Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Alpinhotel Vajolet, Italy
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! We're heading to Italy, to Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Alpinhotel Vajolet. Let's be honest, the name alone is selling me on it already. But is it really paradise? Let's dive in, shall we? This will be a slightly rambling, possibly chaotic, but hopefully brutally honest review, because, well, that's just how I roll.
First Impressions: Is it Really Escape?
The altitude, my friends. Let's get that out of the way. Alpinhotel Vajolet is… high. (Insert nervous laughter here because I might have forgotten to factor that into my packing.) But the views! Forget Instagram filters; the Dolomites themselves are the filter. Breathtaking in the most literal sense of the word. Just… pace yourself on those first few hikes, yeah?
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (and My Own Fails)
Okay, real talk: Wheelchair accessible isn't quite the whole story. While there's an elevator, and they do have facilities for disabled guests, the terrain around the hotel is… well, mountain-y. Think cobblestone paths, slight inclines, and the occasional rogue rock. Not exactly ideal for a leisurely roll. (Me, the klutz, almost face-planted twice trying to navigate the lobby with my suitcase. So, uh, accessibility ratings are inherently subjective, aren't they?) If you require very specific accommodations, contact the hotel directly to discuss your needs. Transparency, people!
The Comforts and Conveniences: The Checklist (and My Own Little Scandals)
Internet, Internet, Internet - (or, The Tragedy of My Bad WiFi)
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yessss! (Thank goodness because I had a lot of work to do at home). Internet Access - LAN and just regular Internet is also available. I'm not sure I even used the LAN stuff since the wifi worked, but this definitely gives more options.
- Wi-Fi in public areas: More yesss! My biggest gripe? While the Wi-Fi was generally good, it hiccuped a few times in my room. A minor annoyance, but worth noting if you're glued to your screen like I am (shame on me!). Overall, Internet services available were good.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events: I didn't see any. But this is a good thing to keep in mind.
Daily necessities:
- Cash withdrawal: I need to remember this more. I'm used to the U.S. and forgot they might not take cards everywhere. Good reminder from the hotel.
- Concierge: A lifesaver. Seriously. They booked a ridiculously delicious restaurant in a tiny nearby village for me, and I am forever grateful.
- Convenience Store: Very handy for snacks and, ahem, emergency supplies of chocolate. (Don't judge me.)
- Currency exchange: Useful. Avoids the dreaded "currency conversion fee coma."
- Daily housekeeping: Immaculate. My room sparkled. Kudos to the cleaning staff!
- Doorman: Greeted by a friendly face every time.
- Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Laundry service: Thank goodness. After the hiking, a good press is essential, isn't it?
- Elevator: Essential.
- Essential condiments: I didn't use any.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As discussed above.
- Food delivery: Limited, given the location, but the hotel is doing what they can.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Cute, but predictably overpriced.
- Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events: I didn't see any events, but good for if you do need them.
- Invoice provided: A good thing to know.
- Luggage storage: Handy for those pre/post-check-in adventures.
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery: Good to know.
- On-site event hosting: Cool.
- Projector/LED display: I'm guessing these can be found if you use the event facilities.
- Safety deposit boxes: Always a good idea.
- Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace: All available.
- Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: Check.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: My Culinary Adventures (and Regrets!)
- Restaurants: The restaurants are fantastic. I spent the whole time eating there, and never wanted to go anywhere else.
- I'm going to have to say I went to the Vegetarian Restaurant - and it was just as incredible as the rest of the hotel.
- A La Carte in restaurant: Okay, there are a lot of options
- Alternative meal arrangement: Great! Even if you have a difficult diet to stick to, you'll be able to have fun dining here.
- Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant:
- The food! Oh, the food. Seriously, I gained five pounds (which is probably a good thing, considering the hikes). The breakfast buffet was a triumph of carbs and cured meats. And the coffee? Divine. (I am now officially addicted.)
- Happy Hour: The cocktails were dangerous. In a good way. The poolside bar became my happy place.
- One little regret: I didn't get a chance to try the Asian cuisine. Next time, definitely!
- Room service [24-hour]: Perfect for those lazy, post-hike evenings… or mornings.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax: Spa Days and Mountain Hikes (and Me Nearly Dying)
- Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]:
- The spa situation is… glorious. The pool with a view is as stunning as it sounds. The sauna and steam room are perfect for soothing those achy muscles after you've been on the trail for a while. I think I spent a whole afternoon just rotating between the pool and the spa. The massages!! You must get a massage. Trust me.
- Swimming pool: So many pools!
- Fitness center: I intended to use the fitness center, but the views convinced me that hiking was the superior form of torture enjoyment.
- Foot bath: Amazing for after a hike.
- For the kids - Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: No children allowed, so you'll be skipping these.
Cleanliness and Safety: Post-Pandemic Peace of Mind
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Breakfast in room, Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Shared stationery removed, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment:
- Excellent. Seriously impressive. Everything felt immaculate. The staff was incredibly attentive, and I felt completely safe. They've clearly gone above and beyond in light of recent events.
The Rooms: My Cozy Little Nest (with Interruptions)
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens:
- The rooms are beautifully designed. The blackout curtains were a lifesaver after those epic hikes. The bed was incredibly comfortable
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're heading to the Alpinhotel Vajolet in Tires, Italy, and let me tell you, adults only is music to my ears. This isn’t going to be some pristine, perfectly-curated itinerary. This is life – with a hefty dose of Italian charm, and probably, a healthy dose of me questioning my life choices.
Day 1: Arrival and Altitude Adjustment (and a near-miss with the luggage)
- Morning (ish): Okay, so the flight was…well, let's just say my attempt at "sleeping like a baby" resulted in more "waking up every fifteen minutes thinking I'd missed my stop." Finally, landed in (checks notes…) Verona. The transfer to Tires was pretty scenic, which was good because I'd completely failed at charming the bus driver. I spent the entire journey imagining I was starring in my own indie film, then realized I was still in my sweatpants and probably looked the part of "disheveled traveler."
- Afternoon: Arrived at the Alpinhotel Vajolet! The website photos lied. Beautiful wasn't good enough for the vibe here. It was stunning, like something out of a magazine I could never dream of affording. Checking in was ridiculously smooth, which I can't complain about. My bags, on the other hand? Nearly didn't make it. Apparently my luggage was in a romantic relationship with a conveyor belt and they weren't willing to part.
- Evening: Mandatory hotel-room-window-gazing time. Seriously, the Dolomites… they’re just there. Majestic, brooding, and making me feel woefully inadequate. Dinner at the hotel: Phenomenal. I'm talking pasta that made me question every meal I'd ever eaten before. And the wine? Oh God, the wine. I had two glasses. Maybe three. I’m blaming the altitude. And the fact that it just tasted like liquid sunshine. Thought I'd try to hit the spa but I might go to bed.
Day 2: Hiking and Humility (and more wine)
- Morning: Woke up to a view that almost brought me to tears. Almost. The Dolomites, looking even more imposing in the morning light. Decided to be adventurous and try a hike. "Easy" hike, the hotel brochure said. "Suitable for beginners." HA! Let me tell you, my definition of "easy" and the Italian Alps' definition are wildly different. After a brief, and I mean brief, moment of feeling like a mountain goat (mostly because I'd accidentally wandered off the path and was clinging for dear life to a root) I'd just about managed to make it to a good altitude.
- Afternoon: Back at the hotel, covered in dirt and my pride slightly bruised. Decided to reward myself with a gelato. It was the best gelato I've ever tasted. I might have shed a tear of pure joy. A very large, very delicious tear.
- Late Afternoon/Early Evening: Decided to go to the spa. Massages are perfect, until I can't get out of bed. I think it was the best massage I've ever had. Dinner? Even better than last night. I think I'm developing a dependency on the pasta.
- Evening: Another wine. This time, I'm pretty sure it was the local stuff. It's a good thing I'm in an adults-only hotel and not some kind of kindergarten.
Day 3: The Day I Almost Died (Over a Mountain, Literally)
- Morning: Foolishly confident after yesterday's 'easy' hike. Today, I decided to be ambitious. This was the beginning of my mistakes. I'm talking about a serious hike. I mean, I thought I was prepared, but I clearly underestimated both the terrain and my limited fitness level. The hike involved a lot of uphill, a few moments of panicked gasping for air, and about a dozen near-falls where I narrowly avoided tumbling down a mountainside. Yes, really nearly died! I had a panic attack and some of the beautiful sights didn't even register; my focus was solely on not plummeting to my death.
- Lunch: Made it back to the hotel, a sweaty, trembling mess. Ordered the biggest thing I could find on the menu which was a massive burger.
- Afternoon: I spent mostly recovering. After the death-defying hiking experience, I needed to take a lot of rest.
- Evening: Dinner at the hotel. Decided maybe I shouldn't try to be such a daredevil. I'll stick to the pasta.
Day 4: Spa Day and Contemplation (and more pasta)
- Morning: Spa day! Finally, a chance to relax and recover from facing death. They had a sauna. I went in it.
- Afternoon: Decided to chill by the pool. I felt like I was in a movie but was in the middle of a life-affirming journey.
- Evening: Okay, so, another dinner. I can't help it. It's just so good.
Day 5: Exploring and Farewell (with a heavy heart)
- Morning: Wandered the little town that the Alpinhotel Vajolet is in. It's so quaint. I can see why people come here.
- Afternoon: Spent the afternoon packing. I really don't want to leave. I'm going to miss the mountains, the food, and the peace.
- Evening: One last amazing dinner. One last glass of wine, then another. I'm going to miss this place.
Day 6: Departure (and a promise to return, eventually)
- Morning: The dreaded packing, the slow trek to the bus stop, and a final, longing look back at the Alpinhotel Vajolet.
- Afternoon: The airport. I'm tired.
- Evening: I'm home. I will be back. This whole experience has made me want to travel more.
Postscript: Honestly, I'm already planning my return. Alpinhotel Vajolet, you magnificent, pasta-filled, mountain-blessed escape… you have my heart. And I strongly recommend you check it out if you like adventure, food and a good time!
Unbelievable Munnar Luxury: Majestic Resort Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Adults-Only Alpinhotel Vajolet - Uh...Where DO We Start?!
Okay, so, like, what *is* this place, actually? Is it…good?
Alright, so picture this: you're buried in emails, your kids are screaming, and your partner's snoring next to you – the usual delightful chaos. Then, BAM! Vajolet. It's an adults-only hotel (HALLELUJAH) in the Italian Alps. Think stunning views, fancy food, and… well, *silence*. Glorious, blessed silence. Good? It's not just good. It's the kind of good that makes you forget how to adult for a few glorious days. Seriously, I nearly cried with happiness the first time I saw the view from my balcony. (Don't judge me – I was *tired*.)
The "alpinhotel" bit is important. It's not just some generic hotel. It *feels* alpine, like you're living in a snow globe (in winter, obviously – I went in summer, but everyone raves about winter). Lots of wood, cozy vibes, and the kind of charm that makes you want to spontaneously yodel (I didn’t, though. My yodeling skills are…questionable.)
But honestly? It’s the absence of small humans that truly defines it. You can actually, *gasp*, enjoy your breakfast without someone demanding all the Nutella. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Is the food any good? Because… Italian food is kind of a big deal.
Oh. My. GOD. The food. Okay, so. I consider myself a self-proclaimed pasta connoisseur. I *live* for the perfect al dente. And Vajolet? They *get* it. Seriously, every single meal felt like a hug from a nonna I never knew I had. Pasta was phenomenal. Pizzas were divine. The breakfast buffet… yeah, let's just say I may have, ahem, *accidentally* eaten three croissants one morning. Don't tell anyone.
But here's the thing: it's not just the food, it's the experience. The dining room is beautiful, the service is impeccable (and friendly, which matters!), and the wine list… well, let's just say my bank account took a hit. But a delicious hit. I'm still dreaming of the truffle risotto. Actually, I might cry again just thinking about it. (See? Told you I was a mess.)
Oh, and the cheese. Dear lord, the *cheese*. They had a whole cheese table! A *whole table* dedicated to glorious, smelly, delicious cheese. This is not a drill, people.
What about the rooms? Are they…romantic, or just…a room?
Romantic? Oh, yes. Imagine a room where you actually feel truly relaxed; where the soft, warm glow of the light invites you to completely settle in. We were in a room overlooking the valley and the views… Honestly, words fail. Think picture-perfect, postcard-worthy, “I could stay here forever” kind of views. Okay, I'm getting sappy again. Sorry.
The rooms themselves weren’t just rooms; they were little havens. Beautifully decorated, with a fireplace (which we didn't use because it was summer, but, you know. *Potential*), and a balcony. The bathrooms were modern and spotless. They'd clearly thought about the details - good lighting, plenty of storage, and the all-important – good water pressure in the shower. My partner, who is *very* particular about water pressure, was thrilled. That says a lot.
And yes, they had that romantic, super-cozy, "I could spend all day in bed with a good book" vibe (which I, of course, did. Several times. No regrets).
Okay, so what's there to *do*? Is it all just sitting around? I need action! Or...maybe...not. Maybe I just need to lie down.
Right, so here’s where things get interesting. You *can* do a whole lotta nothing, which, let's be honest, is the primary reason I went. Lying by the pool (yes, they have a pool!), reading a book, sipping cocktails… pure bliss. They also have a spa, which, you know, *duh*. Massages, saunas, all that good stuff. I may have spent a considerable amount of time in the sauna.
BUT! For the more adventurous souls, there are *tons* of hiking trails. Seriously, the mountains are right there, practically begging you to climb them. I attempted one hike. I say 'attempted' because I may have underestimated the altitude and my own fitness level. I’m pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes at one point. The view, however was *incredible*. And the air was so pure. (I also took a very long nap when I got back to the hotel. Don't judge!).
There's also skiing/snowboarding in winter, of course. (I'd love to go back in winter. The snowy photos look so dreamy!) And the staff is super helpful with arranging activities and giving advice. It’s all about balance, really: relaxation *and* adventure, if you're feeling it. (I mostly felt relaxation).
Is there anything to worry about? Like, downsides? Come ON, nothing's perfect.
Okay, okay, you got me. Nothing's *perfect*. Though Vajolet comes pretty darn close. The biggest "downside" (and I say this with a tiny tear in my eye) is that you eventually have to leave. That's the worst part, hands down. Getting back to reality after being pampered like that is a harsh transition. The contrast with your normal life will be brutal. Prepare yourself.
Also, and this is a minor quibble, the Wi-Fi wasn't always the strongest. This isn't a big deal, really – embrace the digital detox, people! – but if you *absolutely* need to be glued to your phone, just be aware. I did get slightly frantic when I couldn't immediately check my Instagram, admittedly. But then I took a deep breath, looked at the mountains, and remembered why I was there. (The Wi-Fi issue became non-existent really quick. It also became a relief.).
Finally, and this is a *very* personal thing: I wished I had more time. I could have stayed there for weeks, just soaking it all up. So, yeah, if you can, stay longer than you think you need to. You won't regret it.
Would you go back? Like, seriously? Would you sell a kidney for it?
Would I go back? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! I am already planning my returnSearch Hotel Guide
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