Cortina d’Ampezzo is preparing to welcome a new design‑led landmark with the forthcoming debut of The First Cortina, a reimagining of the historic Hotel Splendide Venezia.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Dolomites, the property is positioned to become one of the region’s most compelling luxury retreats. While the brand has yet to confirm a precise opening date, it is currently listed as coming soon, with reservations expected to begin from April 2026.
The hotel will open in the heart of Cortina, long regarded as Italy’s most glamorous mountain enclave. With its cinematic peaks, winter‑sports heritage and vibrant summer adventure scene, the destination attracts an international crowd seeking both style and outdoor exhilaration. The First Cortina is designed to tap directly into that rhythm, offering immediate access to trekking, climbing, mountain biking and snow sports, all framed by the Dolomites’ extraordinary natural beauty.
The renovation of the former Hotel Splendide Venezia is being led by Studio Marincola, whose approach blends contemporary elegance with deep respect for Alpine tradition. The project embraces the principles of circular architecture, favouring reuse, conservation and wellbeing. Fir wood, a material rooted in the surrounding forests, plays a central role throughout the design, while the façade is wrapped in vertical wooden elements that evoke the idea of an “ideal forest.” Projecting balconies nod to classic mountain architecture, and a glazed ground‑floor plinth allows light to flow between the interior and the landscape, giving the building a subtly elevated, almost floating presence.
Inside, guests can expect The First’s signature blend of warm, modern luxury and art‑driven spaces. Although full details remain under wraps, the design direction suggests a refined Alpine aesthetic: natural materials, soft palettes and a sense of calm that contrasts beautifully with Cortina’s high‑energy outdoor lifestyle.
The opening arrives at a pivotal moment for Cortina, which is experiencing renewed global attention and significant investment ahead of major international sporting events. The First Cortina signals a shift toward more design‑forward, experience‑led hospitality in the region. For travellers seeking the Dolomites’ grandeur wrapped in thoughtful, contemporary luxury, this is one of the most exciting hotel launches on the horizon.