- BY ISSIMO
- March 13, 2024
Regardless of whether it’s your first or twenty-first visit to the Hotel La Perla in Corvara (Val Badia, South Tyrol), you can always count on being greeted with a big smile and a very warm welcome. In fact, this intimate Ladino-style boutique hotel has been redefining hospitality since it opened in 1957, inviting guests into an authentic ‘Casa’ in the mountains where beauty is celebrated in people, place and the finest details.
Ask anyone who has had a Hotel La Perla experience, and they’ll likely tell you there’s something very special about the authentic charm of this hotel, something that sets it apart from many other hotels in the region. Whether it’s the cosy ambience set against breathtaking views of the Dolomites, its inviting interior decor that reflects diverse cultural influences, its heavenly rooms and suites that make you feel like you’re living in a fairy tale, or its restaurants offering artful culinary experiences with local produce, Hotel La Perla is a rare gem that exudes character.
The Heritage
Built in 1956 by current owner Michil Costa’s parents Ernesto and Anni on a site opposite their family home in Corvara, Hotel La Perla embodies a sense of ‘home’ in many ways.
While other hotels in the world-famous Dolomites ski runs may have been influenced by the evolution of stylistic trends and international influences over the decades, Hotel La Perla always stayed true to its authentic charm. This is reflected in not only its architecture, decor and interior details, but its overall approach to hospitality that reflects the Ladino, Italian and German cultures of its location and the heritage of the Costa family.
A hallmark of Ladino culture is a harmonious blend between people and countryside, something that is felt from the moment you arrive at Hotel La Perla’s homely white porte-cochère, greeted with the woody scent of surrounding pine trees and the aroma of cheesy polenta bubbling away in the oven for lunch.
The Philosophy
“Being a hotelier is not just a tour into hospitality, it is a tour into the root of humanity,” said Michil Costa, who never fails to offer guests and visitors a few pearls of wisdom when he greets them.
Hotel La Perla continues to redefine a unique hospitality experience thanks to the philosophy of its current owner, the insightful Mr. Costa. His personal ethos is based on finding joy in life’s simple pleasures; from greeting guests with a smile and warm embrace, to celebrating local culture and tradition, to doing things for the greater good of the community and the planet. This approach is also what underlines Hotel La Perla’s ‘North Star’ – its core mission – and it inspires both staff and guests with a feeling of being at home, and part of a family.
Always aspiring to run the hotel according to The Common Good principles that prioritise community benefit and cooperation over profit and competition, Costa is motivated to give back to society, and inspire both his team and hotel guests to consider ‘Common Good’ – from choosing vegetarian dishes prepared with locally sourced produce, to running a paperless hotel office, Costa reminds us that true luxury is in giving not taking, and small, conscious acts each day add up to make a difference.
The Hotel
Now you understand why this immaculate 56-room boutique abode leaves no detail unturned, and offers an opportunity for discovery, connection and cultural immersion. Its traditional Tyrolean architecture and rich Alpine boiserie are hallmarks of the property, creating a homely ambience and an all-important sense of belonging and character. This is complemented by interior design details and elements including artisanal wool rugs, traditional furniture and decorative objects throughout the hotel.
Its rooms and suites are heavenly sanctuaries that whisk you away from reality and into a fairytale set amongst snow-capped mountains. Natural light and stunning panoramic views of the Sassongher, Sass Ciampac and Gruppo Sella mountains create a sense of serenity in each respective room, which include the Dolomites Suite and Romantik Panorama. Each one is furnished with a unique collection of furniture and objects personally sourced or even owned by the Costa family. “Especially today, guests need closeness, they need to feel part of a home,” says Costa.
When it’s time to dine, there are five restaurants on site including the cosy, Michelin-star La Stüa de Michil where art on a plate is created with the freshest local produce, as well as the La Perla’s main restaurant Les Stües, the apres ski go-to spot Biraria Murin. Let’s not forget the Mahatma Wine Cellar with more than 30,000 bottles from across Europe, and how about an aperitivo in a tree house? That’s right, Hotel La Perla has created a magical haven nestled high up among its lush foliage, where you can sip on something at sunset, and stay to watch the stars.
The Location
The true gem of the Sellaronda skiing circuit in the Dolomites, Hotel La Perla is located in Val Badia and enjoys remarkable and diverse views of the surrounding UNESCO Natural Heritage protected mountain ranges. It’s just as sublime to visit in the summer season as it is in winter, with mellow sun and longer days providing perfect conditions for hiking and cycling.
Corvara is only a 3-hour drive from Venice’s Marco Polo airport, a 5-hour drive from Milan’s Malpensa Airport or a 90-minute drive from Bolzano, with superb scenery guaranteed on journey, no matter which route you take.
