LAGAZUOI MOUNTAIN • SOUTH TYROL • ST. KASSIAN • IN-TUNE • CONTENTED • VIVACIOUS • HOLISTIC • SMOOTH • RHYTHMIC • PASTORAL • ETHICAL • CALMNESS • SOUTH TYROLEAN • WOODEN • CASACLIMA • 400 SQM SPA • DOLOMITES

“Passion and love for their surrounds” – who can blame them – are words that best describe the ethos behind the residency named after the mighty Lagazuoi Mountain. We often hear of “green” concepts and community spirited projects – but here, it is safe to say – this is exactly that – it does what it says on the box in a very simple, but endearing way.

The family has triumphed in creating an idyllic cozy place that still echoes traditional “South Tyrolean” style, but embraces a modern, “human” approach.

This is a place where the homemade jams complement the local farmers cured meats, a place where the mountain inspired spa balances the hikes into the nature pure.

Natural woods abound are offset by local stone, woven fabrics and regional “ bric-a-brac” spell-out the somewhat mystical Ladin culture. Yet it succeeds in being both modern and pastoral in essence, flavoured by the past though the personal touches. The good life indeed.

The Dolomites and San Cassiano is home to the fab Lagaciò Mountain Residence created for aficionados of Ski & Mountain Life, an insider's winter sporting experience of the Dolomiti Superski, the world?s largest ski carrousel, encompassing the Stella Group, Val Gardena, Val di Fassa and the Marmolada.

White Line Hotels, the collection of more than 40 indie hotels, has introduced the cool concept of Mountain Hopping through a selection of creative boltholes under the rubik of; The Alpine Edit - the insider guide to hotels, ski chalets, retreats and lodges from across Switzerland, France, Austria and Italy.

In terms of sculpture, Andre took a revolutionary stance that he would not try to hew and shape materials. Instead, he would use them without manipulating them, whatever their industrial or artisanal state.

Is it a product or is it a building? I'll tell you now, though -- no -- it is not an Anish Kapoor.