The transport firm is the first in the UK to partner with the Alzheimer’s Society to provide information sessions to its entire workforce.

Explora Journeys is the luxury offshoot of family-owned cruise giant MSC. Explora III, like it’s two sister ships, is not the petite exploration vessel that the name might suggest. Instead it’s a ship that has the air of a boutique hotel and promises an ‘ocean state of mind’ for 920 guests with its décor, restaurants and wellness.

Explora III is the biggest of the Explora ships, just by a handful of suites and by 19m in length – and is the first powered by LNG in a decarbonising campaign.

What’s it like?

The Conservatory, sunny with the roof on or off…

As close to a posh hotel as any cruise ship can be. Interiors are rich and soft in browns, creams, woody textures mixing with softly padded panelling. Even the low-lit corridors and the lifts are stylishly sensuous.

Despite its modest size there are three outdoor pools – the gorgeous Helios adults-only area on deck 12 has views over the front of the ship while at the back are the Atoll pool and bar and the Astern pool and bar.

Indoors there’s the Conservatory with large pool and circular, bed-like loungers – and the grandiose glass roof is retractable turning the who place into a sun trap.

Aside from a whole menu of restaurants that are on sister ships – Sakura (Asian), Med Yacht Club (coastal Med), Fil Rouge (French), Emporium Marketplace (perhaps the cruise world’s sleekest buffet-style spot) and Marble & Co (steakhouse) there are new arrivals… Shore Club On 11 (posh poolside fare at The Conservatory) and The Chef’s Table (intimate with storytelling and live preparation). Dining’s all included except Anthology, £150 a head for seven-course menu with wine pairing.

Raise your glasses in The Cellar

Twelve bars and lounges include the new Cellar, a place for wine tasting adventures. Drinks, even champagne, are all included, too.

The Ocean Wellness spa features two attractions exclusive to Explora III – the Sava Sound Pod, a padded chair-bed that massages with sound and vibration that emanates from within, and the Sound Bath Meditation. On my fleeting time aboard, I tried the latter, relaxed on a floor mat, eyes covered, with a yoga-like instructor creating noises from space and sea from pots, pans and pebbles – quite remarkable.

Infinity and beyond: The Astern pool

Accommodation

An Ocean Grand Terrace suite, sophisticated yet one of the mainstream offerings

Definitely no inside cabins – everyone gets a suite, and a balcony. There are 243 Ocean Terrace and Ocean Grand Terrace suites, both with more outside space than you’d find on most ships, then a succession of even sweeter suites. Free mini bar stocked to your request in all. Décor reflects the rest of the ship in soft browns and creams.

Where

Sparkling ship life in the atrium

From Southampton, Explora III sailed for Iceland, with a journey to Quebec, via Greenland, to follow for an autumn in eastern Canada, a Caribbean winter sailing from Miami and summer 2027 visiting Alaska from Vancouver.

What next

Explora IV arrives summer 2027 and Explora V in December 2027 for a world of European voyages with Explora VI adding to the tally in August 2028.

Explora III under Southampton’s sunny skies

The post First glimpse: Explora III appeared first on The Travel Magazine.

There are hotels where the mountains are merely scenery and then there are hotels where the mountains become part of the experience. Hotel Granbaita Dolomites belongs firmly in the second category. Set in the centre of Selva di Val Gardena, beneath the jagged skyline of the Dolomites, this five-star family-run hotel combines polished Alpine luxury with the warmth of a traditional South Tyrolean mountain inn.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

The first impression is one of wood, stone and glass, softened by fires, comfortable seating and the understated glow of good lighting. Nothing feels excessive. Instead, the Granbaita has created a sophisticated version of Alpine hospitality, where contemporary design is carefully balanced with the traditions of Val Gardena. The surrounding mountains, of course, do most of the decorating.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

The hotel has been in the hands of the Puntscher–Perathoner family for generations, and opened in 1962. Over the years major renovations transformed the property while retaining its family character. Today, the result is a hotel that feels both established and thoroughly modern. The family philosophy is particularly evident in the staff, many of whom have been with the hotel for years.

Selva

Location is one of Granbaita’s strongest cards. Selva di Val Gardena is at the head of the Val Gardena valley, surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in the Dolomites. From the hotel it is easy to stroll into the village, while walkers and skiers have an extraordinary playground on the doorstep.

 Who for

Affluent families, couples seeking a romantic escape, and singles wanting genuine South Tyrolean hospitality

Accommodation

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites offers a total of 56 rooms and suites, all generous by alpine standards. The design follows the same philosophy as the public areas, combining natural wood, stone, muted colours and contemporary furnishings. Large windows frame the surrounding peaks, making the landscape an ever-changing piece of art.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

We stayed in a Dolomites Suite, its 55 m² large enough for four people. This Suite has a spacious bedroom and a separate living room, plus two bathrooms. Wood dominates, but this is not a rustic mountain chalet. Everything is clean-lined and contemporary, with a solid wood floor, and, most importantly, a double balcony facing the mountains.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

In the living room, there’s an electric fireplace and 2 separable sofa beds with mattresses at one end. At the other are table and chairs with Nespresso machine and kettle plus mini bar and an ample supply of bottled water.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

The bathrooms are furnished with WC, bidet, hairdryer, shower, double washbasins and, most importantly a full-size bathtub. Slate is the theme here, both on the floors and the walls and a motion sensor lights it up when you visit at night.

Food and Drink

Food is a major part of the Granbaita experience. Breakfast sets the tone with an impressive buffet with hot dishes, cured meats, homemade cakes and pastries. It prepares you for a day in the mountains and please abandon any thoughts of eating lightly.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

Dinner combines South Tyrolean traditions with more contemporary European cooking. Half-board guests can choose between menus and à la carte dishes, while the hotel also caters for food allergies and intolerances. The wine list places a strong emphasis on the region, allowing guests to explore the wines of Alto Adige alongside their food.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

For a more ambitious culinary experience there is the Granbaita Gourmet Restaurant. This is the hotel’s intimate fine-dining option, with just seven tables and a more elaborate tasting-menu approach. Its glass surroundings allow the mountains to remain part of the experience even when the focus is firmly on the plate.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

The fully stocked semi-circular bar offers nightly entertainment. The wine cellar stored more than 400 fine wines, all produced in the region. It’s a charming spot to appreciate the delicate alchemy and distinctive taste of these local wines.

Facilities

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

The Savinela Spa is almost reason enough to book. The wellness area is extensive, with indoor and outdoor pools heated to 32°C, whirlpools, steam rooms and seven different saunas. There’s also a salt grotto, fitness room and a long list of massages and beauty treatments. After a dip in the outdoor pool, I enjoy a particularly soothing massage.

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites

How much

Hotel Granbaita Dolomites prices start from €550 per night for two people including half-board

What’s nearby?

Dolomites

Dolomites

Selva is one of the great bases for exploring the Dolomites. In winter, skiers have access to the vast Dolomiti Superski network and the celebrated Sella Ronda circuit. In summer, the same mountains become a playground for walkers and cyclists with the hotel offering free guided E-MTB and walking tours every day of the week with their local guides.  E-bikes, walking poles and backpacks are supplied free of charge.

SkyAlps flies direct from London Gatwick to Bolzano, with free snacks and drinks on board. Then it’s a 40 minute transfer to Selva.

Verdict

Dolomites

Granbaita Dolomites is not the cheapest address in Selva di Val Gardena, nor is it trying to be. This is a hotel aimed at travellers who want their mountain holiday wrapped in a considerable amount of comfort. Its strengths are numerous: spacious rooms, spectacular views, an exceptional spa and excellent food. Best of all, this is a family owned establishment with corresponding service to match.

Granbaita Dolomites

Str. Nives 11

39048 Selva di Val Gardena

Dolomites – South Tyrol – Italy

[email protected]

The post Hotel Review: Granbaita Dolomites, Val Gardena, Italy appeared first on The Travel Magazine.