The Dolomites
Episode 1
From Bolzano to Val Gardena and Beyond
Where Cultures Meet and Hospitality is Passed Down
In the northern reaches of Italy, where Germanic and Italian influences intertwine, Andrea Grisdale begins her journey in Bolzano, a city often overlooked, but one that feels like the perfect introduction to everything Italy holds dear: a meeting point of cultures, traditions, and natural beauty. Here, she meets those who shape the local spirit, from a boutique owner championing sustainable style to a local guide sharing the story of Bolzano’s seasonal rhythms.
From there, the road leads to Ortisei in Val Gardena, where Andrea is welcomed into the Hotel Gardena Grödnerhof, a family-run property shaped by generations of care, consistency, and community pride. In conversation with Alex, part of the next generation of leadership, she explores how hospitality can be both an inheritance and a calling, evolving gracefully while staying rooted in purpose.
As mountain peaks tower overhead, Andrea reflects on the power of continuity, care, and emotional generosity in travel, and how true luxury is built not on the material, but on people.
Watch Episode 1
Other Episodes
Each region tells a different story. Follow the route as it winds through Italy’s most soulful destinations – each Series revealing a new landscape, a new voice, a new perspective.
From timeless traditions to quiet moments of connection, discover what makes each place unforgettable.
