Cristallo Palace Hotel & Spa
N. Italy: Veneto: Cortina d'Ampezzo
After a lovely lunch outdoors on a fresh and cool day in July, one realizes the mountains are a year round destination - skiing in the winter, bicycling, hiking and rock climbing in the summer away from the heat of the cities. Cortina d'Ampezzo has a long tradition of being the venue for celebrities, royalty and wannabes. Situated in a prominent position close to the center of town, the Cristallo is often referred to as the "Queen of Cortina".

With spectacular mountain views, spacious rooms, large suites (Royal Suites are named after illustrious past guests), a heated indoor pool, an excellent restaurant and a state-of-the-art Transvital Swiss spa and beauty center, this Alpine retreat is a must for any Northern Italy itinerary.

Services include valet parking, sauna, solarium, Jacuzzi (open air), a ski room with heated boot warmers (!), and shuttle service to the town center and the nearest ski lift (until 11:00 p.m.) and all of this is only a 2-hour drive from Venice! But in that two hours, one enters another world. Whether one is seeking an active vacation or a relaxing one, the Cristallo has it all.