considered environment for restoration and renewal. Refined materials, natural textures and meticulous detailing create a tranquil setting informed by the rhythm and elemental character of the mountains. The spa is spread across two floors, with the panoramic pool extending slightly outdoors through sliding glass doors on the first floor, alongside treatment rooms, sauna and a traditional hammam. Adjacent to the outdoor section of the pool, there is an open-air area with sun loungers.
A curated wellness programme extends the spa experience, while a fully equipped gym provides a more active approach to wellbeing, alongside a hair salon and nail and beauty treatments. Beyond the spa, a dedicated Ski Room offers guests a space to store their ski and mountain equipment during their stay, with access to a range of mountain services including ski and alpine guides, ski instructors, and the rental of equipment for both winter and summer activities – from skis and snowboards to hiking and trekking apparel. A dedicated e-MTB further encourages guests to experience the landscape on two wheels.
Cortina d’Ampezzo remains one of Italy’s most fashionable and culturally distinctive Alpine destinations, renowned for its winter sports, lively social scene and enduring sense of style. Positioned directly on Corso Italia, The First Cortina is set to become a vibrant new social address in the Dolomites, just moments from the ski lifts and within easy reach of Venice Marco Polo and Treviso Canova airports.
The opening marks a further expansion of The Pavilions Hotels & Resorts European presence, bringing its signature Curated Journeys philosophy to a destination where nature, culture and design converge. The First Cortina reflects the group’s belief that contemporary hospitality should be rooted in its surroundings rather than simply inspired by them. Here, architecture and interiors are shaped by restraint and wellbeing by the restorative character of the mountains. The result is a modern Alpine retreat that celebrates craftsmanship, landscape and a deeper sense of place – an address designed not only to offer a stay in Cortina but to immerse guests in the character of the Dolomites.
