Where the Mountains Meet the Menu: A Summer Escape to Badia Hill

There are alpine hotels—and then there’s Badia Hill. Set against the cinematic backdrop of the Dolomites, this family-run hideaway offers something rare: the intimacy of a boutique stay, the finesse of a Michelin-level kitchen, and the soul of a place built with deep, personal devotion. I first visited for a ski weekend at the tail end of the season, when spring sunshine lit up Alta Badia’s still-skiable pistes. But even then, I could feel it: this place wasn’t just made for winter.

Come summer, Badia Hill truly comes into its own.

The story of Badia Hill is a love story—literally. Michaela Mair and Marco Verginer met in the kitchen and dining room of a two Michelin-starred restaurant—she as maître and sommelier, he as sous chef. What began as a shared passion for food and service became something more: a vision for a place they would one day create together. That dream became a reality in 2022 with the opening of Badia Hill—now lovingly managed by the couple, with their two small children, Amelie and David, occasionally scurrying through the lobby.

Their dedication is visible in every detail—from the elegant finishes to the local sourcing, from the quiet warmth of the staff to the seamless dining experience. This isn’t just hospitality—it’s an invitation into their world.

Starting June 6, Badia Hill reopens for the summer season, inviting guests to explore the towering peaks, emerald meadows, and serene lakes of the Dolomites without ever straying far from refinement. Hike or e-bike past wildflowers, enjoy an alpine breakfast of fresh Almbutter and warm bread on a sunny hut terrace, or simply soak up the mountain air from the rooftop pool. Badia Hill’s location near the Gardenaccia Highlands and Heiligkreuzkofel makes it an ideal base for adventurers—but also for those who prefer the slow rhythm of morning tea, spa rituals, and aperitivi at golden hour.

At the heart of Badia Hill is Porcino, the gourmet restaurant named after the region’s prized wild mushroom. Here, Marco Verginer crafts dishes that bridge alpine authenticity and Mediterranean elegance—drawing from seasonal ingredients like juniper berries, foraged herbs, local trout, and Wagyu raised nearby. A standout? The confit char served in a veil of juniper smoke, or the marinated pumpkin dessert paired with caramelised chestnut and Kastanieneis—a sweet revelation. At the bistro, you’ll find a more casual (but no less exquisite) menu, with handmade cavatelli with clams, Stroganoff with a South Tyrolean twist, and the fluffiest Kaiserschmarrn this side of Vienna. Don’t miss the tableside lemon sorbet flambéed with housemade limoncello.

The wine list, overseen by Michaela herself, features regional gems alongside handpicked international bottles. Her pairings elevate every course—especially when introduced with her signature charm. And then there’s Enrico, the maître d’ whose poetic delivery of each dish feels more like an operatic aria than a menu explanation. There’s something uniquely Italian about the way he presents a plate—flourishing, flowing, heartfelt. Dining at Badia Hill is never transactional; it’s theatrical, emotional, alive.

The design throughout the hotel is minimalist but warm—natural wood, soft fabrics, and expansive windows that frame the Heiligkreuzkofel like a living painting. The rooms are tranquil, silent, and stylishly appointed, with features like private saunas, in-room wine fridges, and beds you’ll want to linger in long past sunrise. Evenings here are best spent between the cigar lounge, the fondue stube (just four tables, rich South Tyrolean cheese, and the easiest kind of conversation), and the breezy rooftop spa lounge with a glass of Athesis Brut Rosé in hand.

There’s a saying among repeat guests at Badia Hill: “Why leave?” And truly, with so much attention to detail—from mountain herbs in the massage oils to wildflower honey stirred into tea—it’s easy to spend entire days inside, immersed in wellness, flavor, and stillness. Yet just beyond the terrace lie the endless paths of the Dolomites, where nature’s drama unfolds with every step. The beauty of Badia Hill is that you can choose your pace, your adventure, your mood.

Whether you’re a couple seeking romance under alpine stars, a group of friends bonding over fondue and Franciacorta, or a solo traveler in search of stillness and taste—Badia Hill has a way of making you feel like you belong. It’s personal, poetic, and unmistakably South Tyrolean. It’s the kind of place that lingers with you long after you leave—like the scent of pine on your coat, or the finish of a perfect glass of wine.